ipod Shuffle- win it

It's the last day of March! I'm happy to report that the sun is shining and that we are having an awesome week.

As for the giveaway, if you have entered in any of the giveaways this month, you are entered to win the ipod shuffle. But it you want a second entry, leave a comment and be a follower.

My goal is to get to 300 followers- so see if you can help me out with that. I only need ten more! In fact, I think I'll wait to get 300 followers before I choose my ipod winner.
Not fair to all of you who are already on the list, I know, but go grab a friend who's not and tell them to enter to win an ipod shuffle.

I'm also happy to announce that Wings of Light is officially available at Amazon.com

Yay!

It looks like I'm gonna need some reviews there. It's a pretty lonely place right now. If you get a copy and find time to read and review it, you will be officially awesome in my book.

Good luck everyone! And, I'm still sitting on a few books. I think I need to choose some book winners from the list of comments below!

Win Beyonders

Christy is whipping up more than amazing recipes and book reviews, today as part of the Wings of Light book launch, she's giving away a copy of Beyonders by Brandon Mull.I've mentioned Christy several times in the last month. If you haven't visited her blog, it's about time you made the trip. She is talented in so many ways, and then shares it all on the internet. Not only does she enjoy reviewing books, she has a habit of putting together amazing recipes to go with them. Each book she reviews has a slice of something from the book that you can take to your kitchen and replicate.

And she Irish dances. Enough said.

But then she's an incredible writer who is working on an urban fantasy novel that has incredible potential. Oh, and she has a gift for editing. I know, she's brilliant.

Have fun visiting her.... http://www.dearestdreams.com/

Today I'll be at the Library on the corner of Cole and Ustick from 12-1:00 presenting. If you're in town and bored, come to the library. It will be more fun with you there!

Checking in

It's a good day. Satisfying.

So, here's to the five lucky winners. I'll give you one week to e-mail me your mailing address before choosing a new winner. (laurabinghambooks@gmail.com)

Chantele Sedgwick
emfawcett
LouMac
Danyelle
Jaidis
Just so you all know, I've got more books up my sleeve, so I might randomly choose more winners.
Last night I finished my latest work. It's a contemporary YA novel with a tiny hint of science fiction. I hate even calling it science fiction because that tiny part is based on a science that could exist, but doesn't. Alas, it's really a contemporary novel called Dancing With Black. It may or may not get to keep that title and you may or may not ever get to see it published. Oh, the realities of writing.

But I'm going to dig into edits. I've got plenty of other things to write. I keep thinking of new ideas everyday. Too bad it takes so long to write a story. It really limits how many I can write. And, I'm a write-one-story-at-a-time kind of girl.

And, if you haven't heard, my books got done early. I should have a few copies on my doorstep any day now. Yay!!!

And speaking of Wings of Light, Christy has come up with a clever recipe called "Raised by Magic Quick Rolls". Oh they look yummy. I'm definitely making some this week! Doesn't this picture make your mouth water?

Now I really want to do the Happy Dance

Early! Yay! I got an e-mail this morning that said my books were ready to ship. I get to see copies of Wings Of Light this week. I can't believe it!
Now I really feel like celebrating.
So here's the deal. Head on over to Rebecca Talley's blog for a chance to win her newest release
The Upside of Down.

I feel so lucky to have Rebecca helping with this launch. If you haven't read this book, please consider it. She has a way of making you look at life through another set of eyes. Beautiful and inspiring.

And, because I'm feeling crazy good, I want to give away more books. I'm picking five winners tomorrow. Yes, five. You are at the mercy of whatever books I send you, but I'm gonna tell you right now that I have a lot of YA fantasy and middle grade novels waiting for a home. These are brand new books, and honestly, if I don't give them away soon I'm going to hoard them and keep them for my very own.

To enter to win a random book, leave me a comment and be a Very Cool Person (i.e. a follower of this blog). That's it. Tomorrow I'll pick five winners and then you have to e-mail me your address or I won't have a clue where to send your books.

Let the happy dance begin!

Janette Rallison- a fresh sense of humor

Today we are honored to have Janette Rallison join our book launch and she has Fame, Glory and Other Things On My To Do List up for grabs. Take a quick stroll over to her blog to see all her books that will keep you smiling.

Janette has a gift when it comes to teen romance. Not only can she make you feel that same rush of falling in love for the first time, but she has a way of taking you straight through the fire of teen life's most awkward moments and then back again. Her work will make you laugh out loud with the scenes that resonate with what we do for love.

To win a signed copy of this book, please e-mail the answers (laurabinghambooks@gmail.com) to me and I'll draw a winner next Tuesday.

*What is the name of her newest book being released in April? Ahh, our books have the same birthday!

*This one's kind of hard... Janette wrote a book that was a little more serious and not as much a comic romance. It's about a sister helping her brother... What's the name of this book?

*Become a follower of Janette Rallison's blog.

*Be a Very Cool Person (follow this blog).

And while you're there, you might as well sign up for her giveaway too. One can never have too many books! Don't forget, all who enter any of my giveaways go in the drawing for an Ipod shuffle at the end. Stick around for that!

From L. T.- don't miss this

Hey all! I've been having so much fun with this giveaway. Thanks to all the amazing people who have been helping me out along the way.

Today's tour takes you to my sweet friend whom I've grown to love more every day. We are like sisters in every way. Not only is she a completely talented writer, the mother of twins, but for some strange reason she seems to get my weird and quirky personality. That alone is a rare quality.

If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting L. T. Elliot, now's the time. Her blog points constantly at her gift for writing and she will find her way into your heart, I assure you. She's giving away this fabulous book...



And now we need to announce another winner...

Linda Kish is the winner of a YA book- she gets to pick her favorite genre. Congrats!

We have lots more prizes on the horizon, and remember, anyone who enters gets into the iPod shuffle drawing at the end. It's gonna be good!

It's Tristi Day!

Today's the day you can sign up to win Tristi Pinkston's novel Dearly Departed. To enter, hop over to Tristi's blog and follow her rules. This is a fun mystery novel infused with humor. You're not going to want to miss this one.

Today is also your last day to enter to win a book through Rachelle's blog. See the post below for details.

I hope you're all anxious to read some new books. Good luck to all of you!

The day after

I woke up this morning and my head buzzed. My muscles told me to go back to sleep. Yes, today is the day after St. Patrick's Day. (Dancing, not drinking, people. You must know this about me.) I usually post a whole big exciting thing for St. Patrick's Day but this year I was too busy to do even that.

But I'm here now and I'm catching up with our prizes. First, to announce the winners so far this week....

Lindsaywrites wins the book of her favorite genre.

Aik Chien takes home The Mark by Marilyn Bunderson.

Congratulations. And, I'm going to keep choosing winners from those who are participating, so keep watching.

So how was your St. Patrick's Day? I know the day is so different for civilians. As a family of dancers, we packed in the car at 8:00 AM, me and four of my children, and set off for a day of adventure. Our first show was at an elementary school at 9:00 AM. We didn't stop dancing and driving until 4:00. Seven shows in seven hours.

And since I'm the mom, I can say that my six-year-old twins were adorable even though they couldn't really dance, and my two older boys were straight up fabulous. Everyone on the team worked together to make it happen. By the end of the day the girls were itching for an excuse to pinch the boys and my tiniest son announced, "Finally we get to go home."

Corned beef, Irish potatoes, cabbage and the world's best soda bread waited for us and nothing in the universe could have been better than that. Aaaahhh.

Then a little more dancing and a lot of hot chocolate later, the day finally ended. I'm tip-toeing around the fact that Saturday we're dancing from 10-4. Barnes & Noble at 2:00 for any locals wanting to see some action.

And then we're done with the St. Paddy's performances.

Thanks to Christy for posting a surprise author interview today! Check it out.

And for another chance to win, go over to Rachelle Christensen's blog . She was nice enough to make me look good- you're gonna lover her.

To win, e-mail me at laurabinghambooks@gmail.com the answer to the following questions....

*Name one book that Rachelle wrote.
*How many of her short stories were published by Story Time Felts? (hint... it's in the About Me section)
*And, tell me your favorite YA genre so I can pick something nice out for you.

Okay, winner announced on Monday, March 21.

On the Mark

Today Marilyn Bunderson is giving away her book titled The Mark.
Head on over to her blog for your chance to win her YA fantasy romance that will have you turning the page. If you like a little mystery and suspense wrapped in there, you will love eating this one up.

For today's giveaway, you need to e-mail me (laurabinghambooks@gmail.com) the answers to the following questions...

*Name one song on Marilyn's book playlist
*What percent of her WIP (work in progress) has she completed?
*Last but not least, you need to be a follower of her blog.

Good luck to all of you! I will be choosing a winner Friday. And speaking of winners, if you haven't signed up to win your favorite YA, today's your last chance!

Red Friday

It's not very often that I start my Tuesday with tears, but after a friend with a deployed husband sent this to me, I had to share it with you. Especially considering how the world is rallying together right now to bring aid where it is needed, here is a way to show that you care no matter where you may be.

I don't have the name of who wrote this.
As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example.

March Giveaway Day 1

Let's do this thing!

We're starting the month of March giveaway with a surprise. The winner will receive a YA novel- and since I have a few to choose from, we'll wait and see what the lucky winner gets.

We have some exciting things coming up over the next three weeks. Check in often for the latest bloggers who are getting in on the fun.

Today's giveaway requirements....

*tell me what genre of YA is your favorite- I'll try to match the winner up with a book that fits
*be a Very Cool Person (a follower of this blog)
*include your e-mail in your comment so I can contact you if you win

I'll draw the winner on Wednesday March 16 using random.org.

Just for fun

I don't know why, but this song just hit me perfectly today. Life isn't always easy. Sometimes you have to go for it with all that you've got. That's my life.

From the words of Bon Jovi

This is for the ones who stood their ground
For Tommy and Gina who never backed down
Tomorrow's getting harder, make no mistake
Luck ain't even lucky, gotta make your own breaks

It's my life
And it's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever
I just wanna live while I'm alive

Starting next week

For those of you who have been paying attention, this is the month I'm doing a great big giveaway. My new book Wings of Light will be released April 8 and I am excited to kick it off with a bang.

We'll get the party started next week. You're going to want to keep checking back. New things will be up for grabs VERY OFTEN and you won't want to miss your chance to win.

What do you win?

Mostly books. I'm going to be giving away lots of books.

But I do have a grand prize of an IPOD shuffle that we'll be giving away at the end of our fling. My kids are so jealous.

In the meantime, you'll never guess what is keeping me so busy.... and no, it's not writing. St. Patrick's Day is next week! Next week! I can't believe it's so close. So much to do. It's like Christmas, except that instead of buying presents, I'm learning dances. And helping in the costume department. And like Christmas, when St. Patrick's Day is over, I'll be able to go back to my normally scheduled life.

Kind of. I mean, I still have to study like crazy for my TCRG exams. But I'll get to write again. Oh, how I miss it.

And, can you hear the choirs of angels singing, I get to go to writers conferences!!! I miss that so much. I'm still not over missing the LTUE. So I'm making up for it by going to the SCBWI conference in April, the LDStorymakers conference in May and the CONduit in May. I'll be presenting at the last two.

And what could be better than a new book to really get my spring going? Yeah, I'm excited for my new release. It's gonna be fun.

Okay, I'll see you guys here next week. International players allowed! Too bad I don't get to deliver the books in person.