Kelly Hashway's Blog, page 64

Monday Mishmash 7/13/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.
Here's what's on my mind today:Editing  My editing schedule is getting crazy—in a good way. I'm almost booked through the rest of the year.Release dates and cover reveals  I can't wait until I can share more, but let's just say that August and September are going to bring great things. I can't wait.Secret Project  So, my street team (Kelly's Coven) and my newsletter subscribers know what my secret project is. No one else will know about it until it's revealed on release day. ;) It's all in the works though, so keep an eye out.Mini-vacation  I'll be spending a few days in Mystic, CT. It's been years since I've been there, and I'm looking forward to checking out the aquarium and seaport.Day planners  Last week I had the dreaded experience of finding out my day planner was running out. The horror! I can't live without one. Luckily, that was remedied right away, and I'm already writing in my new turquoise day planner. Anyone else need a planner to survive?That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: Travelers by Meradeth Houston Cover Reveal

Today, I'm excited to share the cover of Travelers by Meradeth Houston! It's gorgeous!

Sienna Crenshaw knows the rules: 1) no time traveling beyond your natural lifetime, 2) no screwing with death, and 3) no changing the past. Ever. Sienna doesn’t love being stuck in the present, but she’s not the type to break the rules. That is, she wasn’t the type until her best friend broke every one of those rules to keep Henry, her twin brother and Sienna’s ex-boyfriend, alive.
Suddenly, Sienna is caught in an unfamiliar reality. The upside? Henry is still alive. The downside? Sienna’s old life, including the people in it, has been erased. Now, Sienna and Henry must untangle the giant knot in time, or her parents and all the rest of the Travelers, will be lost forever. One problem: the only way to be successful is for Henry to die.
Release Date: August 4th, 2015
About Meradeth:

I’ve never been a big fan of talking about myself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about me:
I'm a California girl. This generally means I talk too fast and use "like" a lot. Since I now live in Montana, sometimes this is a problem.

I have my doctorate in molecular anthropology. Translation: I sequence dead people's DNA and spend a whole lot of time in a lab, which I love.

I've been writing since I was 11 years old. It's my hobby, my passion, and I'm so happy to get to share my work!

My other passion is teaching. There's nothing more fun than getting a classroom of college kids fired up about anthropology! This is probably a good thing, since my day job requires me to teach at the local university.

If I could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because I'm terrified of heights.

Find Meradeth Houston online at: www.MeradethHouston.com
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Amazon, Goodreads, and of course her blog!
That's not all. There's a giveaway too!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Want your YA, NA, or MG book featured on my blog? Contact me here and we'll set it up.

Writer Wednesday: Amazon's New Review Policy

I'm sure most of you have seen or heard about how Amazon is removing reviews and not allowing people to review certain books because they believe the reviewer knows the author. If you haven't seen this yet, here is how the notice to the reviewer begins:“We removed your Customer Reviews because you know the author personally.”There's another message that says something to the effect of: You are ineligible to review this book...
Authors and reviewers seem to be in an uproar about this. Today, I want to share my feelings on it. As an author, I love reaching out to readers. I have my FB group, Kelly's Coven, and I interact with readers on my FB author page, FB profile page, Twitter, my website, Goodreads, you name it! So does this mean all those people I interact with will no longer be able to post reviews? I highly doubt Amazon will be able to keep track of them all, but I'm sure the number of reviews I have per book will decrease.
So what does this mean? Personally, I don't plan to change anything. Not one thing, because I LOVE talking to readers. Sure, I want reviews because they are important to a book's success. But more than that, I want to have a genuine relationship with my readers. So if I have to sacrifice reviews to keep my readers happy, I will.
I'm not going to stop interacting with anyone who wants to discuss my books with me. I love you all and talking to you is one of my favorite things about being an author.
What do you think about Amazon's new policy?

Monday Mishmash 7/6/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.
Here's what's on my mind today:Book Deal! You know that news I've been hinting at? Well, it's that I signed another book deal! Yay!!! OUR LITTLE SECRET, my YA contemporary romance (written as Ashelyn Drake) will be published by Limitless Publishing. Here's the PM announcement:Ashelyn Drake's OUR LITTLE SECRET, when a girl falls for her best friend's twin brother, she'll have to decide what she's willing to risk to keep the guy of her dreams, to Jessica Gunhammer at Limitless, by Sarah Negovetich at Corvisiero Literary Agency.Signing Postponed  I was supposed to have a signing on July 4th for The Monster Within and The Darkness Within at Books-A-Million in the Stroud Mall in Stroudsburg, PA, but it had to be postponed. It's now scheduled for July 25th from noon to 3:00 p.m. If you'll be in the area, I hope you'll come see me.Editing  This is the summer of edits for me. Last week I tackled edits on two of my own books as well as edits for clients. My poor eyes are going to hate me soon—if they don't already.Free Monthly Newsletter  Today my newsletter goes out. In it is a sneak peek at the cover of the secret project I've been hinting about. The cover has already been revealed in my street team (Kelly's Coven) FB group, and now it's time for my newsletter subscribers to see it. I won't be doing a cover reveal, which means no one else will see the cover until the book is released, which will also be a surprise! If you aren't signed up to receive my newsletter, but would like to, click here.Slow Response Time  I have funeral services to attend this week because there was a death in my family. So if I'm slow to respond to comments, that's why.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: My Tethered Soul

It’s been months since Zadie faced her sister’s Reaper, months during which she’s been under her mentor’s magical protection. But now that she’s turning seventeen, that protection is about to run out.

When dark forces lure Zadie to wander at night, she’s manipulated into committing unspeakable acts. With her friends and family at risk, Zadie must try to use her powers to break free from the Reaper’s grasp, or surrender to the Reaper’s Rite, which can only lead to death.
Excerpt:
Swinging the door open, I held my breath. A few wire hangers hung on a rod, but otherwise it was empty.Gavin stood and tapped his foot on the floor. “This floorboard is loose. Maybe there’s something under here. You know, like in The Tell-Tale Heart?”I glanced at him over my shoulder. “Great, Gavin. That’s just what I need: a little scare to get me motivated.”He let out a small laugh as he bent down to inspect the floorboard. While he prodded at it, I turned my attention back to the closet. It was deeper than mine was. More square than rectangular. Big enough to fit a large desk in. Stepping into the closet, I found a door to the right. Inside the closet.That’s a strange place for a door.This door didn’t have a knob, but a rotating handle. I ran my hand over the smooth metal of the handle, working up the courage to press down on it. The closet lit up as lighting flashed in the sky. I needed to find out what was behind the door, but I couldn’t seem to move my hand.Just open it, Zadie. Swallowing my fear, I pressed the handle down and pulled on the door.When my eyes adjusted to the lack of light, a set of stairs stood before me. Up to an attic, I presumed. Dull drywall flanked it, and a window at the top of the stairs let in a small amount of light. I was about to turn around and get Gavin when another flash of lightning lit up the stairwell. Something glinted in the short blaze of light. A small, thin item halfway up the stairs.My bracelet.Was I here? I must have been. Why else would the bracelet be on the floor? What did I do here? Up here in the attic?“Zadie?” Gavin called.For a moment, I couldn’t speak. Swallowing hard, I forced sound to break free from my throat. “Just a second.”“Where are you?”Instead of answering him, I climbed the first step, focused on the bracelet. Was that what it really was? Or was my mind playing tricks on me again? The second my foot grazed the next step, the door slammed shut behind me.“Zadie!” Gavin’s voice was muffled, and the handle jiggled. But the door remained closed.I flew to the door, fighting with the handle and trying not to hyperventilate. Lightning flashed through the window above me. I banged on the door as Gavin called my name. And then, all at once, the temperature dropped.My breath came out in a frosty mist. I spun and backed up against the door, my eyes searching. But the storm outside played with my senses. My thumb moved over my phone, and I held it up to light the stairwell. But as the next crash of thunder vibrated through the house, I started and dropped my phone.The light from the window disappeared. Plunged into darkness, I crouched down and searched for my phone. Something moved at the top of the stairs.It’s here.
Links:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tethered-Soul-Reapers-Rite-Volume/dp/1939765234/Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/My-Tethered-Soul-Reapers-Rite-ebook/dp/B00L77YTNO/Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-tethered-soul-dorothy-dreyer/1119705276?ean=9781939765239Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-tethered-soul-dorothy-dreyer/1119705276?ean=9781939765246Book Depository http://www.bookdepository.com/My-Tethered-Soul-Dorothy-Dreyer/9781939765239Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20703626-my-tethered-soulAuthor Links:Author Website: http://dorothydreyer.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/dorothydreyerFacebook Fanpage: http://facebook.com/AuthorDorothyDreyer
Want your YA, NA, or MG book featured on my blog? Contact me here and we'll set it up.

Writer Wednesday: When Organization Becomes Clutter

Okay, so I've been keeping a secret from all of you. I've taken on a new job that I can't quite tell you about yet. My contract is signed and delivered, but I'm waiting for the official announcement to tell you all what it is. 
What I can say is that I've become insanely busy! My writing desk looks like a case of Post-It notes threw up on it. Seriously, I'm talking those big Post-It pads with lines on them stuck EVERYWHERE! My desk has three shelves on it, and they are serving as places to stick my notes. Not to mention the notes covering the actual desk portion where I work.
So what I've realized is that my organization has turned into clutter. If you saw my desk (and no, I'm not going to subject you to pictures of my chaos), you'd think I was the messiest writer ever. But…it works for me because I love crossing things off my notes and then ultimately crumpling them up and tossing them when I've accomplished everything on the notes. That's a good feeling.
I guess in a way, the Post-It notes make me feel like I'm somewhat in control and they give me a sense of accomplishment when I can toss them in the trash.
How do you handle being busier than busy? Do you have an avalanche of Post-Its, too?

Monday Mishmash 6/29/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.
Here's what's on my mind today:Signing at Books-A-Million  I'll be at Books-A-Million in the Stroud Mall (Stroudsburg, PA) this Saturday (July 4th) from noon until 3:00 p.m. signing copies of The Monster Within and The Darkness Within. If you're in the area, come see me.Fading Into the Shadows Edits  I'm getting edits today for my 2016 title Fading Into the Shadows. I can't wait to dive back into this book.Fading Into the Shadows Cover  So, my cover is finalized and can I just say WOW? It's awesome guys. The cover reveal probably won't be until September, but I'll keep you posted.Beth Fred's Blurb Writing Class  Beth is teaching The Art of Blurb Writing again. This time the course will run from July 6 to July 24. For details and to sign up, click here.Secret Goodness in the Works  I have some things up my sleeve that I'll be sharing soon. Stay tuned.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: Nobody's Goddess

In a village of masked men, magic compels each man to love only one woman and to follow the commands of his “goddess” without question. A woman may reject the only man who will love her if she pleases, but she will be alone forever. And a man must stay masked until his goddess returns his love—and if she can’t or won’t, he remains masked forever.

Seventeen-year-old Noll isn't in the mood to celebrate. Her childhood friends have paired off and her closest companion, Jurij, found his goddess in Noll’s own sister. Desperate to find a way to break this ancient spell, Noll instead discovers why no man has ever chosen her.

Thus begins a dangerous game between the choice of woman versus the magic of man. And the stakes are no less than freedom and happiness, life and death—and neither is willing to lose.
Buy it on: Amazon
Barnes and Noble
IndieBound
Want your YA, NA, or MG book featured on my blog? Contact me here and we'll set it up.

Writer Wednesday: Hello, Old Friend

Have you ever put a manuscript aside for a long time—I'm talking months or even years—and then gone back to it? Maybe it's to revise or edit after it was acquired by a publisher, but either way, you've had time away and all the details aren't at the forefront of your mind because you've been writing other things. For me it's like getting to see an old friend again.
This year I finished writing a book I hadn't looked at in a while (because I got busy editing other books), and it made me fall in love with the story again. Next week, I'll be diving into edits on a book that was acquired a while ago. I haven't looked at the manuscript in probably a year, and I'm really excited to go back and visit these characters. I remember having that feeling of "this is the one" when I wrote the book, and I'm hoping I still have that feeling when I get my first round edits from my amazing editor. I'll be sure to let you know. :)
Have you revisited any "old friends" lately? Was it a good experience?

Monday Mishmash 6/22/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.
Here's what's on my mind today:Editing  I'm still editing like a crazy woman this week. :)Secret Ashelyn Drake Project  I've been dying to work on my secret project since I got feedback from a beta reader, but I'm so booked with edits I haven't had time. Hopefully soon. Maybe by the end of the week.Summer Schedule  I've been very scheduled this summer in order to get my work done while my daughter is home. I work every morning right after breakfast. I get a few solid hours in that way. Then I work again in the afternoon for about an hour. And I work at night when I need to as well. I'm tired. lolSwimming  The hot weather is returning this week. While I'm not a fan of super hot temperatures, I'm excited to get in some good swimming time.Book Signing  Books-A-Million in the Stroud Mall called me and asked me to come in on July 4th from noon to 3:00 p.m. to sign The Monster Within and The Darkness Within. Yay! I'm excited.Fading Into the Shadows Cover  I got to see the rough design for my upcoming 2016 title Fading Into the Shadows. I'm so excited. It's different than all my other covers, and I can't wait until I can share it. I'll let you know when cover reveal signups are in case you are interested.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?