My really, really, OFFICIAL MENTEE BIO

Last week I posted a little (meme heavy) "about me" post, before I knew that Mentee Bio's were an official thing with a blog hop and a hashtag and everything.  I felt the need to up my game.  So....

Take Two.

Who am I?
My name is Niki Lenz, and I live in Kansas City, Missouri with my husband and two kiddos.  My husband is a police officer, and I'm a stay at home mom.  My kids are Loralie (7) and Roman (3).  Here's our family wearing white on the beach (like ya do.)

I went to Southwest Baptist University, and have my degree in Elementary Education.  I taught Kindergarten for six years in the inner city, which was interesting.  Then I worked as a wedding planner for three years, which was even more interesting.  Kindergarteners and brides have a lot in common.

I decided to start writing novels kind of on a whim.  I thought I wanted to write picture books, and I heard about Nanowrimo at a writer's group.  It sounded like a fun challenge, and now, six novels later, I can honestly say it changed my life!

Things I Love:

These guys.

Anything vintage:  Red lipstick, polka dots, Buddy Holly, hot rollers, Motown, dresses that twirl.

BOOKS:  So so many books.  I read a lot of MG, YA, and even occasionally some adult.  Here's my Goodread's Profile, to see all my faves.

Movies:  Anything based on a book.

(I know this is supposed to be my less silly bio, but come on... this picture makes me wanna pee my pants.)

Oh, plus Pitch Perfects One and Two and Sharknado.  Don't judge me.  Watch it with wine, you will laugh so hard.

TV:  Gilmore Girls, Game of Thrones, The Office, Parks and Rec, Reign, Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Friends, Breaking Bad

Food:  Chocolate, sushi, pizza, cheese, anything that I didn't have to cook.

Travel:  I've been to Jamaica, Hungry, Romania, Ireland, Mexico and Italy

 Friends:  I am involved in MOPS, Bunko, Women's Bible Study, Church, and I have a close group of friends.  I am also involved in three writing critique groups, and I am a member of SCBWI.

(Here's me *middle* and two of my besties at a sporting event.  I didn't even bring a book!)

Hidden Talents:  I know the words to every song EVER, sewing, blogging, photography, craftiness.  I know four chords on a guitar and lots of songs that only require five chords.

Things I don't Love:

cop haters

whiners

plan-cancellers

mean kids

having to wait for sequels

negativity or people with bad attitudes

laziness

snakes

humidity

Okay, well that was only slightly more informative and professional than my last attempt, but I am hoping that my MS will give you a peek into my soul.  (Also, it should be noted that I make a cameo appearance in THE MANNY AND THE MOTORCYCLE.  Miss Jane = ME.)

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Because the Stalking Goes Both Ways

Hello Writer Friends!   Hope everyone is faring well in the writer-sphere!  Thought I would take a minute to get you caught up on what's up with me.

(Well, Ryan, that's a very good question, but one I will want to cover on another post.)

For now, let's talk about MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Not that I am super into myself or anything, but I'm currently getting ready to enter Pitchwars,  and I thought it might be a good way for potential mentors to get to know me a little better.  If you already know me, feel free to skip this entire post.  I mean, I will know and it will totally hurt my feelings, but do what you gotta do.

Here's the lowdown on all the fandoms Niki Lenz belongs to:

(I think we did!)  Fun Fact:  I MIGHT have gone to buy the last book at midnight with all the people in capes, and I MIGHT have accidentally yelled out "Expecto Patronum!" in a crowded theater during one of the movies.

Love me some LOTR.  The books were better.  Whatever.

Binge watched Gilmore Girls for the second time when it came out on Netflix.  I AM A COOL MOM.  See above.  And my daughter is named Loralie, so Ha.

I also don't share food, unless it is yours.

Hipster John Snow gets it.

So if any of these made you smile a little bit, we are probably soul mates and even if you don't pick me to be your mentee...

And now back to my regularly scheduled blog headings.

What I'm Reading:

I just finished this book, and you guys... I can't even.  I can best describe it as "delightfully disorienting."  Creepy and amazing.

What I'm Writing:  I finished my rough draft for my latest MG novel during Camp Nano in July.  I didn't make my 50K word goal, but I got to THE END and felt pretty good about it.  Now, it's a rough draft and that means a hot mess, but I think it turned out pretty funny.  The hook is "Honey Boo-Boo meets Sister Act."  Yeah.

What Else is Going On:

PITCHWARS!  This is, in my humble opinion, the most fun writer's contest on Twitter.  I will be entering my MG fantasy, THE MANNY AND THE MOTORCYCLE, a modern retelling of Mary Poppins.  I thought I would share a little snippet, just 'cause.

I pushed my chair slowly between the tables, searching for any hiding spots Darla might have found inviting. The play-dough booger kid stared at me and smiled. I smiled back.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi," I said.

"Why you got that chair with wheelies on it?"

"It's how I get around."

"You don't walk?"

"No."

"Oh, Okay." And that was the end of the conversation.

That's why kids are far superior to adults in politeness towards the physically challenged. If they have a question, they ask it. They don't whisper behind your back or secretly wonder if your brain works. I like kids.

So, that's what's up with me!  I wish you a week full of unforgettable characters and witty dialog!  And lots of exclamation points!!!!!!!!!!!