THE WISHING PEARL - Nicole O'Dell - Free Book

Welcome back, Nicole. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about?

My theme is It’s all about choices! I work to prepare teens to make wise decisions before they find themselves in pressure-filled situations. I do this through YA fiction as well as some teen and parenting non-fiction. I’m also the host of Teen Talk Radio where special guests and I talk about the tough issues—and some fun things, too.

What other books of yours are coming out soon?

Let’s see…THE WISHING PEARL releases on 10/1. GIRL TALK (an advice book I wrote with my two daughters) releases on 2/1/12. THE EMBITTERED RUBY, book two in the Diamond Estates Series, releases on 4/1/12. HOT BUTTONS: INTERNET EDITION and HOT BUTTONS: DATING EDITION (books one and two in a series to help parents talk about the issues) both release on 5/1/12. And RAINBOW’S END, an anthology about geo-caching in the Ozarks also releases on 5/1/12. There are more book releases later in the year, but that’s enough to list for now. J

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why?

One evening? Hmm. I’m not all that enamored by anyone famous that I’d like to spend a special evening alone with just that person. I’m going to pick Frank and Pam Smith. They are two of my dearest friends and were the directors of the Teen Challenge center I lived at for a year as a teen. They don’t live nearby, and I don’t get to see them nearly enough. A few hours at a kitchen table with them would do my heart good. J

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why?

At this point in our country’s history, I’d really like to sit down with the framers of the constitution and get some confirmation on their original intent. Believe me, I’d record the meeting.

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers?

I think all of the sage advice has been given about the famous people who received hundreds of rejections before being published. Wasn’t it Steven King who nailed his rejection letters to a railroad tie, which he hung on his wall? I have no idea why he did that, but it is interesting.

Have you received a lot of rejection letters?

I hear this rejection letter toilet paper is good therapy: http://www.lulu.com/tp

All kidding aside, I think the best thing an author can do is to spend some time in prayer. Ask the Lord for reminders of why you’re doing what you’re doing. If you feel His urge to continue, then rejection letters shouldn’t matter because you’ve already received the best book deal imaginable in the form of the Lord’s calling and blessing.

Tell us about the featured book.

The Diamond Estates Series. Three girls are on a journey to find hope and healing. Each coming to Diamond Estates seeking solace… Each with her own unique set of struggles… And each capturing hearts and challenging the faith of teen girls.

In book one, THE WISHING PEARL, sixteen-year-old Olivia Mansfield dreams of a land far, far away. . .

A land far away from her stepfather’s abuse and torment.

A land far away from her mother’s blind eye.

A land far away from the haunting memories of her past.

But then reality sets in, and Olivia knows she must make the best of her dire situation—at least until her high-school graduation. But when poor choices lead Olivia to the brink of a complete breakdown and she finds herself dealing with the unexpected death of her best friend, she comes to a crossroads.

Will Olivia find the path to ultimate hope and healing that her heart longs for?

Or will the demons from her past prove too much to bear?

Please give us the first page of the book.

Chapter 1

Even the happiest of songs could sound mournful on the oboe when they’re played just right. Olivia Mansfield pulled the instrument from between her lips and traced her fingers along the silver tracks and keys that reminded her of the braces she wore on her teeth last year. The oboe understood her. It sang her somber song. Melancholy and forlorn, her band director once called it. Perfect words to describe its cry and Olivia.

Buzz. Olivia jumped as the intercom in her bedroom suite intruded. “Are you almost done with that incessant noise?” barked a crackling voice. Five more minutes had been the plan—but not anymore.

She hurried to the wall and jabbed the TALK button. “I’ll be at least another half hour, Chuck.” Charles hated when Olivia called him that, almost as much as he hated the sound of the oboe. Which wasn’t nearly as much as he hated her.

“Well, hurry up.” The speaker clicked and fell silent.

Olivia tipped the bell of her instrument in the direction of the door and blew a long, angry note, loud enough to make her stepfather's acne-scarred skin crawl just like he made hers every   

time he came near. She could wait and practice later when he wasn’t home, but why should she? Only two more years of high-school band and then, hopefully, a prestigious music school somewhere very far away. Making that dream come true required practice—lots of it. It wasn’t her fault Charles couldn’t tolerate the sound.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website and the home of Choose NOW Minstries is located at either www.choose-now.com or www.nicoleodell.com. I have two blogs there—one for teens and one for parents—and links to all the fun social stuff as well as a newsletter sign up. You can also learn more about Teen Talk Radio at www.choicesradio.com or on iTunes.

Also, I have to let you in on a little secret. On October 1^st, I’ll be launching THE WISHING PEARL EXTRAVAGANZA on my site. Here’s a direct link that will be active that morning: http://nicoleodell.com/?p=3976 You won’t believe the giveaways that will be happening all month long including the grand prize of a Kindle pre-loaded with all of my books!

Thanks so much for having me on your awesome blog, Lena! 


It is my pleasure, Nicole. You are doing a marvelous thing with your books.


Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

The Wishing Pearl (Diamond Estates)


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

SWEPT AWAY - Nicole O'Dell - Free Book

Welcome back, Nicole. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Oh, Lena, I don’t even know where to start with this one. I’m so humbled by all that He’s done. I’m still at the beginning of two three-book series that I’m doing for Barbour. With those projects and a few non-fiction things, I’m tied up for a couple of years. What an amazing feeling for a writer—especially these days. I feel so honored and truly humbled that God has decided to funnel His words through me, and I pray that I listen well.

I know what you mean by that, being in the same kind of place. Tell us a little about your family.

Ah, my favorite topic. I’m a slobbery mom. I just love to kiss on my kiddos—the backs of their necks. Their sweet little feet—well, until they turn three. My son Erik is 19, and, believe me, I have nothing to do with his feet. His are clad in military boots as he is off serving his country in the Air Force. Natalie is 13 and Emily is 10. We’re doing a neat book together called Girl Talk, based off an advice column we have on my blog. Readers write in, and my girls and I answer their questions. Next year, those questions and answers will come out in a book.

I also have a set of two-year-old triplets. Oh, my sweet Jesus…those babies are a piece of heaven right here on earth. Logan, Megan, and Ryleigh. Ahhh. You’re making me want to go wake them up for some cuddles.

I would love to feature Girl Talk on this blog. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes. I read much less. It’s an unfortunate byproduct of the science of division. X amount of hours in the day divided by the tasks on the to-do list = very little free time for Mom. But I do try to read at least two books a month.

What are you working on right now?

I’m continuing on in theDiamond Estates series and the Drama Ensues series. I’m also wondering why I named them both DE? Isn’t that a strange coincidence? They’re very, very different series—I hope you check them both out. Diamond Estates deals with troubled girls in a group home, to state it very simply. Drama Ensues has a different style—quirky, drama club—yet it’s compelling in its coverage of the issues.

What outside interests do you have?

Diapers?

No, seriously, I love what I’m doing. I’m living my dream. I’ve given up a lot of outside things to give more time to my passion. How many people can say that about their work? I’m grateful to God for what he’s given me and I happily give my spare moments to my writing. I do exercise. Sometimes. Oh, and I speak at events, lead a local writing group, and teach a publishing course at the community college.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I wish I could say it was based on my travels. But it’s more based on the characters. They speak to me. I tried to have Carmen from The Embittered Ruby (coming soon) hail from Virginia. But try as I did, that girl was from New York, no matter how hard I tried to make it otherwise. I love it when that happens!

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

My grandfather? I know, you’re probably asking about war figures, past presidents, disciples of Christ. But, really, my grandpa was my hero, and there was no disciple who served their Jesus with any more vigor than my Papaw. I’d just love to be with him for some time.

There is no expected answer for that question. I'm trying to let readers get to know the real you. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

Honestly, what comes to mind is the one thing I’m glad I didn’t know. I had no idea how difficult the process was supposed to be. I didn’t know about people enduring years of rejection letters. I didn’t know that many writers had unpublished manuscripts gathering dust in the corners of their offices. I hadn’t heard the stories of pitches and near misses. I just had some stuff to write. So I did.

I often wonder if the results—or even my efforts—would have been different if I’d known how rough it was supposed to be? I’m thankful I was protected from both the knowledge and the experience.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Be confident – timidity will get you nowhere in this business. Trust God to be your ambassador and let Him shine through you.

Take a chance – nothing is gained by not trying. What do they say? You miss out on 100% of the chance you don’t take.

Be yourself – Don’t try to fit yourself into a mold just so you can have a “brand.” Let that brand develop and evolve organically. Otherwise, it will feel unnatural and contrived to both you and your readers.

Tell us about the featured book.

Well, all three of these releases contain two of my Scenarios for Girls Interactive Fiction books. They each have alternate endings that allow the reader to make an important moral decision for the main character and follow the consequences of her choice.

Dare to be Different contains Scenarios for Girls books one and two: Truth or Dare and All that Glitters.
Risky Business contains Scenarios for Girls books three and four: Magna and Making Waves.
Swept Away contains the never-before released Scenarios for Girls five and six: High Stakes and Essence of Lilly.

Please give us the first page of the book.

This is the first bit of High Stakes, which is one of the two books found in Swept Away, the book I’m offering for giveaway.

“You might have to get out and push.”

Amber groaned and rolled her eyes. “Very funny, Dad. The scary thing is, one of these days, it’s going to be true.”

Dad chuckled. “Ah, she hasn’t failed us yet.” He rubbed the faded steering wheel.

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” Amber sulked down in the cracked vinyl seat and covered her eyes with her forearm. Her friends all had fancy new SUVs or expensive sedans. But no, her parents never wanted a car payment or— gasp!—a lease payment. Nothing but a complete waste of money when they already had a perfectly reliable vehicle—or so they said. If she had a dollar for every time they’d explained the horrors of a lease agreement. . .

The brakes squealed as Dad pulled the twelve-year-old Toyota into the garage. He smiled and patted the dashboard. “You did it, girl.” He’d somehow ignored the putt. . .sputter. . .putt sounds the car had made all the way up the driveway.

"Yeah, Dad. We made it home. But what about tomorrow? What about the next day? When will we ever be able to get a new car now that you lost your job?” Amber squeezed her eyes shut, holding back the tears that threatened to spill.

“Now, Amber.”

Amber steeled herself against the coming speech that she knew by heart and caught the sigh before it escaped her mouth.

Dad’s lips moved in what looked like prayer for a few moments. He took a deep breath and turned her chin with his hand until she lifted her watery eyes to meet his. “God has always provided everything we’ve ever needed and much, much more. I have no reason to think He’s going to stop now.” He let go of her face and rubbed her arm. “Sweetie, give Him a chance.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” Amber rolled her eyes and fought the urge to point out that God had provided that stuff—which wasn’t excessive, by any means—before He unprovided Dad’s job. She climbed out of the car and paused a moment to give the rusted hood a few little pats—like paying respects at a funeral.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Everything I do is linked through my website http://www.nicoleodell.com/. You can find the archives of Teen Talk Radio, book information, my blog, a link to sign up for my newsletter, my social stuff like facebook and twitter, bookstore…and much more.

Thanks so much for having me here! What a fun interview.

I love having you here, Nicole.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment to be in the drawing. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

MAGNA and MAKING WAVES - Nicole O'Dell - Two Free Books

Welcome back, Nicole. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I have a heart for teen girls. I had a rough time as a teenager—by my own doing. I understand the turmoil they’re in due to hormones, peer pressure, and confusion. These days parents don’t try hard enough to keep them innocent, so they are faced with adult issues and choices far younger than ever before. My goal, in writing my books, is to try to open their minds up to the inevitability of the moral dilemmas they’ll face, and to help them pre-determine their choices. It’s easier for them to decide what they’ll do when they aren’t staring peer pressure right in the face. Each book also has a contract and a prayer designed to help them commit to their choice.

Here’s a link to a podcast where I talk about my books: http://gabcast.com/casts/1631/episodes/1264012962.mp3

And here's the book trailer:




Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

The day my triplets were born and I knew they were safe. The births of all six of my kids were amazing, but the weeks preceding the birth of the triplets were so scary that seeing three perfect and healthy, albeit tiny, human beings come from my body was such an incredible relief and answer to so many people’s prayers—WOW!

How has being published changed your life?

More than anything, it has clarified and validated my dreams. Let’s face it, I didn’t wake up a superstar, my bank account hasn’t changed all that much (lol), but I do have a much clearer understanding of what God has in store for me—what He’s called me to do. Being published validates that calling. Each contract that has followed spurs me on to the next thing He has for me. It seems like every time I start to doubt myself, He drops a nugget in my lap: a new book contract. . .signing with my dream agent. . .the invitation to join a tiny, select group of writer-sister-friends that changed my life, etc. He’s good to me like that.

What are you reading right now?

William Henry is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on a YA series called Diamond Estates that is geared to a slightly older audience than the Scenarios books—more info on that coming soon. I do hope to write at least two more Scenarios books, though. Watch for books five, High Stakes, and six, Essence of Lilly, in 2011…seven and eight to follow those, Lord willing.

What would be your dream vacation?

I have two. The first would be a trip to Disney World with the whole family, and a Cruise following it. We’re actually taking that trip on June 9th of this year. I can’t wait!

The second trip would be a cruise of the Greek Islands or an Alaskan cruise with my husband. No immediate plans for that one.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

They are usually loosely based on places I’ve been. I seldom use an actual place, though. The state or general area might exist, but the town is usually fictitious.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I’d say my husband, but I already get that privilege all the time. Other than him, I’d have to pick my writer-sister group. I know that’s not just one person, but I couldn’t choose from among them for anything. I’d love to sit at a nice big table in some really great restaurant, enjoying their company from appetizers all the way through the third cup of cappuccino. I also have some crit partners that I’d love to meet in person—ACFW conference is coming soon! This will be my first year there and I’m looking forward to the exact scenario I just described.

I look forward to seeing you there, too. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I’m a student working toward a secondary education degree. I also lead the youth group at my church with my husband. My hubby’s and my favorite outdoor activity is biking. Since I had the triplets, it’s been a bit of a challenge to get out for rides, though. Our favorite bike ride is 50-mile trip from Chicago’s Navy Pier, up the lakefront and into Evanston and the university area.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Time. With a large family, including my 18-month-old triplets, time comes at a high premium. You asked how I overcome it…I’m not quite sure that I do. My husband and I work together to make sure I get the writing time I need. But, you know how it is, it’s never enough. With writing, schooling and prepping my teaching for youth group, I require a lot of computer hours. Sometimes I just have to take what I can get at midnight or very early in the morning. It’s okay, though. I’m fully aware of how fast this time with my kids goes by and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Read and study. There is so much I wish I’d learned before my first books were written. I’ve come so far and all it’s taught me is that I have so far yet to go.

Tell us about the featured books?

Magna: Molly Jacobs isn’t sure what she should do: Should she follow through with stealing some clothes for her friends from Magna the trendy girls clothing store where she works? Or should she do what she knows is right, even if it means losing her friends? Girls ages 10 to 15 make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Molly's life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions.

Making Waves: Kate Walker joins the swim team and becomes obsessed with practice and making it through the championships with flying colors. With a scholarship on the line and pressure from everyone, what will Kate do when she’s faced with pressure from her teammates to take an illegal substance that will help her swim multiple events in their championship meet? Girls ages 10 to 15 make the choice in this interactive story and see how the consequences change Kate s life. Includes a contract and prayer to remind the reader of the importance of making godly decisions.

Please give us the first page of the books.

Magna:

“Purple and yellow polyester gym clothes? This school needs a new wardrobe!” Molly looked at the locker room mirror in disgust as she pulled her shirt off. “They’re so ugly, and we have to wear them every single day.”

“Plus, it’s so gross that they only let us take them home once a week to wash them.” Jess wrinkled her nose and pinched it with the tips of her fingers. She dropped the sweaty gym uniform into her duffel bag, careful to touch as little of it as possible.

“I know.” Sara gestured over her shoulder to an unkempt girl seated on the bench down the row. “Some people should wash their clothes a lot more often than that.”

Molly looked at the girl—her clothes way too small and her hair obviously unwashed. She has more pimples than I have freckles. But still, why does Sara have to be mean? Molly turned away to swipe some gloss on her lips and changed the subject. “Forget about gym clothes for a sec. What about the rest of our clothes? You know, we’re in high school now. I don’t know about you, but I’m having trouble finding cool stuff in my closet. Everything is so junior high.” Her voice trailed off in a whine as she tied her long blond hair back in a ponytail and fluffed her bangs with her fingertips.

Making Waves:

The picture had been shot only six weeks before; but the edges were already tattered, and fingerprints smudged the image. Kate peeled it from the scrapbook page for what seemed like the hundredth time. She leaned back to lie on the floor and raised the picture above her head in one fluid motion—the rotating ceiling fan made the picture wiggle.

Three generations of Walker women stared back at her. Her silver-haired grandma sat elegantly, unsmiling, in a high-backed brocade chair; and her mom stood just behind, grinning. Kate’s sister, Julia, looked regal with her ivory-lace wedding dress fanned out around the group like a moat around a castle. She wore her brown, velvety hair swept up in an elegant clip, revealing her long, graceful neck. Kate sat at her mom’s feet just outside the moat, her legs twisted to the side as she tried to remain graceful, careful not to touch the ethereal hem of her sister’s garment.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I’m at http://www.nicoleodell.com/  which can also be accessed with http://www.scenariosforgirls.com/ .

On twitter, I’m Nicole_Odell and on facebook, you can find me at www.facebook.com/nicoleodell .

Pop by my blog when you get a second. On Mondays, I post a message to Mom and Dad. Tuesday’s is my Girl Talk day—my daughters and I answer readers questions. Wednesday I write about something happening in the writing world—book reviews, etc. Thursdays are for a devotional or testimony. Friday’s posts are simple fun. You can access my blog through my website or directly at http://www.nicoleodell.blogspot.com/ .

I also want to mention that I’m the new YA book reviewer for http://www.shereads.org/ . I’ll be reviewing there on the last Wednesday of every month.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Lena! This interview was a blast!

And we enjoyed the time you spent with us, Nicole.

Readers, here are links to the books. By using these links when you order you help support this blog.


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of one of the books.

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

TRUTH OR DARE & ALL THAT GLITTERS - Nicole O'Dell

What has drawn you to writing for the YA market?

Fear! Seriously.

When I was a young girl, my mom was my hero. I really believed that she could do anything and that she knew everything. Somehow, when I entered my pre-teen and early teen years, that all changed. I became angry and really gave her a hard time. I regret much of those years now that I see the truth of them. My mom is now my very best friend. I wish I had known, then, what I know now and how temporary all of that angst and confusion really was.

Ever since I had my daughters, I have feared those years. My parenting has really been shaped by my desire to avoid as much of that destruction as possible. My heart’s desire is to reach hormonal, confused, pre-teen girls, protecting them from themselves and their families from the confusion that can ensue as the girls face those life changes.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

At 15, I decided that I was tired of high school. I convinced my parents to let me homeschool myself and finished three years of high school in five months. I entered Bible college a month before I turned 16.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When I was in the fourth grade, I entered and won a literary competition. I had to write and illustrate a children’s book—I remember the feelings I had as the process unfolded and I got to see the story in my head come to life on the page. My book, The Girl on the Runaway Pogo-Stick, got “published” and put in the school libraries in my district. I was hooked!

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I really love to read literary non-fiction, memoirs, that sort of thing. My favorite book, though, is a novel by Randy Alcorn, Deadline. Of all the many hundreds of books I’ve read, I know this was my favorite because of how much I cried when I read it, how often I’ve thought of the characters and how much I miss the experience of reading the book for the first time. It’s really a beautiful book.

I love that book, too, as well as other of Randy's novels. What other books have you written?

As far as full-length published works, these are my debut. I was also a contributing writer for six devotional books for Barbour Publishing.

Whispers of Wisdom for Busy Moms (Barbour, 2008)
Whispers of Wisdom for Single Moms (Barbour, 2008)
Whispers of Wisdom for Mothers of Preschoolers (Barbour, 2008)
Whispers of Wisdom for Young Women (Barbour, 2008)
Whispers of Wisdom for Wives (Barbour, 2009)
Whispers of Wisdom for Girls (Barbour, 2008)

Unpublished, I’m working on two non-fiction parenting books about which I’m currently “in talks”. I also have one full-length fiction manuscript that I’m finalizing this year. And, most importantly, the next two books in the Scenarios series are in the pipeline.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I don’t. (ha ha) No, seriously, life IS busy. There’s no disputing that fact. The publishing world is a funny one. It’s a lot of wait, wait, wait and then, when it hits, WOW! There’s a lot to do in a short amount of time. But, that’s not all, I’m also a mom of six—the youngest of which being infant triplets. And, I’m an online college student. So, it’s even busier than people realize. But, I love every minute of it and I wouldn’t change a thing!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?

Besides family, I’d have to say that the release of these two books is among my proudest moments.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Hmmm…a lobster because they are tender and fiercely loyal to their loved ones, and once they grab on to something, they never let go.

What is your favorite food?

I’m a perpetual dieter, so I’m a really boring eater. People probably hate to have me over for dinner because they never know what I’ll eat at any given time. Hmm…you’d think I’d be skinny! I do love a good salad bar, though…and lobster…!

Is it hard to break into the YA market?

I know it would be common for me to say that it took years of effort, with rejection after rejection, but that’s not how it happened for me. I had what I believed was a great idea that God put into my heart. I honed my pitch and perfected my query until I believed it was ready to go. I wrote to one publisher, one time. That one query led to a proposal, and then a contract for two books. I wrote those books; they were published; here we are. I know that it seldom happens that way, and I recognize that it was a complete anomaly (miracle) that it did.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?

Write a perfect query and then a perfect proposal. Don’t send out weak work. Be patient.

What would you like to tell us about the featured books?

The goal of this series is change. My prayer is that the thinking of young girls is changed as they realize the full weight of the consequences of their decisions. The unique quality of these books is that the reader gets to make the major, moral decision for the main character. That puts the reader right into the story and lets her feel the effects of her decision as the various endings unfold.

Please share the first page with us.

Sure! This is from All that Glitters:

Chapter 1

Time for a Change

A fancy sports car on one side and a shiny, brand new SUV on the other, the Daniels’ slid into a parking spot at the mall. More than any other year, shopping for school clothes this year was a very important task. Dani and Drew, identical twins, were starting the ninth grade, freshman year, the first year of high school! They knew full well how important their first impression was, well, at least Drew did. She had spent most of her summer planning and researching fashion trends, hairstyles and make-up tips by reading Cosmo and other fashion magazines. Not that it would do her much good, she often thought. Their parents didn’t allow them to wear make-up and her long, straight, dark hair looked just like her sister’s hair and was cut and styled in the same style they had always had.

“Mom, I think it’s time for a change,” Drew announced as they were walking through the parking lot toward the mall.

“What kind of change?” Mrs. Daniels asked hesitantly.

“You know, change isn’t always a bad thing.” Drew thought her mom might need some convincing before she tried to state her case. “Change can just be a part of growing up and a sign that a girl is secure and comfortable with herself.”

“Yes, Drew, I’m aware of that. Why do I have a feeling that I’m not going to like what you’re about to suggest?” Mrs. Daniels sighed good naturedly and looked at Drew’s twin sister who shrugged her shoulders not knowing anything about the big change that her twin was proposing. “Well, let’s have it. What have you got cooked up?”

“Oh, it’s really not a big deal, Mom. I’d just like to get my hair cut.” Drew pulled a picture of a hairstyle out of her pocket and showed it to her mom. Mrs. Daniels could see immediately that the softly layered style would cascade to a very flattering place just below Drew’s shoulders. She looked at Dani and raised her eyebrows, “Do you want your hair cut like that?”

“No, Mom, you don’t understand.” Drew interrupted with a slight whine, nervous that she wasn’t getting her point across. “If Dani cuts her hair like that, too, then I don’t want to. This is how I want to look…by myself. I want to make a change, even just a slight one like my hairstyle, to separate myself from just being ‘one of the twins.’ I want to be an individual; I want to be Drew.”

Read on to find out what Drew does to make herself even more of an individual. Does she go too far?

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Website: http://www.nicoleodell.com/
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Email: nicoleodell6@gmail.com
Twitter: Nicole_Odell
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Thanks so much for having me here on your blog, Lena! I’ve had a great time with your questions. I think I may have even learned a thing or two about myself.

Thank you, Nicole, for coming by.

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