Chandara Writes

Friday Round-up

2012-02-10T07:37:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!

Well, let's see. It's been a pretty busy week. I've finished the first draft of my YA Thriller and will be working on a total revision after I decided to change the plot. Funny how that happens. I decided to let my YA Contemp go for now.

I've got some pages out and a full after winning some contests which has given me enough drive to keep chugging along, and I completed a short story and sent that out. Phew...it's been a busy week. =)

Here's a few links of interest. Enjoy!

Rach Writes has her Fourth Platform Building Campaign linky up. A great way to get to know others online and build a following.

Miss Snark's Secret agent contest for February is Monday, 13th. Don't miss out. I may just try it this time. It's a lottery so as long as you post within a time frame you have a chance.

Elana Johnson talks about Rejection. And though I reject that term, it's a great post. =)

And...Pubrants Agent Kristin has a vlog about Middle Grade Vs. YA. A great resource.

Have a great weekend!

The Moon Hill Blog Tour: The Sounds of Screams

2012-02-08T00:03:00.001-06:00

Welcome Anthony! If you haven't checked out Anthony's madness, he can be found lurking around his website here. You can also join his Schizo Squad.

Anthony J. Rapino resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania, somewhere between the concrete of the city and the trees of the forest. On occasion, you’ll find him moderating the feverish battles between the creatures of these two arenas. Whose side he’s on is anyone’s guess.

His first novel, Soundtrack to the End of the World, will be available from Bad Moon Books in early 2012.

Without further...ahem, here's Tony!

First and foremost, all thanks and praise to E. for letting me stop by today.

I like music. (And BAM, we’re off and running!)

I need musical accompaniment to almost everything I do, save those few tasks that don’t allow it (like brain surgery and checkers). When I cook, the first thing I do is set up the computer’s music player to produce a solid wall of sound between myself and the stove. I listen to Tool while making stews, Ben Harper for Mexican, Bitter Ruin for pasta. Each meal is a soundtrack that plays over my tongue like naughty salsa dancers.

I won’t even attempt chores without music playing, and you can forget yard work if my MP3 player isn’t on hand. I need that escape to keep from thinking too deeply about how many animals pissed in the pile of leaves I’m elbow deep in.

Similarly, I require a constant pulse of music while I write. Like my meals, each story has its own soundtrack: a collection of songs that both inspire and inform the fictional world I create. If my food’s soundtrack is like a naughty salsa dancer, then my fiction’s soundtrack is like a bot fly larvae burrowing deep into my brain. It munches away on all the good bits, leaving me drooling, cross eyed, and typing up some of the strangest shit you’ve ever read.

When I’m writing, the right song will plop me down on a mostly abandoned hiking trail that leads to a place called Moon Hill. There, I can scribble, scribble, scribble until I end up with a flower growing from a rotted deer carcass, or a mystery container called “the forever box.”

And yet, I’ve spoken with other writers who can’t write while music plays. I can understand. Sometimes, if it’s not the right fit, the music can become distracting. I’ll find myself singing along to some earwig of a song instead of writing, and that’s never fun. Time to hit “next” on the old playlist.

I’ll bet if you listen closely while reading Welcome to Moon Hill, you can even hear what I was listening to when I wrote it.

My soundtrack to insanity.

Welcome to Moon Hill: A collection of 19 stories, and a couple of surprises.

Moon Hill is a forgotten place that few purposely visit, and even less leave. Once you arrive, the deep dark of the forest creeps into your mind and will not relent. Strange flowers that grow from deer carcasses, murderous lunatics, talking ravens, wriggling parasites that induce eruptive confessions, and demons of every variety: they all live here too.

Even so, the residents of Moon Hill can feel, beyond the fear and distress, that this land is special and they are lucky to live here. Most everyone feels that way right up until the day they come a little too close to the magic of this place. When dusk's light leaks through their carefully locked doors and rips holes in their minds.

Then, they pray for release.

--Welcome to Moon Hill.

The Maria Paradox and a contest!

2012-02-07T00:09:00.002-06:00

I first read THE MARIA PARADOX last year. Being Latina and working with the Latino Community this book help me put things in perspective. Not only for me, but for the other countless women I've worked with. When Agent Meredith Barnes started promoting the book I was like...whoa! How awesome is that? And yes, she has some prizes for helping in spreading the word. Check out her blog for more info.

THE MARIA PARADOX, written by Drs. Rosa Gil and Carmen Vazquez, is a unique self-help guide for Hispanic women and the men who love them.

The authors challenge the machismo-reinforcing idea of “marianismo,” a centuries-old belief system that in effect tells Latinas: "Don't forget a woman's subservient place; never put your own needs first; sex is for making babies.”

Filled with self-help exercises, this clearly written manual offers practical advice on how to build support networks, overcome passivity, forge career paths, change or get out of abusive relationships and increase sexual fulfillment.
Filled with real-life success stories and wise, compassionate advice, THE MARIA PARADOX details how Latinas can enjoy the best of both worlds.

The book can be purchased from all major online retailers. The authors can also be found on Twitter and on Facebook.

Why is this book so relelvent today, especially in the U.S? Watch the video below.

Sharing the love

2012-02-06T00:01:00.001-06:00

Author Anthony J. Rapino is on the road! Check out his stops and his new short story collection.

Isn't this an awesome cover!

The Moon Hill blog tour starts today, with a post at a great new site (that if you haven’t discovered yet, you can thank Tony later): Bloody Bookish. The schedule thus far is as follows:

2/6/12: http://bloodybookish.com/
2/8/12:  http://chandarawrites.blogspot.com/
2/10/12:  www.ringkeeper.blogspot.com
2/15/12:  http://www.categardner.net/

Hop on over and come back Wednesday for a guest post here!

Friday Round-up

2012-02-03T00:02:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday!

Some awesome goings on around cyberspace.

What makes a book sell...Jill Corcoran Books. Some great info!

What is speculative fiction. Inquiring minds want to know...(me)

Viva Maria Contest! Meredith Barnes has another opportunity for a critique. Check it out.

For the Book that Almost Didn't Sell...Pub Rants. Check out the rejections from editors. Don't they, um, sound familiar?

Because we sometimes slave over our beginnings. Beginnings...The Elaine Lit. Agency

Brenda Drake Writes...an awesome Pitch critique opportunity.

Anything I missed?

Have a great weekend!

Insecure Writer's Support Group

2012-02-01T00:08:00.004-06:00

Insecure Writer's Support Group

What's inspiring me today...the talent of my family. Here's a clip from my cousin's performance in Chicago, Benny Bravo. He gives me courage to do what I love and to keep moving forward.

Thanks Ben!

My muse

2012-01-30T00:04:00.002-06:00

When I came out of the closet and announced to my family that I was pursuing my dream of becoming a published author, I was received with enthusiasm from my sisters, which turned to quiet indifference. My husband and kids were skeptical at best. It was this constant reminder that while I was sitting behind the computer for a few hours a day, they were actually living. This turned to indifference when I refused to fold and continued on my writing journey.

This was when I realized I had to bring back my muse from my teen years, when sitting behind the typewriter and creating stories were for my benefit and not for anyone else.

I needed someone to inspire me when I no longer had the emotional energy to continue. I needed someone who drowned out all the negativity around me and tell me what I need to hear.

A muse can be anyone: fictional, real, or fictional-real (someone you admire but have never met). A muse can be more than one person and change depending on your need.

My muse, since I was a teenager, has been Stephen King, though I would never want to meet him. I want to continue to “know” him the way I “know” him in my mind.

My muse tells me…

If you’ve drawn someone into your creation and made them hope, fear, love, laugh, cry, you’ve done your job.

It starts with words. They have the power to open realms.

It's okay to ask for help...Beta Readers and Crit Partners are a great resource.

You give up and I’m sending you a vampire, a clown, a gunslinger, a plague…

What does your muse tell you?

Friday Round-up

2012-01-27T00:07:00.003-06:00

Happy Friday!

First, I'd like to thank Anthony Rapino for a wonderful surprise box I won through his blog. If you haven't checked out Anthony's website, I'd highly recommend a looksee. Tony filled this wonderful box with reading materials, DVD's, candy, and even a book for my daughter. Aw...she loved the animal book and carries it with her. Um, I'm sure that was meant for her. Thanks!

I'd also like to thank DRC over at WTF: Writing Thrilling Fiction, for giving me the Versatile Blogger Award!
The Rules: list seven random things about myself and then award seven (ish)others.

So, seven random things about myself.

1. I went skiing once when I was about sixteen. Couldn't get a grip on the rope that pulls you up the slope so ended up in the bunny hills. Yeah, embarrassing moment.

2. I am terrified to drive in the snow. No, really, terrified.

3. I went sledding once. It was actually on a hill on the side of the expressway so if you went too fast and couldn't stop you'd get run over by a car, or even better, a semi. Added to the adrenaline rush...go figure.

4. I wanted to be a nurse when I was younger but couldn't stand the smell of hospitals, or the sight of blood.

5. When I was younger my aunt convinced me that there was a little man in the mailbox and you had to drop your letter and yell "air mail" in there so he'd know he had to fly. After I, um, started feeding the mailbox man she came clean and told me she lied. So...if (way back when) you got a letter in the mail stained with red sauce and spaghetti, wasn't my fault.

6. I tend to hide with the dog during the fourth of July. Can't stand fireworks.

7. I have a pressing desire to shave my head bald just to see the shape of my head before I die. Therapy anyone?

Okay...So here I share this wonderful versatile blogger award to these sites with some awesome posts!

Anthony Rapino Great voice.

Anita's Edge For great inspiration and for being an awesome CP

Rach Writes is starting her Fourth Campaign beginning Feb. 6th. Hop on over and check it out.

Breaking Fantasy has some great insight on personification

Shallee McArthur on how to spice up boring scenes

Seeing Creative...action scenes

and Falling Leaflets. There's always great info on her blog.

And there you go...Have a great weekend!

When it's a good time to unplug

2012-01-25T08:05:00.000-06:00

Here are some tips when you just know you have to unplug.

You hear a buzzing in your head, or the humming of the computer when it's off.
You take everything in the "literal" sense.
Your eyes begin to see four instead of two...I mean, one.
You see images(pertaining to an idea, a scene, your manuscript) when you shut your eyes, even in sleep and you can't will them to stop.
You are referring to your significant others as characters in your book
You are talking to yourself...and answering in public.

When do you know it's time to unplug?

A Book Review

2012-01-23T00:05:00.001-06:00

Cute, available, and one cabin over....

Lori lives for summertime on the lake. She spends all season wakeboarding, swimming, and hanging with her friends—including the two hotties in the house next door. With the Vader brothers, Lori's always been one of the guys.

But while Lori and the "baby" brother, Adam, are inseparable friends, she can't deny a secret crush on Sean, the older Vader boy. This year Sean's been paying Lori a lot of attention, and not in a brotherly way.

But just as Lori decides to prove to Sean she's girlfriend material, she realizes that her role as girlfriend to Adam may be even more important. And by trying so hard for the perfect summer romance, she could be going way overboard. (Blurb from Goodreads)

My Review:

First Line: Sean smiled down at me, his light brown hair glinting golden in the sunlight.

I am a new fan of Jennifer Echols.

Lori decides that she no longer wants to be seen as one of the boys and begins her transformation as a girl. I loved it! I loved that Lori is strong willed while trying to balance the expectation of how girls should and should not behave. I loved the love triangle here and the mess she gets herself into.

I picked this book up after an agent suggested anything written by Jennifer Echols on her blog. I didn't regret it. I also read The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols. A great read too! Check out her blog here.

Friday Round-up

2012-01-20T00:04:00.002-06:00

Happy Friday!

Here are a few links for the week. Enjoy!

How to spice up the boring parts in your novel by Shallee McArthur.

Awesome Endings...Operation Awesome

On needing one another...YAtopia

Top ten blogs for writers...here

Have a great weekend.

Best Space Pictures of 2011: Editors' Picks

2012-01-19T00:01:00.002-06:00

Check out this link. Some awesome pics. Here are a few. Check out the link for picture identification.
Best Space Pictures of 2011: Editors' Picks

I refuse to believe we are alone in this vast beautiful universe.

Web Goes on Strike

2012-01-18T00:08:00.002-06:00

January 18th, 2012 is the largest online protest in history, to stop theinternet censorship bills, SOPA & PIPA.

For more info...
Strike Against SOPA & PIPA (SOPASTRIKE.COM)

In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr.

2012-01-16T00:07:00.002-06:00

Martin Luther King, Jr., (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968) was born Michael Luther King, Jr., but later had his name changed to Martin. His grandfather began the family's long tenure as pastors of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, serving from 1914 to 1931; his father has served from then until the present, and from 1960 until his death Martin Luther acted as co-pastor. Martin Luther attended segregated public schools in Georgia, graduating from high school at the age of fifteen; he received the B. A. degree in 1948 from Morehouse College, a distinguished Negro institution of Atlanta from which both his father and grandfather had graduated. After three years of theological study at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania where he was elected president of a predominantly white senior class, he was awarded the B.D. in 1951. With a fellowship won at Crozer, he enrolled in graduate studies at Boston University, completing his residence for the doctorate in 1953 and receiving the degree in 1955. In Boston he met and married Coretta Scott, a young woman of uncommon intellectual and artistic attainments. Two sons and two daughters were born into the family. ...More at Nobelprize.org

Poem by Evangeline

I have two eyes,

One mouth,

Two ears,

A brain,

A pair of lungs,

A heart.

I laugh,

I cry,

I fear,

I sigh.

Why do you set me apart?

I’m just like you,

You’re just like me.

There is no difference that I see.

Your snide remarks,

The tears I shed,

Make my only wish for me to be dead

I fear mornings,

I fear nights,

I wonder,

Will this wrong ever be made right?

Friday Round-up

2012-01-13T00:06:00.002-06:00

Happy Friday the 13th!

We've been pounded with snow in the midwest. So much for hoping for a 50 degree winter.

Tanya Reimer gave me this award for being one of the first twenty who'd commented on her blog when she first began this journey! Thanks Tanya.

I'm forwarding this to the first twenty people who commented on mine. This is such a great award and looking back when I first started has been great. Thanks for the awesome comments. Keep 'em coming!

Biola

Thanks everyone. Feel free to pick up this award and pass it on to your first twenty.

And...I saw this video over at Cher's blog and found it...inspirational.

Have a Great Weekend!

The Musical/Rhythmical Learner

2012-01-11T00:03:00.004-06:00

My fifteen year old son is NORMAL. Okay, as normal as a fifteen year old boy can be.

I am very strict when it comes to my kids’ education. No XBOX on the weekdays. I was involved in my older son’s Local School Council in which he swore I was so going to ruin his life because I made sure the Principal of the 3,000 plus students in his high school and most of the disciplinarians knew who I was and knew he was my son.

I. Do. Not. Play.

So, back to my fifteen year old. He ALWAYS has his iPod on while doing his homework. Okay, so I have three other kids and my house is never quiet, but I would always tell him to take ‘em off and concentrate on his school work. On a side note he is in on the Honor Roll, but you know, I can’t let him slack, right?

I learned that there is such a thing as “The Musical/Rhythmical Learner.” Yup, a category he falls nicely under. Don’t categories make life so much simple? Yeah, only if they‘re positive.

Anyway…again, listening to music while he’s doing homework is not a bad thing. What he listens to? Well, that is totally subjective. Here’s a taste…

Life...

2012-01-09T00:08:00.001-06:00

How to explain it,

there is no way.

What to expect,

no one can know.

How to embrace it,

there isn’t only one way.

What to do with it,

it’s all up to you.

Some choices we can’t make,

but we can make the best of them.

That’s Life.

--Evangeline

Friday Round-up

2012-01-06T09:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!

What a week. I've been sick, inching along at a dead end job, and....I sent out a million queries because of the first two things I mentioned, which I would not suggest anyone do. Here's a hilarious post at Chip MacGregor illustrating my point why you should not query while pissed off at work or sick. =) He also has a great series on strategic planning. Enjoy!

Art and blurb taken from studioporto

The Feast of the Three Kings also known as the Epiphany takes place every year on January 6th. It is an intricate part of Puerto Rican folklore. Traditionally, this day is very important, especially for children, for it is on this eve that they will receive their gifts. On the feast of the Epiphany, the Three kings visited the newly born Christ Child in Bethlehem bearing him gifts. This tradition is repeated and reflected in present day with the belief that on this eve the 3 Kings will visit every good child to deliver them gifts. Tradition states that on the Eve of the Epiphany children collect hay, straw or grass and place it in boxes or containers under their beds. This gesture is a gift of food for the Kings' Horses while they rest in between deliveries. Note:(we have no Camels in PR). If a child is good for the past year he will receive candies, sweets or toys. If the child was misbehaved or naughty he would instead find a lump of dirt or charcoal in his box. This tradition is much older than that of Santa's visit on Christmas Eve.

Just some Random info. In most countries Celebrations last way past the 25th. But using the words of my son's friend as he calls for help..."If I hear one more Christmas song I'm going to blow a cap in my face." For some awful reason this cracked me up.

Have a great weekend!

Inspiration Nation

2012-01-04T00:09:00.003-06:00

The first Wednesday of the month is reserved for Insecure Writer's Support Group.

So here are a list of my top five reads of 2011 that have inspired me to reach beyond the stars. Okay, lame, but these books inspired me to become a better writer.

1. Five Flavors of Dumb-Made me laugh, cry, and cheer for the underdog. Great Read!

YA Contemporary

2. The Body Finder: Loved the suspense and romance of the two main characters.

YA Thriller

3. Infinity: Totally unbelievable but totally fun.

YA Urban Fantasy

4. The Lost Symbol. Dan Brown what else can I say. I believe him just on pure faith.

Thriller

5. Best Served Cold. A great ecclectic cast of characters and an edge of your seat ride. Loved it!

Fantasy

What are your favorites of 2011?

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-02T00:03:00.001-06:00

Here's to a New Year, a Fresh Beginning...yada, yada, yada.

It does feel good to hit that reset button.

Let's see...

For 2012 I will continue to....

Write
Work
Play
Be Nice...if I have to
and...
EXERCISE

That last one continues to stump me. Ahem, now what's on your menu?

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T00:06:00.002-06:00

Have a Happy Holiday Season!

I'll be unplugging until next year.

Sorry, there were so many pictures to choose from, and this one made me laugh.

An hour with Ray Bradbury

2011-12-21T00:14:00.001-06:00

Ray Bradbury gives tips on great writing which include:

Read and write short stories

Read poems

Read Essays about anything

and go to the movies.

Science fiction author Ray Bradbury regales his audience with stories about his life and love of writing in "Telling the Truth," the keynote address of The Sixth Annual Writer's Symposium by the Sea, sponsored by Point Loma Nazarene University. Series: Writer's Symposium By The Sea [4/2001]

If you have an hour to spare, this was very inspirational and his honesty was very enlightening.

A Book Review

2011-12-19T10:24:00.001-06:00

First, There Is a River by Kathy Steffan

For some reason, I can't add the image of the book. But here's the Amazon link.

From Amazon: An old riverboat and the colorful characters aboard it form the backdrop for this tale of a woman's heartache and self-discovery and her crazed husband's quest for revenge. After her children are sent away, Emma seeks solace on her uncle's boat, where she is greeted by the kindness and companionship of a stranger. As she learns about herself and the possibility of happiness, her husband follows close behind, determined to take his anger out on her and everyone else aboard the boat.

My Review
After being subjected to abuse by her husband, Jared, Emma is devastated when he sends their kids to work on a farm. After contemplating killing her husband, she runs off and joins her uncle on a riverboat working as a cook. There she meets some quirky characters and finds strength in those around her…and love.

First sentence from prologue:

The summer of 1887 pressed a blanket of damp heat down the Ohio valley, smothering the life out of the towns along the river.

This sentence captures the mindset of the antagonist, Jared, quite nicely and foreshadows what is to come.

I was hooked by the prologue which begins with Jared. At first, since I had no idea what the book was about, I was not sure what to think about Jared. He was being bought by the father of the woman he loved to leave her alone and he refused the money. But then he fights the poor old man and lets him drown shortly after. Obviously, Jared was not a very nice man, but he intrigued me enough to want to learn his story, and to learn what happens next.

What I found was a story about not only a woman’s abuse, Emma, and not so much her quest for freedom (she hides the abuse and intends on going back to Jared after her job on the riverboat), but about those people around her who bring her back to life.

I truly believe that we are influenced by those we choose to keep around us-- friends, family, lovers--this story has Emma around folks who see her for what she is: human, a hard worker, a good friend, and a beautiful woman. And she begins to believe them.

And of course, we have Jared who relentlessly pursues Emma, leaving a wake of murders behind him. The author does a great job in keeping the tension balanced and left me on the edge of my seat turning the pages, praying that good will prevail and that those around Emma don’t meet a terrible fate.

I read this book because it was one of the free ebooks offered by Barnes & Noble a few weeks back.

I really enjoyed it.

Friday Round-up...sort of

2011-12-16T00:05:00.001-06:00

Why details matter...

Have a great weekend!

Writing Great Thrillers...A guest post.

2011-12-14T00:03:00.001-06:00

"Grace is a spunky, independent, nature girl who doesn't need a boy to save her. With wilderness survival, a juicy love triangle, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, this fast-paced novel had me holding my breath until the very last page—and still begging for more!"
-Kimberly Derting, author of the The Body Finder

"This thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance. The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page."
- Kirkus Reviews

Shelli Johannes-Wells author of Untraceable talks about Writing Great Thrillers.

Thrillers are divided into so many sub categories, action thrillers, psychological thrillers, military thrillers, spy thrillers, sci-fi thrillers, and romantic thrillers and on and on. Honestly, it is endless.

What they have in common is a great deal of action, cinematic setting, and a point of life or death that is based on reality.

A thriller that is not a page-turner is really just a mystery to me. It has to keep you moving forward even when you want to put it down. I have read all of James Patterson’s work and I’ve studied his interviews. He writes on an inverted curve – or at least he did with the Alex Cross series. That is how I write. So, my climaxes are at the end of a chapter and my resolution is at the beginning of the next chapter. I purposely cut my book that way when I am done writing it. It is second nature for humans to seek resolution so having the climax at the end of a chapter - pulls you through the chapter break – at least I hope it does.

In a thriller you also have to keep the tension all the way through. You can do this through dialogue, action, inner monologue but it has to keep the reader engaged. To keep the tension - I think you need to write what no one expects. That keeps the tension in your story. I try to do that. I write all the ways I can go and then purposely pick the most realistic, yet most unexpected way, which is usually the most devastating. To be honest – I usually choose a route that I personally don’t prefer. That way I ensure the struggle and tension remains. Because I am on the edge of my seat, knowing what’s coming. But, a thriller HAS to have twists and turns to keep the readers along.

There is a rule of thumb with thriller writers – that every 6 pages, something should turn. I try to do that. Any longer and you are bored, any shorter and your reader is crazed and exhausted.

Another aspect – which I read in an Ian Fleming interview about thrillers – is that you have to find that narrow line between what is real and what isn’t. Between what could or couldn’t really happen. A thriller is a story that walks along that line so you get sucked in because you can imagine everything that is going on. It feels real. This could really happen. That is why I like to write contemporary thrillers. It is based in reality and it really goes on.

In other thrillers – the events are created from an imagination but I feel like the reader is slightly removed b/c they know that could never happen. Ever watch a movie and then something dumb happens, which makes you sit back and uninvest in a story. Like in Mission Impossible when the helicopter explodes and Tom Cruise jumps from the helicopter onto a moving train. Can’t happen. They had the tension because of you didn’t want the secret list to get out. But after that scene, the story – at least for me - lost its tension because it was no longer real.

Thrillers have to capture the reader by the neck and grip them until the very last page. You have to make sure the reader is satisfied – gets some resolution but yet leave some strings dangling to keep the tension for the future.

These are the aspects of thrillers I find essential. It works for me so I hope it works for those who read Untraceable.

Author Bio:

Shelli Johannes-Wells started out writing for her local school paper, winning a state Nutrition essay contest for “Be a Smart Cookie”, and singing in a local Jazz band. Somewhere along the way, she earned an MBA in Marketing and embarked on an 18-year marketing career in Corporate America working as a marketing and communications consultant.

In 2000, Shelli traded in her expensive suits, way-too high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She started her own marketing & communications business,

www.bilaninc.com, and continues creating materials for a variety of large profit and nonprofit clients, including Spanx, Goody Hair Products, Chick Filet, Delta, CARE, and the Boys & Girls Club of America.

Shelli’s dream is to publish children’s books and magically imprint the imaginations of kids. In addition to juggling nap schedules while attending client meetings, Shelli focuses on her writing. She is a frequent marketing speaker at SCBWI conferences across the U.S and runs a popular marketing blog, Market My Words where she provides marketing advice for authors in the hopes of helping them better market their words.

In her spare time (yeah right!) and if the kids allow (yeah right!), Shelli obsesses over movies, reads children’s books (over and over), wishes she could squeeze in Bikram Yoga sessions, and dreams of sleeping in on the weekends.

She currently lives in Atlanta with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess that someday will change the world.
For the complete blog tour go here .

For my review of Untraceable go here.

You can find Shelli at...

Email: shelli@srjohannes.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/srjohannes

AuthorFacebook

AuthorGoodreads

An award

2011-12-12T00:04:00.002-06:00

Laura Barnes gave me this beautiful award. Thanks!

Rules: Thank the person who gave it to you and list some of your favorite blogs. It's hard just to pick a handful, since I follow so many wonderful ones.

Stacy Henrie, Writer

Medeia Sharif

In High Spirits

Isis Rushdan

E.R. King Get Busy Writing

Happy Blogging!

Friday Round-up

2011-12-09T12:20:00.000-06:00

I only have one post for you today amongst the greatness out there. This one is a must read.

When do I give up? at WordServe Water Cooler.

Have a great weekend!

Can you guess my character's age

2011-12-08T11:02:00.000-06:00

Brenda Drake is hosting a Can you Guess My character's age Blogfest. It includes prizes! Check it out here.

It's all about voice. So watcha think? How old would you peg Johnny?

Johnny Castro didn’t consider himself a coward for running from the two men chasing him. He’d been running for most his life so this was no big shocker. Seeing these two fools while canvassing the city for squatting rights, however, was a big shocker. Johnny had hoped to make some extra cash at Union Station before catching sight of thing one and thing two. Pedro, in his early thirties, had the face of a squashed beetle and Salvador, had its body—short and round. He’d known them since he was recruited into the Two-Six. It was either join or become a statistic that included something akin to road-kill, he chose his hide. They should’ve given up on the gang life a long time ago, having survived beyond puberty.

Johnny would’ve stopped to face them, but this breed didn’t play by old-school rules. These fools had guns. There was no honor amongst low-lives. Johnny almost wished he’d lived in the days where even gangs had a code of honor.

He hurdled over the hood of a parked Buick without losing step, his breathing even, his eyes focused on the neighborhood rolling in front of him. He had crossed into a different world trying to set his mind straight. He didn’t know where he was going, motivated only by a sense not to get beaten to a pulp or eat a bullet. The clean trimmed lawns and single family houses was a dead giveaway that Johnny was nowhere near the shelter he currently called home.

December…inspiration

2011-12-07T00:08:00.002-06:00

The first Wednesday of every month is the Insecure Writer's Support Group Post. Check it out here.

There’s something about the New Year that brings about newness. Maybe it’s the feeling of hitting the reset button. It’s the time where we get to leave the past behind us and enter the new. It’s time to evaluate and reevaluate goals. Bring it on…

This is an amazing year.

I got a short story accepted for publication.

I got an office with a door.

I finished reading 59 books this year, surpassing my goal of 52.

I have five completed manuscripts to date. Two will never see the light of day. One got me my first request for a full and the other two are simmering, calling out for revisions.

I’ve learned to write an EPUB file using HTML codes. Yeah, no fancy shmanzy but it looks awesome on my nook.

I went over 200 followers on my blog and had my first contest.

I’ve found so many wonderful blogs.

I’ve been blessed with awesome beta readers.

I’ve learned that I’m an introvert and it’s OKAY! I’m totally fine with that, really.

I found a teen Beta who is awesome.

And I know I’m forgetting something. But in retrospect, I’m good. I’m really good. What are some of your accomplishments this year? Bring it on.

Sit, talk, and stay

2011-12-05T00:06:00.010-06:00

Puzzled and perplexed,

On someone's shoulder I tapped.

"Excuse me sir, but I am lost.

Between my home and I there is a gap."

He shrugged and brushed me away.

"Young girl, here you cannot stay. Do us the favor and please be on your way."

I scrunched up my eyebrows and shook my head.

I ask for help and directions but ignorance I get instead.

The life of a teen is crazy and confusing,

And people ignore us when it comes to their choosing.

It seems we have little to say,

Since we always answer with a simple "okay".

But really, our thoughts are intriguing

And to whoever receives them,

They are quite revealing.

So please do us the favor of listening, rather than turning us away,

And ask us not to go, but sit, talk, and stay.

-Evangeline

Friday Round-up

2011-12-02T00:07:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday...

This weeks links...

Make sure your query stands out...confessions.

Creating secondary characters: a guest post at the other side of the story. Give your sidekick some love!

Confessions of a big six editor. Anne R. Allen's Blog

And because I love dragons, swords, and knights...Skyrim

Have a great weekend!

Inspiration strikes again...

2011-11-30T00:06:00.003-06:00

First, I want to congratulate all those that braved Nano. Whether you accomplished your goals or not, Kudos to you!

Though I didn’t sign up for Nano this year a sudden inspiration had me writing like a madwoman and in three weeks my current WIP is at 44, 000 words. Unlike my previous manuscript, this one is another YA contemporary story. After I struggled with my first contemporary YA (feeling the need to add an alien, vampire, or nut job), I thought I was done with the genre. I guess I was wrong.

What inspired me to write this one?

When I was seventeen, a very long time ago, I had a guy friend who had been beaten to an inch of his life because he looked inside the wrong car. At seventeen, he was chased by a group of guys high on drugs and liquor. And they knew him and knew he wasn’t in a gang. My friend actually played ball with them when there was still such a thing called sandlots. These guys caught my friend in an alley and proceeded to pound the crap out of him resulting in four lost teeth, broken ribs, and a determination never to be vulnerable to “them” ever again.

A stranger in a black car saved his life. He’d never see the man again.

And so my ms is about a kid running for his life and the family that saves him.

What inspired your current ms?

Leadership...everyone's responsibility

2011-11-28T09:04:00.000-06:00

Last week I attended a leadership summit. I'll be posting bits of information I've learned along the way.

Imagine a world full of leaders. Okay, imagine a world full of good, knowledgeable, model leaders.

Better? I hope so.

We are all leaders in our own way. Whether it involves the micro (family) or macro (community at-large), we can exemplify great leadership skills.

Great leaders don't repeat the same mistakes others have. They learn from the past and aren't afraid of change.
Great leaders work to better the whole, not themselves.
Great leaders are generous.
Great leaders are great models. Do what you say.
Great leaders advocate for public values (justice, equity).
Great leaders work for a common good.
Great leaders surround themselves with diversity.
Great leaders know the value of "thank you" and offer it openly.

What are traits you look for in great leaders?

Friday Round-up

2011-11-25T00:03:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone survived Thanksgiving here in the ole' US and the chaotic shopping that followed.

Announcement: The winner of the 200 follower contest is....

Anthony Rapino--Please email me at elizbeth(dot)arroyo5(at)gmail(dot)com so I can have the $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card Forwarded to you. Give B&N some love. Thanks everyone who participated. My To Be Read list just got longer! Woohoo! I'm always on the look out for a good book.

Here are a few links for the week. Enjoy...

Rach Writes....Physical Telling. Great Aha! Moment for me.

TalkToYoUniverse...Hard Choices Require Consequences.

Have a great weekend!

Thank you...

2011-11-23T00:02:00.018-06:00

Where to go?

Where to look?

Who to look to?

Yes, I see something.

A light, an answer.

A sister, someone I know I can trust.

An amazing person full of strength and good motives.

Like a child peering through glass,

I feel I’m watching something breath-taking and inspirational.

Thank you.

The two words seem small,

But look deep and find I mean it

From the bottom of my heart

When I say it to you.

Written by Evangeline, a freshman in high school and a dear friend. Help me welcome her. I hope her wonderful inspirations will become a feature in my blog.

A Book Review

2011-11-21T00:08:00.003-06:00

Untraceable by Shelli Johannes-Wells

Release Date: November 29th

Book Description:

16 year old Grace was reared in the wilderness. Her first pet was a bear named Simon. Her first potty, an oak tree. And, her first swing, a forest vine. Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her everything he knew about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.

When Grace's dad goes missing on a routine patrol, unlike everyone in her sleepy mountain town, she refuses to believe he’s dead. After finding a Cheetos bag and stolen government file, Grace is convinced she’s one step closer to proving all the non-believers wrong.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from imminent danger by Mo, a hot guy who has an intoxicating accent and a secret. Grace has never felt a connection like this before, certainly not with her ex-boyfriend, the adoring, but decidedly unrugged, Wyn.

After a few run-ins with the town's police chief, her father's partner, and some new evidence, Grace travels deeper into the wilderness that has always been her refuge only to learn that her father's disappearance is not a mere coincidence.

Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to emerge from an epidemic that’s spreading like wild fire, threatening everything and everyone she’s ever loved.

First line: The story begins with a preface, but this is the first line of chapter one. “Dad used to always say, nothing is untraceable.”

I love this. It sets up the premise of the Dad and the title. I want more.

My Review:

The story centers around sixteen year old Grace and her search for her missing father. Her relationship with her mom has deteriorated. Her relationship with her best friend and ex-boyfriend Wyn is also on the rocks after her dad’s disappearance. Everyone wants her to let go of the search for him but she can’t. Guilt overwhelms her whenever she’s enjoying herself because she feels she should be doing more—making her story very gripping and Grace’s character one worth following.

I enjoyed Grace’s spunky attitude and strong willed nature. I also enjoyed her moments with Wyn, and Mo, her mysterious love interest, leaving me wanting more.

Through unexpected twists, Grace is soon enmeshed in an intrigue that includes unsuspecting villains and heroes. A whodunit thriller that kept me engaged until the end.

A city girl all my life, I found myself transported into a different world. Johannes-Wells does an excellent job with the setting and gives the reader a glimpse of the truth of the horrendous–there is a gross factor in this book—things that people do. There is definitely a learning opportunity and I love that it doesn’t smack you upside the head, but is written within the context of the plot. It makes me want to take a stand alongside Grace.

I’m being vague on purpose because I don’t want to spoil the experience for you.

Overall it was a great read.

Why I read: After Shelli announced her ARC giveaways, I jumped at the chance to read it. Not only have I been following Shelli and love her blog, she’s been kind enough to give back to the writing community through contests and sharing invaluable information to readers and writers.

Remember to join her newsletter for a chance at a discount during the first 24 hours the book is released. Click here.

And…

Remember to enter my 200 followers contest. Go here for more info.

Friday Round-up

2011-11-18T00:05:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!

I've been in a leadership training this week and unplugged. Well, a little bit unplugged. Some tidbits on leadership I learned include:

Know your archetype. It will make life so much easier. All the "Why" questions will be somewhat answered and hey, you can always use that as an excuse. I am an Introvert. Really, no surprise there. A hermit by choice. woohoo!

And I am not alone. It's really okay to be who you are. There are no wrong and right answers to who you are. We all can be leaders in our community and be productive and that is the important thing to remember. Okay, enough of me rambling.

For some reason my bogger is not showing me very many links that I saved during the week. Argh...technology sucks.

Anyway, I will leave you with this...

Here's the power of the internet. Dude came out on Ellen as well. Awesome. Compliments of my son.

Finally...A contest!

2011-11-16T00:25:00.002-06:00

Woohoo! Let's Celebrate

Over 200 followers!!!

Yup, now that the holidays are approaching

a perfect time to say...

And a Contest!

Leave a message with your all time favorite book and your email for a chance to win a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card.

Add extra entries for sharing the info on...

+1 Twitter

+1 Facebook

+1 Blog

+1 anything else I may have forgotten.

The drawing will take place next Wednesday.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Monday Awesomeness!

2011-11-14T00:01:00.003-06:00

Begins Today!

For full listing go here.

Also...be sure to get on her list to receive her newsletters for a chance to get a discount for the first 24 hours the books is released.

Also... The eBook "Campaigner Challenges 2011"

Description:

All proceeds go to Harry Moseley's charity "Help Harry Help Others". Harry single handedly raised over 85,000GBP (roughly 137,000USD) for cancer Research. He died October 8th aged 11.

The eBook contains 176 flash fiction stories, poems, and essays from 81 participants of Rachael Harrie's Blog Building Campaign 2011. Everyone donated their stories freely and willingly for this worthy course.

During the Blog Building Campaign, participants were challenged to write posts containing specific words or themes of no more than 200 (or 300) words. Despite the same premise, the stories contained in this anthology couldn't be more different.

The eBook is available on Smashwords:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104468
and on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Campaigner-Challenges-2011-ebook/dp/B0066UV28C

Friday Round-up

2011-11-11T00:01:00.007-06:00

Happy Veteran's Day

Some links of the week:

Gabriela Lessa.. How long should I wait after sending materials. For all those who are twitching, biting nails, and stalking your email.

Adventures in Agentland...Giving up

I tip my hat to all those who braved Nano. Eleven days and counting. Some great inspiration from those that are chugging along. Keep up the greatness!

Have a great weekend!

Teen Talk...welcome to my world.

2011-11-09T00:02:00.002-06:00

After my son convinces me to write a zombie story featuring him and his friend, he calls said friend excited by the opportunity of becoming immortal in print. This is how that (one-sided) conversation goes…

He dials. Mark picks up.

“Dude,” Jaycee says into the phone, his voice rising with excitement. “My mom is writing a zombie story with us as the main characters.” He remains silent as he walks back and forth, listening to whatever his friend is telling him. “And dude, you know what the best part is?” A smile spreads across his face as he listens again. “She can hook you up with whatever girl you want.” Another pause as he listens. More smiling. “Yeah dude, anyone in the world.”

And that is what I love about the imagination. The sky is the limit.

An Award

2011-11-07T00:01:00.001-06:00

LD Ferris gave me this award. Thanks Lacy

I gotta write 7 things about myself and pass it on.

7 things about myself...Traveling the world. My wish list.

I would love to go to Machu Picchu, Peru

Great Wall of China

Paris

Stonehenge, England

Acropolis, Athens

Castles, castles, and more castles

And of course...

Disney World, Florida U.S.A

What is on your wish list?

Now to pass the award on...This is always the hardest part because there's so many wonderful blogs out there. Most of these have already received the award but they are worth the visit.

1. Get Busy Writing. E.R. King. For being real.

2. Empty White Pages For reminding me how music plays a part in our world.

3. Gypsy In My Soul. For making me laugh and providing great random research info.

4. Market My Words for braving the world of the unknown and letting her readers follow.

5. Writer's Ally aka SA Larson for her voice and inspiration.

Thanks!

Friday Round-up

2011-11-04T00:04:00.015-05:00

Happy Friday!

Here's a few pics of my favorite Heroes and Villains this Halloween. Yeah, my kids.

Cristian as Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto

My sister made this costume for him. How I wish I knew how to sew. Mommy did the make-up.

Juli as a Pirate. I will keep her away from Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. She was having way too much fun and even learned the pirate song...yo ho yo ho a pirate's life for me. =)

Sis made this costume as well. Thanks sis!

Angel as Joker. Freaky...

Last minute and I did his make-up. Yeah for the ~~mummies~~ mommies in the house!

And...Jaycee as...A Zombie

Mommy messed up and didn't take an "after" picture.

But if you want to watch the tutorial of what he was suppose to look like...go here.

Have a great weekend!

O where O where has my sanity gone?

2011-11-02T07:23:00.000-05:00

Alex J. Cavanaugh Insecure Writer's Support Group

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Go here to check out other participants and offer encouragement.

Where to begin...is always the first question that comes to mind while writing this post. Doubt? Me? Let me tell ya...

The waiting game. Yup, patience is a virtue and I'm all over the place. The time is ticking on a full. The only one out there in the hands of someone I don't even know. Not really. I don't even know what she looks like. Her name haunts my waking hours and my dreams. She's going to love it! She's going to hate it! She's going to offer positive feedback. She's going to give me a form R. She's never going to respond. Jeeze, I can go mad just thinking about it. Then, like if that's not grounds enough to seek therapy, that one is contemporary while the next one is horror. So what do I do when she calls and asks about my next project? Because you know she will, right? Do I tell her that my heart is leaning towards the supernatural horror and not entirely with contemporary? Or should I take out that contemporary story I started three months ago and start writing it just in case? And then, yes there's more, do I completely file away that contemporary after it has garnered the most request or do I keep going with it?

Yeah, I know questions, questions, and more questions. It reminds me of my son when he was about three and his favorite question was "why?" Why does that work like that? Why do you have to do that? Why? Why? Why?

I have so misplaced my sanity. Has anyone found it somewhere?

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T11:17:00.000-05:00

Have a great and safe Halloween!

Friday Round-up

2011-10-28T07:21:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!

I want to thank all of my seasoned and new followers! And those that are just passing by. I look forward to "meeting" many more during the Halloween Hop this weekend. If you'd like to check it out go here.

What is your favorite scary book/movie?

Here are a few great links I found this week. I hope you enjoy.

Writing scenes...some bullet points to remember over at Buffy's write zone.

Ten tips for writing good dialogue over at Ladies who Critique

How to reboot yourself. When we all need to just back away. Great info. Here.

Starting over from scratch is a hard decision for me as a writer. But sometimes necessary. Great post from Mystery Writing is Murder.

And....Liz Writes is having a contest judged by Natalie Lakosil, Bradford Literary Agency. Ends Oct. 31st. Check it out.

Have a great weekend!

A Book Review

2011-10-26T08:41:00.001-05:00

I've decided to brave the waters of book reviews. This will be a monthly addition to my blog. I hope you enjoy.

Blurb from book:

At first Ig thought the horns were a hallucination, the product of a mind damaged by rage and grief. He had spent the last year in a lonely, private purgatory, following the death of his beloved, Merrin Williams, who was raped and murdered under inexplicable circumstances. A mental breakdown would have been the most natural thing in the world. But there was nothing natural about the horns, which were all too real.

Once the righteous Ig had enjoyed the life of the blessed: born into privilege, the second son of a renowned musician and younger brother of a rising late-night TV star, he had security, wealth, and a place in his community. Ig had it all, and more—he had Merrin and a love founded on shared daydreams, mutual daring, and unlikely midsummer magic.

But Merrin’s death damned all that. The only suspect in the crime, Ig was never charged or tried. And he was never cleared. In the court of public opinion in Gideon, New Hampshire, Ig is and always will be guilty because his rich and connected parents pulled strings to make the investigation go away. Nothing Ig can do, nothing he can say, matters. Everyone, it seems, including God, has abandoned him. Everyone, that is, but the devil inside. . . .

Now Ig is possessed of a terrible new power to go with his terrible new look—a macabre talent he intends to use to find the monster who killed Merrin and destroyed his life. Being good and praying for the best got him nowhere. It’s time for a little revenge. . . . It’s time the devil had his due. . . .

First Line: Ignatius Martin Perrish spent the night drunk and doing terrible things.

What's not to like about this first line, right?

My review:

Iggy wakes up from a hangover after the first anniversary of his girlfriend’s brutal murder…with horns. The demon kind.

He sees it, feels it throbbing in his forehead. He does what any young man would do should he find horns growing out of his forehead, he goes to the doctor then a priest. Whoever sees him, and his sprouting horns, reveals deepest morbid secrets: the Doc, a possible pedophile, the priest with less than pure thoughts about Iggy. As a matter of fact, everyone believes Iggy to be guilty of his girlfriend’s murder, though the authorities couldn’t prove anything due to a suspicious fire that destroyed the evidence. The killer was never apprehended. Even Iggy’s parents reveal they believe that Iggy killed her. Except his brother who has his own truths of what happened the night she died and on impulse shares it with Iggy.

The story, told in present and flash back form, tells the story of a boy entranced in a love too good to be true. Twists and turns along the way lead to a heartfelt conclusion, amongst the jealousy, revenge and murders, of course. I found myself rooting for Iggy and his demon horns. Though the explanation behind the horns was unclear to me, it didn’t deter me from enjoying the story.

I decided to check out this author after a fellow blogger recommended him.

For a sneak peek go here.

Any thriller/horror books/authors you'd like to recommend?

Happy Monday

2011-10-24T11:05:00.000-05:00

There's so much going on in the blogosphere where should I begin?

First off I want to announce I surpassed 200 followers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I will be having a contest in the near future once things die down a bit. Any suggestions???

Here are a few blogfest/blog hops to enjoy.

Killer Character Blogfest

Coffin Hop Blogfest

Halloween Hop

Friday Round-up...interrupted

2011-10-21T00:02:00.001-05:00

I've decided to break from Friday round-up today to enter another blogfest. I couldn't pass this up.

Brenda Drake is having a Can you leave us breathless Blogfest/Contest. Check it out. Here are the deets...

On October 21 post an excerpt from your novel or other writings to your blog. If you want, you can write something new for the contest. Only one entry per participant. It can be up to 300 words (if the allotted word count falls in the middle of a sentence than go to the end). It can be scary. It could be a romance. A thrill ride. A twist. It can be any genre. All you have to do is make us gasp. You can end with a cliff hanger. You can get gory. Whatever. Just leave us breathless.

From October 21-23 hop to the other participants' blogs and comment. A team of secret judges will be hopping along too, choosing their favorites. On October 24th the semi-finalists will be announced on my blog and you all can vote for your favorites.

Yes, there are prizes and treats you could nab . . .

Sounds awesome, right?

Below is a scene from my work in progress. It may be a bit disturbing. I hope.

Set up: She's fallen down a deep, dark hole. And she isn't alone.

XXX

Angel heard a low vibrating hum to her left and the twitch of what could only be bugs creeping out to see the freak show. The low breathing continued. She stumbled back, the smell of rotted wood and moss forcing her to gag. She wasn’t sure if it was the natural scent of the hole or whatever was in there with her.

Her neck tingled as if something had fallen on it and was now making it way under her tank top. She brushed at her hair, her neck…nothing. “Calm down,” she whispered to herself. She fought to ignore the overwhelming feeling that bugs were crawling all over her, to fight the urge to swat at her clothes, to claw at her skin.

Something shifted. “Who’s there?” she finally whispered, her voice shaking. She pressed herself against the opposite wall, trying desperately to see in the darkness until finally a pale green light broke through every crevice. A dark figure sat just inches in front of her, his legs crossed in front of him, the torso unnaturally extended so that his head was the same level as hers as she stood trying desperately to hold on to her sanity.

His eyes were two radiant white disks against the blackness of his skin, his jaw hanging almost to his chest revealing only a hollow pit and a deafening scream. A deep hollow scream, a high pitched scream, a child’s scream of different intonations as if inside he held a mass of screaming people. Angel fell into a crouch, covering her ears and shutting her eyes, feeling the energy inside the small cavity of earth about to burst. Worms, beetles and even a garden snake crawled out of their burrow in frenzy as if unsure where they could hide from the hideous sound of a thousand screams.

Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend!

Third Campaigner Challenge

2011-10-20T08:34:00.003-05:00

The rules.

Write a blog post in 300 words or less, excluding the title. The post can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should show:

that it’s morning,

that a man or a woman (or both) is at the beach

that the MC (main character) is bored

that something stinks behind where he/she is sitting

that something surprising happens.

Just for fun, see if you can involve all five senses AND include these random words: "synbatec," "wastopaneer," and "tacise." (NB. these words are completely made up and are not intended to have any meaning other than the one you give them).

I am # 76. Go here to check out the entries.

The sun spilled its golden beams over the bobbing corpses in the lake. The water lapped at Marty's feet as if daring her to touch it.

"This is perfect," Mark said .

It seemed a million years ago that everything had been perfect. Now she toted a loaded gun with a guy who happened to have a screwed up compass. And priorities. "How much time do you think we have?" she asked. She wanted to ask how much time they had before the undead came staggering through the wall of cars where they would find two morsels to devour.

"Sundown."

"Wow, that long. What will we do in the meantime?" With no memory of having slept in the last twenty-four hours boring felt normal. Well, except for the stench of raw meat and sour lemons wrapping them from either direction. The taste of lemon peels mixed with iron edged its way to the back of her throat. “We are dead meat. Literally.”

“Not quite. We can go up to the wastopaneer.”

“The what?”

“You know...” he lifted his chin towards the jumbled mass of rotted wood that had once been a pier.

“You mean whatchamacallit. And it’s called a pier. And no. I don’t feel like falling on my tacise and getting wet.”

He raised a brow.

“Backside.”

“You’re such a synbatec.” He smiled.

“I don’t even want to know what you mean by that.”

“We have two choices really. Stay or follow the current. Pick one.”

“I chose the red pill. Ignorance is bliss.”

The corpses closest to shore began to edge their way towards land. Her heart leapt for her throat as one moved. “Option three: we make our way back towards the familiars and debate our way to freedom,” she said, cocking her rifle.

To read or not to read...

2011-10-19T00:14:00.005-05:00

I recently read a book.

A book I neglected house and sleep to read.

A book about zombies. The characters included a nerd, cheerleaders...one with big boobs, a jock with all the brains of...a nut, and a foreigner. Written in omniscient, I didn't care who died and who lived, but I needed to know who eventually would meet that fate. It was a burning desire...yeah, cliche as it all sounds, to know.

The plot came out of Resident Evil mixed with more Resident Evil. A virus made to save a child that ultimately doomed the rest of us.

So why couldn't I stop reading?

My writer brain rolled my eyes at the inevitability of where the story was going, while the reader in me kept chugging along. It wasn't a bad read, not for me.

So, my partners in crime, my question is...do you separate the writer from the reader when reading? Or does breaking too many writing rules (only writers know about) deter you from an enjoyable read?

Creating a mood

2011-10-17T00:05:00.002-05:00

I love visuals. There's something about capturing a still moment in time that inspires me. Here are some photos that help me create a mood.

Dragons and Castles are my favorites.

What's not to like about a graveyard among the long grass. Or what else can be hiding there?

Demons...Yeah, enter here at your own risk.

Words of wisdom...if you see a demon, a witch, an angel with attitude... a shorty with a gun, axe, machete, ski mask, or hockey mask...run. Don't go looking in the long grass, in the tower, or in the shadows. Just run. Or give them some candy and send them on their way.

How do you create a mood...to write?

Friday Round-up

2011-10-14T00:02:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday! Time seems to be flying now that we're near the end of the year. Oh my!

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year? I'm not sure yet but will be cheering you on if you decide to brave the madness. =)

Maybe it's not your query...BookEnds.

Tips on marketing your novel..Adventures in Agentland

How to avoid burn-out. Here.

Tips for writers at the Blood Red Pencil

If you plan on participating at nano this is a must read at the Plot Whisperer

Editing...is it necessary. At Market my Words. Some great info!

Have a great weekend!

MonsterFest 2011...The Tokoloshe

2011-10-12T00:05:00.000-05:00

Check out some great monsters over at Sommer Leigh's MonsterFest 2011.

The Tokoloshe. I wrote about the Tokoloshe last month and still find it to be an interesting myth, or is it reality. Who knows??

In Zulu mythology, Tikoloshe, Tokoloshe or Hili (from the Xhosa word utyreeci ukujamaal) is a dwarf-like water sprite. They are considered a mischievous and evil spirit. Another explanation is that the Tokoloshe resembles a zombie, poltergeist, or gremlin, created by South African shamans who have been offended by someone. The tokoloshe may also wander, causing mischief wherever it goes, particularly to schoolchildren. Other details include its gremlin-like appearance and gouged out eyes. (Wikipedia)

The Tokoloshe have been said to have been the cause of crimes committed in South Africa, some fatality.

The Belief in the tokoloshe is widespread throughout Africa. By destroying the tokoloshe, it is believed that the witch who sent it could be destroyed as well resulting in crimes where the victim is said to be a tokoloshe.

check out a VBS special on the Tokoloshe.

An Award...Oh my!

2011-10-10T09:02:00.000-05:00

Tara Tyler gave me this wonderful Brilliant Blogger Award. Cute. Thank's Tara! It gives me the opportunity to tell you all the wonderful things about myself. Yeah...still thinking...a bit more...okay, seven things that let's me know I'm a writer.

1. I sit. I write. Therefore, I am a Writer! Woohoo!
2. I've learned to write with the TV blasting, the children arguing, the husband talking, and the music blaring. I've totally learned to tune out the world. Yeah!
3. I carry with me pen and notebook wherever I go. And, a hem, an audio recorder to talk to myself. Isn't that awesome!
4. I totally love blogging, though at times I have no idea what to write about. And then I get an award! Yeah!
5. I finally got an office with a door! Though, I have to share it with all those mentioned in #2. But I'm mom so I get to use my special mom powers and get priority!
6. I read and read and read. And when I'm not reading I listen to audio books in the car...until my brain feels like its going to seep through my ears and when I close my eyes I see ghosts, goblins, and horns. I've been reading scary stories. Therapy anyone?
7. Coffee is my best friend...and chocolate.

I am a writer!

Now, to share. I pass this on to:

Mainewords
Sommer Leigh
Laila Knight

Friday Round-up

2011-10-07T00:14:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday!

If you haven't checked out the incredible Monster posts over at Sommer Leigh's Monster fest you are missing some great stuff. They've got Werewolves, Zombies, Mermaids, Dijinn, Medusa and more.

Some great research!

Have a great weekend!

For the love of writing

2011-10-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

I wait for a response from a query. I feel good. I sent it. That act alone is a success. If it ends up being a passed opportunity (rejection) I can shrug it off to my query letter and that thing is darn hard to write. I mean, how am I supposed to sum up 240,000 words of greatness in 250? I’m exaggerating the word count here, but I hope you get the point. This is what goes through my mind.

But…then comes the requests.

First the partials—from first chapter thru first 50 pages. Okay…I send that out and then again a passed opportunity. Well, okay, I have to concentrate on my first act. Surely once the agent gets through that juncture she will keep reading. How many ways are there to start a story? A gazillion. This definitely gives me something to work with, right?

But then comes the request for a full. Rather than feeling thrilled that another stepping stone has presented itself, the tension rises. The agent sees something…what? I have no idea, but something that garnered interest. I don’t totally suck, right? But then it results in another passed opportunity and this one has triple the heartache ‘cause now it’s on the whole darn thing, words that took me a million and one hours to perfect.

But wait…another agent wants to see the whole thing and on and on it goes.

It’s easy to get distracted from the reason I started writing in the first place. It wasn’t to obtain an agent, it wasn’t to measure my sense of self worth, it wasn’t even to reach out to the world and show them how great I am. I started writing because I needed to put my thoughts on paper. I needed to be free of them like a bad debt. I needed someplace to feel safe. And guess what…I still feel the same. Regardless of passed opportunities, I will continue to write because it is who I am.

A moment in the life of a teen

2011-10-03T11:56:00.001-05:00

True story after I begged for a little piece of mundane info on teen talk from one of my kids. I probably deserved this…

The cafeteria is crowded. Students cluster around their respective cliques and a swell of conversation vibrates through the cafeteria, a mumbo jumbo of slewed comments that makes little sense except probably to the receiver, though even that is questionable.

I make my way towards a couple of friends off to the side, sitting in a small booth.

“Hey,” I say and slide next to Tamara, a girl my age who smiles at me.

“What’s up?” she says, lifting her chin to Max sitting across from her. I drop my lunch on the table: the same pizza imitation they always serve. Max turns a pale green, eyeing the pizza.

“What’s up with you?” I ask Max.

“He doesn’t feel like eating,” Tamara answers for him.

He lifts his eyes to meet mine. “Afternoon shitter,” he says and shrugs.

“Yeah, I’m a morning shitter. Can’t do breakfast,” I say, taking a bite out of my pizza.

“Sucks to be you,” Tamara chimes in. “I’m an evening shitter, so I’m good.”

I crack up every time I think of this. What mundane truth comes to your mind? Like to share?

Friday Round-up

2011-09-30T00:05:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday!

There are a few widgets (I think that's what its called) on my sidebar for blogfests coming up. Click on the pic for more info!

Some great links! Hope you enjoy.

Networking skills, cause I could use this info...here.

Awesome peak into a pitch letter. Here.

JK Rowling speaks at Harvard...at Alison Pearce Stevens blog. Though I read the transcript a while ago, this just takes my breath away.

Improve Pacing over at Janice Hardy's blog.

YAtopia has a pitch contest with Agent Mandy Hubbard. Go here for all the deets.

Have a great weekend!

Benefits of writing

2011-09-28T00:01:00.003-05:00

The whole publishing business is so...not what I expected. When I first started this venture I thought the hard part was writing "the end" and meaning it. Reality check. Yeah, a thump upside the head for me. Not the first one, not the last.

But guess what? I still write. I started writing way before the thought of letting other people read my work came to mind. And I'll still write until my will dictates.

Writing has been my life preserver. Here are some benefits of writing.

Writing about worries eases anxiety and improves test performance for full article click here. Maybe I can try this before heading out to a conference. =)

How Writing Benefits students.. here.

And...I found such an awesome website...The Happy Writer. Yup, I had to do a double take. And check out their Happy Writer Secret #1.

Why do you write?

Imago Alone 2nd Campaigner Challenge

2011-09-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

Rachel Harrie second Campaign Challenge. Here are the deets:

Write a blog post in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, whether flash fiction, non-fiction, humorous blog musings, poem, etc. The blog post should:

• include the word "imago" in the title

• include the following 4 random words: "miasma," "lacuna," "oscitate," "synchronicity,"

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional and included in the word count), make reference to a mirror in your post.

For those who want an even greater challenge (optional), make your post 200 words EXACTLY!

I had to look up these words and it was hard to get something that makes sense to me. Hopefully I pulled it off. =)

Imago Alone

Beyond the gaping lacuna where beacons of trash rose like spires, emitting a miasma of stench, I stood. The enigmatic synchronicity of decaying nutrients, rotted remains, and sinewy substances assaulted my hypersensitive antennae. The mountainous refuse alluded to peace where oscitation of the indigenous species were sometimes a prelude of what was to come. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

I stood perched on my six appendages until my stomach rumbled. With legs I could barely control, I wobbled into the dankness of the shack nestled between the mounds of dead things where she waited.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked, pulling at her restraints.

I opened my mouth to speak but the sounds were a myriad of screeches, incomprehensible to the human ear. Mirrored shards reflected the monstrosity I had become.

“Professor,” she sobbed. “Don’t do this. I’m sorry. It was my fault. I should never have fallen asleep in your lab class.”

I laughed as my newfound appendages sliced at her. Like hedge trimmers, they tore through soft flesh. I laughed as I dug my head into the bliss warmth and feasted.

If I had a quarter for every kid who fell asleep in my lab class…

Thanks for reading.

Friday Round-up...sort of

2011-09-23T00:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!

I want to thank Julie Fedderson over at Gypsy in my soul for giving me the Versatile Blogger Award!

"The Versatile Blogger comes with a few rules. One is to thank the giver with virtual chocolate and praise. The next is to pass it on from anywhere from 5 to 15 other bloggers depending on what meme lore you follow. Last, but not least, is to share seven things about yourself with others."

Seven things...Well, since Halloween is close I'm going to start there.

1. When I was sixteen I totally embarrassed my mom by dressing as Medusa with snakes and all and interrupting a prayer session she had at home during Halloween. Everyone blessed me with murmured prayers, and my mom, I love her, didn't even flinch. I felt bad afterwards but she didn't.

2. I lived in a haunted house when I was about nine. I believe in ghosts.

3. I am afraid of heights and wanted to be a pilot when I was younger. Go figure.

4. I then changed my mind and wanted to be a nurse until I met a nursing student who smelled of embalming fluid. Nope. Not my thing. I took psychology instead.

5. Carving pumpkins is not my thing. I'd rather paint the face on it.

6. I hate haunted houses. My imagination goes into overdrive and I can't stop it.

7. My favorite Halloween character...Jack Skellington.

Now passing it on

Christine Rains--Writer

WTF Writing Thrilling Fiction

Jenny's Imaginary World

Melanie Jacobson

Word Thief

Ah...where to start? That is the question

2011-09-21T07:17:00.000-05:00

We've all heard that the first words in our manuscripts are the most important. How many times have we gone into bookstores and libraries and been inundated with books on shelves pleading, screaming, and some silently hoping that we pick them? Almost like Donkey in Shrek bouncing up and down squealing "pick me, pick me!"

Covers, blurbs, and the first page may well be the choice factor in getting your readers to trust you and read.

No pressure, right?

Brenda Drake is having a Hook a Teen Blogfest. Check it out here.

Here's my entry of the first 251 words of Angel (working title), YA Supernatural Thriller/Romance. I haven't quite leaned towards a genre yet. ☺

Any words of wisdom to make this stronger?

It started with the beef noodles and ended with a flying baseball and a missile in the shape of a fork. Not a totally bad beginning to the summer break. Almost the norm if it hadn't ended up with Angel sitting outside the nurse’s office instead of in the principal's office. She was definitely in big trouble.

"What happened this time?" Mrs. Margot asked, cracking an ice pack and setting it gently on Angel’s eye. Angel winced preferring something for her wounded pride but didn't mention it.

"He started it," Angel defended, a part truth in the scheme of things.

Mrs. Margot raised a brow and cocked her head. "He? Did you already fight with all the girls in your class and now are starting with the boys?"

Angel smirked. Her favorite person in Hell High. The nurse, counselor, and all around good gal when it came to kids with high emotional needs, Mrs. Margot calmed Angel...most of the time. "What kind of guy would hit a girl?" Angel retorted.

"A guy defending his right to live, maybe?" Mrs. Margot stepped away and cocked a brow.

"That's an overstatement don't you think?"

"Not when it comes to you." Mrs. Margot leaned her small yet solid frame against the wall opposite Angel and folded her arms in front of her. "Did he really hit you?"

Matthew Tyler, jock extraordinaire, had whirled and threw Angel the baseball after she sent a fork careening towards his eye in an effort to gouge it out.

Adding a shameless plug...I am looking for a critique partner/beta or two for this one. If you're interested shoot me an email at elizabeth.arroyo5@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!

It's Monday...

2011-09-19T08:12:00.000-05:00

It's Monday and I so need a cup of coffee. My household is full of testosterone right now with the pending release of Gears of War 3, yup, my kids are begging for an all nighter with dad, of course, but a school day....don't think so.

I have to admit, I like the story-line of this one and can't wait for it to come to the big screen. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, watch the video.

Testosterone...what can I say?

Friday Round-up

2011-09-16T00:06:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!!

This week has been busy! With the official starting of the school year I've found my extra spark in being the ~~nosy~~ well-informed mom again! My high schooler started cross-country. I never thought that was an intense sport...it is. I loved it. Cheering him on, I mean. I could never run like that.

For some reason being busy puts me in a more organized mind-set. Go figure.

Anyway, here are some great links.

A series on writing scenes. Some great info! At Utah Children's Writers:...

More thoughts on ebooks from pricing to formatting at Mystery Writing is Murder.

"Not right for us at this time." What does that mean? at The Blood-Red Pencil.

Some inspiration...Failure is not an option at Book Dreaming...

Editing tips: Beats and tags by Gabriela Lessa.

Have a great weekend!

For the love of horror

2011-09-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Before I get to my regularly scheduled post...I made it to the second round in the short story challenge! Woohoo! Thanks everyone who took the time out to read it. If you haven't and would like to, click here.

For the love of horror

"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." H.P. Lovecraft

While writing my YA horror manuscript, I've rekindled my interest in the horror genre. My first love of books started with horror through Stephen King. I grew up around ghost stories and have always feared the paranormal and the unknown.

Gothika scared me more than I know What You Did Last Summer

Nightmare on Elm Street gave me nightmares more than Friday the 13th.

Horror provokes a response, emotional, psychological, or physical within each individual that causes someone to react with fear.

In 1826, the gothic novelist Ann Radcliffe published an essay distinguishing two elements of horror fiction, "terror" and "horror". Whereas terror is a feeling of dread that takes place before an event happens, horror is a feeling of revulsion or disgust after an event has happened. Wikipedia

Related Genres:

Crime Fiction

Dark Fantasy

Thrillers

Speculative Fiction

What are you most frightened of?

Contests and more contests

2011-09-13T00:01:00.002-05:00

Just found out about this true ghost story contest over at Barry Napier's blog. Check it out here.

I posted a true incident in my blog in June, for all those that missed it. You can check it out here.

I look forward to reading other entries!

Sommer Leigh is having a MonsterFest 2011. Check it out here.

Happy writing!

It is what it is...

2011-09-12T00:01:00.006-05:00

This weekend I had a great surprise in my inbox. After closing out all outstanding submissions on a work in progress I was content on shelving, I got a request for a full. This wasn't my first request for a full, but this one felt different. I didn't feel the tingle of excitement mixed with fear. I didn't feel the compelling need to send it off right away. I felt dread. Pure dread.

Instead of announcing it to the world that moment, I cried. I cried. Thank heavens I was by myself or my family would think me nuts. They'd probably wonder why I'd subject myself to tears. Wasn't this a success? Shouldn't I be happy? Am I totally nuts?

Thank heavens I was able to instant message a fellow writer who happened to be online at the precise moment I needed her and she didn't ignore my call of insanity. She reminded me that there is no "should" on how to respond. "It is what it is." And she reminded me that I had a choice to say no.

I had to rethink why I started this plight towards publication. I am a writer because I write and I am content with that...and that is totally okay. I realized that publishing is an extra incentive to do what I do: to share my work with the world and hope to inspire others. It is why I allow fear to settle over the pit of my stomach when I hit send to a query, why I allow doubt to creep up on me, why I choose to cry.

Needless to say, I will be sending out the full with words of a wise friend to keep me grounded..."it is what it is."

Thanks Brenda!

Why do you do what you do?

Friday Round-up

2011-09-09T06:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!

I won two great books this week! Woohoo! Over at Christa Writes and Isis Rushdan Blog

Here are some more helpful blog posts this week. Hope they help!

7 common pitfalls of critiquers...some great info on how to give a critique at Copple's creation

Ebysswriter has a great contest starting Sunday, September 11th.

Language and a writer's responsibility at WIP. IT . Because sometimes I forget it is all about language. A great reminder.

Because I could write a story on this guy...check out this pic at Michael May's Adventureblog.

New ways to sell short stories. Alan Rinzler.

Have a great weekend!

Writing and family

2011-09-07T00:04:00.002-05:00

Alex Cavanaugh has organized the Insecure Writer's Support Group. "Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!" Check out other posts here.

My most pressing insecurities, because there are plenty, involves my family and how they interpret my passion for writing. It kills me to hear, "What are you waiting for, publish already?" or others saying, "Why bother?"
I will write regardless of publishing credits. It's what I love and it is what keeps me sane among the chaos of my life...kids, husband, house, work outside the home, work inside the home...on and on. But having support within my family, instead of doubt, would be nice. I've learned to put my writing among the long list of items to do. It's up there after putting the kids to bed and before laundry. And I learned not to feel guilty. It also helps that there are awesome people out there who understand. When I publish (putting it out there for the universe) it will be an extra incentive. =)

First Campaigner Challenge

2011-09-06T00:03:00.002-05:00

Below is my snippet for the First Campaigner Challenge! Here are the rules:

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)

Go to here to vote.

The door swung open. I should've ignored it and continued on my merry way, considering it had a deadbolt the size of my kitten. But I didn't. Instead, I projected insanity and found my curiosity manically appealing, like base jumping. I had no parachute, but I went in anyway.

My eyes adjusted to the dark. The space cramped, it smelled like wet dog. Cats were so much cleaner, in my opinion. A low grumble to my right forced me to step left. Rule number one when met with an attacker: know your exit. Mine just happened to get further from me.

A sliver of light hung like a transparent curtain between me and the monster in the corner. Its red eyes gleamed as it let out a low grumble. Its paw slipped forward into the light, and it retracted with a hiss. Hope swelled through me.

I reached for the door. Just inches from the doorknob and I would be free. But something skittered beside me and I jumped, missing the knob and hitting the black painted windowpane instead. I heard a high pitch meow. Dumb cat. I should've gotten a dog, I thought just as the door swung shut.

2011-09-05T09:56:00.002-05:00

Will be back tomorrow!

Friday Round-Up

2011-09-02T00:04:00.007-05:00

First, I want to thank all my wonderful new followers! And of course those that are not so new. Thanks!

Here are a few links I found helpful. I hope you enjoy.

Productivity slump reversal...get the juices flowing again. here.

Great info on time management. here.

The Blood Red Pencil has great info on why your ms may be falling short.

What a way to wake up a small town. Watch the video. Hilarious. Over at Julie Fedderson's blog.

Have a great weekend!

A contest!

2011-08-31T06:08:00.000-05:00

Kate Larkindale is having a Beginning, Middle, and End Contest. Check it out here.

Here's mine below. This is a YA supernatural horror. Check out the other contestants on her blog.

Beginning: The floorboards creaked under the Intruder as he walked up the aisle of the small church. Moving shadows crept along the walls, brought to life by the flickering candles that rimmed the nave. Old frescos and mosaics hung between frost windows, looming carved pieces depicting the last moments of the prophet vital to this particular religions history, hung lower along the walls. The deity's name didn't matter, known as many different names in the world. What mattered was that people believed.

Belief was power.

Middle: She didn't move. Her eyes cut through him, holding him numb. Tear stains lined her face, tearing a clean path on her cheeks. With trembling hands, she handed him a piece of paper. “She is the second sign,” the girl whispered. Jake looked down at the crumpled piece of paper just as the girl leapt over the cliff.

End: People would soon forget. They would rebuild, die, and leave only legacies behind. The immortals, well, that was a whole different story.

Thanks for taking a peek.

A conference!

2011-08-30T08:55:00.000-05:00

Chicago-North Romance Writers of America is having their 2012 Spring Fling Conference! Check out all the deets here.

I missed it last year. Okay, I chickened out last year, but OMG I have to gear up for this one. All the reasons I should go are listed below.

Any takers? Are you going? Any advice to help me take the plunge?

Keynote Speeches
Sherrilyn Kenyon New York Times bestselling author of Paranormal fiction
Mary Balogh New York Times bestselling author of Regency romance
Simone Elkeles New York Times bestselling author of Young Adult fiction
Craft and Research
Going Beyond Romance to Writing Love Stories	Mary Balogh
Man Talk	Barbara Binns
Packing in the WOW	Gretchen Craig
Sense(s) & Sensibility	Barbara Caridad Ferrer
How to Write It When You Can’t Be There	Blythe Gifford
Improv for Authors	Ruth Kaufman
Contest Diva to Published Author: Using Feedback to Improve Your Writing	Megan Kelly
From Clichés to Keepers: Knowing Your Characters through Myers-Briggs	Carrie Lofty
Can This Manuscript Be Saved?	Susan Meier
10 Commandments of Grammar for Fiction Writers	Annie Oortman & Darlene Buchholz (“The Grammar Divas”)
Ghost Hunting Through The Ages	Terese daly Ramin
What's Love Got to Do With It? Erotica for Beginners	Tiffany Reisz
Make Them Believe It	Patricia Rosemoor & Sherrill Bodine
Transmedia Storytelling	Julie Wachowski
Evil 101: Where True Crime Meets Terrific Fiction	Sheri Lewis Wohl
Business and Writer's Life
*The Road to Becoming a New York Times* Bestseller**	Simone Elkeles
Headliner Q & A	Headliner Panel
Agent and Editor Q & A	Agent and Editor Panel
Fearless and Fun Platform Promotion	Amy Alessio, Susan Gibberman & Denise Swanson
Seven Sentences to a Practically Perfect Synopsis	Laurie Brown
The Author/Agent Relationship according to Mad Men	Ginger Clark
Rejection - A Love Story	Dyanne Davis & Wendy Byrne
Dissecting the Novel	Scott Eagan
Meet the Press on Common Ground: Media Tips, Tricks and Traps	Keena Kincaid
How To Get (And Stay) Published And Live to Tell the Tale	Maureen Lang & Allie Pleiter
Blog Book Tour Guide	Morgan Mandel
Break in to Publishing!	Sara Megibow and Tiffany Reisz
Self-Publish without Sacrificing Traditional Quality	Courtney Milan
Making a Career Out of Category	Allie Pleiter & Sarah M. Anderson
Charms for the Writing Life	Margaret Watson & Lindsay Longford
Publishing Spotlights
Avon	Tessa Woodward
Ballantine Bantam Dell	Shauna Summers
Kensington	Martin Biro
Samhain	Tera Kleinfelter
Sourcebooks	Danielle Jackson

Leadership begins with you

2011-08-29T00:08:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!

I participated in a three-day leadership training seminar and learned a lot about me. Yeah, I won't bore you with my history, but here are some quick tidbits of information I took away from it.

Leadership begins with YOU!
Lead others and manage yourself. It is a continuous process.
Figure out what renews you...
Lead by example
Always have personal goals for improvement.
Great leaders know what they value, make decisions, and take a stand.
Leadership means collaboration.

What does leadership mean to you?

Friday Round-up

2011-08-26T00:46:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday...again!

Today's the last day of my leadership training and I'll post some great info next week. Below are a few of great posts. I hope you enjoy.

Roni Loren posts about tips on being naked in front of an audience.

Scott Eagan...don't expect the moon with your first book.

Jami Gold...do you write for yourself or for your readers. Something to think about.

Rachelle Gardner has a great post on rejection letters. A must see.

Networking and leadership

2011-08-24T23:17:00.000-05:00

I'm in a leadership training this week! Today was the first day and I learned a lot and we haven't even touched on specific leadership skills yet. We've talked about who we are as individuals and what we bring to the table. It was great to talk and learn about my culture, sense of self, and the qualities of a good leader.

This reflection has heightened my awareness of the type of person I want to be and how that impacts others around me. Because no matter how old or young you are...we are in constant motion and development of our sense of self.

And that is just awesome!

On a side note...

Rach Writes is having a Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. She'll be closing the List of Campaigners on August 31st!

Check it out. Sounds like it's going to be fun.

Lesson Learned

2011-08-21T21:35:00.000-05:00

My twitter account got hacked on Sunday. After opening up a PM, I compromised not only my information, but my followers as well. That thing spread like wildfire. Now I know why agents don't open anything unless requested. Wow...that was scary.

We are vulnerable in the world wide web.

This is a lesson learned and trust me, I won't open any attachments/links unless requested.

It's just to risky.

I do want to apologize to those who were compromised as well.

It totally sucks.

Friday Round-up

2011-08-19T07:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!

WriteOnCon Full Schedule recap here. You can check out the posts!

What to do with your MC's parents...The pesky parent problem.

What I've Learned at Anita's Edge...some great info.

And yes...because authors should have a website. Author Web Sites: The Basics by Kathleen Ortiz

Here are some links. I hope they help!

Teen Beta

2011-08-17T00:32:00.001-05:00

I've begun chiseling my current work in progress. You know...looking at characterization, plot, words, and getting my characters name straight. For some reason all their last names ended up being Miller. Yeah, I had to make sure to diversify.

And...I found me an awesome Teen beta reader...and she's not family so I don't have to bribe her. Woohoo!

I have to admit it was scary business sending her the draft. I've worked with kids/teens and they can be brutally honest. Not mean...Just real. I got used to getting crits from adult betas and have developed a shell for it and learned to look through their eyes. But a teen beta? My target audience? I didn't know what to expect.

What I got was a well written and honest feedback, balancing the good and the bad. I survived. And it felt really, really good to reach my target audience.

What about you? Have you received feedback from your target audience?

WriteOnCon

2011-08-15T08:16:00.000-05:00

Don't Forget WriteOnCon with live events you don't want to miss!
Just some FYI

Links:
1. http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=fafa015c5fa48afebc8073742&id=595e11080c&e=c79e9ec320
2. http://writeoncon.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fafa015c5fa48afebc8073742&id=7d189d2a5a&e=c79e9ec320

WriteOn Con Live Chat Information

_http://writeoncon.com
http://writeoncon.us2.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=fafa015c5fa48afebc8073742&id=d9e7bc27bd&e=c79e9ec320

Quick Reference

(all times Eastern)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011:
12:00 PM: On Platform, a live chat with literary agent Sara Megibow

3:00 PM: Live Q&A chat with literary agent Suzie Townsend

9:00 PM: Panel of Professionals (Michelle Andelman, Emily Meehan, Annette
Pollert, Jim McCarthy)

Wednesday, August 17, 2011:
1:00 PM: Live event with author Sarah Rees Brennan

3:00 PM: Live Q&A with literary agent Jenny Bent

5:00 PM: Live YA Q&A chat with Holly Root and Barbara Poelle

9:00 PM: Panel of Professionals (Kate Testerman, Martha Mihalick, Joanna
Volpe, Jen Rofe, Diana Fox)

Thursday, August 18, 2011
12:00 PM: Live chat with literary agents Marietta Zacker, Joan Paquette, and
Michael Bourret

3:00 PM: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing Live Chat with literary agent Sara
Megibow

9:00 PM: Panel of Professionals (Natalie Fischer, Anica Rissi, Kathleen
Ortiz)

10:30 PM: AB Lit Chat (Jen Rofe, Kelly Sonnack, Jennifer Laughran, Caryn
Wiseman)

How to Get the Most Out of the Live Chats:

1. About 30 minutes before a scheduled live event, a window will be posted
in a blog post on the main WriteOnCon site.

2. You can log in, but it’s not required to participate or ask a question.

3. Each of the live chats has an assigned topic, and one of the WriteOnCon
girls will be moderating.

4. Questions can be submitted any time once the live chat window opens.

5. Questions need to be asked ONLY ONCE. You won’t see your comment come
through, but on our end, the comments are visible and we have people
behind-the-scenes putting them on hold.

6. The moderator of the chat will put through as many questions as possible
for the WriteOnCon faculty member(s) to answer. We really try to put forth
the questions as fast as possible, from as many of you as possible.

7. Pitching/Querying is not appropriate for live chats.

8. If you cannot attend one of the live events, a transcript will be
available afterward, in the same blog post as the live window.

Live Forum Event, Submission Guides

Yesterday, we sent an email with all the information you needed for the live
forum events. [5]Click here if you missed it.
Links:
5. http://writeoncon.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fafa015c5fa48afebc8073742&id=b05163992e&e=c79e9ec320

Each forum event has a special thread for submissions that will open 24
HOURS IN ADVANCE of the live event, as follows.

1. To submit a question for author Emma Walton Hamilton, or your Picture
Book query for her review, [6]GO HERE. Thread opens at 11 AM TODAY, Monday,
August 15.

Links:
6. http://writeoncon.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fafa015c5fa48afebc8073742&id=89ba1a4a99&e=c79e9ec320

2. To submit a question for literary agent Jessica Sinsheimer, [7]GO HERE.
Thread opens at 8 PM TODAY, Monday, August 15.
Links:
7. http://writeoncon.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fafa015c5fa48afebc8073742&id=2cb5d908d1&e=c79e9ec320

3. To submit a "Twitter pitch" (pitch in 140 charcters or less) + the 100
words of your MS for critique by literary agents Carlie Webber and Christina
Hogrebe, [8]GO HERE. Thread opens on Tuesday, August 16 at 11:00 AM.

Links:
8. http://writeoncon.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fafa015c5fa48afebc8073742&id=edf4faecf9&e=c79e9ec320

4. To submit a 250-word pitch for critique by literary agent Alyssa
Eisner-Henkin, [9]GO HERE. Thread opens Wednesday, August 17 at 10:00 AM.
Links:
9. http://writeoncon.us2.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=fafa015c5fa48afebc8073742&id=28af1314a8&e=c79e9ec320

5. To submit a YA Query Letter for critique by literary agent Roseanne
Wells, [10]GO HERE. Thread opens Wednesday, August 17 at 5:00 PM.
Links:
10. http://writeoncon.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fafa015c5fa48afebc8073742&id=ca3904b929&e=c79e9ec320

Like WriteOnCon on Facebook!

Join us on Facebook: Stay connected with all things WOC [11]here.
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Hey, on Twitter, that's totally cool with us: Stay updated with all the
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Friday Round up

2011-08-12T00:02:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday!

How to thicken a plot by Alan Rinzler.

Because I still believe I will have the courage to go to one of these...what you should bring to a conference.

Call for authors...a new romance website by Scott Eagan.

Best post yet on Self-Editing...at Anne R. Allen's Blog

I just finished the Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and I was humbly reminded why he gets paid the big bucks...because he doesn't short change the reader. I can just imagine the research that went into writing this book. And yet, it's written in a way that still engages the reader.

A great read till the end.

Wow...Awesome!

An Award

2011-08-09T01:28:00.000-05:00

I've been given the Liebster award by the awesome Julie Fedderson

Um, yeah, I didn't know what it meant either, but Julie wrote this down...It comes from German and there are multiple translations, ranging from favorite to dearest to sweetheart. This award is meant to give the blogger with less than 200 followers a little spotlight. Check out her blog.

Thanks Julie!

So now I pass it on to five awesome bloggers that I ~~stalk~~...support and found that they are equally as ~~nuts~~...committed, in a good way, as I am on this venture of writing and life.

1. Anita's Edge
2. Christine Rains
3. Anthony J. Rapino
4. Write Turn Ahead
5. Hills and Corkscrews

Go an and pass the love to at least five bloggers...

Writing horror

2011-08-08T07:50:00.000-05:00

I grew up around ghost stories. If you missed a glimpse into my roots go here... My first horror experience in literature was It by Stephen King and I was hooked. I decided to give writing horror a shot with my current WIP and I am hooked, again. I think it takes a certain mindset to gear up to write horror and my first murder scene freaked me out, I admit. I felt, well, bad for my characters and had to learn to separate myself from them in order to give the scene its due. In light of my new found love of the suspenseful, thriller, horror genre, I've posted some links on the genre here. I hope you likes...

I'm also featured on Lydia's blog with a question on disease for a character. Check it out here.

How to write horror...here

Horror writing tips from Horror Write's Association.

Horror Fiction for Children...article.

Thoughts on horror...quotes and links. Here

On the whole separation issue...how do you separate yourself from your characters, especially when you have to put them through something horrific?

Friday Round-up

2011-08-05T00:27:00.005-05:00

Get your foot in the door contest hosted by Gabriela Lessa. Awesome judges with awesome prizes.

Monarch Blog Tour...Michelle Davidson Argyle...I can't wait and boy does she have a busy schedule!

Crash course at Indie U at Pitch University. Something you should know.

YA topia Contest with agent..Check it out!

Sora from Kingdom Hearts drawn by my son. Aww....

Have a Great Weekend!

Success...and a monster

2011-08-03T00:00:00.004-05:00

I officially finished the first draft of my WIP, a YA supernatural horror. Woohoo!

As I let it simmer for a little bit I'm jumping back into my other WIP (The Animate). The one I abandoned for a little bit. The one at 43,000 words seemed to stagnate. Well, I will not give up nor surrender this one just yet.

Okay, with all that said. You're probably thinking...where's the monster. Here is the first look at the creatures and characters inspiring The Animate.

We begin with The Tokoloshe

In Zulu mythology, Tikoloshe, Tokoloshe or Hili (from the Xhosa word utyreeci ukujamaal) is a dwarf-like water sprite. They are considered a mischievous and evil spirit. Another explanation is that the Tokoloshe resembles a zombie, poltergeist, or gremlin, created by South African shamans who have been offended by someone. The tokoloshe may also wander, causing mischief wherever it goes, particularly to schoolchildren. Other details include its gremlin-like appearance and gouged out eyes. (Wikipedia)

What creatures/monsters, if applicable, has inspired your work?

Villains with a backstory

2011-08-01T09:57:00.000-05:00

In my current work in progress I wanted my villain to have a backstory. Some of the best villains in literature and movies have had backstories: Darth Vader, Voldemort and others.

Villains, after all, have lived before we get to know them. While reading a few posts on villain backstory, some people argue that giving them backstories minimizes their sense of real evil. It almost requires the reader to feel sorry for them so the fear is gone.

So, I'm wondering what do you think? Should villains be given backstories? Does knowing that Darth Vader wasn't always evil, or Voldemort had screwed up parents, lesson the readers or movie goer experience in fearing them?

Friday Round-up

2011-07-29T00:00:00.003-05:00

Finding the fantastical... I hold a special place in my heart for fantasy.

Operation Awesome mystery agent contest...and a dance down memory lane.

Conferences...I may just swallow my fear and go to one yet...maybe.

And because this looks so cool...

Have a great weekend!

Finding the time to write

2011-07-27T08:08:00.001-05:00

What I've given up to make time to write...

Housework was the first to go. Sorry, childlings but everyone has to put their part here. I give myself a chore schedule one day during the weekend to deep clean and one hour, or less, a day to do something. Pick something and once the hour is up, that's it.

Television...I used to be such a couch potato as a kid that I'm surprised this one doesn't affect me much. I don't watch television and when I do it has to be something great.

Videogames...Kids tried to get be addicted to this one, didn't work. Can't seem to use both thumbs simultaneously.

Music...not completely, but in my car. I use the time to brainstorm into a recorder or listen to audio books.

My schedule, for the most part:

7am - 8am I get up an hour before I have to get ready for work to do the social marketing thing. I've limited myself to blogging and twitter until more time allows.

8am - 9am The morning drive to work I either listen to an audio book or brainstorm connections in plot points and characters from my writing the night before.

9:00am - 5:00pm Work is iffy to get anything done, so I don't include that in my writing agenda. If I write during that time great, if not then no harm done.

6:00pm-8:30pm, Family time. I take my daughter for walks = exercise for me. She can run fast! I go over day with kids, cook, clean etc.

8:30pm 12:30pm, I Write 3 - 4 hours during the evening and let my mind simmer with the scene as I sleep.

Then repeat the next day.

Helpful suggestions:

Butt in chair = writing - internet. Cut yourself off from the cyberworld. It is the only way to get anything done.

I've incorporated my writing as I would a part-time job. Meaning I have to be held accountable to write.

It helps to have short assignment goals. During the first draft I write until my mind draws a blank. During revisions I go back and like to work chapter to chapter.

Do I hit myself upside the head if this doesn't happen. NO. The purpose is not to feel bad for not doing what you know you must, it's about being aware that you must do it.

And remember there is an end in the midst. After finishing up a story, take a nice vacation from writing before leaping back in.

Other posts I've written about time here and here.

What does your schedule look like?

How I write

2011-07-25T14:04:00.000-05:00

The first draft

An idea stirs then turns into a more linear image in my mind with somewhat defined characters and conflicts and then a story is born. I write the bare bones of the story: main plot and characters. Once I have those things down, I go back and make sure I have enough meat, or vegetables, to entice the reader.

I go back to the beginning and begin the real work.

First, I begin to structure my chapters by asking:

Is there a clear purpose for the chapter? Is it being met?
In the scene I’m writing we meet the antagonist. There are certain elements that I need the reader to get from this chapter. I don’t want the reader to know who he is, so I use no names. I need to show the elements of the antagonist’s character traits through setting, his perceptions/thoughts, and actions.

Did I reach my word count goal for the chapter?
I usually fall short in this regard during the first round and build up as I go. Having a goal for the chapter helps me make sure I’m meeting all the other requirements to engage the reader. It’s easier for me to delete later, than to regain that mindset I needed to create the chapter.

Is there movement towards something in the scene (internal/external conflict)?
My antagonist is reflecting just before he does something horrific in this chapter. I need to make sure all this is real-time and not backstory. I also need to make sure the reader feels something by using concrete images and active writing.

Am I in the right place (setting)?
Setting creates mood. Have I put my character in the best place to highlight the attributes I need to show? Try taking him out of his comfort zone. Or put him somewhere comfortable and pull the rug out from under him. Either way works.

Am I in the right character’s head to meet the purpose of the chapter/scene?
Different POV’s give the reader a totally different perspective on the events around them. Make sure you are choosing the one that best fits the chapter/scene’s purpose.

Have I developed a sense of the character which meets the chapter objective?
Through everything mentioned above, have I led the reader where I want them to be at this moment?

Anything else you’d like to add?

Friday Round-up

2011-07-22T00:04:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday!!! It has been a scorcher this week. Be sure to check in on your family, friends and neighbors if the weather where you are at is hot!

Selecting the proper hook at The Sharp Angle. Awesome insight!

If you want to be a proper writer, take the time to learn at Babbles from Scott Eagan. I always feel I'm pressed for time to finish a manuscript. It does seem like a race to the finish. It shouldn't be.

Eight steps to better characters at The Other Side of the Story.

Key to becoming an authority...at Jeff Goins, Writer. Awesome post!

Thanks and Happy Writing!

Free to dream

2011-07-20T00:22:00.004-05:00

I've always been a dreamer. Always. And there have been specific moments in my youth where I believed in me. Before life got in the way. I could almost sympathize with Peter Pan in wanting to stay a boy. It is during our earliest memories, untainted by our life experiences, where we find our true selves.

Okay, I'm no Dr. Phil, but retreating back into our memories as youth and finding inspiration can open that door we locked long ago. That I locked long ago. And be free of our past and leap into a future we control. Yes, we are the master of our universe.

The road down memory lane begins, for me, with this song. Listening to it after all these years, all these years, has sparked a new hope. Because it reminds me of who I was as a child. Untainted by the world. I was free to dream. I am free to dream.

Where do you find your favorite memories?

Inspiration Blogfest

2011-07-18T13:34:00.000-05:00

Oops...I almost forgot the Inspiration blogfest.

I used this picture for my fantasy short story Sar'zen. Here's an excerpt...

The Adjai Temple, nestled deep within the Thynthel forest, jutted out of the canyon floor. Moss and dead leaves clung to the stone walls like ripe green flesh. The temple had three domes that rose higher than the main chamber. The foremost leaned at an odd angle, disfiguring the once mighty construct which had eluded time. Sar’zen crouched under the extended branches of a large oak tree. His long hair, the color of the clearest sky, fell just below his shoulders, shimmering in the waning glow of light. His eyes, the same cerulean color, surveyed the canyon floor. Resting his palms on his knees, a smirk crossed his lips as he thought of the rich treasure he would find there. The tree shuddered beside him, and dry leaves wafted lazily to the ground near his feet. He turned to the thick bark. ...

Thanks everyone! And Summer for hosting this blogest. Check out other entries here.