Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Cover Reveal- Cutlass by Ashley Nixon




Publication Release Date: April 23, 2014
Category: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy

Blurb:

Notorious pirate Barren Reed has one thing on his mind: Revenge against the man who killed his father. So kidnapping his enemy's fiancĂ© seems a perfect plan…until he actually does it. 



Larkin Lee is more than a pretty face and fiancĂ© to a powerful man. Her fierce personality is enough to make any pirate want to push her overboard. 



But when the King of the Orient comes to Barren with a task—to find the Bloodstone, a powerful gem thought only to exist in legend, Barren sees another opportunity to destroy his enemy. Together, Barren, Larkin and a crew of pirates set off to find the stone, only to discover it caused the death of Barren’s own mother and Larkin’s, too. As his strongest allies turn into his greatest enemies, and the life of the girl he kidnapped becomes more important than he ever dreamed, Barren’s quest for revenge becomes a fight to save the Orient.

Links:

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5199530.Ashley_Nixon
Goodreads (book page):https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18755539-cutlass

Ashley Nixon

Monday, December 9, 2013

One More Thing to Add to My Holiday List of Fun!

Before I disappear in the craziness of the season and skip out on blogging until January, I thought I would add one more thing to my Holiday List of Fun!


This one falls under books and new traditions!


When the Taylor boys put their minds to something, they go all out! 

There’s a Christmas Eve tradition in the Taylor household. While the boys take baths, Santa’s elves drop new pajamas outside their bathroom door. The PJ elves are sly and quick, but this year they’re in for a surprise—Ben and Jack are on a mission to catch one of them! The traps the brothers set sure look promising, but the unexpected can happen when you least expect it! 


This is a great book to read with kids and...what a fun new tradition!


A note from Judy and Karen about their Christmas Tradition...

The Pajama Program: A Perfect Donation Choice for ‘The Great PJ Elf Chase’ Authors
One Million Pairs of Pajamas, One Million Books


 “The Great PJ Elf Chase: A Christmas Eve Tradition,” is a children’s picture book we recently wrote and published. It is the story of two brothers, Ben and Jack Taylor, who want desperately to catch one of the PJ elves who drop pajamas outside their bathroom door each Christmas Eve.


We were fortunate enough to grow up in a loving, secure household, but we know that all children aren’t so lucky. Right from the start, we decided that, if we succeeded in publishing our children’s picture book, we would designate a portion of the proceeds to new pajamas for needy children. After all, at the very least, every child deserves a comfy pair of pajamas at bedtime, yet some wear street clothes – or nothing at all – when they go to bed.

We chose to make our first donation to the “Pajama Program.” We checked them out and found that they received the highest ranking from the Better Business Bureau’s charity standards and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest independent evaluator of charities. The Pajama Program touches our hearts because its mission is to provide cozy, new pajamas and brand new books to needy children from 0 to 18 years old. These children have often been neglected or abandoned. Many live in foster homes or shelters or with parents who can’t manage on incomes below the poverty level. It’s hard for us to think about all the children who have no mom or dad to tuck them in at night and read them a bedtime story.

The not-for-profit Pajama Program was established in 2001 by Genevieve Pitturo, a professional speaker and blogger for The Huffington Post. The Pajama Program now has over 60 chapters across 34 states. Pitturo is also a founding board member of the Spirit of Hope Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit inspired by Pajama Program, which offers college scholarships to high school seniors living in foster care.

The Pajama Program launched One Million Good Nights in October. Their goal is to collect one million new pairs of pajamas, one million new books and the resources to get them into the hands of needy children across the nation by December 31, 2015. Their major partners in this effort are Carter’s, Inc., Scholastic, Inc. and Sprout, but the Pajama Program also depends on sponsors, dedicated volunteers, event holders and individual donations of pajamas and books. Anyone who wants to help can find out more about the organization on their website, www.PajamaProgram.org. They make every effort to use the donations in the state or chapter in which they were donated.

Wouldn’t it be great if one million more children and adolescents could feel loved and safe at bedtime? We hope some of them are in their brand new pajamas reading and enjoying “The Great PJ Elf Chase.”

Judy Voigt and Karen LoBello, authors, “The Great PJ Elf Chase: A Christmas Eve Tradition”




What are is on your list of Holiday fun???


Have a wonderful Holiday season!!!

Best to all,
Becca

Friday, December 6, 2013

My Holiday List of Fun

Happy Holidays to all!

I've been laying low lately, trying hard to catch up with everything I got behind on last month and all the things that are quickly getting added to the "To Do" list this month. 

And with the anticipated craziness that always comes with this time of month, I am planning on staying with my trend of not blogging much throughout the month of December. But don't worry- I'll be back in January! 

Until then- enjoy the season! Don't let it pass by too quickly without taking the time to savor everything it has to offer! And be safe!

But before I go...here is my list of super holiday fun!

Movies:
My favorite 'must-see' movies of the season...

Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (dvd) Overview
One Magic Christmas (I think this is by far my favorite Christmas movie)
 

A Christmas Carol (with George C Scott)
 

I am also a huge fan of all of those "Made-for-TV" Christmas movies. I get sucked into everyone of them. 


Books:

Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol is my must read every year!

I am also planning on catching up on other reading, including a friends MS and some Walking Dead the graphic novels. (Sadly no more new episodes of Walking Dead until February) I am also planning on reading Ask the Passengers by A.S. King and a few books by David Levithan because they are coming to the Colorado Teen Literature conference in April where I will be on the local author's panel.

Cookies:

My favorite cookies- all gluten and grain free...

Grain-free/Gluten-free Sugar Cookie Cut-outs



Flour-less Peanut Butter Cookies


Grain-free/Gluten-free Snowballs (Walnut/Pecan Sandies)




Crafts:

I love to knit and it is a perfect thing to do while watching movies and staying warm by the fireplace. 

I also love to paint and do other holiday crafts with my boys.

Traditions:

Holiday parties with friends and neighbors

Christmas tree cutting with family

A holiday party in downtown Denver


Some pictures







What is on your list of holiday fun???


Have a wonderful Holiday season!
Enjoy

Best to all!
Becca

Friday, November 15, 2013

In Memory of Andrew and a Few Updates


Andrew McCaughton touched the lives of everyone in the blogshpere. The step-son of author, Nick Wilford, passed away in his sleep earlier this week. He will be missed by all.

Red balloons are being released today in memory of Andrew, and many writers are changing their profile pictures to honor him. To show your support, check out Andrew's special facebook page. 

Nick and authors around the web collaborated on a book to help raise funds for Andrew's college education. The book is amazing. Check it out on Amazon.com



From Amazon- 

A collection of seventy moving and uplifting original pieces - real life, flash fiction, and poetry - about battling against the odds and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. The contributors include Amazon bestselling authors Alex J. Cavanaugh and Kyra Lennon, and the cream of upcoming talent.

The anthology is part of a fundraising effort to send the editor's stepson, Andrew McNaughton, to a specialist college in England. Andrew has cerebral palsy, and is a remarkable young man with a promising future. However, the free further education options offered in his own country of Scotland will not challenge him and allow him to progress. In order to access the education he deserves, Andrew will have to pay exorbitant fees, thus creating a situation of discrimination.

Help us get Andrew to college by buying a book that runs the full gamut of human emotions, ultimately leaving you inspired and glad to be alive. Whatever struggles you are going through, our sincere hope is that this book will help.


And A Few Updates-

On my bookshelf...

I haven't had much time to read this month. But i am hoping to pick up all the new releases by my fellow authors and blogging buddies. I am looking forward to reading everyone's new novels. 

Here are a couple on my list...



On my computer...


Not only is life crazy busy, but I decided to hammer out a novel this month and join everyone in the Nano Wrimo challenge. And I am loving it! I hit 50k words a couple days ago- but I'm not stopping yet. My goal has been to finish the novel by month's end. Fingers crossed.

On my television...

I managed to squeeze in a couple episodes these past two weeks. 

My top picks and must watched are...





On my MP3...

I am not one to listen to music when I write, so my mp3 is staying quiet this month. 

On my Schedule...

I am heading up a book fair next week- always a blast.

November 23rd I will be presenting at the Castle Rock Writer's Conference.

Hope everyone is having a great month.

What are you up to?

Best to all-

Becca

Friday, October 25, 2013

"Roar" at Lakewood High School

It's a great day to be a Lakewood Tiger!

Today, at 4:30 AM local time (Mountain Standard Time) Katy Perry performed a private concert for the student body at Lakewood High School, a high school outside of Denver, Colorado


Katy Perry chose Lakewood High's video for it's school spirit and pride. Amazingly, over 2,000 students and staff came together to perform in the video. Everyone was outfitted in black and orange (their school colors) and lip dubbed the song. The video starts with the school mascot (perfectly fitting- a tiger) and walks through students lining the school from all areas of school life, including the lacrosse team, tennis, golf, boys swim team, the football team, cheer and poms, yearbook club, band, drama club, etc. 

Make sure you take the time and watch the full video!!!!
It is worth it!




(Isn't it cool?)

I was so excited to hear that Lakewood won the concert. Their video is amazing. 

But so are their students! I have had the opportunity to meet a handful of students at Lakewood. A couple months back, I went in to talk to the yearbook class about story line, word choice, and editing. I had a wonderful time. And thank goodness for the great students or I might have gotten lost in the huge school. (As you can see from the video the school is very big!)

Congrats to Lakewood!!!!

Hopefully you will get the change to check out the concert live on Good Morning America

The other 4 finalists for the GMA Katy Perry Roar Contest were

Verrado High School- from Buckeye, AZ

Spanish Springs High School- from Sparks, NE

Cooper High School- from Abilene, TX

Pickerington High School Central- from Pickerington, OH

If you have a chance please watch each school's video submissions. They are all amazing!


Have a great day!

Best to all-
Becca

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

A to Z Bookish Survey

 Every week my critique partner, Kendra Merritt, and I meet to catch up, write, edit, critique and share goals. A few weeks ago during one of our meet ups, we decided to do an A to Z book survey. The survey has been floating around on the internet for a while. Google it and you will find lots of author's answers. 


Here are my answers.


Click here to go say hi to Kendra and read her answers.


Author you’ve read the most books from:

Diane Chamberlain

Best Sequel Ever:

I don't know...I'm not a big sequel fan. I haven't really found one I love....not yet.

Currently Reading:



Drink of Choice While Reading:

Mango- Lemonade

E-reader or Physical Book?

Mostly E-book, but I still enjoy physical books, too.

Fictional Character You Probably Would Have Actually Dated In High School:

I totally  have a character crush on Walking Dead's Darrel Dixon...sadly he is not in the graphic novels. However, not so sure I would have dated him in high school...but I would want him around if there is ever a zombie apocalypse, that's for sure. :)

 Glad You Gave This Book A Chance:

Walking Dead. I'm not a big graphic novel reader, but I really loved the experience and the Walking Dead is so much more than a zombie tale...even in graphic novel form.

Hidden Gem Book:

Don't have an answer...sorry. I'll post back if I think of one. 

Important Moment in your Reading Life:

When I started teaching. 

Just Finished:

Beta reading Susan Oloier's Travel memoir and I loved it!

Kinds of Books You Won’t Read:

Bad ones

Longest Book You’ve Read:

There's been a few. But I enjoy the under 400 page books the best. The long ones seem to drag on and on.

Major book hangover because of:

Jodi Picoult's books. Regardless of if I liked the story line or not, her books always seem to provoke loads of emotion- good or bad- and sit with me long after I put them down.

Number of Bookcases You Own:

One huge one and a couple of small ones...but this doesn't include my virtual book shelf-- that one is growing and growing!

One Book You Have Read Multiple Times:

To Kill a Mocking Bird (There are many other books, too...)

Preferred Place To Read:

In bed under the covers

Quote that inspires you/gives you all the feels from a book you’ve read:

Don't have one...could scour the internet for a fun quote but that would be just as boring...

Reading Regret:

Wasting time on a bad book when there are so many other great books out there to read. I will always put a bad book down. 

Series You Started And Need To Finish(all books are out in series):

Not a big series fan. I will read the first couple books in a series but never care to finish. Too many other great books out there to read.

Three of your All-Time Favorite Books:

Don't really  have favorites....changes depends on mood, time, and place.

That being said, I really, really love all of Susan Oloier's books- if you haven't read them yet- do. She is an amazing story teller and her characters are well developed. Love her writing!


I also really enjoyed 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher and have re-read multiple times.

Unapologetic Fangirl For:

The Walking Dead

Very Excited For This Release More Than All The Others:

Nothing right now.

Worst Bookish Habit:

I don't have any crazy habit...lol!

X Marks The Spot: Start at the top left of your shelf and pick the 27th book:

What bookshelf do you want me count?

Your latest book purchase:

Too many to write here because I just went to the local library used book sale and bought bags and bags of them. Some that made it in the bag are 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass, 12 Finally by Wendy Mass, Ender's Game, A few Nancy Drews, Pretty Little Liars....

 ZZZ-snatcher book (last book that kept you up WAY late):

I'm up way too late every night- no matter what....


I would love to hear your answers. Leave a comment or link back and let me know!

Have a great day!
Best to all-
Becca

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Following Fun

Follow Fest- a blogfest by Melissa Maygrove

The Follow Fest is a blogfest to get to know fellow bloggers and writers. The fest is through out the week of September 23-27 so it is not too late to sign up now! Click for more information and to sign up.


Follow Fest Information:

Purpose: A platform building opportunity for writers of all kinds. 
(Think, ‘cyber meet-and-greet with social media links for business cards.’)


When: September 23rd thru 27th.

How: Create a blog post using the guide provided and sign up on the Linky list for the day you plan to post. There will be a separate Linky list for each day. 


During the week of the fest, visit other blogs and connect with as many writers as you wish. Enter to win prizes, too!

Welcome to the Follow Fest!

Name:

Rebecca Green Gasper
Although you probably already know that,
but you might not know that growing up everyone called me Becki (yes, I spell it with an i-cool huh?)
some friends and family still call me Becki, and I also go by Becca, Bec, or just B

Fiction or nonfiction?

Fiction novels, but I write non-fiction on my blog and for Moxie Writers

What genres do you write?

Young Adult
mostly contemporary 

Are you published?

Yes


Here are the links:




Do you do anything in addition to writing?

I raise awareness on teen tough issues and advocate against teen violence.
I am also a speaker. I speak for other writers, at high schools, conferences, teen groups, etc. 
And first and foremost- I am a mom.

Where can people connect with you?










And here at my blog- of course. Feel free to follow me. I love to connect!!!!

Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

I'm outgoing and love to chat! Email me any time!!!




Make sure you check out all the other blogs involved in this blog fest. It is so much fun getting to know everyone!!! 


Thanks for stopping by!
Best to all-
Becca