Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett

Two icons from my youth, have both died today.

I loved Michael's music, and Charlie's Angels was one of my favorite shows of all-time. May they both rest in peace.

Feels Like Heaven

Long before the Herrin family entered my life, there were The Osmonds. Nathan Osmond is debuting his new CD this weekend in Salt Lake, and he was nice enough to list my name in the credits. Thanks, Nate! I always wish the best for you.

If any of you would like to hear Nathan sings live this weekend, here's a press release about his concert on Friday.

Cottonwood Heights Relay for Life Will “Feel Like Heaven”
Osmonds 2nd Generation member to debut solo album at charity event

(Salt Lake City, Utah) June 16, 2009 -- As part of the Cottonwood Heights Relay for Life 2009, benefiting the America Cancer Society, Nathan Osmond will debut and release his first solo album, Feels Like Heaven, this Friday, June 19th.

“It just feels like an appropriate time to share my new album with the world,” Nathan said. “I hope Feels Like Heaven inspires people to show up and contribute to the cause.”

Participants in the Relay for Life attend for various reasons—from honoring cancer survivors, to paying tribute to those lost to the disease. The Salt Lake Relay is a fundraiser for cancer research and is one of many similar events across the country. Teams participating in the relay camp overnight at Butler Park and have at least one member walking or running from 6:00pm Friday, until 7:00 the following morning when the event officially ends.

Relay for Life events kick off with a survivor’s reception at 5:00 pm at 7500 South 2700 East (Butler Park - behind Butler Middle School) in Cottonwood Heights.

The Relay and Entertainment will begin at 6:00 pm. Nathan will perform pieces from his new album along with other music. He will also be there to meet fans and participants. Feels Like Heaven will be available for purchase with a portion of proceeds going to The American Cancer Society.

Additional activities will include a silent auction, dunk tank, inflatable slides and bounce houses, food, special appearances and more music. Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer. The luminaria line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their contributions.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has state divisions and more than 3,400 local offices. The ACS works to eliminate cancer through research, education, patient services and advocacy. Learn more about ACS, what they do, and their plans for the future at www.cancer.org.

Nathan Osmond is an accomplished singer, songwriter, producer, motivational speaker and has shared the stage with some of the industry’s biggest names. He is the son of 70’s pop star Alan Osmond. Nathan has appeared on MTV, Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kathy Lee, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight, CNN and other major shows and networks.

For additional information:

Machelle Lake
801-635-9558
machlake@gmail.com

Literacy Night: In the World, Not of the World

I'm officially part of the group! We found this listing online for the upcoming Literacy Night where members of my writer's critique group will be speaking at the end of the month. This is the first time I've ever been included because my book just came out.

My question is, how does J. Scott Savage fits into the Relief Society? Did someone find out about his impersonation of Stephenie Meyer at the LDS Storymakers conference?

To further the cause of literacy in our homes and communities
Eaglecrest 1st Ward~~Enrichment Night
June 30, 2009
650 W. 2600 North
Lehi, UT

Come and hear from LDS authors who share the concern of literacy in our homes and communities. It will be an evening of fun and learning. There will even be a book drawing at the end! To find out more about these authors, you are welcome visit their respective websites.

Annette Lyon (www.annettelyon.com) Annette is the author of the “temple” series—a set of historical romances set around the building of the Logan, St. George, Salt Lake City, and Manti temples. Spires of Stone was awarded Best of State in Fiction for 2007 and was a 2007 Whitney Award finalist. Her latest book, Tower of Strength, came out April 2009. Annette is a former co-producer of the Utah Chocolate Show. She and her husband live in American Fork with their four children.

Heather Moore: (www.hbmoore.com) Heather is the author of the four-volume Out of Jerusalem series—historical fiction on the Book of Mormon. Her latest book is called Abinadi, winner of the 2008 Whitney Award for Best Historical and was recently named as 2009 Best of State in Literary Arts for Historical Fiction. Her next book, Alma the Elder, will be out Fall 2009. Heather lives in Lehi with her husband and four children.

J. Scott Savage: (www.readfarworld.com) J. Scott is the best-selling author of the YA fantasy series Far World, published by Shadow Mountain (imprint of Deseret Book). Far World: Book 2 will be out September 2009. J. Scott also writes the Shandra Covington mystery series, under his “other” name: Jeffrey Savage. He and his wife and their four children live in Spanish Fork.

Julie Wright: (www.juliewright.com) Julie is the author of several books, including romance, young adult and non-fiction. She is best known for her YA novel My Not-So-Fairy-Tale Life. Her newest book, Eyes Like Mine, hits shelves June 2009. Julie lives in Oak City with her husband and three children. When she’s not busy writing she manages a store with her husband and works for Ebay.

Josi S. Kilpack: (www.josiskilpack.com) Josi has written nine novels, from contemporary romance, to women’s fiction, to suspense. Sheep’s Clothing won the 2007 Whitney Award for Best Suspense. Her most recent cozy mystery is Lemon Tart—which was the book of the month for Time Out for Women, and has been the #1 bestselling fiction title at Deseret Book for several months. Her next book, English Trifle, will be out this fall. In addition to her writing she enjoys reading, baking, traveling with her husband (and sometimes her four children) and amateur chicken farming.

Lu Ann Staheli: (http://luannstaheli.com) Lu Ann is the co-author of the When Hearts Conjoin: the story of the conjoined Herrin Twins from Utah. She teaches creative writing at Payson Jr. High and has been awarded as Utah English Language Arts Teacher of the Year and 2008 Best of State Educator for K-8. She has written a column for the Spanish Fork Press for many years on how to help your reluctant readers.

League of Utah Writer's Spring Conference

My husband finally figured out my new cell phone so I could send my photos from the League of Utah Writer's Spring conference over to my computer. Here I am at the autograph table, signing copies of When Hearts Conjoin, along with my friend, critique group member, and fellow author, Annette Lyon, who was signing copies of her new book Tower of Strength. You'll also recognize New Yorks Times best-selling author Dave Wolverton (David Farland) and Jessica Day George, both of whom were also speakers at the conference. Annette and I were on a panel and served as judges for the writing contest. The event was held at Cedar Fort Publishers in Springville.