YA Happening, YA Hopping

By now you guys are well aware that I have a soft spot for Young Adult literature. So it's only fitting that I'd want to join the latest YA celebration brought to you by Kathy here: http://www.iamareader.com/2012/11/young-adult-giveaway-hop.html

The thing I love best about this genre is its ability to transcend the boundaries of readership. The YA audience ranges from thirteen to thirty and then some. It speaks to that part of us that is, on some level, ageless.

The topics are relatable. Maybe it's an issue you're going through now, or you went through 20 years ago. It's familiar territory either way. As older readers, it's fun to take a stroll back in time and revisit those moments that defined and shaped our youth.

When I write I tend to channel my own inner-teen and hand her the mic. It seems she still has so much to say. Perhaps adolescence is something that we never really outgrow. Not entirely, anyway. And if you ask me, that isn't such a bad thing.

So tell me, dear Hooksters, what is your very favorite YA book of all time? Please leave a comment and let us know. Of course, while you're here, be sure to enter our giveaway for your chance to win an E-copy of WISHLESS, my debut YA novel AND a $5.00 Amazon e-gift card.
(Click "see more" below.)
Thanks for hopping by. Stay close and stay young!

The Way We Do the Things We Do

It's time for another edition of Myth Busters - Writer Style, the fun and informative game of keeping it real.

What They Think We Do:

Writers generally spend their days working in their posh private offices, with windows overlooking a sea of rolling green hills.

What We Really Do:

Write on a damp paper towel while standing beside the kitchen sink in clear view of the dishwasher, which. by the way, needs to be unloaded.

What They Think We Do:

Writers hobnob with big-time editors and agents to discuss their latest ideas.

What We Really Do:

Bribe our four-year-olds to listen to our opening chapter just one more time. If necessary promise unlimited supply of bubble gum and Happy Meals.

What They Think We Do:

Writers usually spend their lofty advances on trips to romantic foreign countries where they inevitably find the  inspiration for their next best-seller.

What We Really Do:

Hope our royalty checks will be enough to cover a trip to Staples for another ink cartridge.


This concludes our Sunday evening reality check. I think you'll find this information to be true and accurate, unless you're J.K. or Steven King or E.L. or James Patterson. In which case, never mind.

And So It Goes- And So They Go

From the very beginning we're told it'll be about twenty years - give or take. Two decades to raise a baby and keep her as your own. From the start we are well aware that no child is an appendage, connected to us by tissue and nerve, ligament and bone, so if severed it would cause considerable pain. We are well aware of our parental lot in life:  provide roots and wings. It is only the first part that comes relatively easy.


Yes, my oldest offspring is venturing out into the world. It isn't that I haven't seen the signs. When you bring up a child whose independence seems to be stamped indelibly on her soul, you expect such movement. When she's little you braid her hair and fill her lunchbox and you whisper,"It's okay with me if you stay like this forever."

But you know she can't hear you, and you know she won't stay even if she could.

So it comes as no surprise that here we stand, she and I, lunchboxes having been traded for moving boxes, wings being unfurled and readied for flight.
Though I am able-bodied - most parts intact and none the worse for wear - it surely feels a little like I'm letting go of my right arm or perhaps, a chamber of my heart. And it hurts a little more than a little.

And so it goes.

Having Fun, Getting Fit

Howdy gang! Newsflash: swimsuit season is just around the corner. Well, not quite, but judging by how fast time flies, it'll be here before we know it, right? And perhaps like me, you've done a wee bit of overindulging throughout the holiday season. (Oh those yummy Xmas cookies get me every time!) Check out this fab program and read below! I'm going to be participating. Hope to see you there!

Faithful, Fit &Fabulous


Filled with humor and “I can relate” life experiences, Faithful, Fit, and Fabulous is the ideal 8-week life boost that will refresh any woman's life. Create a personal and effective life plan, and learn how to readily apply it in your busy daily life. Establish holy habits, feel fit and fabulous, and get organized. Just one goal a week for eight weeks—it's simple and fun.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Message from Connie

Hi Ladies,


This is the moment. This is the year. You can be your best self, your most beautiful self, your most faithful, fit, and fabulous self. Ever. Twelve months are before you-what will you do with them?

Years ago, after bearing several children and feeling overwhelmed, I created and lived my “Year of the Change.” During twelve months of taking life by the horns, I lost weight, got organized, and discovered more joy. Since then I’ve tweaked and taught the principles I have learned and now share them with you.

So make this your year of fabulous change by joining us on the “8-week Challenge” starting on January 8th! The 8-week Challenge is an online success program of “8 goals in 8 weeks in 8 areas of your life,” including fit and fabulous, get organized, balance womanhood and motherhood, and more. Using the Faithful, Fit and Fabulous book, each week you set and achieve a goal, with help from my podcasts, video segments, blog posts, and motivational emails!

Simple, fun, and productive. This program works (see testimonials below). And this year, we’re giving our new 2013 Fit &Fabulous podcast series FREE to those who sign up with a friend! Both of you receive weekly podcasts and posts on weight loss/energy gain tips and strategies. Jill Holmes, our online marketing director, has lost and kept off 50 POUNDS! She'll share her personal tips and secrets to make weight loss work for you, even eating chocolate daily.

Here's what women have said about the 8-week Challenge:

“I have learned so many things about who I am and what I want to do in my life. I have also gained a new sense of happiness. My husband and girls have noticed just in the last week the change in my attitude and they have told me that it is nice to hear me laugh again.” C.Adams

“Thank you so much for giving me the needed push to do something I've wanted to do for months & never completed. That has never happened for me with goal setting. THANK YOU!” B.Bird

“If I wouldn't have been doing the challenge I never would have thought to [accomplish this goal]. I am so glad I did this 8 week challenge! I want to continue these small goals for the rest of my life.” C. Rose


So join us now and jumpstart your ideal life. Get that closet organized, start that exercise program going, find that joy in daily living!

Join now and, because you’re reading this blog post, receive your 8-week Challenge for only $29, thru Jan. 8th only!

http://8basics.com/store/books/start-the-8-week-challenge-refer-a-friend-discount.

Sign up a friend and BOTH receive the 8 podcast series of “Fit & Fabulous”.

Email us for more information at connie@8basics.com.

Learn more here: http://8basics.com/b2b-life-coaching-support

So what are you waiting for? Join us for a fun and fabulous life-changing experience!

Author Connie Sokol

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly contributor on KSL TV “Studio 5,” and regular blogger for KSL "Motherhood Matters." She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is the author of several books including the award-nominated romance Caribbean Crossroads, the 8-week Challenge program of Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color Series, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats.

Website * Facebook