New Book Release! Echoes in the Glass now available on Kindle

Now available on Amazon US or Amazon Worldwide!

You've heard about it. Now you can have it. Echoes in the Glass is Cheri Lasota's follow-up to her Cygnus Award-winning debut, Artemis Rising. A genre-bending young adult novel, Echoes in the Glass, is a little mystery, romance, and ghost story all wrapped up in one.

"This is an OMG, blew me out of the water (pun intended) kind of book. I am only on page 178 out of 274... And I seriously paused and waited a few minutes before picking up my jaw off the floor. This book... It's amazing so far, and I can't wait to finish it."

—Amanda Kiekbusch

The grand symbol of the story, the magnificent Cape Sorrow Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, sets the backdrop for a story of redemption for Finnian Bell, a boy who commits a terrible crime. Can he rebuild his life as he restores the lighthouse to its former glory?

We also follow Carina Jane's terrifying experiences at Cape Sorrow back in 1935, during the lighthouse's heyday. The lighthouse harbors shocking secrets that have far-reaching consequences for both Finnian and Carina. Will they learn the truth too late?

The Inception of a Novel

A couple of years ago, my agent at the time asked me to come up with a new idea for a novel within a two-day timeframe. Given that the previous project (that she was pitching to the big houses at the time) took me years to fully develop, I thought this an impossible task.

But a tiny idea popped in my head at some point on Day One of the Impossible Task. I was celebrating a milestone in my writing career at the time, and when I celebrate, I go to Cannon Beach, Oregon, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Years before, I had dreamt up the idea of a short story involving a famous lighthouse off the coast, but I never got around to writing it. I also had the skeleton plot planned out of a sequel to my debut novel, Artemis Rising, half-done and wallowing in no man's land. I brainstormed like mad as I stared off at Tillamook Head Lighthouse a mile out to sea from Cannon Beach, Oregon.

And then it hit me, as story ideas often do. Rather, those two story ideas hit each other and exploded in my mind. So the basic story came together literally over the course of the day as I wrote down the ideas at a fever pitch. Echoes in the Glass, my second novel, was born that day.

Today, years later, I come full circle to a story I've been working on for about three years. My world changed over the course of those years. I fell so ill I had to take a year off my life to recover, and I'm still recovering. I met, fell in love with, and married my husband. I published my debut novel--a feat I had dreamed of since I was eight years old (but never thought possible). Mainly, I spent a lot of time surviving. But I'm still here and this second novel is another dream that I didn't think would come true. But in December, this one will be released, and I'll move on to writing my first trilogy. You just never know how it's all going to shake out, do you?

I've moved heaven and earth to make it this far. And I'm grateful I survived, that I found love, that I found readers who love reading my writing as much as I love writing for them. I'm grateful for so many things, it's hard to put into words, but I will try.

Thank you to Stephen for giving me time and space to write. It's hard, I know.

Thank you Lyndsey Shaw, Charity Heller, Auburn Seal, Jaymi Elford, Nancy Kelley, Jessica Samuelson, Andy Bunch, Jeff Blackmer and Adam Copeland for being my local support. I treasure your friendships and advice.

Thank you to the Indelibles, Historical Fiction Authors Cooperative, and Pacific Northwest YA Authors groups for your amazing support and advice. I'm in awe of all of you. Thank you especially to Alice Lynn, M. Louisa Locke, and Megg Jensen for your unwavering support, advice, and editing eyeballs!

Thank you to my dear parents for reading. You know what that means and how grateful I am.

The Story

Finnian bears the scar of an unspeakable crime. Tiria hides the pain of a terrible betrayal. When all their secrets are laid bare, will the truth rip them apart or forever silence the echoes of the past?

Seventeen-year-old Finnian Bell has been on the run for years, but he finally has a chance to rebuild his life while restoring an abandoned lighthouse on the Oregon Coast.

Tiria Lucas, the lightkeeper’s daughter, is still reeling from the pain of an event that has shattered her innocence. Fear and bitterness have turned her heart from Finnian, but he is determined not to let her go.

The lighthouse harbors dark secrets of its own…

When Finnian and Tiria uncover the story of two teens hidden in the tower back in 1935, they discover a shocking connection that bridges time and death.

Echoes in the Glass is for readers who loved Saundra Mitchell’s The Vespertine, Libba Bray’s Diviners, and Jennifer Donnelly’s A Northern Light.

Want to read a short excerpt?

Check out an excerpt of the book's opening here.

Available worldwide on all Amazon sites. Quick links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon France

Do you read on Nook, Kobo, or iBooks?

Message me via the "Contact Author" form located at the right-hand side of this page and I'll help you out.

#indiechat 7/31/12 Autography

srjohannes hey guys - we're talking about digital ebook platforms. @TJ_WATERS has stopped by to tell us a little about @autography #indiechat -9:00 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross Yo #indiechat peeps! I have 2 drive kid2 to karate but I'm gonna try to join in a few! I didn't forget! -9:00 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes Maybe @TJ_WATERS can tell us a little about @autography to get us started #indiechat -9:01 PM Jul 31st, 2012

EArroyo5 Hiya #indiechat -9:02 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @EArroyo5 hi! :) #indiechat -9:02 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @TJ_Waters dont forget to use #indiechat! :) -9:02 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes RT @TJ_Waters: @srjohannes @autography HI all! Any ebook fans out there? #indiechat -9:02 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes I think we are all ebook fans :) RT @TJ_Waters: @srjohannes @autography HI all! Any ebook fans out there? #indiechat -9:03 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Battista_j Hi there. #indiechat -9:03 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Has anyone been to an ebook signing event yet? Online or in person? -9:04 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes For those who dont know @autography is a place where u can sell SIGNED ebooks. @tj_waters on my blog today http://t.co/80AfXX8P #indiechat -9:04 PM Jul 31st, 2012

EArroyo5 @TJ_Waters nope. I haven't #indiechat -9:04 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes I havent but ja konrath talked about his at RT this year RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat Has any1 been to ebook signing event yet? -9:05 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat We've helped quite a few authors now, probaby around a 100 on the site. Several with quite a few books listed. -9:05 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes how do you set it up? RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat Has anyone been to an ebook signing event yet? Online or in person? -9:05 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB @TJ_Waters No. Tell me everything. :) #indiechat -9:05 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes im on there :) RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat We've helped a few author probaby around a 100 on the site. Several with quite a few books listed. -9:05 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat A couple of folks, Joe Konrath and Blake Crouch come to mind immediately, have over 25 books each with us. -9:05 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LM_Preston Hi! RT @Battista_j: Hi there. #indiechat -9:05 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes I am just getting used to using it - people love it! so cool @TJ_Waters: #indiechat -9:06 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Basically, you can turn anywhere into an ebook signing event. Starbucks coffee shops are a favorite of mine. -9:06 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LM_Preston I've done one. RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat Has anyone been to an ebook signing event yet? Online or in person? -9:06 PM Jul 31st, 2012

amanda_fanger RT @GeneLempp: Creativity Under Pressure: How to Write Your Way Through Storms #writing #indiechat http://t.co/WhEoeBx8 via @AugstMcLaughlin -9:06 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Blake Crouch was at Bouchercon last year - he walked around the bar at the Mariottt, autographing 3 chapter samples of his books. -9:07 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes Can you tell us how @autography is different than kindlegraph ? @TJ_Waters: #indiechat -9:07 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes how did you do it? RT @LM_Preston: I've done 1 RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat Has anyone been to an ebook signing event -9:07 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat People loved it! Lost of authors do radio events - now you can autograph an ebook for people while you're on air! -9:07 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @ali_cross :) #indiechat -9:07 PM Jul 31st, 2012

NotebkBlogairy RT @GeneLempp: Creativity Under Pressure: How to Write Your Way Through Storms #writing #indiechat http://t.co/WhEoeBx8 via @AugstMcLaughlin -9:07 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Froze8 Really wish I was at #indiechat but I have work to do before summer is gone. New job over at @BiblioCrunch great place for all you Indies :) -9:08 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes im still not sure how to do it when im not in person sending it to their emaill RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat People loved it! -9:08 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Shelli - great question. We're different from Kindlegraph in the autograph is actually part of the book, not a separate file. -9:08 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes I agree on everythign said :) RT @Froze8: wish I was at #indiechat but have work. New job at @BiblioCrunch great place for all you Indies :) -9:08 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LM_Preston I used my ipad to sign books through kindlegraph RT @srjohannes: how did you do it?: #indiechat an ebook signing event -9:09 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat You can also export the autograph page to Pinterest, Facebook, Myspace, and of course - Twitter! -9:09 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB @TJ_Waters That's so cool! I've tried to sign up...didn't exactly know what to do. #indiechat -9:09 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes I know I love that they open the book and my sign is on page :) RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat autograph is part of the book, not separate file. -9:09 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat It's easy to sign up. Send a note to info@autography.com and we'll send you a brochure outlining the five things we need. -9:10 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @LM_Preston u will like @autography better - it is embedded in book not separate file :) #indiechat -9:10 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB RT great question. Were different from Kindlegraph in the autograph is actually part of the book, not a separate file. #indiechat -9:10 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat Basically, you can turn anywhere into an ebook signing event. Starbucks coffee shops are a favorite of mine. -9:10 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Our app is free on the iTunes store, so it's a matter of getting your files loaded on the server and getting you an ID and PW. -9:10 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Addison_Moore @srjohannes @TJ_Waters is it similar to Kindlegraph? #indiechat -9:10 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @Addison_Moore signature is embedded in book not separate! and you can personalize it to each person just like a book! #indiechat -9:10 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB @TJ_Waters Got it! #indiechat -9:11 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat I would love to take credit for it, but the IT glory goes to my partner in crime Robert Barrett. He designed it all. -9:11 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes yes - you need ipad! RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat Our app is free on the iTunes store, -9:11 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Addison_Moore @srjohannes Is it an app? @TJ_Waters #indiechat -9:11 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @Addison_Moore yes for ipad #indiechat -9:11 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat The whole concept came from a USO tour I was invited to join. My football intel book was popular with troops in teh Middle East. -9:11 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @Addison_Moore i use a stylus and sign the ipad when person is there #indiechat -9:11 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Addison_Moore @srjohannes Sounds wonderful! #indiechat -9:11 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LM_Preston Does it cost? RT @srjohannes: u will like @autography better - it is embedded in book not separate file :) #indiechat -9:12 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB RT It's easy to sign up. Send a note to info@autography.com and we'll send you a brochure outlining the five things we need. #indiechat -9:12 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Next thing I know, I'm spending 10 days and 20,000 miles criss crossing the sand and seas. Quite a trip. -9:12 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Addison_Moore @srjohannes I can't wait to look into this! @TJ_Waters #indiechat -9:12 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes can you tell everyone about cost? RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat -9:12 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Here's my favorite pic from the trip. Autographing an ebook at 36,000 feet over Iraq. http://t.co/qerdlZSc -9:13 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @LM_Preston its same as kindle 70/30 split on royalties. so if i sell thru them and personalize I get same as I would on kindle #indiechat -9:13 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes awesome RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat Here's my favorite pic Autographing an ebook at 36,000 feet over Iraq. http://t.co/WwbouJ4f -9:13 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB @TJ_Waters Sounds like it! What an amazing experience. #indiechat -9:13 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat The app is free, we sell the ebooks as the retailer following the Agency Model (70/30). Happy to throw out ideas for events. -9:14 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @TJ_Waters i definietly need to chat with you about moving to next level :) #indiechat -9:14 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes Konrath loves it! RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat The app is free, we sell ebooks as the retailer following the Agency Model (70/30). @jakonrath -9:15 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat I like the in person events, but costs and travel time tend to be an issue. Online events can be a blast too. -9:15 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Ustream and Skype offer Facebook plugins. We want to help brand you, teh author, not us (a retailer). -9:16 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LM_Preston Oh that is better RT @srjohannesits same as kindle 70/30 split on royalties. I get same as I would on kindle #indiechat -9:17 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Here's a link to an online FB streaming video event I did: http://t.co/DRRiLEGa -9:17 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat Ustream and Skype offer Facebook plugins. We want to help brand you, teh author, not us (a retailer). #indiechat -9:18 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Appearing online lets you go more place more efficiently than trying to travel in person. Quite a convenient option at times. -9:18 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @LM_Preston #indiechat Yes,same split as Amazon. They usually require authors to sell the books cheaper elsewhere, so it works. -9:19 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch So many twitter app issues today but finally on #indiechat ! What's tonight's topic? -9:19 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes digital platforms. taking about @autography with tj@waters first then open discussion. @BiblioCrunch #indiechat -9:20 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat For anyone who wants an autographed ebook, send me a note at tj@tjwaters.com. A freebie for everyone on IndieChat tonight! -9:21 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB We've all stopped to watch the video! lol #indiechat -9:21 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross Hi everyone! Hi @TJ_Waters What a cool experience traveling with the USO! #indiechat -9:22 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @Stacey_WB #indiechat ARGH!! That haircut was SO not working for me back then! -9:22 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB @TJ_Waters Awesome! Thank you. #indiechat -9:22 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @ali_cross #indiechat It was! We're talking with USO about doing an ebook-only tour with them. Romance, mystery, comic, and scifi writers. -9:23 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB @TJ_Waters Ha ha! #indiechat -9:23 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes ha! you need a new pic! :) RT @TJ_Waters: @Stacey_WB #indiechat ARGH!! That haircut was SO not working for me back then! -9:23 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @TJ_Waters Hey thx for the freebie! I'm gonna take you up on that ;) #indiechat -9:24 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @srjohannes @Stacey_WB #indiechat You should have seen me back in the day with long hair and a beard. I looked like Charles Manson! -9:24 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes where do you see @autography going. what about peoiple who dont have ipad. RT @TJ_Waters #indiechat -9:25 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB @TJ_Waters Nice. Well, I used to have a perm if it makes you feel better. ;) #indiechat -9:25 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @srjohannes @autography #indiechat We're expanding beyond ebooks now. Got some music projects with a couple of artists. -9:26 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross So is Autography a supplemental retailer, like pubbing with B&N & Amazon at the same time? Or is it an exclusive? #indiechat -9:26 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @srjohannes @autography #indiechat Luke Bryan, Sara Evans, and Casey James right now. Working with another country quartet this week... -9:27 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @ali_cross yes supplemental #indiechat -9:27 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Addison_Moore @Stacey_WB I like the perm admission. @TJ_Waters #indiechat -9:27 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross My apologies if I miss something or am slow - I'm on 3G with spotty service :P #indiechat -9:27 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @ali_cross #indiechat We're a supplement. We're not exclusive - happy to work with anyone, any book. -9:28 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @TJ_Waters This is so cool & inventive. Kudos! #indiechat -9:29 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB RT @TJ_Waters #indiechat Were a supplement. Were not exclusive - happy to work with anyone, any book. #indiechat -9:29 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat The nice thing is we've recently upgraded the system to handle multiple languages and currencies. Expand your author reach! -9:29 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LM_Preston @TJ_Waters @srjohannes @autography Just checked out the website. IMPRESSIVE! #indiechat -9:29 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes does anyone know of other cool digital platforms 4 ebooks? every1 knows @ apple ibookstore can be loaded directly now - yay! #indiechat -9:30 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB @Addison_Moore You know you had one too. :P #indiechat -9:30 PM Jul 31st, 2012

JessieHarrell up from my unscheduled nap -- sorry I'm late. #indiechat -9:30 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @ali_cross #indiechat We're familiar with spotty 3G. Robert added features that let the app work offline. Nice upgrade he created! -9:31 PM Jul 31st, 2012

JessieHarrell @TJ_Waters I'm interested in Shelli's question about ppl w/o iPads -- will it work on iPhone soon? #indiechat -9:32 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @TJ_Waters No kidding! That's fabulous! #indiechat -9:32 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat You can also link your website to us so people can request an autographed book from your site - they're your fans after all! -9:32 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @JessieHarrell Ah a nap! Lucky girl! #indiechat -9:32 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @JessieHarrell #indiechat Great question. The problem is the real estate of the phone - there's not enough room to sign! It's really ugly! -9:33 PM Jul 31st, 2012

EArroyo5 I have to catch up with technology. #indiechat -9:33 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LynneSchmidt @EArroyo5 Same here. I have no ereader, though I do have a kick ass phone #IndieChat -9:34 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @EArroyo5 #indiechat I'm right there with you. Robert has to dumb the tech down so I can use it! He's (literally) a space program IT guy. -9:34 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @TJ_Waters Yes! I do that with @kindlegraph now. Very cool to have another option. #indiechat -9:34 PM Jul 31st, 2012

EArroyo5 @LynneSchmidt I have an ereader and a flip phone. lol #indiechat -9:34 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes this is what i cant figure out yet :) RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat You can also link your website. -9:35 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LynneSchmidt @EArroyo5 I have a six year old computer if it makes you feel any better #Lag #IndieChat -9:35 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat For in person events you can get a picture of the fan & author for the author to sign. Lot of interest for book festivals, etc. -9:36 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch Hosting meetup in NYC next week if anyone wants to come! We're going to be using @autographyLLC to sign books for attendees :) #indiechat -9:36 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @Froze8: Really wish I was at #indiechat but I have work to do before summer is gone. New job over at @BiblioCrunch great place for all you Indies :) -9:36 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @srjohannes: I agree on everythign said :) RT @Froze8: wish I was at #indiechat but have work. New job at @BiblioCrunch great place for all you Indies :) -9:36 PM Jul 31st, 2012

JessieHarrell @TJ_Waters oh. :( my iPad and I aren't on speaking terms at the moment, but I do so love my iPhone. #indiechat -9:36 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @TJ_Waters Did I miss the evolution of how this app/venture came to be? I'd be interested in hearing it ... #indiechat -9:36 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LynneSchmidt This may be a silly question, but what exactly is an indie author, or an indie book? #indiechat -9:36 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch When I tell people about @autographyLLC they are like 'so what?' #indiechat -9:37 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch BUT when I actually show them that you can take a pic and sign digital and deliver right then and there they are blown away #indiechat -9:37 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross Talking with TJ_Waters re @autography a super cool #iPad app that lets authors autograph books :) Come join us! #indiechat -9:38 PM Jul 31st, 2012

JessieHarrell RT @TJ_Waters:For in person events u can get a pic of the fan & author 4 the author 2 sign. Lot of interest for book fests, etc. #indiechat -9:38 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @BiblioCrunch #indiechat Yeah, we have the problem a lot. They have to see it to 'get it'. But at that point, they seem to really like it! -9:38 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes jakonrath did this :) he took pic & sent lady in room while he was talking. RT @TJ_Waters: #indiechat 4 in person events u can get pic -9:39 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @LynneSchmidt A book published independent of a traditional publishing house :) #indiechat -9:39 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LM_Preston @LynneSchmidt An independent publisher. An Indie author is an author that pubs their work. An Indie pub can pub their wk & others #indiechat -9:39 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch @TJ_Waters you need to post a picture! :) #indiechat -9:39 PM Jul 31st, 2012

EArroyo5 @TJ_Waters I'm one of those. I can't wrap my brain around it. #indiechat -9:39 PM Jul 31st, 2012

JessieHarrell @LynneSchmidt not silly at all, Lynne. Indie is an author who has not published traditionally. could be small press or self-pub #indiechat -9:39 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @srjohannes #indiechat He & Blake did a hysterical promo video for us at the romance conf. in Chicago. No beers were hurt making the video. -9:39 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @TJ_Waters Makes perfect sense - for many the only draw for paper books is the sentiment. But now they can have it both ways! #indiechat -9:40 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LynneSchmidt @LM_Preston @JessieHarrell Ahhhh, thank you! I've been wondering that forever #IndieChat Kinda just assumed it was super cool people :) -9:41 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes RT @TJ_Waters: @srjohannes #indiechat He & Blake did a hysterical promo video for us . No beers were hurt making the video. #indiechat -9:41 PM Jul 31st, 2012

JessieHarrell @LynneSchmidt well, yeah, we are cool. we're Indie and proud! #indiechat -9:42 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @TJ_Waters Aha! Good old mother of necessity! WTG Robert! #indiechat -9:42 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB RT @ali_cross Makes perfect sense - for many the only draw for paper books is the sentiment. But now they can have it both ways! #indiechat -9:43 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LynneSchmidt RT @JessieHarrell: @LynneSchmidt well, yeah, we are cool. we're Indie and proud! #indiechat -9:43 PM Jul 31st, 2012

kellypolark @ali_cross @autography Love new technology! And signed books. Double awesome. #Indiechat -9:43 PM Jul 31st, 2012

LM_Preston @LynneSchmidt Lol! Truth is author who publishes books = publisher (but saying Independent) means not with the Big 6 publisher #indiechat -9:44 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @kellypolark signed ebooks too! #Indiechat -9:44 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @LynneSchmidt ROFL! I like your definition best :) #indiechat -9:44 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch @LynneSchmidt @LM_Preston @JessieHarrell i thought the same! Took me awhile to figure out that #indiechat is #selfpub -9:44 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @srjohannes #indiechat Big 6 publishers dipping their toes into this. We did author events with S&S and Wiley at Book Expo this year. -9:45 PM Jul 31st, 2012

JessieHarrell @srjohannes I know I'm going to be super-jealous of you and the app in Decatur. #indiechat -9:45 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes RT @srjohannes: does anyone know of other cool digital platforms 4 ebooks? every1 knows @ apple ibookstore can be loaded directly #indiechat -9:45 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes @JessieHarrell can you not use it on iphone? #indiechat @tj_waters -9:45 PM Jul 31st, 2012

srjohannes before we end the chat - does anyone have any other questions about digital platforms for ebooks OR for @tj_waters? #indiechat -9:49 PM Jul 31st, 2012

SendaEvenson IN FRENCH : FRANCE 1942. A JEWISH BOY IS HIDING FROM THE NAZIS #press #news #indiechat check the English video http://t.co/iPoBv50k -9:49 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch @srjohannes @tj_waters Hi TJ, what was the most successful author campaign you've seen with digital signing? #indiechat -9:50 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @srjohannes #indiechat Happy to answer any questions: tow@autography.com We're here to help you the authors, so let's hear from you! -9:50 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @BiblioCrunch @srjohannes #indiechat Probably Jonathon King last year at Bouchercon. Lots of smiling, lots of fun! http://t.co/ztpwKGE4 -9:52 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch RT @TJ_Waters: @BiblioCrunch @srjohannes #indiechat Probably Jonathon King last year at Bouchercon. Lots of smiling, lots of fun! http://t.co/ztpwKGE4 -9:53 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters @srjohannes #indiechat Make that tjw@autography.com. Autocorrect vexes me! (Told you I'm not the techie part of the company!!) -9:53 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross @TJ_Waters So says the egg. (Twitter noob? We love you anyway!) #indiechat -9:55 PM Jul 31st, 2012

BiblioCrunch Thanks for a great #indiechat everyone! -9:56 PM Jul 31st, 2012

Stacey_WB Thanks for coming to indiechat tonight - I'm excited to get signed up for autography! #indiechat -9:56 PM Jul 31st, 2012

EArroyo5 Awesome chat. Thanks! #indiechat -9:56 PM Jul 31st, 2012

ali_cross Me too! TY @TJ_Waters! RT @Stacey_WB: Thanks for coming to indiechat tonight - I'm excited to get signed up for autography! #indiechat -9:57 PM Jul 31st, 2012

TJ_Waters #indiechat Going to put little people (5 & 7) down for the night! Good night all! Thanks for the invitation tonight Shelli! -9:58 PM Jul 31st, 2012

E-reading in our Schools?

Nook

E-reading Rocks!

I was talking to a fan at a book signing on Friday, and she mentioned that she bought her 13 year old a Kindle two Christmases ago and was frustrated that her teachers at the Jr. high wouldn't allow her to use it in class. This included her daughter's English teachers. This was interesting to me because I am a teacher.

Once I got the idea for my book, I quit full time teaching and started subbing for friends. As I would run around subbing, I almost always took a poll in the classes I taught and asked how many students had e-readers of some sort and how many used them. I was more than curious.

Kindle

Last year, I found that in Jr. highs in my area, Davis County, Utah, about 1/4 of students had the capability to read an e-book on a portable device. Only 1/20 of those students ever brought them to school to use because teachers wouldn't allow them.

In the high schools, I discovered 1/3 of students had the capability, and 1/10 used them in schools. Some English teachers allowed them and others did not.


This year, I found 1/2 of Jr. high kids had them and about 1/15 used them in schools. Kids say teachers are getting used to the idea if they aren't "old". No reading on your phone, though.

Kobo

In high schools, 3/4 of students have the capability and yet, only 1/10 use them in school. They say they just haven't ever downloaded a book, and teachers outside of English classes don't allow them to use them during free time. So, they might as well have a print book. A lot of these students use iPhones, and teachers don't trust their students. Big surprise. Dedicated e-readers can be used, but no phones.

iPhone

I can sympathize with these teachers, but at the same time, the world is changing. It's time to step up and embrace the contemporary look of books. The new Jr. high in our district is totally paper-free. The students are issued laptops, and all their books and course materials are online. I haven't been out to see the library. Can you imagine the library being an e-library? Wouldn't that change things?

I think it's important that we step up as parents, students, and communities to help school administrators adopt e-book friendly policies. If we don't, "old" teachers will remain in the 18th century and kids won't be able to take advantage of the technology available to them.

I have a Nook and love it. Does that mean I have to stop loving print books? No way! My shelves are stocked and I will continue to buy print books, but boy do I enjoy the ease of use of my Nook.

After we've reformed school policy, lets lobby the airlines to allow us to use our e-readers during taxi and take-off-that would be some great reform

I'll keep dreaming.

Have you jumped into the e-reading craze? Do you have a dedicated e-reader of do you use your phone or tablet? Do you think kids should be allowed to use their e-readers and phones at school to read? Inquiring minds want to know.

A Public Service Announcement

A Public Service Annoucement

Two definitions from Dictionary.com:

Arachne – noun Classical Mythology
A Lydian woman who challenged Athena to a weaving contest and was changed into a spider for her presumption.

Myth – noun
Fictitious story, often ancient.

Sometimes myth holds a glimmer of fact. In Arachne’s case, a woman was changed into a spider. Fact. Her name was Arachne. Fact. She was Lydian. This is where fact becomes muddled with myth, but that’s not important here.

What is important is that humans presume that if something cannot be proven, it’s a myth. Humans also believe that everything on this planet is here for their consumption, to use and dispose of as they please, no matter the consequence. What will happen to humans for their presumption?

Be warned. 

Arachne is not a myth and her descendants are tired of being stomped on. 

One more thing. Bug spray? Yeah, it won’t help you. Sometimes, however, the consequences of our presumptions may be the only thing that can save us.

Spider Wars 

By Angela Carlie

March, 2012 

Run, hide, and hoard food and guns. 

Death of the world as we know it by Spider is near.