Attention, all readers!
Last week was boring, at least on the book front. Still incredibly pleased with SA, but until Leticia writes back with news about those other manuscripts of mine, or something comes out completely out of nowhere, I don't think there's going to be a lot of new for a few weeks.
But I do have a bit of publishing news. Last trimester I'd entered a short story of mine into Catch, which is my college's highly esteemed literary magazine, and I was picked! This Friday was the official publication date of that issue, and like with each issue, there was a publication party with finger food and writers reading their work. I got to read part of my short story, "He, She, and They", which is about a day in the life of a lower middle class couple. I wanted to read the whole thing, but unfortunately there was a five minute limit for reading time, so I simply read half, and some people told me I did really well. One of my friends phone-taped it (my own phone was dead), and I'll post it here as soon as she emails it to me. I can also insert a copy of the story if you want. :)
So that's a little not quite book/publishing news for you.
Weekly (Dis)Likes:
Like 1: The publication party. See above.
Like 2: I had a meeting with an advisor at the career center to work out a game plan for what to do concerning job looking from now til June. She says I have a good start, and the thing I should work on is building connections with LinkedIn to provide a greater job search. She's also going to send me a few links regarding job search sites, and we'll be looking over my resume as well. So glad I did it. (Yes Mom, I'll admit it.)
Dislike 1: I had my first quiz in my Mythology class this week. I'm nervous if I did well or not, because though I studied, I just hope I wrote everything down like I was supposed to.
And quote!
"The only way to enjoy anything in this life is to earn it first." -Ginger Rogers
Bye,
Colleen
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
The Interview
Say hey!
So my prediction was right; the interview I talked about last week did come out yesterday. Here's the link to the online version (though don't ask we why the page format is weird):
http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/KCStar/LandingPage/LandingPage.aspx?href=S0NTLzIwMTQvMDEvMTE.&pageno=NTU.&entity=QXIwNTUwMQ..&view=ZW50aXR5
It's really good. I like how Jennifer wrote it out and really incorporated all the questions she asked, and it's all just so flattering. I hope I don't sound too arrogant at the beginning though, with the whole 'proof' statement thing. It's just when you're autistic (I have Aspergers), people do you at you and your potential differently, and I can't fault people for that. But this shows that despite my difficulties, I was able to write a book and do what I want to do for the rest of my life. Just as it should be with everyone else, regardless of what difficulties they face. :)
Also, I never did know that my book was considered 'a gem' over at SHP. I mean, I knew it was different with the original monster concept, but I wasn't aware that's what Rich thought of the whole thing! Thank you Rich for your kind words!
And thank you also, Mom. Love you lots. And thanks to all the nice Facebook posts.
Weekly (Dis)Likes:
Like 1: New Nintendo games! I used some of my Amazon gift card to get some video games, and now am just starting Pokemon Y. The graphics are amazing.
Like 2: I got a call back from a potential employer I was doing follow-up on. He says I don't need to do anything now, but it'd be nice to meet up again during spring break.
Dislike 1: I think my bamboo plant's dying. I basically went a month without watering it 'cause of Christmas break (stupid), and when I got back the stem was wrinkly and all but the topmost leaves were brown. I stripped those away and refilled it, of course, but the stem's still wrinkly and I think one of the leaves is browning. I hope I can save it. :(
And quote!
"Strength does not from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." -Mohandas Gandhi
Cheerio,
Colleen
So my prediction was right; the interview I talked about last week did come out yesterday. Here's the link to the online version (though don't ask we why the page format is weird):
http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODE/KCStar/LandingPage/LandingPage.aspx?href=S0NTLzIwMTQvMDEvMTE.&pageno=NTU.&entity=QXIwNTUwMQ..&view=ZW50aXR5
It's really good. I like how Jennifer wrote it out and really incorporated all the questions she asked, and it's all just so flattering. I hope I don't sound too arrogant at the beginning though, with the whole 'proof' statement thing. It's just when you're autistic (I have Aspergers), people do you at you and your potential differently, and I can't fault people for that. But this shows that despite my difficulties, I was able to write a book and do what I want to do for the rest of my life. Just as it should be with everyone else, regardless of what difficulties they face. :)
Also, I never did know that my book was considered 'a gem' over at SHP. I mean, I knew it was different with the original monster concept, but I wasn't aware that's what Rich thought of the whole thing! Thank you Rich for your kind words!
And thank you also, Mom. Love you lots. And thanks to all the nice Facebook posts.
Weekly (Dis)Likes:
Like 1: New Nintendo games! I used some of my Amazon gift card to get some video games, and now am just starting Pokemon Y. The graphics are amazing.
Like 2: I got a call back from a potential employer I was doing follow-up on. He says I don't need to do anything now, but it'd be nice to meet up again during spring break.
Dislike 1: I think my bamboo plant's dying. I basically went a month without watering it 'cause of Christmas break (stupid), and when I got back the stem was wrinkly and all but the topmost leaves were brown. I stripped those away and refilled it, of course, but the stem's still wrinkly and I think one of the leaves is browning. I hope I can save it. :(
And quote!
"Strength does not from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." -Mohandas Gandhi
Cheerio,
Colleen
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Newspaper Interview!
Good day, readers!
Big news this time around. To my complete surprise, my grandmother got in contact with the local newspaper and told them about my book, and one writer wrote back saying she wanted to interview me. This hasn't been my first interview--I did one with a book blogger about a year ago--but it is my first interview for a paper!
The interviewer's name was/is Jennifer, and we did the interview over the phone last Monday. She asked me all sorts of questions, a lot of them being the usual things you ask during an interview: what was your inspiration, what was the publication process like, etc., but I also talked about my feelings on writing and a few of my personal feelings when it comes to words, such as that I feel everyone should try writing something for publishing. Yes, it's hard, but if you can do that, you learn that you can do anything. That's what it taught me, at least.
When the interview comes out, I'll post a link if it's available on the web and talk about it some more. I'm not exactly sure about the publication date, but I believe Jennifer said something about this coming Saturday. Can't wait to read it.
Weekly (Dis)Likes
Like 1: The interview. Yay for publicity!
Like 2: Back to school. There are positives being in college.
Like 3: We're having a blizzard up here, and so far my Mythology tomorrow has been cancelled 'cause my teacher's stuck in Chicago (hope he's staying warm). Granted, we still have work to do, but now there's more time to do it.
Dislike 1: The return of homework. Gross. :P
Dislike 2: It's EXTREMELY cold. According to the weather report emails I'm getting, tomorrow's going to feel like -40 degrees with windchill. Yuck. >(
And quote!
"There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge." -Bertrand Russell
Stay warm,
Colleen
Big news this time around. To my complete surprise, my grandmother got in contact with the local newspaper and told them about my book, and one writer wrote back saying she wanted to interview me. This hasn't been my first interview--I did one with a book blogger about a year ago--but it is my first interview for a paper!
The interviewer's name was/is Jennifer, and we did the interview over the phone last Monday. She asked me all sorts of questions, a lot of them being the usual things you ask during an interview: what was your inspiration, what was the publication process like, etc., but I also talked about my feelings on writing and a few of my personal feelings when it comes to words, such as that I feel everyone should try writing something for publishing. Yes, it's hard, but if you can do that, you learn that you can do anything. That's what it taught me, at least.
When the interview comes out, I'll post a link if it's available on the web and talk about it some more. I'm not exactly sure about the publication date, but I believe Jennifer said something about this coming Saturday. Can't wait to read it.
Weekly (Dis)Likes
Like 1: The interview. Yay for publicity!
Like 2: Back to school. There are positives being in college.
Like 3: We're having a blizzard up here, and so far my Mythology tomorrow has been cancelled 'cause my teacher's stuck in Chicago (hope he's staying warm). Granted, we still have work to do, but now there's more time to do it.
Dislike 1: The return of homework. Gross. :P
Dislike 2: It's EXTREMELY cold. According to the weather report emails I'm getting, tomorrow's going to feel like -40 degrees with windchill. Yuck. >(
And quote!
"There is much pleasure to be gained from useless knowledge." -Bertrand Russell
Stay warm,
Colleen
Monday, December 30, 2013
Happy New Years!
Hi my lovely readers!
A day late, but that's what happens when you're at holiday/football parties. But now I'm here!
So some updates on the two possible book readings. Unfortunately, I may have been a little too presumptuous with saying something could happen before I go back to school; nothing's happening. Also, it seems that the independent bookstore, The Raven, doesn't exactly hold book readings for young adult; I spoke with the manager today, and young adult readings aren't exactly popular in her store.
But there's still good news. The Raven has bought copies of my book, and according to the manager, they are now on sale (so for all my KU friends, go pick up a copy). Ms. Raak (the manager) also suggested calling back in a few months to see about doing a reading at the Lawrence library (which she suggested).
And as for the Bares and Noble, Mr. Thomas has received my book and availability dates. He's handing it off to some people and teachers to try to spread the word around while thinking up of how to do this event. I can't wait to see what's in store!
Weekly (Dis)likes:
Like 1: CHRISTMAS! I had a wonderful Christmas. My whole family went to Christmas Day mass, and then we spent the day at my grandparent's place opening gifts. Some highlight presents:
an electric teakettle
the latest Black Veil Brides CD
big buck gift cards to Barnes and Noble and Amazon
nice stud earrings
J.R.R Tolkien's complete Lord of the Rings trilogy (I've been meaning to read that. I hope it's good.)
a fancy schmancy makeup kit
This year's been hard, but this Christmas was fantastic. I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else. :)
Like 2: After Christmas shopping. Got myself some nice little goodies, and I now have a dress to wear for my college graduation.
Like 3: Parties! My mom's friend Barbara had a party this Saturday at her beautiful house. There was delicious food and friendly people, and I had a really good time. And just yesterday the family hung out at the grandparent's place to watch football and snack on Hawaiian pizza.
Dislike 1: I go back to school this Thursday because classes start on Friday. Not that I hate Knox, but I just wish break was a little longer. :P
And quote!
"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." --Kurt Cobain
Bye bye,
Colleen
A day late, but that's what happens when you're at holiday/football parties. But now I'm here!
So some updates on the two possible book readings. Unfortunately, I may have been a little too presumptuous with saying something could happen before I go back to school; nothing's happening. Also, it seems that the independent bookstore, The Raven, doesn't exactly hold book readings for young adult; I spoke with the manager today, and young adult readings aren't exactly popular in her store.
But there's still good news. The Raven has bought copies of my book, and according to the manager, they are now on sale (so for all my KU friends, go pick up a copy). Ms. Raak (the manager) also suggested calling back in a few months to see about doing a reading at the Lawrence library (which she suggested).
And as for the Bares and Noble, Mr. Thomas has received my book and availability dates. He's handing it off to some people and teachers to try to spread the word around while thinking up of how to do this event. I can't wait to see what's in store!
Weekly (Dis)likes:
Like 1: CHRISTMAS! I had a wonderful Christmas. My whole family went to Christmas Day mass, and then we spent the day at my grandparent's place opening gifts. Some highlight presents:
an electric teakettle
the latest Black Veil Brides CD
big buck gift cards to Barnes and Noble and Amazon
nice stud earrings
J.R.R Tolkien's complete Lord of the Rings trilogy (I've been meaning to read that. I hope it's good.)
a fancy schmancy makeup kit
This year's been hard, but this Christmas was fantastic. I wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else. :)
Like 2: After Christmas shopping. Got myself some nice little goodies, and I now have a dress to wear for my college graduation.
Like 3: Parties! My mom's friend Barbara had a party this Saturday at her beautiful house. There was delicious food and friendly people, and I had a really good time. And just yesterday the family hung out at the grandparent's place to watch football and snack on Hawaiian pizza.
Dislike 1: I go back to school this Thursday because classes start on Friday. Not that I hate Knox, but I just wish break was a little longer. :P
And quote!
"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not." --Kurt Cobain
Bye bye,
Colleen
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Let's Do It Again (Maybe)
Hello Internet surfers. Hang ten, bro!
So, after last blog's hype about the release party/book signing, there's a chance for a few more (book signings, though, no parties). My grandpa was able to get me the contact info to the public relations guy from the Leawood Barnes and Noble. I wrote to him, asking about a possible reading, and he wrote back! Apparently, B&N schedules readings like six weeks in advance, so it won't be until March at least (during my Spring break), but still! Barnes and Noble! Big chain bookstore! How can I pass this up? Either way, he wrote that to start the whole thing off the process, he'd need a copy of my book and available dates for the reading. This week I drove over and delivered them. Haven't heard from him yet, but given it's the holidays, he's probably busy. I can wait. :)
A sooner possible prospect is another independent store. It's called The Raven Bookstore in Lawrence, and a good friend of mine from high school gave me the contact info for the owner. I sent her an email as well, but unlike B&N, I haven't heard from her. When it's been a week, I'll try calling her to talk just in case she didn't get my email.
Still on a hype from the book signing! YAY!!!
Weekly (Dis)Likes:
Like 1: Christmas is this week! Bring on the good times!
Like 2: My sister Allison is coming home tomorrow from studying abroad in Ecuador. It'll be so good to see her; I've missed her. She does have 33 hours and at least six planes she has to go through to get home, so here's praying she makes it here safe and sound.
Like 3: Look what I found at Barnes and Noble during the delivery:
Note
the stack of books to the right. Either B&N didn't have much to put
out, or people have bought all but the two here. I'm betting it's the
latter. :)
Dislike 1: It's gotten really cold. I don't like the cold. :P
And quote!
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." -Nelson Mandela (God bless you, man.)
Bye,
Colleen
So, after last blog's hype about the release party/book signing, there's a chance for a few more (book signings, though, no parties). My grandpa was able to get me the contact info to the public relations guy from the Leawood Barnes and Noble. I wrote to him, asking about a possible reading, and he wrote back! Apparently, B&N schedules readings like six weeks in advance, so it won't be until March at least (during my Spring break), but still! Barnes and Noble! Big chain bookstore! How can I pass this up? Either way, he wrote that to start the whole thing off the process, he'd need a copy of my book and available dates for the reading. This week I drove over and delivered them. Haven't heard from him yet, but given it's the holidays, he's probably busy. I can wait. :)
A sooner possible prospect is another independent store. It's called The Raven Bookstore in Lawrence, and a good friend of mine from high school gave me the contact info for the owner. I sent her an email as well, but unlike B&N, I haven't heard from her. When it's been a week, I'll try calling her to talk just in case she didn't get my email.
Still on a hype from the book signing! YAY!!!
Weekly (Dis)Likes:
Like 1: Christmas is this week! Bring on the good times!
Like 2: My sister Allison is coming home tomorrow from studying abroad in Ecuador. It'll be so good to see her; I've missed her. She does have 33 hours and at least six planes she has to go through to get home, so here's praying she makes it here safe and sound.
Like 3: Look what I found at Barnes and Noble during the delivery:
Dislike 1: It's gotten really cold. I don't like the cold. :P
And quote!
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." -Nelson Mandela (God bless you, man.)
Bye,
Colleen
Saturday, December 14, 2013
The Book Release
IT. WAS. AWESOME!
We showed up, placed the food out, and I sat at the table the store owners had set up with plenty of books. A lot of people showed up, many people I haven't seen in ages (and it was so nice to see them all), and I signed so many books my elbow started cramping up from keeping it folded. In the middle of the party, I did a reading of the first chapter, and then a Q and A session, then finished up with more book signings. It went incredibly well, and I'm very pleased with how things turned out. Here's some pictures for those who couldn't come (this is the reason this is a bi-weekly blog; it took some time to get this all together):
More pictures and even video are possibly on the way.
Secondly, I'm thinking of doing more readings. My grandpa found some info on how to contact the local Barnes and Noble to ask for a signing. And a good friend of mine in Lawrence mentioned me to one of the independent bookstore owners; the owner was interested, so she gave my friend the store email address, which my friend gave to me. Haven't gotten anything back yet, but I hope something does.
Finally, we already have some reviews for SA! A Spanish blogger wrote about SA (my sister's currently on translating duty), and we have another review from INSERT DATA LINK HERE. Check them out!
Life is good. :)
Weekly (Dis)Likes:
Like 1: The release. I'm an author. :)
Like 2: The book release party. See above.
Like 3: The review. It makes my book sound so good.
Like 4: Birthday shopping with my grandmother. Me and my sisters have a tradition of doing this around our birthdays. Since I wasn't home for mine, I got to do it now, and now have some beautiful new cloths.
Dislike 1: It's getting cold. And I hate pointless cold. If there's snow on the ground, it's not pointless, but there is no snow, now is there?
And quote!
"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." -John Wooden
Bye,
Colleen
Sunday, December 1, 2013
IT'S COMING!!!!
Oh my gosh it's almost here!
This Tuesday is, of course, THE BIG DAY!! I'm so excited, but so nervous. There's going to be family friends and school friends all coming...I hope everyone will have a good time. Meanwhile, we're looking up food recipes and finishing up the final details. Here's hoping for a good night!
And for the last time, don't forget to come to the SWAMP ANGEL release party on Dec. 3rd, at 6:30 pm at Mysteryscape! Hope to see a lot of people there!
Weekly (Dis)Likes
Like 1: Thanksgiving. Yum. And do you know that Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fall on the same day once every 79,000 years?
Like 2: My aunt and her family came visiting. So fun to see them all!
Like 3: My grandmother from Arizona is visiting as well. What a cool lady.
Like 4: Winter break started! Time to kick back and relax (mostly).
Dislike 1: Wasn't even home for a day, and I got an email from one of my future professors telling us already what books to get and 'recommending' that we should start reading. -_- It's called vacation for a reason.
Dislike 2: Mom giving me a new mission; basically, start checking out the employment office and basically signing up for all the interviews they offer. I know it's important if I want to get a job out from college and practice interviewing skills, but what's the point of interviewing for a job that you don't want or you don't have the qualifications to do? A English major can't work in, say, engineering for a company looking only for hands-on workers.
And quote!
"It is well to read everything of something, and something of everything." -Joseph Brodsky
See you at the party!
Colleen
This Tuesday is, of course, THE BIG DAY!! I'm so excited, but so nervous. There's going to be family friends and school friends all coming...I hope everyone will have a good time. Meanwhile, we're looking up food recipes and finishing up the final details. Here's hoping for a good night!
And for the last time, don't forget to come to the SWAMP ANGEL release party on Dec. 3rd, at 6:30 pm at Mysteryscape! Hope to see a lot of people there!
Weekly (Dis)Likes
Like 1: Thanksgiving. Yum. And do you know that Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fall on the same day once every 79,000 years?
Like 2: My aunt and her family came visiting. So fun to see them all!
Like 3: My grandmother from Arizona is visiting as well. What a cool lady.
Like 4: Winter break started! Time to kick back and relax (mostly).
Dislike 1: Wasn't even home for a day, and I got an email from one of my future professors telling us already what books to get and 'recommending' that we should start reading. -_- It's called vacation for a reason.
Dislike 2: Mom giving me a new mission; basically, start checking out the employment office and basically signing up for all the interviews they offer. I know it's important if I want to get a job out from college and practice interviewing skills, but what's the point of interviewing for a job that you don't want or you don't have the qualifications to do? A English major can't work in, say, engineering for a company looking only for hands-on workers.
And quote!
"It is well to read everything of something, and something of everything." -Joseph Brodsky
See you at the party!
Colleen
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