Rebecca Donovan's Blog - Posts Tagged "out-of-breath"
Wanna Know a Secret?
I'm slowly coming out of my post-writing coma. I even made my bed this morning, which hasn't happened in about a month!
I've answered most of my emails ~ if I haven't responded to you yet, I will, I promise.
And I am in the process of updating my web page which includes sharing two deleted scenes from BARELY BREATHING.
Now that most of you have read BARELY BREATHING (if you haven't, don't worry, I won't spoil anything, so you can keep reading), take a breath. It's okay to be upset, really it is. You have every right to be angry with Emma. She deserves it. She hasn't made the best decisions under duress, but she is a complicated and fractured character. She will be the first to admit, "It makes me stupid." So as much as you'd like to scream at her, I hope you then want to pull her to you and squeeze her tight because she is quite lost and broken. Don't give up on her...
I recognize how much angst I've incited, and I have to admit I never intended it to the extreme that it has erupted. Yes, REASON TO BREATHE was left at a dire moment, but I didn't deem BARELY BREATHING's ending a "cliffhanger". I knew it wasn't the ending you all wanted, but I was actually pretty proud of myself for giving you a proper ending, even adding a shimmer of hope with the last sentence.
The truth is... it's not the end. I've created this series as one long story, but divided it into three parts of Emma's life as she's becoming the woman the rest of the world will finally get to see. And that's what "The Breathing Series" is... it's Emma's story. Yes, there is an underlying love theme, but there are also underlying themes of denial, trust and fear. In the end, it's the story of a girl. A girl who has touched your hearts while making you frustrated and fearing her next decision, but also cheering her on when she finally stands up for herself. She is flawed to perfection, but I hope she is still worthy of your praise and affection.
This is not Evan's story, or Sara's story. But they are a part of Emma's. And I can't imagine her life without them influencing it in some way, whether they are present or not. But trust me, you will want to know how it all ends!
Ah, yes, that leads us to the final part of Emma's story ~ OUT OF BREATH. I wrote this conclusion nearly three years ago. So much has happened since then, especially since I rewrote BARELY BREATHING from the very first word over the past year. So I have decisions to make regarding my approach to OUT OF BREATH. I could use the original and edit it, but there is a lot of editing to do. Or... the other choice is to use the original story as an outline and write it again.
Before you panic and fear you will have to wait another year for the next book, know that I am officially a full-time writer and will not have to divide my time with another career. This will absolutely help expedite the process. However, I still cannot provide a release date until I am confident I can meet it. I made that mistake once in my post-publishing euphoria, and I will not do it again.
I am leaning towards writing it again from the beginning, only because the words will flow together better. I feel I have grown as a writer since I created REASON TO BREATHE, and I want that to be evident in the beautiful story that is the end.
Besides, Emma killed Jonathan in the first version of BARELY BREATHING that I wrote three years ago, (I know, crazy, huh?!) and so he's currently not even in OUT OF BREATH. And now, he can't be ignored, can he?
Yes, a lot was changed in BARELY BREATHING, the ending being the most drastic. And I do have another secret... OUT OF BREATH is my favorite!
Need to talk about it? I am finalizing the details so that I can make a guest appearance at your Book Clubs via Skype. (Remember, the camera adds 15 pounds, so don't judge - ha!). I will post the details on my web page ~ www.rebeccadonovan.com, when I have everything in place! I can't wait to meet you all!
Also, I'm working with a design company to create new covers for "The Breathing Series" so that they can be put into print! Yes, you will be able to hold it in your hands, breathe in the pages, and then throw it across the room for real!
BARELY BREATHING is currently available on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Z0ODCY, Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barel..., and Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view.... It will be available on iBooks, Kobo, Sony and Diesel within the next few weeks (Sorry for the delay! Not my doing, I swear!).
I also republished BB on B&N and Amazon on May 8th due to bloops I did not catch in my sleep deprived state while fighting to meet my publication deadline. You may delete it from your Nook and then re-upload it, so that you have the latest version. And you may email Amazon requesting that they send the most up to date version to your Kindle. I apologize profusely for the numerous errors. It is not the reading experience I wanted you to have.
If you haven't already discovered these pages, I post on Facebook often ~ (https://www.facebook.com/ReasontoBreathe , https://www.facebook.com/TheBreathing... ). I like sharing...
Wanna know one more secret?
I couldn't have done any of this without all of YOU, so thank you for your devotion, emotional tirades, and words of praise as I share Emma's life with you. I am grateful you are there to read my words!
Okay, fine. I'll tell you one more secret... someone dies in OUT OF BREATH. Was that a bad secret? Ooops.
I've answered most of my emails ~ if I haven't responded to you yet, I will, I promise.
And I am in the process of updating my web page which includes sharing two deleted scenes from BARELY BREATHING.
Now that most of you have read BARELY BREATHING (if you haven't, don't worry, I won't spoil anything, so you can keep reading), take a breath. It's okay to be upset, really it is. You have every right to be angry with Emma. She deserves it. She hasn't made the best decisions under duress, but she is a complicated and fractured character. She will be the first to admit, "It makes me stupid." So as much as you'd like to scream at her, I hope you then want to pull her to you and squeeze her tight because she is quite lost and broken. Don't give up on her...
I recognize how much angst I've incited, and I have to admit I never intended it to the extreme that it has erupted. Yes, REASON TO BREATHE was left at a dire moment, but I didn't deem BARELY BREATHING's ending a "cliffhanger". I knew it wasn't the ending you all wanted, but I was actually pretty proud of myself for giving you a proper ending, even adding a shimmer of hope with the last sentence.
The truth is... it's not the end. I've created this series as one long story, but divided it into three parts of Emma's life as she's becoming the woman the rest of the world will finally get to see. And that's what "The Breathing Series" is... it's Emma's story. Yes, there is an underlying love theme, but there are also underlying themes of denial, trust and fear. In the end, it's the story of a girl. A girl who has touched your hearts while making you frustrated and fearing her next decision, but also cheering her on when she finally stands up for herself. She is flawed to perfection, but I hope she is still worthy of your praise and affection.
This is not Evan's story, or Sara's story. But they are a part of Emma's. And I can't imagine her life without them influencing it in some way, whether they are present or not. But trust me, you will want to know how it all ends!
Ah, yes, that leads us to the final part of Emma's story ~ OUT OF BREATH. I wrote this conclusion nearly three years ago. So much has happened since then, especially since I rewrote BARELY BREATHING from the very first word over the past year. So I have decisions to make regarding my approach to OUT OF BREATH. I could use the original and edit it, but there is a lot of editing to do. Or... the other choice is to use the original story as an outline and write it again.
Before you panic and fear you will have to wait another year for the next book, know that I am officially a full-time writer and will not have to divide my time with another career. This will absolutely help expedite the process. However, I still cannot provide a release date until I am confident I can meet it. I made that mistake once in my post-publishing euphoria, and I will not do it again.
I am leaning towards writing it again from the beginning, only because the words will flow together better. I feel I have grown as a writer since I created REASON TO BREATHE, and I want that to be evident in the beautiful story that is the end.
Besides, Emma killed Jonathan in the first version of BARELY BREATHING that I wrote three years ago, (I know, crazy, huh?!) and so he's currently not even in OUT OF BREATH. And now, he can't be ignored, can he?
Yes, a lot was changed in BARELY BREATHING, the ending being the most drastic. And I do have another secret... OUT OF BREATH is my favorite!
Need to talk about it? I am finalizing the details so that I can make a guest appearance at your Book Clubs via Skype. (Remember, the camera adds 15 pounds, so don't judge - ha!). I will post the details on my web page ~ www.rebeccadonovan.com, when I have everything in place! I can't wait to meet you all!
Also, I'm working with a design company to create new covers for "The Breathing Series" so that they can be put into print! Yes, you will be able to hold it in your hands, breathe in the pages, and then throw it across the room for real!
BARELY BREATHING is currently available on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007Z0ODCY, Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barel..., and Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view.... It will be available on iBooks, Kobo, Sony and Diesel within the next few weeks (Sorry for the delay! Not my doing, I swear!).
I also republished BB on B&N and Amazon on May 8th due to bloops I did not catch in my sleep deprived state while fighting to meet my publication deadline. You may delete it from your Nook and then re-upload it, so that you have the latest version. And you may email Amazon requesting that they send the most up to date version to your Kindle. I apologize profusely for the numerous errors. It is not the reading experience I wanted you to have.
If you haven't already discovered these pages, I post on Facebook often ~ (https://www.facebook.com/ReasontoBreathe , https://www.facebook.com/TheBreathing... ). I like sharing...
Wanna know one more secret?
I couldn't have done any of this without all of YOU, so thank you for your devotion, emotional tirades, and words of praise as I share Emma's life with you. I am grateful you are there to read my words!
Okay, fine. I'll tell you one more secret... someone dies in OUT OF BREATH. Was that a bad secret? Ooops.
Making Progress!
May was a life changing month for me! I released BARELY BREATHING; signed with a literary agent; received an offer from a publisher (nothing has happened yet, but it's still flattering to receive an offer); I quit my career of twelve years to pursue my passion of writing full time!
I sold more eBooks in the month of May than I did the entire year since the release of REASON TO BREATHE! Holy Smokes!! You've been talking about me a little, haven't you?! Well... THANK YOU!!
Now that summer is upon us, I have returned to... California! Weslyn was left behind in BB and now we're on the West Coast!! Emma was left broken at the end of BARELY BREATHING, so now she has to figure out who she is and how to be worthy of being loved by the only guy she will ever love in return. It's going to be a very intense soul searching journey for her, I promise you that!
There will be MANY new characters with their own unique personalities and roles in Emma's life. And of course there will be the return of those you already know and love, or love to hate! As I've said before, this is Emma's story. But sometimes through OUT OF BREATH, she may not be able to tell her story all on her own...
My goal (but PLEASE do not hold me to this) is to write at least one chapter per day. The past two books have been around 40 chapters. So in estimation, I'm hoping the story will be completed by the end of July! THAT IS NOT THE RELEASE DATE! Ha! (I just saw a few of your eyes light up and wanted to make certain you understood that.) That just means it will then go into the editing process. And that's also assuming that I have my creative energy flowing and can actually write a quality chapter each day. All I can say is that I will try my best! BRING ON THE DEW! (I've been trying to quit, but it's my creative elixir and I can't give it up during the most important book of the series.)
I really don't want to torture you. As contradictory as that may sound considering what I put you through with this series. I seriously get anxious when I see the posts and receive the emails requesting the release date for OOB. I don't want to keep you waiting for long, but more importantly, I don't want to disappoint you!
I will blog more frequently to keep you up to date on what's going on in my head. Warning! That could be a bit dangerous... But I do post on my Facebook pages often so that's the best way to interact with me! I respond to emails the best I can (usually within a week, although I wish it were faster). Becca@rebeccadonovan.com.
I am working out the logistics to have signed copies on my web site available for purchase. I'm awaiting the approval from Paypal... (I'm finding out there's a lot of waiting in this industry. But then again, you know that, don't you?)
However, both books are now available in Paperback form on Amazon.com. I do feel I need to apologize for the pricing. I will be honest and come right out and say I really don't make much from the print books; it's just the price that is set in order to print on demand. (The strife of an Indie Author I guess!) Oh! And have you seen the new covers?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615581927
http://www.amazon.com/Barely-Breathin...
A question I've been asked on my FB page is if I plan to write other books after this series. YES! I already have several in mind that will make for compelling reads. I think I like to continue writing in a realistic fiction style, but I don't think the next one will be as angst ridden. I would like to write a sweet and unconventional love story. I hope you stick around...
Enjoy your summer ~ I know I will! And I promise to post again soon!
I sold more eBooks in the month of May than I did the entire year since the release of REASON TO BREATHE! Holy Smokes!! You've been talking about me a little, haven't you?! Well... THANK YOU!!
Now that summer is upon us, I have returned to... California! Weslyn was left behind in BB and now we're on the West Coast!! Emma was left broken at the end of BARELY BREATHING, so now she has to figure out who she is and how to be worthy of being loved by the only guy she will ever love in return. It's going to be a very intense soul searching journey for her, I promise you that!
There will be MANY new characters with their own unique personalities and roles in Emma's life. And of course there will be the return of those you already know and love, or love to hate! As I've said before, this is Emma's story. But sometimes through OUT OF BREATH, she may not be able to tell her story all on her own...
My goal (but PLEASE do not hold me to this) is to write at least one chapter per day. The past two books have been around 40 chapters. So in estimation, I'm hoping the story will be completed by the end of July! THAT IS NOT THE RELEASE DATE! Ha! (I just saw a few of your eyes light up and wanted to make certain you understood that.) That just means it will then go into the editing process. And that's also assuming that I have my creative energy flowing and can actually write a quality chapter each day. All I can say is that I will try my best! BRING ON THE DEW! (I've been trying to quit, but it's my creative elixir and I can't give it up during the most important book of the series.)
I really don't want to torture you. As contradictory as that may sound considering what I put you through with this series. I seriously get anxious when I see the posts and receive the emails requesting the release date for OOB. I don't want to keep you waiting for long, but more importantly, I don't want to disappoint you!
I will blog more frequently to keep you up to date on what's going on in my head. Warning! That could be a bit dangerous... But I do post on my Facebook pages often so that's the best way to interact with me! I respond to emails the best I can (usually within a week, although I wish it were faster). Becca@rebeccadonovan.com.
I am working out the logistics to have signed copies on my web site available for purchase. I'm awaiting the approval from Paypal... (I'm finding out there's a lot of waiting in this industry. But then again, you know that, don't you?)
However, both books are now available in Paperback form on Amazon.com. I do feel I need to apologize for the pricing. I will be honest and come right out and say I really don't make much from the print books; it's just the price that is set in order to print on demand. (The strife of an Indie Author I guess!) Oh! And have you seen the new covers?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0615581927
http://www.amazon.com/Barely-Breathin...
A question I've been asked on my FB page is if I plan to write other books after this series. YES! I already have several in mind that will make for compelling reads. I think I like to continue writing in a realistic fiction style, but I don't think the next one will be as angst ridden. I would like to write a sweet and unconventional love story. I hope you stick around...
Enjoy your summer ~ I know I will! And I promise to post again soon!
ODin' on Dew!
So... how's your summer going? I'd really like to push the "pause" button on mine. It is slipping away waaay too quickly.
Progress report: I've written the first quarter of the book (nearly 120 pages). Yes, I know. I really wanted to be further along as well. But considering I spent eight hours yesterday staring at my computer and went to bed with two paragraphs, I don't know what to tell you. I'd try to force it, but then you'd hate it. Last weekend, the chapters were flying and I was so excited.
I think there's a correlation between the Dew consumption and creativity. But after intravenously consuming it for three days straight, I think I built up a tolerance and it was making my brain scattered. Or maybe I was overdosing - either way, my dreams were messed up. I couldn't sit still and I was unable to blink. I'm detoxing right now. I will return to my creative elixir once I get through the withdrawals.
The other reason, and probably the more accurate one, is that the next two chapters are HUGE to the story. VERY! And I'm psyching myself out. I have them choreographed in my head, but I get stage fright every time my fingers hover above my keyboard. I will write them and get past this anxiety attack, and they will be as emotionally charged as they should. I just can't tell you when...
I apologize in advance for those of you who wanted this to be a beautiful love story. It is a love story. It is beautiful. And tragic. And soul wrenching. And it will make you experience every range of emotion you can possibly feel ~ even more so than its predecessors. But you will love it!
Side Note: Before I receive the onslaught of messages and emails fearing I am about to devastate the world. Please know that I may torture you, but I assure you that I'm not sadistic. And my message all along has been one of hope.
Back to the summer... are you enjoying it? Go on vacation? Beach? Camping? How do you want to end your summer?
Want to visit me, Colleen Hoover, Abbi Glines, Nichole Chase and a ton of other extremely talented authors in Decatur, Georgia? (Every time I type "Decatur" it makes me shake my head at the irony. Rachel does not live here, I swear!) We will be at the Decatur Book Festival from August 31st to September 2nd. I will have books to sign. You can take pictures, give hugs and yell at me (not too loud) for breaking your heart(as long as you don't make me cry).
http://www.decaturbookfestival.com/20...
In case Decatur just isn't tempting enough for you, I'll be in Chicago on September 29th from 1 to 4 at The Palmer House with Colleen Hoover, Abbie Glines, Tarryn Fisher, Jillian Dodd, Jenn Sterling, Stephanie Campbell and a ton of other indie authors. We will be quite ridiculous at this appearance, so I apologize in advance. It's going to be a lot of fun for us authors to meet each other too!
I'm having the best time interacting with everyone on my Facebook page as you await Out of Breath! (www.facebook.com/thebreathingseries) You are all fabulous! I've even received some emails with suggestions on how to finish the series. So sweet! But the ending has already been determined. grinning
I will let you get back to your summer, and I will confront my anxiety and type these vital, story-altering chapters! No pressure of anything! deep breath
Progress report: I've written the first quarter of the book (nearly 120 pages). Yes, I know. I really wanted to be further along as well. But considering I spent eight hours yesterday staring at my computer and went to bed with two paragraphs, I don't know what to tell you. I'd try to force it, but then you'd hate it. Last weekend, the chapters were flying and I was so excited.
I think there's a correlation between the Dew consumption and creativity. But after intravenously consuming it for three days straight, I think I built up a tolerance and it was making my brain scattered. Or maybe I was overdosing - either way, my dreams were messed up. I couldn't sit still and I was unable to blink. I'm detoxing right now. I will return to my creative elixir once I get through the withdrawals.
The other reason, and probably the more accurate one, is that the next two chapters are HUGE to the story. VERY! And I'm psyching myself out. I have them choreographed in my head, but I get stage fright every time my fingers hover above my keyboard. I will write them and get past this anxiety attack, and they will be as emotionally charged as they should. I just can't tell you when...
I apologize in advance for those of you who wanted this to be a beautiful love story. It is a love story. It is beautiful. And tragic. And soul wrenching. And it will make you experience every range of emotion you can possibly feel ~ even more so than its predecessors. But you will love it!
Side Note: Before I receive the onslaught of messages and emails fearing I am about to devastate the world. Please know that I may torture you, but I assure you that I'm not sadistic. And my message all along has been one of hope.
Back to the summer... are you enjoying it? Go on vacation? Beach? Camping? How do you want to end your summer?
Want to visit me, Colleen Hoover, Abbi Glines, Nichole Chase and a ton of other extremely talented authors in Decatur, Georgia? (Every time I type "Decatur" it makes me shake my head at the irony. Rachel does not live here, I swear!) We will be at the Decatur Book Festival from August 31st to September 2nd. I will have books to sign. You can take pictures, give hugs and yell at me (not too loud) for breaking your heart(as long as you don't make me cry).
http://www.decaturbookfestival.com/20...
In case Decatur just isn't tempting enough for you, I'll be in Chicago on September 29th from 1 to 4 at The Palmer House with Colleen Hoover, Abbie Glines, Tarryn Fisher, Jillian Dodd, Jenn Sterling, Stephanie Campbell and a ton of other indie authors. We will be quite ridiculous at this appearance, so I apologize in advance. It's going to be a lot of fun for us authors to meet each other too!
I'm having the best time interacting with everyone on my Facebook page as you await Out of Breath! (www.facebook.com/thebreathingseries) You are all fabulous! I've even received some emails with suggestions on how to finish the series. So sweet! But the ending has already been determined. grinning
I will let you get back to your summer, and I will confront my anxiety and type these vital, story-altering chapters! No pressure of anything! deep breath
All Good Things...
Missed me?! I'm sorry I haven't been around...
I've had one of the most exciting summers of my life! I wish I could tell you all about it... and I will. But not quite yet.
Let's just say ~ I'm a very happy author!
How's Out of Breath coming along, you ask? It's at a very critical point. I'm excited by this story and how it challenges me emotionally during the creative process. I believe this is the most powerful in the series, and I want nothing more than for you to experience the conclusion of Emma's story at your most vulnerable. You'll earn this ending. More importantly I hope you love it as much I do.
I am still writing. I'll be disappearing for a while to really immerse myself into the complexity of Emma's life. And I'll be doing this with the aid of my favorite creative elixir!
Upon the advice of one of my closest friends, now is not the time to kick the Dew habit. It works for me in my writing process, so bring it on! I'm not giving it up!! But I've also discovered that walking five miles a day helps clear my head and focuses my scattered thoughts ~ so that's my compromise - I get to drink the Dew but I have to walk to earn it!
I WILL ANNOUNCE THE OUT OF BREATH RELEASE DATE IN OCTOBER!!!
Yes, I do know when I'm planning to release it. No, I can't tell you yet. Why? I'm not the only one with a say in this decision and I have to wait for everyone to nod their heads "yes" in acceptance. Providing a release date also means I'll have a deadline. As I said, I work well under pressure, but I can still feel my stomach twist with nerves just thinking about what still needs to be done!
Did you see the new cover? I'm so in love with it!!
Reminder:
I'll be in Chicago next Saturday, September 29th, signing whatever non-flesh items you'd like me to sign from 12 to 4 at the Palmer House, with some of the best up and coming authors around! Come visit us! http://tfeic.blogspot.com
Elizabeth has taken over the web site updating - and I am so grateful to her for doing this for me! I give her the words, and she makes it all work! Did I mention how much I despise web site design? I really, really do!! Check it out over the next month as we finally fill in the missing pages!
Speaking of new additions to the web site - I now have Autographed Paperbacks available for purchase!! Yes, you can get my lovely scrawl on the inside of your book! www.rebeccadonovan.com
I've missed you. Although I feel like I talk with most of you daily on my Facebook pages (www.facebook.com/reasontobreathe and www.facebook.com/thebreathingseries).
For those of you who have emailed me, I will respond... I've worked out an "answering emails" time as part of my day - in the morning, because I can't start writing before 1pm. It takes my brain that long to wake up. I'm not a morning person...
I'll be back in a couple of weeks for the Big Date Reveal!! And Much More!!! Be excited!!
I've had one of the most exciting summers of my life! I wish I could tell you all about it... and I will. But not quite yet.
Let's just say ~ I'm a very happy author!
How's Out of Breath coming along, you ask? It's at a very critical point. I'm excited by this story and how it challenges me emotionally during the creative process. I believe this is the most powerful in the series, and I want nothing more than for you to experience the conclusion of Emma's story at your most vulnerable. You'll earn this ending. More importantly I hope you love it as much I do.
I am still writing. I'll be disappearing for a while to really immerse myself into the complexity of Emma's life. And I'll be doing this with the aid of my favorite creative elixir!
Upon the advice of one of my closest friends, now is not the time to kick the Dew habit. It works for me in my writing process, so bring it on! I'm not giving it up!! But I've also discovered that walking five miles a day helps clear my head and focuses my scattered thoughts ~ so that's my compromise - I get to drink the Dew but I have to walk to earn it!
I WILL ANNOUNCE THE OUT OF BREATH RELEASE DATE IN OCTOBER!!!
Yes, I do know when I'm planning to release it. No, I can't tell you yet. Why? I'm not the only one with a say in this decision and I have to wait for everyone to nod their heads "yes" in acceptance. Providing a release date also means I'll have a deadline. As I said, I work well under pressure, but I can still feel my stomach twist with nerves just thinking about what still needs to be done!
Did you see the new cover? I'm so in love with it!!
Reminder:
I'll be in Chicago next Saturday, September 29th, signing whatever non-flesh items you'd like me to sign from 12 to 4 at the Palmer House, with some of the best up and coming authors around! Come visit us! http://tfeic.blogspot.com
Elizabeth has taken over the web site updating - and I am so grateful to her for doing this for me! I give her the words, and she makes it all work! Did I mention how much I despise web site design? I really, really do!! Check it out over the next month as we finally fill in the missing pages!
Speaking of new additions to the web site - I now have Autographed Paperbacks available for purchase!! Yes, you can get my lovely scrawl on the inside of your book! www.rebeccadonovan.com
I've missed you. Although I feel like I talk with most of you daily on my Facebook pages (www.facebook.com/reasontobreathe and www.facebook.com/thebreathingseries).
For those of you who have emailed me, I will respond... I've worked out an "answering emails" time as part of my day - in the morning, because I can't start writing before 1pm. It takes my brain that long to wake up. I'm not a morning person...
I'll be back in a couple of weeks for the Big Date Reveal!! And Much More!!! Be excited!!
Playing with the Big Kids
JUNE 2013!!
I'm not going to torture you and make you read this entire blog for that single piece of information, so I might as well start with it.
Don't be sad! There's no reason to groan!
I'm not playing wiffle ball on the street of my neighborhood anymore. I'm in the "Bigs" now; with that comes a new set of rules, and we need to play nice!
I loved being an Indie Author!
I am a control freak (go figure), and it allowed me to feed the beast by having a say in every little detail - from the formatting, to the book cover, to the Emma-isms that are unique to this series.
But ever since I typed the first word of Reason to Breathe, I've envisioned this series on the shelves of bookstores all over the world for everyone to read! And now it's happening!
Penguin UK/Razorbill is in the process of prettying up the first two books in the series. They will be released as eBooks initially on November 8th, available in the UK, Australia, India and South Africa. The print versions will be available in 2013.
Amazon Publishing will be re-releasing Reason to Breathe in January 2013, Barely Breathing in March 2013 with Out of Breath to follow in June 2013.
Raise that chin; it'll be okay. I promise!
In the meantime, there is a lot to be done before June! There are deadlines, publicists, and hundreds of pages of edits to conquer! I just spent the entire night clicking "accept" edit, "reject" edit, and restructuring sentences in Reason to Breathe for Penguin's upcoming release. I have yet to go to bed, and it's now almost 1pm. I'm about to fall over, and couldn't tell you my own name, but it's worth it. We're playing with the Big Kids now...
Oh! And did I happen to mention that I have until the end of November to finish writing Out of Breath?! Yeah, I'm a little freaked by that. But I discovered last night that my body shuts down at a certain point, and my mind takes over. Who needs sleep?!
This is happening! I've stepped out onto the field, shielding my eyes from the bright lights, and I'm about to let the world know who I am. Are you going to be in the stands cheering me on?!
There is so much more I want to tell you, but I'm not sure you've read beyond the first sentence of this post - haha!
Again, in case you missed it ~ Out of Breath will be released by Amazon Publishing in JUNE 2013!!
I'm not going to torture you and make you read this entire blog for that single piece of information, so I might as well start with it.
Don't be sad! There's no reason to groan!
I'm not playing wiffle ball on the street of my neighborhood anymore. I'm in the "Bigs" now; with that comes a new set of rules, and we need to play nice!
I loved being an Indie Author!
I am a control freak (go figure), and it allowed me to feed the beast by having a say in every little detail - from the formatting, to the book cover, to the Emma-isms that are unique to this series.
But ever since I typed the first word of Reason to Breathe, I've envisioned this series on the shelves of bookstores all over the world for everyone to read! And now it's happening!
Penguin UK/Razorbill is in the process of prettying up the first two books in the series. They will be released as eBooks initially on November 8th, available in the UK, Australia, India and South Africa. The print versions will be available in 2013.
Amazon Publishing will be re-releasing Reason to Breathe in January 2013, Barely Breathing in March 2013 with Out of Breath to follow in June 2013.
Raise that chin; it'll be okay. I promise!
In the meantime, there is a lot to be done before June! There are deadlines, publicists, and hundreds of pages of edits to conquer! I just spent the entire night clicking "accept" edit, "reject" edit, and restructuring sentences in Reason to Breathe for Penguin's upcoming release. I have yet to go to bed, and it's now almost 1pm. I'm about to fall over, and couldn't tell you my own name, but it's worth it. We're playing with the Big Kids now...
Oh! And did I happen to mention that I have until the end of November to finish writing Out of Breath?! Yeah, I'm a little freaked by that. But I discovered last night that my body shuts down at a certain point, and my mind takes over. Who needs sleep?!
This is happening! I've stepped out onto the field, shielding my eyes from the bright lights, and I'm about to let the world know who I am. Are you going to be in the stands cheering me on?!
There is so much more I want to tell you, but I'm not sure you've read beyond the first sentence of this post - haha!
Again, in case you missed it ~ Out of Breath will be released by Amazon Publishing in JUNE 2013!!
Just Words
I have mastered the Art of Procrastination. And it is an art. Wait too long, and it turns into slacking off. Start too early, and the panic hasn't set in enough to force the creativity to the surface.
I hand my completed Out of Breathe manuscript to my publisher on November 30th. I am still writing this manuscript. I am just now nearing the halfway point of the story... and I still have a lot of story to tell! Yes, the panic has set in. But you know what? I'll get it done! I always do! Granted there will be some serious heart palpitations along the way, and it may not be the neatest manuscript they've ever received, but it will be done... and it will be magnificent!!
And now that I have a fractured foot, I have no place better to be than on my chaise, in my office, with my laptop at my fingertips. The last couple of days, I've written chapters that have literally moved time. I cannot express how amazing that feels, to be so involved in the story that nothing else exists. It's been a while since I've felt that rush, and I've missed it!
I've begun sharing teasers on my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thebreathingseries. I will spread them out over time to last until June. I know if feels like a long time from now, but let's hunker down together and cuddle in tight to fend off the cold Winter. The next thing you know, the storm will let up, the cold will slip away, and we will emerge into the Spring with the sun lighting up our faces, birds singing in the trees, and the fragrance of flowers in the air. June will be here!!
Are you voting? Yes, I think it's important that you cast your votes on Tuesday and send a message to your electoral college about what you'd like to happen in your state and country. Make your voice heard!!
Have you voted for your favorite books too?! Your vote in the Goodreads Choice Awards has a direct impact on the smile of an author! Barely Breathing has been nominated for best Young Adult Novel among such talented authors as Colleen Hoover, Tammara Webber, Nicole Williams, John Greene and Abbi Glines. Authors I admire and respect, so I am beyond ecstatic to see my cover alongside theirs! VOTE for your favorite. As humble as I can try to be... I hope it's mine!! Haha! http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards...
I just wanted to say, "Hi!". To let you know that I'm so proud of Out of Breath and that June will be here. And we will celebrate its arrival together!! Finally, Please Vote... TWICE actually!
I hand my completed Out of Breathe manuscript to my publisher on November 30th. I am still writing this manuscript. I am just now nearing the halfway point of the story... and I still have a lot of story to tell! Yes, the panic has set in. But you know what? I'll get it done! I always do! Granted there will be some serious heart palpitations along the way, and it may not be the neatest manuscript they've ever received, but it will be done... and it will be magnificent!!
And now that I have a fractured foot, I have no place better to be than on my chaise, in my office, with my laptop at my fingertips. The last couple of days, I've written chapters that have literally moved time. I cannot express how amazing that feels, to be so involved in the story that nothing else exists. It's been a while since I've felt that rush, and I've missed it!
I've begun sharing teasers on my Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thebreathingseries. I will spread them out over time to last until June. I know if feels like a long time from now, but let's hunker down together and cuddle in tight to fend off the cold Winter. The next thing you know, the storm will let up, the cold will slip away, and we will emerge into the Spring with the sun lighting up our faces, birds singing in the trees, and the fragrance of flowers in the air. June will be here!!
Are you voting? Yes, I think it's important that you cast your votes on Tuesday and send a message to your electoral college about what you'd like to happen in your state and country. Make your voice heard!!
Have you voted for your favorite books too?! Your vote in the Goodreads Choice Awards has a direct impact on the smile of an author! Barely Breathing has been nominated for best Young Adult Novel among such talented authors as Colleen Hoover, Tammara Webber, Nicole Williams, John Greene and Abbi Glines. Authors I admire and respect, so I am beyond ecstatic to see my cover alongside theirs! VOTE for your favorite. As humble as I can try to be... I hope it's mine!! Haha! http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards...
I just wanted to say, "Hi!". To let you know that I'm so proud of Out of Breath and that June will be here. And we will celebrate its arrival together!! Finally, Please Vote... TWICE actually!
Make a Wish!
Out of Breath is now in the hands of my editor at Amazon Publishing. After months of writing, it truly came down to the last two weeks.
I created a writing schedule. And... I didn't follow it. I couldn't do it. I cannot write on demand. I cannot produce based on a deadline. But I can write fueled by Dew and the natural adrenaline of panic. I locked myself away in a beach house in California (no, I didn't suffer) for a week, and wrote. Slept a couple of hours, drank some Dew, and wrote some more.
I strategized with my talented and brutally honest beta team. Developed some major plot changes that made me so excited I couldn't wait to add them in, restructuring the story-line until it all interconnected seamlessly. Elizabeth and I were a fabulous team in our tireless (which means sleepless) efforts to make Out of Breath that much better, and we reviewed all thirty-seven chapters until we were thrilled with the results. But... I still had the last three chapters to write with time running out.
I continued to write on the flight home, spending every minute of the five and a half hour flight hovering over my computer. And when I still wasn't done, I finished the last twelve pages at a friend's apartment in Boston so I wouldn't have to drive too far from the airport. Forty Chapters, Four Hundred Eighty-Two Double-Spaced Pages, and One Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Seven Hundred Nineteen words later... I was done!
The last three chapters still need a little more love, but after reading them the next morning after I sent them to Amazon, I had tears in my eyes.
Out of Breath is a beautifully powerful conclusion to Emma's story, and I couldn't be happier with how it all comes to be, just as it should. Their voices still echo within me, long after typing the final words. I spent four years with these characters, and I will miss them now that I am letting them go.
Life isn't perfect, and we're all flawed. I hope you will appreciate all that makes Emma perfectly flawed in the final chapters of this book.
What now?
I have some crazy editing to do with Amazon on Out of Breath. I'll be working with their editing team to smooth out the edges, and make this story as phenomenal as is intended. I'll admit, the thought of editing makes my stomach twist into incy little knots. It's my least favorite part. But it will all be worth it when you read it in JUNE 2013!!
And I'll be making quite a few public appearances in 2013! I have a new addition to my team, although she isn't technically new. Emily has been one of my closest friends for years (more like a sister honestly)! Along with being a beta reader for all three books, she is now my marketing manager. She is going to make certain I get to see all of you in some way or another because she knows just how much my readers mean to me!
We have so much planned for 2013, I can't wait to share it with you as it happens!!
And... I'm already starting to write again! I have to listen to the voices in my head or else I'll go crazy! Uh... I may already be there. But you love me anyway, right?!
Today is the luckiest day of the year! Did you make a wish at 12:12 on 12.12.12?! I'm quite certain your wish will come true! Mine definitely is!
I created a writing schedule. And... I didn't follow it. I couldn't do it. I cannot write on demand. I cannot produce based on a deadline. But I can write fueled by Dew and the natural adrenaline of panic. I locked myself away in a beach house in California (no, I didn't suffer) for a week, and wrote. Slept a couple of hours, drank some Dew, and wrote some more.
I strategized with my talented and brutally honest beta team. Developed some major plot changes that made me so excited I couldn't wait to add them in, restructuring the story-line until it all interconnected seamlessly. Elizabeth and I were a fabulous team in our tireless (which means sleepless) efforts to make Out of Breath that much better, and we reviewed all thirty-seven chapters until we were thrilled with the results. But... I still had the last three chapters to write with time running out.
I continued to write on the flight home, spending every minute of the five and a half hour flight hovering over my computer. And when I still wasn't done, I finished the last twelve pages at a friend's apartment in Boston so I wouldn't have to drive too far from the airport. Forty Chapters, Four Hundred Eighty-Two Double-Spaced Pages, and One Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Seven Hundred Nineteen words later... I was done!
The last three chapters still need a little more love, but after reading them the next morning after I sent them to Amazon, I had tears in my eyes.
Out of Breath is a beautifully powerful conclusion to Emma's story, and I couldn't be happier with how it all comes to be, just as it should. Their voices still echo within me, long after typing the final words. I spent four years with these characters, and I will miss them now that I am letting them go.
Life isn't perfect, and we're all flawed. I hope you will appreciate all that makes Emma perfectly flawed in the final chapters of this book.
What now?
I have some crazy editing to do with Amazon on Out of Breath. I'll be working with their editing team to smooth out the edges, and make this story as phenomenal as is intended. I'll admit, the thought of editing makes my stomach twist into incy little knots. It's my least favorite part. But it will all be worth it when you read it in JUNE 2013!!
And I'll be making quite a few public appearances in 2013! I have a new addition to my team, although she isn't technically new. Emily has been one of my closest friends for years (more like a sister honestly)! Along with being a beta reader for all three books, she is now my marketing manager. She is going to make certain I get to see all of you in some way or another because she knows just how much my readers mean to me!
We have so much planned for 2013, I can't wait to share it with you as it happens!!
And... I'm already starting to write again! I have to listen to the voices in my head or else I'll go crazy! Uh... I may already be there. But you love me anyway, right?!
Today is the luckiest day of the year! Did you make a wish at 12:12 on 12.12.12?! I'm quite certain your wish will come true! Mine definitely is!
This Is It! Ready? Set. GO!!
Did you know who I was at this time last year? Most of you will say, "No." That answer alone will tell you how much 2012 has meant to me. Because now you're a part of my world, and I am so grateful you found me!
Do you know who else I am grateful to have found me? Colleen Hoover. She sent me an email this past summer and basically said, "We should be friends." And guess what? We Are! And because of that email, I have been introduced to many more authors I adore and respect, who have now also become my friends. So, thank you, Colleen. You made my 2012 that much better!
Within two weeks of self-publishing Barely Breathing, I was contacted by Erica Silverman at Trident Media Group, and found myself an amazing agent who believes in me! I can't even begin to express how that feels. Thank you, Erica! And within a couple weeks after that, I was contacted by Tim Ditlow at Amazon Publishing informing me he was up all night reading Reason to Breathe, unable to put it down. And just like that, I have a publisher. Thank you for taking a chance on my book, Tim!!
I am the luckiest girl in the world to have the friends that I do, and the son who continues to inspire me. Being loved is the best gift in the world, and I am surrounded by a mountain of glittery packages, I can't even see over the top! Thank you to my girls, my beta team, my writing partner and all who get just as excited as I do by all that has happened for me this past year. Being able to share it with you makes it real!
And then there are All of You!! You downloaded The Breathing Series and then couldn't stop talking about it with anyone who would listen. You shared your feelings, all of them, and let me know just how invested and passionate you are about Emma's story. I could never Thank You enough! But I will try!
2012 Blew My Mind!! I am touched every time I receive an email. I do read every single one, even if I'm 500 emails behind in responding. I read every single comment on the Facebook pages, and every Tweet that flashes on my phone. I love the virtual hugs received by each blogger who reviewed the books and then put them on their "Favorites of 2012" lists! LOVE the Love!!
And if I thought 2012 was life altering... wait until you see what's in store for 2013!!! Thank you for your encouragement - I can hear you all cheering me on! Thank you for your passion - I know what those sleepless night have done to you (and your families)! Thank you for being a part of my world - it is more beautiful with you in it!!
Ready for 2013?! I AM!!!
Do you know who else I am grateful to have found me? Colleen Hoover. She sent me an email this past summer and basically said, "We should be friends." And guess what? We Are! And because of that email, I have been introduced to many more authors I adore and respect, who have now also become my friends. So, thank you, Colleen. You made my 2012 that much better!
Within two weeks of self-publishing Barely Breathing, I was contacted by Erica Silverman at Trident Media Group, and found myself an amazing agent who believes in me! I can't even begin to express how that feels. Thank you, Erica! And within a couple weeks after that, I was contacted by Tim Ditlow at Amazon Publishing informing me he was up all night reading Reason to Breathe, unable to put it down. And just like that, I have a publisher. Thank you for taking a chance on my book, Tim!!
I am the luckiest girl in the world to have the friends that I do, and the son who continues to inspire me. Being loved is the best gift in the world, and I am surrounded by a mountain of glittery packages, I can't even see over the top! Thank you to my girls, my beta team, my writing partner and all who get just as excited as I do by all that has happened for me this past year. Being able to share it with you makes it real!
And then there are All of You!! You downloaded The Breathing Series and then couldn't stop talking about it with anyone who would listen. You shared your feelings, all of them, and let me know just how invested and passionate you are about Emma's story. I could never Thank You enough! But I will try!
2012 Blew My Mind!! I am touched every time I receive an email. I do read every single one, even if I'm 500 emails behind in responding. I read every single comment on the Facebook pages, and every Tweet that flashes on my phone. I love the virtual hugs received by each blogger who reviewed the books and then put them on their "Favorites of 2012" lists! LOVE the Love!!
And if I thought 2012 was life altering... wait until you see what's in store for 2013!!! Thank you for your encouragement - I can hear you all cheering me on! Thank you for your passion - I know what those sleepless night have done to you (and your families)! Thank you for being a part of my world - it is more beautiful with you in it!!
Ready for 2013?! I AM!!!
You Should Be Smiling!!
July 2nd...
That's the day Out of Breath will be on your Kindles or in your hands!
What's even better, you can Pre-Order it now!!
http://www.amazon.com/Out-Of-Breath-B...
In the meantime, I need to finish editing it... selecting the new cover... and then edit it some more. It's so close to being perfect.
There's a lot to be done before July 2nd, but instead of drowning in the anxiety of that list, I AM SMILING! And you should be too!
I LOVE THIS STORY!!
It's coming... and I can't wait to see your faces once you've read it!!
That's the day Out of Breath will be on your Kindles or in your hands!
What's even better, you can Pre-Order it now!!
http://www.amazon.com/Out-Of-Breath-B...
In the meantime, I need to finish editing it... selecting the new cover... and then edit it some more. It's so close to being perfect.
There's a lot to be done before July 2nd, but instead of drowning in the anxiety of that list, I AM SMILING! And you should be too!
I LOVE THIS STORY!!
It's coming... and I can't wait to see your faces once you've read it!!
The Rebecca Donovan Experience
I will be traveling like crazy for the rest of the year. Why? To see you!! I'm trying my best to make an appearance in every region of the country. If there wasn't already a book signing organized, I made one up! I'll be roaming the country with my friends, who also happen to be talented authors. Lucky me... and you!
I'm even making Canadian and UK appearances.
I want to meet you. To see your smiling faces. To hear how much I've put you through.
Here is the current list of where I'll be for the year (and there may be more added later):
http://www.rebeccadonovan.com/Appeara...
Things to know about meeting me at a book signing:
~ I adore you. I would sit in a chair forever and sign, whatever, to meet every single one of you.
~ On occasion, I do have to slip away to use the restroom. But I am quick, so you don't have to skip my table if I'm not there. I promise, I'll be right back.
~ I plan to only bring 50 books of RtB and BB to the signings (history has shown this is a decent number), so I advise bringing your own book if you have one.
~ I will sign anything, except flesh.
~ Hugging is permitted.
~ Take a picture!!
~ Come with a question! I LOVE more than anything to actually talk to you. I know there's a line, and people are waiting. So, come prepared. I will tell you just about anything except: if Emma and Evan are getting back together; will OOB have more than one point of view; will there be a happy ending, etc. Other than that, ask away!!
~ I have a new feature where I will have pdf images of each book cover on my iPad to sign electronically, and then email it to the eBook readers who don't have a "book" to sign. Pick one cover, and be prepared with your email address. Technology is so amazing!
~ I like to dress up for the occasion. You can judge. It's okay.
~ I prefer to have a champagne glass next to me filled at all times-preferably with something pink and bubbly.
~ My handwriting becomes messier as the day progresses. (I actually don't like my handwriting to begin with, so I apologize in advance.)
~ I am as excited to see you, as you are to see me! I guarantee it!
So... will I see you?!?! Next stop is LA on April 6th!
http://youtu.be/rkf2tShQUd4
I'm even making Canadian and UK appearances.
I want to meet you. To see your smiling faces. To hear how much I've put you through.
Here is the current list of where I'll be for the year (and there may be more added later):
http://www.rebeccadonovan.com/Appeara...
Things to know about meeting me at a book signing:
~ I adore you. I would sit in a chair forever and sign, whatever, to meet every single one of you.
~ On occasion, I do have to slip away to use the restroom. But I am quick, so you don't have to skip my table if I'm not there. I promise, I'll be right back.
~ I plan to only bring 50 books of RtB and BB to the signings (history has shown this is a decent number), so I advise bringing your own book if you have one.
~ I will sign anything, except flesh.
~ Hugging is permitted.
~ Take a picture!!
~ Come with a question! I LOVE more than anything to actually talk to you. I know there's a line, and people are waiting. So, come prepared. I will tell you just about anything except: if Emma and Evan are getting back together; will OOB have more than one point of view; will there be a happy ending, etc. Other than that, ask away!!
~ I have a new feature where I will have pdf images of each book cover on my iPad to sign electronically, and then email it to the eBook readers who don't have a "book" to sign. Pick one cover, and be prepared with your email address. Technology is so amazing!
~ I like to dress up for the occasion. You can judge. It's okay.
~ I prefer to have a champagne glass next to me filled at all times-preferably with something pink and bubbly.
~ My handwriting becomes messier as the day progresses. (I actually don't like my handwriting to begin with, so I apologize in advance.)
~ I am as excited to see you, as you are to see me! I guarantee it!
So... will I see you?!?! Next stop is LA on April 6th!
http://youtu.be/rkf2tShQUd4
