Saturday, December 29, 2012

New Blog for Teens and Tweens

I have started a new blog for the younger generation.  It's called Twilight Teen List Reviews and will be featuring reviews of books, music, television, movies aimed at teens and tweens.  The first post is all about Taylor Swift.  You can find it here:  http://twilightteenlistreviews.blogspot.com/2012/12/taylor-swift.html

What gave me the idea was an interview with Ms. Swift a few nights ago.  She's an interesting girl and an awesome singer.  So if you're interested in her, check the article out.  I put a lot of research into it.  My next target will be Justin.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

UPDATE

Thought I'd put an update on some stuff concerning the blog, my writing, etc. on here.  First of all, I am going to add more book reviews.  I know it seems like I got started and then stopped doing it.  It's just been very busy lately.  I'm sure you know what I mean.  I love to read, but I have a hard time doing it.  Where do the days go?  Anyway, I am at the end of City of Bones for the second time.  Then I'll be moving on to the next in the series.  I also have a few already read I would like to add to the Reviews page.

Secondly, I would like to put up some links for anyone wanting to Like, Follow, or Friend me.

Here is my Goodreads Author Page

Vampires Rule Fan Page

K.C. Blake Author Page

On Twitter I am KasiBlake (no spaces)

And as always you can find links to the books on the Buy Page.

Thank you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Friday, December 21, 2012

James Patterson's Interview

Did anyone else see the interview with James Patterson last night?  I can't even remember what show it was on because I was flipping channels at the time.  He is the highest paid writer and made 94 million last year.  They showed his office and the tons of projects he is simultaneously working on.  Apparently he has co-authors on his books.  Hmm.  I missed part of the interview, but I think he puts together the outline (or whatever) and then farms at least some of the actual writing out to other authors.  The interviewer said something about it being like an assembly line for books.  What do you think about this?

The guy makes tons of money, is famous, and has a huge mansion in Florida.  On the other hand, can these books really be considered his if someone else is writing them?

Have you read any of his books?  If so, what did you think?

Monday, December 17, 2012

Writer's Block

Why do they call it writer's block?  It feels more like my brain fell out of my head and I can't put together a decent paragraph to save my life.  In case you don't know, I am in the middle of writing my NaNo novel.  It's up to 77,000 words now without an end in site.  I go through the love it/hate it stage every time I write a book, and write now I am thoroughly hating it.  Don't know why.  Guess I'm just sick of working on it. 

Even though I have an extensive outline (thirteen pages) the plot isn't going where I wanted it to go.  If an outline is supposed to be like a map, I am lost.  During this phase I usually set the book aside and work on something else for a while, but I can't do that here.  People are actually waiting for this book.  A lot of people have downloaded the first six chapters from Smashwords.  As it is it is going to take me months to write, rewrite, get Beta Reader feedback, and edit it.  My goal is to have it finished by the end of this month.

I've tried taking long walks, talking it out, re-reading it from chapter one, and daydreaming about it.  I've tried watching movies and shows in the same genre.  What now?  How I can find the missing pieces?  I know they're out there.  Any ideas?

Friday, December 14, 2012

YA Indie Carnival: Build a Following Giveaway

This Friday - Building a Following

It's that time of year again, when the YA Author Sponsors host a giveaway meant to build a following. Anyone interested in participating will have from 12/14 to 12/21 to visit our blogs, read/respond to our questions, AND join any or all of our sites in order to be entered for the giveaway.  The winner will receive seventeen wonderfully, exciting books (plus a few other prizes) by some amazing authors. The grand prize winner will be announced on December 24th right here on this blog.   You must be a follower of this blog and also follow the YA Author Club.  Also, visit the other Carnie's websites for extra chances to win.  Don't delay.  Visit and join the YA Author Club website here:  http://yaauthorclub.blogspot.com
Then enter through the rafflecopter posted on the above site.
Here is what you could win...
 
Giveaway Package Includes: 

Black Blood (Time Spirit Trilogy, #2) by 


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Cover Reveal: TEMPTING FATE

When I started writing the Witch-Game Series, I wanted the covers to all have girls with fingers to their lips as if saying, "I have a secret."  But I haven't been able to find any more good pictures of girls doing this, so I've decided to change my covers.  I want to use pictures of the games they're playing.  My next Witch-Game novel is going to be TEMPTING FATE.  Here is the cover I think I will go with:

What do you think?

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

My NaNo Experience

Since I told everyone I was going to participate in NaNoWriMo this year, I decided to talk about the experience.  This was my first time.  Am I glad I did it?  Yes.  Was it what I expected it to be?  No.

I was super excited about joining NaNo because writing is a lonely job.  To me it sounded awesome that I would be writing at the same time as thousands of other writers, all working towards the same goal: 50,000 words in a month.  I met some new people, added some writing buddies, and used the forums.  But when it came down to the actual writing, things got quiet.  I didn't have time for forums or communicating with my writing buddies.  It was time to dig in and write.  So not much changed for me. 

I did, however, discover that having an extensive outline, bios, etc. helps.  I'm going to try to be just as organized in the future for other books.  BAIT is not finished yet.  I have about 65,000 words now, but it is just a little over halfway done.  Still a lot of writing to do.  Then comes revising, editing, and so on.  This book won't be available at least until March, probably not till April or May. 

Will I do this again next November?  I think so.  It was a positive experience for the most part, and I do have a halfway finished book now. 

Happy writing.

Friday, December 7, 2012

YA Indie Carnival: Personal Ads of Characters

This week at the Carnival we are going to write personal ads for famous characters from books.  What would their personal ads say if they were to put some out?  I'm going to do mine like a guessing game.  I will put up a personal ad without a name.  See if you can figure out who the character is and what book they are from.  Answers will be in the Comments section.  Check to see how many you got right.

1.  Single white female seeking goodlooking boy who sparkles.  I am ordinary looking and a bit of a klutz.  New in town, I need someone to show me around.  Since I don't have any hobbies or interests of my own, I need someone who will take over every aspect of my life.  I'm also a bit of a danger magnet, so you may need to rescue me now and then.  Age doesn't matter.  I can appreciate an older man.  Unusual colored eyes are a plus.  You don't have to worry about me cheating on you, unless you disappear for months at a time, then all bets are off.

2.  Single white male seeking companion for a dangerous adventure.  I work in the shadows and have a mystery to solve.  I'm extremely good looking, charming, and possess mad skills.  Only a special girl can see me.  Are you that girl?  I have a fondness for redheads with freckles and love to argue.  Can you keep up with me?  I live in an old church with my stepfamily and travel to exotic locations few humans know about.  No screamers please.  I prefer a girl who can hold her own in a fight.

3.  Single white male seeking sweet girl who doesn't mind all the baggage.  You can confide anything in me.  I'm good at keeping secrets.  I wear glasses and love to read.  When I can I find jobs in bookstores and libraries.  It's hard because I move around a lot.  My mother lives with me, but don't worry about her.  She rarely comes out of her room.  My younger brother also lives with me.  He's a bit strange and scares the crap out of most people, but I'm hoping he's just kidding when he claims not to feel anything for anyone.  Oh yes, and he carries a sword.  You don't need to worry about that.  He's never used it on a human, at least not yet.  If I haven't scared you away, give me a call and we'll meet for coffee. 

4.  Single white female seeking former vampire with unusual powers.  I know you're out there somewhere.  The faerie's journal says I'll find you soon.  The two of us are destined to kill the head werewolf and save the world.  I've seen you in my dreams.  Now I can't love anyone but you.  It doesn't matter to me if you have fangs and a taste for human blood.  I can take care of myself.  I'm THE werewolf hunter.  My father will threaten you with his shotgun once you're mortal again, but I won't let him kill you.  We are destiny.  No one can stop us from being together.

Check out the other Carnies to see what they put up.

1.Laura A. H. Elliott 2.Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3.T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series4.Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga
5.Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog 6.K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
7.Gwenn Wright, author of Filter8.Liz Long | Just another writer on the loose.
9.Ella James10.Maureen Murrish
11.YA Sci Fi Author's Ramblings12.A Little Bit of R&R
13.Melissa Pearl14.Terah Edun - YA Fantasy