Awesome Opportunity if you want to be a writer

I got this courtesy of Lisa Mangum - yes That Lisa Mangum

OPEN CALL FOR ROMANCE NOVELS! Shadow Mountain is looking for well-written, compelling, and CLEAN romance novels suitable for a national audience (i.e., not specifically LDS) to consider as part of their "Proper Romance" line. Romances can be in any genre, including contemporary, paranormal, Regency, mystery, etc. Email your one-page synopsis to Heidi Taylor at htaylor (at) deseretbook (dot com). Put the following into the subject line: Author's Think Tank--Proper Romance Query. Heidi will accept queries until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2012. And.......GO!

I remember when I was speaking at the American Fork Writer's conference and all of the 

amazing, talented men and women there wanting so much to get published.  

This is a huge opportunity.  I put this on my Facebook page but in case you follow my blog 

and haven't been on FB.  Take a minute and think about that manuscript you have sitting 

around.  Blow off the dust, take a deep breath and DIVE IN!  Shadow Mountain is the real 

deal.  Their new Romance line is geared for the whole world, not just the LDS market.  Do 

you know what that means?  That means this opportunity is bigger than you realize.  You 

only have until tomorrow though so GO FOR IT!

No One Tells You

One of my favorite quotes:

"Nobody tells this to people who are beginners.  I wish someone had told me.  All of us who do creative work we get into it because we have good taste.  But there is this gab.  For the first couple years you make stuff, it's just not that good.  It's trying to be good, it has potential, but it's not.  But your taste, the thing that got you into the game is still killer  And your taste is why your work disappoints you.  A lot of people never get past this phase; they quit  Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this.  We know our work doesn't have this special thing that we want it to have.  We all go through this.  And  if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know that it's normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work.  Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you finish one piece.  It's only by going  through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good your ambitions. And I took loner to figure out how to do this than anyone I've ever met.  It's gonna take a while.  It's normal to take awhile.  You just gotta fight your way through. "
                                                                                   -Ira Glass

Do Over Cover Update - I'm so curious now!

Sooo, got a call from marketing and they're changing the cover again.  I might have pointed out that the whole book talks non-stop about these super-tough, butt-kicking, biker chick boots and that maybe the boots they'd put on the cover were kind of girly.  I might have said something about who in their right mind is going to feel tough in those heels?  Don't get me wrong, the boots are very nice, but, they're just not Iris-ish at all.  Soooo, they're re-doing it! Yet again.  I wasn't trying to be a pain the rear or anything, but they did ask my honest opinion.  But let's go back to the original cover they showed me:

Okay, so the boots were a huge improvement, right?  But just not perfect . . . yet.  So as soon as I get the updated cover I will let you know.  As a matter of fact, - you'll be the first to see it.

Letter from a Reader - Made my day!

Here's a letter from a young woman.  I just had to share 

because it shows how uplifting books can help us through 

the rough patches.  Made my day!


I just want you to know (again) how much I love your books! They are wonderful! So uplifting and entertaining, and with great lessons and relatable characters and experiences.. I seriously share them with pretty much everyone-even a few guys have been interested to see how a chick book could be so well rounded and full of goodness instead of the usual empty fluff. 

They've become like my therapy when I am craving some good romance or need a pick me up (:

I went through a really painful, kinda ugly broken engagement last year.. I was looking for something to do and I felt like I should reread Soul Searching-and it was seriously just what I needed. I really related to Micah's conforming to someone else's idea of perfection, and of not knowing who she was or what she wanted in life (just thank goodness I didn't struggle with a testimony too) so the book was a huge help to me in picking myself up and rebuilding.

Thank you so much for writing, and thank you for keeping your books real and relatable! They really are terrific novels (:

Review #4 from Michelle Kuhn - Loved it

Do Over is a fun, romantic comedy you won't be able to put down.  I laughed out loud so many times my husband wanted to know what was so funny.  I also found myself wresting with my tears to keep them in check while the characters struggled with their emotional scars.  So many people will be able to relate to the characters and what they are going through.  This book was so well written that although Iris and Trey were hurt by the ones they love the most, it was never depressing or negative.  I love that the book offers hope and light and truly shows that there is life after hard trials.

I absolutely loved the characters, their strong personalities and conflicts within the story.  One of Shannon's best creations!  I am definitely recommending this book to everyone I know.

My only complaint, I want to know where to find those awesome biker boots!  Size 8 in black please!

~Michelle Kuhn

Review #3 of Do OVer - You have to read this one!

Shannon Guymon's New Novel, Do Over, is a triumph of clean, fun romance. Want a book you can recommend to your teenage daughter, or your grandmother, and be confident that they'd both find something to enjoy? I'm a newcomer to Shannon's work, but I immediately put her other Alpine books on hold at my public library. Shannon includes just enough touches of past characters to make me curious about their back-stories, without becoming self-indulgent, and boring or confusing me by focusing too much on past plots. Iris and Trey were definitely the stars of their own story.

And what a couple. They were funny. From their witty,sparkling first meeting, Iris and Trey kept me guessing. Iris is not your average romance-novel heroine. She doesn't spend a single minute moping and swooning. And waiting to be rescued by a handsome, dominating hero? Not a chance. Move over, ex-fiancé! Stand aside, men in general! Iris has got big plans, a serious pair of boots, and her hair is on fire. Perfect for a woman of action. As Shannon reminds us throughout the book, Iris is strong, independent, and just a little bit wild. But don't take Shannon's word for it. Iris's actions speak louder than words. All the way to the funny,over-the-top ending, Iris demands respect and forges her own destiny. In her own words, "I’m coming for you, so watch out." Finally, a heroine that doesn't slightly embarrass the entire female gender.

And speaking of strong characters, Iris has met her match in Trey. He's kind, witty, charming, handsome, and tender—when he's not dishing out the sass in a Ben and Jerry's container, that is.

These characters are a lot of fun, and you're pretty sure while you're reading that if you met them, you'd be friends for life. Pick up Shannon's latest book, and they may become just that.

- Heather Clark

Comments on Do Over - Keep'em coming!

Here are some comments from readers of Do Over. So far - So good! If you haven't gotten your review done yet, no worries.  Just get it to me when you can. And thanks to everyone for your support and your kind words.  This is what makes being a writer worth it.  Love you guys! - Shannon

LOVED it!!!! It was great!! thanks for letting me read it! Now I can clean my house again..my poor kids get neglected when I read a book :)
                                                                                              - Meredith Urry

It was so fabulous!
I agree with your publisher, this could be my new favorite!
                                                                                               - Liz Hall


Read the book in less than a day and loved it...  You did such a good job tying in the all of the characters from the other book.  I really enjoyed reading it but then again, I enjoy all of your books.
I also love the cover!!!!!  Way to go...
Thanks for letting me read it..
                                                                                              - Cathy Walker


I had so much fun reading "Do Over!" Having just moved away from Highland and Alpine, it made me wish I was back even more. I love Iris and Travis...but I also fell in love with your minor characters. Those women crack me up! I love their friendship and how they stay friends no matter what...but they don't let anyone get away with "stuff" either. Successful relationships are all about love and trust not only between couples but between friends of any kind...and I adore the way you show that in this story. "Do Over" is a delightful tale. thank you for sharing it with me.
                                                                                                -  Kari Pike

I absolutely LOVED the book!!!! I really liked how Iris is so strong, strong enough to know when it is ok to fall in love again after a grueling heart break. ( believe me I know how she feels in that department!) You helped restore the feeling of a happily ever after with this story!!!
                                                                                                 -  Kim Henne

Do Over Book Review #2

Thanks Amie!

      If you love fun clean romances you will love this book! Be prepared to stay up late, because once you start this book it is impossible to put down. You will fall in love with the characters! Iris is a fun, smart, sassy, misunderstood woman with a heart of gold. Trey is the prince every woman dreams about sweeping off her feet, even if they are in a man hating zone. I love how the beloved characters from the other Alpine books are back. It is always fun to see a sneak peek of what has happened to them since the last book!

    This book will have you hooked from the very first page until the end. The chemistry and the relationship between Trey and Iris is fun and quirky. I love how he accepts her for who she is, even when others don’t approve. This story really shows you what it is like to find true love and happiness. I love how real Shannon makes the relationships and friendships in her books. Relationships aren’t always rosy there can be bumps along the way, and she clearly illustrates that in this book. This is definitely a book that once you finish; you will want to read again! I recommend this book to everyone who loves a good clean fun romance!

Amie Aycock

First official Book Review of Do Over

Hey Everyone!
Here's my first book review by Susan Wrathall.  So tell me, after reading this, would you want to read Do Over?  I think the answer to that would be: Yes!  Thanks Susan, you did an amazing job. Susan is also an author so after you're done reading this review, go grab Susan's book, The Corporate Kid.

I just finished reading Do Over, a book reconnecting characters from Shannon Guymon's previous novels.  I was happy to see Sophie, Maggie, Jacie, and Allison and their families again.  This book introduces a new character, Iris Levine, Luke's cousin who has just moved to Alpine.   Iris has just experienced a humiliating and devastating breakup at her wedding reception and she moves to Alpine to heal...and to ultimately reinvent herself.  If you've read Shannon's other novels you will remember Trey, Sam's younger brother.  Sophie, Sam's wife, is very protective of Trey and has the perfect girl in mind to heal his broken heart after Allison, the girl he loved married someone else. Macie Jo Jackson is a beautiful blonde and  the former Miss Altlanta who just started working at her salon.  Maggie, however, thinks Iris just may be the one for Trey.  Sophie and Maggie make a bet and the results are funny, tragic, and oh so much fun to read about!  I truly loved this book.  The main characters are so realistic and likable that I want to hop in my car and drive to Alpine to meet them.   Reading this book is like hanging out with some really great girlfriends.  Like Shannon Guymon's other novels, Do Over is not just a pleasure for adults to read, but it's the kind of book you could confidently give your teenage daughter to read.   Her characters are wholesome, funny, interesting, and lovable and the messages about being true to oneself are powerful. I will think about this book for a long time to come. Shannon, I hope this is not the last of the Alpine books.  I don't want to say good-bye to all the characters I've come to know and love.  And you are just getting started with Trey and...you know who! 



Susan Wrathall
Mother of two
Special Ed Teacher
Co-author of The Corporate Kid 
http://www.thecorporatekid.com/

I need help! Yes - again

So I've been working with my marketing team and it looks like it's time I get a few reviews and endorsements going.  Actually, I probably should have been working on that a couple months ago.  Yikes!  So who out there can read super fast, loves my books and wants to read my new book Do Over before anyone else??  All in exchange for a concise, well written and hopefully complimentary review or endorsement.  Review if you're a great reader, Endorsement if you're a published author.  Please help!!  I'm in a time crunch here and I would hate for my publisher to hire a hit man because I've been a schlub.  I really have.  Let me know!  (ASAP)  By the way, here's the new cover!  Would love to know what you think. 

The Do Over Cover!

Here's a look at my cover for my new book Do Over! Let me know what you think.  Remember when I told you that the first cover at a pictuer of a hammer?  This is a huge improvement. 

Yay!  I'll keep you updated on the progress as it comes. 

Publishing Contracts = Nirvana

I'd like to say congratulations to my brother Zach.  He just got offered his first contract from a publisher.  His new publisher wants to publish not one, but 2 of his books!  I'm excited for him.  One is his Zombie book and the other is a book based off his serial blog.  You can check it out here:     http://sinsofprometheus.blogspot.com/2012/08/part-65.html .  But it reminded me of the first time I got that contract in the mail.  I've never taken drugs before, but holding a contract in your hand and reading the part that says, 'We want to publish your book.' has got to be one of the highest highs known to man kind.  Maybe we should round up all the drug dealers and put them in writing classes?  It's a thought.  Because it takes a long time to come down from that nirvana. Life goes back to normal when you get all the changes your editor wants you to make.  But still, life is kind of forever changed after that.  My brother has been trying to get published for a long, long time.  I think it's been a decade actually.  So for all you writer's out there I just want to say, don't give up.  Keep trying.  Keep writing. Keep believing in yourself.  Because someday, maybe even years down the road, you'll get that letter in the mail and it will all be worth it. 

Sometimes Life gets in the Way

Sorry I haven't written (blogged) in a while.  I think it's because I haven't written in a while.  That was all supposed to change this week.  I was going to dive into a writing marathon, but a little something called my daughter's pneumonia changed my plans.  No biggee.  My next book will have the most awesome hospital scenes ever.  Real life = real writing.  We'll see.  But this put me back a ways.  I'll now have to start my new book when my kids go back to school.  That's only a couple weeks away, so it's not the end of the world.  But the more I put it off, the more anxious I am to get started.  So hopefully this will be the best book ever.  The more passion and angst I have roiling around inside my head, the more emotional (amazing) my writing will be.  Right?  I guess we'll just have to wait and see.