Kelly Hashway's Blog, page 119
January 20, 2012
Liebster Blog Award
I've received my second blog award! Thank you to Vidya at Books Are Magic, Rebecca Ryals Russell, and Donna Yates for giving me this award.
This award is given to bloggers who have under 200 followers with the idea of making new connections in the blogosphere. I'm very grateful seeing as this blog is only about two months old.
I get to pass this award on to 5 other bloggers who are worthy of your follow. Here they are:
Darby Karchut
Dawn Malone
Anne Johnson
Miranda Paul
Mirka Breen
Go check out these great bloggers and show them some love.
And for the sake of making more connections, please share a blogger do you feel deserves a follow.[image error]
This award is given to bloggers who have under 200 followers with the idea of making new connections in the blogosphere. I'm very grateful seeing as this blog is only about two months old.
I get to pass this award on to 5 other bloggers who are worthy of your follow. Here they are:
Darby Karchut
Dawn Malone
Anne Johnson
Miranda Paul
Mirka Breen
Go check out these great bloggers and show them some love.
And for the sake of making more connections, please share a blogger do you feel deserves a follow.[image error]
January 18, 2012
Don't Think. Just Type
I've mentioned how I've become a fan of fast drafting. Of letting the words flow without stopping to edit. Just typing until I was finished drafting. This is how I wrote TOUCH OF DEATH, and it was my favorite novel to write. It's the book where I connected most to the characters and their story.
While drafting that book, I learned the story isn't mine to tell. I have to stop thinking, stop planning, and give my characters control to take me on their journey. With my current WIP, I got stuck after chapter one. I thought about where the story was going and I outlined the plot. Still I couldn't write. The problem? I'd over thought the story.
So I gave myself permission to stop thinking. Put my hands to the keyboard and type. How? I told my MC, Sam (I'm not allowed to call her Samantha. She doesn't like it.), to go ahead and tell her story. And she did. All day and all night. She never stopped talking. She woke me up to jot down bits of dialogue. She interrupted dinner to tell me what she was going to do next. And I loved her for that.
When was the last time you let yourself just type without over thinking? Do you tell the story or does your MC?[image error]
While drafting that book, I learned the story isn't mine to tell. I have to stop thinking, stop planning, and give my characters control to take me on their journey. With my current WIP, I got stuck after chapter one. I thought about where the story was going and I outlined the plot. Still I couldn't write. The problem? I'd over thought the story.
So I gave myself permission to stop thinking. Put my hands to the keyboard and type. How? I told my MC, Sam (I'm not allowed to call her Samantha. She doesn't like it.), to go ahead and tell her story. And she did. All day and all night. She never stopped talking. She woke me up to jot down bits of dialogue. She interrupted dinner to tell me what she was going to do next. And I loved her for that.
When was the last time you let yourself just type without over thinking? Do you tell the story or does your MC?[image error]
January 16, 2012
Monday Mishmash 1/16/12
Happy Monday! Here's what's on my mind today:
WIP My WIP is finished and in the hands of one of my most trusted beta readers. I hope she likes it.New Idea As usual, I finish one WIP and instantly get an idea for another. Why my brain works this way, I don't know. I'm jotting down my ideas until I can get into this one. It's going to have to wait until after revisions.Pocono Retreat I'm all registered for this year's Pocono Retreat, my local SCBWI conference in April. Anyone else going? Laurie Halse Anderson will be there!Super Teacher Worksheets If you are a teacher and you don't know about this site, you need to check it out. It's a great resource for teachers, and I happen to write for them. :) Find it here.UnCONventional This anthology released 1/13 from Spencer Hill Press. It's 22 paranormal tales. What's not to love?That's it for me. What's on your mind today?
WIP My WIP is finished and in the hands of one of my most trusted beta readers. I hope she likes it.New Idea As usual, I finish one WIP and instantly get an idea for another. Why my brain works this way, I don't know. I'm jotting down my ideas until I can get into this one. It's going to have to wait until after revisions.Pocono Retreat I'm all registered for this year's Pocono Retreat, my local SCBWI conference in April. Anyone else going? Laurie Halse Anderson will be there!Super Teacher Worksheets If you are a teacher and you don't know about this site, you need to check it out. It's a great resource for teachers, and I happen to write for them. :) Find it here.UnCONventional This anthology released 1/13 from Spencer Hill Press. It's 22 paranormal tales. What's not to love?That's it for me. What's on your mind today?
January 13, 2012
Destined by Jessie Harrell
Synopsis:
When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear.
As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifying tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: You cannot escape what is destined.
My thoughts:
I love Greek mythology, so I knew I had to read this book. Psyche's beauty makes her famous, and soon she is declared Aphrodite's daughter, making her the most eligible and desired young woman in Greece. But Aphrodite has plans for Psyche, involving her own son, Eros. A battle of wills, a misplaced arrow, and a romance to challenge all others follows as Psyche discovers exactly what is destined for her.
Harrell creates a very realistic romance between Psyche and Eros. Their feelings are true to the situations they are in. It's not love at first sight but rather something much deeper and more meaningful. I devoured this book in just over a day. If you enjoy Greek mythology or even a good romance, you need to read this. Actually, if you enjoy YA, you should read this. It's that good.
Just for fun: When Psyche is declared Aphrodite's mortal daughter, Psyche's parents decide to marry her off to the highest bidder. How would you feel if you were in Psyche's position, about to be bought for your beauty?
January 11, 2012
Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe
Today I have Trisha Wolfe with me, talking about her debut YA, DESTINY'S FIRE, which released yesterday through Omnific Publishing. I'm so excited about this book, and not just because Trisha is my agency sister.
Synopsis:
It's the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.
As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez's newfound power rockets out of control, it's a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.
Dez's guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.
Opening lines:
I was losing consciousness, becoming lightheaded and dizzy. If I could just wedge my fingers beneath his arm, maybe I'd loosen his hold from around my neck.
Trish's favorite line:
Pulling the chain on my pack, I hurdled off the back of the airship behind Lana, Nick, and Jace—my glider wings spreading as I hit the open air. (So cool! I want to do this!)
If you could be any character from the story, who would you be?
Dez. She's tough, but she's still so girly at times. She has the best of both worlds (going for no spoilers here) and even though it's hard for her at times, she always thinks about her friends and family, wanting to protect them. Now for the truth: so I can make out with Reese. (Ah, I love the real reason!)
Where can we purchase a copy of DESTINY'S FIRE?
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Omnific Publishing
*and anywhere books are sold
Where can readers find you on the web?
Twitter
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Just for fun: What would you do if you had to choose between the people who raised you and an enemy who just might be able to save you?
Synopsis:
It's the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.
As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez's newfound power rockets out of control, it's a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.
Dez's guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.
Opening lines:
I was losing consciousness, becoming lightheaded and dizzy. If I could just wedge my fingers beneath his arm, maybe I'd loosen his hold from around my neck.
Trish's favorite line:
Pulling the chain on my pack, I hurdled off the back of the airship behind Lana, Nick, and Jace—my glider wings spreading as I hit the open air. (So cool! I want to do this!)
If you could be any character from the story, who would you be?
Dez. She's tough, but she's still so girly at times. She has the best of both worlds (going for no spoilers here) and even though it's hard for her at times, she always thinks about her friends and family, wanting to protect them. Now for the truth: so I can make out with Reese. (Ah, I love the real reason!)
Where can we purchase a copy of DESTINY'S FIRE?
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Omnific Publishing
*and anywhere books are sold
Where can readers find you on the web?
Website
Goodreads
Just for fun: What would you do if you had to choose between the people who raised you and an enemy who just might be able to save you?
January 9, 2012
Monday Mishmash 1/09/12
Happy Monday! My mind is a crazy mishmash of thoughts today.
Fast drafting I finally figured out my WIP after allowing myself to stop thinking and just start typing. Now I'm fast drafting and I'm totally in love with this manuscript.February Jitters Yes, I know it's January, but next month is going to be crazy. School visit, two book signings, and edits on Touch of Death. Eek!Taxes Ugh, I have to figure out how much money I made last year versus how much I spent on writing related things. I really hate doing math.Writing notebooks I'm on my last notebook! I fill those things up fast. I can't seem to stop writing, even when I'm not writing. (Did you understand that?)Parent/Teacher conferences I just found out my daughter has parent/teacher conferences this month. Too cute. She's in pre-K.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?
Fast drafting I finally figured out my WIP after allowing myself to stop thinking and just start typing. Now I'm fast drafting and I'm totally in love with this manuscript.February Jitters Yes, I know it's January, but next month is going to be crazy. School visit, two book signings, and edits on Touch of Death. Eek!Taxes Ugh, I have to figure out how much money I made last year versus how much I spent on writing related things. I really hate doing math.Writing notebooks I'm on my last notebook! I fill those things up fast. I can't seem to stop writing, even when I'm not writing. (Did you understand that?)Parent/Teacher conferences I just found out my daughter has parent/teacher conferences this month. Too cute. She's in pre-K.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?
January 6, 2012
Asphodel by Lauren Hammond
Synopsis:
Persephone has been running for her entire life. Running from the humans to keep her immortality a secret. And running from a man who haunts her dreams. Not a man but a god, who will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants. And what he wants most, is her.
Trapped in the realm of the dead, Persephone plans to return to the land of the living. The underworld is a terrifying place where ghosts roam freely, three headed dogs patrol the gates, and it's a living grave where the rules of earth and the warmth of the sun no longer apply. But then, something unexpected happens. Persephone finds herself falling for the god who abducted her, the god who has chased her for five thousand years, a god who is none other than death himself, Hades.
Ripped out of the underworld by Zeus, Persephone must find a pomegranate to return to the realm of the dead and to her beloved. Consuming only a seed of the fruit of the dead would bind Persephone to spend her life beneath the earth's core with Hades. But Zeus has reduced every pomegranate tree in the world to ash. Except one. Persephone must locate that one remaining pomegranate tree, a quest that could ignite a war between the two mightiest of the gods. A war that could cause Persephone to lose the only family she's ever known or give up a love that comes only once every five thousand years.
My thoughts:
Most people are at least somewhat familiar with the story of Hades and Persephone, but Hammond puts a new spin on it. Hades can only claim Persephone, who has been promised to him by Zeus, on her 17th birthday. So every 17 years, Hades has his chance. But with Zeus and Demeter protecting Persephone, Hades has his work cut out for him. I loved this retelling because Demeter and Persephone hide among humans and live like common people instead of the godesses they are. Persephone is sort of a prisoner in her own life because while she tries to blend in with humans, she can't form any real connections with them.
Her separation from the world is intensified when she is taken by Hades. But their dynamic isn't what you'd expect. Hammond's description of the underworld draws you in and makes you feel like you're touring the Realm of the Dead. I don't want to give away too much of the story, but the relationship between Hades and Persephone will leave you wanting more. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Just for fun: How would you react if you found out your father promised you to the god of the underworld?
January 4, 2012
Versatile Blogger Award
My new blog already has its first award. Thanks so much to Mark.
Okay, so 7 things about me you might not know:
I haven't read an adult book in over a year. I'm strictly YA and MG now.I still have baby brain even though my daughter is almost five.I love books that creep me out or have me huddling under the blankets at night.One of my secret talents is being able to hitchhike with my big toe. Still trying to figure out how to work that into a story. ;)I'm more than willing to embarrass myself to make my daughter laugh.I'm very in tune with my 6th sense. My mom says it's the Irish in me.My arm muscles are freakishly strong for my size. My husband says I have pipes.And now the 5 bloggers I'm awarding:Courtney Koschel Anna Staniszewski Bookworm BloggerFiona PhillipsKaren Wojcik Berner
Be sure to check out these great blogs.
Your turn. What's something most people probably don't know about you?
Okay, so 7 things about me you might not know:I haven't read an adult book in over a year. I'm strictly YA and MG now.I still have baby brain even though my daughter is almost five.I love books that creep me out or have me huddling under the blankets at night.One of my secret talents is being able to hitchhike with my big toe. Still trying to figure out how to work that into a story. ;)I'm more than willing to embarrass myself to make my daughter laugh.I'm very in tune with my 6th sense. My mom says it's the Irish in me.My arm muscles are freakishly strong for my size. My husband says I have pipes.And now the 5 bloggers I'm awarding:Courtney Koschel Anna Staniszewski Bookworm BloggerFiona PhillipsKaren Wojcik Berner
Be sure to check out these great blogs.
Your turn. What's something most people probably don't know about you?
January 2, 2012
Monday Mishmash 1/02/12
Happy first Monday Mishmash of the New Year! Here's what's on my mind today:
Happy New Year I hope 2012 brings much success to you all.TOUCH OF DEATH on Goodreads My debut YA is now listed on Goodreads. If you'd like, you can add it here.Missing decorations Is anyone else missing the Christmas decorations? My tree is down. The lighted houses are put away. My house seems kind of boring now.2012 Debuts There are a lot of great books and authors debuting this year, including my amazing agency sisters. I'll be sure to share them with you. In fact, one is coming up soon. (DESTINY'S FIRE by Trisha Wolfe)Half-price sales Did anyone else load up on half-price merchandise after the holidays? I totally did.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?
*Reminder: My free monthly newsletter goes out later today. Want one? Sign up here.[image error]
Happy New Year I hope 2012 brings much success to you all.TOUCH OF DEATH on Goodreads My debut YA is now listed on Goodreads. If you'd like, you can add it here.Missing decorations Is anyone else missing the Christmas decorations? My tree is down. The lighted houses are put away. My house seems kind of boring now.2012 Debuts There are a lot of great books and authors debuting this year, including my amazing agency sisters. I'll be sure to share them with you. In fact, one is coming up soon. (DESTINY'S FIRE by Trisha Wolfe)Half-price sales Did anyone else load up on half-price merchandise after the holidays? I totally did.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?
*Reminder: My free monthly newsletter goes out later today. Want one? Sign up here.[image error]
December 30, 2011
Mirror, Mirror by Majanka Verstraete
Synopsis:
When seventeen-year-old Piper discovers an antique mirror in the attic of her new home, she has no idea what horrors that mirror is about to bring her and the people she loves... Eerie shadows lurking in her bedroom and estranged voices in the dead of night are only the beginning. Piper and her friends must find a way to solve the mystery surrounding the mirror before it makes it next victim...
My thoughts:
When I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. I like creepy. And this definitely did creep me out. Piper falls in love with this antique mirror, but when her friend says she gets an evil vibe from it, Piper starts to see and hear things that scare her more than she wants to admit. Verstraete wove a great story here with plenty of twists that you don't see coming until they hit you, but then all the pieces she crafted together along the way suddenly become clear. That's just great writing. And the ending... well, I won't give any spoilers, but awesome! If you like paranormal or horror, read this book.
Just for fun: If you had an antique mirror that you thought was evil, would you keep it around long enough to find out for sure?[image error]
