About Me

Hi! I'm Becca Fitzpatrick, the author of the internationally bestselling HUSH, HUSH saga. When not writing, I'm most likely running, prowling sale racks for shoes (stilettos, please!), or enjoying one of life's many little indulgences: Ice cream, Veronica Mars, losing myself in a book, painting my toenails, or simply daydreaming. I do my best to update this blog as frequently as possible with news on upcoming events, tips for writers, and all things pertaining to my books.

25 July 2011

Triathlon Recap

I'm back from Idaho! And happy to say not only did I finish my second sprint triathlon, but I beat my time by, wait for it, ONE whole minute! I came in at 1:28:06 - third in my age division. Yes, I am relieved. Yes, I am a delirious mix of happy and exhausted. And, yes, I am very, very sore.

A recap:

The race started with a 5k run, but I don't have any pictures of the run (thank goodness!) because my mom and I didn't realize that our wave started at 7:00 a.m. and not 7:30, so we'd inadvertently told our cheerleaders and photographer, a.k.a. family members, to show up a half hour late.

My mom and I arrived at the race with about ten minutes to check in, set up our transition areas, make a quick bathroom break, and dash for the starting line. In fact, I could hear the announcer yelling, "Thirty seconds to wave one," as I sprinted out of the restrooms. I was screaming at my mom to go to the starting line, and she was yelling at me to grab the energy bars. By the time we made it to the starting line, the gun had gone off and we were already out of breath. From sprinting, and from laughing. I can't imagine how frantic we must have looked.

Here I am leaving the transition area to head into the 20k cycling portion. I was so exhausted I could barely get my leg over the seat. I think I'm going to make this my profile pic on Facebook. What do you think?




I told my sister NOT to take any pictures of my backside. Clearly she is a good listener.



With my sister after the swim portion. That explains why my hair is a total mess. But I am smiling - I'm finished!!



This was my mom's fifth sprint triathlon in five years!



Last but not least, a few pics of my mom and me with our cheerleaders!




23 July 2011

HUSH, HUSH Graphic Novel Cover & Contest

The folks at SeaLion (the publisher of the HUSH, HUSH Graphic Novel) have released the cover and are hosting a cool contest!

First the awesome cover - So cool! What do you think?

And now some contest details!

The HUSH, HUSH Graphic Novel Contest Winner will receive a signed copy of the Hush Hush Graphic Novel and a hand crafted purse  created by 2011 Books with Bites!  To see examples of her creations visit http://www.bookpurses.blogspot.com/

Here's How To Enter: 
POST a comment on their page/profile about how much you want PATCH to be your guardian angel.  If you've already liked/friended them then just let them know how much you want PATCH to be your guardian angel.   Then send your friends!!!!  If you lead your friends to LIKE/FRIEND Sea Lion  make sure you tell them to say they were referred by you!  The more friends you refer the more chances you get to win!!!

The contest will run until the end of August 15th or until they reach 1,500 Facebook fans.  Winner will be chosen using random.org. Winner will be notified either on Facebook or Goodreads depending on how they entered and will have 48 hours to respond or the price will be given to the second runner up.

Also, don't forget about this contest, posted here a few days ago!  GOOD LUCK with both!! 

20 July 2011

Triathlon!

I can't believe it's here! I've been training for this sprint triathlon for eight weeks, and I'm suddenly wishing I had about five more. Last-minute jitters for sure! Tomorrow morning I fly to Salt Lake City, followed by a drive up to Pocatello, Idaho, where the triathlon will be held. (My mom lives in Pocatello and will be doing the triathlon with me. Yes, my mom is hardcore.)

I competed in this triathlon three years ago, and while I didn't train for it then, I was in a lot better shape than I am now. That was pre-Hush, Hush--back before writing took over my life. In a good way, of course. But still. Writing has become a huge part of my life and takes up a substantial amount of time. I've spent the past year working hard to balance my writing life with my family, and this summer I felt a big desire to get back in shape by making my physical health more of a priority. Maybe next year I'll tackle regaining a social life, ha!

Here are my 2008 times for the Pocatello Sprint Triathlon:

5k run - 21:02
20k bike - 48:17 (This isn't as abysmal as it looks; I was on a mountain bike.)
500 meter swim - 19:51 (This, however, is pathetic!)
Overall time - 1:29:10

The plan this year is to start slower and gradually build through the race. I want to shave a few minutes off the bike portion, and I really, really want to have the energy at the end to nail the swim. I've been a runner for years; now I want to prove to myself that I can bike and swim.

Part of me hopes I do really well, especially since I've trained so hard. Another part of me hopes this is a huge wake-up call and makes me realize I really do need to leave my desk a few times a week to work out. We'll see what happens!

In the meantime, I am packed, pumped, and ready to go!

GU energy gel packs? CHECK
Goggles? CHECK
Cute but functional triathlon tankini from Athleta? CHECK
Running shoes? CHECK
Box of See's Candies to celebrate with, post-race? CHECK


Wish me luck!!

-Becca