Kellyn Roth's Blog: Kellyn Roth, Author, page 44

p.s.

What do you think of my Pub Prep? Should I ever do a post like this again? What are your thoughts of ARCs (advanced review copies)? I find them somewhat annoying. Their imperfections drive me wild. Are you excited for the blog tour? What about the giveaway? (Yes, there’s a giveaway …)

Do you like chocolate? What’s your personality type? I think I’m an ISTP or an INTJ. Which do you think I am?

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Published on June 14, 2017 16:58

June 9, 2017

Being Polite

Instead of doing a post tomorrow, I’m reblogging this article I wrote for Send the Light.

I know that’s lazy, but I’m on vacation until the 13th, and I simply don’t have time for a full-length blog post. I do have something planned for next Wednesday, though.

On that note, I won’t be online until Tuesday at the earliest, perhaps even Wednesday. So … try to manage without me, I guess?

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Published on June 09, 2017 20:01

June 7, 2017

The Truth About Outlining Revealed

Today we’re going to be talking about outlining. ‘Cause we all know it’s not truly what we think it is. *wiggles eyebrows*

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People nowadays pass outlining off as something any author can do in excess without losing their souls. But is it?

This greatly-debated question is the subject of our post today. Though this is a brief little discussion, I hope it will inform you as to the dangers of over-outlining.

Outlining is the formation of novel ideas pre-writing to maximize your chances of success during the first draft. This may come in many forms – the bullet points, the summary, etc.

Outlining can be a very good thing. In fact, I think it’s one of the best things someone can do pre-writing if they want to have a functional first draft. But there is such thing as over-outlining.

What is over-outlining? This is something that happens when an author delays writing too long, obsessed with coming up with the perfect outline, with summarizing every scene.

But the truth is, some scenes need to be written through. Not all scenes can be perfectly summarized pre-writing. Heck, not all plot points can be perfectly summarized pre-writing!

Common symptoms of extreme outlining in authors include, but are not limited to,

Extreme organizing. They do this with things not related to writing, too. Essentially, outlining gives them a bad case of OCD.
Paper-spreading. Papers begin to spread wherever extreme outliners go. Trust me.
Buying binders and/or expensive writing programs. And before you know it, they’re dead broke, poor things!
Obsessively repeating a phrase or sentence. Such as, “There’s got to be a way I can save her!” or “PARKER GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW!”
Chanting “I: a, b, c,” “II: a, b, c,” “III: a, b, c,” and so on. True story.

Some of these symptoms may appear in authors whether or not they are victims of excessive outlining. However, it’s wise to be wary.

What can you do if your friend can’t stop outlining?

Just give up. They’re probably gonna die.
But if you want to save them, convince them to write.

Writing is the one and only cure for excessive outlining.

So find a pencil. And write.

Remember, in small doses, outlining is healthy and helpful – even extremely helpful. However, in larger doses, and combined with the author’s natural obsession with creating the perfect book, it can be lethal.

Be wise in your dosages.

~Kellyn Roth~

p.s.

Have you ever been infected with obsessive outlining? How did you escape? Or do you have the opposite problem – pansteritis? This can also be quite dangerous. #balancedisbest

Also, this post was mostly sarcastic. I mean, sure, you can outline too much, and many writers forget that. Though outlining is good, overthinking your book before you write it is bad. However, it’s not lethal, and I have the greatest respect for excessive, obsessive outliners.

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Published on June 07, 2017 06:00

June 3, 2017

June 2017 Dares

GUYS! It’s June! Can you believe it? It’s like … the best month of the year! Besides August, of course. August is da best. #prejudiced

Seriously, though, June marks the end of school and the beginning of summer. I love summer, and I expect a lot to happen in this one. Remember, we’ve got the blog tour (and the accompanying publication, of course, duh), but I’m also having my sixteenth birthday and when you turn sixteen, exciting stuff happens. #driving

Also, I’m probably getting horse riding lessons this summer (AAAAAAAAAAAH! I AM SOOO EXCITED!!!!), and I’m volunteering a local museum as a docent. #showingpeoplearound #lotsahashtags #idontknowwhy

Anyway, onto the dares! Well, the May recap, buuuuuut …

Looing Back At May …

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Finish up IvIn and TDS.

Check!

Weeeell, I guess I just finished with TDS. I’ve now submitted it for review on Createspace so I can get my proof copies. I’m still doing my pre-proof-copy proofs on IvIn. #complicated #authorproblems

Cook dinner for my family at least once.

Check!

*whole family rolls eyes*

Okay, so it was just a pasta salad, but … some people practically live on pasta salad. True story. *nods convincingly*

[image error]I think I kilt it. (it is now wearing a traditional Scottish man-dress)

Set up signups for the blog tours for IvIn and TDS.

Check!

Actually, you should sign up. Now. (What? Soon-to-be-published authors get pushy. Even if this is their second tour …)

I’ve had nineteen people sign up as of yet. I’d like a few more. There’s no one signed up for the 25th at all, either. *worries*

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Read. The. Bible.

Failed.

*sobs* THIS IS THE WORST THING EVER TO FAIL AT! Guys, I’m horrible at Christianing. I mean it.

Practice clarinet. Every. Single. Day.

Kinda.

Okay, so I did practice a lot more (and the concert went well, by the way), but … I didn’t practice every day. So, yeah.

Be a consistent, professional, and fun blogger.

IDK. (

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Published on June 03, 2017 07:00

May 31, 2017

Guest Post: Five Great Summer Reads

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That’s right … today we have a guest post! It’s been a while since we’ve had one of those, hasn’t it?

Today, Elisabeth of Mostly Styled will be recommending a few books to you (that could be read in the summer … or practically any time … but I’m gonna call them ‘summer reads’ anyway). I’ve read all but one myself and would definitely recommend them. The one I didn’t read (Eve’s Daughters) looks quite interesting! Just my kinda book …

So check them out and try not to roll your eyes at me escaping my blogging duties (per se) once again.

(Note: I added in a few things. These are in italics.)

~The Actual Guest Post~

My first passion is fashion, but I also love reading. I don’t know of any other (better) way to block out all the craziness of life then to read! So here are five of my favorite books to read when I need to unwind!

The Scarlet Pimpernel by ‎Baroness Orczy

Armed with only his wits and his cunning, one man recklessly defies the French revolutionaries and rescues scores of innocent men, women, and children from the deadly guillotine. His friends and foes know him only as “the Scarlet Pimpernel.” But the ruthless French agent Chauvelin is sworn to discover his identity and to hunt him down.

I first read this book when I was eleven, and let me say, I fell in love with it! I love the characters, the plot, and the fact that the heroine wasn’t an annoying sixteen year old! I would highly recommend it (if you haven’t already read it).

(AAAAAH THIS BOOK! I just read it, and it’s sooo good! Percy … oh, my word, I love Percy. Odd’s fish, he’s cool.)

Eve’s Daughters by Lynn Austin

Yearning for love and dignity, four generations of women must come to grips with the choices they’ve made–and those their mothers made before them. But breaking the cycle that has ensnared them over the decades will prove more difficult than they had ever imagined …

I cried, I laughed, and I fell in love with everything about this book! It’s an awesome story with great females. It’s probably the best Christian fiction book I’ve ever read!

(I need to read this now!)

These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Fifteen-year-old Laura lives apart from her family for the first time, teaching school in a claim shanty twelve miles from home. She is very homesick, but keeps at it so that she can help pay for her sister Mary’s tuition at the college for the blind. During school vacations Laura has fun with her singing lessons, going on sleigh rides, and best of all, helping Almanzo Wilder drive his new buggy. Friendship soon turns to love for Laura and Almanzo in the romantic conclusion of this Little House book.

This book is one of the last in a series but it’s my favorite. I’ve read it many times since I was ten, each loving it more! I’m sure most of you have read it or at least one of the books in the series, but if you haven’t you totally should.

(It’s my favorite Little House book, too.)

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwick sisters busily discover the summertime magic of Arundel estate’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. Best of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, the perfect companion for their adventures. Icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is less pleased with the Penderwicks than Jeffrey, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Is that any fun? For sure the summer will be unforgettable.

This series is meant for kids, but even my mom has read them and loves them! If you read any of the book in the series you won’t be disappointed, I promise! It’s the ultimate feel-good book! And the last one in the series* is just the best thing EVER! Highly recommended!

(*well, the last one that has come out …)

(But yes, this is the best series ever!)

The Selection by Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Now I know it sounds dumb but I actually really like the series and it gets better with each book. The heroine is annoying and the love triangle is dumb, but it is nice to read when you want to read something but you don’t want to have to think about what you’re reading (think of it like eating cotton candy)!

(I just read this one, too! It was pretty good.)

I hope that you guys at least check out one of these books if you haven’t already because they’re all really great!

Elisabeth

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I’m a Christian teenage girl with a passion for fashion, reading, sewing, and singing! I’m teaching myself sing language and how to sew. I’m also a pastors daughter, sibling to seven, daydreamer, and blogger! I love and welcome all visitors to my little part of the internet (https://whiteglovesandhatboxes.wordpress.com/)!

Thanks for joining us today, Elisabeth! I really appreciate it.

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Published on May 31, 2017 15:34

May 28, 2017

Memorial Day Memories: Dennis Earl Brown

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Jesseca Wheaton challenged me (and all her followers, actually) to write a blog post about one of our fallen heroes. This blog linkup, Memorial Day Memories, is a great way to commemorate an unknown man or woman who died fighting to protect his or her country.

I decided to focus on PFC Dennis Earl Brown of the United States Marine Corps.

[image error]Mr. Brown died in the Vietnam on the 29th of July, 1967. He had just passed his twenty-first birthday seven days earlier. He was unmarried (and had never been married). His religion is listed as Protestant with no denomination specified.

I wasn’t able to find a lot about Mr. Brown as I’m not very good at researching things like this, and I admit I really let the ball drop as this last week has been hectic, leaving me little to no time to spend on library trips, etc.

However, I was able to find a lot of military records, something about where and how he died, his final resting place, and a few other things about him. But it’s not much, so bear with me.

Dennis E. Brown was born July 22nd, 1946. I wasn’t able to find out where or to whom. A simple trip to the library would probably give me a eulogy or at least something to go on, but I wasn’t able to.

I have a lot of questions about his personal life that will go unanswered. Did he have a sweetheart? Even a fiancée? What were his parents like? Did he have siblings? Who were his friends? What were his interests? What was he good at in school? Maybe someday I’ll find out some of these.

In 1966, he joined the US Marine Corps. At the time of his death, he was a Private First Class, a Rifleman.

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He died in the Quang Tri Province of Vietnam, which is located on the North Central Coast. I wasn’t able to find a lot of details, but I do know he was killed in action due to small arms fire.

His body was recovered, and he was buried in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in his hometown, The Dalles, Oregon.

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About six months after his death, in 1968, the Battle of Quang Tri was fought. I don’t know a lot about the Vietnam War, but I would assume that the Marines (and Dennis Earl Brown) were paving the way for the US Army to come in.

It is amazing that so many men and women have chosen to give up their life to preserve the freedom of their friends, family, and countrymen. I can’t say it any better than this writer from the Virtual Vietnam Veterans Wall site said it:

Dear PFC Dennis Earl Brown, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. {…}

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Thanks for reading,

~Kellyn Roth~

p.s.

Do you know anyone who served? (My brother is in the Middle East now … it’s kinda surreal! But then it doesn’t matter as we’re not on speaking terms.) Do you find looking up dead people to be fun? (I found it interesting, creepily enough.)

Do you ever have weeks when you just don’t want to blog? I had one of those weeks, as evidenced by my complete abandonment of the schedule, my not really researching this post, etc. Forgive me, please?

Note: If anyone who knows about the United States Marines, the Vietnam war, or Dennis Earl Brown reads this post and finds a lot of inaccuracies, I’m sorry. Don’t be afraid to comment and correct me!

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Published on May 28, 2017 15:52

May 25, 2017

25 Spoiler-Free Facts About The Dressmaker’s Secret

This post was inspired by Victoria Lynn, my fellow author and friend. Also, I think Abigayle Claire, author of Martin Hospitality (a book I keep meaning to buy a copy of and read), did something like this? I can’t remember.

Anyway, lots of people inspired me to do this (although Victoria was the main one), and … I loved the idea, so here goes.

Y’all know that’s how blogging works for me …

Also, sorry about the post being out late. I was busy yesterday watching Pirates of the Caribbean. *nods* But isn’t Keira Knightley gorgeous, though!? Admit it. You think she is …

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I first got the idea for TDS in the summer of 2014. It barely resembled the current novel.
Originally, Alice and Ivy were Alicia and Evette.
And the book was set in France.
My idea was for a trilogy. The books went like this: The Dressmaker, The Dressmaker’s Secret, and The Dressmaker’s Legacy.
I didn’t outline TDS. I just brainstormed a little and started writing.
When the first draft was completed (at the end of November 2014), it was 36,000 words long.
The character of Hazel (Mrs. Knight) popped up mid-draft. I have no idea why, but she just appeared.
Alice was originally six. I decided that that was simply too young and moved the beginning of story from 1868 to 1870.
I felt so bad for Miss Chattoway that I decided to rewrite the ending. I did this five times (counting this last revision).
After the third revision, the draft was 65,000 words. Now it’s a little over 50,000.
I drew a great deal of inspiration from Carrie Underwood’s See You Again and the Everly Brother’s Crying in the Rain during the first four revisions.
However, during this last revision, the theme song has become White Horse by Taylor Swift.
I hadn’t originally planned to include a dog, a couple cats, and lots of horses in TDS. It just happened.
I didn’t include a border collie, though. Which is weird for me. That has to wait for Beyond Her Calling. (His name is Bean!)
Although this book was hard to write and took years to edit, it’s still one of my favorites that I’ve written.
Returning to the characters is like returning to old friends.
I don’t know where the original idea came from, although writing about a mission to find one’s parents has always fascinated me.
I never intended to write about Ivy, so her personality was noticeably absent in many drafts of TDS.
Miss Chattoway was supposed to have a personality similar to that of Miss Elton, only a lot more socially adept.
But that personality didn’t work out, obviously. Miss Chattoway just became her secretive self.
Little Ned Knight’s original name was Henri. He was only two years younger than Alice and Ivy.
I wrote the prologue just before my final draft. There was much inner debate as to whether it should remain or not.
I can never decide what Miss Chattoway’s personality type is (as in Myers-Briggs). I think ISTJ, INTJ, INTP, or ISTP. But I’m not sure.
But I have figured out to MBTI types of almost all the other characters.
I never planned on this book being anything but a stopping place on the way to better books. But it has become so much more, and I’m so glad I decided to focus on these lovely characters for a time.

There ya go! 25 facts about TDS. I hope you enjoyed them.

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Published on May 25, 2017 13:06

May 20, 2017

Cover Reveal: The Dressmaker’s Secret and Ivy Introspective

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That’s right, ladies and gentleman! And now, the event you’ve been looking forward to since the day you were born ….

Okay, perhaps you haven’t been waiting that long, but several of you have commented in such a way that led to me to believe that there was some excitement about the launching of the new covers for The Dressmaker’s Secret and Ivy Introspective.

Now, regardless of your excitement – or lack of – continue reading (if you haven’t already skipped ahead to view the covers, beast). After all, the blog tour signups are also opening today, and I have a lot of fun announcements about the party we’ll be having!

Are you ready for the covers?

I bet you are.

I’m really excited to share them with you.

They were made by the wonderful Willowy Whisper. She’s quite amazing.

I bet you’ll like them.

And if you don’t, please keep your mouth shut, because I do, and I don’t want my dreams shattered.

Haha, just kidding. You can be honest as long as you’re not cruel.

By the way, my friends Jesseca, Sarah, and Angela helped me with this cover reveal. Thanks, girls! Y’all have been so sweet and supportive!

Are ya ready?

Nope?

You probably want me to do a number first. You know, the show before the show and all that.

There once was a man named Michael Finnegan

He had whiskers on his chinnegan

The wind blew ‘em out,

The wind blew ‘em in again

Poor old Michael Finnegan

Begin again.

Just kidding. We won’t ‘begin again.’

The time has come! The time is NOW. (Don’t worry; the covers don’t have pictures of a brown cows.)

I’m such a wonderful poet.

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What do you think? I’m excited to hear your thoughts!

Now, before you run off, I’d like to plead with you to sign up for my blog tour (if you’re in possession of a blog; that’s really the only requirement).

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What is a blog tour?

A blog tour is like a book tour that an author might do when releasing a new novel, only online. Each ‘stop’ on the tour will be a blog.

This blog tour, which will run from June the 20th to June the 30th. It will include a giveaway (which I haven’t decided on the prizes for) and lots of fun vlogs, guest posts, etc. I’m still working out some of the details.

What would you have to do?

Bloggers will post either a review, an author interview, a book spotlight, or one of the other kinds of posts on the appointed day. There is even a guest post option! What the kind of posts are and how they work will be explained in the signup form.

If I don’t have a blog, is there any way I can help you promote your books?

Yes, actually! I’d be happy to give you a review copy in exchange for an honest review on Amazon or Goodreads when the book comes out. Just shoot me an email (kellynroth@gmail.com), and I’ll put you on the review list! Also, you could share about the blog tour on social media.

Where can I sign up?

Feel free to ask any questions you might have in the comments.

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Published on May 20, 2017 06:00

May 18, 2017

Guest Post – Cooking up a ‘Good’ Blurb + Ingredients for a blurb’s soul

I know I’m not supposed to post today (and I’m not, really), but I decided I had to reblog this guest post I wrote for Mahriya @ My Bookish Life.

It’s about writing blurbs, and it’s for the Typewriter Project. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

My Bookish Life

Blurbs are #1 reason to buy a book and apparently, they have souls.

And this guest post, by the lovely and fabulous Kellyn Roth @ Reveries tells you why blurbs are so important and how to take advantage of that lovely magnet that should pull your readers in. I am beyond excited for the Typewriter Project to officially begin and remember, the applications are now closed so I won’t be looking at any other contestants who enter now. You

Anyways,

let’s let Kellyn steal the spotlight (or skip to the first task)

and perhaps shine some light on book blurbs and how to write them.

A GOOD BLURB

Why do people read a book?

Some would say a great cover. Some would say amazing reviews. Some would say an eye-catching first chapter. All of these are probably important (to a certain extent). However, for me, the #1 reason to buy a book…

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Published on May 18, 2017 10:24

May 17, 2017

5 Things I Wish I’d Done Before I Published

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Now, I’m not usually one to look back at past mistakes and actually care that I made those mistakes. In fact, I’m more of a, “Too bad, move on,” person. My selfishness, my maliciousness, and my utter lack of concern over the bad things I’d done is absolutely hideous.

However, today I’m talking about what I’ve learned since publishing The Dressmaker’s Secret last year. So you won’t make the same mistakes. I’m a good person. Yay!!!

What are these mistakes then? What would I do before I published if I had a chance to go back and do it all over again?

Weeeell …

1: I would publish in the summer of 2016 instead.

This would have given me more time to edit, more time to learn about self-publishing and formatting, more time to think, “Is this really the cover I want to stick with?” etc.

I needed more time … but I decided, “The time has come to stop thinking and start doing!” But if I could go back, I’d tell myself to wait half a year.

2: I would get on Goodreads, Facebook, etc.

I feel like I wouldn’t have made half the mistakes I made if I’d actually taken the time to socialize with other self-publish authors on various social media sites before I published.

I should have sought guidance, as well as encouragement. I should have made friends and gotten to know people. This would also have given me some extra marketing time.

Remember: you start marketing before you publish. Not after.

I would have been a bit ahead of the game if I’d done this. But did I? Nope.

3: I would have a blog tour.

I didn’t really know about blog tours when I originally published TDS, but now I know. And I really wish I’d published it with a blog tour.

I put a lot of faith into these as a marketing tool, and they’re a lot of fun, too. (By the way, signups will be open this Saturday when the cover reveal happens! Excited? I know I am!)

4: I would order proof copies.

I had to edit TDS twice after I published because of all the typos, grammar mistakes, etc. The originally published draft was a mess … and I didn’t submit the cover correctly, so it was all blurry … and some of the formatting was off.

So, I’d order proof copies. This is cheap and easy to do on Createspace, and it would have rid me of so many problems.

5: I would learn about my genre.

Historical fiction. Who knew that such a thing existed before they published a historical fiction novel? Well … uh … it wasn’t me.

That’s right. I learned about my genre after I published it when I went to the library, picked up a random book (The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen), and realized I had to read more of this amazing genre … and that all along I’d been writing it. *jaw drops*

So yes, I would have begun marketing my book as historical fiction from the beginning and found my niche early on.

There you have it, folks … five things I would have done before (or concerning, I suppose) publishing.

Mistakefully,

~Kellyn Roth~

p.s.

If you’re published, what stupid mistakes did you make the first time around (if any) ? What would you tell yourself if you could go back in time?

Do you now think me a complete idiot? Or just a moderate idiot? (Seriously, though, there was no way I could know most of that!) Is there anything you really regret (writing- or otherwise)? Do you plan on publishing some day? If so, how are you preparing (if you are at all)?