West of Mars -- the Meet and Greet

If you turned all these blog awards into medals and pinned them on me, I'm short enough to be all covered up by them. Possibly head to toe by this point.

Guess you guys agree that the medals are better looking than I am (You think I forgot to put my picture on The Demo Tapes?) 'cause I've got a heap more to acknowledge.

Maybe a mountain is more like it.

Let's start with the always awesome Alice Audrey. Don't let Chelle get a look at this award; we all know how she is with typos.

The award is the Kreativ Blogger award and misspelled or not, this still makes me smile. I'm doing my best to be creative and make this blog into something so totally unique, you can't stop talking about it. Seems my efforts are paying off.

I've missed my old friend Marcia at MeeAugraphie. And crumb, but I can't find the post that gave me something or other. But go visit Marcia. She's amazing.

Another new friend is Daisy Bookworm. Again, I found her through EntreCard. I've been finding more than just increased hits and rankings via EntreCard. I've found a whole slew of cool folk. Daisy's a great example of the quality blogger I wouldn't have found otherwise. She's given me the I Love Your Blog Award.

(Trevor's telling me to remind you to use protection when you love my blog... I think he doesn't want any more baby blogs running around. Win a Book takes up enough of my time as it is!)

Now.

Here is an award that came out of left field. Given who it came from, I'm truly, truly honored. I mean, there are published authors I've made friends with (Hello, Amy! Wylie! Shelley! Lisa! Christine!), and there are published authors who I really respect (Hello Lauren! Megan! Anya! Ann!) but am too intimidated by to have a friendship with them (yet), but LA Day falls somewhere between them. Not quite a friend yet not scary in her success, either. But highly, highly respected.

She also loves my blog. It's mutual, believe me. I want a sidebar full of book titles like LA Day has. I wouldn't mind the naked men on the book covers, either, but they'd have to all be Mitchell or Daniel. We love Trevor, but it ain't for that bod of his...

***
It began with Ann. Ann of Fractured Fiction, who I must have broken somehow because she hasn't been blogging regularly since we met at the Romantic Times Convention last year. Ann, can I fix you, please? I miss your posts!

Anyway, Ann gave me the Lemonade Stand. She gave it to Wylie, who also gave it to me.

So now I have two lemonade stands!

Is this because of Trevor's ability to make figurative lemonade out of anything? I don't know. All I know is that I'm immensely flattered.

Wylie gave it to Thomma Lyn, who turned around and gave it to ...

Me.

I swear, one of the best things about these awards is seeing the company you guys put me in. Sometimes, I get down and depressed. Most of you are publishing books and I'm not! Yet you don't care. You hold me up with the some of the best of the best of the blogging writers.

Ultimately, these are silly little awards, given to make each other feel good. I like that idea and that attitude; it's so nice to see this sort of kindness in a world that's often snarky and mean.

Yet it's that comment I just made, that you guys hold me with the best of the best, that tells you why this means so much to me. You don't care about things like who publishes my books, or if I get an advance against royalties, or that people who self-publish, as I've done with The Demo Tapes, clearly aren't good enough to be published by the better publishers out there.

You care about this world I've created. You help inspire it and you help push me to new heights, creatively and in terms of my writing ability.

So... let me share some of the people who make MY day better and brighter:

Gautami deserves an award and lots of notice for resurrecting the Monday Poetry Train. Come jump aboard with us.

I've mentioned my friend L^2 before, but have you seen her CafePress store? Don't be surprised if you see one of her notecards tucked inside any copy of The Demo Tapes that you buy from me. L is one of the coolest people out there. If you haven't seen her blog yet, you are missing out. This is one talented photographer.

I've made a new friend, Koe, at The Half-Life of Linoleum. What a great blog name, huh?

I was digging this blog, but when she created this post, that sealed the deal. She threw up an unfinished poem and then added to it throughout the day/week until it became what I've just linked to. But Koe added ... the comments from the comment trail. She told me she'd like to do it again. I hope she does. Stick her in your reader and keep commenting!

There are neat book bloggers out there, and you writers ought to take note (there are lots more neat book bloggers over at Win a Book! Why aren't you making friends???). One of my absolute favorites is Dawn, at She is Too Fond of Books. And then there's Anna, whose Diary of an Eccentric is one of my favorite blog names to joke about. Come read Win a Book to see why. And, of course, Serena, of Savvy Verse and Wit.

I've had the distinct pleasure of chatting with these three ladies lately, and they are as wonderful as their blogs are. I'm so glad to have you guys in my circle. Even if you hate my own fiction, I'll still be a fan of you three. Just... not quite as rabidly so.

Have I mentioned J. Kaye lately? Breeni?

My world lately has changed shape, and in a good way. A lot of that is directly due to Breeni, who has decided to throw her considerable passion and efficiency into promoting The Demo Tapes. Beyond me, though, Breeni is every bit as passionate about books as I am -- as any of us are, really -- and is one of the biggest champions for not caring WHO publishes a book. For Breeni, it's about the quality between the covers.

May we all learn to be so publisher-blind.

I can't leave here without one last award. My favorite, and the one you ALL should be giving me. The rock star award!!! What a better award to hand out to a woman who writes about rock stars and the people who orbit them.

It came from April, at My Life as a Mother and Single Parent. We've only just met, me and April, but from the first time I saw one of her blogs (she has a few), I really dug her attitude. This woman has a zest for life that rivals Trevor's. I hope we're in for a long friendship.

She loved my post about the loss of Pittsburgh legend PittGirl. I worked pretty hard on that post, trying to make it as perfect as I could. Thanks to April, I succeeded, although I'm curious what PittGirl herself thinks of it... In the constant flow of my dreams is one where PittGirl reads my post and decides to come back... as a fictional character.

On I dream.

Come join me.

Labels: Awards, Susan Speaks

Those of you who pick my feed up have seen this get accidentally posted a few times now. Damn Google and their continued insistence on my being a spam blog. Trust me, a fix is in the works.

You'd think I'd just post this already for real, but I keep waiting for the Tour Manager to do my graphics for me. We've been swamped, trying to get the Demo Tapes out to you (so much for my projected target of October 1...), so you can imagine that a simple thing like graphics has taken a back seat. Somehow, I don't think you guys mind all that much.

Anyway, I've been stockpiling these awards since back in September. Ready?

Let's start at the beginning:

Julia at Julia's Book Corner. She was kind enough to give me the super commentator award. I know I am commenting on many of your blogs less than I used to (see above about time...), but when I do comment, I'm trying to make sure you know that I'm not just typing letters and hoping they make words. Silence from me, btw, doesn't mean I'm not here. Just that I'm in a quiet mood. I have been lately, and I'm not sure why.

Breeni loves my blog, which is great because I love hers. In fact, I hung out there a few times during October. Did you notice?

Shauney loves my blog, too. Shauney is an old friend from back before my blogging days, when I hung around a really cool book lover's community. More on that below; right now, it's all about awards.

Especially because I've been handed this one a THIRD time this go-around. Three, folks. Wow.

Florinda, at The 3 R's: Reading, 'Riting, and Randomness, also saw fit to pass this along. Florinda and I met years ago through BookCrossing when we exchanged books. Years later, she recognized me. Because, you know, I have a distinctive name and how many other women run around bragging about being from West of Mars?

Lisa, at Minds Alive on the Shelves, also gave me this award, but more for Win a Book than this joint. Still, I'll acknowledge it here while I'm on a roll. Besides, Lisa doesn't live that far from me (or you, Spy) and so she's worth mentioning here. She says she often comes out this way, so let's see if we ever meet in person. Could be scary; I'm SO much better here on the blog.

The cool gang over at Booklorn (who just got added to my reader for handing out this award!) ALSO gave this one to Win a Book. Even on the days lately when I've been overwhelmed and have really relied on Breeni and Bridget to post things for me, having the Win a Book blog has been a great source of FUN. Yes, it's a ton of work. Yes, it's a ton of energy that maybe ought to be spent on my fiction. But I've met so many cool people through Win a Book that it's all worth it. Keep those e-mails coming to the handy-dandy Win a Book e-mail, gang. There's a community being built over there, just as there is one here. Join them both.

On to another award... (I said I was feeling loved!)

Carol over at She Lives and Bass-ically Speaking. Man, I love Carol. I want to be Carol's real-life friend. She comes across as so steady and cool; she'd be a very good influence on flighty and emotional you-know-who.

This is that Portuguese Award that makes me wish I knew Portuguese. The Proximidade Award.

Here's the stuff that comes with it:

This is a very cool Portuguese Award and it means this blog invests in and believes that blogging makes us close. Proximidade translated to English means vicinity, or neighbourhood.

Here is the statement I am supposed to post...

"They all are charmed with the blogs, where in the majority of its aims are to show the marvels and to do friendship; there are persons who are not interested when we give them a prize and then they help to cut these bows; do we want that they are cut or that they propagate? Then let’s try to give more attention to them! So with this prize we must deliver it to 8 bloggers that in turn must make the same thing and put this text."

Yeah. I don't know about that deliver it to 8 bloggers thing, but the rest sure sounds good.

My new friends over at The Virtual Dime Museum honored me before I could honor them. This is one of those blogs I love to stop by every day and linger over. There's always something new and neat here.

And wow. I am very overwhelmed by all this (and I think I've missed an award or two; if I have, please let me know!). I wish I could tell you how much I appreciate it, but I'm lousy at this sort of thing. Thanks seems inadequate when I think of how much you guys impact my own self-worth (which, because I'm a writer is always a hairy thing) in a good way. When my real life blows up, I know that I've always got you guys and this place to hang onto. Probably because you don't have to deal with my artistic temperament (ahem) the way people in my face do.

So... if all of these cool award-granters aren't enough in terms of cool people for you to meet, I've got some more, of course.

There is my friend Carmi, over at Written, Inc. Carmi's actually inspired a character you guys haven't met yet (but will, I promise. Know how I've been a little more absent lately? This is why.), and when I am inspired by who you are, rather than something you say, that is high praise. Needless to say, Shaun is a good guy. You'll like him when you meet him.

Anyway, this is about Carmi. The post I've linked to struck me as something so utterly gorgeous, it took my breath away. And yet, this is business as usual for him; he's the host of thematic photographs, he runs cool caption contests... his range of topics is varied and while you never know what's on his mind from day to day, one thing remains steady: his photography.

Now, enough Carmi. On to the sister blog of The Virtual Dime Museum, Kitchen Retro. Again, I love to sit and read these retro sites; there's so much to be learned. It's such a neat look at who our society was -- and how we've changed.

More history? Really? I like history? When it's this cool, yes, I do. The site is The Modern Historian and I love to see what happened on this date. You should, too.

Another new favorite is Dirty Shanks. These snarky greeting cards make me spit water all over my keyboard on a daily basis. My keys have never been so clean. (You'd think I'd learn, huh?)

Laughing has been a priority lately because I'm feeling so swamped with everything. Another of my favorite stops, thanks to Bunnygirl and Thomma Lyn, is It's Lovely! I'll Take it! Yeah, okay, some of these real estate listings make me realize what a spoiled, sheltered princess I am. Some of them depress me. But mostly, they make me howl. The Tour Manager and I spent hours a week or so ago, going through the site. I'm sure their site meter loved us. (As mine loves you!)

Believe it or not, but I've actually been finding more cool blogs -- but sadly, some of them don't have their feeds on. So, gentle reader, I am asking humbly that you check your feed. Is it on? Does it work? I know I'm not the only blogger out there who won't read a blog unless it's through her reader. (Well, other than those EntreCard people, but that's another creature)

I'll be back with more, I'm sure. In the meantime, I hope you meet some new friends.

Labels: Awards

I know I've mentioned here before how much I have come to adore Winter.

It seems the feeling is mutual, because she's now given me the Beary Best Award.



Here are the rules:

1. The Beary Best Award is given to those people who we want to know we care… just because
2. See rule #1

Don’t forget that the bear award should link back to Dawg. If you need the code click here.


On the other end of the spectrum is Toni, from It Is Nap Time. Not that I don't love her, but that she doesn't show up in my comment trail nearly as often as Winter does. Comments, though, don't indicate who's reading or else I wouldn't be on Toni's mind.

She's given me the Kick-Ass Blogger award, which might be like the Rockin' Wench blogger award Rhian gave me back when she was still around (how I miss Rhian). Regardless, it's always nice to see that you guys love me.

Next on the list is the awesome Maunie, who I mostly know because we're both Blue Ribbon Bloggers together.

She's created a new award, and I'm special enough to be one of the first people who gets to paste it on her blog. Check it here: It's the Purr-fect Blog award. Wow. Man, that makes me feel good, especially on those dark nights when throwing in the towel seems like the world's best idea.

I've made a new friend, too. Dori, who blogs From a Yellow House in England. Dori's cool; if you haven't met her yet, please do. She's given me the Gold Card, the BFF Gold Card to be more specific. We're new friends, so this is also special.



So... let me pass these babies on...

... but for a change, my mind draws a blank. Completely.

Ouch.

If you ever need inspiration, check out Frigga's two blogs: Any Apples and Through Frigga's Eyes. This woman has a talent with the camera.

So does Janet, at Fond of Snape.

A new friend is over at Writing to Survive. Want to read some fabulous writing? Here's your place to do it.

More good writing can be found both at Alice Audrey's place and at the Romance Roundtable. (and not just because Alice posts links to my own stuff at the Roundtable.)

... and yet more great writing. Penelope Anne, aka Sassy Mama Bear. She's got multiple blogs, but here's her writing blog.

Into reading fiction (other than mine) online? Check out Steal Tomorrow, my friend Ann's serial. If you get hooked on the thrice-weekly posts and need to read more, you can buy a copy of the book and be a know-it-all.

And for some really achingly beautiful poetry, try Black Tie and Sneakers. With a blog name like that, you know it's up my alley.

So there you go. New faces, new friends. Pick your award and display it proudly. In the meantime, this is apparently only part one of this post... part two will show up ... uh... one day. I promise!

Labels: Awards

Back in May, I did something that made me immediately loathed by some of the big-name book blogs and some authors out there: I gathered up a team and launched a blog devoted to listing contests involving books.

It doesn't sound like the sort of thing that would invoke derision from the very people I'm seeking to talk about. I mean, isn't it a good thing when people talk about you?

But, apparently, there are people out there who are basically contest groupies. They enter everything. And there are the people who win the books and then turn around and sell them on eBay.

During the three years I spent working on a fan convention for my favorite real band (and you regulars know who that band is), I heard more than once about this same type of person. It seems they're not unique to the book world. So while I marvel that people would act this way with a book, it's not my first exposure to this sort of person. No matter where we go and what we do, there will always be the shady few among us.

I almost gave up Win a Book after the first week, demoralized when I was told that an author holds contests to give away books to her devoted following, not to gain new fans. My dear friend Breeni talked me into keeping with it, and our following grew by leaps and bounds -- but not among the authors so much as among the men and women who devote their blogs to talking about the books they've read. And yes, the books they are giving away. In fact, if you mention their contest on your blog, they'll give you an extra entry.

This community of book bloggers is strong but, perhaps, often overlooked. To help combat that, My Friend Amy declared September 15 through 19 to be Book Blogger Appreciation Week. And in conjunction with this week, she asked for nominations in a number of categories. When all was said and done with that step, she realized that popular demand had created a new category: Most Altruistic Blog. And Win a Book was one of the nominees.

I'm always pleased to be thought of by others. But to be included in this particular category? It fits, and it fits nicely, I think. Whenever I drop by someone's blog to tell them I've posted their contest at Win a Book, I usually tell them there's no need to enter me. I'm doing this to help spread the word about the book, the author, the blogger... I'm not doing this to win books. (The exception to this "no need to enter me" rule is if a book is on my wishlist)

Since that rocky first week, I've found other authors who are willing to have us post about their giveaways. I also post links to guest blog posts by authors whose names frequently pop up, as well as links to interviews. I like to post about sales and deals. I love to hear that I've turned people on to books.

Look. I'm a writer. I know all too well how hard this game of publishing is. There are things going on in the publishing industry that I loathe. Win a Book is just one way that I'm trying to make a difference and make things better for all of us writers.

Yep. Altruistic.

Maybe that's why I don't care if Win a Book wins in its category. I'd be thrilled if it does, but for now, it's enough to know that I am making a difference. Hopefully that's only the beginning.

Now, it's your turn to make a difference. Go on over to My Friend Amy's and vote, will you, please? Even if you don't vote for Win a Book. But there are a lot of great blogs nominated in a lot of great categories. Raise your voices and make a difference.

Use this link.

Labels: Awards

Yep, it's that time of year again when you guys make me feel the warm fuzzies. You know, it's hard to write scenes with Trevor in them when I've got the warm fuzzies. Trevor, as most of you know, is diametrically opposed to the warm fuzzies. (Between you and me, I think Trevor's terrified of the warm fuzzies, but I don't think any of you groupies are surprised by that.)

There are a ton of awards that have been directed not just at this blog, but at my Win a Book blog, too. Let me recap for you:

Allessandra at her place has given Win a Book the Brillante Award. She thanks us for helping her win new reads.

My dear friend Bob-kat has given me the SuperCommentor award. I think all you guys know how hard I try to say something of meaning, so this felt very good, indeed. Read what she had to say here.

More of that Brillante Award. My dear, dear friend Bunnygirl sent this one my way, and coming from her, that's high praise. Once school starts for my kids, don't be surprised if you hear more adventures of Susan and Bunnygirl...

Win a Book was actually awarded two more awards, but as they rolled in when I was about to roll off to Cub Scout Camp, I sent them to Breeni and asked her to acknowledge them on behalf of the WaB team.

I'd pass these along because I've met even more cool people of late and am dying to acknowledge them, but I'm also about to pop back out of town for another week. (Or I'm already there. You decide.) Once the summer travels are over and life settles down into a pre-school and kids' birthday hubbub, I'll see what I can do to make sure you know of the coolness that's been entering my life.

Awards or no, know I'm grateful to all of you for hanging out with me. And Trevor. And the rest of the fictional folk who populate this place. I may be busy doing semi-interesting things right now, but it won't last. The fictional gang are still more interesting than I am. That's not going to change; it's why I'm a writer.

Labels: Awards

Wow. What a week. I'm laid up with The Plague that's going around and you guys are... handing out awards to me. Is this your way of telling me to feel better?

If I've forgotten to list you and the award here, please let me know. We can blame it on a fever delirium. Really, it probably was.


Leeanne, who is one of the coolest chicks around -- and who I hate to bug for WordPress advice (yes, I'm flirting with it) -- gave me a new award: The Blogger of the World award. She says I take her to places she's never been and that I make her feel wordly. Well, how is THAT for high praise?



And then there's my collecting friends, who gave me this one. I mean, come on. How can you NOT use the words Yum Yum the right way?

Robin, bless her heart gave me this one:


Megan was kind enough to pass this along. Have you met Megan yet? She's cool.


Whew. All these accolades... for me to sift through the almost 300 blogs in my reader (yes, I've culled a few; this is why it pays to delurk from time to time!) and pass along each one as justly as possible would probably take a few days. And while I'm feeling better, I'm still worn out and need a nap today (not to mention the Penguin game this afternoon).

If you're a regular around here, if you know who Mitchell's favorite person on the planet is, consider yourself rewarded. Be sure to let me know you've taken it so I can make a big fuss over you. It'll be well-deserved.

If you don't know who Mitchell's favorite person on the planet is, you should hang out here more often and check out the archives.

And finally, here's the deal. Bunnygirl is hosting a Valentine's Day themed Flash Fiction carnival. With the big red day fast approaching, why not whip up some fiction and shoot Bunny the url? You know you want to -- and saying, "But I'm not as good as you, Susan. My stuff sucks next to yours" will only accomplish one thing: me spitting my water at the computer screen before I collapse in peals of laughter.

What a dumb reason to hold yourself back. Trevor does not approve. Then again, neither does anyone else who hangs around this joint. Except for maybe Springer, but he's another story (hopefully to be developed into a novel of his own).

If you're not the carnival type, check out Scribbit's Write Away contest. Michele is cool. Actually, she's probably cold this time of year, but you get the idea. She's giving away Alaskan yummies this time around and her theme is love. How can you resist? Two places to share your writing for the single theme of love.

Love makes the world go 'round. Unless you're Trevor; then it makes your bill at Lyric's place higher.

Labels: Awards, Carnival, Sunday Best

Man, it's been a busy week. And wait until you see what I have for tomorrow's Poetry Train, too! I may have to post it a bit unfinished; we'll see. You'll like it, regardless. And if you love it, once I polish it, if you ask nicely enough, maybe I'll make it available as a PDF or something and you can have your very own copy to sleep with. Or whatever it is you do with those things.

But in the meantime, before I can hop on the train (and why don't you join me on it?), let me address the Sunday Best. The best of my week.

This week, even though two great books arrived for my reading and reviewing pleasure, the best has to be a plethora of awards.

First is Pussreboots and Breeni, who both awarded me the You Make My Day Award.

Is it tacky to give it back to them? They both make my day, on a regular basis.

The rules say I'm supposed to pass this on to at least ten people. Ten's a big number (even though, as Puss says, "[Susan's] blog goes to Eleven.")

But let's see...

1. Amy Ruttan makes my day, and not just because she gave me the next award. Amy's got a happy-go-lucky attitude that shines through her blog and always makes me smile. Even when the EDJ is making her nuts.

2. Joely, who's just all-around awesome and whose dedication and discipline leave me speechless.

3. Thomma Lyn, who is on the same wavelength as me concerning cats and the outdoors. (hey, TL, remind me to send you the link to the live feed from Yellowstone!)

4. L^2. I'm not a dog person, but Stella and Willow are trying to change that.

5. Red, whose unflagging enthusiasm to get me into print keeps me going when I'm frustrated.

6. Spy Scribbler, who always makes me think about the writing process. And who doesn't live that far away from my Martian self; we totally ought to do the face-to-face thing one day.

7. Of course, Rhian, who has cool posts and hosts the Poetry Train. And has graciously offered to make ShapeShifter's logo come to life for us. Three cheers for Rhi and that offer aren't enough; we need more like eighteen. Per minute.

8. Robin, who hangs out around her island and is going to keep me sane when I'm playing single parent and she's hosting the Tour Manager around that island...

9. She'sawriter is a new read of mine. She's making a great community for writerly resources. And turning me on to new places to hang, too.

10. And Frigga, from Any Apples. I hate to admit I missed musical Fridays and that I've gone out of my way some days to make sure I'm alone in the house so I can play to my heart's content. So I won't. I will own up, though, to having her picture blog in my reader. Cool stuff.

Whew. That was a lot of people, and this post is long.

But I have to acknowledge the new Roar

that Amy gave me. I needed it; the day she awarded it to me, I got a rejection letter from an agent who had the gumption to come out and say that Trevor doesn't fit nicely into today's marketplace. Makes you wonder what's wrong with the marketplace that they don't want a cranky rock star with a bad attitude. And an ugly cranky rock star with a bad attitude, to boot. But still.

So what three things hook me about a book?
1. Characters who could be alive. You know. Sort of like Trevor.
2. Prose that allows me to picture things in my head. Who needs movies when there's writing that's this clear and wonderful?
3. A willing suspension of disbelief. I mean, do you REALLY think people like Trevor exist? Of course not; he's too much like the rest of us. You can't possibly have the kind of success that ShapeShifter's had and not have to insulate yourself from real life, even a little bit. Yet it's fun to think about and believe in.

And to pass it along? I'm picking this time a writer who is more of a blogger than an actual writer, per se. It's Bob-Kat, whose posts are incredible. She takes me places and shows me the world. Her posts linger in my brain, and I suspect many of my groupies around here haven't met her yet.

That's it for now, boys and girls. (Be glad Mitchell's not here; he likes calling his audiences pussies.) Lots of awards that're giving me warm fuzzies. I'll be back soon with a new outtake...

Labels: Awards, Sunday Best

My buds Lisa Andel and LA Day got all incestuous on me and tagged me repeatedly for the same Seven Things Meme. I did it back in November (on the 24th, to be exact) and was going to blow them off and make some horrid West Virginia joke, but instead, I had a thought. Why not post one over at the Blue Ribbon Bloggers blog? They invited me to join them; it seemed like a good idea. So I did it.

Now, on to some long overdue business:

My good friend L^2, who's taught me more than she knows, awarded me the Roar for Powerful Words.

This award was created by Seamus of The Shameless Lions Writing Circle and this is what he has to say about it:

"When I set up The Shameless Lions Writing Circle, one of things I had in mind was that we as a group could encourage and celebrate good, powerful writing on the Internet/blogosphere. This is why I've come up with a new project to try to do exactly that, while of course at the same time increase exposure for the 48 members and their individual blogs. A Roar For Powerful Words is the chance to scream from the mountains the good news about the powerful posts that are produced every day in the blogosphere, despite what some mainstream columnists and journalists claim. This is also a good chance to examine exactly what it is that makes writing good and powerful."
And according to Seamus, this award is to be distributed "to those people who have blogs we love, can't live without, where we think the writing is good and powerful."


I've got to say here that I was asked to claim a lion, but I regretfully turned it down. I'm spread too thin as it is right now. But I'm keeping as much of an eye on that group as I can and I'm pulling for each and every one of them to make something of their writing.

Anyway, back to the award. L^2 said this about me:
She's striving to create an empire, based upon her fictional rock band ShapeShifter, and I think with her powerful writing she's well on her way.

Wow. That's one of the best compliments I can ever hope for. And I hope she's right!

Etiquette demands that I pass this forward. I'm not sure to who. I tag Lisa and Amy and the whole e-book crowd frequently. But I depend on them, all right. Robin rocks and makes my day whenever she shows up in my reader.

Friends like Breeni, Karen, Joely, Janet, and Thomma Lyn are all candidates, too.

Oh, this isn't easy.

Or is it? I mean, this is a writing award and while I know a couple hundred good writers, there is one of you whose writing speaks to me as being something that I could have written. Who reads my outtakes and keys in on what I'm trying to convey.

That's Bunnygirl.

I've given her awards before. Hell, I've given most of you guys awards before. I'll keep doing it, but for today, it's Bunny.

Labels: Awards

The way cool Malcolm isn't way cool just because he's bestowed the Bloggers with Integrity Award upon me way back in November. He's cool because the pop culture he dishes is my sort of pop culture. The good stuff. If you haven't checked him out, do so.

He's got a wicked-cool radio show, too. His playlists rock. Check them out; he returns to the air on 19 January.

Anyway, he's handed me this award, so now I've got to pay it forward, as always. A bit about the award...

This award was started by The Little Aussie Cynic to give props to those bloggers who stay true to themselves. The following paragraph, which explains the basis of the award, is taken from her blog:

"After looking, reading and watching many many Blogs and bloggers I decided to issue some recognition to those fellow bloggers I feel maintain integrity in the Blogs. All these bloggers incorporate within their wonderful sites, an integrity not always seen. They share terrific stories, topics, discussions and images. All Well worth a look."

There are categories for this award, so here they are, with their winners:
Creativity: Definitely L^2


Social Conscience: Shelley Kneupper Tucker, who is busting her tuchas to put together this amazing Share a Square program. If you haven't heard of it yet, go check it out. What she's doing will blow your minds.

Spirit of Giving: This has to go to Breeni Books, who gives all her books away, along with lots of wisdom and guidance in her book reviews.


There are two more categories, but I've spent a month trying to figure out who to shoehorn into them. I want to give awards to all of you 'cause you are important to me. Therefore, consider yourself for one of these:
Staying True to their Beliefs
Keeping it Real

And lastly, I really shouldn't encourage you to be my competition, but Lyric says I should. And who better to listen to than the fictional daughter of a fictional adult film star, who has gone on to open her own boutique for making women and men feel good about themselves? Check out this contest.

In my dreams, someone I know would win it and try it out to some ShapeShifter, all the while dreaming of Mitchell. Or Eric. Or Daniel. Or, yes, even Trevor.

Labels: Awards

... or so says the reward bestowed upon me by the wonderful and amazing Rhian a few weeks ago.

This means a lot, because Rhian's a wicked ass blogger herself, among other things. Being part of her tribe is both frustrating and exhilarating, fun and a lot of work. It's all worth it in the end, though; Trevor couldn't have found himself a more staunch ally. If you haven't joined the tribe yet, now's the perfect time.

Thanks, Rhi! Happy Blogiversary!!

Labels: Awards, Rhian/Crowwoman

JM, at the fiction scribe, gave me the When you Smile Award.



You guys know that I love awards. They make me smile, but they do more than that. I take probably too much validation from them, which is sort of sick in the head, but what do you expect from a girl like me who writes about rock stars, anyway? I mean, that fact alone speaks volumes about insecurity and delusions of grandeur.

Anyway, I love these things, and part of loving getting them is the love of passing them along.

My friend Bunnygirl's created a world that's real and vibrant. If you haven't checked out her fiction, you should. AND she's done what I don't have the guts to do yet -- published a volume through Lulu.com. Called My New-Found Land, it's got to be good, if her outtakes are any indication. (My own copy hasn't arrived yet. I'll holler when it does)

So... with no small flourish and a great bit of envy for Bunny's writing ability, I present this award to her.

And if you see this before Halloween and you have some fiction to share, read the comment trail. Bunnygirl's throwing a last-minute Halloween story carnival. Why not join in??

Labels: Awards

My friends Red and Thomma Lyn both handed me the Blogging Star Award recently. Here's a picture; ain't it purty?



The Blogging Star Award was created by Barb at Skittles' Place. Of the Blogging Star Award, Barb says:

This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogosphere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?

Here's what to do if you receive this:

* Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.
* Mention that it originated here at Skittles' Place so I can follow its journey.
* Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.


Well. Let's see. Who makes me all warm and fuzzy when I see them in my reader? Well... Rhian is the obvious choice 'cause she's been the ... oh, I can't say butt so maybe the willing victim of a Trevor prank is putting it a bit better. But Rhian's more rebellious than I am, and she tends to follow directions worse than I do.

Maybe Lisa. You can call her the Nekkid Man woman 'cause that's what her Thursday Thirteens are all about. And have you seen some of the wild things she digs up to share? Truly cool.

And definitely PJ at The Urban Recluse. She's handed me plenty of awards, and has definitely earned this one. I miss Sunday Sauce, though!

Don't forget Robin, the inspiration behind the ShapeShifter fan fiction that's been cropping up around the blogosphere. She's been on a total tear lately, writing really beautiful essays, each one better than the last.

So there you go. Some pretty darn deserving ladies, and not easy choices among all you guys. I don't know how I've managed to do it, except to say that like attracts like, and I'm damn proud to know (and read) all of you.

I'd also like to end this post by saying I'd drafted it a good two weeks ago and am just now having the proper time to post it so it gets noticed and its proper due. If any of you can please cancel the soap opera I'm currently starring in, I'd much appreciate it!

Labels: Awards, blogging

I might be getting immune to these honors, guys!

Jenny McB, who is fast becoming one of my most recent groupies, has awarded me with the Nice Matters Award. She said she gave it to me because of my positive comments here and at other blogs. I do try my best to always be positive and upbeat. Misery may love company but smiles make everyone feel good.


Here's the details about this one:
This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award.



The next one is the Thoughtful Blogger Award, given to me by one of my groupies and buds, Amy Ruttan. Amy's one of my favorite blog reads; one of those people I always turn to first when I see her listed in my reader. If you don't read Amy's blog, why not???

Now, another Meme, but this one's cool 'cause some of you have no clue what's hiding in my archives. I'm aiming to fix that rather permanently, but not just yet. I've got some other small details to take care of, first.

Marcia, at MeeAugraphie and Tumbled Words (and whose RSS feed I miss dearly), tagged me with this one.

Here we go...
Link 1 must be about family: One of my all-time favorites. This scene actually existed before the blog. Although I like this one a lot, too. Or... Or...

Link 2 must be about friends: This was a hard one to pick. Friends are important in my fictional world. Friends take the place of family, and family takes the place of friends.

Anyone think I'm trying to make a statement?

Link 3 must be about yourself, who you are, what you’re all about: Umm... Help! This blog isn't about me! It's about my fiction!

Link 4 must be about something you love: I'll explain more later about why this is such an important thing.

Oh, hell, I'll do it here: people are trying to ban this book because of its liberal use of the F-word (I did it delicately for you, Marcia!). But really. If you're going to set a book in the world of punk rock, you may as well do it authentically. And KL Going has done just that. Trust me. I used to live in places like she creates. Or so it felt at the time.

Furthermore, does anyone REALLY believe that by the time our kids are old enough to form bands and hang out in clubs, they haven't heard words like fuck?

Fat Kid Rules the World. Buy it. (it is still in print, if you'd like a new copy) Let's turn the negative publicity into huge sales.

I just might have to help author KL Going take on the idiot wanna-be book banners... That's really got my dander up.

Now, back to the Meme. Really, it's more fun to talk about Fat Kid. Helloooo? I'm boring, remember?

Link 5 can be anything you choose: Oh, really. Just go play in the archives. But here's one I particularly like. Then again, I particularly like them all. The ones I don't like are waiting to be revised into that state of being particularly liked.

Go find some you like. Report back to me; it'll help me know what to feed you guys next.

Oh, and rather than pass this one, really. Just go buy Fat Kid. It's about book banning, people. I mean, other than the sales the publicity will generate, do you want your book to be banned? And if it is, who'll fight for it -- and you???

Well, other than me. *wink*

I've got all the prizes for the Summer's Hidden Treasures contest sorted out now, thanks to my Opening Act. If you entered the contest, look for a message from me starting tonight!

Labels: Awards, KL Going, MeeAugraphie, meme

*sigh*

This is the sign of burnout. Right here, folks.

I owe two more Blogging Tips Memes, but to be honest with you, I lost heart. I had the drafts saved; all I needed to do was post them.

But then I was blog surfing and came onto some strangers' blogs and what did I see? Memes. And not the fun kind, like the Schmoozing award (we'll get to that one in a second). The kind that didn't give me ANY inkling into what the blog was about. And I thought, I don't want this to be what people see when they visit me.

Thus, I nuked the drafts of Blogging Tips #3 and 4. Really, I have no words of wisdom other than to say have fun with what you do. And if you can't glean that from my posts or from the fun comment trails, nothing I can spell out will help.

Thus, on to the FUN.

Both PJ at the Urban Recluse and Thomma Lyn have graced me with The Power of Schmooze Award.

This one means as much as the Rockin' Wench Awards you guys handed me. I'm gonna get all sappy here and make poor Trevor throw up in his motorcycle boots, but so be it. I'm pleased you guys have let me be part of your lives, and I'm even more pleased when you demand I step in front of my fictional characters and speak to you as myself. Most of all, it gives me hope that when Trevor's Song finally hits the shelves, you'll all buy multiple copies. Yes, I promise now to make it VERY easy for you to get autographed copies, all the while helping out some local-to-me independent bookstores.

...and in the week since I wrote this post, more awards have come my way. I'll get to those later in the week or next week. Stay tuned. By all means, keep the honors coming! It's not just good for my ego in the face of rejection letters for a hard-to-place debut novel. It makes Trevor and the rest of the band happy.

Now, onward. There's more fictional fun ahead for you; my blog queue is stuffed to overflowing. There are more changes afoot... keep your eyeballs peeled.

And in the meantime, my friends, rock on.

Labels: Awards, meme, Susan Speaks