InkSplasher

Still ANOTHER Twilight Contest

2008-07-22T10:45:00.002-06:00

Over on Twilight Trivia, there's a Breaking Dawn quote contest going on.

Every day since July 12, they've been posting a quote from Breaking Dawn over on Stephenie Meyer's blog. I'm reposting the quotes on Twilight Trivia, then asking you to guess something about the context of that quote. If you guess right, you're entered to win a Twilight inspired parfum spray from CustomScentsOnline.com.

Twilight Themed UB Make & Take Workshop!

2008-07-21T12:14:00.000-06:00

As if I don't already have enough Twilight stuff going on. . .

In a world of vampires and werewolves...

. . .scent is everything!

In celebration of the upcoming release of
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (August 2, 2008),
we're having a Twilight themed fragrance party!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.*

Location: 622 E 700 N,
Pleasant Grove (map)

Come smell SIX luscious Twilight inspired fragrances. (For descriptions, click here.)
Create your own fragrance inspired by your favorite Twilight character.
Door prizes and free Twilight fragrance samplers for EVERYONE! Also, fun Twilight Trivia games and prizes.
10% off all orders placed at the Make and Take workshop

Bring a friend who's new to Urban Botanic and both you and your friend receive a free gift!

*Due to demand, please send me an e-mail to reserve your time and space at the table.

Click HERE for information about Urban Botanic.

*Promotional pricing and discounts only available at the Make and Take workshop.

Win a Twilight Inspired Fragrance

2008-07-19T17:52:00.002-06:00

I'm sponsoring a contest over on twilight-fans.com.

You go to my site and read the descriptions of the six Twilight fragrances. Then go back to the twilight-fans site and post which fragrance you'd like to win.

Good luck to you!

Farworld: Water Keep by J. Scott Savage

2008-07-18T06:30:00.002-06:00

I was one of the lucky ones to get an ARC of Farworld: Water Keep by J. Scott Savage. I looked forward to reading it because I've really enjoyed his Shandra Covington series (House of Secrets and Dead On Arrival). I love fantasy so when the package came, I ripped it open and started reading right away. I've had to wait to post my review—and that's been hard because I've wanted to share the love for the two main characters in this book.

Water Keep is the first in a series of five fantasy novels written for middle grade readers, although older teens and adults may also enjoy it. Savage has created two unique main characters—Marcus, a disabled boy who uses a wheelchair and lives on Earth, and Kyja, a magically disabled girl who lives on Far World. Together, Marcus and Kyja begin an adventure to save both worlds from the Dark Circle, an evil brewing in Farworld that will also impact Earth. In this book, they begin that adventure by journeying to Water Keep, in an attempt to convince the water elementals to help them save the world.

Along the way, they must face attacks from "...Summoners, who can command the living and the undead; Unmakers, invisible creatures that can destory both body and soul; and dark mages knows as the Thrathkin S'Bae." Pretty creepy. Not only that, they must deal with bullies, feelings of inadequacy, and learn to jump between their two worlds.

The theme for the Scott's blog tour is "Find Your Magic" and I think that's the main message of this book. We each have our own kind of magic and it's important for us to discover what it is and learn to bless the world with it. That's a message everyone needs to hear.

Scott Savage agreed to take time out of his very busy schedule to meet me for a short interview. We chose to meet at the meadow with the dawn chimes at 6:00 a.m. this morning. Since sunrise occurred at 6:12 a.m., I was able to see and hear those absolutely beautiful dawn chimes greet the morning. I brought a basket of fruit for breakfast—some bananas, grapes, plums and assorted berries. We spread out a blanket on a small hill that overlooked the meadow and talked as we waited for dawn.

So, Jeff, isn't this one of the most awesome places on Farworld? It's gorgeous here.

This is one of my favorite places to come, and with a breakfast of fresh fruit even. We better talk quick though so we don't miss the dawn chime's song. Marcus is much better at translating them than I am. But I'm working on it.

You call your elementals water, land, air and fire. Why didn't you use "earth" instead of land?

Well, you know, the whole earth thing has been so overused. I was even considering water, air, fire, and hand lotion. But it just didn't have the same zing.

Hand lotion? Really? Did you know that I make custom scented hand lotion? Maybe I'll create one for Farworld.

Whatever. Okay, seriously, it's because earth and Earth are the same word. I don't have a problem with calling a horse a horse on Farworld—even if it does tell jokes.

And pretty lame ones at that.

[Throws a grape at me.] Geez. You like to interrupt a lot, don't you?

Sorry.

Do you want the answer to your question, or not? Anyway, it seems to me that on a planet not named Earth, the land should not be called earth. It could get too confusing. I don't even have anyone from Farworld use that word in the book.

Did you have to do a lot of research to see what Marcus would and wouldn't be able to physically do? Did you try doing some of those things yourself with his limitations? (I'm picturing you scooting down a busy street in New York.)

Not down a New York street. But I actually did scoot across my floor and out in front of the house. The neighbors already know I am weird. I did get some great advice from people who do have disabilities though. For example, I originally had Marcus crawl. But everyone I talked to told me that it is too uncomfortable. They scoot instead.

Are we going to see more Ishkabiddles in future books? (I love that name.) Like I was thinking maybe in the final scene of the final book, Marcus is about to be destroyed by the evilest person of the Dark Circle and an ishkabiddle could pop up and bite the bad guy on the ankle, giving Marcus the chance to regain his bearings and finish off the bad guys... (you don't have to pay me a royalty for that idea, but an acknowledgment in the book would be nice.)

Oh, yeah, the killer Ishkabiddle scene—it's going to be huge. I didn't originally plan on more Iskabiddles. But demand has been surprisingly strong. So you probably haven't seen the last of them.

Has there ever been a water elemental that couldn't swim?

Only one. His name was Bob.

How long, start to finish, did it take you to write this book? What is your writing schedule like?

Three months of writing. Many more of editing. My schedule is typically delay, delay, delay, rush!!!!

Are there any questions you've been dying to answer, but no one has asked them yet?

I'm surprised no one has asked about why I went with two full blown protagonists and whether or not that was hard to write. The answer is that I didn't want this to be a boy book or a girl book. I wanted Kyja and Marcus to each rise and fall, so to be a sidekick to the other. I tried to write very carefully so that no one would feel Marcus or Kyja was the "main" character. You know, I was really planning to—

Oh, hush! Dawn is here. Look!

Scott continued to babble about his book, his writing career, and what's coming up next for him but I tuned him out. I was too busy watching the loveliest little purple flowers rise out of the meadow grass. The tiny blossoms that look like bells began to chime. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. And their fragrance! Aaahh.

I didn't want to leave, but Scott had an appointment at another blog. He said I could stay at the meadow as long as I wanted, but I was afraid a Summoner might appear at any moment, so after he left, I quickly packed up what was left of our breakfast (which wasn't much; Scott has a healthy appetite) and scurried out of there. Sigh. I really hope that Marcus and Kyja are successful in their fight against the Dark Circle because Farworld is such a lovely place to visit.

You can read sample chapters HERE.

You can pre-order Farworld: Water Keep HERE.

But before I left, I swiped two things which I will give away to two lucky commenters on today's post:

A signed original manuscript page which I stole from Scott's brief case when he wasn't looking. It's suitable for framing and sure to be worth lots of money on ebay some day soon.

A single petal from a dawn chime. Unfortunately, it turned into a small vial of lilac scented perfume oil when I crossed back to Earth. (I've duplicated the fragrance and it's available here.)

To win one of these prizes,
Visit Scott's blog to discover who said, "Magic is not just spells. The magic you see on the outside—making pots and pans fly or brewing potions to make boys swoon before you—is but a tiny fraction of the power of true magic. The real power of magic lies within you. Who you are, what you do, and most importantly of all, what you may become."

Leave a comment before midnight, Sunday, July 20th, stating the name of the person quoted and tell me which of the two prizes (manuscript page or small vial of dawn chime fragrance) you'd like to win.

I will select two winners completely at random and post them on Monday, July 21st.

Twilight on the Brain

2008-07-16T20:13:00.019-06:00

Some of you may have noticed a plethora of Twilight related materials suddenly appearing on this blog, and you're thinking, "What the heck?"

Well, yes.

See, a real job would interfere with my ability to read all day.

So I have to find a way to earn a living via the Internet. Ergo, the Twilight obsession.

I should have started this project months ago. And I would have. Except I didn't have the idea until just now. Therefore, I need lots of help (this is me, begging) getting the word out and making this thing go viral.

I now have three Twilight promotions/sites going on:

Twilight Trivia — THE largest collection of Twilight Trivia on the Internet. Plus links to several fun widgets, some of which I even made myself. Everything on this site is FREE to anyone.

Also, beginning on Monday, I will have a Twilight Trivia question of the week. sponsored by CustomScentsOnline. Correct answers will be entered to win a sample of a Twilight fragrance.

What's in it for you? If you put my Twilight Trivia button on your sidebar, you could win a Twilight fragrance. (Send me an e-mail me for more info.)

Twilight Fragrances — Twilight inspired fragrances are for sale on CustomScentsOnline. There are currently six fragrances and people who have tried them, love them.

What's in it for you? I've developed a CustomScentsOnline affiliate program. If you put my Twilight Fragrance button on your side bar and blog about it, I will give you a code that will give your readers 10% off their purchase and you will earn a 5% affiliate fee. (Go HERE for more information.)

Twilight Bracelets — Create your own Twilight charm bracelet. Each charm on this site represents something from the Twilight series. You can order a bracelet similar to the one Jacob gave Bella for graduation, or custom select the charms that are meaningful to you.

What's in it for you? I've developed a Twilight Bracelets affiliate program. If you put my Twilight Bracelet button on your side bar and blog about it, I will give you a code that will give your readers Free Shipping on their purchase and you will earn a 5% affiliate fee. (Go HERE for more information.)

Don't tell me you wouldn't buy it

2008-07-12T06:31:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Megan Twittered: I need to eat all my Reeces Puffs NOW so I can get the Batman action figures in the specially marked box!

And I thought, no fair!

So my next business idea?

The grown-up cereal with a prize in the box!

All's Fair by Julie Coulter Bellon

2008-07-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

I love my friend, Julie Bellon. I really do. I met Julie when we lived in the same neighborhood, and really got to know her when she tended my youngest daughter, when I had to go back to work after my divorce. I absolutely trusted her with my child, and that’s saying a lot about what I think of Julie’s character.

Julie and I have a lot in common. I’m from the U.S.; she’s Canadian. I have a respectable number of children (4); she has 6 and 7/9ths. My kids are all adults now; she’s having a baby any minute. Julie is kind and patient and a wonderful mother; I’m a little high strung and extremely excitable. In addition to raising her children, Julie teaches journalism for BYU (actually using her college degree), is active in her Church and community, and writes books; I sit around and eat nouggies all day, using my Mensa level IQ to think of ways to get out of work.

Julie and I have learned to respect our differences over the years—especially when we start talking about books. I will tell her about a new sci-fi novel that I loved and Julie rolls her eyes and thinks, “Freak.” She’ll tell me about the romance she just read (or wrote), and I mutter, “Pansy,” under my breath.

But despite all that, I really do love Julie. So I jumped at the chance to review her new book, All’s Fair, and to be part of her blog tour. I called Julie up after I finished her book.

Me: So, Julie. You wrote another one of those (cough! ack! ahem!) romances again. I thought you said you were done with that and this one was going to be action/adventure. But no. Not only have you written another romance, but there are actually TWO romances in this book—Kristen and Ryan, and Brandon and Rachel. What’s up with that?

Julie: It’s not a romance. It’s romantic suspense. Didn’t you notice all the suspense in there? There are kidnappings by terrorists, bombs and bullets everywhere. Then there’s Homeland Security getting involved, and betrayal, deception and intrigue on every page.

Me: Oh, yes. I liked those parts. I liked the sandstorm and the dead bodies. I liked Michael, the evil ex-fiancé and his ex-wife, Madj. I’m thinking maybe they still have a little sumthin’ sumthin’ going on. And I liked it when Kristen was kicking Ryan’s behind in the political PR. Hah! Showed him.

Julie: What parts didn’t you like, you freak?

Me: Well, you know. The kissing and the hand holding, pansy-face.

Julie: There are only a couple of kisses in the entire book and they’re at the very end. Geez, what is your problem?

Me: Well, yes. But there was all that smoldering eye-meeting stuff. And the heart-pounding. Plus, you know, they wanted to kiss. . . ick. (makes retching sounds)

Julie: Oh, grow up! So how badly did you want to poke your eyes out with a fork when you were reading my book?

Me: It really wasn’t that bad. I read it in an afternoon. I was going to call you right away, but I had to go to the doctor. Can you help me put these eye drops in?

Julie: Fine. Was there anything else you liked about the book?

Me: Well, if I were willing to admit to liking romantic suspense, I’d probably say I liked this one. I would say that I liked that it’s set in Iraq and has a strong supportive statement of our troops. I would say I liked that Kristen and Rachel, the two female characters, are strong, independent, professional women. I would say that I was really impressed that Rachel wasn’t a total wuss, even when she got shot. And I would say that I loved your opening scene when Kristen got caught in the rain in her wedding dress, then meets up with Ryan and she’s drenched and muddy and practically hypothermic and she has to go to his cabin and wear his ex-wife’s pajamas. Hah!

But since I will never admit to liking anything to do with romance, I can’t really say those things. Because I’m not a wimpy, cry-baby, pansy-face.

Julie: I don’t know why I even bothered giving you my book to review. I knew it was going to be like this. Do you have any serious questions you want to ask me?

Me: Yes. When are you ever going to name a character after me?

Julie: Actually, I’ve modeled a character after you in the book I’m working on right now. She’s an evil spy who pretends to be a double-agent for the U.S., while pretending to work for a group in Russia who are trying to reconsolidate the Soviet Union, all the while she’s actually part of a secret organization whose sole goal is to find an ancient artifact that will allow them to manipulate the magnetic forces of the earth to cause earthquakes of staggering magnitudes anywhere in the world, and they plan to thereby assume control of all the current political structures by threatening devastation by earthquake if they don’t cooperate. Her boyfriend betrays her in the end and she dies a very long and gruesome and agonizing death.

Me: Ooh, cool! Finally a plot I can really get into. When does that one come out?

Julie: Freak.

You can purchase a copy of Julie Coulter Bellon’s book, All’s Fair, here.

To read more about Julie and her other books, to read a sample chapter of All’s Fair, or to participate in Julie’s charity drive to send Care Packages to our troops in Iraq, visit her website here.

If you’re in the vicinity of Salt Lake City, Utah, you can catch Julie on Good Things Utah on Monday morning, July 14th, at 10:00 a.m. on Channel 4 (ABC). I’ve got my TIVO set already!

Especially for Twilight Fans!

2008-07-11T00:06:00.012-06:00

Remember how frustrated I was last week when Blogger had locked me out of a new blog and I couldn't work on my totally cool new idea? Well, it's all resolved and ready to go.

Announcing my newest enterprise. . .just in time to celebrate the release of Breaking Dawn, Stephenie Meyer's newest and final installment in the Twilight series.

Twilight Bracelets

The "in" thing for Twilight fans.

Is Edward your idea of a dream love? Do you secretly hope Bella chooses Jacob? Or are you still undecided?

Whatever your preference, show the world that you're a fan by designing your very own Twilight bracelet or pin.

It's easy as 1-2-3.

1. Choose your bracelet or pin.

2. Choose your charms.

3. Choose to have us assemble your bracelet or pin, if desired. Or assemble it yourself, just the way you want it!

As a special offer to my blog readers, you can get 10% off every order between now and August 31, 2008 by entering Inksplasher in the voucher/coupon code field during checkout.

And that's not all. Now you can. . .

Drench Yourself in Your Favorite Twilight Inspired Fragrance!

My Twilight fragrances include:

NEW! Bitten

Bella

Bella's New Moon

Edward

Jacob

Alice

If you visit CustomScentsOnline, you'll notice that the listed special says, "Order any of the Twilight fragrances between now and August 31, 2008, and get a sample vial of any three fragrances on this site. (Sample vial holds 1–2 applications.)"

But in addition to that special, just for you, my beloved blog readers, you can get 10% off every order between now and August 31, 2008 by entering Inksplasher in the Discount Coupon field during checkout.

How's that for a totally cool deal?

I SHOULD be ashamed of myself

2008-07-10T08:22:00.005-06:00

I am just in one of those moods where everything is ticking me off.

First, I've been very nauseated the last two weeks. Really bad. If I didn't KNOW BETTER (and I do), I'd think I was pregnant. But I'm not. Absolutely not.

Anyway, the only things I can really tolerate eating are Michelina's Mac & Cheese (the Zap 'Ems) and SF FudgsiclesTM.

Did you notice there's no link to the Zap 'Ems? That's because they don't make them anymore. Apparently they've replaced them with the "Authentico" line—which doesn't taste the same. It's icky.

So all week, I've been trying new brands of mac and cheese.

And all I can say is, yuk, yuk and double yuk.

(And don't anyone suggest I try Kraft or homemade because I don't want to cook!)

Now. I know I'm pulling a Veruca Salt here. I know there are starving children all over the world who if someone handed them the Aunthentico mac & cheese for lunch, they'd think they'd died and gone to heaven. I should feel grateful for what I have.

But I'm just not in a very grateful mood today.

Plus I have to go to the dentist to have a filling replaced, because apparently I am getting OLD and that happens a lot to OLD people.

Grrr.

Winner of The Decider

2008-07-09T08:37:00.004-06:00

The winner of Tuesday's Summer Reading Thing book, The Decider by Dick Francis is commenter #3, storyengineer.

Please send me your snail mail address and I'll get your prize right out to you.

And speaking of snail maill addresses, I still need them from Kerry and Eva, from the Summer Road Trip prizes.

Summer Reading Thing Prize

2008-07-07T13:21:00.002-06:00

Time for another prize! If you've signed up for Summer Reading Thing 2008, simply leave a comment on this post and you're entered in the drawing.

Decider by Dick Francis is a murder mystery set in the world of horse racing. The promo reads:

Architect Lee Morris inherits a partial ownership in the Statton Park racecourse—and with it, a dangerous position among the warring upper-class family trying to settle its fate. Morris would like to see the course restored to its former grandeur, but the various Stratton heirs have plans of their own. When an explosion rocks the grandstands, the disagreement turns violent—and Morris finds himself in a race to save himself and his family from an unknown culprit...

I've read several of Dick Francis' books and really liked them but I read the Reader's Digest Condensed versions. This book is part of a box of books someone gave me to use as prizes. I haven't read it so if you get it and it has naughty language or scenes, I'm sorry. The book is mass-market paperback, and in very good condition except for a couple of little spots on the cover.

Eligibility for this prize:

Must be signed up for the Summer Reading Thing 2008. (If you're not, sign up now.)

Must leave a comment on THIS POST before midnight tomorrow (Tuesday, July 8, 2008).

Must have a shipping address within the U.S.

A Closer Look Meme

2008-07-04T07:43:00.014-06:00

Josi tagged me for this meme about three weeks ago. I promised her I would get to it. Since today is a holiday and I can procrastinate all my work commitments without guilt, here goes.

1. My Kitchen Sink:
Usually it's stacked with dirty dishes but I actually loaded the dishwasher yesterday, before I decided to do this meme today. The purple bowl is from where I was washing up some Urban Botanic mixing glasses yesterday. The plate with the orange smears—nachos from a late dinner last night.

2. Inside My Fridge:
Nothing really shocking here—although there is a wilted lei in there somewhere, a gift from Megan's dad on graduation day, and a way too ripe to eat canteloupe that some boy used to invite Megan to the prom. Oh, and a bag of nouggies that I said I wasn't eating anymore. I fell off the wagon on Wednesday.

3. My Favorite Shoes:
The pair on the left are new favorites. I haven't worn sandals in 13 years because of defective big toes. But since my first pedicure in June, I've worn sandals every. single. day. And these are my favs (Three cheers for Old Navy). The pair on the right have been my favs for about 3 years. I love them because 1) they're my favorite color of dark red; 2) they are extremely comfy—plenty of room in the toe so they don't smoosh my defective toes and they're squooshy in the soles; 3) they're clogs—as in, they slip on and don't make me feel like my head is going to pop off when I bend over to put them on. I will cry the day I have to trash them.

4. My Closet:
It's sort of empty because a) I need to do laundry; and b) I don't have many summer clothes because I need 3/4 sleeves, which are hard to find. I also don't like the ice cream colors that are popular right now. As I look at my clothes, I notice two things: 1) 90% are hand-me-downs or from D.I.; and 2) I sort of have a need for order. Notice how they hang short-sleeves first, then long sleeves, then skirts, then dresses? I really need my closet to be organized that way.

5. The Laundry Pile:
Another tribute to my need for organization. I have three baskets—whites, light colors and dark colors.

6. What My Kids Are Doing Right Now:
I have no idea. All but one live on their own. Megan is here but she would absolutely kill me if I took her photo right now. But if I did, it would look something like what her brother, Lucky, is doing right now—
There are days when he's the only one of my children that I see. (Sigh)

7. My Favorite Room:
My living room. It's my favorite because usually it's neat and clean and semi-organized. Today the coffee table is pushed over to the side because that's where I put it for Grandma Day and I haven't moved it back yet. I love the colors in this room. It was decorated by my good friend, Jana. I also love that it has lots of books in it. My dream is to build floor to ceiling shelves in here some day. (You can see more photos here.)

8. My Most Recent Purchase:
Was there ever any doubt what this photo would be? Actually, my most recent purchase was groceries, but they're all put away and I'm not getting them back out for a photo. Besides, they're boring. I got these the other day when a Borders Gift Card was burning a hole through my pocket (thanks, Suan!). I had picked out City of Ember. Then I was just browsing. There was this man there and a Border's employee was trying to help him find a good book—and not doing too well. So I started making suggestions. I don't think he bought any of the sci-fi/fantasy I suggested, but I bought three that he suggested. I have no idea when I will read them because my Summer Reading Thing list is already too long. . .

9. My Fantasy Vacation:
Okay, this is going to sound weird, but my fanstasy vacation would start the day after Christmas and go through the end of March. I would go down to St. George, UT and stay in a small condo ALONE and I would write and rest Monday through Friday. Then have my family come visit over the weekends. In addition to needing organization in my life, I also have a very strong need for lots of "alone" time.

10. Self-Portrait:
It's a holiday. What did you expect? A suit and make-up? Hah! I didn't intentionally take my photo in front of my vision board, but since it's there. . . Do you notice those pictures of Oprah? That's her exclaiming over how much she loves my novels.

Okay now. Who to tag? All my usual victims have done this already. Hmmmm. . . I tag Megan and Natasha and Erika.

How to Frustrate the Heck Out of Yourself

2008-07-03T16:29:00.004-06:00

Have a cool idea.

Go overboard and blow the cool idea up into a full-scale retail money making idea and start on a business plan, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah.

Spend hours researching similar-but-not-quite-as-cool ideas as yours.

Figure out how to make your cool idea the coolest one on the blogosphere.

Create a new blog for your cool new idea.

Spend hours figuring out how to make a very cool template to match your very cool idea.

Make a temporary post and just type in gobbledy-gook (eg: jfklsu dkl) so you can see what the template looks like.

Get up the next day all excited to jump in and finish the blog design and load it with your cool ideas only to discover that the gobbledy-gook post triggered something in Blogger and they now have you LOCKED OUT of that site because they think it might be a splog.

And it can take up to FOUR business days for them to review and unlock it.

Pull your hair out at the roots because this is a time-sensitive cool idea and if it doesn't hit SOON it won't be cool anymore!

Aaaaaiiiiiieeeeehhhhh!!!!!

Dead in the Desert

2008-07-03T07:35:00.009-06:00

It feels weird to go from posting every single day (or more often) during my Summer Road Trip, to this week. I've posted once (this is #2).

But I have a good excuse.

It's just too dang hot! This is where I live. My house is right behind that rock.

I just can't function when the heat goes up to 90+.

This is my brain. Isn't it pretty with all the colors?

This is my brain when the temperature hits 90F.

I am a non-functioning blob, living on Fudgesicles and SoBes.

And today, it's supposed to hit 102. (Nooooooooooo!!)

Winner of Hope!

2008-06-30T15:01:00.003-06:00

Winner of Hope,
created by
Rebecca Talley,
is . . .

Stephanie Abney

Stephanie, send me your snail mail address and I'll get your parfum spray right out to you.

Winner was chosen using an online randomizer.

Summer Reading Thing Winner!

2008-06-30T14:50:00.006-06:00

Winner of last week's
Summer Reading Thing Prize,
Of Mice and Magic
by David Farland,
is . . .
HOLLY!

Holly, I already have your address from the Summer Road Trip contest so I'll get that book in the mail to you this week.

Keep checking back. I'll give away another book this week!

Winner was chosen using an online randomizer.

Heaven Scent by Rebecca Talley (and a Give-Away)

2008-06-27T05:52:00.000-06:00

Heaven Scent (isn't that a gorgeous cover?) is Rebecca Cornish Talley's debut novel. Written for LDS teens, this book will be particularly enjoyed by young women, ages 12 to 16.

Promo info: "She'd wanted her father to pay more attention to her, and she'd wanted her family to be like it used to be. She hadn't wanted everything to change so drastically that she may not even survive it."

As Liza proves herself a basketball star, everyone—from college basketball recruiters to the gorgeous Kyle Reynolds—seems to take note of her. Everyone, that is, except her own father. While her father is busy at his law practice, Liza learns about a strange new religion from Kyle. Could Kyle's religion help her family? Or is it already too late for her father to make amends?

When yet another broken promise finally leads to tragedy, Liza doesn't know if she will ever be able to forgive her father. It will take a good friend, a new belief, and a miracle straight from heaven to help Liza see that she still has a choice. The compelling story of a high school basketball star, this is a novel every girl will want, and none will be able to put down!

Rebecca stopped by my blog to answer a few questions and to offer a free gift to one lucky reader (so keep reading!).

Many of my blog readers are published authors or are in the process of writing a book for the first time. They are always interested in the writing process. Where did you get the idea for writing Heaven Scent? How long did it take you to finish it?
My mother wore a distinctive fragrance. It was a perfume that was designed to work with each indiviudal's body chemistry to produce a unique scent. My mother passed away when I was a young girl and every so often, I would catch a whiff of her perfume. During trials in my life, I could always smell her perfume and knew that she was near. Sometimes, it seemed like she was close enough that I could reach out and touch her. I based Heaven Scent on this experience.
I worked on Heaven Scent on and off for years between pregnancies, nursing newborns, toddlers, teens, and caring for my ailing grandparents (who raised me after my mom's passing). At times, I wondered if I'd ever finish it.

How many publishers did you have to try before your were accepted?
I submitted it in an early stage and it was rejected. I spent more time learning the craft and rewriting. I submitted it to Cedar Fort and other publishers and it was accepted by Cedar Fort.

Did you always want to write?
I've always loved to write. When I was in sixth grade I started a book similar to the "Encyclopedia Brown" books. In high school, I fell in love with writing all over again during a creative writing class. I've always dreamed of having a novel published.

What tips do you have for first time authors?
First time authors need to realize that promotion is a huge part of the writing process. First time authors have to work hard to promote their books and establish name-recognition. A web presence is also very important.

Fragrance plays a significant role in Liza's healing process. Have you had a similar experience?
Yes. Once when my newborn was in the NICU, I could smell my mother's perfume so strongly that I knew she was there watching over my new baby.

You created a fragrance called Hope to go with your book. Tell me about what that fragrance means to you.
I would like people who wear the fragrance to feel that no matter what life brings, there is always hope. Hope is the message of Heaven Scent. To me, this fragrance means that those we've loved and lost are never far from us.

Are you working on a new book? Tell us about it.
I'm working on an LDS romance that I'd like to think of as a fun way to escape for a bit from the dishes, diapers, growing mound of laundry, or stresses of daily life. It's been a lot of fun to write.

Thanks for stopping by the blog, Rebecca.
Thank you so much, Karlene, for hosting my book on your blog.

And now for the Giveaway! Win a 2 oz. bottle of Hope*, worn by Liza’s mother in Heaven Scent. Hope is a soft floral blend of jasmine, freesia and mimosa. This fragrance is pivotal in convincing Liza that despite her new reality, her mother is never far from her. Hope reminds us that families are forever and we are constantly encircled by their love.

Leave a comment on this post before midnight, Saturday, June 28, 2008. You need to have a shipping address within the U.S. Winner will be chosen at random.

*Hope was created using Urban Botanic's unique customized signature fragrance creation process. For more information about Urban Botanic, click here.

Summer Reading Thing Prize

2008-06-26T06:35:00.006-06:00

Time for our first prize in Summer Reading Thing 2008!

Of Mice and Magic by David Farland is a middle-grade, early teen fantasy novel. The promo reads:

More than anything, Benjamin Ravenspell wants a pet. But when he buys a mouse named Amber, he gets more than he bargained for. No sooner does Ben take her home, than Amber turns him into a mouse too. You see, Amber has magical abilities, and it so happens that Ben is a familiar—a creature that stores magical energy. Together they each form half of a powerful wizard. Alone, they're just vermin.

Soon Ben and Amber will find themselves pitted in an epic battle against a magical enemy who is as crazed as he is evil—and the fate of the world will rest on them learning to work together.

Eligibility for this prize:

Must be signed up for the Summer Reading Thing 2008. (If you're not, sign up now.)

Must leave a comment on THIS POST before midnight tonight (Thursday, June 26, 2008).

Must have a shipping address within the U.S.

And an ooops! I forgot to go live with the book review Mr. Link post. It's here. Sorry.

UB Make & Take Party—June 28th

2008-06-25T06:47:00.000-06:00

How good can your home smell?
Come find out!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Drop in any time)

Location: 622 E 700 N, Pleasant Grove (map)

If you live in (or will be visiting) Utah County this weekend, come make something fun and yummy at my Make and Take Party!

Come smell over 30 new home scent recipes
Create a new bath and body fragrance for summer
Or try one of several new recipes, like Maui Pear (free sampler vial for everyone!)
10% off all orders placed at the Make and Take workshop

Bring a friend who's new to Urban Botanic and both you and your friend receive a free gift!

Questions? Send me an e-mail.

See the new Home Collections HERE.

See the new unscented product packages HERE.

Take the personality test HERE.

*Promotional pricing and discounts only available at the Make and Take workshop.

*Due to changes in the new Urban Botanic party format, I will no longer be doing Make & Take workshops outside my home.

Thank you, Road Trip Sponsors

2008-06-23T06:26:00.001-06:00

Thank you to all our amazing Summer Road Trip sponsors!

You made the trip so much easier and fun for us.

We had a total of 6 sponsors who donated cash or gifts toward our trip. (We're not counting ourselves.) Each of the following wonderful sponsors will receive a thank you gift from us:

McKenna
Natasha
Suan
Lucille
Roger
Jan

And the Winner of the Summer Road Trip
Grand Sponsor Prize is. . .

Suan Westover!

Suan won all of the wonderful prizes listed HERE.

*Grand prize winner chosen at random from all sponsors.

Road Trip Recap

2008-06-23T06:15:00.010-06:00

I like to keep track of certain types of trivia because you never know when it might come in handy.

Like maybe my descendants living in the year 3008 will be totally fascinated by this information.

So, here's a recap of the Summer Road Trip Extravaganza.

THE PARTICIPANTS:
Me
Megan
Cordelia

THE DRIVE:
(Wyoming billboards made a really big deal about how we now entering the cheap Wyoming gas zone. Right. In fact, Wyoming was home to the most expensive gas we purchased on the trip.)

Total time on road trip: 5 days

Total miles traveled: 2001

Most miles traveled in one day: 515 (Thursday)

Least miles traveled in one day: 254 (Saturday)

Average miles traveled per day: 408

Average driving time on road per day: 7 hours

Average touristing time per day: 2.5 hours

Most expensive gas: Point of Rocks, Wyoming at $4.129/gallon

Least expensive gas: Boonville, MO at $3.799/gallon

Average miles per gallon: 16 (But I don't care because my Jeep is sooo cool!)

THE BLOG:
Total Number of Road Trip Posts: 50

Total number of comments on Road Trip posts (as of 6/21): 193

Total number of individuals commenting on Road Trip posts: 54

Most comments on a Road Trip Post: 33

Least comments on a Road Trip Post: 0

Average comments on a Road Trip Post: 3.95

THE CONTESTS & PRIZES:
There were a total of 24 prizes given away during the Summer Road Trip Extravaganza, valued up to ~~hundreds,~~ ~~thousands,~~ millions, I'm sure. Anyway, here they are. (In addition to the prizes listed below, our winners will also get a small sampler vial of our Summer Road Trip frangrance.)

Road Trip Quiz Perfect Score Winner— Annette Lyon won an Urban Botanic Bath & Body package (parfum, lotion & shower gel) in our Summer Road Trip fragrance

Road Trip Quiz 5+ Right Winner— Jennifer Leffler won Urban Botanic body lotion in our Summer Road Trip fragrance

Name My Jeep Contest Winner (Cordelia)—Melanie Goldmund won an Urban Botanic Bath & Body package (parfum, lotion & shower gel) in our Summer Road Trip fragrance

Mt Rushmore/Favorite State Contest Winner (Idaho)—Wendy won a bottle of Black Hills Gold from South Dakota

20 Foot Statue Contest Winner (Belle)—Annette Lyon won Kentucky Wildcat mini "statue"

Corn Palace Popcorn Contest Winner (Movie Theater)—Susan won Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Popcorn

Corny Joke Contest Winner—Ryane won Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater Popcorn

Jim's Guitar Contest Winner (Yes)—Holly won Wyoming playing cards

Natl Music Museum/Big Girls Video Winner—Natasha Ireland won Rules of Engagement by Stephanie Fowers

Nostalgia Ville/Super Hero Winner (Buffy)—Sandra won Road Trip food basket of Nouggies, protein bars and SoBes

Can't Believe I Missed You Winner—Lizette won won Urban Botanic body lotion in our Summer Roadtrip fragrance, Utah souvenir, Mary Englebreit sticky notes

Number of States Winner (9)—Summer won Santa ornament from Santa Clause, Indiana

Road Trip Fragrance Winner (Maui Pear)—Kerry Blair won Urban Botanic parfum spray in our Summer Road Trip fragrance

Blog About Our Trip Winner—Eva won Urban Botanic body lotion in our Summer Road Trip fragrance

Sidebar Sponsor Winner—Kim Thompson won Urban Botanic body lotion in our Summer Road Trip fragrance

Places to Visit Contest Winner (Mt. Rushmore)—Josi won two fridge magnets, Wizard of Oz from Nostalgia Ville USA and Mt. Rushmore from Mt. Rushmore

Places to Visit Contest Winner (Mt. Rushmore)—Sandra won Mt. Rushmore playing cards and Marine Bear pin from Cracker Barrel in Lexington, KY

Places to Visit Contest Winner (St. Louis Arch)—Natasha Ireland won Wizard of Oz fridge magnet from Nostalgia Ville, USA and Mary Englebreit note cards

North or South Winner (North)—Jennifer Leffler won Nice/Naughty Santa Hat from Santa Clause, Indiana

Theme Song Winner (Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts)—Suan Westover won CD of our favorite Road Trip playlist songs

Make the Playlist Song Winner (Country Road by James Taylor)—Natasha Ireland won Wyoming Playing Cards

Suggest a Song Winner (This Is My Country by Mormon Tabernacle Choir)—Deanna Larson won a package of Mary Englebreit Sticky Notes

Winners: If you haven't already done so, please send me your snail mail address and I'll get your prize right out to you.

Road Trip Quiz Answers and Winners!

2008-06-23T06:00:00.003-06:00

Here are the answers to the Summer Road Trip Extravaganza Quiz.

Why did Karlene and Megan take this road trip?
To pick up a Jeep that Karlene's father sold to her for the price of one homemade butterscotch pie. (But the pie didn't turn out so well, so I have to make another one, or three, when I go to KY in August.)

Who is Megan?
Karlene's youngest daughter who just graduated from high school.

What happened on the road trip that made Karlene so angry she wanted to swear?
A truck threw up a rock on the Wyoming freeway and chipped her windshield.

Which stop inspired Karlene with a new book idea?
Santa Claus, Indiana.

If you want to make Karlene smile, gift her with a __ __ __. (Spell the word)
P–I–G.

Karlene has moderate skills with which imaging sofware?
Photoshop.

Karlene's favorite "super hero" is ________. (one word) (Hint: She doesn't wear a cape.)
Buffy (as in, the Vampire Slayer).

Which item did Karlene want to purchase for her front yard, but couldn't because it wasn't for sale?
A pink flamingo.

Through how many states did Karlene and Megan travel?
Nine—Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming and Utah.

What was Karlene's favorite state?
South Dakota. (Judged solely on the state itself, not on the people who live there. Otherwise, it would be #1 Utah, #2 Kentucky.)

What was Karlene's least favorite state?
~~Boring, U.S.A.~~ Wyoming.

Which of Karlene's companies has provided prizes for this road trip?
Urban Botanic. (Website. Blog.)

List one of the several cool prizes the winner of the Sponsor's Grand Prize will receive.
Any of the following: Commemorative Charm Bracelet, UB Summer Road Trip bath & body products, The Golden Compass (book), Road Trip Mix on CD.

Is Karlene an Early Bird or a Night Owl?
Early Bird.

What would have made this absolutely fantabulous and totally cool road trip even better?
Having all my family and friends with me.

Unfortunately, no one got a perfect score. Everyone missed #15. However, I gave the winner 1/2 point for her answer because she said one of the things what would make it better was if she came along—which is close.

The winners are:

Perfect Score Winner: Annette Lyon! (with 14 1/2 points)
(Visit Annette's blog)

Five or More Correct Winner: Jennifer Leffler!
(Visit Jennifer's blog)

Winner chosen at random.

Name My Jeep Contest Winner!

2008-06-21T06:30:00.005-06:00

This is the contest you've all been holding your breath over, right? (Contest details here.)

It was the hardest one for me to pick because there's no way a randomizer is going to name my new car. Uh-uh.

First, let me say that I was thrilled with all the suggestions. There were 33 comments on this post with a total of 61 names. That is just amazing. Thank you all so much!

So, without further ado, let me introduce. . .

Cordelia
(or you may call her Cordie, for short)

As I read the different suggestions, there were some I ruled out right away, and others I thought weren't bad, but nothing clicked. (I had been leaning toward Buffy, but I really didn't want to go with that one because it's just so blatantly fan–atical.) When I read the name "Cordelia," my heart did a flip-flop and I knew that was her name.

Winner: Melanie Goldmund
(Melanie does not have a blog, but her Summer Book Trek reading list and reviews are posted here. Melanie, why don't you get a blog already?)

Melanie won an Urban Botanic Party Pack in our Road Trip Extravaganza fragrance, which I will deliver in person when I meet her the end of July.

(Local bloggers and authors who would like to meet Melanie, let me know and I'll give you details on date & time.)

Music Museum Contest Winner!

2008-06-21T06:10:00.001-06:00

For the contest, commemorating our visit to the National Music Museum, you needed to help spread the word about Stephanie Fowers' totally cool video, Big Girls (You are Beautiful).
(Contest details here.)

I think the video is so cool that I want you to watch it one more time before I announce the winner of the contest. Go ahead. Click on it.

No fair skipping ahead to see the winner. Now, go back and watch that video!

Please.

Music Museum Prize Winner:
Natasha Ireland
(Visit Natasha's blog)

Natasha won a copy of Rules of Engagement by Stephanie Fowers. (Yes, the same Stephanie who did the video. Talented, isn't she?) I just read this book and it's hilarious!

Winner was chosen using an online randomizer.

Prize will be shipped on Monday.

Favorite State Contest Winner!

2008-06-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Favorite State Contest Winner: Wendy!
(Contest details here.)

(Visit Wendy's blog)

Wendy won an as yet undetermined prize.

Winner was chosen using an online randomizer.

Prize will be shipped soon.