Kadie Scott's Blog, page 9
May 7, 2018
A Nominee for the RONEs – Please Vote
I need your help! Every year, InD’Tale magazine honors the books they’ve reviewed with the RONE Awards. The Wrong Kind of Compatible is up for the award in the Contemporary: Cops, Jocks & Cowboys category!
The way the RONE Awards work is…
PHASE 1: Throughout the year, InD’Tale reviews books.
PHASE 2: Books with 4.5 or 5-star reviews are put up for reader voting.
PHASE 3: The top reader voted books move on to a judging pool of editors, agents, and other industry professionals to determine winners.
The Wrong Kind of Compatible earned a 4.5-Star review, and reader voting starts TODAY!
If you loved The Wrong Kind of Compatible, I’m hoping you’d consider voting for it.
Voting for the Contemporary: Cops, Jocks, & Cowboys genre lasts from May 7th-13th. You do have to login to InD’Tale to vote. A huge thank you in advance!!!
CLICK HERE TO VOTE!
May 4, 2018
How I Create a Character #MFRWAuthor Blog Challenge
The character is the heart of the story in my writing world. I figure out the characters long before I figure out the plot. Maybe because memorable characters are what I look for in books, movies, and shows I love. Maybe because I feel like who a character is will determine how they react to the external and internal impacts going on in his/her life.
I’ll be honest, I don’t have a single, guaranteed, this-always-works method for determining a character. Sometimes they pop into my head fully formed. More often than not, they start out as a vague entity. I do, however, have several tricks I use to help me profile my character and turn them into something real.
Here are my top 4 methods for setting up my characters:
Character Archetype
[image error]I’m a romance writer, and my go to, kick things off tool for creating characters is the book The Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes and Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes. This book is fabulous because not only does it give several archetypes for heroes and heroines, but it also gives a how would one type of hero work with one type of heroine.
I don’t take these and just write my characters out. What I do is take bits and pieces that I think will work particularly well within my story. I also use it as inspiration. Ex. The librarian is quiet but will stand up to the boss when her intellect tells her to. How can I use that in my story?
Write the Blurb (GMC)
I will frequently write the blurb first. My blurbs always have one part for the hero and one for the heroine and essentially lay out the GMC (goal, motivation, conflict) in one paragraph for each.
The hero/heroine has a problem/need/opportunity resulting in a required action/mission/quest/job (goal) with obstacles that block his/her path (conflict) with something at stake (motivation).
(This sentence is pulled from a workshop with Larry Brooks – I highly recommend you take it!)
By having a simple sentence that breaks down the cornerstones of my characters, I can reference that throughout my writing to keep myself on track.
Character Verbs
Last year at RWA I took Damon Suede’s Power Couples workshop. If you get a chance, take it! The biggest element I use from that workshop is Damon’s use of verbs. To paraphrase… He assigns a powerful verb to a character. Then he uses variations/synonyms of that verb for each of their scenes. There’s also a way to make sure your H/H have verbs that help create conflict.
Picking a verb for my H/H is one of the first things I do. But seriously, take that workshop. I can’t tell you about it as well as Damon can. 
April 24, 2018
Using Personal Stories in My Books
Every single book I write has a little bit of me in it. Pull from what you know, right? More often than not it’s things like sneaking Star Wars in, or an expression I use a lot. But sometimes I use personal stories to help me bring my characters, settings, or situations to life. Some have more me in them than others.
My Hills of Texas series, in particular, gets a lot of me in the books. Maybe because I’m writing characters in my home state, or maybe because these are ensemble books centered around the Hill family.
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Sometimes, the moments are smaller. In book 1, Saving the Sheriff, Cash’s daughter Sophia is quite a character. A lot of her moments in the book are taken directly from moments with my own daughter. She is older that Sophia now, but I write down a lot of her quotes just because they are so good, and that comes in handy when writing kids.
Here’s one of those moments in Saving the Sheriff:
Sophia hopped right up on the chair specially deemed for the birthday girl. She donned a sparkly tiara that Carter had bought her and sat up very regally. “I am the queen, and this is my palace.” She waved toward the house.
“I thought this was Pop-pop’s and my house.” His mother had her hands on her hips.
Sophia shook her head. “No. You’re the groundskeepers.”
Cash burst out laughing while his mother muttered, “Why I never.”
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Other times, I’ll pull goofy little details into a story, usually nothing huge. In book 2, Resisting the Rancher (coming July 30th!), the heroine is feisty and independent and trying to prove herself. Her truck is a reflection of that. I modeled after a truck I used to drive.
Williams Hill dragged his hand over his face as he sat in his truck at a stop light in Estes Park, Colorado. After two straight days of driving up from Texas, he was ready to reach his destination of the rodeo grounds in the small Rocky Mountain town. Flexing his shoulders to work out the kinks, he happened to glance over at the vehicle stopped next to him.
Everything in him froze…then released in a pent-up laugh.
The woman driving a shiny new black Ford truck was gorgeous with high cheekbones and pouty lips. Her long hair was pulled back in a ponytail, so he couldn’t quite make out the color, but her appearance wasn’t what had made him laugh.
She was clearly enjoying a favorite song—singing and dancing for all she was worth, without a care in the world for who might be watching. He chuckled again as she did a little shoulder shimmy. Adorable was the word that struck him, and he was strangely affected, an instant attraction coiling inside in a way that surprised him.
He wasn’t an instant attraction kind of guy.
Suddenly she glanced toward him and stilled as she discovered her audience. Her eyes went wide and she sent him a sheepish grin. He smiled back and pretended to tip an imaginary hat. However, instead of another smile, she went cold on him, eyes hardening, lips thinning. She whipped her head around to face forward, her chin in the air, and didn’t glance his way again. She definitely didn’t start singing again. Not that she would have had much time, because the light changed a second later.
She was quick to hit the gas, faster on the draw than Will who was still blinking at her abrupt about face. He almost expected her windows to frost with the drop in temperature in there. A flash of bright pink on her back window caught his attention as she drove ahead of him. For the second time in a handful of minutes, Will chuckled. The sparkly sticker on the back of her truck read, “Silly Boys, Trucks are for Girls.” Lips tipped in amusement, he shook his head.
At the next light, she went straight when he turned, which meant she probably wasn’t there for the rodeo. He gave a mental shrug. Wouldn’t be seeing her again. Probably for the best, since he was here to work.
I always got a kick out of men’s reactions to that sticker in real life. Lol. Some would drive by and glare at me. I even caught one taking a picture once. Hilarious.
March 22, 2018
When You Don’t Have Anything to Say (Or Can’t)
I am well aware how much I’ve slowed down on this blog. Pitiful really. But there is a reason… With my contracts, I now have to consider my publisher’s preferred timing to market upcoming books which is usually 1-3 months before and 1-3 months after (or more).
In the past, I’ve blogged about whatever it is I’m working on at that exact moment, while the experience is fresh and topics are top of mind. But I’m finding that I can’t do that now that I’m waiting to market the books until closer to release. Keep in mind, some of these books I’m finishing 1 and even 2 years before they release. So that means whatever I was focused on while writing them has definitely left my head.
This is a good problem to have, so believe me, I’m grateful.
March 19, 2018
Skiing @ Winter Park
Spring Break was here again and we spent all last week in Winter Park, Colorado, skiing with family. I hadn’t been to Winter Park in a good 15 years or so, and still love that mountain (despite it being where I messed up my knee in high school in my first sad attempt at the sport).
Our vacation started off a bit rough. The night before we left I was rushing a sick dog to throw up in our bathroom and forgot about packed suitcases, messing up my poor pinkie toe. Luckily, other than getting it in/out of my ski boots, it didn’t bug me too much.
This year, we totally splurged and rented a condo at the ski resort. First time doing ski-in/ski-out and it was worth every darn penny. Especially with kids involved, and 9 of us total. We probably about broke even not having to pay for the expensive lunches on the mountain or going out to eat (we at in most nights).
I am soooo proud of my kiddos who made it onto black ski runs for the first time. Total confession…I am terrified of heights and a very cautious skier, so blues are my top speed. Lol. I am also definitely a spring skier, preferring the warmer weather, which we got for all 4 days there (mostly). The last day on the slopes it started to snow. A foot of the stuff later and we had slow going to get back down the mountain.
Weather was definitely interesting on the way home. On top of the snow, we passed closed to a large wildfire in southern Colorado, and a major thunderstorm in Texas. But we’re home safe, and, after a nice lazy Sunday, are back to school and work today. We had a fantastic vacation. Skiing is back on for this time next year!
February 12, 2018
$0.99 SALE – The Wrong Kind of Compatible
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For a limited time only (Feb 12-16), you can get started on my Love Undercover romantic comedy series with The Wrong Kind of Compatible for only $0.99!!!
✭✭✭✭✭ “Amazingly hot, funny and intense, with unforgettable, geeky characters. Two thumbs up!!” ~The Romance Reviews (Top Pick)
Data analyst Cassie Howard may be brilliant (and, okay, a little awkward), but she’s worked hard to get where she is. She definitely doesn’t need some sexy new analyst coming in and taking credit for her work. Or the inappropriate thoughts that keep popping out of her mouth she’d rather he not hear.
For undercover FBI agent Drew Kerrigan, computers have always made more sense than people, but he’d better develop some slick social skills in a hurry if he’s going to win over the too-tantalizing-for-his-sanity Cassie.
Hacking their systems was easy. Now he’s just got to hack the one person in the company most likely to see through his ruse…
GET YOUR COPY FOR ONLY $0.99 NOW!
INTERNATIONAL
CA: Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
UK: Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
AU: Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
*Kobo AU is still pending the price drop, but should be coming.
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Other Fabulous Entangled Books On Sale!
Want some other great romance reads for Valentine’s Day (all on sale as well)?
Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night by Stacy Reid
His Best Mistake by Diane Alberts
Hold Me Until Midnight by Christina Alberts
Pretend It’s Love by Stephanie London
Seducing Charlotte by Diana Qunicy
Her Summer with the Marine by Susan Meier
Falling for Her Soldier by Ophelia London
Beyond the Stars by Stacy Wise
The Heartbreak Hypothesis by Lindsey Frydman
Check them out here!
While you’re at it…
Don’t miss out on book 2 in the Love Undercover Series for only $2.99!
February 7, 2018
Tule Contract – Hills of Texas Books 3-5
I am thrilled to announce that I’ve just signed a contract with Tule Publishing for books 3-5 in my Hills of Texas series.
Book 1, Saving the Sheriff, just released in January. Book 2, Resisting the Rancher, comes out in April! And now the rest of the series will be coming soon!!!
[image error]For the Hills of Texas, ranching is a legacy, hard work is a way of life, and having siblings is like having a best friend you can’t get rid of. You know whatever you do, they’ll still be there. Family will stand by you, stand with you, stand behind you, and sometimes give you that needed push. Especially when it comes to finding love.
Saving the Sheriff (Cash & Holly)
Resisting the Rancher (Williams & Rusty)
Partnering the Playboy (Autry & Beth)
Loving the Lawman (Carter & Logan)
Claiming the Cowboy (Jennings & Maggie)
January 23, 2018
Release Day – Saving the Sheriff!!!
BUY & READ NOW!
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There’s a storm brewin’…
The day his wife died, Sheriff Cash Hill discovered she was leaving him for another man, one she’d loved since before their marriage. How could the single dad ever trust another woman again? But when Georgia’s best friend, Holly, comes back to town, something about Holly’s sweet, sassy vulnerability has his protective instincts kicking in hard.
Holly Jensen left La Colina, Texas with regrets. She’s returned home to work as the new large animal vet and to watch over her best friend’s daughter. But Holly’s knowledge of Georgia’s past could rip a family apart. And she’s reluctant to go to the sexy…and single…sheriff, as he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with her.
Both are faced with a choice…stay locked in the past or allow their reservations to be silenced by a passion hotter than Texas summer nights. Can they learn to trust their own hearts and each other?
BUY & READ NOW!
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GIVEAWAY
[image error]Help me spread the word about my new release and get in on a fantastic giveaway! Up for grabs:
[image error]Kindle Fire Tablet 7
$50 Amazon gift card
Cowboy Boots Necklace
Signed copy of The Wrong Kind of Compatible
Signed copy of The Attraction Equation
EXCERPT
“I—” He ran his hands through his already spiky hair again. “I’d better go.”
Holly dropped her gaze and willed her sinking heart to get over it fast. She had no idea what was driving this reaction. Better to just let him go. “Of course. It’s late.”
She walked to the door, and he followed, silent and brooding.
He opened the door and she followed him outside, where he turned abruptly to face her. “I’m so—”
She stopped him by going up on her tiptoes and placing her lips softly over his. Shock at her own behavior zipped through her, even as her lips tingled from the touch. She’d meant for the gesture to be comforting. Perhaps part of her realized that after she talked to him about Marcus tomorrow, she might not get another chance. Besides, it was a good way to shut him up. She didn’t want his apologies.
She savored the sensation of his warm lips under hers. Let her own linger against his for a long moment before she pulled back. “Don’t apologize. Please. I really do understand.”
Then, before he could say or do anything else, she went inside without a backward glance, locking the door behind her.
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January 22, 2018
Saving the Sheriff Blog Tour & Giveaway
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To celebrate my new release, I’m touring book blogs. Pop in, say hi, and enter my big giveaway (including a Kindle Fire Tablet and a $50 Amazon gift card!).
Don’t forget to grab your copy of Saving the Sheriff!!!
*Hosted by Authors Pal!
Date
Blog Name
Blog URL
Type of Post
1/22/2018
Book Junkie Reviews
abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Promo
Evermore Books
evermorebooks.weebly.com/blog
Promo
Book-Lover blog
facebook.com/bookloverblog2014
Promo
Sea’s Nod
searosetouk.blogspot.com
Promo
1/23/2018
Cat’s Guilty Pleasure
facebook.com/catherinewrightbooks
Promo
underneath the covers
underneaththecoversblog.com
Promo
the bookworm lodge
www.thebookwormlodge.com
Promo
Jen’s Reading Obsession
jensreadingobsession.blogspot.com
Promo and Review
1/24/2018
Joyfully Reviewed
www.joyfullyreviewed.com
Promo
MJ’s Book Blog and Reviews
facebook.com/MJsBookBlogandReviews
Promo
Read Your Writes Book Reviews
readyourwrites.blogspot.com
Promo
Becky on Books
beckymmoe.com
Promo
1/25/2018
What Is That Book About
www.whatisthatbookabout.com
Promo
Shirley’s Bookshelf
facebook.com/ShirleysBookshelf
Promo
book review virginia lee
facebook.com/bookreviewvirginialee
Promo
Romance Novel Giveaways
romancenovelgiveaways.blogspot.com
Promo
1/26/2018
Nicole’s Book Musings
nicolesbookmusings.blogspot.com
Promo
Buried Under Romance
www.buriedunderromance.com
Promo
Teatime and Books
www.teatimeandbooks76.blogspot.com
Promo
Escape Reality Book Blog
facebook.com/escaperealitybookblog
Promo and Review
California Girl in MA
CaliforniaGirlinMA.blogspot.com
Promo and Review
January 18, 2018
Sometimes It’s All About Scheduling
Between deadlines, releases, running AOAD, my gig as a VPA, and momming, I’ve had several author friends ask how I do it. How do I keep on top of everything?
First of all…I don’t. I am not superwoman or a magician. Things fall through the cracks on a regular basis. Plans don’t work out the way I set them. I get tired and cranky and have even been known to skip a day of doing just to give myself a break. And yes, I have a tendency to say YES to too many things. I get it done, but sometimes with a cost.
Part of what helps is that I’m blessed with an odd combination of stamina and ADD. Yeah. I said it. The ADD bit means that, to help me focus, I need tons to keep me busy. Sounds strange, but it’s true. I don’t sit and do one thing well, so it helps to have lots of things to do. The stamina helps because I can go non-stop from the second I get up until the second I go to bed, and not really stress about it. Helps that almost all of what I do during that time is stuff I love. If I was in a job I hated, that would be a different story. which means I need.
But here’s my real secret…I schedule. Everything.
Like everyone else, I schedule my life, my appointments, my kids’ activities, and so forth. But I also schedule reminders for monthly/quarterly/yearly tasks. I schedule my social media calendar and posts. And…I schedule my writing.
MAKING THE SCHEDULE
I have figured out how many words a day I can get in without feeling like I’m overloaded (for me this is 2-2.5k/day), and still get in my VPAing, my AOADing, my kids (of course!), and everything else. I take a deadline and everything I need to get done to hit it and back it up from there–at a weekly level. I include:
Writing the first draft
Writing/editing subsequent drafts
Beta readers to read
Me to apply beta readers’ comments
Deadline
Post-deadline I include a guess at:
2 rounds of editing (1-2 weeks each)
Copy-editing – a few days
Galley reads – a few days
THE RULES
In my schedule, if I have books that aren’t contracted yet, but I have high hopes for, I’ll still include those books as placeholders. I also apply some extra rules. For example…
I don’t schedule anything else (other than beta readers reading, which doesn’t require me to do anything) during the 1st two weeks and last week of a 1st draft.
I block off holidays (Christmas, Spring Break, etc.)
Anywhere that doesn’t have those blocked off I put a Secondary First Draft as optional.
After I hit 2k words for the day for my main WIP, I give myself the option of getting in 500 words on a WIP scheduled later down the road.
This allows me to get ahead, but with no pressure.
I TRY (but usually doesn’t happen) to have the 2 weeks after finishing a first draft blocked off so I don’t start any new first drafts – giving my brain a break and letting me focus on 2nd/3rd drafts of that completed work.
ADJUSTING
My schedules are never set in stone (except contracted deadlines of course). I use them to both keep me on task (in order to hit those deadlines), but also to help determine where/when I can do more. That way, if new contracts come in, I can be honest and fairly accurate with what/when I can produce.
I will also adjust my schedule any time something major changes–I get way behind, any given step takes longer (or shorter) than anticipated, etc. Adjust the schedule. I live and breathe off this thing daily.
So that’s me. Like I said, I’m not perfect and I do miss things, mess things up, and collapse sometimes. But I will say that since implementing this calendar, I hit my deadlines with a lot less angst (and a lot less of a pile up of work at the end). Authors, what about you? How do you handle your deadlines and writing schedule?
