I'm so sorry if you are sick of hearing me go on and on about my book. However, that's what's going on in my life right now and I couldn't be more excited!
I did finish it up over the weekend and sent it to the printers. (Yay, I beat my 2nd deadline) I'm hoping that my kids and I will actually have a chance to go see it being printed. Sounds like a nice photo op.
I have a more professional looking online store now: http://surrogacybooks.ecrater.com/
I also designed some t-shirts and other merchandise that match my book and theme: www.cafepress.com/storkhelpers
So now what? Well I have to patiently sit back and wait. I hope to get my books this Thursday. I need to get some over to the local bookstore and then I'm heading out on vacation. That's right..... I'm going to Disneyland. We're going to take it nice and easy some days and then play all day on others. We're hititng up Mesquite so I can meet the one and only One Cluttered Brain in person! (and personally hand her a copy of my book) (if it's done before I leave) We'll be spending some time in Vegas and then California. We'll be going to Six Flags, hanging out in Hollywood and of course Disneyland.
Oh, the best part? Stopping for a visit to see the twins.
I've got a few people I'm dropping off books too. I better start sharpening my book signing skills. I really like this new "chapter" in my life. Tee hee.
In case you are curious, it took me about 3 months to complete my book. I think that's not bad for a 1st timer. I went over it a lot... the story, the layout, the cover, the illustrations. Ask my husband, it's been my life the last 3 months. I've loved every minute of it. I wonder how old the youngest illustrato is. My girls are 10 and 6. hmmm
Author of Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers, started the phrase “I’m not the mom. I’m just the stork”. Surrogacy has opened many doors for me which led to a happier, more rewarding life. (Inactive as far as the Mormon part, still spiritual, open and respectful) My surrobabies were born in 2006 (girl), 2009 (twin boys) and 2014 (girl). I am a huge surrogacy advocate and creative entrepreneur. Hoping to match for one final journey.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Book Cover Help (can't decide which one to use)
I can't decide on a book cover. I know- I already had one.. but earlier my daughter had drawn a different cover and I think I like this particular version better.
Which do you like the most?
A (original)
B (new)
Which do you like the most?
A (original)
B (new)
Thanks! :)
I tried to combine all your advice with what I want it to look like and came up with this.......
Monday, September 20, 2010
Lucky #13 (Anniversary) And lucky #'s 8 & 16 Giveaway Winners
First and Foremost, today is my anniversary. 13 years ago I married my best friend. Seriously! My best friend! I can't believe it's been 13 years! We sure have been through a lot. (good and bad) Guess what?? We can make it through anything! Happy Anniversary Johnny!
My girls picked the winners for my book giveaway.
The lucky winners are #8 and #16.
What? You don't know who #8 and # 16 is? Well #8 is Krystal Wallace and #16 is Gabrielle Lasko. Congratulations! You both get a copy of my book Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers. Please contact me: pepperbird@gmail.com with your mailing address ASAP. Also, for the signing, please let me know who you would like your book made out to.
SVS9UJUFKRSZ
My girls picked the winners for my book giveaway.
The lucky winners are #8 and #16.
What? You don't know who #8 and # 16 is? Well #8 is Krystal Wallace and #16 is Gabrielle Lasko. Congratulations! You both get a copy of my book Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers. Please contact me: pepperbird@gmail.com with your mailing address ASAP. Also, for the signing, please let me know who you would like your book made out to.
SVS9UJUFKRSZ
Sunday, September 19, 2010
1 more day: 2 winners book review/giveaway
What a silly girl to host a giveaway that ends on her anniversary. Ah well... I've had a great response so far and I wish you all the best of luck. 2 lucky winners will be randomly chosen by my children on Monday September 20, 2010. Hopefully you will receive your books along with stickers and bookmarks before the publish date of 10/10/10. (Which is a Sunday, so yeah I'm kind of a dork)
I will pass along this info to the winners; When you do the review, you can either post it on your own blog or other source (please let me know when and where you've posted) OR you can e-mail me your review and I'll post it on my blog! (my booksite too) I would love it if you'd do a synopsis as well, but you don't have to if you don't feel like it. If you have children and they'd like to do a synopsis, that would be awesome!
I'm excited for you all!
Oh and if you didn't know about the giveaway or what I'm even talking about... Go HERE!
I will pass along this info to the winners; When you do the review, you can either post it on your own blog or other source (please let me know when and where you've posted) OR you can e-mail me your review and I'll post it on my blog! (my booksite too) I would love it if you'd do a synopsis as well, but you don't have to if you don't feel like it. If you have children and they'd like to do a synopsis, that would be awesome!
I'm excited for you all!
Oh and if you didn't know about the giveaway or what I'm even talking about... Go HERE!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Cold As Ice- Book Review
If you can all remember back a bit, I was one of 12 winners to review the book Cold As Ice. Cold As Ice Book Review Chance
I didn't know a lot about the book, but the little I knew, sounded good. I received the book in August and I couldn't wait to dive into it. It's 296 pages and each page kept my attention and left me wanting more!
It's got a good mix of elements- family, friends, murder, trust, romance, twists and turns. I don't want to give away too much and I probably wouldn't be good at writing a synopsis, so if you want to know more about the book, click on the last link.
The author, Stephanie Black is a two-time Whitney Award Winner. You can find her over at http://sixldswriters.blogspot.com/.
She is one of my new favorite authors and I'd love to read more of her books.
Her website: http://www.stephanieblack.net/
You can order your own copy here: http://deseretbook.com/Cold-Ice-Stephanie-Black/i/5050330 (you can also read more about the book
I didn't know a lot about the book, but the little I knew, sounded good. I received the book in August and I couldn't wait to dive into it. It's 296 pages and each page kept my attention and left me wanting more!
It's got a good mix of elements- family, friends, murder, trust, romance, twists and turns. I don't want to give away too much and I probably wouldn't be good at writing a synopsis, so if you want to know more about the book, click on the last link.
The author, Stephanie Black is a two-time Whitney Award Winner. You can find her over at http://sixldswriters.blogspot.com/.
She is one of my new favorite authors and I'd love to read more of her books.
Her website: http://www.stephanieblack.net/
You can order your own copy here: http://deseretbook.com/Cold-Ice-Stephanie-Black/i/5050330 (you can also read more about the book
Friday, September 10, 2010
Yeah so it's my birthday...
I love Fall. The change of weather is awesome, especially here in Utah. I mean... I just LOVE the Fall colors... leaves mainly, orange and red this time of year. Absolutely beautiful! I also enjoy changing my wardrobe. Hooray for jeans and long sleeve shirts!
Oh and of course my birthday is in the Fall... today to be exact. #33. Not too bad, especially considering I already thought I was 33 earlier this year. See previous post HERE.
So can I just be selfish today and tell you what I want for my birthday? Well I'm going to anyway......
I posted on Twitter the other day that I wanted:
So what am I getting for my b-day?
:)
I'm hoping to have a date night with hubby tonight. I'd like to go to Red Lobster. YUM. (oh I know, that's Red Robin's slogan. Red Robin... YUM! lol, they're good too!) Haven't been there for awhile and we used to go there back in the day. Then tomorrow I'm having a birthday party. I feel like such a little kid. There's a cool new place and it sounded fun. http://www.incrediblepizza.com/ Wanna come?
Happy Friday!
Oh and of course my birthday is in the Fall... today to be exact. #33. Not too bad, especially considering I already thought I was 33 earlier this year. See previous post HERE.
So can I just be selfish today and tell you what I want for my birthday? Well I'm going to anyway......
I posted on Twitter the other day that I wanted:
- At least 80 followers on my blog (yes this one... would you like to send someone my way? Aw... thanks!)
- At least 50 facebook fans Ahem- http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mormon-Surrogate/129139433785474?ref=ts
- At least 10 book orders- Pre-order my children's book about surrogacy
So what am I getting for my b-day?
- Rolling Stones magazine that's a special Beatles edition- All about the Beatles
- Beatles folders
- Beatles shirt
- Awesome I'm A Pepper Dr. Pepper shirt- too funny cuz my nickname is PepperBird. I've been wanting this shirt Forever
- some other clothes
- My dad gave me an early b-day present of helping me pay for Paul McCartney tickets -http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/search/label/Paul%20McCartney
:)
I'm hoping to have a date night with hubby tonight. I'd like to go to Red Lobster. YUM. (oh I know, that's Red Robin's slogan. Red Robin... YUM! lol, they're good too!) Haven't been there for awhile and we used to go there back in the day. Then tomorrow I'm having a birthday party. I feel like such a little kid. There's a cool new place and it sounded fun. http://www.incrediblepizza.com/ Wanna come?
Happy Friday!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Twitter Hop Thursday- Come Play
Would you like more Twitter followers and be introduced to more neat blogs and businesses out there? Come and join us!!
1. Add your Twitter to the MckLinky (you only have to add it to one and it will appear on all).
2. Click on the Twitter for the four hostesses and follow each of them on Twitter. We will follow you back.
3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like, but make sure to leave comments with links so they'll know where to follow you!
Spread the word and add this MckLinky to your blog! Write your own post or copy and paste this one. Below the MckLinky box, you'll see "Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click here for instructions and code". Have fun Twitter-Hopping along!
We have selected a Twitterer of the Week from last week’s entries and the lucky winner is Baby's Breath!! They will be in the #5 spot! We will choose next week’s winner from everyone who participated today.
Please only add your Twitter url. All other entries will be deleted. Thank you!!!
1. Add your Twitter to the MckLinky (you only have to add it to one and it will appear on all).
2. Click on the Twitter for the four hostesses and follow each of them on Twitter. We will follow you back.
3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like, but make sure to leave comments with links so they'll know where to follow you!
Spread the word and add this MckLinky to your blog! Write your own post or copy and paste this one. Below the MckLinky box, you'll see "Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click here for instructions and code". Have fun Twitter-Hopping along!
We have selected a Twitterer of the Week from last week’s entries and the lucky winner is Baby's Breath!! They will be in the #5 spot! We will choose next week’s winner from everyone who participated today.
Please only add your Twitter url. All other entries will be deleted. Thank you!!!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
I'm screaming with nervous anxiety and excitement (surrogacy book)
Are you tired of hearing it yet? I'm getting so close! I got my ISBN # for my book this morning.
My book is now available to pre-order for $1.00 off even. I think online ordering is even up and running.
The reason I feel like screaming? Well 1st- from pure excitement! (Awesome screaming) 2nd-because I'm nervous. Nervous of what? Putting myself out there, in the spotlight, drawing attention to myself and my book. I'm kind of scared in a happy way. I just don't know if I'm ready to be reviewed and critiqued, but ready or not....
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2010
Media Contact: Jill Reeder
801-918-1699
Surrogacy Books
P.O. Box 904
Sandy, Utah 84091
surrogacybooks@gmail.com
SURROGATE TO RELEASE CHILDREN’S BOOK REGARDING SURROGACY
By now I’m sure we’ve all heard of surrogacy. We see it on television, in the news, and even in movies. It is a way for a family to realize their dream of having their own children, with the help of a human stork. Jill Hancock Reeder has seen that dream come true twice by being a surrogate; first with a little girl and then with twin boys. She started blogging about surrogacy last September. She reviewed 2 children’s books on the subject before deciding to write her own, Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers.
She started designing merchandise for surrogates and intended parents in 2005. She used ideas from her phrases and sayings to form a story that would be enjoyable for children. She has already received interest in her book and has been approached for review. She has even received interest from people who have not been involved in surrogacy. She is giving away a chance to receive her book for review at her blog, http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-step-closer-my-book-and-giveaway.html.
In this book you will read about Jill’s first surrogacy experience, touching base on how the children handled the experience and how they were involved. The story is presented through facts with a fairy tale twist.
Jill has involved her children as her illustrators and her dad as her printer and consultant. She will be marketing, promoting and publishing the book herself with a little help from her family, friends and the internet.
Jill grew up in Sandy, Utah and currently resides in Eagle Mountain, Utah. She was a Navy wife for 10 years where she lived in Florida and San Diego for part of that time. (her husband got out 2008) She started home-schooling her 3 children the end of 2009. She has been a surrogate 3 times. She has already begun working on a 2nd book in her Once Upon A Surrogate series.
Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers (ISBN: 978-1-4507-3642-8) can be pre-ordered starting September 10, 2010, which is her birthday. Books won’t be available for official release until 10/10/10. (1 year anniversary of her going through the LDS temple with her husband and children) To start out, her book will be available online at http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/. The first 10 books sold will be signed and will include stickers and bookmarks. She will soon be selling her book at the local bookstore in Eagle Mountain, Dragons and Fairytales, as well as other bookstores. You can visit her personal blog where she talks about almost anything and everything, including surrogacy. Book signings will be announced soon on her websites.
Book Site: http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/
Personal Blog: http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/
#####
My book is now available to pre-order for $1.00 off even. I think online ordering is even up and running.
The reason I feel like screaming? Well 1st- from pure excitement! (Awesome screaming) 2nd-because I'm nervous. Nervous of what? Putting myself out there, in the spotlight, drawing attention to myself and my book. I'm kind of scared in a happy way. I just don't know if I'm ready to be reviewed and critiqued, but ready or not....
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 8, 2010
Media Contact: Jill Reeder
801-918-1699
Surrogacy Books
P.O. Box 904
Sandy, Utah 84091
surrogacybooks@gmail.com
SURROGATE TO RELEASE CHILDREN’S BOOK REGARDING SURROGACY
By now I’m sure we’ve all heard of surrogacy. We see it on television, in the news, and even in movies. It is a way for a family to realize their dream of having their own children, with the help of a human stork. Jill Hancock Reeder has seen that dream come true twice by being a surrogate; first with a little girl and then with twin boys. She started blogging about surrogacy last September. She reviewed 2 children’s books on the subject before deciding to write her own, Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers.
She started designing merchandise for surrogates and intended parents in 2005. She used ideas from her phrases and sayings to form a story that would be enjoyable for children. She has already received interest in her book and has been approached for review. She has even received interest from people who have not been involved in surrogacy. She is giving away a chance to receive her book for review at her blog, http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-step-closer-my-book-and-giveaway.html.
In this book you will read about Jill’s first surrogacy experience, touching base on how the children handled the experience and how they were involved. The story is presented through facts with a fairy tale twist.
Jill has involved her children as her illustrators and her dad as her printer and consultant. She will be marketing, promoting and publishing the book herself with a little help from her family, friends and the internet.
Jill grew up in Sandy, Utah and currently resides in Eagle Mountain, Utah. She was a Navy wife for 10 years where she lived in Florida and San Diego for part of that time. (her husband got out 2008) She started home-schooling her 3 children the end of 2009. She has been a surrogate 3 times. She has already begun working on a 2nd book in her Once Upon A Surrogate series.
Once Upon A Surrogate: The Stork’s Helpers (ISBN: 978-1-4507-3642-8) can be pre-ordered starting September 10, 2010, which is her birthday. Books won’t be available for official release until 10/10/10. (1 year anniversary of her going through the LDS temple with her husband and children) To start out, her book will be available online at http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/. The first 10 books sold will be signed and will include stickers and bookmarks. She will soon be selling her book at the local bookstore in Eagle Mountain, Dragons and Fairytales, as well as other bookstores. You can visit her personal blog where she talks about almost anything and everything, including surrogacy. Book signings will be announced soon on her websites.
Book Site: http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/
Personal Blog: http://mormonsurrogate.blogspot.com/
#####
Friday, September 3, 2010
Follow Friday- w/Quality Time
Who wants to make new friends? I DO!
Do you want to be my new follower? Aw thanks. I'd love that.
Want to play along? Click the button above and link up and find new people to follow. Happy Friday!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Feeling much love from an awesome friend
My sweet friend blogged about me:
http://oneclutteredbrain.blogspot.com/2010/09/something-about-surrogacy.html
Check it out. She's awesome, so just checking it out to check her out is so worth it!
:)
http://oneclutteredbrain.blogspot.com/2010/09/something-about-surrogacy.html
Check it out. She's awesome, so just checking it out to check her out is so worth it!
:)
One step closer.... my book and a *giveaway*, *review opportunity*
(Update- Review Giveaway will run until Monday 9/20/2010 and there will be 2 winners. You must e-mail me at pepperbird@gmail.com for your chance. Thanks!)
So here's what happened...
I wrote my story. I didn't know what to do about illustrations, so I threw in some real pictures from my 1st surrogacy journey and some clip art. I got a feel for how I wanted the book to look and what pictures I'd want. Basically I made a scrapbook for myself with a story to go along with it. (in the meantime, my 10 year old daughter asked if she could draw the art for my cover, which led to my girls illustrating my book)
Well that version is done.
I can't publish it with real pictures or real names. (except my own) So I have this little treasure all to myself. I was able to show close family and got good reviews. My girls were just as thrilled as I was to see my book as a book. Pure Awesome!
I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I'm lucky enough to have a dad in the printing/book binding business. He printed my books and I couldn't be happier. I did get to thinking though that the front cover could have looked a little more professional. (My fault, not his) So I re-designed it and I'm much happier with it. I was already happy with the back cover. YAY!
Awhile back I was working on my book and things just weren't quite working out like I pictured in my creative little head. I was settling for what I had, but hoping for more. Well things are starting to click and fall into place and I'm oh so happy! I wanted a background for each page, something to give the illustrations a little more color and flair. So, yestereday I played around and designed a background, and I think it's going to work great!
I was hoping to release my book for sale/publication on September 10th- my birthday. However, my littlemonkeys children are not done illustrating my book. We only have 8 days till my deadline.
I'd like to pull my hair out.! It's not really a huge deal if it's not done by then, but it would sure be nice. (also I can't start on my 2nd book till this one is complete)
So............... once my book is complete, would any of you like a copy to review?
If you're interested, contact me here. (pepperbird@gmail.com) In the subject line put "Chance for Book Review". I will randomly select 2 numbers and will notify the winners. I have not released any information about my book yet, not even the title. (only the fact that it's a children's book and it deals with surrogacy)
If you're serious about reviewing it, I will give you a heads up of the details a few days before it's officially published and for sale. Then once it's officially published, I will send you a signed copy of the book for review.
*UPDATE: Book is available for pre-order http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/. Hopefully officially release will be 10/10/10! :)
Want extra chances to be picked? OK! Add this button to your blog:
You can also tweet about my book (or this post), blab it on facebook, shout it out on your blog. Let me know that you've done any of this and you'll get an extra entry for each. Thanks!
So here's what happened...
I wrote my story. I didn't know what to do about illustrations, so I threw in some real pictures from my 1st surrogacy journey and some clip art. I got a feel for how I wanted the book to look and what pictures I'd want. Basically I made a scrapbook for myself with a story to go along with it. (in the meantime, my 10 year old daughter asked if she could draw the art for my cover, which led to my girls illustrating my book)
Well that version is done.
I can't publish it with real pictures or real names. (except my own) So I have this little treasure all to myself. I was able to show close family and got good reviews. My girls were just as thrilled as I was to see my book as a book. Pure Awesome!
I don't know if I mentioned this before, but I'm lucky enough to have a dad in the printing/book binding business. He printed my books and I couldn't be happier. I did get to thinking though that the front cover could have looked a little more professional. (My fault, not his) So I re-designed it and I'm much happier with it. I was already happy with the back cover. YAY!
Awhile back I was working on my book and things just weren't quite working out like I pictured in my creative little head. I was settling for what I had, but hoping for more. Well things are starting to click and fall into place and I'm oh so happy! I wanted a background for each page, something to give the illustrations a little more color and flair. So, yestereday I played around and designed a background, and I think it's going to work great!
I was hoping to release my book for sale/publication on September 10th- my birthday. However, my little
I'd like to pull my hair out.! It's not really a huge deal if it's not done by then, but it would sure be nice. (also I can't start on my 2nd book till this one is complete)
So............... once my book is complete, would any of you like a copy to review?
If you're interested, contact me here. (pepperbird@gmail.com) In the subject line put "Chance for Book Review". I will randomly select 2 numbers and will notify the winners. I have not released any information about my book yet, not even the title. (only the fact that it's a children's book and it deals with surrogacy)
If you're serious about reviewing it, I will give you a heads up of the details a few days before it's officially published and for sale. Then once it's officially published, I will send you a signed copy of the book for review.
*UPDATE: Book is available for pre-order http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/. Hopefully officially release will be 10/10/10! :)
Want extra chances to be picked? OK! Add this button to your blog:
You can also tweet about my book (or this post), blab it on facebook, shout it out on your blog. Let me know that you've done any of this and you'll get an extra entry for each. Thanks!