Angel Donor and April #AtoZChallenge

A is For Angel Donor and the Month of April

I really didn't want to start the A to Z Blogging challenge talking about one of my own books. I brainstormed writing tips, inspirations, book reviews and even favorite Disney characters. I went as far as typing my first paragraph when it hit me. April, in addition to being the month of the blogging challenge, is also a month that is close to my family's heart. It is also known as Donate Life Month. This is not just any month to me or my family.

Donate Life Month is a month of features and activities to raise awareness of the need for life saving organs and to celebrate those who chose to save a life through organ donation. You can learn more about it here. 

Why is this month more than just a cause for our family? Unfortunately in 2002 we were introduced to chronic illnesses and organ transplantation with my daughter. As her disease went on, it was clear. She needed a liver. Her childhood was clouded by illnesses, doctors and hospitals. It was during this time that the idea for Angel Donor was born. 

I often wished I could read my daughter a book that she could identify with on the subject. She worried about her doctor visits and hospital stays and at times struggled to really understand what was happening. Thankfully, because of the generosity of a family during one of their most trying times, our daughter received her much needed transplant.

However, this was not going to be our only experience in our family. Our third child was also born with a chronic condition and may need a transplant in the future as well. 

While I haven't been active lately in blogging, I have several posts on my Angel Donor blog, which offers just a glimpse into the transplant community. I urge you to take a look and leave a comment on any of the posts. 

So as I was brainstorming and wondering what I could write about, I chose something that I hope will be meaningful and inspirational to anyone who comes across this post.

Have you had any experiences with organ transplants? What are your challenges? Hopes?

The A to Z Blogging Challenge

In light of my renewed dedication to writing more, I began to blog surf. That was dangerous. I came across something I've also participated in a few years ago: The A to Z Blogging Challenge. At first I was ready to move on to the next blog, but then I thought about it. I'm getting my writing routine back. I also have a goal to blog more. What better way to improve my posting and frequency than to participate in an event like this? After all, 26 days should help me revive my blogging habit.







Then I noticed the new component: a theme reveal. It sounds like another fun component of this challenge, and maybe I will be more up for it next year. For now though, I'll be happy if I successfully complete the challenge. It will take organization and dedication, but I think this challenge is doable this year. 

So, what about you? Who's participating? Who chose a theme? 

Breaking through the Block

"Have you written anything more on your book yet," asked my oldest child. "I really want to know what happens."  I had shared some of my early writings from my first NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month)  novel with my daughter and she wants to know what will happen. 

The truth is, I hit a major writer's block right in the middle of NANO and didn't get past 5,000 words. The novel was going great until I hit a wall. No matter what angle I tried, I could not go any further. Maybe the pressure of hitting so many words a day while working full time had something to do with it. Maybe I was trying too hard. Maybe I didn't plan it out enough. Or maybe it was a combination of everything. The fact remains that I could not get anywhere with my novel for four months. 

However, I kept at it - even if it was just a little character development here and there. And finally it happened. I was ready to give up on the book, when everything began to click. It all started to fit together. FINALLY.  

I'm beginning to see that writing a novel is a bit like solving a puzzle. At first it is just a bunch of jumbled pieces. But if you look at each piece carefully, you will eventually match up the fitting pieces. I'm also beginning to see that my characters don't always share everything with me right away. Maybe they're testing me out as much as I'm testing them out. 

Now that I have broken through the block, I'm ready to tackle the novel head on. Although I'm mostly focusing on the outline and getting to know more about the characters, I'm finally moving forward. It was as if I found the missing key to the entire story. What a feeling to "break through" the block. The adventure only gets better from here. 

Book Review: Don't You Forget About Me

 A Book Review by author Jennifer Gladen

Don't You Forget About Me is an exciting, totally relatable, and laugh-inducing novel by Erin McCole Cupp and published by Full Quiver Publishing. I bought this great read at an author event back in February and finally had time to read it.  I could kick myself for not making time for it sooner.  At just 209 pages, this is a fast, yet thrilling read.

We meet Cate Whelihan, a "fallen away Catholic" and author who is strongly encouraged by her best friend to return to her old neighborhood to pay respects at a funeral and possible present at her old school. Cate is hesitant to return due to many bad memories of her childhood. After much persuading, Cate takes the plunge and heads back to her hometown. What happens next is a series of exciting twists and turns and plops Cate right in the middle of a dark and life threatening mystery.

 If you're an avid reader, 80's fan and  looking for a quick great read this summer, I highly recommend Don't You Forget About Me. Where can you get it and learn more? Below are some links I gathered. Enjoy!

 Purchase the book in print or Kindle at Amazon  
 Learn more about Erin McCole Cupp and her writing at Erin McCole Cupp's Website
 Don't miss the trailer for the book here:  Check out the Trailer

If you've read it, tell me what do you think? What are some of your favorite parts? 

Author Fun at the Library

Photo Credit: Atglen Public Library

I was so excited. What could be better than meeting up with not one, but SEVERAL local authors in Author and Reader Heaven (A.K.A -The Library)? Some writer friends and I joined a Valentine's  event at Atglen Public Library where we could bring our books, speed date with books, do blind dating with books and talk about our books. I couldn't wait!

The day finally arrives. My son had a sleepover, so I woke up early to make the kids breakfast. One broken sunny side up egg and several burnt pancakes later, I move on to baking the star shaped cookies I planned to bring with me. Things were going well ( I should have known) and I finally pulled my last batch out of the oven. I placed the tray on the counter and proceeded to knock my freshly baked cookies onto the floor! Ugh. So I nixed the cookies. I was a little frustrated, but at least I had a funny Facebook post. I quickly grabbed my shower, grabbed my author things and ran out the door.

I was thirsty, so I grabbed a small can of soda. Finally, I was on my way. Halfway down the Turnpike, I reach for my open soda. That's when I realized it fell. Sideways. Emptying itself into the container in front of it. The last thing I want is the puddle to dry into a sticky gooey mess, so I grab anything sitting around and clean up as best as possible.

Finally, I was almost at my destination. Other than missing my turnoff a few times (yes, a FEW) I finally pull up in front of the library. Once there, I knew my crazy morning was over. Despite the hurdles and obstacles I finally made it. Despite the temptations to give up and turn around, I kept at it and it was worth it.

I walked in to a lovely cozy library filled with friendly people. The staff was kind and welcoming. The atmosphere was inviting. I just wanted to grab a book, sit down and read! Then I met up with the authors, some of whom I've known online for a while. It was such a wonderful feeling to know that there were so many local authors to meet and network with.

My humble table

Today's events reminded me a little of the journey in writing. There are many obstacles. Just when you think you have things under control, you don't. However, just when you've wondered if you can go any further or do any more, the glorious ending is in sight. You reach your goal and you momentarily forget everything you went through to get there. In this case, meeting other authors and hearing their stories was worth the trip ten times over. I found everyone there inspiring and found myself wishing I lived just a little closer so we could all do this more often. So the lesson in all this? Never give up. The benefits often outweigh the troubles the journey brings you. If you stick with it, the troubles often make the ending that much sweeter. 

On the way home

Coming up: I recently purchased Erin M Cupp's Don't You Forget About Me. A review will follow shortly!

Book Review: The Faerie War

The Faerie War, the third and final book in the Creepy Hollow series by Rachel Morgan, brings all the events in books one and two to a raging conclusion. The Faerie War picks up where the Faerie Prince leaves off with Vi trying to get her memory back. When she wakes up in The Underground, she struggles to remember the previous events, her past life and even the basics of her Guardian training.

As a fan on Vi and Ryn (and of course the entire series), I just wanted to see them together again as soon as possible, so for me the story started off too slow. However, the events in the beginning and leading up to Vi remembering who she was are vital to the story. The slow beginning was easily forgiven as soon as Ryn and Vi  met up again. And I certainly enjoyed watching them get to fall in love all over again.

However, there is so much more to the story than Vi and Ryn. We watch as Vi realizes what she must do to end this Faerie War. She realizes that she needs to fix a wrong from the past, which is why the slow beginning is so import. She must survive captures, adventures and her own struggles in order to succeed. Don't miss this exciting conclusion.

After reading this series...twice...I admit I am a lifelong fan of this series and the author. I follow the author's Creepy Hollow Pinterest board ( and if you are a fellow fan, you will love this board too.)

As with any well written series, I often hope for more. I'm curious to see what happens in the future and the direction Vi's career and life takes. Maybe some day. But for now, this series wraps up well and is worth the read. Even with a full time job, kids and household duties, I finished this entire series in less than 2 weeks. If you are unsure about starting the series, take my advice and read it. You won't be sorry.

Book Review: The Faerie Prince

I just finished reading The Faerie Prince  by Rachel Morgan. This book is book 2 of the Creepy Hollow series and it is even more intense than book 1. We follow Vi as she and Ryn work at letting go of the past and trying to be friends. Guardian Graduation is approaching and Vi is working hard to ensure her top spot at the graduating class. However, she worries she has fallen behind after her suspension in the previous book.

But there is oh-so-much-more to the book. Strange things are happening around Creepy Hollow, the Guild and around other Fae guilds. Vi is sure Zell has something to do with it and her final assignment turns into the most life threatening one yet. The more Vi learns, the more questions she has.

I love Vi more and more as the story grows on. She's strong, yet vulnerable. Her internal monologue is funny and witty. I found myself laughing out loud several times.

Rachel Morgan has done it again with this book. She kept me hooked the entire time and had me rooting for everything Vi was aiming for. Morgan's plotting and writing were pure genius yet again.Now, on to The Faerie War.