Last Day to Enter Giveaway!

Just a quick reminder that today's the last day to enter my giveaway. Please click over to my Facebook Author Page and enter for a signed copy of Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors and a $10 iTunes card!

Two More Days to Enter!

Hi All! There are just two more days to enter my C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-I-O-N giveaway!

When Toby Karlson, aka TK, is at the wrong place at the wrong time, he goes from cool kid to total outcast with just one hip check. Sixth-grade orientation was scary, but TK didn’t realize it would change his life. Now he has to hang out with the smartest and geekiest kid in school, while dodging the school bully and his posse. If TK were on the ice, he’d know exactly what to do. But this is life and not a hockey game. Can TK get his good-guy status back at fifth-grade camp?

Here's what people are saying:

“Hockey is not just a sport that teaches kids how to play a game; it teaches a lot of life lessons including how to conduct yourself off the ice. TK demonstrates the different life lessons he’s learned through hockey in his own wacky way in Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors.” ~Scott Wedgewood, 2010 New Jersey Devils 3rd draft choice 84th overall, 2012 Team Canada World Juniors Bronze Medalist

“Outstanding! I especially liked this book because I can relate to almost all the events that happened. You will especially love the ending!”~Drew P., ten years old (almost eleven)

“As a teacher for more than thirty-eight years, I have longed for a book that truly depicts the many trials and tribulations of youngsters I teach on a daily basis. Kris Yankee has beautifully penned a selection through TK, her main character, that brings to light the ups and downs of typical eleven-year-olds who often struggle with friendships, bullying, camp, and the loss of a loved one on a daily basis. It is a selection I will definitely keep front and center on the reading shelf of my classroom! This book is one that my students will not be able to put down as they will easily relate to so many events depicted from front to cover.” ~Tom Williams, sixth-grade Language Arts teacher

“Author Kris Yankee captures the hearts and minds of preteens in this great book. She shows you what it is like to be a kid in 5th grade again...and why they do the things they do. I highly recommend it.” ~Neil Dixon, fifth-grade teacher

 
So click on over to my author Facebook page and enter. You know you wanna!

Books have arrived!

An early Christmas presented arrived today! Books will be shipped to the distributor and should be available through Amazon very soon! If you don't want to wait, you can order from my website.

Let the Celebration begin!

To celebrate the  release of my new book, I'm holding a giveaway over at my author Facebook page. Please hop over, answer the simple question (What's your favorite children's book?) and be entered to win an autographed copy and a $10 iTunes card! Hurry...the giveaway ends on December 27th! All entrants must be at least 13 years of age and live in the USA.

Thankfulness

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my America friends. Even though this has been an up and down year for my writing, I am so thankful to have found a publisher who believes in my writing.

But I'm thankful for so much more...family, friends, health, my job, hockey, and all of the opportunities to spend time with those I love. In a few short days we will celebrate the anniversary of my father's unexpected passing. Please take today to tell your loved ones how much you care for them, reconcile with that person who has blackened your heart, and let go of those things that are out of your control.

I hope this finds you full of hope, joy, and gratitude!

Woohoo!!! My book is off to the printer!

Hi All! Today is the day that those pretty little files for Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors go to the printer. I'm so proud of this book and I can't wait to share it with you. Rumor has it the book will be available the third week of December. When I know for sure, I'll be running a contest to give away two copies of the book. Catch is...you'll have to leave a comment about a rumor you either heard or inadvertently spread because I know YOU don't spread rumors!

Check back to find our more deets!

Want an advanced copy of Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors?

Hey all...I'm looking for some readers who would like to read and review my upcoming middle grade book, Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors. I will be happy to send off a pdf in exchange for a review on Amazon and Goodreads.

Here's the back cover:

Please leave a comment if you're interested!

Did you win?!?!?

Did you remember to enter Sheri Larsen's big, huge, GIGANTIC giveaway? If you did, make sure you hop over to here so you can see who won. I can't wait to read Brianna McBride's entry!!

Congratulations to all the winners!

Updated Cover for Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors

I'm so excited to show you the updated cover for my upcoming middle grade novel.

What do you think?

Inside Look of Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors

When people ask me what my new book is about, I immediately start rattling off the chapter titles. Sure, I do have a quick little blurb of what it's about (When eleven-year-old Toby Karlson accidentally hip checks the school district’s oldest secretary, his life turns into a big rumor), but it's the chapter titles that I think are really cool. I thought I'd share a few... CODE 1: No Matter What, Don’t Hip Check Little Old Ladies CODE 2: Sometimes Taking One for the Team Means Putting Your Head in a Toilet CODE 3: Listen to Your Coach, Even if You Think He’s Crazy CODE 4: Just Because You’re the Captain Doesn’t Mean You Should Climb a Gazebo CODE 5: Arguing With the Ref Won’t Get You a Dance Trophy What do you think? Silly, huh? The one thing that I've heard from the fifth and sixth graders who have already read the book was that they really liked the humor. That made my heart sing. Kids nowadays have so many commitments between school, sports, music lessons, etc. If they can read something that makes them laugh (and learn a few lessons - shh!!!), then that's all I can ask for as a parent. Did you have a favorite book that you read over and over, as a child, that you loved because of the humor? My favorite was Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. I LOVED that book - still do.

A Giveway Bigger-Than-A-Shopping-Mall!

Here it is..the details of Sheri Larsen's HUGE, HUMONGOUS, MASSIVE, OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD, did I mention, HUGE?, giveaway. Please take it away, Sheri!

Today, I invite you to celebrate with me!! I've signed with Literary Agent Paula Munier of Talcott Notch Literary! And because our literary community is so freaking fabulous and generous, I'm having a Bigger-Than-A-Shopping-Mall GIVEAWAY!! The giveaway consists of:

•  two separate Rafflecopters with multiple giveaways 
• and one grand prize Rafflecopter giveaway - to enter for the grand prize, you must enter either giveaway #1, #2, or both. 

There's only one mandatory entry. Everything else is up to you!! I know Rafflecopters can be a pain, but it was the only way to organize such a huge giveaway. The giveaway is open until September 27th. WINNERS will be announced on September 28th. (Entrants may win more than one prize!)

Thank you so much for entering, spreading the word, and celebrating with me!!

List of Rocking Participants: Lenny Lee, Colene Murphy, LM Preston, Darby Karchut, Joanne Brothwell, Patti Larsen, Christine Fonseca, Catherine Stine, Jessica Bell, Kelly Hashway, Leigh Moore, Christine Danek, Alex Cavanaugh, Katie Mills, Matthew MacNish, Beverly McClure, Marcy Hatch, Jennifer Million, Nicole Zoltack, Christina Lee, Kris Yankee, JL Spelbring, Sharon Mayhew, Candice Granger, Dianne Salerni, Lisa & Laura Roecker, Elana Johnson, Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi, Susan Kaye Quinn, Lydia Kang, Julie Musil, Natalie Agurrie, Talli Roland, Medeia Sharif, Kelly Polark, Angela Brown, Sarah Fine, Stina Lindenblatt, Lynda Young, Susan Fields, PK Hrezo, Shannon O'Donnell, Shelli Johannes-Wells, Theresa Brown Milstein.

Links to Rafflecopters: 

Giveaway #1
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Giveaway #2

a Rafflecopter giveaway Giveaway #3 


a Rafflecopter giveaway I've donated a chapter critique in Giveaway #1. Here are my credentials in case you decide to enter that giveaway:

I've been working for a medium-sized press since 2007. Over 25 books that I've edited have won awards including Mom's Choice, Teachers Choice, Purple Dragonfly, and many, many more.  Not only am I an editor, but I'm an award-winning writer.

So...click the links above and see all of the great prizes! Good luck to you, and especially Good Luck to Sheri!!

A Giveaway...coming soon!

To help celebrate the wonderful news of fellow writer (and hockeymom) Sheri Larsen signing with an agent and her many offers on her YA novel, Marked Beauty, Sheri is having a MASSIVE giveaway from September 10th through September 27th. Winners will be announced on September 28th.

Seriously, there will be a ton of prizes and all you'll have to do is come back here and follow the directions. Easy, right?

I'm so happy that Sheri is on her way to publication that I wanted to help by giving away a three chapter critique. Now, not to toot my own horn, but since working at Ferne Press for the last five years, I've edited over twenty books that have won awards.

So..take that as you will, but remember to head back here on September 10th for all of the details.

A 6th grader's take on Spreading Rumors

The publisher who is publishing my middle grade chapter book likes to have kids' perspectives as endorsements. I know a few 5th and 6th graders, so I was happy to send out an arc to them for their thoughts.

Here is verbatim what one 6th grader said in an email:
I loved the book!!! here are my first two reactions.

This book was so good it made me laugh just because!!
This book teaches you a lot of lessons. Here is the one that appealed to me. Friends are the best thing that happend to the world(at least that's what I think!!!!)

 
It gives me goosebumps to know that he enjoyed the book so much. Obviously, we'll have to do a bit of editing for the back cover, but his words were spoken from the heart.

I just had to share with you all.

Cover Reveal and Early Praise~

I'm so excited to be able to share with you the cover of my upcoming middle grade novel, Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors.

I would love to know what you think!

When Toby Karlson, aka TK, is at the wrong place at the wrong time, he goes from cool kid to total outcast with just one hip check. Sixth grade orientation was scary, but TK didn't realize it would change his life. Now he has to hang out with the smartest and geekiest kid in school, while dodging the school bully and his posse. If TK were on the ice, he'd know exactly what to do. But this is life and not a hockey game. Can TK get his good-guy status back at fifth-grade camp?

Early praise:

“Kris Yankee’s Cracking the Code: Spreading Rumors is full of action, adventure, and fun as Toby Karlson learns how to handle enemies, make friends, talk to girls, and just plain fit in. Hockey fans will be cheering with every turn of the page as Yankee has created a winner of a series!”  

~Kari Lee Townsend, National Bestselling Author of The Fortune Teller Mysteries and Digital Diva

Moving Right Along

My middle grade chapter book is moving along quite nicely in the publishing process. A title for the series, as well as this book, has been chosen, and we should have font samples within the week. I've sent an arc out to prospective endorsers and have received one blurb back! I can't wait to share the back cover summary and cover image with you all! Stay tuned.

A great review!

Many thanks to my friend D. R. Grady for introducing me to Erik the Great of This Kid Reviews Books. I was lucky enough to be able to send Erik a copy of Saving Redwind. He's posted his review on his blog (which you should be reading if you want a kid's perspective on books!). I'd love it if you'd hope over there and read his review.

My Biggest Piece of Advice

Today I had a final writers' workshop with a wonderful up and coming author. What I love about Kimberly is her passion for what she's writing about. We had a great last session, and she was expecting to speak with my boss about pursuing publication. Unfortunately, my boss had an appointment that she wasn't able to break. Fortunately, I was able to spend some time with Kimberly not as her writing mentor, but as a fellow author. I was so eager to share with her my experiences that I'm sure her head was spinning by the time she left - because I was talking so much.

One thing, though, kept coming up. Did she have the courage to take on publishing a book? What a strange thought, isn't it for a writer to ask or even consider, right? But it really isn't. Whether you publish with a traditional NY publisher, a press, or even just through Amazon, there is one thing that is certain - YOU, the writer, will have to take control of your marketing. Sure, a NY publisher will market you to an extent, but they will only go so far for an unknown, first-time author. When you go with a small press, it is highly unlikely that there will be any marketing. And, for those who have self-published, well, you know it is all up to you.

I had several thoughts for her:

Create a brand, market everywhere and with everyone, network every place you go, and always be writing the next book.

She has a part-time job, a husband, three young kids. Will she have time to do all of this?

This is a question all writers should be asking of themselves. If a person wants to be successful, then they must make the time.

That led to another question; what is your idea of success?

If it's making a ton of cash, well, writing is not the business for you. Not unless you're lucky enough to be the next Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Stefanie Meyer, of that chick who wrote 50 Shades of Grey.  Aside from the "worldly" viewpoint of success, how do you measure it?

Becoming a serious writer isn't just about putting the words on the paper (or screen); it's about building a brand, an audience, readership, getting yourself out there in uncomfortable positions and situations.

I believe that Kimberly will succeed once she answers all of these questions, just like YOU - do you have the time to devote to marketing, what is your idea of success, and how do you measure success?

Exciting things are happening...

Hi all! I know it's been way too long. Life has been crazy. I'm so excited to share with you that my book, TK's Hockey Rules for Life, is going to be published by Ferne Press. We're just starting out, so I don't have too many details. Once I do, I'll be sure to update here and at my author page on Facebook. Have you checked that out and "liked" it yet? Please stop by and say hello!

It's been awhile since I've blogged. Have been pursuing those goals. Most likely I will need to add a new one to that list, but I'm still thinking about it.

You know when you think your life is going one way, and then something significant happens to change your plans? I sort of feel like that's been building up for sometime now and I've been sort of waiting on the sidelines. Well, the moment has happened and now I have to "sh!t or get off the pot" as my grandma used to say.

Things are changing, and we writers have to stay diligent if we want to pursue our goals (not dreams - writing is NEVER a dream).

So keep your fingers crossed, send prayers, good vibes, or whatever it is you do as I figure out what I should be doing.

My 2012 Goals

The end of 2011 really had me thinking about what I wanted as a writer and as a woman. I'd just started a new job for a non-profit and was unsure of my role. My job at the publisher was continuing as always, so no changes there. I was feeling very overwhelmed with life between two jobs (the non-profit especially because I loved it and it becoming more than I had ever thought possible), a husband, two kids, two dogs, a house that was consistently dirty, and a manuscript that was supposed to be finished. My wonderful agent was having no luck selling any of my manuscripts, and my self-published book had very slow sales.

Being a mother just makes me naturally want to take care of others. This is good and this is bad. The other people love that about me - especially since it spills over into other areas that have nothing to do with my family. But this is bad because I rarely have time to take care of myself.

2012 is the year of Kris taking care of herself.

Here are my 2012 goals:
1. Join a bible study (done)
2. Make my writing a priority
3. Only say "yes" to opportunities that I really want, not say "yes" because I feel I have to
4. Spend quality time with my husband and kids outside of sports (this will be hard!)
5. Meditate
6. Practice yoga
7. Forgive myself if I don't get everything done (another hard one!)
8. Cultivate the friendships I have that are meaningful to me
9. Remember to say "I love you" even to my friends
10. To not worry


I think the hardest one for me with be #3. I like to be involved and many times will volunteer for something or accept someone's request because I feel it's my "duty". That gets me in a lot of trouble - I end up doing things that I really don't want to. By giving myself permission to only say yes when I want to, I think the quality of my life, and of my family's, will increase.

There are several of us who are taking this pledge. To see the full list and to give encouragement throughout the year, please visit Sheri's blog.

Rebel Writer's Pledge 2012

I saw this on Sheri Larsen's blog, Writer's Ally. I'm always looking for something to spur me into blogging. Here's the premise:

"That's what the Rebel Writer's Pledge is all about: rebel against our views from last year that hindered us from reaching our goals, and give us new insight and a fresh start. I started it last year, and figured it was a good way to join us as writers, committing goals and support to each other. Only this year, I'm making it a BLOG HOP."


So either click on the sidebar badge or hop on over to Sheri's blog to join in the rebellion. I did.

Happy 2012!

Happy New Year!

I hope you had a safe holiday  season. It's difficult for me to believe that today is the first day of 2012. Time - as in "the years" - is flying by. I can still remember when I worked in the mortgage industry and there was such panic over the whole Y2K business. Look at us now - 12 years later!

I apologize for my lack of blogs. My second job over at Living Stations has really become my primary job. I love it, so no complaints! If you're in the Metro Detroit area and are a Christian, I urge you to take a look at our website and learn more about Living Stations.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about my 2012 goals. I have the usual ones - lose some weight, take more time for myself - but I'm want to make one even more important than those other two - be happy. For the most part, I'm pretty happy, but I think I can be happier. Another one is be grateful each day. So many out there have nothing, and I really have so much. Being grateful each day will definitely make me happy.

What about you? What goals have you set that are not the norm?