I Guess It Must Be Good

Today I was working on my newest story on my lunch break and one of my coworkers sat down and wanted to hear some of what I was writing. I read just one little part of my ghost story (a rather creepy part actually) to her. This was the first time I let anyone see this story so I was a little worried what she would think. While I was reading, one of my other co-workers came over and started to listen. Before I knew what was happening, they had set up an appointment to come over to my house on Saturday so they could hear more of the story. I warned them that it doesn't have an ending yet--but that doesn't seem to matter much to them. So I guess the story must be half way decent after all if two library employees can't get enough of it. It not like they don't have access to real published books or anything! : ) It was rather satisfying all the same.

And Even More Buzz Around the Internet

Liyana at Liyanaland has posted her review of Forbidden Sea. Since Liyana has never read a mermaid book before, I feel this positive review is a particular triumph for my novel. : ) Thanks for the great review Liyana!

Click here to read her review in full.

Two Book Signings in the Future

Only two and a half weeks to go before the release of Forbidden Sea. I've got two book signings already lined up. If you happen to live in the Utah area, feel free to stop by for an evening to fun. I'll be meeting with the public, talking about my inspiration for Forbidden Sea, and answering questions. There will be a book signing afterward for those who are interested. Books will be available for purchase both days while supplies last.

Click here for more information on the Provo City Library book signing on July 12th 7:00pm-8:00pm.

Or if you live closer to Orem Public Library, click here for more information about the book signing that will take place there on July 20th at 2:00pm. Make sure to click on the "authors" link to get the information.

Mark your calendars and I hope to see you there!

I've Been a Busy Girl

Click on the pictures to get a closer look.

I finally finished the sculpture of the mermaid in my story.

First off, I have to say that she photographs funny because of her unusual skin color. The dark green skin looks a lot cooler in real life than it does in these photos and I can't figure out why. You can't see her makeup too well in these pictures. (The clay has a sort of shimmer to it that reflects the light weird, I think.)

Every one of those green braids was hand braided by myself. Each and every one has a gold bead attached to the end of it. It took me longer to do the hair than all the rest of her combine. You can't see it in the photo, but she has gorgeous variations of color threaded subtly through the braids.

She is currently on display at the Orem Public Library. If you live in the area, feel free to pop by and take a look in person.

You might have noticed that the way she looks doesn't exactly match the cover of the book. All I can say is, she looks the way I described her in the story. Authors don't get a say in what their book's cover looks like. They don't even get to talk to the artist. If you like the way the mermaid looks on the cover better, feel free to imagine her any way you want when reading the book.

I won't be the least bit offended. : )

I Love A Good Challenge

A debut author's best friend is "google alerts". That is how I know when ever someone writes anything about Forbidden Sea on the internet. Without it I couldn't keep on top of who is saying what about my book.

Today I found this fun Summer reading challenge on the Life After Jane book blog. The one thing I miss most about living in California (where I grew up) is not having the beaches around, especially during the Summer. When you read Forbidden Sea you will find my life long love affair with the ocean in my discriptions of the sea. The wonder and beauty of the ocean lingers in my heart even though I live far away from it now. The beach always held a magic and romance for me that has never left. So here is a Summer reading challenge that takes after my own heart. You have to read ten books that have a water theme before the end of the Summer! Since I will not be able to get down and visit California's beaches this year--I guess this is the next best thing. If you are feeling up for a challenge, feel free to click on the link above and join in the fun!

P.S. Forbidden Sea counts!

More Reviews

Only one month left until Forbidden Sea is released to the public. It's getting down to the line and more and more reviews are surfacing. I've been pleasantly surprised by the good buzz surrounding Forbidden Sea. Here are a few new reviews I discovered online lately:

SWON Library Review - To read this review click here.

Kids World Review - To read this review click here.

Random Buzzers - To read this review click here.

Thanks to all you great reviewers out there! For those heading down to BEA this week, don't forget to drop by the Scholastic booth and ask for an ARC of Forbidden Sea. As for those who are still waiting to get your chance to read Forbidden Sea, it won't be long now.

UK Cover--Let's Take a Vote

The final UK Cover for Forbidden Sea can now be seen on Amazon UK. Click here to see what it looks like! So let's take a vote. Which one do you like best? The US cover (the one showing on this page) or the UK cover? Make sure to list where you are from with your vote--I'm curious if where a person lives really does affect what style of cover they like. Let me know what you think. Be honest now. You won't hurt my feelings. I had no say what so ever on either cover.