If you're a dreamer, a wisher, a liar
A hoper, a prayer, a magic-bean buyer
If you're a pretender come sit by my fire
For we have some flax-golden tales to spin
Come in...come in...
~Shel Silverstein

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Celebrate and Spunk on a Stick...

Okay, so I want to post about a couple things today. One is the Celebrate the Small Things Bloghop hosted by VikLit and the other is a book promotion for Diane Wolfe at Spunk on a Stick which I signed up for and then somehow stupidly missed. I'm sorry Diane!!

So, I'll start out with the Celebrate  bloghop. For anyone interested in joining, we post every Friday about whatever we want to celebrate that week.

I have some awesome stuff to celebrate!! The first and absolutely biggest, most important thing is that my youngest daughter, Kassidy Rose, won first place in a young adult playwright competition. The contest was open to all eighth graders in our county, including homeschoolers like Kass. She will receive $500.00 and on top of that, get to cast, direct and put on the play at our local community theater. This is the second year in a row Kassidy has won first place and I'm so proud of her!! And yes, I felt the need to post two pictures of my beautiful girl, cause I couldn't decide which one to use to show her off. :)

My other things are much smaller--but they still made me happy. One is a beautiful dragon shield my daughter, Meggie, got me for my birthday. I wish I could've captured the sheen of light on the silver parts, but my iPhone wouldn't pick that up. Still, I managed to get a pretty good shot of it. :)


The other is this adorable dragon incense burner my husband bought me. I named him Rhaegal after one of the dragon babies on Game of Thrones. Please note the smoke coming out of Rhaegal's nose. I think this is one of my favorite b'day presents ever!



And, sticking with the theme of dragon's, Al Diaz at Father Dragon Writes awarded me the Cutie Pie award. Yay! I was very honored, cause Al has one of my all time favorite blogs. For anyone who hasn't checked it out, I highly suggest you stop by Father Dragon's blog to hear the wisdom and humor he dispenses on a daily basis. 

 And, to make it even better, I get to pass the award on to five other people! So, I nominate: Jaybird at The Birds Nest, Sus at Book Reviews by Sus, Chris Allen-Riley, David Powers King and Ella at Ella's Edge. These are all excellent blogs and I really hope you guys take a minute to check them out if you aren't already following. :)



And, even though I'm late posting for Diane, here is the information on her awesome book, you guys should definitely check it out!!



HOW TO PUBLISH AND PROMOTE YOUR BOOK NOW!
By L. Diane Wolfe

Publishing and promoting made simple!

Have you always dreamed of publishing a book but didn’t know where to begin? This book walks you through the steps of identifying markets, budgeting, building an online presence, and generating publicity. Get the whole story on:

• Traditional publishing
• Self-publishing
• Print and e-book setup, formatting, and distribution
• Finding your target audience
• Generating reviews and media interest
• Networking and developing an online presence
• Promotional materials and appearances

Uncover your ideal publishing path and numerous marketing options before you begin. Writing is your dream. Give it the best chance for success!

$14.95 Trade paperback ISBN 978-0-9827139-5-2
$4.99 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9827139-9-0
Publishing/Marketing, 210 pages, Dancing Lemur Press LLC

Purchase at Barnes & NobleAmazon, Amazon KindleAmazon Kindle UK, and Powell’s.

“She gives an unbiased take on the advantages and disadvantages of traditional publishing and self-publishing and publishing paths that combine the two… It's the perfect book for those who want an overview to begin the decision-making process.” 
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning series of how-to books for writers 

“A must-read for writers planning on self-publishing or any writer who wants the ultimate how-to on promoting. Tons of links, advice, and how-to, whether you're going for print or e-publication.” 
Helen Ginger, author of Angel Sometimes 


May it help you on your journey!

44 comments:

  1. Hey,

    Wow, how awesome for (you)r daughter to win first place - again!!!

    Oh, how I wish I could have figured out I loved writing when I was in the seventh (or eight) grade!!

    Well done to Kass and best wishes to her should she decide to keep at this weird, writing thing:)

    PS... thanks for the kind words on my blog... I really appreciate them (and if I had an "awww" button, you would have won it today :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Funny thing is Kass isn't really big into writing. She really likes to draw and she wants to be a nurse. She's just grown up being read to and hearing me and her brother have long, in depth discussions on things like plot arcs, pacing and character development. I guess it just rubbed off. haha. Kass really likes acting and spending money, so she figures it's worth the time spent writing to get lots of cash and a part in her own play. :)

      And no problem for the kind words, I was just telling the truth!

      Delete
  2. That is awesome! And she's only in the 8th grade!! She has a long writing road ahead of her. And what an amazing dragon shield from your other daughter. You are blessed to have such amazing daughters! And your husband surely loves and adores you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Dani! Yup, lots of things to celebrate this week. :)

      Delete
  3. Congratulations to Kass!! You have some talented writers in your family.
    The dragons are cool.
    And congratulations to Diane.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Alex! I think the writing thing comes mostly from the fact that we've read together a lot as a family. I think it REALLY helps kids learn how to write when they are read to. we've always chosen stuff that they wouldn't choose to read on their own, to expand their horizons. Apparently it's working!

      Delete
  4. Writer blood runs in the family, that's evident. You have an awesome daughter and very nice dragons too. So here you're officially named Shield Maiden of the Dragon Cave! Thank you for your kind words. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shield Maiden of the Dragon Cave???? YAY!!! Now I'll finally have a respectable answer when people ask what I do for a living. :)

      Delete
  5. Wow- your daughter is beautiful and a talented writer too- I would be jumping up and down and shouting it from the roof tops. How proud you must be momma! It's amazing to win once, but two years in a row, seriously? Rock on!!

    Loving Rhaegal (big Game of Thrones fangirl over here) Those are some amazeballs dragon presents :)

    Thanks for the endorsement, shout out and award Tamara. I'm truly flattered and humbled-*hugs*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your welcome!! I hate that I can't visit everyone's sites more often, but I've always loved yours, even if I don't come by as often as I'd like to. :)

      And yay for another GoT fan!!

      It's pretty hard not to shout from the rooftops. haha. I really am so proud of my little girl--even though she's not looking so little anymore these days!

      Delete
  6. Congratulations to Kassidy...
    Two years in a row? Wow! You must be sooo proud Tamara!
    You're not late for Spunk's book info, because she did indicate that we could post between the 5th and 8th of the month. I also posted mine today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh! Good to know. Glad I wasn't the only one. haha.

      And yes, I am VERY proud of Kass! Thanks for the congrats!!

      Delete
  7. Hi Tamara .. clever young lady is your Kassidy - that's wonderful to win it again ... and as the others have said - oh to have that writing bug early in life - go Kassie, go .... lots of success ...

    The Dragon shield is beautiful and the iphone didn't do badly for its photo taking ... while hubby's smoking dragon is fun ..

    Diane's book seems to be wowing the blogging world ... and I think I've ordered it!

    Cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A lot of people did comment on how cool it is that she's starting so young...but Kassi has NO interest in writing for a living. She's not really interested in writing at all. She likes money and she likes to act--she knew if she won she'd get both things. So she entered. Honestly, her writing is just way better than the average eighth grader cause she has grown up being read to--something that is sadly lacking in school's these days! Her real passion is Art. She really wants to be a nurse someday who draws/paints on the side. :)

      So, now that you know WAY more about her than you needed to...haha...never get a proud parent talking about their child!

      And yes, Diane's book does look awesome. Money is ridiculously tight right now so I haven't ordered it yet, but I'm planning on it when we get our taxes. :)

      Delete
  8. Congrats to your daughter. You definitely have things to be happy about and congrats on cutie pie award.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you so much Tamara.

    That is wonderful your daughter has won two years in a row.

    I love the dragon incense burner. I have one with just the dragon's head.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooohh, neat. I'd like to see that. They had a really big one I wanted, but it was like a hundred dollars. haha. A bit much for an incense burner, but maybe someday when I'm rich and famous I'll get it. :)

      And you're very welcome. I haven't done a lot of book promotions, but I think your book looks really awesome.

      Delete
  10. Congratulations to Kassidy Rose, winning first place is absolutely amazing!
    Also congrats to you for your award and your wonderful daughters ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow congrats to your talented daughter!!

    The shield is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it? It's all woodburned. It's really cool!!

      Delete
  12. Sweet! Thanks for the award. I'll have to add it to my collection. And congratulations to your daughter! She's got an amazing career ahead of her, me thinks. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome! No career in writing for Kassi though--she wants to be an artist and a nurse. But who knows if she'll change her mind someday. :)

      If not, I always have my son. Two struggling writers in the family is probably enough. haha

      Delete
  13. Are you born under the year of the Dragon? My son is-he has some cool ones! I love yours-Happy Birthday :D !!! @>----------

    Congrats to your daughter, wow...how exciting! What a wonderful week...YOU all are so talented!

    Thank you for the award, you are so sweet!

    ATB and have a happy, happy one! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome. You definitely deserve an award!! Your website is one of my very favorites.

      And no, I'm actually year of the rooster. How boring. haha. I just really like dragons!! But then, who doesn't?

      Delete
    2. I do love those gifts you got. Dragons are just great. Congratulate your daughter for me for winning twice in a row. Something to hold on to and be proud of - the early beginnings of talent.

      Delete
  14. Oh my gosh! Huge congrats to your daughter, Kass! She must be so excited, and you must be so proud. That's great news! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  15. What an awesome family you have! Reading your comments, your daughter is clearly multitalented. I'm sure she has a bright future ahead of her whatever she decides to do.

    And those are excellent dragon goodies!

    Congrats to Diane. I posted on her book too.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congratulations on all counts! Best of everything for your daughter with this new adventure ahead...1st place and planning a play for the community! Just awesome! Wishing you a wonderful weekend. I'm a bit late making the rounds for Celebrate the Small Things, but I'm sure glad I stopped by to enjoy your celebration! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congratulations to your daughter! That is so awesome. Homeschoolers are so cool. We have just crossed to the darkside - our homeschooled teens are trying out school for the first time, after spending last year traveling around the world. Rather than my blog, I linked our favorite homeschool project to my name.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha...thanks for the link Rhonda!! Kassi tried school last year. She lasted six months before happily returning home.Traveling around the world for a year will definitely give your kids some interesting stories to tell!! Hope they do great in school. :)

      Delete
  18. Would you be interested in being a "Minion" for me and the "A to Z Challenge"... let me know.

    If one of my other Co-Host have not snagged you up yet?

    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host
    Oh No, Let's Go... Crazy
    jeremy@jmhdigital.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. HUGE Congrats to Kassidy!!! That's fabulous!!! :D

    And thank you so much for my blog award - it's much appreciated!!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yay, Kassidy! It sounds like she has a bright future ahead of her!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Tamara,

    Please email... I will give you the plan/details?

    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host
    jeremy@jmhdigital.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow, what fantastic things to celebrate! Your daughters are so impressive in their talents and gift-giving, and that baby dragon incense burner is too cute! Thanks for the blog info and the info on Diane's book~ if I ever decide to self-publish, it sounds like a must-read :) And thanks for visiting my blog and following (I'm following you as well :))

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow, you had a lot to celebrate! Congratulations to your daughter on her win, how wonderful! I am a Game of Thrones fanatic so I LOVE your Rhaegal - too cute!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow, your daughter must certainly have a great talent to win two years in a row. Also, she's gorgeous! Congratulations to her! How did putting on the play go for her last year? Love the dragon stuff! I have a beautiful multi-tonal dragon that was a piece in my grandma's vast dragon collection. We each chose a piece that was special to us.

    Shannon at The Warrior Muse

    ReplyDelete
  25. ...very cool of your daughter! Congrats ;)

    El

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks to everyone for all your congrats to Kassidy! She was happy when I showed her all of this. :) I really appreciate all the good wishes all well. You guys are all awesome!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Congratulations to your daughter! That is so awesome, and kind of bizarre she has no interest in writing. Possibly a shame too, but who knows what will happen down the road. She could combine it with her art in various ways.

    That dragon shield and burner are awesome!

    Really like the layout of your blog! Good luck with your contest entry :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. First of all, that is AMAZING about Kassidy! How awesome! Congrats to her. Two years in a row, too. Wow, she's going to be famous one day!

    Secondly - thank you so much! It is so sweet of you to give me the award. *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
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I love to hear from everyone! Thanks for the comment. :)