Surrogacy update and the sweetest book review so far

It's been an awesome week! I don't want to get my hopes up, but good things just keep happening and I'm going to ride this cloud. First of all, my agency (surrogacy) may have found insurance for me. Not only that but they have a couple in mind for a match.  AAAGGHHH! That's what happy screaming looks like, right?  I was ecstatic.

So, that alone could make me happy all week. Well I came down to my office to check my e-mail and I had a message that there was a review posted for my book.

OH MY GOSH!!!! It's the most well-written reviw I've ever read or received. Not only that, but the lady was so darn sweet, she made me smile from beginning to end. I was so thrilled/touched/impressed. I was this close to crying happy tears. She made my day!

You can read it here:  http://northeastpa.citymommy.com/?q=node/6525

Hope the rest of you out in Bloggyland are having a great week!

First Review for Once Upon a Surrogate: The Stork's Helpers

This book is fantastic! It was great to be able to read it to my children and see that them realize what surrogacy is. They really enjoyed the story and so did I, I think that it really helped them to understand the whole concept of surrogacy.




I have two boys who are young (6 & 4) and they loved this book and have asked me to read it to them several times since we received it and I am more than happy to do it!



I would recommend this book to surrogates and intended parents alike, this is a great way to teach your children what you do for other people or to teach them about their beginning. Thank you Jill for writing such a lovely book, I have been looking for something like this since I started my first journey and finally my search is over!
 
-Sarah
 
You can learn more about the book here: http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/

Headed home...

Today is the last day of our vacation. It's also the day I chose to publish my book- 10/10/10. These kind of days are so cool. Real quick plug here- today is the last day to get my book at the pre-order price. ($5 off) http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/.

If you are waiting to receive your free copy to review (those who won)- I will be mailing those out this week!

Oh yes- and today also marks the one year anniversary since we went through the temple as a family.

We are in Las Vegas- headed out soon. We had a blast! It was a 10 day total trip and we did lot's of stuff, but had plenty of time to rest and relax here and there. I will share more details and pics this week.

For now, I'll leave you with my favorite song to listen to on our way home. (I've been listening to this song on the last day of vacation since I was about 10-back then I was on an airplane coming home from Puerto Vallarta? listening to my cassette/walkman)

It's official. (and more)

(I wrote this yesterday and was hoping to add pics... but it didn't work out..)

My books are printed. I am now a published author. Wow. It's just funny how one thing leads to another. Before July of this year, I don't think I would have ever thought I'd be writing a book and publishing it. (I definitely wouldn't have thought that my girls would be illustrating the book and that I'd be helping with that as well)

 I was working on a book a few years ago about all the circumstances in my life that lead to other things.. but probably wouldn't have published it, because who would be interested in my silly life? Plus it was hard to wrap up. I mean let's say I wrote it and ended it in 2007. A lot has happened since 2007 and I'd have more to add.

Oh well. Maybe one day I'll finish it anyway.

So today I'm hoping to drop off some books at the local bookstore and mail some out for review. I also have some orders to mail out already. I had to raise the price of the book, so if you order before October 10th, you're getting a pretty good deal!!! Get your good deal here. Not only will you save some money by ordering now, but I will also sign your book and add stickers and bookmarks to your order for FREE.

It's crazy how far the book has come since I started it. I had a little rough draft printed up about 2 months ago and just the cover alone is a huge improvement.




It's also crazy how much I did on the book.. I mean I designed the whole darn thing. It was so good for me to be creative and even fine-tune my skills.

I can't believe it's the last day of September. The summer flew and then this month has flown. Tomorrow is October 1st. (well duh that would follow the last day of September) On October 1, 1994, John and I had our first date. We went to Homecoming at Alta High as friends and have been together ever since. (except for that summer he broke up with me) I can't believe it's been 16 years. I was the kind of girl who always thought that every boyfriend I had was THE ONE and that we'd always be together. But then none of the other relationships lasted longer than a few months. We're not a perfect couple, but we are a good balance and we compliment each other. Does that make sense? It works, and we are best friends and have fun together.

We are headed out this weekend on vacation and I couldn't be more excited. For some reason I always get nervous though before vacations. I get anxiety. Not sure why. Weird.

Hopefully I'll blog while away... maybe even vlog... maybe even a cool surprise. 

Happy Thursday/Last day of September! 

Well Now Happy Friday/ First day of October!
:)

It's done, been sent to the printers, now what?

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

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)

Thanks!   :)

I tried to combine all your advice with what I want it to look like and came up with this.......

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:

• 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

Well that's what I picked out and know I'm getting. And then you're getting me something from my list above, right? *wink wink, nudge nudge*

:)

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!

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/

#####

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 little monkeys 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:

 








<a href="http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o297/surropepperbird/AdButtonStork.jpg" border="0" alt="SurrogacyBooks" /></a>
 
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!

Opportunity knocked- I opened the door and let it in...(the secret's out)

In my life one thing has always led to another. Every now and then an opportunity presents itself. Every now and then I feel super duper good about it.

It all happened a few weeks ago when I got the e-mail about reviewing a book. Then I approached another author and offered to review her book. That's when it hit me- why not write my own book?

I've written poetry since I was young, around 5. I've played around with writing short stories etc. in middle school. In high school, I took a creative writing class. But since then, I didn't have inspiration to really write about anything. (other than my poems here and there)

Well all of a sudden I had 2 ideas for 2 separate stories. All I can tell you is yes, they are about surrogacy and they are children's books.

I've been working on the 1st story almost non-stop.  I'm reseraching, etc. and it's been so good for me.
Getting closer to the final product every day.  I already have an offer to review it.    :)

This is extremely exciting for me!

Everything's lining up rather nicely.

I didn't want to say anything too soon, because I didn't want to jinx it or have someone else steal my idea(s). But I'm not saying a word about my ideas... so ha.

Wish me luck...

I'm so excited I could scream... (but it's a secret, shhh)

I've been working on a super duper secret project. Not sure if I am even ready to reveal it yet. But I'm so excited, because my creativity seems to be flowing and I have researched what I'm working on, and I seem to be doing it right, which is just freaking awesome.

I know, I know, the supsense sucks!!! But I just don't want to jinx it. I have my reasons, and one day soon I'll feel comfortable enough to at least tell you the basics of the project.

In the meantime, know that I love you all....

Mormon Surrogate

P.S. My girls got a sneak peek and gave me 2 thumbs up!