A Day Into the Writer : 2014

Monday, November 3, 2014

Then and now

I'd like to share a tale about a girl who struggled, fought, and see how jealous people can truly become when one achieves her dreams.

There was once a girl who loved books. Loved them so much she decided to write a few herself. She finished a few 3 to be exact. The girl researched and researched day and night, night and day, working on the next steps.

Perfecting a query letter. It seem so hard. How can someone summarize so much awesomeness into three paragraphs or less? She did it though. She managed it after a lot of tries and a lot of failures. She also did a synopsis. Same try and fail procedures but eventually landed one that was sure to be just what she needed.

Next she revised, sending her babies off to Beta Readers and Critique Partners she met on writing sites she joined. And once she was fully satisfied with her work, she was ready for the next step. Researching agents seemed easy enough. They all seemed great and amazing and wonderful, but this person had to be everything she couldn't be.

Rejections poured in by the dozens. The girl didn't know what went wrong. She did it all right. But she wasn't given in and kept working. Kept fixing, writing and eventually got some requests. She could do this. She could really do this.

When she got her first yes, she didn't know what to do. She felt confident in her choice and it seemed like a good pick so she said yes. But the girl learned very quickly that some things that come in pretty little packages are not the gifts you want in the end. After a long year the girl was bitter and felt deceived. She looked back on it and realized things were broken, and it was too late to fix. And the hollowness grew until there was just a huge black hole. She felt like her whole world was crashing in on her and her dreams were slowly disappearing. She vowed to never feel this way again. She wrote through her pain. Wrote through her jealously of people she knew landing things that she wished had happened for her.

The girl wrote and worked harder than ever. She read books to help her improve. She sought out new ways to make her book unique, wonderful, and have a flare like no other. And she also decided when the time submit was right, she'd do it on her own. So she worked on a few different things and decided to submit, only this time it was to a publisher and not an agent.

After first her idea was good, but they wanted the girl to revise and resubmit. So she worked on the revision. She was going to get this right. She was determined to never fail again. And eventually the girl resubmitted and got a yes.

Now her book is doing well. She figured people would rejoice with her as she had with them. She hid her jealous green monster from them and wished them the best. And even when she was jealous she never made a remark to let it show. But apparently others are not like her. They tear her down and say things that are not true.

For those who are green with envy please note this. The girl knows what kind of road she traveled and how long it took. She will never forget who to thank for all her good fortune, which are all the readers who love her book and continue to buy it. She will never miss an opportunity to say Thank You. It was hard and she's grateful for the longer journey. It makes her appreciate the good with the bad. And for those of you still finding your own path, just know no matter what there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep working on it and you'll get there.

Happy Reading

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Interview with Sky and Caleb from RIVAL LOVE

Book Info:

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Release Date: 8/26/14

Series: Rivals

Book #1

Question for Skylar

Tell me what is RIVAL LOVE?

Well, it’s about me, Skylar Fletcher. I’m a proud Harris Academy Bulldog! I have everything a girl could want: a perfect boyfriend, great friends, and my dream college is waiting for me in the fall. Well … that’s until my mom decides it’s time to move and drags me off into Bobcat territory.

At Delmont High, home of the Bobcats, I have no friends and often bullied. To make matters worse my home life blows thanks to all-star quarterback Caleb Morgan, nephew of my mom’s live-in boyfriend.

Caleb and I can’t stand each other from the start. But he’s hot. Like really hot, and he has his moments where he can be super sweet. But can a Bulldog and a Bobcat be anything other than enemies? And is Caleb and I willing to risk everything to find out?

I don’t know, you’ll have to go read it and see.

Question for Caleb

When Skylar moves in how do you feel?

At first? I hate it. I can’t have parties anymore. Can’t have my friends over on the weekends to just chill because enemy #1is living in my uncle’s house with us. But now … it’s great. She makes me laugh, pushes me to be better, and she knows how to hold her ground.

This question is for both of you

Are you two glad about the move?

Now, yes, I mean … I found out a lot about myself.- Sky

Me too. I can honestly say my skills have improved due to someone telling me where my quarterback skills were lacking. (winks at Skylar) But most of all, I can say we both grew from this.- Caleb

Yes, especially me. My ideas and plans or the things I had set as ideas and plans did change but only a little. And I guess I needed to see that the surface or things I thought defined me doesn’t.- Sky

Is there any songs you two love?

Yes!- they both answer.

I love Lost in the Echo by Linkin Park. That’s my Jam. –Skylar

If you run by You Me at Six-Caleb

This isn’t goodbye by Train- Skylar

Sorrow by The National- Caleb

Bubble Games by Magic Bronson – They say together.

What do you two think about your author?

Natalie is amazing.-Skylar

Eh, she’s alright. Kind of crazy.-Caleb

What? No, she isn’t. She’s really funny and nice.- Skylar

Kidding. She’s cool. Girl likes football. Used to swim and play softball like Sky here. And she bakes a hella batch of cookies.-Caleb

Gotta crush you need to confess, Caleb?-Skylar

No.- Caleb

Uh huh. He just likes her cookies.-Skylar

Well, who doesn’t like cookies? And don’t try to act all cute and innocent over there. You ate more than I did.-Caleb

Where can I get a copy of RIVAL LOVE ?

Barnes and Noble or Amazon

For a chance to win a copy of RIVAL LOVE Check out THIS.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Cover reveal

TITLE: GEARS OF BRASS

AUTHORS: Christine Baker, Lorna MacDonald Czarnota,Natalia Darcy, Grant Eager, Jordan Elizabeth, S.A. Larsen, J. Million, W.K. Pomeroy,Heather Talty, Eliza Tilton, and Clare Weze

GENRE: Anthology Steampunk

RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 10, 2014

PUBLISHER: Curiosity Quills

Summary:

A world like ours, but filled with gears of brass, where the beating heart is fueled by steam and the simplest creation is a complex clockwork device.

Within this tome, you’ll find steampunk fairy tale re-tellings, as well as original stories that will send your gears turning.

Welcome to the steampunk realm, with eleven authors guiding your path.

MEET THE AUTHORS:

Jordan Elizabeth writes young adult fantasy for Curiosity Quills, including ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW which was published in October and the upcoming TREASURE DARKLY; she’s represented by the Belcastro Agency.

J. Million is the author of Last of the Giants and can always be found reading or writing.

Lorna MacDonald Czarnota is a professional storyteller and author of several books including, Medieval Tales That Kids Can Read and Tell, Breadline Blue, Legends Lore and Secrets of Western New York, Wicked Niagara, Native American and Pioneer Sites of Upstate New York, and Dancing at the Crossroads: Stories and Activities for At-Risk Youth Programming.

SA Larsen is represented by Paula Munier of Talcott Notch Literary and is the author of published short stories, community-interest stories, and magazine articles focused on children.

Grant Eagar is an Engineer who would take the tales he told his children at bed time, and transform them into fantasy stories.

Clare Weze is the author of The House of Ash (forthcoming) and the co-author and editor of Cloudscapes over the Lune.

Eliza Tilton: gamer, writer and lover of dark chocolate; author of the YA Fantasy, BROKEN FOREST, published by Curiosity Quills Press.

Heather Talty's stories have been featured in Enchanted Conversation, as well as her own fractured fairy tale site, Mythopoetical (www.Beatrixcottonpants.com).

W.K. Pomeroy is a third generation writer who has published more than 70 short stories/articles/poems across many genres and styles, which now includes Steampunk.

Christine Baker is the author of Lana's End, The Guild of Dagda, and many more.

Natalia Darcy: a bookilicious reader, tea drinker and Zumba aficionado who enjoys playing cards against humanity and washing her hair with ice cold water.

You can get your steampunk fix before GEARS OF BRASS is released in November. To enter for your chance to win a copy of GEARS OF BRASS, you will need to share the cover. This can be on your blog, Facebook, Twitter... Each time you share the cover image, log it into Rafflecoper (#insert link) to record it. It will give you more chances to win. The drawing for the winner will be held on October 27th

rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Friday, September 19, 2014

Cover Reveal Coming soon ...

Hello Bloggers,

Coming soon ...

Cover reveal for GEARS OF BRASS

Blog Post for RIVAL LOVE Oct 12th ... Interview, giveaway and more ...

AND ....

BIG NEWS EEEEK!!!!

Happy Blogging.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Cover reveal

SUMMARY

How far into the hollow would you go?

“After losing her parents in a terrorist attack on the Twin Towers, fifteen-year-old Honoria escapes New York City to Arnn—a farming town with more legends than residents, and a history of witchcraft and secrets best left buried.

Everyone in Arnn knows the story of Witchwood Hollow: if you venture into the whispering forest, the witch will trap your soul among the shadowed trees. In the lure of that perpetual darkness, Honoria finds hope when she should be afraid, and a past of missing children and broken promises. To save the citizens of Arnn from becoming the witch’s next victims, she must find the truth behind the woman’s madness. How deep into Witchwood Hollow does Honoria dare venture?”

ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW is Jordan Elizabeth’s first novel. This young adult fantasy will be published through Curiosity Quills Press on October 29, 2014.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jordan Elizabeth, formally Jordan Elizabeth Mierek, can’t get enough of the woods, be it splashing through a stream, sitting beneath an ancient oak, or following a path up a hill. Some of those adventures have led to abandoned foundations. Exploring the rocks and crumbling bricks sparked Jordan to imagine who might have lived there before, and that train of thought carried her to a wicked legend and an enchanted hollow. You can contact Jordan via her website, JordanElizabethMierek.com

You don’t have to wait for October 29^th to explore Witchwood Hollow. Jordan Elizabeth is offering up a free eArc. To enter for your chance to win a copy of ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW, you will need to share the cover. This can be on your blog, Facebook, Twitter… Each time you share the cover image, log it into Rafflecoper to record it. It will give you more chances to win. The drawing for the winner will be held on October 20^th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Music moves me

When I write, it's with music blasting in the background. The scenes are set by my music. It sounds weird, but it's true. This is how I write. Others may listen to stuff here and there but they might not need to be surrounded by lyrics or beats.

Music sets my mood. Lyrics drive my words. Depending on my characters too, I can usually listen to songs that would relate to them. So here is a little preview of RIVAL LOVE's Playlist.

Rival Love Playlist

1. I want you here by Plumb- This would be Skylar's song or at least the first part of the book

2. Hopeless by Train- This is another one of Skylar's songs when she realizes going back just isn't going to happen

3. Loose lips by Ourlives- This would be Caleb's song during Dinner

4. Solving and Running by Kiev- This is another one of Caleb's songs at school

5. Demons by Imagine Dragons- This is Skylar and Caleb's song.

6. Lost In the Echo by Linkin Park- This is Sky's song as she begins to transition

7. Pen and Paper by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus- This is Caleb's song when he's playing football

8. Bulletproof by Evans Blue- This is Sky's song when she tries to hide her emotions

9. Sorrow by The National- This is Caleb's song when he thinks about his parents

10. The New Black by Moon Taxi- This is Sky's song when she decides to train Kayla

11. Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran- This is Sky's song when she realizes her feelings for Caleb

12. Bubble Games by Magic Bronson- This is Sky and Caleb's song when they are learning about one another

13. Learning to Breathe by Switchfoot- This is Sky's song when she swims

14. I won’t let you by Snowpatrol- This is Caleb's song for Sky

15. Love Me Again by John Newman- This is Sky's song when she trains

16. Scars by Parlor Hawk- This is Caleb's song after the Championship game

17. If You’re Gone by Matchbox 20- This is Caleb's song before Thanksgiving Break

18. Don’t Deserve You by Plumb- This is Sky's song when she visits her dad

19. Poison and Wine by Civil Wars- This is Sky's song before she goes to open mic night

20. Time Go by Caught A Ghost- This is Caleb's song when he follows her

21. All That I Want by Dawn Golden- This is their song after Thanksgiving break

22. War Of Hearts by Russell Taylor- This is Sky's song when she enters the pool area

23. This Ain’t Goodbye- Train- This is Caleb's song ...

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

To note what isn't said

Books take time. They take patience. LOTS OF BLEEDING patience! They also take Dedication, Heart, and Above all They take self control.

Yes, there are times when I want to say, "OMG you're a flipping Idiot!" But I must restrain my comments. Because opinions are just words, and words can only hurt if you let them. SO, this being said ... How to deal with comments that might make you mad and give someone a lashing to? Find one thing in the comment that is flawed and LAUGH. No seriously Laugh until you cry if you can do that. (This is how you survive everything)

How to deal with bad reviews? Everyone gets them. Every book. Not everyone will love you. Not everyone will love your book. Not everyone will love your ending. Not everyone will love your characters, subject matter. This list can go on forever but you get the point. There are a Billion somewhat people all over this planet, Just as long as someone likes it, you did your job. That's the point. It would be nice if everyone liked it, but it's fine if they don't. Did they read it or attempt to? Yes. Again that's your job as a writer. So High five. Eat something sweet, watch something that makes you laugh, and then go write.

How to deal with endings not going your way? Outline backwards. Seriously, try it. Outline the book how you need or want it to end. Then work from there until you reach the place you are currently stuck. I was doing this with one of my projects right now. This also helps you avoid writer's block.

How to come up with an awesome title name? I'm not the best at this BUT .... I usually find two or three things within the book that could become the name. Example: Rival Love ... Skylar and Caleb BOTH love their schools. TOTALLY LOVE THEM. They also happen to be Rivals. When the two are stuck under the same roof ... The Rival Drives their choices as well as Love. So that's how I came up with Rival Love.

Happy reading and writing,

Monday, August 25, 2014

THANK YOU!!!!!!

My book Rival Love comes out tomorrow. For more about me, my characters, and what people think about it as it releases is all here. But Before I get into this I want to say THANK YOU to all who have read, will read, want to read, and have taking the time to post thoughts, comments or anything about my book. I truly do appreciate it. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

From the Wonderful people at YA BOOK BOUND BLOG TOURS Here is the current blog schedule. YAY!!

August 26:

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - http://theunofficialaddictionbookfanclub.blogspot.com - Review

Katie's Stories - http://kjhstories.blogspot.com/ - Promo Post

Victoria Simcox's Blog - http://victoriasimcox.blogspot.com/ - Promo Post

The Chiq Blog – www.TheChiqBlog.com - Review

August 27:

The Cover Contessa - http://www.thecovercontessa.com – Promo Post

The Shadow Realm – www.xtheshadowrealmx.blogspot.ie - Review

3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! - http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com – Promo Post

Kelly P's Blog - http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/ - Promo Post

The Beauty Of Literature - www.thebeautyofliterature.com – Review

The Book Cookies - http://thebookcookies.blogspot.com - Review