New Author Pics!

I've posted a few photos from the shoot I did with Eliya of Eliya Photography on my Facebook, but there were actually a ton of great shots that came out of that session. So many that I'm having trouble deciding which ones to use for author-y things!

Right now, I mostly am using them for conference slide shows and bio stuff (like for contests I judge, or my blog). But I will eventually need a jacket photo and can't decide. So I figured I'd share the photos, and get input/votes from you all!

In no particular order, here are some of the photos that Eliya took.


















You'll notice that the one in the stripey dress is the only serious one in the bunch--until you find out that I call that dress "The Dress That Grandma's Afghan Died For". But really, it would be useless to have a bunch of photos of me looking appropriately grave, since I have difficulty being serious for more than 3 seconds in real life. Eliya was really fun to work with, and tolerant of me cracking up at odd times.

We also took some pics using my crow mask, and I'd love to use this one for a book cover for Crow's Rest.


Isn't that cool? And just so this post isn't all about me-me-me (okay, so it will be 95% about me), I'll leave you with a tip for your own photo shoot.

I don't do much photography of people myself, but from watching other photographers with their models at Preston Castle photo shoots, I learned it's helpful to have several outfits to change into. So what I did was to wear a pair of basic black leggings, black boots, and a black camisole. Then I just had to pull off my dress and put on a different one, or really change it up with that purple sweater and/or black trenchcoat.

I wore the same jewelry for all, so it made for very quick costume changes. The layers also let me change clothes right in the parking lot; we got a few startled looks, but we didn't lose time to finding a bathroom to change in. So feel free to use that idea if you get your own pictures taken!

And don't forget that any photo can be cropped to make it Twitter or other thumbnail friendly; here's the one I've been using


I highly recommend Eliya Photography if you're in my area, but have fun no matter who takes your portraits--it will come across in the pics!

OA Today & A Shoutout for a Special Conference



It's my day on Operation Awesome, and I've posted about cons (conferences and conventions), so click on over and see!

I also wanted to use this space for a couple of reminders:

Firstly, there may still be spaces left in Adventures In YA Publishing's Agent-Judged Pitch+First Page Contest so if you have a finished MG or YA manuscript, maybe you want to enter! I'm one of the judges for the blogger round once again.

Also, our regional chapter (California: North/Central) of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators has a stellar lineup this year for the spring conference. Jay Asher! Nikki Grimes! Agent Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary Agency! And so much more. Last I heard, there were still around 40 spaces left, but it usually sells out well before the conference. If you're looking for an information-packed, one-day conference, this is a great choice!

I'm happy to help spread the word about--and cover love for--Brigid Kemmerer's fifth book in the Elemental Series: Sacrifice!

To drag out the anticipation even longer, I'll post the blurb first:

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick is used to pressure.

He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight…








Ooo, those eyes give me shivers! And here's a surprise bonus--the Australian cover!




So where can you get more info on Sacrifice, Brigid Kemmerer, the Elemental Series, or add it to Goodreads? Take your pick of the links below


  





OA Today

I'm over on Operation Awesome today, with a post on cons (as in conferences and conventions, not convicts or con artists)! Click over and check it out!