Kellyn Roth's Blog: Kellyn Roth, Author, page 36

At Her Fingertips, Blog Tour: Day 1

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ANNNNDDDDDD … IT’S HERE! *insert excited wild crazy screaming* At Her Fingertips is now live on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback format!

Whoa … *takes a deep breath* I’m actually getting a little emotional here! This is my favorite book that I’ve written so far, and I can’t believe it’s out there. I can’t wait for you to read it!

You can buy yourself a copy on Amazon, wait for other sales channels (hopefully appearing over the week), or order a signed paperback copy here. Now, on to the blog tour!

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This whole week, there’s going to be a fantastic blog tour! (It includes a ginormous giveaway, so stay tuned!)

The Schedule
April 23rd

Author Interview by Julia @ Julia’s Creative Corner

Review by Abigail @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors

Author & Book Spotlight by Rebekah Devall @ Hunting for Truth

Guest Post from a Character by Kiki @ K.E. Stanton

Book Spotlight by Gentle @ Gentle Words

April 24th

Review/Character Interview by Heather @ Frozen Book Blog

Character Interview by Sel Young @ Hearth

Author Interview by Gabriellyn @ PageTurners

Author Interview/Review by Caitlyn @ Salt and Light

Book & Author Spotlight by Brian W.

April 25th

Character Interview/Series Review by Libby May @ Geo Turtle

Author Interview by Medomfo @ Writings from a God Girl

Series Review and Author Spotlight by Charis Rae

Guest Post from the Author by Lela Markham @ Aurorawatcher Alaska

Author Interview by Sarah Addison Fox

April 26th

Book and Author Spotlight by Grace Matlyn Buckner @ Literatura

Book Spotlight by Kaylee @ Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes

Character and Author Interview by Amie @ Crazy A

Author Interview by Jessica Grayson

Author Interview by Rachel @ Rachel Rossano’s Words

Character/Book Spotlight by Erika Mathews @ Resting Life

Series Review & Character Interview by Victoria Lynn @ Ruffles and Grace

April 27th

Author Interview by Loretta Marchize @ Just Writing

Series Review/Author Interview by Lisa @ Inkwell

Guest Post from Character by Kelsey Bryant @ Kelsey’s Notebook

Author Interview by Germaine @ The Writing Mafia

Book Spotlight by Angela @ The Peculiar Messenger

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The Giveaway

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3rd Prize: the complete (published) series in ebook and a $10 Amazon gift card.

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2nd Prize: a copy of At Her Fingertips, a set of watercolors and brushes.[image error]

Grand Prize: the complete (published) series in paperback, a journal and pen set, and special features!

How do you enter this giveaway? Well, follow the link, of course!

Click Here!

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Facebook Parties

Every day I’ll be spending a little time on our Facebook event page. You can expect a live author chat or two, characters available to answer questions, giveaways, games, and other fun activities!

Today I’ll be live at 2 PM PST (3 PM MST, 4 PM CST, 5 PM EST) on Facebook. You can chat with me during a live video. There also maaaaayyyy be a smoll giveaway. Though I didn’t say anything about it. *whistles*

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Theme Days


Day 1 (22nd): Introductions (You are here!)

Just what we’re doing now!



Day 2 (23rd): Historical Day

Talking about the history behind the novel.



Day 3 (24th): Theme Day

Talking about the meaning behind the novel.



Day 4 (25th): Character Takeover Day

Oh, no! The characters have taken over the blog!
(Pro tip: They’ll answer basically any question in the comments.)



Day 5 (26th): Process Day

What my writing process looks like.




Day 6 (27th): Future Day

Talking about what novels I’ll be working on in the future.



Day 7 (28th): Wrapup

Giveaway winners announced, etc.

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As you can see, it’s going to be a full week. I’ve done all I can to prepare … so here’s hoping it goes well!

The #1 Way to Spread the Good News!

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That’s right. I’m talking about God on here. I know in the past I’ve made this blog mostly about writing. However, I just can’t do that anymore. It’s untrue to myself. I am a Christian. I’m not ashamed of it.

And yes, I’ve never been shy about sharing my (frankly offensive to the world at large) opinions, but … God deserves more than the occasional reblog or sly comment. He deserves some real posts!

So from now on, I will occasionally post about things God has laid on my heart or such. It won’t be the main theme of the blog – I couldn’t post consisting about Christian-related things; I’d run out of ideas – but it will happen about once a month.

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The title promises a lot, doesn’t it? The #1 way to spread the Good News? Is there such a thing?

Well … yes, I think there is. At the very least, it’s the thing you must do before you can hope to share the Gospel in any other way.

Sooooo … what is this incredible magical thing that you have to do to share about your faith?

Simply … be a Christian.

What? you say. That’s kind of the point. I am a Christian!

Good job! You’ve done it!

Really, though, let me explain myself.

Billy Graham says:

“Understand that your own life is a great part of your witness. If my relationship with Christ isn’t vital, then I really don’t have a lot to share.”

At the center of your need to witness is your relationship with Christ! Without it, there can be no witnessing – and neither should there be!

Graham goes on to say:

“People not only listen to your words, they look at your life.”

The words to Steven Curtis Chapman’s goofy pop song, Got 2B Tru, come to mind.

Tru check it out I got a next door neighbor

And I can tell he’s been watching my behavior

Yo he’s heard that I’m a Christian guy

He wants to know if that’s the truth or a lie

It’s true! When people know you’re a Christian, they start watching you. If you act badly, they chalk it up to Christianity. But if you act like a Christian should, well, it’s the first sign a non-believer will see that Christianity might be worth looking into.

Because you is kind.

Because you is polite.

Because you practice what you preach.

As the chorus of Got 2 B Tru explains:

(It’s got to b tru) I’ve gotta be living what I say I believe

(It’s got to b tru) even when nobody but Jesus is watching me

(It’s got to b tru) every single minute of every day

If anybody’s ever gonna look at me and say hey it’s got to b tru

Now that you’ve started to think about it … it actually sounds pretty impossible, doesn’t it?

We’re ordinary people. Just because we’re Christians doesn’t mean we don’t sin.

But … a non-believer doesn’t necessarily see that. So … how? Is this even an achievable goal? Can only Jesus do this? The answer is yes … sort of.

As Billy Graham says,

“We still fail and aren’t always a good example, so our only hope is to come to God and surrender to Him. It’s nothing that we can do. It’s God’s work.”

Give it over to God. He can help you be like Him – and by being like Him, you can succeed in this world.

God never, ever asked us to do anything but believe – and surrender.



“Believe on the name of My Son and then obey all my rules and you will be saved.”

Instead He said …

“Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”

“You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Jesus is all you need.

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Here’s a disclaimer … I’m not saying, “Be perfect.”

Far from it! You will never be perfect while you exist in this sin-ridden world. You are free from your sin, yes … but that doesn’t mean you don’t commit sins.

However, as a Christian, something in you has changed in a major way. It’s no longer about you – it’s about Him.

And this is what non-Christians need to see in you. That Jesus-ness. You have been resculpted in His likeness.

And that likeness is what non-Christians need to see to believe.

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Resources

Sharing Your Faith 101 and 3 Keys to Sharing Your Faith by Billy Graham
How Can I Share My Faith by Christianity Today
How to Grow in Faith by Life, Hope, & Truth

TTFN!

~Kellyn Roth~

Social Media | Website | Book Blog

p.s.

How do you strive to spread the Good News? Do you think I gave some good advice – or am I an underachiever? What do you think of by example? Are you looking forward to further posts about God?

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Finalizing Tour Details and Proofreading

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Only fifteen days until At Her Fingertips releases. Am I nervous? No, not at all! Why would you ask such a silly question?

Okay, I’ll admit I’m a little scared. Partially because of the fact that people will be able to purchase my baby … and partially because I have a lot to do in that short amount of time. *hyperventilates a little*

Today I’ll be sharing some details about the blog tour schedule with you as well as pictures of my proof copy & talking about that process. (In case you’re still interested, you can still sign up for the blog tour until Monday.)

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The blog tour starts in two weeks and a day. Which is a ridiculously small amount of time. Fortunately, I have a plan.

*everyone gives me a super skeptical look*

What? I do too have a plan! It’s a great plan, too. Here it is:

Don’t do anything useful for the next couple weeks.
Mess everything up.
Pretend it’s perfect anyway.

Okay, not really. That was the plan for the other blog tours I have hosted. Mostly because preparing a book for publication is hard.

But this time I’ve already talked to quite a few bloggers, answered several rounds of author and character interview questions, and created a lot of graphics.

Blog Tour Theme Days

I’ve decided that for each day of the blog tour, there will be a different theme. Nothing is set in stone, but here’s my basic idea:

April 22nd: Release Day

April 23rd: Theme Day

April 24th: Historical Day

April 25th: Character Takeover Day

April 26th: Special Stuff & Deleted Scenes

April 27th: Fan Appreciation Day

April 28th: Wrapup, Giveaway Winners, etc.

During Character Takeover Day, my characters will write the blog post and answer all the comments during that post. Historical day will be about – you guessed it – the history behind the story.

It’s going to be so much fun!

Facebook Parties?

I’m thinking about having thirty minutes to an hour of something on Facebook every day – live videos, giveaways, characters being available to answer questions, etc. However, this is not confirmed. I do know there will be some form of Facebook event, though.

Giveaways!!!

Again, this is something I’m still working on, but I intend to have a first, second, and third place for a blog tour giveaway as well as several smaller giveaways going on for Facebook and other social media.

Stay tuned for more information!

Gorgeous Proof Copy!

I also just received my proof copy Thursday. I’m working on it. So far, I’ve made a couple minor edits, but not much otherwise.

Also, the cover is so pretty!

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Honestly, it is sooo gorgeous and spring-themed! Definitely shelf-decoration material.

How to Push Through a First Draft

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I think we’ve already established that writing a first draft can be hard. There is beauty in it … but also great danger.* Okay, “great evil” may be overdoing it, but it’s definitely very difficult.

The first draft is the point at which most authors give up on their story. They just stop writing, and another set of characters, another world, another plot dies.**

So how can you keep your novels breathing in their tender first draft stage?

*This is your cue to leave because I cannot be serious today for some reason.

**I am being so dramatic today, helllllp.

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Learn to Write on Command.

Some people say writing can’t just be shut on and off like a tap.

Or … can it?

To be honest, I believe that you can teach yourself to write on cue. There is some truth to writing being art, but … sometimes you just have to make yourself write.

How?

Set a time for yourself to write every day.

Keep it religiously.


Participate in word sprints.

Publicly shamed if you just sit there doing nothing.


Read this blog post.

It’s a guest post I wrote.
(You have to scroll down quite a ways to get the actual post.)
It has some great tips, though.


Hang out with other authors and learn their secrets.

Yeah, I got nothin’ …


Check out the following articles which all have great tips that it would be plagiarism for me to use.

3 Ways to Work Through a Difficult First Draft @ Write It Sideways
How to Write Whether You Feel Like It or Not @ The Write Practice
6 tricks for writing when you don’t feel like it @ Writer Unboxed

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Conceal. Don’t Feel.

In most cases, this is terrible advice that no parent should ever give their child, especially if that child is clearly already anxious and probably in need of a good cry. And crumpets.

I’ve never had a crumpet, but it sounds like they help when you’re sad. Even the name is happy. Crumpet, crumpet, crumpet.

But … in this case …

Don’t let your emotions get in the way of writing! You may feel that your book sucks. You may feel that you are a complete failure. But you know what? Giving this novel a voice is more important than your stupid feelings.

So hide those dumb emotions under the rug and WRITE ON.

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Sequester Yourself.

Make a time alone every day when you can just sit down and write like a maniac. If this turns into a hermitage, even better.

Hermits make the best writers.

Also, sequester yourself from plot bunnies! Make sure those little monsters don’t tear yourself away from your work-in-progress. Ignore them for now.

 

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Remember …
Fear Will Be Your Enemy.

Don’t let yourself be bogged down by fear! YOUR BOOK IS THE BEST. YOUR WRITING IS THE BEST.

You know why? Because every author is different. With the sweat of your brow and a good dash of preparation, you’re going to do splendidly. You’re going to produce something no one else can produce.

 

Put an End to This Winter Writer’s Block, Muhahaha.

YOU NEED TO JUST WRITE, GIRL/BOY.

This icy cold terrain that is writer’s block/a lack of inspiration/whatever you want to call it … it’s not good!

Just finish it.

You need to commit. You need to decide that you will write … and just do it.

Resources

Five Reasons You Should Outline

For people who need convinced that outlining is the road to a life free of writer’s block.


Writing Plans: Why They Can Be Disastrous

For people who want to revel in their lazyness.


10 Tips for Surviving Camp NaNo

A good laugh + some good tips for Camp.


When You Feel Like Giving Up

Some inspiration for the glum author.


Are you meant to be an author?

Just in case my post has made you have an existential crisis.


Balancing Writing with a Busy Life (guest post @ Frozen Book Blog)

Because writing + life = NO NO NO I CAN’T DO THIS HEELLLP!


Ten Ways to Cope with Writer’s Block (guest post @ Jaylee Morgan Writes)

Because how else are you gonna write when you don’t want to?

I hope no one thought there’d be actual tips.

TTFN!

~Kellyn Roth~

Social Media | Website | Book Blog

p.s.

How do you push through to complete your first drafts? I hope you have some better tips that I did. *coughs* How do you defeat writer’s block? Was this all just an excuse for share some #Frozenlove?

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April 2018 Dares

I don’t want March to be over yet. *sniffles* April is going to be super busy, and March was slightly more restful than months past (what with our spring break, having most of  this week off work due to the school’s spring break, and now Easter).

On the other hand … I’m excited for April! With Camp NaNo and publishing At Her Fingertips (SQUEEEEEE!), it’s going to be packed full … but I’m going to survive! Somehow! Magically!

Now, because I can’t resist telling you one more time, the signups for the At Her Fingertips blog tour are now open! If you have a blog and would like to help me out, click here and sign up!

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March 2018 Dares

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Reading

Read five review copies. Failed.

I read four.
I am surprised at how close I was!


Read two nonfiction books on WW2. Kinda.

I mean, we’re studying WW2 in school right now, so yes …
I read like ten nonfiction books about WW2.
But they weren’t the ones I wanted to read.

A Review of California

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From the 10th through the 14th of March, we were in California. Oceanside, California, to be more exact. Actually, if we want to be 100% exact, we were on Camp Pendleton (my brother-in-law’s a Marine).

I’ve already done this before and talked about it on my blog, so when I was trying to think of a creative way to recap it all for you, I was running a blank. Until I realized something.

You need to know my opinions on Cali! So … I decided to review it! Only my review method are going to be a little … different. (And by different I mean crazy.) (And by crazy I mean please slap me in a straight jacket.) (*maniacal laugh*)

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Rules for the Review

Add a point whenever something good happens.
Subtract a point whenever something bad happens.
Start with 0 points. Go up or down from there.

Simple, right? *rubs hands together* Let’s see what California scores!

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The airport was pretty nice. +1 = 1

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However, these palm trees kept getting in the way of my camera – er, Kindle. -1 = 0

Palm trees, though. +1 = 1

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It was raining when we got there. -1 = 0

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We didn’t have to use this parking garage. +1 = 1

And that’s a taxi. +1 = 2

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I finally got out my camera. +1 = 3

But the first picture I took with it (and many to follow) were blurry. -1 = 2

But you can see the raindrops on the car window. +1 = 3

The rental car was cool! +1 = 4. But it was also dirty. -1 = 3. And it pulled to the right … like, badly. -1 = 2. And the tires sucked. -1 = 1

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Thad spent most of trip on this thingy-game-thing. He kept turning the sound on even though Mom and Dad told him not to. -2 = -1

However, it also kept him busy. +5 = 4

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James was aware throughout most of the trip. +2 = 6

He’s kinda cute. +1 = 7

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This photo is weird and random. -1 = 6

 

Bad selfies. -2 = 4

 

I’m not sure why I took these pictures, but it must have been for a good reason. At least, I hope so. +4 = 8

Eight is my favorite number. +1 = 9.

Nine is not my favorite number. -1 = 8

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McDonald’s. +1 = 9

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I don’t even know. -1 = 8, +1 = 9???

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So cool. +5 = 14

 

Milkshake! +5 = 19

Couldn’t get a good picture, though. -1 = 18

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If you’re going to be a psychic, you at least need a cool psychic name. -2 = 16

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An alien landing pad? Not cool, Cali. Not cool. -2 = 14

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These houses all look alike. -5 = 9

 

Trees are always in the way. -2 = 7

However, pretty houses! Behind the trees! I think! +2 = 9

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Crystal Cove!!! +10 = 19

BONUS = if you got the reference, extra +2. If not, I’ll give it to you anyway. I’m so nice. +2 = 21

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So many random arches! I hope those weren’t made with taxpayer’s $$$, Cali! -3 = 18

I didn’t get pictures, but we met my sister and her family at a pizza place that was so frickin’ awful I can’t even talk about it. It took hours for them to bring us pizza, then it was burnt to a crisp, then the second round wasn’t burnt to a crisp but was still awful. And the pop was weird. -5 = 13

And then we kidnapped Claire. +1 = 14

 

My niece doesn’t want to be photographed. -2 = 12

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Getting on base!!! +5 = 17

But trees and poles have it out for me, apparently. -2 = 15

 

BLUEEEEE SKIIIIIEEEESSSS! SHININ’ ON MEEEEEE … +6 = 21

 

Car buddies! +2 = 23

We went to an amusement park on the second day (Sunday). I can’t remember the name, but it was fun! (Edit: Belmont Park.)

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Lots of rides! +2 = 25

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These things make me think that society is turning cannibalistic. -3 = 22

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Carousel! +2 = 24

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Ride options. Also, you can’t see, but it was established in 1925. OLD THINGS! +6 = 30

I guess it’s called Belmont Park. I like that name. +1 = 31

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New shades! +2 = 33

 

Carousel ride! +5 = 38

 

This ride was surprisingly fun. +3 = 41

We went on lots of other rides, but I didn’t get pictures of most of them ’cause I was riding them.

How to Keep Your Blogging Inspiration Flowing

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As bloggers, sometimes we’re overflowing with creativity. But other times? Well, not so much. I go back and forth between being super excited about blogging … and just wanting to throw the towel in on the whole thing.

But you know what? My mama didn’t raise no quitter … and neither did she raise someone who doesn’t milk every opportunity for a blog post for what it’s worth. (Actually, I think I came up with the latter by myself, but whatevs.)

I’m currently going through a period of blogger depression. But instead of letting it get to me, I’m writing this blog post!* Without further ado, here are my tips for blog-inspiration-flowing-ness!

*The fact that I’m currently uninspired might make me unqualified for the topic, but let’s not talk about that. Let’s talk about HOW AMAZING I AM. #amazingkell

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Keep a list of potential blog post ideas

If you’re like me, you have on and off spells of inspiration. The well overfloweth … or it’s dry as a bone.

Well, save some of the water – er, ideas – for later! Write them down as soon as you have them (because you will not remember). Google Docs is great for me, but some keep journals or such. Whatever works best for you!

It doesn’t have to be a perfectly developed idea. Some of mine are as simple as “why outlining” (something I know enough about to write a blog post on). Later you can develop them into a full post.

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Read Other Blogs on Your Topic

Other bloggers who blog on the same topic or topics as you do can be a great source of inspiration. It lets you know what’s popular, what others do … and other bloggers are super encouraging – trust me!

However, for this tip, there is a major DON’T. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE! There is a difference between being inspired by someone and stealing their ideas and articles.

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Have a Schedule

I have a weekly schedule (posts on Wednesday and Saturday) as well as a monthly schedule. Both help me keep going and give me ideas for posting.

I bet you didn’t know about the monthly schedule! That’s because I leave it behind so often – never stick to a schedule if it’s going to keep you from getting things done. But I do try to follow it loosely.

Basically, the monthly schedule gives me idea of what topic I will post on any given day of the month (by week) to give myself a nice balance of post topics. (Can you tell how little I use it?)

A couple weeks’ worth of my monthly schedule might look something like this:

[Month] 2018 Dares (Sat)
An About-Writing Post (Wed)
A Writing/Life Spotlight Post (Sat)
Christianity/Thoughtful Post (Wed)

I actually did something kind of close to this! I skipped the fourth Wednesday due to being in California (I’ll be talking about that in the next post, hopefully), but other than that … pretty dang close, if you ask me!

I admit I had no clue what to do on the first Wednesday of this month. I was scrounging for ideas. But between having a list of ideas for about-writing posts and knowing that an about-writing post would fit in well, I was easily able to figure it out!

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Have a Plan

Yes, a plan is different than a schedule. I mean, I don’t know how different it is by definition, but what I’m talking about is different. That’s what matters.

St. Patrick’s Day Paperback Sale!

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Guess what? There’s a big paperback sale going on! That’s right; a group of Indie Christian authors (including myself) are flocking together to offer discounted paperbacks.

There are sooo many incredible books on sale for such amazing prices … how can you resist? *dangles books in front of your face*

Signed paperback copies of my novel, The Dressmaker’s Secret, are available for just $8.99 with free shipping! That’s a $4 discount! You can order your copy here.

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The Discounted Paperbacks are …

Title: Dandelion Dust

Author: Faith Potts

Price: $5.99 (40% off)

Link: http://www.lulu.com/shop/faith-potts/dandelion- dust/paperback/product-23240121.html

Title: Journey to Love

Author: Amanda Tero

Price: $7.99 (11% off)

Title: Befriending the Beast

Author: Amanda Tero

Price: $6.99 (11% off)

Title: The Secret Slipper

Author: Amanda Tero

Price: $7.99 (11% off)

Link: https://goo.gl/forms/POwuNkryCfcAHDjE3

Title: Promise’s Prayer

Author: Erika Matthews

Sale Price: 35% off! $8.42+shipping (regular $12.95)

Link: www.restinglife.com/books

Title: A Very Present Help

Author: Sharon K. Connell

Sale Price: $12.25 (normal $14.99)

Link: http://amzn.to/2yuF4eE

Title: His Perfect Love

Author: Sharon K. Connell

Sale Price: $12.25 (normal $14.99)

Link: http://amzn.to/2iCMALI

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Title: The Dressmaker’s Secret (signed!)

Author: Kellyn Roth

Sale Price: $8.99 w/free shipping (regular $12.99)

Link: https://goo.gl/forms/2wMtDHMRm5K6SYyQ2

Title: A Mighty Fortress

Price: $10 and free shipping

Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

Title: Be Thou My Vision

Price: $10 and free shipping

Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

Title: Amazing Grace

Price: $12 and free shipping

Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

Title: The Solid Rock

Price: $14 and free shipping

Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

Title: Hymns of the West Series (5 books)

Price: $55 and free shipping

Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

Title: Savior, Like a Shepherd

Price: $10 and free shipping

Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

Title: All the Way My Savior Leads

Price: $10 and free shipping

Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

Title: He Hideth My Soul

Price: $10 and free shipping

Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

Title: Orphans of the West Series (3 books)

Price: $25 and free shipping

Link: www.faithblum.com/paperback-sale.html

(I know; shameless self-promo!)

I’ll leave you now with this thought: IF YOU THINK YOU DON’T NEED MORE BOOKS YOU ARE INSANE! Think how pretty they will look on your shelf! (Oh, and you can read them, too … they’re good for more than shelf-decorating.)

~Kellyn Roth~

Social Media | Website | Book Blog

p.s.

Are you going to pick up a couple shelf-decorations books today? Have you read any of these amazing books? What did you think of them? (I’ve read eight, not counting TDS – all really great! – and I want to read the rest so badly!) HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!! What are you doing to celebrate? Are you wearing green?

Cover Reveal: At Her Fingertips!

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Last night, the cover was officially revealed with a big Facebook party, but now I’m sharing it with y’all, my favorite readers.

Five Reasons You Should Outline

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Outlining is time-consuming. If you do it in any depth, it’s pretty difficult … but is it worth it? Why not just skip the extra step completely and move on to the actual writing – that’s what you’re here for, after all, isn’t it?

In this post, I’ll be “outlining” (couldn’t resist) my top ten reasons why I think you should outline before you ever consider writing your book.

Now before we go any further, a disclaimer: this post is unashamedly pro-plotter. However, I do understand that pantsing works for some people very well. This post is about why you should outline … but if it doesn’t end up applying to you after you’ve done some experimenting, go and plot no more!

Now, without any further ado, I’ll move on to my five reasons you should outline!

Reason #1
It Gets You Excited About the Story!

After spending weeks or months outlining a story, I find my excitement to begin writing is built to an extreme level. I can hardly wait to put pen to paper! I’m not only inspired, but I know exactly where I’m going and therefore writing has come easier.

Also, there will be times in your life when, even as a fiction writer, you will have to write even when you don’t want to. An outline gives you not only a clear path to follow, but allows you time to think of something to make a boring piece of writing interesting while not just staring at the cursor blinking.

Reason #2
No Details Lost

I admit that on occasion I have changed an eye- or hair-color mid-story, totally forgotten that the characters already discussed something, or lost track of who-was-born-where.

Outlining (which includes character sketches, etc. by my definition) can and will keep you from losing track of all those little details … as well as the big, important details.

I can’t tell you the amount of times I totally forgot to include a scene or something similar that I wanted to put in my story. Returning to add it in is just a pain. But with outlining, I don’t find myself doing that quite so often.

Reason #3
Lessens Chances of Writer’s Block

With a clear path to follow and your excitement built up from the work you’ve already put into the story, writer’s block is at least semi-prevented. I’m not saying you will never get writer’s block.

But … it will help you push through if you know where you’re going. The more detailed your outline, the more clear your path to writing that next 500 words.

Also, if you need to skip ahead because this scene just isn’t coming from you, it will be easier for you to return, find your place, and write what needs to be written. Outlines are great for keeping you on track.

Reason #4
Majorly Lessens Revisions

I was recently talking with another writer about how outlining (and research, etc.) should be considered another draft. Because … that’s what outlining is. A very rough, first draft. Your first draft, therefore, could almost be considered a ‘second draft.’

I know that’s a complicated way of putting it, but it’s true! With outlining, you lessen the chances of plot holes and other major issues. Your revisions are shorter … and in the end you don’t have to spend so much time fixing things. Because it was never broken.

Reason #5
It’s Fun!

I know, I know. Am I a mad woman? Of course outlining isn’t fun!

But … it is. It really is.

I’m sorry, but there’s something magical about stitching a story together, even before you’re writing. It’s a time of endless creativity.

You might say, “Well, sure, I can be creative in the first draft!” I disagree. To do all the proper foreshadowing and such in a first draft, you really need to know what’s coming before it comes.

With an outline? You can know what you’re going to do next, so foreshadowing is easier, and you don’t risk a lot of plot holes and other things from creative wanderings.

And … those are my five (main) reasons! I’d love to argue with you in the comments if you disagree, but I truly believe that outlining is awesome.