This week at the Carnival we are sharing our Indie Resolutions. What did we learn this year? What worked and what didn't? We will be sharing our thoughts, dreams, and wishes for the new year. Feel free to share yours with us.
My Indie Resolutions:
1. Take Reviews with a Grain of Salt: This year I published my first three books as an Indie Writer. Most of my reviews have been good, but there were a couple that had me thinking I should find a new career path. Other people (writers, friends, and family) told me to ignore them, that some people just want to be mean because they are annonymous and know I can't do anything about it. Still, it hurts when someone rips apart something that you worked so hard on and put your whole heart into. If you aren't a writer, think about it this way. How would you feel if a stranger came up to you and told you that your kids were ugly and shouldn't be in public? Because that's how I feel when someone slams my characters, plot, etc. I do want readers to be honest. If they don't like the book, they don't like it. I'm just talking about the ones who are mean and nasty about it and you can tell they are just trying to be funny or show how smart they are.
2. Market without Spamming: Before I got published I'd never heard about spamming in groups on places like Goodreads, but since then I have been accused of doing it. Some places don't want you to mention your book at all. So I vow to find other ways of letting people know that my books exist.
3. Spend More Time Writing: My computer crashed a few months ago and I sort of used that as an excuse to procrastinate. I've been working on finishing up the same book for five months now. That is a long time for me. Usually I work on writing at least a few hours each day and all day long when I don't work. So I promise myself that I will work harder and spend more time with my butt in the chair and my hands on the keyboard.
4. Daydream: I got so caught up in the mess that is sometimes my life that I haven't been daydreaming enough. This is a resolution I know I can keep. In fact I've already started. I love to daydream and let my characters live instead of trying to figure out what they should do. I love to give them room to move.
5. To Write Entertaining Books: Most of all I want to write the best books that I can. I want to touch peoples' hearts, to make them laugh and cry. Then my job is done.
Please click on the blogs below and read their resolutions too.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!!!
In this season of pushing people, trying to get everything on your list, going crazy because there isn't enough time, etc. please remember the reason for the season. "God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son."
I was thinking about my favorite Christmas memory last night. It's funny because I don't remember all the junk I got over the years. I don't even remember what I got last Christmas. My favorite Christmas memory was the Christmas when I was fifteen. We had no money. My parents warned me not to expect much. I was secretly afraid I wouldn't get anything. Then one day we found out that a friend had signed us up for a church group to help. They brought us food for Christmas dinner, candy, and I got a little jewelry box. You know, one of those that has the turning ballerina inside. It was way too young a gift for me, but I treasured it because it meant that someone out there cared enough to make sure that I got a present. I also got a Monopoly game, a pack of gum, and some hand lotion that year. It's funny that I look back at that hard time with such joy and wish more Christmas Days could be like it.
Now I do enjoy watching a little kid's face light up when they open a present and discover that special something, but I think every kid should have at least one Christmas like the one when I was fifteen. It makes them appreciate what they have more.
Merry Christmas!!!
I was thinking about my favorite Christmas memory last night. It's funny because I don't remember all the junk I got over the years. I don't even remember what I got last Christmas. My favorite Christmas memory was the Christmas when I was fifteen. We had no money. My parents warned me not to expect much. I was secretly afraid I wouldn't get anything. Then one day we found out that a friend had signed us up for a church group to help. They brought us food for Christmas dinner, candy, and I got a little jewelry box. You know, one of those that has the turning ballerina inside. It was way too young a gift for me, but I treasured it because it meant that someone out there cared enough to make sure that I got a present. I also got a Monopoly game, a pack of gum, and some hand lotion that year. It's funny that I look back at that hard time with such joy and wish more Christmas Days could be like it.
Now I do enjoy watching a little kid's face light up when they open a present and discover that special something, but I think every kid should have at least one Christmas like the one when I was fifteen. It makes them appreciate what they have more.
Merry Christmas!!!
Friday, December 23, 2011
And the WINNERS are...
The Winner of the Grand Prize is....
She will be notified today and everyone participating from the Carnival will send her coupon codes and links so she can get a bunch of books. Congratulations, Vanessa, and Merry Christmas!!!
Now for my giveaways. The winner of all three books is...
Congratulations, Aliraluna! I hope you enjoy all of the books and Merry Christmas!
Also, winner of Warriors of the Cross (and very excited about it) is...
Thank you all for participating.
VANESSA ERIC
She will be notified today and everyone participating from the Carnival will send her coupon codes and links so she can get a bunch of books. Congratulations, Vanessa, and Merry Christmas!!!
Now for my giveaways. The winner of all three books is...
ALIRALUNA
Also, winner of Warriors of the Cross (and very excited about it) is...
KELLY FOX
Congratulations, Kelly, and have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you all for participating.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Review for Crushed
Anyone interested in books set in high school? Teen witches using their powers to play games? Paranormal romance? Then read the latest review on Crushed here: http://thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-crushed-kc-blake.html
This reviewer wrote up a great review. She really understood the characters and plot. :)
This reviewer wrote up a great review. She really understood the characters and plot. :)
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Review: Vampires Rule
Here is a review of Vampires Rule on a brand new blog. The wallpaper on this blog is awesome. Go check it out and read the review while you're there. http://theservicemutations.blogspot.com/2011/12/rule-series.html
Friday, December 9, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: Cover Designs
This week we are going to post about book covers. What we think works and what doesn't. What covers we especillay love, etc. Please weigh in on the subject. What is your favorite cover?
Because I don't have the money to afford a professional artist, I make my own covers using Gimp. The cover for Vampires Rule is a picture of a dagger charm. I took the picture, changed the color of the stones and a few other things, and made that my cover. I've been told it's boring, but I like it. On the other hand, if you buy the book in print you will get an entirely different cover. It's a picture of trees because Jack and Silver meet in their dreams and they are always in the woods.
Crushed is a stock photo that I paid for of a young girl with a finger to her lips. I painted her lips and her fingernails. I also put a hat over her face. I've had good reactions to this cover. My other Witch-Game books will also have girls with a finger to their lips.
Werewolves Rule is also a stock photo that I paid for. I loved the black and blue elements of the picture, so I didn't change very much with this one.
On to covers that I love. Have you seen the cover for Entice and the other two books in that series? I can't remember their names, but I love these covers, especially the one where the girl is blowing gold dust out of her mouth. Awesome! I also love the cover for Where She Went. There's one for a book with a girl that you can see through like she's partly invisible, but I don't remember the name.
Since Twilight's popularity skyrocketed there are a lot of black covers. I don't like them. I want to see more originality.
Because I don't have the money to afford a professional artist, I make my own covers using Gimp. The cover for Vampires Rule is a picture of a dagger charm. I took the picture, changed the color of the stones and a few other things, and made that my cover. I've been told it's boring, but I like it. On the other hand, if you buy the book in print you will get an entirely different cover. It's a picture of trees because Jack and Silver meet in their dreams and they are always in the woods.
Crushed is a stock photo that I paid for of a young girl with a finger to her lips. I painted her lips and her fingernails. I also put a hat over her face. I've had good reactions to this cover. My other Witch-Game books will also have girls with a finger to their lips.
Werewolves Rule is also a stock photo that I paid for. I loved the black and blue elements of the picture, so I didn't change very much with this one.
On to covers that I love. Have you seen the cover for Entice and the other two books in that series? I can't remember their names, but I love these covers, especially the one where the girl is blowing gold dust out of her mouth. Awesome! I also love the cover for Where She Went. There's one for a book with a girl that you can see through like she's partly invisible, but I don't remember the name.
Since Twilight's popularity skyrocketed there are a lot of black covers. I don't like them. I want to see more originality.
Coming December 16! You let us know why you've been naughty or nice and enter to win books at each carni's booth all week, from 12/16 to 12/23. On Dec. 23, find out what books you've won!
'Tis the Season of the Squeee!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: Recipe for Plotting Stories
Here's a fun little post idea. We, at the Carnival, are going to give you recipes for plotting your stories. I am doing this at the last second because I didn't understand what I was supposed to do and had to look at the others who posted before doing my own. Hopefully this won't be a big mess So here it is, my recipe for plotting a great story.
Recipe: Crushed
Ingrediants:
5 Witches
A Handful of Conflicts
1 Cup of Sweetness
Dash of Spice
Lots of Romance
A Pound of Magic
Opt: Twists and Turns
Mix all the above ingrediants in a word processor. When it's done, pack it all into the pages of a beautiful book and offer it to everyone who loves to read about magic and love. Enjoy!
I could have probably thought of a better recipe if I'd had more time. Oh well. Please click on the people below and enjoy their recipes. I'm sure they are better than mine.
News: Guardians of the Cross (Second in the Warrior Series) will be released on 12/24 of this year. Warriors of the Cross was awesome. My mom loved it. You should check it out. The author T. R. Graves is one of the Carnis. Check out her blog below.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Have a Kindle Christmas
Thinking of giving a Kindle as a gift?
Do you already have a Kindle and want some free books to put on it?
One of the Carnis came up with a great idea. We are going to give away some ebooks for Christmas. I'm going to start this one early. I'll add other books to this list as I get the codes for them, but here is mine. You can get a copy of Vampires Rule on Smashwords for free. Just go to the Smashwords link for Vampires Rule on the Buy Links page or on the Vampires Rule sample page. Click on it and use the code when you are asked how you will pay for the book.
The coupon code for a free copy is KA98G
This is a LIMITED coupon that will only last until a few days after Christmas. Pass the word. You can also get the book on Nook and other ereaders.
If you give it as a gift, let them know the second book in the series Werewolves Rule is also available... if they like the first one enough to read on.
Merry Christmas (early).
Do you already have a Kindle and want some free books to put on it?
One of the Carnis came up with a great idea. We are going to give away some ebooks for Christmas. I'm going to start this one early. I'll add other books to this list as I get the codes for them, but here is mine. You can get a copy of Vampires Rule on Smashwords for free. Just go to the Smashwords link for Vampires Rule on the Buy Links page or on the Vampires Rule sample page. Click on it and use the code when you are asked how you will pay for the book.
The coupon code for a free copy is KA98G
This is a LIMITED coupon that will only last until a few days after Christmas. Pass the word. You can also get the book on Nook and other ereaders.
If you give it as a gift, let them know the second book in the series Werewolves Rule is also available... if they like the first one enough to read on.
Merry Christmas (early).
Thursday, November 24, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: Thanksgiving
At the Carnival this week we are writing about Thanksgiving. I have decided it's a good time to make a list of the things I am thankful to God for. Sometimes as I fall to sleep at night, I kind of play a little game where I name off one hundred things that I am thankful for. Today I think I'll keep the list to fifty. So in no particular order, here they are:
Family, friends, colors, rainbows, soft rain, fluffy clouds, my home, fuzzy kittens, my dancing puppy, music, movies and shows that inspire me to write, books, mountains, the ocean, the different seasons, pretty trees, my computer, funny things kids say, shopping, creative people, chocolate, dreams, technology, quiet walks in the woods, food from different cultures, birds, good night's sleep, christmas lights, the people who read my books, fire to roast marshmellows over, twinkling stars, beautiful sunrises, pretty shoes, diamonds, ideas for books that come out of nowhere, things that make me laugh, candles, a warm house, the time to write, hot cocoa, cute clothes, cookies on Christmas Day, the Bible, church, freedom to worship God, online communities like Goodreads, my blog, followers on my blog, money to pay the bills, fireworks, a big kitchen, bubble baths, warm socks, patient people, medicine for when you're sick, a clean house, Facebook games, music boxes, presents... I lost count.
Oh well. I am thankful for many things this year. Are you? Feel free to add something to the list that you are grateful for, and remember to check out Thanksgiving stories below on these other great blogs. :)
Family, friends, colors, rainbows, soft rain, fluffy clouds, my home, fuzzy kittens, my dancing puppy, music, movies and shows that inspire me to write, books, mountains, the ocean, the different seasons, pretty trees, my computer, funny things kids say, shopping, creative people, chocolate, dreams, technology, quiet walks in the woods, food from different cultures, birds, good night's sleep, christmas lights, the people who read my books, fire to roast marshmellows over, twinkling stars, beautiful sunrises, pretty shoes, diamonds, ideas for books that come out of nowhere, things that make me laugh, candles, a warm house, the time to write, hot cocoa, cute clothes, cookies on Christmas Day, the Bible, church, freedom to worship God, online communities like Goodreads, my blog, followers on my blog, money to pay the bills, fireworks, a big kitchen, bubble baths, warm socks, patient people, medicine for when you're sick, a clean house, Facebook games, music boxes, presents... I lost count.
Oh well. I am thankful for many things this year. Are you? Feel free to add something to the list that you are grateful for, and remember to check out Thanksgiving stories below on these other great blogs. :)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Books
I just wanted to take a moment to let people know what books I have available at this time. They would make a great Christmas gift for anyone who likes to read.
Vampires Rule: A seventeen-year-old vampire turns mortal but still has to fight werewolves. You can read a sample chapter here on the blog. Just press the button for the Vampires Rule page above. This book can be found at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, etc. It is available as an ebook and in print.
Werewolves Rule: This is the book after Vampires Rule. You can also find it at the same places. I don't have a sample chapter here, but you can read a sample before purchasing at Smashwords or Amazon.
Crushed: This is the first of the Witch-Game books. Kristen and her sisters are playing a dangerous game at school using their powers. They Crush the boys and make them do whatever comes to mind. Unfortunately this year Kristen has picked on the wrong boy. You can read a sample of this book on the Crushed Sample Chapter page above. It can also be found at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, etc.
Coming Soon: 1. Witch Hunt (the second book in the Witch-Game series). You do not have to read Crushed to enjoy this one. It has different characters and a different game.
2. Pandora's Box: This is a romantic suspense book. I used to write for Harlequin. In this book a woman named Madison wants to clear her father's name after he tries to kill the president. She and the president's son, a Navy SEAL, work together to uncover a dark secret, and they try not to fall for each other, but it's hard when they have to work so closely together.
3. Mystery of Moore House: This book might be published under a different name. It was originally called Borrowed Identity and published by Harlequin. I am in the process of getting my rights back so I can put it out as an ebook.
4. Married to a Stranger: Also published by Harlequin, this book was called Would-Be Wife, a title I always hated.
5. Shifters Rule: The third book in the Rule series. Hopefully I can get it out there by next summer. It was supposed to be released soon, but my computer crashed and I've been having a lot of problems getting to it.
Books in the Future: Here are some that I would like to write in the next year or two.
1. Raven's Claw: The third book in the Witch-Game series.
2. Bait: The first in my hunter series.
Anyway, some of these books are written and some are in the dreaming stage still. I hope you will pick up a copy of at least one of them and give it a try. My greatest wish is simply to have people read and enjoy my books. Thank you. Happy Reading!
Vampires Rule: A seventeen-year-old vampire turns mortal but still has to fight werewolves. You can read a sample chapter here on the blog. Just press the button for the Vampires Rule page above. This book can be found at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, etc. It is available as an ebook and in print.
Werewolves Rule: This is the book after Vampires Rule. You can also find it at the same places. I don't have a sample chapter here, but you can read a sample before purchasing at Smashwords or Amazon.
Crushed: This is the first of the Witch-Game books. Kristen and her sisters are playing a dangerous game at school using their powers. They Crush the boys and make them do whatever comes to mind. Unfortunately this year Kristen has picked on the wrong boy. You can read a sample of this book on the Crushed Sample Chapter page above. It can also be found at Smashwords, Amazon, B&N, etc.
Coming Soon: 1. Witch Hunt (the second book in the Witch-Game series). You do not have to read Crushed to enjoy this one. It has different characters and a different game.
2. Pandora's Box: This is a romantic suspense book. I used to write for Harlequin. In this book a woman named Madison wants to clear her father's name after he tries to kill the president. She and the president's son, a Navy SEAL, work together to uncover a dark secret, and they try not to fall for each other, but it's hard when they have to work so closely together.
3. Mystery of Moore House: This book might be published under a different name. It was originally called Borrowed Identity and published by Harlequin. I am in the process of getting my rights back so I can put it out as an ebook.
4. Married to a Stranger: Also published by Harlequin, this book was called Would-Be Wife, a title I always hated.
5. Shifters Rule: The third book in the Rule series. Hopefully I can get it out there by next summer. It was supposed to be released soon, but my computer crashed and I've been having a lot of problems getting to it.
Books in the Future: Here are some that I would like to write in the next year or two.
1. Raven's Claw: The third book in the Witch-Game series.
2. Bait: The first in my hunter series.
Anyway, some of these books are written and some are in the dreaming stage still. I hope you will pick up a copy of at least one of them and give it a try. My greatest wish is simply to have people read and enjoy my books. Thank you. Happy Reading!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Keeping the Pace
I have been told several times over the years that my books are fast-paced. Editors, agents, etc. have told me that my books travel from start to finish like a speeding train without brakes. Sometimes this isn't a good thing. Some people want a nice, slow ride. My books are not for them. I write YA books because teens seem to enjoy a book that moves along without slowing down. I decided to write this post after receiving a review on Smashwords about Crushed from a guy. Usually guys don't read my books because they are paranormal romance, but he gave me four stars and said I have mastered the art of pacing. Good to hear. Now if I could just get a handle on other aspects of writing.
I spent some time last night thinking about pacing. I know of a few author friends who have trouble with it. They have asked me a few times how I do it. I never really know what to say, but I'm going to give it a shot here and see if I can figure it out.
1. Don't Waste a Scene: I try to make sure every scene has a reason for being in my book. It has to share a new piece of information with the reader, develop the characters further, take the reader on an emotional ride, or move the plot forward in some other way. Also, if I am bored while writing the scene then the reader will be bored reading it. In that case, I start over.
2. Conflict: There are always several things happening in my books. The protagonist has a main problem but also several smaller ones. I think conflicts help the story move at a faster pace.
3. Sentence Structure: Shorter sentences make things move faster, but you have to watch it or your book will be choppy. That was the number one complaint from my former editor. I had to really work on varying my sentence structure. However, I do use a lot of short sentences during fight scenes or other scenes where the protag is in danger. As far as I know this approach works well. I haven't had any complaints from professionals when it comes to my action sequences.
4. Dialogue: Conversations make the story go faster and long, detailed paragraphs slow it down.
5. Shorter Chapters: This is a trick I picked up from another writer. To pick up the pace, make the chapters shorter towards the end of the book. When you are doing suspense, maybe a mystery, you want to pick up the pace near the end. This works. Also shorter scenes help make it seem to move faster.
Okay, that's all I can think of right now. I don't do any of these things intentionally when I write though. When I sit down at the computer, I am not thinking about making the pace move fast. I just write.
Hope this info helps someone. Happy writing!
I spent some time last night thinking about pacing. I know of a few author friends who have trouble with it. They have asked me a few times how I do it. I never really know what to say, but I'm going to give it a shot here and see if I can figure it out.
1. Don't Waste a Scene: I try to make sure every scene has a reason for being in my book. It has to share a new piece of information with the reader, develop the characters further, take the reader on an emotional ride, or move the plot forward in some other way. Also, if I am bored while writing the scene then the reader will be bored reading it. In that case, I start over.
2. Conflict: There are always several things happening in my books. The protagonist has a main problem but also several smaller ones. I think conflicts help the story move at a faster pace.
3. Sentence Structure: Shorter sentences make things move faster, but you have to watch it or your book will be choppy. That was the number one complaint from my former editor. I had to really work on varying my sentence structure. However, I do use a lot of short sentences during fight scenes or other scenes where the protag is in danger. As far as I know this approach works well. I haven't had any complaints from professionals when it comes to my action sequences.
4. Dialogue: Conversations make the story go faster and long, detailed paragraphs slow it down.
5. Shorter Chapters: This is a trick I picked up from another writer. To pick up the pace, make the chapters shorter towards the end of the book. When you are doing suspense, maybe a mystery, you want to pick up the pace near the end. This works. Also shorter scenes help make it seem to move faster.
Okay, that's all I can think of right now. I don't do any of these things intentionally when I write though. When I sit down at the computer, I am not thinking about making the pace move fast. I just write.
Hope this info helps someone. Happy writing!
Friday, November 11, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: 11/11/11
This week on the Carnival we are going to give you the number eleven because it is 11/11/11. Some will give eleven reasons to read their books, while others will give eleven tips on writing or marketing, etc. Check them out after you've read my list, and thanks for your support.
Top Eleven Duos from Film, Shows, and Books::
1. Sam and Dean Winchester from Supernatural: I love to watch these guys. They are so much like brothers I've known. They can beat each other to a pulp, but no one else had better try it. They have an interesting love/hate relationship.
2. Elena/Stephen or Elena/Damon from Vampire Diaries: Whether you want Elena with Stephen or with Damon, they're interesting to watch.
3. Buffy/Angel or Buffy/Spike: Personally I liked Spike better but thought Buffy should be with Angel if that makes any sense.
4. Sonny/Jason/Carly from General Hospital: Okay I kind of cheated here by adding Carly, but back in the day they were great to watch. Jason works for Sonny (a mobster) and Carly is his best friend, but Carly was married to Sonny for a while. They divorced and started to hate each other, but somehow they are always in each other's face with Jason trying to keep the peace without taking sides.
5. Kirk/Spock: The chemistry between these two made the show.
6. Jack/Jersey in Vampires Rule: I thought I'd throw in one of my own pairings. Jack and Jersey are destined to kill each other, but they have this weird friendship going on. Their love of literature has brought them together. I love it that Jersey values Jack's opinion on books.
7. King Aragorn/Legolas in The Lord of the Rings: I wish there'd been more scenes between these two. They have awesome chemistry. I think Legolas has a little bit of a man-crush on Aragorn.
8. Frank/Joe Hardy in the Hardy Boys books: I kind of think that Sam and Dean were patterned a bit after these guys, only they are more hardcore. When I was a kid, I loved these books.
9. Rock Stars/Lead Guitar: Okay, Okay. This is real life and not a book or movie, but I've always been fascinated with the tight relationship that seems to develop between rock stars and their main guitar player. Think about it. Jagger and Richards, Bon Jovi and Sambora, Brett Michaels and C. C. Deville. I could go on.
10. Clark Kent/Lex Luthor on Smallville: Back when Lex was with the show, I loved it that these two wanted to be friends but were so distrustful of each other. They both had secrets from the other, yet they both thought the other should be an open book.
11. Kristen Noah and Zach Bevian from Crushed: Another one of mine, but I love the way Kristen and Zach interact. He's the town bad boy, teasing her and taunting her, thinking she's too good to ride a motorcycle with him. Then she pushes him back and drives the thing. I love her spunk.
Anyway, that is my list. I'm sure I've forgotten some good duos, but these are some of my favorites. I hope you agree with at least a few of them. Do you have any examples of great chemistry between duos that I forgot?
Remember to click on the links below and check out some more top eleven lists.
Top Eleven Duos from Film, Shows, and Books::
1. Sam and Dean Winchester from Supernatural: I love to watch these guys. They are so much like brothers I've known. They can beat each other to a pulp, but no one else had better try it. They have an interesting love/hate relationship.
2. Elena/Stephen or Elena/Damon from Vampire Diaries: Whether you want Elena with Stephen or with Damon, they're interesting to watch.
3. Buffy/Angel or Buffy/Spike: Personally I liked Spike better but thought Buffy should be with Angel if that makes any sense.
4. Sonny/Jason/Carly from General Hospital: Okay I kind of cheated here by adding Carly, but back in the day they were great to watch. Jason works for Sonny (a mobster) and Carly is his best friend, but Carly was married to Sonny for a while. They divorced and started to hate each other, but somehow they are always in each other's face with Jason trying to keep the peace without taking sides.
5. Kirk/Spock: The chemistry between these two made the show.
6. Jack/Jersey in Vampires Rule: I thought I'd throw in one of my own pairings. Jack and Jersey are destined to kill each other, but they have this weird friendship going on. Their love of literature has brought them together. I love it that Jersey values Jack's opinion on books.
7. King Aragorn/Legolas in The Lord of the Rings: I wish there'd been more scenes between these two. They have awesome chemistry. I think Legolas has a little bit of a man-crush on Aragorn.
8. Frank/Joe Hardy in the Hardy Boys books: I kind of think that Sam and Dean were patterned a bit after these guys, only they are more hardcore. When I was a kid, I loved these books.
9. Rock Stars/Lead Guitar: Okay, Okay. This is real life and not a book or movie, but I've always been fascinated with the tight relationship that seems to develop between rock stars and their main guitar player. Think about it. Jagger and Richards, Bon Jovi and Sambora, Brett Michaels and C. C. Deville. I could go on.
10. Clark Kent/Lex Luthor on Smallville: Back when Lex was with the show, I loved it that these two wanted to be friends but were so distrustful of each other. They both had secrets from the other, yet they both thought the other should be an open book.
11. Kristen Noah and Zach Bevian from Crushed: Another one of mine, but I love the way Kristen and Zach interact. He's the town bad boy, teasing her and taunting her, thinking she's too good to ride a motorcycle with him. Then she pushes him back and drives the thing. I love her spunk.
Anyway, that is my list. I'm sure I've forgotten some good duos, but these are some of my favorites. I hope you agree with at least a few of them. Do you have any examples of great chemistry between duos that I forgot?
Remember to click on the links below and check out some more top eleven lists.
Friday, November 4, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: Blast from the Past
This week's assignment from the Carnival is all about our high school short stories, books, etc. We're supposed to post something that we wrote in high school. Unfortunately I threw out everything I wrote in high school a long time ago. Yes, I know, that was stupid. I've regretted it ever since, but there's nothing I can do about it now. So I am going to post a short scene from Crushed, a scene that takes place in the high school.
This scene takes place in the hallway after the bell has rung and most students are in class. Kristen has had a rough morning, and she's angry:
The hallway was empty with one huge exception: Zach Bevian.
It didn't surprise her to see him talking on his cell. She'd had a class with him once. Tardy was his middle name. If he was going to show up at all, it would be five to ten minutes late. The loser probably wanted to make a grand entrance so everyone would look at him. He finished the conversation and tucked the cell into his snug jeans. She was suprised there was room in those pockets something wider than a quarter.
Too bad for him, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
She could be wild and fun and impulsive. She would show Brittany that Kristen Noah was not your typical good girl. There wasn't any reason why she couldn't get decent grades and have fun at the same time. When she got done experimenting with her wild side, Brittany would beg her to play nice again.
She reached into her purse and pulled a long, skinny glass vial out. Emptying the pink dust into one hand, she walked straight up to Zach. Before she had the chance to come to her senses or count the number of ways this could go wrong, she blew the dust into his face. A pink cloud floated around him for a second. It dissipated quickly. He stared at her in stunned silence.
The Crushed spell had that effect on people. Boys gazed into space once they were hit with it. The spell momentarily distorted their thinking. Soon he would be following her around, doing her bidding, and making puppy-love eyes at her. She couldn't wait.
The vision of him following her around brought a smile to her face.
She continued to walk, barely missing a step.
Cyndi's shocked voice reached her ears. "She didn't."
"She did," Brittany said.
"But we aren't supposed to start the game until next week."
"Tell that to the cheater."
Kristen felt better already. She felt so good that she stopped to fix her face. She pulled a mirror from her purse and reapplied her signature lipstick before heading to class. Candy Apple Crush. It was deep red, her favorite color, with diamond-like sparkles and a hint of gloss. Her mother had it specially made for her in New York.
She compressed her lips to evenly distribute the color. The mirror caught Zach Bevian's reflection. He was still standing there with wide eyes and open mouth. Poor guy didn't even look like he remembered his own name.
Regrets began to pile on top of her head. Someone with a will as strong as Zach's was going to be hard to control. She might actually lose the game this year. She really shouldn't have Crushed him, but she needed the money that a side-bet with Brittany would give her.
His expression changed from puzzlement to pure hatred. He glared at her with a murderous glint in his eyes. Startled, she whipped around to look at him, but he was rummaging around in his locker again.
She must have imagined the hatred in his eyes. Victims of the Crushed spell were instantly in love with the witch who brewed the potion. A painful lump lodged in her throat, and remorse hung over her like a dark cloud. Blowing the dust into his face had been a huge mistake. She had a feeling she was going to be more sorry than sorry before this was over. This could ruin everything.
Check out these great writers and read their high school selections:
This scene takes place in the hallway after the bell has rung and most students are in class. Kristen has had a rough morning, and she's angry:
The hallway was empty with one huge exception: Zach Bevian.
It didn't surprise her to see him talking on his cell. She'd had a class with him once. Tardy was his middle name. If he was going to show up at all, it would be five to ten minutes late. The loser probably wanted to make a grand entrance so everyone would look at him. He finished the conversation and tucked the cell into his snug jeans. She was suprised there was room in those pockets something wider than a quarter.
Too bad for him, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
She could be wild and fun and impulsive. She would show Brittany that Kristen Noah was not your typical good girl. There wasn't any reason why she couldn't get decent grades and have fun at the same time. When she got done experimenting with her wild side, Brittany would beg her to play nice again.
She reached into her purse and pulled a long, skinny glass vial out. Emptying the pink dust into one hand, she walked straight up to Zach. Before she had the chance to come to her senses or count the number of ways this could go wrong, she blew the dust into his face. A pink cloud floated around him for a second. It dissipated quickly. He stared at her in stunned silence.
The Crushed spell had that effect on people. Boys gazed into space once they were hit with it. The spell momentarily distorted their thinking. Soon he would be following her around, doing her bidding, and making puppy-love eyes at her. She couldn't wait.
The vision of him following her around brought a smile to her face.
She continued to walk, barely missing a step.
Cyndi's shocked voice reached her ears. "She didn't."
"She did," Brittany said.
"But we aren't supposed to start the game until next week."
"Tell that to the cheater."
Kristen felt better already. She felt so good that she stopped to fix her face. She pulled a mirror from her purse and reapplied her signature lipstick before heading to class. Candy Apple Crush. It was deep red, her favorite color, with diamond-like sparkles and a hint of gloss. Her mother had it specially made for her in New York.
She compressed her lips to evenly distribute the color. The mirror caught Zach Bevian's reflection. He was still standing there with wide eyes and open mouth. Poor guy didn't even look like he remembered his own name.
Regrets began to pile on top of her head. Someone with a will as strong as Zach's was going to be hard to control. She might actually lose the game this year. She really shouldn't have Crushed him, but she needed the money that a side-bet with Brittany would give her.
His expression changed from puzzlement to pure hatred. He glared at her with a murderous glint in his eyes. Startled, she whipped around to look at him, but he was rummaging around in his locker again.
She must have imagined the hatred in his eyes. Victims of the Crushed spell were instantly in love with the witch who brewed the potion. A painful lump lodged in her throat, and remorse hung over her like a dark cloud. Blowing the dust into his face had been a huge mistake. She had a feeling she was going to be more sorry than sorry before this was over. This could ruin everything.
Check out these great writers and read their high school selections:
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Book Signing Update
For those of you who were wondering how the book signing went, here's the scoop. I learned a lot from it. This was my first book signing. How did I do? That depends on the way you look at it. I didn't sell an incredible amount, but I made 71 dollars in four hours. That's not bad at all. Of course a few of those were to friends. I met some interesting people. We had a great time. I'll post some pictures of it when I get the chance.
Friday, October 28, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: Best Indie Scare
This week we are promoting our favorite scary books that happen to be Indie. I haven't read any, so I'm going to continue my Supernatural countdown with the rest of my top 20 favorite episodes of all time. As always, at the end there will be a list of other Indie authors with blogs. Please click on them and check out their favorite Indie scares.
10. Supernatural Convention: At one time we found out that there were Supernatural books out there. The guy writing them had no idea Sam and Dean were real. In this episode the boys wind up at the first-ever Supernatural Convention. It was too funny, watching all these other guys dressing like Sam and Dean and saying lines from old shows. Then there's this girl with a crush on Sam. She licks her palm and blows him a kiss. He looked like he was hoping the ground would swallow him whole.
9. Werewolf Girl: I love the episode where Sam falls in love with a werewolf. I'm not kidding. Of course he didn't know she was a werewolf. This is a heartbreaking show, very well acted by the boys. I didn't like how easily the girl gave up though or how Dean wanted to blow her away without a thought. If I was her, I'd be like Wait a second. What if I take sleeping pills? Maybe she wouldn't turn on those nights. Just a thought.
8. The FBI Arrest Sam and Dean: This episode comes in at number eight for me because it was a turning point. We see Lilith for the first time, the agent harrassing the boys finally get them, and we see the boys' matching tattoos. Favorite line: The agent kills the sheriff and is stunned that he did it. He says 'I shot the sheriff.' Dean says 'yeah, but you didn't shoot the deputy.' It was so dumb, so inappropriate, and so Dean.
7. Make a Wish: Have you ever thrown a coin into a fountain and made a wish? On this episode the wishes come true, but you know what they say about being careful what you wish for. One little girl has made her teddy bear come to life. It's huge and depressed. Sam and Dean don't know what to do about it. There's also an invisible boy sneaking into the women's shower at the Y and a little boy with super powers.
6. Ghostfacers: The ghost chasing nerds are back, and this time they're shooting a pilot for their new show. This was an awesome ep. because it looks like it's shot by some kid with a video camera. The nerds go to a haunted house, hoping to see something and get famous. Sam and Dean show up to do what they do best. Awesome!
5. Sam and Dean in Another Universe: They are sent to another universe where they are the actors in a tv show. They have Sam's real life wife playing his wife. She is the actress who played the demon Ruby on the show. Sam's mansion is beyond great. And he has a camel in the backyard.
4. The Fairies: Dean shouts, "Fight the fairies!" I laughed until I had tears in my eyes. Sam doesn't have a soul on this one, so he doesn't seem to care that much when Dean is abducted. They think by aliens but later find out it is fairies doing the kidnapping. Love it when Sam says his brother was abducted, and this girl says, "Oh no!" Sam says, "It's okay. I've learned to adjust." "Did it happen when you were kids?" "No. Just about half an hour ago." Then she sleeps with him.
3. Meeting the Trickster: Some of my favorite episodes involve this guy called the Trickster. He can create things that seem very real. For instance, he makes this one guy slow dance with an alien. I loved this ep. because Sam and Dean tell their friend Bobby what's been going on, and they both make the other look bad in the retelling. We get to watch the same scene in two separate flashbacks, as different as night and day. It was definitely different.
2. Dean Scared: My runner up for favorite Supernatrual show of all time is the one where Dean gets ghost sickness. Dean who never seems to be afraid of anything (if he is scared, he jokes around and acts macho), but when he gets the sickness he is afraid of everything. He won't drive his car over the speed limit, won't stay above the first floor at the motel, and won't help Sam hunt ghosts. At one point he yells, "Only crazy people hunt ghosts. We are insane."
Drum roll please......
My favorite episode is.....
1. Groundhogs Day: This is my favorite episode of the series because Dean gets killed over and over again. Dean doesn't remember any of it, but Sam does. Sam wakes up several times to the same song. It's Tuesday. They eat at the same diner, Dean tells the same jokes, and the waitress drops the hot sauce bottle. The only big difference is how Dean dies. Sometimes it is Final Destination type deaths like when the desk falls on him. This is also another episode with the Trickster in it.
Maybe you don't agree with my list. There are so many shows to choose from, so many great episodes, but I think these are my top twenty... at least this month.
13 on Halloween & Winnemucca by Laura A. H. Elliott now for sale at A Children's Place Bookstore and Broadway Books in Portland, OR
The Reckoning by M. Leighton, the second and final book in the Fahllen series, will be available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble on Monday, October 31st. Halloween day!
Visit http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com/2011/10/reckoning.html for excerpts and the latest on her new release!
CHAMELEON by Cidney Swanson Now Available in paperback!
Happy Reading!!!
10. Supernatural Convention: At one time we found out that there were Supernatural books out there. The guy writing them had no idea Sam and Dean were real. In this episode the boys wind up at the first-ever Supernatural Convention. It was too funny, watching all these other guys dressing like Sam and Dean and saying lines from old shows. Then there's this girl with a crush on Sam. She licks her palm and blows him a kiss. He looked like he was hoping the ground would swallow him whole.
9. Werewolf Girl: I love the episode where Sam falls in love with a werewolf. I'm not kidding. Of course he didn't know she was a werewolf. This is a heartbreaking show, very well acted by the boys. I didn't like how easily the girl gave up though or how Dean wanted to blow her away without a thought. If I was her, I'd be like Wait a second. What if I take sleeping pills? Maybe she wouldn't turn on those nights. Just a thought.
8. The FBI Arrest Sam and Dean: This episode comes in at number eight for me because it was a turning point. We see Lilith for the first time, the agent harrassing the boys finally get them, and we see the boys' matching tattoos. Favorite line: The agent kills the sheriff and is stunned that he did it. He says 'I shot the sheriff.' Dean says 'yeah, but you didn't shoot the deputy.' It was so dumb, so inappropriate, and so Dean.
7. Make a Wish: Have you ever thrown a coin into a fountain and made a wish? On this episode the wishes come true, but you know what they say about being careful what you wish for. One little girl has made her teddy bear come to life. It's huge and depressed. Sam and Dean don't know what to do about it. There's also an invisible boy sneaking into the women's shower at the Y and a little boy with super powers.
6. Ghostfacers: The ghost chasing nerds are back, and this time they're shooting a pilot for their new show. This was an awesome ep. because it looks like it's shot by some kid with a video camera. The nerds go to a haunted house, hoping to see something and get famous. Sam and Dean show up to do what they do best. Awesome!
5. Sam and Dean in Another Universe: They are sent to another universe where they are the actors in a tv show. They have Sam's real life wife playing his wife. She is the actress who played the demon Ruby on the show. Sam's mansion is beyond great. And he has a camel in the backyard.
4. The Fairies: Dean shouts, "Fight the fairies!" I laughed until I had tears in my eyes. Sam doesn't have a soul on this one, so he doesn't seem to care that much when Dean is abducted. They think by aliens but later find out it is fairies doing the kidnapping. Love it when Sam says his brother was abducted, and this girl says, "Oh no!" Sam says, "It's okay. I've learned to adjust." "Did it happen when you were kids?" "No. Just about half an hour ago." Then she sleeps with him.
3. Meeting the Trickster: Some of my favorite episodes involve this guy called the Trickster. He can create things that seem very real. For instance, he makes this one guy slow dance with an alien. I loved this ep. because Sam and Dean tell their friend Bobby what's been going on, and they both make the other look bad in the retelling. We get to watch the same scene in two separate flashbacks, as different as night and day. It was definitely different.
2. Dean Scared: My runner up for favorite Supernatrual show of all time is the one where Dean gets ghost sickness. Dean who never seems to be afraid of anything (if he is scared, he jokes around and acts macho), but when he gets the sickness he is afraid of everything. He won't drive his car over the speed limit, won't stay above the first floor at the motel, and won't help Sam hunt ghosts. At one point he yells, "Only crazy people hunt ghosts. We are insane."
Drum roll please......
My favorite episode is.....
1. Groundhogs Day: This is my favorite episode of the series because Dean gets killed over and over again. Dean doesn't remember any of it, but Sam does. Sam wakes up several times to the same song. It's Tuesday. They eat at the same diner, Dean tells the same jokes, and the waitress drops the hot sauce bottle. The only big difference is how Dean dies. Sometimes it is Final Destination type deaths like when the desk falls on him. This is also another episode with the Trickster in it.
Maybe you don't agree with my list. There are so many shows to choose from, so many great episodes, but I think these are my top twenty... at least this month.
13 on Halloween & Winnemucca by Laura A. H. Elliott now for sale at A Children's Place Bookstore and Broadway Books in Portland, OR
Twelve-year-old Roxie wants to be like Adrianne, the popular girl, the peacock, who gets everything she wants––a trampoline, a flock to prowl around the mall with, and most especially invitations to parties. But everything changes when Roxie invites all the popular kids in the eighth grade to her thirteenth birthday party on Halloween and they all come. And a boy, the boy, actually talks to Roxie. Roxie has the best night of her life until the peacocks decide they want to celebrate her birthday in a way Roxie never expects––in her attic, with a gift that is out of this world, and a pact to never tell a living soul what happens next.
Enter Cheri Schmidt's Library Giveaway from Oct. 20- Nov 20th & win a chance win signed copies of The Fateful Trilogy & have Cheri donate her books to your library!
A huge fan of Jane Austen, Danielle hopes to find her own Mr. Darcy when she leaves Colorado to attend art school in London. Of course she knows it's silly to wish for that, naive even. But she's met enough males who lacked respect for women, a growing trend it seemed. And at nineteen...well.... However, on only her second night there she gets lost and is threatened by a stalker who proves to be immune to her martial arts training. Before she is completely overpowered, she is then saved by Ethan Deveroux.
The Reckoning by M. Leighton, the second and final book in the Fahllen series, will be available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble on Monday, October 31st. Halloween day!
Visit http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com/2011/10/reckoning.html for excerpts and the latest on her new release!
CHAMELEON by Cidney Swanson Now Available in paperback!
When Sam learns of her nemesis Helmann’s Nazi-like plan to establish a Thousand-Year Reign, she’s determined to fight him. Along with Will and Mickie, Sam flees to France to meet Sir Walter—their best hope for stopping Helmann’s brave new world.
But Sam isn’t any safer in France. Someone is following her. Someone invisible. Sam will have to figure out how to hide from an enemy she can’t even see.
But Sam isn’t any safer in France. Someone is following her. Someone invisible. Sam will have to figure out how to hide from an enemy she can’t even see.
Happy Reading!!!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Halloween Book Signing: CRUSHED
Time is running out... for me. This Saturday at Vintage Stock at the Northpark Mall in Joplin, MO, I will be signing a limited number of copies of my book CRUSHED. If you live in the area or know someone around here, I'd love a chance to meet you (or them). There will be fun, prizes, a woman dressed as a witch handing out Halloween candy. I'm giving away digital copies of Vampires Rule, also. Can't wait. I will be taking pictures and hopefully will be able to post a few next week.
It starts at noon and will go on until four (or until I run out of books).
It starts at noon and will go on until four (or until I run out of books).
Thursday, October 20, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: Favorite Halloween Story
To be honest, I don't have one. We were not allowed to Trick or Treat. So you can go below and click on the other Carnis. Read about their favorite Halloween times. As for me, I will make a list of my favorite Supernatural episodes. Anyone here watch Supernatural? It is my all-time favorite scary-fun paranormal show. Here are my top twenty (you get half this week and half next week while the other Carnis discuss their favorite Indie books that are scary. Once again, I have nothing to offer the conversation. So here are the first ten in my top twenty Supernatural episodes:
20. The Pilot: I love this episode for obvious reasons. We are introduced to the brothers, get a look at how they work together, and hear some awesome background on them. It's also the first time that Sam calls Dean a Jerk and Dean calls same the B word.
19. Sam Possessed: I loved the episode where Sam seems to have lost time. He tries to convince Dean to kill him, even taking Jo as a hostage and threatening to off her. Dean refuses to hurt his baby brother and hits him with holy water instead. My fav thing about this ep. is how Sam snaps out of it at the end and asks, "What did I miss?" Dean punches him. Good times.
18. The Bank Job: They are searching for a shapeshifter in this episode. It likes to rob banks, so Sam and Dean are inside of the bank when a well-meaning guard tries to capture the thing by taking the entire bank hostage. He is killed and Dean takes over the bank heist. I love how this girl keeps telling Sam how great Dean is. "He's like a hero." Sam looks unimpressed. It's hilarious.
17. Killer Clowns: In this episode we find out that little Sam was afraid of clowns while growing up. My fav lines from the show? "You're afraid of flying." "Planes crash." "Yeah, and apparently clowns kill." LOL
I'm with Sam on this one. Clowns suck.
16. Dean has Out of Body Experience: In this episode, Dean almost dies in a car crash. Sam has to communicate with him through a Ouiji Board. I loved it because this is when their dad dies. They all did an awesome job.
15. Dean Returns from Hell: This is the episode when Dean comes back from Hell. First Bobby tries to kill him, thinking he's a fake Dean. Then Sam tries to kill him. I loved the hug between these two when Sam realizes Dean is really back. Very emotional. I also liked this episode because we meet Castiel.
14. A Jinn Grants Dean's Fondest Wish: In this one Dean wakes up in an apt. with a girl he doesn't know. He has a whole new life. His mom is still alive and Sam is in law school. It's so funny when he calls Sam a 'B' and Sam looks confused. I also love it when they make a big deal out of Dean mowing the lawn.
13. The Christmas Special: I almost turned the TV off when the words Special Presentation came on the screen and a cheezy Christmas movie started. Then this old guy gets yanked up a chimney and killed. I'm like okay, guess I'm watching the right show after all. The bad guys in this ep. were hillarious. An old couple. The woman told Dean not to cuss, to say Fudge instead.
12. Meeting the Ghostfacers: I enjoyed this episode because Sam and Dean were pranking each other the whole time. We find out that Dean put Nair in Sam's shampoo when they were kids. Sam glues Dean's hand to a beer bottle. Dean puts itching powder in Sam's underwear. All very funny.
11. Supernatural Books: The boys find out that someone is writing books about their lives, and the guy knows more than he should. Love it when this girl (a fan of the books) meets them. She keeps touching Sam and saying how firm he is. LOL.
Join me next week for the rest of the list. In the meantime, hop over to these other blogs to read about their Halloween stories.
Happy early Halloween!
20. The Pilot: I love this episode for obvious reasons. We are introduced to the brothers, get a look at how they work together, and hear some awesome background on them. It's also the first time that Sam calls Dean a Jerk and Dean calls same the B word.
19. Sam Possessed: I loved the episode where Sam seems to have lost time. He tries to convince Dean to kill him, even taking Jo as a hostage and threatening to off her. Dean refuses to hurt his baby brother and hits him with holy water instead. My fav thing about this ep. is how Sam snaps out of it at the end and asks, "What did I miss?" Dean punches him. Good times.
18. The Bank Job: They are searching for a shapeshifter in this episode. It likes to rob banks, so Sam and Dean are inside of the bank when a well-meaning guard tries to capture the thing by taking the entire bank hostage. He is killed and Dean takes over the bank heist. I love how this girl keeps telling Sam how great Dean is. "He's like a hero." Sam looks unimpressed. It's hilarious.
17. Killer Clowns: In this episode we find out that little Sam was afraid of clowns while growing up. My fav lines from the show? "You're afraid of flying." "Planes crash." "Yeah, and apparently clowns kill." LOL
I'm with Sam on this one. Clowns suck.
16. Dean has Out of Body Experience: In this episode, Dean almost dies in a car crash. Sam has to communicate with him through a Ouiji Board. I loved it because this is when their dad dies. They all did an awesome job.
15. Dean Returns from Hell: This is the episode when Dean comes back from Hell. First Bobby tries to kill him, thinking he's a fake Dean. Then Sam tries to kill him. I loved the hug between these two when Sam realizes Dean is really back. Very emotional. I also liked this episode because we meet Castiel.
14. A Jinn Grants Dean's Fondest Wish: In this one Dean wakes up in an apt. with a girl he doesn't know. He has a whole new life. His mom is still alive and Sam is in law school. It's so funny when he calls Sam a 'B' and Sam looks confused. I also love it when they make a big deal out of Dean mowing the lawn.
13. The Christmas Special: I almost turned the TV off when the words Special Presentation came on the screen and a cheezy Christmas movie started. Then this old guy gets yanked up a chimney and killed. I'm like okay, guess I'm watching the right show after all. The bad guys in this ep. were hillarious. An old couple. The woman told Dean not to cuss, to say Fudge instead.
12. Meeting the Ghostfacers: I enjoyed this episode because Sam and Dean were pranking each other the whole time. We find out that Dean put Nair in Sam's shampoo when they were kids. Sam glues Dean's hand to a beer bottle. Dean puts itching powder in Sam's underwear. All very funny.
11. Supernatural Books: The boys find out that someone is writing books about their lives, and the guy knows more than he should. Love it when this girl (a fan of the books) meets them. She keeps touching Sam and saying how firm he is. LOL.
Join me next week for the rest of the list. In the meantime, hop over to these other blogs to read about their Halloween stories.
Courtney released her Bloodstone Saga finale, My Tattered Bonds.
Check out The Paranormal Plumes Haunted Book Tour in Savannah Halloween Weekend! http://www.theplumessociety.com/
30% of the royalties of Lexus Luke's Manitou The Sky People Saga go to the ASPCA.
The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines will release on Oct 21. Here is the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aAp6chU-d6o
For a limited time, Kimberly Kinrade is selling signed copies of her YA paranormal thriller/romance Forbidden Mind. As an All Hallow's Read bonus, she is also including some awesome gifts with each purchase... including a very special bonus to the first 5 lucky people who place an order. Get a copy for yourself and buy one for a friend in celebration of All Hallow's Read. For more details, visit http://bit.ly/qGMQkz
Filter Giveaway on Gwenn Wright's blog! http://hereventuality.blogspot.com/2011/10/von-strassenbergs-giving-it-away.html. When she reaches 100 followers she will give away a signed copy of Filter AND one of her fancy new mugs!
Happy early Halloween!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Finding Something Original to Write About
Now that's a hard one. I swear, every time I come with something I think has never been done, one of my friends tells me that they either just finished reading a book about it or saw a book about it online. My reaction? WHAT??? Are you kidding me?
No, they are not kidding. This has been happening to me since I first started writing. I remember being sixteen and thinking I had a killer idea that no one else had thought of. Then I went to the store, looked at the books, and found that not only had someone else already thought of the same idea, but they'd beaten me to it. This also happens to me frequently with titles. Sucks!
Can you guess why I'm writing about this subject today? That's right. It happened again. Because there are sooo many books about vampires and werewolves, I decided to go out on a limb and do something different. I came up with what I thought was a wild idea. Then I spoke to a friend in Ohio, and she tells me that she's reading a book that has the exact idea. ????
How does this happen? Am I psychic and picking up on other peoples' ideas, or does God give these ideas to several people at once? Kind of depressing.
Does this happen to anyone else, or is it just me for some reason?
No, they are not kidding. This has been happening to me since I first started writing. I remember being sixteen and thinking I had a killer idea that no one else had thought of. Then I went to the store, looked at the books, and found that not only had someone else already thought of the same idea, but they'd beaten me to it. This also happens to me frequently with titles. Sucks!
Can you guess why I'm writing about this subject today? That's right. It happened again. Because there are sooo many books about vampires and werewolves, I decided to go out on a limb and do something different. I came up with what I thought was a wild idea. Then I spoke to a friend in Ohio, and she tells me that she's reading a book that has the exact idea. ????
How does this happen? Am I psychic and picking up on other peoples' ideas, or does God give these ideas to several people at once? Kind of depressing.
Does this happen to anyone else, or is it just me for some reason?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: Favorite Fan Experience
This week on the Carnival we are writing about our favorite fan experience, but to be honest I don't have one. I met a woman at Wal-mart one day who was reading one of my Harlequins and was nearing the end. She kind of threatened me. I think she was kidding. She said if the main guy died she was going to hunt me down. I just looked at her like 'okay, that's an overreaction.' She also asked about my cats and some other personal stuff, and that kind of freaked me out until I realized she'd read my author's bio.
I guess I would have to say that my favorite fan experience was not really a fan experience at all but rather a sweet gesture. My first book had come out and my best friend's 12 yr old daughter was visiting. She sat at my kitchen table with a notepad and a pencil and quickly scribbled out a short letter. Then she gave it to me. I was like: What's this?
"It's your first fan letter," she said. "I wanted to be the first person to write you one."
Aw, isn't that cute?
Anyway, it meant a lot to me, and I stilll have it somewhere. Of course she hadn't read the book at the time. She was too young to read a romance novel as far as I was concerned, but it's the thought that counts.
News: For a limited time, Kimberly Kinrade is selling signed copies of her YA paranormal thriller/romance Forbidden Mind. As an All Hallow's Read bonus, she is also including some awesome gifts with each purchase... including a very special bonus to the first 5 lucky people who place an order. Get a copy for yourself and buy one for a friend in celebration of All Hallow's Read. For more details, visit http://bit.ly/qGMQkz
Here is the list of my other Carni writer friends. Take a peek at their favorite fan experiences. I'm sure they have to be more interesting than mine. :)
T. R. Knight
P. J. Hoover
Madeline Smoot
M. Leighton
J. L. Bryan
Suzy Turner
Dani Snell
Patti Larsen
Nicole Williams
Rachel Coles
Cindy Tefft
Cheri Schmidt
Laura Elliott
Fisher Amelie
Courtney Cole
Cidney Swanson
Lexus Luke
Amy Maurer Jones
Kimberly Kinrade
Happy writing!
I guess I would have to say that my favorite fan experience was not really a fan experience at all but rather a sweet gesture. My first book had come out and my best friend's 12 yr old daughter was visiting. She sat at my kitchen table with a notepad and a pencil and quickly scribbled out a short letter. Then she gave it to me. I was like: What's this?
"It's your first fan letter," she said. "I wanted to be the first person to write you one."
Aw, isn't that cute?
Anyway, it meant a lot to me, and I stilll have it somewhere. Of course she hadn't read the book at the time. She was too young to read a romance novel as far as I was concerned, but it's the thought that counts.
News: For a limited time, Kimberly Kinrade is selling signed copies of her YA paranormal thriller/romance Forbidden Mind. As an All Hallow's Read bonus, she is also including some awesome gifts with each purchase... including a very special bonus to the first 5 lucky people who place an order. Get a copy for yourself and buy one for a friend in celebration of All Hallow's Read. For more details, visit http://bit.ly/qGMQkz
Courtney released her Bloodstone Saga finale, My Tattered Bonds.
Check out The Paranormal Plumes Haunted Book Tour in Savannah Halloween Weekend! http://www.theplumessociety.com/
30% of the royalties of Lexus Luke's Manitou The Sky People Saga go to the ASPCA.
The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines will release on Oct 21. Here is the book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aAp6chU-d6o
Here is the list of my other Carni writer friends. Take a peek at their favorite fan experiences. I'm sure they have to be more interesting than mine. :)
T. R. Knight
P. J. Hoover
Madeline Smoot
M. Leighton
J. L. Bryan
Suzy Turner
Dani Snell
Patti Larsen
Nicole Williams
Rachel Coles
Cindy Tefft
Cheri Schmidt
Laura Elliott
Fisher Amelie
Courtney Cole
Cidney Swanson
Lexus Luke
Amy Maurer Jones
Kimberly Kinrade
Happy writing!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Romantic Suspense
As some of you already know, I used to write for Harlequin. I found out something interesting that I did not know. After a certain amount of years I can get back the rights to my books and publish them again. All I have to do is contact the Contract Department at Harlequin and get a release in writing. Awesome!
What does this mean? I am going to re-publish my old Harlequin Intrigues as ebooks. Plus, I have a couple of romantic suspense novels that were never published. They have been sitting around, collecting dust. It's time to put them to work.
I have no idea what name will be on them yet. I originally used Kasi Blake, but I signed away the use of it to Harlequin, so I would have to get the rights to that back to if I was to use it. I'm thinking of using a pen name instead like Braile Chandler, Brenda Blake, or something with the last name stone. Which one do you think sounds better for a romance writer?
I don't want to use K. C. Blake because that is on my YA novels.
What does this mean? I am going to re-publish my old Harlequin Intrigues as ebooks. Plus, I have a couple of romantic suspense novels that were never published. They have been sitting around, collecting dust. It's time to put them to work.
I have no idea what name will be on them yet. I originally used Kasi Blake, but I signed away the use of it to Harlequin, so I would have to get the rights to that back to if I was to use it. I'm thinking of using a pen name instead like Braile Chandler, Brenda Blake, or something with the last name stone. Which one do you think sounds better for a romance writer?
I don't want to use K. C. Blake because that is on my YA novels.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL- Favorite Character to Write For
This week we are writing posts on our favorite characters to write for. At least this is my understanding on what we're supposed to be doing. Below, as always, I will list the other writers/bloggers so you can check out their posts as well.
My favorite character to write for would have to be Jersey Clifford in the Rule series, probably because I've been living with him for so long. I actually created Jersey for a different book over twenty years ago. It didn't work out, so I put him on a shelf for a while. Then when I began to write Vampires Rule I knew that I would need a strong, compelling bad guy. Jersey seemed like the perfect fit.
What do I love about him?
Well, he's deliciously insane for one thing. Writing for a crazy person can be liberating. They will say and do things that other characters can't or won't. Jersey is fun too. He wears solid black with a splash of color like red sneakers, a dark blue tie, etc. He's been alive for about three thousand years, so he's had plenty of time to educate himself and broaden his mind. His love for literature is what ties him to Jack and gives them common ground.
Jersey often quotes poetry. On reviewer of Vampires Rule said: Jersey is a gentleman, and he willl quote Robert Frost while ripping your face off.
Unfortunately, Jersey had to leave town after the first book, but he still finds ways to annoy Jack in the second, and he will be back for a big chunk of the third book.
Favorite scene with Jersey: When he gets angry while talking to his assistant, and a freaky wolf face imposes itself over his own until he calms down.
Favorite quote from Jersey: After Jack says he's going to win the battle against Jersey, Jersey replies, "That's what I like to hear Jack. Confidence. Even if it is unfounded."
News: Rachel has a new anthology of ghost stories called Beyond The Veil: A Ghost Story Anthology. It will be available Friday on Kindle and is at Smashwords here: at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94161
From Darby:
Griffin Rising is a nominee for the 2011 Cybils Awards (YA fantasy).
From Laura,
In Portland, OR? Tonight 6:30-8:15 pm at the West Linn Library, West Linn, OR 97068 I'll be on tour with The Rain Boots Required Young Adult Authors talking about "The magic of magical realism" *knees knocking*!Also at Wordstock Oct 8-9:)
Check out these other sites and see what these writers fav characters to write about are:
T. R. Knight
P. J. Hoover
Madeline Smoot
M. Leighton
J. L. Bryan
Suzy Turner
Dani Snell
Patti Larsen
Nicole Williams
Rachel Coles
Cindy Tefft
Cheri Schmidt
Laura Elliott
Fisher Amelie
Courtney Cole
Cidney Swanson
Lexus Luke
Amy Maurer Jones
Thank you!!!
My favorite character to write for would have to be Jersey Clifford in the Rule series, probably because I've been living with him for so long. I actually created Jersey for a different book over twenty years ago. It didn't work out, so I put him on a shelf for a while. Then when I began to write Vampires Rule I knew that I would need a strong, compelling bad guy. Jersey seemed like the perfect fit.
What do I love about him?
Well, he's deliciously insane for one thing. Writing for a crazy person can be liberating. They will say and do things that other characters can't or won't. Jersey is fun too. He wears solid black with a splash of color like red sneakers, a dark blue tie, etc. He's been alive for about three thousand years, so he's had plenty of time to educate himself and broaden his mind. His love for literature is what ties him to Jack and gives them common ground.
Jersey often quotes poetry. On reviewer of Vampires Rule said: Jersey is a gentleman, and he willl quote Robert Frost while ripping your face off.
Unfortunately, Jersey had to leave town after the first book, but he still finds ways to annoy Jack in the second, and he will be back for a big chunk of the third book.
Favorite scene with Jersey: When he gets angry while talking to his assistant, and a freaky wolf face imposes itself over his own until he calms down.
Favorite quote from Jersey: After Jack says he's going to win the battle against Jersey, Jersey replies, "That's what I like to hear Jack. Confidence. Even if it is unfounded."
News: Rachel has a new anthology of ghost stories called Beyond The Veil: A Ghost Story Anthology. It will be available Friday on Kindle and is at Smashwords here: at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94161
From Darby:
Griffin Rising is a nominee for the 2011 Cybils Awards (YA fantasy).
From Laura,
In Portland, OR? Tonight 6:30-8:15 pm at the West Linn Library, West Linn, OR 97068 I'll be on tour with The Rain Boots Required Young Adult Authors talking about "The magic of magical realism" *knees knocking*!Also at Wordstock Oct 8-9:)
Check out these other sites and see what these writers fav characters to write about are:
T. R. Knight
P. J. Hoover
Madeline Smoot
M. Leighton
J. L. Bryan
Suzy Turner
Dani Snell
Patti Larsen
Nicole Williams
Rachel Coles
Cindy Tefft
Cheri Schmidt
Laura Elliott
Fisher Amelie
Courtney Cole
Cidney Swanson
Lexus Luke
Amy Maurer Jones
Thank you!!!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
YA INDIE CARNIVAL: Dream Cast for Vampires Rule
Okay, so this time around we are picking our Dream Casts for our latest book. Since Vampires Rule is an ongoing series, I decided to do it for that. Besides, I already have the actors picked out. Now these people (most of them) couldn't actually do it if the thing became a movie because I tend to choose people from different times. For instance, my pick for Jersey Clifford is an actor who was on Days years ago. I doubt he would look the part anymore. Anyway, here it goes.
For Jack: Either Thomas Dekker from Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles or Chace Crawford pictured here. I think they both have a nice vulnerable quality to them. Plus they're cute.
I think he would make a good Jack Creed
For Silver Reign: From OLTL Kristen Alderson pictured here:
Don't know why, but I can see her kicking serious werewolf butt. Can't you?
For Billy Creed: my favorite Supernatural guy Jared Padalecki pictured here:
Wow!!!
Jersey Clifford: Kyle Lowder from Days (he was Brady Black)
Ignore the girl. She's not in my book.
For Summer I would have wanted Kirsten Storms (Maxie from GH)
This is a younger photo of her, but this is how I pictured her for the role.
For Jack: Either Thomas Dekker from Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles or Chace Crawford pictured here. I think they both have a nice vulnerable quality to them. Plus they're cute.
I think he would make a good Jack CreedFor Silver Reign: From OLTL Kristen Alderson pictured here:
Don't know why, but I can see her kicking serious werewolf butt. Can't you?For Billy Creed: my favorite Supernatural guy Jared Padalecki pictured here:
Wow!!!Jersey Clifford: Kyle Lowder from Days (he was Brady Black)
Ignore the girl. She's not in my book.For Summer I would have wanted Kirsten Storms (Maxie from GH)
This is a younger photo of her, but this is how I pictured her for the role.For Lily I wanted the girl who used to play Lily on AMC. I couldn't find a picture.
For Cowboy, I wanted this guy from Friday Night Lights, but I can't remember his name from the show.
For Silver's parents, I picture them as Clark Kent's parents from Smallville.
That's it. That's my dream cast for Vampires Rule.
Please check out the dream casts for other books below. Click on the names of these Great Writers (in the post below) and see who they would want to play their characters.
T. R. Knight
P. J. Hoover
Madeline Smoot
M. Leighton
J. L. Bryan
Suzy Turner
Dani Snell
Patti Larsen
Nicole Williams
Rachel Coles
Cindy Tefft
Cheri Schmidt
Laura Elliott
Fisher Amelie
Courtney Cole
Cidney Swanson
Lexus Luke
Amy Maurer Jones
NEWS: I am trying to come up with a better way to let fans of Vampires Rule know when future books are coming out. Another writer suggested a mailing list. If you would be interested in receiving a newsletter every 4 to 6 weeks regarding my books (links, sneak peaks, etc) leave a comment for me somewhere with your email addy.
Gwenn Wright's The Von Strassenberg Saga. Dani just released (and designed!) the official cover for BlueStocking Girl! Here's a link to Gwenn's awesome video:
http://hereventuality.blogspot.com/2011/08/von-strassenberg-sagaa-reading.html
Laura A. H. Elliott's 13 on Halloween new release! Book trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksO8iGOhc5s
Excerpt here:
http://laurasmagicday.wordpress.com/13-on-halloween-excerpt/
Thank You for checking out our Dream Casts!!!
Please check out the dream casts for other books below. Click on the names of these Great Writers (in the post below) and see who they would want to play their characters.
T. R. Knight
P. J. Hoover
Madeline Smoot
M. Leighton
J. L. Bryan
Suzy Turner
Dani Snell
Patti Larsen
Nicole Williams
Rachel Coles
Cindy Tefft
Cheri Schmidt
Laura Elliott
Fisher Amelie
Courtney Cole
Cidney Swanson
Lexus Luke
Amy Maurer Jones
NEWS: I am trying to come up with a better way to let fans of Vampires Rule know when future books are coming out. Another writer suggested a mailing list. If you would be interested in receiving a newsletter every 4 to 6 weeks regarding my books (links, sneak peaks, etc) leave a comment for me somewhere with your email addy.
Gwenn Wright's The Von Strassenberg Saga. Dani just released (and designed!) the official cover for BlueStocking Girl! Here's a link to Gwenn's awesome video:
http://hereventuality.blogspot.com/2011/08/von-strassenberg-sagaa-reading.html
Laura A. H. Elliott's 13 on Halloween new release! Book trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksO8iGOhc5s
Excerpt here:
http://laurasmagicday.wordpress.com/13-on-halloween-excerpt/
Thank You for checking out our Dream Casts!!!
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