Don't Ever Give Up

GIRL ON THE RUN is out in the real world, y'all!

"Quick paced with lots of twists and turns, readers will love 'GIRL on the RUN.'
    ~ CM Magazine. Four star review, highly recommended.

I am more than thrilled to FINALLY share Jesse's story. I first wrote this book five years ago. The manuscript went through two agents and almost a total of two years of being on submission. I was so completely disheartened by all the rejections, I almost gave up on writing.

Then I discovered Wattpad. I posted a novella with cross over characters to boost interest in Jesse's story. That story (BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE) quickly gathered its own audience of over two million reads, demanding to buy the book. I decided to send my novella out on my own. Soon afterward, my agent and I amicably parted ways.

Nimbus Publishing, the largest publisher on the East Coast, picked it out of the slush pile and BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE was sold. A week later, GIRL ON THE RUN was bought by them as well.

So, lesson learned. Don't ever give up.

But I'm so grateful for the previous rejections because Jesse ended up with the right publisher. I couldn't be more pleased with Nimbus and the awesome editorial magic of Penelope Jackson and Whitney Moran.

And now you can WIN your very own copy of GIRL ON THE RUN, plus the book that started it all, BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE!

 

Check out the blitz that's happening this week for your chance to enter!

Here's some eye candy on the Pinterest Board to further tempt you.
And you can add it on Goodreads too, you lucky doll!

Can't wait? No problem...

Buy Links: Amazon US Amazon CAN Chapters Barnes & Noble

Super Sneaky International Book Tour

BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE is going overseas, folks!

During my travels this month I'll be leaving the above mentioned YA coming of age, fabulously smashing, sweet romance comedy (phew) somewhere in Europe in an undisclosed public location.

I'll be leaving instructions inside the book.

1. First of all, enjoy the free read!

2. Secondly, pass the book along to a friend or leave it in another public location for the next person to find.

3. Thirdly, please send me a quick tweet or email to let me know where you found the book. A picture would be extra lovely.

How far it will go? How many hands will it pass through? And will it ever find its way back to Canada?

Fingers crossed! This could go on for years ... YEARS!!!

Good luck to Chloe, Luke, Chet, Blaine, and of course Kelsey on their super sneaky international book tour.


Have you ever found an abandoned book?

I Vlogged...and I Liked It!

Through modern technology of the interweb thingy you can watch me read an excerpt from my book, Butterflies Don't Lie.

This was my first attempt at vlogging. This isn't the best I could have done, but heck, I'm a lazy gal with low standards so it's good enough for me. I especially like the big flub-up at the end.

Enjoy!

Which YA Novel is Your Best Valentine Match?

thelapine.ca

Forget cheap chocolates that have been sitting on the store shelf since Boxing Day and those generic cards from the Dollor Store. This Valentine's Day do something sweet for yourself and indulge in a book that will make you SWOON.

Take this quiz to find your perfect YA romance and have a chance to win your match!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

And now you have the chance to win your perfect match!


  a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Year In Writing, 2014

Well, it's time for the traditional 'year in review' post. I recommend all writers (published and otherwise) take on this annual exercise. I've found going through the year a great way to re-examine my original goals and help set new ones for 2015.

Here are my posts for 2012 and 2013.

January

Sent in first round of edits to Nimbus for BUSGIRL BLUES.

Not the real cover, but fun to look at.

After receiving rejections for THE ASP from agents, I made the decision to query publishing houses who accept unsolicited manuscripts. I reasoned since BB was going to be published at the end of the year, I wasn't shy about being my own agent.

NIGHT SHIFT gains a large audience on Wattpad and readers ask about a sequel.

My most popular post for the month is my recap of the first episode of The Bachelor "Girls Just Juanna Have Fun."


February

A few rejections roll in for THE ASP. We have a cold snap in Halifax and everyone wants to move to Hawaii.

But I hardly notice because...THE OLYMPICS!!!!!

Post first chapter of BLACK FRIDAY (NIGHT SHIFT #2) on Wattpad.

Most popular post of the month is "Dropping the F Bomb in YA"


March

I receive an offer of publication for THE ASP by Fierce Ink Press!

Completed second round of edits for BB and discussed cover ideas and new title options. Since BUSGIRL BLUES was published online, Nimbus wanted the book to have an updated look of its own.

My family and I travel to Australia!

I took this on the ferry coming back from Manly Beach.

Most popular blog post that month is "Ten Book Scenes I'd Love to Experience"

April

New title for debut novel will be, BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE. The editor and I discuss cover options. Good times!

My bosom buddy and kindred spirit, Jen Swann Downey launched her middle grade action adventure, THE NINJA LIBRARIANS: THE ACCIDENTAL KEYHAND!

Most popular blog post for month is my recap of Once Upon A Time, Season 3, Episode 17 "The Jolly Roger"


May

Begin second round of edits on BUTTERFLIES DONT' LIE.

Fierce Ink Press does a fantastic press release for the THE ASP. Add it on Goodreads...or not, whatever, totally up to you. Keep reading.

Most popular post of the month is "Top Five Reasons Why Andrew Garfield is a Better Spiderman than Tobey Macguire"

June

My awesome writer friend, Ann Marie Walker lands a three...I said a THREE book deal with Penguin Books for her contemporary romance novels, the Chasing Fire series. It's hot...believe me, I was a beta for the first book. REMIND ME comes out April 2015!

My editor and I finalize cover for BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE!

My family and I adopt a senior dog. Cody is a nine year old cocker spaniel and he is the BEST thing that happened to our family this year.

Most popular blog post of the month is "Six YA Books to Match Your Every Mood This Summer"


July

I started a non-fiction series for Wattpad called Write On! about tips and encouragement for writers.

TV/film crew use my house to film Ramona's murder scene in Stephen King's BIG DRIVER. Our kitchen has never been so famous.

Sent off last round of edits for BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE.

Most popular blog post of month is "Which Storybrooke Bachelor is Your Best Match"


August

Sent off first round of edits to Fierce Ink Press for THE ASP.

Enjoyed camping and sunsets with family.

Most popular blog post of month is "Sophia Veragara and I Talk About Being Sexy"


September

Book launch for BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE! Freaky, it feels like just yesterday. I remember it was super hot, like 32 degrees Celsius or something.

Most popular blog post of month is "Top Ten Things Downton Abbey and Outlander Have in Common"


October

I was exhausted from all the book launch excitement. I spent some time catching up on my reading. I really enjoyed Everyday by David Leviathan.

Sent out a few queries for NIGHT SHIFT since it was doing so well on Wattpad.

Most popular blog post for month is "Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 4 "The Apprentice"

November

Book signings! I discovered I'm good at keeping eye contact with strangers while luring them over to my little table of paperbacks.

Received editorial letter and notes from first round of edits on THE ASP. (Lots to do, but excited to make the story better.)

Received rejections for NIGHT SHIFT.

Most popular blog post for month is "Top Nine Reasons Why Halifax is Awesome"


December

Working on second round of edits for THE ASP.

Posted last chapter of BLACK FRIDAY on Wattpad.

Wrote this post ;)

Most popular blog post of month is "The Best Gifts for Writers"


Goals for 2015?

Get the NIGHT SHIFT series published...somehow.

Outline third novel for BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE series.

Have Alex Pettyfer do a guest appearance at book launch for THE ASP in July 2015.

 

Dress like Wonder Woman for book launch of JUST JESSE in September 2015.

Keep writing.

Practice kindness.

Floss regularly.

Read more.


What are you writing goals for 2015?

Official Playlist for Butterflies Don't Lie

Music is magic.

I love how an old song takes me back to a moment and makes me feel like I'm reliving the memory.

Or sometimes I'll hear lyrics that are so heartbreakingly perfect for one of my characters it gives me goosebumps.

Music inspires me everyday.

Here are a few of my favourite picks from the Official (because anything sounds better when you put 'official' in front of it) Playlist for Butterflies Don't' Lie.

"One Way Or Another" by Blondie

If there was only one song I could pick for this book, it would be this one. Perfect for chapter one.

"Paradise" by Coldplay

Stuck in a job she's terrible at with a boss who is constantly on her case, Kelsey hopes once she captures Blaine's attention everything will fall into place and her miserable life will suddenly be perfect.

"I Was A Fool" by Tegan and Sara

Oh, boy. Kelsey hits rock bottom in after a nasty revelation one night. (Chapter twenty for those of you reading along at home.)

"Starry Eyed" by Ellie Goulding

That moment when the guy you can't stand becomes the guy you can't stop thinking about. This song is perfect for Chapter Twenty-two.

"No One Is To Blame" by Howard Jones

I like to think of this song as Luke's theme. It's important because it has a significant impact on the storyline. Plus it's one of my favourites from my high school days...long, long, long ago.

"Stay" by Rhianna featuring Mikky Ekko

You should listen to this while reading chapter Twenty-nine. Really, I'm not kidding.

"I Feel You" by Sam Roberts

Feel all the feels of Chapter Thirty-two.

"So Close" by Shawn Hook

Perfect song for the epilogue.

The entire playlist is available here. Go knock yourself out. Also, check out the Pinterest board with character images, quotes and more good stuff.

Which songs inspire you to write?

Contest Time!!!!

Finally, FINALLY, I have the opportunity to host my own frickin' contest.

Yes, it's related to my YA debut, BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE, and yes, the free swag is fabulous.

From Nimbus Publishing, September 2014...

Sometimes the best matches are the ones you least expect.

Sixteen year old, magazine quiz junkie, Kelsey Sinclair wants to make this summer unforgettable by (hopefully) seducing her secret crush, Blaine Mulder. Armed with romance advice articles, Kelsey tackles true love with scientific precision, including getting a job at the seaside restaurant that overlooks the yacht club where Blaine teaches sailing.

However, visions of rendezvous on the beach are clouded when the new kitchen guy's laid back attitude and smouldering stare quickly get under her skin. With his renegade demeanour and unpredictable stunts, Luke is the opposite to Blaine's golden boy reputation.

Determined to follow through with her original goal, Kelsey ignores her growing attraction to Luke, certain he's not the guy for her. But when she finally manages to get Blaine's attention, Kelsey worries the magazines are all wrong, and that sometimes the best matches are the ones you least expect.

 

Originally featured on Wattpad, it received over 2.5 million reads in three months!

For character pictures, quotes, a playlist and various other interesting folly, check out the inspiration board on Pinterest here.

BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE, is loosely based on my own summer job experiences (except the romantic bits, unfortunately) working as a busgirl at The Captain's House restaurant in my beautiful hometown of Chester, Nova Scotia.

Psst ... Kelsey's mix ups and blunders at work were inspired by my own debacles as a busgirl, but one particularly embarrassing episode that didn't make it into the book was the time I got stuck in the dumbwaiter — I guess it was a slow day. 

 

And now for the moment you've all been waiting for, stuff you can win ...*drum roll*

 

 

2 autographed copies of BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE

 

1 Alex and Ani butterfly charm bangle

PLUS ... a mystery prize that is guaranteed to make your friends jealous.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ddae8d431/

 

 

 

 

Hey! Look At This!

Hey! It's my official book flap!

The folks at Nimbus Publishing even put me on the back in colour and everything. *high fives all around*

I particularly love the quiz on the back.

Sometimes the best matches are the ones you least expect.

Sixteen year old, magazine quiz junkie, Kelsey Sinclair wants to make this summer unforgettable by (hopefully) seducing her secret crush, Blaine Mulder. Armed with romance advice articles, Kelsey tackles true love with scientific precision, including getting a job at the seaside restaurant that overlooks the yacht club where Blaine teaches sailing.

However, visions of rendezvous on the beach are clouded when the new kitchen guy's laid back attitude and smouldering stare quickly get under her skin. With his renegade demeanour and unpredictable stunts, Luke is the opposite to Blaine's golden boy reputation.

Determined to follow through with her original goal, Kelsey ignores her growing attraction to Luke, certain he's not the guy for her. But when she finally manages to get Blaine's attention, Kelsey worries the magazines are all wrong, and that sometimes the best matches are the ones you least expect.


The launch day is September 15th, but you can pre-order it here or here if you're afraid of crowds.

I'll be having a few contests very soon so come back later for more eye candy and a chance to win your very own copy to hold and cuddle.

Here's the Butterflies Don't Lie Pinterest board with pictures of the characters and other neat stuff to tempt you. And if that doesn't do it, check out the official playlist on YouTube.

Bonus Trivia: Butterflies Don't Lie is loosely based on my summer job experiences as a busgirl at The Captain's House restaurant in my hometown of Chester, Nova Scotia (except the romantic stuff, unfortunately). However, a lot of Kelsey's embarrassing moments at work actually happened to me. But there's one particular mishap of mine that didn't make it into the book. I'll share that little tidbit of humiliation next time.

The Writing Process Blog Hop!

The Writing Process Blog Hop. AKA “My Mission Statement.”

I've been tagged by YA writer, Alex Karola to be part of a blog hop!

You can find her here and on Wattpad. 

"My characters are 'successful losers.' They haven't realized the rest of the world doesn't see failure in them." Alex Karola

FYI, during the day Alex teaches high school English.

Ten Points for Ravenclaw!!

And now, * drumroll* I'm supposed to talk about my writing process...

*Makes face*


pinterest.com

1. What am I working on?

 

I recently finished the last edits for my YA coming of age novel, BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE.

So now I have more time to devote to BLACK FRIDAY, the second book in the NIGHT SHIFT series. You can read that YA paranormal mystery for FREE on Wattpad. Go ahead...don't be shy.

2. How is my work different from others of its genre?

It's FREE! Plus, the MC is a dude. Not rare of course, but most paranormal romances are in the first person with a female lead. And I dig the creepy yet stylish mystery of the old department store. I hope you'll give it a chance.

3. Why do I write what I do?

I write because I have to. I write the stories I want to read. I write to stop the voices in my head.

4. How does my writing process work?

I sit in the chair and make myself keep writing sentences until I have enough of a mess to edit. I'm a fan of sticky notes. I have a simple outline of the major events. Before I write a scene, I list all the things that have to happen before the end of that chapter.

I'm a fan of cliffhangers too, but not too many in a row. Also, if your 'pickle of a situation' keeps ending with an easy solution, the cliffhangers will lose their effect. Readers want conflict!

Now I encourage you to check out the blogs of these other splendid people who will share their answers next week:

Ally Hayes

Lisa Ann O'Kane

Natalie Sampson