Nice words from VOYA and A FAVOR!

THE SOUND OF LETTING GO blog tour has wrapped and the time has come for the world to forget about my book. Which will happen, even in the face of lovely reviews like the one from VOYA (Voices of Youth Advocates) excerpted below. Not to get maudlin, but sophomore novels don't ride the wave of energy and notice that debuts do. And we writers in the throes of non-debut novel releases are severely humbled by the realization of how little we can do to support our own work.

So, I am not getting out on the road on my own dime, organizing a book tour, writing press releases, and pounding the pavement signing stock, like I did with my first novel. Instead, I am letting THE SOUND OF LETTING GO "go" (heehee) and if its fate is the remainder pile, well, it's pretty much out of my hands.

That said, here's a last-ditch request. Could you help the book hang on in the Amazon Rankings a bit longer? Just HEAD TO the TSOLG AMAZON PAGE, click "review" and give the book a rating and/or comment. If you do find a moment to lend a hand, let me know by leaving a COMMENT below. My thanks will be a visit to your blog or website (if you leave a link). That's all I've got ;)
Here's the VOYA review.

“Daisy is an honor student and an extremely gifted trumpet player in her high school band. Opportunities abound for her acceptance into prestigious music programs. However, life with her autistic brother, Steven, has caused major turmoil in her household, drifting her parents away from each other and from her… Kehoe does an excellent job of delving into Daisy’s feelings and insights as she wrestles through many problem-filled situations. For a coming-of-age novel with a romantic backdrop, The Sound of Letting Go ranks among the best in its genre. Introspective and at times heart wrenching, the book will have a wide appeal for many female teenage readers.”— VOYA (Ursula Adams)

Final Blog Tour Stop

Thanks to everyone who's hopped along THE SOUND OF LETTING GO blog tour. My last post is today, over at A BACKWARDS STORY. Last chance to win swag and learn a few more writing secrets!

What song do you play when your life is falling apart?

Talking about Daisy's playlist and THE SOUND OF LETTING GO with Julie at BLOGGERS [HEART] BOOKS.

About the dust in my house...

Stopping over at Dizneeee's World of Books today to chat THE SOUND OF LETTING GO and my shortcomings as a cook and housekeeper. Also, about swag and prizes.

Dizneeee's is co-hosting the 2014
STANDALONE READING CHALLENGE!

What was the original title of THE SOUND OF LETTING GO?

I'm dishing on that, favorite writers and my personal escape from the world at THE HIDING SPOT.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!

Writing the "bad boy" in your novel

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Today, I'm guest posting at Addicted2Novels 
about writing the character DAVE MILLER 
in THE SOUND OF LETTING GO.

Is Dave really a bad boy? 

What do you think?

How does an author revise a manuscript?

What is the best way to process revision suggestions from an editor or critique group member?
And how do you make sure you are truly revising and not just line editing?

I'll be covering these issues in a guest post over at KATIE'S BOOK BLOG today and sharing a BIG SECRET about the ending of THE SOUND OF LETTING GO. (Don't worry--it's not a spoiler.)

Swoony Irish Boys

I'm over at GOOD BOOKS & GOOD WINE today, talking about the character CAL O'CASEY from THE SOUND OF LETTING GO. Because who doesn't love an Irish brogue?

The wonderful that is SCBWI

It's my pub day and I'll cry if I want to...

Nothing changes just because Amazon starts fulfilling orders. Your book may not be on local store shelves yet. The world doesn't stop spinning on its axis. Pub day can be a blue day--not just a beginning but an ending. The book is out in the world and entirely out of my control. I'm talking more about the journey of a writer and her book over at G READS today.

Luckily, I have a plan. I am going to attend my local Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators chapter meeting. I honestly don't think I'd be a published author now without the guidance and support of SCBWI and many of its wonderful members, who I now count as friends. We start meetings with "good news" so I'll stand with a copy of my book and celebrate with people who know how bittersweet this journey is--who totally get it. Then, we'll have cookies and learn stuff about writing. If you're anywhere along this writing-publishing journey, you will be heartily welcomed by SCBWI. I encourage you to join.

BUT FIRST, cheer me up by clicking over to G READS BOOKS for fun insights about THE SOUND OF LETTING GO...and prizes!

Talking about autism, music and motherhood with Magan at Rather Be Reading

I am beyond delighted to have my blog tour stopping at the wonderful RATHER BE READING today.  I am particularly grateful since Magan's baby due date is the same as my pub date! It's humbling to think she's taken the time to support my book while being nine months pregnant. I am so excited for her because she is an amazing, thoughtful person and this baby is so lucky to have her as a mom.

So, if you've got a moment, click on by, wish Magan the best and, you know, read what she thinks of THE SOUND OF LETTING GO!!!! (Plus you can win stuff!)

Kicking Off THE SOUND OF LETTING GO Blog Tour!

Yes, my blog tour begins on SUPERBOWL SUNDAY. As you read this, I may be near a screen because my seven-year-old is a HUGE football fan and watching him watch a big game is BETTER THAN TELEVISION!

A MILLION THANKS to you for missing the adorable Budweiser Puppy ad to help me celebrate the publication of my second YA novel, THE SOUND OF LETTING GO. Today I am visiting the amazing CANDACE'S BOOK BLOG. In 2011, Candace was the FIRST PERSON TO EVER ASK FOR MY AUTOGRAPH! Here's the picture!

For those of you torn between reading and Russell Wilson today, here are a few snaps Seahawk mania followed by a GIVEAWAY ENTRY FORM so TOUCH SCROLL DOWN!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Things every writer needs...

As we all know, the writing life is glamorous. It's all private jets, chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne. Oops, that's Oprah's life. And maybe John Green's.

Let me try again...for most of us the writing life is a big of a slog. It's all about frantically checking your Amazon stats, struggling to write and submit another novel, and drinking cold coffee.

Having lived the writing life for several years, I've decided to share with you a short list of MUST-HAVES so that you, to, can enjoy this enviable lifestyle.

1. FUZZY SLIPPERS. Replace yearly or when they begin to, well, smell.
2. A GOOD COFFEE MAKER or TEA KETTLE, depending on your preference in the hot-brown-beverage department. NICE MUGS are also good.
3. A PLACE TO WORK THAT HAS A WINDOW. Just admit it. You don't go outside much because you zealously guard your at-the-computer time and between that and the laundry, there's not a lot of daylight left. (Added tip: Occasionally wash said window.)
4. A PET. Good to have someone to talk to who will never give
   
   editorial feedback. Also, helpful for warmth if you can't find the aforementioned slippers. Mine is a dog, pictured here with two of my humans.
5. A NICE OUTFIT. Even if you prefer one-on-one time with your keyboard, it is important to attend the occasional conference, writing class, or author event and even participate in non-literary social activities. This outfit should not consist of your "best" jeans with a top. Get a whole outfit. No denim and no fleece (okay the fleece may just be my problem)!

What have I missed? Please share in the comments below!