Happy Wednesday, everyone! Well, we're in the throes of NaNoWriMo, and I figured you could all use a little pep-talk today. If you're keeping up with the daily word count of 1,667, you should be at 18,337 words by the end of the day.
But what if you're not?
Well, I'm here to tell you that it's going to be okay. What you don't hit today, you can make up for tomorrow. Just don't let it go untended for too long (like, say... December 1), because it'll become impossible to catch up.
Let's look at it this way:
1,667 words per day to hit 50k
BUT
If you're a writer who typically hits 3-4k in a day, you'll only have to do 2,381 every weekday in November.
OR
You can write every other day, and set a goal of 3,334 words to hit that 50k.
AND
If you miss three days, your daily word count goal only goes up to 1,852.
So don't stress if you miss a day or two. It's not going to be the end of the world.
But what about that second part: Thinking About Writing?
When you're not writing, you should be creating your novel in your head, ironing out the kinks, and doing research. Basically, if you're not banging on the keys, you should be spending time with your characters and plot. Get to know them. If you figure out what makes your characters tick, you'll have an easier time creating words that help your readers connect.
Even though I'm not participating in NaNo this year, I'm still writing (as we all are). I still have a deadline I have to meet. So, I'm using the quiet time around the web (because it's rather dead out there this time of year) to do just that.
Yesterday, I took a much needed break to have coffee with other authors, and I ended up working out some of the issues I was having in my MS by talking out my thoughts. It was a 3k word day after that.
Why is thinking about writing important? Because it helps you solidify where your story is going and how your characters are going to get there. This makes anything easier to write.
What's been your biggest NaNoWriMo challenge this year?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Happy Tuesday! I have an awesome announcement for you all today. Back in April of this year, I wrote a review for Moon Crossed - Crescent Hunter - Episode One by Bella Roccaforte. I gave it 4.5 rocking stars. You can read the review here. But that's not the point of this post.
Nope.
Not even close.
Today, I'm sharing with you all a giveaway from INDIE Books Gone Wild for a chance to win the complete first season of the Crescent Hunter series. So, without further ado, I give you the details:
Title: Moon Crossed - Crescent Hunter - The Complete First Season Author: Bella Roccaforte Genre: Upper Young Adult Paranormal Romance Length (print): 570 pages Buy Link: Amazon Kindle $3.99
Blurb:
★★★★★ 6 Incredible stars!!! This werewolf hunter series has it all!
Wolves, magic, dark twists, humor, love, hate.... This story is a crazy
roller coaster with all the twists and turns to keep you hanging on
until the end." K. Solomon
"For Though we dwell in the same darkness our song will forever be a discordant symphony, barely perceived." The first six books in the Crescent Hunter Series!
Claire O'Conlan is a hunter, her kind were created to protect humans
from feral werewolves. She's desperate to find a cure for the
moon-touch. Until she does, the hunt won't stop.
Despite being raised among supernatural creatures, Claire is
determined to make college as normal as possible. But childhood habits
die hard. She can't seem to stay away from the wolf-borne, and worse,
she's falling in love with Cole Jackson, the big bad wolf.
Claire can't resist the undeniable fire Cole ignites within her.
They are falling headlong into a forbidden love affair. Hunter and wolf,
a dangerous combination inciting war between factions, action from the
council and the biggest risk of all, Claire fulfilling her duty and
being the hunter that kills Cole.
Will Claire find the cure? Or will their love end in tragedy?
UtopYA 2015 Nominee for:
Best Kiss
Best Serial Series
***This book contains some adult language and violence and is PG13***
Published November 9, 2015By Anchor Group Publishing
Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult Fantasy
As the product of a forbidden alliance between the elemental Mystics and the wand carrying Wielders -two distinct, often feuding, magical realms -acceptance is something fourteen-year-old Abby has fought with for the last four years. When an alliance is formed between the Mystic Dancers and the Wielder’s, Abby is given the chance to live with a Wielder’s family and attend Wielders Academy of Magical Arts. In order to do so, she first has make three promises to the Mystic Dancers leader … Tell no one she's half Mystic, that her father is a Wielder who is also a wanted criminal, or that she can transform into anything she wants.
Her day-to-day life of secrets, school work, and dancing is interrupted when her mother’s murder case goes to trial. The Mystics believe they finally caught the killer, who happens to be the father of one of Abby’s new friends. Abby has a choice to make – reveal her secrets, or let a man she knows is innocent go to prison
Meet The Author
I have loved reading since I was old enough to do it. I started writing in my down time in 2006 and have been doing it ever since.
Reading, writing, and hanging out with my family are some of my favorite things - along with hot chocolate and pizza (not together, of course).
With a bachelors in Accounting, writing has been a great way to unwind and let my imagination fly.
Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I'm talking about author circles. You know, those folks you rely on to help you through the good times, bad times, and times in between. Grab a cup of Jo, and let's get going!
I have two circles of authors I talk to: Online - those folks I communicate with primarily via Facebook, Twitter, Skype, and e-mail, and Offline - people I see in person.
I think it's equally important to have both.
Why?
Because, the first kind, the online folks, are easy to reach out to and ask questions or get advice. I never have to worry if one of my author friends online have my back, because I know they'll be there if I need an ear. It gives me a safe place to vent frustrations, get encouragement, and find knowledge. In return, they know I'm there, too.
But the second kind, the offline authors, are the ones who force me to get out of the house, see and interact with people, and actually use my voice. We swap author war stories, opinions, and advice on all things authorly. These are the ones I know on sight, and these are the ones I hug each and every time I see them.
We schedule get-togethers because we realize the importance of interacting on a larger scale. Oh, and the place we go has amazing coffee. Because all writers need fuel.
I always leave my coffee days with a new burst of energy and tons of ideas on marketing, plots, and other things. There's a spot on my calendar every month with a giant X over top of it. This means I don't schedule anything else on that day. It's my day off to spend with people who are in the same line of work as I am, and those folks I can bounce ideas off of.
I went all the way to Utopia (400 miles) to meet them the first time, but it was worth every minute in the car.
So, I urge you to reach out. Find those people nearby that you can get out of your writing cave with and have some human time.
It matters. You'll have a whole new sense of self afterward. My group of ladies are the best, and I wish you luck in finding a small tribe that means as much to you.
Do you have a nearby tribe of writers? Have you considered looking for them?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Happy Thursday, everyone! So, as you all may know, I'm working on a psychological thriller. I can't even begin to tell you how twisted it is so far, but I'm about 15k in, and I have it on my calendar to share an excerpt with you today. I spent all day yesterday prepping for the big pitch party next month, and I'm happy to say it's all set up and ready to roll. Links aren't live yet, but we have an AMAZING grand prize this year. You'll have to wait until December to find out what it is. *grin*
Check out the post announcing the first full chapter publication here, and see a teaser letter from Jess to Tobias here.
If you're interested in joining the Facebook party for the release of Emancipation (March 22), you can do that here. Monthly prizes are being given away, and I have an invite contest where you can win some Amazon cash.
Without further ado, here's excerpt #2 (unedited, in case you were wondering):
“You better behave in there, Butler.”
“I will.” Giving his best smile, he waited for the door to be opened. Once he had a clear path, he stepped over the threshold and stared.
Jess was sitting at the table with her back to him. When the door banged closed, she turned, and a smile bloomed on her face. She stood up and walked toward him with her right hand extended. “Tobias. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.”
Her voice oozed through his brain, and he drank her in from head to toe. Button up blouse, short skirt, and heels. To keep his loins under control—he didn’t want to pop a boner while shaking her hand for the first time—he forced his eyes to meet hers and played it as cool as he could. With a grip that was firm but gentle, he took her hand in his own and shook once. “Nice to meet you, too.” In the back of his mind, he wished all the formalities could be skipped and that they could go straight to f-ing against the wall. But he kept his face stoic, and he knew he’d passed when she laughed.
“Are we going to stand here all afternoon, or would you like to sit down?”
“I’m sorry. It’s just, when we touched, I felt something there.” He laid it on thickly, hoping she was as dumb as she was blonde. “I think we’re going to make quite the pair, Jessica.”
“Please, call me Jess. I liked it in your letter, and I’m positive I’ll like it now.” She blushed.
He noted the way she was looking at him and knew he had her. “Okay, Jess. Then you call me Toby.” With what he was sure was a pleasant smile on his face, he moved around the table and sat down across from her.
There was a box next to her briefcase, and she motioned to it as she organized her papers. “Brought you donuts.”
His jaw dropped. How the hell… “I’ve never heard of them letting anyone in here with stuff like this. How’d you manage that?” He reached for the box and lifted the lid, pulling out the first donut his hand could grab, lifting it to his lips, and taking a huge bite. Sugar melted on his tongue along with the yeasty dough, and he moaned as his eyes slid closed.
Jessica’s answer was barely heard. “I have my ways. Attorney, remember?”
“Mmm hmmm,” he said, as he chewed the third bite. When on the fourth donut, chocolate coated his tongue and sprinkles crunched between his teeth. Lost in the ritual of eating one of the sweet confections, taking them one after another, and savoring each bite, he allowed himself to relax for the first time in nearly twelve years. There was no one trying to take his food, stab him, or make him do anything. Being allowed to do what he wanted, when he wanted, was a luxury he’d taken for granted on the outside.
Never again.
When he’d consumed the last donut, he opened his eyes and smiled.
Jess was leaning forward, her chin resting on one palm, watching him intently. “Enjoy that?”
He nodded. “More than you know.”
“I enjoyed watching it. Should’ve brought you more than six.”
~~~
RELEASES MARCH 22! Enjoy the book trailer!
Hope to see you at the party!
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Happy Wednesday! I'm here with another official UTOPiAcon post for you all. Ready? Let's get down to business!
Thanksgiving week, the amazeballs that is Janet Wallace will be partying it up and giving Utopia stuff away on the event page for Utopia 2016 alongside the official bloggers. Link to the event is at the top of the form below.
What's this form's purpose? If you'd like to donate items for the party! The bloggers will be hosting all week, and giving away a ton of goodies.
What do you think? Will you be joining us?
If you don't have tickets to this event yet, you need to get them right now!
Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today is the release day blitz for author Kelly Risser's novella collection from her award-winning series! You'll LOVE IT. Hang in here to find out more!
Clean Teen Publishing is proud to present a new series of novellas in the Never Forgotten Series by Kelly Risser, Sea of Memories.
Sometimes, we reach the end of a story and realize there is more to be told. This is the case with Sea of Memories, a collection of novellas set in the world of Never Forgotten.
Travel with Meara and Kieran to North America where they visit her grandparents and his family. Along the way, stop at Mirage, the dance club where the couple first met, and see the encounter from Kieran's point of view. Struck in the Club - On the orders of his father, Kieran travels to Nova Scotia to spy on David's daughter. After an encounter in a dance club, he may have found more than he bargained for.
Journey to the past and meet Kieran's mom, Sera. Learn why she is no longer part of their lives. What Will Be - Sera is a Selkie who enjoys her family and her daily routine of solitude. While out on one of her morning swims, she finds an injured man floating in the ocean. Unable to see anyone suffer, she rescues him, even after the warnings she received as a child about the evilness of human males. He may be safe now, but is she?
Go back to where it all started and discover along with Meara how her parents met and fell in love. A Rock and A Hard Place – Visiting his maternal grandparents in Nova Scotia, David is determined to find out who murdered his parents and why. He doesn't expect the evidence to take him to a small fishing village called Peggy's Cove. He certainly doesn't expect to find love there, especially when it comes in the form of a spunky little brunette… and a human one at that.
Finally, join Meara, Ula, and other friends old and new to remember the past, celebrate the present, and anticipate the future. Something Blue - Ula's been invited to a banquet at Ronac in her niece's honor. Because it will be Meara's first Christmas without her mom, Ula convinces her boyfriend, Vesh, and others that they need to throw a surprise holiday celebration. Selkies don't celebrate Christmas and neither do the Blue Men of the Minch. It will be a holiday full of surprises for all.
Kelly Risser knew at a young age what
she wanted to be when she grew up. Unfortunately, Fairytale Princess
was not a lucrative career. Leaving the castle and wand behind, she
entered the world of creative business writing where she worked in
advertising, marketing, and training at various companies. Currently,
she works full time as an eLearning Instructional Designer, fitting
her creative writing into the evenings and weekends.
She's
often found lamenting, "It's hard to write when there are so
many good books to read!" So, when she's not immersed in the
middle of someone else's fantasy world, she's busy creating one of
her own. This world is introduced in her first novel, Never
Forgotten, and visited further in her second novel, Current
Impressions, and her third novel, Always Remembered. The newest book,
Sea of Memories, is a novella collection set in this world.
Kelly
lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two children. They share
their home with Clyde the Whoodle and a school of fish.
