Kelly Hashway's Blog, page 127
August 3, 2011
First or Third?
A new YA manuscript has been monopolizing my life for the past three days. I'm in the planning phase, which can take a little while because I like to plan just about everything before I start drafting. The plot is coming together. My MC has introduced herself to me... finally. She took her sweet time telling me her name. She seemed to want to tell me everything else about herself before she remembered to fill me in on what to call her. But that's okay. I forgive her--mostly because she's got a wicked power that scares me.
So now I'm left with figuring out how best to tell her story. I naturally lean toward first person. I love becoming a character so fully that I can just write as if I'm them. Inside their thoughts, using their words, experiencing their feelings... well, you get the picture. But while I was planning yesterday, I got this weird feeling that I might have to use a close third person for this story. It literally stopped me in my planning. I mean, sure I use third person all the time in my short stories, but this is a novel. I'm wondering if it's the nature of the story that's making me think it would be better told at a slight difference or if it's the potential scariness of the story that's making me want to distance myself from the action. Am I scared to become this character? Yes. I think I am. Should I let that stop me from becoming her? I don't know.
I think this is a case where I'm going to have to try both first and third person to see which works best for my MC and her story. Because in the end, it isn't about me. It's about what's best for the manuscript.
How do you decide whether to use first or third person. Do you experiment to see what works best, or is it something you just know?
August 1, 2011
Monday Mishmash 8/1
It's Monday! Time for another mishmash of thoughts. Here's what's on my mind today:
TBR pile I'm not sure how this happened (well, maybe I know) but my TBR pile is so big it's scary. I wonder how much money I spend on books each year. Never mind, I don't want to know.Editing I've been doing a lot of freelance editing so I put up a page on my website for it. If you need a freelance editor, check it out.August When did that happen? This summer is flying by. My little one starts school in September too, so time needs to slow down.Slumber party My husband was away Friday night, so my daughter and I had a slumber party. We painted her toes (light blue), played games, and laughed ourselves silly.10K No, I'm not talking about running. I'm working on a YA fantasy and my target is about 80k. I'm at 70,500. Less than 10K to go.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?
July 29, 2011
Review: Zarena by Rebecca Ryals Russell
Today I'm reviewing Zarena by Rebecca Ryals Russell, which releases today! So happy release day to Rebecca.
At fourteen, waking up in a strange place and hearing voices in your head can be more than a little nerve-wracking. But for Zarena, it's the beginning of a whole new life. One in which she finds herself in a new world, training to become the leader of a child army called the Vigorios. Zarena comes to care for the Conscientia, the holy order that takes her in and teaches her everything she needs to know. But danger is closer than she realizes. The demons she will need to fight are already closing in on her and in a way she'd never guess on her own.
Readers will instantly find themselves cheering Zarena on in her new role. Her training and experiences are described in a way that places the reader in the story. I'm usually leery of books with unusual names and places because it can be difficult to keep the details straight. But I had no trouble with this book because I was swept right into the story. I learned about the Revrum Natura right alongside Zarena.
This is a fun story for any middle grade reader, and it sets up what will surely be an exciting series. I give it four stars.
What are you reading right now? Any good middle grade books on your radar?
July 27, 2011
I Will Miss You, Borders
Last week brought an announcement that made me cry. Every Borders store will be closing their doors. I've been going to Borders every Wednesday for--well, I can't even remember how long it's been. I took my daughter to story time and we enjoyed shopping there. Borders has been part of my life for years, and now I have to say goodbye.
Let me explain why this bothers me so much. When I was growing up, my favorite thing to do was go to the bookstore. My parents took me every weekend. We'd go to the mall and I'd go into Waldenbooks (owned by Borders). I'd browse the shelves and narrow all the great choices down to one. Then I'd read while walking through the mall as my parents shopped. Sure, I liked toy stores like every other kid. But given the choice, I'd take the bookstore any day. With Borders closing and more people buying books online, it makes me wonder if my daughter and millions of other kids will miss out on the experience I cherished as a child. That brings tears to my eyes.
I admit I have a Kindle. I shop on Amazon. But I read more books in print. I buy more books from bookstores than from Amazon. Nothing against Amazon. I've used them for years, but I don't want to lose my bookstores. In eight weeks, when my Borders is cleared out, I will have no bookstores by me. None. A world without books, is not one I want to live in. I'll have to drive to New Jersey to buy books. That's just sad.
I could go on, but I'd love to hear from you. What's your reaction to Borders closing for good? Do you think bookstores will all eventually suffer the same fate? (Man, it hurt to even type that.)
July 25, 2011
Monday Mishmash 7/25
Happy Monday! It's Mishmash time. Here's what's on my mind today:
That's it for me. What's on your mind today?
July 21, 2011
Vlogging about May the Best Dog Win
Welcome to my first ever vlog! And it just so happens to fall on the weekend of another She Writes blog hop. Welcome She Writes hoppers! Please feel free to look around.
Now, before you go ahead and press play, let me remind you this is my first vlog and I was extremely nervous but I thought it would be a good way to share some of my book with you. Also, I recorded it during my daughter's nap so I was sitting on the floor in the hallway, trying not to wake her up. Crazy, I know. But I hope you enjoy it.
Have you every vlogged? Would you?
*I'll be at the Monroe County Public Library Saturday from 10am-4pm signing copies of May the Best Dog Win. If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by.
July 20, 2011
Guest Post: Carlie from The Princess of Las Pulgas
I have a very special guest blogger today. She is the star of the young adult novel, The Princess of Las Pulgas by C. Lee McKenzie. Please help me in welcoming Carlie. Hi, Carlie.
I'm really excited about being here on your super blog, Kelly. Frankly, I'm kind of glad that author of mine is busy. That keeps her out of my hair. I mean she's nice and everything, but she can be a bit bossy.
She keeps putting words into my mouth and deciding what I should or shouldn't wear. It can be annoying. I mean, even my mom doesn't do that anymore, not since I was five.
And then once she starts fiddling with the manuscript she just doesn't seem to know when to stop. We've had few "disagreements."
I guess I should tell you about Lee's book, The Princess of Las Pulgas. I mean, if I don't she'll go off in huff.
Everybody asks her about the title. They want to know what las pulgas means.
*Shudder*
The fleas. Isn't that disgusting? I don't understand how anyone would call a town that. I wanted it to be more romantic sounding, like, Las Posadas or Las Bonitas. But, noooo. She stuck with fleas!
She started me out in Channing, a great beach town. We lived right on the ocean and . . . .
*Blots eyes.*
Sorry. It's just that my family had to leave Channing. That's Lee for you. She has Mom try to keep us where we belong, but then she changes all of that, and sells our house. I had to change schools in the middle of my junior year, and go to this terrible place, Las Pulgas High. Then there's Keith my younger brother.
That's something else Lee's done. Keith was always, well a little brother and annoying, but she really made him act so weird after our dad died. She's made it a hard few months for him . . . for all of us. Mom, especially. Quicken's the only one Lee's kept the same. Quicken's my cat.
I call her my "Fur Person." She's a sweetie. I don't know what I'd do without her these days. Oh, and it really got me steamed when Lee almost took her away. Actually, her editor made her change that part. I love her editor.
Here in Las Pulgas it's so different. And it's ugly. I mean I saw the outside of the school and there's a chain link fence, graffiti on the outside walls and I'm not sure I'll be safe there. The kids are so different. They look different and talk different than my Channing friends. I asked Lee if she could just make the place more Channing-like, but she ignored me. Nothing unusual in that.
One thing Lee did do that I have to give her credit for is she helped me get over losing my dad. She also helped me find out how important is to help your family as much as you can. I'm not as good at that as I want to be, but I keep trying. You know, I try to talk to my brother like he's human. :-) And I try to help Mom out by doing what she wants me to. It's just so hard when everything's not the way it should be. Does that make sense?
Well, got to go and see if I can find my author. I think she's in a writing slump. She said something about going to hunt down her muse. Sometimes she's very pretentious.
Bye and thanks for letting me get some of this off my chest.
Thanks again, Carlie! If you'd like to learn more about Carlie and her book, check out her Facebook page here.
July 18, 2011
Monday Mishmash 7/18
It's mishmash time again! Here's what's on my mind:
Book Expo I'll be at the Eastern Monroe Public Library from 10am-4pm on Saturday selling signed copies of May the Best Dog Win. I'm looking forward to it.My first vlog I recorded my first vlog so I could share some of my picture book with you. I'll be posting it as soon as I get enough courage!Borders This week I should find out more about when my signing at the Borders in Stroudsburg, PA will be. Yay!Revising I went back to my YA manuscript, which was sitting for a few months while I wrote and revised my middle grade manuscript. It's fun to be back to my YA, and I'm adding another sub-plot.Training wheels My daughter isn't a big bike rider, but she now has a bike with training wheels. We broke it in this weekend.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?
July 15, 2011
Werewolf Descent by Elizabeth Kolodziej
Faith and Trent are back and there are more obstacles than ever testing their love in the second installment of The Last Witch series. I fell in love with the characters in Vampyre Kisses and I enjoyed how Kolodziej put a different spin on vampires. I was really looking forward to reading Werewolf Descent and it didn't disappoint. I was drawn in from the very first page and read the book in almost one sitting. Kolodziej has some tricks up her sleeve in this one, and she kept me guessing all the way through. Continuing with her trend of putting new spins on the world of vampires and werewolves, Kolodziej introduces us to a psychic vampire and an alchemist. The new characters keep the story fresh and engaging while of course causing more conflict for Faith and her vampire boyfriend, Trent.
I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of werewolves, but I was drawn into the story of the werewolf murders and especially the history behind it, which becomes key to the story line. I found myself cheering on the creatures that I usually dislike in other books. But while the werewolf prince becomes a key player in this story, he also creates some trouble for Faith. In fact, Faith becomes the object of desire of many of the characters in this book, showing how truly one-of-a-kind she is.
One caution I do have to make is that this book gets steamy. Faith and Trent's relationship is in full-swing and we see it all. I would hesitate to recommend it to younger readers who like to read up, but for the intended audience, it's full of romance and passion.
Another great thing about this book is that even though it is the second in the series, it stands on its own. This book is a winner. I think Kolodziej topped herself this time. I'm giving it 4.5 stars!
What are you reading right now? How would you rate the book so far?
July 13, 2011
My ebook Experiment
I promised and I don't go back on my promises. So here you have it. My experience publishing my very first ebook.
All right, my amazing agent is now handling my full-length middle grade and young adult manuscripts, but I'm still submitting my picture books and short stories on my own. Ebooks seem to be the rage right now, and that of course made me curious--like everyone else. Well, back in 2009 I sold a short story called "The Imaginary Friend" to a magazine that has since stopped publishing works by writers outside of the company. So the story and rights remain mine and the publisher wished me luck in finding a new home for the story. "The Imaginary Friend" is about what happens to imaginary friends after kids no longer need them. I love the story (yes, I know I'm biased). I felt it needed to be written. But it's tough to find a market for a story like this.
Enter ebooks. I looked into Smashwords and was instantly overwhelmed by their formatting. I downloaded the long document that explained it all step by step and stared blankly at it for days. Then I forced myself to get to work because the story wasn't going anywhere with me staring in horror. I saved the story as a new document and following the instructions, I had the document show all the formatting. Yikes! Then I proceeded to reformat the entire thing. It took me an hour to reformat a two-part short story. What the heck is a two-part short story you ask? After formatting part one, I realized there was more story to tell. So I wrote a sequel. Yes, a sequel to a short story. Others have told me it reads like an extremely short novella. I'm talking the world's shortest novella because it's really two short stories.
After reformatting the entire document and double checking all my formatting, I had to create a cover. I enlisted the help of my sister who is a talented artist. I started with a picture I took of the clouds and part of a tree. They have significance to the story. It was a beautiful picture but it wasn't kid-friendly. My sister played with the image in Photoshop and added a silhouette of a young girl and we have my cover:
I love it. It fits the story perfectly. Next I uploaded everything to Smashwords and found I was number 759 in line to have my book finalized for the site. 759! Five hours later, my ebook was ready. Now I had to assign an ISBN, but all the free ones through Smashwords had run out. I was told they were getting more soon. In the meantime I created my author profile and set up my method of how I wanted to be paid. I also downloaded a copy of the ebook to double check my formatting. Everything looked good. Yay!
Would I do it again? Sure. Now that I'm familiar with how to format the document, I know I could do it more easily in the future. Of course I wasn't reformatting an entire novel so that helped. My recommendation to you is that if you know you want to go the ebook route through Smashwords, read their formatting guidelines before you write your manuscript. It's easier to format first and type second than it is to go back and change all the default settings your computer will use.
(If you want to check out The Imaginary Friend, just click the cover image above. I decided to price it at $0.99 since I think author's should at least make something for their writing.)
Have you ever created an ebook? What was your experience like? Are you thinking of going the ebook route? What made you consider it or decide against it?
