Nicole Zoltack's Blog, page 46
August 15, 2011
My First Impressions of Sandworms - Guest Blog with Aubrie Dionne
When you think of sandworms and science fiction, most people think of Dune. But, as a kid, I was more interested in scary Christopher Pike books and the Adventures of the Unicorn Queen. I hadn't read Dune or even heard of it. My first impressions of sandworms came from two of the oddest movies.
Impression #1:The 1988 movie Beetle Juice
Starring Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin, and Michael Keaton, this movie sparked my imagination. I watched it over and over again singing the banana song as they danced around the table. A friend of mine boasted that she knew the girl in the beginning that looks out of the car and says one line: "They died." I used to look for that line and see if I recognized the girl from any distant memories I could have had. Never did.
One thing Beetle Juice had was sandworms: striped sandworms to be exact. They had a head inside a head, and attacked any ghost that tried to leave their house. How utterly awesome is that? In the end, Geena Davis punches one in the head. She's not afraid anymore, and because of that, little Aubrie wasn't either. J
Impression #2:The 1990 movie Tremors
Starring Kevin Bacon and a cameo from Reba McEntire, this picture portrayed some scary, gigantic beasts. People died, and others starved on top of buildings, afraid to come down. One man thought he was safe on a tire, and got pulled underneath the sand in seconds. If anything put the idea of sandworm into my head, it was watching this movie.
In the end, when they run out of bombs, they outsmart the last worm, running it off a cliff. I always thought that last scene with the worm flying through the air and Kevin Bacon's shocked face was the best.
When you hear "sandworm" what do you think of? The classic Dune worms, or the more contemporary, cinematic versions? A New Dawn Book One by Aubrie Dionne
Title: Paradise 21
Author: Aubrie Dionne
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: August 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-02-2
Mobi ISBN: Coming soon!
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-03-9http://www.entangledpublishing.com/paradise-21/
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8vCni_TZUA
Ebook review copies available at NetGalley.com Book Blurb:
Aries has lived her entire life aboard mankind's last hope, the New Dawn, a spaceship traveling toward a planet where humanity can begin anew—a planet that won't be reached in Aries' lifetime. As one of the last genetically desirable women in the universe, she must marry her designated genetic match and produce the next generation for this centuries-long voyage.
But Aries has other plans.
When her desperate escape from the New Dawn strands her on a desert planet, Aries discovers the rumors about pirates—humans who escaped Earth before its demise—are true. Handsome, genetically imperfect Striker possesses the freedom Aries envies, and the two connect on a level she never thought possible. But pursued by her match from above and hunted by the planet's native inhabitants, Aries quickly learns her freedom will come at a hefty price.
The life of the man she loves. Excerpt:"Might as well stay here and make camp for the night."
His casual tone stung her composure. How could he talk of such mundane things when they'd almost been captured, when she'd touched him so tenderly?
"We'll let them get farther away," Striker explained, reasonable as always. "We're going in their direction tomorrow."
The sting of rejection grew, burning a hole in her heart. "Why?"
"Why what?"
Her lips trembled. "Why not kiss me like you did before?"
"I can't." He shook his head, and the air cooled between them; so much so, Aries wondered if the desert had turned into deep space.
He'd teased her with such affection before, it was cruel to take it away. "I don't understand," she said, wishing she didn't care, wishing she could stop all the emotions he'd started in her heart.
Aries caught a glimpse of pain etched in the wrinkles around his eyes. Striker turned away and started pulling supplies out of his backpack. "I can't do this."
"Do what?"
Striker shook his head and Aries prompted, "Can't kiss me, can't trust me? What?"
"I can't allow myself to get tangled up with someone. Not again."
The thoughts of Striker with another woman confused her. On the New Dawn, everyone had one lifemate and that was it. "You mean you loved someone before?"
Striker's hand tightened on the backpack. "I trusted someone a long time ago, allowed myself to love, if you will. She hurt me so much I lost my entire life and ended up here. I can't experience that kind of pain again."
August 11, 2011
Contest that Ends Today
Here's a contest that some of you might be interested in entering. Today's the last day to enter. Details here: Lauren Ruth from the BookEnds agency for judging this contest. To get to know her better, read my interview with her here.
I am uber excited for the chance to offer another writing contest for all my totally bodacious followers.
The rules are as follows:
· Make sure your genre fits within Lauren's interests: literary fiction, mystery romance, science fiction/fantasy, women's fiction, chick lit, historical fiction, steampunk, and young adult. In nonfiction, she's looking for memoir, parenting, family and relationships, food and lifestyle, business, popular science, popular culture, popular psychology.
· Email your entries to authorrachel@gmail.com sometime time between now and August 11th. If you notice an error with your submission or don't see it posted within 48 hours, email me.
· Include your first name, title (in all caps), and genre, followed by your polished first 500 words. Do not stop in the middle of a sentence. For the rest of the rules, click here. If you have some time to check out my entry and leave a comment, I would really appreciate it!
I am uber excited for the chance to offer another writing contest for all my totally bodacious followers.
The rules are as follows:
· Make sure your genre fits within Lauren's interests: literary fiction, mystery romance, science fiction/fantasy, women's fiction, chick lit, historical fiction, steampunk, and young adult. In nonfiction, she's looking for memoir, parenting, family and relationships, food and lifestyle, business, popular science, popular culture, popular psychology.
· Email your entries to authorrachel@gmail.com sometime time between now and August 11th. If you notice an error with your submission or don't see it posted within 48 hours, email me.
· Include your first name, title (in all caps), and genre, followed by your polished first 500 words. Do not stop in the middle of a sentence. For the rest of the rules, click here. If you have some time to check out my entry and leave a comment, I would really appreciate it!
August 8, 2011
News!
Some people already know this but now that our families all know the news, I can share this with everyone. I'm pregnant again! I already have two wonderful sons (one just turned 1 this past Friday!) so I really hope and pray that this one is a girl. Theresa Nicole or Christopher James. We haven't decided whether or not to learn the sex yet. My due date is February 20th.
Son #2 had a wonderful birthday weekend, and I'll post pics from his party soon. The only not so great part was that we learned that he is also allergic to milk (we already knew he was allergic to eggs). Luckily, he seems to be taking to soy milk so that's good.
What's new with you guys? Any exciting news to share?
Son #2 had a wonderful birthday weekend, and I'll post pics from his party soon. The only not so great part was that we learned that he is also allergic to milk (we already knew he was allergic to eggs). Luckily, he seems to be taking to soy milk so that's good.
What's new with you guys? Any exciting news to share?
August 2, 2011
I'm Back... Sorta
Hi everyone, I'm sorry for all of the sporadic posts here and there. I am going to try to get back into the swing of blogging and definitely by September will be back to my M-F schedule at 7:30. Although my posts on Thursday will all be directing you to another blog - Downtown YA. It's a blog with a bunch of YA writers. I hope you'll check out our posts and considering following the blog!
So what have I been up to? Well, a lot of editing. I've reworked the first 50 pages of Elena's Pen from YA to MG. Those pages are with a great writer friend so I'll probably wait to get her feedback before working on the rest of it.
I am hoping to start a new project in a week or so. Just have to tie up a few loose ends with other things.
In other news, son #2 turns 1 on Friday! I can't believe it. We're going to throw him a birthday party on Saturday. Speaking of Saturday, you might want to stop on by. I'm going to announce some news then (no, not an agent, I wish!)
How are your projects coming along? Read any good books or seen any good movies? How's your summer?
So what have I been up to? Well, a lot of editing. I've reworked the first 50 pages of Elena's Pen from YA to MG. Those pages are with a great writer friend so I'll probably wait to get her feedback before working on the rest of it.
I am hoping to start a new project in a week or so. Just have to tie up a few loose ends with other things.
In other news, son #2 turns 1 on Friday! I can't believe it. We're going to throw him a birthday party on Saturday. Speaking of Saturday, you might want to stop on by. I'm going to announce some news then (no, not an agent, I wish!)
How are your projects coming along? Read any good books or seen any good movies? How's your summer?
July 25, 2011
GUTGAA - Elena's Pen
The last part of Deana's awesome blogfest is here! Time for us to post the first 200 words of our stories for critique. I'll be hopping around sometime today to give feedback and can't wait to read some awesome beginnings! I would love for some feedback too. Thanks!
My first 196 words for Elena's Pen (MG Fantasy):
Mr. McMichaels has hated me ever since he confiscated a story I wrote during class last week. A story about an evil goblin warlord. Named McMichaels.I guess I can't blame him, but wouldn't most English teachers love a student who wanted to be an author? Not this one. I guess I was lucky he only threatened me with detention.So I took my time walking to my sixth grade English class. Mr. McMichaels was the eighth grade teacher but he taught English to the sixth- and seventh graders too. I so am not looking forward to two years from now. I grimaced.The crowded hallway slowly thinned out as sixth-, seventh- and eighth graders swapped classrooms. The scent of mold and putrid gym clothes wafted toward me when a kid slammed his puke-green locker shut, and I gagged."Elena?" someone called.I turned and spotted Artex, the new guy. He smiled and waved a piece of paper in his hand. Wow, were his teeth white! "Hi." I smiled back, wondering why he was talking to me. I forced myself to not shuffle my feet or play with my hair. Good-looking boys always made me nervous.
My first 196 words for Elena's Pen (MG Fantasy):
Mr. McMichaels has hated me ever since he confiscated a story I wrote during class last week. A story about an evil goblin warlord. Named McMichaels.I guess I can't blame him, but wouldn't most English teachers love a student who wanted to be an author? Not this one. I guess I was lucky he only threatened me with detention.So I took my time walking to my sixth grade English class. Mr. McMichaels was the eighth grade teacher but he taught English to the sixth- and seventh graders too. I so am not looking forward to two years from now. I grimaced.The crowded hallway slowly thinned out as sixth-, seventh- and eighth graders swapped classrooms. The scent of mold and putrid gym clothes wafted toward me when a kid slammed his puke-green locker shut, and I gagged."Elena?" someone called.I turned and spotted Artex, the new guy. He smiled and waved a piece of paper in his hand. Wow, were his teeth white! "Hi." I smiled back, wondering why he was talking to me. I forced myself to not shuffle my feet or play with my hair. Good-looking boys always made me nervous.
July 19, 2011
Awesome Edit Giveaway
Be sure to enter Editor Cassandra's Summer FREE EDIT GIVEAWAY! We all need as many pairs of eyes on our MSs as possible before querying them so this is a fantastic opportunity. I know I'm entering! You can read all about the details here. Good luck!
July 18, 2011
Query Letter Blogfest
As part of Deana Bernhart's Gearing Up to Get an Agent Blogfest, I am posting my query letter for my MG fantasy novel. It was originally written as YA, but I received a bunch of feedback from other authors and agents that I'm working on making it MG instead. I've also changed the FMC's name several times now. Originally she was Alexia but the MMC is Artex so two A names plus two X's probably weren't a good idea. After toying around with a few others, I think (hope!) I'm settled on Elena. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated!
Eleven-year-old aspiring novelist Elena loves the colorful pen the mysterious Artex gives her, especially when she realizes that whatever she writes with it comes true. But she questions the pen and its magic when it writes of its own accord about a fantasy world. The magical All-Knowers have only ever known peace until demons invade their Land of Imagining, intent on enslaving and killing them.
Elena is tied to this Land by more than just the pen - she is an All-Knower, as is Artex and her mother. She is able to control the All-Knowers with her pen, but the power comes at a cost – each time she writes with it, an All-Knower becomes a demon. After a demon kidnaps her family, Elena must go to the Land of Imagining. She will do anything, even if it means giving up her power, to save her family and her people.
Eleven-year-old aspiring novelist Elena loves the colorful pen the mysterious Artex gives her, especially when she realizes that whatever she writes with it comes true. But she questions the pen and its magic when it writes of its own accord about a fantasy world. The magical All-Knowers have only ever known peace until demons invade their Land of Imagining, intent on enslaving and killing them.
Elena is tied to this Land by more than just the pen - she is an All-Knower, as is Artex and her mother. She is able to control the All-Knowers with her pen, but the power comes at a cost – each time she writes with it, an All-Knower becomes a demon. After a demon kidnaps her family, Elena must go to the Land of Imagining. She will do anything, even if it means giving up her power, to save her family and her people.
July 14, 2011
New Short Story!
The latest story in my What You See is What You Get paranormal YA series is now available!
A Sight for Sore Fangs
Ana and Eric managed to survive an attack from two vampires, but the encounter was not been without danger, and Frank, Ana's friend, has paid the price. A vampire bit him, and now Frank is in a coma. He might never wake up… or he might, as a vampire.
Newly self-declared vampire hunter, Ana will not allow that to happen. She would never stake her friend!
Luckily, there is a recipe to save someone from vampire venom. A tear from a pegasus or a unicorn's horn. And a fang from the deadly basilisk that kills those who catch its gaze.
Vampires aren't the only evil creatures in the world. And to save her friend, Ana is going to need to make new ones, ones who can see what she can't.
Time is running out for Frank. Will Ana be able to save him?
Only .99 just like the rest of the books in the series! I hope you'll check it out!
A Sight for Sore Fangs
Ana and Eric managed to survive an attack from two vampires, but the encounter was not been without danger, and Frank, Ana's friend, has paid the price. A vampire bit him, and now Frank is in a coma. He might never wake up… or he might, as a vampire.
Newly self-declared vampire hunter, Ana will not allow that to happen. She would never stake her friend!
Luckily, there is a recipe to save someone from vampire venom. A tear from a pegasus or a unicorn's horn. And a fang from the deadly basilisk that kills those who catch its gaze.
Vampires aren't the only evil creatures in the world. And to save her friend, Ana is going to need to make new ones, ones who can see what she can't.
Time is running out for Frank. Will Ana be able to save him?
Only .99 just like the rest of the books in the series! I hope you'll check it out!
July 13, 2011
Blogfest Story Chain
Deana Barnhart is hosting lots of fun blogfests this month, including this week's blogfest story chain! My assignment is to write a scene with dialog and to include the words butt cheek, towel, and mustard. J. Ro went ahead of me, if you want to read a little more of the story to try to make some sense of it.
"Looks like someone is in a tight spot." Roddern laughed and pointed at her.
Dio rolled her eyes. "Obviously." She tried to wiggle for more room and hit her head on the closed trunk. "Ow."
Roddern laughed again.
"Stop being such a butt cheek," Dio muttered.
Roddern crossed his arms. "If you don't want my help…"
"No! I do. I'm sorry. Being trapped in a trunk has made me a little… upset, to say the least. Roddern, please tell me my parents aren't dead, that this all isn't my fault." Dio sniffled back tears.
Roddern rolled his eyes. "So self-absorbed. Not everything is all about you, Dio."
"But-"
Roddern held up his hand. "I can get you out of here, but first I need some energy." He snapped his fingers and a sandwich appeared. He took a huge bite and a glob of mustard ran down his chin. He finished his sandwich in three more bites, clapped, and wiped his mouth with the towel that appeared. "Ok, now where were we? Oh, yes, getting you out of here. First thing, we need a…"
The story continues at Loralie Hall 's. Enjoy!
"Looks like someone is in a tight spot." Roddern laughed and pointed at her.
Dio rolled her eyes. "Obviously." She tried to wiggle for more room and hit her head on the closed trunk. "Ow."
Roddern laughed again.
"Stop being such a butt cheek," Dio muttered.
Roddern crossed his arms. "If you don't want my help…"
"No! I do. I'm sorry. Being trapped in a trunk has made me a little… upset, to say the least. Roddern, please tell me my parents aren't dead, that this all isn't my fault." Dio sniffled back tears.
Roddern rolled his eyes. "So self-absorbed. Not everything is all about you, Dio."
"But-"
Roddern held up his hand. "I can get you out of here, but first I need some energy." He snapped his fingers and a sandwich appeared. He took a huge bite and a glob of mustard ran down his chin. He finished his sandwich in three more bites, clapped, and wiped his mouth with the towel that appeared. "Ok, now where were we? Oh, yes, getting you out of here. First thing, we need a…"
The story continues at Loralie Hall 's. Enjoy!
