I Need Your Help! Book Recommendations Please!

Can you believe it? We've made it another year.

I know some people scoff at the idea of New Year Resolutions. But don't we all need a 'start-over' every once and a while? A time to reflect and promise ourselves things?

Even if the promises we make don't stick, its the trying that matters. Because nothing is worse than never starting in the first place. Even if only one or two of our resolutions that we ever make stick, that's better than the amount we would have achieved if we never tried, right?

So, I've made my own and I really need YOUR HELP with one of them.

1. Drink less soda. (I drink diet, but still. I could definitely be drinking more water)

2. Vaccum more often. (My dog lets my sister and I live with her. Since it's my dog I should be doing a better job of making sure our apartment isn't covered with her fur.)

3. Query the heck out of FRACTION OF STONE and find it a home.

4. Read 52 books this year. (300 pages constitutes a 'book'. This is to encourage all sizes of books :))

The last one is where I need your help.

What books have you read that you highly recommend? I read anything and everything so tell me your favs! What books are you looking forward to reading in the New Year? I'll add those to my list too!

I hope you all have a safe, happy and healthy New Year. Here's to a wonderful 2012!

The Winners of my first EVER blog contest!!!

1. Jenna Quentin 
2. Jenny S. Morris
3. Ladonna Watkins
4. Ilima
5. Lara Schiffbauer
6. Angela Cothran
7. Jay Noel

Congratulations! And thanks to all who entered but didn't win. There will be more contests I promise!

Jenna, there's an email in your inbox. You get first pick. I'll be contacting the rest of the winners in the order they were chosen.

Merry Christmas! A different Christmas...

As I don't post on the weekends...usually...

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas!

And...as some of you know who've been following my blog, my cousin has gone through a rough year, what with the brain cancer and all. A little refresher in this post. The brain surgery went FANTASTIC and though she didn't have movement in her whole left side after the surgery, she now has recovered ALL OF IT!

She met with the oncologist yesterday who told her that she will have to do radiation and chemo and that eventually the cancer will come back. It's only a matter of time. But she could have been taken in the car accident when she had her seizure behind the wheel. Or during the two surgeries. But she wasn't. She's still here. And the cancer could come back long after the rest of my family has developed health issues of their own. Who knows what sort of medical advances will be made by that time.

The reason for my little update is that due to everything that's happened to my cousin, Christmas will be different. No, not in the things we do. But in the feeling we have. We are SO LUCKY my cousin is alive this Christmas. And doing well, considering everything.

So when your sitting around the Christmas Tree after having a little squabble with the kids, or the in laws, or your sisters and brothers, just take a moment to be thankful that they are all there. And hopefully all healthy. Because who knows what next Christmas will bring.

I hope you all have the Happiest, Healthiest Christmas!!!

Check out some fantastic work! And have you sent me your 50 pages or query yet??

Oh my gosh it's Wednesday. Whoa! This week is a flyin'!

First things first...Have you entered my 100 Followers Book Contest?? If not all you have to do is go here and leave a comment at the bottom of the post. That's it!

Also, I have received a few pieces to critique already. I LOVE reading them you guys! And I think...as long as the writers aren't lying to me...they are appreciating my feedback. (I'm really fast. Already have two 50 page manuscripts and one query letter critiqued. When I get into something, there's no stopping me! :)) You have until Friday December 23rd to send me yours at kger215(@)gmail(dot)com. If you forget why I'm doing this you can visit this post.

Lastly, the amazing Krista V. over at Mother. Write. (Repeat.) is holding another An Agent's Inbox. My work is in there (#9 if you'd like to check it out) as well as 19 other wonderful writers. If you have the time stop on by and critique our query letters and first 250 words!

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season! Remember to stop, breathe and take in the wonder of this time of year. Don't let it go by without taking count of all your blessings. Then go back to running around like a chicken without a head! :)

100 Followers!! Just for you: My First Contest Ever AND Something for EVERY Writer!

I usually don't post on Sundays....

But look!

Look over there!

100 FOLLOWERS! When did that happen?

I am so completely appreciative of you all. The feedback, encouragement and support we give each other on this journey. Each one of your comments plasters a big 'ol smile on my face.

So it is time for me to give back to you! (About time, right? :))

And I'm going to do this in two ways:

First, if you are a follower of my blog (new or old) and you are a writer I will critique your query and/or the first 50 pages of your manuscript! So that means all of you! All 100 and more if I gain friends during this week! If you're like me, you never win anything so this way you don't have to!

Just send your query and/or the first 50 pages of your manuscript to kger215(at)gmail(dot)com. I will take a look and give my constructive criticism. If you like my style and think I'm helping your work after I've done the first 50 pages I'll finish critiquing your manuscript even if there's far more than 50 pages.

I've gotten good feedback on my critiquing skills from my CPs. Hopefully I have something to offer for your masterpiece.

Feel free to spread the word. This opportunity is open until December 23rd and is open to anyone who is a follower no matter if they've followed for the five months I've had this blog or if they follow on December 23rd.

Okay. Wow! Ready for the second way we'll celebrate?!?

A book contest!! (This is one you have to be lucky for. Good luck to those like me ;))

I have diverse reading interests so the books I am including in this contest run the gamut.


To Enter:

• Leave a comment in the bottom of this post. (You don't have to be a follower but make sure I can find your email address for when you win.)

THAT'S IT! Simple right?

I will pull the winners using Random.org and contact the winners in the order I pick them so they will have a chance to choose the book they'd like to receive.

So...what are the books?

Breathtakingly suspenseful and beautifully written, The Historian is the story of a young woman plunged into a labyrinth where the secrets of her family's past connect to an inconceivable evil: the dark fifteenth-century reign of Vlad the Impaler and a time-defying pact that may have kept his awful work alive through the ages. The search for the truth becomes an adventure of monumental proportions, taking us from monasteries and dusty libraries to the capitals of Eastern Europe -- in a feat of storytelling so rich, so hypnotic, so exciting that it has enthralled readers around the world.

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Ryan Mills is torn with guilt over the death of his best friend, and it's all because of Emily Wintraub. If Ryan hadn't seen those incredible gray-blue eyes, hadn't pegged her as a Potentially Amazing Woman, he would never have gone looking for her at the party that night. He would never have left his wasted friend Michael alone, when Michael needed him and asked him to stay. And if Ryan hadn't left, Michael would never have driven off, totaled his car, and taken the cosmic rocket ride into death.

As far as Ryan's concerned, when you’ve done something terrible, you don’t deserve to be happy. He tries not to fall for Emily, but he can't help it. Before long, he is "completely, gonzo, out-of-control in love." 

Ryan then learns that Michael died with a secret. Still grieving, he feels compelled to take on his friend's unfinished business. When Emily begins to question where his commitments really lie—with her or with Michael’s memory—Ryan is forced to examine his choices. What does he owe to Michael, to Emily, and to himself?

 Baghdad falls...and armed men are seen looting the city zoo. Amid a hail of bullets, a concealed underground lab is ransacked --and something horrific is set loose upon the world.

Seven years later, Louisiana state veterinarian Lorna Polk investigates an abandoned shipwrecked fishing trawler carrying exotic caged animals, part of a black market smuggling ring. But there is something disturbingly wrong with these beasts -- each an unsettling mutation of the natural order, all sharing one uncanny trait: incredibly heightened intelligence.

Joining forces with U.S. Border Patrol Agent Jack Menard -- a man who shares with her a dark and bloody past -- Lorna sets out to uncover the truth about this strange cargo and the terrorist threat it poses. Because a beast escaped the shipwreck and is running amok -- and what is about to be born upon the alter of Eden could threaten not only the future of the world but the very foundation of what it means to be human.

Two young women, Sally Rose of Los Angeles and Clare Mann of Ohio, are thrown together as freshman college roommates at Oberlin College. Sally, the daughter of a wealthy, doting father, is desperately homesick, while the story's narrator, Clare, who considers herself jaded and unshockable, is thrilled to be on her own. Both women overcome their mutual bafflement and form a tenacious, complicated bond, one that will be tested by distance, time, secrets, and the moral ambiguities of Sally's father, Sid.

In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, author Stephen R. Covey presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. With penetrating insights and pointed anecdotes, Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity -- principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.

Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world, and this tenth anniversary edition, with a new introduction from the author, will only increase that following. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasures found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

Thank you again for riding this journey with me! Send your query letters and manuscripts and leave a comment below for a chance to win a book! And if you'd like to spread the word that would be wonderful as well. Who knows what the 200 person 'thank yous' will be!?!?

Where in the World is Kelley? Philadelphia, PA

Happy Friday ya'll!

Independence Hall
It was under a bit of construction, and raining,
but it was still neat to walk around.

I was on a wee bit of a business trip this week. It went SUPER well, which of course is the most important. I'm rather new at my job and am always the youngest in the room by AT LEAST ten years. So naturally I have something to prove as I have the least experience in the business.

But I'm pretty sure I nailed this one :)

AND...the meeting was done early so we got to walk around the historic part of Philadelphia, PA. I've always wanted to do this. I love history. (If you love history I highly recommend a visit to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. Been there twice. It's awesome.)

The Liberty Bell was much smaller than I thought it would be.
But yes, the crack is still there :)

We didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked checking out Philly but I have a good feeling we'll be back often. I'm looking forward to seeing more.

You can see the infamous 'Rocky Stairs' from our customer's window in downtown Philadelphia. We didn't get to visit them but I grabbed a picture of this post card anyway. :)

And this I thought was just hilarious!! Right outside the Liberty Bell exhibit (which is free). My coworkers thought I was crazy when I ran back to grab a picture.

And, naturally, you can't visit Philadelphia and not get a Philly Cheesesteak. This was the first one I've ever had in Philly and it was awesome. I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to finish it.

But I did.

Oh yeah I did. :)






Have you ever been to Philadelphia, PA? Maybe you live there? I'd love to know the 'must dos' in that city. I'm really looking forward to going back and hopefully I'll again have extra time to see a few things.

Wrap it Up Blogfest

Wow! You guys get two posts from me in one day! It's got to be the best Monday ever!

Haha. Sure...

But in all seriousness, I am super excited to participate in the Wrap it Up Blogfest hosted by Leigh Covington, David Powers King and J.A. Bennett.

Here's the dealio:
Write a piece of flash fiction, poem, or song (300 words or less) for someone you know (real or imaginary). It may be in any genre, but it must have a holiday theme (real or fictional). Post it on your blog anytime between now and when the linky closes (Fri, Dec 16th). You will then give it to that someone, sometime before the new year.


I decided to create a poem. Gasp! I'm not so sure how good I am at this, but it doesn't hurt to try and work on your weak spots. So... here it goes:

Remember When 

A Poem to my Lil’ Sister from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program

Remember when I walked in your house?

You clung to your mom

Hid like a mouse?

Remember when I told you my name?

I gave you a smile

And you did the same?

You told me about school and showed me your room.

You showed me your artwork and the flowers you grew.

We talked about family and how you missed your dad.

The things that made you happy, those that made you sad.

We went to places you’d never been before.

Museums and restaurants, the zoo and more.

With each passing week our relationship grew.

Before long I couldn’t imagine life without you.

Remember when we visited the lights?

The reds and greens

That danced in the night?

Remember when we shopped the mall?

Your mouth hanging open

The decorations on the wall?

You told me about Christmas, what you’d done in the past.

Memories and traditions, the things that would last.

We talked about wishes and gifts under the tree.

You even said you wanted to get something for me.

We talked about how I didn’t need a gift from you.

Just spending time would definitely do.

Make me a card or tell me a story.

Practice the letters we’d been working on surely.

Remember when there was a time before you?

No giggles or laughter

Or knock-knock jokes to do?

I remember the time before you.

Before you learned 

All the things you could do.

So Lil’ Sister on this special day.

I just want to say ‘thank you’ in everyway.

For though the program is there for you.

I can’t help but feel blessed too.

Using Your Critique Partners

Happy Monday!

I read this post by commutinggirl and I thought...Let's talk Critique Partners.

My question is: What do you use your critique partners for?


I know there are some who write chapters and have them critiqued as they go along. It's a motivation to know that your Critique Partner is waiting for your next chapters because you left your MC freakin' hangin' off a cliff! You like the feedback into how your story is progressing and like to know that if there's a flaw in it, someone will help you catch it right away.


Others prefer to write out the whole manuscript, knowing that the only feedback they've gotten is from inside their head. They might send the 'finished' project to their Critique Partners a few chapters at a time, but it's all there, waiting to be critiqued. You have your fingers crossed that their aren't any major flaws in plot and characterization because you REALLY don't want to go back and changed the whole thing. 


And most of us, I would assume, use our Critique Partners for other things as well. That extra boost in moral when you receive a rejection. A cheerleader when there's someone who's interested in your work. The person you throw your query letter at and BEG that they look at it one last time because someone important just asked for it.


A friend to talk about many things with. Even those not pertained to writing.


Theresa will always be my first...haha. :) She's now critiqued four manuscripts of mine. (Whoa! You poor thing.) We do this pretty much the same way. Essentially finishing our manuscripts and sending the full thing to each other. She is amazing at pulling my best out, simply by saying, 'You can do so much better than this.' And I smile and laugh and shake my head because I know I can. She made me believe I can actually do this. I can get published. And her writing of Contemporary YA is fantastic, especially the romance. Good luck with that full request girl! :)


Cassie Mae has critiqued one and a half of my manuscripts. She's got an eye for the character. Like she is the character. Saying things like, 'Your MC wouldn't do this.' 'I don't feel like this character would say this.' And...she's right practically all the time. It's so refreshing to know that someone gets my characters. And, not to mention, the girl is all over the place and freakin' hilarious with her critique notes. Her YA Fantasy piece is amazing and her YA Contemp is freakin' hilarious. 


I've come to realize how valuable CPs are so over the past week or so I went out on the hunt for two more and found Hope and Leigh. We already exchanged work and I am SO EXCITED to start this relationship! (Totally sounds like dating for CPs). I can already tell that Hope's writing style is a lot like mine and she's got a vocabulary that I would kill for. (Not really, but ya know.) Leigh's story literally has me hanging on a cliff and I can't wait to see where it goes. And she asks why? Why does your character do this or not do this? Very important to understand.

What do you use your critique partners for?

Whatchya doin'?

So I'm curious...

Whatchya doin'?

What's going on in this fine month of December with you? Getting ready for the holidays? Kids got basketball, indoor soccer and theater starting up? (I know that's what my winter consisted of.)

Are you reading? Writing? Editing? Critiquing?

Grabbing  your hair and pulling as hard as you can because life is INSANE and how can we possibly do it all?


What am I doing? Why, thanks for asking :)

I'm spending as much time as I can with my cousin, Jess. She had brain surgery last Monday to remove a tumor and is doing FANTASTIC! (Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughts). She didn't have any movement on her left side for the first few days after the surgery but now she has been deemed 'independent'. (Cue Rudolph when he's talking to the cute dentist kid in the movie Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer). She goes home tomorrow. *Fingers crossed*

I'm also playing soccer two nights a week and my hips are asking me why. Because I love it, gosh darn it. :)

Hanging out with my Lil' Sister Payge from the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program. Probably going to see The Muppets tonight.

And, last but certainly not least, querying my manuscript ALL SHE NEEDS IS LOVE and editing another manuscript FRACTION OF STONE (see Literary Endeavors tab for more info). Thanks so much to Theresa, my wonderful CP, for finding the gaps in my story (as you always do). Can't wait to get Cassie's critiques back and to add Leigh to my wonderful CP party :)

So, again, Whatchya doin'?

Easily Flushed Blog Hop! (Yes, that means an embarrassing moment.)

Hi there...

I'm down here! Under this pile of all the Kleenex. Just...trying...to...breathe.

Yeah, I'm sick, but it happens to all of us. What better way to make the day better than a blog hop about embarrassing moments!?!

The blog hop is being hosted by the hilarious Ms. Cassie over at Reading, Writing and Lovin' It. There's even an Amazon gift card prize if you'd like to join!

For the blog hop you have to tell a story that's embarrassing. It can be about you, someone else or a WIP. Pretty much anything.

Lucky for me, I just finished a WIP with a rather embarrassing moment.

Hopefully you find it funny...

In my WIP, they're being chased by bad guys (of course!) so Akara creates an invisible alarm around them so they won't be snuck up on. Akara is on watch and talking with Tristan while Rydan is sleeping.

            “What else did Rydan say?”

            “Nothing,” Tristan shrugged. “Though I did try. Because, girl, I’m curious! You don’t show emotion or talk. We’re traveling across Casden, miles and miles of walking. I’m hoping we’re becoming friends.” He sighed. “It would just be nice to know more about you is all.”

            Akara cocked her head and thought of what to say. She supposed Rydan and her were becoming friends, though she wasn’t sure what that would mean after the quest was done. But either way they both deserved to have a travel companion that interacted with them.

            “I can’t handle my alcohol very well,” she commented, letting a half smile fully develop on her face. Tristan’s laughter resounded through the forest, a few owls joining in the mix.

            “I think this is the start of a great friendship,” he chuckled, throwing another twig into the fire.

            “WARNING! WARNING! THE SHIELD HAS BEEN BREACHED!”

            Akara and Tristan sprung to their feet and met halfway between themselves, searching the darkness for the intruder.

            “Do you know where they breached it?” Tristan yelled over the alarm.

            “No!” Akara yelled back. “I just figured out how to put it up!”

            “Shut it off! Shut it off!” Rydan screamed, running toward them with arms wide. Akara closed her eyes and weaved the power, calling her shield back to her, dissolving it into thin air.

            “It’s off,” she whispered, eyes wide and hands filled with magic.

            “It was me,” Rydan heaved, trying to catch a breath, resting a hand on her shoulder. “I was trying to go to the bathroom,” he whined.

            It was hard to hear him over the drum pounding in her chest as well as her head. “It was you?”

            “Yes!” He slapped his legs in defeat. “I had to go to the bathroom so I walked a little way off.”

            Tristan snorted. “Do you still have to go to the bathroom? Or did you wet yourself?” His body trembled and he doubled over in laughter. At first it looked as though Rydan would smack him, but in a matter of seconds the heat in his eyes was replaced by amusement and before long it was difficult to tell whether Tristan’s or Rydan’s laughter was louder.

How totally embarrassing would that be? Especially since these kids really don't know each other that well :)

Weekend Recap and Blog Award!!

Happy Monday!

How was your weekend?

Mine was a mixture of good and bad. Bad because I was sick the whole weekend, slowly getting worse as it wore on. I decided to take the day off of work to try and end the cycle of 'spreading the love'. (I'm pretty sure I got my illness from Sarah who resides right over my cube wall...)

But the good was that both my football teams won!!!

Source: detroit.sbnation.com

Inaugural Big Ten Championship Winners baby! And we're headed back to the Rose Bowl!

Source: nj.com

And who doesn't love a game winning field goal with 3 seconds to spare? Yay Packers!!! 12-0!!!

I also went to see A Christmas Carol by a local Community Theater. The sets were amazing and the show was very cute. 

And...what better way to start off a Monday then with a BLOG AWARD!

Thank you so much Ms. Cassie Mae! You guys should head over to her blog here. She's starting a blog hop that is sure to be tons of fun. Cassie is a fantastic writer and...she's hilarious! Pop on over!

I've got a few blog awards I need to pass on and I'm compiling my list. That will come shortly, I swear. 

I hope you all have a fantastic week!

How to toot one's horn...

I had to choose this pic because I have two guinea pigs.
Source:brandchampionsblog.com

It's hard for me to 'toot my own horn'. It feels awkward. Like I'm rubbing it in. Like I'm holding up a big sign that says 'LOOK AT ME!!!'

But then when I read about all of your accomplishments and hear about my friend's and family's I am SO EXCITED and HAPPY for them. And deep down I know that everyone who matters won't think of my accomplishments in a negative way. They will be happy for me to.

It's still awkward though.

But we all deserve to be acknowledged for our hard work and dedication, especially in a field such as writing where most of the time it's very solo.

So...even though it's awkward I'm going to do it anyway.

Thirty five out of three hundred YA/MG stories were chosen for Miss Snark's Baker's Dozen Agent Auction.

And I was one of them!

I'm number #47 - All She Needs is Love. There are 60 (35 YA/MG, 25 Adult) amazing stories entered into the contest and I highly recommend checking them all out.

Now I'm giving you permission. What have you done lately that deserved some 'horn tooting'? I'd really love to hear about it!