Books Everyone Should Read

There are so many books out there that it can get overwhelming when you are looking for a new read. Well, I will throw my favorites out there for you to go over, and maybe you will find a title that grabs your attention.

1. Anything by Tim Flanagan
2. The Living by Matt De La Pena
3. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
4. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
5. The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
6. Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
7. Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser
8. Blood On My Hands by Todd Strasser
9. Kill You Last by Todd Strasser
10. Can't Get There From Here by Todd Strasser
11. The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate
12. Hate List by Jennifer Brown
13. The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfeld
14. Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler
15. The Midnighters Series by Scott Westerfeld
16. Tales of Aradia The Last Witch by L.A. Jones
17. Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey
18. Glass Heart by Amy Garvey
19. Anything by Alyson Noel
20. No Safety in Numbers Series by Dayna Lorentz

I hope this list helps you find something good to read. Getting lost in the pages of a book is the best!

Thoughts About My Book

I may never hit a million sales, but I am proud that I put my book out there for the world to see. It was hard because Brianna, Chris, and Steven have become like another family to me in a weird sort of way. You don't turn your back on family even if no one else gets them.

These fictional characters that I have grown to love are a huge part of me. They came from my imagination, and I built their world. This process took me years to get completely right. I put so much of myself into this project. I put in time, effort, tears, and frustration.

My favorite scene in the book is when Chris and Brianna are taking a walk together on her birthday. I love the conversations that they shared on that day. To me, that is a golden moment. I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back, but it's just one of those scenes that made me happy during the countless hours of editing and rewrites. It was a part that made me feel that I didn't stink as an author.

I think a lot of authors go through the same thing. You feel like you stink as an author, but eventually you see that it's not the case. If you are doing something you love keep at it and never give up. There will always be those that doubt you, but don't let the negativity win. You can do it.

Random Thoughts

Sitting here at my desk, I just decided to write and see where the words take me. There are many things in my life that I am forever grateful for: my family, my dear sweet husband that means more to me than mere words can ever express.
The love we have has grown through good and bad times, has withstood the test of time, and has been a stabling force in the turmoil that my brain puts me through on a daily basis. He will never know how I look up to him, how his words can put a smile on my heart and a spring in my step.
I am forever grateful for Tyler and his example. He hurts on a daily basis, but he never asks why me. He has a heart as big as the great outdoors. If people would give him a chance, they would get to know a loving, honest, caring, and giving person that amazes me constantly.
I'm not saying these things just because I am so deeply in love with my family. These people amaze me and fill me with a joy that I have to admit that I am at a loss to convey.
They put up with my book addiction, and my writing. They are my biggest fans. They have no doubt that I'll be published, and when the task seems insurmountable, they build me up and let me know that I can do it. My book addiction has grown to four filled bookcases in our small home, and we are planning to add another for the books that have no home right now. Yes, my family not only puts up with this, they support it.
Our family is a bit strange. We are Star Trek fans-diehards, we love heavy metal, we read as a family together, we are best friends, and we like the same things.
We are there for the good and bad times, just like a family should. We treasure each other, and that's the way it should be.
Now for some other things. I am trying a new healthy living lifestyle, and it's really working. I'm eating healthier, and trying to figure out what to do about exercise. Any ideas for a beginner would be appreciated. Just keep in mind that I am agoraphobic, so going out for a walk is impossible right now.
To all of the people that have a place in my heart: Rachel S., Sam, Brittni E., Erica P., Nicole S.
, and  and everyone else I am forgetting, I love you.  

Surprise!!!

No it's not what you think. I'm NOT pregnant!!! Thank goodness!!! Not that I don't love being a mom, but having our sons all grown up by the time we are in our 30s is very nice.

I'm hoping to have my book in publishers hands in about 2 months. That will be amazing. I'm outlining book numbers 2 and 3, and that makes me one very contented author.

There is one thing that has been bothering me as of late. It's feeling like the people that were once my friends have drifted away, or are drifting away. I realize that is to be expected on some level, but it does kind of suck. My world because of the agoraphobia is one that takes place virtually rather than completely physically. I am okay around certain people: my hubby, sons, and therapist, so logically it makes sense that people would drift. It doesn't mean that I have to like it, though.

So, if you are one of my friends, virtual or not, please know that I'm here and missing you. Please know that I haven't forgotten you, so please don't forget me. Please know that if I could be there physically, I would. I'm working on it, but it will take time. So, here is the big question:

Will you be my friend?

Questions

Why do you always have to pee during the good part of a movie?

What's the stuff in hi-lighters that makes them hi-light?

Why do new books smell so good?

Why do libraries always stink?

Exactly what parts of the animal are used in the making of bologna?

Why does jelly go so perfectly with peanut butter?

Who was the first person to discover PB & J?

Who was the very first person to step in gum?

Why do little kids love to pick their noses in public?

Why does Wal-Mart have a greeter?

Why do people cover their cars with bumper stickers?

Who was the first mother to shout to their child as they entered a public restroom, "Make sure you cover the seat with toilet paper"?

Who invented erasers?

Why do you always have to find out that your shoes make that weird squeaking sound when your someplace other than home?

Why do dogs turn around a few times before they finally lie down?

Who invented cereal, and then decided that it was good for breakfast?

Why do people call Saturday and Sunday the weekend, when technically Sunday is the first day of the week?

Why does chocolate taste so dang good?

Just some random questions for you to ponder. It's kind of crazy to be in my head, huh?

My Cluttered Mind

I have many things to share. Just some completely random thoughts that have been floating around my cluttered mind.

I know that everyone on this revolving marble has to go through trials and tribulations. I get it. I am just so tired of seeing my sweet husband and son suffer with migraines. We are seeing neurologists, and I know that to find the right solution will take time, but it is heartbreaking when you do all you can and they still suffer.

I am so effin' tired, I could sleep for two weeks. Tyler tends to have long nights due to the migraines, and I wake up to help him. I do believe it may be catching up to me. Yeah...very tired.

I have also realized lately that I am a square peg. I know I have thought that before, but I really am. Out of my six closest friends, only two are women, and those two are just as weird as I am. I guess I just don't fit in with the "classic" woman things. I don't do shopping, spas, or shoes. (Except for books) I can't wait to go see a demolition derby, I want his and her matching four wheelers for me and my hubby, I can't wait for our picnic in the graveyard, and I am obsessed with writing. I do dye my hair weird colors, but that's for fun.

This brings me back to my last post here. My two best friends in this world are Adam and Tyler. That will never ever change. Most of the people that have let me down in my life are women. I think that's why my two close women friends mean so much to me. Megan and Kayla are so important to me. I love them and cherish their friendship. My guy close friends: Don, David, Mike, and Ed. You guys rock!

To my dear sweet family, Adam and Tyler-I love you with all of my heart, and you guys always come first.

A Glimpse Into My Scary Mind

Random Thought: I have rediscovered my love for Hole. Courtney Love is awesome. I love her vocals, and her style is great. I have to admit that I have some weird likes in music and just about everything else, but hey, it's the way I am. Random Thought: I happen to think that there was so much more to Marilyn Monroe than what Hollywood did to her. They made their money turning her into a vapid moron, but in reading some things she has had to say, there was so much more going on than what was seen on the surface. No, I don't think her death was a suicide, and Yes, I do think that the Kennedy family was involved. Random Thought: If I have to see another add for the Twilight movies, I will seriously puke. How can crappy acting bring in so much money? BTW-What the heck was with the Team Edward and Team Jacob crud? Hello! Read the books; the ending has already been decided. Random Thought: Have you ever noticed just how yummy chocolate and peanut butter are together. In candy or cereal form-YUMMAY!!! Random Thought-Spring is coming, and I hate bugs. Yuck! Random Thought-I hate it when my stacks of books are out of order. Random Thought-I have three huge book cases, and they are overflowing onto other flat surfaces, and I will never get rid of any of them. Random Thought-Oatmeal is yummy! Random Thought-I want to see Metallica in concert sooooo badly! Random Thought-I love the show Bones. So gross and soooo cool! Random Thought-I always trade silverware with Adam at a restaurant.