1k-a-day Friday Giveaway Winner 3

As I posted yesterday and through the contest, we're giving a book away to a random winner each Friday. All you have to do is post your word count once throughout the week to be entered.

This week's book is Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Here is the description again:

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

I used a random generated number site, listing each person in no particular order who posted their word count at least once. This week's winner of Graceling is:

Mary Brebner!!!!!!!!

Congrats Mary! Please email me at YAedge at yahoo dot com with your address and I'll mail it off.

For those who didn't win this week, don't worry. We still have tons of books to give away! Thanks again to all who participated in week 2 of 1k-a-day!

1k-a-day Day 17

Day 16 word count: 1152
SS current word count: 57 106
LI current word count:
WS current word count:

Getting in my 1k was the only good thing about yesterday.

Wednesday night, we'd seen the trucks drive into town - you know the ones with giant-sized tea cups, carousel horses and mini donut signs. The summer fair was rolling into town for a handful of days. We knew we had to work a visit into our pressing summer schedule of second breakfasts and trips to the beach.

Then it rained. And rained.

Friday afternoon the sun was shining and so we made for the fair. But it wasn't at the usual parking lot (that's right, it's one of those mall parking lot fairs - only we have just one teeny mall, so it sets up in a lot beside the high school). It wasn't at any other parking lot in town.

They left us. No mini donuts, no tea cup rides. At least 1k was there for me. *sniffle*

Okay, rant over, I've come to terms their defection. Following Tami's lead, here are a few YA titles I've recently finished and highly recommend: White Cat by Holly Black, Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce, Hold Me Closer Necromancer (read an ARC of this from BEA - buy it when it's released - October 2010) and Shift by Rachel Vincent (next book in the series is also available in Oct 2010. AND so is The Crossroads Blog Tour I'm organizing. October is going to be one kickass month!).


Day 16 word count: 1,493
Parlor current word count: 19,306
WD current word count:

Yesterday was a decent day. I spent time at the pool with my sister and nieces which was nice. I was able to get in some writing beforehand. The great thing about the day was my brain worked out a few problems with my WIP. There were parts of the story and characters that were nagging at me to solve. They just didn't feel right in their current state. Don't you love when everything just clicks? I still have a lot of work to do (and a lot more rewriting because of it) but overall I think the story will be better because of it.

I thought I'd share a few books I've enjoyed lately. I've been trying to get through a bunch of books on my TBR list. The list just keeps on growing and I was unable to read a lot the first half of the year. Now that I'm off work, I hope to fix that! Of course, I mentioned Graceling in yesterday's giveaway post. I loved it so much that I am about to start the sequel, Fire. I also finished The Iron King this week. It seems I'm on a fantasy kick! I was unsure about The Iron King at first, but once I got into it, I loved it. It's a fun summer read and would recommend both book highly.

Any books (YA or other) that you'd like to recommend?

I'll announce the winner of the week 3 giveaway shortly! Good luck everyone!

1k-a-day Friday Giveaway 3

This week's 1k-a-day book up for grabs is Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I've owned this book for awhile and got it because of all the buzz about it. I'm not a huge fan of hard-core fantasy, but finally, the book called to me. Thank god it did! I can't describe how much I loved this book. I sped through it and as soon as I did, I wanted the sequel. I hurried to my library's ebook website and checked it out right away. I'm reading it now! The characters pop out at you, the world feels like one I could travel to. If you haven't read this book, it's a must. Maybe you'll be the lucky winner! Below is the synopsis taken from bn.com:

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

To enter, comment in this post, or any post from last Friday leaving your word count by 9pm PDT today. Please remember, you must reside in the US/Canada to win the weekly prizes due to the cost of international shipping. The final contest for 1k-a-day, the prize pack will be opened to all participates. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section of this post.

I will be announcing the winner some time tomorrow via the blog and Twitter. Thanks everyone and good luck!


AND, I promised to announce the winner of the surprise book giveaway. I had my husband pick a number from 1-3 (three people entered to win) and let my husband pick a number. He picked #3!

Sarah Olutola is the winner!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Sarah! Please email me at YAedge at yahoo dot com with your address and I'll mail it off ASAP.

1k-a-day Day 16

Day 15 word count: 1585
SS current word count: 55 954
LI current word count:
WS current word count:

Wow, I can't believe we're half way through July and our 1k challenge. I'm going to crank it up a notch and be "meaner" with myself. I need to start on my other projects as well as SS.

I did some work at our local cafe, Beantrees - such a hip little place - then finished up later in the evening during yet another thunder/rain storm (sorry, Tami - might be jinxing you again). The light show helped me add some "atmosphere" to a scene (even though it's set in the fall). You gotta use what's around you, ya know? ;)

Since my cat, Vegas, is a bit sickly, looks like the city trip is being delayed. Therefore - I have no excuse. The writing must come first for the next two weeks. Oh boy, things are about to get a bit crazy around here. No more afternoon snoozies. No more second breakfasts either. BRING IT 1K!

Day 15 word count: 1,322
Parlor current word count: 17,813
WD current word count:

Wow, is today really Friday??? That means it's Book Giveaway 3 (not including the surprise ARC this week, which I will be announcing the winner of today).

For me, it was hump day for the month yesterday. Knowing we're half way done was hard for me. I couldn't concentrate, though I think the hot weather and cold pool outside didn't help. Add in a thunder storm and rain (I think you jinxed San Diego, Tracy) and it wasn't a great day. I got my words done, but I was on the computer all day and it was like pulling teeth. I was hoping the words would come easy and I would have a breakthrough. I guess the days where you hope that happens usually doesn't bring results. Here's to hoping Friday is my lucky day! I'm going to visit my nieces today, so hopefully I can get the words in early.

Good luck everyone. Just like last week, all you have to do is have your word count in once this week between last Friday and today at 9pm PDT. I will be announcing the book later today, when I give away the ARC of Crazy Beautiful.

1k-a-day Day 15

Day 14 word count: 1995
SS current word count: 54 369
LI current word count:
WS current word count:

This challenge sure has been....challenging.

I'm thrilled I've been able to keep up. I might run into a hitch next week as I'm heading into the city to visit/shop - actually, we call it power shopping. When you live in a small town like ours, and venture into the city only twice a year, believe me, you have a list of places to hit - said list will keep you crazy busy for several days. Our car is packed for the trip home (of course we also travel with our 2 labs).

So here's to cranking out the words before the city takes over!

Day 14 word count: 1,104
Parlor current word count: 16,491
WD current word count:

Yesterday I woke up and decided to get my writing done early. I am back at rewriting the first chapters, instead of working from bottom up (which I've been doing the past few days). It was good to go back to chapter 1-3, but I started to obsess over them. Once I got chapter 1 to where I was happy with it, I decided to go for a swimming. I came back refreshed and was able to work on chapter 2 and 3. Overall it was a good day. :)

I'm keeping my offer of the Crazy Beautiful ARC open! Please comment and tell us what you do to keep motivated during 1k-a-day for a chance to win!

1k-a-day Day 14

Day 13 word count: 2300
SS current word count: 52 374
LI current word count:
WS current word count:



Ah, yesterday I was back in the thick of 1k-a-day and focused on SS. Lovely. I also purchased a computer game to use as motivation. I can't crack that baby open until our writing challenge is complete. I've been eyeing this game forever. I'm pretty cheap and only play games once - so I wait until they're practically being given away.


Now, I'm not a first person shooter type gamer and I don't play turn-based military strategy games like my history loving husband. Nope. I luvs me a hidden clue / puzzle / fantasy (usually paranormal) based game. And Sleepy Hollow: Mystery Legends looks like a good fit.


I usually crack open such a game - one every summer. Then I don't stop until I have completed it. Seriously. I'll binge play for 24 hours if I have to, but I get the thing finished. Okay, yes, I find walkthroughs online, maybe I print out a few pages. Maybe I start by sneaking quick looks at the hints and within about 10 hours I'm following the pages word for word. Not very sportsmanlike, but that's how I roll when it comes to 'puter games....lol....


Anyway, my point is...if you're struggling with 1k, try focusing on a reward at the end of the month. A celebration of all your hard work. Go you!




Day 13 word count: 1,155
Parlor current word count: 15,387
WD current word count:

Sounds super fun, Tracy! I love puzzle games myself, and the DS is my favorite console despite owning all of them. I'm not a huge PC gamer, but I do like the simple little games on my iPhone as well. As Tracy said, motivation is a great way to get in your 1,000 each day. I've used many things, crocheting, reading and swimming are my big ones. Like today, I'm up early and ready to write because I want to be able to go swimming before all the kids hit the pool.

Speaking of motivation, I will give a book away, an ARC of Crazy Beautiful to one random person who comments in today's post. All you have to do is tell us how you're doing with 1k-a-day and your motivation to get your words done each day. How's that for staying positive and motivated! Good luck!

1k-a-day Day 13

Day 12 word count: 2002
SS current word count: 0
Untitled short story: 2002
LI current word count:
WS current word count:

Yesterday I sketched out a short story plot and didn't write a thing for SS. Alas - it was still writing and the story is set in Redgrave High (the SS world) so I'm counting it for my 1k. ;)

We had a wicked thunderstorm last night and Willow, my yellow lab, was a basketcase. Shaking, trying to hide under the bed (but she's huge and can only hide her head). I finally got her to cuddle ON the bed with me and I cranked the TV, turned the fan on high. We watched Rise of the Lycans together (I swear she was keeping up with the story) and she finally settled down.

I searched online this morning, looking for tips to deal with thunder-fearing pups and discovered cuddling with said pup is NOT the way to go - only reinforces their fear. Sigh. But she was really cute....lol... This doggie parenting is tough. ;) And it's still raining this morning....lovely.

Anyway - have a great 1k today!


Day 12 word count: 1,113
Parlor current word count: 14,232
WD current word count:

What a day it was! I didn't get as much as I wanted done, but I made ground. My word count isn't huge, but I actually went over 2 1/2 chapters of editing/rewriting. I'm not super happy with them still, but you have to keep working at it to get it to the point of finished, right? I spent most of my day, waiting for the phone to ring or the plumber to call. At 3:50pm, 10 minutes before their latest time given in their window of arrival, I called them. Apparently they were stuck on a service order job and would "try" to get here. Not fun! They did show up at 5:45 and we now have a brand new garbage disposal! WOOT! Also, the mail made my day. I got as ARC of Firelight I won on Denise Jaden's blog! Plus, my husband FINALLY got the license plates to his '50 truck that we've been trying to register for four plus months! Amazing how a day can turn around

I hope today will be a better day, as I plan to venture out of the house for the first time since Thursday (except when I went to the grocery story Sunday). Maybe the mojo will be a little better for writing than home is right now.

How is 1k-a-day going for everyone!? I hope you're still with us and hitting those word counts hard. You never know when we'll give a "surprise" book away to one of our participates. Check back later this week!

1k-a-day Day 12

Day 11 word count: 956
SS current word count: 50 074
LI current word count:
WS current word count:

Gack! What a crazy Sunday. I am still shaking my head at it this morning. This is likely due to the fact that I didn't quite make my 1k, but I managed to get a multi-author (YA paranormals) blog tour organized for this October. Whew - if emails and Twitter counted for 1k-a-day, as some of you have mentioned before, I'd be laughing. But they don't and so I'm just shy of my goal. Ah well....there's always NOW to crank up the numbers....

Day 11 word count: 0
Parlor current word count: 13,119
WD current word count:

I hear ya, Tracy. Sunday was crazy in a different way for me. My husband is still sick so I had to take over all the house errands/chores yesterday which took up most of my time. It's amazing how long it takes to go to the grocery store, clean out the fridge and do all the laundry while taking care of someone who is sick! So, this was my first day of 1k-a-day to come away with zip.

Disappointed, but I hope I make it up today. Unfortunately, this morning I woke up to a flood of water from below our kitchen sink. Instead of going to the library, Barnes and Noble and Panera which was my plan, I think I'll be staying home and waiting for the plumber. So not fun. Sigh, when it rains, it pours, doesn't it?

Hope everyone is going to have a happier Monday than I am! Keep those word counts coming everyone!

1k-a-day Day 11

Day 10 word count: 1108
SS current word count: 49 118
LI current word count:
WS current word count:

Wow - I forgot to post the Day 11 word counts. How silly of me. Anyway here they are, better late than never. What did I do on Saturday? Hmmm....yard work, beach, wrote, snoozed. Yup, that's about it. :)


Day 10 word count: 1,288
Parlor current word count: 13,119
WD current word count:

Yesterday was an odd day. My husband is sick so instead of Saturday being my sleep in/lazy day, I had to get up and walk the dog, which gave me an early start. Instead of choosing to get a jump on my word count, I decided to finish reading one of the books that is part of our giveaway, an ARC of Crazy Beautiful (which I enjoyed). Once I finished that, I didn't want to make any noise and wake him up, so I decided to gave my nook and read the sample of The Iron King I downloaded from B&N. After 12 pages, I was so engrossed, I tapped the "buy" button and continued to read. It was nice and relaxing, but once the afternoon rolled around, I realized I needed to eat, take a shower and wash the dog. Finally sitting down to write around 5, I quickly flew through my words. I was editing/rewriting chapter 33 today and I must say I'm very happy with it. It might need a few tweaks here and there once I do my next read through, but for now I am happy. I love days like today!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and you're finding the time to squeeze in a few words!