Monday, October 1, 2018

The Winds of Change are Blowing!

WINDY HOLLOW
has a release date!
1/19/19

Cover coming soon!


WINDY HOLLOW
Beast World #3
RELEASE DATE: January 19, 2019

Gabe just can't stay out of trouble, even when he's just trying to help.

It's time for summer break and the young beasts are traveling across the Great Sea for an extraordinary wedding extravaganza with daily competitions and nightly themed events. But Gabe suspects Professor Hardaway is up to something more serious. Spying and sneaking around, Gabe and his friends discover there's a village of humans across the mountains called Windy Hollow, and they might be in trouble from the strange happenings at the old castle above the Mist. 

Despite the professor's warnings, the young beasts venture over, risking more than they realize when they get caught up in the dangerous experiments of a deranged scientist who's recruited a large, lonely beast. Gabe wonders if he's gone too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!

Looking for ARC reviewers! 
Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you a copy!

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Special Surprise! I was also re-featured at We Are Storytellers!


My long lost friend Allison used to have a feature called "Sippable Stories" where she would write poems on mugs... a cute idea. She has resurfaced and republished them.
You can check out the rest of my silly sippable story HERE

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Hear ye, hear ye! I'm recruiting a STREET TEAM 
that's anyone who'd like to help me with promotion and announcements and events! 
Please fill out this FORM if you're interested.
Volunteers receive advanced notice info, FREE swell swag, AND MORE!

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~~ RECENT EVENTS ~~

Over the summer I stayed local...
(Lots happening on the home front!)

Had a blast giving a
MOTIVATIONAL BOOK TALK
at South Lebanon Community Center
This was my favorite event yet! I enjoyed talking to these kids and giving away a lot of swag. Everyone left with something, in addition to a positive message!






The kids helped me with a skit - Beast Up!
MARKET IN THE PARK
a local farmer's market
I gave it a try and it was okay--next time I do an outdoor event I will have a tent. Luckily it didn't rain on us, though it threatened to!

photo from the website - didn't have my camera...
They took a video of the vendors... here's my silly snippet!
https://www.facebook.com/jody.pol/videos/2078302385526731/?t=78

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Bookishness
Where I answer commonly asked questions and pass on writerly advice...

Q&A - Do you prefer a publisher or self-publishing? There are pros and cons to both. The publisher does what I cannot--create a fabulous cover! provide excellent editing, and make my books available via a distributor. The best part of self-publishing is I keep all sales. Either way, it's a tough business and the marketing is on me.

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Coming up...
Oct ~ Nov ~ Dec

October is cool!
I just love Fall. I have been broadening my horizons, subbing at more schools and getting more exposure--I give copies of my books to the libraries and offer to speak. They seem eager to have me, love getting bookmarks, and I even sold a book to a student!

November -- Let's Move!
I'm hoping we will be SOLD and moving this month. Just in time for my bday and Thanksgiving. Everything is crossed!

December Holidays
Looking forward to having my family all together and celebrating. And looking forward to my latest release in January!


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What I'm Reading...
  • Did an advanced review for my author friend, Tonja Drecker and thoroughly adored her debut YA Paranormal Mystery MUSIC BOXES -- I highly recommend it!
  • Still looking for time to finish SHADOW WARRIOR, the Mechanica Wars Book 2 by Jay Noel
What I'm Writing...
  • FARTHER ALONG - This one needs lots of time and attention. I'm hopeful to get it submitted soon... also working on writing songs for it!
  • GERTRUDE (the Nerdy Princess) UnPrincess novella #4 - I've changed my mind again. Gertrude is quite a nerd, but has a huge heart--too bad there are so many misunderstandings in this one. It's a hoot! (Princess School will be another book...)
  • The 4th POP TRAVEL novel - The first draft is coming along nicely. But I'm still deciding what to call it! CONDUCTION or POWER OF SUGGESTION? What do you think sounds better?
  • And I've been working on short stories and essays to submit to online publications. Must keep my writing muscles in shape!
Where I'll be...
October
  • October 13 - 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Bullitt County Author Faire at the Ridgway Memorial Library in Louisville, KY -- and I'm speaking on a panel! (unfortunately, I may have to cancel as we try to sell our house...)
  • October 27 - 8:00 AM-5:00 PM West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston, WV -- love this event and I get to spend the day with my great friend and fellow Really Real Housewife, Elizabeth Seckman!
  • October - also setting up some school visits!
November
  • November 17 - 11:00 AM-3:00 PM Small Business Shopping Fair in Cincinnati at the Woodlawn Rec Center. These can go either way, but hopefully folks will be looking for holiday gifts.
December
  • Dec 1&2 - Hoping to be a part of Christmas in the Village of Waynesville, OH. Tis the season to cheer and sell!

Cooler days a-comin!

PS - Stop by my Sista Site - the Really Real Housewives for some fun Fall Latte recipes! 
And a Fall Giveaway in the sidebar!


 



~~ Available for SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS, BOOK CLUBS, and BOOK TALKS ~~

Monday, July 2, 2018

Life is full of ups and downs

WINDY HOLLOW
is blowing into Beast World

Here's my mock-up cover...
This is my vision of Windy Hollow...


WINDY HOLLOW
Beast World #3

Gabe just can't stay out of trouble, even when he's just trying to help.

It's time for summer break and the young beasts are traveling across the Great Sea for an extraordinary wedding extravaganza with daily competitions and nightly themed events. But Gabe suspects Professor Hardaway is up to something more serious. Spying and sneaking around, Gabe and his friends discover there's a village of humans across the mountains called Windy Hollow and they might be in trouble from the strange happenings at the old castle above the Mist. Despite the professor's warnings, the young beasts venture over, risking more than they realize when they get caught up in the dangerous experiments of a deranged scientist who's recruited a large, lonely beast. Gabe wonders if he's gone too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!

Here's a sneak peek at a couple of my working maps:





In celebration of WINDY HOLLOW's imminent release, I'm having a beastly summer GIVEAWAY with many prizes to choose from: books, t-shirts, swag, and more

And as promised with the release of PRINCESS B, I put the finishing touches on a book trailer for the UnPrincess Series:


Looking for reviewers! Let me know if you're interested and I'll send you a copy!

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~~ RECENT EVENTS ~~

These are from Ohioana & Up Lift Atlanta and more!

I fit a lot onto my half of the table!

My sweet next door neighbors at Up Lift Atlanta
- another vendor with exotic birds let us take pics with them!

while in Atlanta, got together with my awesome writer friend, Sherry Ellis!

one of the quirky eating establishments in Little Five Points, Atlanta
In June, I was out of town for two weeks, really threw me off my schedule, but I had a blast visiting my folks and friends in Atlanta! Also wanted to mention the WINNER of my RAFFLE at Up Lift Atlanta was:

NICOLE STAKEMAN!

I hope I got her name right, from my newsletter signup sheet. I haven't heard back from her. I'm giving her another week, then I'll pick another if necessary...

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Bookishness
Where I answer commonly asked questions and pass on writerly advice...

Q&A - How do you find time to write? I make time! I get up early, especially on the weekends. I'm also a substitute teacher. Unless I'm doing a long-term job (with grading papers and planning) I can also bring my writing to work with me. I also write at baseball games, in waiting rooms, and just about anywhere I have some time to kill. I always have paper or my phone "notes" app handy!

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July ~ Aug ~ Sept

July the 4th is coming...
Vacations mean reading and writing time! Also events - yay! Just finished an outline for Pop Travel 4 at my son's tournament this weekend!

Also! For one more week, I have a special fun summer GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

August and back to school
I'm planning to hit on the School Presentation Trail hard this year. No more long-term subs, but plans to travel and present positive messages to kids around the country. BIG PLANS! Wish me luck.

September and Fall - my favorite!
Only one kid left in the house, sort of. Looking to downsize in the near future. And looking forward to a couple of favorite events in Oct & Nov.

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What I'm Reading...
What I'm Writing...
  • Editing WINDY HOLLOW - easy peasy, but time-consuming away from new projects, - worth it to have it published and out there!
  • FARTHER ALONG - Yeah, on hold while I edit WINDY HOLLOW, but first draft is almost done. Getting a lot more ideas of what to add - and believe me, it needs lots more meat!
  • GERTRUDE (the Nerdy Princess) UnPrincess novella #4 - she goes to PRINCESS SCHOOL and I might have that be the name of it.
  • The 4th POP TRAVEL novel - thinking of changing the name from CONDUCTION to POWER OF SUGGESTION. Outline complete. These PT stories write themselves!
  • Screenplays, Podcasts, and School Presentations - Oh my!
Where I'll be...
July
  • July 6 & 7 - InConjunction, Indianapolis - trying something new, seems well-organized. Hopefully will sell! And I get to spend quality time with my old college buddy. Yay!
  • July 20 - Book talk at South Lebabnon Community Center Library. Looking forward to boosting confidence and giving away some books to kids who could use some encouragement. So happy to be invited!
August
  • Aug 10 -12 Event cancelled. But have my eye on a couple of replacements close by. Also a transition month at home, so keeping it low-key.
September
  • Sept - Hoping to have a few School Presentations booked! No events scheduled to keep calendar open.

Did someone ask for warm weather?
Careful what you wish for! Whew! It's Hot!


 



~~ Available for SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS, BOOK CLUBS, and BOOK TALKS ~~

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Who's got the time?

Oh how Time Flies!
Thrilled to be a part of this year's
 IWSG Anthology:
TICK TOCK - A STITCH IN CRIME


TICK TOCK - A STITCH IN CRIME
IWSG Anthology #3
Release Date: May 1, 2018

The clock is ticking...

Can a dead child’s cross-stitch pendant find a missing nun? Is revenge possible in just 48 minutes? Can a killer be stopped before the rescuers are engulfed by a city ablaze? Who killed what the tide brought in? Can a soliloquizing gumshoe stay out of jail?

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of Gwen Gardner, Rebecca M. Douglass, Tara Tyler, S. R. Betler, C.D. Gallant-King, Jemi Fraser, J. R. Ferguson, Yolanda Renée, C. Lee McKenzie, Christine Clemetson, and Mary Aalgaard.


Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these eleven tales will take you on a thrilling ride into jeopardy and secrecy. Trail along, find the clues, and stay out of danger. Can't wait! Anticipation is a killer!

My story is RESET:
Twelve-year-old Casey has no time for her quirky family.
Mr. Zander has been searching for the perfect specimen to save his.

When Casey walks into Mr. Zander's clock repair shop, he sees her as a prime contender and coerces her to help him. Hopefully, the machine will work this time.

Find out more:


Also coming out soon:

How cute is this!!
Illustrated by Imani Allen

I finally found a fabulous illustrator and some wonderful beta readers to give it the final touches and care it needed! Very excited to get this out there - and especially happy to bring it with me when I go to Atlanta and do a show there - that's where my inspiration came from, when I taught there.

Unconventional Princesses #3
Release Date: April 10, 2018!

Twelve-year-old Bria Randall is the “man” of the house, now that her older brother Kendrick went missing. Though caring for little sis Shae is a tough job, she does what needs done. When Princess B finds a stuffed dragon keychain, he gives her some magical help to stand up to the evils that threaten them, and comforts them as Kendrick once did. But some things Princess B must face alone. She’ll do anything for a happy ending.

Book trailer and more images next newsletter!

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~~ RECENT EVENTS ~~

These are from Conglomeration - Louisville, KY - 3/31/18
These are my favorite swag items so far!
And they were a big hit!

added a little purple pizzazz!

table was perfect!

Princess Vader stole the show
and strangled everyone in sight!
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Bookishness
Where I answer commonly asked questions and pass on writerly advice...

Q&A - How do you come up with your ideas? I get my story ideas from life, from my students, from past experiences, from songs, and from daily what ifs... We are surrounded by potential stories, it just takes a wild imagination and then loads of research... Of course, my favorite inspiration to get writing is to read a book!

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April ~ May ~ June

April Fool-Me-Not!
I always look forward to Spring and heading back out to the events. It's also baseball season where I get to see my son play ball and write in the stands between pitches...

May - It's TIME!
The TICK TOCK anthology will be released this month! And hopefully, I'll be working on edits for WINDY HOLLOW - the publisher said it would be released in 2019... I'll have to keep on them!

June - busy bee month!
I didn't do Spring Break in Atlanta because I'll be headed there for 2 weeks of baseball and spending time with the folks! Plus 2 or 3 writing events - including a scriptwriter's meeting! Really looking forward to it!

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What I'm Reading...
  • I've started several and seeing which one "takes" - I'll report back later
  • Also busy proofreading!
What I'm Writing...
  • FARTHER ALONG - Typing up the first draft. Would love to have it ready to submit in the Fall. I should be able to crash through edits this summer! Wishful thinking.
  • MAGIC STORM - I'm hoping to start back into this one, now that I have another potential artist to help me create a graphic novel - not a comic, but a book with lots of pictures.
  • GERTRUDE (the Nerdy Princess) UnPrincess novella #4 - Outline complete, ready for rough draft!
  • The 4th POP TRAVEL novel - CONDUCTION. Outline in the works. New fathers Jared and Cooper are the stars of this one.
  • Looking forward to transforming one of my favorite author's stories/series into a screenplay... The 13th Floor series by Christine Rains - ooo doggie!

Where I'll be...
April
  • April 14 - Ohioana in Columbus. This is my fourth year. Always a success. Love this event!
May
  • Staying close to home with my second son graduating from high school. That's two college kiddos - ack! I need a movie deal to pay for this stuff!!
June
  • June 16 - Lift Up Atlanta - a vendor event where proceeds go toward local Atlanta families in need. Excited to be doing an event back where it all started!
  • June 19 - Atlanta Film Society - can't wait to hob knob with other screenwriting hopefuls and looking forward to hearing some award winning advice. Maybe I should lower my expectations a bit, eh?

Warmer weather is finally here,
So I painted my toenails and shaved my legs - Let's go!


 



~~ Available for SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS, BOOK CLUBS, and BOOK TALKS ~~

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Just in time for January

DISPOSAL!
Now available to satisfy your
action-adventure reading needs!

DISPOSAL - Pop Travel #3
Cooper and Geri are finally in a good place, but their bliss is short-lived when Cooper's rebellious nephew Jimmy moves in with them for a summer internship. He hits the town hard and thinks he's found the girl of his dreams in an fiery, exotic beauty. Against all words of warning, he pursues her and ends up getting kidnapped by her powerful Drug Lord father. Geri tracks him down, but gets herself kidnapped as well.

Now it's up to Cooper to use all his resources to save them, including the hot homicide detective Geri secretly despises, and the latest sketchy gadgets his genius friend Hasan offers him to field-test. Sure, why not? Cooper will do anything to get his family back.


Got a stellar review HERE.
and here is the
BOOK TRAILER:

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~~ RECENT EVENTS ~~


DISPOSAL Release Party!

Kentucky Book Fair!

Met my fellow MG writer friend, Stephanie Faris!

Met CQ compatriot Darin Kennedy and
some other fun writer dudes with great advice!

So awesome to hang with my original writer Book Fair girls
at the West Virginia Book Fest!
The Fall is when I do my best Book Eventing! Great sales, great friends, great times! Looking forward to another year of greatness - planning it out, despite some questionable circumstances... Wish me luck!

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Bookishness
Where I answer commonly asked questions and pass on writerly advice...

Q&A - How do you find time to write? I make time. I steal time. I find time. I designate time. If you want to do something, you coordinate your schedule to be able to do it. That's the truth of it. I write when I can, as often as I can.

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January ~ February ~ March

January is new beginnings and good news!
I submitted WINDY HOLLOW! Beast World, book 3.
My short story RESET was also accepted into the Insecure Writers Group Tick Tock Time Anthology! So excited and honored!
And now, I'm working on my next, new story. It's uncharted, risky territory - Christian YA. I'm hoping I can yarn it mainstream enough for publication... also going to try to find an agent, again... blech.

February is brewing
Just keep writing... And putting out feelers for school events in the Spring. Should find out where we will land this month.

March
Looking forward to my first book event of the year and hoping for more during Spring Break in Atlanta!

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What I'm Reading...
  • Waiting patiently for 2 of my friends to finish their books so I can sink my eyes into them!
  • I see a trip to the bookstore in my future as well...
What I'm Writing...
  • FARTHER ALONG - this is the Christian YA novel I've been wanting to write for several years. It's finally the MS du jour.
  • PRINCESS B - has risen in the writing ranks. I want to publish this beautiful baby - and now I need a cover artist, preferably one of color to do it justice. This 3rd Un-Princess story is about a young black girl with a dragon protector and instiller of confidence, shielding her from real monsters in a cruel world and teaching her to defend herself.
  • MAGIC STORM - this story has taken a back seat until I get the above more secure. I think I still need a few lessons in comic books, graphic novels, and series script-writing...
  • The 4th POP TRAVEL novel - CONDUCTION. Under construction as so many other projects distract me! Not to mention the new writing contests just released for 2018!

Where I'll be...
January & February
  • Snuggled on the couch or rooted at my desk! The weather is too frightful to venture out - which means I'll have more time to write, right?
March
  • March 12-16 - Spring Break in Atlanta. Hopeful to set up a signing!
  • March 30 - Conglomeration! A sci-fi con in Louisville. We shall go and we shall see. And hopefully we shall sell!

Curl up by the fire in a cozy, soft blanket with some cocoa
and a book! Aahhh. 


 



~~ Available for SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS, BOOK CLUBS, and BOOK TALKS ~~