Shelena Shorts's Blog
November 13, 2012
11/14/2012
This is going to be a fun entry to write! I'm so excited for the finalizing of the Hour of Dreams and cannot wait to hear what you think about it. I hope you like it as much as me, because it just feels like such a long- coming, appropriate ending to Sophie and Wes' journey.
Aside from that I had the privilege to attend two very fun book festivals. The West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston WV, is always a favorite of mine. This year was my third year back and I miss the fans more and more each year and the fact that they keep coming back makes me feel so honored and I look forward to going every year.
Me and three sisters who I'd drive 5 hours to see any year!
More awesomeness, also with Leah Rose, author of The Messenger
The other festival I had a blast at was YALL Fest in Charleston SC. It was amaaaazing and my first time attending. Must be something about the name Charleston! Anyway, I signed with Jennifer Anne Davis, author of The Voice which is coming out in January. We had fun, went to dinner and on a haunting ghost tour of the city. Plus this was the first YA festival I took my daughter to and she had a great time. She walked away with Untraceable by S. R Johannes which was her first pick aside from the ones I already have! She's excited and has now started her personal "Author Signed Book" spot on her own shelf.
For me, I walked away with many of my favorite books signed and am having just as much fun as she is adding to my own author signed copy collection. Here are ones I walked away with signed, thanks to my daughter eagerly standing in a few long lines. I'll note that I did get Simone Elkeles' signatures myself. I figured that wouldn't look too good with her going up with Perfect Chemisty asking Simone to please sign it. LOL
These are a few of my signed prized possessions from SC!
Me and Jennifer Anne Davis
Me and Trisha Wolfe. So neat to meet her.
We had a squeal, let's swap books moment.
Very fun after seeing her online all over the place
And this was a super fun moment. I was surprised
to see Briana from The Book Pixie. We've
communicated online and she's reviewed my books
for like ever and that was neat to meet in person!
So overall, very exciting last few weeks for me. I look forward to the next phase which is hopefully you reading The Hour of Dreams and telling me all about what you think!
See you soon! :)
XOXO
This is going to be a fun entry to write! I'm so excited for the finalizing of the Hour of Dreams and cannot wait to hear what you think about it. I hope you like it as much as me, because it just feels like such a long- coming, appropriate ending to Sophie and Wes' journey.
Aside from that I had the privilege to attend two very fun book festivals. The West Virginia Book Festival in Charleston WV, is always a favorite of mine. This year was my third year back and I miss the fans more and more each year and the fact that they keep coming back makes me feel so honored and I look forward to going every year.
Me and three sisters who I'd drive 5 hours to see any year!
More awesomeness, also with Leah Rose, author of The Messenger
The other festival I had a blast at was YALL Fest in Charleston SC. It was amaaaazing and my first time attending. Must be something about the name Charleston! Anyway, I signed with Jennifer Anne Davis, author of The Voice which is coming out in January. We had fun, went to dinner and on a haunting ghost tour of the city. Plus this was the first YA festival I took my daughter to and she had a great time. She walked away with Untraceable by S. R Johannes which was her first pick aside from the ones I already have! She's excited and has now started her personal "Author Signed Book" spot on her own shelf.
For me, I walked away with many of my favorite books signed and am having just as much fun as she is adding to my own author signed copy collection. Here are ones I walked away with signed, thanks to my daughter eagerly standing in a few long lines. I'll note that I did get Simone Elkeles' signatures myself. I figured that wouldn't look too good with her going up with Perfect Chemisty asking Simone to please sign it. LOL
These are a few of my signed prized possessions from SC!
Me and Jennifer Anne Davis
Me and Trisha Wolfe. So neat to meet her.
We had a squeal, let's swap books moment.
Very fun after seeing her online all over the place
And this was a super fun moment. I was surprised
to see Briana from The Book Pixie. We've
communicated online and she's reviewed my books
for like ever and that was neat to meet in person!
So overall, very exciting last few weeks for me. I look forward to the next phase which is hopefully you reading The Hour of Dreams and telling me all about what you think!
See you soon! :)
XOXO
July 3, 2012
7/3/2012
The Hour of Dreams release is finally coming November 26th, 2012! Mark your calendars! This book will be exciting and emotional, and as fittingly real as possible for Sophie and Wes. I can't wait for you to read it.
Here it is!
Sophie has survived her nineteenth birthday and another attempt on her life. But as the days pass, she realizes there are significant signs that her chances of reaching twenty are not in her favor. With Sophie’s resolve weakening, Wes is convinced that a different fate is locked in memories from a past lifetime. If only they can access them.
But even if Wes can convince Sophie to trust in memories that could be nothing more than dreams, neither of them will be prepared for what comes next. As their vows are unexpectedly tested, they'll be forced to utilize those memories and dreams in hopes of surpassing the ever-approaching final hour.
In this intricate conclusion to The Pace Series, there's only one assurance: Time is a gift, and Sophie and Wes don't intend on wasting any of it.
The Hour of Dreams release is finally coming November 26th, 2012! Mark your calendars! This book will be exciting and emotional, and as fittingly real as possible for Sophie and Wes. I can't wait for you to read it.
Here it is!
Sophie has survived her nineteenth birthday and another attempt on her life. But as the days pass, she realizes there are significant signs that her chances of reaching twenty are not in her favor. With Sophie’s resolve weakening, Wes is convinced that a different fate is locked in memories from a past lifetime. If only they can access them.
But even if Wes can convince Sophie to trust in memories that could be nothing more than dreams, neither of them will be prepared for what comes next. As their vows are unexpectedly tested, they'll be forced to utilize those memories and dreams in hopes of surpassing the ever-approaching final hour.
In this intricate conclusion to The Pace Series, there's only one assurance: Time is a gift, and Sophie and Wes don't intend on wasting any of it.
April 13, 2012
4/13/2012
This has probably been the most exciting start to spring I've ever had. It began with receiving my proof copy of The Syndicate. I always look forward to opening the mail and seeing my words in print for the first time, and now I can not wait to hear what you think.
Then, after I got my proof copy in the mail, I took my kids to the beach for a few days on their spring break. They enjoyed themselves which is always the point. They rule my free time! But something else happened that I wasn't expecting. I got to spend a couple hours in solitude reading my newly received proof copy. And this was my view. I can not tell you how relaxed and refreshed I felt after that morning. I was energized, and ready to face whatever the following busy weeks sent my way.
From there, I came home with a smile on my face and to another box literally waiting on the steps. And this is what was inside. My copies of the German translation of The Pace. They are beautiful. The cover feels like old, thick parchment paper and are just really nicely done.
The coolest part for me is trying to read them and how cool is this? Look at Sophie and Wes' letters! Add these to the wonderful 70 degree weather in Virginia right now, and I'm feeling pretty inspired to dive into the rest of 2012 with lots of writing and some great summer reads :)!
This has probably been the most exciting start to spring I've ever had. It began with receiving my proof copy of The Syndicate. I always look forward to opening the mail and seeing my words in print for the first time, and now I can not wait to hear what you think.
Then, after I got my proof copy in the mail, I took my kids to the beach for a few days on their spring break. They enjoyed themselves which is always the point. They rule my free time! But something else happened that I wasn't expecting. I got to spend a couple hours in solitude reading my newly received proof copy. And this was my view. I can not tell you how relaxed and refreshed I felt after that morning. I was energized, and ready to face whatever the following busy weeks sent my way.
From there, I came home with a smile on my face and to another box literally waiting on the steps. And this is what was inside. My copies of the German translation of The Pace. They are beautiful. The cover feels like old, thick parchment paper and are just really nicely done.
The coolest part for me is trying to read them and how cool is this? Look at Sophie and Wes' letters! Add these to the wonderful 70 degree weather in Virginia right now, and I'm feeling pretty inspired to dive into the rest of 2012 with lots of writing and some great summer reads :)!
December 21, 2011
Happy Holidays everyone. I don't know about you, but I think 2011 has been a great year for books. There are so many good ones out there, and so many I have yet to get to. I have them on my To-read list on Goodreads if you're interested in knowing what books have me so tempted to get sidetracked from my writing zone! I'd like to complain, but I think it's a good thing:).
Speaking of my writing zone, I have some great things coming. I'm working very hard on the last book from The Pace Series. I want the series to end just right, so it may take me a little time to figure it out! If you know their story already, then you can imagine the challenge of giving them the ending they deserve! I'm also super excited to follow The Pace's 2012 release in Germany. Here's the cover! I love the mood of it and it was pretty cool to see an image of Wes for the first time! I've got some great international giveaways planned for this book, so stay tuned. If you're a blogger in Germany and would like to host any, please send me an email :).
http://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/1...
Lastly, I'm thrilled to be releasing a BRAND NEW book following the story of two new characters who are equally dear to me as Sophie and Wes. If you like The Pace Series, you won't want to miss the new one. Announcements, summaries, cover...all coming VERY soon. Stay connected on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads or my mailing list to stay updated!
As always THANK YOU for your interest in my books. I promise some great stuff for 2012. Have a great holiday season and God bless :).
Speaking of my writing zone, I have some great things coming. I'm working very hard on the last book from The Pace Series. I want the series to end just right, so it may take me a little time to figure it out! If you know their story already, then you can imagine the challenge of giving them the ending they deserve! I'm also super excited to follow The Pace's 2012 release in Germany. Here's the cover! I love the mood of it and it was pretty cool to see an image of Wes for the first time! I've got some great international giveaways planned for this book, so stay tuned. If you're a blogger in Germany and would like to host any, please send me an email :).
http://www.goodreads.com/book/photo/1...
Lastly, I'm thrilled to be releasing a BRAND NEW book following the story of two new characters who are equally dear to me as Sophie and Wes. If you like The Pace Series, you won't want to miss the new one. Announcements, summaries, cover...all coming VERY soon. Stay connected on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads or my mailing list to stay updated!
As always THANK YOU for your interest in my books. I promise some great stuff for 2012. Have a great holiday season and God bless :).
June 21, 2011
So it looks like I may be a little delayed in this post, but I’ll give it a go. I posted the name of the conclusion to Sophie and Wes’ story on my Facebook Pace Series fan page and I blinked and the book was already added to Goodreads. I love that! Awesome! But, for those of you who don’t already know, it will be called.... The Hour of Dreams. Sounds so mysterious and classic, which I think is perfect for Sophie and Wes.
I’ve just started writing this book and I will admit that I’m nervous. I’ve always said that I let my stories go where they want to and that way the characters feel more real to me. It’s the same for this book which is why I sort of feel so hesitant to actually sit down and work on it. I think I’m literally afraid of where it will take me. What if it starts going somewhere sad or unhappy??? Ahhh...It will be so hard for me!
That being said, I do have tons of awesome visions going on in my head for this book and I cannot wait to get them all down and gel it together. But I just hope, so hope, that Sophie and Wes can figure out how to fix their dilemma!!! If you are fans of the series, you know the challenge they face cannot be fixed like poof!! But I’m going to hang on tight and do my very best to bring an amazing conclusion for you guys. Stay tuned!
I’ve just started writing this book and I will admit that I’m nervous. I’ve always said that I let my stories go where they want to and that way the characters feel more real to me. It’s the same for this book which is why I sort of feel so hesitant to actually sit down and work on it. I think I’m literally afraid of where it will take me. What if it starts going somewhere sad or unhappy??? Ahhh...It will be so hard for me!
That being said, I do have tons of awesome visions going on in my head for this book and I cannot wait to get them all down and gel it together. But I just hope, so hope, that Sophie and Wes can figure out how to fix their dilemma!!! If you are fans of the series, you know the challenge they face cannot be fixed like poof!! But I’m going to hang on tight and do my very best to bring an amazing conclusion for you guys. Stay tuned!
December 17, 2010
I finally have the cover to share with you. I'm so excited, but of course, I can say that about all of them. But, this one especially touches me because of what it stands for in the book. I hope you like it!
There is also a contest going on at The Book Pixie to celebrate the release. http://thebookpixie.blogspot.com/2010...
She's giving away a signed copy of The Pace for those who haven't started the series yet, or for those who just want it!
Good luck, and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!! As always, thanks for reading my thoughts :).
There is also a contest going on at The Book Pixie to celebrate the release. http://thebookpixie.blogspot.com/2010...
She's giving away a signed copy of The Pace for those who haven't started the series yet, or for those who just want it!
Good luck, and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!! As always, thanks for reading my thoughts :).
October 21, 2010
So the release of a new book always brings about a bit of traveling which I LOVE, because I get to see the faces of people who read my books. May sound cheesy, but when I'm without faces I imagine books with blank hands holding them, but when I've met people, I like to think about whether or not they are enjoying the story and remember the faces. So book shows for me are the best.
I had an amazing time everywhere I went, and I can't wait to start again in 2011.I was able to post some of the pics on my website and Facebook, so you can check those out if you like!
Now for some other "traveling news" I am so excited to share that Sophie and Wes are headed to GERMANY for 2012 publication in German by Baumhaus Verlag!!
This is extra special for me, because the very first international reader who emailed me was from Germany, and I can't tell you how fitting it feels that Germany is the first place to publish it internationally!!
It's so exciting, and I thank you all so much for reading their stories and passing on the word. Each day brings something I never expected, so thank you :D.
Finally, I want to keep you updated, so I'm writing super hard on The Iron Quill. I won't give any spoilers "yet" but I will tell you it's the hardest one to write. If you've read The Broken Lake, then you can imagine how much is going on in this one, so I'm putting my thinking cap on triple overdrive to make it the best one so far!! I'm almost there.......
More to come soon!
:D
Shelena
I had an amazing time everywhere I went, and I can't wait to start again in 2011.I was able to post some of the pics on my website and Facebook, so you can check those out if you like!
Now for some other "traveling news" I am so excited to share that Sophie and Wes are headed to GERMANY for 2012 publication in German by Baumhaus Verlag!!
This is extra special for me, because the very first international reader who emailed me was from Germany, and I can't tell you how fitting it feels that Germany is the first place to publish it internationally!!
It's so exciting, and I thank you all so much for reading their stories and passing on the word. Each day brings something I never expected, so thank you :D.
Finally, I want to keep you updated, so I'm writing super hard on The Iron Quill. I won't give any spoilers "yet" but I will tell you it's the hardest one to write. If you've read The Broken Lake, then you can imagine how much is going on in this one, so I'm putting my thinking cap on triple overdrive to make it the best one so far!! I'm almost there.......
More to come soon!
:D
Shelena
August 19, 2010
First, I want to say Happy Official Release Day to The Broken Lake!! Some of you got it a little early which is way cool. Helped me settle the nerves while waiting and waiting for today!
I'd also like to thank everyone who has already commented and emailed me kind words about it. It means a lot. I wish I could tell you how much. (I) happen to think Sophie and Wes' story is pretty cool and addictive, but it feels really good when other people enjoy it too :D.
Now...let's address my seemingly new title of Cliffhanger Queen. No, I do not do it on purpose :). I will honestly tell you my stories end where my visions stop and where I believe the characters stop knowing what happens next. I feel like you when my books end.
I don't have the whole series already outlined to where I can control that part of it. The story takes me where it wants to, and I love that because it seems more real to me that way. Does that make sense?
Anyway, after I finished The Broken Lake, it took a long time for me to start seeing where the story was going. I was anxious! But when it hit me, my fingers started flying across the keyboard to capture it all. I was so excited just to see it unfold, so I hope you will be too!
Well, that's it for now. Thanks again for reading my updates and stories. I appreciate it very much! And don't forget to hop over to The Pace Series on Facebook to check out frequent updates and giveaways :D!
I'd also like to thank everyone who has already commented and emailed me kind words about it. It means a lot. I wish I could tell you how much. (I) happen to think Sophie and Wes' story is pretty cool and addictive, but it feels really good when other people enjoy it too :D.
Now...let's address my seemingly new title of Cliffhanger Queen. No, I do not do it on purpose :). I will honestly tell you my stories end where my visions stop and where I believe the characters stop knowing what happens next. I feel like you when my books end.
I don't have the whole series already outlined to where I can control that part of it. The story takes me where it wants to, and I love that because it seems more real to me that way. Does that make sense?
Anyway, after I finished The Broken Lake, it took a long time for me to start seeing where the story was going. I was anxious! But when it hit me, my fingers started flying across the keyboard to capture it all. I was so excited just to see it unfold, so I hope you will be too!
Well, that's it for now. Thanks again for reading my updates and stories. I appreciate it very much! And don't forget to hop over to The Pace Series on Facebook to check out frequent updates and giveaways :D!
June 26, 2010
6/26/2010
This month has been pretty busy gearing up for the release of The Broken Lake. It's funny how I'm just as nervous with the second one as I was the first! It's like I'm suddenly realizing other people will be reading it, and now I have to wait for the reactions! Agh!
So how do I handle it? I keep busy and keep writing. It helps settle the nerves! On that note, I'm happy to report that I've finished the first novel in another series. I can't share too many details on it yet, but I hope to soon! It's an awesome novel, also with a unique paranormal/sci-fi twist!
On another note, just as exciting as that for me, is my progress on The Pace Series, Book 3. If you haven't already heard, it's titled, The Iron Quill. What does that mean? People are still trying to figure out what The Broken Lake could mean, and I promise once you read it, you'll know! Same with The Iron Quill. But, I will tell you it has to do with something being written and unchangeable. And not something already written. Hmm...
All teasers aside...it's been the hardest book for me to write by far, because it deals with solutions and answers and delves deeper into Wes' world. My brain often hurts after trying to figure things out, but it's good so far, so I'm happy! Of course, I'm going to say that right?! But it is...I promise:).
And lastly, I'm someone who adores holding a book, so I've held off on the whole electronic reading thing. But I have to admit, I've tipped over the edge with Amazon's Kindle price cut! I couldn't resist, and my overloaded bookcase will thank me when it arrives! I have to say I'll still be buying my favorites in print and making a home for them on my shelf, but I'm soooo excited to delve into the e-reading world. I can't wait to bring more books with me on the go. And those skins and covers? Too cool. Hopefully I'll like it when it comes, although I'm pretty sure I will:).
This month has been pretty busy gearing up for the release of The Broken Lake. It's funny how I'm just as nervous with the second one as I was the first! It's like I'm suddenly realizing other people will be reading it, and now I have to wait for the reactions! Agh!
So how do I handle it? I keep busy and keep writing. It helps settle the nerves! On that note, I'm happy to report that I've finished the first novel in another series. I can't share too many details on it yet, but I hope to soon! It's an awesome novel, also with a unique paranormal/sci-fi twist!
On another note, just as exciting as that for me, is my progress on The Pace Series, Book 3. If you haven't already heard, it's titled, The Iron Quill. What does that mean? People are still trying to figure out what The Broken Lake could mean, and I promise once you read it, you'll know! Same with The Iron Quill. But, I will tell you it has to do with something being written and unchangeable. And not something already written. Hmm...
All teasers aside...it's been the hardest book for me to write by far, because it deals with solutions and answers and delves deeper into Wes' world. My brain often hurts after trying to figure things out, but it's good so far, so I'm happy! Of course, I'm going to say that right?! But it is...I promise:).
And lastly, I'm someone who adores holding a book, so I've held off on the whole electronic reading thing. But I have to admit, I've tipped over the edge with Amazon's Kindle price cut! I couldn't resist, and my overloaded bookcase will thank me when it arrives! I have to say I'll still be buying my favorites in print and making a home for them on my shelf, but I'm soooo excited to delve into the e-reading world. I can't wait to bring more books with me on the go. And those skins and covers? Too cool. Hopefully I'll like it when it comes, although I'm pretty sure I will:).
May 3, 2010
Okay, so I've been a tad MIA on the post front for a few weeks. That's because I've been busy with my nose against the glass, staring out the window, waiting and waiting for my copy of The Broken Lake to arrive( Ha!! Okay, so I've snagged some good reads while I was watching so I won't complain!LOL). But, I am happy to say it came TODAY!
I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am to hold this book. It means so much to me, because watching Sophie and Wes' journey unfold from my head has been the best reading experience of my life. The fact that book two is on its way shows that I'm not the only one who enjoys their journey, and I appreciate knowing that so much.
Now on to the really good stuff!! I have the book, but what about everyone else? Well, there will be some awesome ARC giveaways over the next few months, and I'll update Facebook with those details and links as they begin. I know August seems far, but stay connected and hopefully we can speed it up! I know I want to! I can't wait to hear what you guys think!
I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am to hold this book. It means so much to me, because watching Sophie and Wes' journey unfold from my head has been the best reading experience of my life. The fact that book two is on its way shows that I'm not the only one who enjoys their journey, and I appreciate knowing that so much.
Now on to the really good stuff!! I have the book, but what about everyone else? Well, there will be some awesome ARC giveaways over the next few months, and I'll update Facebook with those details and links as they begin. I know August seems far, but stay connected and hopefully we can speed it up! I know I want to! I can't wait to hear what you guys think!
