Novel Illustration for Going Down In Flames

ChrisDragons, UtopYA, YA

At UtopYA 2015 I met an artist named Monique. She had the unique idea to draw a character from a novel while she discussed the book…sort of a visual book review. Here is the Novel Illustration she created for Going Down In Flames. It’s amazing. I’ve already signed up to have her do an illustration for Bridges Burned. And I’d love … Read More

Penned Con Report

ChrisReaders, Uncategorized, writers conference, YA

I attended Penned Con in St louis this past week. It was a conference for readers, writers, and bloggers with a special teen day thrown in at the beginning. This was the second time I’ve had a table at a conference. The first was at UtopYA in June. This time around I knew to bring bookstands and a brightly colored scarf … Read More

Dragons I Need in My Life

ChrisDragons, UtopYA, YA

Part of the reason I wrote the Going Down In Flames series is due to my love of dragons. Here are some dragons I need in my life. Okay, need may be an overstatement but I definitely want them. Most of these dragon items came from Design Toscano. A Dragon Mailbox. Dragon Bookends Dragon Wall Sconce Dragon Alarm Clock Dragon … Read More

An Author’s First Year: Excerpt Trial By Fire

Chrishome, Uncategorized, UtopYA, YA

My first book, Going Down In Flames came out a year ago this week. It has been an exciting, stressful, and amazing year. Exciting because my dragons are out in the world. They are real to other people now too. Sometimes as an author you feel like a closet schizophrenic because there is a world in your head that no … Read More

Things I learned at #UtopYA

ChrisUncategorized, UtopYA

What did I learn at UtopYA this year? Many things. In no uncertain order, here they are. 1. Make sure you shave both your legs before walking out the door to a book signing. In your distracted state, you may have forgotten one. 2. Put a room key in your nametag. That way if you accidentally grab your driver’s license rather … Read More

Come Say Hello At #UtopYA2015

ChrisUncategorized, UtopYA, writers conference, YA

Right now, mentally, I’m skipping through a field of flowers and singing, “I’m going to UtopYA. I’m going to UtopYA.” I’m so excited to see my Facebook and Twitter friends. Although it’s always tricky to recognize people from their online photos. I have different glasses now, and my hair is not quite the same color as it was in my author … Read More

Preparing for UtopYA.

ChrisFor Writers, Uncategorized, UtopYA

UtopYA 2015 is just around the corner. Here’s a peek at what happens inside my head when I’m preparing to attend a conference. Fair warning: my head is a strange place. First thought: Woo Hoo! UtopYA is here. I get to hang out with Quirky Writer/Reader/Blogger  Chicks who speak my language. But half the people I met last year aren’t … Read More

UtopYA2015 is Almost Here

ChrisFor Writers, Readers, Uncategorized, UtopYA, writers conference, YA

 What is UtopYA?  According to the the official webpage it is: An uplifting, collaborative and educational conference for those who love supernatural and contemporary young adult and new adult fiction! Panels filled with writers and experts in the publishing and entertainment industries will share with established and aspiring authors and screenwriters their tips to improve craft and advance careers, as well as FUN panels … Read More

Editing Like A Psycho

ChrisFor Writers, home

Since I came home from work Friday evening, I have engaged in an authorly pursuit my husband refers to as Editing Like A Psycho. Before you are offended on my behalf, allow me to explain. I will go over a manuscript for ten hours in a row, taking breaks to drink coffee and eat while I try to add what … Read More

Swag Mistakes Not to Make

ChrisFor Writers, home, Readers, UtopYA

You’d think I would have learned my lesson after last years Swag debacle where I ordered postcards and bags featuring my book’s release date for UtopYA. And yet, I did it again. I am not a total newbie anymore. I know that all release dates are guesstimates and that the market fluctuates which means publication dates fluctuate and yet I still … Read More

My Crazy Summer

ChrisFor Writers, home, Paranormal Young Adult, UtopYA

This was an exciting, crazy summer. I got on a plane by myself and flew to Nashville for the #UtopYA2014 conference. It was awesome and inspiring and exhausting. Then I took a plane to Las Vegas for the Entangled publishing conference. It was also awesome and inspiring and exhausting. I wish the two events hadn’t happened back to back because … Read More

I Can’t Believe #UtopYA2014 Is Over

ChrisFor Writers, Paranormal Young Adult, UtopYA

I can’t believe #UtopYA2014 is over. It was busy and crazy and exhausting and exhilarating. I met some great new people and reconnected with old friends. I was able to meet my online friends in the flesh. The funny part was most of the time, I had to read their name badges before I realized they were someone I’d been … Read More