Books and also, more books

I have just one week left of my maternity leave before I return to my job at the Clarington Public Library. And as much as I love love love my little guy, I am very much looking forward to going back.

Every job has its ups and downs but fortunately for me, mine has more ups than downs. The biggest one being the obvious - I am surrounded by books upon books upon books. Not only that, but I am surrounded by book lovers, my favourite type of people. It's kind of like... being an alcoholic who works at a liquor store, except my addiction isn't as unhealthy.* My first year I worked there, I got so attached to two certain books** that my sister ended up buying them for me that Christmas and I think I've maybe read them about 5 times each.

So what will I do with my last week of "freedom"? Probably the same thing I did before I had a baby and during my maternity leave - write!  I've been writing so consistently the last week and a half that I would hate to interrupt the flow and lose my sense of purpose. It isn't easy to get away with writing every day when you have a baby that needs attention and it certainly won't be easier when I'm back at work, even though I'm only part time. But I've already made my promise to write every day and I'm going to stick to it.

Here's to many, many more books in my future!

- Natasja

*Symptoms of a book addiction include, but are not limited to: lack of sleep from reading too much, seeing words everywhere you look, inappropriately falling in love with fictional people, feeling naked while not holding a book, and utter horror when people say they "don't really read."

** Here and here

I'm not trying to hide... not too much, anyway.

Today's post is all about My Best Friend's Brother/The Summer I Turned Into A Girl and where exactly you can find this book. If you haven't yet had a chance to read it, there are places it can be found for free, my friends. And if you're still interested in buying it, there are also several places to do that.

1. I always have copies. If you live remotely close to me, you can get your hands on a copy from me. I will sell you copies (usually for a discounted price) and I will sign it. And if I'm feeling particularly generous, I may even just lend you a copy.*

2. My local library carries a couple copies of it. Library cards are free, and so is borrowing books.

3. Various friends and family members have copies of my books, so if you are friends with them, just ASK. If they don't have a copy on hand, they can still get you a copy from me. Keep in mind that I have friends and family near where I live, and in various parts of the States.

4. I think some people in the UK bought my book. I don't actually know who, but it's kind of cool to know it's traveled that far. 

If all that fails, there's the online stuff:

5. The CreateSpace store has it, of course.

6. Amazon.com is currently offering it at a discounted price.**

7. Lastly, please keep in mind that my book is on Goodreads. If you've read it and know someone else who has read it, could you kindly take the time to rate and/or review it? Thank you so much.

- Natasja

*I also have a copy in my bathroom, so feel free to come over and... I don't know, use the bathroom?

**Do me a favour, would you? If you see some clowns trying to sell my book for $145.27, please let me know. Thanks.

News - The Challenge

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my NaNoWriMo experience from last November. I remember very distinctly saying that it was such a good idea, and that I think everyone should try it once, and maybe I even added that I was a glutton for punishment...

Well, I just wanted to make the official announcement that I would be entering again this year. That's right - I, Natasja Eby, am going to attempt to write another 50,000-word novel in just 30 days. Even though this year, I'm working two jobs, and I don't have nearly as much time. (So, apologies in advance to my bosses, as I may end up doing a lot of writing while I'm... "working.")

Why am I doing it? Mostly because a coworker of mine, who happens to be the Municipal Liaison for my area, basically convinced me that I should do it. Partly because I've had other encouragement. And lastly because... well, to be honest, last time, it ended up in me publishing my first novel. So I can't say it wasn't a good experience.

So, now all I have to do is decide what I want to write and wait for November 1st. Friends, Family, loved ones... I'm sorry, but I'm pretty much going to be out of commission this November. Don't be offended if my laptop spends more quality time with me than you do.

You know I love you anyways.

- Natasja

Shout Out!

The lovely Paperback Princesses at allaboutyabooks.blogspot.ca have featured my book in their Shout Out to Indies post from Sunday, October 7th. Here's what they had to say:

"My Best Friend's Brother ..... is a fun-filled quick read, that had me smiling often.  This is a new take on the classic 'body switching', and managed to be fresh and interesting.  Natasja has succeeded in making her dialogue quick witted and entertaining and it was very convincing. 

Colin and Jessica are of course horrified when they switch places but there was a huge amount of character growth as they become acustomed to their new bodies and circumstances and it was easy to believe in their triumphs and frustrations.  Have you ever watched the movie 'It's a Boy/Girl Thing'?  Well if you enjoyed it, you'll love My Best Friend's Brother...The Summer I Turned Into a Girl. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Natasja."

I should thank my wonderful coworker, Carol, for reading the book, giving me an honest review, and featuring me of course! Also, for those who have yet to buy the book, I have partnered with the Paperback Princesses and agreed to give away a free signed copy of the book. All you have to do is comment on their blog post and leave your name and email address.

Good luck! And remember, you can always buy a copy and if you live close by, I will sign it for you.

- Natasja