Week #7--Winner & Upcoming Writers Conferences

This week's winner is JenHeadJen! Congrats! Check out her blog here. Email me at: heather at hbmoore dot com and let me know which book you want me to mail you.

(For details about this 10-week book give-away contest and how you can be entered, visit here).

Is anyone going to the LDS Booksellers convention next week in Sandy, Utah?

For you writers, here are a couple of upcoming conferences that I'll be doing presentations at:

The League of Utah Writers: 2009 Conference
September 18-19, 2009: The Homestead Resort in Heber, Utah

The Book Academy: A conference for Writers and Readers
September 24, 2009: Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah

10 Week Book Giveaway--Week #7

10 Week Countdown to the release of my new book: Alma

For details about this contest visit here. But basically, all you have to do is answer this week's question in the comments and on Friday, I'll choose one of the names and announce the winner.

Okay, for some reason I've been thinking about scary books and movies this week. Maybe because I'm reading one of Dean Koontz' Odd Thomas books. They are a little creepy, but not what I'd call down-right scary.

My question this week is: What is your first memory of either a scary book or movie?

Mine is watching a vampire movie at a sleepover when I was probably ten or so. I still remember some of the scary scenes in it. I didn't sleep much that night. I also started reading authors like VC Andrews, Mary Higgins Clark, and John Saul as a teenager. After a few years of that, I never did really go back to reading the scary stuff.

Confetti Book Signing

Here I am with fellow authors, Lu Ann Staheli (When Hearts Conjoin) and Trevan Hatch (Visions, Manifestations and Miracles of the Restoration). We are at Confetti Antiques & Books in Spanish Fork--a great store.

In other news, the first official review of Alma was posted today on Not Entirely British. I'll be doing a blog tour that will start full force in September. Stay tuned if you want to be on the docket!

Week #6--Winner

This week's winner is Chantele! Congrats! Chantele takes part in a few different blogs. This is her book review one. Email me at: heather at hbmoore dot com and let me know which book you want me to mail you.



(For details about this 10-week book give-away contest and how you can be entered, visit here)



Also, happy 24th everyone. For those outside of Utah, July 24th is Pioneer Day. If you work for a local company, you'll get the day off. If you don't, you won't. Many cities have parades, festivities and fireworks. Kind of like the 4th of July, only more specialized. It's to celebrate the time of year when the Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley (way back in 1847). There is quite a large parade downtown Salt Lake City. I can't ever remember going, even though I was raised (reared) here. But fellow author, Rob Wells, decided to use his writer's block and build a float for it. You can see his handywork here. So for all of you writers who are having a hard time in that sagging middle of your book, you might consider building a float. Just don't fall off a ladder like Rob did.


The picture below is not of Rob and his float, or anyone related to Rob, but they are my 4 kids. A couple of weeks ago we visited the Mormon Pioneer trail, the location of the "this is the place" marker (there are other monuments in the Salt Lake Valley, but this one really IS the place). It was very cool to overlook the valley--and it was the same time of year that the Mormon pioneers would have laid eyes on it for the first time. I don't know how the heck they made it down the canyon with the handcarts and/or wagons. You can see the valley in the distance (right side). And if you are wondering, yes, my kids dress themselves. The only requirement from me is that they are "modest"--which means something different depending on the kid.

Christmas Compilation--Coming in October

Hey everyone,

Just giving you a sneak peak at the Christmas story collection that I have a contribution in. It will be available October 2009. You'll probably recognize several of the other authors. I've read several of the stories already and there are some amazing experiences.

10 Week Book Giveaway--Week #6

10 Week Countdown to the release of my new book: Alma

We are half way there. For details about this contest visit here. But basically, all you have to do is answer this week's question in the comments and on Friday, I'll choose one of the names and announce the winner.

Before we hit the question, just for fun, I posted the book trailer for ABINADI on YouTube. Or you can watch it below. Let me know what you think. Next I'll work on one for ALMA:

So, here is a picture from my 20-year High School reunion. Top: Melanie & Me, Bottom: Jean and Jill. It was a blast and really time warpy to see everyone.

This Week's Question:

What's a favorite memory from High School (that won't get you in trouble for sharing).

One of my favorite memories is leaving school during the lunch hour and going to KFC for those mini-chicken sandwiches, or getting a shake at a hamburger joint. I don't think we ever ate in the cafeteria. I usually brought something from home, but it was gone after first period. My mom's lovely gray oatmeal was so unappetizing, that I was hungry again by 10 a.m.

Week #5: Winner & UPDATES

Thanks to everyone for all of your great exercise tips this week. I feel more motivated than ever!

In my the drawing for a free copy of one of my books, Chillygator was chosen. Congrats! Chillygator runs a fun, casual blog. Email me your address at: heather at hbmoore dot com and I'll send you whichever book you choose.

In other news, yesterday I found out that my non-fiction book was accepted by Covenant. The tentative title is: Women of the Book of Mormon

They haven't pinned down a release date, but it will likely be sometime in 2010. I'll keep you posted as I learn more.

I'm working on a book trailer for Abinadi, an experiment so that when I do one for Alma, I'll be very experienced at it. LOL. I'll post it here when I'm done.

BOOK Signing in Spanish Fork at Confetti Antiques & Books will be Monday, July 20, Noon-2:00 p.m. Confetti Books is on Main Street in Spanish Fork, Utah. It's part of the Spanish Fork Fiesta Days celebration. I'll also be signing with Lu Ann Staheli--co-author of When Hearts Conjoin, the story of the conjoined Herrin Twins and how they were separated in a miraculous surgery. The book is fantastic. If you haven't heard of it, check it out here.

This weekend is my 20-year High School Reunion. 20 years? Amazing. I never went to any of my other reunions, so it will interesting if I can remember anyone. I've kept in touch with maybe 6 people. Hey, this is giving me an idea for next week's question. Stay tuned for Tuesday . . .

10-Week Book Giveaway--Week #5

10 Week Countdown to the release of my new book: Alma

We are half way there. For details about this contest visit here.

But basically, all you have to do is answer this week's question in the comments and on Friday, I'll choose one of the names and announce the winner.

This Week's Question:

What things have worked or helped you maintain a regular exercise schedule?

Or are you like me and find it very hard to stay motivated, and to carve out the time several times a week? I've joined gyms, taken different classes, hit the road, walked the park. It seems that it changes a little every few months. I've gone without exercising for stretches of time, I've used the elliptical, I've taken my kids to the rec center. It seems that in order to stay marginally fit, exercise has to be a part of my lifestyle. Right now, I try to get up early about 3x a week (7 am) and go walking/jogging for a couple of miles. But when life becomes stressful with deadlines, kids, etc. I don't exercise as much--but in reality, that's probably when it would help the most.

Book(s) of the Month--All the Stars in Heaven & Eyes Like Mine

I actually think I skipped June, so I wanted to highlight two great books I most recently read. The fun part is that I actually know both authors personally. When I first started writing and dreaming of getting published, I didn't realize some of the really cool benefits of becoming a writer--you become friends with other writers.

I've read all of Michele's books, she has a few that are not published yet, and I've loved her writing for a long time. When she was submitting Counting Stars to national publishers, we (our critique group) told her to try and take it LDS. She did and Counting Stars came out in 2007. It was a fantastic debut. This second novel is a spin-off novel for the character Jay Kendrich. Michele does a ton of research on her novels--no, they aren't historicals, but you can bet that her dates, locations, and descriptions are accurate!

All the Stars in Heaven by Michele Paige Holmes:

My Review:
Whitney Award Winning author Michele Paige Holmes' newest novel All the Stars in Heaven is a fantastic read. As a companion novel to Counting Stars, this new book tells the story of Jay as he turns his life around and goes to Harvard law school. There he meets a talented musician, Sarah, the trouble is that her father and her cousin will do anything to keep a man out of her life. Literally. In this book, romance blends with a fast-paced suspense plot. I also loved the details surrounding the campus and life in this historic town. You will love the characters--the perfect summer read!

***************
I met Julie Wright a few years ago through LDStorymakers. I think it was at one of the writers conferences. Little did I know that she'd become such a good friend. Sometimes you think you are busy, and your life is full, and you have more than enough friends to keep up with . . . then you meet someone like Julie. I read her book My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life and was blown away. It dealt with the delicate issue of teenaged pregnancy and adoption. So I picked up a couple of her earlier books and read them. When I told her this, she was mortified. She was embarrassed that the first book she wrote was published with no editing. But really, she still had the talent, even back then.

Here's her newest book. Love the cover:
Eyes Like Mine by Julie Wright

My review:

A book that makes you think. A book that makes you grateful. A book that strengthens your faith.

Through a time-travel phenomenon, Constance Brown is transported from the pioneer trail into the life of her great grandaughter, Liz King. What unfolds is an incredible story as both women must find their destiny, together.

The last several chapters were just brilliant. This is a great YA novel and the characters were true-to-life. If you've read Julie Wright's other novels (especially My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life), you know she has the knack for getting inside the angst of the teenage mentality. She combines humor, heartache, romance, and great storytelling into a terrific read.

******

And just an FYI, I also review books on LDSReaders, and I'm a member of GoodReads where I try to keep my reading list/reviews pretty current.

Week #4: Winner

Thanks everyone for sharing your favorite Michael Jackson memories! They were a lot of fun to read--lots of reminders of growing up.

So . . . the winner of this week's drawing is: Kami Congrats! She contributes to several blogs. Check them out! Kami, email me at: heather at hbmoore dot com and let me know which book you want.

Stay tuned for next week's question on Tuesday for another chance to win! 6 more weeks to go until the release of Alma.

Full details on the 10 Week Book Giveaway contest here.

NEW COVER!

Here's the cover of my new book: Coming September 2009!

(Cover art: The Waters of Mormon by Linda Curley Christensen)

Endorsements for the book include:

“Alma has it all: vibrant characters, danger, spiritual challenges, and bittersweet joy. Moore has created an epic tale that’s simply impossible to put down.”
—Jason F. Wright, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Wednesday Letters and Christmas Jars


“. . . an exciting and faith-promoting tale—the Book of Mormon in 3-D and Technicolor.” –Richard Cracroft, BYU Magazine


“H.B. Moore brings the remarkable characters to life through well-researched detail, a hard-to-put-down storyline, and scripturally accurate counsel that reflects the author's own deep understanding of the scriptures. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and the way in which the books cause you to ponder the scriptural accounts.” –Al Rounds, Artist


“In a pattern that has become warmly familiar, H. B. Moore crafts a page-turning yet well-researched story of the challenges that a Book of Mormon personality faces when trying to lead a colony of believers to safety, not once but twice. Alma the Elder, who begins his life in debauchery, becomes the respected adviser to a king and the leader of his church, and more. On a personal level, this man becomes the model for all of us who seek to arrest a wasted life and turn it into something grand and meaningful.” –S. Kent Brown, emeritus professor of ancient scripture, BYU

10-Week Book Giveaway--Week #4

To win a copy of one of my books, answer the question below in the comments.

I'll draw one name and announce the winner on Friday.

Full details here.

Since I just finished watching the memorial services for Michael Jackson, today's question is:

What's your first/favorite Michael Jackson memory?

I think I mostly remember Thriller. I was about 11 or 12 when it was popular and I had a friend who was very obsessed with MJ. We'd go to the rollerskating rink, and when they played Thriller, she knew all of the dance moves. I eventually got the moon walk down pretty good, but I don't dare try it now :-)

Towards the Promised Land--Softcover

Volume 3 of the Out of Jerusalem series is now available in softcover here: DeseretBook.com

So for those of you who've been waiting, it will save you a little money. OR I always tell people to get their libraries to order the books :-)

Also, I just finished reading All the Stars in Heaven by Michele Paige Holmes. I'll post an official review in a few days--it's definitely my July Book of the Month! It's also #1 in LDS Romance at Deseretbook.com right now. I'm not surprised!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the question of the week!

Week #3: Winner

This week was a tough choice, so I had to draw a name and the winner is BECKY! Check out her blog if you have the chance. She always has great ideas/questions and scripture quotes, etc. on her blog.

Congrats! And thanks everyone for sharing your favorite summer memories. It brought back a lot of my own.

Becky, just email me at heather at hbmoore dot com and I'll get you whichever book you choose.

Happy 4th everyone!