L.A. Shaw's Blog, page 3
April 21, 2011
Sequel & Series Titles!!
I'm so excited today because I got some really good writing in last night/early this morning. I finished the prologue for my sequel! I have so many ideas coming to me right now, I really think this book is going to be awesome. It was two years ago when I originally wrote The Advice Girl, and I couldn't help but wonder if I had it in me to write another book. I've learned that not only do I have it in me, but I've also improved my techniques, and I believe the writing to be better as well. I just wish I could finish it and share it with you guys already because I'm that happy about it. But I'm going to take my time with this one, really dive into the story and characters. I know how I want to write it, and how I want the book to be, and the pace is going to be different as well.
But I really can't wait to release the title because I'm ecstatic! The title of the sequel is going to be Invoked . :) The name of my series is The Dalara Series . I know that I have not mentioned that name in the first book, but it will be made clear in the sequel. It just fits the best out of all the titles I came up with yesterday, so I have to go with that. I decided not to use the new major character's name in the title like I had originally planned. I love it so much I wanted it to be a surprise. I hope you all like those titles! I poured over them, trying out different ones, and I just feel like that's what they need to be.
The muse is definitely with me, and I'm going to get off here and keep writing while the ideas and thoughts are still coming. Plus I am having a complete blast with this book. I don't think I've ever been so passionate about anything in my life. lol I just... gah I love it. I hope you guys will love it too.
But I really can't wait to release the title because I'm ecstatic! The title of the sequel is going to be Invoked . :) The name of my series is The Dalara Series . I know that I have not mentioned that name in the first book, but it will be made clear in the sequel. It just fits the best out of all the titles I came up with yesterday, so I have to go with that. I decided not to use the new major character's name in the title like I had originally planned. I love it so much I wanted it to be a surprise. I hope you all like those titles! I poured over them, trying out different ones, and I just feel like that's what they need to be.
The muse is definitely with me, and I'm going to get off here and keep writing while the ideas and thoughts are still coming. Plus I am having a complete blast with this book. I don't think I've ever been so passionate about anything in my life. lol I just... gah I love it. I hope you guys will love it too.
April 20, 2011
The paperbacks are here!!
This is kind of like a dream come true for me. Something I wrote in paperback form. *does a little dance in her chair*
Since I had my camera out... I took a couple more pictures. One of my little writing nook. The desk, chair, and lamp are all from IKEA. I love going in that store even though I feel like I've walked five miles by the time I exit.
This is just a closer look at the desk. Featuring the book I'm reading now - The Catcher in the Rye, an orchid (V-day present), my notebook with my sequel "bones" from last night, and gum. I have to have orange flavored gum nearby when I'm writing, and I chew it compulsively. I used to chain smoke cigarettes instead when I wrote, so I think that gum is a better substitute for that since I quit smoking.
Just thought I would share these! :)
Since I had my camera out... I took a couple more pictures. One of my little writing nook. The desk, chair, and lamp are all from IKEA. I love going in that store even though I feel like I've walked five miles by the time I exit.
This is just a closer look at the desk. Featuring the book I'm reading now - The Catcher in the Rye, an orchid (V-day present), my notebook with my sequel "bones" from last night, and gum. I have to have orange flavored gum nearby when I'm writing, and I chew it compulsively. I used to chain smoke cigarettes instead when I wrote, so I think that gum is a better substitute for that since I quit smoking.
Just thought I would share these! :)
Sequel Updates
I finished writing the "bones" of my sequel last night. I'm so excited I can't even express it in words because I feel like it's going to be such an experience. *jumps up and down and claps hands*
My boyfriend is awesome and he's able to give me male perspectives and help with all the VS related stuff. We were talking last night about how the ending should be (no cliffhanger this time I promise) and it blew me away, what he described. I can't wait to write it. Also I'm introducing a new main character! Yay! I'm beyond excited to write her, she is going to be so much fun. In fact, I'm so enamored with this character already, I honestly think she should be featured on the cover, and even the title. I think I've already got the cover image in my mind. I'm going to go more "paranormal" with it instead of creepy, kinda scary. I think I have the title too, but I'm going to wait to release it. It's not set in stone yet. But I was searching online randomly for name ideas, and I found the perfect one. I've never heard it used (not in our time anyway) and of course it's open for a book title. So I can't believe how everything seems to be fitting together with it. My muse was definitely with me last night.
I just can't tell you guys how eager I am to begin writing this new book. I've even decided to make it a series, and a third will more than likely follow. I've already picked the name of the series as well. I'm going to hold off and release that probably soon, I just have to do some research and make sure that is the direction I want to go. It's a slightly more paranormal direction like I mentioned but it does fit in with the first book. I'm really taking into consideration everything I've learned so far from the reviews of The Advice Girl. I made notes on all those things last night to make better with the sequel. I'm just thrilled to begin writing this story, and it will probably be longer and more in depth than the first book. There is so much I want to elaborate on now that I've introduced everyone to the story and characters.
I should be finished with everything related to The Advice Girl within a couple months. I am thinking that is a good time frame of when I should be close to releasing the sequel. Hopefully I can stick to that.
My boyfriend is awesome and he's able to give me male perspectives and help with all the VS related stuff. We were talking last night about how the ending should be (no cliffhanger this time I promise) and it blew me away, what he described. I can't wait to write it. Also I'm introducing a new main character! Yay! I'm beyond excited to write her, she is going to be so much fun. In fact, I'm so enamored with this character already, I honestly think she should be featured on the cover, and even the title. I think I've already got the cover image in my mind. I'm going to go more "paranormal" with it instead of creepy, kinda scary. I think I have the title too, but I'm going to wait to release it. It's not set in stone yet. But I was searching online randomly for name ideas, and I found the perfect one. I've never heard it used (not in our time anyway) and of course it's open for a book title. So I can't believe how everything seems to be fitting together with it. My muse was definitely with me last night.
I just can't tell you guys how eager I am to begin writing this new book. I've even decided to make it a series, and a third will more than likely follow. I've already picked the name of the series as well. I'm going to hold off and release that probably soon, I just have to do some research and make sure that is the direction I want to go. It's a slightly more paranormal direction like I mentioned but it does fit in with the first book. I'm really taking into consideration everything I've learned so far from the reviews of The Advice Girl. I made notes on all those things last night to make better with the sequel. I'm just thrilled to begin writing this story, and it will probably be longer and more in depth than the first book. There is so much I want to elaborate on now that I've introduced everyone to the story and characters.
I should be finished with everything related to The Advice Girl within a couple months. I am thinking that is a good time frame of when I should be close to releasing the sequel. Hopefully I can stick to that.
April 19, 2011
:)
So many new people following on my blog and twitter! Yay!
I want to just take this blog post to say THANK YOU!!!
I will try to keep up and follow back. I really want to get to know all my readers/followers and don't be shy to comment or @mention me on twitter. I promise I will try and respond to comments and mentions. I'm usually online at night when I'm writing. :)
By the way my twitter handle is @L_A_Shaw
Such nice people in the blogging, writing, author, reading, book loving community!
Thanks so much!
I want to just take this blog post to say THANK YOU!!!
I will try to keep up and follow back. I really want to get to know all my readers/followers and don't be shy to comment or @mention me on twitter. I promise I will try and respond to comments and mentions. I'm usually online at night when I'm writing. :)
By the way my twitter handle is @L_A_Shaw
Such nice people in the blogging, writing, author, reading, book loving community!
Thanks so much!
Interview/Giveaway
The lovely ladies Donna and Jessica over at Book Passion for Life just posted my interview and giveaway info!
Check it out here!
I'm giving away two signed paperback copies of my book The Advice Girl. :)
Thanks ladies!!
Check it out here!
I'm giving away two signed paperback copies of my book The Advice Girl. :)
Thanks ladies!!
April 18, 2011
Rain
It's supposed to rain/thunderstorm all week here. Which is pretty good weather for writing I think. Perhaps I've been thinking too negatively over the last couple days, and I do have time for everything. I'm going to try to stay positive from now on... I can multi-task. lol And there is coffee. It's great to have support from other bloggers, writers, and fans too and I am so appreciative and grateful for that! It's really nice. I've never had that before. :)
So yes, I have started the sequel tonight finally! I'm actually really excited to dive into my writing again. I've been so caught up with other things with The Advice Girl and stressing out majorly over all of it. I over-analyze wayyy too much. I have to stop that. I am blessed to be able to write and share that with other people. I've missed my characters too, especially Markus, he's so much fun to write.
Also I am loving Catcher in the Rye and really mad at myself it took me this long to get my hands on it.
Anyways I should get off the internet I guess... it's hard though. Twitter is actually becoming my new addiction. lol I love it.
So yes, I have started the sequel tonight finally! I'm actually really excited to dive into my writing again. I've been so caught up with other things with The Advice Girl and stressing out majorly over all of it. I over-analyze wayyy too much. I have to stop that. I am blessed to be able to write and share that with other people. I've missed my characters too, especially Markus, he's so much fun to write.
Also I am loving Catcher in the Rye and really mad at myself it took me this long to get my hands on it.
Anyways I should get off the internet I guess... it's hard though. Twitter is actually becoming my new addiction. lol I love it.
April 17, 2011
eBook Pricing
I dropped the price of my eBook The Advice Girl down from $1.99 to $0.99. That price should already be reflected on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Yay! :)
I love Sundays
There is just something about a Sunday that I love. I can hear Johnny Cash's "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" in my head. While that song itself isn't necessarily positive, I like it. Therefore it's positive to me and that's just how my brain works. ha.
I got this last night at Whole Foods for $10. Cute huh? I like it.
It matches the nail polish I have on my toes right now too. I didn't do that on purpose either. Just happened.
Book Related:
Donna from Book Passion for Life reviewed my book!The link is here.
I believe I'm also doing an author interview/giveaway for the blog as well. It will be an international one because they (and the blog) are in the UK. Way cool. Probably a couple signed paperbacks. So I'm looking forward to that! Awesome. I kinda wish I had been born in like London. The majority of my book takes place there so that is kinda obvious. I also had a major crush on Prince William when I was in high school. I'm not ashamed to admit that. Kate Middleton seems like a nice girl though. lol Besides I have the most amazing boyfriend on the planet. :) If I ever make enough money to go on a vacation overseas though London would be my first choice... then maybe Ireland. I'm part Irish. :)
I got this last night at Whole Foods for $10. Cute huh? I like it.
It matches the nail polish I have on my toes right now too. I didn't do that on purpose either. Just happened.
Book Related:
Donna from Book Passion for Life reviewed my book!The link is here.
I believe I'm also doing an author interview/giveaway for the blog as well. It will be an international one because they (and the blog) are in the UK. Way cool. Probably a couple signed paperbacks. So I'm looking forward to that! Awesome. I kinda wish I had been born in like London. The majority of my book takes place there so that is kinda obvious. I also had a major crush on Prince William when I was in high school. I'm not ashamed to admit that. Kate Middleton seems like a nice girl though. lol Besides I have the most amazing boyfriend on the planet. :) If I ever make enough money to go on a vacation overseas though London would be my first choice... then maybe Ireland. I'm part Irish. :)
April 16, 2011
My first giveaway!
Check out Inklings Read blog for my author interview and giveaway.
You can win a signed copy of my book! :)
Find it here.
You can win a signed copy of my book! :)
Find it here.
April 15, 2011
The sun!
It's 53 degrees! Yes! haha I'll take what I can get at this point. The sun is warming the glass door to my balcony and that's all I care about. I can trick myself into thinking it's summer... or at least Spring.
My eye is still twitching. I'm thinking I should wear my glasses when I write and not my contacts. But my glasses are taped together with electrical tape. Don't laugh! I'm a broke struggling artist... err... writer. :)
Another The Advice Girl Book Review!
In which Ems reviews books
Wow... really thorough... I'm pleased. Good stuff. I'm loving these reviews, it's just going to make the sequel that much better. :)
My eye is still twitching. I'm thinking I should wear my glasses when I write and not my contacts. But my glasses are taped together with electrical tape. Don't laugh! I'm a broke struggling artist... err... writer. :)
Another The Advice Girl Book Review!
In which Ems reviews books
Wow... really thorough... I'm pleased. Good stuff. I'm loving these reviews, it's just going to make the sequel that much better. :)
