I saw on the news that some girls (and I'm sure boys) are posting pictures and videos online asking complete strangers if they are pretty or ugly. I'm a little sad and upset by this for many reasons but mainly: Why do you care what a stranger thinks?
You may think you're getting an unbiased answers and while some may actually do so and be honest about it, there are way more people online who will say negative things just for the sake of saying negative things, especially when they are hidden behind a computer and screen name.
Teens, it's rough growing up. I'm sure you can talk to anyone over the age of 20 and hear horror stories about bullies and plain old nasty people. It's sad, truly, but this is part of the world we have to live with every day. What you don't have to live with, however, is letting it affect you negatively.
I was a chubby kid and plump teenager. I was one of those girls who people said "You have such a pretty face" or "Your eyes are beautiful", and sure, it was nice getting compliments, but in truth, they were just empty and round about ways for people to say "You're different than the norm".
I'll have to go back one day and scour my diaries to see if I can pinpoint why and when it happened, but sometime in the 11th or 12th grade, I stopped caring what people thought about me. I stopped trying to fit the "norm". I stopped wearing make up and doing my hair like everyone else. I stopped wearing the trendy things everyone else had. I started dressing the way I wanted and didn't paying attention to people making comments about me.
I can tell you, it wasn't easy, but it made my last year or so in High School better. Unless you happen to be one of the genetically blessed people or have a ton of money, you're probably not going to be super hot in High School, and you know what, good! You don't want to peak too soon, do you? Leave that for your 20's :-)
More importantly, I just want to let you know that who you are on the inside will ALWAYS be worth more than what you look like on the outside. It really is true. When you meet people and make new friends, they will become more attractive to you if they are a good person who you want to be around, and the same will happen for you. What is pretty or attractive to one person, is not the same for another.
No one in this world is perfect. Even the people you think are the hottest looking people out there will tell you something about themselves they'd like to change or show you pictures of when they weren't as hot or attractive.
Be yourself, better yourself if you want, but don't look outside for approval, find it within first, then you won't care what the rest of the world thinks because you'll know you're totally worth it.
October 30, 2013
October 28, 2013
Conference for Writers and Readers 3-15-14
Born to Write? Love to Read?
Then join us for the 5th Annual Liberty States Fiction Writers Create Something Magical Conference.
Registration opens Monday, October 28th
This year we are pleased to have New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author, Sherrilyn Kenyon joining us as our Keynote Speaker.
The conference will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel in Iselin, NJ. We will be bringing you a selection of writer focused workshops from authors such as: Stephanie Evanovich, Laura Kaye, Cat Johnson, Damon Suede, Tere Michaels, Stephanie Julian, Judi Fennell, and more. In addition, we will again be hosting a Reader's Track featuring a series of interactive discussions for book lovers.
For more information or to register, please visit:
Pricing is as follows:
Readers’ Track - $75 (Price includes access to all Readers’ Track Panels, Lunch, Book Signing, Pizza Party, and Close of Conference Party.)
Writers’ Track
Members – $110
Non-Members $130
(Price includes access to all Writers’ & Readers’ Track Panels, Lunch, Book Signing, Pizza Party, and Close of Conference Party.
**After February 1st, all prices increase by $15**
If you plan to stay overnight so that you can enjoy our end of conference party, hotel rooms are available. The rate is $115 per night. To reserve a room please call 1-800-468-3571 and ask for the Liberty States Fiction Writers room rate.
It's shaping up to be another great event that you won't want to miss.
We hope to see you all there!
October 17, 2013
Jenn's Guide to Fall TV...so far
I know some of you enjoy my crazy TV blogs and since the majority of the 2013 Fall TV shows have started, I figured I'd share my thoughts.
Sunday
Once Upon A Time: I'm still invested in the story AND the characters. Being a romantic, I'm digging the concept that hope and love triumph over evil because we all know that rarely happens in reality. I'm also a Hook fan. Love that guy.
Revenge: Already much better than most of last season. I had a feeling about Aiden, glad I was right. Not sure about this love quadrangle though...Jack should just shoot Daniel.
The Mentalist: FINALLY we're getting to Red John. I honestly thought it would be Season 2 or 3, but I do enjoy Jane's antics, so I've stuck around. I still think it's the Sheriff despite this week's episode.
The Walking Dead: It just stared and I'm so glad it's back. I hear this season is a constant build up to something, I'm looking forward to the ride.
Not going to go over the Fox Cartoons, I'm loyal. I'll watch until canceled....even Bob's Burgers. I love Louise.
Monday
Sleepy Hollow: This show should not have worked. It should have been uber-cheesy and super-silly, but it's not. It's probably my favorite new show this season. I'm a sucker for a fish-out-of-water story AND time travel AND supernatural stuff AND playing with history AND Orlando Jones. I hope his character breaks out a little more, he's awesome. However, the show is all about Abby and Crane, they are fantastic together. Most importantly, I'm glad he's married. I don't want these two shipped. Leave them be!
HIMYM: I ready for the end.
Beauty and the Beast: I like where the season started, but I have a feeling this will be the last. Shame, it won't feel like the CW without Kristin Kreuk in the hospital.
The Voice: I watch in Fast Forward mode, I have a couple of faves.
The Blacklist: Guess this is the Snark Season. Spader is great, worth watching just for him. The story is interesting, too.
Castle: Every time I think I'm going to hate what they change in this show, I end up surprisingly happy. Still a keeper.
Tuesday
S.H.I.E.L.D: I think the show is gelling nicely. Not sure why everyone seems to need superheroes or villains in the show, it seems to be doing fine with the new tech, team dynamic, mixed with the action and humor. The back half of the season will either make it or break it. I'm willing to wait.
The Originals: I planned on watching the first episode and writing it off because I really don't like Klaus trying to be a good guy, which is the purpose of this show supposedly. Glad his siblings came along, otherwise I'd stop watching. For now, I'm on board...at least until I get bored.
Supernatural: I'm hoping the writers and actors on this show make this season the best and last. I love my Winchester boys but it's time for them to get some peace and move on...on earth or not.
Person of Interest: I stopped watching last season but picked up again this season. I like Carter. Not sure about the new chick.
Wednesday
The X Factor: I already picked the top three, Jeff G, Alex & Siera and Restless Road. Let's see if I'm right.
Survivor: This show is still a great study of people and I think with this Blood v. Water theme, it's even better.
Arrow: My favorite new show from last year is one of the shows I'm excited to see every week. They really should have killed off Laurel last season, she's annoying me already. And I'm not sure why they didn't just make Felicity the Black Canary, she has great chemistry with Oliver. Not sure about the Red Hood either, I think Dig (who is the only character to have his own Jenn Theme Song) is a perfectly capable sidekick, if you'd call him that to his face...I wouldn't.
Criminal Minds: My nephew calls this murder porn. He's kinda right. I'm still watching it. LOL
The Tomorrow People: The pilot was decent, I'll give it 3 or 4 episodes to see if it's a keeper.
Thursday
OUAT in Wonderland: While it's awesome to see Sayid off the Island and Tom alive and well and not a werewolf, I'm not too excited about this show. I may watch episode two if I'm bored, but I doubt it.
The Big Bang Theory: Starting off great! I love them putting different characters together and mixing it up. Howard and Amy are priceless together and Bernadette is hilarious.
Scandal: OMG this show! It's the second show I'm excited to see every week. Tonight's is sure to be super tense and awesome. It's crazy how good this show is.
Elementary: Yes, I know...for shame. Being an uber Sherlock fan, I probably die a little inside every time I watch this show, but it's entertaining. I'm pretty easy to entertain, give me a quirky and/or kick ass character in interesting or mysterious situation and I can pretty much watch it. I also love Lucy Liu, so, I DVR and watch when the mood strikes.
Glee: I'm a sucker for singing, singers, singing competitions, singing on shows (Buffy! Not Cop Rock) and when the talent is this good, I can't help but to watch.
Vampire Diaries: Elena isn't as annoying as she was last season and Bonnie is dead, so that already makes it better.
Friday
Hawaii Five-O: Another murder porn procedural I keep around for the banter between characters and awesome guest stars.
Grimm: Not back yet, I'm waiting!
Shark Tank: Dreams come true in the Shark Tank. It's nice to see the big guys helping out the little guys, with the exception of Mr. Wonderful who seems to be only in it for the money. Gives me faith in humanity again.
What I watched that I won't be watching again:
Dads - dud
The Goldbergs - cute show, but I think the end credits of the real life people were better.
Super Fun Night - Super Snore Night and I love Rebel. Shame.
Michael J. Fox show - I got a couple chuckles out of it and it seems like a decent show, I'm just not interested in the premise for the most part.
What I watched that I may check out when nothing else is on:
Brooklyn 99 - funny show, but I normally don't watch comedies by myself, it's not as fun. Sandburg and Braugher, along with the rest of the cast, actually have great chemistry together.
Hostages: I watched a couple episodes, not bad but I'm not dying to keep up with it, so it'll probably just fade away unless I'm bored over the weekend.
So what is YOUR favorite so far? Start watching something after binge-watched this summer? What late-start/mid-season shows are you looking forward to checking out?
Sunday
Once Upon A Time: I'm still invested in the story AND the characters. Being a romantic, I'm digging the concept that hope and love triumph over evil because we all know that rarely happens in reality. I'm also a Hook fan. Love that guy.
Revenge: Already much better than most of last season. I had a feeling about Aiden, glad I was right. Not sure about this love quadrangle though...Jack should just shoot Daniel.
The Mentalist: FINALLY we're getting to Red John. I honestly thought it would be Season 2 or 3, but I do enjoy Jane's antics, so I've stuck around. I still think it's the Sheriff despite this week's episode.
The Walking Dead: It just stared and I'm so glad it's back. I hear this season is a constant build up to something, I'm looking forward to the ride.
Not going to go over the Fox Cartoons, I'm loyal. I'll watch until canceled....even Bob's Burgers. I love Louise.
Monday
Sleepy Hollow: This show should not have worked. It should have been uber-cheesy and super-silly, but it's not. It's probably my favorite new show this season. I'm a sucker for a fish-out-of-water story AND time travel AND supernatural stuff AND playing with history AND Orlando Jones. I hope his character breaks out a little more, he's awesome. However, the show is all about Abby and Crane, they are fantastic together. Most importantly, I'm glad he's married. I don't want these two shipped. Leave them be!
HIMYM: I ready for the end.
Beauty and the Beast: I like where the season started, but I have a feeling this will be the last. Shame, it won't feel like the CW without Kristin Kreuk in the hospital.
The Voice: I watch in Fast Forward mode, I have a couple of faves.
The Blacklist: Guess this is the Snark Season. Spader is great, worth watching just for him. The story is interesting, too.
Castle: Every time I think I'm going to hate what they change in this show, I end up surprisingly happy. Still a keeper.
Tuesday
S.H.I.E.L.D: I think the show is gelling nicely. Not sure why everyone seems to need superheroes or villains in the show, it seems to be doing fine with the new tech, team dynamic, mixed with the action and humor. The back half of the season will either make it or break it. I'm willing to wait.
The Originals: I planned on watching the first episode and writing it off because I really don't like Klaus trying to be a good guy, which is the purpose of this show supposedly. Glad his siblings came along, otherwise I'd stop watching. For now, I'm on board...at least until I get bored.
Supernatural: I'm hoping the writers and actors on this show make this season the best and last. I love my Winchester boys but it's time for them to get some peace and move on...on earth or not.
Person of Interest: I stopped watching last season but picked up again this season. I like Carter. Not sure about the new chick.
Wednesday
The X Factor: I already picked the top three, Jeff G, Alex & Siera and Restless Road. Let's see if I'm right.
Survivor: This show is still a great study of people and I think with this Blood v. Water theme, it's even better.
Arrow: My favorite new show from last year is one of the shows I'm excited to see every week. They really should have killed off Laurel last season, she's annoying me already. And I'm not sure why they didn't just make Felicity the Black Canary, she has great chemistry with Oliver. Not sure about the Red Hood either, I think Dig (who is the only character to have his own Jenn Theme Song) is a perfectly capable sidekick, if you'd call him that to his face...I wouldn't.
Criminal Minds: My nephew calls this murder porn. He's kinda right. I'm still watching it. LOL
The Tomorrow People: The pilot was decent, I'll give it 3 or 4 episodes to see if it's a keeper.
Thursday
OUAT in Wonderland: While it's awesome to see Sayid off the Island and Tom alive and well and not a werewolf, I'm not too excited about this show. I may watch episode two if I'm bored, but I doubt it.
The Big Bang Theory: Starting off great! I love them putting different characters together and mixing it up. Howard and Amy are priceless together and Bernadette is hilarious.
Scandal: OMG this show! It's the second show I'm excited to see every week. Tonight's is sure to be super tense and awesome. It's crazy how good this show is.
Elementary: Yes, I know...for shame. Being an uber Sherlock fan, I probably die a little inside every time I watch this show, but it's entertaining. I'm pretty easy to entertain, give me a quirky and/or kick ass character in interesting or mysterious situation and I can pretty much watch it. I also love Lucy Liu, so, I DVR and watch when the mood strikes.
Glee: I'm a sucker for singing, singers, singing competitions, singing on shows (Buffy! Not Cop Rock) and when the talent is this good, I can't help but to watch.
Vampire Diaries: Elena isn't as annoying as she was last season and Bonnie is dead, so that already makes it better.
Friday
Hawaii Five-O: Another murder porn procedural I keep around for the banter between characters and awesome guest stars.
Grimm: Not back yet, I'm waiting!
Shark Tank: Dreams come true in the Shark Tank. It's nice to see the big guys helping out the little guys, with the exception of Mr. Wonderful who seems to be only in it for the money. Gives me faith in humanity again.
What I watched that I won't be watching again:
Dads - dud
The Goldbergs - cute show, but I think the end credits of the real life people were better.
Super Fun Night - Super Snore Night and I love Rebel. Shame.
Michael J. Fox show - I got a couple chuckles out of it and it seems like a decent show, I'm just not interested in the premise for the most part.
What I watched that I may check out when nothing else is on:
Brooklyn 99 - funny show, but I normally don't watch comedies by myself, it's not as fun. Sandburg and Braugher, along with the rest of the cast, actually have great chemistry together.
Hostages: I watched a couple episodes, not bad but I'm not dying to keep up with it, so it'll probably just fade away unless I'm bored over the weekend.
So what is YOUR favorite so far? Start watching something after binge-watched this summer? What late-start/mid-season shows are you looking forward to checking out?
October 1, 2013
Teaser Tuesday with Kara Leigh Miller & Sharon Kleeve + GIVEAWAY!
Teaser Tuesday & Giveaway for the Sweet 'n Steamy Blog Tour
Brett Hudson has often wondered what it would be like to be more than Amy's friend, but when he's chosen as the newest professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, he meets Vanessa, one of the shows costume designers and it's a whirlwind romance that ends in a wedding proposal. As the big day draws closer, Brett begins to think that marrying Vanessa might be a bad idea. She wants him to give up Amy. Completely. Will he give up his best friend for the woman he's supposed to marry?
Amy King is heartbroken to learn that Brett is marrying another woman. But, when Brett is jilted at the altar, he begs Amy to go on his honeymoon with him. A week on a tropical island with her best friend, the man she's fantasized about for years is a dream come true for Amy. But when Brett suggests crossing the line from friends to lovers, Amy is reluctant. Will she risk years of friendship for one night of passion?
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jilted-kara-leigh-miller/1116906522?ean=2940148724681
Excerpt:
"It's because you go for the wrong type of guy," Brett said matter-of-factly, pouring a third shot down his throat. "Those muscle bound jocks are all bark and no bite. They look good on the outside, but they're a mess on the inside."
Amy threw a piece of ice at him and laughed. "And the goody two shoes, school teacher types you date are much better?"
"Nope." He grinned. "Which is why we're both still single."
She sighed. "Yeah, so much for my dream of having kids."
"You're young. I'm sure you'll find someone." He drank his last shot and chased it with his beer.
"I'm thirty, Brett. By the time I find a man, date him, and get married, I'll be an old hag with no viable eggs."
The thought of Amy finding a man to marry and have kids with didn't sit well with him. He couldn't stomach the thought of losing her. "I'll tell you what." He leaned across the table and pointed at her. "Three years from now, if neither of us are married, I'll marry you and give you as many babies as you want." Brett's words were slurred. Yup. He was definitely drunk. He wouldn't have made that proposition otherwise.
"Yeah right." Amy rolled her eyes. "You and me? That would be like fucking my brother. Thanks, but no thanks."
He flinched at her words. "You think of me as your brother?" That bothered him a lot more than it should, especially considering he'd never once thought of her as a sister.
She shrugged. "We're best friends. How else would I think of you?" Amy glanced away, and then set her gaze on him again. "Why? How do you think of me?"
Oh shit! He hadn't expected the conversation to backfire on him like that. What was he supposed to tell her? That he thought of her as a best friend that he wanted to fuck? No, he definitely couldn't tell her that. "As a friend, I guess. I don't know. It's not like I sit around and think about how I should think of you. You're Amy."
"And you're drunk."
"Maybe a little." He grinned. "So, do we have a deal or what?"
Kara Leigh Miller is a multi-published romance author who dabbles in young adult, new adult, paranormal, and contemporary romances. However, her genre of choice will always be erotic romance. She's a member of the CNY Writers Haven and the Romance Writers of America. Writing is her passion and she loves to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with her fellow authors and her fans.
Today, Kara resides in Upstate New York with her husband, five kids, three cats, and two dogs. When she's not reading or writing, she's spending time with her family and friends.
Nothing excites Kara more than hearing from her fans. So, send her a note. She'll go total fan girl over it!
Website/Blog: www.karaleighmiller.com
Email: karaleighmiller@yahoo.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaraLeighMiller
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaraLeighMille1
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/KaraLeighMiller
Halo Ann Carlyle wishes for a home, family, and a boat-load of pets. What she gets is a bruised hip, a lump on the head, a broken ankle, and her new yellow Honda Civic is demolished.
Rich McFarland, a sexy veterinarian, keeps showing up in the most unexpected places, promising everything she's ever wanted.
Halo believes she only has time to pursue her career as a pet detective and must ignore her growing attraction to achieve her dreams.
Will Halo trust her heart, and find a way to get both for Christmas?
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/halos-christmas-wish-sharon-kleve/1116884729?ean=2940148671077
Excerpt:
She'd just placed another call through to Pemsky's office, which went straight to his voicemail, when the office door opened. Halo smiled and looked up into dreamy, gold-flecked green eyes, short sandy brown hair, a slight cleft chin, and full lips set in a hard line. Even with the stern look he had on his face, her hormones jumped into overdrive.
Mr. Dreamy cleared his throat—she must've been staring. In her most professional voice she said, "Good morning. How may I help you?"
He removed a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and unfolded the sheet.
"I was parked in front of the Beacon Hill Ale House and my driver's side mirror was sideswiped by one of Pemsky's Security's SUV's Friday night."
Halo loved the Beacon Hill Ale House. Every Saturday night the Ale House allowed local bands to jam together. That's where she'd met her last loser boyfriend. She'd had a lot of loser boyfriends. She's currently on a hiatus from dating, but she wouldn't mind jumping back into the dating game for this dream-boat.
He handed her the piece of paper.
"I wasn't able to get a look at the driver, but I got the license plate number of the vehicle that hit my car and drove away."
He emphasized the last part.
"I'm very sorry about your car. I'm sure Mr. Pemsky will be happy to cover the damage." Halo checked the company log and Pemsky's name popped up as the driver—she gulped.
Sharon Kleve was born and raised in Washington and currently lives on the Olympic Peninsula with her husband.
Sharon is a writer of paranormal and contemporary romance. She loves romance. She loves reading romance, living romance, and especially loves writing about romance. She gets no greater feeling than watching her characters come alive in each other's arms. Most of all, she loves giving her characters the happily ever after they deserve—with a few bumps and bruises along the way.
One of her favorite things to do is picking up a new book and sinking into the story, immersing herself in the emotions between the characters. She hopes to inspire her readers the same way her favorite authors have inspired her.
When not writing, she can usually be found either curled up in her recliner with her cat and a good book, or in the kitchen baking sourdough bread or bagels.
Email: sharon.kleve@yahoo.com
Rafflecopter Giveaway Info:
Prizes:
- One (1) Winner will receive a $25 gift card to a book seller of their choice
- One (1) Winner will receive Kara Leigh Miller's complete backlist, which includes five novellas and two full-length books
- One (1) Winner will receive Sharon Kleve's complete backlist, which includes six books
- Three (3) Winners will receive a signed paperback copy of Kara Leigh Miller's, Death of a Waterfall
- Three (3) Winners will receive a signed paperback copy of Sharon Kleve's, Love Crazed
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Direct Link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ODg1YzliOTNiYjk5ZGU2MzdiMTM3MWMwMjg1ODM1OjE4/
Legal Information:
- Entering this contest means you have read, understood, and agree with all rules and regulations stated.- Entrants must be 18 or older (or age of majority in your country) to enter and to win.
- No purchase necessary.
- Void where prohibited.
- All stated rules are subject to change without notification or reason given.
- Chances of winning vary widely based on the number of entries received.
- Prize is as stated. No substitutions or exchanges.
- Contest host/organizer is not responsible to misrepresented/mis-typed email addresses, spam filters, mailer demons, and other internet wackiness that may crop up at the time of winner notification.
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- Contest Starts 00:01EST September 15, 2013 and Ends 12:59EST October 16, 2013 and open to International participants.
- Winners will be notified via email, Twitter, or Facebook no later than 12:00EST October 18, 2013
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