Nicole Zoltack's Blog, page 38

Creature of the Week - Jackalope

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The Jackalope is an American folklore creature. The creature is said to be a cross between the pygmy deer and a killer rabbit. Stuffed specimens are displayed in many towns in the American West.



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According to legend, Jackalope milk has medicinal uses, the Jackalope can imitate the human voice and does so to lead pursuers astray, and the rarity of Jackalopes can be explained by their inability to breed except during electrical storms that include hail. During the 16th to 18th centuries, some European naturalists believed in the existence of horned rabbits and pictured them in books of curiosities.

Young Adult Faeries & Fantasy Giveaway

Welcome to the YOUNG ADULT FAERIES & FANTASY Giveaway Hop!



This hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and vv32reads.There are OVER  a hundred blogs participating and each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  This hop starts January 6ht and and runs through January 12th, midnight. 

So what am I offering?



Two prizes!



- a PDF of Woman of Honor (a coming-of-age YA fantasy romance novel)- PDFs of the first two books in my paranormal YA short story series.

More about the books:

Woman of Honor

Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother's horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn's wish and she begins her long years of training.

Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.



The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.



Seeing for the First Time



 For the last ten years, Ana has spent summers with her Gram. With nothing to do, the closest beach two hours away, and Gram, who Ana is convinced is crazy, always in her garden talking to things that aren't there, Ana is bored out of her mind.



One day, Ana sees strange colors floating around Gram as she works in her garden. Gram says they're fairies. She can "See" them, and there are others who can see things. Ana's a Seer, too.



When Gram gives Ana a book that explains about the many different creatures, like selkies, unicorns, vampires, and others, Ana gets curious. She is shocked when she comes across the entry about famous werewolf hunters - her parents.



Determined to learn where she fits in, Ana's summer gets a lot more exciting as she sets off to find out what she can "see." Only problem is, she's not sure what to do when she finally discovers the truth. And she's not sure she'll live to tell anyone.



To See



Now that Ana can see, her summer has taken on a new direction. Instead of shopping and going to the beach with friends, she has to register with the Seer's Council. There, Ana meets Eric, a hot guy who happens to also be a vampire seer. Eric is impressed that Ana took on a vampire all by herself but wonders if Victor truly is dead.



So Ana and Eric return to the scene of the crime and make a dangerous discovery, one that could put their lives in danger. Snooping around during the daytime seems safe enough, until they lose track of time and night quickly descends. Vampires must hide in shadows, but the moon offers all kinds of opportunities.



Are Ana and Eric the hunters… or the prey?






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The Best Part of Writing

Or, I should say, the best part of the writing process.



I started to write a new story on the first. It's a YA fantasy tentatively called Two Princess, One Prince, and a Dragon. So far, I've written just over 10K.



For me, my favorite part of the writing process is the writing of the rough draft. Getting to know the characters, writing their stories, putting them into awfully tight spots, making them earn their happy endings--that's what I love most.



The best part of writing in general for me would be writing something that readers enjoy.



What do you think is the best part of writing? What's your favorite step in the writing process?

Question of the Week - Time to Change

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If you could go back in time and somehow tell your younger self something, what would it be?



Me? I would tell myself to studying just a little bit more for any one class in college. I graduated a half letter grade short of honors. I only needed one B- to have been a B. My worst semester had been when I started dating the man I would later marry. Oh, and my degree was a BS in chemistry with a concentration in forensic science and a minor in biology.



Btw, I'm almost at 1,000 followers. Already thinking about what prizes to offer for a 1,000 follower contest. Anything in particular you would want to win? I was thinking maybe a gift card, maybe some books, maybe a big critique...

New Year Means Resolutions

Last year, I made several writing resolutions. Let's see how I did:





1. Edit and send Champion of Valor to beta readers, make changes, and send it to Gail.



Done! Of course since Champion of Valor had been under contract, it was a guarantee check. And it's up for a Preditors and Editors award! If you haven't already voted yet, I would greatly appreciate your vote!



2. Finish the last couple of tweaks to Alexia's Pen before sending out queries.



Not quite done. The titles been changed (now it's Elena's Pen). I'm waiting to hear back from a few more beta readers. Then I should be ready to send out queries.



3. Re do the beginning scene to Hidden in Shadows and send it off to beta readers. Make changes. Rework the query letter to incorporate voice and send them out.





Not quite done either. BUT I did figure out what my biggest issue with the story was -- I was having the hardest time figuring out the genre. It's not urban fantasy, it's not a paranormal romance. It's paranormal thriller. I had been too worried about making the MC sympathetic (not easy when the MC is an assassin) but because it's a thriller with romantic elements and not a romance, I don't need her to be quite so sympathetic. I was trying to hard. So now I need to find some thriller authors who are willing to beta read it for a fresh perspective.









4. Start working on a new project. Or two.



Done! I wrote a MG fantasy adventure - The Princess and the Griffin. And I wrote a YA fantasy - Crystal's Magic. Time to edit them, send out to beta readers, and edit some more.



5. Do a better job of keeping my website up-to-date and work on increasing my newsletter subscriptions. Also, send out the newsletter at least 4 times a year.



I did a decent job of this in the beginning of the year and fizzled out. Whoops.







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So what are my new resolutions?





1. Edit Crystal's Magic, The Princess and the Griffin, and Elena's Pen to the point where I can send out queries for them.





2. Write 12 PBs in the 12 months.





3. Finish Two Princesses, One Prince, and a Dragon. It's a YA fantasy novel that I started on January first. It's a little lighter than most of my other YAs so we'll see how that turns out!





4. Write two other novels. With baby #3 coming in February, this is definitely a lofty goal, but I'm gonna try!





5. Keep my website up to date and send out more newsletters.







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So what are your writing resolutions this year? Do you having reading resolutions? (I would to read more and start reviewing more books.) Regular resolutions? (Once Christopher is born, I want to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight.)



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Yesterday, the awesome Alex wrote an equally awesome blog post about blogs and reaching 1,000 followers. He also featured several bloggers (myself included) who are close to reaching that landmark. Check out the post and if you don't already follow Alex, Matthew, Roland, and Jesse, you should fix that!



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There's still time to send in critiques for my Critiques for Christmas!



You have the choice of a:



Query critique

Synopsis critique

First page critique



All I ask is that you follow my blog. It would be great if you could spread the word, but that's not necessary.



Email me at Nicole.Zoltack@gmail.com with your query, synopsis, or first page. Any genre.



Critiques will be done in a first come, first served basis.

Creature of the Week - Yale

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The yale or centicore, is a hybrid creature from European legend. Descriptions vary slightly. The yale is black or tawny. It is the size of a goat with the tail of an elephant and a boar's jaw. Some medieval bestiaries said it had spots, the head of a goat, and the feet of a unicorn. It has two long, straight horns which can point either forward or backward. Due to its horns, the yale was a creature of heraldry and meant proud defense.

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Christmas and Critiques for You

My Christmas was lovely! We woke up a little before nine and then woke the kids up. In a few years, I'm sure that'll change and the boys will wake us up! After opening presents, we went to Mass. Santa forgot his sack and there were a few more presents for the boys inside so that was an added bonus for them. :)



After that, we visit hubby's dad and then had Christmas dinner at one of his aunt's houses. It was delicious! Then we returned home and spent the rest of the day together as a family. It was a wonderful day.



Hubby got me a few books - Inheritance, The Vampire in Lore and Legend, and Werewolves: A Field Guide to Shapeshifters, Lycanthropes, and Man-Beasts.They all look awesome so I can't wait to start reading them! He also got me a few DVDs and some clothes (sports apparel - love the Philadelphia Eagles T-shirts he got me!) But the nicest present was a painted wooden figurine of a kneeling Santa holding baby Jesus in front of a manger scene. Just beautiful.



I hope your Christmases were all just as nice!



For those of you who have been following my blog for awhile will remember that I gave away Critiques for Christmas. Although Christmas has already passed, I still want to do this again this year.



You have the choice of a:



Query critique

Synopsis critique

First page critique



All I ask is that you follow my blog. It would be great if you could spread the word, but that's not necessary.



Email me at Nicole.Zoltack@gmail.com with your query, synopsis, or first page.



Critiques will be done in a first come, first served basis. If I get an overwhelming respond, I might have to put a cap on how many critiques I can handle. But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.



Now it's time for me to get ready for Olive Garden. Hubby and I (and the boys) are going out in honor of us starting dating 9 years ago today. Boy does time fly!

Question of the Week - Holiday Edition

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How did you spend your holidays this year? I want to hear all about it!

Creature of the Week - Nereids

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Nereids were beautiful young women who often rode the waves of the Aegean on the backs of dolphins, hippocamps, and other sea creatures. They were sea creatures but they did not have sea tails. They were friendly and protective of sailors. They could predict storms and guide sailors to good fishing grounds.


Thetis was one of the most famous of nereids. She was the mother of Achilles. Galatea was another famous nerieds, and she was beloved by the Cyclops Polyphemus. She did not return his love and instead choose a shepherd. Polyphemus, in his rage and jealousy, threw a boulder at the boy and crushed him. In her grief, Galatea transformed her mortal lover's blood into a river.

Anastasia V. Pergakis talking about CLEANSE FIRE

Before I tell you about the story itself, I want to share with you the original idea of where this story came from. My Dad served in the US Army for twenty years. As a writer, I had the urge to write a story about him, telling the world about his dedication to this country. Proud of my Dad as I am, I wanted the world to know of his service, and not have him fall between the cracks and be another 'nameless soldier' as it were. When I began writing the story however, I realized that I could never do justice to him, or any soldier for that matter. I couldn't capture the emotions involved with being a soldier and no amount of talking to my Dad was going to help.

So, I resorted to my passion – fantasy. I took the general idea of a soldier - the steadfast warrior protecting his country - and crafted my characters. The main character originally was to be "my Dad" in a sense, but over time, he grew into his own personality.

Now, while the story as it exists now is completely fictional, the characters and story line are all in dedication to my Dad and all soldiers who have served, are serving, and will serve in the military. It is my hope that, even though in fantasy form, the story of a soldier's sacrifice and dedication to their country still shines through.

With all that in mind, protions of my royalties will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. This organization helps wounded soldiers and their families heal when they return home.

The Kinir Elite is made up of six elves. They are the Special Forces in their country - like Delta Force here in the States. or the S.A.S in the United Kingdom. They have unique and specialized training that allows them to handle missions of all kinds, ranging from hostage rescue to information gathering to "spy" work.

The Blurb

Complete the mission, no matter what…

Captain Derac Vidor has served Kinir for nearly twenty years. It's his life, his blood, his soul. And then his Commander betrays everything Derac holds dear. Now he has to focus on his own life and his team instead of saving the citizens of Kinir.



Treason is only the beginning…

Fueled by rage, the team chases the source to their Commander's betrayal – a powerful wizard bent on revenge. The wizard seeks to destroy the Kinir Elite, in both mind and body. No place is safe, even among their allies.



The past holds the key…

Derac's tragic past may be the key to saving the team. But can he face the gruesome nightmare in time?

Thank you Nicole for having me on your blog today! I appreciate it. I'll be around all day to respond to comments and answer questions!

Want to know more? Join the Kinir Brigade by signing up for our newsletter! Get exclusive deals, access to special giveaways, and inside information about the series! Join the Kinir Brigade now! And don't forget to visit our Facebook Page and Website too!

Purchase Cleanse Firefor your Kindle at Amazon
for your Nook at Barnes & Noble
for your other E-Readers at Smashwords
in paperback at Amazon
in paperback at Barnes & Noble
in hardback at Kinir Elite Website


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I'm giving away an e-copy of Cleanse Fire! Leave a comment on this post to enter into the random drawing. I'll draw the names at the end of my tour, January 31, 2012. If you want more chances to win a copy, visit our website to follow our tour! The more comments you leave, the more chances you have to win!

All commenters will also be added to the drawing for a chance to win a signed hard cover. Drawing for the hardcover will be on January 31, 2012, the end of my tour.

You can also get more chances to win by tweeting or posting on facebook! Just leave a link to the tweet or post in a comment below!

**All Winners will be announced on the Kinir Elite Website on February 1st**