Archive for ‘blogfest’

March 30th, 2011

The WIAWAB Blogfest

by Holly Dodson
You know that Samurai with Blue Lipstick you see running about here and there?  Well, in her supreme awesomeness, she is hosting the most amazing blogfest today that I am proud to take part in. May I present the:
When I Actually Write A Book, You Will Be Acknowledged Blogfest.

Or, WIAWAB Acknowledgements Blogfest.

March 30 write an acknowledgement blurb for 12 people, with 12 reasons. But not just ANY twelve people:
  • 3 people you know IRL.
  • 3 people you know online.
  • 1 person who has died.
  • 1 person you never met.
  • 1 person you met once.
  • 1 couple (so, 2 people).
  • 1 author. 

I’m going to be serious with mine, because I’m in a serious mood.  :)   So, fair warning.

Acknowledgements:

There are so many people to thank, even so early in my writing journey.  I’d like to start by thanking my sister.  Not only is she my shoulder to lean on, but she has been there since I put the first word to the page of my first novel, never wavering in her dedication to cheering me on.

My son, who is my ever-present inspiration.  Any time I feel like giving up, I look at him and find the strength to keep going.  I don’t want to tell him he can do anything, I want to show him.

I’d also like to thank my brother, Robby.  Even though he’s no longer with us, he has inspired me more than words can ever express.  It’s through the sorrow of losing him that I found the thing that makes me happiest.  I miss him every day.

An extreme amount of thanks and love goes out to my critique partner and beta readers, Susan, Erinn, Alicia, and Katherine.  You guys are amazing.  I’m so lucky that I get to call you all my friends.  Without you there to run to when I’m having a freakout moment, I don’t know what I’d do.  And, let’s face it, my writing would suck without you too.

To JK Rowling, thank you for showing me that even though I may be struggling now, it doesn’t mean I can’t go for my dreams.

Jessica Sinsheimer, the first literary agent I ever met in real life, thank you for being so kind and encouraging.  At the beginning of my journey, (which is where I was at the time) I really needed that.

Thanks to my mom and step-dad for listening to me constantly ramble about all things literary, even though they had no idea what any of it meant.  And thanks to my (other) brother for always remembering to ask how the writing is coming.  It means more than you know.

March 4th, 2011

Gone But Not Forgotten Blogfest!

by Holly Dodson

Nothing is meant to last forever. Sometimes things run their course, and other times things are shot down in their prime. I’m talking about television shows of course.

Sadly there are many AMAZING shows no longer on the air. Does this mean we forget them? No! They will live forever through fanfiction and blogfests like this.

List your top 5 TV shows no longer making NEW episodes.

They may still be on the air but in syndication. These shows may be GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

1. Full House – I used to LOVE this show as a kid!  In fact, my sister’s middle name will prove how much I loved it.  ;)

2. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – Need I say more?  Really?  I think not.

3. Dinosaurs - Umm…do you remember this hilarious series?  My sister and I used to watch it with my dad.  “Not the Mama” can still be heard in our presence on occasion.

4. Gilmore Girls – I watched this aaaalll the time in college.

And I SUCK because that’s all I can think of!  *hangs head in shame*  I mean, I could fill in with the obligatory Friends, but I …well, I won’t say it out loud because you’ll all hate me.

Also, don’t forget to check out Erinn’s awesome giveaway that she’s hosting!  And head over to Paper Hangover to meet the final two contributors and find out who the winners are!!

February 22nd, 2011

Gone, But Not Forgotten

by Holly Dodson

Nothing is meant to last forever.  

Especially not TV shows, no matter how much you adore them.  In honor of these fallen loves, Erinn is hosting a blogfest.  The Gone but Not Forgotten Blogfest!  It is taking place on March 4th, so get signed up.


All you have to do is list your top 5 TV shows that are no longer making NEW episodes.  They may still be on the air, but in syndication.  

Then on March 4th, hop around and see what shows we’ve all lost, but not forgotten.

January 28th, 2011

99th Page Blogfest

by Holly Dodson

So, guys today is the day!  Make sure you hop around to all the other bloggers to read all the 99th pages!

Today I give you the 99th page of my first YA novel, EMERALD’S KEEPER, which has been shelved.

Yeah, I’m a cop out.  I’m not putting my WIP up.  It isn’t ready for public scrutiny.  ;)

Page 99 of EMERALD’S KEEPER:

All Class One creatures were part of the challenges. Those were things like the rhests and the spates, which were alligator-like creatures that lived in the trees. It also included squirrels that have been turned. A few Class Two creatures were thrown in for good measure. They were things like the wolves with heat vision and frogs that shot poisonous darts. The only Class Three creature was the phantom, and no Class Fours were allowed.

“What are you over here brooding about?” Chelsea, a junior Earth, plopped down on the couch beside Mandy.

“I’m in the challenge today.”

Chelsea’s freckled face scrunched up. “No fun.”

“Yeah, I’m nervous.”

“You’ll be okay as long as you remember all the spells Mike has drilled us with.” A hint of a smile played at Chelsea’s thin lips when Mandy’s cheeks flushed.

Mandy didn’t know why her cheeks felt the need to betray her like that. She pursed her lips and glanced sideways at Chelsea who burst out laughing.

Anna marched over from the cluster of boys she had been flirting with and raised an eyebrow at Mandy. “What could possibly be so funny?”

Now Mandy started giggling.

Anna obviously didn’t appreciate being left out. “Fine. Be that way.” She flipped her hair and spun around to leave.

“Anna, don’t be like that.” Mandy attempted a serious face, but failed miserably as the giggles continued to escape. “We were just laughing because I’m so hopelessly easy to read.”

Chelsea nodded, her gray eyes wide. “She’s hopelessly in love with Mike is what her problem is.”

“Ah!” Mandy swatted at Chelsea. “I am not!”

There you have it!  And….now I remember why I shelved this.  lol