L.M. Preston's Blog, page 55

MY FROG TURNED INTO A PRINCE

My best friend in High School lived in another town. She was pretty, perky, and best of all knew a lot of boys. One of her favorite things to do was to match make. Unfortunately for me, I was a glutton for punishment and went on 3 disaster dates due to her practicing being the new matchmaker.com.

She called and was like, "I've got the perfect one for you. I really do. I know what you like now. Took some practice, but trust me. I got this."

I generally told her off for her last 3 mishaps. The pock faced kid that picked his nose. The octopus that couldn't keep his hands to himself and the 'no show' that called to tell me that his girlfriend found out about me - Say what?!

But this one, she promised was perfect.

Well this time, I took it slow. I talked to the guy for about 2 months before I met him. Now we were supposed to mail each other pictures, but it never happened. Then eventually, we both decided to be surprised since we figured the major issues were cleared up. Like telling and confirming the basics of what we looked like. I didn't count on tidbits from my match-maker friend. I asked him for references! Yep, I spoke to his buddies, and family members (like younger siblings who were too young to be jaded.)

THE MEETING

Well, at the time I lived in the city. He lived in the suburbs in a nice neighborhood. But what I liked about him was he had street smarts from growing up in Grand Rapids / and Saginaw, MI. Even so, he was very intelligent and could speak 'street' and suburb like me. See, even though I lived in the city, I went to Catholic School where 'proper' English was only allowed. If you slipped into slang – you got slapped, literally!

So, he caught the Metro train, then the bus to my neighborhood. I took my 'aunt' along, who was more like a cousin. We were both the same age and she had explicate directions to scope out the bus and to take my ditch him with our made up excuse if the guy was a dud.

Now, the moment of truth – I laid eyes on him and was like, "WOWSA!" I literally had to gulp my heart back in my chest.

He looked at me and smiled (I believe he was thinking the same thing – but I was wrong.)

I stood there and grinned like a fool, then tripped forward as my cousin elbowed me. Oh…forgot she was still there. I whispered to her, "Beat it!" and she promptly left.

Then I looked back at him and he was frowning…yep, frowning. The first thing he said to me was, "Ummm, you don't look like what I thought. Are you sure you're 15? I mean…you are really small. How tall are you?"

Okay, yeah, I'm only about 5ft to his 6ft 2inches, but I was funsized!

THE UGLY TRUTH

Well, truth was, he was not cut out for long distance romance. I found out through a reliable source (his best friend who was 'crushing on me') that he was running around with another girl – heck a few other girls. So I confronted him and he fessed up the truth. Gotta say I was impressed with his honesty - as blunt as it was. However, he did warn me by saying, "Do you really want to know? Cause I'm not gonna lie." Now what person in their right mind will say, "Oh lie to me..." So I told him I could respect a dude that spoke the truth, but a liar, I'd never respect - so spill it. All he simply said was, "Yes, I've been seeing other people. You live too far away." And of course, I dumped him.



THE FAIRY Tale ENDING


We decided to remain friends. And after 8 years of true friendship, we dated for about 3 months and have been married for 18years. So I lucked out and married my frog – who turned prince – after having 8 years to grow up.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Where The Heck Is Prince Charming?!

(Don't you just love this off version of Princess and Prince?)

What's the Deal with Disney Prince's?

Okay, today I was chatting it up with a friend. We were talking about one of a girls most sizzling topics – MEN/BOYS and our Prince. Well, since I have two girls who love, love – love Disney films, as do I, I've seen most all of them to do with a Princess and a Prince.


However, I've realized that in the last two FairyTale based movies I've seen by Disney – something MAJOR has changed. The Prince in shining armor is a –WIMP, DEADBEAT, THIEF, LEECH and NO ACCOUNT, POOR, NO-JOB HAVING…cutie.

Yep, the only thing they left the Prince of today was good looks!

IS THAT MORE REALISTIC?

I'd say no way…okay, yeah in some ways. In the way that guys are human and are not infallible saviors to all that is female. Now as far as these Princesses taking a frog and turning them into a Prince…I can say it could happen. But mostly in real life – a person is who they are. They …themselves have to want to change, improve, and be responsible. So if your prospective Prince doesn't have it together, don't have expectations that you can change him. Give him his own time to grow up – and take time to grow up yourself too.

BUT I WANT PRINCE CHARMING BACK!

Now I can't just say that Princess – Tiana got dogged out on the lack of a Prince Charming. Her Prince was attractive, and sort-of charming in a run around with many girls way. Rapunzel also had a cute deadbeat that she insisted on beating constantly with a frying pan to set him straight. Why couldn't he be more charming, instead of conceited and a criminal?

I WANT IT ALL

Since we are talking Fairy Tales, I would like stronger Princesses that take charge of their situation and getting themselves saved. But can't the Princess be strong and get the Handsome, Strong, Die Hard In Love with You, Saving…Prince Charming too?

Now Disney…go create that Fairy Tale!

VALENTINE's WISH

Now for those out there that don't celebrate Valentine's day - my dear husband is with you. I however, will enjoy ANY opportunity to get or give candy. I also am just a loving person that likes to show those around me (friends, my man, or family) that hey - 'Somebody Loves You' nothing wrong with that. Now do I have to BUY something to say that, Heck no, lots of times I just make them something special. But you know what I do most of all? I don't expect it in return. When you love someone, you just do :-D

WHAT'S YOUR VALENTINES day FROG Prince or Princess story?
WHY don't or do you celebrate it?

AND if someone came up to you and gave you a gift - would you throw it back at them?LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

Are you Ready for Valentine's Day?

Yippee! Love is in the air. Stay tuned for a great week of love stories, Princess and Prince talk and the announcement of the winner of the Bandits giveaway!

If you have a luv story to share - doesn't have to be yours, gear up and post it in comments on Monday!

Monday's post is "Where's Prince Charming"LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

HOT 2011 Movies Coming out!

Oh Yeah, baby! The weekend is here and it's reading and movie time.

I just have to tell you about all the movies I gotta see this Summer. Tell me which ones you like:

This one is just my speed.

HANNA
-Young Kick Butt Girl! Innocent and exciting!



THOR - uh, need I say more?



PRIEST - Vamps, I'm so addicted



PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN...Love it!




Of course there's HARRY POTTER and BREAKING DAWN, but I bet you've already seen those.

So, what are you waiting to see this year?LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

HOW TO DITCH YOUR FAIRY by Justine Larbalastier

NYIA our Teen Book Reviewer is in the HOUUUUUUSSSSSEEEE!

She can't wait to tell you about a fun YA book named HOW TO DITCH YOUR FAIRY by Justine Larbalastier

Amazon Blurb:
Grade 6–10—Fourteen-year-old Charlie, a fair-to-middling student at the "all sports, all the time" New Avalon high school, is cursed with a parking fairy (the driver finds the perfect parking spot if she's in the car) and determined to do whatever it takes to swap fairies with her archenemy, Fiorenze, who's been "blessed" with an every-boy-will-like-you fairy. But what Charlie doesn't know is that the grass really isn't greener on the other side, as proven by the many complications that ensue when she successfully ditches her parking fairy and finds herself saddled with slavish and unwelcome attention from every boy in sight. —Cindy Lombardo, Cleveland Public Library, OH


NYIA's Review:
I read this in like just 3 hours it was a fast and funny book. There were even some parts that made me giggle. I did figure it was unrealistic to want to get rid of the fairy and why would someone want to give up it all for a boy, but it didn't make me stop reading. I didn't really understand the whole fairy thing, like where they came from or why they had them, but it didn't matter too much, I still enjoyed it and would give it to my friend. I liked the characters and they are what really kept me reading on. I give this book 4 out of 5 wands.


This is the cover My mom bought. I new it would be a funny book from looking at the cover:


This is the first cover: LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

BANDITS Party KICK-OFF PRIZE

BANDITS is coming! THE Publisher is printing the ARC Copies and I want you to Win an ARC Copy of BANDITS and a $20 itunes Gift Card.

Contest Dates: Jan 1st, 2011 to Feb. 4th, 2011

The winners from THE PACK blog tour are getting their complimentary copy of BANDITS and you can get yours too!

CONTEST RULES:

Check out the BOOK TRAILER and leave a comment with your name = +1 point (go to www.lmpreston.com or double click above to go to youtube and leave comment)

Follow both my blogs: http://lmpreston.blogspot.com/ and http://bookpartylmpreston.blogspot.com/ = +2 points

Facebook friend me: www.facebook.com/people/Lm-Preston/10...

Follow me on twitter: LM_Preston and send DM with your number of points = +1point

First one come, first one serve.

Also, some random conselation prizes of the ARC with unknown goodies will be sent to those who Direct Message me on TwitterLM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

The GREEEEN HORNET Movie Rocked! My Review

Synopsis from Fandango.com:

# Britt Reid (Seth Rogen), the heir to the largest newspaper fortune in Los Angeles, is a spoiled playboy who has thus far been happy to lead an aimless life. After his father dies, Britt meets Kato (Jay Chou), a resourceful company employee. Realizing that they have the talent and resources to make something of their lives, Britt and Kato join forces as costumed crimefighters to bring down the city's most powerful criminal.

# Cast: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz, Tom Wilkinson, Christoph Waltz


MY REVIEW:

This is not your typical super hero movie. I really had fun with this one and even had a handful of laughing moments. This movie was quirky, spoofy, and fun. And something surprising happened at the end, I truly enjoyed the maturity of the character who played the Green Hornet. Kato was a great support character also, that you couldn't help but fall in love with because he looked after the Green Hornet sort of like an older brother. Also, it was cute the way the fell into being super heroes, the oddball way they bonded, and the testosterone fits. I have to admit being a bit irritated with the Green Hornet character when he had a case of spoil brat itis and would treat Kato like a servant when Kato didn't deserve it. But Kato, ever the bigger man, would give in - then demand respect.

I would say, don't waste money on the 3D version, and this is an enjoyable clean movie that gets 3 out of 5 stars.

I gotta say I like the foreign version of the poster better:
LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

BEING A WRITER'S ADVOCATE

I can't help myself, I'm an insatiable cheerleader. As a writer, one takes many hits to their self-esteem, art, and sometimes ego. But for some reason we are gluttons for punishment. Becoming a writer's advocate, aka: cheerleader, supporter, encourager and defender happened strictly by accident. However, if you are a writer, or someone who seeks to become one - find your own cheerleader. Trust me, it will be the greatest lift you need in this difficult journey from creating a draft to chipping away at your masterpiece.


HOW DID IT ALL START

When I first started writing I sought out online communities to support my writing. I had finished a full manuscript that was ... in bad shape I must say, but I thought I was ready for the next step. I started submitting some samples of my work and let me tell you - if I didn't have tough skin, I would have folded. People on some forums can be sooooooo mean, nonsupportive and will rip you (yes you personally) and your work to shreds. I didn't give up though, I know my story had great potential. Luckily, I stumbled on a place called Absolute Write (www.absolutewrite.com/forums). Although, there were some meanies there, there was many more supportive writers who encouraged me, gave positive and useful feedback on my work, as well as great advice.

THE LIGHT BULB


Even though Absolute write was great, I was a YA writer and wanted - no needed, a focus on the type of writing I did. Also, I really desired a more supportive place to hang out. A place where...quite frankly someone helped me instead of ripping my work to shreds. By chance I happen to be on twitter and found this hashtag for yalitchat. Shortly after Georgia McBride took it offline to a www.yalitchat.ning.com and writers of like minds helped Georgia build a highly supportive, learning and enriching place to hang out.

It was in that environment that I got the thirst to help other writers grow in a supportive environment - some place that wouldn't tear them down, but help them create their own masterpiece. I joined the Moderators on the YALitchat site. Thereafter, I got involved in a local writing community, I became the coordinator for the Editor and Agent recruitment for our conferences. Then I headed up the writing internship recruitment where I was able to be a personal motivator to young writers graduating from college.

Let's just say - it was the most rewarding, amazing thing I've ever done. In doing so, I've mentored over five authors and two of which are now published.

HOW YOU CAN BE AN ADVOCATE

Get involved. Support new writers. Join an organization that has the same purpose and start one of the most rewarding gifts of being a writer - the gift to be able to enlighten and improve another persons journey. The journey that can make or break a person more deeply than anything else. Being a writer can do that when you get feedback from some beta readers, when your work is rejected over and over by lit agents or publishers. At the end of the day, with a mind for blazing your own path, anyone whether a writer or not, can reach the stars with a cheerleader behind them.LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

I LIKE WRITING BOYs POV, but DOES it SELL?

I've been looking at my current Work In Process (which means books that I've written that I have to edit, or books that I'm writing now) and realized that I write a lot of MALE protagonist. I must be honest, it's totally not on purpose, it is just what comes out of me. For me it's fairly easy to write because I used to be a tomboy when I was little, but have always had more male friends than female. Not to mention, I'm an engineer who finds herself the only female in the room lots of times.


THE TREND IN YA

I've been looking at the 2011 upcoming book list, and I have to admit, the MALE POV (point of view) is scarce. Oh, there are beautiful covers for books for girls that make me want to salivate. But the dwindling boy books has me worried.


SHOULD I KEEP Writing IN BOY?


Since I do love the freedom and difference in writing in boy, all of my books have strong girls. I can't help writing equally strong females. I personally don't get warm and fuzzies reading about a girl that needs a boy to save her, or one that's not that smart and finds herself in messes that she should have seen coming, or girls that are just absorbed in fashion and appearance. Since I don't personally like to read books like that, I'm soooooo not like that myself, and don't have many friends that are like that, writing a girl like that is quite a stretch for me.


So that brings me to think, should I re-evaluate my growing list of novels I want to write to include way more girls. I only have 3 out of the 22 ideas in my to-be-written folder with girls.

HERE's SOME GREAT LIST for BOOKS Coming 2011


COLOR ONLINE's list of books of People of Color coming out 2011: http://coloronline.blogspot.com/2010/...

GoodReads list of books coming out 2011: Seems to be a lot of paranormal, Dystopian, and Romance books: http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/46...

SO TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO….

Should I keep writing books with my MALE Protagonist with strong female support characters. Or should I go with the trends and write more FEMALE Protagonist?

As a girl, I do like to read books from the MALE point-of-view….but do other girls? Do guys even want to read these books…or do they just want to read Magna, Graphic novels or Comics?LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS

LAUREN HAMMOND (Lit Agent) & Author of LOVE SUCKS

LAUREN HAMMOND stopped in as our SPOTLIGHT Guest.
(Literary Agent and Author)



Lauren Hammond knew from a young age that she was born to be a writer. After publishing her first novel in 2007, she then went on to write several screenplays and a few award winning poems.She aspires to be a positive role model for young people who have a pencil, a piece of paper, and a dream. Never give up on your dreams, you might wake up one day and regret not pursuing them.She has two more novels in the works, as well as some film projects.


HER BOOK, LOVE SUCKS has been getting great reviews:


NOVEL THOUGHTS Blog: www.novelthoughtsblog.com/.../love-su...

A Buckeye Girl Reads: http://lovesromances.blogspot.com/201...

VAMPIRE Book Club: http://vampirebookclub.net/guest-post...

Book Blurb: In England during the seventeen hundreds, Cara Jones had her human life ended for her and she became a creature of the night. One moment she's an adolescent young woman living her life, the next she's lurking in the streets at night looking for her next meal. The vampire slayings in England became so brutal the whole race was nearly wiped out. So Cara and the clan she called her extended family fled to the U.S. to make a home. They kept to themselves and stayed out of trouble by feeding on recently deceased corpses and cleaning out blood supplies at local hospitals. When one of the clan members makes a mistake, they are once again being hunted and Cara is the only one who makes it out alive. Cara is officially the last vampire on earth. So when Cara awakes from a two hundred year slumber, she awakes to a new city, new people, and a new way of life. Cara sets out on a journey to find her soul mate, the one person who is designed for her. Along the way she encounters a zany new friend, a jealous co worker, and a man whom she can't live without. Dr. Jared Sayers is her destiny. Will Jared give up everything he knows to be with Cara? Or will she wander the earth for the rest of eternity alone?

Questions for SPOTLIGHT guest Author/Agent

Where did you get the inspiration for your books?

My inspiration comes from a lot of places. I usually get the best inspiration for my books when I'm sleeping, lol. I sleep with a notebook next to my bed in case I wake up to write something down..

How long did it take you to write them?

Honestly, it depends on each book. Some take me longer to write than others. The last one took me about seven months. I just finished the final edit on it about a week ago.

Which character in each book are you most attached to?

All of them lol... But I have to say my main character Ellory Graham in A Whisper To A Scream is the one I'm most attached to out of all of my books. She has littles pieces of me in her. I was totally reckless and rebellious when I was her age.

Do you miss your characters when you finish writing?

No... Only because almost all of my books have a sequel. As long as I've been writing, I've only written one stand alone novel and it's the book I'm currently working on, White Chapel.

What is your writing style?

Anything and everything.. I write contemporary, historical, thrillers, mystery's, fantasy.. And almost all of my novels have romantic elements.

How do you build your novels? Outline? Beta Reads? Crit Group?

If I had to say any of those it would be outlining.. But I don't even do outlining that often... I just usually write the first draft then go back and make changes.

Are you doing a Virtual Book Tour? When?

I did a blog tour back in Sept. As far as virtually, I haven't done one yet... Maybe in the future...

How hectic are things for you with 2 books coming out and starting a new career as a Lit Agent?
My life is insane right now... But I'm loving it! :)

Are you working on any writing projects for 2012?

Yes, right now, I'm working on White Chapel, which is YA mystery about a teenage girl living in 19th century England, who witnesses one of Jack The Rippers killings.

What was the turn of events that opened the doors to you becoming a Lit Agent?

I've done some critiques for a friend of mine, who's talent agency is opening up their former literary department. She asked me if I'd be interested and I accepted ..

What are the challenges of balancing your Lit Agent role and Author role?

It's a little tricky.. but I always make time for writing. I try to do most of my writing really late at night so I have time for work during the day...

Are you taking submissions for authors?

I am. But I don't go live until Feb 7..

What types of submissions are you looking for?

Honestly, anything that wows me. I'm open to everything aside from picture books, cook books, and most non-fiction.

Tell me about the lit agency you are with?

I'm with ADA Management Group which is based out of Florida.. They are fantastic and they also handle a lot of writing for the film industry.. When they began, they set up literary connections and they just needed someone to run the department. That's where I came in.

Where can we purchase your books?

My books can be purchased at www.punkinhouse.com www.amazon.com ... And soon they will be available nationally in bookstores both independent and chains.

Where can authors submit manuscripts for your review?

query by email only to lauren@adamanagementgroup.com starting Feb 7

Any thing you'd like to say to your readers?

I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.

Any advice you have for the budding author in search for the perfect Lit Agent?

Keep searching. Don't give up.. The right agent for you is out there.

Thanks Lauren, for agreeing to be a guest on my blog! LM Preston (www.lmpreston.com) , author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and BANDITS