This past week on FYFA (and in my life):
I finally heard back about that writing workshop I was hoping for, and unfortunately I wasn’t accepted. I’m a little sad, but let’s face it, this is going to be one of MANY rejections if I’m going to pursue writing, so I guess I should get used to it. Since that workshop didn’t work out, I signed up for one through Writing & Illustrating for Young Readers in Utah in June (this wasn’t one you have to apply for). It’s a revision workshop led by Trent Reedy, and I’m excited to learn from it!
We spent pretty much all day yesterday doing our taxes. The good (bad?) news is, we’re getting a really big refund. But it’s never fun getting everything collected and entered. Getting the check will be a little more fun, though. 🙂
Also this week, my blog was featured on ServiceScape, a company that offers freelance editing and other writing services. They had very kind things to say about my blog, and I’m incredibly flattered!
Here’s what you may have missed on the blog this past week:
- You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour and David Levithan: A Dual Review
- February 2018 Wrap-Up Round-Up Make Me Read It Giveaway – Still time to enter to win a book from my Make Me Read It list!
- Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: 5-Star Review & Giveaway! – Enter to win one of three finished copies of the book!
Book Blogger Birthdays and Blogoversaries:
Here are the birthdays and blogoversaries this week! I hope you’ll go wish these bloggers well on their special days! Make sure you check out the calendar to see what you might have just missed or what’s coming up. (If you want to be added to the calendar, you can always fill out the birthday/blogoversary form.)
- March 16th – Clare @ Dual Reads‘ Birthday
Won:
I won an ebook copy of Reclaiming Shilo Snow during the blog tour. Thanks, Carina’s Books and Harper Collins!
(This is my 7th win of 2018. I’m keeping track of the craziness.)
Pre-Order Deals:
Listed in order of release date. Any new deals that I just added to the list this week will be denoted with a *** so you can easily find them!
Please note: Almost all pre-order giveaways run “while supplies last,” so I can’t guarantee that they’ll be open until the date listed. Pre-0rder early for your best chance to get all the goodies!
- ***Pre-order TIME BOMB by Joelle Charbonneau to receive a signed bookplate and an exclusive drawstring backpack. (ends 3/12)
- Pre-order HERO AT THE FALL by Alwyn Hamilton to receive a PDF version of TALES FROM SAND & SEA, a short story collection for the REBEL OF THE SANDS world (and you might also receive postcards, stickers and temporary tattoos). (ends 3/12)
And if you were one of the next 50 people to order after that you’ll be getting the temporary tattoos! - Pre-order NOTHING LEFT TO BURN by Heather Ezell to receive a bookmark, signed bookplate, postcard, and a custom designed map print of Orange County/the world of NLTB to follow Audrey through her day. Plus, you’ll be entered to win a grand prize giveaway! (ends 3/12)
- Pre-order THE HEART FORGER by Rin Chupeco receive a signed bookplate and a bookmark. You’ll also be entered to win other prizes. (ends 3/12)
- Pre-order THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER by Emily X.R. Pan to receive an enamel pin, a signed print of an original painting, a bookmark print (carved & letterpressed), and a vinyl sticker with book quote. (ends 3/19)
- Pre-order OVER RAGING TIDES by Jennifer Ellision to receive a signed bookmark (plus, Jen will be donating 50% of her pre-order proceeds to Everytown for Gun Safety). (ends 3/19)
- Pre-order I HAVE LOST MY WAY by Gayle Forman (or send Penguin a postcard) to get a copy of IF I STAY or JUST ONE DAY! (ends 3/26)
- Pre-order FAILING UP by Leslie Odom, Jr. to receive a limited edition print signed by Leslie Odom, Jr.! (ends 3/26)
- Pre-order IN HER SKIN by Kim Savage to receive a laptop decal and to be entered to win a custom-made Eponine Funko, as well as a Kindle Paperwhite! (ends 3/26)
- Pre-order NOTHING BUT SKY by Amy Trueblood to receive a signed bookmark, signed bookplate and character stickers. Plus you’ll be entered to win a prize packs! (INT)(ends 3/26)
- Pre-order LOST CROW CONSPIRACY by Rosalyn Eves to receive a fridge magnet with a quote from the book (featuring one of the author’s illustrations), a temporary tattoo, a bookmark, and a signed bookplate. (ends 3/26)
- ***Pre-order AS SHE FADES by Abbi Glines to receive an exclusive coffee mug. (ends 4/2)
- Pre-order DREAD NATION by Justina Ireland to receive stickers and 2 of 5 color and send postcards (ends 4/2)
- Pre-order SOMETIMES YOU FLY by Katherine Applegate to receive a signed deluxe art print. (ends 4/2)
- Pre-order SCOURGED by Kevin Hearne to receive an Iron Druid fan kit—including an exclusive art print, signed by the author! (ends 4/2)
- Pre-order STARRY EYES by Jenn Bennett to receive an exclusive signed bookplate (w/Jenn’s artwork!) and other swag. (ends 4/2)
- Pre-order ACE OF SHADES by Amanda Foody to receive three bookmarks with exclusive art inspired by the City of Sin, a signed bookplate, and a bonus quiz revealing which gang of New Reynes you’d claim as your own. (INT) (ends 4/9)
- Pre-order THE DIMINISHED by Kaitlyn Sage Patterson to receive one of the 6 character cards, a bookplate, a bookmark, a postcard and a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE! (ends 4/9)
- Pre-order LEAH ON THE OFFBEAT by Becky Albertalli to receive a signed postcard with a scene from the book that Becky drew and painted. (INT)(ends 4/23)
- Preorder A COURT OF FROST AND STARLIGHT by Sarah J. Maas to receive a Night Court enamel pin! (ends 4/30)
- Pre-order ONLY HUMAN by Sylvain Neuvel to receive an exclusive Kara Resnik dog tag! (ends 5/1)
- Pre-order PUDDIN’ by Julie Murphy to receive pre-order swag. (ends 5/6)
- Pre-order THE GIRL & THE GROVE by Eric Smith to receive a signed mini poster, hand stamped seed paper bookmarks, a signed, hand stamped bookplate, three leaf charms, and other surprise swag from previous books! (ends 5/7)
- Pre-order FURYBORN by Claire Legrand to receive a signed bookplate and (limited) map of Avitas and a limited edition set of Furyborn character trading cards. You’ll also be entered to win the grand prize. (ends 5/21)
- Pre-order BREAKOUT by Kate Messner to receive a poster and a set of 30 bookmarks to share! (ends 6/4)
- Pre-order NYXIA UNLEASHED by Scott Reintgen to receive a signed postcard featuring one of four favorite characters from the Nyxia series. (ends 7/16)
- ***Pre-order ENDLESS WATER, STARLESS SKY by Rosamund Hodge to receive a signed bookplate, and a print of one a portrait of one of the four main characters. (ends 7/24)
Other Current Giveaways on FYFA:
(Besides the ones listed with this week’s posts)
- March 2018 Discussion Challenge & Giveaway – Link up your March discussion posts here!
- Anderson’s Children’s Literature Breakfast Recap & Giveaway – Still time to enter to win!
- A Valentine’s Post Featuring the Macmillan Collector’s Library (& a Giveaway!)
- It’s Feed Your Fiction Addiction’s 5th Blogoversary Giveaway!
Even More Awesome Giveaways on Other Sites:
- Canadians ONLY – Head over to Read. Sleep. Repeat. for a chance to win Children of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi - Head over to Wishful Endings for a chance to win a SOFI SNOW/SHILO SNOW Prize Pack
- Check out the All About Diversity Blog Hop!
- AJ @ Read All the Things is celebrating her birthday a little early with a giveaway!
- Michelle @ Pink Polka Dot Books is celebrating her 6th blogoversary with a giveaway!
- And Jordan @ The Heart of a Book Blogger is celebrating her 3-year blogoversary with a few different giveaways!
- Head over to Lisa Loves Literature for a chance to win an autographed copy of THE FINAL SIX by Alexandra Monir
- Head over to Literary Meanderings for a chance to win THIS TINY PERFECT WORLD by Lauren Gibaldi
- Lots of blogs participating in the March New Release Giveaway Hop!
- Lots of blogs participating in the Lucky Is Reading Hop!
- Head over to Alyssa Carlier’s blog for a chance to win Reflection (A Twisted Tale) by Elizabeth Lim (which is a Mulan retelling).
- If you’re in the UK, head over to Strupag.com for a chance to win a paperback copy of Scythe!
- Claire Luana is giving away physical copies of TEN of the best Young Adult Fantasy Romance reads!
Lots of good stuff! Have any giveaways or great discussions happening on your site right now? Feel free to share them in the comments!
I’m sorry you weren’t selected for the workshop. Your new one in Utah will be fun, though. I can’t wait to see you go through the process and publish your book. Whooo for those taxes!!
I know that the publishing process might be a very long road, but I’m not giving up!
One door closes and another one opens. I hope the Utah workshop will be fun. Congrats on the big refund. Mine went the other way this year and caught me completely by surprise. Not so good for me but I’ll get over it. LOL
Ugh! That’s the worst. Sorry it worked out that way.
Trent Reedy?? Oh wow, I loved Words In The Dust. Am just a tad envious of you right now 🙂
Okay, here’s a confession: I haven’t read any of Reedy’s books yet. But I definitely plan to before the workshop and Words in the Dust is almost certainly the first I’ll read because it looks amazing.
Bummer about the workshop rejection. But yeah, rejections happen in the writing world! So you’re a writer now! 😉
And yay for tax refund! I consider it a win every year that I don’t have to pay them! Lol!!
Nice new read too! Congrats on the win! Hope you enjoy it!
Here’s my STS
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower 🙂
Yep. I know it’s just the first rejection of many to come, and I can’t let it bring me down too much.
Sorry about the workshop, but yay for tax refunds, book wins, and having your blog featured.
Yeah, it was a little disappointing, but I’m not going to let it stop me!
I’m sorry you weren’t accepted, but this other conference sounds really nice. Yay for getting a big tax refund! Makes it all worth it sometimes. LOL
-Lauren
Yeah, when you have to sit and stare at receipts and paperwork for hours, it can be frustrating, but the refund makes it worth it! 🙂
I am so sorry that you weren’t selected, but I am also really happy that you were able to sign up for another! And YAY for a big tax return, that is awesome! And wow, that is such an honor to have your blog featured, you definitely deserve it 😀
Yeah, I was disappointed about the workshop, but not super surprised, since so many people have a lot more experience in the writing world than I do, and it seems like that’s a factor for these types of workshops. The waiting was the hardest part—now that I know, I’m able to move on in my mind.
Sorry you weren’t selected! But yay for signing up for another one! Also it’s always cool to have your blog featured somewhere. And congrats on the giveaway win!
Setbacks are to be expected in writing, so it’s just one of those things you have to accept and move on or you’d drive yourself crazy!
oh sorry to hear that Nicole. I know how much you were looking forward to it! Even though we know we have to get used to rejection… it’s not easy. So I’m a little sad for you too! BUT I’m already over it because that Writing & Illustrating for Young Readers in Utah in June sound so good! And.. big tax refunds YEAH!Now off to read what ServiceScape about one of my top my fav blogs ever!
Yeah, I was really hoping that the workshop would come through for me, BUT I’ve already learned a lot since I submitted to them (especially about querying, etc), so I know that I’m moving in the right direction!
Sorry about the workshop. Rejection always sucks. I hope you enjoy the revision workshop, though. Congrats on having your blog featured!
It’s a bit of a disappointment, but I’m moving on and not letting it get me down for long!
Ugh, I hate doing taxes! That’s what I did two weekends ago and it was so tedious and boring. Blech. I’m sorry to hear you got rejected by the writing workshop. 🙁 They are the ones missing out!
As you know, writing is a competitive market. I’m sure this will just be the first of many rejections. LOL!
Sorry to hear about the workshop, Nicole. I hope the one in June is a real benefit. How awesome that your blog was recognized! Definitely a good feeling. And hooray for another book win! 2018 is your year! 🙂
I’m excited about the June workshop—I think I’ll learn a lot!
When one door closes another one opens (or….you end up where you’re meant to be). Whatever words of wisdom you like, I am soooooooo excited and jealous that you are going to a writing workshop with Trent Reedy. He is one of the most sincere and kind and down-to-earth authors I’ve met. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
I’m really excited to work with Trent—I’ve heard great things about this workshop, and I can’t wait for it!
I’m so sorry to hear that you weren’t accepted for the writing workshop. The one you’re doing in June sounds wonderful though so that’s great you were able to line up another one so quickly.
That’s so great that your blog was recognized too. Congrats! It’s well deserved. 🙂
I’m excited for the WIFYR conference, so I think everything is working out just fine. 🙂
Congrats on being featured on serviceScape! And while the writing workshop thing is no doubt disappointing, it’s a fact that many good writers don’t always get selected or heck ever published, as we all know. Nice that you found another one to attend and hopefully it’s a great resource!
I can’t wait to read Obsidio!
Exactly. If I let every disappointment discourage me, I won’t have much of a chance!
I’m so sorry you didn’t get in the workshop. 🙁 There are definitely other opportunities for you, though. Never give up because I know you can totally make it big! ^_^
And gah, congrats on being featured! Literally even the smallest kind words from anyone are already enough to make my day, so that must’ve been awesome for you. <3
Thanks, Aimee! I think everything is lining up the way it’s supposed to, so I’m not sad. 🙂
Sorry to hear about the workshop!
So many other great things happening though!
Yes, this has actually turned out to be a great week for writing!!
Sending hugs your way for not being selected! But I’m so happy that you were able to find another workshop, and that this one will definitely pan out!! And I’m not sure if you’ve been to Utah before? But it is so gorgeous! There’s so much to see and eat and I can’t wait to go back there someday! 🙂
I’m trying to figure out if I can manage to do a hike while I’m there—I wish someone was going to be with me, but it still might be fun to do a solo hike!
Maybe someone from the conference will want to go hiking too! *fingers crossed*
That’s what I’m hoping.
Yay for a big tax return! Sorry to hear you didn’t get accepted to the writer program. It’s great that you’re taking it in stride. I need to go to a retreat to just sit and write with no interruptions. Maybe this summer, we’ll see.
Writing retreats sound so appealing. I just need to get myself out into the writerly world a bit more. 🙂
Nicole, I’m sorry to hear about the other workshop, too. But I’m thrilled you’ll be joining us for workshop and classes at Writing and Illustrating for Young Adults (WIFYR) in Utah this summer. It really is a great conference, the next best thing to an MFA. We pack a lot of great writing insights into that one week, and we learn a lot from one another. Feel free to join me on the Facebook or to email me with any questions or concerns you may have. Thanks so much for being willing to join us and to share your writing with us. I wish you the best.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Trent. I did a lot of research when I was looking into workshops, and I think yours is going to be a perfect fit for me. I’m incredibly excited about it! So glad I found WIFYR!
With one lose, three wins, I think your week was still awesome. Congrats on getting featured and being a part of another workshop!
This is my first on visiting one of your Sunday posts and I’m loving the Blogger Birthdays and Blogoversaries! I’ve always found birthdays to be an important event and now being a part of the blogging community, I feel obliged (in a positive way!) to celebrate other bloggers’ blogoversaries (which totally sounds awesome!).
I’m so glad you found my Sunday Posts—I LOVE celebrating people’s special days with them. It’s just a nice little thing that I can do to promote a little love around the blogosphere!
Eeeep! Thanks for featuring my blog’s giveaways!
I’m always happy to share!