Readers' Favorite 5 Star Seal for "Hook's Little Mermaid"

Rather a long time ago I had submitted "Hook's Little Mermaid" to Readers' Favorite in the hopes that I might get a review.

To be honest, I thought there was no chance someone would decide to look at my book, with all the amazing authors out there.  But thankfully, someone did!

Here's her review:

Reviewed By Liz Konkel for Readers’ Favorite

Hook’s Little Mermaid by Suzanna Lynn is a fun take on the classic story of Peter Pan. Everyone knows the story of Captain Hook and Peter Pan. Lynn spins the tale of Jameson Shaw as he searches for the boy Peter Pan who’s responsible for the death of his son. Jameson Shaw goes up against several obstacles as he makes his way to Neverland, including kidnapping and making a deal with a fairy, meeting Red Riding Hood, and fighting off a Kraken. With the aid of a fairy, it seems that his revenge against Pan will become a reality. His journey encounters several surprise turns when he meets the mermaids of Neverland and learns the truth of his son’s death.

As a fan of Peter Pan and J.M. Barrie, I love finding different ways of adapting the story into something new. I love Hook’s Little Mermaid! It’s perfect for any lover of fairytales. Suzanna Lynn takes threads of what we know of the tale and flips it all into a new direction. Picking up the traces of other fairytales is a fun treat for those who adore the classic tales. Knowing that Red’s story is the center of book two makes me wonder what other stories will be explored. The red cloak was a quick giveaway to Red Riding Hood. A glass coffin reminds Hook of a realm called Fairest which has a wicked witch that cursed a girl to sleep. A mermaid has legs when she comes ashore. Lynn has created a rich world full of potential and twists. Hook is fun, a fairytale for a new generation and a delightful take on old classics.

Penned Con 2016 Highlights

St. Louis Arch

Each year, I try to pick events that would allow me to get out and meet readers, as well as other authors.  Last year I had attempted to go to Penned Con in St. Louis, Missouri. However the unexpected death of my mother-in-law made the trip impossible. But this year, I was determined to go and meet readers and authors in the area.

Even before the event started, I found myself extremely impressed with the hard work Rick and Amy Miles (along with their entourage of helpers) put into it. I actually booked my 2017 table before I had even taken part in this years event!

My kids petting stingrays

Penned Con promised to be a family friendly event (which is was) so I packed up my three kids and husband and we headed to St. Louis.  We checked into the hotel (I always arrive a day early so I can relax and beat the check-in rush) and then headed to the St. Louis Zoo. Nothing beats watching your kids pet stingrays and sharks; seriously nothing.

On a side note, St. Louis really impressed me. The zoo, science center, history museum and many other places are all free to visit. Yes, the string ray petting did cost $4 a person, and let me tell you it was worth it. If you are considering Penned Con or any event in St. Louis, it's a great way to mix business and pleasure because it's very family friendly.

Once Penned Con started, it was a whirlwind of signing books, talking to readers, taking pictures and more. The keynote speakers each morning were phenomenal and incredibly inspiring.

Speaking on the panel (I'm on the far
right of the table)

I was also asked to be on a panel. The room was full, something I hadn't expected at all. As I looked around at the authors who would also be speaking alongside me, I thought, what am I doing here? I mean I was sitting right next to Denise Grover Swank (she's seriously a goddess when it comes to getting newsletter subscribers by the way). But I answered my questions and even offer a handout (which I had only brought fifteen because I figured there wouldn't be that many needed).  If you didn't get a chance to see that panel, I have the information here on my blog.



Yes, that's my eldest (in the black and
grey striped hoodie) ducking for cover

As I said earlier, Penned Con tries to be incredibly family friendly. They even provided special gift bags for younger kids (like my two little ones) that were super hero themed. The kids went around and authors gave them candy, stickers, buttons, bracelets and more. It was like trick-or-treating!

After the signing ended the first day, a room was opened up for Nerf Gun Wars. I cannot tell you how much fun this was. I'm not sure who had more fun, the kids or the adults! Thousands of bullets were shot as authors and readers ducked behind barricades made of cardboard boxes.

Day two of the event was full of more surprises when I had several fans come to the event to see me personally! Nothing can feel better than that. I hope that feeling never goes away. I even had a wonderful fan bring me a card and a special necklace, which I will treasure forever. Those fans reminded me why I write. Even if only those few fans enjoy my work, I've succeeded.

I can't believe I was nominated
alongside these amazing authors!

By the end of day two, I was nearly out of books. This was a relief because the bag I used to carry the books in weighed so much, my husband had trouble carrying it!

Then came the awards ceremony. While my eldest babysat the two youngest in the hotel room, my husband and I dressed up in our Luau attire and enjoyed the festivities. I was super excited to be nominated for Best Book Cover of 2016. And though I didn't win, it truly was an honor to be nominated.

Once all was said and done, I had a serious Penned Con Hangover. I missed the friends I had made, but was happy to be home because the event left me more inspired than ever to write.

If you are an author or reader, I highly recommend you mark Penned Con 2017 on your calendar. The atmosphere is so amazing, you will not regret it one bit.

Hook's Little Mermaid nominated for award!

Okay, I admit it, I've been a little MIA for a while.

In my defense I am a mother of three who runs the household, plus shares Funky Book Designs book cover design business with her husband and, of course, is an author.

I have been working like crazy to finish up "Red's Tangled Tale" which is the follow-up to "Hook's Little Mermaid" that everyone loved so much.

Loved so much? Well they certainly loved it enough to nominate it for Best Cover of the Year at the upcoming Penned Con book conference!

This is a doubly sweet nomination for me, since I'm both the author and the cover designer.

Sure, I'm going up against so amazing authors and designers. Heck, my own daughter (a huge Stacey Rourke fan) asked me if I would be hurt if she voted for Stacey's book instead of mine. Little traitor! lol... no seriously, she's a traitor. :P

Sure, we all say "It's an honor to be nominated" and it truly is.  Heck, I have a 20% chance at winning (a lot better odds than the lottery for one).  But it would be so great to win, having both written and designed the book that is nominated! :)

That being said, if you feel so inclined, be sure to pop over and vote!  You have to vote in all the categories for it to count, but there are only 9 I believe so it wouldn't take too long.

UTOPiAcon 2016 Awards - Best Blogger Nominations

As a mother, I have to say I could not be more proud of my teenage daughter Belle.  Not only does she have the daunting task of being a middle school student and a role model for her two younger siblings, she has also taken on the job of running her own book review blog! 

The first month, I helped her, guiding her in the direction of what is expected of a review blog and how to run it. Then she took the reins and has been running it solo for nearly a year!

That being said, I would like to throw her name into the running for Best Blog and Best Blogger for the UTOPiAcon2016 Awards.

Additionally, Belle has worked tirelessly to use her blog as a positive for teens and adults alike who would like to redefine what 'clean teen and young adult' really mean. She only recommends truly 'clean' titles and will point out those that aren't in order to make sure teens are reading what teens should be reading.

In 2015, she also started the #AuthorsAgainstBullying campaigned which she plans to continue with in 2016.

For these reasons alone, she should get the UTOPiAN of the Year nomination!

So if you have yet to place your nominations, please look into Belle's Beastly Book Blog and see all the amazing work she is doing.

UTOPiAcon 2016 Nominations

This year's UTOPiAcon 2016 Nominations are under way and I shamelessly point out that two of my books qualify for numerous categories in the hopes of a nomination!

Mind you, there are so many amazing authors out there, it is hard to choose.