M.R. Merrick's Blog, page 8

Author Alert – Steven Montano

With how busy the holidays were, I completely forgot to organize a January Author and Blogger alert, but we’re back! Today and tomorrow I have two great people for you. ****** Today, I bring forth to you, a man. But not just any man, a writer man. And not just any writer man, a post-apocalyptic, [...]

Story Time: When Cake Mix Fights Back (AKA: It’s A Good Thing I’m Pretty)

Anybody who has read any of my Story Time posts, may have noticed there is a slight fantastical edge added to each of them. I’m a writer, so naturally I like to spice things up a little. This story, however, needs very little added to it. It speaks volumes all on its own. For my wife’s birthday [...]

Shift Turns One – SURPRISE!

Today is a special day. One year ago today, Shift was released into the world and quickly devoured. Since then, I’ve published Release, and your support and overwhelming response has been heart-warming. I receive e-mails and messages from readers who love the worlds I’ve made and some who love to hate the characters I’ve created, but all in the best way [...]

Mini Movie Madness

In case you were not aware, I’m somewhat of a movie addict. One who hates going to the theater. I mean really, why am I going to pay $15 for 90 minutes of overpriced everything, people kicking the back of my seat, and the inability to go to the bathroom without missing anything? Really, by [...]

10 Things I Love About Writing

One of my goals for the New Year was to start blogging more. And one of the things that holds me back from doing so, is trying to think of extravagant and interesting posts. I realize this is a silly problem to have. A blog is your place. A place to create, be original, be cliche, be boring, whatever. This is your place to imagine. So in honor of that, I’m going to be blogging more often, and one of the features I’m starting is “10 Things.” Each of these posts will be a different topic, and at the end, I’m hoping you’ll contribute some of your favorite things about the topic, should it appeal to you.

To kick off this post, we’re starting simple, with 10 Things I Love About Writing.

1. Variety. There are so many different routes you can take with any given story. I’ll admit, sometimes it’s overwhelming. There are all these options laid out before you like a road that’s split into a hundred trails. Some are flat and filled with horrendous creatures, while others are bumpy and lined with obstacles. The overwhelming part is in choosing the right path. Of course, there really is no right path, but it’s impossible at the time of choosing to realize that. Because with each story you craft, you want it to be the best it can possibly be, so choosing the path that doesn’t sate that desire is always in the back of your mind.

2. Therapy. Writing is a therapeutic procedure for me. If I’m feeling angry, sad, or any of the emotions that fill our lives, writing helps me explore those feelings. By the time I’m done a good writing session, I always feel better.

3. Escape. In the event that I’m not mad, or sad, or anything but happy, which is usually the case, writing is a that wonderful escape. Some like to disappear into video games, movies, music, or books, but for me, more than anything, I love to disappear into a world I’ve created, knowing anything can happen.

4. Imagination. The reason I choose to write Fantasy, is because there are no rules. Okay, that’s not true, there are always rules in each world that’s created, but they’re my rules. I get to say what happens, and I get to stretch the limits of what I think is possible. I can build a monster from the ground up, or modify one from legend. And my absolute favorite is world-building. I love creating new dimensions, with fresh landscapes and scenery.

5. Adventure. A story takes you places. Maybe it’s somewhere you’ve been before, or perhaps a place you never dreamed existed, but on that journey, there is a quest, a goal, or a task that needs to be accomplished. The part in between the beginning and the end is the adventure, and that’s the good stuff. I love adventure, and although I haven’t traveled the world, at times, I can get my adrenaline going with a great story. The obstacles our character might face, the loss he experiences, or a triumph he achieves, are all part of my love for writing. I love getting to experience that with them, and feel their reaction to all of it.

6. Emotion. There’s real emotion that comes with a book. When you’re reading that story and you start to tear up, or you feel the urge to stand up and cheer, those are the moments that you remember. You can feel the victory, just like that character did. Those are the stories you’ve been pulled so deeply into, you feel like you’re a part of them. I feel that way with all the stories I write. I’m write there with those characters, and when they’re hurting, so am I. As exhausting as that can be, it’s one of the greatest experiences, because knowing I’m feeling it, means you’re going to feel it too…or at least I hope so. And when I hit that special moment in a book, it’s like I’ve bonded with it on a whole new level.

7. Surprise. A lot of time when I’m writing, I know how the story is going to play out. Often times, even if there is no outline involved, I’ve thought about this story to such a degree, it’s like I’ve already experienced it before. But in every book, I reach a point when I write something down and it makes me stop. I ponder what just happened. That wasn’t in the cards, or at least not as far as I knew. Then I go back and read it, consider changing it to how it’s supposed to be, only to realize this is so much better than what was. Those moments are rewarding as a writer, and they’re always a welcome surprise. You never know when that inspiration might hit, but when it does, you’re page deep in an unexpected part of the adventure.

8. Curiousity. One of the things that comes with ’7. Surprise,’ is wondering what might happen. As exciting as surprise can be, it’s also scary. If that surprise doesn’t work out, it can result in a whole lot of wasted writing time, and a bunch of revisions. But I never stop and push that new idea away at the risk of more work, because as a creator, I’m too curious for our own good. Sure, our original idea might have been great, but what is this new idea all about? It’s nearly impossible for me to not find out. I have to explore that path. That alone adds a new level of 6. Adventure, to the book. And more often than not, that path turns out to be exactly what my story needed.

9. Accomplishment. When you finish writing a book, it’s kind of a mind blowing experience. I’m not a veteran by any means, but I’ve written three books, and I can saw without a doubt, that after completing each one, I was amazed. How could I do that? How could I wrap so many ideas up in single thread, and spread it out over 300 pages? How could I dedicate my free time to writing something fiction? And more so, how could I be so involved and connected with these…characters, these people that don’t exist. I question my sanity, because I hang out for hours with these imaginary people that I created, but at the end of it all, I can look at this thick book of printed pages and know I created something. Not only that, I saw it through to the end and completed it. That’s a pretty amazing feeling.

10. Response. After months of writing, revising, taking criticisms, revising, designing covers, editing, revising, formatting, etc., I get to release my work into the world. Sometimes it hurts, because let’s be realistic, not everyone will like it. In fact, some people will hate it so much, they won’t only leave you a bad review, warning everyone to stay away from the steaming pile of dog crap you apparently left on their doorstep, but they’ll actually take time out of their lives to personally reach out to you, and tell you, just how much you suck. I think I’d prefer to have a nail hammered into my eye, only to be pulled out and lit on fire with vinegar, lemon juice, gasoline, and a match, but hey, that’s just me.  The point is, with the bad, comes the good. Sometimes the really good.

More often than poo-flinging, you get readers who will reach out to you on some platform and tell you things you’d pay people to say. Maybe it was how your story touched their lives, or how relatable a character was, or maybe it’s a simple “I need more! I need to know what happens next.” Those are the people you write for. Maybe you start writing for you, but at some point, that direction shifts. I think you should always write the story that you want to read, but deep down inside, knowing there is someone out there waiting for this story, is a feeling that isn’t described by words. Even as an author, I’m not sure how to phrase it. And although I’m writing this story for me, I’m writing it for you too.

In the end, I love all these things about writing. And there are more things too, but I’ve already gotten out of hand with 10. Maybe I should make this a 5 Things topic. Anyways, you are what makes this worthwhile. It’s so much fun to create a new world and fill it with people. It’s amazing to experience that adventure first-hand. It’s surreal to see a finished product of your dedication. But it is unfreakingreal to hear somebody tell you they loved your book. That is an off-the-charts experience that leaves you speechless. All you can say is thank you, and tell them how happy you are that they enjoyed it, but after that, it feels like you’ve left them hanging. Those words aren’t enough to let that person know just how much that means to you. So instead, you write another book, for you, and for them, and hope that story shows them just how much they mean to you.

Now it’s your turn. I don’t care if it’s blogging, e-mails, or the secret story you’ve been crafting. Tell me what your favorite thing about writing is.

And if you have a topic you want to see featured on 10 Things, leave it in the comments or e-mail me and let me know!

You Tell Me: What Sells a Book

When it comes to books, it’s almost impossible to discern the ‘it’ factor for any given title. The reason being, to be cliche, is the missing link. The missing link isn’t just luck. You don’t just happen to sell a million copies. You don’t just happen to make it on the New York Times Bestseller lists, or the Amazon Top 100. That doesn’t just happen because of luck. Sure, if your an author and it happens to you, you’re lucky, but that isn’t the only factor. That book has something  about it that pulls readers in, and it continues to do so. There is something inside the story that does that, and word of mouth starts moving and before you know it, you’re getting “lucky.”

But before there was luck, before there was word of mouth, there was something else. Something that made people pick up that book. Not everyone will have a built in audience, so it isn’t always just past readers. Because really, if you had millions of readers for a past series, chance are you were already a bestselling author. Based on some bestsellers, we can agree that it isn’t just positive reviews. So what was it that made readers pick up that book in the first place?

For me personally, I pick books like I pick movies; if I like the cover, I’ll pick up the book and read the synopsis. For me, synopsis does it all. That is the factor that decides if I want the book, but the cover has to get me there.

It’s worth noting that if everyone is talking about a specific movie or book, I’m going to check it out. But I won’t buy it for the simple fact that other people love it. That love and word of mouth gets me to the book, but after that, usually, it’s the cover and the synopsis that hold the tipping scale. The reason for this is, I can respect the fact that taste is subjective. What everyone loves, I may not like. And this goes for everything. Movies, books, food, etc. So, at some point, it all boils down to our judgement.

So for me, cover and synopsis are essential factors. Do they ignite the desire in me? The desire to know more, the desire to meet the characters, the desire for me to experience this journey? If yes, then I’m buying it. But what about you?

You Tell Me: What sells a book to YOU? Is it the cover, synopsis, price, reviews, word of mouth, where it’s ranked on the charts? Something totally different perhaps? Maybe it’s a book trailer or a marketing website. It’s discussion time today, so tell me what it takes for you to click purchase?

Release Blog Tour Closing

It has been almost two months since Release came out, and today the blog tour is coming to a close. What a ride it has been!

I cannot say thank you enough to Val from Stuck In Books. She has been so organized and dedicated to this tour, and it shows. The tour was amazing, and she did a phenomenal job. She supports my books with such passion, I am honored to know her, and very much in debt to all that is her awesomeness.

To all the bloggers that took part in this tour, I am grateful for the work and time you put in to be a part of this tour. It’s incredible bloggers like you that make these tours so successful, and I hope you all know just how happy I was to work with you. The time and effort everyone involved has put into this…into my books, is enough to make me feel special, like a bookish rockstar if you will. I’m so gracious for your help and support, I truly hope you know how much I appreciate you.

The Release launch was a great success and I couldn’t be happier with the results. If you haven’t had a chance, please stop at any one of the blogs on the tour, and make sure to enter the giveaway. There are some big prize packs to be won: signed paperbacks, swag, and all sorts of goodies.

With the tour coming to a close today, tomorrow we’re going out with a bang. We’re tying it all up in a neat little bow, and hosting a Protector Series Twitter Chat. I do hope you’ll be able to make it. Just follow the hashtag #ProtectorParty, and you’re there! The chat will start at 7:30pm ET, and will go for a least an hour. If there are still questions to be asked or things you’re curious about, I’ll stick around for longer.

For those wondering about Endure, it’s on its way. I’m back to writing, and I’m hoping to have a completed first draft sometime in the next month. I’m working towards a spring release day, and then the end will truly be upon us…for The Protector series anyways. The good news is that after that, we get to start a new journey together! One I’ve been brainstorming for a while now, so I’m really looking forward to bringing these ideas to life.

Before I get too off topic, I have to say thank you again. To my readers and friends. If you were a part of the Release blog tour, if you entered the giveaway, bought a copy of my books, if you told someone about them, or simply Retweeted/Shared one of the links, I am thankful for your support. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some amazing people, and since this journey began, I’ve garnered some readers that are more amazing that I ever could have imagined. And that’s saying something. Thank you, not just for your support, but for helping me get closer to a dream come true. 

 

The Protector Series Twitter Party

Matty Says: It’s time for us to talk.

The Release blog tour is coming to a close this Friday, and it’s been incredible. To send things out with a bang, on Saturday at 7:30 ET, Val from Stuck In Books-the incredible blog that put all of this together for me-is going to be hosting me in a Twitter chat! If you have questions about characters, The Protector series, me, what’s to come, or anything really, this will be your chance your ask! Chase and Rayna might even make an appearance. 

I’m guessing the chat will last about an hour, but there is no strict time table here. I’d love for you to come show your support, talk books, and hang out! Even if you don’t have any questions, come say hello! It’s going to be a great time.

Books, Updates, and the Future?

It’s been a while since I posted, but the holidays were busy and I had been in a terrible funk. No reading, no writing, no anything. The good news is, I’ve since broken free of it, and I’m back to work on Endure. I think I wrote maybe 12k words in December, which is horrible. So now I’m doing a read through of the first 37k words of the book, revising as necessary, and soon I’ll be back to adding to the word count. It shall be done!

I will admit this is a hard book to write. It’s difficult and sad to end it all. I know how everything ties in together, and I’ve known the ending since I wrote Exiled, but doing so in a delicate manner that brings everything to fruition the way I want it to, is no simple task. But it is one I will accept and overcome! Today I want to take the opportunity to tell you a little of what you can expect from Endure, and what’s next.

As you already know, Chase is the main character, with Rayna being a very prominent secondary. But what about the rest? As you’ve already noticed, a different secondary character has been brought to the forefront with each book, and in Endure, it’s going to be Tiki’s turn. For those of you wondering, yes, there will be a lot more Rayna in this book as well, but also more Tiki than you’re accustom to.

Tiki is a character I’ve always loved to write. He’s awkward, funny, fierce, and loyal. In Endure, you might be getting an opportunity to see where he comes from. I’m not saying you will, but I’m not saying you won’t either. You’ll have to wait and see! But there will be some Tiki-time…that sounds weird. Anyways…

I have been getting some questions about what’s next after The Protector comes to a close. There are several projects you can expect in the next two years, and more after that, of course. This spring, Endure is going to be published (assuming I get my writing mojo in gear), and after that I’m off to start new adventures, kind of.

I’m planning to write two, possibly three, standalone novels, that branch out from The Protector series. These novels will have nothing to do with the main ARC of The Protector series, but rather, they’ll take place before the series ever started. Each of the three stories will follow a different secondary character from the series. It’ll be your chance to see how these characters came to be who they are, and how fate might have landed them in Chase’s trajectory. For some of the characters, you’ve seen a little bit of their background and/or history, but these standalone novels will give you the full-fledged experience of some of your favorites.

Before I publish anything standalone however, there will be the start of something new. I have two new series that I’ve been brainstorming for the past year, and I’ve gone ahead and written the first five chapters of one of those. That’s the one I’ll be pursing first. I haven’t determined if I will keep writing in the Young Adult section, or if I’ll take a more adult oriented approach with this story, but I won’t be sure of either until I write more of the story. Which is currently on hold for Endure! 

The new series I’m working on is going to have the same action-packed style you’ve seen from my already. I don’t want to give out any teasers yet, as I’m still in the planning stages of the the main ARC, but I can tell there will be new monsters, a unique approach to some you’ve seen from me in the past, and a new magic scale. The two main characters are already starting to develop, and I have a special love for each of them in a different way. I have a few secondary characters designed, but they have yet to make their appearance in the story, but based on some outlining ideas, I’m positive you will love them…or love to hate them. And also, there may be a vaguely Sci-Fi edge to the story, or the history of the story…one thing is for sure, I can promise you that there is a very, very rich history to it all. In short, I’m extremely excited to prepare something new for you.

Also, I’ll be making an appearance in Las Vegas in August (I know, I will probably melt), and if you want to meet, have anything signed, or perhaps have dinner and a chat, there will all sorts of opportunities there, including some dine-around dinner talks happening! There will probably be close to 40 authors attending, so if you’re interested, check out the website! There will be a lot of opportunities to pick your favorite authors brains, and a lot of it will be done in small groups, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. It will be my first event, so I really hope some of you will come out and see me.

And if you didn’t see my Tweets or Facebook posts about it, Release is FINALLY on Nook! The cover isn’t there yet…but it’ll get there…one day…right?

I think that’s it for now. I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday, and that the New Year is off to a great start for you as well. I’ll be back soon with an Endure teaser to drive you crazy!

Got questions? Drop me a comment!

Jillian Dodd – An Extraordinary Woman

Don’t you just love surprises? Well I do, and today, Matty Says it’s time to spread the love.

Best-selling author of YA Fiction, Jillian Dodd, has no idea that 99 authors are going to blog about her today, or that reader and bloggers have jumped on board to help too. Why? Because we want to thank her for what she has done for us.

Jillian Dodd has been an incredible support to me, in what can often be a lonely roller coaster ride of a publishing journey. She’s helped me in more ways than I should probably list, and she is always there, not just for me, but many authors. She’s helped so many of us find our footing in this crazy world of books, and she works hard to see others succeed. She’s a rare gem in the world of writers.

So why am I blogging about this today?

On the 21st of December, 99 authors came together for a promotional activity to sell 99 eBooks for 99 cents. Jillian did the majority of the work, organized everything, and came up with a marketing plan. When I was invited to participate, I jumped at the opportunity.

She put in weeks of hard work setting the event up with authors, bloggers, and promotional sites, all the while preparing and leading all of the authors in a beautifully streamlined process. To say she did an incredible job is an understatement.

At the end of the 21st December, ten of the 99 authors were in the top 100 in the Amazon Kindle Store. By this time, Amazon had come on board to assist in the 24hr price drop, and help us with the Kindle Daily Deal. A lot of us found our rankings and sales soar, many sold hundreds of books, and some were in the top five of their specific genres. Readers were ecstatic, authors were excited, and Jillian stayed up with virtually no sleep for forty-eight hours to make sure the whole thing went smoothly. It was amazing.

Jillian is a talented author and incredible friend, and as such, it’s time to say thank you. Today, I want to take some time out to spotlight some of her books.

Readers have gone wild for Jillian Dodd’s, The Keatyn Chronicles. They love her complicated life, never mind her even more complex love life. Her characters are fabulously drawn out and they keep readers coming back for more. So check these out!

The Keatyn Chronicles Book 1 – Stalk me. 

“Gossip Girl meets Hollywood in this steamy new series by That Boy author, Jillian Dodd.” And did I mention it has garnered over 138 five star reviews.

Keatyn has everything she ever dreamed. Her life is following the script she wrote for the perfect high school experience. She’s popular, goes to the best parties, dates the hottest guy, and sits at the most-coveted lunch table.

She’s just not sure she wants it anymore.

Because, really, things aren’t all that perfect.

Her best friend is threatening to tell everyone her perfect relationship is a scam.

Her perfect boyfriend gets drunk at every party they go to.

It’s exhausting always trying to look and act perfect.

And, deep down, she isn’t sure if she has any true friends.

To add to the drama, her movie star mom has a creepy stalker.

A hot, older man flirts with her and tells her they should make a movie together.

And she’s crushing on an adorable surfer. Dating him would mean committing social suicide.

So she writes a new script. One where all the pieces of her life will come together in perfect harmony.

But little does she know, there’s someone who will do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Like it? Want it? BUY IT!

 

The Keatyn Chronicles Book 2 – Kiss Me.

 

Since its release on the 26th of November, it has 157 five star reviews.

I’ve always written scripts for my perfect life.

But no way could I have ever scripted this.

My life is so far from perfect, it’s not even funny.

All because of a stalker.

I’m at a boarding school, where I have to lie about who I am.

I can’t see my family.

I’m tutoring a hottie god that tortures me with his smile.

The most popular girl already hates me.

But there’s this boy.

This hot, sweet, sexy boy.

So I’m going to stop trying to script my life and just live it.

Because who knows how long I have left.

Make it yours now!

 

 

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