Rose Cooper

One Big Stress Ball

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

So yeah, that's me as of lately. But the good news is that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel. And it's getting closer.

I just finished with copy edits for my third book, Secrets from the Sleeping Bag and guess what? I found it on Amazon already for pre-sale!!! Check it out HERE if you get a chance. I love the cover, it definitely fits with the other two.

Also, Gossip has will be translated and published in two more countries now--Indonesia and Israel--making it 8 countries total!

So...who's read RUMORS? I'm thinking it might be time to do a giveaway for a signed copy soon.

Even though I stress over deadlines, I love writing. I'd rather stress over that than anything else. And keep in mind:

What do you stress about most?

DIVA contest! YOU pick the winner!

2011-10-03T04:30:00.000-07:00

The Doodle Diva contest continues! Thank you for all the entries! I received a total of 35, from here and on my FB page from those who had trouble leaving comments. I've narrowed it down to a handful that you guys will vote on! I left out who submitted what on purpose, so that the voting will be fair. Voting ends Wednesday at Midnight because the winning entry will have to get ready for the art show this weekend!

Which DIVA saying do you like best for her "sign?"
	Honk once if you like this pose. Honk twice if you see me blink.
	Does this purse make my hat look fat?"
	I'm not staring at YOU...I'm staring at the shopping mall BEHIND you.
	If I'd just bought the purse, the hat would have been lonely. So I had to buy them both. It was the
	Is that chocolate on your face... or do i just need a snack?
	My friends call me Prima. You can call me Ms. Donna
	Lost in thought back in ten minutes.
	Im confused...is this a handbag or a purse?
	Okay Professor, Ill explain this one more time, Pi arent square. Cake are square pi are round.
	What part of Diva do you not understand?
	What part of blonde do you not understand?
	Wow, note to self...next time DO NOT make the hat out of LEAD

pollcode.com free polls

Diva Contest!

2011-09-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

So the Doodle Diva's have been busy inbetween book revisions. They were even invited to be part of the guest gift bags at the Emmy's this year! But money and time prevented them from actually participating. But that's okay...who know's what the future might hold? Aside from being sold online (Greeting Card Universe and Card Gnome), they will also be sold in several stores in the near future.

In a few weeks, they will make their debut at an art show I participate in annually. To make things fun, I've decided to hold a Diva Contest! Your mission is to come up with a clever, funny saying for the blank sign the Diva below is holding. Post your entry in the comments, and there's no limit to how many times you can enter! DEADLINE is Friday, September 23rd.

I will narrow down the entries by picking my favorites, and those will be posted on the following Monday. It will be up to all of YOU to vote on your favorite one. So what will the winner receive?

* 8.5 x 10 glossy print, ready to frame
* Recognition on the Doodle Diva website
* Your name in stores! Yes, you will be given credit on every Diva of yours that sells, in stores and at art shows.

If you're unfamiliar with the Divas, take a look at the site for some examples and jump start your creativitiy!

So what are you waiting for?

P.S. If you post as annonymous, please include your email address in the comment!

The Creepiest Kids Books!

2011-08-29T04:30:00.000-07:00

I'm kinda thinking these books aren't high on the reading list for my kids.

...says the furry bear with the magnifying glass.

A great gift

B is for baby
See the baby
The baby is fat
The baby is pink
The baby can cry
The baby can laugh
See the baby play
Play, baby, play.
Pretty, pretty, baby.
Mommy loves the baby more than she loves you.

All you ever wanted to know about urine. And its many uses.

With a catchy rhyme that rolls off the tongue, this book teaches about chain of events
involved in dealing crack-cocain. Very educational!

Complete with hilarious illustrations of horses playing "drinking games and smoking games," Latawnya the Naughty Horse learns a valuable lesson about saying No to drugs. Totally inspirational if you ask me.

Also a fun read: Best Books To Traumatize Kids

Have you read any books lately that might fit in with this list?

Maidu Library Celebration!

2011-08-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

I will be speaking and doing a book signing this Saturday, August 6th.

While most libraries have been cutting back their hours, Maidu Library is doing just the opposite. They will re-open for Saturdays beginning this month. To kick off the celebration, there will be kids activities, refreshments, and guest speakers. I will be signing books along with S.G. Browne, author of Breathers: A Zombie's Lament and Fated.

If you're a local, come out and join us!

1530 Maidu Drive

Roseville, California

Noon-5pm

Additional info can be found HERE.

Revision Hell and Chocolate!

2011-08-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

"I am in revision hell...and now brainless. If only I had a cup of coffee..."

Happy Happy Joy Joy! DOODLE DIVAS are going to be sold in select shops. They are being sold as cards and prints. Pretty soon I'll expand on those. But in the meantime, I'm super happy! There's even more happening, which I can't share at the moment, but I have made a website for the DIVAS and they're just dying to meet everyone! You can visit them at www.TheDoodleDivas.com. Plus, free shipping on all orders in the U.S. till September.

Some of the awesness oozed by fellow writers and besties came up with super fun sign sayings. Jen Daiker came up with "Revision Hell" (above) and Amie Borst came up with "Chocolate" (Below). I'm going to come up with more geared towards writers as well.

So what do you think of the DIVA website?

Inner Diva

2011-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, these are my darling Doodle Divas. They happened by accident. Sort of. I was sketching in my notebook while watching a movie with hubby (OMG who's seen CHICAGO and MOULIN ROUGE and DOESN'T love it??) There seemed to be something missing from the drawings so I decided their voices needed to be heard. And I did something I never do. I added color. Lots of bright mismatching colors. And fun outfits. So...the Doodle Divas were born.

What is YOUR inner diva saying?

Trauma Queen: Book Review & Giveaway

2011-07-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

I'm over at Project Mayhem today with a chance for you to win the awesome MG book, Trauma Queen by Barbara Dee. Just leave a comment over there to be entered to win. Not sure what the book is about? No worries, I've posted a review you won't want to miss!

So what are you waiting for? Head over to PM!

What books are at the top of your recommended list?

Aliens snatched my brain!

2011-06-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've been locked away in my writing cave, finishing up Blogtastic #3. I'm having a blast writing SECRETS. It's so fun to take your MC out of their normal setting and putting them into unfamiliar situations. You never know what will happen! So far I have:

Aliens
Bigfoot
A secret mystery cabin
Wild rabid animals
Zombies
Ghost stories
Prank wars
Food fights
Accidents, chaos, and hysteria
And of course, lots and lots of secrets!

And that's only part of it! I have no idea if all this will make the final cut, but I'm learning so much more about my MC. I'm learning that she hates being in difficult situations and well...she's kind of mad at me at the moment since I totally embarrassed her in front of a cute guy. But being a tween isn't supposed to be easy, right?

Do you like pushing your MC beyond the norm?

Up Close & Personal

2011-06-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

I've been going through a tough time recently. One of the most trying times I've faced. Instead of knowing exactly where I'm headed and what I can rely on, I'm totally uncertain. I'm hanging tight, trying to hold on, without a security net below. Not having that security took away a lot of my motivation for, well, most everything.

The straight path I was on now curves just enough so I can't see what's ahead. That, for me, is the most frightening thing. It took awhile to get the "what if's" out of my head, knowing I can't control every situation so it does little to worry and stress over it. It's taking away time from everything that matters most, namely my family.

My husband is the best, supportive hubby in the world. He kicked me out of the house to write. After me whining about how I didn't want to leave the house, he told me to stop moping and kick some writing butt. Afterall, i'm on a deadline and really need to finish up soon.

So I did, and that was the start of me feeling like i'm returning to my normal self, excited about writing, excited about small things that didn't seem to matter before. I have to keep in mind everything happens for a reason and even though I may never know what the reason is, I must have faith and believe it will all work out in the end.

Oh, and chocolate definitely helps too!

What helps you deal with difficult situations?

Lucy in Love

2011-05-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

So, I always wanted to try my hand at a web comic, so I did a quick sketch of one that's been stuck inside my brain for awhile now.

So, who is Lucy? Why, she's a girl crazy in love!

Actually, she's just crazy.

Or maybe love has made her a little mental?

Either way, she's in total denial that her boyfriend, Johnny, wants nothing to do with her.

In fact, he's dumped her more than a dozen times and she mistakes it for thoughtful gestures (can we say "blinded by love?")
And I have plans for Lucy. And her boyfriend Johnny. And it might ultimately involve a grave.

Click on Lucy below to see my first attempt at her web comic:

click on Lucy to see her first comic

Want to know a SECRET?

2011-05-24T04:26:00.000-07:00

What could this mean?

Camp could mean a few things. Like maybe summer is drawing near. Or next summer a 3rd Blogtastic book comes out! Yes, yes that's the one. And Sofia is going to summer camp. Sofia and nature go together like peanut butter and....anchovies. Yep, they don't mix. Much like me. and nature. Hmmm, I wonder where the inspiration will come from. So the title for this fantastic third book (as of now) will be: Secrets From The Sleeping Bag.

What are some of your camping experiences?

Online Auction for the Cure of Diabetes

2011-05-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

Brenda Novak, New York Times Best Selling author, is currently holding her annual online auction for the cure of diabetes. Brenda runs this fundraiser in honor of her youngest son, who was diagnosed with Type 1 at five years old (he's now 14), and the millions of others who suffer from diabetes. The proceeds have one purpose—to help find a cure—and will go to the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami. Brenda Novak’s Online Auction for Diabetes Research is a registered 501(c)3, so donations are tax deductible.

There are MANY wonderful items to bid on (some starting as low as $2) such as:

*Concert Tickets
*Tea with Meg Cabot at the Plaza in NYC
*Personal Makeover
*Baja Mexican Cruise
*Disneyland Trip
*Critique by best selling author
*Autographed Books and ARC's
*Editor Evaluations

Seriously, there is something for everyone!! This auction is open until May 31st. Check out the auction HERE.

I have donated a GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLS ROOM and art inspired basket which includes a signed copy of the book, a framed 5x7 original illustration from the book, custom made Gossip candy bar wrappers filled with yummy chocolate, handmade bookmarks and magnets made from my original gallery art prints, plus a few extra surprises. You can view my listing HERE.

Fab Five & Giveaway Winner!

2011-05-10T04:30:00.000-07:00

Today's post is brought to you by the number five...

1. I was dancing for 5 hours (yes, in public!) and fell on my butt. seriously.

2. I read 5 books in less than 5 weeks (Trauma Queen is SO good and A Match Made in High School is hilarious!)
3. GOSSIP went into it's 5th printing! Yay!!
4. GOSSIP sold to it's 5th country (Greece!) Double Yay!
5. Got some fabulous news about a THIRD book!!! Um, yeah, not so "five" related but I couldn't resist!

And in way overdue news...the winner of the art print giveaway is....

D.M. Cunningham of Literary Asylum Blog!!

So what tops your fab five list?

Graphic Evolution of GOSSIP

2011-04-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

Day four of this Blogtastic Blog Tour goes to Jen Daiker at Unedited. Her post is totally cool. She is going to show you the Graphic Evolution of my MC , Sofia, from GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLS' ROOM!

While I have your attention, I htought it would be fun to show you the graphic evolution of two other characters from the book, the BFF, Nona, and the crush, Andrew.

NONA BEFORE- She was "too" cartoony

NONA BEFORE

NONA AFTER-less cartoony, more graphic. And,a noticeably larger head!

These were other Andrew "possibilites" but they just didn't seem right.
And the first one here was too cartoony as well.

The original Andrew ended up being the final Andrew.

I make e a point of never showing his eyes.

So if you haven't already, check at Jen's blog and see what Sofia could have looked like!

Which do you prefer?

The Blogtastic! Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, April 18^th: The Misadventures in Candyland
She will have super secret info to dish on me. And a super secret picture!

Tuesday, April 19^th: The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment
Find out how the illustration process works and see (exclusively!) illustrations cut from Gossip From The Girls' Room!

Wednesday, April 20th: Rambles & Randomness
A way fun interview and a image of how I did my research for Gossip (never before seen!) And win a copy of GOSSIP!

Thursday, April 21st: Unedited
See the graphic evolution of Sofia Becker from Gossip. What? She had other looks? Wait till you see!

Friday, April 22nd: Talli Roland
What's the most embarrassing question I get asked? And seen before drawings from my childhood (yikes!)

Saturday, April 23rd: Booking Mama
Did you get teased or bullied as a kid? I did! Find out what about!

Monday, April 25th: Random Acts of Reading
Omigosh! Did I really send a query to Random House when I was a kid? Visit to find out!

Tuesday, April 26th: Amie Borst
A way humorous Q&A session and revealing book covers, including the new cover for RUMORS! Plus, awesome giveaway!

Research Much?

2011-04-20T04:30:00.000-07:00

Do you write about subjects you already know? Or do you research? They always say, write what you know. Not sure who "they" is, but it makes sense, right? I've written two stories based on experiences, and research. And the best kind of research is hands on! You might remember from last year how I went on a real live ghost hunt for a supernatural sotry I was writing. Well, for GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLS' ROOM, I did a little hands on reasearch too. What did I do?

For day three of the Blogtastic Book Tour, Vicki Rocho (Thanks, Vicki!) has posted all about it (and maybe a picture too)!

So head on over to her fabulous blog, Rambles & Randomness..Now, don't make me repeat myself!

Check out the blog tour schedule HERE.

Blog Tour Day 2: Blogtastic Illustrations!

2011-04-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder the how the illustration process works for GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLS' ROOM? Today, The QQQE blog (Hi Matthew!) kicks off the second day of the Blogtastic! Blog Tour, and I reveal how this process works. Oh, and he might kinda also sorta share with you images from GOSSIP that were cut from the book, and the reason why! And you know what else? He's doing a super awesome giveaway. So you k now what that means, right? Head over to his blog right now! And if you misssed yesterdays blog tour post, head straight to Candyland's immediately after! Yeah, she might have some super secret stuff to share too!

Reminder: still time to enter and win one of my art prints! Winning!!

Blog Tour, Interview, Giveaway, Oh My!

2011-04-18T04:30:00.000-07:00

Today, the uber awesome Candyland kicks off the blogtastic blog tour for Gossip from the Girls' Room! So head on over to her blog for some super secret info exclusively for her readers! You can view the schedule HERE.

I also had the pleasure of doing an interview with Literary Asylum, so head on over there too. And while you're at, be sure to follow his blog. It's Blogtastic!

Now, as promised, there is a GIVEAWAY! Me and Amie Borst have joined collaborative foces and opened the best Etsy shop ever! As of today, it's officially open so check out Happily Etsy After.

I do customized art pieces at Happily
Etsy After. Only $15!

We will be adding more items every few days, so check back often. To celebrate the kick off, I am givinig away this signed print (from my most popular sold gallery piece), Little Red Riding Hood:

Enter to win by leaving a comment answering "What is your favorite fairytale?" And that's it! Now, go see the wonderful item Amie is giving away today!

Blog Tour Schedule

2011-04-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

The blog tour schedule is below (and posted in my blog sidebar). Please feel free to help promote and post this on your blog or sidebar. Be sure to check out my blog on these days too, as I will have additional things to share, contests, and more!

Monday, April 18^th: The Misadventures in Candyland
She will have super secret info to dish on me. And a super secret picture!

Tuesday, April 19^th: The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment
Find out how the illustration process works and see (exclusively!) illustrations cut from Gossip From The Girls' Room!

Wednesday, April 20th: Rambles & Randomness
A way fun interview and a image of how I did my research for Gossip (never before seen!) And win a copy of GOSSIP!

Fabulously Funny Friday

2011-04-15T04:30:00.000-07:00

The next time you receive a rejection, print it out and do this! I think this baby has the potential to be a future author!

Blogtastically Bloggy Plans

2011-04-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

The awesomeness of what is called my Blog Tour is scheduled April 18th-April 26th. Each blog participant will be doing a "unique" post, so you'll be able to read everything from Sofia evolution and original images in GOSSIP that were cut, to the annoucement of new book covers, illustrations from my childhood days (ha!), and even some super secrets and a new website! Plus, lots of giveaways! I'll be posting the schedule on here soon, so mark your calendars! Seriously, do it.

In other news...

GOSSIP went into it's 4th printing a few weeks ago. Yeah, I was stunned too. Happily stunned.

SOFIA will be adding some new features on her Blogtastic! blog which will include character interviews. So if you have a fictional character and think you can stand the challenge of Sofia's questions, then let me know!

AMIE Borst (who doesn't know this fabulous girl?) and I have decided to stir up a little (creative) trouble together and have an ubertastic annoucement next week! And there might be a giveaway involved. Just sayin'.

So, what are your upcoming bloggy plans (you know, besides my blog tour :)?

Luck or Skill?

2011-04-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

It seems when great things happen to people, we are the first to say, "Man, they are SO lucky!" Okay, so this is me anyway. But is it just really luck, or is it skill?

SKILL: Writing till 3am without coffee and being able to still speak coherently.
LUCK: Writing till 3am and nabbing the very last piece of chocolate cake.

SKILL: Creating a diversion and outsmarting the zombies.
LUCK: Finding out that zombies are repelled by bacon breath.

SKILL: Your fabulous writing turns into a best seller.
LUCK: Getting the book deal on your first try. Ever. And your book becomes a best seller on it's release day.

SKILL: JK Rowling
LUCK: JK Rowling

Do you think skill & luck are like marshmellows & peanut butter-can't have one without the other?

So Sketchy

2011-03-18T04:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some things i've been working on. I have an art event coming up the first weekend in June so I have to make new stuff.

Works in progress....

A mermaid straight from my sketchbook.

graphite on a wooden trinket box

Painted wood plaque, graphite & Prismacolor

A box thingamajig.

News: The Good, The Bad, and the Great

2011-03-17T04:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile, right? Since my last post I finished two deadlines, got sick, ALL my kids got sick, then somehow I got sick again. But this time it was like the flu and I was stuck in bed for a week. Sleeping 18hrs a day. Yeah, not fun. So, updates.

Author Event: Total bust. If it weren't for friends coming out to support me, I don't know what I would've done. Promotion just wasn't as big at the Indie store. Sigh. On the plus side, I sold out. Does that still count?

Another Author Event: Yes, I'm going to do another one. Back to B&N I go! It will be in May so I'll give details soon. Oh, and I have a school visit in May! I'm so excited!

GOSSIP: Lets see, about two weeks ago GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLS ROOM went into it's THIRD printing! Seriously, how awesome is that?

RUMORS: My second book in the Blogtastic! series, RUMORS FROM THE BOYS ROOM was originally scheduled to be released Spring 2012. But, they have bumped up the date! That's right, RUMORS will be out on Oct. 11, 2011! Squee!

Tomorrow I'll post some art pics of what i've been working on (preparing for Open Studios in June). And coming soon: interviews by me, about me, and a super fun contest to kick off an awesome project-- on it's way!

What's new with you? I know i'm behind, so I'd love to know what's going on with all of you!

Sparkly Ninja Vampires

2011-02-18T04:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, there really isn't any vampires.or ninjas. Unless you count my mad skills. I just wanted to get your attention. Well, that and the fact that my brain is practically mush and I couldn't think of any relating title. at all.

So tomorrow I have another book signing (the info is under my "appearances" page if you're interested) and I'm just as nervous as I was with my first one. I have the same thoughts running through my mind like, what if nobody shows up? Maybe that fear never really goes away?

I'm so swamped with deadlines right now. I'm working on two simultaneously. But then I get emails from my editor showing me THIS, and it motivates me to keep going!

What motivates you when you feel a bit overwhelmed?

PS- Sofia is blogging every Tues & Thurs over at Blogtastic!