IMPORTANT REQUEST.

UPDATE: Readers have been filled -- thank you for your quick responses! The book will be out in February! I hope you'll all want to read it! :)

I need two - three beta readers to read my upcoming novel. I am looking for someone who has been a dedicated Manic blog reader, who has probably corresponded with me via FB or through email occasionally, and who can read this thing in the next four or five days. Someone who will give me an absolute honest opinion on every piece of the story, what they like, what they don't like, who they think the characters should be with, what's missing from the characters. You may have to write up a page of suggestions, but I don't need a LOT of changes to the story because I feel that it's almost done. I do think there are a few things that a reader may not like, so I want someone to take a look at it.

Do you want to read it and give some minor feedback, even if you think it sucks, I will want to know. I'm getting ready to put it out as a Kindle e-reader and I really trust many of you who come here as dedicated blog readers. If you're interested, email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com with the subject line BETA READER. Remember, I'd prefer that we have communicated previously via FB, through here, or through email and that you and I know something about each other. This is going to be based on who contacts me first and who I feel most comfortable with.

Also, I would prefer you be just a reader, not someone in the book industry/reviewer venue.

ALSO, the ending I am going to send you IS NOT THE FINAL ENDING. So, there's that to work with too! Talk about a mind eff, huh?

Thanks to you all! And for those who don't read this version, hopefully you will want to read the FINAL version which will be available in February. I do have a cover designed already! The title is WHAT SHE LEFT US. Thanks! Happy New Year!

Holiday Wishes!

Wishing you health, happiness, love, laughter and joy this holiday season and all through the New Year!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Manic Mommy and HER three reasons for all her seasons!

Congrats to 

ALLY who blogs at LITTLE SQUIRTS! 

You have won ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE! Please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com with your full name & address so you can get your copy!

 

ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE by Jess Riley

 

All the Lonely People
By Jess Riley

Jess Riley is a real life friend of mine and she's got a new book out just in time for the holidays, and let me tell you, if you're looking for a last-minute holiday gift, THIS IS a great book to buy. Here is my personal amazon 5-star review of ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE: 

If you have a family and have EVER celebrated a holiday, ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE is a must-read! (So that means EVERYONE, right!) Who here does not have a semi-dysfunctional or completely dysfunctional family? I loved this book for so many reasons, especially because I could identify with the characters. Having a less-than-perfect family - not wanting to spend time with them, yet loving them just the same. My heart broke for Jaime's struggle with infertility, as well as her need to find the perfect family.

What you will find when you read ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE is that you're only as lonely as you choose to be. If you surround yourself with caring people, it doesn't matter if you're related by blood or by common interests, (even if that happens to be common loneliness!) as long as you enjoy who you're with (and don't answer ads from psychos!).

Jess Riley won me over with her Target breakout debut Driving Sideways. She's done it again with this charming, "heart-hilarious-warming" book that will have you laughing and possibly even tearing up a bit. Maybe, just maybe, you'll want to call up your family to apologize for some of the rotten things you've said or done over the years. 

Here's the back-of-the-book blurb:

"WANTED: a whole new family to share holidays with. Please have a good heart and be a thoughtful, polite person. No sociopaths, no pedophiles, no fans of the Kardashians. We're not weirdos, I promise. I love old Steve Martin movies, new Steve Martin banjo tunes, Indian food, and reruns of Bob Ross painting happy little trees. So if you're looking for something other than the typical family dysfunction this Christmas, drop us a line." After losing her beloved mother to cancer, 37-year-old Jaime Collins must confront the ugly fact that she and her siblings don't actually like one another. At all. Fueled by grief and an epic argument at Thanksgiving dinner, Jaime decides to 'divorce' her siblings and posts an ad on Craigslist for a new family for Christmas. What happens next is a heartwarming, funny, and surprising journey to forgiveness and healing. Is blood really thicker than water? And how far do we have to go to find our way back home again? Dedicated to anyone who has ever wanted to unfriend a relative on Facebook, ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE is about family: those you make ... and those you make peace with. 

If you'd like to win a copy of ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE (your choice — paperback or e-reader version), leave a comment on a funny holiday story. I remember the time my sister almost knocked my mom in the head with the turkey leg at Thanksgiving — yes, we too, are a dysfunctional family!

To double your chances at winning ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE, check out Chick Lit Central's post about Jess' book here: http://www.chicklitcentral.com/2012/12/jess-riley-knows-how-to-light-up-room.html

NEW TO BOOKING WITH MANIC?  

If you're new to Booking with Manic, thank you for stopping by! We love new readers! Some notes - If you're entering to win a book, please use an identifying name and it's usually a great idea to include an email, which I will never give out to anyone else. You can only enter once please. You'll need to check back here in about a week or so to see if you've won the book -- I will highlight the winner's name at the top of this post, or tell you where you can find the winner's name at the top of this post. Most books are supplied directly through publishers, publicists and the authors. Winners will receive books directly from the publisher or author within 3 weeks from the time you provide me with your address, unless I send you the book (sometimes I will). Sorry, but we can only ship to U.S. and Canada so if you're from another country, thank you for coming by to read and discover new authors, but we can't send you a book. Any questions on how I run the blog or suggestions on who you would like to see featured, please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

Latest Winners!

Congrats to the latest book winners of the following books. We recently posted about the following books, Sparkle, Speechless and Dwarf, and if your name is listed below, please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com with your full name and address so we can send you your copy! Thanks, and coming up Tuesday, my friend Jess Riley and her latest, All The Lonely People!

Books & Reviews wins Sparkle

Juliet Farmer wins Speechless

Dwarf winners (Yes, the publisher offered FIVE copies so five of you have won this book!):

Mary Jo Burke

Bev V

Carol5814

betsy_blixt

Joelle

SPEECHLESS By Hannah Harrington

Speechless
Hannah Harrington

This is definitely a book for the young adult readers out there but adults will enjoy it too. I started this one and don't want to stop. It's about the popular sidekick girlfriend of the most popular girl in school who is always the one gossiping. She witnesses something and then shares what she sees with practically every single popular person in school.

What happens after that renders her speechless.

It's awesome.

Here's more information on the book:

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret.
Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.

With themes about homosexuality, friendship, bullying, there's a lot to discover in Speechless. If you'd like to win a copy, leave a comment about a time you might have been left Speechless over something, whether it was something hilarious, scary, ridiculous, off-the-wall, or whatever! Or if you saw something that left you speechless... whatever you want to share!

NEW TO BOOKING WITH MANIC?  

If you're new to Booking with Manic, thank you for stopping by! We love new readers! Some notes - If you're entering to win a book, please use an identifying name and it's usually a great idea to include an email, which I will never give out to anyone else. You can only enter once please. You'll need to check back here in about a week or so to see if you've won the book -- I will highlight the winner's name at the top of this post, or tell you where you can find the winner's name at the top of this post. Most books are supplied directly through publishers, publicists and the authors. Winners will receive books directly from the publisher or author within 3 weeks from the time you provide me with your address, unless I send you the book (sometimes I will). Sorry, but we can only ship to U.S. and Canada so if you're from another country, thank you for coming by to read and discover new authors, but we can't send you a book. Any questions on how I run the blog or suggestions on who you would like to see featured, please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

DWARF by Tiffanie DiDonato (w/ Rennie Dyball)

Remember, I'm trying to post a few books this week so check the previous post if you haven't entered to win, and come back to see what the next post will be! Thanks!

 

Dwarf

Tiffanie DiDonato

You know I love finding inspirational memoirs, and here's a great one coming out this week! It's written by Tiffanie DiDonato (with Rennie Dyball), who overcame incredible odds in her life…

Born with Diastrophic Dysplasia, a rare form of dwarfism, when Tiffanie was a child at three feet, eight inches, the doctors confirmed that was as tall as she would grow. Tiffanie would not accept this fate and when she was old enough to make the decision, through many surgeries and fierce determination, she gained 14 inches, which gave her the freedom to do many things that would have never been possible at three feet, eight inches.

Here is more about Dwarf :

“It's okay with me if you picked up this book because you're curious about what it's like to live with dwarfism. But I hope that you'll take away much more—about adapting to the world when it won't adapt to you.”—from Dwarf

A memoir of grit and transformation for anyone who has been told something was impossible and then went on to do it anyway.

Tiffanie DiDonato was born with dwarfism. Her limbs were so short that she was not able to reach her own ears. She was also born with a serious case of optimism. She decided to undergo a series of painful surgeries that gave her an unprecedented 14 inches of height—and the independence she never thought she’d have.

After her surgeries, Tiffanie was able to learn to drive, to live in the dorms during college, and to lead a normal life. She even made time to volunteer, writing to troops stationed abroad, and one of those Marine pen pals ultimately became her husband.

Dwarf is a moving and at times funny testament to the power of sheer determination.

Tiffanie is now married and the mother to a baby boy. You can read more about her:

Good Morning America article

Twitter

To enter to win Dwarf, leave a comment sharing something you wanted to change but haven't been able and do it. Obviously, it doesn't have to be as life-altering as what Tiffanie went through!

DON'T FORGET: Did you already check out the last book too? Make sure to enter to win SPARKLE by clicking HERE to enter! I'm trying to get three books up on the blog this week so make sure to come back!

NEW TO BOOKING WITH MANIC?  

If you're new to Booking with Manic, thank you for stopping by! We love new readers! Some notes - If you're entering to win a book, please use an identifying name and it's usually a great idea to include an email, which I will never give out to anyone else. You can only enter once please. You'll need to check back here in about a week or so to see if you've won the book -- I will highlight the winner's name at the top of this post, or tell you where you can find the winner's name at the top of this post. Most books are supplied directly through publishers, publicists and the authors. Winners will receive books directly from the publisher or author within 3 weeks from the time you provide me with your address, unless I send you the book (sometimes I will). Sorry, but we can only ship to U.S. and Canada so if you're from another country, thank you for coming by to read and discover new authors, but we can't send you a book. Any questions on how I run the blog or suggestions on who you would like to see featured, please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

SPARKLE by Cara Alwill Leyba

Hi Everyone, going to try to post three books this week because the year is ending and I have a lot of books to share with you so check back often! Here's today's book...

Sparkle

By Cara Alwill Leyba

I love this book from author and life coach Cara Alwill Leyba. Sparkle, The Girl's Guide to Living a Deliciously Dazzling, Wildly Effervescent, Kick-Ass Life. Not only is it a sparkly pink and beautiful eye-catching cover, but the words she's written truly do sparkle!

I've been cyber friends with Cara for a while now, and her spirit amazes me. She is as bubbly as the champagne she drinks. The other day, I read on her Facebook page that she was going shopping. It might have even been Black Friday. What does this girl do? She takes herself out for a glass of champagne before she hits the stores. She's just that kind of classy!

The book has a little bit of advice, and a little bit of stories from Cara's own self-observation. It will dazzle you from page one. It's straight talk about focusing on ourselves the way we are, and Cara Alwill Leyba teaches us how to live our best lives the best possible way. With easy tips on positive thinking, living in the moment, being happy and loving yourself for who you are, this book is a great inspiring read. And I'll tell you, I will now choose the sparkling bubbly over the bloaty beer as my drink of choice!

Here is the official back-of-the-book blurb:

As women, we have become professional self-critics. We've become so convinced by society that we need to attain a level of perfection that just isn't real. Whether it's trying to get skinnier, look younger, get that promotion, please our parents, get fuller lips or rid ourselves of cellulite -- we're on a never ending mission to change and it always makes us feel like crap.

Instead, why not focus on all the fabulous qualities we already possess? There is so much to celebrate when we look at all of our accomplishments. In this straight-up girlfriend's guide, lifestylist and wellness coach Cara Alwill Leyba encourages women to discover what makes them sparkle so that they can design the lives they desire and deserve. So raise your glass and toast yourself. You're about to start shimmering, shining, and dazzling every day. Because isn't everything better when it sparkles?

To enter to win Cara's inspiring book, leave a comment telling us what is one quality you possess that makes you SPARKLE?

NEW TO BOOKING WITH MANIC?  

If you're new to Booking with Manic, thank you for stopping by! We love new readers! Some notes - If you're entering to win a book, please use an identifying name and it's usually a great idea to include an email, which I will never give out to anyone else. You can only enter once please. You'll need to check back here in about a week or so to see if you've won the book -- I will highlight the winner's name at the top of this post, or tell you where you can find the winner's name at the top of this post. Most books are supplied directly through publishers, publicists and the authors. Winners will receive books directly from the publisher or author within 3 weeks from the time you provide me with your address, unless I send you the book (sometimes I will). Sorry, but we can only ship to U.S. and Canada so if you're from another country, thank you for coming by to read and discover new authors, but we can't send you a book. Any questions on how I run the blog or suggestions on who you would like to see featured, please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

The Next Big Thing

Hi everyone, before I announce the winner of Notes to My Future Husband, I was invited to participate in The Next Big Thing online event. It's a way for authors and bloggers to share news about what's coming up next for them, and for readers to find new, wonderful authors and bloggers! 

Susan Pohlman invited me into this mix, and she's a real-life friend of mine in Arizona, and has been a bit of a mentor to me as well. I just wish I got to spend more real-time hours with her. She wrote the amazing memoir, Halfway to Each Other: How a Year in Italy Brought our Family Home, and I shared more about her book on here a while back. Her blog, which continues to inspire can be found here: Susan Pohlman's Blog.

 

So, please check her out and find out about what she's got going on with her Next Big Thing as well. You can tell her I sent you!

 What is the working title of your book?

What She Left Us

Where did the idea come from for the book?

I got the initial idea when I read Gwendolen Gross' second book, The Orphan Sister because I kept imagining the dynamics of the three sisters in that novel. I have one sister, and she's my Irish twin (we're 11 months apart in age), and I guess something just kept bringing me back to wanting to write a novel about two sisters. I also loved Sarah Pekkanen's first novel, The Opposite of Me, which is about twin sisters who are completely different. Keep in mind that in both of these novels, the main characters are about twins. In my novel, What She Left Us, Jenna and Courtney are not twins - they are actually five years apart in age.

What genre does your book fall under?

I had a different answer here (which is below) but now that I've heard of the term "New Adult" I might classify it as that. Wiki defines it as: New-adult Fiction or post-adolescent literature is a recent category of fiction for young adults first proposed by St. Martin's Press in 2009. St. Martin’s Press editors wanted to address the coming-of-age that also happens in a young person’s twenties. They wanted to consider stories about young adults who were legally adults, but who were still finding their way in building a life and figuring out what it means to be an adult. 

My characters are between the ages of 19 and 26. I originally wrote that the book is definitely women's fiction with a side of chick-lit, but not in the gotta-go-shopping, gotta-get a boyfriend-or-I'll-die kind of way. More like, it's geared to a younger crowd. The age of the characters are mid-twenties so it might appeal to women who enjoy chick lit.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Two sisters who are at risk of having the disease that killed their mom navigate their way through new and old relationships only then to discover a life-changing secret.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I recently decided my agent was causing me more stress than good and I parted with her on good terms. I've decided to take this book to Kindle Direct Publishing, and then to launch a second one (unrelated) six months later. The third, depending on how the first two go, will come out a year later.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

The first draft was very quick for me to write -- it took around seven to nine months for the first draft.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

As mentioned earlier, it's a sister relationship book, and I was inspired by Gwendolen Gross' The Orphan Sister, and also Sarah Pekkanen's The Opposite of Me. I hope readers of those books would enjoy What She Left Us. Also, Jennifer Weiner's In Her Shoes comes to mind as it could be somewhat similar, but a reader does not have to have a sister to understand the themes in this book, which include the mother-daughter relationship as well as some other surprises.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

Part of the book deals with a relatively unknown blood disease. I have been a big proponent of blood donation. You will see that in this book. So along with the inspiration from when I read the above books and knowing I wanted to write a book with sister characters, I wanted to also share a little bit about the importance of donating blood. There's not a lot in the story, but it's important for people to donate blood.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

When I first wrote it, I was really skeptical about the ending. I had a few people read it, and I got their reactions. Judging from their thoughts, I let it sit for a long time. I decided something different had to happen in the end, so the ending you will read is NOT the original ending. I didn't want to cheat the reader, and I wanted to be true to the characters. I think when I wrote the first ending, I cheated the reader AND the characters. So it sat for a long time. After giving it much thought and a reread, I now feel that I have done it justice, and really, the characters, who are like real people to me, are happy with how their lives have turned out. I really had to think long and hard about it. But I didn't want to just tie it up neatly in a bow.

And now I'd like to share a couple more friends with you so you can learn about what their Next Big Things are…

Check out Jess Riley, who is one of my very BauthorFFs in life and online! She wrote Driving Sideways and has a new one out just in time for the holidays that you will love. I'll also be sharing more about ALL THE LONELY PEOPLE  here in a couple of weeks. Find out more about Jess and her books by popping over there too!

And Sara Dobie  -- she's an AZ pal of mine who's a very talented writer who has some great things going on. She's just finished a novel called Life without Harry. You'll love her style of writing and will definitely want to know more about Sara -- she is one to watch!

And now, for the winner of Notes to My Future Husband, and I have to say, the comments on this one were some of the absolute FUNNIEST ones I've ever read. And I was reading them as my own husband was trying to fix the cabinets (NOT TRYING TO BE FUNNY for those of you who know the 'fix the shelves' sex joke in our life!)… he was literally trying to fix kitchen cabinets that are FALLING off the wall and I just kept my EFFING mouth shut the whole time, and you know what, finally, ON HIS OWN, he admitted defeat! I secretly smiled to myself. But why? I have no idea because we're not going to pay to get them fixed ever. I'm going to have to live with EFFING BROKEN KITCHEN SHELVES FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!

Thank you for the laughs about your wonderful fault-full hubbies, boyfriends, exes, etc… I loved them all! And now the winner of Notes to my Future Husband is… randomly chosen…

Margaret Literary Chanteuse

Please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com your full name and address and I'll mail out your book!

Thanks everyone and more books coming to you next week!

Thanks and happy weekend!