I FINALLY READ MY COPY OF THE BOOK!!!! :D :D :D

It was FABULOUS!! I was a little bit sad when I was reading Steven's letter to the teacher. I was damn near in tears when I was reading about Kimberly! :( Aside from that, I loved Kendra and Lamar's friendship. :)

Will Kendra and Justin get together in the sequel? ;)

Glad you read it and enjoyed it!! Each of the e-mails and posts that I get that are positive affirm for me that this book was meant to be.

You'll have to read book 2 to see. :D :p

To my Charlotte peeps, the book is now available in the county library system!!! I saw it for myself Thursday evening.:D

Okay, so it's about to be on!!!
 

So I FINALLY finished my papers to send to my instructor, and I have several days before my next class starts. So just now, I tell little btb to bring Freshman Focus to me so I can FINALLY start it, right?

So why is she standing over my shoulder grinning, and I'm thinking she's trying to sneak and read my e-mail?

So I say, "Quit trying to be slick and read my e-mail!"

She says, "I'm not trying to read your e-mail!"

I ask, "Then what are you doing?"

She says, "I'm wondering what you're going to do with my book!"

I give her the look and say, "Um, this is not YOUR book!"

She says with a big grin, "Yes it is!"

So I say, "Um, 'scuse me. . . the inscription says, 'To BARBARA'!"

So then she grabs a pencil (still grinning) and says, "That can be easily changed. . ."

So I chased her out of the room. . .

Barring any more interruptions, I should be done before the weekend is over.

That is so cute, BTB! :D

Monday, October 29, 2007
YA Book Club
6:30PM
West Blvd. Library
2157 West Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28208


Saturday, October 27, 2007
Brunch with a Book Seminar
11:00 AM – 1:00PM
Full Experience Ministries
2945 Derita Ave
Charlotte, NC 28269-3019


Both events are free and open to the public. :cool:

ChickLitGurrl & SisterDivas Magazine
For those who have been a long term supporter of my writing, you remember my essay "The Sister Circle" which was published in 2005 by Sister Divas magazine. This summer I sat down with Shon Bacon, the editor of Sister Divas, for an interview after she read Freshman Focus. Check out part one of the interview posted on her blog ChickLitGurrl and the conclusion of the interview which was published in the summer issue of Sister Divas.

SisterDivas has a teenage counterpart called SDGirl on MySpace with blog entries discussing friendships and relationships, entertainment news, improving self-esteem and promoting writing by teenage girls.


Double Dutch Magazine
I am thrilled to have Freshman Focus featured as the book club selection in the premiere issue of Double Dutch magazine. Double Dutch is edited by my high school classmate Jennifer Threat. Double Dutch is a magazine for young ladies ages 12-17 that speaks their language as well as teaches them pride in their community and culture. The magazine also includes fashion, exercise tips and entertainment with an urban focus. It aims to help African-American, Hispanic and Asian girls have the confidence to reach their goals!

Take a look at the premiere issue of Double Dutch and tell others to check it out as well. Share this magazine with the young ladies in your life. In the future, you will be able to subscribe to the magazine as well so add Double Dutch to your list of favorite websites.

Freshman Focus Giveaway

Just in time for the holidays, you can win an autographed copy of Freshman Focus! So for those of you who have been wanting to curl up with a copy, here’s your chance to do so without spending a dime. Guess what? I’m giving away two copies of Freshman Focus to two lucky winners.

Giveaway Rules
Go to the Keeping up with Carla blog and post comments on the site. For those who usually post comments on the MySpace blog, you must go to the official blog linked from my website to be eligible to win.

To make it more interesting and to increase your chances of winning, you are allowed to post up to 5 different comments on any of the blogs posted there. You can post more comments, but only five will be counted for the giveaway.

You must include your e-mail address to be eligible. I am the only person who can see the e-mail address when you post a comment.

The comments must be on topic, so don’t cheat by simply writing: “Hi Carla. Merry Christmas!” or “I commented so give me a book.” The comments don’t have to be long either.

All comments must be posted on the blog by 11:59PM EST on Tuesday, December 18, 2007.

The drawing will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 and the winners will be contacted that same day for shipping information. Once I receive your information, I will mail them via Priority Mail in hopes that you receive them in time for Christmas.

The first names of the winners will be posted in a blog entry on December 19, 2007 so check back to congratulate the winner. It could be you!

The contest is open to anyone who posts a comment with their e-mail address so spread the word to your family, friends, co-workers, and students.

CT4, I don't think I will enter the contest, but kudos on the blog!! I'm finding more great reading resources thanks to you. When you come to NY(C) for a book event, please let me know. I'm SO there!!!! Good luck with your newest endeavors! I'm going to get a few copies of Freshman Focus this weekend.

That's cool! Thanks for your support. I have another resource to tell you about that I think you will love.

I won one!

Be jealous, ladies and gents, be very jealous.:D;)

I can hardly believe it myself but it's true. The sequel will be ready sometime in May, but definitely June.http://www.pledgepark.com/images/smilies/woot.gif

I've been blogging all week and have updated my recommended reading list on my blog. It's now called the YA library so if you want other YA books to read besides mine of course, I've created a pretty extensive resource.

So yes Just Be will be out soon!http://www.pledgepark.com/images/smilies/rockon.gif There are 2 excerpts posted on the blog right now plus next week I am showcasing the cover :D and announcing a contest. If you've read Freshman Focus, you'll do well. 3 winners for the contest will receive an autographed copy of Just Be. I might do something big for one grand prize winner.

Oh and today's blog has information about The Princess and The Frog as well as my thoughts about Sweet Valley High being re-released but changing Jessica and Elizabeth from a size 6 to a size 4.

WAit, WHAT? They are changing J and E? WHAT FOR??? :mad:

I'm grinning from ear to ear. :D

I need to get these books for my little sister. She's 14, and I want to show her how to have a good read that's age appropriate. Plus, I'm dying to check them out myself!!

YEAH SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! :D:D:D