Book Release Jitters: #AuthorLife

Chrishumor, Uncategorized, young adult

99% Faking It comes out tomorrow which means I am going through the #AuthorLife excitement/stress ritual. It goes something like this. Woo Hoo! My book comes out tomorrow. Which is quickly followed by the rush of self-doubt. What if it isn’t any good? This is followed by my husband reminding me that this is my tenth book. He claims I … Read More

Fanning The Flames is Finished

Chrisyoung adult

  Fanning The Flames is finished. Woo Hoo! Last night I sent Fanning the Flames to my editor and then I celebrated with ribs and a loaded baked potato from a local restaurant. A few weeks from now I’ll start compulsively checking my email for first round edits. When I see the email, I’ll pour myself a glass of wine … Read More

Make Me Laugh Wednesday-The Boyfriend Bet

Chrisyoung adult

I thought I’d share a scene from The Boyfriend Bet where Zoe and Grant have yet another detention for kissing on school grounds. I hope it makes you smile. “Remember the last time we had detention and Principal Stephens didn’t have time to call our parents?” Crap. I’d totally forgotten. “He’s definitely going to call our parents this time.” “The … Read More

I Can’t Believe It’s July Already

Chrisyoung adult

How did July arrive so quickly? I swear sometimes it’s like you blink and a month is gone. July is usually a month of Hades-type-temperatures in Southern Illinois. It’s oddly pleasant and cool, which feels totally wrong. This summer I plan to finish up the next book in my Going Down In Flames series (number 4 if anyone is counting). … Read More

Trial By Fire Release Day Dog gifs

ChrisDragons, YA, young adult

Trial By Fire comes out tomorrow, April 4th. What does an author feel like the day before a book releases? Allow me to explain in dog gifs. This is what I will look like most of today. Which means I’m super excited, nervous, and a little manic.  And I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight. I’ll probably look … Read More

Take The YA Fantasy Quiz

ChrisDragons, YA, young adult

 I thought this was a fun quiz, and it’s a bit of shameless self promotion so I’m sharing. Not sure what to read next? Take the YA Fantasy Quiz to learn what book(s) you should add to your TBR! (When in doubt your answer should involve dragons.)  

Yarn Bombing

Chrishumor, young adult

According to the Urban Dictionary, yarn bombing is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of yarn, rather than paint or chalk. Yarn bombers transform everyday objects in the hopes of entertaining or inspiring the public. As someone who crochets I find this concept entertaining. Half the scarves I crochet are crooked, but yarn bombers can crochet a … Read More

Trial By Fire : Release Date

ChrisDragons, Penned Con, UtopIA, young adult

I have a release date for Trial By Fire. And yes, release dates have been known to change, but as of today Trial By Fire is scheduled to come out April 4, 2016. The book title is up on Goodreads. If you want to add it to your Want-to-Read list just click this link: Trial By Fire  (Go on, click it. I’ll … Read More

The Ugly Christmas Sweater

ChrisMade Me Laugh, UtopIA, young adult

Do you participate in the Ugly Christmas Sweater trend? While I’ve never been to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party, I can appreciate the delightful extremism of some Christmas sweaters from years gone by. Here are some examples of the best of the worst. And yes, these are real sweaters that someone bought once upon a time in the 80’s and 90’s. … Read More

Adult Coloring Books

ChrisDragons, young adult

What do you think of the Adult Coloring Book craze? I have to admit I’ve looked longingly at the Harry Potter coloring book.                 There are the Adult Coloring Books that feature patterns like this one. : A Coloring Book for Adults Featuring Mandalas and Henna Inspired Flowers, Animals, and Paisley Patterns  which could … Read More

Make Me Laugh Wednesday-Crochet Edition

ChrisUncategorized, UtopIA, young adult

I am a crochet addict. Whenever I sit down to watch TV, I crochet.  I crochet during my lunch hour at work. I crochet while I’m waiting at the doctor’s office or for any other appointment. Crocheting is like valium in craft-form. Here’s a little Crocheting humor.

Netflix Binge Watching

ChrisThe Walking Dead, Uncategorized, young adult

There is something about watching half a dozen episodes of a television show in a row on Netflix that seems indulgent and oddly rebellious. There are always chores you should be doing like dusting, or vacuuming or grocery shopping. Sometimes spending a few hours totally sucked into a television series like Supernatural or Doctor Who feels like going on a vacation. If you … Read More