Blog Tour: Becoming the Chateran {Mini-Excerpt + Illustration}

From Chapter Twenty-Seven:

Rhea wanted to take off her gown, heavy with filigree and fur, and go to bed. A headache was threatening at her temples, and her eyes were sore and hot after her tears. After another pause, Ohnferead sighed, relaxed his arms from over his chest, and gave himself a little shake. Then he turned to Rhea. For a moment, the two stood gazing at each other. Then he stepped up to her and took her hands in his once more. He started to say something, stopped, then tried again.

“I hope the people shall pardon you. Empyrean be with you, Rheúlea.” He bent quickly and kissed her forehead, then turned and marched out of the room.

Don't forget to check out yesterday's post for an interview with Stacia, author and illustrator of Becoming the Chateran, plus a look at the cover!

Blog Tour: Becoming the Chateran {Interview + Giveaway!}

I'm sure that none of you, my lovely readers, could forget my friend Stacia. At least, not after last weekend. Yes, I am referring to Stacia Joy Aisling, the girl who conjured up a tattooed boy on a motorcycle and ruined my life. Well, for whatever harebrained reason, I invited her back. But not the adorable jerk! No, he was not invited. Not today. Anyway, I'll let her take over now... *cries softly in the corner*

Stacia Joy has always loved to tell stories and invent fictional lands and characters. But she never considered becoming a writer herself until age thirteen, when, inspired by a pretend play she invented with a friend, she wrote the first draft of Becoming the Chateran. The story has since expanded into what will become The Chateran Series. Stacia Joy also writes in several other genres, including steampunk and paranormal/science fiction, and occasionally writes poems about buffalo.

Wanting to show others what her imagined universe looks like, Stacia Joy taught herself to draw by studying the work of illustrators like Alphonse Mucha, Arthur Rackham, Kate Seredy, and Jan Brett. She also received training in illustration and graphic design at Madison Area Technical College, and plans to become a full-fledged freelance illustrator.

When not immersed in writing or art, Stacia Joy spends her time playing the piano and folk harp, composing music, Irish dancing, singing at the top of her lungs, and learning new things. She also enjoys helping with children's ministry at her church, and currently resides in the Madison, Wisconsin area with a kitten named Lord Peter Whimsey. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Wattpad, DeviantArt, and her own blog.


Becoming the Chateran is a fantasy novel, the first book of The Chateran Series, and a good fit for teen through young adult readers. I am a Christian, and Life Sentence/Aniko Press is a Christian-run and owned publishing house/imprint, but both my publisher and I do not consider Becoming the Chateran Christian fiction. There are over 40 visuals/illustrations I created for Becoming the Chateran, including all borders, maps, etc, and I was also the one who designed the cover!

When Princess Rhea’s actions inadvertently condemn two innocent knights to death, she wakes to the hard reality that not even nobility is above the law. All her attempts to remedy the situation only complicate it, until she finds herself a fugitive in her own kingdom, having dragged her best friend into the trouble as well. Their only hope for pardon? To accompany Sir Paladin and Sir Zephen in serving their sentence:
Slay, or be slain by, the Dragons of Sama-Ael-Fen.

Travelling incognito, they meet with more malicious Phoenixes than could be coincidental, discover the mysterious disappearance of numerous citizens, and come face to face with a reawakened evil power. With the kingdom of Gemworthy oblivious to the connection of these dangers, it’s up to Rhea and her outlaw companions to stop the rising threat and redeem their names – if they can survive their quest.

When will Becoming the Chateran be available for purchase, and where can I get it?
Becoming the Chateran will be available this December as an ebook and a paperback, and you can buy it via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the website of my publisher, Life Sentence/Aniko Press. In fact, you can preorder your own paperback copy now from the latter location - preordering it will up your chances of getting it in time for Christmas!

Where did you find inspiration to write Becoming the Chateran?
Years ago while studying medieval history in school, a friend of mine and I pretended we were knightesses (prince/princess, knight/knightess, right?). I was Rhea, and my friend was Hiylienea. We had so much fun with our fantastical adventures that I decided to write everything down so we could remember it all, and so doing created the first draft of Becoming the Chateran. The story has expanded and matured a lot since then, but all the major elements and characters of the original make-believe are still there.

Any hints as to what awaits in the rest of The Chateran Series?
Most of the characters from Becoming the Chateran will reappear throughout the rest of the series, as well as many new ones. I'm personally really excited for this second book of the series to come out, as it will tie up a several loose ends/foreshadowed events from Becoming the Chateran… as well as introducing new conundrums to tease you with. This second book features a shy minstrel girl, an awkward archer, a talking White Stag, revengeful Sídhe, enchained jewelry, and a civil war.

The Chateran Series is medieval fantasy. Have you been doing much research for writing it?
For the past seven years and counting I have lived half in this world, and half in that of this series. I've been walking around with a notebook all but attached to me, stuffed with notes about food, geography, clothing, character sketches, scene descriptions, and snatches of poetry and ballads. Tailoring myself costumes based off those my characters wear was one of the most amusing and insightful things I did, as I'd dress up in full rig to act scenes out in my back yard or parks before I wrote them, to make the action and descriptions as accurate as possible. I also tried my hand at archery and horseback riding, proudly became the owner of several encyclopedias on world costume and armor, and studied heraldry and the cultures of multiple medieval cultures. My father is a research scientist. I think it rubbed off on me.

Do you have any tips for fellow writers on staying focused on a story?
To me, staying driven to write a book depends on finding the happy medium between planning out what will happen and what the characters are like so you start out with good solid ground under you, and leaving enough out so that even you, the writer, is chaffing at the bit to find out what happens next.
Also, I feel too many writers start out by trying to write what they don't know about, and their lack of knowledge and interest is crippling. But do more than simply write what you know. Write what you are passionate about – readers are smart people, and they'll notice the conviction ringing through your story, and it will touch them as only fervent honesty can. And as a side perk, you're more likely to actually WANT to write, as it will be something you feel/believe strongly about. This automatically makes the whole process a lot easier.

Do you base events or people in your books off of your life, or your friends' and family's lives? 
If you ever meet me in person, I'll probably warn you that you have the right to remain silent, as anything you say and do will be used in a book. Not only do many people I meet end up inspiring characters, but much of my personal life strongly affects my writing. For several years during middle and high school, writing was my coping mechanism, and still, when confused, angry, elated, or heartbroken, I have to use words on paper to aptly express myself. And in doing so, I've found I can connect with and encourage others on a much deeper level. This is actually one of my biggest motivators - by telling the truth about my life experiences through the lives of my characters, in some small way I can help my readers understand, cope with, and enjoy similar events/emotions of their own.

Who is your favorite character in this book?
That's not fair. I must say I really, really enjoyed writing the scenes that include the portly tradesman Borboe, prankster Julen Priolee, or Quavarelle the Deer-Satyr, though.

What was your favorite book or author as a teen? What’s your favorite now?
I was practically raised on C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia and a veritable army of picture books, and my list of favorite authors is broad, but currently I’m really enjoying the work of Garth Stein, Rick Riordan, and Shannon Hale.

Can you tell us anything about the publishing process? Was there anything in particular that surprised you or that was easier (or harder) than you expected?
Aniko Press was the first publisher I sent the manuscript of Becoming the Chateran to, and I expected to get little more than constructive feedback on it in reply, so the fact that they accepted it for publication was a pleasant shock in and of itself! What I found hardest about the publishing process, however, was the deadlines. Trying to complete 40+ illustrations and visuals, as well as a designing a cover and okaying manuscript edits on time while attending college was quite a challenge. Coffee was my life support for a few months there.

Come back tomorrow for a sneak peek into chapter 27, and one of the 40+ illustrations by Stacia Joy herself!

Finally... the giveaway!

Stop by https://www.facebook.com/SJAislingAuthor to enter!

Don't forget to stop by http://sjaisling.com/ to check out the other stops on today's tour!

My Imaginary Boyfriend, Episode Ten: Heartbreaker

Previous episode: http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com/2013/10/my-imaginary-boyfriend-episode-nine-and.html


 Four days pass before I hear back from Rykel.

The first day, I pretend not to think about it. After all, Rykel's not exactly the most dependable or predictable sort of person.

The second day, I send him a friendly little text, asking if he wants to make plans for some time this week. There's no reply.

I'm a bit quiet and snippy the next day, and I know it. Stacia gives me my space. I spend most of my classes doodling in the margins of my notebook.

It's five o'clock in the evening the next day when my phone vibrates in my pocket. I slip out the door of the school library and slide the phone open.

Thirty minutes.


It takes me exactly twenty-one minutes to brush and braid my hair, put on some nice earrings, and touch up my makeup. It takes me four more minutes to walk to the coffee shop. Rykel takes eleven minutes to arrive. He doesn't get up from the motorcycle when he parks, so I stand and walk towards him, feeling ten feet tall in my brown fall high-heeled boots and trendy green button-up. I grin.

"What's the plan?"

No grin. No teasing. Just Rykel's scratchy voice, lower than usual. "Hop on."

My smile falls, but I slide onto the leather seat beside him. Arms around his waist, we drive through town without speaking. He pulls into a parking space by the town park and climbs off the seat, then offers his hand to me. "Up for a walk?"

I shrug and take his hand. What's wrong?

We walk silently, hand in hand, along the path between the bare trees. The dead leaves of fall crunch under our feet, and the chill of approaching winter sends shivers through my body. I can feel the tension radiating off of Rykel, rolling through his arm down to our clasped hands. When we reach a black metal bench, I stop. Rykel stops but doesn't turn to me.

"Rykel, what's going on?"

He doesn't respond, instead releasing my hand and taking a seat on the bench. After a moment, I sit down next to him. I wait for him to speak - to just look at me, even.

He doesn't.

"Rykel, come on, talk to me!"

Finally, he turns his head and looks me in the eye. My breath catches in my throat. His voice is thick when he speaks. "We can't keep doing this, Emily."

My pulse skyrockets. This can't - he can't mean - "What do you mean?"

"This. Us." He looks down to the ground, the dark brown leaves contrasting with the rough white cement under our bench. "You and me, it just... doesn't work."

"We've made it work so far." My voice is heavy; my throat is tight. I refuse to cry. "What about that kiss? We have something - something special."

"But we haven't managed - it doesn't work!" He clenches his fists and shoots up from our seat. He turns to look at me with a frightening crackle in his eyes, a spark of something dangerous. "People at Polytech are starting to question where I keep disappearing to. Word is getting out. I'm supposed to be keeping away from public, Emily. Keeping my real name secret." He swallows hard and looks up at the sky. "At the roller rink..." His eyes return to mine, the spark fading away to reveal raw emotion. "You could have gotten hurt. Seriously hurt, Emily. And it would have been my fault."

There's a pause. I open my mouth to protest, but he puts his hand up. "It can't happen again. Even if we made this work, even if I managed at Polytech, we couldn't ever be close. This, whatever you say we have, it could never go anywhere."

I'm torn between numb shock and a cocktail of emotions I can't put names to. I don't even know what to think, much less say. Is he right?

"So this is it?" I can't bring myself to say the word goodbye.

He swallows several times. "It has to be." The words are a hoarse, scratchy whisper.

I nod and look down at my hands clasped in my lap. I close my eyes. I. Will. Not. Cry.

Rykel's hand on my own startles me. I look up and open my eyes. He's sitting beside me again.

"I'm just not safe, okay?" He pauses, removes his hand. I feel cold without his touch warming me. "The rules at Polytech, my Conductivity... we just can't make it work."

He stands and offers his hand. I take it, but force myself to let go as soon as I'm standing. What should I say? What is there to say? My stomach is twisted over.

"Do you want me to take you back to the coffee shop?"

I want to rewind. I want to go back to before this walk, before that kiss.

Before I fell in love.

"No. I..." I clear my throat. Tears can wait for the privacy of my dorm room. "I'll walk back."

"Okay." His voice is soft, his expression controlled. I can't meet his eyes, can't face the idea that this boy in front of me is so simply and quickly removing me from his life. There's a long pause before he speaks again; his voice is broken. "Look, I hate having to do this. But I... I need to get back to Polytech now."

I nod. My head drops and I wipe away a stray tear. I will not cry. I won't.

Rykel's hand brushes my chin. I pull away.

"Goodbye," I whisper.

"I don't do goodbyes, ginger," he whispers back.

Leaves crunch under each step as he walks away from me. A winter wind tugs at my hair. I wrap my arms around my waist and shiver.

Book Review: True Love Dates

True Love Dates by Debra Fileta
Your indispensable guide to finding the love of your life

Amazon Page
GoodReads Page
Author Website

Amazon Summary:

In True Love Dates, Debra Fileta encourages singles not to 'kiss dating goodbye' but instead to experience a season of dating as a way to find real love. Through reading powerful, real-life stories (including the author's personal journey) and gaining insights from Fileta's experience as a professional counselor, readers will discover that it is possible to find true love through dating. 

Christians are looking for answers to finding true love. They are disillusioned with the church that has provided little practical application in the area of love and relationships. They've been bombarded by Christian books that shun dating, idolize courting, fixate on spirituality, and in the end offer little real relationship help.

True Love Dates provides honest help for dating by guiding readers into vital relationship essentials for finding true love. Debra is a young, professional Christian counselor, and True Love Dates offer sound advice grounded in Christian spirituality. It delivers insight, direction, and counsel when it comes to entering the world of dating and learning to do it right the first time around. Drawing on the stories and struggles of hundreds of young men and women who have pursued finding true love, Fileta helps readers bypass unnecessary pain while focusing on the things that really matter in the world of dating.

My Thoughts:

I'm trying this new method of reviewing where I take notes as I read, so we'll see how that translates into a review. The intention is to make writing the reviews easier and a faster process for yours truly. Here we go!

I requested this book because, honestly, I was plain curious. With all the anti-dating sentiment in the Christian world of late, what's a pro-dating girl to do? Along comes a book proclaiming to be the Christian alternative to kissing dating goodbye. Too good to be true?


At first, I thought so. This book is divided into three parts - four, if you count the Q&A section, which I do since it's a big chunk and man that is a lot of information condensed into 25 questions! Anyway, the first third of the book... well, some of it rubbed me the wrong way or just didn't sit well. I can't exactly say why; maybe because the advice seemed, while not UN-Biblical, maybe a bit EXTRA-Biblical? Sometimes the author's position as a professional counselor made her comments or advice seem a bit biased. I guess I just felt like the first portion of the book should be considered with a grain of salt. I did agree with at least half of what she said, though, and it was very well-written.

The second part of the book was spectacular. I agreed with at least 90% of what she said - probably closer to 95%. Her counseling background really comes into play here, this time in a good way. Her information and opinions are more balanced and certainly beneficial. Many Christian phrases and cliches - such as "guard your heart" or "seasons of life" - are actually explained and given practical application. This section, I felt, was the most helpful of the book as far as showing you where you are in life, where you're going, and where you want to be/go; what you're doing right and what needs improvement in your life; and how, often, priorities need to be shuffled.

A bit of a random note I wrote myself was that a lot of Debra's advice was very different from what the section on single woman in my Family Living class taught. Basically, I came away from Family Living feeling like they'd just told you "God helps those who help themselves," without actually using that phrase. On the other hand, Debra's book starts out sounding a bit off, even selfish, but as you continue to read, you learn that the basic gist of the whole book is to seek God above all things. Find yourself and your purpose in God, and finding a spouse will come if that's part of His plan. Develop a relationship with God, and then work on a relationship with your future spouse. That sort of thing.

The final section before the Q&A made a great finale. It was shorter than I expected and didn't seem to add very much to the rest of the book, but it didn't come across as redundant or extraneous, either. Basically, it tied together all the main thoughts on God running throughout the rest of the book.

Overall, I did find a few things that bothered me about this book. First, verses are rarely KJV. Second, pronouns referring to deity are almost never capitalized. I am soooo not used to that. Third, she uses terms or information that she knows as a counselor, but there were instances where I found myself wishing she'd explain the concept better for us non-psychology-majors.

Finally, I gotta add that I really loved the question section in the back. While not all of the questions will apply to any one reader, it's still chock-full of great information and Biblical answers to many common - and several very hard or hard-to-find - questions that come up in the whole love, romance, and dating scene as a Christian. Four stars, and I really wish I'd read this book sooner.

Fundraiser... Um, Stuff

Forgive my brain's complete refusal to come up with a witty or even half-sensible title for this post. Also, this post is replacing my usual Tuesday post, what with the auction closing on Tuesday and all that. Anyway, read on!

Recently I've had the opportunity to be involved with two fundraisers that I happen to consider important and awesome. Naturally, I figured I should share these fundraisers with your noble and charity-supportive selves, my lovely readers.

First off! Carter Crabb. High school freshman and talented artist, this guy was in the hospital with a collapsed lung earlier this year. He met quite a few kids and teens there with bigger problems and smaller support teams that now weigh on his heart. Therefore, he decided to do something!

Okay, allow me to explain: our new student pastor has this thing about "Face Plant!" in the Bible - his term for devotions and personal Bible study, that sort of thing. He has us literally do face plants in our Bibles sometimes in youth group. Yeah, he's definitely unique!

This Christmas, Carter hopes to pass out Bibles to children in that hospital - as well as a local orphanage our church has helped in the past. Considering the origin and spirit of Christmas, not to mention the lack of gifts or joy many of these kids live with, this seems like a very fitting project! But Bibles cost money, and Carter needs more of that if this thing is going to happen.

Interested in donating or finding out more? I thought so! Check out his online fundraiser here: http://gogetfunding.com/project/god-given-gifts :)

Next! Noah Estes. I won't go over the many details of this little boy's crazy life. (Although you can find all that here.) Basically, he's sick, and their family has to have a great big bus to go anywhere because of all the medicine and equipment Noah needs with him at all times. Their current bus is literally falling to pieces, so a family friend set up an online auction and fundraiser to get them a new (and safer!) bus.

Where do I come in with this? Well, besides being writer-friends with Noah's sister (and adoring his brother's Tardis art... seriously, wow!), I have three listings in the auction! It took me a while to decide what to donate, but I think I found the perfect donation. Namely, three winners will receive original stories by me, using their ideas! For details, check out one of my listings:

Want to browse the auction? Awesome! https://www.facebook.com/wheelsfortheestesfamily

My Imaginary Boyfriend, Episode Nine: And Greet

Previous episode: http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com/2013/10/my-imaginary-boyfriend-episode-eight.html


Dizzy. So very dizzy.

And nauseated.

My entire body feels heavy. Everything aches and nothing will move. The room is hot, blazing hot. My mouth, dried out, tastes like metal and cotton. I gasp for breaths, but my chest barely moves.


The voices. They're so loud. My head pounds at each sound. I wish they would just stop talking.

"What did you do to her?" The girl screeches. Her words echo through my ears. Oh, it hurts.

"I didn't do anything! I didn't mean to, anyway." A male voice, one I recognize. I can't place it right now, but I don't want to. I just want to go back to sleep. Please, please just be quiet.

"Didn't do anything? This doesn't look like nothing!" This time it's a boy yelling. Why won't they just stop? I squeeze my eyes tightly and turn my head away from the irritating noise.

"Alec, lower your voice." The familiar voice again, this time a bit softer. "Guys, look. I think she's coming to."

A hand, smooth and cool, rests against my forehead for a moment. I groan and struggle against the gunk sealing my eyelids shut. Another hand, warm and calloused, slips into mine.

"Emily? Emily, can you hear me?"

"Don't rush her, Rykel." That annoying boy again. Why does he sound so mad?

"Emily, you don't know me, but don't worry." Now the girl's voice - quieter, softer. She sounds much nicer this way. Her voice is pretty. "Alec and I will take care of everything." She goes quiet. What is she talking about?

What is going on?

I finally manage to open my eyes, taking in a shock of curly red hair next to a familiar pair of concerned blue eyes before I slam my eyes closed again. "The light. It hurts."

"She can talk. That's good." The worried boy. He sounds relieved now. Why wouldn't I be able to talk?

The girl speaks again. "Alec, shush. Don't worry, Emily, you don't need to open your eyes. Just... just tell me, do you think you can move? I mean, what hurts?"

I groan again. "Everything."

The girl laughs, but it sounds forced. "Well don't overdo yourself, then. My name's Nissa. We'll take care of things, okay? You just rest there for a minute." I hear the squeak of shoes against bare floor as the girl walks away, then the low hum of voices too far from me to make anything out. The person holding my hand remains, though.

I pour all my energy into clearing my head. Focus, Emily. Try to remember. Rykel and I were on a date... the roller rink... the kiss. Oh yeah. Hm. "Rykel?"

"I'm right here." He squeezes my hand.

"What happened?"

He clears his throat and lowers his voice. "Well. Um. You blacked out."

I laugh. It makes my chest and stomach hurt, but really, nothing is throbbing or burning. I'm just aching all over, and so very tired. "Yeah. I figured that much out."

He laughs too, but the sound is strained. "I'm not really sure what happened. I mean..."

I open my eyes just a crack and force myself to wait for them to adjust, ignoring the burn of the lights. Eventually I manage to open them all the way and focus on Rykel kneeling beside me. "Help me sit up?"

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

I stretch my arms out in front of me, releasing his hand. "Yeah. I'm fine now. Just sore."

He slides over behind my head, still kneeling on the ground, and hooks his arms under mine. Slowly he drags me over to the side railing of the rink. I notice a red-haired girl and a very tall brunette guy standing towards the end of the rink... in pajamas? That must be Nissa and Alec.

Once I'm sitting with my back propped up against the railing, I pull my feet up to my side and start unlacing the roller skates. I nod my head in Nissa and Alec's direction. "Friends of yours?"

Rykel rubs the back of his neck and glances towards them. "Yeah." There's a pause before he continues. "Actually, they... we go to Polytech together."

It takes me a few minutes to understand what he's saying. They're Conductives too, with powers. "Oh." I set my roller skates next to me and tuck the laces inside before meeting his gaze. "So..."

He smiles a little and shrugs, but it's clear to me that this is not the grinning, cocky Rykel I know. Neither of us is really sure what to say.

I have plenty of questions. Might as well get them out. "How long was I out?"

He shrugs. "Maybe ten minutes? Fifteen? I'm not sure."

I nod. Longer than I thought, but then, there had to have been enough time for Rykel to contact Nissa and Alec and for them to get here. "Okay. Um... you said you don't know what really happened? You know, like... why I blacked out?"

He blushes. Rykel is blushing. Huh. "Well, I'm guessing something about electricity and, um, kissing had something to do with it."

I laugh. I can't help it. "Alright then. We'll leave it at that for now." I look back over to Nissa and Alec, who are watching us, and look like they don't want us to know that. "Are they... are they both like you?"

"Conductives? Yeah. But they have different release skills."

I raise my eyebrows but refrain from asking. I know there's a lot of rules about secrecy at Polytech. If Rykel wanted to tell me about his friends, he'd have told me.

"Can I meet them? Properly, I mean?"

Finally a real Rykel grin. "Sure. Why not? You think you can walk?"

I nod. With one arm over Rykel's neck and most of my weight on him, I manage to stand up. I brace myself for dizziness or nausea, but nothing comes. Nothing except the sensation that my entire body is so heavy and all I want to do is go to bed. I ease myself away from Rykel and roll my shoulders and neck. Rykel slips his hand into mine and we walk towards his friends.

Nissa smiles as we approach. Alec examines me from head to toe. "Are you feeling better? Sure you should be walking?"

I smile and nod. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine now. Thanks. For everything."

Alec smiles. "Okay, good. Good." There's an awkward pause in which all of us just stand and look at each other.

"So, I'm Emily." I hold my free hand out to Nissa.

She jumps out to take it. "Oh! Of course. Sorry. Nissa." Her hair bounces around her head with every movement.

I nod and turn to Alec, who stands off to the side, looking at Nissa. "You're Alec, yeah?"

He turns his gaze towards me. "Yep. That's me."

Another heavy silence follows. Finally, I speak. "Thanks, Nissa, Alec. I'm sure you guys were a great help tonight. But I'm really sore and tired, and it's probably like four in the morning by now, so if you don't mind..."

Nissa nods. "Oh, yeah, of course. It was nice to meet you, even under the circumstances." She pulls me into a warm hug before stepping back beside Alec. "We'll be leaving you two, then."

Alec and Nissa head for the front door of the building. I slide my hand into Rykel's and we follow them silently. He hits the lights and pulls the door shut behind us, picking the padlock up off the pavement and clicking it back into place.

It's a long ride back to the little coffee shop right off campus, with the roar of the motorcycle's engines the only sound. Once we arrive, I climb off the cycle and adjust my purse nervously. How should I say goodbye after a night like that?

Rykel nods to me. "See you later, sweetheart."

I nod back. "Later."

He grips the handlebars and prepares to set off. I jump towards him and kiss his cheek. He turns to me, a strange, startled expression on his face. I smile shyly. "Good night."

With another nod, he revs the engine and drives away.

Sacrifice and Acceptance

Haven't read Ruth yet? No problem! Read it online for free now!

Last month, I set up a new Bible reading plan for myself. I'd been struggling to stick with my devotions, mainly because I felt like I wasn't learning anything or growing. I jumped from study to study, book to book, in my search for a deeper connection with God. Finally, I gave up on books or pre-made reading plans. Instead, I made a list of all the books of the Old Testament I'd thought it would be interesting to read. Yeah, preachers talk about how the whole Bible connects and every word is important, and that's true. But that doesn't mean every word is interesting or makes sense without extensive study and references. I wanted to find a way to make reading the Bible as interesting to me as reading fiction was. So I picked out the books of the Bible that stand on their own, that tell individual stories, that don't involve chapters and chapters of genealogies or prophecies that are beyond my current knowledge of Bible study.

My plan was just to read a chapter a day, less if I was short on time, and then write out a summary and an analysis of what I'd read in my notebook. No dictionaries, no word studies, no cross references. Just me, and God's Word, and my brain. Could I really learn anything that way? With no human teacher to connect the dots of culture and word meanings and other places this story is mentioned in the Bible? I set out to answer that question.

source

The first book I read through was Ruth. I was surprised to find the story was only four chapters long. Four days, that's all it took me to read through a book I'd been thinking about studying for months now. Each day, I just wrote in the analysis whatever hit me. I didn't want to spend forever trying to draw deep, profound thoughts. I figured if God had something to teach me, He didn't need me overcomplicating and overthinking every word to teach it. Guess what? It worked.

Each day's analysis mostly focused on the love story, the happy ending, all the clues pointing to how I already knew the story ended. I mostly treated this little book of the Bible like some favorite paperback romance I was re-reading for joy of the story. The overall lesson I discovered connecting the four chapters was one I did not expect.

Ruth gave up all hope for herself, all dreams of family or acceptance or normalcy when she stayed by Naomi. She vowed to be faithful to Naomi and to serve her God - but in doing so, she vowed to give up all that was familiar and comfortable. She vowed to give up all hope of being accepted as a fellow woman by her neighbors, instead living in a land where everyone knew her as "that Moabite woman." She vowed to give up all hope of having a husband, instead resigning herself to being a childless widow at an age where she was a far cry from spinster status.

source

She gave up everything she ever knew and everything she ever wanted for a poor, lonely life with her equally destitute and lonely mother-in-law. But Naomi had her neighbors and friends. Naomi had grown up in this land they were moving to. Naomi had known this God all along, had seen Him work in their lives for better and for worse. Ruth had no experience and no knowledge of this land, this people, this God. Still she chose to sacrifice all her dreams for what she knew was right.

The end result? God blessed her not only with a husband, but with a husband that knew and loved the land and the God that Ruth had chosen. God blessed her not only with a family, but with a son that would be grandfather to David, ancestor of the Messiah himself. God blessed her not only with acceptance among this new people, but with a place of honor in their Holy Scriptures, His perfect Word.

I've mentioned before in my OneWord365 posts this year that God often has different dreams for me than I have for myself. Sometimes God's dreams are better and bigger than anything I'd imagined or dared to hope for - like they were for Ruth. After all, I've wanted from childhood to be a teacher or work in an orphanage or go to the mission field. Not until this past summer did I embrace the idea that God still has dreams that big for me, even when I'd given them up for the sake of "being realistic." It's a lot like what my editor Rachelle talked about in one of her recent blog posts.

source

Sometimes God's dreams aren't bigger or better than mine - at least, not from my perspective. They're just different. Not necessarily the kind of different I'd choose, either. Different like losing my cat when I thought he was starting to heal from an infection. I know I'm not the only one who's discovered God's different dreams, either. Sometimes different means a child with cancer. Sometimes different just doesn't make sense.

Whether God asks us to give up dreaming altogether, or to accept a dream that we really think should qualify as a nightmare, there is always a reason. Only when we take up His challenge to us and do the right thing will we realize the blessings laid out on the path God's mapped for us.

Blog Tour: Teen Read Week {Hybrid Chronicles Review}

What's Left of Me and Once We Were by Kat Zhang
{Books One and Two of the Hybrid Chronicles}

Amazon Page: What's Left of Me
Amazon Page: Once We Were
GoodReads Page: What's Left of Me
GoodReads Page: Once We Were
LibraryThing Page: What's Left of Me
LibraryThing: Once We Were
Author Website

Amazon Summary - What's Left of Me:

What's Left of Me, the first book of the Hybrid Chronicles, is set in an alternate reality where everyone is born with two souls. But one soul is naturally dominant, and in early childhood, the other soul fades away.

That didn't happen for Addie and Eva. Now fifteen, Eva clings to life inside the body she shares with Addie, although she can no longer speak or even move.

Addie does everything she can to hide the presence of her sister soul. Eva's very existence is illegal. If their secret is revealed, it could mean death for both of them.

Amazon Summary - Once We Were:

In this riveting sequel to What's Left of Me, Eva and Addie struggle to share their body as they clash over romance and join the fight for hybrid freedom. With a powerful voice, an intense sibling relationship, and a sweet romance against the odds, this second novel in the Hybrid Chronicles is perfect for fans of Ally Condie, Lauren Oliver, and Scott Westerfeld.

Addie and Eva escaped imprisonment at a horrific psychiatric hospital. Now they should be safe, living among an underground hybrid movement. But safety is starting to feel constricting. Faced with the possibility of being in hiding forever, the girls are eager to help bring about change—now. The answer seems to lie within a splinter group willing to go to extremes for hybrid freedom, but as Addie and Eva fall ever deeper into their plans, what they thought was the solution to their problems just might be the thing that destroys everything—including their bond to each other.

My Thoughts:

These books go so well together, and my opinions on each are so similar, I decided to just write one review for both.

I showed up at the Crossroads Writers' Conference with book money in my pocket. As soon as the sales tables opened up, I made a beeline for that oh-so-familiar cover - and discovered there was another one right beside it! But more about that in a minute.

This concept is so mind-blowing, you can't help but wonder how in the world Kat ever came up with it. The idea of two souls - two people - in every body brings up so many questions. What about love and romance? How does the body decide which soul stays and which goes? Do they really go insane like Addie and Eva are told? I mean, it doesn't seem that hard to believe.

Addie and Eva are very similar girls, but I think Kat still did well at keeping them two distinct characters. Their separate dreams and desires clash, while their sisterhood and their knitted souls hold them together even when they're not getting along. The explanations and coping mechanisms for hybrids are realistic and work well with the story, too.

The world is actually just an alternate reality - still with the same television, cars, schools, museums, etc. - rather than a full-blown new dystopian realm. However, the taste of dystopia is certainly not lacking. The oppressive government, swirling character emotions, and absolutely horrid secrets that come to light all aid this book in holding its weight next to classics like The Giver or bestsellers like The Hunger Games.

I'd really, really love to rave about these books more, but I'm afraid I'll have to hold back for fear of spoilers. Basically, five stars and go buy them now!

My Imaginary Boyfriend, Episode Eight: Electric

It's here! It's here! It's finally here! Better late than never, eh?

Previous episode: http://emilyrachellewrites.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-imaginary-boyfriend-episode-seven.html




"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Sure it is. Nobody comes out here this time of night." Rykel pulls my bobby pin out of the lock and hands it to me with a grin, shadowy in the lack of moonlight or streetlamps. I slide it back into the back of my French braid.

I fiddle with the thin strap of my purse hanging over the shoulder of my faded black Hunger Games t-shirt. "But is it safe? I mean, there's no security cameras or... or alarms, or anything?"


I can barely see the outline of his shoulders shrug under his black t-shirt as he slides the old padlock off the door handles. He turns to face me, still grinning, eyes hidden in the darkness. "Here? Nah. This rink is the only place still open out here and it closes at eight. Even the druggies and creepers don't bother with this side of town." He slips his rough, warm hand into mine as he mumbles, "That might have something to do with my previous visits, though."

I can't help but giggle. He opens the door to the roller rink and leads me inside. "What?" I strain to make out anything, but it's too dark. The smell of old shoes clashes with that of cleaning spray.

"Don't worry about it. Yes, we're perfectly safe here." Rykel releases my hand. After a second, blinding light floods the building.

I blink several times to adjust. To the left, a ghost town consists of a run down concession stand, DJ sound room, and kiddie play area. On the right stands a room lined with shelves of roller skates and blades. The scuffed tan and red rink reflects bits and pieces of the light. "Not too shabby in here."

"It's the only rink in town." Rykel climbs up into the window of the skate storage room and disappears between shelves. I drift over in that direction and wait outside the room for him. He continues talking, but I can't really understand what he's saying. Something about location and business and only rink in town. He returns to the window with one pair of skates, which he sets on the counter before turning to the shelves on right. "Babe, what size are you?"

A skitter runs down my spine. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to his pet names - or if I really want to. "Seven and a half, probably. It's been a while since I've been skating."

He emerges from the shelves and slides my skates across the counter to me. Grabbing his own pair, he slides back over the counter and hops down.

I've only managed to lace up one skate when he stands and grins at me, blond hair flopping over one side of his face. "Ready?"

I laugh. "Give me a minute." He waits while I finish lacing up the second skate, then stand shakily. "I think I'm ready now. I'm gonna have to go slow at first, though."

He shrugs. "Works for me. Can't promise to slow down for you."

I roll my eyes as he rolls out onto the rink and sets off. It takes several shaky steps for me to make it to the rink, where I grip tightly to the chipped railing. After a few pulls along the railing, I push away and cautiously set off.

"Eh, you're not that bad."

I glance over my shoulder to see Rykel fly past me, grinning away. I laugh. "Hey, careful! You're the only one here to get me home if any injuries occur."

He just laughs back at me. "C'mon, I know you can go faster than that!"

I shake my head, but I do start to push myself. It only takes a few minutes for me to adjust to wheeling around. Even if it has been a while since I last set foot in a roller rink, I've had plenty of practice. Soon Rykel and I are at a steady pace, staying somewhat in rhythm with each other. After a few quiet times around the rink, he heads off of the rink without warning. I can't stop without falling, but I try to slow down. "Hey, where you going?"

There's no answer. I shrug and keep skating. A few minutes pass before music blasts from the speakers around the rink, effectively scaring me onto my hands and knees. Rykel reappears just in time to see me pulling myself up at the railing.

"A little warning would've been appreciated." I have to raise my voice over the music, but I'm not really upset. I did notice the radio station flipped on is my favorite, not the channel preset on his cycle radio.

He smiles sheepishly and shrugs. "Sorry!" With a lot more ease than I'd imagined him capable of, he slips up to my side and holds out his hand. "Shall we?"

I grasp onto his hand. "Just don't blame me if we go crashing down. Keeping steady on my own two feet is hard enough."

He laughs and waits for me to set the pace. We speed through one, two, five, eight times around the rink like this. Hand in hand, my favorite singers filling the otherwise empty rink. After two songs, a man's voice echoes through the building, announcing the hokey-pokey.

I stare at Rykel for a second before we both burst out laughing. "Really? They have this pre-recorded?"

"Now that I didn't know."

We ignore the hokey-pokey music playing and stick to our pace. When it ends, I expect the radio station to switch back on. Instead, the announcer's voice again fills the room. "Alright now, the kids have had their turn. Let's go for something a little more laid back. It's couple's skate time!"

I roll my eyes when the song switches on. It's an old-ish song I've heard I don't know how many times. My parents both have it on homemade CD mixes my dad made back when they were dating.

Rykel groans and stops skating. I swing my arms out to keep from falling over at the sudden stop. "You've got to be kidding me."

I chuckle and shake my head. "It's not that bad. Just... overrated? I'm sure the radio will come back on as soon as it's over."

Only after I tug him along does Rykel resume skating. I mimic the low, slow voice of the singer while we skate, making both of us laugh. Then Rykel stops and rolls over to the center of the rink, where he starts doing spins and sharp turns. I watch him show off.

"Your cycle give you practice, did it?" I tease.

He grins and skids to a stop. "Oh, sure it did! Wheels are wheels."

I take the hand he reaches out to me. Instead of leading me back out to the sides like I expect, though, he pulls me in and starts doing something resembling a trick spin and dancing.

"What are you doing? Rykel, I'm gonna fall. Rykel, Rykel, stop!" I'm somewhere between screeching and giggling. "C'mon, seriously!"

My right foot slides out from under me and I fall back onto the floor, my sides aching with laughter. He trips over my leg and falls onto his hands and knees, also gasping.

"Rykel!" I let my torso lay back and fight to stop laughing. "You're... you're nuts."

He crawls over to me and puts one hand on each side of my head, grinning down at me. "I know."

My laughter fades and I smile up at him, feeling silly here on the floor. I start to ask for him to help me up, but the words dissolve on my tongue.

Because Rykel is no longer grinning down at me. His electric blue eyes take on a look I've only seen once before, dancing in that parking lot outside the movie theater. Neither of us grins, or laughs, or speaks. Instead, in less than a second, his eyes close and his face rushes towards mine. Before I can close my eyes or even register what's happening, his lips press against mine.

I don't know why. Maybe it's because of the shock of the moment. Maybe it's the adrenaline from the skating, the laughter. Maybe it's because it's at least three in the morning and I'm on the opposite side of town in a roller rink a celebrity helped me break into. Maybe it's the conductivity, the same phenomenon that occured the day I met Rykel in the gas station.

I don't know. All I know is that the jolt that shoots through my body at that kiss is unlike anything I've ever felt before... then I black out.

 

Blog Tour: Purple Moon {Giveaway + Guest Post: Teen Substance Abuse}

Good morning, my lovely readers! Today we have the lovely Tessa Emily Hall here on tour with her debut novel, Purple Moon. Take it away, Tessa!

About the Book

Selena's life isn't turning out to be the fairy tale she imagined as a kid. That hope seemed to vanish long ago when her dad kicked her and her mom out of the house. This summer might finally hold the chance of a new beginning for Selena ... but having to live with her snobby cousin in Lake Lure, NC while waiting for her mom to get out of rehab wasn't how Selena was planning on spending her summer. She soon begins to wonder why she committed to give up her "bad habits" for this.

Things don't seem too bad, though. Especially when Selena gains the attention of the cute neighbor next door. But when her best friend back home in Brooklyn desperately needs her, a secret that's been hidden from Selena for years is revealed, and when she becomes a target for one of her cousin's nasty pranks, she finds herself having to face the scars from her past and the memories that come along with them. Will she follow her mom's example in running away, or trust that God still has a fairy tale life written just for her?

Find “Purple Moon” on Amazon

Find “Purple Moon” on Goodreads

Find “Purple Moon” at Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas
Like “Purple Moon” on Facebook

Filling the Void: Teen Substance Abuse

In Purple Moon, the protagonist—Selena—has a habit of both smoking cigarettes, as well as drinking with her friends. And she’s only sixteen years old.


Some Christians might wonder why I didn’t write about a character who could possibly be a role model for young readers. However, that’s actually why I chose not to. I didn’t want my teen readers to read about a character who is such a good Christian, and make them feel as if they can’t measure up. I wanted to create someone who could possibly relate to them, someone who might struggle with the same things that they do.

And unfortunately, many teenagers do not have a relationship with God. In fact, several of them have a habit of smoking cigarettes and drinking with their friends, much like Selena.

One thing I’ve realized is that one small, supposedly “innocent” decision leads to several more bigger ones. One simple “yes” opens the door to an endless amount of similar choices, and the more you give in, the easier it becomes.

But why is it that someone might say “yes” in the first place, despite the fact that they know how harmful it may be?

There are several reasons why a teen might give into this kind of temptation.

When Selena was eight-years-old, she and her mom were kicked out of the house by her dad. Now Selena and her mom live in Brooklyn, NY, where Selena is forced to be the caregiver for her alcoholic mother.

Life did not turn out the way that Selena had hoped. And for that reason, she fell into depression, which is probably one of the leading causes for teen substance abuse. Another might be family issues, including having a parent who struggles with substance abuse as well. As you can see, this is also the case for Selena.

Another cause for teen substance abuse is peer pressure.

In Purple Moon, Selena says that if it wasn’t for her ex-boyfriend, she would’ve never given into smoking cigarettes.

Another factor for substance abuse is anxiety and stress.

For Selena, smoking was a way to cope with her anxiety. She suffered from anxiety attacks, which I’m sure many teens can relate with. Since nicotine helps relieve stress, it makes it that much more addicting. However, there are many other ways teens can learn to handle their stress. In Purple Moon, Selena’s therapist told Selena that she should replace smoking with sketching.

Teens don’t realize that what they’re ultimately searching for is Christ. The hole is one that only He has the power to fill.

It’s the hole that might’ve been created due to a broken family.

Or the hunger a teen might feel to be loved.

Or the yearning they have to be accepted.

Or the anxiety they experience in the midst of attack.

That is why teen substance abuse is so widespread. Teens are searching for an answer. They keep coming back to their addictions, why? Because it’s just not satisfying. Or maybe it does temporarily, but not completely. These teens are in an endless search for something to satisfy, and it is our job to tell them that what they’re searching for can only be found in Christ.

If you are struggling with substance abuse, can I tell you something? There is an answer. Not only can Jesus fill the void and calm your anxiety, but He has the power to break the chains of your addictions. You can only find the freedom you are searching for in Christ. He always offers the chance to start brand new.

If you’re struggling with substance abuse, please find someone to talk to—preferably a parent, preacher, or Christian counselor. You can also email me at tessaehall (at) gmail (dot) com if you need someone to talk to.

Your addictions—as well as the causes of your addictions—don’t have to hold you back from experiencing life any longer.

~ ~ ~

How can adults help teenagers who might be suffering with substance abuse addiction? What are some other alternatives to substance abuse? Why do you think it has become so widespread amongst teens?

Fact or Fiction?

Guess this fact or fiction, and be sure to stop by the next blog tour stop to see if you guessed correctly! (You’ll also receive one extra entry for the Purple Moon Prize Pack if you send Tessa your guess.)

About the Author

Tessa Emily Hall is a 19-year-old author of Purple Moon, her YA Christian fiction novel to be published September 2013 by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also the editor over the faith department for Temperance Magazine, a column writer for Whole Magazine, a contributing writer for More To Be, as well as the PR for God of Moses Entertainment. Other than writing, Tessa enjoys acting, music, Starbucks, and her Teacup Shih Tzu—who is named Brewer after a character in her book, as well as her love for coffee.

Website:  www.tessaemilyhall.com

Blog: www.christiswrite.blogspot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tessaemily

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tessa.h16

Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't miss the other stops on the tour:

Drop by the blog tour’s next stop to increase your chances of winning the Purple Moon Prize Pack!

Wednesday, September 18: Purple Moon Blog Tour Launch: The Story Behind the Story: Christ is Write

Thursday, September 19: 5 Facts about Purple Moon: Kim Vandel

Friday, September 20: Character Sketches + Character Cast Contest: Who YA Reading?

Monday, September 23: Behind the Scenes: Why I Chose Lake Lure: Words to Dreams

Tuesday, September 24: Release Day! Selena’s Diary Entry + Creative Photo Contest: Writing for Young Adults

Wednesday, September 25: Austin’s Diary Entry: Amy’s Book Blog

Thursday, September 26: Q & A: Notebook Sisters

 Friday, September 27: Purple Moon Playlist: Ashley Carr  

Monday, September 30: Purple Moon Excerpt: Wooden Swings: Heather Brice   

Tuesday, October 1: Dealing With Anxiety—The Spiritual IV: The Destiny of One  

Wednesday, October 2: Q & A: Saved by Grace

Thursday, October 3: Behind the Scenes: Name Meanings: Labor Not In Vain

Friday, October 4: Is It Okay To Be An Introvert?: Alex Inks It  

Monday, October 7: Story Behind the Cover Art: Candy Apple Books

Tuesday, October 8: Purple Moon Excerpt: Cherishing the Sunrise: Author Casey Bond

Wednesday, October 9: Q & A: Writing While the Rice Boils

Thursday, October 10: Behind the Scenes: Christian Human Videos: Writing in Wonderland  

Friday, October 11: Teenage Substance Abuse: Emily Rachelle Writes   < You are here!

Monday, October 14: Behind the Scenes: Lake Lure Academy of the Arts: Worthy 2 Read

Tuesday, October 15: My Middle & High School Experience: Hello Highlights  

Wednesday, October 16: Purple Moon Excerpt: Meatless Turkey Sandwich: Diane Estrella  

Thursday, October 17: Body Image Laurel’s Leaves

Friday, October 18: Behind the Scenes: Brewer’s Coffee: A Splash of Ink

Monday, October 21: Purple Moon Excerpt: Farkle at the Park: A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm

Tuesday, October 22: Teenage Dating: Tell The World

Wednesday, October 23: Q & A: The YA Book Stack

 Thursday, October 24: How Much of My Personal Life Did I Put Into “Purple Moon”?: Read For Your Future

Friday, October 25: Fairy Tales & Happy Endings + Contest Winners!: Inspiring Daring

Crossroads Conference: My Favorite Speakers (Or: Totally Awesome Lunch Table I'm Still Sure I Imagined)

As I mentioned before, I won a ticket to the Crossroads Writing Conference! (Pause here for that crazy statement to sink in.) Therefore, I spent last weekend having a lot of fun and a lot more secret inner going-crazy that I was meeting a bunch of famous book-deal-and-agent-having writers all in two days. (Also, I spent last weekend not sharing the next episode of my adventures with Rykel. Again, sorry! Working on that... anyway.)

It was my first conference, located about thirty minutes from where I live, and totally awesome. I ate lunch on Saturday using this little $10 voucher thing that came with my ticket, at a little Mexican place that makes ah-maz-ing cheesy beef nachos.

Oh, did I forget to mention - I ate lunch with the best speakers? All of them?!

There's Lauren Morril, the newest star on the young adult book scene... and also the woman who ran the entire conference this year.

Her reading at the Author's Avenue was perfect with the vocal inflections. I might actually like hearing her narrate an audiobook, and I'm a pretty picky listener. She was super nice to little, young me. Her clothing choices were so chic. (Plus she was wearing jeans the first time I saw her. Even though I didn't know who she was until after she changed into something nicer, that definitely helped me relax a bit. Person in charge of conference wearing the one thing internet said not to wear = Okay so maybe I won't screw everything up today.)

Next: Kat Zhang! *cue squeals*

Okay, so I was going to save this for last, but not happening. I met Kat Zhang! I discussed writing with Kat Zhang! I bought her books and had them signed and ate lunch with Kat Zhang!

Yeah, she was basically my entire focus for the conference when I first found out I was going. Maybe because she was the only speaker I'd even heard of before. Maybe because I've been following her personal blog since before her first draft was even completed. Maybe because she's just an awesome writing genius who would totally equate to John Green if John Green wrote dystopian.

Whatever. Kat Zhang, folks.

Then there was the one that surprised me. I had no idea who this guy was, and the conference website forget to post his bio. Humph. But I thought he seemed really cool during the YA discussion panel before lunch, and I knew he was really cool after eating lunch with him. (Yes, I actually ate lunch with everyone mentioned in this post, except Jackson and Carrie. We'll discuss that later. Back to AJ.)

His name is AJ Hartley. He writes about five different genres (I think?) including middle grade fantasy-adventure, and the first book he ever liked was The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Doesn't get much better than that.

His entire session on "Writing in Multiple Genres" in a nutshell: "I write in a bunch of genres. You do too? Great, how fun! Your agent will love you *sarcasm* And good luck marketing. Then again, there's always online shopping! Okay, now question and answer time." Obviously, there was more than that, but I boiled it down a bit.

Delilah Dawson was also at lunch. She was pretty and funny, but I didn't really click with her. Maybe because her books *ahem* put the steam into steampunk. Let's say I was not to be found at any of her sessions. Anyway, moving on.

Cat Scully, who I did not get a photo with (sad face), writes YA horror I would probably never read. However, she's a talented artist, and just a funny person who was nice to talk to. If I wasn't saving all my money for books, I would've bought her three collectible bookmarks with art from her friend's book. They looked totally killer.

Has anybody here seen New Girl? I admit, I haven't, but from Pinterest, it looks like my kind of show. The final member of this star-studded lunch table was David Iserson, who does have one young adult novel out, but is mostly stationed in the world of television writing. He wrote New Girl and is now slaving away on the scripts for next season's Mad Men. I may have never seen any of his stuff, but I have most definitely heard of those shows. Very impressive man! (Also, really funny and down to earth, so there's that.)

Finally, there were two people who were not at lunch with us, but who still made my list of favorite speakers. First, we have Carrie Howland. She's a literary agent who basically embodies what I imagined the ladies at Books & Such to be. I mean, she's not a Christian, but it was still pretty cool. Anyway, she's a really nice person and not at all the snarky, intimidating woman I feared.

Very blurry image of Jackson and me. Sorry excuse for a phone camera + bad lighting = not the best of photos.

Last but not least is Jackson Pearce. She writes fairy tale retellings, and I was (almost) as excited to meet her as I was Kat Zhang after reading up on her around the 'net. I went to her session on young adult fiction... that turned out to be about query letters. I was bummed - for about a minute. I spent the next half an hour laughing my head off at all the crazy stuff Jackson would see in query letters when she read the slush pile at an agency.

Good times.