Jessica Nelson's Blog, page 8
January 21, 2013
Very Naughty Blogger
Okay...I confess!!!
I've been horrible. But it's a new year and that will change. It seems like blogging in general is going through some changes but it's my first choice still so I'll be keeping at it.
My manuscript is submitted!! Complete with synopsis and query (so hard! blech). Now I'm faced with two choices: Begin my next WIP or take a manuscript that is already done but has been rejected by traditional publisers and test the waters of self-publishing with it.
Hmmmmm.
Speaking of publishing, two lovely ladies have wonderful news.
Heather Sunseri has a book coming out soon called Mindspeak. The cover is spectacular! If you like YA, you might want to check this out.
Also, Susan Reinhardt just announced the sale of her first book (and the acquisition of an agent)!! Go, Susan!!!
How is your January going? What choices do you face today? Any awesome news to share?
I've been horrible. But it's a new year and that will change. It seems like blogging in general is going through some changes but it's my first choice still so I'll be keeping at it.
My manuscript is submitted!! Complete with synopsis and query (so hard! blech). Now I'm faced with two choices: Begin my next WIP or take a manuscript that is already done but has been rejected by traditional publisers and test the waters of self-publishing with it.
Hmmmmm.
Speaking of publishing, two lovely ladies have wonderful news.
Heather Sunseri has a book coming out soon called Mindspeak. The cover is spectacular! If you like YA, you might want to check this out. Also, Susan Reinhardt just announced the sale of her first book (and the acquisition of an agent)!! Go, Susan!!!
How is your January going? What choices do you face today? Any awesome news to share?
January 7, 2013
Getting Ready to Submit
I'm knee-deep in the last read of my WIP before I submit it to my publisher. My nerves are...well, they're doing something like jangling, quivering, buzzing, freaking out....LOL
I thought today would be fun to participate in a fun bloghop I was invited to join by two other authors:
Brandi Boddie
Connie Mann
Here we go:
What is your working title of your book? Family On The Range
Where did the idea come from for the book? I don't know...ideas just show up. :-)
What genre does your book fall under? Inspirational historical romance
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Eeek! That's so hard!! I'm not visual. I do think my hero looks kind of like Brad Pitt. Not sure about the heroine....
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? A reclusive housekeeper defies the employer she's in love with in order to rescue a child.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Represented by me and submitted to a traditional publisher.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? WAY longer than it should of. *shamefaced*
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? Oh dear, that's a tricky one! There are actually a lot of Love Inspired Historicals that have had a bit of suspense to them, and that's what mine is. Mostly a love story but there elements of suspense/mystery.
Who or what inspired you to write this book? What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The characters probably inspired me. They were part of the cast in Love On the Range and I wanted them to have their own Happily Ever After. :-) I don't know what might pique a reader's interest, but I do think the time period is intriguing. It's set right at the beginning of Prohibition and there was quite a bit of political unrest happening.
I don't have anyone to tag but would love if you'd choose a question or two to answer in the comments. It's a New Year and we're all working on something, I'd bet. What are you working on in this New Year?
I thought today would be fun to participate in a fun bloghop I was invited to join by two other authors:
Brandi Boddie
Connie Mann
Here we go:
What is your working title of your book? Family On The Range
Where did the idea come from for the book? I don't know...ideas just show up. :-)
What genre does your book fall under? Inspirational historical romance
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Eeek! That's so hard!! I'm not visual. I do think my hero looks kind of like Brad Pitt. Not sure about the heroine....
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? A reclusive housekeeper defies the employer she's in love with in order to rescue a child.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Represented by me and submitted to a traditional publisher.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? WAY longer than it should of. *shamefaced*
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? Oh dear, that's a tricky one! There are actually a lot of Love Inspired Historicals that have had a bit of suspense to them, and that's what mine is. Mostly a love story but there elements of suspense/mystery.
Who or what inspired you to write this book? What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
The characters probably inspired me. They were part of the cast in Love On the Range and I wanted them to have their own Happily Ever After. :-) I don't know what might pique a reader's interest, but I do think the time period is intriguing. It's set right at the beginning of Prohibition and there was quite a bit of political unrest happening.
I don't have anyone to tag but would love if you'd choose a question or two to answer in the comments. It's a New Year and we're all working on something, I'd bet. What are you working on in this New Year?
December 26, 2012
On the Red Carpet With the Guys of Splintered!!! (international giveaway!)
Welcome to the Morpheus side of SPLINTERED'S INTERNATIONAL RED CARPET EVENT AND GIVEAWAY!
Check out Splintered author
AG Howard's
website for a ROCKING intro to this international giveaway. This is also where you'll enter to
WIN
amazing prizes!!Don't forget to head over to Bethany Crandell's for the other half of this interview with they other guy in Splintered, Jebediah Holt!
Now for our interview with the enigmatic and extremely interesting Morpheus (did I mention he has a British accent? And some very cool wings?)!!
I'm SO excited to have you on my blog, Morpheus! I really admire your loyalty to Wonderland. I know you're busy taking care of some crazy things over there and am super appreciative you're taking the time to stop by and answer questions posed by the Splintered Reviewers who were very impressed by you...*blushing and maybe throwing a wink your way*
Let's get started with Question #1:
Morpheus is a cool name. Where'd you get it?
“Firstly, I’m named after the Morpheus in Greek mythology—the winged daemon with the ability to appear in people’s dreams.” *expands wings, casting a looming shadow* “Secondly, well, you will have to read Splintered to find out what the other origin is.”
Have you read Lewis Carroll's Alice books? Who is your favorite character/creature?
“Oh, I’ve more than read them. I’ve lived them.” *pulls gloves into place on hands* “And the caterpillar is by far the most brilliant character of them all.”
Who is your favorite guest for dinner?
“I should clarify that the most respected dinner guest in Wonderland is always the main course. I do like a nice side of lamb but they can be tricky to serve. They’re ticklish and roll around the platter. Frog legs are jumpy even during digestion. I suppose my favorite would be fish eyes. Once you get past being stared at, the dining is quite civilized.”
You're my favorite SPLINTERED guy because, despite your reputation as a bad boy, you believe in Alyssa's grrrl power far more than Jeb...plus you have a fabulous fashion sense. You don a stylish hat for every major event. What is your favorite special-occasion hat, and why is that type of occasion so special to you?
“My Seduction Hat. Perhaps you can surmise why such an occasion would be special to me.”
Are you self-centered?
*brushes a hand through the blue hair beneath his hat’s brim* “Wouldn’t you be if you had my assets?”
So, we know you've got some sweet threads. Can you reveal what inspires your wild, wonderful fashion sense?
“I could tell you, but I’d much rather show you. Are you up for some flying?" *tilts head teasingly*
What's your dream job?
“Not having a job. Why, look at that! I’ve already met my highest aspirations.” *smiles*
You're often very cryptic, why is that?
“I’m selective with what I choose to share. I believe that’s called wisdom, luv.”
On a scale from that guy who once slobbered all over me during my sixth grade rendition of Romeo and Juliet (He was Romeo, I was tragically Juliet) to Rhett Butler, how good of a kisser are you?
“Seeing you lack any otherworldly comparison subjects, your scale is not up to my standards. However, should you like to interview someone who’s had lips-on experience, I know the perfect candidate.” *winks at Alyssa who glares back while avoiding Jeb’s questioning stare*
What if I were currently undecided as to how I should cast my Splintered vote . . . why should Alyssa end up with you?
“You’re joshing, right?” *rolls eyes and points a thumb over his shoulder* “Wings.”
What makes Alyssa different from the rest of Alice's descendants? Why is she so special?
“She shared her childhood with me and proved her devotion during one violent and bloody afternoon. I knew from that moment she was the one.”
If you got one “do over” from the moment you met Alyssa until the present, what moment, if any, would you change?
“I would’ve never agreed to be away from Alyssa for so many years. Out of mind, out of heart. I was not pleased to find she’d forgotten our friendship so easily.”
One last question for you . . . Alyssa had to navigate the scary world of Wonderland. We can't talk about how it went because that would be a total spoiler. But let's just pretend for a second that the tables were turned and that you had to navigate the scary world that is our world back here above ground. How do you think you would fare? What would you most look forward to, and what would make you (yes, even you) the most nervous?
“I live in a world founded on chaos, madness, and magic. Nonsense is my native tongue. Manipulation and murderous intent are talents honed by our offspring on their playgrounds. I can’t imagine anything would prove a challenge in the simple realm of humans. As to what I would most look forward to? The expression on Mr. Holt’s face when I turn up at Alyssa’s front step.” *tips hat to Jeb and receives a furious scowl in return*
Now some questions for both the Splintered guys:
Have you ever chased a white rabbit?
Jeb: “No. But I did dive down a rabbit hole once, chasing something a lot more important than a rabbit…”
Morpheus: “Yes, one who escaped my dinner plate. For the record, he later became a delightful hasenpfeffer stew.”
True or False: All's fair in love and war?
Jeb: “There are exceptions.”
Morpheus: “No exceptions. It’s an absolute truth.”
Your choice for underclothes: boxers or briefs…
Jeb *coughs and blushes*: “Uhhh ... well, you can find out what I wear if you read Splintered—chapter fifteen.”
Morpheus *smirking*: “They can be as brief as you like. But I’d prefer to buy you dinner first.”
What are three words you'd use to describe Alyssa?
Jeb: “Tenacious, fragile, and innocent.”
Morpheus: “Maddening, loyal, and seductive.”
What’s your favorite make out song?
Jeb *dimples flashing as he zones in on Al in the crowd*: “Forevermore by Broken Iris.”
Morpheus *leaning close to the microphone*: “When it’s done right, luv, you make your own music.”
If you had only one day left with Alyssa, what would you do with her to make it a perfect day?
Jeb: “We’d take my motorcycle to the lake where I used to fish with my dad—before things went bad. We’d swim then have a picnic, to make up for all the ones she missed out on having with her family. I’d paint her a mural on the rock wall that surrounds the lake. Then once the sun set, we’d climb into a sleeping bag and I’d kiss her until every strand of starlight seeped away.”
Morpheus: “We would take to the sky and watch Wonderland’s majesty pass beneath us. I’d waltz with her on the clouds and serenade her with the wind. Later, we would dine on candied spiders and sip dandelion wine, for she does love to torment her flowers and bugs. Then, cozied by the castle fire, I’d wrap her in my wings and make her forget everything about the human realm.”
Jeb *teeth clenched*: All right, bug-rot. That’s it. Me and you, outside. Let’s go.”
Okay, guys, okay, break it up!!!
*deep breaths*
Thanks, ladies! Those interviews make me want to grab a hottie and jump headfirst back down the rabbit hole for some cuddle time! *snort/giggle/snog like crazy* SERIOUSLY THOUGH, WE'D LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT WHO'S STOLEN YOUR HEART, SO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW!
Scroll down to the bottom of this post for a FANTASTIC international rafflecopter giveaway. Also, there are more OUTLANDISH RED CARPET INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAYS that can be found HERE on A.G. Howard’s website!
That’s all from us in the studio. Thank you for coming!
Want to preorder SPLINTERED? Click HERE for ordering info…
Thanks to Jessica Nelson, Bethany Crandell, and A.M. Supinger for being extraordinary and entertaining MCs!
Thank you to Kalen O’Donnell for the spectacular Red Carpet Event banner and artwork!
And last but never-ever least, special thanks and gratitude to the following book-reviewers/bloggers/authors who fashioned the amazing list of questions for our guys:
A. Lynden Rolland http://www.alyndenrolland.blogspot.com/
Brooke at the Cover Contessa http://thecovercontessa.blogspot.com/
Cat Winters: http://www.catwinters.com/
Christina at Ensconced in YA http://cahreviews.blogspot.com
Crystal at Winter Haven Books http://winterhavenbooks.blogspot.com/
Gabrielle Carolina at Modpodge Bookshelf http://themodpodgebookshelf.blogspot....
Hannah at the Girl in a Cafe http://www.thegirlinacafe.blogspot.co...
Jaime Arnold at Two Chicks on Books http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/
Jenny Phresh at The Party Pony http://thepartypony.blogspot.com/
Kerri Maniscalco http://kerrimaniscalco.com/
Angela V. Cook http://angelavcook.blogspot.com/
Nikki at Fiction Freak http://fiction-freak.blogspot.com/
Nobonita Chowdhury at Daydreaming Bookworm http://perrytheplatypus1102-3daydream...
PJ Hoover: http://www.pjhoover.com/
Rachel at Fiktshun http://www.fiktshun.com/
Riley Redgate at The Mighty Jungle http://themightyjungle.blogspot.com/
Sarah Skilton: http://www.sarahskilton.blogspot.com/
Suzanne Payne http://www.suzannepayne.blogspot.com/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 10, 2012
Stephen King On Writing
Okay...I'll admit that I'm horrible at reading craft books. I love to learn craft and try to always better my writing, but I usually stick with articles. So after years of hearing about this book, it finally decided to bonk me on the head (actually, it was in my RWA chapter's library and I snagged it).I wish I would have read it sooner.
Seriously.
EVERY page is loaded with so much. About life. About writing. Plus King is just an interesting person. His writing resonates and every other sentence contains some kind of nugget that I'd love to tape up on my wall.
Needless to say, after I finish King's memoir I'll be checking out some of his fiction.
I've asked before about your favorite writing craft book, but now I'm wondering why it's your favorite? What makes it stand out? And if you could choose to meet any author, who would it be and why?
December 3, 2012
Playing With the Blog Tour
Blog tours: can they make you or break you?
I did a blog tour (however informal) when my book came out and I can see NO drawbacks to doing one. I think blog tours are excellent ways to get the word out about your book.
Will they sell it? Nope. That's what the blurb, cover and writing are for. But at least they tell people the book is out there.
How do you get involved with a blog tour? Well, you could go the professional, cost-money route. There are a lot of companies who offer different packages and it could be worth your while.
Since I've been blogging a long time, I just asked my blogger friends if anyone wanted to have me over. I was really blessed that many of you did. :-)
I heartily recommend blog tours! In fact, I'm a guest later today at Diane Estrella's blog! (and I said I didn't have a celebrity crush, but I forgot how much I like Channing Tatum! lol).
Would you pay for a blog tour or do your own? Do you like hearing about different books when you're blog hopping?
I did a blog tour (however informal) when my book came out and I can see NO drawbacks to doing one. I think blog tours are excellent ways to get the word out about your book.
Will they sell it? Nope. That's what the blurb, cover and writing are for. But at least they tell people the book is out there.
How do you get involved with a blog tour? Well, you could go the professional, cost-money route. There are a lot of companies who offer different packages and it could be worth your while.
Since I've been blogging a long time, I just asked my blogger friends if anyone wanted to have me over. I was really blessed that many of you did. :-)
I heartily recommend blog tours! In fact, I'm a guest later today at Diane Estrella's blog! (and I said I didn't have a celebrity crush, but I forgot how much I like Channing Tatum! lol).
Would you pay for a blog tour or do your own? Do you like hearing about different books when you're blog hopping?
November 26, 2012
Julie Lessman Has Done It Again! (huge contest!!!)
I just finished reading
A Light In The Window
, Julie Lessman's self-published prequel to her Daughters of Boston series and it is Fabulous!!!
Lessman brings her characters to life and every time I read her books, I never fail to both giggle and get teary-eyed. If you've read her other books and have always wanted to know Marcy and Patrick's story, you'll love this book!
If you HAVEN'T read her other books, then I highly suggest picking up this affordably priced e-book to get a taste of Lessman's writing. She's one of my favorite authors in the CBA market and I really enjoyed this story.
Click HERE to find out how you can win a Kindle Fire, gift cards and more!!
Who is your favorite romance author?
Lessman brings her characters to life and every time I read her books, I never fail to both giggle and get teary-eyed. If you've read her other books and have always wanted to know Marcy and Patrick's story, you'll love this book!
If you HAVEN'T read her other books, then I highly suggest picking up this affordably priced e-book to get a taste of Lessman's writing. She's one of my favorite authors in the CBA market and I really enjoyed this story.
Click HERE to find out how you can win a Kindle Fire, gift cards and more!!
Who is your favorite romance author?
November 23, 2012
Quickie Promo Post!
My book Love On The Range is almost out of print!
Amazon says they have 17 copies left...I don't know what that means for the other booksellers but I think it means my print run is almost up? Hmmm.
Print runs, returns, those are things that makes this writer's brain shudder.
Amazon also has my book on sale, so if you didn't get a copy but are interested in reading it, now might be the time to get it?
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Amazon says they have 17 copies left...I don't know what that means for the other booksellers but I think it means my print run is almost up? Hmmm.
Print runs, returns, those are things that makes this writer's brain shudder.
Amazon also has my book on sale, so if you didn't get a copy but are interested in reading it, now might be the time to get it?
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
November 19, 2012
Thanksgiving Blessings
Last year around this time I was involved in a horrible accident in which I walked away unscathed while a young man was severely injured.
I asked for prayer from you all and want to let you know that I recently found out that the young man fully recovered. :-)
So this Thanksgiving, my shoulders feel a little lighter.
Many times we're reminded to be thankful for the little things in our lives. Today I am wondering what big things, what deep worries of the heart, what trials have you survived or been rescued from?
Happy Thanksgiving!
I asked for prayer from you all and want to let you know that I recently found out that the young man fully recovered. :-)
So this Thanksgiving, my shoulders feel a little lighter.
Many times we're reminded to be thankful for the little things in our lives. Today I am wondering what big things, what deep worries of the heart, what trials have you survived or been rescued from?
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 12, 2012
Weighing The Costs
The publishing world has been evolving for a few years now. It's exciting and full of uknown possibilities.
Recently Huffington Post published an interesting article on how e-books are making print books more valuable.
Zondervan has also opened a new digital publishing venture. No advance but their e-books will be affordable and their royalties are comparable to other e-publishers.
What I would pay for a hardcover (which I very rarely buy) and an e-book is radically different. How much would you pay for an e-book?
With the advent of e-readers, is e-publishing more of a realistic publishing opportunity in your opinion?
Recently Huffington Post published an interesting article on how e-books are making print books more valuable.
Zondervan has also opened a new digital publishing venture. No advance but their e-books will be affordable and their royalties are comparable to other e-publishers.
What I would pay for a hardcover (which I very rarely buy) and an e-book is radically different. How much would you pay for an e-book?
With the advent of e-readers, is e-publishing more of a realistic publishing opportunity in your opinion?
November 5, 2012
Coming Up: Some Rocking New Titles!
My To-Be-Read list is crazy long, but I have two books that I'm salivating to read. Okay, okay, I all ready got to peek at one in manuscript format (heehee!) but my hands are itching to hold it for a reread!
Sometime before Christmas I'll be reviewing the amazing Julie Lessman's new book A Light In The Window. I'm a big fan of hers (my reviews HERE and HERE) and can't wait to read Marcy and Patrick O'Connor's romance.
Then, right before New Years fellow blogger RookieRiter and I will be hosting a SuperFab red carpet event with the boys of Splintered. This is author A G Howard's debut novel and I'm in love with it. Well...actually, I'm really in love with one of the characters. He's a little bit of a Bad Boy. *grin* You'll find out who he is when I interview him right on my very own blog!! (bonus: he has an accent)
So which books are you wanting to read? Waiting on any new works by favorite authors? And last but not least, who melts your butter more: the best friend hero or the bad boy hero?
Sometime before Christmas I'll be reviewing the amazing Julie Lessman's new book A Light In The Window. I'm a big fan of hers (my reviews HERE and HERE) and can't wait to read Marcy and Patrick O'Connor's romance.
Then, right before New Years fellow blogger RookieRiter and I will be hosting a SuperFab red carpet event with the boys of Splintered. This is author A G Howard's debut novel and I'm in love with it. Well...actually, I'm really in love with one of the characters. He's a little bit of a Bad Boy. *grin* You'll find out who he is when I interview him right on my very own blog!! (bonus: he has an accent)So which books are you wanting to read? Waiting on any new works by favorite authors? And last but not least, who melts your butter more: the best friend hero or the bad boy hero?
