Expect the Unexpected

Because that makes sense. It's about as enlightening as What goes up must come down. Oh yeah, Sherlock, are you sure about that? How about Until you learn to master your rage, your rage will become your master. 

The problem is that the unexpected isn't something you can anticipate. Because, after all, it's unexpected. (Can you tell I spend most of my life with five-year-olds?) What you can do is keep the freak-outs to a minimum, keep your support group on call, and keep a stash of homey comforts on hand (chocolates, softy blankies, burly firemen, and the like).

Awesome things are coming my way. And yours. I don't know about you, but I can't wait! And I really can't wait to share them with you...but in the meantime, this is my game plan:

Stay involved in amazing projects: I have several back burner projects I can whip out at any time. Focusing on them, even just for an evening, gets my creative juices flowing. (And some of them have nothing to do with writing!)

Stick with amazing people: I will forever be grateful to my friends and family. When anything goes sideways, or hey, even when it's awesome, they're there for me. We celebrate. We commiserate. We go bowling. We watch chick flicks. It's all good.

Participate in something inspiring: If it's church and gospel study or inspirational memes on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram, I try to find something inspiring and uplifting every day. And share it with someone else. Nothing recharges the batteries like pondering something good and sharing it with someone else.

Get plenty of rest: Mental health and acuity are more tied to physical health than we realize. So, why am I still awake writing this? I have no idea. But the plan is to rest. (Sometimes my body has a plan of it's own...but there's always Tylenol PM.)

Read/watch something fabulous: We call this research, but as often as not, taking a stroll down a different path freshens our minds and gets the creativity percolating. And plus, we just really like 5 hours of Downton at a time. (Not even kidding. And not even sorry.)

Do something you love (even if it's only for 5 minutes): Getting stuck in a loop where worry and nerves affect your emotional well being isn't fun. Even if it's five minutes of breathing and out and resisting the urge to hide under the table and/or throw things, it can help you move on instead of having a massive freak out. (Dancing in the kitchen while making brownies is a personal favorite.)

What do you do to keep yourself from crossing over into the bad place? (Or getting out of the bad place instead of taking up residence there?) Leave me a comment! I'd love to hear what you have about your coping strategies. And stay tuned, news is forthcoming (the next couple of weeks will be fun).

Like to read more? Here's are a few more posts about my crazy life and how I cope with everything life throws at me. (Man, it's been a tough year!) Ready or Not, Author Envy, Panic City, Population 1.

Letters To My Future Husband

A few months ago I received an email. Lisa McKendrick's new book, Letters To My Future Husband, was going to print and she needed a few author endorsements. I remembered how worried I was when I went through the same process with Becoming Beauty and how relieved I was when some amazing authors came on board. (And let's be honest, I was a tad flattered.) However, I approached Letters with my heart in my throat. Because, what if I didn't like it? Could I really say, Hey, this isn't my style, maybe you should ask someone else, if I thought it was rubbish? 

I needn't have worried. 

Lisa is an established author with three other books under her belt. She knows how to blend romance and humor perfectly. I'm a singleton myself, but I never would have guessed how relatable I would find her spunky main character, Sophia Stark, from Letters. Sophie's journey through life and the Big Bad Dating World touched my heart and kept me laughing until the very end. My favorite element of the story is her preteen mentor on the journey, a sassy ten-year-old who will one day be Sophia's daughter. As you might expect, Sophie's interactions with her daughter grow her as a woman and enrich the experience of finding her future husband.

As a helpless romantic, Letters had me cheering, cringing, and occasionally berating Sophia for her bonehead choices, all of which only serve to make her a more lovable heroine. Letters is a story that heart and soul celebrates womanhood. It's one that both married and singletons alike will appreciate and that women of all ages can enjoy. 

About the author
Lisa has been actively writing for many years and continues to hone her craft as a writer by attending SCBWI conferences in Florida. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a master’s degree in English, and has published three books in the LDS market.To learn more, visit Lisa on her website Utterance or her blog Dog Ate Your Baby Book.

About Letters to My Future Husband
Sophie doesn’t know what kind of man she’s looking for, so her father suggests she write letters to her future husband—and come to know him in the process. But Sophie soon learns her letters aren’t the most reliable key to her heart. This hilarious coming-of-age novel is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud read you’ll want to share with all your friends.

Other books by Lisa McKendrick
On A Whim, A Life of My Own, and Clan Destine: The Ferguson Farm Mystery.

Letters To My Future Husband is available at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books&Things 

Looking for something else to read? Check out my recommendations! Geek Chic, Ann-with-an-E, Where Life Takes You, Persuaded, Pass the Pepper, Tragically Flawed...or Not, Hope Grows In A..., or Southern Belles: Words of Wisdom and Other Shenanigans.  Happy reading!

The Fandoms

When I plunged into the cyber world, I wasn't sure what to expect. What kind of freaks inhabited such a place? What kind of emotionally abused shut-in preferred a virtual life to an actual one?

I was unprepared for the rare collection of individuals I would encounter. 

Yes, there were the weirdo stalker types who read my profile and found me a little too interesting, those who only saw me as a big dollar sign (because kindergarten teachers are known for their vast reserves?), and of course there were the lonelies who just wanted to talk and/or vent about their crappy, crappy lives to anyone who would listen. By far, the largest group I've encountered were good people who are in the business of sharing, helping others, and making personal connections. These are the wonderful souls keep me going with kind words of encouragement and fabulous advice.

But, hold the phone! I forgot to mention the group that makes me feel the most at home: The Fandoms. 

Because only rubbing elbows with those who are equally obsessed with books, movies, starlets, fanfic, quirky TV shows, and fairytale madness could bring out the geek girl in me. And I love it! I think we can learn a little something special from each one.

The Sherlockians: Talk about dedication! They wait years for a measly THREE episodes. Granted it's three episodes of awesomeness featuring the best actors ever, but that's neither here nor there. (Cumberbaaaaaaaatch!!!!!!!)

The Whovians: Doo-wee-dooooo! Please don't ask them to explain the show. Terms like time vortex, TARDIS, timey-wimey, and regeneration will pop into the conversation willy nilly. They are certifiably nutty, but they are the coolest, most accepting, tightest group of crazies you'll ever meet.  Allonsy!

The Potterheads: Magic wands, invisibility capes, wizards & witches. Let's throw in some amazing storytelling and movie-making that empower young people. And now there's Pottermore to keep things alive. Just awesome. (Yep, I'm still waiting for my Hogwarts letter...)

The Psych-os: The fandom's name says it all. Those who appreciate the antics of a fake psychic detective and his pharmaceutical salesman sidekick are a little special themselves. That won't stop us from laughing. Or fist bumping. Who wouldn't feel that their life isn't worthwhile after a bout of the Psych-induced giggles?

News Flash: I know so much about them because I'm a member of all four fandoms. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! Fangirl and proud! 

And yes, I can rock Geek Chic!

I'd love to hear about your (possibly embarrasing) fandom affiliations and/or obsessions. Belonging to something passionate, interesting, and a little bit nutso is quite freeing. Leave me a comment and tell me all the geekiness.

Calling All Romantics

Valentine's Day. The holiday we singletons refer to as Single Awareness Day. And the one most marrieds consider just another Hallmark holiday. It's wonderful. It's fabulous. It's oh-so-much pink, red, plumpy hearts, and fat baby angels. If you're like me, it hasn't been fun since elementary school when you got a boatload of valentines and goodies from kids who barely liked you.

In an effort to make it AWESOME for everyone involved, the good folks at Cedar Fort and I are hosting another 99¢ sale on Becoming Beauty in ebook for Valentine's Day (February 7-14).

Why? Because Becoming Beauty is all about the romance:

“Bella,” he half-groaned against my lips, his nose still brushing mine, “how many times are you going to make me ask you to marry me before you give me a proper answer?” 

I chuckled, pulling away to take in the look of half-torture, half-pleasure painted across his features. “At least one more time. I couldn’t have you thinking I’m an easy sell.” 

He had the decency not to roll his eyes, instead allowing only a sigh of frustration to escape. He composed his face into seriousness again. “Bella, will you be my wife?” I closed the distance between us until only a breath separated us. I brushed his mouth with mine before I whispered, “Yes,” and once again pressed my lips to his.

For those with a special someone who loves romance, fairytales, or stories with heart and humor, it's the perfect gift. Becoming Beauty on is available on:

Amazon Kindle

Amazon UK Kindle

Barnes & Noble

iTunes ebook

books&things ebook

And for the bargain basement price of 99¢, it's the perfect price! (If it's for you, I won't tell!) Happy shopping!