Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 40

My Writing Process Blog Tour & ROW80 Update

A huge shout-out to Desiree Williams for tagging me to be part of this blog tour. I've only recently "met" Desiree, but I like her already! Please check her out on her blog, Facebook, or Twitter. Oh, and stop by my Mom in Love with Fiction review blog to find out more about her newest release, Heart Song, on Thursday, May 29.
Without further ado, all about me...
What am I working on?
Trying to better balance writing and mothering, but that's a topic for another day. The second book in my young adult Tala Prophecy series was released earlier this month, and I'm hard at work on Chasing Forgiveness, a novella featuring a character from Chasing Shadows (book 2). As soon as that's done, I'll be working on the third and final book, Chasing Destiny.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Wow, tough question. The young adult paranormal genre is an amazing one filled with captivating stories and insanely talented authors. My focus is on characters, because that's what I love as a reader. I've always considered adding paranormal elements as an interesting way to give a teenage character more intense conflict. As if being a teenager wasn't hard enough, what would it be like to be a teenager and a werewolf/vampire/angel?
Too often, I find paranormal stories focus on the creatures and unique circumstances and the characters get lost along the way. I'm all about strong, but flawed, female characters in the forefront. After all, it doesn't matter how amazing the story and setting are if the characters are whiny or boring. 
Why do I write what I do?
I'm fascinated by the why! Why do people do what they do? It drives my husband crazy, but I can't help it. I always wonder what about someone's upbringing makes them who they are. Furthermore, I absolutely love young adult characters because they have one foot in childhood innocence and one foot in adult reality. There's so much material in between. 
Oh, and it just might have something to do with having two teenage daughters (and one more fast-approaching teenagerdom). My oldest has begged me to write YA for years. She loves the books.
How does your writing process work?
Notes stuck to my Notes boardI envy plotters, but it doesn't work for me. I have an idea, and lots of scribbled notes (because my Muse likes to appear while I'm at my children's lacrosse practice or in the grocery store), but I sit down to a blank screen and go. Characters speak to me, and I let them drive the story. In Chasing Shadows, I had a character who was supposed to be dead before the story started. She said she had more to say. Then, I was going to kill her halfway through. Denied. 
When my story's done, I do walk away from it for a month or so. I need the space to have perspective.
Calling my author friends... I'd love to know your answers to these questions, so consider yourself tagged. I was supposed to tag three, but I am not a good tagger (even though I like being tagged -- hmmm). 
At the very least, I'd love to know in the comments below what you think how your work differs from others in its genre. I think that's such a fascinating question.
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A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Busy, busy, busy. I finished the first edit on a 159K New Adult contemporary novel and sent it back to the author. Next up, Chasing Forgiveness. I hope to have it written before my kids get out of school on 6/12. Right after that, I'm pretty much heading to UtopYA!
Fun times!

Scattered, But Happy -- Plus Giveaway

I've been so busy it's been hard to see straight. 

First, there's only three weeks left of school. For someone who's not in school, I've never had so much stress. My daughters are in 8th, 6th, and 3rd. It's been non-stop.
Then, I edited a 159K New Adult novel. It's now in the hands of the author. I can't wait to see the evolution of the piece. I love being a part of crafting something.
Oh, and did I mention my husband's only been home two days in the last two weeks? He's been in Tokyo since Saturday, and Miami before that.
Tomorrow, I'm heading to Cupertino, California. I've never been there, but the lovely Allyson Gottlieb invited me to sit on an author panel for her high school. I'm so looking forward to meeting her and the other authors. Plus, I love talking about writing. I'm a total geek.
So, if I owe you something, be on the lookout. This weekend is catch-up time. I have books to mail, promotions to plan, and writing to do. Just to name a few things.
Wishing everyone an amazing Memorial Day weekend.
If you are looking for a good weekend read, might I suggest Chasing Shadows. Smiles!


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Oh, and check this out...
Howdy y'all! The lovely Carlyle Labuschagne came up with a brilliant idea to show our love for utopYA! UtopYA is the first-of-its-kind convention for women writers of contemporary and supernatural YA and NA fiction, and their fans! UtopYA is held in Nashville, Tennessee...or what I like to call NASH VEGAS, home of country music! And what goes hand in hand with country music? COWBOY BOOTS!!! They come in all different shapes, size and colors! Not only do we have a kick ass giveaway for you to enter, but be have a cool matching game for fun. We have split it up into groups to make the guessing a bit easier. All you have to do is match the boot up to the author, blogger attending UtopYA. You do not need to guess to enter the giveaway and it's just for fun. Answers are listed below each picture.

I hope to see you all at UtopYA 2014!To see what UtopYA is all about, visit http://utopyacon.com/ and for tickets visit http://www.eventbrite.com/e/utopya-2014-registration-7219041347</ a>

Answers: Casey Bond- #3, Krystal Wade- #4, Laura Howard- #1, Melissa Simmons #2 Answers: Kris Seek- #4, Nichole Greene- #3, Shana-#1, Tia Bach-#2 Answers: Bethany Lopez-#3, Elizabeth Kirke-#4, Carlyle Labuschagne-#2, Danielle Bannister-#1 Answers: Anna Cruise-#3, Alison Pensy- #4, Susan Burdorf-#5, Amy Evans-#2, Ren-#1 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Over the Moon: ROW80 Update

Chasing Shadows has been out for ten days!

I'm so proud of this book, so I wanted to share some highlights since release day.
But first, there are two giveaways still running to win copies. Please share! 
Indie Books Gone Wild   
It's another amazing benefit of using IBGW for editing, formatting, proofreading, whatever; they help promote it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
GoodReads

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Goodreads Book Giveaway Chasing Shadows by Tia Silverthorne Bach Giveaway ends May 28, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win
Some review highlights...

Christine gave it 5 stars and said:

"Reagan has matured quite a bit, although she is still refreshingly seventeen. She is a strong character, and fits well as the heroine of a YA novel. I loved the new characters we meet, and I even loved when they made me cry. It was so touching to get glimpses through Reagan's eyes of her grandparents interacting with each other, also. I like that Reagan has a new love interest, even though she is wise enough not to pursue a relationship on the brink of a war, it's sweet to see her teenage thoughts about the subject."

Shauna also gave it 5 stars and said:

"As with the first, her voice is the true strength of the novel. Her perfect teenage-ness carries readers through some action, some sadness, a blossoming love story with grace and humor. Because of the excitement of the story, I just couldn't put this book down! If you love YA, you will love Chasing Shadows! Truly a must read."

If you have read Chasing Shadows, I'd love for you to leave a review. It really does help other readers!

During release week, Chasing Shadows went as high as #7 in Paranormal during my release day promo (99 cents for the first five days):



Plus, it was listed as a Hot New Release.


Of course, I'm over the moon. But, I also wanted to encourage other writers. This is my third book. With each one, it gets better and easier. It's another reminder to keep on writing. The best marketing for your book... more books. 

Speaking of which, Chasing Memories was free during the release of Chasing Shadows and reached #1 in free downloads for Paranormal. WOOT!


Thanks to everyone who blogged, Tweeted, shared on Facebook, or mentioned the book to a friend. I am so grateful!
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A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

And thanks to my ROW80 buddies! Without your support and encouragement, I never would have finished the book.

I have my editing hat on right now, and I have a first edit due back to a client on Tuesday. After that, I'm diving back into Chasing Forgiveness. I hope to have a rough draft by the time I head to UtopYA in June.

Hope everyone is having a productive round!

Stress Paralyzed: ROW80

On Mother's Day, I went with my mother and three girls to see Mom's Night Out. I had never heard of this film until Mom suggested it. It was wonderful. Not only was it funny, but it was poignant--whoever wrote it truly understands the life of a mom. 

In the movie, the mom is overwhelmed with all the things she's not doing right and the multitude of tasks she faces in her everyday existence. Several times, she says she's stress paralyzed from it all.

That's it. That's me!

I have so many things in my head all the time, and some days I honestly don't know which way to turn. Before children, I was organized and prided myself on my time management skills.

I realize I'm blessed, yet I feel heavy with the pace I've let my life become. By having unrealistic expectations of what I can get done in any given day, I set myself up for failure. Worse, I can't see the wonderful achievements I have made through the thick smog of to-dos.

My goal--yes, this is where my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) mid-week update comes in--is to simplify my life. To do so, I'm going to do what works for me in times of confusion and frustration... put it down in black & white. 

Lately, every time I sit down and try to write a to-do list, I hyperventilate. But that's because I know I'm over-committed, and merely surviving each day is not good enough for me anymore. 

I realize no amount of planning can obliterate stress, but I refuse to be paralyzed by it any longer. I'm going to take a hard look at my load and decide what stays and what goes. What stays will get a dedicated schedule and plan of action. Wish me luck.

What do you do when you are stress paralyzed and life overwhelms you at every turn?

Writing this post was extremely cathartic for me, and I apologize if it seems overly Debbie-Downer. Please check back Friday when I'll share a few of the successes of my Chasing Shadows release. It'll be my way of getting back on the right track!

Release Day for Melissa Maygrove's Come Back + ROW80

Today, I'm thrilled to share an amazing debut book by my friend, Melissa Maygrove. It's release day for her novel, Come Back!

Sometimes a single choice alters the course of a person's life forever.

Cover designed by Carrie Butler,Forward Authority Design Services
Left behind by everyone she loves...
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.

Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.

Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction?  Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed? Come Backby Melissa Maygrove Western Historical RomanceAdult / New Adult Available May 12th from Truelove Press

Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a wife, mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance writer. When she's not busy caring for her tiny nursery patients or shuttling teenagers back and forth to after-school activities, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.

Where to find Melissa...Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter
Where to buy Come Back...
Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle / Barnes & Noble / Nook / Kobo

Don't forget to add it to your Goodreads.
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A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

Chasing Shadows went live on 5/7/14! Check out my Release Day post for information and two great giveaways. Plus, Indie Books Gone Wild is running a giveaway here as well. I'd love any shares of these posts and the giveaways. Thanks in advance!

Now it's all about marketing for the rest of this round. Oh, and editing. I have a wonderful new NA Contemporary novel that I'm editing. I can't wait to see it get to market! 

Wishing all my writer friends a very productive week!

Chasing Shadows Release Day!!

It’s here! And it’s only 99 cents through Sunday, 5/11/14.

About Chasing Shadows (Tala Prophecy, Book 2)
Reagan thought one night changed her life forever, but her fate was written long ago.
Merging creature and white blood,One of flame, one of night,At eighteen years it will commence,Spiritual warrior and power,Will bring an end to the lawless ones.
A war looms: One that pits brother against brother for werewolf supremacy. Angels and demons will each have a say before a victor is chosen.
With her eighteenth birthday only six months away, time is running out. Reagan must find a way to harness the two powerful, ancient bloodlines coursing through her: Werewolf and Wiccan. Then, she has to figure out her role in the century-old prophecy foretold by her great-grandmother.
However, if Reagan can’t save her family from her most vicious rival, Rafe, the forces of Hell will be unleashed and the war will be over before it starts.
Add Chasing Shadows on GoodReads  
Cover Design by Jo Michaels

Amazon Link

And don’t forget Chasing Memories (Tala Prophecy, Book 1)Until Sunday, 5/11/14, it’s FREE!
Synopsis

There isn’t another way; not now. The others are coming. I can’t let them have you…

Seventeen-year-old Reagan has a problem: She can’t remember what happened the night her brother was taken. Now, the dreams haunting her from the incident are becoming more intense by the day. All the while, the lines between what’s real and what’s a product of her paranormal-obsessed mind are becoming blurred.
Is she losing her mind or has she just stepped into a world she thought only existed in books?
Caught in a web of worried parents, competing boys, Wiccan relatives, protective amulets, and psychiatrist babble, Reagan must determine the truth before it’s too late.

Amazon Link

Giveaways

Two great giveaway opportunities...

GoodReads

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Goodreads Book Giveaway Chasing Shadows by Tia Silverthorne Bach Giveaway ends May 28, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win Rafflecopter
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author
Tia Silverthorne Bach is an avid reader, sometimes runner, involved wife and mother, and rabid grammar hound in addition to being a multi-genre writer. Her three daughters were born in Chicago, San Diego, and Baltimore; and she feels fortunate to have called many places home. She's the award-winning co-author of Depression Cookies, a coming of age story written with her mother. Tia's office is wherever her laptop takes her and any place that's conducive to allowing a wild imagination like hers to flourish.
Connect with Tia Website , Blog , Facebook , Twitter , and GoodReads

21 Days by Bethany Lopez Cover Reveal & ROW80

Title: 21 Days   Series: Time for Love #2   Author: Bethany Lopez 
Summary: Sasha and TJ are no strangers to enjoying sex with no strings attached, so when they decide to act on their mutual attraction, there should be no reason why they can’t apply that same philosophy to each other.
Money has never been an issue for Sasha, which made proving herself as a real estate dynamo a personal challenge she was determined to conquer. Raised in a gilded world masking neglect and disappointment, she learned not to depend on anyone, especially when it comes to love and relationships. Men are great for companionship, but she isn’t looking for anything serious.
Used to going without, TJ has worked hard to be able to support himself. When he loses his job and his home in one fell swoop, he faces relying on others for the first time in his adult life. Then Sasha steps in, offering him a place to stay until he’s back on his feet. He grudgingly agrees, but vows to be out of her guest room within 21 days.
They'll discover that a lot can change in 21 days, especially when they decide to give the idea of "friends with benefits" a try. As each day passes, Sasha and TJ become closer than they’ve ever been. Will they be able to go back to being just friends when their days together are up, or will they allow their personal hang-ups to get in the way of what they really cherish most?
About Bethany Lopez: Award-Winning Author Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

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A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Yay for Bethany! I shared the above post on my review blog, but I couldn't help but share it here, too. She's simply amazing!
Chasing Shadows will release 5/7, and I've been hard at work with all the planning. I'm beyond excited (and maybe a bit exhausted).

Meeting Friends, Cover Reveal for Devyn Dawson's Killing Me Softly & ROW80

So far, in my writing life, I have met some amazing people online. Occasionally, I get to meet some in person. 

I met Devyn at a Writing Conference in North Carolina. Not only is she amazing, but she is always one of the first people to jump in and lend a hand or offer encouragement. 

It's just another reason I'm looking forward to going to UtopYa in June--Devyn will be there! Plus, I'll get to meet some of the other lovelies I've only communicated with online so far. 

I'll be equal parts friend and fan girl. 

But back to sharing. Enjoy the latest from Devyn!!


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Killing Me Softly - A Broken Souls Novel
June 2014

Hey everyone, I have a new book coming out in June.  I'm so excited for this book to get in your hands!  It is a New Adult book about a girl who was always told to stay away from military guys.  Her dad lived in fear that one day a military guy would come along and break her heart.  I grew up by Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma and we were always warned about military boys.  I met my husband 22 years ago while he was stationed at TAFB.  This story isn't about anyone I know, but it's about everyone I've ever met.  Not everyone is given the chance to live a charmed life, especially Holland.  Read below for the synopsis of this dear to my heart book.  Not every guy in the military is a killer, or angry, no, there's so many good guys looking for a good girl.  I know, because I found one.

Please do me a huge favor and add it to your TBR list on Goodreads and share on Facebook.  It is how authors like me get the word out!  Thank you so much!!!

Facts – My best friend died six months ago. My mom bailed on me when I turned 13. My dad is mentally ill and a permanent fixture on our couch. We live on his disability and my meager paycheck. I take online college courses so I can work full time to pay for the electric bill. I’ve fallen head over heels for Tate Cook, he’s in the U.S. Air Force.

I’m Holland Clifford, I’m 19, and this is my life.

Once upon a time, I was whole… and then I was shattered. Tate’s picking up my pieces and putting me back together again.
About the Author

Devyn Dawson is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Currently, she kicks up her boots in the lush green town of New Bern, North Carolina.  She attended Oklahoma State University where she studied business.  Growing up, she was considered the eccentric girl.  She wrote dark stories, celebrated Halloween like a national holiday, and burned candles before they were trendy.  The very moment she watched Kiefer Sutherland in Lost Boys she vowed to run off with him one day.  Real life took over and she got married and had two amazing children.  In her spare time and great weather, you’ll find her on the back of her husband’s motorcycle touring North Carolina.  Devyn is an avid reader, she has given up Stephen King and reads mostly young adult books.  She writes young adult paranormal books about werewolves, vampires and faeries.  She loves happy endings, but offers twists and turns to get to them. Devyn has decided to dip her toe in the big-girl pond and write some books with just the right amount of steam and twists the fans won’t see coming. 


*****
A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

Chasing Shadows is now in the hands of my early readers. I'm so excited. If you would like to read an early copy and don't mind leaving a review sometime 5/7-9, please leave a message in the comments. Or contact me at tiabach@depressioncookies.com.

Now, I need to prepare the Release Day posts for 5/7. Sign ups are here .

So much to do before 5/7!

Hope all my writer friends are progressing toward their goals!

Pure Will: ROW80

I am an active person, although by no means a natural athlete. I particularly love the game of tennis. During a recent group lesson with my team, the instructor came up to me and said, "You play by pure will." 
At first, I didn't know how to take the comment especially since his only previous comment to me was, "No matter how many times you hit the ball back, you always look surprised."
Made at wigflip.comPure will... was that just a nice way of saying I overcome lackluster skill?
Then, several weeks later, he came up to me after practice again. This time, he said he could teach skill, but he couldn't teach people hard work and the will to push through.
I feel like pure determination gets me through most things. Am I the best writer in the world? No. There are just too many amazing ones to compare myself to. But I don't quit, even when I get frustrated or discouraged. By will alone sometimes, I keep moving on.
Well, will and surrounding myself with as many amazing people as I can. See, I not only have a strong will, I also appreciate that I can't possibly do it on my own. And no matter how many books I sell, I don't think I'll ever get over the thrill. Guess I'll just always have that surprised face! 
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A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Just squeaking this in for Monday. Sometimes determination sure comes in handy. *smiles* Chasing Shadows is getting closer and closer to publication. 
eARCs out to early readers--by Wednesday, 4/30 (will send out tomorrow)
Update website--DONE (check it out here )
Set up GoodReads giveaway--by Wednesday, 4/30 -- goal for tomorrow
Set up Release Day signups--DONE
Prepare Release Day posts--by Friday, May 2
If I haven't said it lately, I must say it again: Jo Michaels rocks! I don't know what I'd do without her.

Work for Free? -- ROW80

Writing really is all about the blood, sweat, and tears; not to mention a roller coaster of emotions.

Chasing Shadows, thanks to the final editing changes I just finished, is that much closer to its release date of 5/7/14. As excited as I am to finally get it into the readers' hands, I'm also drained. 

SourceBut now comes the hard part, at least for me... marketing.

So much to plan. I don't have a publicist--although some day, when I win the lottery, I'm going to--so that's just another hat I wear.* I wish it was something that came easily to me. 

I know "free" is part of any good marketing strategy these days. Chasing Memories, book one, will go free for the five days upon the release of Chasing Shadows, book two. Free still bothers me. Maybe it's because I'm just finishing another book, and I know all too well how much work is involved. 

But I also love getting my book out to more people and love to gain new readers. From everything I've read from other authors, the best use of free is in a series. This is my first series, so we shall see.

How do you feel about free? What is the best use of it?

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A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update

My immediate goals...

Last edits--by Wednesday, 4/23--✓
eARCs out to early readers--by Wednesday, 4/30
Update website--asap
Set up GoodReads giveaway--by Wednesday, 4/30
Set up Release Day signups--by Monday, 4/28
Prepare Release Day posts--by Wednesday, 4/30

Only one check mark, but it was an important one. Off to work on more. 

* An aside: as I was re-reading this post for errors, I noticed a Freudian slip. I had put "that's just another hate I wear". I had to chuckle, so I thought I'd share.