T.K. Rayford's Blog, page 3
January 12, 2012
Sneak Peak of Sion Soundtrack
I have been really dragging my feet about putting together the soundtrack for Sion. So in the midst of addressing wedding invites and all, I wanted to share a song from the soundtrack. It's a well-known one and I love it. It's especially fitting for Lexi, the protag of The Planet Abstrus Series, and how she's feeling about things.
And as an added bonus, I wanted to share the video for Bruno Mars' The Lazy Song. Yes, I do realize that I'm probably the last person on the planet to see this video, but that's okay. I'm still cool... My son loves this song and so I pulled it up for him while putting together the soundtrack. The video was so cute and infectious that I had to share. Again, I know everyone has already seen this, but I think it's def worth a double share.
And as an added bonus, I wanted to share the video for Bruno Mars' The Lazy Song. Yes, I do realize that I'm probably the last person on the planet to see this video, but that's okay. I'm still cool... My son loves this song and so I pulled it up for him while putting together the soundtrack. The video was so cute and infectious that I had to share. Again, I know everyone has already seen this, but I think it's def worth a double share.
January 11, 2012
New Interview & eBook Giveaway
The past week has been super busy for me, so I'm happy to finally have a moment to myself. I don't want to do anything other than sit here in my bed and blog... but unfortunately the real world awaits and I have to join it. I have been finalizing some things for the wedding this week so that's pretty exciting. No more procrastinator here!
But anywho, I really wanted to tell you about an interview I did with Twimom227. She is so amazing and I'm very excited to be a visitor over there at her blog That's What I'm Talking About. First off, make sure you check out her blog in general. She has done reviews of some awesome books and talked to some great authors too.
Check out my interview with Twimom227 here. I'm giving away an eBook copy of Abstrus too so make sure you comment for a chance to win. I am, as always, thankful for the support!
And as a short catch-up to let everyone know what I'm working on other than the wedding, I've been doing some things with Galaos, book 3 of The Planet Abstrus Series. I'm excited about that and will give you more info on that as it comes. I've also been working on the first book of a brand new series. Look at me working hard! Maybe I've shaken my procrastination gene for good. We shall see!
But anywho, I really wanted to tell you about an interview I did with Twimom227. She is so amazing and I'm very excited to be a visitor over there at her blog That's What I'm Talking About. First off, make sure you check out her blog in general. She has done reviews of some awesome books and talked to some great authors too.
Check out my interview with Twimom227 here. I'm giving away an eBook copy of Abstrus too so make sure you comment for a chance to win. I am, as always, thankful for the support!
And as a short catch-up to let everyone know what I'm working on other than the wedding, I've been doing some things with Galaos, book 3 of The Planet Abstrus Series. I'm excited about that and will give you more info on that as it comes. I've also been working on the first book of a brand new series. Look at me working hard! Maybe I've shaken my procrastination gene for good. We shall see!
January 4, 2012
New Review and Stuff
This is my first post of 2012 and that's pretty exciting. I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday season.
I was browsing my book listings today and was ecstatic to find that Abstrus has a new review on Barnes and Noble. Anonymous gave it 5 stars because they thought that it was "very well written." That had me smiling from ear to ear today. Thanks for making my day Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous.
Also, I've been meaning to share this for awhile, because frankly it's so true that it's hilarious. I do or have done every single thing on this list, and probably multiple times a day.
How to Feel Miserable as a Writer
1. Constantly compare yourself to other writers
2. Show your family your book and expect them to cheer you on
3. Base the success of your entire career on one book
4. Stick with what you know
5. Undervalue your expertise
6. Let money dictate what you write
7. Bow to social pressures
8. Write books that only your family would love
9. Write only what the publisher asks
10. Set unachievable or overwhelming goals to be accomplished by tomorrow
I was browsing my book listings today and was ecstatic to find that Abstrus has a new review on Barnes and Noble. Anonymous gave it 5 stars because they thought that it was "very well written." That had me smiling from ear to ear today. Thanks for making my day Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous.
Also, I've been meaning to share this for awhile, because frankly it's so true that it's hilarious. I do or have done every single thing on this list, and probably multiple times a day.
How to Feel Miserable as a Writer
1. Constantly compare yourself to other writers
2. Show your family your book and expect them to cheer you on
3. Base the success of your entire career on one book
4. Stick with what you know
5. Undervalue your expertise
6. Let money dictate what you write
7. Bow to social pressures
8. Write books that only your family would love
9. Write only what the publisher asks
10. Set unachievable or overwhelming goals to be accomplished by tomorrow
New Review and Stuff
This is my first post of 2012 and that's pretty exciting. I hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday season.
I was browsing my book listings today and was ecstatic to find that Abstrus has a new review on Barnes and Noble. Anonymous gave it 5 stars because they thought that it was "very well written." That had me smiling from ear to ear today. Thanks for making my day Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous.
Also, I've been meaning to share this for awhile, because frankly it's so true that it's hilarious. I do or have done every single thing on this list, and probably multiple times a day.
How to Feel Miserable as a Writer
1. Constantly compare yourself to other writers
2. Show your family your book and expect them to cheer you on
3. Base the success of your entire career on one book
4. Stick with what you know
5. Undervalue your expertise
6. Let money dictate what you write
7. Bow to social pressures
8. Write books that only your family would love
9. Write only what the publisher asks
10. Set unachievable or overwhelming goals to be accomplished by tomorrow
I was browsing my book listings today and was ecstatic to find that Abstrus has a new review on Barnes and Noble. Anonymous gave it 5 stars because they thought that it was "very well written." That had me smiling from ear to ear today. Thanks for making my day Mr. or Mrs. Anonymous.
Also, I've been meaning to share this for awhile, because frankly it's so true that it's hilarious. I do or have done every single thing on this list, and probably multiple times a day.
How to Feel Miserable as a Writer
1. Constantly compare yourself to other writers
2. Show your family your book and expect them to cheer you on
3. Base the success of your entire career on one book
4. Stick with what you know
5. Undervalue your expertise
6. Let money dictate what you write
7. Bow to social pressures
8. Write books that only your family would love
9. Write only what the publisher asks
10. Set unachievable or overwhelming goals to be accomplished by tomorrow
December 31, 2011
Fare Thee Well 2011
I was just sitting here thinking about the fact that today is the absolute last day that I will ever be in the year 2011. That kind of makes me sad... which in turn kind of makes me weird. But that is already a well known fact.
2011 has had it's share of major struggles including the loss of a loved one, which is something from which I will probably never fully recover. But in spite of even that, this year has been a real jewel. After more than three years of working on Abstrus, I finally completed it in August. I still remember when all it was was blue Sharpie scribbles on the back of a hospital release form. Both I and Abstrus have gone through some major inner changes and are better for it.
Not only was Abstrus born in 2011, but so was it's sibling Sion. And that's a major accomplishment in my life. I have already dreamt of being in this place, but never did I actually see myself living it. Accomplishing this makes me giddy with expectation, because my dreams extend far beyond completing the books. Oh the excitement!
I am expecting 2012 to be even greater than 2011 and I can't wait to start it! My wedding is in March and I'm so excited about that. So 2012 will bring for me, just to put this out there in the Cosmos (or Galaos if you will :), a super happy marriage, the completion of The Planet Abstrus Series and the start of the new one, and amazing, unending, mind-boggling, unfathomable success as an author.
Name it and Claim it ;)
Happy New Year Guys and Gals.
2011 has had it's share of major struggles including the loss of a loved one, which is something from which I will probably never fully recover. But in spite of even that, this year has been a real jewel. After more than three years of working on Abstrus, I finally completed it in August. I still remember when all it was was blue Sharpie scribbles on the back of a hospital release form. Both I and Abstrus have gone through some major inner changes and are better for it.
Not only was Abstrus born in 2011, but so was it's sibling Sion. And that's a major accomplishment in my life. I have already dreamt of being in this place, but never did I actually see myself living it. Accomplishing this makes me giddy with expectation, because my dreams extend far beyond completing the books. Oh the excitement!
I am expecting 2012 to be even greater than 2011 and I can't wait to start it! My wedding is in March and I'm so excited about that. So 2012 will bring for me, just to put this out there in the Cosmos (or Galaos if you will :), a super happy marriage, the completion of The Planet Abstrus Series and the start of the new one, and amazing, unending, mind-boggling, unfathomable success as an author.
Name it and Claim it ;)
Happy New Year Guys and Gals.
December 28, 2011
Abstrus Nails!
I completely, 100% hijacked this idea from Kimberly Spencer. I am reading her Shimmer Trilogy (and loving it might I add.) I was over on her blog checking things out and saw that she did her nails to match a few of the characters from the books. They were so pretty and got me to thinking... I would LOVE to do some Abstrus nails. And here we are! Make sure to check out Kimberly's blog here and her great trilogy. Definitely worth it!
So, I just wanted to share a couple of pics for what I came up with for Abstrus nails. I am the furthest thing from a glam guru, but I really like how they turned out.
So what do you think? I can't wait to do some for Sion and Galaos!
Thanks Kimberly for being super creative. You have given me one more thing to obsess over. And yes, I am easily obsessed.
So, I just wanted to share a couple of pics for what I came up with for Abstrus nails. I am the furthest thing from a glam guru, but I really like how they turned out.
So what do you think? I can't wait to do some for Sion and Galaos!
Thanks Kimberly for being super creative. You have given me one more thing to obsess over. And yes, I am easily obsessed.
Abstrus Nails!
I completely, 100% hijacked this idea from Kimberly Spencer. I am reading her Shimmer Trilogy (and loving it might I add.) I was over on her blog checking things out and saw that she did her nails to match a few of the characters from the books. They were so pretty and got me to thinking... I would LOVE to do some Abstrus nails. And here we are! Make sure to check out Kimberly's blog here and her great trilogy. Definitely worth it!
So, I just wanted to share a couple of pics for what I came up with for Abstrus nails. I am the furthest thing from a glam guru, but I really like how they turned out.
So what do you think? I can't wait to do some for Sion and Galaos!
Thanks Kimberly for being super creative. You have given me one more thing to obsess over. And yes, I am easily obsessed.
So, I just wanted to share a couple of pics for what I came up with for Abstrus nails. I am the furthest thing from a glam guru, but I really like how they turned out.
So what do you think? I can't wait to do some for Sion and Galaos!
Thanks Kimberly for being super creative. You have given me one more thing to obsess over. And yes, I am easily obsessed.
December 27, 2011
Half-Blood by Jennifer Armentrout
Half-Blood by Jennifer L. ArmentroutMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazing and the writing was incredible. I found myself smiling and giddy at some points. I can't wait to delve into Pure. Thanks Jennifer for sharing Alex and Aiden with us. I really love them.
View all my reviews
If you haven't read this book, Daiman, its prequel, or Obsidian, then you are behind the curve!
Responsibilites of a YA Indie
Be forewarned. This post is definitely me on my soapbox.
I was sitting and thinking about how far I've come since I decided to write my first full-length novel and more importantly, since I decided to self-publish and become an indie author. I know that there used to be a stigma associated with indies and that has almost done a complete 180. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the massive group of talented self-pubbed authors.
And that got me to thinking... As indies, we don't have anyone monitoring our content. We, for the most part, are our own editors, cover designers, publicists, and a million other hats we take on. I think that's wonderful that one person can do it all. It's a ton of work, but we do it and that's nothing to sneeze at. But just as the fact that no one is monitoring our content is a good thing, I think it can also be a not-so-good thing.
There's no one there making decisions for our work, and therefore, most likely, isn't anyone asking us if we really thought hard about "that scene with the teen girl in a compromising position."
I just wonder if some of the indies who write in the Young Adult genre really think about some of the things they are putting out there. I've read phenomenal stories and love everything about them... right up until there's a scene with a 16 year old engaging in sexual intercourse. Don't get me wrong... I'm not suggesting that no such thing has ever occurred in real life or that even the YA reader base is uninformed on the subject. I'm only suggesting that as indies, we probably should take a harder look at what we're displaying. Rarely ever, if there is this type of scene, a message about safety or even abstinence. And we must remember how impressionable we were when we were the age of some of our readers.
But let me say, I am no way trying to censure anyone's work. I am just concerned for the reader.
Yeah...soooooo... There.
I was sitting and thinking about how far I've come since I decided to write my first full-length novel and more importantly, since I decided to self-publish and become an indie author. I know that there used to be a stigma associated with indies and that has almost done a complete 180. I couldn't be more proud to be a part of the massive group of talented self-pubbed authors.
And that got me to thinking... As indies, we don't have anyone monitoring our content. We, for the most part, are our own editors, cover designers, publicists, and a million other hats we take on. I think that's wonderful that one person can do it all. It's a ton of work, but we do it and that's nothing to sneeze at. But just as the fact that no one is monitoring our content is a good thing, I think it can also be a not-so-good thing.
There's no one there making decisions for our work, and therefore, most likely, isn't anyone asking us if we really thought hard about "that scene with the teen girl in a compromising position."
I just wonder if some of the indies who write in the Young Adult genre really think about some of the things they are putting out there. I've read phenomenal stories and love everything about them... right up until there's a scene with a 16 year old engaging in sexual intercourse. Don't get me wrong... I'm not suggesting that no such thing has ever occurred in real life or that even the YA reader base is uninformed on the subject. I'm only suggesting that as indies, we probably should take a harder look at what we're displaying. Rarely ever, if there is this type of scene, a message about safety or even abstinence. And we must remember how impressionable we were when we were the age of some of our readers.
But let me say, I am no way trying to censure anyone's work. I am just concerned for the reader.
Yeah...soooooo... There.
December 21, 2011
Sion Book Trailer Reveal
I actually completed the trailer for Sion last night, but I wanted to wait a bit to share it. My favorite part is the music! It was composed by Kevin McLeod and I find myself just listening to it over and over. I guess that's the dramatical person in me... But anywho, here is the trailer. Enjoy.
