We are still trying to get a great cover for the YA novel So Over It. I would LOVE your input on the latest cover ideas. So give me total honesty here. Overall impressions? What do you like? Dislike? Too young? Too old? Does it hold up to other YA covers out there? Do you have a favorite? None of the above? Would the cover make you pick it up? I would LOVE any comments. Any and all feedback really helps.

This is a YA book, target age 12-17. In this final installment of the series, a carnival comes to town, as well as Luke’s ex-girlfriend. Not only does Bella have to stop her dad’s wedding, possibly win back her boyfriend, but she has to go undercover to find out who killed Betty the Bearded Lady. Bella Kirkwood is so over her head.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Thanks for the help, guys.

JEN

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Congrats to Cassidy, winner of C.J. Darlington’s Thicker than Blood. Cassidy, email me your home addy (jen at jennybjones dot com). I appreciated all the puppy name suggestions. There were some really great ones on there. I applaud those of you who suggested names which sounded exactly like…your own names. If you’re gonna be self-promoting, I say be bold about it. Good for you. But I decided to go with the name Tilly. It’s very British. Because I just have a feeling if this dog could talk, she’d have a little accent. Not to be confused with have a little accident. Which occurs about every 10 minutes.

Say a prayer for me. I am in one of my BFF’s wedding this weekend and since yesterday I’ve had some sort of funky allergic reaction in my eye. I look like a gargoyle. As my friend Kim said, “Like Will Smith in Hutch when he’s downing all that Benadryl.” Um, yes. Just like that. So I look a little scary. Who knows what caused it. But I don’t have an eye patch to match my bridesmaid’s dress, so let’s pray it returns to normal. Otherwise…somebody’s photographer is gonna have to really work the PhotoShop on a few pictures.  I guess I could totally pull a Lady GaGa and cover half my face in feathers and call it a “costume.” Tape some lights to my dress. Then nobody would notice the wacko eyeball.

A lot has happened this week. I’m barely surviving this puppy. It is the neediest animal to ever walk the earth. Today is the first day she’s let me go into another room without her without throwing a 30 minute fit. She has some serious separation anxiety from her original home and at least one of us isn’t handling it very well. But she’s also the cutest puppy ever. Of course right now she is peacefully sleeping beside me, so of course she’s cute. In ten minutes when she shoots up in a burst of energy to go pee on something or to whine for 3 hours straight, she won’t be as adorable.

Today I didn’t even put makeup on to go to work. That’s not normal for me at all. Putting on makeup is my community service to those around me. But this morning went from bad to worse puppy-wise, and I could either eat breakfast or I could slap on some eye shadow. And L’oreal lost.

On a serious note, my week has been nothing compared to what those in Haiti have endured. I can’t hardly watch the news, even if my hero Diane Sawyer is reporting with her Wonder Twin Robin Roberts. Tonight Robin Roberts did a segment on the faith of the Haitian people, and it was awesome. The video clip isn’t available yet, but as soon as it is, I’ll post it. It showed a group of Haitians gathered together and singing aloud, praising God, hands raised, singing about how their Father has never left them, shouting hallelujah. That’s probably a difficult thing when you haven’t had water in two days.When you don’t know where your family is. And there’s no medical help in sight.

If you would like to help out these hurting people, consider Samaritan’s Purse or The Salvation Army, both reputable sources for outreach. Let’s all keep them in our prayers, as well as all those who are traveling with aid and relief missions.

Have a great weekend.

JEN

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So…I have the puppy.

Check out that face.

Miller the Puking Cat has gone nuts of course. Here’s his first reaction.

Doing a little stress eating. Notice the demon eyes. I don’t think that’s a trick of the light.

Exhibit B…check the eyes.

Miller can’t stand to be in the house right now. And every time he goes out the door, I say, “Be sure and come back.” I don’t think there are any Amber Alerts for distressed cats.

I had no idea–NO IDEA–puppies were so high maintenance. Yes, you have to take them out, feed them, give them some chin scratches, but this puppy is like a stinkin’ baby. If she’s not napping she’s crying to be picked up. And she has these little claws. Claws she uses to try to climb up my pant leg when I don’t immediately swoop her into my totally aggravated arms. Seriously she just wants to be held. And held. And held. It’s like I need one of THESE. Do they make doggy Bjorns?

Cats are so much more independent. Even kittens. They’re perfectly capable and content to entertain themselves. Sure kittens like attention, too, but they don’t demand it in high pitched wails hours at a time until they pass out in an exhausted heap on the couch.

This morning the puppy and I had to have a little talk. She was being all clingy, so I took sympathy on her and brought her into the bathroom with me as I was getting ready. It wasn’t good enough. Whining. Barking. Batted her little puppy eyelashes. So I’d pick her up every once in a while and give her some attention, then put her back down. More whining, jumping, crying. (And the dog didn’t act so well either.) So finally I had to pick her up and say, “Look, have some dignity. Where’s your self-respect? You’re a lady. We do not whine and beg. We are not needy. We are independent, self-sufficient, and we do not sniff ears.” She didn’t really care. I’m thinking of naming her June Cleaver.

So…between my inability to appease this dog and Miller’s “get the crap out of my house” hissing, the puppy might not feel as comfy as she could. In fact, right now she’s hiding behind a throw pillow on the couch. Asleep. With her head tucked into the seat cushion. Like she’s wishing for suffocation or something.

I don’t know, guys. I don’t know about this puppy business. And don’t even get me started on the pee pads. My goal is to totally achieve puppy pad success (which is pretty good), then transition the nasty things to an empty litter box, then transition from there to a puppy litter box (while also training her to go outside). I’ve been told that’s impossible. That sentiment just adds to my exhausted joy over this whole situation.

On a happy note, she is a good little nap buddy. We’ve both fallen asleep on the couch the last two days. And when I woke up today I noticed one of us had really bad breath. I’m gonna blame that on her.

And it’s possible I’m just a one pet type of girl. My mom recently reminded me of when I was about 13 or 14 and I “had” (you have to really stress that word when she’s telling it) to have a puppy. So they get me one and within 12 hours I was done with it. I had my beloved cat and buddy, Celie, and she was FURIOUS. Miller’s not happy, but this cat was freak-out furious. Wouldn’t come near us. So the dog was whining that first night and it drove me nuts, plus my cat had probably packed up and moved in with the neighbors, and at two in the morning, as I sat on the front steps watching the puppy NOT go to the bathroom, I told my mom I didn’t want the dog anymore. And he became her puppy. And so did the one that came after him.

I just don’t like to see the first animal, who has dibs on the house, upset and feeling replaced. It’s possible if I ever have children I should just have one. Because I’ll be the mom who brings home baby number two, sees Kid One turn up his nose, and then swings by the hospital to see what their return policy is. But surely that’s semi-normal. Right? (I know, it’s not. But in my defense, I was put in one too many choke-holds as a small child by my brother. Blame him.)

On a more serious note, I was sad to hear about the passing off Miep Gies, the woman who hid Anne Frank and her family. A true hero. I always wondered what I would’ve done in her situation–save my own life or help hide an endangered family. For Miep Gies, there was never any choice but to do the right thing. No matter the cost. What an awesome person. She probably knew what to do with whiny puppies too.

Have a great rest of the week. Don’t forget, you definitely want to get in the running for C.J. Darlington’s debut book Thicker than Blood. All you need to do is go to Monday’s post and leave a comment to get in the drawing.

Pray for my new dysfunctional family.

JEN

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Today, we have a special guest to the blog, debut author C.J. Darlington. And a giveaway of a signed copy of her book!

C.J., welcome to the blog. I’m so excited about your first book, Thicker than Blood, which I had the privilege of reading a few months ago.

You have a really cool “how I got discovered” story. Tell us about that whole process.

CJ: Back in 2004 I saw an ad in Writers Digest magazine for the Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest. The contest deadline was the kick in the pants I needed to finish my novel. So I entered an early version of Thicker Than Blood. A couple months later I found out it had placed as a semi-finalist, but not as a finalist.

I started submitting proposals to editors and started receiving back rejections. I revised the book a couple of times and lengthened it by about 10,000 words. But still no publishers wanted it. I got close once or twice, but I began to feel discouraged and wondered if maybe I should put the novel in a drawer and start submitting something else.

I almost did. But late one night I had a flash of inspiration I’m pretty sure came from the Lord. I thought, “What if I enter this revised version of Thicker Than Blood in this year’s Operation First Novel contest?” I had about two weeks before it would’ve been too late to enter. That was in September 2008.

In November I found out the novel was one of four finalists, and in February I attended the Writing for the Soul Conference where the winner of the contest would be announced. I was amazed when Jerry Jenkins announced Thicker than Blood was the winner! Part of the prize was publication by Tyndale House, and it’s been the most exciting thing that’s happened in my life so far.

I love that story. And such a great example of not giving up on your dream or your manuscript.  C.J., you are definitely no stranger to Christian fiction or Christian music. You and your sister originated and operate TitleTrakk.com. Tell us about that awesome website and resource.

CJ: We want TitleTrakk.com to be a one stop Christian entertainment website for anyone interested in learning more about all the amazing Christian books, music, and movies out there. It’s our goal to shine the spotlight on the newest and brightest in the industry, and we’re excited at the opportunity to every week bring our readers new interviews, reviews, contests, and more. It’s been amazing how the site has grown in the last few years.

Since beginning TitleTrakk.com, who is the coolest Christian musician you’ve interviewed?

CJ: Well, my sister Tracy is the music maven, but she’s let me sit in on several cool interviews. Shhh…don’t tell anyone, but I was incredibly nervous when we did a press conference once with Michael W. Smith. He was sitting about four feet from me, and I was star struck.  We interviewed Rebecca St. James on several different occasions, and she’s always wonderful. We also recently interviewed Britt Nicole and new artist Paige Armstrong and were really impressed with how sweet and articulate they both were. And their music rocks too!

Let’s talk books. What is your favorite book you read as an elementary-aged kid?

CJ: Oh, wow. I had so many! If I had to pick. . . do I really have to pick just one? Okay, fine. The Chronicles of Narnia. I know that’s technically seven books, but I love that series. Adventure, suspense, intrigue, redemption–it has it all.

Favorite book you read as a teenager?

CJ: Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti. I first read this one at twelve or thirteen, and then re-read it at least five times.

Now it’s time to gush about your book. In Twitter-style, what is this book about?

CJ: Thicker Than Blood is about two estranged sisters who meet again after 15 years, one needing God’s love, the other God’s help.How’s that for abbreviated?

Why is the main theme of Thicker Than Blood an important one for you to convey? What do you want your reader to walk away with after reading this book? (Besides an urge to buy 10 more.)

CJ: An urge to buy 100 more?

The main theme of this novel is that love is thicker than blood. God’s love, that is. As Christy and May Williams find out, their blood ties were not enough to keep them together. It takes something more to make them a family again.

Another theme that’s important to me is that no one’s ever too far gone for God’s love to reach them. We might think we’ve screwed up too many times, that God could never love us for what we’ve done, but in reality God’s just waiting for us to take one step toward Him so he can wrap his arms around us.

Writing that first book is so hard.  What all was going through your mind as you went through the publication process with Thicker than Blood?

CJ: Besides the millions of doubts saying I could never succeed as a writer, that my book would never be published, that the hours of time spent in front of my computer were wasted?

Seriously, I had many days when I felt like throwing in the towel, but in the back of my mind I knew I couldn’t give up. I had a dream to be an author, and I was going to stick with it no matter how long it took before my writing was published. It certainly helped too that my family was a huge support and wouldn’t let me quit. I had to write, whether I was ever published or not.

When Tyndale House did give me a contract for Thicker than Blood, I found myself so honored to have such a wonderful team coming alongside me in the process. Everything went so much smoother than I could’ve imagined, which taught me not to let myself worry so much.

What advice would you have out there for those who aspire to be authors, no matter the age?

CJ:   Number one: You’re never too young for God to use you. He often puts desires and dreams in our hearts when we’re young to guide us into our callings. Are you passionate about reading, books,and writing? Are you happiest when creating? Allow yourself to pursue those dreams. Chances are God’s given them to you for a purpose.

(Jen here, wondering what the purpose of my passion for ice cream could be… In my heart I’ve always known that deep love had to have some value.)

CJ: Number two: Follow your heart. It’s easy to talk ourselves out of our dreams. But don’t let yourself, or your friends, or anyone do that. You have the desire for a reason. God’s got great plans for you!

Number three: Bloom where you’re planted. There are always steps we can take right now. Don’t wait until you’re older to begin following your dream. You don’t have to go to college or take a million courses (though some choose that route). I personally learned best by reading other novels and books on the craft.

Jen: I agree. I learn the most about writing from reading other people’s novels. And I’d also add that while you don’t have to go to college or take a million courses, I think you do have to do things that build your repertoire of life experiences, which could be college, work, travel, and just living. You gotta live to write about it. And get ideas. Reading is so necessary, but so is seeing some of it for yourself. Just like your experience as a seller of antiquarian books inspired so much of your first novel.

CJ: Number Four: Be flexible. If we had our way, our dreams would come true right now. But you know that Scripture in Jeremiah 29:11 that talks about God’s ways being higher than our ways? It’s so true. It took 14 very long years before my book was published, and I had to learn to trust God, even when I didn’t feel like it.  I’m glad now that I didn’t get published right away. If my dreams had come true the way I envisioned, it would’ve been a lot harder journey. Commit your life, and your writing to God, and he’ll make sure you get where you need to be at just the right time.

For those a little older, you’re never too old for God to use you. Never give up. It doesn’t matter if you’re seventeen or seventy. I know of many writers who didn’t see success in the publishing arena until they were over fifty. It’s never too late, and it’s always worth pursuing your dreams. Never stop learning.

Great words. And that happens to be my life verse. At least it was for last decade. I might need to pick a new one for variety’s sake. C.J., I’m so excited for you and your book. Tell us what you’re working on now.

CJ: I am putting the finishing touches on my second novel, tentatively titled Innocent Blood. It’s a sequel to Thicker than Blood. I’ve also just started my third book. It’s been rattling around in my head for way too long, and it’s time to get these characters under control.

Jen: Thanks for stopping by the blog, girl. You guys will totally want your copy of this book. And to win it, just leave a comment now through Thursday evening in which you respond to today’s prompt by giving me a little help. I just found out this weekend I’m GETTING A PUPPY!!!! (And I’m freakin’ out. I’m such a cat person. I mean seriously. I LIVE for low maintenance.) But anyway, I need some name help. It’s a girl. And it’s a dorkie. And it’s small. Forever small. So…what should I name it? I mean her. A furry, high-maintenance her. Leave your suggestions and help me in my time of need.

See you guys, Wednesday! I’ll share pics of the dog. And we’ll talk Chuck and American Idol. And my puppy commitment fears.

JEN

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A few “yay!” items. First, congrats to Amanda for winning Stephanie Morrill’s Out With the In Crowd. Amanda, just email me with your addy. (Jen at jennybjones dot com)  You’ll love the book.

Second, I have been off allll week! Woo! Snow days are the best. I’ve had a three week Christmas vacation. But it’s freezing here. I mean it’s like zero. Zero degrees. The kind of cold that seeps through the house and your heater can’t quite keep up with. Fuh-reezing. I’ve started drinking so much hot tea I’m probably going to start baking crumpets and shouting “God save the Queen!” any moment. And I’m not talking about a little spot of tea. I mean like tea from a man thermos.

Stephanie Morrill asked me what my faves for 2009 were. I had to really think about this. I think my favorite movie was The Proposal. My second would be Blindside. My third probably I Can Do Bad All By Myself by Tyler Perry. I see so many movies I kind of forget them all, so I’m sure I’ve left something out. But my gosh, I loved The Proposal. Ryan Reynolds’ performance should be studied in college or acting classes for comedy and timing. It’s perfection when you can say nothing and all and yet the audience is still laughing hysterically. Some great writing too. My favorite movie was not Julie and Julia, but my favorite performance definitely came from there. If Meryl Streep doesn’t get an Oscar for her turn as Julia Child, then Hollywood can kiss it. She WAS Julia Child. The movie kinda bored me, but watching her was so worth it. And the theme of going after your dreams and just living life with gusto and passion was great too. (Added later: I also liked Whip It! a LOT. It didn’t see much success at the theater, but I have no idea why. I loved it.)

My favorite CD would probably be…um, I dunno. I have worn out the two Jon McLaughlin CDs I downloaded. One of my favorites is “Indiana.”

And as far as new release CDs, I really liked Gloriana’s debut CD. I’m a sucker for harmony. It’s country though, so you’ve been warned.

And I’ve listened to Taylor Swift’s album to the point of gagging a little bit every time I hear it now. And I discovered Tenth Avenue North this year too. Like them a lot. And I usually have a yearly favorite CD in the running category–something that has been good to motivate me on the trail. And that would be the soundtrack from Michael Jackson’s This is It. (Though to get the full effect, you have to additionally download “Dirty Diana,” because some shortsighted person or persons did not include it on the soundtrack or tour. And I hope they are ashamed of themselves.)

Favorite book…wow. I don’t know. I read a lot of health books for nonfiction this year. I also liked Paperdoll by my friend Natalie Lloyd.

It is such a great book for teen girls. Natalie is honestly one of the best writers I know. (Are you checking out her blog? It’s HERE.)  The book is just like sitting down with a close girlfriend who has lived as a young adult and experienced the ramifications of how she lived as a teen–the effects of worrying about what others think, what you look like, the things you valued then, etc. The advice she gives is so dead on. And the personal stories–her own and those she’s collected from others–the best. Totally made the book for me. And I kept highlighting and underlining stuff. It’s THAT type of book. So if you know of a tween or teen girl, or even a young 2o something, this book is a must.

For YA fiction I loved the DiCamillo books I read, Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and The Magician’s Elephant (thanks to Natalie for that recommendation). I was a little late to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid party, but when I got there…LOVED it. It probably says something that my favorite YA books this year could be found on the shelf belonging to a ten year old, but I’m too cold to think about that one right now.

My favorite books for big girls would have to be first of all The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. My Lord I loved this book. I’ve said this before, but this is the book that inspired a few people in an airport in Ireland to approach me and talk about it. In the bathroom. Now that’s a book. My second favorite was The Help.  It’s probably much better written literary-wise than Guernsey, but it’s not near as much fun or love-filled. Or quaint. Guernsey just had a warm spirit about it. But Guernsey was better in terms of plot and pace. I can’t find that The Help has sold a movie deal yet, but Guernsey has. And if they miscast Guernsey, I will not be responsible for my actions.  It’s encouraging that the rights were bought by the producer of Nim’s Island and a Florida bookstore owner. Interesting partnership. Might just be perfect.  Also might take half of forever. My grandma bought the movie rights to my first novelette, I’m Gonna Kill You Dead, a little thing I wrote in the fourth grade, but I’ve yet to see anything develop from that deal. And don’t think that doesn’t affect her yearly birthday presents.

I feel like I’m leaving out some really obvious favorite reads, so I’m sure I’ll shoot straight out of bed at two a.m. with a title burst forth. But I got nothing. I will say what I missed about 2009 (and 2008…) was a good chick lit. I MISS chick lit. I miss smart, funny books. Meg Cabot is releasing a vamp chick lit this year. I’m weirdly interested in that. It’s either gonna be hit or miss for me. I’m both “Ew, seriously?” and “It’s perfect!” on that idea. If anyone can pull it off, it’s her.

Have a great weekend. I’m gonna enjoy mine and have pizza for the first time in FOREVER. But this weekend…Hawaiian pizza and I will be reunited. There will not be crumbs.

JEN

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