Dissected Giveaway

Now that things are coming down the line, I've decided to host a giveaway on Goodreads. Click here to enter. I'm giving away two copies. You have to live in US, Canada, UK or Australia to enter. The end date is November 12, which is what I'm hoping is the release date for the book *fingers crossed*.

My proof copies should be coming in the mail today if all goes as planned. I have one person who is going to read one of them as I don't think I can stomach another read of the novel right now. If you're a writer, I think you know what I mean. If you're not a writer, think about reading the same book 20 times in a row. Even if it's your favorite, you'd get sick of it after about the 3rd time.

So, go enter the contest. If you're in the area, expect an invite to the release party soon. I think it's going to be held at Garfield Books at Pacific Lutheran University.

Life is Fragile

I don't know how many times we're reminded of this throughout our lives. I've seen people in losing battles with alcohol and drugs. I've seen them in vehicle accidents. I've seen death. Too much of it for my age I think. Two people I knew died while I was in high school. Two right after. Many along the way up until now. My own daughter almost died on me when she was only five weeks old.

Yet still, and I'm guilty as anyone, we sit idle. Become complacent in life. Live an unhappy existence. I even wrote a book on the subject and I still find myself at times, sitting back watching the world go by.  Not as much as I used to, but still, a little.

I have tried to live up to the message of my book though. I've done a lot the last couple years. I've written books, gone to New York, Arizona, Sundance. I've started running, biking again. I'm getting out of my comfort zone. I try to touch people's live in a positive way. But still, I let myself get all crazy and frustrated by the things I can't control. I need to learn to let it go. YOLO. That's the motto. You only live once.

Do I want to live it frustrated all the time? Letting the smallest thing get to me? No. I merely want to LIVE it, and live it well. Live it to the best of my ability with no regret.

I'm having a contest. I posted it Monday. Enter here. Just post 6 things on your bucket list.

I'm dedicating this blog today to my niece, Gina. She was in a car accident yesterday. As you can see, she's amazingly beautiful and full of life. Could you send some good vibes, prayers or whatever you may do? Injuries seem to be minor, but everything helps, you know?

Live and love without regret,

Megan

Never Eighteen Half Year Birthday Contest!!!!!

First, let me say, it's been a wild ride. Never Eighteen has been selling pretty good, especially here in the Pacific Northwest where the book is set. But I've actually sold copies all over the world.

It started out tricky, as the night of my release party we had a major snow storm, which kept some people away. We also started a little early, so people could get home earlier, of course, this pissed others off. Also, a box of books didn't come in because of the snow. Luckily I had a couple boxes of my own in my car, but we still ran out. There were a couple other snafus, but I told myself, especially after hearing about the snow, it is what it is.

I've done 1 Skype school visit to Illinois, 3 library visits, 6 book store events, 7 interviews (not counting blog interviews), 14 school visits, and many more online events and had fun with every one of them.

I've lost an agent. I've struggled to write a second book. It took me over a year, which is unprecedented for me. I don't have a second book deal, nor do I have any foreign rights sold for Never Eighteen. I've spent just about every dime I have marketing Never Eighteen. Those are the frustrating things about the business.

I've met tons of cool readers, writers, librarians, bookstore owners, teachers. I love those connections so much.

And that's pretty much how my last six months have gone.

Okay, I've figured out the contest. For Never Eighteen's Half birthday I want you to tell me in the comments below, 6 things on your bucket list. I will pick the winner. What will you win? A signed copy of Never Eighteen, a CD of some of the songs on the playlist in the back of the book, and swag. Always swag!!!

photo by Charlie Wolf

Here are some of the things on my bucket list.

1. Take my kids to NYC
2. Go to Australia
3. Apologize to people I need to apologize to and welcome anyone who thinks I've wronged them to step forward and talk to me.
4. Thank all the people in my life you has helped me along the way.
5. Participate in a triathlon
6. Yeah, throw the big party.

Your turn. Six things on your bucket list.

One Week

OMG! It's one week until my book release. Am I excited? Of course. I'm I terrifed? Definitely. Am I freaking out? Undoubtedly.

In honor of my one week left, I've decided to do another giveaway. Yep. I'm going to give away a marked up ARC and swag. For those of you who don't know what a marked up ARC is. It's a review copy that has notes written by me in the margins, telling you all the secrets I didn't get to reveal in the book or background story about the people and places I wrote about.

You want?

Visit my Facebook Fan Page in the Notes section, answer one simple question, and leave your email address. It's that easy.

Winner will be chosen at random to be announced on my book birthday, January 17th, 2012!!

I also want to wish a happy book birthday to Robin Bridges (The Gathering Storm), Caroline Starr Rose (May B.) and Robin Mellom (Ditched). Check out their books!!!

Never Eighteen Giveaway!!!!!

Everyone loves prizes, right?  Well, it's officially two months until the release of Never Eighteen, and so I'm giving away a bunch of Never Eighteen swag which includes a sack pack, notebook, water bottle, sticker, button, bookmark, t-shirt, a signed ARC, and a pack of tissues.

To enter, go to my Facebook notes here, and leave a comment and email address.  That's it.  No posting this elsewhere, no having to share five places, no having to get your friends to "like" me.  Simply comment.  Don't enter  here, I don't want your comments buried under other posts.

Well, you may have to "like" me on Facebook, I don't know for sure.

Winner will be chosen randomly and announced on December 17, the one month mark!!!!


Good luck!!

Another Tour Stop!

The second stop on the teen book scene never eighteen tour is at me, my shelf, and i.  The site give never eighteen a review (and it's a good one!)  check it out and comment if you will.

Also on yesterdays stop, don't forget there's a contest underway for never eighteen swag.

at tomorrow's stop, you'll find a tens list of concerts i've attended at Allison can read.

On november 17, look for a two month countdown to book launch.  I'll be hosting a giveaway of swag, a sticky note arc of Never eighteen (will all the secrets on sticky notes as opposed to being marked up, because, my life is run by sticky notes) and other cool stuff.  Winner to be announced at the one month mark, december 17th.

have a terrific tuesday everyone!

F³A: The first author event

Yes, so tonight is my first author event and I'm scared out of my wits.  I'm doing a five minute reading and bringing a bunch of swag.  Wish me luck I don't mess up or puke or something.

I'm also thinking about running my first giveaway.  What does everyone like to get? Arcs, marked up arcs? Never Eighteen swag? Skype visit? Um, other crap? Let me know. 

(The pic of Aaron Johnson is just because I had no picture to post and I want him to play Austin in the move version of Never Eighteen, if that ever were to happen)

I think that's all I have today, except for the Nibbles of course:

Random iPod shuffle song: Story of My Life by Social Distortion.  Love it.

Book of the week:  Still OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy.  I will read this weekend.  I just haven't had the time!!!

Netflix of the week: Monk.  I'm loving it.

Quote of the week:  "The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.

— George Jessel