Kelly Hashway's Blog, page 81

Friday Feature: Significance by Shelly Crane

 Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track, but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating - barely - and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has. Then she saves the life of Caleb and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally.
They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive.
Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him.

Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?

My thoughts:
The concept of imprinting is what drew me to this book. I actually use that concept in Into the Fire, so I wanted to see how another author handled it. I have to say that Crane didn't disappoint. I was immediately rooting for Maggie and Caleb, and I felt like the connection they had was both genuine and realistic. The imprint kind of throws them into each other's arms, but that's the nature of an imprint. I liked how it was all new to Maggie and she lets the reader feel her draw to Caleb while still finding it odd to care about someone so much when she just met him.

The book has a nice balance of action and inner reflection. I was never bored and constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed both the characters and the plot. My only complaint was that I found a lot of errors in the book. I'm pretty lenient when it comes to understanding human error. Even after having a team of people proofread a book, an error can slip through. I get that. But there were enough errors for me to really notice and that makes me sad because I would rate this book a five for content and characterization, but I have to deduct a point for grammar/punctuation.

If you can get passed the errors, this story is well worth the read. Oh, and I really liked how this book sort of bridges the YA/NA age groups. I think it appeals to both.

Writer Wednesday: Beth Fred's Tips on Plot

Please welcome my good friend and fellow author, Beth Fred. In addition to writing, Beth teaches courses on plot and writing book blurbs. She knows her stuff. So, without further ado, here's Beth!

Thanks for having me here to talk about plot today, Kelly.

What's the big deal about plot? Well, it's the structure of your whole story. Take a hardback fro your bookshelf. If the spine is in tact you can flip through it and not have to worry about what falls out. You can probably even stand it up, and it will stay because it has a backbone. The true backbone of that story is the plot. What really makes it stand up and stand out is the plot. It's true every now and then you come across a phenomenal book that made your faves list for other reasons like theme or characterization. Still it had to have some kind of plot even if that wasn't it's biggest strength. But most modern day bestsellers have a strong plot.

My favorite device and the plotting technique I teach is the three act structure. It's been around since the Greek plays. The three act structure is commonly used in films because it's all about keeping the tension up to push the story further and further along until it explodes into a climax and evens out in falling action. It's so popular right now because with the action scenes and sequences we are bombarded with in film and television, this is the pacing we are used to. The three act structure is by no means the only way to write a book. But it's perhaps the most common. It's in my view best and it's the one I use. 

Another likely option is GMC. Goal, Motivation, Conflict. Debra Dixon wrote the book on this, literally, and you can find my review here. I had the opportunity to meet with Debra and she says that if you are using GMC the seven pivotal scenes of the three act structure are already in your story. But GMC works like this. Your MC has a goal for some reason (motivation). Conflict is whatever gets in the way of that goal but your MC will do whatever it takes to overcome the conflict and accomplish goals because well motivated human beings just don't like things getting in their way. This is a logical pattern and the book does a good job of showing how to use this for plotting. I just think it works better for characterization.

But, Beth, I'm a pantser. Well, so was/am I. That's another thing I love about the three act structure. I start my books with a seven sentence outline. That's it. Anything more is too much.

Do you plot? How so?

Monday Mishmash: 6/9/14

Happy Monday! Here's my mishmash of thoughts:
1. Construction  Major construction is underway and I'll be fleeing to my mom's house for a while. If I'm a little MIA, you know why. I have to drive my daughter back and forth to school each day from NJ, which won't be fun. 


2. Beth Fred's Blurb Writing Class  There are still openings in Beth Fred's online blurb writing course. Sign up here.

3. Drafting  Last week I fast drafted the opening of a new manuscript. I'm hoping to keep moving on it this week, but I'm sure my pace will slow quite a bit thanks to the craziness of this construction. Wish me luck, please!

4. Catch Me When I Fall Cover Reveal and Giveaway  My agency sister, Vicki Leigh, has a cover reveal for her upcoming YA releasing October 23 through Curiosity Quills Press. Check it out. 

Recruited at his death to be a Protector of the Night, seventeen-year-old Daniel Graham has spent two-hundred years fighting Nightmares and guarding humans from the clawed, red-eyed creatures that feed off people’s fears. Each night, he risks his eternal life, having given up his chance at an afterlife when he chose to become a Protector. That doesn’t stop a burnt-out Daniel from risking daring maneuvers during each battle. He’s become one of the best, but he wants nothing more than to stop.

Then he’s given an assignment to watch over sixteen-year-old Kayla Bartlett, a clinically depressed patient in a psychiatric ward. Nightmares love a human with a tortured past. Yet, when they take a deep interest in her, appearing in unprecedented numbers, the job becomes more dangerous than any Daniel’s ever experienced. He fights ruthlessly to keep the Nightmares from overwhelming his team and Kayla. Soon, Daniel finds himself watching over Kayla during the day, drawn to why she’s different, and what it is about her that attracts the Nightmares. And him.

A vicious attack on Kayla forces Daniel to break the first Law and reveal his identity. Driven by his growing feelings for her, he whisks her away to Rome where others like him can keep her safe. Under their roof, the Protectors discover what Kayla is and why someone who can manipulate Nightmares has her in his sights. But before they can make a move, the Protectors are betrayed and Kayla is kidnapped. Daniel will stop at nothing to save her. Even if it means giving up his immortality.a Rafflecopter giveaway 5. The Monster Within Teaser, Kindle Pre-order Sale, and Trailer!  Lots of good stuff going on for The Monster Within. First the Kindle edition is on sale for only $3.99. This sale won't last so get your copy here now. And here's a new teaser for you:

And…here's the book trailer:

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: Daughter of Chaos by Jen McConnel (Review)

Witches must choose the path they will follow, and Darlena Agara is no exception. She’s been putting it off long enough, and in her case, ignoring it has not made it go away. In a moment of frustration, Darlena chooses to follow Red Magic, figuring she had outsmarted the powers that be, since there’s no such thing as Red Magic. But alas, Darlena’s wrong (again) and she becomes a newly declared Red Witch.

Her friends are shocked and her parents horrified by the choice Darlena has made. As a Red Witch, she now governs one third of the world’s chaos. She is the walking personification of pandemonium, turmoil, and bedlam, just as the patrons of Red Magic would have it to be.

But Darlena believes there must be more to Red Magic than chaos and destruction, and she sets out on a journey to achieve balance. Only doing so puts her at odds with the dark goddess Hecate, who simply will not allow Darlena to quit. She encourages Darlena to embrace who and what she is and to leave good magic to the good witches. If only Darlena could, life would be simple, and she would not be the Daughter of Chaos.

My thoughts:
I liked Darlena from the start. She thinks she can outsmart Hecate, and for me that just spelled guts right there. Of course it backfires and she winds up pledging herself to Red Magic, which she didn't even know existed. Still, Darlena seems suited for Red Magic and the fact that Hecate wants her means she has a lot of power. Unfortunately, that power makes her a very sought after witch. Darlena doesn't know who to trust or how to use her Red Magic for good, and she winds up on a journey she never could have imagined.

Witches and Greek gods! This seriously couldn't get any better. I have a weird obsession with Hades, and he was awesome in this story. I tore through this book, loving every second and being totally invested in Darlena and her future. McConnel has a winner with Daughter of Chaos and in my opinion, book two can't get here fast enough. If you enjoy witch books, go get Daughter of Chaos now!

Writer Wednesday: Book Expo America 2014

BEA!!! Okay, I still haven't come down from my BEA high. This is seriously my favorite event. Why? Because I always get to hang out with really awesome writers and bloggers and publishing people. Man, I love my job.

So, here's a recap of my BEA 2014 experience:

First, check out the awesome Spencer Hill Press signing chart. (Do you see my name?)


And here I am signing The Monster Within ARCs. Photo courtesy of the very awesome Miss Dvora Gelfond.

Fellow horror writer Charles Day stopped by to get an ARC of The Monster Within.


I got really amazing triquetra necklaces for my book, which we raffled off in baskets and during the signing. I don't think I'm ever taking mine off. It's so pretty!


And here's the beautiful Jennifer Allis Provost who made the triquetra necklaces for me because she's that awesome.

Brooke Delvecchio is one of the most adorable people ever. I love her.


Here I am with Richard Shealy, one of my copy editors.

Here I am with Jessica Porteous, Lisa Amowitz, and Elizabeth Langston.

My agency sister, Vicki Merkel, attended my signing. 

Vikki Ciaffone is not my editor at SHP but I love her.

And I got to meet Eliza Tilton in person finally too! And I met J.A. Ward.


I also had a signing as Ashelyn Drake for my upcoming YA contemporary Perfect For You. Swoon Romance was awesome about getting people to stop by my booth to pick up signed postcards and talk about the book. I also had two amazing dancers (Yes, I said dancers.) bringing people in. A special thanks to Dorothy Dryer and Dan Cohen. You two are the best cheerleaders ever! 


After knowing Rachel Harris online for years we got to meet in person!

Okay, and this has nothing to do with my signings or meeting people, BUT… I finally got to see Rick Riordan!!! Thank you to Dan Cohen for making sure I got a picture of Rick this time. 


AND…I got Becca Fitzpatrick's new book! Yay! I'm so excited to read it. I loved the Hush, Hush series. I have to thank Dan Cohen for this one too because he totally snagged me a copy early and I didn't even have to wait in line.

I had to leave early on Saturday because the train schedule changed and we are having work done on our house and had to be home for it. I was sad to go and am already counting the days until BEA 2015!

Monday Mishmash: 6/2/14

Happy Monday! Here's my mishmash of thoughts:BEA  I had a blast at BEA. I'll post pictures on Wednesday. I'm still recovering from traveling and packing up my house for an addition.Construction  Construction began on my house the Saturday of BEA. I came home to find I had no ceiling in my living room. I'll have to leave for a few days when they do the demo since my entire roof is being removed. Wish me luck. It's a crazy mad house over here!Editing  I'm working on a client edit this week and copy edits on my MG novel. Blurbing  I'm reading a book right now that I have the honor of blurbing. I'm excited, but I only have a few days to read and submit my blurb, so eek!Free Monthly Newsletter  My free monthly newsletter goes out later today. If you aren't signed up to receive it but would like to, click here.That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: Son of Set by Kelsey Ketch (Review)

Seth O’Keefe has broken the laws of his god. He never thought he would sacrifice his own future to protect a Daughter of Isis. But when the Sons of Set discovered Natti is the Secret Keeper, he had no choice. Now, Seth and Natti are on the run from his father, who wants nothing more than to see Seth dead. With no allies, Seth turns to the Daughters of Isis for help, hoping they would protect Natti. But when they meet the Daughters, he discovers a secret that puts both their lives in more danger. Low on options, Seth sees only one possibility for survival. He must help Natti solve an ancient puzzle and find the secret name of Ra. 

Natara “Natti” Stone is having a hard time swallowing the truth. She can’t believe what she has learned in the past twenty-four hours: Seth is a Son of Set blessed with charm; she is a Daughter of Isis blessed with a sliver of Ma ‘at; the locket her grandmother gave her holds an ancient Egyptian secret linking to Osiris and Isis. That along with being tortured and brutalized by the Sons of Set, she can hardly hold herself together. Thank God for Seth’s touch! That warm, tingling sensation that drowns it all out. Yet her heart struggles to stay focused. She must quickly embrace her destiny before the secret name of Ra falls into the wrong hands.

My thoughts:
It's rare that I like a sequel more than book one, but I did with this one. Son of Set grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. There was plenty of action and emotion throughout. The dynamic between Seth and Natti was amazing in this book. I love them together. And the twists that Ketch throws in…just wow! I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I don't want to give any spoilers, which is tough because I want to gush about so many things. I'll just say that I didn't see one particular twist coming, but it was genius. It's one of those things that when I read it, I could see all the things from the previous book just fall into place. It made sense, which was awesome because I hate when you come to find out something and there were no clues planted along the way. This was done so well because it was such an "OMG! I didn't see that but I totally get it now!" moment for me.

If you haven't started this series yet, you should.

*I'm at BEA so if I don't get to respond to comments, please forgive me. I still love you all.*

Writer Wednesday: Drafting vs Revising/Editing

I've been kind of hard on myself lately. Why? Because I'm used to writing about six books a year, but this year, edits are getting in the way. Edits are important and have to take precedent since they are for contracted books, but sometimes I just want to write. I want to draft a new book from start to finish and not have to stop in order to edit an upcoming release. 

There, I said it. Don't get me wrong though. I LOVE to revise and I love getting editorial feedback. The problem is that I've become a fast drafter of insane proportions. Earlier this year I wrote a book at a crazy pace, getting 18K in one day. I actually felt hungover the next day. lol I don't advise keeping that pace, nor am I looking to duplicate it. But I seem to always get to a certain point in a new draft when I'm pulled out to either revise one of my contracted books or edit for a client. 

Again, I'm not complaining. I just miss drafting. I had to put aside a book that was surprising me left and right in a very good way. The characters had taken over. And now…I have another idea. See my problem? I have two books fighting to be written and I'm busy editing and revising. 

What's a girl to do?

Monday Mishmash 5/26/14

Happy Monday! Here's my mishmash of thoughts:

BEA!!!!  I'm heading to BEA Thursday morning! Here's my schedule if you're going to be there and want to find me: Thursday-3pm signing at the Spencer Hill Press booth (2567) for The Monster Within. Friday-7:30am author breakfast. Friday-4pm signing at the Swoon Romance (PDZ638) for Perfect For You (writing as Ashelyn Drake).Memorial Day  Happy Memorial Day! We're spending the day packing up our house for an addition that is going to take place right after BEA, weather permitting.The Monster Within Monster Giveaway  Don't forget to enter the MONSTER giveaway for The Monster Within. The giveaway is open until June 17th when The Monster Within releases and you can tweet each day for additional entries. Enter here!Deadlines  I'm trying to meet the last deadline I have before BEA. It's been another crazy month for me with deadlines, but BEA will be a great reward when I'm finished. :)New teaser for The Monster Within  Check out the latest teaser for The Monster Within. This one focuses on Sam and Ethan.
That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: Snip, Snip Revenge (Review)

Beautiful, confident Tabby Karim has plans for the winter: nab a role in her school’s dramatic production, make the new boy Michael hers, and keep bigoted Heather—with her relentless Ay-rab comments—at bay. When a teacher’s lie and her father’s hastiness rob her of her beautiful hair, her dreams are dashed. The fastest barber in Miami Beach has made her look practically bald. 

With all her pretty hair gone, Tabby doesn’t believe she fits the feminine role she’s auditioning for. Michael is still interested in her, but he’s playing it cool. Heather has taken to bullying her online, which is easier to do with Tabby’s ugly haircut. Tabby spearheads Operation Revenge, which proves satisfying until all of her problems deepen. After messing up, she sets to make things right.

My thoughts:
This book has an array of emotions. At first, Tabby is full of confidence. She thinks her long hair, which is the envy of most girls in her school and catches the eyes of most boys, makes her a beauty that can't be ignored. But when a lice outbreak hits her school and Tabby's least favorite teacher diagnoses her with lice, everything changes. Her father takes her to a barber and has all her hair chopped off. I felt terrible for Tabby because she didn't even have lice. Tabby's emotions roller coaster after this. I won't give spoilers, but Sharif shows us all sides of Tabby as she tries to figure out who she is without her beautiful hair.

I really enjoyed seeing Tabby grow in this story. There were times when I wanted to reach into my Kindle and shake her, but at the same time I felt bad for her and understood where her anger was coming from. Sharif really handles the emotional aspects of this story well, and because of that I read this book very quickly. I think Sharif has a winner here.