Wednesday, July 31, 2013

My Favorite Books 1,000 Likes Giveaway

So thank you to everyone who came by for the I <3 Indie Books Blog tour. I am proud to announce the winner of that giveaway. Drum roll, please.

Christina Mercer!!
Congratulations Christina!



Don't be bummed because you missed out because here's another chance to win. Thanks to all my wonderful fans I have hit 1,000 Likes on Facebook! Thank you all so very much!!


To show my gratitude, I'm doing another giveaway. I thought long and hard what to do for such a special giveaway, and I decided to giveaway a lovely charm bracelet of my favorite books. But that's not all. You will get an ebook copy of each of these top choices as well as a full set of autographed paperbacks of The Forces of Nature. Pretty sweet, huh?

So what are the titles?
  • One Tiny Secret by Adam Kunz
  • Ageless Sea by M.R. Polish
  • The Haunting Season by Michelle Muto
  • Nissa by Bethany Lopez
  • Inhale, Exhale by Sarah M. Ross
  • Mortal Obligation by Nichole Chase 
  • Meant to Be by Tiffany King
  • Natural Selection by Elizabeth Sharp (of course mine made the list. I wouldn't write it if I didn't love it.)
Fill out the Rafflecopter below. This is to celebrate my likes on Facebook, so it should be an easy entry. :)

*The Forces of Nature books are the old cover still, since I haven't updated the paperbacks yet.*




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Welcome to the I <3 Indie Books Blog Hop. Glad to have you. I am amazed every single day by all the amazing fans out there and i want to share my gratitude. Today I'm going to do that in the form of a giveaway of all three Forces of Nature in autographed paperback, a Forces of Nature book thong and a beautiful leaf pendant necklace. Fill out the Rafflecopter below, then hop on over to the other blogs in the linky. Contest closes at 11:59 pm on the 30th  Glad you stopped by and good luck!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Now that you have signed up here, hop on over to all these other great blogs to see what else you can win.
 


Sunday, July 21, 2013

Bloglovin

This just in, I'm now on Bloglovin. With the phone ap I can catch up on the blogs I love anywhere. If I fall under this category for you, you can add me on there now. 

Friday, July 19, 2013

One Tiny Secret Review

So today I want to share an amazing book with you. It's by the amazing Adam Kuntz, who is as brilliant as he is a joy to be around. Seriously the guy oozes personality. I dare you not to smile when you're around him. You won't be able to do it, I promise. But I digress. Adam is the A part of C.A. Kunz, but he's written a stand alone called One Tiny Secret. Seriously, this is up there as one of my favorite books ever. I can't even begin to express how much I loved this book. I was constantly sleep deprived because I simply could not stop reading.

Just one tiny secret has the potential to ruin everything.

Being the daughter of the sheriff in a small town like Holden Ridge means that eighteen-year-old Danielle "Dani" Marks' life is under constant surveillance. She's made a habit of staying under the radar by being a floater among social circles at school, which has kept her out of trouble--until now.

After a missing persons case stirs up the entire town, Dani finds herself caught right in the middle of the scandal. When she's labeled a possible suspect, things quickly go from bad to worse. The sudden return of her old flame, Parker Reed, manages to make her whole situation even more complicated.

When an elusive unknown person begins to blackmail Dani by threatening to reveal her deepest secrets, Dani refuses to play along. That is, until the person's actions take a violent turn. Holden Ridge loses its sense of quaint town security, and Dani is caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Who can she trust when anyone around her could be a suspect?

One thing's for certain though: Never underestimate the power of one tiny secret.

My review:
You'll never look at "Unkonwn Caller" the same again! This book was a thrilling mystery, full of so many twists I had no idea what to expect next. The title is sort of deceptive, since it's not one tiny secrets, it's several, but I'm ok with that. It's sort of like Pretty Little Liars but SOOO much better. 

Dani is a small town sheriff's daughter. When she strays from the good girl path, everything seems to snowball out of control fast. As the mystery built, I began to suspect everyone. I was ready to throttle her father before it was over. My husband thought I'd lost my damn mind from yelling at him while reading (and I really did). In the end, yes, I had suspected the culprit, but only because i suspected everyone at some point.

This book is pure brillance and you owe it to yourself to read it. You won't regret it. :)



Where you can get it:
Amazon
Barned and Noble
Smashwords




About Adam:
Adam Kunz is the A part of the mother and son author duo C.A. Kunz. Growing up, he always had a fondness for R.L. Stine’s Fear Street series. So, it was a no brainer when he decided to write his own novel that it’d be a thrilling mystery with a dash of horror. When he’s not busy writing, Adam enjoys his job at a theme park in Orlando, Florida as a décor consultant. This job brings him face to face with all sorts of nightmarish creatures, especially when he decorates the haunted houses for the park's annual Halloween event. It’s been said by many that his addiction to Starbucks coffee will most likely be his downfall later in life.



Where you can find him:
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
And don't forget to like CA Kunz as well.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Forces of Nature Cover Reveal

I'm so excited that the reveal is finally here. Keeping this to myself has been one of the hardest thing I've ever done. But now I finally get to share these new beauties with you and I couldn't be more excited! And to go with the new covers, we have brand new blurbs, too! :)


Average, plain-bodied Amelia Hoffman has resigned herself to a life of mediocrity, unable to escape the shadows cast by her all-too-perfect siblings. Worse, her feelings for her brother’s best friend are getting stronger.

Everything changes after the brutal murder of her close friend.

Suddenly, Amelia’s life is transformed and she is thrust into a wondrous and frightening new world of myths and legends. As she explores this new world hidden within the layers of her own, secrets are revealed. When her body miraculously changes overnight,  Amelia is forced to hide in her home for her own protection. But as danger circles closer, Amelia has to figure out who is committing the ruthless homicides.

Otherwise, she could be next.


Nothing seems right in Amelia’s new life. On the run with new names, her family has finally settled into a lavish life in North Carolina. Her relationship with Nate is strained almost to its breaking point, and she has no friends. As Nate pulls further away, a handsome stranger sweeps into her life.

Then evil comes for her again.

After her brother is kidnapped, they discover someone is draining demons for a deadly new drug that turns its users into mindless zombies. The drug ravages up and down the east coast, and all humanity is in danger. To make matters worse, an old enemy is back for revenge. With the help of her family and friends, Amelia must deal with her past.

Or they won’t have a future.


No matter how she tries to deny it, Amelia Hoffman has a destiny. An evil plot threatens to destroy humanity and the future lies in her hands. To make things even more difficult, she is distracted by college, family squabbles and trying to decide between two men she loves.

But destiny won’t be ignored for long.

When an explosion tears through the Library that houses the entire history of the Otherworld, Amelia is thrust into action. She has to fight through the tension tearing the Otherworld apart to rally an army. As the danger grows, Amelia must rise to fulfill the prophecy.

Or the whole world could fall. 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Veiled Shadows Cover Reveal

Title: Veiled Shadows (The Age of Alandria, Book 2)
Genre: YA fantasy
Expected Publication: Fall 2013

Blurb:

Shadows linger where light is obstructed, and truth is veiled.

Evil is an untreated disease in the once beautiful realm of Alandria.

Kaeleigh is faced with a revelation that she must reconcile. She will decide if discovering the truth is worth the unknown consequences to both herself and her friends.

Daegan, the Ferrishyn warrior, is conflicted by more than his loyalties, and is confronted with emotions he doesn’t know how to deal with. A choice must be made. A choice… that may cost him more than he ever wanted to give.

The Droch-Shúil—enforcers and servants of the ancient darkness—continue to cast their shadow over Alandria seeking those who can be turned to their side.

The magic of The Orchids is growing, but not everyone will survive what is to come.

Veiled Shadows is the second installment in The Age of Alandria series: the story of the Sol-lumieth’s quest for freedom of self and the power to battle the evil of the Droch-Shúil.

Add it to Goodreads HERE

About the author:


Morgan Wylie, originally from the Pacific Northwest, now resides near Nashville, TN with her husband and daughter. She and her husband work everyday at their individual and combined creative pursuits while she learns to balance being “Mama”, wife, and mediator to the many voices and muses constantly chattering in her head.

You can find her and news on her books at the following:

MorganWylieBooks on Facebook
@MWylieBooks on Twitter
Goodreads and Amazon (Author Bio)


Her novel Silent Orchids (The Age of Alandria~Book One) is available: 
Amazon     Barnes&Noble     Smashwords    Kobo     iTunes







Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Dreamscape Release day

The day is finally here! Dreamscape is the first book in the Netherworld series by Christie Rich, and because I'm awesome, I'm helping her out today!


Here's the blurb:

Every night before Amelia falls asleep she makes a wish to dream of him – the man who calls her to their beautiful private oasis, her sanctuary where she is free of her greedy landlord’s threats. But tonight, he will not call Amelia to him. Tonight, another man will step into her world to claim her. Tonight, Amelia’s shattering reality will crumble - and disappear into the Dreamscape…along with her freedom.

When Amelia dreams tonight, her nightmare becomes her new world where Seth is her captor and anything is possible…except escape. Seth needs Amelia to break the curse that binds him to the Dreamscape. He must convince her that she was made to free him, that she was made to join him.

For if he fails, he will never escape his prison, and he will lose Earth to the Netherworld where the evil Erobos wait to consume the human realm and everything in it. If he fails, Seth will lose the one thing that matters to him: Amelia.

How about an excerpt?


Amelia


Varner’s voice cuts through the front door just before three juddering bangs reach me. “I know you’re in there, Amelia. If you’re not gone by eight, I’m coming in.” His voice lowers, probably to avoid wandering ears. My spine stiffens more with each word. “You’d better be ready for me if you decide to stay.”
I’ve already packed my stuff. Pitiful as it is, one beat-up suitcase sits by the door.
“Amelia!”
I turn up the volume on my MP3 player until it won’t go any higher, clutching Justine’s picture to my chest. “Yeah!” I yell, my voice tight with anger. Hot tears cut a path down my cheeks. I scrub them away before they can slide any farther. To take my mind off the pit in my stomach, I grit my teeth until my jaw hurts. I need more time, but I’m not about to give Varner what he wants for it. “I got it. Go! Away!” I pull one bud out of my ear to make sure he’s leaving.
He says something about not signing leases with old ladies before his voice fades into nothing. The lecher thinks he’s got me.
Ha. No one has me, especially not him. And to think I used to consider him cute.
When I told Varner ‘no’ earlier, he didn’t exactly take me at my word, until I landed a good hit to his jugular. He shoved me down, and I let him go. On his way out he made no pretense about eyeing what’s left of Justine’s china doll collection. The minute he was through the door, I smashed the majority of them rather than have him get his hands on them. I really don’t have room, but I couldn’t destroy her favorite. She said it looked just like me.
I sold everything else to make last month’s rent, but I ran out of time with the dolls. I was hoping for a collector.
It doesn’t matter now.
Even though I’ve tried to pick up extra shifts at the diner, tips have been awful. I have two hundred bucks in my account, which Varner is not getting a penny of. I need everything I have to find a place to live. The reality of the moment sets in. This is my final night in Justine’s apartment.
The shabby place shouldn’t mean anything to me, but it still smells like her. She had this sweet perfume that she liked to slather on. I got used to it after a while. She wasn’t exactly old, either. Varner’s just too strung out to know the difference. He doesn’t even own the place, but he’s way better to deal with than his psychotic uncle, who likes to call me his chipmunk when nobody else is looking. One way or another, I’ll be out of here by six.
Justine used to say, “Stay sharp, kid. No one knows when their time’s up.” Well, she sure didn’t. Justine was my grandma. She died last month at only fifty-eight. She didn’t even get a lousy funeral. They stuck her in a furnace and handed me her remains. I took her up Provo canyon to Sundance and watched her float away on the wind. The cremation was expensive enough that I couldn’t afford a separate plot for her. I couldn’t have brought myself to visit the cemetery anyway. Besides, we all crumble to dust one way or another. She is better off flying.
No matter what my life becomes, Justine saved me from tumbling around the foster system. I had a few years of stable, and I’ll never forget what she did for me. She helped me to see there are other ways of living. Although we didn’t have much to live on, we were never short on love.
I miss her fiercely. If she were here, she’d tell me to get over it, so I’m trying.
Thank my lucky stars she waited until I got my diploma to ditch me; although, I’m not quite sure how it’ll help me now. I’m alone in this world.
My mom only made it to twenty-one before she overdosed on crack. My dad lasted to a ripe old age of thirty. He got killed in some weird accident when I was twelve. I never saw him anyway, so my life hasn’t been much different since he bit it. As far as I know, he was short on family too. If he does have family stashed somewhere on this planet, I probably wouldn’t want to know them. He never did a thing for me, so why would they?
Justine was my ticket to normal, and she left me with no money, no prospects—unless you count the hazy offer I got from Roberto.
I hang out with him when I have nothing else to do. When I told him the news he graciously asked me to share his pad under the viaduct. I gave him a swift ‘no thank you’ even though I should have told him not even if I weren’t half his age and he had most of his teeth. I couldn’t hurt his feelings like that. One day, once I’m settled and he’s still around, I’m going to do something to help him.
If I hadn’t just turned eighteen I might have found somewhere to camp in the foster system for a while. As horrible of a thought as it is, being homeless is probably better than wading through families until one stuck or I got kicked out again.
With nothing else to do, I try to sleep. Try is the operative word. Ever since my grandma went, I can’t seem to stay in slumberland. It doesn’t help that I haven’t seen Jason, either.
Although Jason is a figment of my imagination, he’s helped me through some rough times. I’ve dreamt of him every night for nearly four years now, at least I used to. I haven’t had that particular dream in two weeks, and as stupid as it is, I miss him. After Justine died, he held me on the grass while I cried, listening to the beat of his heart and the thrum of the waterfall behind us. I’ve wished him alive or that I could join him in that place for good so many times. I cry every time I wake up without him.
Maybe it’s for the best that he’s gone. Dreams aren’t real, and a dream boyfriend can’t help me find a new place to live.
I shift onto my side, adjusting my pillow, trying not to think about the dingy beige carpet under my arms. It prickles my skin, but everything else is gone. Even if I hadn’t already packed the one I kept, it’s too hot for a blanket.
Focusing on the beat of the music, I sway, Justine’s picture lying beside me, and will myself to sleep. Somewhere between my thoughts about tomorrow and dawn I drift away.

My dreams shift and whirl until my mind rests in the familiar oasis I’ve sought out for years. Finally.
The afternoon sun warms my moistened skin as I take in the jagged cliffs in front of me and the thick jungle that surrounds the pool, trying to locate him. The breeze brings an intoxicating aroma of tropical blooms. Every time I come here, I’m wet, yet I don’t know how I got that way. “Jason?” I call.
No answer.
Where is he?
My teeth clamp onto the inside of my upper lip. I’ve never been away from the water, but I need to find him. He has to be here.
If nothing else, I’d like to tell him goodbye…thank you. I have no idea if I’ll see him again, and his absence presses in on me. This world is not right without him.
The cool grass bends under my bare feet while a breeze blows wet tendrils into my eyes. I glance up at the falls. Last time I was here, Jason dared me to dive from the top of the waterfall. Here, I can do anything. Fear is meaningless, or is it? Strangely, tension prickles my spine.
A foreign tremor rushes along my skin, leaving a trail of goose bumps in its wake. I scan every inch of the landscape until my eyes meet someone else’s gaze.
It is not Jason.
The man is tall with dark hair like Jason, but everything else about him is wrong. He’s standing twenty feet away from me at the edge of the jungle. The wind picks up, blowing his brown locks around his chiseled features.
As he steps closer, I glance behind me to the pool, judging the distance. I should be able to get away from him if I need to.
When I face him again, he’s standing directly in front of me. My heart explodes and my body coils to run.
He doesn’t move to touch me, but his eyes hold a warning his lips confirm. “We have no time. He’s coming for you. Learn all you can then find me. Prepare yourself!”

I jolt upright, my fingers digging into the carpet. I’m breathing so hard I have to wait a minute to stand up. What the hell kind of dream was that?
Somehow, I always thought the oasis was mine and Jason’s, as if no one else existed but us. That guy violated our sanctuary. A gusty laugh comes out of me from the thought. A dream man violated my dream. His warning still echoes in my throbbing veins.
A bit unsteady, I make my way into the kitchen. My fingers fumble for the light switch, but nothing happens when I flip it. Yeah, I forgot. The power was shut off yesterday. At least the water still works.
I hope.
Clutching my cup, I fiddle with the sink until I finally get the knob to twist. The tepid water eases my dry throat, but it does nothing for my nerves, or my belly. It groans at me again. I’m going to have to eat soon, even if I have to check the dumpsters behind Fred’s Bakery. There’s no point in checking the fridge. I found the final remnants of food the day before last. For not the first time, I wonder what I’m going to do when tomorrow comes. Two hundred dollars aren’t enough for anything. Even if I use it only for food, it will disappear before I get paid again, and that’s assuming I don’t get canned for not having a mailing address.
Even though it’s three AM, I’m gonna head out. I have a lot to do today, and since I can’t sleep, I might as well get started. When I find the faucet again and shut it off, my ears prickle with an unwelcome noise.
A door creeks open and I stiffen where I stand.
Varner.
All I’ve got to defend myself are my fists, my feet and my plastic cup. My knife is in my bag. Light from the living room filters through the doorway. He probably thinks he’s gonna blind me with his flashlight so he can get his greedy hands on me. Not in this lifetime.
I inch my way to the doorway and peek around it. What meets my gaze doesn’t make any sense.
A man stands opposite me, framed by the closet. His big body could never be mistaken for that of Varner Walsh.
The light behind him comes from a roaring fire that somehow spans forever. Orange flames dance and flicker, casting his face in shadow while haloing him in gold.
I’m dreaming. I have to be.
I’ve had some weird ones lately, but nothing has been as real as this. When I dig my nails into my palms, the dream theory disintegrates with the pain.
Maybe he’s a fireman, but where’s the smoke? Why aren’t the flames burning anything? Where’s his gear? He’s wearing a suit for hell’s sake.
His face turns as if he’s scanning the room, so I take the opportunity to scurry to the opposite wall.
My pulse pounds in my ears and sweat drips down my back. From here, the front door is four, maybe five lunges away. If he goes into the bedroom, I might be able to—
“Amelia?” he calls, his deep voice somehow familiar.
That’s impossible. I don’t know him, but even if I did I wouldn’t stick around. Who told this guy I was here? He can’t be with Child Protective Services. I no longer qualify. My mind flits back to the weird fire. I’m not sticking around to figure out his magic act.
I make my move, jetting through the near-empty living room. My fingers fumble with the bolt before I move for the lock on the knob. I’m taking too long. He’s going to—
Arms clamp around me, hauling me up against a wall of muscle. The shock nearly makes me pee myself. My mouth opens on a scream, but he whirls me around and tosses me over his shoulder, cutting off my air.
I kick and punch and bite into cloth. He twists around, making my head spin on delirium.
I scream for help, but my throat thickens immediately. I struggle to breathe. I can’t think.
He bends until my face is right over his rear end, but he stands up before I can sink my teeth into anything substantial. As if he’s getting comfortable, he jostles me around. My pulse quickens while my head hurts from the rush of blood and fear. When he moves toward the closet, I find my voice.
“Help!” I scream, kicking and punching against his hard muscles.
No one answers as he plunges us into the flames.
I expect death, but what I get is deposited on my rear end in a spacious room with a wall of fire at my back. My eyes sweep the perimeter of what looks like an upscale apartment with a bed tucked in one corner and a living area in front of me. The dark paneled walls lend an old world feel that is only mirrored by the heavy furnishings. There are rich velvets and leather. Even the air is different. Instead of Justine’s sweet scent, a dark musk fills the space.
How is this possible? We were just in my hall closet.
The man steps away from me. His chest lifts with each sharp breath he takes.
The flames should have fried me, but I’m here. I have to be dreaming. The only thing is, I don’t quite think I am. It’s absurd to think that, but the heat from the fire wall has intensified now that the guy is standing away from me. Sweat drips down my scalp and my shirt clings to my back. I’m going to have to move soon.
The only thing is I don’t know what this guy will do. I turn my head and look through the flames, but all I see is a huge pendulum, like from a clock, swinging back and forth.
All of the sudden the flames disappear and all that remains is a crevice that runs the length of what should be a wall. The pendulum is easier to see now, at least the lower half. The upper part of it is cut off by the ceiling. Only darkness lies beyond the fire pit, like it opens into a cavern.
This has got to be the strangest place I’ve ever seen.
“I know you must be frightened,” says the man. “I’m sorry about that. I have much to explain to you. Would you please join me on the sofa?”
“As if,” I tell him. Even though I’m still thinking this has to be a dream, I ask, “Who are you? What is this place? Why am I here?”
His voice comes out low, guttural. “You don’t remember me?”
“I’ve never seen you in my life.”
Intense blue eyes latch onto mine. “Things are not always what they appear, Amelia.”
This is a dream. He’s a figment of my imagination.
A smile stretches on his full lips. “In time, all will be revealed.”
He takes a step toward me and I jump to my feet. I move back and back until my feet are near the pit. Even this close, I can’t see what’s beyond it.
“Stay away from me,” I tell him.
He spreads his hands, but his eyes are wild. Veins on his forearms bulge as he puts his hands in his pockets. “Please. Let me explain.”

I nod, taking a seat on the floor again. There is no way I’m getting anywhere near him, dream or not.

I'd like to take a moment to thank all of the wonderful readers who have given my books a chance, and that means a GIVEAWAY, lol! How about $10 from the e-retailer of your choice?

Enter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

I grew up daydreaming about fairytales, and my love for discovering new worlds has never died. I am not one of those writers who always knew I would write. I thought that was what other people did until one day a few years ago, I took a challenge from a friend and typed my first words. My journey has been wonderful, and I cannot imagine a day where I would ever give up writing. My love for reading is what fueled my imagination in the first place and still does. When I am not writing or reading, I am enjoying family time with my husband and two children. My family and I live in a quiet community in Northern Utah, and I am so thankful for the rich life I have been blessed with.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Indelible by Bethany Lopez Release Day

Release Day Blitz ~ Indelible by Bethany Lopez  

Release Date: July 9, 2013
Photo by K Keeton Designs
Cover by B Designs
Indelible is a New Adult Contemporary Romance Blurb: After a year of partying, Sam decides to buckle down and focus on college. Things are going great until a one-night stand leaves her pregnant and alone. Raising a child while going to school isn’t easy, but Sam is determined to be strong for her daughter. She doesn’t have time for guys or relationships, and takes great care to protect her child and her heart. Judd doesn’t fit the mold of a college ballplayer. His long hair and tattoos may fit the life he’s created for himself, but baseball is the one thing he takes seriously. When he meets Sam, he’s immediately drawn to her curves and refusal to put up with his crap. When Judd learns the truth, can he handle the responsibility that comes with loving a single mother? Sam yearns for the fire that Judd fuels in her, but her child’s needs have to come first. Can two people at different stages in their life find a way to make a life together?                Purchase Links Amazon: GoodReads:  Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Photo and Teaser by K Keeton Designs

About the Author:

Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.



Tuesday, July 2, 2013

UtopYA 2013

I've gotten such positive feedback on my words at the closing keynotes at UtopYA this year, that I feel bold enough to share them here. I'd like to preface by sending you off to read another blog that is the most brilliant description of how I am when meeting new people. In a nutshell, I'm closed off and sheltered, convinced no one has any interest in me. I've spent so many years shoving myself in where I wasn't wanted that now I tell myself I am always unwanted. I will admit to social anxieties that send me into panic attacks when surrounded by too many people, especially if there is no room for personal space. Add these two issues together, and walking into that conference was the hardest thing I've ever done. I thought I was going to throw up just stepping out of the car. But I did.

When I got inside, there were so many faces that I've seen in my favorite books. All I could think was that I was the least talented person in the room and I didn't belong. But I had friends who were  looking forward to seeing me and if there's one thing I can't handle, it's disappointing the people who care about me. So I walked into the large room and found a seat. I sat by myself in the front of the room, fiddling with my stuff and trying to look like I was ok with that. After the keynotes I headed to panels where I again sat by myself. Come lunch break I looked for my friends but saw none, so I headed to the restaurants two blocks away by myself, walking into the wind so I could blame it for the tears running down my cheeks.

I was walking along in the hot sun and all I could think was, I don't want to be the girl who sits by herself. I don't want to be the girl going to lunch on her own. Then a little voice inside me I have never heard before said, Then don't.

Could it be that simple?

I walked into the restaurant and introduced myself to a couple other conference attendees standing inside the door. We wound up walking back together and sat at the next panel together. From that point on I pushed myself to sit next to someone in every panel, introduced myself even gave out the bookmarks and business cards in my bag. And you know what, all of a sudden that little voice was getting louder, and more insistent, and the other little voice that has always told me I wasn't good enough and no one was interested in what I had to say got quieter.

I can't say it's gone all together, but I am getting better at ignoring it. If you don't want to be the person that you are, then don't be that person. Be the person you want to be. Fake it at first, then eventually you will shift to be that person. Whatever that big scary thing you are avoiding is, don't let it stop you.

It really is that simple.