The winning never stops here at the Teen Fiction Cafe, and just in time for the holidays! Now it's my turn, because I am celebrating two exciting publishing events. One, the Sweethearts paperback comes out on January 1, and, like every author I know, I'm excited about my books coming out in paperback. Why? Because paperbacks are pretty (with quotes from reviews that came out since the hardcover publication), they travel well, and because they're under $10 it means a whole new audience. Particularly: more actual teens! We all adore our adult fans and the libraries and schools who stock the books, and the teens who are able to buy in hardcover, but a $7.99 cover price kind of makes it accessible to a whole new group. Also, like the Story of a Girl paperback, the Sweethearts paperback includes a discussion guide. Bonus!
The other exciting event is the publication of the anthology Does This Book Make Me Look Fat? (coming out December 29) to which I contributed an essay detailing, among other things, how a doctor completely humiliated me when I was 16 and how I eventually learned to (mostly) make peace with and take care of my body. DTBMMLF? also includes essays and stories by many of your favorite YA authors, like Coe Booth, Megan McCafferty, and even some dudes, like Barry Lyga and Matt de la Pena. Now, if you've read Sweethearts, you know that the 
narrator, Jenna, has some body and eating issues, so the fact that these two releases coincide is kind of cool.
narrator, Jenna, has some body and eating issues, so the fact that these two releases coincide is kind of cool. And, because of that theme, the way to win yourself a signed copy of the Sweethearts paperback is to leave a comment here telling me something that you do, something you've changed, something you've overcome, or something you've learned to do help keep your connection with your body & health strong and positive. Emphasis on the positive. (Like, "I make sure to only eat 175 calories a day" is not a good answer, because obviously that is not enough food to live on! "Every time I watch Gossip Girl I do self-talk that reminds me it's okay to not look like Jenny Humphrey" is better.) I wish I had a spare copy of DTBMMLF? to give away, but I don't. Instead, I'll give away two copies of the Sweethearts paperback.
I will pick one random winner from the commenters, and one winner for the comment that I think is especially inspiring (even though I know they will all be pretty awesome!). I'll do that on Friday, December 12, sometime after noon Eastern and post the results here. I'm really looking forward to your answers!
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51 comments:
Yes, I am commenting on my own post to set the email followups!
:O FIRST TO COMMENT!!!! :O
Haha, I loved this book! I would definitely love a FREE SIGNED copy.
Good luck to anyone who comments. :]
Skye xx
Some things that I do to keep my body fit and healthy are:
I take multivitamins (teehee)
I ride my bike to school (3 miles!)
And I always try to eat as many vegetables as I can daily (I love them!)
I also loved this book, and I think it would be absolutely amazing to win a signed copy.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Okay, I'll take a shot at this. When I get up in the morning, the first thing I do is 3 sets of 15 push-ups, 3 sets of 15 sit-ups, and a ten minute stretching workout that loosely resembles Quigong. Every evening I walk a mile. In the winter, when I sit on my butt all day writing instead of doing my regular landscaping job, I walk two miles. Now if I could just resist that temptress Chocolate I'd be in good shape!
I take yoga, which is really relaxing, especially with exams starting this week. Usually, my exercise is PE class, but this year my PE is yoga, so I haven't been exercising as much as I should....
i keep my body healthy by eating fruits and vegetable for dinner everyday. I also try to exercise a few times a day. It would be great if I got a signed paperback of this book because I really love it.
I don't do anything special to keep my body fit because I figure if I am meant to be skinnier than this than I would be. Alot of people get on me about my weight but i don't look at the numbers on the scale I look at how i look in my clothes. If I feel that I look good then I'm happy.
I'm not going to worry about what other people think. If i worried about everything that people thought about me I would be one very depressed young girl.
I love the book Sweethearts and would love to get a signed copy.
My favorite book of yours though would have to be Story of a Girl. It was just an amazing story line and it felt like I was her, feeling her pain while i read this book.
-Taylor Brittany-
Sure I run regularly and do a bit of strength training and try to eat mostly healthy stuff, but the best thing I've ever done to keep my whole body image thing positive is finally accept my unique self as being totally okay. I'm me, complete with lumps and bumps. ;-) It took me 'til I was about 40 (slow learner!) but it's great to be happy with myself.
Hm, for me, I swim twice a week for 30 minutes, non-stop. And on a daily-basis, after I fall asleep, I would do sit-ups for 5 minutes. Eating vegetables on a daily-basis, also. Drinking water everyday. Getting enough sleep, so I sleep at 10:30PM while all my friends go to sleep around like 2:00AM!
Some things that I have found that are great for keeping healthy are belly dancing and my Wii Fit! They are both super fun, and especially belly dancing because you get to wear pretty belts with jingly coins on them!
I've learned to not care what people think of how I look and to just eat healthy.
I keep my body and health strong by remembering that the mind lives in the body and doing things that nourish both, like taking long walks outdoors and going to yoga class once a week. I also take multi-vitamins and drink lots of herbal teas.
You guys are so AWESOME so far!!
Here are a couple of mine:
- I re-channeled my former addiction to diet books into buying real books about health and nutrition - for example books about how to cook with whole grains, or books about where our food comes from (like Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma, or the classic Diet for a Small Planet).
- I think about the friends and family who I consider beautiful and what is beautiful about them and I can tell you that the answer is never, "They have a slammin' bod!" It's always something to do with their eyes, their laugh, their compassion, kindness, or sense of humor. Then I try to apply that same standard of beauty to myself. That's hard!
Keep 'em coming...
After years of being self-conscious about my body, and feeling like I was never skinny enough, I have learned to just accept who I am. Most of the time I eat good, nutritious foods, such as everything included on the food pyramid, but that's not to say that I don't have multiple sweets during the day. However, I work that off through walking home and gym class excersizing, and I plan to start working out to tone up my body so that I can personally feel healthier. All one needs is positive thinking to feel better about their bodies, and of course some source of exercise. If you can look past what you feel others will say about yourself and your body, and you learn to appreciate what you've got, especially when standing in front of the mirror telling yourself "damn, i look good", that's when you realize that you don't have to be stick figure celebrities to look good-- you just have to be yourself.
Sara, you're an extremely creative writer and a great storyteller. Please please please get out some new books soon :]
I overcome my disease everyday. I didn't have it until one day. I am re-learning to walk correctly and strengthen myself.
I loved this book and would love a copy.
I use to think that when I was busy I wouldn't eat and that that was okay but in then when I was done with my busy I would not be able to make good decisions when choosing what I should eat. I now know to stop and have a little bit of something so that I can make good decisions. I also take a walk, not for exercise but to help get me out of my pent up box of thoughts. I think this helps me keep my connection with my body & health strong and positive.
I eat less chocolate. (I say this as I'm eating M&Ms.) But I used to be a chocolate addict (Still am, actually. Just not as bad, I swear. xD)
And I eat more fruits and vegetables. When I was little I was always like "I ONLY WANT APPLES! APPLES! NO MORE FRUIT! JUST APPLES!" Now I have expanded my list of edible fruits and vegetables.
I read awsome books to keep the torturing stress form eating away at me. And of course a daily dose of laughter always cures the blues and is great for the heart. Meditating is great for my focus, and just eating healthy.
Everytime I feel bad about myself for eating too much dessert, I remind myself that it is okay to indulge and enjoy life and that it is better to be a healthy but happy person than one who obsesses over weight!
Oh, and I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, along with enough meat and whole grains for a good diet.
And - my email is hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com - so please enter me Sara :) And happy holidays!
I'm 33 years old, been on diets since before I was a teenager, so I KNOW diets and body issues. Hell, I still deal with body issues every day. I'm here more to give a little learned advice.
Find something you enjoy doing for activity, it doesn't have to be something that makes you sweat your butt off, just something that gets you moving and off the couch. If you can find an activity that you enjoy doing, you won't look at it as exercise and you are more likely to stick with it.
It could be anything from bowling (which always gets my heart pumping!) to walking around the mall for a couple of hours stalking hotties (Oh c'mon, you know you do it!! LOL!!).
Don't be hard on yourself for skipping a few times. I've learned that I do more damage to my self-confidence by being hard on myself, than the benefits I would have gotten had I done the activity.
We spend billions of dollars on exercise crap every year, only to abandon them at the first sign of failure. Be realistic and set goals. DO NOT compare yourself to other people, you are your own individual self, be the best you that there is out there.
I would love to win a copy of Sweethearts.
As for what I do...
well you have to first understand that I have a sister who's skinny, pretty, and fashionable.
And well, I'm not. So for years now, I've always felt like I was being compared to her and there were times when even my own dad would make comments.
So what I've learned to do is just to stop comparing myself with her. Because I realized that I wasn't being compared as much as I was doing the comparing. And it was hurting myself.
To keep myself healthy and fit, I go running because I loved cross-country when I was in school and placed 10th in my school board one year. Also, I decided to stop drinking any pop (coke, pepsi, sprite, you name it.)
Thanks for the giveaway. =)
carmenalexistsang[at]gmail[dot]com
first thing i do is look at myself in the mirror once a day and smile.
it keeps me from hating myself.
i take vitamin C capsules daily.
i eat a healthy breakfast before my class starts.
i keep an agenda to trace my thoughts and organize my time.
i take advantage of my free time and use it for something i want to do.
i never eat junk food or drink soda in the morning.
i make it a point to walk from one building to another, since i'm in college and most of my peers use their cars.
i help out whoever that needs help in any course that i'm doing well at because i'm not selfish, and it helps me feel useful and helping others helps me mentally, also in a way it kinda puts the universe on my side, although i don't count on that.
Every night before I go to bed I set my alarm 30 minutes to an hour before I usually get up for work-becuase I tell myself "Tomorrow you will get up and do those Hip Hop Ab workout videos that you nagged your sister about borrowing for 3 months."
Every morning I hit the snooze button until about 8 AM, that leaves me an hour to get ready for work. Needless to say Hip Hop Abs is still in the case next to my TV.
But the one thing I do every morning before I start putting on my make up and fixing my hair is I put on music and I dance. Don't know how I started this ritual, but I do. Depending on what moves I decide to bust out-well it can be a workout in itself. But the main thing is, it gets me pumped up, puts me in a good mood, clears my mind and sometimes even gives me story ideas.
So that's how I take care of my body--oh and I've completely cut back on my 10 a day soda habit, only drink Diet & Tea at home and lots and lots of water.
So far...so good.
I loved SWEETHEARTS - I want that cookie! - and I will definitely buy the other.
I really liked Sweethearts. I just read it last week. I received the hardcover book in a contest. Glad I did. :)
I always feel very proud of my body after a yoga class, because I try to challenge myself there, and I frequently realize that I can do a lot more than I would think that I could. So I come out of class feeling very strong and energized.
But my favorite thing to do to make my body feel great is to put on fun poppy music and dance all around my house. It feels goofy at first, but then it's just fun, and a great workout too.
Hm. I'm trying to not eat processed foods; instead, I'm concentrating on whole foods, and I've eliminated artificial sweeteners. I'm trying to maintain an exercise regimen/habit.
I'm also trying to monitor my thoughts and words about my body in an effort to eliminate negative self-talk.
Wow, Sara, your second one does sound hard!
While I make myself do the tough stuff--kickboxing, step class, and such--my exercise dessert is yoga. I adore the way it makes both my mind and body feel. Ahhhhh.....
Katy
I'd love a copy of Sweethearts! One thing I started to do was go bike touring. Not just biking around my city but challenging myself to go on longer bike rides. It makes me feel so strong and capable.
Sara - you are so awesome to promote healthy eating like this because it's so scary how easily distorted self-images can take over!!!!! Can't wait to read Sweethearts - it's on the ever growing pile!!!!
As for myself I don't diet because I've never found one that I could reasonably imagine following for the rest of my life and therefore I can't see the point.
A few years ago, I had to have 3 back surgeries, and ever since then, I have to really take care of my body. I try to ride my bike at least 5 miles a day (4-5 days a week), I eat healthy food and stay away from meat and processed foods, and I find time every day to 1)Laugh, 2)Read, and 3)Spend time with my pets.
Despite the health problems I have had, I always keep a positive outlook and appreciate the good things I am able to experience in life...love, books, and laghter.
I can't wait for your next book!!
I've had pretty good doctors, but I've definitely been through a lot. When I was in middle school, I even had one that basically-to me-said I was fat. It definitely didn't make me feel good about myself...and don't you HATE when all your friends are skinny and can eat whatever and STAY that way??
Anyway, nowadays, I'm trying to eat healthier and not eat much later at night (every now and then maybe) and just be a healthy person. It's hard, but my whole family is trying so that's good.
-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
Well I don't eat red meat or pork which helps keep me fit and makes meal time interesting sometimes (especially since I live in Texas...beef capital of the world! Ha!). But probably the best thing I've done to be fit is to accept myself for who I am, love the body I have, and always remember that, while there's room for improvement, I am *totally* awesome as is!!!
I would love a signed copy of sweethearts! Thanks for giving all of us the opportunity Sara!
You are all SO GREAT.
I started to eat more vegetables even though I hate doing that...and I started running too, at first it was very tiring but it makes me feel healthier and also more confident, like, I love my body more now.
Thanks for the great giveaway. I love paperbacks, they look so cute and give me those cosy happy feelings when I'm reading.
i used to be the type of girl who would rather sit at home and do nothing then get out...then one day i asked myself what am i doing just sitting here? So i went for a run, and while i was running i realized that the way i was living my life was not only bad for my body but my soul as well. I realized that running allowed me to get away from the stresses in life, clear my head and that it was good for mind body and soul! so now i try to run almost everyday!
hmm, this book looks amazinggg! stuff i do to keep my body healthy and active: i do yoga every once in a while and i actually participate in gym :]
stephanie
I started doing a few things to keep myself, and body healthy. I do yoga(on days i feel like it..lol), I eat junk food only on occasion, and I joined the Track Team(to meet cute boys..lol), but I am determined to be better this year. And a surround myself with a variety of people to keep sane.
=)
TruBlu
I walk everyday sometimes from school which is an hour's worth (power walking ;P, I like to walk fast...) and up hills, down hills.
I love to participate to gym such as in volleyball, badminton (with my friend since she's on the team so I try to help her practice =), and soccer.
I like to eat a healthy serving of fruits, like yesterday I had 3 apples and some oranges XD.
Since I enjoy baking so much I've tired to bake some vegan goodies, no butter, no oil, no egg. That's just say is was...chewy =) (still edible though!) of course occasionally I have an Oreo here and there XD. Gave up soda...juice and water only
This is the only thing I can think of right now >.< Anyway would love a copy!
ylin.0621[at]yahoo.com
I have always been naturally thin, but super unhealthy. Recently, I decided I did not want to die early of a heart attack, due to eating too many fried and fatty foods, so I have been eating fruits and veggies everyday. I also joined a gym, so I can get in some much needed cardio and I bought a Wii Fit! I figure if I am gonna be healthy, gotta have fun doing it.
Too bad I can't give up my Oreos! : )
I play tennis. It's a sport you can always play- no matter what your age. The man who taught me to play kept playing into his ninties. He always swore that tennis was what kept him in such great health. Up until the month he died, he never needed any extra help or aid with his health. I'd like to follow his footsteps to a long, healthy life.
not_so_cg[at]yahoo[dot]com
I have an interesting relationship with my body. I was a naturally small child, then I was a ballerina. I quit ballet to focus on music and slowly put on weight until I was in the realm of what's considered "average." I'm not fat, I'm not skinny, but I am widely considered thin. It's still odd to look in the mirror sometimes because I'm bigger than I remember. I've got visible curves.
I just run a little, do some sit-ups, and make sure I get enough fruits, veggies, and protein. I eat fresh spinach at least once a week, if not more - I love the stuff and it's a good source of iron. I also hang out with people who don't go in for the mean girls thing and instead build each other up, encouraging healthy habits in a non-cruel manner.
I have spent countless hours looking in the mirror and feeling bad about the way that I look. All of these tearful eyes and unhappy moments were caused by a horrific moment in my life. When I was in grade 7, I walked down the hallway at school and a boy a year older than me yelled Porky Pig to me. This one stupid comment shattered my confidence. When I look back on this situation I find it so stupid that I spent that much time beating myself up over one bully's idiotic comment. I have recently decided to get over that traumatic experience by having a healthier attitude. In my opinion it is unhealthy for a woman to look at the media and believe that everyone should look the same. In reality there are women of all shapes and sizes and I have learned to accept that myself.
I have also recently started to exercise more frequently. This experience has helped me believe that I can accomplish any challenge that I face. As well, it has giving me a stronger and healthier confidence while giving me a stronger and healthier body.
I have become a healthier person by giving myself a better diet. I have learned to believe that everything is okay in moderation but I also know that if I binge out every once in a while that it won't kill me. I also try and have fruits, vegetables and protein as they are very important to my diet.
Throughout the day I keep positive thoughts going through my head. It is the best thing that I can do for my mind and my body. I believe that every woman should be able to feel comfortable with themselves. As well, I keep myself healthy by he people that I surround myself with. I find that when I used to surround myself with people who made harsh comments about other peoples body it make me more aware of faults that I had. Currently, I surround myself with great friends who always have positive and encouraging thoughts. When I am with them I gain a higher self esteem by their motivating attitudes. My family always encourages my happiness and it makes me have a healthier mind and soul knowing that people truly care about me.
I would like to stay that I am very proud of myself and very proud of women who are able to believe they are beautiful inside and out.
Lastly, because I know that this is incredibly long, I would like to say that I enjoy your books very much and would really love to have a signed copy of your book. I also would love it if you came out with a third book because both of your books tell incredible stories that inspire me and I wish you the best of luck and happiness throughout your life.
Ruby:)
I eat healthy-it helps that both my parents are health professionals! And, I usually try to swim once a week.
I know I'm really late with this, but I have to say that I LOVED Sweethearts! It is easily the best book I've read this year and the only one that I've felt compelled to post a review of (on my blog). =) I would love to win a signed copy!
Some things I've done to keep my body healthy... I used to walk to uni everyday (it takes about 40 mins), but now it's the holidays I do aerobics (with these really embarrasing tapes my mum has from the 80's!). I'm also a total water junkie though I didn't always used to be. ;)
~Lucy D =)
I stopped concerning myself with where I thought I needed to be in life, instead of where I am in life. That I didn't have to be of a certain age, with a certain life, a certain job, a certain family, traveling within a certain social circle, which made up the lifestyle and life cycle of many adults who find themselves in the traditional pattern of school, degree, career, starter house, partner, house flip, new house, marriage, children, &c. &c. Once I realized I am in my own time and space, and that the social fabric that supports me is the one I create, and not necessarily the one people–not all, but mostly– subscribe to, my body, and general well-being gave a little sigh of relief. It's not to say that I'm still not immune to daily health challenges; but hopefully, I'm decreasing unrealistic expectations of myself while increasing my ability to think creatively and forge my own way of realizing my being.
My wisdom: An elastic mind, rather than waistline, is far more flattering, on any figure. Bonus! It generally comes in more colors than just pink!
I've learned to always eat healthy and for my health, I have to drink a lot, a lot, a lot of water, etc-it's actually harder than you'd think :)
Sweethearts is a fab book.....
I go to exercise class, but find healthy eating hard (something to do with my love of fries and candy!!)
Aw D: I missed it by a day!
hello my name is victoria segura during the day it chase my one year old around the house and take her to the park, we have a lot of fun. =)..... i I really love this book and it would be awesome to get a signed copy. I wish everyone good luck
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