Hailey Rose's Blog, page 7
July 30, 2017
Completely Random Awesomeness
I seem to be doing a lot of these posts lately. XD Sorry about that. But there is JUST SO MUCH EXCITING STUFF going on I have to share!!!!
ONE
Left to Die was reviewed by Annie over at JustCommonly. Go check out her glowing review and leave some love in the comment box.
I was reading a very interesting post about harnessing your voice as a writer, and I nearly tripped over myself when I saw my name. My book. COMPARED TO JANE AUSTEN. *dies* I still can’t believe it. But don’t take my word for it–go check out Liv’s post and listen to her awesome advice!
TWO
My blog got a new face! (about three weeks ago, but I have been busy so we are going to pretend that I am on top of things. *nodnod*) How is everyone liking the new design? Is there anything I should change?
THREE
I totally and utterly fell behind on my goal for MISSING. I have my reasons, and I also have reasons for not being upset about it. But I really do want to get this draft finished. So my new goal is September 16th. I would have pulled it back to the end of August, but since we literally have company/travel plans for more than half the month, I’m going to give myself the benefit of the doubt. :D
FOUR
There are 1,000 comments on this blog!!! Can you believe it?!? Half of them are my replies (mwahahaha), but the other 500 are all of YOURS!!! Thank you so much!! Comments are the best ever.
FIVE
I have a Twitter account now! Instagram remains my favorite social media platform, but I’m excited to give Twitter a try. Give me a follow and tell me what amazing writers I should follow!
SIX
I’m going to open up the application process to be one of my beta readers. Keep your eyes peeled for that post! :D
SEVEN
Guess who is coming to visit me in a few weeks? None other than the amazing Abigayle Claire!!!!!! She is going to be staying with me and my family for a long week, during which we will be attending the Oregon Christian Writer’s conference. Emily McConnell is also coming–we’re gonna have the best roadtrip ever!!!!! :D
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What’s been going on in your life this month?
The post Completely Random Awesomeness appeared first on Lakeside Publications.
July 26, 2017
Book Review / / Unraveling by Sara Ella
You’ve all heard me rave about Unblemished on more than one occasion, as well as squeal about the coming of this epic beauty. And now it’s here!!!! This is the FIRST book I’ve ever pre-ordered, and I’m SOOOOO glad!!!!
To be honest, I enjoyed Unraveling a lot more than Unblemished. I was a lot less confused, the story was easier to follow… and it was SOOOOO complex!!!! *dies* I so enjoyed the COMPLETELY unexpected plot twist. Also, El was a lot easier to connect with in this book. The emotions were a lot more real and raw for everyone. And this book made me love Ky so much more. I wasn’t too keen on him in Unblemished, but now that I know him a little better–yep. He’s awesome.
And the cover?!? *squeals* It’s just as beautiful as I anticipated!!!!!! The colors are so vibrant, there are so many different little tiny details…I could stare at it forever. *heart eyes*
This series is well worth the read. It’s a completely different kind of adventure in a genre that I don’t usually read, but I LOVED it!!!
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Have you read Unblemished or Unraveling? What did you think???
The post Book Review / / Unraveling by Sara Ella appeared first on Lakeside Publications.
July 19, 2017
July 12, 2017
Beautiful People #26
I haven’t done a Beautiful People linkup in LONNGGGGG while, and this one looked quite interesting. I should do these more. They really are fun! :D
1. How do you decide which project to work on?
Not too long. I just pick the idea that’s tormenting my brain cells/begging to be written the most.
2. How long does it usually take you to finish a project?
FOREVER.
Okay, not quite that bad, but it feels like an eternity. I’ve done everything from 5 year to 2 weeks to write a book. It just depends on how cooperative the story is. On average, though, I can crank out a *clean* first draft in about 4 months.
3. Do you have any routines to put you in the writing mood?
Nope. Sometimes, I’ll grab coffee or tea, but for the most part…I just sit. And write. :)
4. What time of day do you write best?
When I’m exhausted. (WHYYYYYYYY?!?!? >_< ) Usually, between 10pm-2am.
5. Are there any authors you think you have a similar style to?
I’m told that my style for historical novels is similar to Janette Oke. High praise!!! :D I love Janette Oke.
6. Why did you start writing, and why do you keep writing?
I started writing because I couldn’t find any good books to read. I keep writing because I enjoy it.
7. What’s the hardest thing you’ve written?
Hardest book, hardest scene, hardest character….????? Hardest book is probably the ever-work-in-progress, Never Alone. Hardest scene was the orphanage scene in Left to Die. Hardest character???? Probably Callie, from Never Alone.
8. Is there a project you want to tackle someday but you don’t feel ready yet?
Yep–the epic re-write of Never Alone. It’s a daunting task. The story is so complicated, so epic, so….TERRIFYING to write. I don’t think I can get it right. Which I need to get over, because it’s such an awesome story and I think people should read it.
9. What writing goals did you make for 2017 and how are they going?
I didn’t make any official writing goals for 2017 because I knew this year was already full and that I needed to spend some time taking care of my body/chronic illnesses. But as for what I’ve accomplished thus far:
One novella published.
A book outlined with the Snowflake Method.
About 1/4 the way through a rough draft of a different book.
10. Describe your writing process in 3 words or a gif!
I greatly dislike gif’s (they’re SO obnoxious and they flash and it gives me an eyeache), so let’s go with three words.
Explosion. Frantic. Sobbing.
(Idea, writing, editing)
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What time of day do you write best? (Any fellow night owls out there???)
The post Beautiful People #26 appeared first on Lakeside Publications.
July 8, 2017
The Old River Road Birthday Party!
Can you believe it’s been an entire year since my debut novel, The Old River Road, was published? Sometimes it feels like just yesterday, other times it feels like forever ago.
If you remember from last year, River Road was published on my 18th birthday. So guess what today is??? My 19th birthday!! :D Yay! 19 feels like such a weird age. I’ve never enjoyed being “odd” ages. But. I only have to survive one year of being 19, so… ;-)
The book this celebration is all about:
1885
When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was near perfect. The journey before them as newlyweds in the great city of Chicago was promising and exciting. But a frightening disease soon takes William in its grip, forcing them to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. But pioneering doesn’t prove to be easy, with miles between neighbors instead of fences. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.
This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.
From July 8th to 10th, The Old River Road will be discounted to just $.99 on Amazon!
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And now, I have a special TORR one-year-birthday present for all of you…
The title of the second book!!!!
MOCK COVER, not the final cover
*happy dance*
I’m so excited to FINALLY be sharing this with you!!! And I’m even MORE excited to be getting this ready to publish next year!!!
This birthday party was a little last minute, but thanks to some amazing blogger friends, they were very willing to throw together a quick blog party and help me spread the word! Be sure to check out their blogs and posts, as well.
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Abigayle Claire @ The Left-Handed Typist
Faith Potts @ Firefly Story Space
Victoria Lynn @ Ruffles and Grace
Jesseca Wheaton @ Whimsical Writings
Anika Joy @ This Journey Called Life
~
And remember, the best gift you could ever give me or any other author is REVIEWS!!!!! Amazon reviews are my favorite, but I’ll take reviews from anywhere. :) They totally make my day!!!
The post The Old River Road Birthday Party! appeared first on Lakeside Publications.
June 30, 2017
Looking Ahead
CHANGES! UPDATES! NEW STUFF! NEWS!
Okay, maybe it’s not quite that dramatic, but I’m super excited about the new things that are happening around here! Most of the things I mention here are going to have their own post, but I’m just giving ya’ll a little taste of what’s coming. :D And it’s so much easier to just dump everything in one post.
ONE
I’m starting a newsletter!
BUT WAIT! Before you roll your eyes and ignore yet ANOTHER newsletter, I’m here to tell you that mine is going to be different. Believe me, I honestly am not a fan of the whole newsletter fad. Yeah, I know it’s supposed to be an author’s best marketing tool and all, but I don’t enjoy having my inbox flooded with a bunch of newsletters all the time, no matter how much I love the author! My newsletter is going to be completely different; I’m trying to break the standard mold of newsletters. *mwahahaha* Keep your eyes peeled for a blog post all about it.
TWO
My Instagram how has over 100 followers. I’m in shock. It’s only been six months, yet already I’ve got 100. To celebrate, I’m doing a giveaway. But hurry on over there and enter…this is the last day!!!
A post shared by Ivy Rose (@author_ivyrose) on Jun 25, 2017 at 3:58pm PDT
On a similar note, my blog has reached 60 subscribed followers! Can you believe it? 60 amazing people who let ME enter their inbox for ever blog post. Thank you!!!!
THREE
There is a work-in-progress meter on the sidebar of this blog. With that, you can all keep close tabs on how much progress I’m making on my current WIP. Though it’s true I tend not to talk about my writing until I know FOR SURE it’s going to become a book inside of 10 years (I’m a squirrel brain who gets way too many ideas to keep track of), I’m going to start doing a better job about introducing my books so you all actually care about them as they’re being written.
FOUR
I NEED YOUR HELP.
I’m having business cards made. I really want them to have a sentence or two about what kind of writing I do. This is challenging for me because I’m all over the board with genres. The only one that comes to my head is “showing different kinds of love between all ages and all people”. It sounds corny, though.
This is where I need you. You’re the ones who READ my books, so I want you to tell me how you would describe my style. Let me know in a comment or an email!
NOTE: you only have until Monday, so HURRY HURRY HURRY!!!! :D
FIVE
I am looking for people to add to my permanent beta-reader team. Okay, permanent sounds a little…permanent, but basically what I’m looking for is a team of people who I can contact when I need a book beta-read and, if they are available, they beta for me. There are some specific things I’m looking for in a beta reader, so this is a little different than me just throwing my book out to ya’ll. More info coming on this!
SIX
This entire blog is getting a makeover. Seriously. A total, complete, and awesome makeover. I hope you all like the new design as much as I do. I can’t wait to share it!!!!
SEVEN
The Old River Road is turning one on July 8th! How exciting is that?!? I have some plans for a little celebration, which may or may not include the title of book #2. *smirks*
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There you have a totally random, completely info dumpy, announcement/news post. Hope that was somewhat enjoyable. ;)
The post Looking Ahead appeared first on Lakeside Publications.
June 24, 2017
The Very Awesome Vlog Challenge #6 / / June-August 2017
I know it’s almost ten days late. So sorry. However, if I am going to be a failure, I am going to fail magnificently. *bows*
Despite my failings, these challenges run from the 15th-15th of every-other-month, so you’ve got lots of time to enter.
But first, check out everyone’s videos from the last challenge!
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The winner of the $10 Amazon gift card is…
Lilly Shyree!!!
Congrats, Lilly. You’ll be getting an email from me soon. :)
Now, for the 6th challenge questions:
Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
Did you ever consider writing under a pudendum? (pen name)
What is your favorite re-fueling beverage?
Remember, when you complete the challenge and add your link to the linkup, you are entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card!
Let’s see those videos!!!
The post The Very Awesome Vlog Challenge #6 / / June-August 2017 appeared first on Lakeside Publications.
June 21, 2017
Top 5 Favorite Covers
ANOTHER VIDEO????
I know. I’m sorry for the video overload. They’re just SO MUCH EASIER than typing and finding images and formatting….all I have to do is talk!!!! And we all know I can talk without any difficulty… ;-)
The post Top 5 Favorite Covers appeared first on Lakeside Publications.
June 17, 2017
Book Review / / London in the Dark and Author Interview
Today I have the very lovely Victoria Lynn on my blog! Victoria is such a sweetheart and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her over the past year and watch her write amazing novels. She just published her very first one, London in the Dark. If you enjoy historical mysteries, you’re in for a treat!!!!
~My Review~
First of all, can we just drool over that cover for a minute? It’s just so…so London-y. SOOOOO pretty and beautiful and I need it on my shelf.
London in the Dark is a story full of family values, a little romance, and, of course, mystery. The single aspect of this book that made my heart happy is the historical accuracy. I couldn’t find anything that seemed out of place so kudos to Victoria for doing her research! Another thing I absolutely loved about this story is there the sub plots. The whole book isn’t just focused on the mystery, it’s also about family relationships. Something else about this book is the CHARACTERS!!!! (Especially Dudley. Definitely Dudley.) Cyril made me frustrated sometimes, but I really did like him. :)
Anyone who enjoys historical mysteries and stories set in London, this is your book.
(Side note: this book is best read in conjunction with Downton Abbey. ;-) )
~The Interview~
Welcome to my blog, Victoria! I’m so happy you’re here!!!
Thanks so much Ivy! I am so happy to be here!
Is London in the Dark a character-inspired story or a plot-inspired story? (Meaning…did the characters come to you first, or did the plot idea come first?)That is such an awesome question. I would have to say more character inspired. Though there was a tiny bit of plot involved. The idea came when I had the thought of what it would be like to be the sister to someone like Sherlock Holmes. Granted, Cyril is very different, but it was that idea that sparked the story and then Olivia and Cyril sprang to my mind.
What scene/part was your favorite to write? Why?
Ooh, my favorite scene. . . It was probably the scene in the middle of the book where Olivia Hartwell gets into some pretty serious trouble and is held captive. The reason it is my favorite is because it was probably the most vivid in my head and it was one of the first scenes that I actually “saw” in my head.
What made you want to write a mystery?
I love them. I read quite a few of them and I think that influenced what I wanted to write about, but it was also that the whole feel and direction of the story wouldn’t have been the same without it. Plus, I really wanted to break some cliches with this book. It feels like most of the mysteries out there are murder mysteries (which aren’t my favorite) So I really wanted to change that and make something more like what I would want to read.
What tips would you give someone who wants to write mysteries?
Outlining and Plotting ahead of time are paramount to writing a good mystery. Having those plans laid ahead of time is such a time saver and removes a lot of the stress for me. I write the entire storyline down before I write the book so that I don’t miss anything. You need to have the answer to the mystery before you can write it. So I detail all of the ins and outs of the mystery itself, so now all I have to think about is the characters and actual story while I write.
What is the number one thing/tip/strategy that helps you write?
My motto has always been “Just Write.” One will never get anything done until they actually work at it. I really needed to say this to myself a lot because I would come up with a million excuses to wait on writing, but if I always waited, I would never have a book. So “Just write” would be my number one tip and strategy! :D
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Victoria and I did a post swap, so head on over to her blog and read her sweet review of Left to Die, as well as an exclusive interview! (Mkay, exclusive might be pushing it, but it sounds so cool!!)
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What are some of your favorite mysteries?
The post Book Review / / London in the Dark and Author Interview appeared first on Lakeside Publications.
June 7, 2017
Top 5 Favorite Books
I have a vlog for you all today! Could I write all this into a normal blog post? Yeah. But doing videos is SO MUCH MORE FUN!!! Hopefully you all feel the same way. ;)
The post Top 5 Favorite Books appeared first on Lakeside Publications.
