Hannah L. Clark's Blog, page 9
September 27, 2012
I Need Feedback!
So, I'm facing a little dilemma with Book 2: one of my main characters (a girl--not Norah) is 16 years old when the guy she ends up falling in love with is born.
Now, she's Cobbogothian, and Cobbogothians live for 1,000 years on average. They mature to adulthood the way we do, but once they hit adulthood--18 yrs old--their maturing slows way down and they age much, much, much slower than us.
So technically, a 16 year age difference to them is like a 3 month age difference to us. It's a little Edward and Bella-ish, I know, but when the tables are turned and the girl is the older one, I wonder if it's less okay.
Does anyone have a problem with this? Feel like any major taboos are being broken?
Thanks!
Now, she's Cobbogothian, and Cobbogothians live for 1,000 years on average. They mature to adulthood the way we do, but once they hit adulthood--18 yrs old--their maturing slows way down and they age much, much, much slower than us.
So technically, a 16 year age difference to them is like a 3 month age difference to us. It's a little Edward and Bella-ish, I know, but when the tables are turned and the girl is the older one, I wonder if it's less okay.
Does anyone have a problem with this? Feel like any major taboos are being broken?
Thanks!
September 18, 2012
The Lemorian Crest
Well, my lovely Cobbogothian friends, I have done it! Book 2: The Lemorian Crest is finally, and very thoroughly, outlined! I am so happy with it and can't wait to get crankin' on the first draft so I can share it with you all that much sooner. The goal is to have draft one done by Thanksgiving. If I can hit that mark, then I'm pretty certain we'll have The Lemorian Crest released by next December, just in time for Christmas!
Seriously though, I cannot tell you how happy I am with this segment of Norah and James' story! The extra time I decided to take going back to tweak and flesh out the outline was definitely worth it! (And yes, I know I'm kind of pushing the limits on my daily exclamation point quota with this post, but who cares!!!!! Book 2 is on it's way! And I'm SO happy!)
Anyway, I'll keep you posted. As for right now, I'm going to throw myself a little "Party for One" compliments of the Muppets. I know the Muppets have absolutely nothing in common with Cobbogoth . . . well, that is, of course, besides being completely awesome. But here they are, none-the-less :-)
Woo-hoo! Yeah . . . that was fun. I love the Muppets!
Seriously though, I cannot tell you how happy I am with this segment of Norah and James' story! The extra time I decided to take going back to tweak and flesh out the outline was definitely worth it! (And yes, I know I'm kind of pushing the limits on my daily exclamation point quota with this post, but who cares!!!!! Book 2 is on it's way! And I'm SO happy!)
Anyway, I'll keep you posted. As for right now, I'm going to throw myself a little "Party for One" compliments of the Muppets. I know the Muppets have absolutely nothing in common with Cobbogoth . . . well, that is, of course, besides being completely awesome. But here they are, none-the-less :-)
Woo-hoo! Yeah . . . that was fun. I love the Muppets!
September 17, 2012
Book 2 Update
Hello lovely friends,
I've been feverishly hard at work on book 2 since my kynd started school, and I wanted to give you all an update. I am five chapters away from completing the final outline, and while there are still a few kinks here and there to work out, I just have to tell you all that I am really loving what's going on here! Norah is learning so much! I can't wait for you all to learn right a long with her! Eeeek!
And, can I just say how much more fun writing a second book is than writing the first? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's still a ton of work, but I actually kind of feel like I know what I'm doing this time around. That always makes things funner.
Anyway, I thought, since all of the major and minor plot points are pretty much set in stone now, that I would give you all something to wet your appetites, and so here it is . . . the title for book 2! It's finally settled! (Actually, I've known for a very long time what the title would be, I just wasn't sure if I'd end up fundamentally changing something in the plot during my outlining that would affect the title. So I held off telling you all till now.)
But
here
it
is!
Book Two: The Lemorian Crest Anyway, can't wait to share all of the new Cobbogothian goodness with you!
P.S. Despite my most recent tweet, there might just be a form of pirates in this book. ;-) My kynd is pretty happy about that. 
I've been feverishly hard at work on book 2 since my kynd started school, and I wanted to give you all an update. I am five chapters away from completing the final outline, and while there are still a few kinks here and there to work out, I just have to tell you all that I am really loving what's going on here! Norah is learning so much! I can't wait for you all to learn right a long with her! Eeeek!
And, can I just say how much more fun writing a second book is than writing the first? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's still a ton of work, but I actually kind of feel like I know what I'm doing this time around. That always makes things funner.
Anyway, I thought, since all of the major and minor plot points are pretty much set in stone now, that I would give you all something to wet your appetites, and so here it is . . . the title for book 2! It's finally settled! (Actually, I've known for a very long time what the title would be, I just wasn't sure if I'd end up fundamentally changing something in the plot during my outlining that would affect the title. So I held off telling you all till now.)
But
here
it
is!
Book Two: The Lemorian Crest Anyway, can't wait to share all of the new Cobbogothian goodness with you!
P.S. Despite my most recent tweet, there might just be a form of pirates in this book. ;-) My kynd is pretty happy about that.
September 14, 2012
Writing Gem #5: How to Avoid Writer's Block
So, I don't believe in Writer's Block. Nope. I just don't. The reason why, is because I have found that you can train your brain to write on demand. It takes a bit of time and effort, but you can do it, and today's writing gem will give you a few tips on how to do that. Hope it helps!
Also, if you have a few tips of your own, I'd love to hear them!
August 22, 2012
Writing Gem #4: Chapter Breaks and Outlining
Here is my next installment of Writing Gems. (If you'd like to view my first three Gems, you can find them on the left hand side of my blog under my YouTube channel.) This segment is on identifying Chapter Breaks and my own personal Outlining process. I hope you all find it useful and if there are any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment, and I'll do my best to answer you.
Also, I mention a book in this segment, and I think I got the title of the book a little wrong. It's called Elements of Writing Fiction: Character and Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card. It's a good one if you want to get to know your characters a bit better. Finally, don't forget the drawing I'm holding for a $25 Amazon gift card. To find out more about that, you can read my post here. Thanks for stopping by, guys!
August 21, 2012
Cobbogoth's First Professional Review
Well, it's finally happened. Cobbogoth has received it's first professional review from Kirkus! This is very exciting, and the review isn't half bad, if I do say so myself. See review here.
So, in honor of this grand event, we are going to celebrate! And we're going to celebrate by holding a drawing, YAY!!!
Here's the deal: I will be giving away a $25 dollar Amazon.com gift card to one very lucky winner!
Now, you're probably asking yourself, "Dear Hannah, how does one enter this wonderful drawing, whereby you manifest so much generosity?" To which I would promptly reply: "Well, that's easy, silly. All you have to do is log into your Amazon account and write your own honest review for Cobbogoth"--please note the emphasis placed on the word "honest" here. This is not a bribery, only a celebration! (And no, people who write bad reviews of Cobbogoth will not be disqualified, tempting as that may be.)
But wait, there's more: If you would like to up your chances of winning this gift card, write your review, and then post a link to your review on your favorite social media account. (facebook, twitter, or blogger) When you've done that, leave a comment on my blog, and you will be entered again.
Oh, and for those of you who have already written an Amazon review, you can automatically enter yourself!
There it is, Folks! Easy-peasy!
"But wait, dear Hannah!" Some of you may be saying. "I am a slow-poke and still have not yet had the honor of reading your very fine novel called Cobbogoth." Well, you are in luck, because not only is Cobbogoth's e-book still on sale for $.99, but you have an entire week to read it and write a review. That's right. My lovely Rafflecopter friends will not be choosing a winner until next Tuesday, August 28th.
So, what are you waiting for? It's an Amazon gift card, people! If you're like me, you'll do just about anything--within reason, of course--for a chance to collect more books. ;)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So, in honor of this grand event, we are going to celebrate! And we're going to celebrate by holding a drawing, YAY!!!
Here's the deal: I will be giving away a $25 dollar Amazon.com gift card to one very lucky winner!
Now, you're probably asking yourself, "Dear Hannah, how does one enter this wonderful drawing, whereby you manifest so much generosity?" To which I would promptly reply: "Well, that's easy, silly. All you have to do is log into your Amazon account and write your own honest review for Cobbogoth"--please note the emphasis placed on the word "honest" here. This is not a bribery, only a celebration! (And no, people who write bad reviews of Cobbogoth will not be disqualified, tempting as that may be.)
But wait, there's more: If you would like to up your chances of winning this gift card, write your review, and then post a link to your review on your favorite social media account. (facebook, twitter, or blogger) When you've done that, leave a comment on my blog, and you will be entered again.
Oh, and for those of you who have already written an Amazon review, you can automatically enter yourself!
There it is, Folks! Easy-peasy!
"But wait, dear Hannah!" Some of you may be saying. "I am a slow-poke and still have not yet had the honor of reading your very fine novel called Cobbogoth." Well, you are in luck, because not only is Cobbogoth's e-book still on sale for $.99, but you have an entire week to read it and write a review. That's right. My lovely Rafflecopter friends will not be choosing a winner until next Tuesday, August 28th.
So, what are you waiting for? It's an Amazon gift card, people! If you're like me, you'll do just about anything--within reason, of course--for a chance to collect more books. ;)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 28, 2012
Writing Gem #3: Starting a World-Building Bible
Hey Everyone,
Here is my latest installment for my Writing Gems. Sorry it's a bit longer, but I hope this one helps you get more organized!
Oh, I mention my pinterest boards in here. If you'd like to check them out, here's the link. Also, just a quick reminder that Cobbogoth's e-book has been lowered to $.99.
Have a great weekend!
Here is my latest installment for my Writing Gems. Sorry it's a bit longer, but I hope this one helps you get more organized!
Oh, I mention my pinterest boards in here. If you'd like to check them out, here's the link. Also, just a quick reminder that Cobbogoth's e-book has been lowered to $.99.
Have a great weekend!
July 26, 2012
New E-book Price
Hey All,
I just wanted to let you know that Cobbogoth's e-book is now on sale for $.99. Now's the time to take a chance on a great new YA Fantasy. I hope you love it!
I just wanted to let you know that Cobbogoth's e-book is now on sale for $.99. Now's the time to take a chance on a great new YA Fantasy. I hope you love it!
July 22, 2012
Update on Donations For Camron
Hey Everyone,
First of all, THANK YOU to all who have been so generous in helping Camron out by purchasing a copy of Cobbogoth.
If you're just learning about this, Camron Nielson was injured in the Clay Springs Fire this summer while volunteering to help fight it. Here is a link to the news story.
Here's what we're doing: My sister Bekah (my illustrator and cover design artist) and I grew up in Oak City, UT where the Clay Springs Fire hit especially hard. We went to school with Camron, and his wife was one of our childhood friends. Because we don't have the means to give as much as we'd like to help out, We're trying to do what we can by raising money in exchange for copies of my YA fantasy Cobbogoth.
Here's how:
For the months of July and August, all of the royalties we make off of Cobbogoth--that means any money we make from my book between July 1st--August 30th will go to help Camron and his family. Even if you don't know Camron at all, you can still help out simply by buying a copy of Cobbogoth! For those of you who already own a copy of my book, you might consider giving it as a gift to a friend. That way, it's kind of a double gift--they get a great book, and you can tell them that the purchase of their gift is helping someone in need. It's a win-win on so many levels! :-)
So, if you'd like to help out, you can purchase a copy of Cobbogoth at amazon.com, or here. If you purchase your copy from this link, we receive a bigger royalty, and can therefore give more to Camron and his family.
Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
First of all, THANK YOU to all who have been so generous in helping Camron out by purchasing a copy of Cobbogoth.
If you're just learning about this, Camron Nielson was injured in the Clay Springs Fire this summer while volunteering to help fight it. Here is a link to the news story.
Here's what we're doing: My sister Bekah (my illustrator and cover design artist) and I grew up in Oak City, UT where the Clay Springs Fire hit especially hard. We went to school with Camron, and his wife was one of our childhood friends. Because we don't have the means to give as much as we'd like to help out, We're trying to do what we can by raising money in exchange for copies of my YA fantasy Cobbogoth.
Here's how:
For the months of July and August, all of the royalties we make off of Cobbogoth--that means any money we make from my book between July 1st--August 30th will go to help Camron and his family. Even if you don't know Camron at all, you can still help out simply by buying a copy of Cobbogoth! For those of you who already own a copy of my book, you might consider giving it as a gift to a friend. That way, it's kind of a double gift--they get a great book, and you can tell them that the purchase of their gift is helping someone in need. It's a win-win on so many levels! :-)
So, if you'd like to help out, you can purchase a copy of Cobbogoth at amazon.com, or here. If you purchase your copy from this link, we receive a bigger royalty, and can therefore give more to Camron and his family.
Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
July 7, 2012
Writing Gems #2: Story Mapping
This is the second installment of my "Writing Gems." Today I wanted to talk a bit about Story Mapping. This is my next step in my writing process. After I've used the Feralt's Triangle to figure out the basic plot line of my story, I take it to the next level by story mapping.
Just in case you didn't get a good look at my story map in the video, here is a picture. And just in case you're wondering, yes, my office walls are really that hideous Pistacio green. Don't worry, I'm working on changing that.
Take care,
