Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 24

Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial)

Last year, I featured some of the amazing people I finally met in person at UtopYA 2014 (see post here ). This year, I promised myself I would meet more people and put myself out there. And I did.

Starting Wednesday, July 29, I will feature the following interviews from some of the amazing people I met this year.

The schedule:

July 29 -- Snowa Fox
July 31 -- Mindy Ruiz
Aug. 7 -- Ethan Gregory
Aug. 12 -- PM Hernandez
Aug. 14 -- Eva Pohler
Aug. 19 -- Morgan Wylie
Aug. 21 -- Laura Howard
Aug. 26 -- CJ Pinard
Aug. 28 -- Ashley Bodette
Sept. 4 -- Christina Marie
Sept. 9 -- Desiree Williams
Sept. 11 -- Misty Provencher
Sept. 16 -- ER Arroyo
Sept. 18 -- Ginny Gallagher
Sept. 23 -- Michelle Miller
Sept. 25 -- Kristen Bauer
Sept. 30 -- Delphina Henley
Oct. 2 -- Felicia Tatum
Oct. 9 -- Kelly Martin
Oct. 14 -- Tricia Copeland

And don't forget to buy your tickets to the 2016 Utopia conference  here . Tickets sell out fast, and you don't want to miss it. This year's theme is #fightforyourwrite. For more details on this year's theme, go here . 

Here's the pretty new banner...


As interviews go live, I'll update this post with links. Please stop by and find out about these amazing Utopians. 

The Debut Collective

This year at the end of Utopia--during open mic--many attendees expressed an interest in writing their first novel. Or, maybe it was even their first time declaring they wanted to be a writer. Many left pumped up to publish by the 2016 conference.

To that end, several Utopians came up with a plan--The Debut Collective. It'll be a five-book series of short stories focusing on the #fightforyourwrite theme of Utopia 2016 which will debut at the conference next year. 

Victoria Faye and Colleen Nye Shunk are heading up the project with the help of Shantele Summa Martin as the fearless leader of this amazing group. Crystal Bryant is leading the editing team (of which I'll be a part), and Elizabeth Kirke is leading up the formatting. Finally, Victoria will also be making the logo, branding, and heading up the cover designs.

In addition to first time authors, these anthologies will include previously published authors. The five categories/books:

1. Act of Bravery
2. The Underdogs
3. Insurrection / Hostile Takeover
4. Secret Identity
5. Love against all odds

I chose #3 because it's not my usual genre. I'm so excited.

Over the next several months, I'll share more information about this exciting series.

* Note: this is a project inspired by Utopia and featuring many Utopia authors and attendees. However, it is not an official Utopia-affiliated project.

Bound by Duty by Stormy Smith Sale Event

Join a Live Streaming Event with Stormy Smith & Four Guest Authors + Prizes!  
Every now and then an author offers up a really unique opportunity to engage, and when I heard about how Stormy Smith, author of the number one best-selling Bound series, planned to celebrate Bound by Duty’s first birthday, I had to share! 

On July 23rd, Stormy is giving fans two opportunities to not only interact live with her, but also with four amazing young adult authors! This gives readers around the globe a great opportunity to be part of the celebration! 

From 12 – 2 p.m. Central, you can live stream and have Q&A with Stormy, South African author Carlyle Labuschagne, and American author Jamie Magee. 

From 7 – 9 p.m. Central, you can live stream and interact with Stormy, and young adult authors Alys Arden and Heather Hildenbrand. 

In both segments, Stormy will discuss and answer your questions about Bound by Duty, read a few of her favorite passages (including a special alternate POV scene from Bound by Duty!) and give away ebooks and print copies of Bound by Duty. 

The guest authors will be taking your questions, discussing their books and doing giveaways as well.
ScheduleAfternoon event 12:00 – 12:30 Stormy 12:30 – 1:00 Jamie Magee 1:00 – 1:30 Stormy 1:30 – 2:00 Carlyle Labuschagne 
Evening event 7:00 – 7:30 Stormy 7:30 – 8:00 Alys Arden 8:00 – 8:30 Stormy 8:30 – 9:00 Heather Hildenbrand 
(all times are Central) 
For full details on the guest authors and their giveaways, visit Stormy’s website.  
BONUS!  
To really make this celebration great, Stormy has made Bound by Duty FREE from July 22 – 29 on all platforms! 

This is the first time Bound by Duty has ever been free, and it was only recently released to all ebook vendors.
Free July 22nd– 29th ONLY -- Grab your copy now!Nook ** iTunes ** Kobo ** Amazon  Bound by Duty 

Amelia grew up in a world of half-truths. She knows she's an Elder, but has no idea what that means. Her father reminds her daily that she must maintain control, but he refuses to explain why. Even worse, she's betrothed to the prince of the Immortals and doesn't even know his name. 

Finally breaking free to live a few normal years at a community college, the last thing Amelia expects is to find her best friend in a cheeky southern girl, or fall for a self-assured human who sees her for who she is, not what she will become. 

As she learns more about herself, Amelia realizes the line between love and duty is a thin one. As her power continues to increase exponentially and her questions are slowly answered, Amelia must make the ultimate choice. The question is, will her head win the battle, or her heart?

About the author

Stormy Smith calls Iowa's capital home now, but was raised in a tiny town in the Southeast corner of the state. She grew to love books honestly, having a mom that read voraciously and instilled that same love in her. She knew quickly stories of fantasy were her favorite, and even as an adult gravitates toward paranormal stories in any form. 

Writing a book had never been an aspiration, but suddenly the story was there and couldn't be stopped. When she isn't working on, or thinking about, her books, Stormy's favorite places include bar patios, live music shows, her yoga mat or anywhere she can relax with her husband or girlfriends.   

Find her: Facebook ** Twitter ** Instagram ** GoodReads ** Website ** Amazon    

Writing Cave : Writing and Planning

I'm still here!

Sorry if the blog has been silent for several days. I've been in my writing cave. 

Chasing Destiny went out to my beta readers this weekend. I can't wait to hear their comments and suggestions so I can get my baby revised and out to my readers. 

I have some fun projects planned for the remainder of the year. One--a collection of Utopia writers--I'll be talking about on Wednesday. Another is still a secret at this point, but I can tell you that the Fractured Glass ladies are writing again.

And, finally, my goal is to have the final Tala Prophecy book, Chasing Eternity, out by the end of the year.

Busy, busy, busy.

My Paper Dreams: Just Write Journal (beautifully put together by Utopians Regina Wamba and Victoria Faye) is seeing a lot of action. If you'd like one for yourself, check it out here .

Oh, and don't miss my post on July 27 announcing the lineup for my UtopYA2015 Lovelies interview series. I'm so excited!

Hope everyone has a stellar week!

Do Epic : Kim Holden

The keynote speakers at this year's UtopYA conference were outstanding! On the last day, Kim Holden brought home the entire conference with her theme: Do Epic.

It was the perfect theme to wrap up UtopYA 2015. She started by talking about Bright Side; her novel that has started a movement of positive thought and doing epic things. 

After pouring her heart and soul into the book, she let it go into the universe. She didn't think people would read it, but she was okay with that. Then, a couple of influential blogs discovered it. Everything changed overnight.

People started calling the book a "gift that crawls into your heart and never leaves." 

She likes to say her readers aren't fans. Instead, they are friends who read the book. Whenever she travels, she'll post on Facebook where she'll be and meets up with those friends. There's even a group on Facebook--Bright Siders--who share their stories. 

To share this movement with us, she showed a video created by people in this group. Frame after frame, Bright Siders shared their epic stories and what the movement/book means to them. It was emotional and inspirational. 

I downloaded the book while in Nashville and took it to Hawaii with me the next week (see picture above). How appropriate to read such a beautiful book in an equally beautiful location. Yes, there were tears, but ... well, keep reading.

From my review:

It left me feeling empowered... brave (and that word will mean so much more after you read the book). More than that, I was inspired by one of Kate's much-repeated mantras... Do Epic!

You can't have happiness without sadness. In this story, you get plenty of both. After the last page, you'll wipe away your tears and vow to live your life to its fullest. To enjoy every single second. 

Read the full review here .

Kim Holden ended her speech with the last words from Bright Side...

You Are Brave.
Now, go #doepic.

About the Author
(from her website)

Some of my favorite things: 

Reading (YA or New Adult), writing (especially on a productive day), the two coolest guys on the planet (my husband and son), my bicycle (hand built by my husband), Facebook (it’s an addiction at this point), iced coffee (hazelnut from McDonalds), and music (LOVE Sunset Sons, the 1975, Dredg, the xx, Balance and Composure, Teenage Bottlerocket, Manchester Orchestra, and 30 Seconds to Mars). 

I also love dreaming. Big. Writing a few years ago was an elusive dream until I grabbed a hold of it with both hands and refused to let go. Keep chasing YOUR dreams … 

Want more? 

Find me on Facebook or Goodreads. 

Guy What Takes His Time : #UtopYA2015 Lip Sync

As promised, I wanted to share the lip sync from UtopYA2015, featuring my awesome Fractured Glass sisters: Jo Michaels, Casey L Bond, NL Greene, and Kelly Risser.

I so love these amazing ladies, and I thank them for giving me the courage to do this. I was terrified at first, but it ultimately felt empowering. It helped to know I was surrounded by love, both on stage and in the audience.

UtopYA rocks!

Enjoy.


What's the most terrifying thing you've ever done?

I Am Brave. I Am Lovable. I Am Worthy.

I have a confession. Fair warning... it's long.
I've lived most of my life adapting to my surroundings. Since I've relocated every two to three years my whole life, I've had to restart many times. When I was younger, I wanted so desperately to fit in and make new friends fast, so I became what I thought the newest location wanted. 
Then, it became a habit.
The Fractured Glass ladies with Janet Wallace
not long before our lip syncing debut.My third day of college, I met my husband. I had just turned eighteen. I adore him, and I'm so very blessed (we have three beautiful girls and just celebrated 20 years of marriage in March). Still, I went from my parent's house to getting married right after college. 
We kept moving. All three of my daughters were born in different states (IL, CA, and MD).
When my first daughter was born, I was scared on so many levels. I still didn't know who Tia was, but I needed to raise a daughter and give her the confidence to know who she was. Before she was five, I had two more daughters. 
I struggled to find myself. I searched my soul weeks before my first was born. I knew I needed to love myself to truly love others. What was something I always loved?
Writing.
With Kelly Martin (my happy)I started. It took ten years to publish my first book. Slowly but surely, I started figuring out who I was. Yet, I kept it to myself. Very few people knew I'd written a book.
Then, after a few more moves and a couple more books, I found out about UtopYA. 2014 was my first year. For the first time in my whole life, I knew I belonged somewhere, and I saw more of the  real me.
Earlier this year, I took a course from Janet Wallace (Social Deviants): StandUp. StandOut. RakeItIn. Through weekly calls and thought-provoking exercises, I began to further uncover the true me. She's buried pretty deep, so the work is ongoing. But I was hopeful.
Then, I went back to UtopYA. Most of my life I've lived in fear of not being good enough and not being accepted into a community. No more. 
I am brave. I am lovable. I am worthy.
Nobody can take that away now that I know. Some people in  my life are having a hard time adjusting to the "new" me. I can no longer pretend to be what everyone else needs. I have to be what I need. It's not selfish. Actually, it makes me even more capable of love and giving. Who knew?
Me with Ginny GallagherBut it also means I can no longer be pushed around. I am not desperate. Sure, I have moments of doubt, but it's not because I think I'm on the wrong path. I just need to stay the course and not let fear make me slide back into my dark, conforming hole.
During the open mic at the end of UtopYA, I got up to speak. I've never done such a thing. Never. Not in front of so many people. I thanked them for introducing me to me. I meant it. I'm so excited about the future. Oh, and the extra benefit... I am now going to be the kind of mother I always wanted to be. My girls are seeing me be brave (my oldest daughter was at UtopYA, and when I finished speaking, she hugged me and told me how proud she was).
No matter how much I've fostered their independence and preached about being true to themselves, they need to see me do it. Now they can. 
UtopYA is not just a book conference. It's an experience. It's a place to belong and grow. When I'm there, it feels like my heart is beating outside my chance. Not just out of excitement, but out of love.
Thanks so much to everyone who has given me the confidence to let Tia out. There are too many to mention, but I've included pictures of some of them here. I am going to be featuring some of the awesome people I met this year in my upcoming interview series. More information to follow.
Oh, and on Wednesday, I will finally post proof of my bravery and love of this conference... the Fractured Five doing our lip sync. 
May you find your tribe. I'm so blessed to have found mine.

Finding My Community : #IWSG

The  Insecure Writer's Support Group  (or IWSG) is a wonderful group put together by the amazing Alex J. Cavanaugh (which now has an equally cool  Facebook group ). 

The first Wednesday of each month is the perfect opportunity to share my insecurities on the #IWSG therapy couch, get encouragement and support about such insecurities, and to read how other writers are faring.

I just came back from UtopYA, an awesome conference in Nashville for readers and writers. It's such a powerful, fulfilling conference. I left with goals, plans, and feeling pumped up. Being around people who get you will do that.

But I know what's coming... I felt the same way last year. Yet within a few weeks, I was depressed and missing the beauty of my community. Since moving to California, I haven't found a local contingent of writers. And sometimes I really need to be around other writers to nourish my soul.

Any advice for finding a close network of writers?

Overcoming Insecurity : Denise Grover Swank

There were some amazing keynote speakers at this year's UtopYA conference. First up was Denise Grover Swank, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author.

She's sold 1.3 million copies of her books (currently totaling 21) and has hit the USA Today list eleven times and the New York Times list four times. Yet with each new book she said she still worries and feels pressure. She's found most writers feel deeply, and because of that, they have increased insecurity. 

After writing her first book in the fourth grade, several English teachers encouraged her. Still, it took until she was forty to tell herself it was "time to do this." Then, tragedy struck. Her husband was in a single-engine plane crash. He barely made it, but then five weeks later, he died. She said it felt like the rug was pulled out from under her, and she had to reinvent herself. With six children, she started a blog called: There's Always Room for One More. Then, in 2009, she did NaNoWriMo. In the next year and a half, she wrote three books.

In the spring of 2011, she was getting discouraged with querying. In her head, she thought she wasn't good enough. By then, self-publishing was more accepted and more easily accessible. So she took charge of her own career.

She studied the market and came up with a business plan, determined to succeed. But the insecurities were still there. She pushed through and didn't let fear rule her life. Book after book she pushed. But then she hit a rough year of reviews and lacking sales. 

"The more success I get, the more insecurities I get," she said, always fearing that the next book would be the one to "totally suck." 

Her advice: surround yourself with people you trust, write everyday, work hard, set your own goals for success (make them realistic so you can achieve them and set higher goals).

Still, she said, "I'm going to be chasing this demon the rest of my life."

Success is not a race, it has no expiration date, so you have to stay strong through the ebbs and flows, she said. 

But, she always tells herself (from The Help):

You is Kind.You is Smart.You is Important. 
I was so inspired by her speech. Later, I ran into her during the Saturday signing, and she was so gracious to take a picture with me and chat for a few minutes. Such a lovely woman.

How do you battle your insecurity monster?

About Denise Grover Swank

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in own her mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn't lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.

You can find out more about Denise at www.denisegroverswank.com or email her at DeniseGroverSwank@gmail.com

Stay tuned for more UtopYA revelations and awesome talks. 

UtopYA is now Utopia

The last day of UtopYA is always full of mixed emotions. Part of me wanted to stay forever with the most amazing group of people I've ever known, but part of me missed my family. This year was even more magical than last, although I wasn't sure that was possible.

So, as I sat there, I wondered what the theme for 2016 would be... the fifth anniversary of UtopYA. How could it be even better?

Then, Janet Wallace told us.

First, UtopYA is now Utopia. Why? Because it will include both middle grade and Adult novels and genres. How exciting!! Then, came the even more exciting announcement of next year's theme... #FightForYourWrite.

Yes, someone immediately shouted out that the theme song should be the Beastie Boys hit. And I'm okay with that.

For authors and bloggers who've never attended, please consider coming next year. In addition to amazing panels with awesome advice on publishing, marketing, blogging, writing, and so on, next year there will be people covering topics on how to nurture more than just our blogging and writing. There will be life coaches, nutritionists, and more. 

Who isn't enriched when they feed their soul in addition to their brain?

Over the next couple of months, I will have many UtopYA/Utopia-laden posts. First, I will be featuring Meet Some UtopYA2015 Lovelies (Unofficial), a series of interviews with people I hung out with at the con. ( See the 2014 edition here ) Plus, I'll also be sharing my experiences at this year's event.

So, what are you waiting for? Until June 30th, there's even special pricing. Check it out here . Dates: 6/22-26, 2016. I hope to see you there.