When Making & Writing Collide

In May of this year, my second novel was published, titled Two Brothers, One Redhead, and a Stolen Giraffe. It’s a quirky coming-of-age story that takes place on a farm in Nebraska, where a pair of well-meaning but impulsive brothers and their sixteen-foot stowaway spend several weeks falling in love with their newfound freedom, the wide open land, and the book-smart redhead who lives there.

It’s no surprise both sides of my creative mind have influenced each other recently, and that the process of writing & publishing Two Brothers, One Redhead, and a Stolen Giraffe has lead me to create a special collection of work inspired by the story. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the new pieces I’ve been working on lately, all inspired by the book. These are available for purchase in my Etsy Shop.

My favorite series features needle felted paintings, jewelry, and laser etched wood blocks that contrast an aerial view of farmland in Nebraska with the patterned hide of a giraffe. I loved that contrast in the story - an exotic African creature living on a rural farm.

To celebrate these two new things, my book release and new handmade collection, I’m hosting a giveaway on Instagram this week. The winner will receive a signed copy of Two Brothers, One Redhead, and a Stolen Giraffe, a $10 Amazon.com gift card, plus their choice of handmade pendant (shown below).

To enter the contest, simply follow both of my Instagram accounts @sarahmandellauthor & @onceagainsam and comment on the giveaway image (on either account) letting me know which pendant you’d choose if you’re the winner. Contest is open worldwide now through July 10. Good luck to all!

Review (with major spoilers) + another giveway!

Thanks to Lisa and her blog Adventures in Biblioland, there's a chance to win a free copy of Celia on the Run. Lisa got through the entire novel in just two days, loved the emotional ups and downs, got a little freaked out too, and she took the time to write a very thorough review (but its got major spoilers so don't read it unless you've already finished the book or you're one of those people who can't help but read the last page first...you know who you are!) http://fauvely.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/review-celia-on-run-sarah-mandell.html#

Enter the Giveaway!

If you're interested in winning a free copy of Celia on the Run, just enter the giveaway contest on a blog called "i loves to read". Anita Morgan, the reviewer, had some great feedback and comments and like so many other readers, she just didn't quite know what to expect in the end. I know that probably drives a lot of people nuts, not knowing what's ahead for the characters, but that's my favorite kind of story (to read and to write)! http://iloves2read.blogspot.com/2012/06/celia-on-run-sarah-mandel-win-free.html#