FADE INTO ME is now Available!

I can't believe I forgot to post that here!

On Wednesday everything was finalized and I hit distribute. The first thing I did was order the copies needed to fulfill the Kickstarter rewards. As soon as they get to me, I'll sign and mail them straight to those who pledged. I can't wait until you get them!

As an author the one thing I enjoy the most is hearing people talk about the story. Ask questions, share your favorite scene or lines. Please! It's so helpful to know what I'm doing right in this process of growing as a writer. I might be a glutton for punishment, but I also like to know what's NOT working.

Here's the thing, FADE INTO ME really took on a life of its own. The story is more than just my normal escape from reality. For the first time there is a message that I hope people will take away from it. Maybe that's why I feel this novel is so much stronger. The message is something I feel strongly about.

You are worthy of love. No matter what secrets are in your past.

Now Available on Amazon

Read the first two chapters HERE

First Review on Amazon for FADE INTO ME

FADE INTO ME is now available on Amazon!

It's finally official. You can buy the print now and the kindle version is available for pre-order. It will be live and delivered to your kindle on Monday.

To celebrate I'm sharing the first review that was posted on Amazon. It's from fellow author Elizabeth Naranjo. I love the way she sums up this story.

4/5 Stars--Caedan Frey has a duty to fulfill, one that involves marrying a human girl before his next birthday. He’s been holding out for true love but is running out of time.

Ryanne Killian has lost her faith in Prince Charming and the whole idea of happily ever after. She judges her worth by the scars on her back, and it’s not a pretty sight.

When Caedan meets Ryanne, he knows instantly she is the one. But first he has to restore her faith in love, and then convince her she belongs with him in the world of Ireas, an alternate dimension on Earth.

Fade Into Me is told from alternating points of view—Caedan’s and Ryanne’s—and the story takes place in two worlds. The author does a nice job creating the world of Ireas, a place where colors are vibrant and changing, playing “like joyful children.” Caedan is a likeable hero, but flawed in that he underestimates Ryanne and what it will take to win her heart. To accomplish that, he needs to find out what Ryanne’s hiding—a painful secret that has destroyed her belief in herself and in others.

The book has a nice balance of romance and fantasy. The story is well-paced and the writing full of gems. I enjoyed the way both characters learned that something they took for granted was much more complex. For Ryanne, that was reality itself, and for Caedan, it was a woman’s heart.

The First Insecurities of 2015

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

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time.

I'm currently #80.

Can I hear a "Woot, woot!" for the new year? Maybe, just maybe this will be the year we shed our insecurities for good.

Hey, we can hope!

For the most part I'm very optimistic right now. FADE INTO ME is progressing nicely and should be out by the end of the month. I'm confident in the story, more than I was with THE MAGIC WAKES. It's easy to see that the actual writing is improving. There's more to learn, but this new novel feels like the proof I needed that I can learn and get better.

That hope should translate to the editing of Talia's second book. *fingers crossed*

My insecurities have only flirted with me so far this year, and it's because I played the comparing game. Here's the deal. I've always loved science fiction. However, its the old guys I read. Clarke, Asimov, Bova, Bradbury, Heinlein, etc. The Sci channel is currently rerunning a series called "Prophets of Science Fiction." Watching drives home to me that I'm really NOT a science fiction writer. For a moment it made me sad, and then I realized something.

I'm not a science fiction writer like the writers I love because I'm writing for a different audience and for different reasons. It's not because I'm not smart enough. With research I could really beef up the science side of my novels. However, while I love exploring the physics and engineering side of things when I read, when I sit down it doesn't feel important to the story I'm writing.

Those great men were exploring ideas. Asking questions to figure out where we come from, our purpose on earth, where we're going, etc. They felt the need to find ways to accomplish the things they wrote about. Because of that, they predicted and set into motion many technological advances.

I don't feel that drive. I write to explore characters and their emotional journey. It just happens that my settings are generally otherworldly. My purpose is escapism. And I'm good with that. :)

Do you ever make the mistake of comparing yourself to other writers? Which ones?

Coming January 31st

You can read the first 2 chapters on my website.
You can also sign up to win a free signed copy on Goodreads.

The Last IWSG of 2014

And this Wednesday it’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

The awesome co-hosts for the December 3 posting of the IWSG are Heather Gardner, T. Drecker from Kidbits, Eva E. Solar at Lilicasplace, and Patsy Collins!

Don’t forget to check out the IWSG Facebook group and the IWSG Critique Circle.

Don't you wish you could say goodbye to your insecurities the same way we say goodbye to the old year? If we're lucky we can look back over this year and learn from the insecurities that we've survived.

Some of our insecurities will never really go away, but hopefully we've grown stronger and know better how to cope with them. And you know what? Each month when I think about what makes me the most insecure, I take hope in the fact that some of them are new. Sound weird?

Think of it this way. New insecurities means we're still stretching ourselves to new goals and achievements. The only way to get rid of all insecurity is to hide in your house and never come out.

But we are insecure!

We get up each day and do the best we can with what life has dealt us.

We learn, we improve, we continue to dream of a brighter and better future.

And when we get impatient for that future we can write about it.

2014 was a roller coaster of emotions for me. I allowed insecurities to cripple me at times, but I held on. December is here and it already looks so much better than November did.

In November I didn't think I would have any entries to my Bold New Worlds contest. I ended up with 58. It may not seem like much, but that's 58 young writers who took a chance and braved their insecurities by submitting a short story.

I think that's wonderful!

In November I was terrified to ask family, friends, strangers, anyone I could reach to support me by pledging to my kickstarter. I did it anyway. My kickstarter reached goal and I'm now actively working to get FADE INTO ME published by January or February of 2015.

Yep. It's been quite the year!

Did your year turn out better than you thought it would? What are you hoping for the new year?

Look what my hubby bought for me and the kids this year!

Thoughts on FIM and Favorite Lines

Over the weekend I received an email that totally made my night. Elizabeth Naranjo read FADE INTO ME last week. Here are a few of her thoughts along with some of her favorite lines from the book.

By the way, I think this is a great idea and I'm going to start doing it as I read books--marking my favorite lines to share.

I finished Fade Into Me the night before last. I love your characters, especially Ryanne. I also love the unique way you use color; the thought that colors are dynamic and play "like joyful children" and that in our world they are only motionless because of our lack of magic--that's so neat.

Some of my favorite lines:

"Happiness is never a guarantee and it always requires effort."

"I stopped her fingers from causing any more damage to my resolve."

"All I could think about was following him down the street for a fist to face conversation."

And your FIRST line, Love! "The runes moved under my fingers as the fabric of space split and fluctuated within the confines of the portal."

I'm so glad you followed your heart, Charity. And congrats again on your Kickstarter success!

~Elizabeth Maria Naranjo, Author of THE FOURTH WALL

My Kickstarter for FADE INTO ME

I made the decision to self publish FADE INTO ME. It's been a long time coming really, and now that I've made the choice, I feel such peace. This story has been a labor of love. Each revision has brought more excitement than I've felt in a long time with the writing.

This is the story where I refused to lock myself in a box.

In order to do the story justice I'm hiring a professional editor and typesetter. That's why I'm doing a Kickstarter Project. Everything is set up and submitted. I'll let you know as soon as it's live.

My Eyes Have Been Opened By A Playlist

Seriously, how could I be so dense?

Weeks (months?) ago, one agent graciously rejected my partial and suggested I should market it as a paranormal romance instead of a YA fantasy. I was a little confused, but at the same time I figured she knew what she was talking about. Ever since then, I've put querying on hold as I let that bit of information sink in.

Today I was listening to my playlist for Fade Into Me. As I listened to this list (while cooking dinner) it finally sunk in. EVERY song is a love song.

I know this sounds silly, but I think this will help me finish polishing this story. There have been little bits that just WON'T be smoothed, and now I know why. I've been trying to fit my romance into a genre it didn't really fit. In fact, I sort of ignored a lot of the romance elements because I didn't want it to be a romance.

Time to face the facts. FIM is a romance with a younger protagonist. Plain and simple. I should roll with it.

Is It Time Yet? New Blogging Schedule

There's one week left until school starts for my kids. Am I ready to jump back in to the three day a week blogging schedule?

I'm not sure that I will be. It depends on how often I get a call to substitute teach. And if I'm gone all day, the afternoons will be filled with my second full time job--Domestic Goddess.

Doesn't that sound nice? Makes cooking, cleaning toilets, laundry and dishes sound much more desirable than just homemaker. Anyway, I'm not ready to make any schedule promises, but I will say that if I blog, it will be on M, W and/or F.

Today I can update you on my August goals.

• I've started sending out emails to school principals concerning the short story contest.
• Battle for Sendek and Here There Be Dragons are plotted out on beat sheets. Yay!
• I've reread the last 50 pages of Fade Into Me in preparation for "filling the gaps".

Once I've done the edits on FIM, I can jump back into Search for Knowledge. My big goal for that one is to get it to beta readers no later than October (it needs considerable work!), and then to my publisher as quickly as possible after that. 

This November I'll draft BFS for Nanowrimo. I figure the only way I'm going to finish this series is by setting quicker goals and DOING it. 

Now, here is where I could use your help. Do you have a high school close to you? I bet you do. Would you be willing to print off a flyer about the contest and take it to the front office?

If so...

Here's the link to the Google Doc--

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0yMdIWpv-EGVnhkR3dMX0VqUWc/edit?usp=sharing

IWSG the Joys of August

I'm always more optimistic in August. Perhaps it's because this is my birth month and the month of my wedding anniversary. Maybe it has something to do with the kids heading back to school. You could say that for my family, August is the gate to the holiday trail. The rest of the year will be full of fun things to look forward to and prepare for.

Whatever it is, August feels like a sigh of relief to me. My family will slip back into a routine which soothes my need for order. I'll get to write again.

It's a time of setting new goals and digging deep to accomplish them.

August Goals:

• Send out emails for the Bold New Worlds Speculative Fiction Short Story Contest--Publicity baby!!
• Finish the beat sheets for books 3 and 4 in the Sendek Saga: Battle for Sendek and Here There Be Dragons
• Finish the last 50 pages of revisions for Fade Into Me
• Start deep revisions on book 2 in the Sendek Saga: Search For Knowledge

How do you feel about the approaching fall? Are you setting new goals?

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

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time. I'm currently #92.

I'm Not Dead

Sorry it's been SOO quiet around here, but I am enjoying the summer with my kids and my mom. She moved in with me at the end of June and we've been job hunting ever since. Next week she will start her new job as a teacher's assistant while she waits for her teaching and administrator license to be switched over to her new state. Over qualified? Just a bit! However, she's excited to try out the new school for a year before taking on more responsibility.

I'm happy for her. She was miserable in her last school and it's been a lot of fun to see her making new friends and sounding happier.

A couple weeks after she goes back (she'll be at a year-round school), my kids will go back. Yay! I'll finally have more peace, quiet and time to concentrate on writing and revising. However, I decided to substitute teach this year so I'm not sure how much more time I'll have to blog. We'll have to wait and see.

The decision was a hard one because last year I accomplished a lot with my writing staying at home. But the truth is my mind has struggled all summer because financially we need "just a bit" more to cover our bills. I hate feeling like we are living paycheck to paycheck. It affects my writing because I'm worrying too much. Hopefully, when I start contributing some cash I'll be able to relax again and hit it hard with my new novel ideas.

I miss the good writing days.

I did have one really good revising week this summer with FADE INTO ME. I just have 50 pages left to comb through with the trickle down changes I made. It will make it so much better! What did I change? I cut out a scene that was almost all backstory. Yeah. Why it was still there is beyond me--no not really. It's hard for me to cut stuff. LOL

My wonderful writer's group helped me finally see it though. The info IS important, just not where it is and definitely not all at once.

So, bottom line--I'm still optimistic about my writing goals and ready to get back to it.

How has your summer been?

#wipfire for Fade Into Me

This week I've been combing through FIM. There have been more form rejections AND more requests to read pages. My goal with this current revision/edit is to take the feedback from the few agents who offered some (as well as my excellent writer's group) and clean it up my manuscript even more.

This Weeks Accomplishments:

• Broke up a chapter full of backstory (It's important stuff, but I saved it to sprinkle it in at a moment when it will actually cause more tension between Ryanne and Caedan.) 
• Found and cleaned up several "telling" phrases
• Cleaned up a few personality slip ups
• Fell in love with the story all over again

Here are a few of my favorite lines from the novel. #Wipfire on twitter is a neat place to share a line or two you love or get feedback. That's where this idea comes from. Some of them are a bit more than a line. ;)

1
The colors of the garden danced in the sunlight—shades of red, white, yellow and green jumped from plant to plant, mingling, changing. They wrapped themselves around the sound of buzzing insects and the humming of bird wings. This is what I missed the most when living among the humans—this symbiosis of sight and sound. The collective magical ignorance of the human race compelled the colors to remain motionless. Here they played like joyful children.

2
Thunder ripped the sky open. The first drops fell lazily—big fat ones that normally would have made me giddy with joy. But not when wearing my most expensive dress. The lazy rain was followed by the shower. It only took three seconds for me to be soaked.

3
Ever since this human girl walked into my arms, I had been off balance. None of those emotions could be explained by her appearance. She was pretty, but not beautiful. Average in a way, and yet from the moment I saw her I wanted her. Needed her.

4
His eyes were so deep. Bottomless pools of concern. He hadn't bargained on me being damaged goods. Even if I wanted this life, I would never fit in. Not with these beautiful, perfect people and their swirling colors.

5
“Then let her go. Losing her memory might be the best thing for you. You've messed this up so bad you need a fresh start if you’re to have any hope." Mother laughed and continued. "I'm surprised she hasn't decked you yet."
"What are you talking about?" I sunk down, head in my hands. Why did women have to be so confusing?

6
I crumbled at her feet and lay my head on the couch. It smelled like old French fries and dust.

7
“Ryanne, I know you don’t care for me the way I do about you, but can we start all over?” He looked up at me so intently my stomach fluttered.
He cares about me? Still? I felt lighter than I had in days. Maybe he would stick around. But what if he didn’t? My inner demons snarled and clawed until the butterflies had been shredded.

I skipped a huge section between #6 and 7 because the bits I love are entire scenes, but these 7 come from the first 160 pages. Just because I love them doesn't mean you can't offer critique. Tell me what you think--good or bad!

Is Today Wednesday? And an Excerpt of FIM

What happened? I just realized it was Wednesday and I didn't post anything. So sorry!

This morning I slept in and then lazed around. I call it the  "I just finished a book slump". It takes me a while to shift gears and get into a different story. Talia's waiting patiently but I'd rather she knocked me up the side of my head. :)

Fade Into Me has gone through 4 or 5 revisions over the last three weeks. I don't know if I've ever worked so hard and fast on something. It was a wonderful feeling, but now I'm drained. In a good way though. But I'm scared of letting too many days go by before getting back to work on something.

Maybe tomorrow.

Today I want to share with you Ryanne's first scene. This is chapter two and I don't really like the first sentence. Suggestions?

Excerpt

My insides twisted tighter than the strands of my auburn hair my sister braided. "Tomorrow is going to be horrible. Not only is she stealing my best friend, but she has to steal high school graduation too. This is a new low, even for Jessie."

My sister forced a laugh. "In a year or two it won't even matter. You don’t have to go if you don’t want too."

"Yes I do. He’s depending on me."

Heather harrumphed. "Stop making such a big deal over Kevin."

She wrapped the ponytail holder around the end of the braid, pulling a little harder than she needed to.

"I know you don’t trust him anymore, but he’s still my best friend."

"You can do better, and this is the perfect time to let him walk out of your life for good." Her fingers traced a line of scar tissue through my shirt.

You know what they say about looks that kill. Luckily, Heather had built up a tolerance to my poisonous glares. I took the brush from her and set it on the dresser at Prince Charming's feet. I no longer believed in what the faded plush doll represented, but I couldn't throw him away.

“He didn’t do it.”

I hated the way it hurt her. The never knowing for sure, but I’d never admit that Kevin knew more about my scars than she did. My silence protected him, because even though it wasn’t his fault, he would be dragged into it. I couldn’t let one drunken mistake ruin his football career.

"Whatever, Ry.” Heather turned her back to me. “Will you be on the bus?"

"No, I close tonight, so I’ll catch the ten-thirty."

Heather paused in the door. "I got a letter from Dad. No money this month. Think you could pick up an extra shift or two?"

I pinned my name tag on my shirt and gritted my teeth. "Sure. What are we going to do this fall?"

"We'll figure it out. Any news on those scholarships?"

"Nope."

"It'll be fine. We've managed the last three years on our own. We can get through a few more." She waited but I didn’t ask. I had promised myself I never would. “Ry? He’s in Alaska.”

“Guess he couldn’t get much further away without leaving the country.” The words slipped out in spite of my gritted teeth, but Heather had already disappeared down the hall.

I Need Your Help Query Time!

Well, we've got freezing rain again here in Northwest Arkansas. The kids are home from school, and at this rate I'm wondering what kind of summer break we're going to end up with. I'm not really complaining though. I enjoy having them around when they play nicely together. They're growing up too fast and will be gone before I know it.

Yesterday, K (kid #1) and I started putting together our A to Z Challenge posts. Yep, I like to have them scheduled in advance so I can concentrate on visiting other blogs. We'll probably work on more today. :)

My other goal for the week is to put together a query and then a pitch for FADE INTO ME. Here's my first go, all ready for your critique and comments. *sigh* I read it and think, "This really doesn't represent the smallest fraction of the story." And yet, I have to focus on one thing, the over arching  plot and not all the little things that make it complicated. I'm just afraid I'm leaving out the most interesting points. This is already at 330 words and I will need to add the "why I'm querying you" paragraph. Ug!

My problem is the backstory! I feel certain things don't make sense without it.

Help!!

Revision 2--Thanks Misha from UB!

Unknown to humans, aliens called Abhithians live among them. Their purpose: to nurture their greatest mistake—mankind.

Caedan Frey’s family has fulfilled this duty for thousands of years, but that doesn’t exempt him from his obligations as the prince of the Reparation. He must marry a human before his birthday or the throne will revert to a rival family. Their previous reigns saw the end of Atlantis, and The Plague in Europe. Caedan knows the sooner he marries, the better for everyone, and any girl will do. He's about to propose to someone when his soul mate stumbles into--and right out--of his arms.

Ryanne Killian might be his one shot at happiness while still fulfilling his responsibility to his people, but after a disastrous experience with love, she isn’t willing to give anyone else a chance. He’ll need to convince her to leave her world behind and marry him in two months time. Unfortunately, his rival sees his opportunity to get rid of Caedan, and keeping Ryanne away from him is all too easy.

FADE INTO ME is a contemporary YA Fantasy similar in style to Julie Kagawa's Iron King. My first novel, THE MAGIC WAKES was released by Wido Publishing in 2013.

Thank you for your time and consideration,


Revision 1--Thanks Robin!
Dear ___________,

Everything humans think they know about evolution is a lie. Aliens, called Abhithians, live among them sentenced to watch over and nurture their greatest mistake...

Abhithian Caedan Frey doesn't believe humans will ever evolve enough to see the magic, much less control it. But he is the prince of the Reparation and he must marry a human in order to fulfill an ancient promise. Bitter about his duty, Caedan figures any girl will do. He's about to propose to a girl when his anamchara or soul mate stumbles into--and right out--of his arms. Wonder of wonders, she's human!

Ryanne Killian doesn't believe in love or magic anymore. She just graduated from high school and acted as best man at her crush's wedding. Her life is not going as planned. Then strange colors in the sky draw her to the botanical gardens, and even though she’s vowed to never let anyone into her heart again, she steps straight into the arms of her soul mate. She can feel it, but can she trust it?

When Ryanne has a physical reaction to the magic, Caedan takes her to his world to recover. All of the Abhithians watch her with growing hope as she sees the swirling colors of magic. Ryanne doesn't feel like her growing attraction to Caedan is enough reason to marry him, and she demands to be taken home. Crossing the barrier between worlds causes her to forget everything about the magical realm.

It's time for Caedan to work harder to help Ryanne fall in love with him. Unfortunately, a rival sees this as his chance to steal the throne from Caedan's family. All he has to do is keep the two unlikely lovers separated until after Caedan's birthday.

FADE INTO ME is a contemporary YA Fantasy similar in style to Julie Kagawa's Iron King. My first novel, THE MAGIC WAKES was released by Wido Publishing in 2013.

Thanks for your time and consideration,

Original
Dear ___________,

Everything humans think they know about evolution is a lie. Aliens, called Abhithians, live among them sentenced to watch over and nurture their greatest mistake...

Abhithian Caedan Frey is destined to marry a human girl to fulfill an ancient promise. If he's lucky she'll be able to see and use the magic of the earth so his people will be free to ascend to their home world once more. Any girl will do according to the laws of reparation, but Caedan would like to find his soul mate. He's running out of time when his anamchara stumbles into--and right out--of his arms.

Ryanne Killian doesn't believe in love or magic anymore. She just graduated from high school and acted as best man at her crush's wedding. Her life is not going as planned. Then strange colors in the sky draw her to the botanical gardens, and even though she’s vowed to never let anyone into her heart again, she steps straight into the arms of her soul mate. She can feel it, but can she trust it?

When Ryanne has a physical reaction to the magic, Caedan takes her to his world to recover. All of the Abhithians watch her with growing hope as she sees the swirling colors of magic. But Ryanne's growing attraction to Caedan isn't enough reason for her to marry him. She demands to be taken home, and crossing the barrier between the worlds causes her to forget everything.

It's time for Caedan to work harder to help Ryanne fall in love with him. Unfortunately, a rival sees this as his chance to steal the throne from Caedan's family. All he has to do is keep the two unlikely lovers separated until after Caedan's birthday.

FADE INTO ME is a contemporary YA Fantasy similar in style to Julie Kagawa's Iron King. My first novel, THE MAGIC WAKES was released by Wido Publishing in 2013.

Thanks for your time and consideration,

****

The biggest point I left out because I'm not sure how to work it in with the word count--
Ryanne feels unworthy because she was date rap ed in the past. Because of that she fights forming a relationship with Caedan.

The Importance of Different Kinds of Beta Readers

Can I tell you how much I LOVE my beta readers and critique partners?

I mean, SERIOUS love here.

I'm sure I've mentioned them before, but if not, just know they rock. Today I'm only highlighting two of them, but there are others just as wonderful. Each one brings a different level of insight to help me improve my stories.

Kathy is my first beta reader. And she is a reader, not a writer. She knows how to get excited about the idea and the potential while still pointing out major character or plot flaws. Do you know how priceless that is!! The balance between building me up, encouraging me, and saying "but this is NOT working over here" is perfect. 

She doesn't write notes in the document I send her. Instead, she calls me up and we have a conversation about what she read. She asks questions and I get the chance to explain what I was aiming for with certain characters or scenes. Then we delve into how I can pull it off better, or discuss alternatives. It's really cool. Kathy is a collaborator as much as a reader. And she's mine! All mine, I tell you! *maniacal laughter*

*cough* 

After Kathy helps me iron out some of the big picture flaws, I move to my other betas and critique partners. 

CD Coffelt (AKA Huntress). She just "gets" me. In fact, we might just be different versions of the same person. I love her stories, she loves my stories. We write at the same level with similar styles. She gets into the document and helps me find the details that I'm missing, as well as some of those pesky punctuation issues that I ignore during drafting. She's a saint for putting up with it actually. 

What I love most about CD's critique style is she will comment on "odd" bits, but she will also mark lines and phrases that she feels are especially well written. I'm trying to emulate her in that aspect. Be positive, highlight the great things as well as point out the areas that need work. 

There are generally a handful of other people that get to read my "pre-publishable" works. My daughter(s), hubby, another best friend or two whose opinions I highly value (Laura, Kara), and then there is my amazing writer's group. We've been sparse in numbers lately, but man has that worked to my advantage! All of these people help give me a perspective on how the story is perceived by different ages, personalities and genders. I know I won't be able to please all of them, and I'm not even going to try, but it's fun to see the variety of thoughts one story can provoke. 

All of these people have helped me tremendously with FADE INTO ME over the last two months. It went from a  49K draft of potential to it's current 58K state. It's not perfect yet, but man has it grown. The characters have come alive. The plot is better developed and streamlined. And the coolest (and perhaps the scariest!) thing? This completely stand alone book developed spin-off potential for one of the secondary characters. 

*headdesk* Like I need another idea at the moment! No worries, I've filed it away until I finish revisions on Search For Knowledge.

Do you have betas and critique partners? Who do you want to shout out to today?

Goals, Quilting and Editing

A couple of weeks ago, one of the leaders at church issued a 40 Day Challenge. There were not a lot of specific instructions on how to go about doing this. He simply said, "Think of something you or your family need to work on to grow closer to one another and Heavenly Father."

Our family set three types of goals.
1. Personal/Individual
2. Family--we turned off all electronics, turned in phones and played games from 7 PM-8 PM
3. Couple--my hubby and I decided we needed to spend quality time together that didn't include the TV.

It's that couple goal that bring you an editing analogy today.

We started with yards of fabric that we cut into various sizes and shapes before sewing them together into strips, squares, block, lines and finally into a quilt. I won't go into details, but it's starts out looking like this after a few steps.

This can be compared to:

• figuring out who our characters are (picking out the fabrics)
• deciding how they will fit into the block (plotting the story arch)
• creating individual elements that make them likable (strips, triangles, squares)
• drafting scenes to move them along the arc (sewing together to create the block)
• adding transitions and further developing the story so it can flow from scene to scene (sewing the blocks together to create the quilt) 

Now, hubby and I have been sewing together since our first dirt poor year of married life. However, we haven't done it in the last seven years or so. Probably since the last baby quilt we made. Anyway, this means we had to relearn how to work together--great for our 40 day challenge goal!

Last night we sewed all the blocks together and noticed that the pattern was off in one corner. One of us said to leave it. One of us couldn't stand to have it not perfect. Anyone want to guess who was who?

Let's just say, I'm glad I took the time to pick out a few seams and resew the 2 squares that were off. That's right. 2 of the four squares had been sewn in the wrong way and made it look like 4 blocks were wrong. It took me 20 minutes to fix and we ended up with this.

Sometimes when we are revising or editing our stories, we come across one little element that disrupts the entire plot. It might be a scene, it might be one description, it might be a character. 

After working so hard and so long on a story, is it tempting to leave it in simply because its so small there's a chance no one else will notice?

Of course it is. But, if you take the extra time to rework it, you know you will be much prouder of your final accomplishment. 

This quilt isn't finished yet, but at least its ready for the borders.

Last week I worked hard on Fade Into Me. Really hard. Now I'm going back and fixing some of those little squares that are turned slightly the wrong way. Then it will be ready for the borders. In my mind those are the final polishing touches of an editor and publisher. 

Tally ho! and on we go!

A Rose By Any Other Name? Character Stubborness

I woke up dreaming about Fade Into Me this morning. That's how deeply I've pushed myself into Ryanne's world for these revisions. Things are going really well too. .

There is one little problem though. My male MC is being so very peculiar about his name. He's been through several different ones over the last year, most of them in the last two months. It's been: Carter, Caedmon, Kieran, Devin, Zander and now I'm trying on Alec.

What is your name!!!???

Never has a character given me so many problems over a name. And names are so important! They really do affect how the characters feel in my head. *sigh* The good news is that the last name change happened during a read aloud at writer's group last night. Alec survived that.

It's sad too though because I liked Zander until he said, "I'm Zander."

I paused after reading it and the group members said all at once, "No."

Kind of cool, kind of freaky, and definitely frustrating. My group is awesome though so we stopped the reading and picked out a new name. I also made my daughter laugh last night. Did I finally write something humorous that someone else caught? Granted she then told me the thing that made her laugh made her think of a similar line in Supernatural and then something in The Walking Dead. *head shake* I love my geeky children. :)

Has a character ever given you this much trouble? What did you do to get him back in line?

Want a sneak peak at this draft?

Between the headache and my finicky stomach, I turned in the opposite direction from the hotel. I knew there were apartment complexes farther along this street. That meant bus stops.

My body ached and trembled like I had the flu, slowing my pace. With each step away from the garden it took more effort to lift my feet than moments before. Every blink flashed images of dark hair, a strong jaw line and shoulders draped with an expensive tuxedo.

Why can’t I get him out of my mind?

The breeze picked up sending shivers along my exposed arms and legs. The clouds had rolled in and everything took on that creepy pre-storm yellow-green glow. It faded quickly, and I was left in a premature twilight.

Thunder ripped the sky open. The first drops fell lazily. Big fat raindrops that normally would have made me giddy with joy. But not when walking down the side of the road in my most expensive dress. The lazy drops were followed by the shower. It only took three seconds for me to be soaked.

My hair dripped down my back and face. I pushed it out of the way and bent down to remove my shoes. It was time to run for it, but my blisters couldn't take the rubbing. The rain filled my mind and ears and I didn't hear the motorcycle until it was barreling down on me.

I jumped out of the way as the bike flew past me, and tumbled into the ditch on the side of the road. Gravel and brush dug into my skin as I rolled down into a growing puddle of water. Somewhere tires screeched and the motorcycle clattered to the ground. The driver ran down the embankment. His body blocked some of the rain from my face as he leaned over me and removed his helmet.

"Mo Run?" (NOTE: He explains how to pronounce this the first time they meet and he says it. It's mo rune)

"You?" I struggled to sit up and once more his strong grip steadied me. Strange thoughts flickered through my mind. Visions of me and him living happily ever after. I must have hit my head in the fall.

"Are you okay?" He pulled me to my feet.

“I’ve lost a shoe.” The one I’d been holding before leaping into the ditch was nowhere to be seen. The weeds didn’t look like they’d give it up anytime soon.

Writer's Conference and the Agent Pitch

I've always wanted to attend a conference and a real pitch session. As terrifying as they sound, I know it would be an invaluable learning experience.

In April I'll get my chance!

For Christmas, my wonderful hubby signed me up for the LDStorymakers Conference. As soon as I knew I was signed up, I got online to see what intensives and pitch sessions were available. They all filled up on day one! I was a bit sad about that, but decided to put my name on the waiting list for one of the agents that I think might "get" my YA novel Fade Into Me. Monday night I got the email that enough people had canceled and I was in if I still wanted it!

I shot off a quick email before going to bed saying I'd take it. Tuesday morning it sunk in.

What did I do?? FIM was complete, the first half really good, the middle not bad, but the last half is a disaster. The plot crumbles to mush and my characters develop multiple personalities. However, I do know how to fix it. You may remember me mentioning it in this month's IWSG post. I also noted that I was setting FIM aside to work on Search For Knowledge (Talia's sequel)--which I did. So yesterday I FREAKED out.

Fade Into Me wasn't ready to share with an agent if they wanted to look at it!

The adrenaline pushed me all day. I found two people ready and willing to read for me, and I worked through the first 125 pages of the manuscript. By the end of the day my house was still a mess and I didn't know what to cook for dinner, but I was confident that in two months I could have this ms rocking. That's a great feeling.

Today I want to share a great article with you that proves I put more pressure on myself than necessary.
7 Tips for Pitching to an Agent or Editor at a Conference by Writer's Digests very own Chuck Sambuchino.

According to this I have up to a year to submit the manuscript if the agent requests it. Plenty of time! No pressure at all!

Whatever.

If' I'm doing this I want to be ready now. Which  might be partly stupid, but it turns out I need the pressure of a deadline to get things done.

Do deadlines bring out the best in you, or are you disciplined enough to get it done on your own?

Sickness and Trudging Through

Well, I've reached the end of my pre-scheduled posts. They came in handy while dealing with the general sickness at my house this last month. Seriously, someone has been home sick almost every day of the last three weeks. I've managed not to get the full blown illness, but have trudged through life with a migraine and bouts of nauseousness.

Right now I'm feeling lucky because I hate throwing up, but I'd like my normal life back please.

As for writing. There have been days of many words.

And days of just a few.

However, I've kept with my goal to write something every day but Sunday. Sunday's are just TOO busy!

I know I shouldn't laugh, but it made me happy to elicit such emotion. Now I'm going to need to find some middle ground though so my future readers don't chuck the book across the room at chapter 2. *hangs head* I know I shouldn't be revising the front half while still trying to finish the story, but I just can't help it! I have mapped out most of the scenes to the end, so with any amount of luck and sheer determination, I WILL finish it this month. I have to.

Why?

Because Talia is poking me to start revisions on her second story. I think I'm so relieved that something is written that the excitement to revise is doubled. Revising is so much easier for me than drafting. The problem is I enjoy it so much that I would keep doing it forever. Once I finish the draft of FIM once and for all, I'll give myself a deadline for the first revision of Search For Knowledge. (I'm still working on the pinterest board for SFK. It's harder to find images close to what's in my head!) Then I'll send it to my wonderful betas.

So get ready! You know who you are. I hope! If not, you may be getting a surprise.

After I revise according to their comments I'll get it to my critique partners for more tightening before submitting it to WiDo. At this point I doubt I'll make their 2014 releases, but I'm hoping to get in by summer of 2015. *fingers crossed*

I've got to get a move on it!

How is your writing going this January? Been sick and just curled up in bed?

Resumes and Writing

I worked on my resume yesterday and handed it over to my hubby for review. He's really good at making things like that look professional. In fact, people are always sending them their resumes for a good work over. So, having him look at mine seemed like a good idea.

Until he started laughing.

Imagine my already shrinking ego sinking through the floor.

It wasn't that my resume was bad. Just woefully short. It didn't take up half a page! In my defense I've been blessed to be a stay at home mom for the last 17 years. And even though a sense of humor might be a plus when seeking a job, I don't think Domestic Goddess (followed by a long list of skills acquired over the last few years) would go over well.

Hubby's attempt at appeasing me only made things worse. His words?

"It'll be okay. It's not like you're applying for something big, just retail and you're way over qualified for that."

Not too bad, but what if I wanted to apply for a "real job"? Not that I want to mind you. I'd much rather stay at home and write all day. But can you see how complicated and ridiculous my brain can be? I got mad at him for the statement when I didn't want to work in the first place.

Heads up boys! 80% of women are like this (this is a made up statistic). We just can't help it.

On a more positive note...

Yesterday was the first day back to school for the kids. I did a 'little' cleaning and then sat down to work on Fade Into Me. This is the project I've decided to focus on over the next three weeks. It's the closest to being finished and my goal is to do just that before QueryCon starts in September.

What are your goals for the next week?

Fade Into Me Hooks and Hangers

I loved Tara's sharing of hooks and hangers from her debut novel Pop Travel. So, today I'm going to share the hooks and hangers for the first two rewritten chapters of Fade Into Me. Yeah, remember that squirrel from Monday...

I'm supposed to be drafting Last Christmas for campnanowrimo. However, it's really just my "freeing" project. And it's working. My mind cleared and refocused on Ryanne and Caedmon. The rewrite is going well. The book isn't divided into chapters by name or number, but by point of view character.

Ryanne's first chapter has a couple of scenes. The <<>> indicate scene break.

Caedmon
I opened the portal and prepared to leave the realm of humans behind me.
...
"At least it will feel like an Abhithian wedding."

Ryanne
My insides twisted tighter than the strands of hair my sister braided.
...
“Guess he couldn’t get much further away without leaving the country.” I mumbled, but Heather had already disappeared down the hall.
<<>>
My head ached from a night of no sleep and graduation went by in a blur.
...
When would I learn to tell him no?
<<>>
After the ceremony, we went to the ballroom for the reception.
...
I fled out the front door headed for the sidewalk surrounding the lake.

Caedmon
"You look beautiful, Sedonia."
...
If she said yes, I’d tell her who and what I really was before asking her to accompany me to my side of the barrier.

Ryanne
The afternoon sun warmed my face and I felt better almost immediately.
...
I headed in the direction of the strange lights.

Caedmon
The crowd settled down, but the wedding had not started when a rush of colors flew over my head.
...
My intention had been to study those present and find the trickster, but I wasn’t prepared for the true source of the enchantment.

Ryanne
My feet throbbed by the time I crossed campus.
...
I stumbled with the urge to turn back.

Caedmon
Energy zinged through my body.
...
It was time to formally meet my Anamchara.

Ryanne
Between the headache and my finicky stomach, I turned in the opposite direction from the hotel.
...
My eyes were too heavy to keep open, but before falling asleep, I heard Caedmon tell someone he had finally found her.


Some of them don't carry quite the punch I had hoped when standing all alone, but there will be time to revisit and revise after I finish this story...right?

And now another summer question for you...

Would you rather be an alien from another world with super powers, or a mythic creature from earth and why?