Don't Touch the Cotton Candy!

As you read this, I'm moving into my dorm at the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics. (Phew, that's a mouthful!) So in the spirit of starting a new school year at a brand new school I figured I should share a fun, if embarrassing, moment. And a brief warning about school pep rallies. Mainly the ones where kids are mixing the cotton candy.Don't touch the cotton candy at the pep rallies. Seriously. Do. Not. Touch. Not only was my tongue dyed purple until the next morning when it was merely a hint at the tip of my tongue, but my fingers had a nice tint as well. Oh, and your spit is also brilliantly hued. And believe me, when the cotton candy is that vibrant, you won't be able to taste anything but bitterness for a few hours. And soda-of any kind-doesn't fix it. Trust me. Luckily I was around friends of several years. But that didn't save me when the teacher who took this picture showed it to all the kids in all his classes the next day.

New schools can be scary, but they can be a great opportunity to grow. Yes, I know that's what parents are always saying, but it's true. Whether you are moving up to high school or going on to college, don't be afraid to stretch your comfort zone. Meet new people who share your interests by joining a club or sport. For those musically inclined, marching band is a great option. These people can help you find your classes, warn you about the really strict teachers, and save you a seat at the lunch table. Marching band did a lot to help me through my freshman year of high school because I met people who were already familiar with the surroundings and were willing to help out the geeky flute player. So don't be afraid to try new things!

Good luck to all of you students bracing for school! And don't forget to pick up you copy of
Just One of the Guys* to help ease the transition!

*now on Kindle!

More E-Books!

I am so excited about this week that I just can't stop talking about it! And to think- I never thought that I would be so excited about electronic books! I love the idea of libraries and being able to walk by a shelf lined with my favorite titles. It's nice to be able to pick up one of my favorite reads and then go curl up on the couch with it (and a cat!).
To justify my change in heart:

1. E-Books are a great way to try something new. Like Regan Black and Norm Cowie said yesterday: ebooks are a wonderful way to sample new authors and new genres. I have personally fallen into the habit of stealing my mom's (Regan's) palm when she is busy typing her own stories on the computer. After reading J.R. Turner's D.F.F. story, I was stunned. I had never successfully finished a horror novel in my life- much less one as ghostly as this! But I loved it! When it was digital and convenient, it was so much easier to convince myself I should try it.
2. E-Books are cheaper- amazingly so! E-Books usually run cheaper because publishers do not have to pay for materials. They don't have to schedule print runs, pay for paper, or fill a warehouse. Also, no one (not the consumer, the book store, or the publisher) has to pay for shipping. The book instantly downloads to your computer or e-reader and you can take it and go. You don't have to pay for gas to drive to and from the book store or resist buying that yummy mocha cappuccino advertised in the coffee shop next door.
3. Just One of the Guys will be an E-Book! That's right, Sam and the guys are only to be find through digital publishing. Get 'em on your computer, your Kindle, your Sony-Reader, or whatever.... just download them. Keep an eye out, because this short will be available soon!

In the meantime, check out the other Quake authors (and their e-books) at their various blogs and web pages.
Teen Seen: home to all the Quake authors

Here are just a few specific links. Teen Seen has a full listing!
Fang Place: humorous posts by Mr. Norm Cowie
Thrills, Chills and Romance: see J.R. Turner in action
Regan's Realm: find out what Regan and the rest of the Pixie crew are up to
Sunshine: check out the latest installment in Sam Morton's take on the world
Serendipitous Times: learn what weird news has caught Jackie's attention today