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.

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.