tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55581538661373699012024-02-06T20:08:40.875-08:00Mythic WordsBook BlogMythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-34106675304397173992019-06-15T13:36:00.000-07:002019-06-15T13:46:20.882-07:00Spiritborne (Spirit's War, #1)<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38482129-spiritborne" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Spiritborne (Spirits' War, #1)" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1518335054m/38482129.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38482129-spiritborne">Spiritborne</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16644289.K_V_Wilson">K.V. Wilson</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2408993878">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I was introduced to this novel on a free platform and loved it so much, I purchased a copy from Amazon. K.V. Wilson keeps the reader hooked from the very beginning, both with conflict and heartbreak, and I would recommend it to readers across genres.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/25775235-sasha-leigh">View all my reviews</a><br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-71231459994732980712018-06-16T14:18:00.000-07:002018-06-16T14:18:59.081-07:00Author Interview with Sue A. Hart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>uthor Interview with<span style="font-size: x-large;"> S</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ue A Hart</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sue Hart is finally delving into the world of publishing and I, for one, couldn't be more excited. Her first novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Challenges-Foresters-Sue-Hart-ebook/dp/B07DGSSVY5/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Challenges</a>, is set for release on June 20, 2018, and is now available for pre-order!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She is a fantastic writer who has helped many authors while on her own journey - myself included. I am happy that she took the time to answer a few questions about her writing process, the stories that readers have fallen in love with, and her future publication plans. You can look into all the books that are up-and-coming from Sue Hart at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sue-A.-Hart/e/B07DGYVH35?ref_=pe_1724030_132998060" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</span><br />
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<b>Q. Does writing energize or exhaust you?</b>
<b>A.</b> Energize to the point of obsession. I can be on one story, get an idea for another and write multiple chapters at one sitting until my discipline returns enough to go back to the other book. It isn't unusual for me to write both. I bore easily and creativity is never boring. But I am self-motivating too, so I tend to go with the book that I know I can complete quickly.
<b>Q. Have you ever gotten <i>reader's</i> block?</b>
<b>A. </b>I never have. Stories come to me with the plot. I see it as it develops. Then I see the characters and their part in presenting that plot. What they are like, what kind of antagonist (silly, stupid, mean, jealous), is the heroine sweet, serious, fun? But I do not like wimpy females. Not even for an antagonist. People who whine about their situation don't creat fans. People avoid them. Sad is different. There can be a solid reason for it that the character has to overcome.
I believe my methos of storytelling can come from many directions. I recently asked this question to other writers and they told me how they found inspiration. It boils down to one thing. Imagination. I believe many are born with it. A child will tell you stories. Ask them questions and they will give you a plot.
<b>Q. Do you try to be more original or to deliver to readers what they want?</b>
<b>A.</b> Both. I have discovered what kind of characters the majority of readers like. I know they like to laugh, have an adventure, and get so involved with the book, they can't sleep. Women like romance, men like it too, especially from a male perspective. Flirting wins both, especially with comedy thrown in. The plot comes from my interest and the topic I believe has some depth. If I have to spend hours researching, like I have for a few of my books, I want to be interested in it. I write Romance genre with comedy, adventure, suspense and so forth. It depends on my research topic. Not everyone like the same thing, but most enjoy situation comedy, even enough to read a book they have doubts about.
<b>Q. What other authors are you friends with and how do they help you become a better writer?</b>
<b>A.</b> This is a great question. I have over 300 friends who are authors because of reading sites I've belonged to over the years. I'd say that twenty have freely advised me with specifics, while many others just encourage.
I did not study writing, journalism, or anything similar in school. If I had, by the time I began writing, I would have forgotten most of it. I know how to tell a story--like it comes to me. What I was ignorant of was the structure. How to make a reader gobble up every word while hating to put it down. This kind of information was trickled down from many ideas from writers. But how many quthors had books that were read cover-to-cover hating to put it down? What's the key? Those are the people you listen to. I did, but also to Hollywood. They introduce the character in a scene which begins the plot. Page one. They don't tell you abou tit like you're blind, they show it. If a book narrates the first page or more, my mind won't cooperate. Put me in the middle of it with action going on and I'm entranced. So I write what I like.
<b>Q. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?</b>
<b>A. </b>This question fits into what I'm trying to do. My readers on Wattpad didn't want my stories to end. Not because they were 'cut off' but because they loved the characters. So, I decided to connect each book I write, even though they are all standalone novels. I will present the older characters briefly to let the reader see them and their family. Down the line, those children will grow up and get their own book decades down the line. My blurb will guide a reader as to the order of guest appearances. These will connect the books over decades and continents.
<b>Q. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?</b>
<b>A.</b> Hold on. After explaining my plans and how I write, you know it's a high number. Three are heading for publication in the next few months. One needs edits, and then it's going to publication. Two are half-finished. Four have the outlines and first ten chapters. I'm trying to have them all in publication by the end of 2019.
</span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 18.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: "quot"; font-size: 18.66px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want to know more? Visit Sue A. Hart on her blog: <span id="goog_2028496641"></span><a href="https://suehartauthor.wordpress.com/2018/06/05/i-have-news-the-publishing-has-begun-each-book-is-a-standalone-novel-the-series-is-best-read-with-book-2-as-your-second-choice-if-you-enjoyed-the-first-book/" target="_blank">Books, Authors and Me</a>.
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Again, her novel is set for release on Amazon June 20, 2018! Over 200,000 readers on Wattpad have already fallen in love with this book and I recommend it. Sue has the amazing ability to suck you into the worlds that she creates until you are not only believing the story is happening like a movie in your head, you are crying and celebrating along with the characters. You can read a sample of this story, along with the comments from readers that loved it, <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/SueHart2" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-66313887431795872742018-05-10T15:30:00.000-07:002018-05-10T15:30:09.473-07:00Casting Power (Cast from Power, Book One)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Casting Power</b></div>
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<b>by Sasha Leigh</b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">You can't deny who you are if it's who you are meant to be.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Noreena Fallyn has spent her whole life hiding her magical abilities, even from herself, by having her mother bind her form using<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> her so-called 'gifts'. All she wants is to be normal. She wants friends, family, a career without having magic in her life. It consumes you like an addiction. If you start to use, you can't stop until your every motion revolves around that next hit. She's seen it.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">When her mother decrees that Nora has until graduation to remain bound, Nora knows that time is running out. She immerses herself in figuring out ways to detach the 'her' from 'her magic', so much so that she doesn't see what is happening all around her. And by the time tragedy strikes, it's too late.</span><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;" /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 19.5px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">Thrust into a new world where magic makes you who you are, can Nora find a way to keep the normalcy she craves? Or is she destined to show everyone why she hates her power so much? Why her power scares her, and why, if they were smart, they would leave her alone. But the people in her new world aren't smart. They are even less ready for the truth that her mother had tried to hide for so long: she is the most powerful of them all.</span></b></span></span></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.wattpad.com/story/142313810-casting-power-cast-from-power-book-one" target="_blank">Casting Power</a>, the first novel in Cast from Power, is now available for free preview on Wattpad.com! If you aren't on Wattpad, try it out and discover brand a fantastic platform for sharing and discovering brand new novels from amazing immerging and well-established authors.</b></div>
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-85895834186832040992018-05-05T12:00:00.000-07:002018-05-05T12:00:07.775-07:00Time CrunchingI really want to thank everyone for being so patient. I am ALMOST done with editing Fate's Revenge. It is so hard to dedicate the time to do this as I am immersing myself back into the writing community - there are so many authors I haven't talked to in ages, not to mention all of the new and exciting books that I have missed out on over the last few years! It's hard to dedicate myself to just one task. I want to read, edit, promote, search the web... it's endless, really.<br />
<br />Unfortunately, I still work full time and the demands from this are getting larger as I just won an award for receiving the top mark in my designation for 2017, plus a stream of industry and company events that I am obligated to participate in (adulting can be a pain!) are pulling me in many, many directions. First and foremost - ALWAYS - the majority of my time is for my daughter. At nine-years-old, she still says, "I love you," and asks for kisses goodnight, so I don't want to miss the few years that I have left with that.<br />
<br />To be serious, though, I will be posting a pre-order date for Fate's Revenge soon. I am hoping this will now be weeks rather than months away as I am in the last ten chapters and then all that remains is the formatting :) The cover is done. I have read all the way to where I left off writing the final book, Fate's Escape so Fate's Disguise will be set to release shortly after Fate's Revenge while I finish the last half of Fate's Escape. I hope everyone is as excited as I am to 'finally' get the fourth instalment out into the world.<br />
<br />Cheers!<br />
<br />Sasha LeighMythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-70749346473204598022018-03-17T21:06:00.003-07:002018-03-17T21:06:36.108-07:00... And I Am Back!!!I will keep this short and to the point, but I am back at in the writing game, and it feels great. I tried over the last three years to get into Twisted Fate, but unfortunately for everyone who's been waiting for Fate's Revenge to come out, I was whacked upside the head with life. First, I put aside everything and started a new job. Within this post, I worked hard to obtain my CAIB designation, which I was able to obtain in just eight-and-a-half months while this usually takes two years for all four exams. Not only did I finish quicker than most, I earned the top mark for 2017 within my region, and I find out this month (hopefully) if I have earned the top Canadian mark for 2017.<br />
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That is the fun stuff. Unfortunately, it hasn't all been sunshine and rainbows. In January of 2015, I moved across provinces to continue work as a claims adjuster; however, in October of 2015, everyone within my division was laid off. At that point, I didn't know if I should move back or stay, and what I should do if I did stay as I didn't think I really wanted to continue as an adjuster due to the long hours and the stress related to the job. My daughter was doing fantastic in the new school system, but I didn't want to take the time away from her on evenings and weekends, so I went and wrote the exam for a general insurance license, and a week level obtained my level two general insurance license. At this point, I started to work as an agent for a direct writer, but again I did not enjoy this. So I moved to a brokerage . . . It has been a lot of work, learning the different aspects of the new role and increasing my education, but I feel like I finally know what it is I like to do with my days, and it leaves time on evenings and weekends for not only my daughter (who is now nine-years-old!), but for writing.<br />
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Again, this was sidelined, though. In the summer of 2016 my grandfather passed away and then in April of 2017, my father passed away during the time that my daughter and I were moving to be closer to my job yet again. To say that I tried to fill my time with anything but thinking would be an understatement. Now, within the past few months, my mum has been getting worse and worse. We travelled home for Christmas and she seemed to be in great spirits, but the medication she was on made her quite . . . loopy is the only word that comes to mind. We spent two weeks and finally it was time to come home. A few weeks later, we had to go back as she was hospitalized and a lot of scary diagnoses were made. That said, she is home again and tests are continuing, and there is nothing to do but wait - hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Cliché, I know, but it is true nonetheless.<br />
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So while we were home and spending hours in the hospital, I started to reread the books in the Twisted Fate series. Not only did I remember what I loved about the story, I remembered how lost I became in my writing, and how much that can help during trying times. For anyone that has been waiting for the next installment, I apologize for the delay. I hope you can bear with me a little longer while I become reacquainted with the world of writing, and I promise that Fate's Revenge is soon to come.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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Sasha LeighMythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-56655089948821216962015-06-29T19:38:00.002-07:002015-06-29T19:38:25.275-07:00CONSUME BOOK REVIEW<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13049897-consume" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Consume (The Clann, #3)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1359671985m/13049897.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13049897-consume">Consume</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3497970.Melissa_Darnell">Melissa Darnell</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/843852611">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
First off (the one negative) I do not like is that Savannah tends to give up quite easily and seems to fight only when prompted to do so. However, I do enjoy the fact that she has a strong set of morals and sticks to her beliefs stubbornly. The fights with Tristan - the way they butt heads now that they can actually be together - was endearing, though I couldn't understand how a girl who wanted something so bad could set it aside so quickly. There wasn't enough effort on the characters' parts to hold onto what they seemed to want for so long. Sure, there is an adjustment period after the kind of change that was affected at the conclusion of the second novel, but really? <em>Come one</em>. I get wanting the mother/father approval and having danger to worry about every time you so much as blink, but that's when you stop pushing away the hot guy you drooled over for years. Don't push him away. (Just my opinion) I think that there was enough obstacles for the characters to overcome - there was some great action scenes - without having to keep the relationship on the cusp of togetherness as it had been in the previous installments.<br><br>Savannah's struggle for her friends and family to accept her and be okay with her i.e. <em>not terrified of her</em> throughout the first three novels was well-plotted and I enjoyed how the author tied this up. The end was somewhat predictable; however, I enjoyed the twists Darnell threw in and look forward to the upcoming adventures to see how things continue for other members of <em>The Clann</em>. I gave this book five stars because, despite my "issues", it is a great series and still one of the best books I have read in a long time.<br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-73640709807102801032015-06-29T19:24:00.002-07:002015-06-29T19:24:25.495-07:00COVET BOOK REVIEW<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13548152-covet" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Covet (The Clann, #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344663986m/13548152.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13548152-covet">Covet</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3497970.Melissa_Darnell">Melissa Darnell</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/843852545">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
The second book picks up right where the first one leaves off. Within the first few chapters, I had tears in my eyes, which I assumed boded well for the rest of the story. The connection between reader and character(s) was well established, the flow was relatively fast-paced (necessary to remain immerse, IMO), problems we can all root for to be solved were developed . . . and then it just died off. At least, it did for me.<br><br>I found myself skimming through the pages even though nothing had really changed. Savannah continued to discover more about her new life as her whole world changed, the tension continued to build between her and Tristan, readers discovered more about her friends - and their other half's - and Savannah faced obstacles she only had herself to rely on to navigate out of. Maybe it was because it felt like Savannah didn't <em>fight</em> or because book one was so good - I couldn't help but notice the difference in formatting, either, which was a minor distraction.<br><br>By the end, though, I was able to fall back into the story. It was explosive. Because of the beginning and end, I would recommend this to friends and picked up the third novel to see exactly how Tristan and Savannah's story ends.<br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-79858320396934388572015-06-29T19:16:00.000-07:002015-06-29T19:17:08.466-07:00CRAVE BOOK REVIEW<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11164626-crave" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Crave (The Clann, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316112801m/11164626.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11164626-crave">Crave</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3497970.Melissa_Darnell">Melissa Darnell</a><br />
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My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/843852446">4 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I bought the first novel in this series during a grocery shopping trip a couple of years ago and set it aside - there's nothing I dislike more than having to wait for the next installment once beginning a series. Then I bought the second . . . and when I unpacked my books, I realized the third had been released (though I had to order it because it was out of stock).<br />
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It was worth the wait.<br />
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Sav thought she was just a normal, run-of-the-mill invisible girl with annoyingly loyal friends until she woke up after becoming black-out sick. I assumed, at this point, the story would take the cliché turns, but I was pleasantly surprised. Though I am not a huge fan of multiple POV's, I really enjoyed being able to see the story from both Savannah and Tristan's perspectives. Without it, the full depth of their shared history wouldn't be understood and their intense connection to one another would've <em>felt</em> cliché. Tristan is overprotective but understanding and Savannah, unlike other kick-ass dhamphirs, is vulnerable as she tries to figure out where her new curse/gifts will take her.<br />
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While these are motives reused, Darnell gives us a combination of old tales with a new spin. The fight these characters put up is admirable and I love the unexpected ending. Darnell's given readers a witty, keep-them-wanting-more love story that'll force you to pick up book two . . . even if you have to play hooky for a day to complete it.<br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-40995437448464801702015-06-22T18:39:00.002-07:002015-06-22T18:39:31.794-07:00IGNITE ME BOOK REVIEW<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13188676-ignite-me" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1375972497m/13188676.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13188676-ignite-me">Ignite Me</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4637539.Tahereh_Mafi">Tahereh Mafi</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1315047066">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
I finished this series in a day, it was that addictive. Juliette's journey is astounding and the choices the author makes surprising. Although I can't say my favorites without giving away the end, I will say that it does not follow the "norm" and leaves room for a continuance (without leaving loose ends) should the author decide. Juliette's triumph isn't in how the series end, however, it's in the personal growth she's obtained simply by accepting who she is and following through with the choices she's made.<br><br>I love, love, love the metaphors in this series. <em>I am an hourglass.</em> The third book starts with such a powerful line, it's impossible not to fall for the poetic fluidity of the writing, though if I were reading it aloud, sometimes I would feel like I had a bout of OCD. My daughter is only six-years-old, so I would never let her read this because of the violence. However, in another six or seven years, I may just read it with her <s>and edit out the sex</s> so she can discover that there are strong, powerful females. I hope this is one of those series that are made into <s>movies</s> a TV series so I can watch it at least once a week.<br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-59796976730207360532015-06-22T18:25:00.002-07:002015-06-22T18:25:45.523-07:00UNRAVEL ME BOOK REVIEW<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13104080-unravel-me" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Unravel Me (Shatter Me, #2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1340287622m/13104080.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13104080-unravel-me">Unravel Me</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4637539.Tahereh_Mafi">Tahereh Mafi</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1315035057">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
This series just keeps getting better. I hummed and hawed over the first few chapters of the first book, but now I cannot get enough. Reading through these books is like watching a child grow up on the pages within the course of hours rather than years. Juliette's fears and the sheltered life she has led because of the Reestablishment are thrown aside as she discovers who she really is at Omega Point. From the staggered thoughts she had as a confined inmate of the so-called asylum to the complex strategies she implements - you would think it is almost two different people, and in a way it is. But even as Juliette strives to better herself, her new world-view makes everything else she's had to cling onto change. Her feelings, her perceptions, her strength. It's all in flux.<br><br>The author really does a brilliant job in portraying the issues Juliette has to deal with, especially the struggle within herself to accept who she is and what she can do . . . and learn to realize that you have to be true to you and it's okay if others can't accept that. Like school and jobs, there are stages in life, and not everyone you love will have a role in each phase you're meant to go through. I loved this just as much, if not more, than the first novel in the series. Beautifully written.<br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-21158086396273553932015-06-22T18:10:00.003-07:002015-06-22T18:10:51.163-07:00SHATTER ME BOOK REVIEW<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429045-shatter-me" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1310649047m/10429045.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429045-shatter-me">Shatter Me</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4637539.Tahereh_Mafi">Tahereh Mafi</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1315009987">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
I saw this book on Goodreads and ordered it online based on reviews already made, and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived sooner than the books I ordered via the Chapters store did. At first, it took me a while to get into this one. I thought that the editing was poor during the first few chapters i.e. run-on sentences, poor grammar, and the strike-outs kept tugging me out of the story. But as I forced myself to keep reading, this got better - or it stopped mattering because the story yanked me into the pages. More importantly, it made <em>sense</em>. The author wasn't being lazy, the author was making a point. <em>This is the character's state of mind.</em><br><br>But Juliette is far from simple; she adapts to her lot in life. Juliette is a character who deals with what she is given as it is received rather than wishing for what she can't obtain. Her growth throughout the novel is shown as the world around her changes, and the way that the author portrays this in her writing is brilliant. I now love the grammar and punctuation errors because it represents growth and really sucks the reader into Juliette's frame of mind as events unfold. Tahereh Mafi has woven a very complex character who endures real-world problems - love, war, dejection - in an intricately designed world that's beyond anything I could comprehend having to deal with, yet it works because the world the author has created is something I could foresee happening based on the world today. When you add in the problems Juliette deals with because she can't touch anyone (with exceptions) without causing physical pain that can lead to death, this was a first installment I could not put down. In fact, it was <s>causing physical pain</s> impossible not to pick up the second book in the series, <em>Unravel Me</em>.<br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-90970783359177461022015-06-15T10:04:00.000-07:002015-06-15T10:04:16.484-07:00LUX: OPPOSITION BOOK REVIEW<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13644055-opposition" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Opposition (Lux, #5)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1398694101m/13644055.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13644055-opposition">Opposition</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476934.Jennifer_L_Armentrout">Jennifer L. Armentrout</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1308633357">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
I found this series on the shelves of a local Chapters store, and I am glad I finally purchased it. Normally I shy away from alien stories because I sometimes picture ET (not the best way to get attached to characters) and don't want the story to be better than Roswell (one of my favorite shows in high school), but I am glad I went against my gut this time, and even upset that the story had to end in the first installment of this two-part book. That said, I think that the ending was perfect. Without giving away spoilers, it closes many loose ends and sets the end up in a way that allows the reader to imagine what "could" happen next for their favorite characters, which is always a great way to say goodbye and leave the world an author created with their readers. The second story, like a prequel, is about Dawson - all the unanswered questions that Katy and Daemon had about what happened to him explored. I usually don't like to go back to the beginning with new characters, but this was an exception. Highly recommend.<br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-77475410881259279982015-06-15T09:52:00.002-07:002015-06-15T09:52:53.613-07:00LUX: CONSEQUENCES BOOK REVIEW<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19081402-consequences" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Consequences: Opal & Origin (Lux, #3-4)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1396245989m/19081402.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19081402-consequences">Consequences: Opal & Origin</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476934.Jennifer_L_Armentrout">Jennifer L. Armentrout</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1308621449">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
I started this series by chance after seeing the books on the shelf at the store. While I was lukewarm about the first two stories because they reminded me of Roswell, I have to say that the next two did not disappoint. I liked them even more than the start of the series. Perhaps because the storyline forked away from what I expected to happen, I was more invested at this point in the characters, or the characters' problems were so much bigger, I couldn't help but connect. But whatever the case, I finished this and started Opposition all in a day.<br><br>In the third and fourth books, we get to find out a lot about the aliens heritage, what makes Katy so special, and the oh-so-sweet protective (and sexy and dangerous and vulnerable) side of Daemon. While there is much heartbreak and a lot of rivalry - even between friends - these installments are gripping in the love story they weave, all the while keeping the suspense and mystery of what's going on in the world they are fighting to survive in clear. There were moments when I found myself holding my breath for the characters, and as a reader, there is nothing better than being that sucked into a great story. I'd recommend this to anyone.<br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-27961783490143251442015-06-15T09:36:00.000-07:002015-06-15T09:36:04.212-07:00LUX: BEGINNINGS BOOK REVIEW<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19081403-beginnings" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx (Lux, #1-2)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405516251m/19081403.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19081403-beginnings">Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4476934.Jennifer_L_Armentrout">Jennifer L. Armentrout</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1308610131">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
I purchased this whole series after humming and hawing during many trips to Chapters. Aliens aren't usually my thing, and I see a lot of reviews stating that this reminds them of Twilight, but it took me a while to dig in because it reminded me (in my opinion) of that TV series, Roswell - not that that is a bad thing. I used to be addicted to that show :)<br><br>The characters are well-rounded and likeable, and even the antagonist, Ashley, is endearing because she is the perfect little you-know-what. The love story was a bit predictable; however, I really liked the twists and turns that the author created in this world. The setting the author created was great. I especially like the fact that everyone seems to "know" that the aliens are somehow different, but they don't know how. In my opinion, I would imagine more than Dawson's girlfriend would have guessed or caught them being different, but that is the only nit-pick I had. Otherwise, by the end of the second story, I had to go buy the next installment right away. I would definitely recommend this book - and the series as a whole - to fellow readers.<br />
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Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-26905856774978327362015-03-16T17:11:00.000-07:002015-03-16T17:11:50.468-07:00Writing for YA AudienceWriting for YA is a lot different than writing for children. I repeat, IT IS A LOT DIFFERENT!<em> </em>What a writer portrays for a twelve-year-old is not what they should portray for a sixteen or seventeen-year-old. Technically, anyone under eighteen is a child. Yes, okay. I agree. <em>But they go through so many different stages</em>. When I was fifteen-years-old, I moved out. When I was twelve . . . the idea of living on my own was foreign. Three years makes a big difference. So while this might not apply to all pre-teens vs. teens, when I write stories for the YA audience, I have to try to remember how I thought and felt when "I" was a young adult, and then try to look at the world today and apply it.<br />
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1.<a href="http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/06/04/25-things-you-should-know-about-young-adult-fiction/" target="_blank"> TEENAGERS ARE NOT CHILDREN!</a> Why don't people realize this when writing/critiquing a story? Yes, I get why you avoid 'triggering' your audience. If you talk about death or suicide, you don't want to allow it to be okay. What if a young reader gets ahold of your work and then decides, "Oh, well, it was okay for this character . . . " If they went on to commit suicide because of that, how would the author feel? No, you definitely don't want to wade into that pool - life is too precious, especially when they haven't even lived yet. But, you also don't want to dumb down the story, either. Teenagers will put the book down if they feel like subjects are being brushed over because they can't 'understand' them. It's the equivalent to a parent using a condescending tone and saying they'll understand when they are older. So, I guess my rant on this can be summed up nicely into the following: don't brush over topics in YA/New Adult, but do not 'trigger'. If you are going to discuss suicide, bullying, promiscuity, etc., make sure that you let it be known these are not okay, and should not be construed as the 'norm'. I love a gritty book as much as the next girl (a true story is powerful), but I remember what it's like to be a teenager, and adult problems don't wait until adulthood to arrive. Just be careful in your message. Words have a powerful influence.<br />
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2. <a href="http://howyafictionworks.com/2014/06/28/cress-word-choice-in-ya-lit/" target="_blank">WORD CHOICE</a>. First, text talking is for losers. Plain and simple, it's hard to read and annoying, and nobody - not even the teenagers who love to use it - will read a story full of text talk. Should you say 'okay' instead of 'acceptable'? Yes. But they do think/talk in coherent sentences that aren't broken up with 'uh...like so and so...' and 'like, totally'. Use a few more 'likes' in dialogue, but whatever slang you think they use, don't overdo it. (Like, I totally don't, like, reading like this.) Also, there is always a difference in dialogue vs. internal monologue i.e. 'thinking'.<br />
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3. <a href="http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2013/06/04/25-things-you-should-know-about-young-adult-fiction/" target="_blank">SEX</a>. Teenagers have sex. Period. But when we write about it, remember it's not Harlequin Romance. A little petting, some cuddles, and sweet talk - that's all they need. Make it real by including the feelings instead of actions. It has been done beautifully and can be done so again... and again... New Adult novels tend to be a bit more detailed, and they should be, as most people 'experiment' in college and their 20's, but still, keep it as 'less is more'. It's classier!<br />
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4. <a href="http://thewritecatch.blogspot.ca/2013/09/the-parent-trap-in-young-adult-books.html" target="_blank">PARENTS/GUARDIANS</a>. These guys usually <a href="http://www.firstnovelsclub.com/2009/11/oh-parents-where-art-thou-parental.html" target="_blank">aren't so present</a> in the character's life. At least not so much as the character should be making the decisions/realizations of their conflict on their own. While it isn't right to undermine the parental figure, it is also necessary to promote YA characters as self-sufficient as possible. They don't have to break rules or curfews or the law to do this, either. If writing for the New Adult audience, sure, there aren't parents in college - high school is different. <br />
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5. <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/word-count-for-novels-and-childrens-books-the-definitive-post" target="_blank">LENGTH</a>. While the novel length should be up to 80k (normal YA) or around 100k (Fantasy/YA), you can and should keep both paragraph and chapter length minimal. This gears readers for a fast-paced ride and easily enables them to just read one more chapter (we all say that). Really, though, young readers have busy lives. They need to have stop/start points, and they need to have them often. They also (sometimes) have shorter attention spans because of their oh-so-busy lives. The trend is longer in Fantasy, though, so use your discretion...<br />
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Hopefully this helped someone shed some light on some of the distinct aspects of writing YA fiction. Follow the links and you will find a wealth of information within each header. If you disagree on whether these are some of the top five points for <u>YOU</u>, please leave a comment and tell me why :) <br />
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Cheers! <br />
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Sasha Leigh<br />
<br />Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-86505319475257261562015-02-19T11:13:00.001-08:002015-02-19T11:13:04.850-08:008 Ways to Grab Your Readers Heart with Emotional ScenesOne of the main <a href="http://diginsider.com/2012/09/19/immersive-storytelling/" target="_blank">immersive qualities</a> that keeps readers turning pages is the author's ability to produce a unique voice, a pace that fluctuates while still remaining fluid enough so as not to jar the reader out of story, and its believability. By no means is this ALL there is - you can have a great story with mediocre characters that lack depth, or great characters and no story. For now, I aim to confront the believability, or at least one aspect of this concept: emotions.<br />
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If you ever listen to someone while they are upset, sad, or afraid, their voice changes. People who throw five six-syllable words together for a ten-word sentence suddenly speak as though they haven't graduated to a two-syllable vocabulary, some stutter, raise their voice, or even speak so fast that nobody can figure out what it is they are saying. It all depends on the situation and the person. But it isn't often that there will be forty-word sentences in an emotional scene, or <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=purple+prose" target="_blank">purple prose</a> spouting the beauty of a scene as though describing every petal of a rose.<br />
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Think of the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-grief" target="_blank">Stages of Grief</a> (I think of the 5-Stage model) when you are writing an emotional scene: denial, bargaining, depression, anger and acceptance. If you are aware of these, you can more closely predict how a character will respond so that it is believable (not just what you want them to do). Here are a few excercises to attempt if you are having trouble getting those emotions out:<br />
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1. Draw from your own memories. Write down situations you have been in using brainstorming, snowflake method, or even just making little pieces of paper which you later pick from a hat. One at a time, pick a situation and write about it. You can:<br />
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<li>Freewrite -Write everything you know, from start to finish of the memory, without pause or edits;</li>
<li>Jot Notes - Make a bulleted list of the emotions the situations you have been in made you feel;</li>
<li>Again, brainstorm with words about those emotions; and</li>
<li>Use the Stages of Grief as an outline and identify what you felt during each stage throughout an emotional memory. This does not need to be restricted to death, but can outline the end of a relationship, a drastic life change, a relocation, and much more.</li>
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2. Watch TV. Discover which situations will provoke more emotion, what age group overreacts more than another (usually teenagers), and how they get over what they have been thrust into by the writers.</div>
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3. As a writer, this is one of your most important resources, but I put it as the third tool because the old, "<a href="http://www.fuelyourwriting.com/write-what-you-know-does-not-mean-what-you-think-it-does/" target="_blank">Write what you know</a>" cliche does have its place, and is important when you are attempting to write a scene powerful enough that your reader can't pull their nose out of it. Also, you can write while watching TV, so there's that.But we all have our favorite scenes in our favorite novels that we can't help but go back to, so do it again. Read it over and over until you can say with certainty what it is about the passage that has gotten you so hooked, and then try to incorporate the qualities that you admire (without copying). </div>
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4. Now that you know the level of reaction, and which situations will be more likely to provoke a more intense outcome, figure out the <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-7-tools-of-dialogue" target="_blank">dialogue</a>. Do they moan and cry? Slur? Stutter? Or is the character(s) so traumatized, they shut down? A really great example of this, especially for YA, is The Vampire Diaries. Though it's not my favorite show, it does have some of the most believable dialogue once compared to the reactions/dialogue of teens.</div>
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5. Set a mood and stick to it. I've read some scenes where the emotion is on full-throttle, but the effect was broken by bouts of humor in between the protagonist declaring it's the end of the world and wishing they could be at the mall instead (needles to say, I didn't finish that book). Dry humor is sometimes okay within emotional scenes, if it fits with the character's voice, but don't overdo it or you'll lose the effect.</div>
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6. Remember your audience. If you are writing for children, you're going to fluff it up i.e. "Oh, Tommy was so sad . . ." But if you are writing for MG/YA/NA, your content can become more graphic with each age category. MG might get hit in the nose from a bully, and then go tell a teacher. YA might use a few swears in the same situation, plus a return swing, while NA could turn into a full-fledged bar brawl that, because they are now "in the real world", ends with having a sleepover with the police. Now escalate to an adult novel (Rated-R for violence, mature language and/or subject matter, or nudity), and you'll have to read the book between the cracks of your fingers as you cover your eyes and blush.</div>
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7. Surprise your reader (or character) and write what would be least expected to happened in a given situation. Abnormal situations with high emotion will provoke people to do things that they would not do otherwise. Use this as a tool to make your story more interesting.</div>
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8. As I mentioned above, most speech and action is stilted and short in an emotional scene; however, too much of this will drop your reader's interest, so mix it up every few paragraphs with a thought or two from the character. A gesture, short description, revelations, or a really good, incoherent ramble, could be used, as well, if implemented in SHORT DOSES.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis_xJBt9Zs_SPi7ZGkB4jg3Go0qZPsAKre94bhIt5ncZImTrm9Oglmf8ISGD-AQk9ZrzjKu3Utg5QfMlobrNZEZnQPV40ImNoiiAhWbld7cZysInsI4GAK1gus_I5jBID1bR6pavqr3fL/s1600/connect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis_xJBt9Zs_SPi7ZGkB4jg3Go0qZPsAKre94bhIt5ncZImTrm9Oglmf8ISGD-AQk9ZrzjKu3Utg5QfMlobrNZEZnQPV40ImNoiiAhWbld7cZysInsI4GAK1gus_I5jBID1bR6pavqr3fL/s1600/connect.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></a></div>
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As always, this list is not exhaustive for this topic. It is based on my own experiences as a writer, as well as what I have read from authors I admire. All writing takes practice, so work on it, and sooner or later you will find what works for you. However, if you're are ever stuck, try one of the above. Before committing an emotional scene for publication, make yourself aware of the "triggers" people may encounter upon certain subjects. While much of this is over-done, there are subjects that can trigger episodes, and for your readers' sake - and your reputation - make sure to put a warning on your written works, which can easily be worked into the blurb or copyright page.</div>
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Do you know of any other ways to provoke <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/creating-emotional-frustration-in-your-characters" target="_blank">emotions in your writing</a>? Acting out a scene with a friend? Improvization? Obviously, I write, so those aren't big on my list, but it would be interesting if they worked.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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Sasha Leigh</div>
Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-66159177574705509652014-09-22T15:01:00.003-07:002014-09-22T15:15:00.806-07:00Pre-Order Fiasco<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I recently published my debut novel,<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/478732" target="_blank"> Fate's Exchange (Twisted Fate, #1)</a>, via Amazon's KDP Select. Initially, I was leery about their exclusivity clause, but after the free promotion, was happy with the sales. So I decided that since I would be publishing <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23251886-fate-s-return" target="_blank">Fate's Return (Twisted Fate, #2)</a>, on October 27, 2014, I would release the novella, <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/478762" target="_blank">Pulled Away (Twisted Fate, #1.5)</a>, between the two novels to gain interest and maintain momentum.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnWWimXRemkcTjZZPtoUQJqgLEyGSSuNP2QoUd_4Y7hG5tAJJIEDhkqIjIjPOnrsR5dSPCu9SnIZ7vnAbQAZ58xrlcndi-hb-VSCQ6VP5tPbJD5p2Hqkt4OcLxrUj-u1hym95pPw_iSjp/s1600/PULLEDAWAYSMALL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnWWimXRemkcTjZZPtoUQJqgLEyGSSuNP2QoUd_4Y7hG5tAJJIEDhkqIjIjPOnrsR5dSPCu9SnIZ7vnAbQAZ58xrlcndi-hb-VSCQ6VP5tPbJD5p2Hqkt4OcLxrUj-u1hym95pPw_iSjp/s1600/PULLEDAWAYSMALL.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NQ7905A" target="_blank">Pulled Away Available for Purchase</a></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;">As you may know, in order to qualify for pre-orders through Amazon and avoid having a year-long restriction barring you from future pre-orders, authors must have the final manuscript uploaded for review ten days before their date of publication. Now, I chose September 19, 2014, as my release day, which means I had to submit the manuscript by September 9th - I made sure it was in by the 8th. During this time (8th to approx. 17th), I promoted Pulled Away, though not as much as I plan to do with Fate's Return (thankfully).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Two days before the publication, I went onto Amazon to see what the status of the pre-orders were i.e. how many had been made. At this time, I noticed that the novel was yellowed-out on my bookshelf, and the label, "Cancelled Pre-Order" had been placed on it. After reading the "What's this?" pop-up, I was confused. Failed to finalize manuscript? No . . . I did it a day early! WTF?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Using the Contact Page on Amazon, I inquired about this, asking for an explanation i.e. how long had it been this way? Why was it like this when I followed the rules to a T? On September 18, 2014, a KDP Select representative emailed me and apologized as it had been a system error. My novel was being rescheduled for release as per my settings for September 19th. So I waited . . . and waited . . . and on the morning of the 19th, when it was still yellowed-out--uneditable--I email KDP Select once more. Their response?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Start from scratch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I had to go back, uploading Pulled Away from scratch, and even though I asked to keep the ASIN number, they didn't reply. Since it was already supposed to have been released at this point, I couldn't wait - why should I be made to look disorganized to anyone looking forward to its release? Then I had to go back to ALL the sites that I had submitted the pre-order and ASIN on, and ask for changes to be made, which made me feel very . . . unprepared. If this had been a full-length novel instead of a novella, and I had promoted it as much as I did Fate's Exchange, I would have been *beeped*.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Adding fuel to my fire, KDP emailed me back 'after' I had submitted the new publication to tell me to submit it - like they didn't know it was being done. I also had to inquire about the penalty to ensure I could try again . . . they said I would be fine, but we'll see. My biggest problem is that I had to change everything and obtain a new ASIN. As a single mother with a full-time day job, I don't have time to waste correcting "system errors" - maybe that's just me. Now I have two books with the same name which I will have to sort through (another thing Amazon couldn't help me with by removing from my bookshelf, and then told me it was changed so I could edit its title, and I still can't) in order to generate the correct reports - another waste of my time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Be Prepared . . .</b></span></div>
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There are many tools on the internet that can be downloaded to help you track submissions of your books to the various promotional sites on the internet. Ditto for review requests you make to bloggers/beta readers, etc. My advice to anyone considering preparing a pre-order, whether via Amazon or another publishing service, is to make sure you have what you need in case a system error occurs and you find yourself having to backtrack to make changes. Personally, I created an Excel Spreadsheet for this, with promotions, reviews, and interviews on tabs of their own.</div>
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Has this ever happened to you? Do you have any suggestions for how to avoid the confusion of having to backtrack your submissions or maintain order throughout the process of submitting?</div>
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Let me know! :)</div>
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Sasha Leigh</div>
Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-60214081419974484802014-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:002014-09-22T15:19:02.287-07:00The Write Time: 5 Ways to Find out What Works Best for You<br />
One of the biggest things I see being discussed is setting a daily word count. What does this mean? You set yourself a minimum word count (never a maximum) to meet each day - even weekends and vacation - and that's what you strive to meet. I read an interesting post recently where a man actually rewarded himself for each day that he met his minimum word count by putting a toonie into a jar and saving it. After a few months, you've got a couple hundred dollars, and you spend it on something fun. I repeat, <span style="font-size: large;">fun</span>. Once more - do not pay a single bill with this money. <span style="font-size: large;">It is your reward.</span><br />
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So when do you write? Do you know the time that best suites your needs? How? Do you know which way is your road to being as productive as possible? Or do you do it wherever you can, whenever you can? I'm a little bit of both. Working full-time and being a single mother . . . well, if I wasn't prepared to snap up a moment of quiet, I'd have never written a word, never mind a novel and these posts. I would be a pain to be around - I seriously get grumpy when characters start yelling at me to stop ignoring them. So whether you are a busy parent, having to work to pay the bills, or so free you can stare at clouds all day, this is my top five tips for where writing can be successful.<br />
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1. <u><a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/11/20/daily-routines-writers/" title="Links active once published">Discover when you are most productive</a>.</u> Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you have to have total silence or a little bit of background noise? Moms and dads may not have the luxury of scheduling "the write time" or reducing the noise in their home, and even singles have work schedules that must be adhered to. But no matter what you do or what obligations you have to others, there is <a href="http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.ca/2011/04/4-ways-to-make-your-writing-schedule.html" title="Links active once published">more you can do </a>to figure this out so that you see a more productive result for your efforts. <br />
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Personally, I love sticking on a disc with my favourite series and writing. This gives me the freedom to avoid distractions (ironic, yes), but still be productive. What do I mean? Well, it starts where I spend two of every five minutes writing, and the other three watching the screen. My mind starts to speed up a bit more, the scenes start to progress i.e. characters begin steering the conversation, and soon all five minutes is writing. It's like the show isn't even there. But - and this is so necessary I can't even begin to say how many times it has saved me from putting the pen and paper down - in the moments of transition, when I don't know where I want to go or how I'm going to get there, I look up. My mind goes blank and I watch the show again. This can be five or ten minutes, or even a full episode. That doesn't matter. What is important is that I stop thinking for a while - I didn't put the writing away - and then suddenly, when I looked back down, it clicked. If that doesn't work, I do something else: write a poem, sketch, or maybe play a game with my daughter. I change gears and come back, which most of the time, is all that is needed to clear the cobwebs. Just stay away from those social media sites and the phone . . . .<br />
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There are so many "types" of writers, which is a list too extensive to include within this article; however, <a href="http://menwithpens.ca/writing-schedule/" title="Links active once published">Men with Pens </a>provides a great overview.<br />
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2. <u><a href="http://litreactor.com/columns/disconnect-how-logging-off-helps-us-write-on" target="_blank" title="Links active once published">Turn off distractions</a>.</u> When writing, the internet and phone (even the doorbell, if it is in your power) should be off. Feed your children and animals beforehand, especially when you know that you're about to embark on the 'greatest scene you've ever written', and have been dying to write it. The list of pet-peeves one person may have will differ from another, but do what you can to eliminate what you consider to be a distraction prior to beginning. If this is holing up in an office or closet decked out for your personal 'bliss', do it. If it's sitting in a café with an endless supply of caffeine, all the power to you. Just figure out <a href="http://litreactor.com/columns/the-internet-hates-you-five-writing-habits-to-crush?utm_source=LR&utm_medium=site&utm_content=bottom_related&utm_campaign=track_mag" title="Links active once published">what is detrimental to <em>you</em></a>, and then get rid of it. <br />
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3. <u><a href="http://writetodone.com/learn-from-the-greats-7-writing-habits-of-amazing-writers/" title="Links active once published">What helps?</a></u> On the opposite end of distractions, are benefits. What gets you 'in the mood'? Coffee? Tea? Soft music singing sweet nothings to you so you can write that special tender moment? Be it posters, flashcards for reference, or a beverage of familiarity, find out what you can surround yourself with to make you more productive. Just be careful not to clutter yourself with unnecessary elements that will lead to distraction when placed together i.e. you really want to write about how x stabs y, but you can't stop thinking about the pile of comfy clothes discarded in the corner from last week's writing sessions (ewe).<br />
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4. <u><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2011/nov/03/creative-writing-better-pen-longhand" title="Links active once published">Find out how</a>.</u> Do you use a <a href="https://chrishiltonwriter.wordpress.com/tag/writers-using-longhand-are-better-writers/" title="Links active once published">notebook and pen</a>? <a href="http://www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com/book-writing-software.html" title="Links active once published">Computer</a>? Dictate it into a voice recorder or app, and then transcribe it later? Again, whichever works, remain consistent. You're much more likely to never miss a scene you thought you had written/dictated when you know exactly where it is that you would have created it. <br />
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Personally, I love my notebook. It's old-school and a total you-know-what to type afterwards, but I get to take it anywhere. Every time I get into it, I zone out, which I find difficult on the computer. My thoughts slow down and the scenes are created with much more detail this way, avoiding the over-bloating of going back to read over and over . . . and over again. On top of that, the first time I type it out is like the first round of editing. It isn't perfect, sure, but what I wrote initially might not be what I really want now, or it's what I want but not phrased the way I want (if that makes sense). Using a notebook and pen saves you from the delete button - you can only move forward - which has saved too many scenes than I care to count in my series. You know the ones: where you don't feel like writing, but force yourself to do it anyway. When you're done, you're like, "Whatever." Then you hit delete and it's gone. It's more effort to scribble it all out, and if I wait (a week, maybe two), and then read it over, I realize I like it. It's concise, but descriptive. It gets to the heart of what I want the character to feel or say without overshadowing with purple prose. Nice, right? I know. <br />
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5. <a href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/write-here-write-now-write-anywhere-13-web-based-word-processors.html" title="Links active once published"><u>Always be ready (on the go).</u> </a>If you are a parent or single person with an active life, this will be meaningful. Bring your notebook or computer with you everywhere. If you are a mom or dad, go to the park or indoor play area - somewhere you can easily see your child - and work while they play. Many malls by the food court, or even some restaurants, will have this with tables set up for parents. The park bench is a bit of a balancing act, but it's doable. For parents away from their children, or individuals who aren't parents, use your tools on a break at work or the bus/subway ride to and from a destination (like work). Keep a notebook with tabs - ideas, scenes in a story, little moments within a scene, etc. - or a phone set up with a voice app work wonders during a break at work. You never know when something useful is going to pop into your head, or what you'll encounter to inspire it. If you did, you'd already be rich and famous because you'd be the best psychic in the world. <br />
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Now, one more for good karma....<br />
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6. <u><a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-happiness-project/201005/write-drunk-edit-sober-drink-coffee-while-reading-the-paper-watch-" title="Links active once published">Try something new!</a></u> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/jul/20/why-do-writers-drink-alcohol" title="Links active once published">Have some wine </a>- just enough to loosen up - or write in a coffee shop instead of a closed study void of human interaction. I bet you'll discover things you never would have otherwise. If not . . . well, it might give you a good chuckle if you indulged in <a href="http://litreactor.com/columns/write-drunk-the-science-of-altered-states-and-creativity" title="Links active once published">more than a glass</a>.<br />
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What gets you ready to write? If you know the "write" time and don't see it here, let me know. I love hearing new ideas and tricks - anything that helps save time and increase productivity is a good thing.<br />
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Cheers! <br />
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Author: Sasha LeighMythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-25559918808031648102014-09-12T07:28:00.001-07:002014-09-13T09:37:30.350-07:005 Ways to Use Book ReviewsIn my previous post, <a href="http://mythicwords.blogspot.com/2014/09/5-ways-to-get-book-reviews.html" target="_blank">5 Ways to Get Book Reviews</a>, I explained what reviews were and why, as an author, you want more. But knowing where to get reviews is just the beginning.<br />
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You've worked hard on writing the best novel that you are capable of creating, and even harder editing and creating the cover, formatting, and repeating the process over and over again until it's perfect. So for the purposes of this post, let's assume that your book is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G., void of typos and unattractive grammar and punctuation errors. If not, go back to the book. You don't want to publish anything half-heartedly and receive negative reviews that will reflect poorly on your future endeavors, forcing you to choose a pen name when you finally decide to become serious.<br />
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Now, when you work just as hard asking for reviews, scouring the internet for blogs and reading review policies, asking family and friends, paying for books promotion packages, etc., do you feel satisfied when you receive reviews posted to a site as a reward for all your effort? Sure. You know it will help you obtain readers and loyal followers, and spread word about your abilities as an author. But what about other things you can do with reviews once people have read your book and taken the time to post them to sites such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>, <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/" target="_blank">Shelfari</a>, <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>, etc.? Aren't there other ways that those hard-earned reviews can be utilized?<br />
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YES.<br />
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Asking for reviews is time-consuming. It takes away from writing and editing, or what most writers fell in love with to begin with - reading. So if you can make these reviews stretch across multiple purposes, why aren't you already doing it? Aside from having reviews posted to sites your book is purchased and/or listed, you can:<br />
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1. Use reviews <span style="color: magenta;">as an attraction</span> on the front and/or back cover of your novel, whether in ebook or printed form. This is especially useful for new authors who have managed to receive respectable reviews from a well-known author or magazine, such as the New York Times. This is also helpful as the author and/or magazine can be used in tags when posted on blogs and websites, which will increase the level of searches it will be visible on. Another beneficial place to set reviews up to be seen is within the blurb on sites other than those which showcases reviews under the novel's information - posting it where it is already visible is redundant, and will annoy many readers rather than pull them in as you desire.<br />
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2. Further to the first point, you can use reviews <span style="color: magenta;">within the front or back matter</span> of your book, again either in ebook or printed form. However, in this case, readers will have to pick up your book (if a print copy) or open up a previewer to browse an excerpt in order to read the reviews. This is more useful for authors who are past their debut and have already developed a loyal readership, though the cover/blurb review is still an incentive to gain more.<br />
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3. <span style="color: magenta;">Promotional posters</span>. Adding reviews to posters created for bargain books, book launches, and tours/giveaways is a great way to entice readers. Having a release party? Send out your review requests with a publication date and ask the reviewer to provide your review prior to an agreed-upon date so that you can include this within promotional posters and advertisements. Creating a pre-order on Amazon or Smashwords (or other book retailers) will provide you with the needed ASIN/ISBN numbers, as well as a page for your novel for reviews to be posted. Once the book is launched, the pre-orders will shoot your novel up the best-sellers list and provide you with more visibility at the onset of its release. Once again, reviews on a new book will help you attract more readers, adding to the book's momentum, so why wouldn't you want to start with those already in place?<br />
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4. Many <span style="color: magenta;">promotional sites</span> such as <a href="http://landers.bookbub.com/bestsellers-covers2/?" target="_blank">BookBub</a> require you to have a certain number of reviews and a minimum average rating to be considered for a promotional package. If you are releasing a brand new book, they will use the reviews and ranking from previously sold books. Utilizing these sites' offers will help gain exposure you would otherwise not qualify for if you do not have the reviews to meet their intake criteria.<br />
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5. Post reviews on your <span style="color: magenta;">website/blog, social media, and author interviews</span>, though the latter isn't as prevalent. However, reviews placed on your personal sites will provide you with a more professional appearance, as well as entice readers.<br />
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A final note on reviews, which can be inserted to any of the above, is that these are great tactics when promoting a book within a series. If a reader can browse through reviews others have posted for your series, they are more likely to purchase/download it when they stumble across one of the books (in and out of its reading order). The more attractive the package - cover, blurb, promotional packages - the better your review quantity is likely to be, and the more visibility you can gain.<br />
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It's not easy, and for some it feels impossible, but working towards building a readership and notable reviews pays off in the end. It might not be right away (probably won't be), or it may take ten or twenty books before your name becomes known synonymous with quality content, but it's worth it. When you work hard and it pays off, you know you've earned it all on your own.Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-34048902049687369212014-09-06T00:42:00.000-07:002014-09-06T00:42:27.962-07:00Book Review - Bait by Kasi Blake<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17858622-bait" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Bait (Order of the Spirit Realm #1)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1367187079m/17858622.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17858622-bait">Bait</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8056252.K_C_Blake">K.C. Blake</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/853143425">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
This was an incredible read - I literally downloaded Kindle just to finish. I can't wait to start the second in this series! <br><br>Bay-Lee and Nick (sometimes Tyler) have such great chemistry, and the plot is so well written, it keeps you up well past your bedtime. Reapers (who knew they were ghosts?), monsters, fighting, and oh, the romance. I don't want to say anything to give it away . . . simply read it. <br><br>K.C. Blake is the perfect choice if you are looking for the next great series that makes you want to do a toe dance of anticipation waiting for the next installment. <br><br>Sasha Leigh<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/25775235-sasha-leigh">View all my reviews</a><br />
Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-10446051820176341732014-09-05T21:33:00.003-07:002014-09-06T00:32:09.427-07:005 Ways to Get Book Reviews<div style="text-align: left;">
Let's assume that you have the next great novel that has the potential to become an overnight success for the purposes of this post. Negative reviews can and will reflect upon other novels under your name, so when asking for reviews, make sure that the content you are providing is the best you are capable of producing - your reputation will thank you for it. Use editors, beta readers, proof-readers, and cover designers when necessary. Just because we "can" self-publish doesn't mean we can't be as good as authors who are traditionally published - or better.<br />
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Book reviews are a HUGE part of a self-publishing/indie author's marketability and internet presence. Reviews posted to sites such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>, <a href="http://www.shelfari.com/" target="_blank">Shelfari</a>, <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/" target="_blank">Smashwords</a>, etc., are essential to building a rapport with readers you are propositioning, which is what happens whenever you publish - a reader clicks on it (thumbnail picture, link, etc.), studies the cover, reads the blurb, and if you're lucky, checks out excerpts, if available. Is it important that your book looks good? Edited thoroughly? YES.</div>
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But good content aside, how is a reader going to know they should buy a book when they don't know the author enough to compare previously read books against?<br />
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<b>REVIEWS!</b></div>
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<b>STAR RATINGS! </b></div>
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<b> WEB PRESENCE! </b></div>
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<b>READERS.</b></div>
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It all comes down to your readers, and what they have to say about your book - these are your reviews. At its core meaning, reviews (for books) are personal opinions in written or spoken (vloggers anyone?) form. This can be as general as "I like it" to a simple rating (Five Stars, tenths, etc.), to weighing specific <a href="http://booklookbloggers.com/guidelines" target="_blank">criteria </a>judged separately and then average for an overall score/opinion. The latter is my personal favorite as it breaks a review into various parts, leaving an author with an idea of what works and what they can improve on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Courtesy of Jeroen van Oostrom at Freedigitalphotos.net </td></tr>
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Essentially, word of mouth is prime i.e. "all author's want this", but what if someone tells someone else and that person shares with yet another person about this oh-so-dreamy book, and there are no reviews when they go to purchase the book online? Some will chance it, if they trust the source. But many readers look for books on sites such as blogs, sites dedicated to book promotions, e-zines, the sidebar on Facebook, or even Twitter. They subscribe to free book dailies or bargain books delivered straight to their email, and that's great. The list is endless, really, but be careful you don't throw all your efforts into small sites (like this one) for ALL of your marketing. </div>
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Without a review, most readers won't follow through with a purchase - even if it is free. The cover might entice them to read the except, if provided, or they'll download a free book because of the cover (or because it's free), but the book will sit in their ereader until they need to make room. For all books that are downloaded, you might receive one review for every hundred.<br />
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So how do you get reviews?<br />
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1. Look for blogs and promotional sites to help launch your novel and provide reviews - google <a href="http://bookbloggerdirectory.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">blog directories</a> to look for lists of available sites for your genre of writing, and then read the review policy for the ones that interest you, following any and all rules outlined before making a review request. Socialize with other authors. Often they are willing to swap reads, but be careful that you aren't swapping "reviews" i.e. just because they gave you a five-star rating doesn't mean you have to do so in return, and vice versa. Many sites will offer reviews in exchange for an ebook/paperback/hardcopy, either before publication, after, or both.<br />
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2. You can pay for reviews, and some do, but your pocketbook would be better used for listings on popular blogs and websites with higher traffic to increase your visibility.<br />
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3. You can join critique sites such as <a href="http://www.wattpad.com/" target="_blank">Wattpad</a>, <a href="http://www.authonomy.com/" target="_blank">Authonomy</a>, <a href="http://www.figment.com/" target="_blank">Figment</a>, etc., and receive reviews from internet readers in mass proportions of all ages, locations, ethnicity, and interests. While it is true that you should pick your audience, having a well-rounded opinion never hurts. Who knows? Maybe you'll convert a die-hard historical romance buff into a YA Fantasy fanatic who lives for their new-found book boyfriends. At worst, you'll receive a not-too-positive review. Just remember that reviews are but one opinion, and if someone who hates YA Fantasy is reading it, they are probably just looking for a place to rant and someone to pick on.<br />
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4. Ask family or friends, though this tends to be a controversial topic as they are less likely to give you an honest review, especially if it is one that should be unfavorable but isn't because they don't want to hurt your feelings.<br />
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5. Build a following with blogs, websites, and social media before you publish. By the time the exciting release date for your novel comes around, you have built-in readers and other people just like you who are willing to promote your hard-earned efforts based on their trust of the content you've displayed on <i>their </i>blog or website! Just remember your brand - if you blog about cook books, your readers are going to be in for a big surprise, and major disappointment, when you publish a book about werewolves.<br />
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So now you know what reviews are and a few ways to get them, what else can reviews be used for? Find out in my next post: 5 Ways to Use Book Reviews.<br />
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Do you have another suggestion? I'd love to hear what methods you've used to get book reviews for you novels!<br />
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Sasha Leigh</div>
Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-21070015345556532612014-09-03T13:45:00.000-07:002014-09-03T13:45:11.537-07:00Vampire Academy Series<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12708927-vampire-academy" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1-6)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327520207m/12708927.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12708927-vampire-academy">Vampire Academy</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/137902.Richelle_Mead">Richelle Mead</a><br/><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1044483838">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><br />
This is a great series to read. I really enjoyed the characters and the problems they faced, and was happy to have waited to read it - when I finished the fifth installment, I took my daughter to the grocery store and saw "Last Sacrifice" on display, so it was the perfect timing! I didn't have to wait.<br><br>For me, the best part about this was that the characters - Rose, Lissa, Dimitri, and Christian - weren't "fake". They face real problems that teens and young adults (NA?) would face, human or night creature, and while sex wasn't glorified, it wasn't skipped over, either. You can really immerse yourself in the storyline, which I found to be believable, and not just "another vampire" novel. And while it definitely is about vampires and dhampirs (a half-breed guardian), it focuses more on the magics than the blood, and has multiple storylines running through each book. I loved all six, but the last novel is my favourite.<br><br>Bloodlines, the spin-off series, is also pretty great. I would recommend both to anyone who enjoys YA Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance with kiss-ass heroines.<br><br>Sasha Leigh<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/25775235-sasha-leigh">View all my reviews</a><br />
Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-17096796567232210832014-09-03T11:39:00.000-07:002014-09-03T21:02:53.820-07:003 Things to Consider When Picking a Title<br />
There are <a href="http://www.ruggenberg.nl/titels.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">title generators</span></a> on the internet - even <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.tofferj.namegenerator&hl=en" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">apps</span></a> for phones - but how personal is that?<br />
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Aside from a great cover, choosing a title is one of the most important tools at your fingertips (for free!) that can entice readers to pick up your story. It prompts them to read the next great thing - the blurb i.e. the "short pitch" located on the back of the printed cover. But what about when readers are looking through a list which doesn't utilize images? How attractive would Twilight have been if it had been named, "The Vampire" or "Cullen: The Recluse"? Exactly!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Courtesy of Digitalart, FreeDigitalPhotos.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="center"> </div>In my article, "<a href="http://mythicwords.blogspot.ca/2014/08/10-stages-for-writing-your-novel.html" target="_blank">10 Steps to Novel Writing</a>", coming up with a title is listed after writing your first draft because by then, no matter if your plot changes from its original outline, you are familiar with the main theme. In a series, this won't vary too much from the first installment, so it's the perfect time. Use a brainstorming tool, such as word association or snowflake method, and generate multiple ideas. Then, using literal or metaphorical, connect it to the essence of your book and/or series. Be unique, creative, and do your research. Google your book title or series, and make sure you aren't going to be compared to another, perhaps more well-known, author (though that could help people stumble onto your book OR drown it so you don't find it until the 2nd or 3rd page of results). Take it from someone who's learnt (the hard way), this is better to do before announcing or promoting something you wind up having to change at a later date. What's more, this is the time to choose your genre - usually limited to two during publication - and what type of book you are preparing. Know the difference between novelette, novella, and novel, as well as these three very important factors:<br />
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<strong><u>1. Types of Novels:</u></strong><br />
Stand Alone: A novel that is not part of a series i.e. it is "self-contained".<br />
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<a href="http://blog.rukhsanakhan.com/567/the-difference-between-a-serial-and-a-series-and-lots-of-other-stuff/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Serial</span></a>: A series of stories told in chronological order, usually spanning a long period of time.<br />
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<a href="http://finestories.com/help.php/Author_Help_FAQ?cmd=getAnswer&id=18" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Series</span></a>: Stories that are part of a larger picture, but have the ability to stand alone within each installment. (My favorite explanation for the difference between a serial and series is <a href="http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/82974-Serial-vs-series" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.)<br />
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Saga: A long and complicated series of events, or a long and complicated story with many details.<br />
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Chronicle: According to the <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronicle?show=0&t=1409343077" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">dictionary</span></a>, chronicle means to describe events in the order that they happened, so I guess this seems like a serial . . . but without as many installments? (I don't know.)<br />
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<strong><u>2. Know your </u></strong><u><a href="http://www.studygs.net/writing/audience.htm" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: blue;">audience</span></strong></a><strong> and age group</strong>:</u><br />
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Children books: All the pretty pictures! And, of course, simple sentences and sight words.<br />
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Middle Grade: Generally over 100 pages long, without illustration.<br />
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Young Adult: 12-18 (generally), but are often thought of being geared towards 16-25 years of age.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New-adult_fiction" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">New Adult</span></a>: 18-25 - generally highlights certain topics, such as leaving home, going to college, starting a job, travelling, etc. It is a new category.<br />
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Adult: Everything above the previous selections, and of course, anything Rated-R.<br />
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<strong>Note: </strong>Each age group has its own determiners. Before writing for a selected group, you should research what those are i.e. word count, ratings, topics, etc.<br />
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<strong><u>3. Know your rating</u></strong>:<br />
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G - General<br />
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PG13 - Parental Guidance - not suitable for under 13<br />
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PG14 - Parental Guidance - not suitable for under 14<br />
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Rated-R - 18+<br />
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<strong>Note:</strong> Include <a href="http://entropymag.org/on-trigger-warnings-part-i-in-the-creative-writing-classroom/" target="_blank">trigger</a> warnings e.g. "Violence", "Explicit Language", "Partial Nudity", "Sexual Maturity", etc. This way, anyone who <em>may</em> be "<a href="http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/Trigger_warning" target="_blank">triggered</a>" can <em>avoid</em> becoming upset. (There are also <a href="http://blog.raventools.com/8-writing-triggers-you-should-never-ignore/" target="_blank">triggers</a> that are beneficial to an author, but that is for another time.)<br />
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While this all may seem like a lot, you won't have to look most of it up - you know what you like to read, right? And your novel is written with an age group in mind. If not, Google it. Usually, I hate using Wikipedia, but every time I start researching something, I end up there. Like a foundation of a house, it's a great place to start and at the very least, it'll give you an idea of what to look for.Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-492448168726557862014-08-31T13:59:00.003-07:002014-09-05T12:41:50.710-07:0010 Stages for Writing Your NovelThere are so many things that are involved in the process of writing a novel, sometimes it can seem overwhelming. But when you break down the tasks, it becomes more manageable. This doesn't mean that there is less work, only that you can think of it as a checklist--once one task is complete, you start another, and you can take pride in feeling good that you've accomplished something towards your goal. In other words, you stop feeling like there's too much to be accomplished for any one task to make a difference, and more like you're coming closer t the finish line.<br />
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Everything has to start somewhere, though for every person it's different, and the journey taken to reach "The End" is never the same. This is the general list that I followed over the past year leading up to the debut publication of my first novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fates-Exchange-Twisted-Fate-Book-ebook/dp/B00MX6VIP0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Fate's Exchange</a>.</div>
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<strong>1. THE IDEA:</strong><br />
Do you walk by a place that gives you an idea? Perhaps you brainstormed about a topic you're already interested in or someone dared you to try write about something you know nothing about. However you came across this new idea, figure out where you'll be able to take it with what you already know, and then outline what you need to do or learn to bring more depth to the project. This can be a sentence or full-blown binder filled with information, plots (in my case, sticky notes), character/location sketches, flashcards, etc. I always try to write a short and long <a href="http://www.writing4success.com/Writing-a-Short-Book-Blurb.html" target="_blank">pitch</a> (a.k.a. "<a href="http://romanceuniversity.org/2011/11/23/5-top-tips-for-writing-a-compelling-book-blurb-by-amy-wilkins/" target="_blank">The Blurb</a>") at this point, which is a sentence and summary, and helps maintain a "<a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/voice-in-writing-developing-a-unique-writing-voice" target="_blank">voice</a>" because you know exactly what direction you're aiming to reach the end. It is the point in which a topic interests you, and you then research <em>everything </em>available, which is essential if you want to present a story that doesn't sound amateurish. Even if you are making something up, or using a topic you've heard about in order to elaborate on it with a whole new take, learn all you can about the subject you've chosen so that readers will believe what you have to say. <br />
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For example, in the beginning of Fate's Return, Alyssa is in a fight. Now, this wouldn't be so hard if it were an attack like she endured at the beginning of Fate's Exchange, but she is actually boxing. Could I say she ducked and punched, and then took a shot to the jaw? Sure, and I did . . . in the draft. But when it comes time to fine-tune that scene, and the goal is to make readers believe it, I had to research specific moves and the techniques boxers utilize. Is she an out-boxer? Does she know how to bounce-step properly? Who knew that there was <em>head movement skills</em>?? <br />
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Not only will research make your readers <a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2011/07/nope-not-buying-it-how-do-we-maintain.html" target="_blank">believe</a> your story, it will help immerse them into the tale that you've woven. Don't skimp. It <em>will</em> show.<br />
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<strong>2. THE FIRST DRAFT:</strong><br />
However you do it - a "<a href="http://thewritepractice.com/plotters-pantsers/" target="_blank">pantser" or "plotter</a>", longhand, on the computer, into a voice recorder, etc. - don't stop until you've reached "The End". At this stage, nobody is ever perfect, and one of the best sayings I have heard since getting involved in the writing community is that if you ask an author, their novel is never done. There will always be room for improvement.<br />
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Want to stay organized? Try a writing program.<br />
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<strong>3. THE TITLE:</strong><br />
Series and novels both need this. Be unique and creative. Always check for similar books/series before launching any announcement, promotion, or marketing strategy. Know your categories: Amazon gives you two.<br />
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<strong>4. THE READ:</strong><br />
Read through your draft, making changes and corrections. I try to keep three other documents handy at this point: a list for tags i.e. words that describe the book, not including its title (already searchable), minimum of ten (can whittle it down later); a timeline, which is accessible in programs like <a href="http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter.html" target="_blank">YWriter</a> (free), <a href="http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php" target="_blank">Scrivener</a>, and <a href="http://storyist.com/index.html" target="_blank">Storyist</a>, or easily prepared - I have used a notebook to record chapter summeries with a timeline running down the side of each page, and then transferred to a bristle board on my wall (remember those history projects? Yeah . . . I'm talking very similar here!) where I can see at a glance; and character/location sketches so that your character doesn't have brown eyes in chapter one and blue eyes in chapter twelve unless it's something you've meant to change. Mistakes like this are embarrassing, but easy to avoid.<br />
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<strong>5. SEND IT AWAY:</strong>Send your draft to a reader/editor (<a href="http://jmmcdowell.com/beta-reading-guidelines/" target="_blank">beta's</a> or hired), or even post to a critique site like <a href="http://www.authonomy.com/" target="_blank">Authonomy</a> or <a href="http://www.wattpad.com/" target="_blank">Wattpad</a>, though you'll need a cover capable of grabbing the eye to be successful with this, as well as becoming active on the forums.<br />
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<strong>6. MAKE CHANGES:</strong><br />
At this point, you've probably already begun your next big masterpiece and are back at Step 1; however, when you receive your draft back with comments or big red notations, take the time to read it through, making the obvious changes where necessary.<br />
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<strong>7. LET IT SIMMER:</strong><br />
Set the story aside a while--a week or a month. Continue writing your next project (I find writing a book from another series rather than a sequel helps me separate from the novel and its characters/plot more), and then go back through steps 4, 5, and 6 with a fresh perspective.<br />
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<strong>8. THE COVER:</strong><br />
Find a graphic designer (<a href="https://www.elance.com/" target="_blank">Elance</a> is good) or, if you decide to tackle the job yourself, make sure you understand copyright, research other novels in the genre you're in to see what works and what doesn't, and make it unique--it is the first thing readers see (yes, they DO JUDGE!). If you use a hired service, choose someone willing to work with you, and make sure your art profile is as detailed and accurate as possible. Can't afford one? Aren't good with design? Then keep it simple. Check out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Hocking/e/B003H4L762/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_5?qid=1409517618&sr=8-5" target="_blank">Amanda Hocking's</a> list of self-published titles before traditional publishers realized how wrong they were to reject her query letters. My Blood Approves is a great example.<br />
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<strong>9. WEB PRESENCE:</strong> <br />
Okay, so many authors, most noticeably first-time writers, are terrified of this. I was. But it's easier than writing a book! Simply put, don't wait. I always thought I would have to wait until I was published to put myself out there, but that isn't true. Start early, get known, determine your <a href="http://www.yourwriterplatform.com/build-your-author-brand/" target="_blank">brand</a>, and use it. Promote yourself. Don't have anything to add yet? Start a blog! Write reviews, create a website--<a href="http://www.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Weebly</a> is great for starting something and upgrading once you know you're here to stay. Because, let's face it, some people "want" to write, but never follow through, and for others, it's like a virus without a cure--we can't <em>not </em>do it. Don't forget <a href="http://searchengineland.com/guide/what-is-social-media-marketing" target="_blank">social media</a>--it provides unlimited exposure, not to mention the resources you'll find, which are I.N.V.A.L.U.A.B.L.E!<br />
Note: Don't start by signing up for all the social media sites that you can find, but choose a few and focus your attention. You will notice better results and more time leftover to do what prompted you to put yourself out there in the first place - write!<br />
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<strong>10. GET READY:</strong><br />
Now that you've finished your first draft, had it read, revised, and let it simmer, go over Steps 4-6 again. Start formatting, finalizing your manuscript, and prepare to launch, whether it's <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/09/query-letter-_n_2434095.html" target="_blank">queries</a> you're aiming for or <a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/self-publishing-a-book-25-things-you-need-to-know/" target="_blank">self-publishing</a>.<br />
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This list is by no means exhaustive. Writing is a complex subject to cover, involving years of practice and learning. It is also a very unique topic i.e. no two writers are ever the same. Keep in mind that this is a broad outline of an overall process, and that each of the above-mentioned steps can be broken down into multiple categories of their own.<br />
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Do you have something to add? Let me know!<br />
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Sasha Leigh<br />
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<br />Mythic Wordshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01743205678966851654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558153866137369901.post-42296043132227479522014-08-24T10:31:00.000-07:002014-08-24T10:31:05.658-07:00FREE - August 25-29th!<div align="center">
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<strong>FREE!!</strong></div>
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From August 25-29th Fate's Exchange will be<strong> free</strong> for downloading from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fates-Exchange-Twisted-Fate-Book-ebook/dp/B00MX6VIP0/ref=la_B00MXBDU9C_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408900783&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>! Get your copy this week, before school starts and the long weekend. </div>
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Fate's Return, Book Two in Twisted Fate, will be published in October, and Fate's Demand a couple months after that (approx. December 2014). But why wait? Join Alyssa as the journey begins now!</div>
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