Visions of Revisions Dance in my Head

Here’s what I’ll be doing during the holiday break…

I'll be working on revisions for Pretty Tough Book 3 in between eating a ton of cookies and hanging out with family and friends. Total bliss. :)

And although I didn’t blog about it much, 2009 was a year of extremes. Extreme sadness and extreme happiness.

So, bye, bye, 2009! Hello, 2010!

I’ll be back January 4th with more Sporty Saturday Spotlights, news from the publishing front, my journey to publication, and the entire book CHANGE UP (the sequel to SCREWBALL) chapter-by-chapter.

In the meantime, check out YA Fresh today. I'm chatting about my fave holiday movie and YA book.

Happy Holidays, Everyone!! Thanks for visiting my blog this past year and have a terrific 2010!!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on twenty-one-year-old motocross rider, Ashley Jackson. Check out Ashley’s interview below where she shares her passion for motorcross and much, much more. Plus, check out Ashley’s amazing action shots.

Name: Ashley Jackson

Age: 21

Sport(s): Motocross

Hometown: Orlando

High School/Middle School/College: Connecticut School of Broadcasting

Number: 681

What’s your fave sport? Motocross

How many years have you been playing your fave sport? 14 years

What is your fave sporty moment or memory?

When I was at Nationals, I got 9th overall out of 42 other girls.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

It takes a lot of discipline and hard work, and your sport has to be something you are willing to do, and just something you live for.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

Train as hard as you can and make certain days where it is all about motocross, and just be the best you can be at all times you are on the bike.

How do you balance school and sports?

School is number 1, to balance both I just think I can't ride or anything unless I do well at school.

List some awards or accolades you’ve received.

Plaques and trophies are pretty much what they hand out. I also get contingency money.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

James Stewart and Travis Pastrana

Ashley Fiolek and Jessica Patterson

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I like to shop, but that's pretty much it.

Thanks, Ashley!! Your first name is one of my faves... Best of luck with your motorcross career and Happy Holidays. :)

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Send an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on motocross rider, Lori Garcia. Check out Lori’s interview below where she shares tips on balance, maintaining a positive attitude, and much, much more. Plus, check out Lori’s amazing action shot.

Name: Lori Garcia (AKA Lolo)

Age: 17

Sport(s): Motocross/Hill climbing

Hometown: Dixon, CA

High School/Middle School/College: Dixon High, Senior - Class of 2010

Number: 291

Ride: 2005 KX100

What’s your fave sport?

Motocross is definitely my favorite sport for sure! Hands down! Haha.

How many years have you been racing?

Well, I have been riding for 8 years now but, I’ve only been racing competitively for 6 years and I love it!

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite memory that I have from racing would be the year that I won 1st place for the first time. It was a year after I had began racing hill climbs, I was only 13 years old and even though I there were only three girls in the class I was competing in, I was the only one to actually make it over the hill, giving me 1st overall. So it was a very exciting moment for me and I will never forget it!

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your sport?

The biggest lesson I have learned from my sport would be that you must always have a positive attitude no matter what. It’s a MUST, to be confident in yourself whenever you throw your leg over a dirt bike, it just makes things a whole lot easier; because if you go out there with negativity, it won’t do you any good when you’re riding. So just always be confident in yourself and you will be good to go out there! And if you don’t do good at one race, don’t let that bring you down, ’cause just remember, there will always be other races.

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

That you must have a lot of dedication and you have to work extremely hard to get to where you want to be in this sport. You have to give it your all whenever you’re racing or just out there practicing because in the end, it will all pay off!

How do you balance school and sports?

Well, I’m first going to start off by saying this, the rules in my house are that if you don’t get good grades in school, you can’t ride or race. So with me, since I am a senior now I get out of school at 12:00pm pretty much everyday; I come home do all of my homework and make time to go out and practice on weekends, since Saturday and Sunday are the only days that we can make a two hour drive out to the riding park where my brother and I can get some practice in on hills. On race weekends, if, I have homework I have to take it along with me and finish it in the toy hauler before I can go out and hang out with my friends or ride. For me though, it’s not as difficult as other athletes to balance school and sports since most of my races are on weekends.

List some results or awards you have received.

Past results/trophies:

#1 Plate for getting 1st place overall in the 2008 Skip's Promotions California Amateur hill climb points series, girls 16 & under 85cc "b" division

#1 Plate for getting 1st overall in the 2006 California AMA Amateur hill climb points series, girls 16 & under 85cc "C"

Some of my 2009 results:

1st place- Skip's Promotions at Carnegie California Amateur hill climb series, round 1, women’s 100-125cc "b" division- March 2009

1st place- Skip's Promotions at Carnegie California Amateur hill climb series, round 2, women’s 100-125cc "b" division- April 2009

2nd place- Skip's Promotions at Carnegie California Amateur hill climb series, round 2, 125cc stock "b" division- April 2009

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

Male: Ronnie Faisst, I love him!

Female: Ashley Fiolek, she’s awesome and I look up to her so much!

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

The girliest think thing that I like to do would probably be getting my nails done. Haha! I love having my nails done.

Thanks, Lori!! Congratulations on all your awards and accomplishments. Best of luck with your career. :)

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Shoot an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

My Fairy Agent

Did you ever want to shrink someone and carry him or her around on your shoulder all day? Like a fairy to help you make uber important decisions, keep you company, or just a bud to bounce things off of? Okay… maybe I’m kind of strange, but I've always wanted my own personal fairy.

And now I'm lucky enough to have one… A human sized one. Michelle Grajkowski of 3 Seas Literary Agency is my fairy agent.

Why is Michelle so amazing? Michelle is a fabulous agent and more… She’s a friend, a confidant, a lion in my corner, a teacher, a mentor, a guide, and most importantly, patient and honest. She's someone I admire. She's the best.

Thanks for making my dreams come true, Michelle. Happy Agent Appreciation Day! :)

And thanks to Cory Keplinger and Lisa and Laura for organizing this important day!

Still Sore and an Interview

Two weeks ago, I was invited to play in my hometown's annual Thanksgiving alumni soccer game...

Here we are.. Representing Maple Shade High School Classes of 1990 - 2000 something, one coach, one son, and one cousin..

Something about strapping on my shin guards and hanging with teammates and friends.. I felt like I was a teen again. Uh.. I'm not. In fact, far from it. And I'm still sore. But, it was a blast and well worth the pain.

Did you check out Suzanne Young's fabulous interview with Razorbill President, Ben Shrank? :) It's a goodie and Razorbill rocks!

Happy Wednesday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight

This Saturday the sporty spotlight shines bright on wakeboarder, surfer, skateboarder, and kiteboarder, Claire Lutz. Check out Claire’s interview below where she shares her fave athletes, great advice, amazing action shots, and much, much more.

Name: Claire Lutz

Age: 22

Sport(s): Kiteboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, skateboarding

Hometown: St. Joseph, MI

Currently living in Cape Hatteras, NC

College: Western Michigan University studying marketing and public relations.

Dreams:

To work in the kiteboarding industry in marketing, and hopefully as a pro kiter so that I can travel the world.

What’s your fave sport?

Kiteboarding

How many years have you been playing your fave sport?

I started one year ago.

What was your fave sporty moment or memory?

My favorite memory was finally learning my first unhooked trick, the Raley.

What was the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing your sport?

To be confident but not over confident. And to share the love of the sport. No one likes selfish people who want all the spotlight for themselves..

What lessons have you learned about work ethic from your sport?

You must work very hard!! It’s important to have a good attitude on and off the water, and always try your very best.

What have you learned about teamwork?

It’s important to support each other, your teammates should always have your back!

How do you balance school and sports?

I spend 6 months of the year on school and the other 6 months focusing on kiteboarding only. When I’m in school I work on snowboarding.

Who’s your fave athlete, both male and female?

Female would be Lisa Anderson, who is a legendary Pro surfer. She has been very inspirational to all women because of her hard work and determination. She proved to everyone women can do anything.

Male would be Jason Slezak, who is a Pro Kiteboarder. He has been in the industry since the beginning, winning hearts with his great attitude towards life and others, along with being a caring supportive friend.

What’s the girliest thing you like to do? (Pretty Tough signature question)

I’m a fan of painting my nails. It makes me feel more girlie to have hot pink nails, versus chipped dirty nails from being in the water ☺

Thanks, Claire!! And thanks for sharing your fabulous pics! Wow. Kiteboarding looks fun and amazing. Best of luck with your career. :)

Do you or someone you know want to be spotlighted? Shoot an email to Keri Mikulski at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Saturday!

December Book Review Club

Happy December! I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I absolutely love this time of year. :)

The first Wednesday of the month means another edition of The Book Review Club hosted by Barrie Summy, author of the I So Don't Do Mysteries series. To celebrate the beginning of the winter sports season, I'm featuring P.V. Beck's basketball book, SWEET TURNAROUND J.

Check out the review below which was also featured on Pretty Tough last month.

Looking for an enjoyable basketball book to read this winter season? Check out P.V. Beck’s Sweet Turnaround J published by Bedazzled Ink.

Told over the course of a basketball season, Sweet Turnaround J follows sixteen- year-old spunky All State basketball player Janey Holmes through the most tumultuous season of her life. After her school suddenly closes, Janey must join a new team at a new school that hasn’t won a basketball game in over three years, leaving Janey to wonder, is her basketball career over?

As the Riverside Ravens transform from the worst to the best team in the league, Janey’s tumultuous temper, toughness, and first love are tested and begin to threaten the basketball team. Will the Ravens win the championship for the first time in school history? But, before this can happen, Janey has to overcome all the obstacles tossed her way. A fun book for the basketball player and fan.

Check out the rest of the fabulous Book Club reviews here.

Happy Wednesday! :)

Disclosure: P.V. Beck’s book arrived on my doorstep courtesy of the author's publisher. I often receive ARCs and/or books for reviews (most of the time due to my Chick Lit column for South Jersey Mom magazine and sometimes because I’m an author and other times because I beg). However, I do not blog about every book I receive, only the ones I absolutely adore or feel the need to recommend to fans of sporty lit.