Rebecca Donovan's Blog, page 5
March 5, 2012
The Word!
Nearly 43,000 new readers decided to download RtB during the free promotion on Amazon over the past three days! How incredibly amazing is that?!
I'm still editing the sequel like a crazy person, but I know you are going to love what I've created! Let's put it this way - my editing team is freaking out about it and they only read the second draft!
I posted this Barely Breathing Teaser on my FB page, http://www.facebook.com/ReasontoBreathe but I wanted to share it here as well:
"I was able to share the demons that wrestled with me in the night, and he understood in a way that no one else did. He was fighting with them himself, and that drew us together without me realizing it was happening - until this moment."
Soundtrack Song #12
"Our Hell" ~ Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton
I think the title says it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ud6vj...
Soundtrack Song #13
"Little Talks" ~ Of Monsters and Men
Despite the up-tempo beat, the lyrics are very haunting, and oh so appropriate for Barely Breathing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghb6eD...
WELCOME TO THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY THAT IS THE BREATHING SERIES!
I'm still editing the sequel like a crazy person, but I know you are going to love what I've created! Let's put it this way - my editing team is freaking out about it and they only read the second draft!
I posted this Barely Breathing Teaser on my FB page, http://www.facebook.com/ReasontoBreathe but I wanted to share it here as well:
"I was able to share the demons that wrestled with me in the night, and he understood in a way that no one else did. He was fighting with them himself, and that drew us together without me realizing it was happening - until this moment."
Soundtrack Song #12
"Our Hell" ~ Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton
I think the title says it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ud6vj...
Soundtrack Song #13
"Little Talks" ~ Of Monsters and Men
Despite the up-tempo beat, the lyrics are very haunting, and oh so appropriate for Barely Breathing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghb6eD...
WELCOME TO THE EMOTIONAL JOURNEY THAT IS THE BREATHING SERIES!
February 14, 2012
Love... Love... Love...
This is the day to let the people you care about most know... well, that they are the people you care about most!
I Love You.
There aren't better words to tell a person exactly how much they mean to you.
I'm Here for You.
Words of loyalty and trust.
I'll Do Anything for You.
Words of commitment and devotion.
Breathe for Me.
The words one guy whispers into the ear of the girl he loves. A girl he will do anything for. A girl he will never leave, again.
Happy Valentine's Day! Love a little more today!!
Soundtrack Song #11
"Valentine" ~ Kina Grannis
(but imagine an acoustic rendition with a guy singing it - it happens!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=840Nbi...
I Love You.
There aren't better words to tell a person exactly how much they mean to you.
I'm Here for You.
Words of loyalty and trust.
I'll Do Anything for You.
Words of commitment and devotion.
Breathe for Me.
The words one guy whispers into the ear of the girl he loves. A girl he will do anything for. A girl he will never leave, again.
Happy Valentine's Day! Love a little more today!!
Soundtrack Song #11
"Valentine" ~ Kina Grannis
(but imagine an acoustic rendition with a guy singing it - it happens!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=840Nbi...
February 5, 2012
The Perfect Day
I'm sitting in my editor's kitchen with the California sun beaming in through the sliding glass door. What a gorgeous day! It's the perfect day to share some exciting news!
We've been working hard on the upcoming sequel, and it is everything you are anticipating and more.
Barely Breathing, the second installment of The Breathing Series will be available for purchase on MAY 1st!!
I've added the book to Goodreads, inclusive of the synopsis, so that you may add it to your "to-reads" list. The cover is going through the final touches and will be added soon. I was too excited to wait for it!
I would also like to share that there is a third book to this series, so the story is far from over!
Great day to be an author...
Soundtrack Song #10
"Breath Me" - Sia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSH7fb...
This song feels like breathing, and I get lost in it every time.
We've been working hard on the upcoming sequel, and it is everything you are anticipating and more.
Barely Breathing, the second installment of The Breathing Series will be available for purchase on MAY 1st!!
I've added the book to Goodreads, inclusive of the synopsis, so that you may add it to your "to-reads" list. The cover is going through the final touches and will be added soon. I was too excited to wait for it!
I would also like to share that there is a third book to this series, so the story is far from over!
Great day to be an author...
Soundtrack Song #10
"Breath Me" - Sia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSH7fb...
This song feels like breathing, and I get lost in it every time.
January 20, 2012
Split Personality
Sleep and I have been dancing around each other for the last few nights. My thoughts don't seem to know how to quiet themselves when I shut off the lights. If I could write throughout the night, I would - but I'm certain my words wouldn't make any sense!
I've reconstructed two of the main characters and have given them new personalities. This task has been quite a bit more challenging than I anticipated, but the irreparable impact they'll have when it's all said and done will make it worth it.
I have a deadline to have the second draft completed by next weekend - which means sleep and I won't see very much of each other. (I will miss you.) I tend to be more productive under pressure anyway. It brings me back to the late nights of writing papers in college - the night before they're due (of course)!
I'm meeting with my editor the first week in February to start the editing process. I hope to walk away with a clearer release date. But I can tell you that it HAS to be released by May 1st - so find comfort with that date for now. If there is any possibility of getting it to you before then, I will.
I will post the synopsis and title (and hopefully book cover) by February 7th. The sequel exists - I promise you that!
For those who are anticipating the print version of RtB - I apologize. I went through the entire process and even had a sample sent to me, but I am not thrilled with the pricing options. I'm pushing pause on this project for the time being. But it felt quite amazing to hold the book in my hands and fan the pages so the air burst across my face. I love the smell of books! I'm convinced it smelled even better because it's mine!
I want to thank those of you who send me music that makes you think of RtB. I love receiving them! I'm a huge music fan (obvi), so I am always interested in what's out there that speaks to you.
Soundtrack Song #9
"Guernica" ~ Brand New
This song speaks to me every time I hear it, transporting into the sequel with its twisted lyrics and fist clenching angst.
I saw Brand New in concert before I was a fan - now they have me for life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGPaPB...
I've reconstructed two of the main characters and have given them new personalities. This task has been quite a bit more challenging than I anticipated, but the irreparable impact they'll have when it's all said and done will make it worth it.
I have a deadline to have the second draft completed by next weekend - which means sleep and I won't see very much of each other. (I will miss you.) I tend to be more productive under pressure anyway. It brings me back to the late nights of writing papers in college - the night before they're due (of course)!
I'm meeting with my editor the first week in February to start the editing process. I hope to walk away with a clearer release date. But I can tell you that it HAS to be released by May 1st - so find comfort with that date for now. If there is any possibility of getting it to you before then, I will.
I will post the synopsis and title (and hopefully book cover) by February 7th. The sequel exists - I promise you that!
For those who are anticipating the print version of RtB - I apologize. I went through the entire process and even had a sample sent to me, but I am not thrilled with the pricing options. I'm pushing pause on this project for the time being. But it felt quite amazing to hold the book in my hands and fan the pages so the air burst across my face. I love the smell of books! I'm convinced it smelled even better because it's mine!
I want to thank those of you who send me music that makes you think of RtB. I love receiving them! I'm a huge music fan (obvi), so I am always interested in what's out there that speaks to you.
Soundtrack Song #9
"Guernica" ~ Brand New
This song speaks to me every time I hear it, transporting into the sequel with its twisted lyrics and fist clenching angst.
I saw Brand New in concert before I was a fan - now they have me for life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGPaPB...
December 31, 2011
The Year of Great Things
Hope your New Year is filled with excitement and greatness! You already know it's going to come with a new book (or two)!
I've taken the sequel and done some major revisions, and I'm so pleased with the changes. It's given the story a different feel, and will make it that much more intriguing when the truth is revealed.
Thank you all for your patience and support over 2011. I am surrounded by amazing people, and their passion and commitment continue to touch me.
I learned a lot this past year - particularly about who I am and what I'm capable of. But I am very much looking forward to putting it behind me and moving on to 2012.
There is so much to come, and I plan to enjoy every second of it! I hope you will continue to allow me to share my world with you. It's about to get VERY interesting...
Soundtrack Song #8
"Tonight" ~ Lykke Li
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivcDu7...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I've taken the sequel and done some major revisions, and I'm so pleased with the changes. It's given the story a different feel, and will make it that much more intriguing when the truth is revealed.
Thank you all for your patience and support over 2011. I am surrounded by amazing people, and their passion and commitment continue to touch me.
I learned a lot this past year - particularly about who I am and what I'm capable of. But I am very much looking forward to putting it behind me and moving on to 2012.
There is so much to come, and I plan to enjoy every second of it! I hope you will continue to allow me to share my world with you. It's about to get VERY interesting...
Soundtrack Song #8
"Tonight" ~ Lykke Li
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivcDu7...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
December 19, 2011
Do Not Open 'Til Christmas!
This is the week that all things happen! It's also the week of Christmas, which is exciting all by itself!
My "real life" work has slowed down so I am taking some time off, which means... I'm a writer once again!
This is the deal ~ I am currently reading RtB for the one hundred and second time (exact number unknown) and then continuing on to read the 300 pages I've already written for the sequel. The goal: to reconnect with the characters, making certain everything is as it should be. I need to immerse myself back where I belong... in Weslyn!
Then I'M FINISHING THE SEQUEL! By Christmas morning I should have the most fabulous gift in my editor's e-mail inbox!! No, I still don't have a title. I know that may be strange to some, but I really need to finish every page and then step back and let the title emerge. As soon as I have it, I will release it, along with the cover.
Now for the big question - the release date? Well... it won't be in 2011! Ha! But since my life as a writer will be full time for a while, I can devote myself to working with my editor to make certain the sequel is what you deserve. Once we begin the process, I think we should be able to provide a more concrete date - I will let you know in a couple of weeks!
For other news... I am in the process of submitting RtB to be printed as a Paperback! Something tangible you can hold in your hands and breathe in the pages! I've had a few ask about autograph copies - I will leave a post on my web site when they are available and you may purchase them from the site.
I think this occasion deserves a song!
Soundtrack Song #7 should make you feel good!
"Swing Life Away" ~ Rise Against
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7mZkt...
I LOVE Rise Against, and you will always see them on my soundtracks (sometimes even twice).
The sequel has some very sweet (and life altering EPIC) moments...
My "real life" work has slowed down so I am taking some time off, which means... I'm a writer once again!
This is the deal ~ I am currently reading RtB for the one hundred and second time (exact number unknown) and then continuing on to read the 300 pages I've already written for the sequel. The goal: to reconnect with the characters, making certain everything is as it should be. I need to immerse myself back where I belong... in Weslyn!
Then I'M FINISHING THE SEQUEL! By Christmas morning I should have the most fabulous gift in my editor's e-mail inbox!! No, I still don't have a title. I know that may be strange to some, but I really need to finish every page and then step back and let the title emerge. As soon as I have it, I will release it, along with the cover.
Now for the big question - the release date? Well... it won't be in 2011! Ha! But since my life as a writer will be full time for a while, I can devote myself to working with my editor to make certain the sequel is what you deserve. Once we begin the process, I think we should be able to provide a more concrete date - I will let you know in a couple of weeks!
For other news... I am in the process of submitting RtB to be printed as a Paperback! Something tangible you can hold in your hands and breathe in the pages! I've had a few ask about autograph copies - I will leave a post on my web site when they are available and you may purchase them from the site.
I think this occasion deserves a song!
Soundtrack Song #7 should make you feel good!
"Swing Life Away" ~ Rise Against
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7mZkt...
I LOVE Rise Against, and you will always see them on my soundtracks (sometimes even twice).
The sequel has some very sweet (and life altering EPIC) moments...
November 26, 2011
Let Me Tell You A Story...
I had many reasons to retreat into the world of my imagination while growing up. I'd absorb the words from a book or scenes from a movie and re-enact them in my room or in the backyard.
I would lay awake at night and create my own stories, visualizing them in my head. I never lost this ability to think bigger than myself, of times that could be or places that only existed in my mind. I was told by one English teacher that I was melodramatic, and another claimed I had thoughts beyond my years.
I used these worlds to escape. To take me to a place away from where I was, where I was safe and in control of the fate of each and every character, including mine.
A few years ago, I took one of these worlds and wrapped words around it. I created lives with feelings and emotions. They became as real to me as any person in my life, and it was the most exhilarating experience I'd ever been a part of.
Then I released them into the world, for all of you to get to know. That was terrifying! To put my words that I breathed into these characters out for everyone to judge and absorb. I was honestly not prepared for the reaction.
I am grateful every day for the opportunity to share with you. I have received some of the most heartfelt emails and enthusiastic responses to this story; I am truly touched. I look forward to continuing to share my worlds with you, and will brace myself for each of your reactions. Because that's all I want, is for you to feel. Regardless if you love it or despise it, provoking thought and emotion is beyond gratifying.
As the sequel is in its unraveling stage towards the end of its creation, I am excited to get it to you. I do apologize for being overly optimistic when providing the initial target publication date. I had no idea how much real life was going to interfere with the creative process. I hear your pleas for its release, and I don't mean to torture you. It is coming... I promise!
Thank you for your enthusiasm and passion. I am amazed by each one of you every day, and am so thankful to share my words with you.
I would lay awake at night and create my own stories, visualizing them in my head. I never lost this ability to think bigger than myself, of times that could be or places that only existed in my mind. I was told by one English teacher that I was melodramatic, and another claimed I had thoughts beyond my years.
I used these worlds to escape. To take me to a place away from where I was, where I was safe and in control of the fate of each and every character, including mine.
A few years ago, I took one of these worlds and wrapped words around it. I created lives with feelings and emotions. They became as real to me as any person in my life, and it was the most exhilarating experience I'd ever been a part of.
Then I released them into the world, for all of you to get to know. That was terrifying! To put my words that I breathed into these characters out for everyone to judge and absorb. I was honestly not prepared for the reaction.
I am grateful every day for the opportunity to share with you. I have received some of the most heartfelt emails and enthusiastic responses to this story; I am truly touched. I look forward to continuing to share my worlds with you, and will brace myself for each of your reactions. Because that's all I want, is for you to feel. Regardless if you love it or despise it, provoking thought and emotion is beyond gratifying.
As the sequel is in its unraveling stage towards the end of its creation, I am excited to get it to you. I do apologize for being overly optimistic when providing the initial target publication date. I had no idea how much real life was going to interfere with the creative process. I hear your pleas for its release, and I don't mean to torture you. It is coming... I promise!
Thank you for your enthusiasm and passion. I am amazed by each one of you every day, and am so thankful to share my words with you.
November 14, 2011
LOVE my Fans!
I KNOW I have the best fans, but now everyone will know! Thank you all for your write in votes for Best YA Fiction on Goodreads Choice Awards - I'm officially nominated for the semi-finals!!!
http://www.goodreads.com/award/choice...
I can't tell you how honored and excited I am to have that many fans write in a nomination for REASON TO BREATHE to make it to the semi's! You're all amazing!!
Keep Voting!! It's not over yet...
http://www.goodreads.com/award/choice...
I can't tell you how honored and excited I am to have that many fans write in a nomination for REASON TO BREATHE to make it to the semi's! You're all amazing!!
Keep Voting!! It's not over yet...
November 11, 2011
Soundtrack Song #6
Happy 11/11/11!! Hope it's filled with surprises!
"Empty" ~ Metric
I am a huge Metric fan! Their energy is unbelievable live - seen them a bunch of times, including at Lollapalooza last summer - LOVE!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZDOa7...
"Empty" ~ Metric
I am a huge Metric fan! Their energy is unbelievable live - seen them a bunch of times, including at Lollapalooza last summer - LOVE!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZDOa7...
October 31, 2011
Soundtrack Song #5
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
This is one of my favorite holidays! On this day, you get to be anything you want (and overdose on sugar)! Hope yours is filled with all of the scares, chills and laughs that it should be.
I'd be happy to supply you with one of the three - this is one of the "chills" songs on the soundtrack. I owe its discovery to "So You Think You Can Dance". (Did I mention that I LOVE that show?!)
"Skin & Bones" ~ David J. Roch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivhb1y...
This is one of my favorite holidays! On this day, you get to be anything you want (and overdose on sugar)! Hope yours is filled with all of the scares, chills and laughs that it should be.
I'd be happy to supply you with one of the three - this is one of the "chills" songs on the soundtrack. I owe its discovery to "So You Think You Can Dance". (Did I mention that I LOVE that show?!)
"Skin & Bones" ~ David J. Roch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivhb1y...
