Raven Huffman's Blog, page 3

Revamp: Shirley Holmes

Since I have received some feedback, positive and negative, regarding my debut novel, The Untold Story of Shirley Holmes, I decided to look at editing it further. I published through Createspace/Amazon so I have the ability to completely redo the entire novel, and it will automatically update to Kindles and other electronic devices it's downloaded on..

And while I was at it, I had a new cover designed to really reflect the content the world of Shirley, and Sherlock, Holmes.

So meet the new and vastly improved Shirley Holmes!

Along with changing the cover, and correctly some minor grammatical issues, I also created an expanded version of the epilogue that sheds the light on other characters and their lives after the novel ends!

So until it releases, keep your fingers crossed!

Writing Meme's With Good Advice

 There is a cast collection of memes out on the internet, usually pertaining to inappropriate humor or political agendas. The writer in me believed that there had to be something more to these floating memes that just pop into my Facebook feed. So by a simple Google search, I found loads of writing and author memes that could really benefit a writer. Clearly some clever meme creators, or those who have no other hobbies, have done some pretty impressive work with these little funny pictures. Just to provide a little resource for some writers, young and old, to find some good writing tips and inspiration. 




1. This may seem like common knowledge but it isn't always so clear. Many writers who become aware of the limitless possibilities of self-publishing like Amazon's KDP and Createspace websites often forget that editing is still a huge process of publishing a work for a reader; I've had personal experience with this, so I don't want to sound condescending. I'm the complete opposite. I want to inform other writers that you will be ripped apart by critics if you have even the tiniest mistakes. Again, this comes from personal knowledge. So, please remember to have a beta reader review your work, even if they aren't an editor, they might give you insight into your wording or minor grammatical errors while still keeping your story your own.


2. Like the first meme, this may sound totally obvious but I know many writers who have had some technical problems and lost nearly everything. Don't feel like a dummy, back up your files!  Ryan Gosling would hate for you to rewrite a huge portion of perfect wording in your novel that you worked hours on. However if this happens, shedding a few angry tears is acceptable.



3. You ALWAYS should be writing. Everyday. Do not take breaks for weeks at a time. You're writing mojo will be ruined, and it does take a lot to get back into the groove of your novel and world. So write, write, write. Even if it isn't about your novel, or characters, write every day. 




4. As I lie in bed at night, I have multiple scene, or book, ideas that nearly flutter out of my head as I reach for a pad and pen. Keep a notebook and pencil on your bed side table to make sure that you don't lose your great quotes or ideas. Honestly you will forget about them by the time you step out of the shower so keep something with you. Notebooks all over the house, and work. I have them placed strategically every where. Relaxation brings on deep thoughts that pertain to stress or work. So if you are looking to bring on some ideas, meditate or relax to get some juices flowing. 



5. Do not do this to random strangers.





6. Self-doubt is extremely common. Authors often can look back at the time they spent on a book and see it as a waste of time. Even that their work of art should be thrown away. Do not throw it out! Take some time, writing about other things, give it a pair of fresh eyes after a while. That may shed some light onto your manuscript, provide some help into what you should change, and what should stay. Writers do not have to have loads of self confidence. Like every other person, we think against ourselves and our work. Just think out all avenues before deciding it is a lost cause, it may turn out to be a huge regret once it's gone.

7. Editing sucks. Who ever tells you that your work isn't great, just the way you typed it is a monster and now you have to rewrite, take out and even change some things. All those awful, unmotivated thoughts of leaving everything just the way it is, sort of pertains #1.. It hurts to edit your book which you have babied from the beginning. But every writer feels this way about their own works of literature. But edits are crucial to improving and rewording a novel to make it easily understood by the reader. 


So there you have it. Some memes that give some great advice to authors can be humorous and enlightening. I hope they benefit you as an author and help shed some light on common writing issues that can be simply solved. Be sure to subscribe to the Writer's Block blog down below to get our posts emailed. Or follow the blog through the followers widget on the left side of the blog post! thank you for reading, and keep writing from your writer friend, Raven! 

Why Breaking Gender Roles Is A Good Thing

Gender Roles: a theoretical construct involving a set of social and behavioral norms that, within a specific culture, are widely considered to be socially appropriate for individuals of a specific sex.


Application: Gender roles are seen as the idea that girls should be great mothers, unselfish, and typically like the colors purple and pink. On the other hand, boys have manly jobs, are emotionally distant and like to get dirty from hard work. 

** This next section holds spoilers over the movie, Frozen. If you do not wish to view them, skip the next paragraph.**

Gender Roles In Culture: As mentioned previously, main female characters are always seemed to be presented with a fatal flaw of needing a man or romance or some type of need to be loved by someone else. Frozen is a Disney film that is now being dubbed the "you don't need a man to save you" sort of story, which holds some validity. Still, Anna (the main heroine) falls in love with two men and in the end finds the one that is better for her. WHY? Why did Kristoph and Anna have to fall in love? Personally I feel that Kristoph's role could have taught Anna that friendship, and loving yourself comes first. They could have ended the story as being friends. THAT would have been a great ending. The gender role of romance always needing to be found within writing is getting slightly disappointing. This shouldn't be confused with Anna's character though. Anna was a girl who needed to find a way to learn what love is, and how she should see herself rather than what others see in her. She wanted to fall in love, get out and see the world outside the castle walls. Anna falling in love with Hans (the bad guy) is totally in her character, which helps the story flow. While falling in love with another man, who treats her better, is a great great thing, it could have been omitted. Kristoph could have taught her the value of friendship and adventure while Elsa (her sister) shows her that not every love story involves love interests. Simple rewrite, could have empowered women everywhere.

Why I HATE Gender Roles: The idea that every person is expected to fit in a cookie cutter lifestyle has always been deeply resented by me merely for the fact that every person deserves to be themselves. I am a woman, who has always loved being independent (bossy as some would put it) and an individual (rebellion as some would also call it). Growing up, I never, ever wanted to married nor have children, which was met with a great force of resistance. No one could grasp the idea that I didn't want do, what some would consider, my main goal in life: the American dream. I was always told that once I met someone and fell in love that I would change my mind. That made me resist it even more! Books that had ditsy, confident young women as heroines no longer would interest me because of that fact that every women was expected to be a damsel. Mainly I blame Hollywood. But I leave that rant for another day. The point is, not every one is the same. Just because a girl is a "tomboy" does not make her a butch lesbian. Simply, that is her choice and what makes her special.
A store ad breaking gender roles for children by allowing
boys to be pictured playing with "girl" toys.
How To Change It: When writing a story, it always starts with a good strong character (not always physically or mentally) but strong in the sense that every piece of them flows naturally. The reader doesn't have to guess at how the character reacts, or feels, or talks. They KNOW this character inside and out. By simply creating a sensitive male character, or a strong dominant female (who are good in the sense of the story line) can take hold of a gender role banishing story. It doesn't even have to be drastic! For example, making a man love children, or yearn to be approved by women, can create a character to break the gender role expected of them. Having a man being a male nurse is even odd because women are typically seen as nurses. It really is that simple. 

It's not like I am requesting everyone take out their typical characters and replace them with funky, masculine women and emotional men; tiny tweaks to a person's character can create a totally different story with a strong moral fiber that will speak to the readers. Showing the readers, especially young adults, that it is okay to be who you are even if it isn't the norm. The story line doesn't have to be monumental, nor life changing, for the reader either. Little tidbits of information, and acceptance can go a long way into changing gender roles by letting people be themselves. Allowing boys to play with dolls so that maybe they grow up to be good fathers, or girls playing with trucks in the mud so that she doesn't believe she needs to be a porcelain doll. It can speak to your reader, and even yourself, in the message your book leaves on a person. Perhaps even helping their eyes welcome sights they aren't used to rather than resisting. 


Click here to see Disney princess looking NOT like your typical princess.

Sherlock Hits Saint Louis!

Long ago, a deep love of Sherlock Holmes was placed in my heart, just a tiny seed. It grew over time, getting larger and larger. Now at the ripe age of twenty, my love for Sherlock Holmes and Watson borders on obsessive. Many people would say, "Duh. You wrote a book about him." Yes, yes that's quite obvious but Shirley was long in my imagination before I published that novel.

Shirley Holmes was formed as an extension of Sherlock nearly six years ago, by a high school freshman's mind. Writing her story was a pet project to help me keep my sanity through the times. So slowly her life unfolded on the pages that I jotted chapters in every so often over the course of three years. There would be times where I wouldn't write in it for months, but when I'd pick up that pen, I'd write for hours at a time. The idea to publish her story hadn't crossed my mind until about two years ago when my fiance encouraged me to take it up as a goal. So, that's basically where my time was put into when I wasn't attending to my newborn son. If you were to ask him how many nights I stayed up late typing in that book, the answer would be staggering. Sherlock Holmes' life became an obsession, but more so a dedication. But before all of this, Shirley was just a tiny idea while I dove into a large book that outlines the life of the most famous detective the world has ever known: Sherlock.

My lovely grandma was excited to be seeing the exhibit of the man that
inspired me to write a story. She was very proud.So now, fast forward, I have just published my first novel, The Untold Story of Shirley Holmes. Life has been good since then. I've been so proud of my work, and the life I've been living since then. But when I drove through Saint Louis, on the way to see my numerous relations in Southern Illinois, my heart nearly stopped. "International Sherlock Holmes exhibit" was featured at the Saint Louis Science Center. Literally my joy could not be contained. I needed to go see that! And because of how amazing my family is, I was able to go check it out with my grandmother and fiance along with my year old son. Yay me!

Stop The Writer Bullying

One thing that I have encountered since releasing my first book is other authors feeling the need to bully or criticize me. As if the writing community isn't hard enough to become a part of, the actual writing community doesn't even ease the transition. What I find hard to believe is that these groups allow such disrespect and blunt words. What author would allow themselves to bully another author? I would really love an answer to this question because I really would love to know why I am the one bullied and others aren't.



The writing bullying doesn't just sink a person's confidence; it discourages a writer to stop writing. A writer like me, who is young and inexperienced, is quickly convinced that they should give it up because of what another says. Even the author, Anne Rice has mentioned how writer's would relentlessly bully her writing.


Rice herself was a victim of the Amazon "bullies", when earlier this year she began to give advice to would-be writers on the retailer's message boards. "The discourse was meaningful and productive, questions asked and answered, and it was generally very enlightening," said Todd Barselow, the freelance editor who launched the petition to try to convince Amazon to change its policies. "Then the bullies, trolls, jerks, whatever you want to call them, found the thread. That's when the attacks started happening. It got very ugly very fast … With each attack, Anne tried to diffuse the situation and out these people for what they are: bullies. Well, that just made them frenzy even more. Eventually, I left the thread. It got too ugly for me. Anne stuck it out for a while, but finally she called it quits, too."

This is taken right out of an article published concerning Anne Rice signing a petition to ban bullies onto the Amazon site. Now if an author like Anne Rice has been bullied and criticizing by writing bullies- someone who has been given awards for her writing- the writing community needs to take action against these bullies. Read here to read other's stories of being bullied.

Because as a society, we find it easy to pick apart others and totally demolish every remaining piece of confidence by believing that we have a right to express our own thoughts. All these comments and criticisms accomplish is the fights that ensue after they are posted. What could a person possibly hope to accomplish by posting the comments?



Wondering what the effect of bullying has on people? National Geographic believes that there are long term effects on those who are bullied, and who actually bully as well. Click here to read more.





But of course, some writers are going to believe that this article isn't about them. How could it be? They are moderately successful writers who are much older and experienced than I am. They are automatically better than I, right? Frankly, they are still bullies. Still bullies like the puffed up kids at recess stealing kid's lunch money who may be stronger than a author like me, but they still aren't the biggest themselves. So what gives them the right to lash out at my inexperience? Nothing. Absolutely nothing gives them a reason to become a writer bully. Sometimes as a independent writer, all we have is the writing community to support and encourage us. Especially younger authors who aren't openly welcomed within society as it is! Like my other post, "My Note To Young Authors" I still want to encourage other writers, no matter what age, to continue to perfect their craft. Please, don't stop writing because of the critics. Don't stop doing your wonderful, happy hobby on the account of a writer you think as a better writer.


Dear Bully: seventy authors tell their stories 

Change Your Writing Process

Currently my second novel is caught up in the process so it's release date has been pushed back (Yes, I know it sucks but it's totally worth the wait.).. So now that I am working with an actual professional editor, the whole process of book writing has been thrown into question.. Can my writing be changed?

I was contacted on Google + by a man looking to do pro-bono work for his own portfolio. This does mean that he does it for free, but that doesn't mean the entire process becomes casual; it is just as professional as ever. Part of that is scary for me, and exciting. Now it is quite known that I am an up and coming author, not very much experience is selling novels or writing for the audience. But with recent communications with this editor, my eyes have been opened to a whole new view of writing that I hadn't been exposed to. It sort of down plays the unique voice of an author by analyzing what the reader wants. This doesn't mean losing parts of your novel, of course, but it does mean that the way you present information must be different. 

For example ,
My second novel started off with a little monologue from the main character, sort of looking at her life in it's current state and how much she despises the place she is at.  It talks about how she hates her parents, and the place she lives in. If you do not know what I am talking about, please consult the "Upcoming" tab of my blog because that is a part of my novel that I had released as a sneak peek. It was recently made clear that presenting the idea in such a way is ill-advised for an author. A reader wants to see the information in a situation, not to be told. I suppose it is actions speak louder than words, so the tension of characters needs to be seen playing out before them instead of being directly stated. To me, this seems like the opposite of what people would want. But with my editor's words, who is very experienced in self-publishing and editing, readers want to see information illustrated in the situation, not through words.

But there is also a huge mistake that I have made in my book that will take time to correct: wrong tense. Present tense isn't a good tense to write in; writing in past tense tends to work better for the reader. Again, I would be have believed otherwise which is why I decided on forming my story through the literal eyes of what is happening. However hard of a edit this may be, it isn't changing to the story so as an author, this kind of information isn't life altering. Writing in the past tense tends to be a little bit easier BUT I find that there many be ways where you can lose the element of surprise, which can make the reader lose interest. 

Now though this is the start of the editing process, I'm sure I'll learn tons more information on how to properly write, edit and sell a novel completely on my own. But what I believe others should know that if you don't become educated on the ways of modern, successful authors that maybe hiring a professional editor may be in your best interest. At least, just for one novel to where you discover tricks of the trade and helpful hints that will help shape your own writing process. This does not mean that it is currently flawed, not by a long shot. Every word and story you write is wonderful, but not all readers are so wonderful. As many of us who have gave a shot at self-publishing, some reviews can be less than savory in nature. To appease a reader, and thus improve sales, authors must try to conform slightly to the readers habits and what they prefer to see within a beloved novel. Even if the readers are the target audience, YOU are the creator so don't trade in your heartfelt story for one that is going to make the readers happy. That won't make you happy with it. If you simply want to make a living, there is no shame in changing to appeal more to the reader. To each is their own way of doing things. Because no matter how much I want to just push out my stories, bad reviews tend to get under my skin just a tiny bit. 

In case you are looking, here are a few sources where you can find helpful writing tips on selling better!

Selling Much More

Give Them What They Want

Self-Editing Tips

Making Your Book Not Suck

Novel Review: Morium

Click here to view reviewsNot sure if any of you have seen the Morium novel on Amazon, but if you take a look at the reviews, it is rocking all the readers. Since I am not one for giving in to trends, I had to read for myself. Could this novel possibly be THAT great as a debut novel from a breakout author? Usually I never go off of previous reviews, because hey, I'm my own person. I need to read it first hand to know, truly, if I enjoy it. 
Morium
Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to announce that you should give in to all the hype about this book! Not only was it smart, but it was also thrilling. The characters were formed perfectly, and realistically. That is always a HUGE point for me to make; the main protagonists could be real people that are seen walking on the street. Plus there is always the bonus that they aren't typical heroes. That gets me everytime. But I digress to the key fact of this point: it is a great book.

Since I hate spoilers just as much as the next person, I feel that leaving it up to the reader, or other reviewer, to give away the entire plot is their choice. Personally I want you guys to read this review then drop EVERYTHING, and read this book. Don't like science fiction/fantasy*? Really, that shouldn't be a problem because the writing and story line can appeal to literally all types of readers. And maybe because my searching skills aren't the best, but I can't seem to find the specific genre that it is listed under but I can assure everyone that young adults, and grown adults will enjoy the story equally. The characters relate more to a young audience when dealing with uncontrollable emotions and relentless bullying. However there are adult themes like overcoming deep dark desires and the constant tearing apart of friendships. Basically on every emotional scale, you'll feel this novel.

What about the author, you ask?

Good question. I've had communications with the author myself and I can tell that he is quite down to Earth and very creative. Also he's got a sense of humor :) All great aspects to have in an author. But since I can't thoroughly describe him to you, I'll let his Amazon bio do all the talking. 

"S.J. Hermann currently resides in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Il. When he is not thinking of stories to write, you can find him in front of a blank canvas or paper. He recently self published his debut novel titled 'Morium' on Amazon. Always thinking of things to write about as long as they involve supernatural, paranormal (no romance), science fiction, and horror. Currently working on book two in the Morium trilogy with another novel in the plot development stage.
Avid The Walking Dead, and as of now, Z Nation fan (You guessed it, he enjoys anything to do with zombies). 
Also a avid rollercoaster fan who has ridden over forty different coasters throughout his life. His favorite genres to read are paranormal, supernatural, science fiction, and horror. Max Brooks, and Stephen King are his authors of choice."

Sounds like the perfect guy, right? Well the Writer's Block blog would love to issue gratitude to S.J. Hermann, who also did an interview on myself on his own blog. At the bottom of the page, I shall link in all his own personal profiles, and his blog has also been listed under "Favorite Sites" widget. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for his upcoming novel, Book 2 of Morium trilogy! Yes, there's more! You'll find out what happens to secretive Nathan and driven Alexandria. S.J. Hermann has created the perfect set of novels for any person to receive as a Xmas gift from Santa! A person you love will continuously thank you for the gift of Morium. 



S.J. Hermann Blog
S.J. Hermann Twitter Name: Writing_Novel
S.J. Hermann Facebook
Click here to view my interview!




Good luck in your writing and future published works! I will be keeping an eye out for the second novel of this series! 

How Amazon Has Changed The Game

The modern era in which we live (and write!) is quite possibly the most connected generation. iPods, smart phones and the internet have given birth to possibly a newer breed of human who is generally more adapt to new technology, and the creation of such. Inventions like the Amazon Kindle eReader have even changed the world of literary arts like books and journals. With a vast amount of the younger generation being totally plugged-in, publishers had to start getting crafty with their ways to sell to the younger market. 


What is so revolutionary that changed the writing world forever?

I would have to say that the invention of the Amazon Kindle has been monumental in the world of authors and readers alike. An eReader is able to deliver a book at the readers hands for nearly 90-99% discounted price. Not only is it much cheaper to buy eBooks, but it can be downloaded instantly so within five minutes (depending on internet connection) a person can be wrapped up in a new novel. So now the book reading market is needing immediate satisfaction; a book that isn't presented in an online format may not be able to be as successful.

Click here to buy.What does this mean for authors nowadays?

Back in times before the Internet age, writers had to submit their works to a publishing company, wait six to eight weeks for their manuscript to be reviewed, and typically have their hopes crushed with a rejection letter. As often mentioned, rejection does NOT mean that the writing is bad. Many famous, successful authors were turned down many times before finally being given a chance. Lord Of The Flies was rejected about 20 times. Gone With The Wind was turned down 38 times before being put into print. Even Anne Frank's diary was denied published a whopping 15 times before it came into print! Think of what the world would have lost if her story hadn't been revealed to the world. Stephen King's novel Carrie was rejected by publishing companies 30 times.. Louisa Alcott, author of Little Women, was told to stick to teaching. Creator of The Jungle Book was told that he didn't know how to use the English language. Even the modern author, J.K. Rowling (author of the Harry Potter series) was rejected 12 times and told not bother quitting her day job. 

So you see that there are many great influential stories that could have never came to light had their authors given up. But with those who are inexperienced or lack confidence in their skills, they could have faded into legend with nothing to show. So what happens to those who are continuously rejected by publishing companies? Do they just let their works drop to the floor? Do they try to write something different? History doesn't seem to remember those who haven't been put into print... But now in this age, printed books hardly hold that much sway over others. With so many people reading online, it is quite easier, and cheaper to publish online. Thanks to who, you ask?

Amazon. 





Amazon, who is the inventor of the Kindle, has made a revolutionary break in the publishing game! Amazon.com offers a service/option, that any person can publish their own works into print or online for FREE. Yes, that's right. People you know and random strangers can buy your books in actual printed versions, and as eBooks.

What does this mean to the modern author?

Plainly put, publishing companies aren't the deciders anymore. They no longer hold the pull over the book market. With anyone able to publish their works for no price and need no acceptance letter. So now, a person has their own writing career in their hands. A young author like me can publish my works, and as my skill improves, my fans can follow my books. Especially since the price of online or self-published books is significantly cheaper. So basically, all people are winners in this situation. Writers can contain momentum, and readers get a deal. 


Yeah, but can you actually become successful publishing through Amazon?


Why don't you ask these authors?


Click here to check out this novel.


Self published in 2002.
Click here to buy on Amazon.


Click here to buy on Amazon.
Self published, but not originally, on Amazon.com
Click here to buy.

Find on Amazon by clicking here.

Every single one of these authors became well-known even when they were self-published. Does this mean their stories were not good because they chose not to go through a traditional publisher? I'd say not. Because every person has a story, and every reader a particular likes. Why not please both? Why not become an author, and who knows how far you may go?

My Note To Young Authors

When I first released The Untold Story of Shirley Holmes, I pushed and pushed for reviews online. Since I was convinced that the rating of my book might verify me as a writer. Personally I have always had this need to be confirmed. Like, everyone had to like it, otherwise it was total garbage... Lately my old childhood fears have re-entered my life through the form of publishing a story. A story that took me many many years to complete. A story that had grown so close to my heart, that it felt a part of me that I was to share with the world... 

Needless to say, since this is my first SELF-published work, there were some reviews that were less than savory. It nearly broke me so see such things being said about my first book, a book that I was so overjoyed about. One comment in particular certainly upset me the most.

Posted online at Amazon.com
This was a review underneath my beloved story. 

"I tried reading this and finally gave up about 2/3 of the way through. Some of the problems include no chapters, calling Dr. Watson Mr. Watson in several places, and using modern contractions such as Ms. The final problem for me was starting out the story indicating that Shirley Holmes was almost as observant as Sherlock and then having her repeatedly forget about an envelope given to her. If these types of problems don't bother you the story might be worth finishing."

Yikes. My story wasn't even worth finishing... Which is disappointing to say the least. 



BUT after talking with my supportive group of young author, I quickly realized something. This is only my beginning. Although that story may have been cherry to me, I have tons more time to improve! I can only go UP from here... But yet, this got me to thinking. Is this how other young authors feel? The criticisms just keep flowing out of people, bringing their confidence down? Maybe even convincing them that they should leave writing to the pros? What could I say to them that would undo such negativity?



My Dear Fellow Writers:

Every one of you is special. Every single one. You write with such a magic that even Harry Potter might stop and smile. The spells that you cast do not fall on our bodies, but our minds. Each word you write, create a deep visual in our souls that to each is their own personal movie. You can even breathe life into another person, without even having to say one word. Underneath your fingers lies the gateway to whole other world, one that might be away from sickness, or dying... Not everyone has the gift of creation, some can only destroy. Surely, destroying gives you satisfaction at first, but soon that slow decay of your soul will leave you with nothing. So which would you rather have? A gift that is quite powerful, yet full of pain? Or perhaps you'd go the route of tearing apart people's hard work with the appearance of strength? It is all left up to your nimble fingers. This is your story. Own it.

Together is happiness.... Together is death

As I promised, I would be giving an inside look at the CONTENT of my next upcoming novel! 





Introduction:
"I stare at the empty narrow halls of the lonely old museum that my parents insist I call home. My fingers could touch any item in this entire house and leave a long streak in the dust. Apparently, my great grandfather was an important discoverer of ancient items in foreign countries so my family must hold onto the items he uncovered as a sort of family heirloom...I never understood their fascination with things that happened in the past; the future seems to be more important. A person cannot control what happened in the past so the future holds the only chance a person has at being in control. I like to have hold of what I have so the future seems to be the most appealing of the options...This house is like a tomb. It holds old things that haven’t moved in years yet people feel the need to admire. It’s like they want to taste the old days where this stuff actually mattered yet they drive BMW’s along with name brand clothing. Historians are the world’s biggest hypocrites. Holding onto what has past has hardly ever done this world any good. One day this place will just be a pile of rubble and I’ll be glad to be rid of it. The memories of this big hump will fade as everything decays right into the ground. I’m better than this place; one day I’ll prove it."





Maybe Just A Little Bit More:
"As if my mind wanted to hear the words said out loud for me to actually believe that they were true. Desire for him fills my heart yet my head cannot accept this truth. "Like my head isn’t ever my own. I feel feelings with you that makes me lose control over my mind…like I’ll never be free of you…Oh! Never mind. I just can't do this," I hear my voice say with a quiver. I don't know why I am pushing him away. The complete opposite is the truth. I don't understand why I am being so stubborn and acting confused. I want to be close to him; it felt nice to connect with another person like him. But after a life with my parents, I know that people are disappointing. A constant let down. I can't put myself into a person that isn't secured there. That’s be like placing faith into a rotten wood bridge to hold your weight; completely ridiculous for someone of my age!" 


Soon: I will be releasing the name and cover of this novel! Can't wait?? Neither can I! 
Want to know more? Email me HERE