It’s here! The Goodreads giveaway is up and running. You can enter to win a signed copy of The Fine Art of Keeping Quiet, add it to your shelf on Goodreads, and so on.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Fine Art of Keeping Quiet

by Charity Tahmaseb

Giveaway ends June 24, 2014.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Coming June 2014

Sometimes staying silent is the biggest lie of all.

Sophomore Jolia does the one thing no one expects from the girl who has perfected the art of keeping quiet.

She joins the speech team.

Jolia can’t confess the real reason–not to her best friend, her new teammates, or even to crush-worthy rival Sam who offers to coach her in secret.

Keeping quiet might be the easy way out, but when what Jolia doesn’t say starts to hurt those around her, it might just cost her a best friend, her spot on the team, and even Sam.

But she isn’t the only one with a secret. It’s going to take words–her words–to make things right.

If only Jolia can find them.

Today is the cover reveal for The Fine Art of Keeping Quiet, publication date June 24, 2014. Want an email when it’s released? Sign up for my email newsletter.

Or just keep your eye on various online stores. The book will be available in print and electronic format.

It’s here! It’s here! Today is the day Sucker Literary Magazine launches volume 3!

Are we excited? Why, yes. Yes, we are. It’s packed full of young adult stories, including my paranormal YA novelette: Just a Matter of Time.

So, now what? Well, check out the Kindle version, or pick up the paperback.

You can enter to win a copy of the paperback over at GoodReads.

You can also sit back and enjoy the trailer.

Oh, you guys, you guys. You will not believe what I just discovered this morning:

That’s the audio version of The Geek Girl’s Guide to Cheerleading! Geek Girl! In audio! You can take her on your commute, download her to your Kindle–and who wouldn’t want to do that?

Go forth and give it a listen. I think they picked a fantastic narrator for the story.

Or should that be an old (new) release? I’m not sure, but hang on and I’ll tell you why.

A few months ago, I received the rights back to my short story The Trouble with Firsts that appeared in the 2009 Debs e-anthology The First Time (per the contract). I didn’t think much of it until I remembered that I had another YA short story that didn’t currently have a home. What if I used those two stories to walk through the process of publishing something online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble?

Advantages? Here’s what I thought:

• Clean, edited manuscripts pretty much ready to go
• Short length, making the formatting and technical review easier
• Low risk

It was surprisingly fun along with being educational. My goal isn’t to earn a lot of money with these stories–or even much at all–but to learn how the process works.

And it is also a low risk way to have some of my writing available to new readers as well. A 99-cent short story sampler versus $8.99 for Geek Girl? Some readers might want to go with the 99 cents to start. It’s nice I can give them that option.

So, without further ado, I give you: The Trouble With Firsts:

The e-book contains two short stories:

• The Trouble with Firsts: a story about first dates, prom, and humiliation–not necessarily in that order.
  First published as part of The First Time e-anthology, October 2011
• Speechless: a story about not speaking up–and what happens when you finally do.
  First published online as part of the launch for The Geek Girl’s Guide to Cheerleading.

So, there you have it. My new (old) release. Or my old (new) release. It’s available on:

• Kindle
• Nook

The flyer pretty much says it all:

You can also find more information on the event here. I’m excited, and nervous, and all wound up in general. With a little luck, I’ll be able to give a report sometime next week. I also hope to share a little bit of news as well. We’ll see.

In the meantime, I’m excited, and nervous, and all wound up in general.

So excited to announce that The Geek Girl’s Guide to Cheerleading is a YALSA 2012 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults pick in the Get Your Geek On category!

In fact, I’m so excited, I keep checking the list–and then zooming past our listing. Then I’m all: Oh, no! I just announced this to the world and look, we’re not there!

Then I check again. Yes, yes. We’re (still) there.

In the words of Darcy: I <3 librarians.

It’s hard to believe this is the very last day of 25 Days of Debs. Where did November go? Our very last, but certainly not least, Deb is Jenny Moss, a former NASA engineer and author of three terrific books.

Jenny’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Evan and Penny

First line: 

“Didn’t you say this was your stop?” he asks me.

A really sweet story of “first like” and the perfect way to end The First Time anthology.

2009 Debut: Winnie’s War

Most recent: Taking Off

Wow! Even more cover love! This story centers around  Christa McAuliffe and the space shuttle Challenger accident.

Catch up with Jenny: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

It’s Thanksgiving here in the US and I’m thankful for many things. When it comes to writing and publishing, I’m unbelievably thankful for the 2009 Debs. This community of authors is so caring and helpful and awesome and I’m always a little astonished that I’m somehow included in this group. I can’t imagine navigating the world of publishing without them.

Today, on our second to last day of 25 Days of Debs we have Teri Hall, author of a very interesting YA dystopian novels.

Teri’s Firsts:

Anthology story: The Corridor

First line: 

Pho’s waiting in the corridor, just like he said he would be.

This story is set in the same world as Teri’s books The Line and Away. If you’re a fan, you’ll want to read this one for sure. If you haven’t read Teri’s books yet, I have the feeling you’ll want to after sampling the world of this story.

2009 Debut: The Line (debuted in 2010 ~ Teri is another Deb who had her release pushed into 2010)

Most recent: Away

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Hard to believe we’re nearly done with our 25 days of Debs! Day 23 features a really terrific story from Janet Gurtler, author of three terrific YA novels.

Janet’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Two of a Kind

First line: 

Fab glances down at the feet of the girl lying on top of him.

Okay. It’s not what you think. Then again, maybe it is. This story is a little bit edgy wrapped up in the sweetness of two young people finding each other.

2009 Debut: Waiting to Score (written as J. E. MacLeod)

Most recent: If I Tell

Catch up with Janet: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Today we have Kirstin Cronn-Mills, terrific YA author with one book on the shelves and one set to come out next year. A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to do a book signing with her at my local Barnes & Noble. I can’t remember how many books I sold (maybe six?), but I remember the conversation I had with Kirstin.

Kirstin’s Firsts:

Anthology story: The First Time I Got Stranded In The Really Big Empty

First line: 

You know how graduation parties normally are–cake, ham sandwiches, picture boards full of kid-in-bathtub photos, with a few confirmation and fishing shots thrown in for variety?

Per Kirstin’s blog, this is an epilogue to her debut novel. But the story works as a standalone story as well. No matter where you live, you’ll feel that really big empty.

2009 Debut: The Sky Always Hears Me and The Hills Don’t Mind

Up Next: Beautiful Music for Ugly Children ~ coming in 2012!

Catch up with Kirstin: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Is there a better way to start off a holiday week (well, in the US) with a Deb? I don’t think so. This Monday gives us C. Lee McKenzie, author of two fantastic YA novels.

Lee’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Premeditated Cat

First line: 

When Nikki stepped into the classroom, Lysol and polish and just a hint of last semester stirred in the air.

A terrific, startling story that will have you on the edge of your seat.

2009 Debut: Sliding on the Edge

Most recent: The Princess of Las Pulgas

Catch up with  Lee: visit her blog, The Write Game.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Up today is middle grade author Kurtis Scaletta, who has three terrific middle grade novels to his name. Just ask Kyra. She loves his most recent release.

Kurtis’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Azalea

First line: 

Dennis Erikson had penciled lines on the doorjamb of his bedroom at every quarter inch between four feet, nine inches and five feet high.

A warm, heartfelt story that takes place in a garden center. Missing summer on this blustery November day? Then curl up with this story of many firsts.

2009 Debut: Mudville

Most recent: The Tanglewood Terror

Love that retro cover! This is a book both girls and boys really love. Kyra’s teacher is reading it right now as the read aloud book for their class and the kids just can’t get enough. This would make a great holiday gift or the middle grade reader in your life.

Catch up with Kurtis: visit his off-topic blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Ah, the weekend. And what better way to relax than with another great story from one of the Debs? Up today is Sydney Salter, YA and middle grade author. She is also the Regional Advisor for SCBWI Utah/Southern Idaho.

Sydney’s Firsts:

Anthology story: The First Goldfish of McKinley High

First line: 

Maybe I spaced out for fifteen seconds in US Government class or something, but I’m pretty sure that cheerleaders flashing block letters on their asses doesn’t have much to do with democracy.

Bwhahaha! This is a story after my own heart. Geeky girl. Adorable nerd boy love interest. And of course, that goldfish. A great read for a lazy Saturday afternoon.

2009 Debut: My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters

Most recent: Swoon At Your Own Risk

Catch up with Sydney: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

TGIF and it’s time to celebrate with Deb and multi-published YA author Saundra Mitchell.

Saundra’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Kissing the Dog-Faced Boy

First line: Right now, she’s sick to her stomach.

Oh, moody and angsty and with descriptions that make me wonder if Saundra spent time working in a carnival (must go check her bio).

2009 Debut: Shadowed Summer ~ a 2010 Edgar Nominee (Best YA Mystery)

Most recent: The Vespertine ~ an Amazon Summer Reading list selection! And look at that cover!

Be sure to visit Saundra. Her website is filled with resources, including some great ones for writers.

Catch up with Saundra: visit her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Moving on to day 17 with another awesome guy story, this one by J. A. (Jon) Yang.

Jon’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Perfect Firsts

First line: 

You’d think it gets easier each time, but you know what that song says: breaking up is hard to do.

The premise of this story is incredible. And the ending … aw, *sniff*.

2009 Debut: Exclusively Chloe

Catch up with Jon: visit his blog. And when you do, make sure to read his post on The Game of Publishing.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

On day 16 we’re featuring Jackson Pearce, multi-published YA author and video blogger extraordinaire.

Jackson’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Turn Here

First line: 

This crown is way too heavy.

And this story? Incredible. Even though the main character doesn’t have a love interest, and the story features Jimmy Carter’s head, this is one of the most romantic stories ever. It’s a must read.

2009 Debut: As You Wish

Most recent: Sweetly

Oh, more cover love: beautiful and creepy.

Be sure to visit Jackson and listen to her video blog posts.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Up today is Lauren Bjorkman!

Lauren’s Firsts:

Anthology story: The Shark King

First line: 

My phone pings–a text from my friend Emilia: Caught a boy yet?

Oh, you will not believe what she does catch! Another sweet story that will make you want to book airline tickets to Hawaii.

2009 Debut: My Invented Life

Forthcoming: Miss Fortune Cookie ~ look for it in 2012!

Catch up with Lauren: visit her blog

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

So, most Mondays? Meh. But today we have Lara Zielin to start off your week.

Lara’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Selling Mr. Peanut

First line: 

I knew this wouldn’t be a regular job the minute I spotted all the ancient wooden dildos under the glass case.

And you know from this first sentence that this is not going to be an ordinary story. And that first sentence leads into one of the sweetest stories ever. No. Really. It does.

2009 Debut: Donut Days

Most recent: The Implosion of Aggie Winchester

And if you need an extra dose of fun for your Monday, check out Lara’s videos. It’s not everyone whose brutal Kirkus review gets turned into a death metal song.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Day 13 of 25 Days of Debs is perfect for creepy, scary zombies, which we have courtesy of Carrie Ryan, a New York Times bestselling author.

Carrie’s Firsts:

Anthology story: A Game of Firsts

First line: 

We could’ve left the city–there was probably still time after we saw the first one.

I started this in the evening, thinking I’d read a little bit before bed. Um. No. I read the entire story and was buzzing afterward.

2009 Debut: The Forest of Hands and Teeth (just the title is scary)

Most recent: The Dark Hollow Places (book 3 in the Forest of Hands and Teeth series)

More scary, scary zombies.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Day 12 and we’re featuring Cyn Balog, the author of many terrific YA novels.

Cyn’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Freedom

First line: 

This is summer.

Oh, a summer story: surf, sand, the boardwalk. As for summer lovin’ … maybe not so much.

2009 Debut: Fairy Tale

Most recent: Starstruck and Getting Caught

Cyn wrote Getting Caught with fellow Deb (and YA author and literary agent) Mandy Hubbard and it’s a fun, lighthearted contemporary young adult novel, also available for Kindle and Nook. Writing with a partner–all the cool kids are doing it.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Day 11 of 25 Days of Debs and we hit my story in the table of contents. I know. 11-11-11 is some kind of lucky.

My Firsts:

Anthology story: The Trouble With Firsts

First line:

The first time I rode a rollercoaster, I ended up with vomit in my shoes.

First dates, prom, and humiliation–not necessarily in that order.

2009 Debut: Hint: see the sidebar

The Trouble With Firsts story trivia: 

• This story represents the first time I’ve written something on contract. That is, I agreed to write the story and signed the paperwork long before I had even a glimmer of an idea. And sure, no panic was involved with that.
• I brainstormed a whole bunch of firsts, but an idea hit me while I was unloading the dishwasher.
• The first time I saw the cover art, I knew I had to work that dress into the story somehow.
• The story begins and ends with vomit. (I know. Romantic.) I may have taken that sage writing advice “the end is in the beginning” a little too literally.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

We hit double digits today on 25 Days of Debs with Jon Skovron.

Jon’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Looking Through One Eye

First line: 

Eric sat in the metal folding chair and drew streaks on the stainless steel table with his palms.

Our double digit day has a story about two brothers. If you’re a fan of The X-Files, then I think you’ll really enjoy this one. At least, that’s the vibe I got. According to Jon, the story takes place in the same world as his second novel, Misfit.

2009 Debut: Struts and Frets

Most recent: Misfit

Oh, creepy goodness abounds!

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Here we are at day 9 already. Today’s story is by YA author Cheryl Renee Herbsman.

Cheryl’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Green Glass Reflection

First line:

The sound of my mother’s too-loud laughter tumbled across our yard as I arrived home after a hellishly long school day.

Pool parties, and almost time for prom, and storms. If you’re a “hopeful” romantic, you’ll love this one.

2009 Debut: Breathing

Catch up with Cheryl: Stop in at her blog.

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.

Moving on to day 8 of 25 Days of Debs. Today’s featured Deb is Jennifer Brown. Something you may not know about Jennifer. She’s a two-time winner of the Erma Bombeck Global Humor Award.

Jennifer’s Firsts:

Anthology story: Against The World

First line: 

Dear Sugar,
You were born on December twenty-first.

Like all of Jennifer’s YA fiction, this one tackles a emotional subject.

2009 Debut: Hate List

Most recent: Bitter End (nominated for a YALSA 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults)

Remember, The First Time is available for Kindle and Nook.