Embracing Your Writing Style

Forgive me father for I have sinned. I am guilty of coveting.

Let me preface this post by stating that I am not in fact a Catholic. I don't know what it's like to confess my sins to a Priest, but I am most definitely guilty of coveting. Not the usual type. Sure there are times I want something someone else has, but for the most part I'm pretty content with my life and grateful for all I have. What I'm talking about is more specific, and writing related. I covet writing styles.

There have been so many times I've read someone else's words and thought "Ugh, I want to write like her/him!" And I WANT WANT WANT it SO bad. There's Maggie Stiefvater, John Green, Laini Taylor, Sarah Dessen, Alexandra Bracken, Stepanie Perkins...I could go on and on. I love reading so much but there are times when I feel so completely out of my league and think to myself, "If I could just write like so and so my story would be so much better". But it's not the story I'm really referring to, but myself. If I wrote more like so and so I would be better. And that's total BS and kinda bananas.

I'm not into voodoo magic or anything, but there are times when I think if I had the power to gain someone else's ability to write a certain way I might jump on that cheating train. Because that's what it really is when you get right down to it: cheating. I want to write like so any amazing authors but if all of us wrote like everyone else things would get pretty boring pretty fast. Just like we as individuals are different, so are our writing styles. I need to tell myself this every time I tear apart another scene, character flaw, word choice etc. I have a style that is uniquely mine and no one else's and I need to LOVE it with all I have, while also trying to be better at this whole writing thing. The only way I can do that is by continuing to go go go, by continuing to read, by continuing to get critiqued and strengthening my weaknesses.

Will I ever get to a point where I think I'm REALLY good at this writing thing? Doubtful. But being a perfect writer is as an unattainable goal as being a perfect person. It just isn't possible or realistic. All I can do is progress and love the journey that will hopefully span a lifetime.

What's Up Wednesday

What I'm Writing:
Got in 2k last week and could have gotten more in, but I got some awesome notes from my CP for Fading and I'm frantically working on those in case I get any bites during Pitch Wars.

What I'm Reading:
Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken, the second book in The Darkest Minds trilogy. It was awesome. I"m so glad the third book is out now so I can go get my copy quickly. Also, Blue Lily Lily Blue, which, you know, was too amazing for words.

What Works For Me:
Writing for yourself. Often times I think we get sidetracked with the dream. You know, the publication dream. But when you step away from it and focus on just writing something for yourself, with no other goals attached to it, you get so much more done. I've been doing that with my latest WIP and it works. I want to write for myself and no one else.

What Else I've Been Up To:
Yesterday I voted for the first time ever. I became an official US citizen early this year an  it was great to put my civic duty to work. Also I'm trying to stay distracted since tomorrow is their alternates showcase for Pitch Wars! Eeep!

What's up with you?

What's Up Wednesday

What I'm Writing:
Got in 2k last week and could have gotten more in, but I got some awesome notes from my CP for Fading and I'm frantically working on those in case I get any bites during Pitch Wars.

What I'm Reading:
Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken, the second book in The Darkest Minds trilogy. It was awesome. I"m so glad the third book is out now so I can go get my copy quickly. Also, Blue Lily Lily Blue, which, you know, was too amazing for words.

What Works For Me:
Writing for yourself. Often times I think we get sidetracked with the dream. You know, the publication dream. But when you step away from it and focus on just writing something for yourself, with no other goals attached to it, you get so much more done. I've been doing that with my latest WIP and it works. I want to write for myself and no one else.

What Else I've Been Up To:
Yesterday I voted for the first time ever. I became an official US citizen early this year an  it was great to put my civic duty to work. Also I'm trying to stay distracted since tomorrow is their alternates showcase for Pitch Wars! Eeep!

What's up with you?

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
Just about to start The Bone Season and I'm pretty excited! I've heard many good things about it. Hoping they all hold up.

What I'm Writing:
After hitting 20k on Keepsake I hit a dry spell. Nothing seems to come to me and I've been so preoccupied with Pitch Wars, it's hard to get my head back in the game. But,on Monday I got 500 words down and it felt good, so I'm hoping the Mojo is back.

What Works For Me:
Working on two (or more) projects at once. It keeps me from getting bored and from feeling guilty if I'm not working on one thing because I have something else going on.

What Else I've Been Up To:
I've been in and out of town and things are finally settling down. Getting back on track with writing is also helping me get back in to the swing of things with 'real life'. And the weather is cooling down so I'm breaking out my awesome Fall wardrobe! I love me some boots and sweaters!

What's Up With You?

The Way Back Book Review: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spears

It's been over fifty years since this book was first published, and sixteen since I first read it. Here's the description from Goodreads:

Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that has flown to the wrong part of the world, a bird that is now caged and lonely. The only place where Kit feels completely free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat. But when Kit's friendship with the "witch" is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear, and anger. She herself is accused of witchcraft!

I was in the sixth grade when I picked this gem up. It was the first book I'd read with a romantic subplot and I was done for right there and then. I'm not ashamed of loving love and kissing in books. But that's not the only reason this book has been my favorite for so long. It was my first walk into historical fiction . Reading about the going ons of the Puritan people and the discrimination against Quakers. It was fascinating learning about the way of life, the language, the history. This was the first book I really got lost in, the first time I truly discovered reading for pleasure, and for that reason this book is so much more special to me than most. If you haven't already picked it up, give it a go! 

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
GOOD STUFF: NIL, holy crap, a perfect mix of Lost and Survivor. I've also seen it likened to The Maze Runner series, but I've never read those books so I can't say if it's true or not. Honestly, though, Lost is still one of my favorite shows of all time and NIL definitely held some similarities. The only issue I had with it was the insta-love. Usually I don't mind it because I really think such a thing exists, but it was a bit much in this book. I also read Between Shades of Gray, and river of tears. It got me. If you loved  The Book Thief, then you need to read this beautiful, heart breakingly honest book. Then there's Since You've Been Gone, which was a fun, cute, summer read.

What I'm Writing:
20k!!!! Yes! Now only like 40 or 50 more to go.

What Works For Me:
Taking time off. Seriously, stepping away from writing and taking a break is so important to the process. Unless you want your brain to fry, I suggest letting your imagination take a rest every now and then.

What Else I've Been Up To:
MIAMI! Loved it. Humid as nothing I've ever experienced (this coming from a girl who grew up in VA where humidity is a given), but the beach was beautiful, the water clear and warm, and the restort the husband and I stayed at was unreal.

This was me having a whole day to myself while the Husband was at his work conference. 

All in all an amazing time was had by me. Hope to go back soon!

What have you been up to?

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:

I finished Breaking Glass by Lisa Amowi and it was really quite interesting. I liked it, despite the fact that each character in the book is deeply flawed. I appreciate that the author made them REAL, not perfect by any means. Sometimes this can have a negative effect because the reader can't relate to the MC whatsoever, and I definitely had some issues with it, but I thought the plot was well thought out, had some creepy moments, and was quite intriguing. Now I'm in the middle of Fire and Flood by Victoria Scott and really enjoying it.

What I'm Writing:
I got in 5k for Keepsake this past week and I'm really happy with how the story is flowing now. The first 10k are a hot mess, but I hit a stride. I've also been working on revisions for my Pitch Wars entry and I can tell you most assuredly that I hate 35 word pitches.

What Works For Me:
Music. Quiet. The sound of the ocean. It all depends on the kind of mood I'm in. I've found that if I close my eyes and pretend like I'm going to sleep my brain suddenly doesn't want to shut off and I'm flooded with words.

What Else I've Been Up To:
Getting ready for the hubby and I's mini vacay next week! I'm looking forward to the sand and sun and having some alone time.

The Way Back Book Review: Two Moons In August by Martha Brooks

There are many books that have influenced me over the years. Or touched me in a way only a book can when you're going through some difficult experiences, especially in your teen years. Which is why I've decided to do something different. I want to review those books, the ones that changed my life and view of the world forever. It's only fair. Why? Because they deserve recognition, and maybe through my reviews they'll find their way to someone else in need of their words.

My first Way Back Review is for Two Moons In August by Martha Brooks.

I first read this book the summer before my freshman year in high school. Things around the house were tense. I didn't notice it at first, maybe because I was too wrapped up in Sidonie's world. In a few months I would learn the cause of the tension, and it would change my life forever. After this life changing event I'll turn to this book on several occasions to make it through the uncomfortable realizations about my parents.

Here's the blurb for Two Moons:
A year after her mother’s death, 16-year-old Sidonie and her family are still dealing with their tragic loss in different ways. Sidonie spends sleepless nights playing cards with her cat, Bogie. During the day she lies around and reads under the nose of her 19-year-old sister, Roberta, who angrily scrubs floors that are already clean and cooks meals that are inedible. Their father, a doctor, comes home only when he is too exhausted to remain at work. Only the jazz piano-playing of Roberta’s new boyfriend, Phil, brings some relief to the long, hot summer. Then Kieran, a 16-year-old stranger, comes to their lakeside community. Sidonie discovers that Kieran isn’t easy to ignore, and in the weeks that follow, her growing attraction to him is accompanied by more frequent, powerful memories of her mother.

One reason I love this book so much is because of the family dynamics, whether between Sidonie and her sister or her dad or her sister and dad. There's a lot going on in this short book. To be honest, I did have a wee bit of a crush on the love interest of this book, Kieran. it may have been my first literary crush.

Brooks subtly wove in the town's reaction to Roberta and Phil's romance, without being blatant about the racism back in the 50s. Though it was an important aspect to the story, it didn't overpower the other story lines. Roberta and Sidonie have what you would assume most sisterly relationships are like. They love each other, but that doesn't mean they always like each other. Both are dealing with their mother's death in their own way, and that at times causes a rift between them. Then there's their dad, who is gone so often you have to wonder what he's running from. And of course Kieran has plenty of secrets and drama in his own life.

If you're looking for a story about overcoming grief, family dysfunctions, and first loves, this one is for you. Looking at my own stories now, I realize just how much this story has influenced my writing. It shaped certain of view of the world, and helped me deal with the issues taking place in my life. And for that I could never thank the author enough.

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
I just downloaded Skylark by Meghan Spooner onto my Kindle and I'm pretty stoked to start reading! I'm in the middle of Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta and it's beautiful. I can't believe it's taken me so long to finally breakdown and read it. I loved The Lumatere Chronicles, which is a fantasy series, and wasn't sure what to expect from JR, but am pleasantly surprised. The woman can write!

What I'm Writing:
Added 2k to Keepsake. I hit a stride yesterday, but couldn't really ride the wave the whole way through because of kid things. I'm hoping to add another 5k by next week.

What Inspires Me Right Now:
New beginnings. Whether it's a new project, the beginning of the school year, of Fall. It's all very inspiring right now.

What Else I've Been Up To:
I got chosen as an alternate by the fabulous Monica Bustamante Wagner for PitchWars and I'm so flipping excited! I entered Fading, which would not have been ready if not for Ready. Set. Write! It pushed me to keep going when all I wanted was to be lazy all summer long. I'm so grateful for this opportunity. And to anyone else who didn't make it, keep going! I entered last year and didn't get chosen, but kept pushing. I have no idea if this will land me an agent or a deal, I'm just excited to have gotten this far. Progress!

CP/Beta Match Up

The amazing ladies behind Ready. Set. Write! Erin Funke, Alison Miller, Katy Upperman, and Jaime Morrow put together this whole thing, so a big thank you and shout out to them! If you're interested in joining in just click on one of the links above.

Hello possible CPs or Betas, thanks for stopping by! I have a pretty awesome CP, but I would love to have extra eyes for my WIP (and future projects). I'm looking for long term. I've never been a 'casual' kind of girl.

I've never done a love list before here it is anyway:

-Fast cars
-Redemption
-Second chances
-The crispness of winter
-Boys who wear black hoodies
-Tatoos
-graffiti
-Street Racing
-late nights
-soft kisses
-hard kisses
-best friends
-family secrets
-devotion
-hope
-first loves

My Story:
Title: Fading
WC: 78k
Here's my query:

Fresh out of jail eighteen-year-old Corey wants to move on with his life. But his past refuses to let go.

 When Corey’s former gang leader, Vance, comes knocking with a request, saying no means putting his family in danger. Forced to vandalize the car of the officer who put him away, Corey realizes escaping his past is everything he wants, and the last thing he’s likely to get.

Seventeen-year-old Tessa has carried the death of her brother far too long. Street racing was the way she honored her daredevil brother’s memory, but after getting caught she hasn’t been allowed near the Mustang that helped her through the worst of her pain. Now she has to figure out another way to let the demons go.

When Tessa catches Corey destroying her car, she should turn him over to the police. Instead, Tessa sees a guy trying to escape his own demons and convinces her father to hire Corey to fix the damage he caused at their home.

Falling for the cop’s daughter is the stupidest thing Corey could possibly do, especially when he’s still in the palm of Vance’s hand. Tessa isn’t at all what he expected, and she gives him something he never thought he’d ever have again− hope. As their relationship grows Corey learns the danger he poses is closer to home than he thought possible, and saying good-bye to Tessa is the only way to keep her and everyone else safe. Tessa isn’t going to sit by the sidelines and watch the boy she’s falling for sacrifice himself again for the ones he loves. So when Tessa discovers that money is what Vance wants, she comes up with a plan. To free Corey from his past Tessa has to race one more time, but in doing so she risks losing herself to the darkness she’s barely avoided. 

That's everything you need to know about the story. As far I go, here it is:

I'm honest, but kind. I love to encourage people to pursue their dreams, and helping them along the way is just the icing on top of a cake filled with potential. I'm a fast reader and if you give me a deadline I take it seriously. I'm not nitpicky, but I will point out the small stuff along with big picture stuff if you want me to. I'm good with pacing and characterization. 

I hope my story and myself pique your interest! BTW, this is so weird, I feel like I'm putting up a profile on a dating website. Oh! And my first five pages are up on WriteOnCon if you want to check them out, here's the link: http://writeoncon.com/forum/showthread.php?21848-YA-Contemporary-Romance-Fading&highlight=fading

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
Ruin and Rising. Ugh. SO many feels. Loved it. Want more, but also don't think it's necessary...but I still want more. And then there's We Were Liars. Beautiful, seriously, I want to write like both Leigh Bardugo and E. Lockhard someday. But I have to say Isla and the Happily Ever After was my favorite of the week. I cried when it ended. Such an incredible series of books. Stephanie Perkins is a master with words.

What I'm Writing:
Still working on my newest WIP, which I'm titling Keepsake after the little (made up) beach town where my MCs live. This book is going to be complicated and really hard to pull off. There are more than two POVs and it's in third. I have no idea what I've gotten myself into, but these characters won't leave me alone and I can't just sit back and be afraid to do it because they NEED me to tell their stories.

What Inspires Me Right Now:
Pitchwars! WriteOnCon! So much awesomeness.

What Else I've Been Up To:
The boys are back in and school and it's just me and the girlies at home. Can't believe summer is over. It was a great few months filled with many adventures! Even though I'm looking forward to fall (I have the cutest fall wardrobe) I'm going to miss lazy summer days.

What Have You Been Up To?

Ready. Set. Write! The Last One :(

This has been a great summer. I finished up revisions of Fading and even started a new project! A big shout out to Jamie Marrow, Erin Funke, Katy Upperman, and Alison Miller for setting this whole thing up, you guys rock!

Throughout this summer Ready. Set. Write gave me the motivation I needed to really push myself in my writing and my goals. It was challenging at times what with all the summer activities going on, but accountability definitely helped me to stick to my goals. Even though I didn't meet them every week, I TRIED, which is better than nothing.

How I Did On Last Week's Goals:
 I stuck to taking a break and it was really nice to step back and enjoy the last bit of summer with my kids. I didn't get in that 1k, but I got some reading done and even beta'd for someone!

The Biggest Challenge I Faced This Week:
Other than pure summer laziness? Not much.

A Favorite Line:

The untidy threads of my life were coming loose. They criss-crossed in fashions of disarray, the seams ugly and unhinged. My heart and head went to war with each other. I didn’t hate my mom. I loved her. But there was a part of her I didn’t understand, and that was where love began its tread on shaky ground. 

Something I Love About My WIP: 
I think it would have to be the music that inspired many of my scenes. I don't do playlists but I have Pandora and I listened to Lorde's channel exclusively for inspiration. I adore her and I love everything that comes up on it!

I'm going to miss these weekly updates and reading how everyone else is doing. I can't believe summer is over! But I'm glad I was able to participate and for the things I was able to accomplish.

Ready. Set. WRITE!

How I Did On Last Week's Goals:

Since I didn't update last week I'll say that the goal from the week before was a success! I finished implementing the changes I wanted to my WIP. I also wrote my query letter, then had it critiqued a few times, and rewrote it. All in all a success.

My Goals For This Week:

Hmmm...I want to kind of take a little break since I've been working really hard on Fading, so I'll say I'd like to add a minimum of 1k on my other project and take a break from Fading all together. It needs room to breathe before I send it off to betas.

One Word That Sums Up What I Wrote/Revised:

Done. I'm done with it...for now. It's a relief, and exciting, but kinda crazy to think about. 

The Biggest Challenge I Faced This Week:

It's still summer vacation so...vacation-ish things. We went camping, to the water park, the husband and I celebrated 9 years. Lots of things were happening. 

Something I Love About My WIP:

That it has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. 

Ready. Set. WRITE!

How I Did On Last Week's Goals:

Work on my query for Fading: Check. It's still rough, but after writing three different versions I found one I like.

Add 1-2k on another project: This didn't happen so much. I got notes back from my CP for Fading and worked on that instead. I also had a HUGE plot breakthrough and am implementing those changes into the story. 

My Goals For This Week:

Finish adding plot changes to Fading. And revise my query letter. 

One Word That Sums Up What I Wrote/Revised:

Hard. The new plot change is one I've thought about for some time but didn't go through with before because I thought it would be too hard, not only to write but research. But not doing something because it's hard is incredibly lazy and makes it seem like you have no faith in yourself as a writer. So here I am, doing something difficult and scary, but I love it!

The Biggest Challenge I Faced This Week:

Doubts. They didn't hit until the weekend, but it really scared me. Thinking that my story isn't original enough, my writing good enough, it just hit me out of nowhere. I'm shaking it off, but they're always there, waiting to slow my progress.

Something I Love About My WIP:

The fact that it's challenging me to really give it my all.

What's Up Wednesday

                                                    

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
I got into some great titles. I finished This Is Not A Test, which was brilliant  and hella creepy and somewhat depressing, and I'm so excited about the sequel! The Summer I Met You was a perfect summer romance read. And Behind the Scenes was sexy and fun with plenty of heart.

What I'm Writing:
After getting some amazing notes from my CP, Molly, I'm now revising a few chapters of Fading while also working on my new contemp. Which is in 3rd POV. Which I've never attempted before. Oh, and there's the dreaded query I'm still trying to figure out. Ugh.

What Inspires Me Right Now:
Watching the journey of other writers as they succeed in various ways. Whether by self-pubbing or getting that agent or that magical book deal. It gives me hope.

What Else I've Been Up To:
I found out I'll be heading to Miami in September with my husband! It's still several weeks away, but I can't wait to hit the beach, each authentic Cuban food, and maybe even go dancing (thankfully I married a man that has rhythm). Until then I'll be typing away.

What's Up With You?

Ready. Set. WRITE!

How I did on last week's goals:
I'd say I had a successful week. My goals from last week were:
1. Add more romantic scenes between my two MCs in Fading: Check!
2. Add 1-2k on my psychological thriller: Well...I kind of succeeded. I did write almost 3k. But it was on a different project. Another YA contemporary.

My goal for this week:
1. Work on my query for Fading. This is going to be interesting since I SUCK at queries!
2. Add 1-2k on another project, probably my new contemporary since that's the one I'm feeling at the moment.

One word that sums up what I wrote/revised:
Sexy! It's still new and I need to revise it, which is why I'm not posting any lines...yet!

The biggest challenge I faced this week:
Impatience. I want to get everything done now! I want to be done with Fading so I can start querying, I want my first draft of my new project done so I can start revising. I had to take a step back and look at the big picture. Slowing it down so I can appreciate the process and continue to learn is what really matters. If I rush everything it'll show through my writing and my chances of landing an agent are slim to none.

Something I love about my WIP:
Second chances. Both my MCs have made mistakes and are trying to overcome them. I'm glad I get to watch them grow up and move on from those mistakes.

Ready. Set. WRITE!

How I did on last week's goal:
Goal accomplished! Pretty proud of myself for getting through another round of revisions.

My goals for this week:
I have two.
1. First off I realized I need more scenes with my two romantic leads along with some more...mmmhmmm...tension in the sexual nature. So I'll be going back and fixing those things, which of course causes a slight shift in the timeline which I will also have to fix.

2. I would like to add between 1-2k on my psychological thriller, Haunted Ashes.

A favorite line from my WIP:
The tightness in my throat roped the edges left untouched. I didn’t want to cry in front of Corey on our first date, but talking about Danny was the quickest way to bring on the tears. I took in a deep breath and shut my eyes for a few seconds to gather the scattered sorrow and release it with a breath.

The biggest challenge I faced this week:
Trying to figure out the sequence of events. When I realized I needed to add some more scenes to my story I knew I'd have to shift things around. It took a while to get it all in order and make the notes necessary so I wouldn't forget later. 

Something I love about my WIP:
Love is in the air. I'm a hopeless romantic and the romance in the story makes me happy. Can't write a book without a good kissing scene!

Ready.Set.WRITE! Week 6

How I Did On Last Week's Goal:
After a week of no computer because of a dang virus, last week I was finally able to get some revisions done. About fifty pages!

My Goals For This Week:
Finish the final pages of revisions.

A Favorite Line From My WIP:
I loved the end of winter, when snow melted into piles of black and brown sludge, as the grass grew greener day by day, and the trees lost their ice ridden tips.

The Biggest Challenge I Faced This Week:
Motivation. Once I got into the story I was great, but it was that first step, the one that requires you to open up your document, that got me. This week I'm setting a specific schedule for writing so I'll keep from slacking.

Something I Love About My WIP:
The friendships. I love the relationship my MC Tessa has with her best friend Paige. They're there for each other without having to be there. Know what I mean?

Ready. Set. WRITE! Week 4 Update

This is actually my first official update since I have been out of town. It's nice to be home, I have to tell you. I've been away from my computer, my books, my normal life for too long. Although I loved the much needed vacay, I'm glad it's over.

Okay so let's get this thing started.

Goals for this week:
 Finish fifty pages of revisions. Read a book.

A favorite line from my story OR phrase that sums up what I wrote/revised:
Nada. That would be it. Haven't done a thing in two weeks.

The biggest challenge I faced this week:
Not being home and away from my laptop.

Something I love about my WIP:
The honesty of the characters. They are both facing things I have never gone through myself and I love watching them grow and overcome those obstacles.

Ready.Set.Write. Week 1

It's that time of year again! Just when I thought I was going to slump it during the summer the awesome Jaime Morrow, Alison Miller, Katy Upperman, and Erin Funk brought back RSW. I definitely need the motivation. So my goal for this week is to get twenty fives of one last pass through of Fading done. I would try and get some drafting done as well, but I'm getting ready to leave for a two week vacation on Saturday. The timing isn't great, especially since RSW is just kicking off, but I'll have the rest of the summer to make up for it! 

Goal for this week: Twenty fives of revisions

Summer Goals: Get Fading out to readers by July! Finish first draft of psychological thriller, Haunted Ashes. Here's to an amazing summer of writing and fun!

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
Okay, we have A LOT to recap. Everything Leads To You by Nina LaCour. If you have read anything by her then may I suggest you do so now! The Fifth Wave by Rick Yancy. I know, I know, once again late to the party, Prerna, but at least I got there! I really liked this, but I did have some issues with the female voice, but I ignored it due to the awesome, fast paced plot. Conjured by Sarah Beth Durst which is so creepy, let me tell you, but a little bit confused by what it wanted to be. Mystery? Horror? Paranormal? Either way it pulled me in. Then there's Dreams of Gods and Monsters. Laini Taylor is a genius with words, I can't even begin to comprehend that amount of talent. Given all of that I did think the book dragged a bit. The ending was a little disappointing, but all in all brilliant!

What I'm Writing:
Revisions are done! Thanks to a last minute push and YA Buccaneers Boot Camp, I was able to get there! I'm really happy with how the story has turned out. Now I just have to go through it one more time before sending it out to some peeps for feedback.

What Inspires Me Right Now:
Summer! Beach! Vacations! I'm so excited because we get to hit up my old stomping grounds, Washington DC, in less than two weeks! I haven't been back in YEARS and am desperate to see my old home, my friends, and family. It's going to be amazing.

What Else I've Been Up To:
Schools out for summer! As of today, anyway. Now I just have to figure out how to keep all the kiddos entertained for the next two and half months. Yikes!

What's Up With You?

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
Pointe. Wowzers. This book. Let me just say, it was astounding. I loved it. There were several things going on plot wise, and only a great writer could pull it off without it being a total mess and Brandy Colbert did just that. Definitely worth a read. But be prepared for some darker themes. (I need to pick up some happier reading material.)

What I'm Writing:
Revising revising revising. Lots of it. I've gotten to the hard bits where a lot of things need to fixed up. I only have about fifty pages left to go. After that I have one more round I'd like to do before sending it off to readers.

What Inspires Me Right Now:
The husband and I had a great time away from the kids for my birthday and visited this place.

It's around Hayden Lake. It's absolutely gorgeous and I am dying to go back. It really inspired me. My new goal in life is to one day own a home there.

What Else I've Been Up To:
The usual. I'm betaing a book right now and that's been going well. I love reading other people's work and being able to help in any way is always nice.

What have you been up to?

Spring Bootcamp Check-In

AH! It feels like I fell off of the face of the Earth (obviously I didn't)! But here I am, ready to tackle the last month of this rocking Bootcamp.

Update: I only have sixty pages left to revise. I know. I wanted to get done by now, but I made some major changes which took a huge chunk of time. On the bright side I'm loving this story and find myself reading and rereading certain passages because I can't believe I wrote them!

My goals for this month: Finish revisions! Finish beta reading an amazing manuscript! Maybe get some words down in my other WIP!

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
Just finished Love Letters To The Dead the other day. This book hit a little close to home for me. There were certain scenes when Laurel talked about her sister sneaking out and losing herself that reminded me of my own sister at that age and how watching her transform into something she really wasn't scared me. I also came very close to losing her and reading how Laurel's life changed after May died I couldn't help but wonder what my life would have been like without my own sister. So you can guess Letters had me bawling. The words were beautifully crafted and I couldn't help but feel an attachment to it. Definitely recommend it.

What I'm Writing:
Still revising. I've gotten about twenty pages done so far. I'm hoping to reach sixty by the end of the week. I had to go back and fix a couple of things I forgot about, but other than that it hasn't been too rough of a ride.

What Inspires Me Right Now:
Travel! Yesterday was my birthday and to celebrate today the husband and I are going on a trip for a couple of days without the kids! We haven't been away from them since my youngest was born two years ago! Long overdue.

What Else I've Been Up To:
Reading and traveling to visit family at the last minute and cleaning for guests and...lots more stuff.

What's up with you?

Spring Bootcamp Check-In

How is it already nearing the end of April?!? My birthday is on Tuesday. Guys, this is getting real.

Okay, so I only got 20 of my 50 pages done. The husband decided to spring on a last minute work/family trip and we left Wednesday and didn't come back til Sunday so...yeah, not much got done besides eating Cadbury eggs and hanging out with family.

This week's goal is to get 60 pages done. I think I can I think I can I think I can.

Spring Bootcamp Check-In

Another week down! I got my fifty pages done. It did take until Sunday, but oh well. There wasn't whole lot I needed to fix up, mainly a few name changes because I added a character and got rid of another and changed the sexes of a couple as well. I also revised as I wrote the first half of the draft so it's not too sloppy. As i get closer to the middle it's going to get tougher and I'll have to clean up a few plot points that don't work anymore, and add another main point I hadn't earlier.

Goal for this week: Revise 50 more pages!

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
Some really great stuff. I finished Charm and Strange, which completely broke my heart. The writing evoked a lot of emotions in me, which is what we all want as readers. I also read Cruel Beauty, a truly unique take on Beauty and the Beast. I definitely fell in love with the writing in this one as well. Then there's OCD Love Story. I wasn't a great fan of the MC, but still appreciated the story and gained a whole new perspective on the disorder. The other day I got through Lovely Dark and Deep, which was also all sorts of heartbreaking with the kind of poetic writing I'll never be able to accomplish but can wholly appreciate as a reader. The ending left me a bit unsatisfied, that's my only complaint.

What I'm Writing:
Being in the query trenches has had me down a little bit, I'll admit. I still have requests out with agents and am anxiously waiting for their responses, but there's been plenty of rejection as well. It's put me in a funk. Thankfully I have YA Buccaneers keeping me in line. After a Saturday session weeding I felt reinvigorated and realized I'm not giving up. I'm moving on by revising Fading and will continue writing until I land that mystical dream agent.

What Inspires Me Right Now:
Good health. Since I'm in recovery mode and it has been nice to function properly again. I was sick two weeks ago and got better, but was still feeling a little under the weather, then this weekend it hit me again. I'm hoping this time around it stick.s

What Else I've Been Up To:
We're looking to buy a new family vehicle. Either a truck or a larger SUV (not too much bigger since I would be afraid to ever get behind the wheel). It's exciting! We're having fun test driving our options and discussing which route we'd like to take for our family.

What have you been up to?

Spring Boot Camp Check In

CLICK HERE To Join In!

I keep disappearing. I don't mean to, but here I am! This last week was a good week. I got in 2k : ) Given how unproductive I'd been the previous week, it felt good. But I came to a realization while weeding on Saturday afternoon (it was sunny and a bit chilly, perfect for yard work) I want to focus the rest of this month on revisions. I'm loving drafting Ashes, but Fading has so much potential and I've been ignoring it because I'm a little bit afraid of how amazing it can be. I want to finish up the revisions by (hopefully) the end of this month to get it ready for CPs. Once that's done, then I'll draft Ashes some more.

So new goal for April: Finish revisions!
Goal for this week: Revise 50 pages!

Spring Boot Camp Check-In

If you want to join in CLICK HERE!

I apologize for having disappeared, but I've been dealing with sick kids, then with sick me. I hate that I get a sinus infection when the smallest hint of a runny nose comes along. Suffice to say, writing hasn't been my top priority. Sleeping, on the other hand, has been my best friend. I feel so run down and exhausted. I slept for almost ten hours the other night and still felt like I'd run a marathon when I walked up the stairs.

I did get some work in. I was able to get about 1k into my new WIP and another chapter of revisions. Which isn't bad, but is slower than I'd like to go. I'm still not sure if I want to cut a POV yet. I keep going back and forth about it. I'm hoping I'll have it figured out soon. Hoping my other Team Mountaineers are having better luck than me. From the Twitter Updates it seems like they're kicking some serious butt! My goal for this week is to get 2k written in the WIP and another two chapter of revisions.

Blog Tour Interview: Krista Wayment

Today I'm very excited to interview the awesome Krista Wayment. I met Krista last year when a few of us Pitch Wars Rejects (AWESOME and TALENTED rejects) got together and formed a critique group. Thanks to Krista and the other awesome ladies my query and 250 were polished up nicely.

When I heard Krista was planning on self-pubbing her MG novel, TRUSTED, I knew I had to help out in any way possible! Which is why I'm so excited to have her here on my blog for a Dragontastic interview (see what I did there?):

(Q)How did you get into this writing gig in the first place? (I love hearing author journey stories)

(A)My mom says that I've been telling stories since I could talk. I've always had an over active imagination and writing was a great outlet for that. I've been writing since about 4th grade but didn't settle down to write a novel until high school. It took me 10 years to finish my first novel which is now locked away in a dark corner. Trusted was a much better (and faster) attempt. I tried to get an agent/traditional publisher for Trusted but decided not to wait for others to discover it's worth to give it a chance. So I am independently publishing it.

(Q)What attracted you to MG fiction? (I think writing for that age group is much harder than YA or Adult and admire anyone willing to venture into that genre)

(A)I think MG fiction is so much more imaginative. At least, reading MG sparks my imagination more. There is something about writing for that age group that lets you go back to the days when responsibilities didn't get in the way and you can just have an adventure. Also, I fell into the MG age range when I fell in love with reading--and science fiction and fantasy in particular. I think it is a great age to be discovering reading.

(Q)What inspired you to write Trusted?

(A)I wanted to write about dragons. I love dragons. I'm border-line obsessed with them. But I had never written a story about them. As I started brainstorming and building the world I started to get a clear idea of the characters and the challenges they faced. Once my interested was sparked, I had to finish the story.

(Q)Okay, if you could have a dragon for real (how cool would that be?!?) what color and characteristics would it have?

(A)I think green. Or red. Because those are two of my favorite colors. And it would have to be spunky and a little playful. I'm a big tease but I also tend to take life to seriously sometimes. So my dragon pal would have to be able to make me laugh.

There you have it folks! Thank you, Krista, for letting me a part of this exciting new adventure! TRUSTED will be available through Amazon on March 27th so mark your calendars! Here are the details of the book:

Renick, the fifth son of a dragon breeder, crashes into an unexpected adventure that challenges everything he thought he knew about dragons, history, and himself.

Stranded in the massive Helath forest, Renick meets two other passengers: Thane, a noble training to be a dragon knight, and Lainey, the orphaned niece of a healer. Together they survive an attack by vicious wolves, rescue a baby dragon with a broken wing, and escape from a band of dragon hunters as they make a perilous climb into the mountains. What they discover there will change everything.

For more information on the book and release and on Krista check out her website: http://www.kristawayment.com/

YA Buccaneers: Spring Writing Bootcamp

Okay, I mentioned on Wednesday that I'm taking part in The YA Buccaneers Spring Writing Bootcamp. If you want more information just click on the link above. This Friday is the first check-in and I wanted to post my goals and update how I've done thus far. 

Goals:

-Revise the WIP I just finished (YA Contemporary Romance), which may finally have a title! FADING, is the title in progress. It might change over time, but I like it so far. 

-Draft new YA Psychological Thriller I can't get off my mind. This one is titled Haunting Ash. I think this title is going to stick.

So far I've gone through the first five pages of Fading and made a few tweaks here and there. I'm actually pretty happy with the first chapter, which is rare. I'm a little afraid because this story has two POVs but I'm thinking during revisions it might work better with just one- the male POV, which is even scarier! I'm still on the fence about it. I guess I should add that to my list of goals. 

I've also written 5k in Haunting Ash, but they're all over the place. I jumped around a lot. I've been really good with the last couple manuscripts about this, sticking to the timeline, but there are so many things coming to me at once with this story that I can't help but write down the specific scene that started it. 

I'm so excited to take part in this challenge! I've deemed this year The Writing Year, because I want to focus much more my writing than in the past and this Bootcamp is exactly what I need in order to keep up this 2014 goal. I hope you guys will join in!

What's Up Wednesday

What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up, put on by Jamie Morrow and Erin Funk. If you'd like to join click on the links above!

What I'm Reading:
I finished up A Mad Wicked Folly and was quite happy with that read. Now I'm working on Untold, the sequel to Unspoken! It's exciting to know there's only one book left in this series so I won't be waiting YEARS to find out what happens.

What I'm Writing:
YA Bucaneers are running a Spring Writing Bootcamp and I'm very excited to take part. I want to revise my WIP and finish up drafting my new story. I'm 4k in already. I'm supposed to be taking a break, but can't seem to get away from this new idea. When inspiration is flowing you have to quench the thirst.

What Inspires Me Right Now:
This new idea. Any idea, really, that gets me writing. There are so many stories waiting to be told, we just have to sit down and write them. That's quite inspiring.

What Else I've Been Up To:
I watched A Little Princess yesterday. It's one of my all time favorite movies. When I was a kid I'd watch it over and over and over again. My girls aren't quite old enough to appreciate it, but I can't wait until they understand the message: that we're all Princesses. That we're all special and can overcome any hardship. I love that Sarah uses her imagination to escape the horrible things that befall her. I'm surprised I haven't read the book so I downloaded it onto my Kindle last night and can't wait to read it.

That's all folks, what's up with you?

Writer Recharge: Last Update

I did it! It wasn't easy, by any means, but the first draft of the new WIP is done. Thank you February and the awesome ladies who hosted Writer Recharge for giving me the push I needed! So what's next? A much needed break. There is another project I've kind of been working on that I might try out, but I'm not going to push it. I think a week or two away from writing might be in order. Hope all you other Writer Recharge participants had success, even if you didn't end up reaching your goal, anything at all is progress!