Ceara Nobles's Blog, page 5

Writing Update: November 2021

Hello, December! Is anyone else ready for Christmas? New Year's? 2022?

THE RISING ELEMENTS RELEASE DATE??

March seems like forever away, but it will be here before we know it. My to-do list is a mile long! Speaking of Rising Elements, I have to confess something...

I made a mistake.

If you've been following my on social media or my newsletter, you know I went to the 20Books conference for independent authors in Las Vegas last month. It was life-changing! I learned so much about the publishing industry, met some amazing powerhouse authors, and came away with so many ideas to level up my business.

Of the things I learned, the most important was about branding my book to the appropriate market. After a particularly informative session, I decided to do some market research in the YA fantasy genre, and I discovered something huge. Well, 2 things.

First, another author published a book with my exact same title in my exact same genre in September. (Wahhhh!) And secondly, my cover is not to market.

I repeat: my cover is not to market.

This is super important, because if my cover doesn't match the market, many readers won't even click on it to learn more about it.

Soooooo I went back to the drawing board and worked with my cover designer to redesign my covers for the entire series. AND I brainstormed some new titles for the books within the series.

Lo and behold, I'm rebranding the entire series only a few weeks after I did my cover and title reveal. *face palm*

Want to see the new cover? Say no more! I'll share it below. :)

CURRENT WORD COUNT

Current word count: 52,661

Target word count: 65,000

As you'll probably notice, I lowered my target word count to 65,000. I've decided to make a more realistic goal for my genre and my story. I want to stay true to my storytelling style and avoid adding words for the sake of reaching a word count goal. This feels more true to me as an author! Plus, this means you'll be able to finish the book in one day, which is so satisfying!

WRITING THOUGHTS

Okay, you've waited long enough. Are you ready for the new cover? And the new title?

Here it is!

Say hello (again) to the first book in the Rising Elements series... SPARKS AND SHADOW.

I gotta say, I loved my old cover and title, but this new one is growing on me. The cover truly matches the market and I feel like the title pops more.

What do you think? Is this a book you'd click on to learn more about it? Let me know in the comments below!

One lesson I've learned this month is that I have so much more to learn about the publishing industry (as if I didn't know that already, right?). I truly didn't know what I didn't know. And while there's even more to learn, I'm confident that I'm taking the right steps forward.

Next step? Get the book back from my editor, do one final edit, and GET IT READY TO PUBLISH.

Bring it on, 2022. I'm ready for you!

How a Writing Conference Changed My Life

Writing conferences hold a special place in my heart. The first time I attended one was in 2017. It was a small conference held 35 minutes from my house, and there were maybe 300 people in attendance.

I remember standing in line to check in and listening to the conversations happening around me. One author in front of me had a few books out, and she was talking to her companion about a new book coming out soon. Casually, as if it was no big deal that she was a published author. Later that day, I attended a talk held by an author who had their work optioned by Disney for a series.

I spent most of the weekend feeling starstruck. I attended workshops on craft and marketing and all things publishing, and I even pitched my novel to an agent (eek!). When I left that conference, I felt for the first time that I could do it. That I could become a published author.

Fast forward to 2021. Four years, one baby, a pandemic, and four published books later, I still get that giddy feeling whenever I go to a writing conference.

A couple weeks ago, I attended the annual 20Books conference for independent authors in Las Vegas. In 2017, I never would've dreamed of starting my own publishing company and publishing my books. Sometimes I still feel amazed when people ask what I do and I can say that.

I thought that first conference in 2017 was life-changing, but 20Books was on a whole new level. I'm still new to the independent publishing business, and I had no idea what I didn't know. It was truly a life-changing experience to spend five days in a hotel full of other independent authors. I attended panels and lectures by authors making six figures (and more!) every year publishing their own books. I learned marketing techniques, craft tips, and publishing information I had no idea I was missing. I networked with other authors who are soaring past me in terms of books published, and some who haven't published their first one yet. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and did something that scared me, and boy did it pay off!

I will never forget how it felt to sit in the giant conference hall full of 1,500 other independent authors and listen to the panel of high-powered authors sharing their secrets to success.

Now, two weeks after the conference, I have a to-do list a mile long, new podcasts to listen to, market research to do, new covers to commission, and a heart full of renewed passion for my craft!

If you're considering a writing conference (whether you've published a book or not), trust me... GO FOR IT! If you take that step and push yourself outside your comfort zone, you will not regret it. Writers are a special breed, and there's nothing like meeting hundreds of your tribe in one place.

Have you ever attended a conference, writing or otherwise? What did you think about it? Let me know in the comments!

Writing Status Update: October 2021

Wow, it's November. I am shook.

By the time you read this blog post (it's Tuesday as I write it), I will be one day away from submitting my WIP to my developmental editor! Let's take a look at what I managed to do for the month of October!

CURRENT WORD COUNT

Current word count: 49,000

Target word count: 80,000

Guys, I need to get to at least 73,000 words by Saturday night.

WRITING THOUGHTS

If you're the praying type, I'd really appreciate some prayers right now.

I'm on the war path to get this manuscript ready for my dev. editor! I've put everything else on hold this week in order to finish it. Should I have worked on it more in the past couple weeks? Probably. But I was on a beach in Hawaii for almost two weeks, and I refuse to feel guilty for taking that time to let it breathe!

I've been meeting with a new writing group and they've been giving me some amazing feedback on the first few chapters of the book! With that and the edits I've already been doing, I truly believe that I can whip this project into shape and get it to my editor on time. I'm really excited for her to work her magic and give me some positive direction to really make it shine!

I've gone through the manuscript and made all the major changes I had noted throughout the drafting process. Now I've exported it to a new document and I'm going through it line by line, adding details and scenes where it feels natural. Hopefully by the time I'm done and it's off to my editor, I can move on to some exciting promotional projects!

I've got so many fun ideas for the book launch in March. It's time to whittle them down and get some balls rolling! Stay tuned!

5 Office Essentials for Writers

I haven't had a standalone office (with a door) for almost 5 years now.

Since we moved into our new house, my office has been in a nook between the kitchen and living room. That worked fine before we had our daughter, but after 2.5 years of trying to work while a baby/toddler tried to climb up my leg or pound on my keyboard, I decided it was time for me to move my office behind a closed door!

While moving and reorganizing my new office, I spent a lot of time on Amazon looking for items I could use!

Here's a list of my 5 favorite office essentials for writers!

LED Floor Lamp - $35.97

This lamp is great for my small office! I put it in the darkest corner and I usually have it on in addition to my overhead light while I'm working. It helps reduce eye strain and I love that it has a remote! I can change the brightness and the color of the light. It also works great for illuminating my desk for bookstagram pictures!

Writer Street Sign - $9.99

Okay this is just fun. It's hanging on my wall above my desk and it reminds me why I do what I do - because I'm a writer and I love it!

Adjustable Sit/Stand Computer Desk Legs - $249.99

I absolutely LOVE my sit/stand computer desk! We bought an extra-long piece of scrap countertop from Ikea a few years ago and then bought these desk legs to attach to it. My desk is crazy long and I love the extra space! The legs are motorized and have customizable settings, so I can program it to the exact height I like when sitting or standing. It's a lifesaver!

Planner Pens - $9.99

I love these planner pens! I use them for my weekly calendar to make sure I stay on top of my various freelance editing projects and my own writing. It's also great for the editing process while I'm reading through a physical draft!

Canon Pixma Printer - $149.99

Every author needs a printer. Need I say more?

I have an older version of the Canon TS series printer, and it has been great for me! It works well for small projects (I don't suggest printing an entire book on it... I've tried) and for photos. The ink isn't crazy expensive either!

There you have it! My 5 favorite items in my new standalone office. I feel like an official writer when I get to go in, shut the door, and turn on my music for a work session.

Do you have a favorite office item? Share it in the comments below!

Rising Elements Book 1 [COVER & TITLE REVEAL!]

Happy Friday, and welcome to this week's blog post! This one is near and dear to my heart, because it's time for a COVER REVEAL and TITLE REVEAL!

If you've been following my writing journey within the past year, you know I've been working on a very special WIP. I'm making the jump to YA fantasy. It's a huge break from my first series, which was firmly in the clean romantic suspense genre. Fantasy has always been my favorite genre, so I'm thrilled to create an entire world and share it with you. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Are you ready? Drumroll please...

And the title is...

Spark of Fate (Book 1 in the Rising Elements Series)

All it takes is a spark...

Everly Ryan owns the streets of Seattle. Maybe she doesn't technically have a place to live, but she's content to take care of her friend Mary Beth and outwit her enemies in the cutthroat business of bicycle deliveries.

The only problem? Seattle is full of monsters, and Everly is the only one who can see them.

When a stupid decision lands Everly in the monsters' sights, she finds herself transported to a new world. To get home, she must join a band of revolutionaries fighting against an oppressive ruler and a menacing threat from the east.

But maybe these monsters aren't monsters at all... and maybe the thing she has always been looking for - a place to belong - can be found here in this magical land.

SPARK OF FATE will hit a bookstore near you on March 4th, 2022.

I can't wait for you to meet Everly and her friends. She is tough as nails and her heart is bigger than she'd ever let on, and her friends from Thios are quirky and fun and I know you'll love them as much as I do.

Want to support me? Can't wait to dive into this new world of magic and mystery? Click HERE to preorder your ebook today!

I have more preorder information coming your way soon. Join my mailing list and subscribe to my Instagram page for the latest updates.

Thank you for supporting me on this journey. I can't wait to share this with you.

See you in Thios!

A Curse So Dark And Lonely [BOOK REVIEW]

Hi! Thanks for being here. This is my monthly series where I review my favorite books. As an author, it's so important for me to read widely both inside and outside my genre. Today's book, A Curse So Dark And Lonely, is an oldie but a goodie. Let's dive in!

What's it about?

Prince Rhen of Emberfall is cursed to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year in a race to make a girl fall in love with him before he turns into a monster. When Harper, a struggling girl from Washington DC, becomes his newest conquest, Rhen thinks he's doomed to repeat another catastrophe like so many before. As Harper and Rhen spend time together, they learn that powerful forces are moving against Emberfall, and it may take more than a broken curse to save them.

What I Loved

Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales, and this retelling certainly delivered. Harper is brave and smart and doesn't take any crap. The fact that she suffers from Cerebral Palsy doesn't slow her down--if anything, it makes her more awesome. She's a great role model for differently-abled readers (and anyone, for that matter).

This book is a portal fantasy, which is the same genre I'm writing now, and there's so much to learn from Brigid's writing. Her worldbuilding is easy to believe, with just enough detail without overwhelming the reader. I love the character of Harper and especially Grey, who becomes even more important later in the series.

What I didn't love

One thing I didn't love about this book was that it seemed really light on the romance. There was a hint of a love triangle forming between Rhen and Harper and Grey, but honestly Grey was more likable than Rhen, and Rhen is supposed to be the main character! I think it would have been more effective if Rhen had showed a bit more realistic character development in the first book. He goes from selfishly ignoring the world to suddenly giving away all the free food from the palace. I would have liked to see some redeeming qualities before that major shift!

Worth reading?

This series is worth a read, especially books two and three. Book two focuses more on Grey as a main character, and it's really fun to get into his head! This book is a great start to the series, and I mean, come on--how can you not love Harper??

Have you read A Curse So Dark And Lonely? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Writing Status Update: September 2021

Once upon a time (last month), I made a promise to hold myself accountable by reporting my writing progress at the end of every month here on my blog.

And I have a question for you... How is September almost over already?

Technically we have almost a week left, but since today is the last Friday of this month, it's time for my monthly status update.

Do you remember my goal for this month? I vowed to finish the first draft of my WIP. Do you think I did it?? Let's take a look...

CURRENT WORD COUNT

Current word count: 41,000

Target word count: 80,000

I am PROUD to say that I am on target to reach my goal of finishing this draft in the next 6 days. I have ONE. CHAPTER. LEFT.

WRITING THOUGHTS

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Ceara, you say you're almost done with this draft, but you only have 40,000 words and you want to be at 80,000. WTF?"

The truth is, I'm an underwriter. I tend to heavily outline at the beginning of a book, and then as I'm drafting, I follow that outline pretty closely. I don't write a lot of fluff stuff - in the first draft, my only goal is to make it to "THE END."

I make lots of notes along the way of scenes I want to add or plot lines I want to follow in the editing stage. So although my draft is done, this is the bare-bones version. I plan on adding a TON of details and extra scenes to fill the story out in the coming weeks.

What's next?

Once my draft is finished (IN SIX DAYS), I'll do a read-through and consolidate the notes I made throughout the writing process into a master editing plan. Then I'll go through and add everything I need to. I'm also in discussions with a few potential developmental editors, and I'd like to get a date scheduled for that in the next month or two. After that, we're off to the races.

I am so thrilled with the progress I've made here. I'm on track to meet my deadlines for the tentative release date I have planned (which I will announce NEXT WEEK when I finalize a few things).

If you're not subscribed to my mailing list, do that now! I'll be doing a cover reveal and release date reveal on there first before I share it on my social media pages.

Stay tuned! I've got lots of fun things heading your way.

Until next time!

7 Fun Gifts for Writers [AMAZON]

If you're a writer -- or if you know a writer -- then you know that writers LOVE writerly gifts. Since Christmas is only a couple months away, I thought it would be fun to share some writerly gifts I've found on Amazon. If you're looking to spoil the writer in your life (or yourself!) take a look below!

If you end up buying one of these, or if you have a better one to share, please comment below! Let's create a master list of writerly gifts!

Typewriter Pencil Holder

This adorable typewriter pencil holder is a great gift for a writer's desk! It's heavy, so the weight of your pens/pencils won't make it tip over. And what writer doesn't love a typewriter? It's the ultimate writer gift!

Iron Reader Statue

Okay how cute is this iron statue? It's another perfect addition for a writer's desk, nightstand, or bookshelf! It's simple, heavy, and well-made. It perfectly shows your favorite activity (besides writing).

Phoenix Journal and Feather Pen

We all know that writers love notebooks. It doesn't matter how many empty ones we have... we must. have. MORE! This phoenix journal is beautiful to look at AND it comes with a vintage feather pen! It's a perfect writer gift.

Quotation Mark Earrings

These quotation mark earrings are a subtle gift that your writer can wear every day! When they inevitably get comments on them, they'll have the chance to brag about their favorite things to do (and think about YOU for giving it to them!).

Bookish Throw Pillow

This bookish throw pillow is a fun addition to any couch or bed! The print is so cute and it's a great conversation-starter.

Typing Gloves

These typing gloves are a great option for writers who spend a LOT of time typing. Eventually, all that work can lead to arthritis, swelling, or other hand-related problems. These gloves will handily (pun intended) keep your hands warm and help circulation with gentle compression. It's a great option that your writer will actually use daily!

Writerly Wall Art

This gorgeous typewriter wall art would look great in your writer's office. It's an 8x10, so it's a perfect size to catch the eye but not take up too much space. Your writer will love this colorful addition to their wall art!

What do you think of these gift options? Do you have any others that you love? Share them in the comments below! Let's create a master list of fun writerly gifts!

DUAL INNOCENCE - First Two Chapters [FREE]

My first book, DUAL INNOCENCE, was published a little more than two years ago. Since then, I've published three more books to complete the ESI series and now I'm working on a brand new series!

To celebrate this achievement, I thought it would be fun to share a snippet from my first published book. But I couldn't leave you with just a snippet - I had to share the FIRST TWO CHAPTERS.

DUAL INNOCENCE is a story about Bellamy, a girl who returns to her hometown with a murderer on her tail. The only one who can protect her is Chance Erickson, the boy she loved as a teenager. The problem? She hasn't seen him since she left on a stormy night 10 years ago. But Chance isn't a boy anymore; he's all man now, and Bellamy's heart is in as much danger as her life.

Click the link below to read the first two chapters. And don't forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think! Does it make you want to read more?

If you love it and want to read the whole thing, it's only $0.99 on Amazon Kindle. Click HERE to check it out!

From Blood And Ash [A Book Review]

Hi! Thanks for being here. I'm starting a monthly series where I review my favorite books. As an author, it's so important for me to read widely both inside my genre and outside it. Today's book, From Blood and Ash, is one of my favorites that I've read lately! There's so much to be learned from this fantasy novel. Let's dive in!

What's it about?

Poppy is the Maiden, chosen from birth to usher in a new era. Her title is a gilded cage, and her life is not her own. She is never to be touched, looked upon, or spoken to. She waits for the day of her Ascension, but she'd rather be fighting the evil that took her family.

When Hawke, the golden-eyed guard is assigned to her protection until her Ascension, Poppy questions everything she believes in.

But a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what's theirs, and the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

What I Loved

Poppy is such a fun protagonist. I loved the dichotomy of her suppressed, sheltered life and her fierce warrior attitude despite her circumstances. And Hawke is simply swoon-worthy (and he gets better after book one).

A lot of reviews said that the plot was predictable, but I didn't think so. I loved the twists and turns, especially in the last 25% of the book. I also loved Armentrout's overall worldbuilding. Poppy's world offers a rich history and a believable social hierarchy.

I also loved that even though this is a fantasy story with pretty much nothing similar to real life, the dialogue and descriptions are so... contemporary? I could picture a lot of the conversations happening on the street in any city in the world, which was a really fun contrast that I enjoyed!

What I didn't love

Guys, it takes some time to get into this book. The first half is LONG. There's a lot of description, a lot of history, and a lot of info dumps. I think it's mostly because Armentrout is setting up a massive world that she'll continue to explore throughout the rest of the series.

In terms of a "book one" start to a series, I think the pace could have picked up a lot faster. I'm sure this book loses a lot of readers in the first half, which is a shame. I slogged through the slow parts and I am SO GLAD I did!

It's worth the wait. Poppy and Hawke are a dream team, and they just keep getting better.

Worth reading?

This book (and overall series) is 100% worth the read. Will you struggle through the first part of book one? Probably. But you'll love Poppy's character arc and the twists and turns in her life and the world around her. It's a roller coaster ride and it's worth the long wait at the beginning!

If you're considering this book for your TBR, I recommend you give it a try. Give it until like 60% and then let me know what you think.

Have you read it already? Do you agree with my review? Let me know in the comments below! Let's chat about it.