New Stuff and a Reminder...

Rain is beating a subtle rhythm against my windows and pattering against the leaves I never seem to get around to raking.  The sun never brightened the sky today, huddled as it was behind a thick mass of clouds.  It was a gray day.  It was a lazy day.  I spent most of the day curled up on my couch, covered with a thick blanket and wiping at my nose with a handful of tissues.

I haven't managed to accomplish a thing I wanted to do today. My hamper is overflowing with dirty clothes.  Last night's dishes are stacked in the sink.  A pile of wadded, used kleenex peeks out from behind my feet because I'm too lazy to get off my rear and throw them away.  I haven't even managed to make the short jaunt to my local bookstore to pick up January's Debut Novel pick for this blog (it was released today). 

In my defense I think I have the flu.  I did slink off the couch just long enough to take my temperature and the thermometer glared a rude 102 at me.  My body aches and my nose has turned into a broken faucet.  Plus I have this horrible cough and my throat feels so raw if I didn't know better I'd think I must have swallowed broken glass.  I'm sick and I am not good at being sick.  I get mad when I'm sick.  I get mad that I can't find the energy to get up and do the stuff I need to do. 

So I'm cranky and I haven't accomplished a darn thing today.  What was the point of all this?

Oh yeah!  I wanted to tell you some things.  First, next month I will begin highlighting one independent bookstore each month!  I am really excited to support indie bookstores and our first store is a good one!

I also hope to begin my Teens Speak Series next month.  If you're a teen and you think you might want to guest write for me click here to find out more.

I would also like to remind all of you of the Debut MG/YA Writer Challenge/Book Club. I've had a reader request to extend book discussions to one month after the date of publication for each book.  Our first book is The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal.

It was released yesterday.  I haven't gotten my copy yet, but I will be picking it up ASAP!  I will post a book review and some discussion questions to get people talking one month after the publication date (so February 25th).  I hope some of you will be reading along with me!

The rain has slowed a bit, but my dog is howling.  I guess it's his way of reminding me to feed him.  He must be hungry and no matter how sick I am, he's gotta eat.  Happy reading!