Adventures In Writing

Updated Covers for Possession & Surrender

2012-01-27T02:58:00.001-08:00

When the fabulous Elana Johnson announced via Twitter that she had a secret to reveal, I dropped my cookies and jumped at the chance to help her reveal it.

You remember these covers, right?:

Gorgeous, right? Well here's what landed in my inbox from Elana...

First, I present the newly-designed cover for the POSSESSION paperback:

I love (and own) the original cover in hardback, but I think the graduated background colour really compliments the the butterfly in the ice. And did you notice the new tagline?

And here is the hardback cover for SURRENDER:

Again, I think the colour of the background makes the bird in the jar pop.

I'm normally a bit on the fence about cover redesigns. I like my books (especially the ones in a series) to compliment each other when they live on my bookshelves (I know, I'm weird *grins*). But I do love these new covers. Plus the cover backgrounds just happen to be two of my favourite covers. :)

What about you? What do you think about the POSSESSION and SURRENDER covers?

The Joy of Books

2012-01-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

This has been doing the blogosphere rounds over the last week, but I wanted to share it with you all.

I wonder if my books do this when I'm asleep? Hmmm. :)

The Big Bang Theory Query

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

January is a time where lots of people make a resolution to query that novel. Want to know the emotions that go along with it? The Big Bang Theory can help...

That moment you finally finish your MS:

And you send off the query:

When a new message shows up in your inbox:

Or the post drops through the door:

The face you make when someone asks you "If you've heard anything yet?"

And you have a "I hate waiting" moment:

Then you get a new idea:

And the waiting isn't so bad, right?:

Memorised the emotions? Ready for them? Open that query, proofread and hit send. :)

Danger: TBR Pile.

2012-01-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

The New Year means new books. And there are a lot of excellent new book pretties coming out this year.

Here are just a few that have made their way onto my TBR pile.

Goodreads Blurb: Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Goodreads Blurb: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Goodreads Blurb: Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances… a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life…and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last….

Those are a few of my picks. What books are you looking forward to reading in 2012?

P.S. I'm also over on Operation Awesome today if you get chance to head on over.

No Kiss Blogfest!

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012. To kick off the year, Frankie Diane Mallis is hosting the 3rd annual No Kiss Blogfest.

What is the No Kiss Blogfest?: This is when you get to write a scene or post one from your favorite books, movies, or tv shows that show the almost kiss-- the rising, crushing, excruciating, longing, tension that comes when two characters get oh-so-close to kissing that you can just feel it, want it, NEED it....and then...they don't!

I had so much fun taking part last year that I'm doing it again!

*Takes a deep breath* And here is my excerpt:

"Asher, what are you doing?"

"It's raining." He leans back, resting his head against the headboard. “I was kind of hoping you’d let me stay. I'm not going out in the rain."

The gentle tap of water hits the balcony windows. I didn't even notice it had started. I glance between Asher, the door, and back. "My Guardians, they'll call the patrol… you can't—"

"Relax, I'll be gone by daybreak," he murmurs. Soft fingers brush my back, sending a tingle along my spine. "Lay down. Get some rest."

Yeah, like I'll be able to rest with a guy on the bed with me. If Molly or Toby comes in, I'm screwed. Still, my body jerks. It moves back as if each vertebra is lowering itself one by one onto the mattress, my head the last to go. My gaze flicks to the side, but I can't see anything in this light. I turn and look, straight into his open eyes. "I thought you were going to sleep."

"I am."

"Then why are you looking at me?" My voice cracks.

He tilts his head toward me. His full lips part. "Why are you looking at me?"

Yeah, answer a question with a question. Perfect answer.

He flips onto his side, propping his elbow on the pillow. "What are you thinking?"

"I just... it's nothing." I shake my head.

"Aura." Two fingers find their way beneath my chin and guide my head back to the figure now leaning above me.

"I saw a picture in a book in Toby's study once," I say. "He doesn't know I've seen it. It's one of the books he hides in his desk, but I used to sneak down in the middle of the night, pull the book out and stare at it."

He settles back, and rests his head on his hand. "What was it about?"

"There's a couple, on a balcony. Well, the girl is. The guy's climbing up. His hand reaching to her." The picture so clear it's almost as though I can see it in front of me. "She's smiling, and they both have this look in their eyes while they lean forward."

"Romeo and Juliet."

I blink. "How do you know that?"

"Cassian," he says. "I told you, he got some books from the old days. He infiltrated the Archives."

"Oh." The mention of my supposed father creates a strange pang in my stomach. I close my eyes, and hope the darkness will stop the sensation. "I guess so. The nameplate had been blacked out. When I was younger, I used to wonder about love. I know we’re not supposed to think about it," I sigh. "But I'd wonder how it looked, when the world fades away and there's no one but you and this other person. I found that picture and there it was -- love."

"You know they die in the end, right?"

My eyes fly open. "What?"

"Romeo and Juliet," he says. "They're the children from two warring families who fall in love, marry, then die."

"Why?"

"Because their love's secret. Juliet's parents try to get her to marry some other guy, she refuses and pretends to die," he explains. "Romeo is supposed to come take her away so they can flee the city." He blinks, almost waiting for some response, but I won't rise to his bait. He'd think I’m interested. Which I'm not. Am I? "Romeo is supposed to get a letter telling him the plan, but he misses it. He thinks she's dead and goes to die beside her. Juliet wakes up just as he's drunk some poison. Kisses him, and he dies. Not wanting to live without him, she stabs herself."

Well, that's depressing.

"Maybe the Decretum are right," I say. "What's the point in love if all it brings is death?"

He looks at me as if I’m supposed to know the answer. "Because their deaths end the war between their families, and they're laid to rest together. To love forever. Thus with a kiss, I die."

Because riddles explain so much to me. "What?"

"That's what Romeo says before he dies."

My forehead scrunches together. "I still don't see what all the fuss is about. If love is so wonderful, why—"

He runs his thumb across my jaw, traces a line along the bone, and cups my cheek in his palm.

"Asher…"

"Shush." He touches my mouth. Electric. His free hand slides to my opposite cheek, bringing my face closer. Warm breath rushes across my face as he leans toward me.

The thrum in my chest quickens with each centimeter closing the ocean of distance between us. The tip of his nose nuzzles against my own. I can't keep my eyes open. They close like an automatic door while a spark of fire flickers within my nothingness. I can't see, but I know there's no space between us. His firm torso rests near mine, our breaths mingling as he brushes his lips against my own. The faint touch of flesh on flesh.

"Aura, are you awake?"

The door.

My eyes fly open. "Asher, you've got to go."

And there it is. Apologies for length.

Now I'm off to check out the other awesome entries.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Apologies for my unexpected blog break. I promise that I'll be back blogging (and commenting on all your wonderful blogs) in the New Year. Until then...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Clip via Saundra Mitchell

String Bridge Amazon Chart Rush

2011-11-11T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today is THE day to help Jessica Bell's debut, STRING BRIDGE, hit the bestseller list on Amazon, and receive the all-original soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, written and performed by the author herself, for free!

All you have to do is purchase the book today (paperback, or eBook), November 11th, and then email the receipt to:
jessica.carmen.bell(at)gmail(dot)com

She will then email you a link to download the album at no extra cost!

To purchase the paperback:

Amazon USA

To purchase the eBook:

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

To listen to samples of the soundtrack, visit iTunes.

If you are
not familiar with String Bridge,
check out the book trailer:

Rave Reviews for String Bridge:

“Jessica Bell’s STRING BRIDGE strummed the fret of my
veins, thrummed my blood into a mad rush, played me taut until the final page, yet with echoes still reverberating. A rhythmic debut with metrical tones of heavied dark, fleeting prisms of light, and finally, a burst of joy—just as with any good song, my hopeful heartbeat kept tempo with Bell’s narrative.” ~ Kathryn Magendie, author of Sweetie and Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal

“Poet and musician Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge is a rich exploration of desire, guilt, and the difficult balancing act of the modern woman. The writing is lyrical throughout, seamlessly integrating setting, character and plot in a musical structure that
allows the reader to identify with Melody's growing insecurity as her world begins to unravel … String Bridge is a powerful debut from a promising writer, full of music, metaphor, and just a hint of magic.” ~ Magdalena Ball, author of Repulsion Thrust and Sleep Before Evening

“Jessica Bell is a brilliant writer of great skill and depth. She doesn't pull back from the difficult scenes, from conflict, pain, intensity. She puts it all out there, no holds
barred, no holding back. She knows how to craft a scene, how to develop character, how to create suspense. This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel. I look forward to reading her next novel, and next and next.” ~ Karen Jones Gowen, author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds and House of Diamonds

Connect with Jessica:

String Bridge: http://www.stringbridge.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jessica_bell

Website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/

Blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell

Publisher: http://www.luckypress.com

Please TWEET and/or FACEBOOK this post using #StringBridge!

THE WHITE ASSASSIN WICKED AWESOME BLOG TOUR!

2011-10-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Last year I posted about how much I loved Nightshade City. This year, well, I'm super excited to be part of Hilary Wagner's blog tour for The White Assassin.

Here are the details:

Book II in the Nightshade Chronicles begins three years after Juniper and his rebel band of rats liberate the Catacombs and defeat their oppressors.

A sense of peace has settled over Nightshade City, but it is a false one. Billycan, the white assassin, has been found. Deep in the southern swamps, he now rules a primitive horde of savage swamp rats eager to overrun Nightshade City and claim it for their king. With the help of an ancient colony of bats and an uneasy alliance with the swamp snakes, Juniper and his Council set out to thwart Billycan’s plans. When an old secret is revealed—one so shocking it shakes both Billycan and Juniper to the core—the fate of Nightshade City and the life of Juniper’s only son depend on Juniper’s decision: should he help his mortal enemy? The past resurfaces with devastating impact in this exciting sequel to Nightshade City, a dark tale of intrigue, deception, and betrayal.

Nightshade City, Book I of the Nightshade Chronicles is a CBC Best Book of 2011 and a Crystal Kite finalist.

The White Assassin is out NOW!

Official Website: www.nightshadecity.com
Blog: www.hilarywagner.blogspot.com

Pay It Forward Blogfest

2011-10-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

My internet connection has not been my friend the last few days (so my blog commenting may be sporadic), but I wanted to make sure I reminded everyone that Today is the day of Alex and Matt's Pay It Forward Blogfest.

How does it work?: The idea is to introduce everyone to everyone else. An easy post that allows you to meet and follow as many other bloggers as you can. All you do is list, describe, and link to three blogs that you enjoy reading, but that you suspect may fly under the radar of a lot of other bloggers. Or they can be famous blogs... as long as they're awesome.

Then you can visit and follow all the blogs in people's posts the day of the blogfest. Or you can visit everyone who enters in on the fun, and signs up on the linky list. You don't have to leave a comment. You can just follow, and come back another time. Easy, right?

Here are my three:

Katrina Lantz

Jessica Hill

Amparo Ortiz:

Pop on over and say hi. I promise they are all awesome bloggers.

Happy Friday!

Where I Poke Things With Sticks

2011-10-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

Or you can head over to Operation Awesome and read my post there. *bats lashes*

Kick A** 2011 Debut Author Spotlight

2011-10-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Was there a book that debuted this year that you read and LOVED? The awesome Christina Lee started this Kick A** 2011 Debut Author Spotlight to celebrate just that. I've loved a lot of fabulous books this year, but my focus today is on Department 19 by Will Hill.

What's it about?:

Jamie Carpenter's life will never be the same. His father is dead, his mother is missing, and he was just rescued by an enormous man named Frankenstein. Jamie is brought to Department 19, where he is pulled into a secret organization responsible for policing the supernatural, founded more than a century ago by Abraham Van Helsing and the other survivors of Dracula. Aided by Frankenstein's monster, a beautiful vampire girl with her own agenda, and the members of the agency, Jamie must attempt to save his mother from a terrifyingly powerful vampire.

Department 19 takes us through history, across Europe, and beyond—from the cobbled streets of Victorian London to prohibition-era New York, from the icy wastes of Arctic Russia to the treacherous mountains of Transylvania. Part modern thriller, part classic horror, it's packed with mystery, mayhem, and a level of suspense that makes a Darren Shan novel look like a romantic comedy.

This isn't a sparkly Twilight vampire book. I enjoy a sparkly vampire tale as much as the next girl, but this book returns to the traditional vampire. These vampires have fangs. They can be killed by a stake and sunlight. They aren't vegetarian. And some of them are out for world domination. Jamie is thrown into the middle of this world trying to save his mother, learn more about the mysterious Department 19 and try to stay alive. Typical day really. This is 540 pages of wonderful reading. Now I just need to wait for book 2...

Want to know more? Check out the Department 19 website here. Will Hill also blogs: Blog

What was your favourite debut read this year?

10 Random Facts

2011-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

I got tagged. It didn't hurt, but lovely Amparo tagged me with a random fact post in August. I've had a think about which parts of my oddness to post. Now it's time to let my freak flag fly!

Here are 10 random facts about me:

1) When I eat M&M's (or any individual candy), I can only eat an even number. I know it's weird (and kind of OCD). I don't know why I do it. I just do. I also can't stand closing a book if I haven't reached the end of the chapter.

2) I sprained my ankle while I was making soup. Yep, I'm that clumsy!

3) I have a bit of an obsession with finding the perfect writing pen. So far, I like this type from Staedtler:

4) Like Amparo, I've got all the Buffy the Vampire Slayer seasons on DVD. I also have all five seasons of Supernatural ( and I'm watching 6 on TV now!).

5) I play acoustic guitar.

6) I can't tell jokes. Seriously, I'm rubbish.

7) I split my knee open when I was fourteen. The scar looks like a smile.

8) I can't watch the movie Labyrinth. I saw it once when I was seven and got so freaked out that I haven't watched it since. I really did think The Goblin King would come steal my brother. *shudders*

9) But I do love watching this movie:

10) As well as writing, I also love drawing.

Now I'm going to tag:

Janet Johnson

Katrina Lantz
Matthew MacNish

Fun Friday & Mystery Agent News

2011-09-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

It's finally friday. Time for a few funnies:

Also, Operation Awesome have another fabulous Mystery Agent contest on the 1st of October. This one isn't a one-line pitch contest. Your pitch can be 2-4 sentences long. There will be 50 places available, and the winner gets a 50-page partial request.

Here are the details:

Single Title Romance
- all subgenres in the 100,000 word range
- no inspirational

Young Adult and Middle Grade
- all subgenres

Fantasy and Science Fiction
- all subgenres
- for Adult or Young Adult readers

Commercial Fiction
- including women's fiction, chick lit, historical fiction and high concept mainstream commercial fiction.

Happy Friday.

Impossible. Impassible. Possible.

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm over on Operation Awesome today with some more Buffy post fun. Feel free to hop on over.

Until Friday, I leave you with this:

Sometimes we stare at the blank page and think writing anything is impossible. But nothing is impossible. A blank page is a canvas for the possible. You just need to find the right key.

Blog fail!

2011-09-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Apology time. I failed at blogging last week.

Some things happened. Everything is okay now, but I was called away from blogging, writing and reading. I'll be making my way around the blogosphere, but I might be playing catch up over the next few days. But, for now, I leave you with this:

How was your week?

Watching Willow Watts: If I could Be Anyone, I'd Be...

2011-09-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Talli Roland's new book, Watching Willow Watts, is now available on Kindle and other ebook platforms. To celebrate, Talli has organised this 'If I Could Be Anyone, I'd Be...' party!

How does it work?: All you do is come dressed as that one person you've always admired, longed to impersonate, or just plain envied. All you need to do is post a photo of your chosen one (dead or alive) along with an explanation why you've picked that person. Easy, right?

Who would I be? I'd be Katharine Hepburn.

Why? Hepburn was a woman who never gave up on her dream. Or sacrificed her principles to please others. Despite her early success, her brash personality and unconventional behaviour initially turned audiences away. But she masterminded her own comeback, buying the film rights to The Philadelphia Story and sold them on the condition she was to be the star. She went on to become one of the most acclaimed actresses in the world by determination, hard work and talent.

Hepburn reminds me never to give up on my dreams. We can all control our own destiny if we work hard enough.

"The thing about life is that you must survive. Life is going to be difficult, and dreadful things will happen. What you do is move along, get on with it, and be tough. Not in the sense of being mean to others, but being tough with yourself and making a deadly effort not to be defeated."

Katharine Hepburn

Who would you be?

YA fiction + TEEN MOVIES = AWESOME

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post on Tuesday, but I wanted to spread the word about the debut post of an awesome new blog.

What is Reel YA?

Reel YA is the place where YA fiction and teen movies unite.

What can you find there?

Amparo will be sharing guest posts, interviews, books/movie reviews, and all the news related to YA.

Want more info? Head on over to Reel YA

Read For Relief

2011-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm back! *waves* My blog break was a little longer than I'd planned, but I'm refreshed and ready to catch up with all your blogs!

Speaking of blogs, I happen to know today is the launch of Read for Relief.

Read for Relief has been set up by a awesome east coast writers Erin Bowman, Caroline Richmond, Traci Neithercott, and Sarah Enni. Their aim is to help communities devastated by Hurricane Irene.

How? With an auction for some fantabulous items like:

Query critiques from agents (Jim McCarthy, Joanna Volpe, and Sara Crowe, to name a few)
Partial critiques from editors (like HarperTeen editor Erica Sussman)
Group critiques (the gals of YA Highway are offering a great one!)
Signed ARCs (like LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins and BORN WICKED by Jessica Spotswood)
Signed first edition hardcovers (like ASHFALL by Mike Mullin and VARIANT by Robison Wells)
And much, much more!

And Operation Awesome are donating to the cause. How? All seven of us are donating a thirty-page critique as an auction item. Want to know more? Want to bid? Donate? Head over to Read for Relief.

So how was your summer?

WriteOnCon Ninja Agents

2011-08-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

I've crawled out of my writing cave to remind everyone that WriteOnCon starts tomorrow!

I've issued a warning to the family that, unless it's an emergency (or Alexander Skarsgard happens to be in our backyard) I'm not to be interrupted if I'm on my laptop. Although this doesn't apply to my CP's of awesome/blogging friends. I'm pretty sure we'll all be in the same place for the next three days!

This year there are Ninja Agents stalking the forums. Here are the details:

This program will take place in the forums–so you must be registered and using the forums to participate. If you haven’t already done that, go HERE.

Here’s what you’ll do:
1. Post your absolute best, polished query letter or writing sample in the appropriate critique threads in the forums. (Please look carefully and ask questions if you’re unsure about where to post, and make sure you follow all our forum guidelines)
2. Don your thick dragon skin, cross your fingers, and keep checking your forum posts, because our Ninja Agents will be sneaking around, leaving feedback on whatever strikes their fancy–which could very well be YOUR QUERY.
3. Pray you’ve perfected your work enough to generate a request. Some agents may be requesting from the posts they read.
4. Remember your manners. Please don’t engage in hurtful behavior toward an industry professional because of feedback they might leave on your query. Remember, publishing is SO SUBJECTIVE.

That’s it. That’s all there is to it. All you have to do is use our forums the same way you should be using them anyway (because they’re AWESOME) and you could have a super-cool Ninja-Agent critique your work. And even if they don’t comment on your work (they promise they will try to comment/critique on as many as they can) you can learn SO much from the comments they leave for others.

So how do you know when to look for them?

Watch the @WriteOnCon twitter feed for when we tweet: “A Ninja Agent just entered the forums!” That’s how you’ll know exactly when they’re there. But really, the best part about the forum is that you can go read the feedback whenever your schedule allows.

What the Ninjas will do:
1. Each Ninja Agent will be in the forum for at least one hour (some have multiple slots). You won’t know who, and you won’t know when…that’s the beauty of a ninja. They strike when you’re least expecting it.
2. Ninja Agents have been encouraged to leave feedback—as detailed or as vague as they want—on as many queries as they can. They can also request from the queries they read.

The Ninja-Agent Program is open for business starting on Monday, August 15, one day before the conference begins. That’s when we’ll open the main conference forums and let you start posting your work. This will give you time to get your writing in tip-top shape and in the forums before Tuesday, when our first Ninja will arrive.

Hope to see you there!

2011-07-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

You may have been there already, but I'm blogging over on Operation Awesome today.

Also, head over to Katrina's blog. She's interviewing awesome author (and one of our critique partners, Angela Townsend) about her novel, FROZEN FURY.

Mystery Agent Contest Day

2011-07-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

It's July 1st! And Operation Awesome is holding a Mystery Agent contest. Get your one sentence pitch ready for when the contest goes live.

Here's what our Agent is looking for:

YA and MG: southern gothic, historical fiction, magical realism, science fiction, supernatural/ paranormal, ghost stories, humor, fantasy, thriller/ suspense, edgy YA, friendship MG.

Happy Friday!

Jack Sparrow, Mystery Agent Contests, And Wednesday LOLS

2011-06-29T03:02:00.000-07:00

I'm over on Operation Awesome today. Last week was my potty training/writing analogy. This week I'm sharing writing wisdom from Jack Sparrow.

Also, I have to let you know that July 1st will be Mystery Agent time over on Operation Awesome. More details to follow, but here are the genre details our M.A. is especially looking for:

YA and MG: southern gothic, historical fiction, magical realism, science fiction, supernatural/ paranormal, ghost stories, humor, fantasy, thriller/ suspense, edgy YA, friendship MG.

And now some Wednesday lolcats:

Happy Wednesday!

Danger: TBR Pile.

2011-06-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted about my TBR pile (that threatens to topple over and crush me in my sleep). Here are some of the pretties on my list this week:

Goodreads blurb:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the thing inside her.
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch.
Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.
Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.
But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her.

Goodreads blurb:

From bestselling, Printz Award-winning author Libba Bray, the story of a plane of beauty pageant contestants that crashes on a desert island.
Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to email. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.

I was also lucky enough to read Twisted Velvet Chains in May. And, thanks to the lovely Jessica Bell, I got this in the mail last week:

Goodreads blurb:

Twisted Velvet Chains is a collection of poems which follows the experiences of one woman growing up with a bipolar, drug addicted, gothic musician mother. Each poem represents specific moments of their life that embrace vivid rich imagery, and illustrate the turmoil of emotions both experience while together. The collection is divided into four parts that flow one into the other from childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and post-death.

Huge thanks to Jessica.

How about you? What books are on your TBR pile this week?

I'm Not Here...

2011-06-22T03:20:00.000-07:00

I'm over on Operation Awesome today talking about Pee Pee & Writing.

Pop over and say hi if you get chance.

But I'll leave you with a writing moment:

That WTF moment where you're writing and something happens you weren't expecting.

Writing Is A Wonderland?

2011-06-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

1) The best adventures start with curiosity. We always want to know the how, what and why:

2) So take a chance. Let yourself fall into the unknown:

3) And it will open up a whole world of adventure:

4) Sometimes you won't know which road to take:

5) But each step leads you to where you need to be. And a new adventure can begin:

How is your WIP/adventures in writing wonderland going?

Blog Fail

2011-06-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

Apologies for having been AWOL. I was kidnapped by a stomach bug for some of last week. This week? Well, I threw myself into some Shiny New Idea planning.

Kind of like this:

I shall be back to full blogging/tweeting/Tumblr-ing force from Monday. Until then....

Elana's Book Comes Out This Week!

2011-06-06T04:43:00.000-07:00

It's a great book week this week. Why? Because tomorrow sees the release of Possession by the awesome Elana Johnson.

Goodreads blurb:

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

I'm so excited to read Possession (and I know it's awesome because 3 of my CP's have already read/raved about it). It kind of makes me want to do this:

Can't wait to get this in the post this week.

What books are you looking forward to reading?

Lenny Lee Fest(ival) of Sunshine

2011-06-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you don't need to meet a person to know they are special. Sometimes you just need to read a few heartfelt words. An email from Lenny can make me smile whatever it says. But the best word of all? Hugs.

Because you don't need to see someone to hug them. Sometimes the thought, the word itself, is just as powerful.

So I'm doing my (small) bit to send you a virtual hug today, Lenny.

Why is Lenny so special? Head over to his blog and find out.

Pst... I Know About A Contest

2011-06-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday. It's June 1st.

A new month brings the possible glow of new projects to start. Old projects to finish. A summer eating ice-cream and enjoying lazy days in the park. Oh, yeah, I just remembered that we're also one step closer to the release of Harry Potter Part 2.

Sorry, I had to have dancing Dumbledore again. He makes me laugh.

Anyway, I bring you a contest to start the month (courtesy of Operation Awesome): We're Giving Away Critiques... Want one? . And you can win me. Well, not me personally, but I'm giving a query critique away.

And a huge *fist pump* for my awesome friend and CP, Amparo. Amparo finished the first year of her Masters degree yesterday.

I don't know about you, but today I've got some planning to finish for my WIP. What about you? Any goals for this month? Are you starting a SNI?

I'm Not Here...

2011-05-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

... I'm taking a day off posting today for the bank holiday.

Have a wonderful Monday everybody!

It's Friday!

2011-05-27T02:13:00.000-07:00

The lovely Emily White had some awesome news on Wednesday... her book ELEMENTAL is being published by Spencer Hill Press. Check out the news here.

It's a long weekend here in the UK. I'll be doing some writing, reading, and catching up on some blog commenting (*crosses fingers that Blogger isn't being a diva*). What are you up to this weekend?

It's Wednesday, Wednesday, Gotta Get Down on Wednesday...

2011-05-25T01:51:00.000-07:00

I got nothing today except to say head over to Operation Awesome where the awesome Jessica Bell is guest posting.

Until Friday, I leave you with a lolcat:

Monday, Monday

2011-05-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

I'm excited this week. Why?

1) The awesome Jessica Bell will guest posting over on Operation Awesome on Wednesday. Her fantastic poetry collection, TWISTED VELVET CHAINS, is available now from here.

2) Tangled is released here in the UK today. I think I'm the only person who hasn't seen the movie yet. Can't. Wait.

3) Afterglow book reviews are gearing up for an epic summer contest. The prize? BOOKS!

Here are the goodies up for grabs:

Now is the time for running by Michael Williams

Lost Saint by Bree Despain – ARC

The Gift by James Patterson – ARC

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare – UK Copy

The Marbury Lens – ARC

Prophecy of Days by Christy Raedeke

The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski – SIGNED COPY

Ten Things We Did (and probably shouldn’t have) by Sarah Mlynowski – ARC

Vanish by Sophie Jordan – ARC & SIGNED COPY

What Happened to Good-bye by Sarah Dessen – PERSONALIZED SIGNED COPY

*NOTE – For the personalized copy of the Sarah Dessen novel it will be shipped later than the others. She is in Houston on June 17^th but will be mailed directly after the signing.

Every copy is up for grabs! That means on June 10th when the contest results are announced there will be NINE winners!

So how do you win?

First you will need to be in the US. I apologize for all of those who live out of the country. We will have a giveaway courtesy of The Book Depository in the coming months that I’ll make sure is international!

Official contest dates: May 23^rd thru June 10^th

So those are my updates. How are you?

Doctor Who Shows What Rejection Feels Like...

2011-05-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

The waiting is over. An email sits in your inbox holding a thousand promises:

You open it and read:

Was that a rejection? You read it again:

And the sadness rains down on you:

The hurt kicks in:

But you don't quit.

Rejection is part of the process.

No. You send out the next query:

Because next time it might be something that makes you do this:

Never give up.

Happy Friday.

Never Give Up. Never Surrender.

2011-05-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

"You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence."

Octavia Butler

Also, I'm blogging over at Operation Awesome today about trends.

Island of ideas

2011-05-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

In the middle of the ocean is an island.

From above the island doesn't look like much. You probably wouldn't catch some celebrity sunning themselves while on a break from their box-office success. But, to me, the island is the best place in the world.

Why?

Did you see the monkey? No? Look closer. You just missed it jumping from that tree. What tree? The big jungle over there to the left. Darn. Now the elephant's blocking my view. Hang on, I'll move around it.

That's better.

If you squint (are you squinting?) you can see the golden temple in the distance. That's where the protagonist will have to go to find the treasure. But you know the villain will try to get there first.

Can you see the villain yet? I'm sure he's lurking around here somewhere. I can see his henchman behind that tent. What tent? The one on the beach. Did I mention the beach?

Why am I talking about imaginary islands? Because ideas are like an undiscovered island. There are hundreds of them, thousands, floating in the ocean of creativity. They might not look much from above, but your island can be whatever you want it to be.

You just have to look close enough.

Normal Service Is Resumed

2011-05-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Finally Blogger has stopped being a diva!

Today I'm just going to say please hop over to Operation Awesome. Why? We have an interview with the uber-awesome Lindsey Leavitt. Lindsey is author of the Princess For Hire series and Sean Griswold's Head.

Finally, I have some funnies to end the week:

Have a wonderful weekend.

Blinks Where Am I?

2011-05-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Also, I'm blogging over on Operation Awesome today.

I'm Reading a book.

2011-05-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

You're reading. You've gotten to that point in the book where the stakes are hold-your-breath-punch-you-in-the-nose fantastic and someone talks to you....

\
Thanks to Medeia Sharif for introducing me to the funny!

Happy Monday.

I'm Not Here

2011-05-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Apologies for my unscheduled blog absence this week. All is good in my little corner of the blog, but I've gotten deep in some edits.

I've been like this:

Image: Hyperbole and a Half

And this:

Image: Hyperbole and a Half

Drinking lots of this:

But now I'm like this:

I shall return on Monday.

So, how was your week?

I Spy a Mystery Agent Contest

2011-05-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

The contest is now closed. A huge thanks to all who entered. We've got more Mystery Agent Contests to come though.

Today is the start of another Operation Awesome Mystery Agent Contest. Yep, another agent of brilliance is ready to take your pitched.

Here are the details:

1. 25 word pitch.

2. Adult fiction or YA, any genre but our Mystery Agent is especially interested in mysteries, thrillers, paranormals, romances and suspense.

3. 50 entries will be accepted.

4. Three finalists will get to submit 30 pages. From those 3 finalists, a grand prize winner will be selected to submit their FULL MANUSCRIPT!

5. Since the grand prize is a full manuscript submission, please (pretty please) only pitch COMPLETED AND POLISHED novels.

The contest will go live at 8am EST.

Good luck!!!!

Z is for ZZzzz

2011-04-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

Yay! I made it through my first A-Z Blogging Challenge.

26 letters can change the world, but they also have made me a bit sleepy.

Now I think we all deserve a nice, long rest.

Y is for YA

2011-04-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Random person: What kind of books do you write?
Me: Young Adult books.
Random person: Er... Are you going to write an adult book?
Me: Why?
Random person: Because that means you're a real writer. You'll probably get published quicker with a real book.
Me: *blinks* No. It doesn't work like that. Besides, a real writer writes.
Random person: But why YA?

And that is the question. Why do I write YA novels?

I write YA because those are the voices that come to me. The ones who wake me up in the night. Who want their stories told. They're the stories that interest me. The ones I want to tell. To know. To share. To inspire.

Teenage years are the time things will probably be the most raw. Everything is a first. Everything a discovery. A snapshot in time where, for a moment, you can do whatever you want to do. Be whoever you want to be. To feel. To learn. To love. To live in the moment.

I won't say I'll never write an 'adult' book. I read them. I enjoy them. But, in the end, I think it comes down to this:

"You have to write the book that wants to be written." Madeleine L'Engle

What about you. Why do you write a certain genre?

X is for eXtraordinary

2011-04-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

There is something I don't think I've told you before. You are extraordinary.

How?

Each time you put pen to paper, open that word document to begin a new project, or think about a story/plot/main character you are extraordinary.

Every word you write. Every revision. Each re-write. Every query sent. This makes you extraordinary.

Why are you extraordinary? Because you never give up. We write, we learn. We read, we learn. We query, we learn. Every part of this journey tests, inspires, challenges and frustrates us, but we learn.

We grow.

We do what we love.

And, by doing what we love, we are extraordinary.

Note: This post was originally on Operation Awesome, but I feel you all need to be told how awesome you are again.

W is for Writing Rules

2011-04-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

From: A Novel Approach (To Me)

It might just be me, but I feel like there is one thing missing from this list...

That's better.

Do you have any writing tips/rules to share?

V is for Vary the Sentence.

2011-04-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. It’s like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety. Now listen. I vary the sentence length, and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. I use short sentences. And I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes, when I am certain the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with all the impetus of a crescendo, the roll of the drums, the crash of the cymbals–sounds that say listen to this, it is important.

From: sweetthesound

U is for Ugh, I Got Nothing.

2011-04-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Ugh. I got nothing today. This means either the chocolate I ate yesterday has moulded around my brain, creating a solid mass of goodness... or I've fallen victim to the dreaded Easter Monday lazybug.

I'm going with a mixture of both.

So I vote we all relax today. We deserve it.

And if anyone says different...

Release the Krakken!

Have a great Monday!

T is for TBR Pile

2011-04-23T01:00:00.000-07:00

"If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."

Stephen King

Most of us who write have huge, hang on, HUGE TBR piles. You only have to check the Goodreads 'to read' to see some of the books we're itching to read. And sometimes that's before we've even bought them!

Here are the new books I've bought to add to my 'physical' TBR pile this week:

All images from Goodreads

What books are on your TBR list this week?

S is for Sorry, I'm Watching Toddler Shows

2011-04-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

It's Good Friday, the weather is gorgeous, and I'm off to watch the In the Night Garden Live show with my 2 y/o goddaughter. She's also going to meet Upsy Daisy afterwards (even though it occurs to me I'm showing way too much knowledge of the characters, Upsy Daisy is the one on the far right).

In the Night Garden is described as a 'modern televisual interpretation of a nursery rhyme picture book. It's about a magical place that exists between waking and sleeping in a child's imagination. Inhabited by toy characters that care for each other and have fun together.'

For anyone who hasn't seen the show, I've included a clip.

Fun fact: This BBC show is made by the same people who brought the Teletubbies into the world!

Now I'm off to see Igglepiggle lose his blanket. What are you doing today?

R is for Revising is Cake

2011-04-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

Yet more proof that writing and food go together like ramma lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong.

Q is for Queries

2011-04-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Future Agent:

Here's my book, I hope you like it. I know I should give you a hook, show who the MC is, and tell you the conflict and stakes, but I hate it when someone suggests a book and then tells me the entire story. It was like when I went to see Titanic with my bestie and she told me it sunk. I mean, who does that?

Anyway, my book basically has vampires/werewolves/zombies/fairies/angels and super-hot demons who all live in a post-apocalyptic world. There's this one teenage girl, who's human, and all the characters are, like, in love with her. Then stuff happens. I won't ruin it, but it'll totally be a bestseller. The film rights will sell for millions. That Twilight wolf dude would be the hot love interest (but I know that Pettyfer guy will probably want to do it too, right?).

I've attached the manuscript, the adapted screenplay and audio book MP3. I also sent you a hard copy of each with the cover art. You'll know it's from me because I included a bag of gummy bears and the picture of me and my friend that day she fell in a lake and I laughed so hard I peed my pants. It was hil-a-rious!

So I'll call you later to have a chat about it, okay?

Check you later,

Future NYT Bestselling author.

P.S. I've already emailed Publishers Weekly about the deal. It's a pre-empt with a major publishing house in a multi-million dollar deal for a 15 book series.

P.P.S. My mum loves it!

P is for Procrastination

2011-04-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Images: Hyperbole and a Half

I won't lie, I like the odd bit of procrastination.

Some weeks I'm all:

Other weeks I'm kind of:

And stuff attacks me until I submit:

But once it's done:

Until next time...

So tell me, do you procrastinate?

O is for Oh I love a freebie

2011-04-18T01:00:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love something that's free?

But something I love even more is a freebie that's made of awesome. Something that helps me write those evil, dreaded beasts known as queries.

So, if you haven't already (and I ask why have you not yet? For it is genius) hop over to the link and download this:

Yep, Elana Johnson's From The Query To The Call.

Go forth! Opportunity awaits.

N is for Nosey Nosey

2011-04-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

My 2 y/o goddaughter has an obsession with noses. She likes to press my nose and say "Beep beep." She also likes to kiss my nose.

This nose-session got me thinking about our favourite features in writing -- the crutch body parts.
Some use of body parts is good. They help us see the directions and form clear mental images. But there's a fine line between useful and overuse.

Ever had CP feedback saying "There are lots of 'eyes' in this chapter. Can you describe this another way?"

Most of us have crutch words, but what about crutch body parts?

Here are two places I like to go when I feel myself reaching for an 'eyes' or 'hand.'

The Bookshelf Muse

Eleven Senses - Who Knew Workshop

M is for Musical Muses

2011-04-15T01:00:00.000-07:00

(Image: blogs.voices.com)

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is

music." Aldous Huxley (1894-1963), "Music at Night" 1931.

Whether we listen to it as we write, or just to inspire us, music is a great writing tool. For each WIP I create a playlist and listen to it on repeat. usually the music for certain scenes, characters, moods and emotions.

I have quite varied tastes in music. Two of my favourite bands always make the playlist: Muse and My Chemical Romance. Others include Death Cab for Cutie, Adele, Iron and Wine, 30 Seconds to Mars, Apocalyptica (Amparo suggested their music for my current project. I'm so glad she did!) and Within Temptation.

I also like to listen to classical music for certain scenes. And the instrumental scores from movie soundtracks are great if you don't want lyrics interrupting the flow.

What about you? Any favourite artists, tracks or types of music you like to inspire you?

L is for Laughs

2011-04-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Any excuse for a Lolcats picture. :)

K is for Kill your Darlings

2011-04-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

"When you write a story, you're telling yourself the story. When you rewrite, your main job is taking out all the things that are not the story."
Stephen King (On Writing)

There comes a time when we all have to commit novel carnage. Whether it be a minor character who does nothing for the plot, our favourite scene/line/chapter that goes nowhere. Yep, sooner or later we have to kill our darlings.

I'm a writer that has no trouble torturing my characters. I love to edit and I'll edit ruthlessly. I'll cut adverbs and redundant dialogue tags all day, but killing my darlings is hard sometimes.

We pour our heart and soul into those words. We want to hug those scenes that make us giggle because we remember writing them. We send the draft off to our CP's and wait. They'll love it as much as we do, right?

They probably will, but they'll also notice those little bits you are unsure of. They hone in on scenes that are great, but don't advance the plot. They suggest the line we love more than cookies could be cut and tighten the pace. They point out that character who is only in one scene and doesn't do anything.

We can cry. Stamp our feet, put our fingers in our ears and go "la la la la la," but it won't change what we know deep down -- sometimes we have to kill our darlings. So we ponder over it Delete it, paste it back. Delete it and read it again. And it's better without it. So we send them into the deleted scenes file, crossing our fingers we'll use them one day.

Sometimes those words have to take a sacrifice for the team.

J is for Just Do It (& Jensen and Jared)

2011-04-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

So the conversation is the same. You mention you are writing, write, have written a novel to a friend, colleague etc., then the words come... "I could write a novel, but I don't have the time."

My reply: neither do most people who write. We work, go to school, have families and go to the gym. We do the million other things everyone else does, but we also write. The difference? We make the time.

We sacrifice the family meals, friend time, our evenings and weekends off to write. We record our favourite shows instead of watching them (I counted 5 episodes of True Blood, 6 Vampire Diaries, and 3 Glees episodes waiting for me to watch because I was writing/editing). We steal five or ten minutes in the day to get a few words down. We take notebooks everywhere just in case inspiration strikes.

We don't always have the time, but we make it.

So I say to anyone who tells me they want to write-- just do it. If you are waiting for the time to start, I promise, it won't come. Be bold. Be brave. Write now.

Also, how could I get to this letter and not have a gratuitous shot of the two J men from Supernatural? Amparo would never forgive me. :)

I is for Inspiration and Ideas

2011-04-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Inspiration and idea. We wait for that moment, for the idea to strike. And it can be frustrating when the inspiration refuses to cooperate.

We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.
Frank Tibolt.

So we occupy our minds. We read, watch T.V, movies, go for walks and listen to music. We occupy our mind with a million different things. Take long showers, clean the bathroom, do the laundry, exercise and wait for the inspiration to strike.

And it will.

In the end, inspiration is a little like a flower. It blooms in the sun of activity. Trust in your inspiration and preoccupy your mind. Sooner or later the sun will shine and it will bloom.

H is for Hope

2011-04-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Each new WIP begins with hope.

We write the first draft hoping the words flow. We send it off to our CP's and hope they'll enjoy it. We edit with the hope that this draft will be the query-ready one.

Then comes when day when the book is written, the editing is complete and the query and synopsis revised. We send our book baby into the world. And we wait.

And, as we wait, we hope.

G is for Great Lines

2011-04-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

The thing I love about books (and movies) is that there is some of the most brilliant dialogue ever. Want proof?

And if you like the movie, The Princess Bride is an awesome book, too.

F is for Funnies

2011-04-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

E is for Edits

2011-04-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

D is for Details

2011-04-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

A spiders web begins with a frame. It works, creating the structure as it goes along, but it knows what will strengthen it is the detail.

It travels round and round. Spinning it's thread into the image it needs, but knowing the truth can't be seen until the end.

But it still works. detail after detail. If it falters, it doesn't give up. It rests and returns to work.

We spin our story in the knowledge that it could fall apart at any moment, but we work. We push on with the fine thread of our plot, layering it with the detail we need. Until the day we step back and (hopefully) reveal something beautiful.

The structure holds it together, but it's all in the details that catch the reader in our story webs.

C is for CPs

2011-04-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

There was a time when my world was dark. I wrote, I read, but I couldn't see.

The words tumbled onto the page, but didn't always like what they'd become. They wanted to be heard. They wanted to take wings and fly. But they couldn't do it alone.

Neither could I.

One day an email came and my words were discovered.
My new friend saw a spark, something she believed in. I knew. My words knew.

With her friendship, support and general awesomeness, I grew (and continue to grow) in ways I never could have imagined. I am stronger because she believes in me.
Then we met other friends. We were introduced to other words who wanted to be nurtured, shaped, loved. We wanted to grow. We wanted to share. We wanted to be better. And we knew we could do it together.

Now my world is full of light. I write and I read. The darkness may cast its shadow, but I know where my light is to guide me: the girls from Operation Awesome and Renae.

My friends. My rocks. My lights.

My critique partners.

<3

B is for Believing

2011-04-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Every time a child says, "I don't believe in fairies," there is a fairy somewhere that falls down dead.

Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie.

Children have an amazing ability to believe. They read Dumbo and believe he can fly. That there are mermaids living under the sea. That animals can talk. And if you wish on a star your dreams come true.

Then children grow up.

We know an elephant can't really fly. We don't believe in magic, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny or Santa. We learn to look for the logical explanation behind something we don't understand. Sometimes we even stop believing in our own dreams.

As a writer, I like to think the only thing that can hold us back is the ability to believe. I need to believe in the words I weave, the worlds I create, and the characters who live there. Because (even though I know they aren't real) I have to believe in my characters. If I don't why would a reader?

And maybe, when I write, I'm still that child who believes.

So I'll clap for the fairies... just in case.

A is for Adventures!

2011-04-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the start of the Blogging From A-Z Challenge 2011.

When you are young you can't go many places without your parents. Sure, there is the moment you climb on some shoes, unlock the door and toddle off down the drive with an apple in your hand,* but most adventures are out of reach.

Except in books.

This is where our first adventures begin. We play hide and seek with Spot.

We can travel Around The World In Eighty Days.

Live in the jungle with Tarzan.

Or visit Moomin Valley.

As we grow up, our books grow with us. We travel, learn about the world. What we read can become a way to learn or escape.

A book can take you on an adventure anywhere you want to go. You just need to open the cover to begin.

Where will you go today when you read?

*Yes that was me. My mum tells me I was found at the end of the road by our neighbour, brought home and a deadbolt was put on the door. It did not stop my adventures, but that's another story :)

P.S. It is also Mystery Agent Contest day over on Operation Awesome.

Writing In The Bath!

2011-03-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

I've heard lots of people mention that they have WIP ideas whilst in the bath/shower. Well, I was lying in the bath the other day when an idea hit me, but I couldn't write it down.

Or could I?

I discovered there are tools at hand to preserve my idea other than repeating it like a mantra -- the goddaughter's bath toys.

Sure the dolphin water squirter doesn't help much. I suppose the foam letters do have potential, but these are even better:

Bath crayons. All you need when an idea strikes mid-bath/shower is a bath crayon and a tiled wall.

Genius.

Also, I'm over on Operation Awesome today. Pop over if you get chance, I'm spilling details about the April 1st Mystery Agent contest over on Operation Awesome.

Look What I Found...

2011-03-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

It's the trailer for String Bridge by Jessica Bell.

Jessica is also having a contest where you can win books. Here are the details:

I am giving away FIVE books (from a choice of fifteen) -- so that's FIVE WINNERS (open internationally) for my books. But there could be more winners -- that depends on if you want to donate any second hand books. If you donate a second hand book as a prize you will be in the running to win a free, signed copy of String Bridge. Either an ARC in August, or, if you want to wait, the proper release in November. Your choice. I am giving away FIVE.

So head on over and take a peek. Her contest is open until this Thursday.

Also, check out a contest from the fantabulous Renae.

What is it?

Yep, an ARC of Possession.

All you have to do is leave a comment and follow both Renae and Elana's blogs. Simples.

Danger: TBR Pile.

2011-03-21T03:24:00.000-07:00

Another week, another gazillion books I've added to my list. I hit bookdepository.co.uk and ordered some awesome books over the weekend. I think it's time for another bookcase ;)

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

From Goodreads:

What if you knew exactly when you would die? Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out. When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home. But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

From Goodreads:

There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face before Annah left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the Horde as they swarmed the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters. Annah's world stopped that day, and she's been waiting for Elias to come home ever since. Somehow, without him, her life doesn't feel much different than the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Until she meets Catcher, and everything feels alive again. But Catcher has his own secrets. Dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah has longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah: can she continue to live in a world covered in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?

Entwined by Heather Dixon

From Goodreads:

Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it. The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation. Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest. But there is a cost. The Keeper likes to keep things. Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

What about you? Any new books on your radar this week?

Authors For Japan

2011-03-18T03:23:00.000-07:00

I don't need to say much more than this, but we've all seen the devastation in Japan. On a personal note, two friends of mine live in Japan teaching English. They both got in touch via Facebook to say they (and their in-laws/families over there) are safe, but many aren't. Like Haiti before it, Japan will need time (and support) to recover from this ongoing crisis.

But, as always, the awesome writing community steps up. Here are some of the ways they are raising money for Japan.

From Galleycat

The Authors for Japan site just launched, as writers and publishing professionals have donated some great prizes to raise funds for earthquake and tsunami relief in Japan.

Donated prizes include: “sex scene mentoring for your novel,” a “first chapter or short story critique,” and a set of “four-week telephone mentoring sessions.” Writers around the world have joined together to support Japan. Over the weekend, author Maureen Johnson raised more than $14,000 in Shelterbox donations for Japan.

Here’s how the auction works: “We’ll be putting posts up throughout the day so you can get an idea of the amazing items available before bidding opens. The auction will open at 8am GMT tomorrow (Tuesday 15th March) and close at 8pm on Sunday (the 20th). To bid, you’ll need to leave a comment (with the amount of your bid) in the relevant comments box. At the conclusion of the auction the bidder who has made the highest bid in UK Pounds will be deemed the winner.

Writers For The Red Cross:

This online event celebrates Red Cross Month (March 1-31). It is intended to raise funds and awareness for the Red Cross and its work in communities across the country. We’re auctioning off publishing-related items and services donated by authors, publicists, agents, and editors. We’ll also have daily guest posts from authors about “What the Red Cross Means to Me.” All donors who give over $25 will also be able to select one free book from a range of books donated and shipped by publishers for the event.

You can also donate to the relief fund via the UK Red Cross. Here is the U.S site.

I'm sure there are some fundraising efforts I must have missed, but I know we are all keeping Japan in our thoughts.

Oh, before I go... the Operation Awesome March Mystery Agent results will be up today. Keep checking the blog for details.

Like Mandarin: Non-Blogfest

2011-03-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the release of Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard, an awesome group of writers are posting about their Mandarin (the person they idolised as a teenager). Lisa & Laura Roecker and Elana Johnson decided to take it to the next level: a non-blogfest level.

Here's the details from Elana: NON-blogfest on Wednesday, March 16. You can blog about who you would have given anything to be like when you were a teenager.

I was never one of the 'popular' people. The ones with the perfect hair, figures, clothes and boyfriends. The ones who didn't walk the halls with their head down due to chronic blushing attacks, or worry about being teased for being overweight. I wanted to be someone, anyone else but who I was.

I knew people in the different groups, but I lived on the fringes. My friends were a mix of clever, arty, musical, weird teens. We were the ones who drifted around the social groups, never fitting into one category.

My Mandarins didn't care about fitting in. They said that life's too short to be someone else. They wore what they wanted. They didn't give a **$% what people thought about them. They were brave, daring, and comfortable in their own skin. And that's what I wanted to be.

It took me a while to realise that who I am is better than who I thought I wanted to be -- everyone else. My Mandarins knew that before I did. I didn't need to be anyone else because being me was enough.

And I'm okay with that.

Update...

2011-03-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

I'm over on Operation Awesome today, but I wanted to let you know about my CP, Amparo's awesome blogiversary contest.

Win books!

Amparo is giving away a choice from some amazing book babies. Check out the blog for more details.

I'm deep in some edits at the moment, but will be popping round the your blog homes soon.

Happy Wednesday!

Danger: TBR Pile.

2011-03-07T02:39:00.000-08:00

Another week, another set of book beauties. I'm starting to think my TBR pile will never shrink, but (as I like to say) reading lots of books isn't only fun... it helps with my continuing writing education.

Rosebush by Michele Jaffe

Goodreads description:

Instead of celebrating Memorial Day weekend on the Jersey Shore, Jane is in the hospital surrounded by teddy bears, trying to piece together what happened last night. One minute she was at a party, wearing fairy wings and cuddling with her boyfriend. The next, she was lying near-dead in a rosebush after a hit-and-run.

Everyone believes it was an accident, despite the phone threats Jane swears were real. But the truth is a thorny thing. As Jane's boyfriend, friends, and admirers come to visit, more memories surface not just from the party, but from deeper in her past . . . including the night her best friend Bonnie died.

With nearly everyone in her life a suspect now, Jane must unravel the mystery before her killer attacks again.

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Goodreads description:

Keep your head down. Don't get noticed. Or else. I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? Not like it's all that dangerous - the only neck at risk is my own. Until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution..

Darkest Mercy (Wicked Lovely #5) by Melissa Marr

(Image from Goodreads)

What books are on your TBR pile this week?

What A Difference A Year Makes...

2011-03-04T01:00:00.000-08:00

Apologies for my not visiting your blogs on Wednesday, but the earache was evil. Anyways, I have vanquished that foe and shall be resuming my blog hopping today.

In other news: today is my blogiversary. That's right, I've been blogging one whole year. Wow. I started blogging to connect with other writers. To learn. To grow as a writer. It sounds so cheesy to say (you know I'm going to anyway), but blogging has brought me so many wonderful things. I've connected with wonderful, talented writers/bloggers, made friends, met my amazing CPs and the B.B.W (best beta in the world, Renae), seen people land agents, get book deals... the list is huge. We see loads of stuff happen in interweb world on a daily basis.

Adventures in Children's Publishing (who are also celebrating their blogiversary on March 10th) said something about blogging that is so true -- it's about the community.

"But the magical thing we discovered is that blogging isn't about what you have to say. It's about plugging into a community, sharing thoughts, learning together, and growing together."

So I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being on the journey with me this year. Here is to sharing our thoughts, learning, and growing together over the next year and beyond.

Oh, and that we all get agents, book deals, drop a dress size *insert dream here* and find a pot of gold at the end of our rainbow. Just don't touch my cookies. Okay... you can have one :)

Earache Editing

2011-03-02T05:58:00.000-08:00

It's my post day over on Operation Awesome today, but I'm posting this here as well because, well, I'm afraid I'm not feeling my chirpy cookie self today. An attack of earache has me in its throbbing, evil grasp. But never fear, I've found a way to post through the pain -- and link it to writing.

Earache is one of those things that sneaks up on you. You can be walking around, content in your own world, and then bam, a gust of wind rushes in your ears. You know it's coming, but you try to ignore it. Hours later you're awake at 2am clutching a hot water bottle watching CSI: Las Vegas repeats.

But earache has a productive side. Oh yes. You know the nagging feeling you get when your ear throbs? Well, it's kind of like with editing. You write your MS, walk around all chirpy and la la la, but you know it's coming. You want to ignore it, but you can't.

After my fantabulous CPs give me their feedback, I begin. I tend to use my gut feeling for a lot of my editing. You know, the little nag inside you that tells you something isn't quite right? With earache you treat it. You take some painkillers, grab a hot water bottle and snuggle down for a nap, waiting for the throb to go away. With editing, the throb is something you can't ignore. So you open your word document, get your editing tools, and wait for the throb to start. If I don't feel the throb on a certain area, I pretty much leave it alone.

My earache editing motto: feel the throb, treat the problem.

What about you? Got any editing tips? Earache remedies?

Danger: TBR Pile.

2011-02-28T01:00:00.000-08:00

This week I have another selection of pretties to add to my TBR pile. Since two of these books are sequels I'm not adding a description for them. I'd hate to spoil the first books for those who haven't read them.

Anyways...

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

(Image from Goodreads)

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

(Image from Goodreads)

Betrayal (Haunting Emma #2).

(Image from Goodreads)

You may have noticed the pinkification happening across various blogs and on Twitter. Why? To celebrate the release of The Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker on March 1st.

(Image & description from Goodreads)

Kate Lowry didn't think dead best friends could send e-mails. But when she gets an e-mail from Grace, she’s not so sure.

To: KateLowry@pemberlybrown.edu
Sent: Sun 9/14 11:59 PM
From: GraceLee@pemberlybrown.edu
Subject: (no subject)

Kate,
I'm here…
sort of.
Find Cameron.
He knows.
I shouldn't be writing.
Don't tell.
They'll hurt you.

Now Kate has no choice but to prove once and for all that Grace’s death was more than just a tragic accident. But secrets haunt the halls of her elite private school. Secrets people will do anything to protect. Even if it means getting rid of the girl trying to solve a murder...

I shall, hopefully, be having some blog pinkification to celebrate when my copy arrives. Stay tuned.

What about you? Any books (new or old) on your radar this week?

P.S. Don't forget that it's Mystery Agent time on Operation Awesome on March 1st. This month is the 140 character tweet pitch. More details can be found here, or here.

Adventures In Writing

Updated Covers for Possession & Surrender

The Joy of Books

The Big Bang Theory Query

Danger: TBR Pile.

No Kiss Blogfest!

Happy Holidays!

String Bridge Amazon Chart Rush

THE WHITE ASSASSIN WICKED AWESOME BLOG TOUR!

Pay It Forward Blogfest

Where I Poke Things With Sticks

Kick A** 2011 Debut Author Spotlight

10 Random Facts

Fun Friday & Mystery Agent News

Impossible. Impassible. Possible.

Blog fail!

Watching Willow Watts: If I could Be Anyone, I'd Be...

YA fiction + TEEN MOVIES = AWESOME

Read For Relief

WriteOnCon Ninja Agents

Mystery Agent Contest Day

Jack Sparrow, Mystery Agent Contests, And Wednesday LOLS

Danger: TBR Pile.

I'm Not Here...

Writing Is A Wonderland?

Blog Fail

Elana's Book Comes Out This Week!

Lenny Lee Fest(ival) of Sunshine

Pst... I Know About A Contest

I'm Not Here...

It's Friday!

It's Wednesday, Wednesday, Gotta Get Down on Wednesday...

Monday, Monday

Doctor Who Shows What Rejection Feels Like...

Never Give Up. Never Surrender.

Island of ideas

Normal Service Is Resumed

*Blinks* Where Am I?

I'm Reading a book.

I'm Not Here

I Spy a Mystery Agent Contest

Z is for ZZzzz

Y is for YA

X is for eXtraordinary

W is for Writing Rules

V is for Vary the Sentence.

U is for Ugh, I Got Nothing.

T is for TBR Pile

S is for Sorry, I'm Watching Toddler Shows

R is for Revising is Cake

Q is for Queries

P is for Procrastination

O is for Oh I love a freebie

N is for Nosey Nosey

M is for Musical Muses

L is for Laughs

K is for Kill your Darlings

J is for Just Do It (& Jensen and Jared)

I is for Inspiration and Ideas

H is for Hope

G is for Great Lines

F is for Funnies

E is for Edits

D is for Details

C is for CPs

B is for Believing

A is for Adventures!

Writing In The Bath!

Look What I Found...

Danger: TBR Pile.

Authors For Japan

Like Mandarin: Non-Blogfest

Update...

Danger: TBR Pile.

What A Difference A Year Makes...

Earache Editing

Danger: TBR Pile.

Blinks Where Am I?