I was feeling bad over the weekend for not doing a BAFAB contest this quarter. I didn’t hear a lot of hype and hoopla about the event from its founder, so I’d figured it would be a quiet thing.

But then I started, as I said, to feel bad. I like giving away books, especially books that I really loved.

So I went to a BookCrossing companion site, Cliff’s wishlist, and found people who were wishing for some of the books sitting here, waiting for a new home (or three). I double-checked them against another companion site (for security reasons, I’m not going to name it, as it’s a place where you can list your address), and then I sent out three books. One went to a friend and the other two went to random BookCrossers.

Sadly, these weren’t books I loved. In fact, one was a book I’d loathed. That takes some of the fun out of sharing a book you love, but maybe their opinion will differ and they’ll love it and I’ll at least be responsible for having someone fall in love with a book.

As if to tell me that my karma was already on the upswing for my generosity, I had a prize from J. Kaye Oldner waiting for me at the post office. J. Kaye’s got a cool thing going at her place(s), so stop by and check ’em out. You, too, can win a book!

Oh, yeah. The prize was a doozy: a copy of Harlan Coben’s The Woods. Large print, even, which is always nice on eyes fatigued from blog surfing, writing, and editing.

One last bit of book news before I sign off and turn my attention to this week’s Thursday Thirteen (I’m open to topic ideas, folks!): Lucy, at a new site called BooksPrice.com contacted me and asked me to spread the word about what she’s up to. I’ve been playing with it a little bit and it looks like it can be a valuable tool — if you’re interested in shopping the big chains. Granted, once you start adding indies, you’re going to have thousands upon thousands of listings. But you guys know me. I like supporting the little guy.

That’s why Lucy at BooksPrice deserves a bit of your time. She seems to be a little guy, although I didn’t dig too much into who she is and where she’s from (yeah, I’m doing that Pittsburgh “I’ll take you at face value” thing again). I really like how the site shows you not only what the book will cost, but how much shipping will be. And you can customize whose results you see, too.

It’s a nice idea. I hope it’s valuable to you guys — ’cause admit it. I’m not the only one who tries to save some money and buy used (or remaindered).

Speaking of books, before I go, if you’ve read anything you think I need to know about, leave me a comment. I only have a few hundred books sitting around the house. What’s a few hundred more?

(yeah, uhh, don’t tell the Tour Manager I said that, okay?)

This week’s Booking Through Thursday cracked me up.

Do you have “issues” with too much profanity or overly explicit (ahem) “romantic” scenes in books? Or do you take them in stride? Have issues like these ever caused you to close a book? Or do you go looking for more exactly like them? (grin)

No.

Annie, over at SuperfastReader, tagged the band — not me (she’s smart) for the Book Cover Meme. This ought to be fun!

Trevor:
How Timbo and Trevor Got Together

Well, duh. They met. I thought she was cute and that was that.

Mitchell:
Look! They named a mountain after me!

Daniel:

Eric:

After getting to narrate last week’s Thursday Thirteen, this is definitely how I’m feeling.

The boys weren’t really sure who to tag for this ’cause they’re fictional and all. And besides, they are boys. And rock stars to boot. Do we really expect them to be experts on etiquette?

Still, I’d love it if some of you took a few minutes to do this. If you give me credit for your own book covers, I’ll update and link back to you here.

Celebrate banned book week with a banned book! May I recommend Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going? Or any of the Captain Underpants books. And don’t forget it’s Buy a Friend a Book Week, beginning in a few days! Why not give a friend Amy Ruttan‘s new release? Or how about Red Garnier‘s?

I am loving this week’s Booking Through Thursday question.

Buy a Friend a Book Week is October 1-7 (as well as the first weeks of January, April, and July). During this week, you’re encouraged to buy a friend a book for no good reason. Not for their birthday, not because it’s a holiday, not to cheer them up–just because it’s a book.

What book would you choose to give to a friend and why?

And, if you’re feeling generous enough–head on over to Powell’s and actually send one on its way!

Well. There are a million books I’d love to share; that’s why I have my Library Thing widget on my sidebar. Those are only the books I’ve loved enough to rave about.

But I’ve come across three that are worth mentioning!

First, all you Tamora Pierce fans, listen up! Ms. Pierce has collaborated with Timothy Liebe on a graphic novel called White Tiger. I’ve only begun reading it, so no total raves yet, but what caught my eye, other than the author’s name, is the artwork. Wow! It looks like I was lucky enough to pick it up on release day, too. Bonus!

And to tie books and music together yet again (like I don’t do this often?), I found Rob Zombie‘s The Haunted World of El Superbeasto. Flipping through, there seem to be lots of naked boobies and the vivid colors that Zombie is known for. A bit less detail than we’re used to from him; I wonder if that’s to better fit the format of a graphic novel. But what’s this I hear about a movie-tie-in? (yeah, it looks like it came out in 2006. What hole have I been living in?)

And lastly, head over to SuperFastReader. She’s giving away a Jeffrey Overstreet‘s Auralia’s Colors because she read it and flipped for it. I haven’t even heard of it before, so I’ll be checking it out with you. Please take note that this contest coincides with Buy a Friend a Book Week! Good timing, Superfast!!!

Edited to add: I forgot to tell you all to go on over to my review home, Front Street Reviews, and check out my thoughts on Colleen Gleason‘s first two books. I’d buy those for someone… Well, maybe myself, as my copies have already been stolen! They were autographed, too!

I got a laugh out of today’s Booking Through Thursday:

Okay . . . picture this (really) worst-case scenario: It’s cold and raining, your boyfriend/girlfriend has just dumped you, you’ve just been fired, the pile of unpaid bills is sky-high, your beloved pet has recently died, and you think you’re coming down with a cold. All you want to do (other than hiding under the covers) is to curl up with a good book, something warm and comforting that will make you feel better.

What do you read?

I’m laughing because my back has decided to not like my new workout and I’ve been laid up most of the day. So I grabbed a book and got reading.

It’s a Marcia Muller, whose Sharon McCone series is like visiting with an old friend, but truth be told, the book I most want to read: Anything with Trevor, Mitchell, and the gang.

Hopefully, one day, you guys will agree.

No somber moments on this sixth anniversary today. Every time I think of it, I have somber moments. Thus, some neat stuff to share with you guys today!

Bookgasm, which is a site I’m starting to dig more and more, talks up a collection from a biannually published Zine’s ten-year history. What a cool idea.

Check out this news from writer Holly Kennedy. Wow!!

Didja see this editor’s creed? Made me both stop and think and excited for my own chance to go through the editing process. (yes, I’m THAT much of a geek!)

Kudos to Suzanne Adair, who was involved with our first Debut a Debut contest. Her second book, The Blacksmith’s Daughter, was released on September first. Accompanying the announcement was the exciting news that her first book, Paper Woman (the winner of the Patrick D. Smith Literature Award), has gone back to the printer for a second edition.

The Swivet has collected some nice tributes to author Madeline L’Engel. While losing her is a terrible thing, at least we have amazing, amazing fiction with which to remember her.

Leigh, who is a regular at Michele‘s, opened a Cafe Press shop. I’m loving that fish on the black shirt… where’s the heavy duty tees, though?

Booknut is looking for all you book bloggers. Speak up! I did; what are YOU waiting for?

More to come this week — the Five Best Nights meme, a few awards, and the book cover meme — done by the band, of course. I swear, you guys like them more than me.

I’ve decided to do a Web Wanderer type of thing and highlight some of the books that I come across through my own wanderings. Check ’em out; there are debuts in here that you can put aside for this winter’s Debut a Debut, and there are hidden treasures in here that you may want to fill up the time between now and Debut a Debut with.

The Department of Lost and Found

Bookgasm looks at Dark Gold, now out in paperback — and includes a hot excerpt…

Critical Mass leans a bit more literary than my tastes do, but these might be good.

Ace and Hoser are at it again, with A Gathering Light.

Another one from Critical Mass, looking at stealth best-sellers. How many of us authors dream of having this happen to us? Not only would I love to see it happen to me and Trevor’s Song, I’d love to help you guys make it happen, too.

A non-book note. Yesterday was #1’s first day of second grade. It was the last day in which he’d be six (yes, today’s his birthday), and it was also the day in which he lost his first tooth. Talk about a day of firsts and lasts!!

Only one thing left to do for the Summer’s Hidden Treasures contest I was running — mail out the books that you guys won. Either Karen or I have contacted all of the winners; check here for the prize list, in case you think you missed a message from one of us. For the record, we had more entrants than prizes, so not all of you won. I’m sorry about that. For Debut a Debut coming up, we’ll try for even more prizes.

Speaking of Debut a Debut, yes, we’ll be back with that in the winter. I’m working on making some changes, spreading it out over a number of blogs instead of having everything here. If you’d like to be part, drop me a line. Yes, you can feature a book or do an author interview (even if you interview yourself) and still be eligible for prizes.

I need to publicly thank Robin for coming up with the idea for this past Thursday’s Concept Thirteen. If you missed it, a bunch of Thirteeners posted about me and ShapeShifter, my fictional band. Why? Because we could.

So I’d like to point out the posts by Thomma Lyn, L^2, Nancy, Jill, and Camille — and who am I forgetting? Please remind me (I’ve had a migraine since Wednesday and today is Saturday, so you know how impaired my thought process is by this point)! As the headache fades, the boy’s birthday is celebrated, school begun, and fallout from this week’s stress is all dealt with, I’ll have the Tour Manager put up a new page at my main site. Yup, it’ll be devoted to you crazy groupies and all these great posts.

I love it. We’re starting to create fan fiction for a book that’s not published.

YET.

We so rock.

First off, entries for the Summer’s Hidden Treasures contest are now closed! Thanks to everyone who read a hidden treasure; sounds like you guys found good stuff out there.

Secondly, this week’s Booking Through Thursday asks us about monogamy. You regulars around here should know how vehemently Trevor hates monogamy, and that should be the end of it, since Trevor is a creature of my own construct.

However, the nice thing about fiction is that you get to create characters who are different from yourself. Thus, I’m all about monogamy … where the Tour Manager’s concerned. (Once you meet him, you’ll agree. And envy me. He’s the best.)

That’s a marriage, though. The until-death-do-us-part type.

Reading a book is a marriage of a different sort. It’s the sort that lets you enter and exit the book’s world at a second’s notice, yet at the same time, the best ones suck you in and demand full attention.

However, that doesn’t mean you should be devoted exclusively to one world at a time. I usually have at least two books going: one upstairs by my bed and one downstairs, in the family room. I’m never searching for my book, only to realize it’s midnight, I’m in pajamas that are a bit too revealing for the glass front entry I’ll have to pass through, and I’m too tired to drag myself up and down the steps again today. And yes, I’ve been there. And yes, I’ve strolled through the front entry in my jammies and given thanks for living on a quiet street with early birds.

Back soon with a final update on the Summer’s Hidden Treasures contest. If you can’t wait, visit it at my website.

No, you’re not a maroon or in a time warp. This is a sticky post. Scroll on down for the fun new stuff.

Hello friends old, new, and potential, and welcome to the Summer’s Hidden Treasures Reading contest. If you are here to enter the contest, please leave your name and the permalink of your book review in the Mr. Linky provided below.

If you’d like to review the rules, click here.

If you’d like more information, click here.

We’ll be manually checking all of these reviews. If they:
1. Were posted before 15 July or after 15 August
2. Are a review of a best-seller
3. Are a review of a book that the author paid to have published

your review will remain posted, but you will be ineligible to win prizes from our great sponsors. (see here for list of sponsors. Please thank them. And the authors who are pitching in and helping out.)

Yes, it is this easy!
Yes, you may enter more than once!

First off: this week’s Booking Through Thursday:

Do you have multiple copies of any of your books?
If so, why? Absent-mindedness? You love them that much? First Editions for the shelf, but paperbacks to read?
If not, why not? Not enough space? Not enough money? Too sensible to do something so foolish?

I have a lot of multiples that have come to me through BookCrossing — I’ll forget to take something off my wishlist (with 1200+ books on there, can you blame me?) or someone will think I’ll like a book, so they send it to me, not knowing I’ve got a copy here that I haven’t registered at BookCrossing yet.

And I buy multiples, too — to share via BookCrossing or the book trading sites (’cause whenever I offer you guys my books, you don’t take me up on it. What’s up with THAT?). Those multiples are books I loved and want to help spread the word about. You know, sort of like my own way of helping people find a Hidden Treasures book.

Speaking of Hidden Treasures, there’s only five days left in the contest. Get your last reviews up! If you’re web wandering and you find a review posted, why not encourage the writer to submit it to the contest?? They’ve already done the hard work; invite them to come get rewards and some extra linkie love for it.

I hear that Jennifer Estep, one of our Hidden Treasures authors, has a few ARCs for the second in her Big Time series, Hot Mama. I’ll let you know when the review’s up at Front Street Reviews.

And lastly (I think), I’d love to thank Robin L. Rotham for pulling my very own name out of a hat and declaring me the winner of a copy of her new short, Seniorella. This is going to be my very first foray into e-books, so if you prefer Microsoft Reader to PDF format, or the other way, you’d better weigh in on that subject now…

Happy reading, everyone! Let’s get some last reviews in for the Summer’s Hidden Treasures contest, okay?

Have you ever written an author a fan letter?
Did you get an answer?
Did it spark a conversation? A meeting?

(And, sure, I suppose that e-mails DO count . . . but I’d say no to something like a message board on which the author happens to participate.)

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

This intrigues me because with the book contests I do (scroll up to see it and then join in!) and the number of my friends who are writers, not to mention the friends who get excited when authors comment on their blogs, it seems that it’s easier than ever to reach a writer. Plus, as the leader of my book club, I contact authors all the time and ask if they’d be open to answering any questions we come up with during our discussion.

As for pure fan mail… yep, I’ve done that, too. Especially in this e-mail age; it’s so easy to drop someone a note and tell them I loved their book and why. It’s something I’d like to hear and Do Unto Others and Spread the Love and all that, ya know?

Yep, I’ve crawled out of the woods near the PA-WVA border. I braved severe thunderstorms all by myself in a Boy Scout-issued tent that’s not much more than two metal cots, some moldy mattresses, a wooden-planked floor, and an oil cloth over it all.

And I’ll tell you die-hards about it later, so be sure to stop back.

If you haven’t read all three entries about the Deadly Metal Hatchet, be sure to do so and leave comments. You guys didn’t leave much for the Tour Manager to do, you know!

Right now, I want to highlight the entries to the Summer’s Hidden Treasure contest. Be sure to check out these books and, where you can, the review authors — once you’ve read and reviewed your own Hidden Treasure, of course!

Lauren reviewed Whiskey Sour by JA Konrath.

Cathepsut reviewed Passion by Jude Watson.

Wendy (Wss4) reviewed Resurrection Dreams by Richard Laymon.

Henry Martin (himself a HT featured author!) reviewed The Smile at the Foot of the Ladder, by Henry Miller.

Missy reviewed The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn.

Pesh (via Joely Sue Burkhart) reviewed Survive my Fire, by Joely Sue Burkhart.

Wendy/Wss4 reviewed Mammoth by John Varley.

Dew reviewed Wifework by Susan Maushart
.

ChronicBooker reviewed The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne.

ChronicBooker reviewed The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood.

Wendy/Wss4 reviewed Shade’s Children by Garth Nix.

Jarlynn reviewed The Dragon’s Loss: I’d Tell You I Love You, but Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter.

Megan — Your Other Left reviewed How to be Lost by Amanda Eyre Ward.

Confessions of a Literary Persuasion reviewed Flight 4, an anthology.

John Mutford reviewed Fall by Fury by Earle Birney.

John Mutford reviewed The Tightrope Dancer by Irving Layton.

Scooper reviewed Wraith by Phaedra Weldon.

Just dropping by to say hi:
Milan-zzz, Erin, Robin Mills.

We have the teeniest bit over two weeks left to go in the contest. Be sure to help spread the word about the contest. My thanks to everyone who’s done so, and apologies for any typos I didn’t catch; I’m BEAT.

Bunches of contest stuff to throw at you before we all go the best-seller route with some dude named Harry…

1. My thoughts are with the Hatchette Group. Their office is scarily close to this week’s steam pipe explosion in New York City. While the staff is reportedly okay, I’m sure their lives are a bit upside-down right now, so any good vibes you can send their way will be appreciated. A reminder that Hatchette is a sponsor of Summer’s Hidden Treasures, and I’ve got a box of books here to send you guys as prizes. Be sure to enter — and to check out some of their great offerings.

2. Today’s the release day for West of Mars groupies Christine D’Abo and Joely Sue Burkhart! They have new books out with Ellora’s Cave and Drollerie Press, respectively. If you like your romance hot and spicy, be sure to stop by and pick up their books. And if you post a review online somewhere, come on back and enter the permalinks in the Summer’s Hidden Treasures contest! Yes, both Ellora’s Cave and Drollerie Press are publishers I recognize for contest purposes.

3. Check out the reviews already posted:
Gradiva with The Blue Taxi by N.S. Koenings

Lauren with The Kommandant’s Girl by Pam Jenoff

Aryn Kennedy with Fashionably Late by Nadine Dajani

Confessions of a Literary Persuasion with Sigorney’s Quest by Gordon Snider

Dana with The Kommandant’s Girl by Pam Jenoff

Dana (again!) with Whiskey Sour by JA Konrath

Missy with Stray by Rachel Vincent

Pussreboots with The Chatham School Affair by Thomas H. Cook

Scooper with The Immortals: The Darkening by Robin T. Popp

The Superfast Reader with Magic Casement by Dave Duncan

Wendy/Wss4 with Grave Peril: Dresden Files #2 by Jim Butcher

Wendy/Wss4 (again!) with Lullabye by Patricia Wallace

Jill with Eva by Lucie Page

Wendy/Wss4 (Third time!) with Homebody by Orson Scott Card

Breeni with Protector by Laurel Dewey

and our friends
Mia Romano and
Red Garnier stopping by to leave links ’cause they know they can.

Join the fun, folks!

All of you in the Bay Area, may the ground beneath your feet remain still.

Some more ideas if you are still looking for a good Hidden Treasure Book — and a few prizes, so be sure to read to the VERY end of this post.

Jimmy Coates: Killer by Joe Craig (HarperCollins / HarperTrophy) [alternate title is Jimmy Coates: Assassin?] nominated by the local mystery bookstore in Waterloo, The Mysterious Affair at Waterloo. If you’re in town, go check ’em out.

And nominated by Harper Collins in Canada:
Jon Evans Invisible Armies

Janice Kulyk Keefer The Ladies Lending Library

Claire Cameron
The Line Painter

Barbara Gowdy Helpless

Jacqueline Baker The Horseman’s Graves

And now for some prizes:
HarperCollins Canada is offering a prize pack to one Canadian winner. Yep, you gotta be in Canada to discover the goodies. And that doesn’t mean visiting, either.

And Nadine Dajani sent a copy of her title Fashionably Late.

You’ll notice that this last prize is the only one linking you to Powell’s. That’s intentional. Also, anything you get by using my Powell’s links will go toward the purchase — not of books for myself! — but for more prizes for you guys. Just thought I’d make that clear.

Happy reading, everyone!

And speaking of reading, those of you with access to the Niagara Area, The Tour Manager and I will be there on Thursday. Anyone who’d like to meet me/him/us can meet us around 3PM in The Book Depot. $29.95 fills a box.

I know, I know. Like I need more books. Hush. I’m hunting for Hidden Treasures!

This week’s Booking Through Thursday asks what we think of as the Great American Novel (or, if you’re not American or thinking about American novels, to replace American with the country/region of your choice).

I’m sure that this wasn’t the intended answer, but after yesterday’s Thursday Thirteen, in which I saw a record number of hits here at the Meet and Greet, and in which I saw my name pop up over and over on your lists, I’m sort of feeling my oats and thinking that, in all our minds at least, Trevor’s Song fits that bill.

Even though none of you have read it. Yet.

After all, you guys have awarded me with three Thinking Blogger awards (from Milan, Amy, and Robin) and now two Rockin’ Wench Blogger awards (Rhian and Red). You come back day after day, week after week, to check in on the adventures of Trevor, the rest of the band, and the fringe characters like Pam and Chelle — and the new Roadie Poet, who’ll be back soon.

I’m honored. I’m flattered. I’m watching my dreams come true, and you guys are helping to fuel that.

I’ve got a few surprises related to all this, but you’ll have to wait until later this weekend from them (Yes, I’m still recovering from the Fourth. YOU try sleeping in the middle of the Science Center’s exhibits and tell me how well YOU fare).

Let me just say, for now, thank you. Keep on helping me spread the word and build up Trevor’s fan base; the more of you there are on board with me, the better. You guys inspire me and motivate me.

And when it comes to writing a great novel, isn’t all about inspiration and motivation?

Hi, there. Susan’s back in control; Trevor’s off chasing a few English teachers around. All I’ve got to say about that is I’m glad I taught creative writing…

Now, onto the business of the day.

First of all, let me say that I had a busy day yesterday and didn’t make all the rounds I usually do. Apologies, especially to those of you kind enough to comment on Trevor’s poem. Please give me a few days; one thing I’ve noticed so far this summer is how busy I’ve been with the kids. And my new road bike, which desperately needs more miles put on it. Desperately. Good thing I live somewhere hilly.

(No, I will NOT tell the story for a loooooong time yet. Don’t ask.)

Before we get to the business at hand, let me make sure I give the biggest kudos of the day to Marcia over at MeeAugraphie. Trevor’s poem inspired her to write a bunch of very good haikus, so please check them out and leave her comments.

Yesterday, too, when I stopped at the post office to check my box, I had a package waiting for me. Seems that Hachette Book Group USA sent me some prizes for the Summer’s Hidden Treasures contest. I have two copies each of:

Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand,

The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani,

Seven Loves by Valerie Trueblood,

Lost & Found by Carolyn Parkhurst, and

Winter’s Bone by Daniel Woodrell for ten of you lucky winners.

HUGE thanks to the folks at Hatchette Book Group! Support their authors, everyone; maybe one day, I’ll be one of them.

How can you resist their generosity? If I have bookmarks left over from any of our blogging author friends, I’ll throw some in, as well. That also means that any of you who have promotional material you’d like to get out to a wider audience had better be in touch already…

If you’re not sure what a Hidden Treasure book is, head over to West of Mars for a list of suggested readings, compiled by a list of cool authors. While you’re there, check out the rest of the prizes already offered and, as well, the list of places who’ve been talking this cool contest up. Why aren’t you? I’ll make sure everyone knows about it.

Happy Tuesday, all.

So there’s this question floating around today, and people are wasting their time with it instead of my list of shit from when I hijacked this joint.

What’s the most desperate thing you’ve read because it was the only available reading material?

If it was longer than a cereal box or an advertisement, did it turn out to be worth your while?

I read the setlist once. Mitchell was busy making the crowd eat out of the palm of his hand, for a change, and I was toweled off and I’d drank so much, the fucking Gatorade, which tastes like shit, was sloshing around in my gut like I’d swallowed a live fucking fish or something, and I was ready to go back onstage, but Mitchell’s still at it, getting this group in the front few rows to bellow something no one could make out into his mic and shit, I was bored.

So I read the setlist.

Yeah, there’s some advantages to knowing what you’ll play before you need to be playing it. But I’m a sucky bass player and we all know it, so why bother?

Since today is the first day of summer (I hope you’ve visited some of the great Thursday Thirteen posts about the solstice), it’s time to recap how I did in the Spring Reading Thing.

I’d have to say that overall, I did better than expected, in terms of sheer numbers.

While I didn’t get through my initial list of twenty-nine books, I did read twenty nine — seven titles were different from the list. I had to read a few to give to friends as prizes over at BookObsessed.com, a place I don’t spend nearly enough time anymore. Also, I forgot to factor in my book club books, of which there were two. And I had the pleasure of not one but two graphic novels by the wonderful Joann Sfar.

Overall, the standout was, of course, Karma Girl, which I’ve been raving about pretty non-stop for the past few weeks. I finished You Gotta Have Balls last night and while the first half was rough and I wished I could give up, I’m glad I didn’t. I’ll rave more about this later; it’ll be a great Hidden Treasure book.

Overall, I think I’m disappointed that I gave up on as many as I did (seven). I’d like to think my taste in picking what to read is improving, but I guess not…

It was a fun challenge. I hope to do more, even if my reading has fallen off lately. Too much to write, too many blogs to surf… You guys know how it is.

Yeah, I know I raved about Jennifer Estep and her debut, Karma Girl, before. And yeah, you’ll be hearing more from me about Ms. Estep, especially next winter, when Debut a Debut returns.

BUT since I can’t get enough, if you head over to Front Street Reviews and click on Interviews, you’ll see a short conversation the lady and I had. It blew me away how similar our thought processes are; I hope to one day be able to sit and compare notes with the lovely Jennifer Estep.

Be sure to check out my review of Karma Girl, too, while you’re there. And if you missed yesterday’s outtake as part of the Poetry Train, make sure you scroll down (or click through and then scroll down, you feed readers). Definitely one of my favorites.

And on a personal note, I mastered the bun! It was actually quite easy. Now, getting all that gel and spray out may be a different story, but getting it together turned into a no-brainer breeze. I’ll take it.