Mark your Calendars: Next Game May 5th! BOOK GIVEAWAY!!

YES, YOU HAVE MADE IT!
To WIBIJ?!--the game where you follow the clues to very cool blogs, and if you do it fast enough, or leave the best comment out there, then you win an award! 

Well, at next Wednesday's very special game (in just one week), you don't just win an award, you will WIN A BOOK!

If you don't feel up for the game,
find another way to cheer folks on.

YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!
And you never know what may happen at our next award ceremony.
We are a circus full of surprises up our fancy sleeves so come find a way to participate!!

Winners will choose from books by the fabulous writer/bloggers of our past runs:

Our May Debut Run:

May 1 Debut: Prophecy of Days - Book One: The Daykeeper's Grimoire, Christy Raedeke at Juvenescence

May 1 Debut: Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me Kristen Chandler at Kris Chandler Stories: the Blog

May 18 debut: Claire De Lune Christine Johnson (eponymous)

Or Our Picture Book Run-

any of the Good Night, Good Knight picture book series by Shelley Moore Thomas

Two of a Kind, or The New Girl...And Me by Jacqui Robbins

Hop! PLOP! by Corey Schwartz

So PRACTICE UP, google about, check out our EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW PAGE.  
Get your game on.


Show your best CARNIVAL FACES. 

You are our people and we love you.

The Official Recap and Award Ceremony

The next WIBIJ game will post on May 5th, at 1 PM eastern!
Follow Heather's clues to new or familiar blogs. Show up right on time to play the fast action game, or come anytime during the next 24 hours to play the relaxed version. We invite folks to hang out in the cheering section too (more cowbell, please). So many ways to get involved!

Next game there will be prizes for our fabulous winners. Keep your eyes peeled for details! PRIZES, people!!!

The Recap (Presented by Tina)
This past race began with Blogger pacing her cage. Here at WIBIJ?!, when working with our exotic animals, we always use B.F. Skinner's theory of OPPERANT CONDITIONING, connecting each of Bloggers behaviors with a cue and immediately rewarding her when she behaves the desired way. Her preferred behaviors are 1) publishing all of Heather's clues in non-wonky manner and 2) when she does wonk the clues, letting Heather approach without biting her head off.

Picture of Heather with our beloved Blogger

Once we have CAPTURED the beast (B.F. Skinner terminology) this game runs like butter. Then all that's required is SHAPING (yes, we know Blogger would be better off in the wild and we are putting Heather at serious risk) Taming a wild beast is like trying to train the wind.

The Stops
This race brings us to the women of the Internet, these gals have got Blogger in the palms of their hands. Our theme this week was blogs that help authors blog and write better.

Stop 1: Shelli at Market My Words, a fairie-like blog for adults, giving us the tools we need while providing such fun, this post asked her commentors to give their fourteen-year-old selves advice, based on the premise of Sarah Mylnowski's new book Gimmee a Break.

Stop 2: Casey at Literary Rambles not only keeps brilliant records of agents out there for us when we need but she offers a forum for our tip and tricks, our want-ads, providing series on tighter writing. Not only does she have killer content but she is a friend to all that cross her cyber-path.

Stop 3: Sheri Larsen's Writer's Alley provides a place for writers to spread their words, she is welcoming and energetic and a founder of Inkwell a community for writers that is growing like gangbusters, check it out! She also played our game with wit and winsome style (and for that she has us eternally in her pocket)!

Stop 4: Tahereh at Grab a Pen, brand spanking new to blogging, Tahereh is all freshness and love. She splashes on the scene with tons of visual appeal and boldness. Thanks for being there for all of us, Tahereh, you are our BESTIE! Querypolitan = awesome

Stop 5: Elana Johnson helps us with the most difficult, and keeps it real! Not only is she the Query Queen, she is a friend and a real writer with real writer problems and we can connect with her on a daily basis. As we learned from her post she vomits her first drafts, she let's us know exactly how and when she blogs, she shows us how to do it!

Our Racers:

Dena: What is there to say about Dena, our recurring champion? Except we command you, BOW TO THE QUEEN!

Jeff: HOORAY! He is a hero to our eyes. Not only did he take on our undefeated angel with storybook like bravery but he does his own personal good on his blog. Check out the Debut Author's Blog. His interviews are worth your time.

And Sheri, her Graffiti Wall is a wonder to behold. And the way she looks at you over her glasses, leaving cheeky responses. She put in a good race.

Other racers: Our beloved Kris, finding her way here between work and kids and her book. Kelly our gal about the blogosphere, perhaps you have seen her rocking at a concert near you too.

The Phrase: Paying it forward, one post at a time.

Awards (Presented by Jon)

1st Place

And of course, first place goes to the beloved Dena. I am so glad she's endearing, otherwise this could get old. But instead, I feel privileged to present her with 1st Place every other week. Since I know Dena really well, I know that her first place finishes give her motivation each week and that's what we're all about here, after all.

Best Comment

We saw funny, motivational, and honest comments this week. Nice work guys! Here are my favorites:

Kelly at Shelli's

Too fun, Shelli! I was wondering what that was all about on FB last night!
I agree with most things that you said, except the part of Duran Duran. I still and always will love them! :)
I actually wouldn't tell myself to change too much, because I love how my life turned out. I wouldn't want to accidentally alter the pathway there!
What a cool concept for a book!

Kris at Shelli's

I so love this idea. I wish wish wish I could tell my high school self to get over the crush I had for 4 whole years that made me ignore all the boys who might have been nice! Oh, and keep writing. ;)

Dena at Elana's

LOL at word vomit!!! I vomit out my PB's all the freaking time!

Sheri at Elana's

I'm what you'd call a skeletal pantser. ";-) Write out a few notes that just happen to have A or 1. in front of them. Sketch out a few more and then type away. I love to see a curve or twist I otherwise would not have created had I outlined to the hills. But that's just ME.

Kelly at Elana's

I have a general plot/conflict and general ending then go from there.
I can't wait to word hurl tonight!

Dena at Sheri's

That book sounds awesome!
I really enjoyed reading this interview because I can relate as a mother...and it's true, writing PB's is CRAZY HARD!!! I love your dedication to your craft and I'm trying to "work" at it as much as I can, but with two little kids, sometimes it just seems impossible! So glad to see you've had success! It gives me hope :-)

Kris at Tahereh's

I'd totally subscribe [to Querypolitan]! I can lose weight while I write - that would genius.

Jeff at Tahereh's (wrong post, right blog, but we loved it!)

Totally happens with my blog too. Somehow searching "Thomas Edison" brought someone to my web page... go figure.

The winner of the Best Comment Award is Kelly and her comment at Elana's because I love the sound of 'word hurl'. Well, the sound the words make not the action. Maybe Kelly could do a vlog on word hurling. I keep saying it over and over. "word hurl word hurl word hurl" Kelly--here's your award to proudly display on your blog! Congrats, and great race!

Race #4, Writers Helping Writers (presented by Heather)

Welcome friends from far and near,

Thanks for coming; for being here.

First, some business, before we play,

Disqualification for all who stray!

Sign in at the comments down below,

New clues, every 10, after you go.

Leave Respectful words at each new place,

Stay On Blog Topic--or you're out of this race.

Collect Jon's clues from the comment pile,

Visible by their CAPITAL style.

Return again, comment that you're done,

Submit your phrase, maybe you've won!

There's not much more for you to know.

Welcome to the circus; away we go!

A writer needs support every step of the way;
The blogs that Jon visits fit that bill, today.
Writers who help other writers at every turn
Get ready, get set, feel the google burn!

Jon's Phrase: Bloggers __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __!


Sign in at the comments!
Clue #1 @ 1:00 PM EST

a Market-ing guru she is--nothing less.

pink with personality, and great with the press.

"My Words," you might say, as you visit her site,

"this gal has it all and she blogs with such might!"

astounded you'll be, as she e-mails you back.

she certainly has just that kind of knack.

treating each person on her blog as a prime

you'll ask yourself, "how does she find time?"

Clue #2 @ 1:10

Spotlight on Agents is a feature so glam

that pulls you right out of your querying jam.

a helping hand you'll find at her blog every day,

even if it's just a kind word flying your way.

Tuesday's Tip helps inform, and she doesn't stop there,

but asks what you need and provides it with care.

she's open and honest--a true writerly friend,

and you'll never regret stopping by in the end!

Clue #3 @ 1:20

what is more fun, than Graffiti-ing her Wall?

authors and artists, everyone of y'all?

interviews of bloggers and writers abound,

from Inkwell, and verla's and everywhere 'round.

she's the best Writer's Ally--i can tell you that now.

with pizazz she blogs about writing know-how.

she answers each comment you leave with much glee

you know that her Alley is the place to be.

Clue #4 @ 1:30

"oh, besties," she cries, "do not ever despair!

we're in this together, of that I declare!

keep writing, keep going--i know you will ace

this novel you're writing, just keep up with the pace."

"here's a querying spoof that i wrote just for you.

and that shark Janet Reid just might show up here too

so pull up a chair, Grab A Pen, don't be late,

my lovey, my bestie, my writer, my mate!"

Last Clue @ 1:40

she's a blogging marvEl, anyone can attest.

and at answering comments, she's one of the best.

whether posting at querytracker, or at her own place,

she blogs with an abundance of humor and grace.

her Query-ing book can help you get on the baLl,

and snAg and ageNt, or at least, get the Call.

and once a month, check out her newsletter,

a fAntastic tool to help you write better!

***This game is open for 24 hours. And we expect to see some rocking clues out there in the blogosphere!! The award for best comment is still anyone's game!! Play on! Play on! Play on!***

After playing, visit Friday, to see if you won the award for Best Comment, or First Place!!! Thanks so much for playing!! We hope you connected with some new writers and blogs!!

***Remember, check the Everything Else You Need to Know Page if you get stuck!***

Mark Your Calendars

The next WIBIJ game will post on April 21th, at 1 PM eastern. One week from now!
Follow Heather's clues to new or familiar blogs. Show up right on time to play the fast action game, or come anytime during the next 24 hours to play the relaxed version. We invite folks to hang out in the cheering section too (more cow bell, please). So many ways to get involved!

Don't forget to read the Everything Else You Need To Know Page to figure out what the heck is going on here! In the meantime, practice getting your google on.

For your entertainment:

Official Recap for WIBIJ?! Game 3 (Presented by Tina)

You'd think that your carnival hosts would be wizened and jaded by now, spitting snuff and cat calls at the passers by. No we are not, we are right proper with finger sandwiches and lemonade. Heather and I make a point to wear our best aprons to the tent and you will never catch us without lipstick. J heads off to spread glitter with a jolly wave. It is like a set for Leave it to Beaver around here, except with Lions named Google and Elephants called Blogger. But we are crafty beneath this homespun appearance, Heather made this run just a little harder.

The Race:
Dena arrives and pleasantries abound. Oh, yes we can see this race coming from a mile away. The beautiful Dena has done it before and she will do it again. She is the lady of the hour, both to her children and to us. She can pull out the big comments, typing with a baby in one hand and spare diaper in the other. But then out of nowhere  comes Jeff. Who is this stranger and does he dare challenge Dena? The crowd goes wild. Jeff announces a competitive streak and Dena says, "Bring it!" Fingers to the keyboard, they were googling!!!

The Stops...
Exhibited such synchronicity! First, when we chose these May debuting books, two of them featured wolves. Well, that seemed lucky. Little did we know, that that was only the beginning. Heather designs her race in relative blindness. Yes, these blogs know we are coming. They are prepared to put up a post and sit tight while our challengers cover the wires. But, morning of the race dawned with beautiful echos and reflections throughout.

At stop one: Christy Raedeke at Juvenescence had put out an all points bulletin for a monkey! (First wolves and now a monkey.) You may want to head over there to see why. Please let her know if you have a lead on a talented capuchin(or other ideas, i.e. squirrels in makeup and men in gorilla suits)! Christy's book Prophecy of Days - Book One: The Daykeeper's Grimoire comes out May 1st!

At stop two: Kristen Chandler at Kris Chandler Stories: the Blog the synchronicity continues with more animals. Her post is a tribute to Kit, a John Wayne strutting, beloved bad boy cat, may he rest in peace and a pleasure to read. Kris' book Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me comes out May 13th!

At stop three: Christine Johnson brings up the controversial (or all we all in agreement here, editors rock!) future of book publishing, specifically self-publishing. If you have an opinion (and I know you do) go and leave it! Her book Claire De Lune comes out May 18th!

Finally stop four: The Debut Authors Blog. What?? Is that Christine Johnson again?! And is she is being interviewed by our very own scavenger Jeff Baird?! The echos and revolutions continue. Go and check out the questions, they're not your usual fare. And the answers aren't bad either! (There are two versions of the blog, one just for blogger. Our comments ended up at both. For added challenge see if you can double comment! May the synchronicity never end.)

Missing!
Our heckling section! One donkey-riding (and the TURBO donkey his/herself), tutu-wearing, vacationing (let's hope not in the hospital because that's where she was headed in her last joking comment was seen in these here parts) Ann Marie! Racers beware, I believe she is prepared to heckle the next time! (All are welcome to join, as long as it is in respectable, Leave it to Beaver type fun).

Our phrase: April previews bring May debuts!!!

Award Ceremony (presented by Jon)
1st Place:

Dena had a fierce competitor in Jeff. He was speedy! And had the distinct advantage of knowing the last blog (and then there was that surprise(!) overlap between the last two blogs). The two dueled around the blogosphere until even Harry Potter caught wiff of Dena and Jeff's battle. But in the end, it was Dena's defense of the Dark Arts, oh, no, I mean in the end it was Dena's defense of her reigning title as the W.I.B.I.J.?! queen that brought down the house in her favor.

Best Comment:

My two favorite comments were left by Jeff.  At Kris Chandler's blog he said, "Reminds me of my old cat, Zeno. She killed a Doberman once…. Violence came back to haunt her though when her days were ended by a rapid possum " (Wow, she killed a Doberman, but stood no chance against a possum?  I am amazed.) 

and 

at Christy' Raedeke's blog Juvenescence he said, "I will read your book solely based on monkeys... I mean we share a common ancestor and all. If it helps, I know a guy with a gorilla suit and I bet he would do origami in it for less than 800 dollars. Just sayin..." (Can you imagine trying to make a tiny crane with those sausage fingers?)

Jeff is the winner of Best Comment! (and thanks for giving Dena a serious run for her money!) Jeff make sure to pick up your award, and do with it what you will!  

And a huge shout out for being so darn faithful and beloved goes to both the lovely Kelly Polark and her magnificent and smiling presence (we loved your turn of WIBIJ's turn of phrase!) and the powerful scavenger with google in her back pocket, Dena Daw. We would like to thank Kelly and Dena for being so supportive of W.I.B.I.J.?!  No matter their schedule or how many children are running around screaming, they have been here for us. We truly appreciate it you two!  I love Dena to death, but I'd love to see someone take her down!!  Just kidding.  Not.

Race #3: MAY DEBUT AUTHORS

Welcome friends from far and near,

Thanks for coming; for being here.

First, some business, before we play,

Disqualification for all who stray!

Sign in at the comments down below,

New clues, every 10, after you go.

Leave Respectful words at each new place,

Stay On Blog Topic--or you're out of this race.

Collect Jon's clues from the comment pile,

Visible by their CAPITAL style.

Return again, comment that you're done,

Submit your phrase, maybe you've won!

There's not much more for you to know.

Welcome to the circus; away we go!

Today Jon visits Debut Authors looking for May fame.

Sign in, get ready, and let's get on with this game!

Jon's Phrase:__ __ __ __ __

Clue #1 @ 1:00 PM EST

journey now, to a scottish castle, to solve an ancient riddle,

a mayan relic, some revelations, and, now you're in the middle,

Of conspiracy, secret society, the Prophesy of Days.

Juvenescence, luminescence, Christy can sure turn a phrase!

Clue #2 @ 1:10

where Wolves are wolves, and boys are Boys

and Yellowstone the place to be,

fierce and funny, journalistic cunning,

finding myself just Might Kill Me.

Clue #3 @ 1:20

french moonlight is tricky, and gets kind of sticky

when secretly howling De Lune.

only girls in this club. when she falls in love,

Claire the Werewolf, she bays at the moon.

Last Clue @ 1:30

if you're a Debut Author looking for press, then this blog is the place to be.

with book reviews and themed interviews and your book decked out to the t.

homer simpson and a rubber chicken instead of thumbs up or a frown,

even with circus trains and crashing planes, Jeff and Clare do not let you down.

***Remember, this game is open for 24 hours. And we expect to see some rocking clues out there in the blogosphere!!***

At this point, you should have everything you need to in order to solve the phrase, so unscramble it and enter it into the form! And visit Friday, to see if you won the award for Best Comment, or First Place!!! Thanks so much for playing!! We hope you connected with some new writers and blogs!!

***Remember, check the Everything Else You Need to Know Page if you get stuck!***

When In the Blogosphere is the Next WIBIJ game?

You are all invited to the next WIBIJ game, which begins April 7th, at 1 PM.  Feel free right now to poke around the circus tent, feed the animals, and practice getting your google on.
  
And, remember, we're inviting people to play the fast action game, to play the relaxed version (the game is open for a full 24 hours), and to hang out here, in the cheering section, razzing the contestants.  So many ways to get involved and have fun!

Congrats to the winners of last week's game, and we'll see you here on April 7th!  Don't forget to read the Everything Else You Need To Know Page to figure out what the heck is going on here!