Memorial Day - How did you celebrate?

Today is a wonderful day! It’s  Memorial Day, a day in which we must all remember those fallen soldiers who died for our country and for us. Yes it is very sad that we had to lose these brave men and women but they would not want us to be sad. Their lives had meaning and they would want us to celebrate their lives not their death. So for all of you that are celebrating with your families, I hope you have a joyous day.

It ‘s joyous for me because for one, I’m off work and have an entire day to relax, enjoy the sunshine, and just chill. And secondly, I am celebrating the release of my book The Pea In Peanut Butter. I know, I know, you all might be getting sick of me announcing this and talking about it but it’s just now feeling really REAL to me!! I think I’ve been feeling somewhat in denial these past few weeks, not really believing that I actually wrote a book that people are going to buy! However, my spreadsheet with book orders is proving to me that this isn’t make believe!  In one week I’ve gotten 33 orders from people who want autographed books. That is amazing to me! And next Mon & Tues I will be in my hometown doing 3 book signings and reading to the kids.

My insides are all in knots right now. I can’t wait to read to the kids! Anyway, once I get back from my trip to Edgerton, Ohio, I’ll be having a give-away for a free book so stay tuned!

Now…  what did you do to celebrate Memorial Day?

The Pea In Peanut Butter is available on amazon.com

It's finally happened. My book is now available on amazon.com. I'm so excited! http://www.amazon.com/Pea-Peanut-Butter-Allyn-Stotz/dp/0984589058/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306614748&sr=8-1#_

Fear...Fear...Fear - Does It Ever End With Writer's?

As usual, today I am wondering what I should write on my blog. It’s hard for me to believe that any of you actually are interested in reading what I have to say. But to my surprise, I am finding out that some of you DO actually want to read my nonsense and for that, I’d like to say Thank you for being a follower and listening!

Now, hopefully some of you will be interested in the most exciting news I’ve had in a very long time. It’s only weeks away from my book The Pea In Peanut Butter’s release date! As we speak, I don’t actually have an official date for that; however I’ve just approved the final draft only days ago and have ordered my first batch of books. I will be going home to Ohio the first week of June and doing three readings and book signings at my hometown library. They are being so supportive; it just thrills me to pieces!

Now for the not so good news… I’m scared out of my wits! How does one get over the fear of rejection? Even though I’m reading my book to little children, I’m still afraid they will boo me or be bored out of their skull. And, what if none of their parents want to buy the book after I read it? I wonder if writers EVER get over their fear of rejection. First we fear that we can’t even write to begin with. Then we fear all we’ll get are publishing rejections. Then when we finally get a publisher to buy our story, we fear that it’s all a fluke and we really don’t know what we’re doing! Fear, fear, fear… it’s a wonder any of us writers have any sanity left.

Ok, no more talk about being a big chicken, instead here is a little blurb about my new book just in case you’re wondering what it’s all about. It should be available on amazon.com soon! For those of you who haven't already viewed a trailer about my book, please click on the Publications Tab for a sneak peak!

Kailee is a little girl who loves peanut butter and avoids eating other foods. A craving at night leads her to the pantry where cans of vegetables and fruits come to life and the magical party begins. The story encourages good eating habits in a way that is enticing to children.

The Stylish Blog Award

To my surprise and delight, I have just been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award from a fellow writer, Courtney Rene at http://ctnyrene.blogspot.com. Thanks so much, Courtney!

For this award I have to share 7 things about myself:

1. I’m boring as heck or did you all already know that?
2. I’m 54, never broken a bone, never had surgery, and have never been in the hospital (knock on wood).
3. I have unfinished cross stitch projects, painting projects, stained glass projects and writing projects all sitting at home crying for attention!
4. I have a really hard time telling a lie. Ever since I was a child and my mother sat me down, made me look her straight in the eye and confess that YES, I TOOK THE LAST PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE!! I still see my mother’s eyes burning into me with her look of disappointment and anger whenever I even THINK about telling a lie.
5. I fell in love for the very first time, when I was in the 7^th grade, and at church camp of all places. My best friend ended up marrying him later on in life.
6. I have an old friend who remembers the day I walked into Kindergarten. He remembers thinking, “that girl is the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen!” So… at least I was beautiful one time in my life!!
7. One of my favorite sandwiches in the world is grilled peanut butter. I dip it in ketchup! Yummmmmmmmmmmm

And now to the easy part. Below are my choices of “Stylish Blogs” to pass on this award to. They all deserve it!

http://thewritechris.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html

http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com/

http://kara-writeaway.blogspot.com/

http://www.mikki-wordpainter.blogspot.com/

http://www.angelsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

Thanks again for giving me this award, Courtney.