Anne N Kenny

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today is THE day to help Jessica Bell's debut, STRING BRIDGE, hit the bestseller list on Amazon, and receive the all-original soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, written and performed by the author herself, for free!

All you have to do is purchase the book today (paperback, or eBook), November 11th, and then email the receipt to:

jessica.carmen.bell(at)gmail(dot)com

She will then email you a link to download the album at no extra cost!

To purchase the paperback:

Amazon USA

To purchase the eBook:

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

To listen to samples of the soundtrack, visit iTunes.

If you are not familiar with String Bridge, check out the book trailer:

Rave Reviews for String Bridge:

“Jessica Bell’s STRING BRIDGE strummed the fret of my veins, thrummed my blood into a mad rush, played me taut until the final page, yet with echoes still reverberating. A rhythmic debut with metrical tones of heavied dark, fleeting prisms of light, and finally, a burst of joy—just as with any good song, my hopeful heartbeat kept tempo with Bell’s narrative.” ~ Kathryn Magendie, author of Sweetie and Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal

“Poet and musician Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge is a rich exploration of desire, guilt, and the difficult balancing act of the modern woman. The writing is lyrical throughout, seamlessly integrating setting, character and plot in a musical structure that allows the reader to identify with Melody's growing insecurity as her world begins to unravel … String Bridge is a powerful debut from a promising writer, full of music, metaphor, and just a hint of magic.” ~ Magdalena Ball, author of Repulsion Thrust and Sleep Before Evening

“Jessica Bell is a brilliant writer of great skill and depth. She doesn't pull back from the difficult scenes, from conflict, pain, intensity. She puts it all out there, no holds barred, no holding back. She knows how to craft a scene, how to develop character, how to create suspense. This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel. I look forward to reading her next novel, and next and next.” ~ Karen Jones Gowen, author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds and House of Diamonds

Connect with Jessica:

String Bridge: http://www.stringbridge.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jessica_bell
Website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/
Blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell
Publisher: http://www.luckypress.com

Please TWEET and/or FACEBOOK this post using #StringBridge!

Pay it Foward Blogfest

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Two of the coolest author dudes I know got this little blogfest rolling, and I just couldn't resist. Thanks, Matt and Alex! So without further ado I bring you the 3 author blogs I think you should be reading.

Fairy Tales and Cappuccino Meredith has one of the cutest blogs on the block, and her posts never disappoint. Be sure to pop in and say hello!

Abby Minard Have you ever met a person that you have so much in common with it makes you step back and wonder if you fell into some Doctor Who alternate dimension made up of dopplegangers? Me either, but Abby comes pretty darn close. This chick rocks!

A. B. Keuser Amy is a natural when it comes to voice in queries. Every time I read her critiques I'm left in awe. Run, don't walk to check out her blog and follow this literary whiz.

Things I Love

2011-10-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Since Fall is slowly creeping in, I thought I would share the recipe for my (not so) FAMOUS Brat and Potato soup.

2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
1 package of brat burgers, crumbled
1 can cream of potato soup
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup evaporated milk
seasoned salt & pepper
dried parsley flakes

Combine potatoes, can of potato soup, and chicken broth in large pot on low heat. Brown crumbled brat burgers as you would hamburger meat, and drain. I prefer to overcook mine just a little bit. I love the flavor produced that way. Add to pot and cook for one hour. Make sure the potatoes cook down til they're tender. Add milk and seasonings to taste--cook through. Sprinkle with dried parsley before serving.

Enjoy!

Now tell me, what are you loving lately?

Kick A** Debut Author Spotlight

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Social outcast Wade Watts has devoted his life to study every waking moment of his lifelong hero, James Halliday. Halliday created the virtual world, OASIS, to escape the dilapidated earth as it exists in the near future. After plugging into the OASIS, everything and anything is possible. Kids can attend free virtual classes, quests can be completed for virtual items and experience, and money can be earned to spend anyway you wish. Think Tron meets Dungeons and Dragons. When Halliday passes away without a single heir to his billions, his will is revealed. Hidden within his virtual world is an easter egg—the person who can find three keys to unlock three gates, and pass the challenges they hold, will be the one to inherit Halliday’s fortune.

Five years pass, and professional hunters and fanatics alike are unable to find the first key. Just when it seems the treasure will remain buried forever, Wade Watts becomes the first person to appear on the long-empty scoreboard.

This story has everything I love! Ernest Cline did an outstanding job of throwing every possible piece of nostalgia into the mix. It is a freaking epic tale of geekdom through and through. I have been singing its praises to anyone who will listen, and I would recommend Ready Player One to any child of the 80s.

BUY IT!

Lazy Summers

2011-07-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Summer is halfway over! Ah! I'm so sorry , friends. I'm a little embarrassed that it has been so long since my last post. I feel like I have a decent excuse though. My summer has been jammed packed with friends, family, and fun.

We've camped in the backyard, had a few bonfires, visited the beach and parks, seen movies in the theater, gone to parades and firework shows, and caught up on True Blood through Netflix and Swamp People on History.

We've slipped and slid, swam, and sprinklered.

I've baked fresh banana bread, canned my own raspberry jams, collected strawberries and tomatoes from my garden, and sewn burp cloths from a few yards of adorable flannel and terry cloth.

We've read at least a hundred books from the library, participated in their summer programs, and checked out movies by the bagful.

Through all of this my computer has been neglected, but that's okay. So far, this has been the BEST. SUMMER. EVER.

So friends, what have you been up to this summer?

Business Time

2011-06-02T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am currently functioning with a bum leg (pinched nerve), a shoddy computer (It deserves to die an Office Space copier death), and sunburn from memorial day. But other than that, woohoo summer is almost upon us! My youngest finished his classes and my oldest has until the 9th, then we are freeeee. Well not quite. Then we have summer school and art classes and so on and so on--I just don't have to wake up at 6am everyday.

As far as my writing goes, I will do my best to finish up Glimpse before starting rewrites of Fate Crest for a couple of agents. Most of said writing will have to wait until I have a computer than can handle anything more than being started, but then it's business time.

Hopefully Blogger behaves this time and allows me to post and you to comment. If this small miracle occurs, please let me know what your plans are for the summer! Anything big?

In the News Tues

2011-05-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

I can't get over this story from Hebei, China so I had to share it with you guys ASAP.

Sixteen-year-old, Lui Shi Ching, has been carrying his friend on his back for 8 years. Lu Shao has a congenital disorder that makes it difficult for him to walk and one day when his mother failed to pick him up from school, Lui Shi Ching decided to help his friend out. Since then he has consistently carried him to and from school and anywhere else needed, including trips to the bathroom.

When asked about it, Lui Shi Ching stated, "How did I carry him when he's so heavy? I was happy helping him out and it's been 8 years already."

Just when it seems like so many teens are too into themselves to care, a story like this one comes along and warms the cold recesses of my heart. *Sigh* Have you read any inspiration lately? Let me know all about it in the comments.

Crafting With Anne

2011-05-09T07:45:00.000-05:00

A variety of buttons

Thin wire + pliers to thread through stacked buttons

Small pots

Potting soil

Any flower with plenty of green

Put it all togther

And you have handy little gifts or decorations for your home

This was crafting with Anne. Doo do doot doo. Join us next week when we tackle macrame pot holders. (not really.)

Mother's Day was an adventure for my family. On top of nasty colds, I had one child with a head wound and another randomly puking. Needless to say, we were all in bed around 9pm. I didn't reach my word count goals but I have a few ideas that are swimming around. I'm hoping for a change of luck here.

How were all of your Mothers Days? Lovely? I'm guessing lovely.

No News Is... Well, No News.

2011-05-06T06:00:00.002-05:00

The other night I made plans to jump into a little #amwriting to keep my mind off of the whole querying thing. I got about 500 words in, and then decided I needed a reading break instead--in bed. I fell asleep at 9:30pm. The next morning I found one of my contacts dried up on the sink next to the filled case. It was like my subconcious told me that by not fully submitting to my nightly routine, I was somehow not becoming an old lady.

I almost wish I would have kept writing because editing the equivalent of wingdings would have been pretty entertaining.

The good news is that I have passed the 20k point in Glimpse. I'm not a fast writer by any means but it feels great knowing that the structure is falling into place. Also, I LOVE these characters. They're funny and quirky and of course never ever honest with one another. I'd hang out with them just to watch the madness.

The hubs will be putting in long hours at work this weekend (Yes, this includes Mother's Day. :sad face:) so hopefully the next time I check in, I'll have another chunk of fresh words to be proud of.

So tell me, will you be editing/drafting/revising this weekend?

VS.

2011-04-19T08:29:00.000-05:00

I have a long (long long long long) way to go until I can be a Disney princess. For now I'll leave you with this.

I do have some crazy news. Over the last three days I have had three requests for my full manuscript of FATE CREST. I'm not sure if anything will come from it has definitely been a writer's high for me. Woo!

The husband may be out of town this evening so if I can, I'm sneaking in some more GLIMPSE quality time. Yay for distractions!

So tell me, what are your plans for the week?

How Much Do I Love This?

2011-04-15T06:00:00.009-05:00

Photo Via REDDIT

So. Much. Happy Friday everyone.

This just in, Enter to win an ARC of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi HERE!

Shiny

2011-04-14T05:00:00.003-05:00

Dear Anne,

I haven't heard from you in a while. Are you working on anything new?

Your friend,
Trudy

Why thanks for asking, person I just made up. I am indeed working on a shiny new project.

GLIMPSE revolves around high school junior, Sen, whose meaningless dreams keep happening in real life. However distracting and painful they can be, at least they remain manageable until she dreams of her own death. In the end she will try her hardest to change the inevitable.

New project = new passion. I need a distraction from the waiting game so this hopefully is the answer.

In happy news, my fabulous critique partner, Leigh T Moore, signed with the equally fabulous agent, Kate McKean! I knew it was only a matter of time because she is an incredible writer. Really truly.If you haven't already, go on over and show her some much deserved love.

Now I'm counting down the days until summer vacation so that I can sneak in writing time out in the sun. Maybe if I'm lucky I can change that to editing time in the sun. You never know.

So you tell me, what are you most looking forward to?

The Rebecca Black Effect

2011-03-23T05:00:00.002-05:00

The lovely Leigh Moore recently wrote an excellent post about self-publishing. If you haven't read her thoughts yet, please do so and join the conversation. My original comment grew so large it needed to be its own post.

When my dad came to me 5-6 years ago and asked me to write a childrens book for this printing technology he had discovered, I was all for it.

It would have been self-published in a sense, working directly with the printers he knew and worked for. And Dad was convinced it was the best way to go. He ran the numbers and thought about all of the distributors he knew off hand. At the time, it would have been just a paycheck.

But as I continued writing, I realized what it really meant to me. I took an unusual path in life: High School, Army, motherhood. When college was meant to be squeezed in there and wasn't, it left me with the need to feel validated.

So for me, self-publishing doesn't hold the same value if anyone can do it.

Let's take Rebecca Black for example. Her parent's wanted her to get recognition and so they paid Ark Music Factory $2000 to make her now infamous video. The problem is, there's a reason she wasn't getting noticed by record companies. Is the song cheesy? Yes. Is her voice up to par? No. Could it be? Possibly. She's young and has many many many years left to hone her craft.

She's found the attention she sought, but it's for all the wrong reasons.

If I ever get recognition in the form of a published novel, I want to make sure that I worked my absolute hardest to achieve it. I don't want to cut corners or take the express lane. I want it done right and have the end product be something I am proud of.

But this is all just my humble opinion. What are your thoughts on traditional vs. self-publishing?

Proud Mama

2011-03-17T05:00:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year when report cards find their way into our mailboxes. My daughter has always been insanely smart and never have we had any concerns regarding her progress. But this semester's report card made me teary. I am just THAT proud. With her permission, I'll share a snippet.

Kylie shows moments of sparkle in her writing! By writing with "voice," Kylie's personality begins to show through her written work and her stories become more interesting to the reader. Kylie is always up to the challenge of revising and editing her writing, as she demonstrates pride in her stories...

...Kylie is an avid reader and it shows! She reads fluently with a great reading voice. Kylie engages in thoughtful conversations about the stories she reads and is able to articulate her observations. Kylie also self-corrects many of the errors she makes, indicating that she is monitoring her reading.

GUH! She's a seven-year-old genius, amirite? Watch out publishing world, Kylie is coming for you.

Man, I wish I was always up to the challenge of revising and editing. Maybe I should have her edit for me. *pink highlighter everywhere*

So tomorrow, my sister (see previous post) and I are going to a book signing for The Oatmeal! If things go my way, I'll try to swing an extra signed copy for a giveaway. Stay tuned!

So what are your weekend plans? Anything BIG?

Fresh Starts

2011-03-09T04:59:00.012-06:00

As you can probably see, (unless you are a Google Reader reader) I decided to make some major changes to my layout. I'm still working out some of the kinks and links, but I'm hoping this style is a better fit for my writing.

What do you think? Does it work? Be honest...

If you're wondering why I am forcefully sporting my middle initial all of a sudden, it's because I recently realized that I waited too long to buy my domain name. I am not in the business of singing at funerals.

Anywho, now for some exciting family news! Look at how my sister and her husband announced their pregnancy to Facebook.

Isn't she adorable? I am so excited to be a Auntie! I feel like there are babies everywhere. Must mean spring is around the corner. Unfortunately, here in good ol' Wisconsin, it could be a while before I can ditch the winter coat.

I have to get back to reading and writing, but I hope I'll hear from all of you soon. *hint hint*

Pinpointing Dreams

2011-02-24T05:00:00.008-06:00

Recently, while lathering, rinsing, and repeating, I remembered the exact moment I first dreamed of being a writer. Let’s take a stroll through memory lane, shall we?

It was Take Your Daughter to Work Day and I followed my father into the heart of the printing company he worked for. The whine of the press room was so loud, squishy earplugs, too large for my small ears, had to be rolled and molded until they stayed put and suppressed the decibels. I smiled at every one of my dad’s coworkers who attempted humor even though I could only read their lips at best.

The smell of ink, sour but not unpleasant, was inescapable and coated everything. I walked through columns of shrink-wrapped palettes, attempting to decipher the labels hidden below and pressed my fingers to my plugged ears when we ventured too close to the presses. As a kid, the five foot rolls of shiny paper, mock up comics, and misprinted board games were priceless treasures.

Out of all the bits and bobs, the bound books with blank pages were my absolute favorite. I still remember opening the stiff cover and writing on the inside page: Hi, my name is Anne Salb. The rest was a jumble of whatever I wanted. Drawings, stories, sticker collections.

Nothing beat the feeling of having that book with MY name on it. I wanted more than one book after that. I wanted to fill volumes.

So, do you remember dreaming of what the future would hold?

Wuv, True Wuv.

2011-02-15T10:07:00.000-06:00

Valentine’s Day has come and gone and the absolute love of my life did not disappoint. I’m excited to say that Chad managed to find the last copy of Lauren Oliver’s Delirium hiding behind another book at our local store. His other idea was a crock pot so… Yay! I’m thrilled to dive into this one.

Delirium is a great example of how to pull in your readers from the start. We often hear how important your opening lines are but it’s not just about beautiful prose. I think it’s imperative that you choose key words for your first page that set the mood for your entire story. Love, disease, scientists, cure—I’m sold!

Now halfway through the month, I’m still in waiting mode to hear back from a couple of agents who have my MS. At least having a smart phone helps with the anxiety. As soon as the urge arises to check my email, it’s squashed by a still-empty inbox.

I have to tell you, though. I’m starting to feel like something could happen with this thing. And that makes me oh so happy.

I’m in the mood for some fun conversation today. So, Lovelies, what did your valentines gift you with this year? Or do you have key words in your WIP that are worth mentioning? Let me hear them!

"It's a great day to be great, baby." -Greg Jennings

2011-02-07T07:32:00.000-06:00

Today IS a great day. My precious Packers went against all odds and took home the championship. The Lombardi trophy is heading back to title town.

People say Packers fans are the greatest in the league and I know for a fact it's true. Maybe its because Wisconsin life can be dreary and dull. We need our team to pull us through the never ending winters. In basic training, a friend asked whether Wisconsin had any cities or if it was just cows. I informed her that we have Milwaukee which is actually quite murdery, but that is neither here nor there.

The tradition runs deep. We are your typical, working class, Everyman. The packers are publicly owned and act like it by remaining humble and loyal. (Except that Brett Favre guy. We don't discuss him anymore.)

In return you can see our devotion on any given Sunday. Our streets flood with decked out fans. At church yesterday, the visiting bishop wore a Packers stole and the congregation was encouraged to wear their green and gold. 99% did.

It gives me encouragement to pull through this rough patch. If my beloved team can lose two of our best players early in the game and still succeed, then I should be able to muster enough courage to get out and query again. Rejection is part of life but I believe there are victories in there too.

So tell me, did any of you watch the game? Wasn't it epic? Huh, huh?

So.

2011-01-31T05:00:00.005-06:00

Who's willing to come dig me out after all of this? A HISTORIC blizzard capable of PARALYZING parts of SE Wisconsin.

As long as I can get to the store for snacks by Sunday, I'll be okay. (Go Pack!) Hopefully I'll get the chance to polish my ms and polish off some polish sausages. So now I need to know, what do you all have planned for the week? Anything exciting?

Shaped Food And Blog Love

2011-01-28T05:00:00.003-06:00

After the kids were put to bed, the hubs and I headed back to the living room. The TV stayed off while I worked on revisions and he studied up for a meeting. It was almost like we were real adults. Almost.

Then as I ran to grab a bottled cream soda from the fridge, I stopped and made this.

Chad loves vanilla ice cream. A lot. recently he discovered that chocolate exists in chunk form. So for whatever reason I started making his icy treats into shapes. *sigh* I don't know why I do it. I've been known to make my children funky food too.

Mario Meat Pie

But seriously, I need to get back to revising! No more shaped food. Can't. Stay. Focused.

Before I go, I want to share some blog love. First is my husband's Marketing Mayhem. He is just getting it up and running so make sure to stop by and show some love.

Next up is my younger brother's raunchy but hilarious, I Might Be An Idiot. Ben's content warning is in place for a reason so if you're just a little guy, (this means you Lenny) stay far far away.

My friend, Jacque, from my real YA days is super cool. Like super duper cool. She posts retro romance comics from the 60's and 70's over at Sequential Crush. You must go, now. Tell her Anne sent you.

And finally, The New Medicine loving wonderbabe has some awesome news going on over at The Misadventures In Candyland but it's only visible to super sleuths. If you do one thing today, make it a Candyland high five.

Okay, I'm going for real now. We'll shall speak soon. Happy weekend!

2011-01-18T05:00:00.007-06:00

Dear Beloved Readers,

I have been a bad blogger. I'm sorry. Please know that I am currently residing in Revision Land. The days are long and the nights are lonely, but hopefully one day it will all be worth it.

Any attempts at communication will be greatly appreciated as your kind words will guide me through these tumultuous times.

Your friend,
Anne

P.S. Please send caffeine.

Holy Crap. It's 2011.

2011-01-03T05:00:00.001-06:00

Well howdy. If you are reading this it means you have survived the 2010 holiday season and are well on your way into a new, fabulous year. Congratulations.

Now, I'm not always keen on setting a bazillion goals because I rarely have time to meet them, but this year I did make a single resolution with my husband. We are going to try our darnedest to not fill our counter tops or refrigerator with clutter. That's sort of a combo deal.

Personally, I'd like to read MORE BOOKS. And possibly write MORE BOOKS. But first, I will use the priceless advice from blogging besties, Leigh and Colene, to make FATE CREST the best possible story it can be.

So what about you? What are your big plans for 2011?

Love and Hate...For Gadgets

2010-12-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

It shouldn't surprise you that I am fond of technology. I have written for a couple of gaming sites, I went gaga for a new TV, and you've seen me mention my smarter-than-some phone. I love all of it. Always and forever.

What I don't love is the fact that despite having strong wifi throughout the house, I can't get any signal from my side of the bed. It is literally the only place in the entire house! The heating duct in the wall must be the equivalent of a tinfoil hat that blocks alien mind control.

I'd like to catch up on everyone's blogs from the comfort of my comforter.

I want to use the Netflix app to stream tiny movies (or X-files episodes as the case has been as of late).

I realize that this is a first world problem... And I'm feeling a little bad that I mentioned it at all. BUT you understand my frustrations, right? RIGHT?

Meet The Hubs

2010-12-14T05:00:00.001-06:00

In this post my husband will take the reigns since I am lacking in both sleep and sanity. Be warned. He is incredibly cute...and tall.

Soooo…hi, my name is Chad. The ring on my finger was given to me by Anne a few months after I gave her a little something with a diamond on top.

You may be wondering what the hell I’m doing here. The simple answer is that a few months back, Anne asked me to lay down a few words on electronic paper to be included in one of her posts. Being the loving husband I am, I totally pushed it off until last night.

Why you ask? It’s because last night she lost all hope that I would actually do it and I love to come through when odds are against me.

I’m just kidding.

The truth is that I haven’t written anything as I had no faith in my ability to develop content that you, the readers, would find interesting or in any way beneficial to your daily lives.

Anne is persistent though and for some reason, she believes in me. When I think I’m the dumbest person on the planet, Anne believes I’m smart. When I worry about my professional future and turbulent professional past, Anne believes my talent will carry me through. When I believe I have no talent, she reassures me that I do.

Anne believed that I could share something worth reading soooo…here it goes.

I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older (a few gray hairs are becoming increasingly noticeable), or if it’s because I have kids who have this excitement that surrounds them as Christmas draws near. Maybe it’s because my family has made a concentrated effort to attend church each Sunday and our pastor has been dropping some pretty big sermons.

Whatever it is, I know that for the first time in a long time I remember the importance of belief.

For those of you who write, as artists you all face a world of criticism, uncertainty, and confusion. You pour your hearts into projects only to submit them to a select few who “know” what’s good and what’s not. You wait for any form of feedback that may or may not come. Your passion and resilience for writing is tested almost daily.

While I offer no insights on writing, due to my poor grammar and sporadic use of punctuation, or the struggles that come along with it, I do offer a reminder to believe in your abilities.

Don’t stop there though, it’s just selfish. Believe in the abilities of the people who are close to you, after all, if Anne didn’t believe in me, you wouldn’t be enlightened by the wisdom I just provided :)

Seriously though, a lot of things suck right now for just about everyone so clickity clack on your keyboard and tell a few people that a.) you are awesome at what you do! -or- b.) don’t give up, I know you can do it! Be sure to add an exclamation mark (!) as it shows you’re excited to say what you’re saying.

To create a little believing amongst ourselves, leave some comments to share who you are going to reach out to and what you’re going to say. Shy? No worries, I’ll start it off - To Anne, I believe in your talent, your humor, and your creativity. You inspire me daily and I know you can achieve anything. Love Chad.

CLIFF NOTES VERSION

Due to my inability to read anything of length and my sensitivity for others with the same condition, the following paraphrases the above post –

No matter what, believe in yourself, it’s Christmas! Share the belief with someone you know. Tell me about it in the comment section.

In Which I Am Interviewed

2010-12-08T10:34:00.000-06:00

Hello friends and family. I have been insanely busy and a bit under the weather but I have something to SHARE with you today.

The fabulous Abby Minard interviewed me for her aspiring authors series and it's now posted over on Above Water. So if you get a chance, check it out. Also if you don't know Abby yet, I suggest you gets to meeting asap!

Click HERE to see her awesome questions and my so-so answers.