James Dashner & Brandon Sanderson

This evening, my daughter and I went down to Orem to the Barnes & Noble for Brandon Sanderson's book release party for the second book in his Alcatraz series. Now personally, I have yet to read any of Brandon's books, but I am now eager to catch up on what I've missed. I have just learned (though this may not be news to you) that Brandon Sanderson has been asked to complete the last book in the Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan. My husband is a HUGE fan of Robert Jordan and we were saddened to hear of his passing. However, we were glad to here that Mrs. Jordan has requested that Brandon Sanderson complete her husband's last work.

I asked Brandon this evening about his experience writing The Memory of Light in Robert Jordan's behalf. He told me it is an amazing and wonderful experience and he is honored to have been asked.

My husband and I are looking forward to seeing the results of his efforts. In the meantime, I am going to read Brandon's other works in order to get to know him better as a writer. Also at tonight's book signing was one of the author's that I love to read most - James Dashner. He has written the Jimmy Fincher series as well as The 13th Reality. Book 2 of the 13th Reality Series is schedule for release in early March. It was great to see James again, and it was wonderful to see that he recognized me from when I met him at Shannon Hale's book release party for Rapunzel's Revenge. It is always a great experience to have another author ask me how my writing was going and to give me hope in my efforts. Thanks James.

Progress on Book 2

Good Morning Ladies & Gents: It is I!!!!!!! Yes, I still exist. I know it has been a two whole weeks without a post and for that I apologize. My time has been split evenly between a teething daughter and researching/writing book two of the Nedaran Prophecy series. I had forgotten how starting a book can be a struggle at times, but...hey...I'm making progress. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

The biggest difficulty that I am running into is that my best friend, fellow authoress, and fabulous brainstorming guru and I no longer live in the same state. We use to go walking every morning to discuss goals, difficulties and plot ideas for our books. We were each others life line and motivator. My brainstorming buddy and I now only get to talk on the phone to discuss what we need to about our books (and usually only when our kids are either napping or eating their lunches).

Never fear...I refuse to give up, and thanks to set-rate long-distance phone bills I can call my friend when I am in dire need of help to break through plot barriers. I love modern technology. Keep up the good work and don't give up hope. Even when the struggle of writing is getting you down barrel through and you'll end up on top.