Elizabeth Hunter's Blog, page 47

A quick note…

to all of you who haven't signed up for the Elemental Mysteries site.

I have started posting teasers over there for Book 2, This Same Earth!

Just wanted to let you know.

E

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Teaser Tuesday: This Same Earth

From the journal of Beatrice De Novo…

2005

 

Review: Once Upon a Time (Pilot episode)

 I don't watch a lot of television.  I like television, but it's not something I have much time for between writing, teaching, wife-ing, and mom-ing. However, I saw the previews for the new ABC show, Once Upon a Time, a few weeks ago, and I was intrigued.

The show is from the writers of Lost, so I expected a complex storyline and something different.  I also liked the idea of a fairytale world gone wrong.  The premise of the show is that "once upon a time" there was a fantasy realm cursed by an evil queen (apparently the one from the Snow White fairytale, who's a very respectable baddie, in my opinion). The characters from classic fairytales are thrown into the modern world with no memory of their own "happily ever after" or who they really are.

Now, while the premise may seem a bit precious at first, I was impressed by the casting (Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Morrison, and Robert Carlyle all star) and I wanted to see what the writers of a show like Lost could do with the setup, so I thought I'd give the series a chance.

So far, I'm impressed!  The main character, Emma Swann (Morrison looking cool, but not overly glamorous) is a tough bail recovery agent with a complicated past.  She gets drawn into the small town of Storybrooke by an unusual ten-year-old boy named Henry.  I like elusive main characters and interesting kids on my television, so the first few minutes of the show caught me.  It was fun to see the fantasy back story gradually unfold through the episode, and not have one big story-dump at the beginning. Also, if you tend to get confused between Goodwin and Morrison because they have similar looks…yeah, that's intentional. (Side note: Goodwin's hair is amazingly cute in a pixie cut, which makes this curly haired writer very jealous.) Carlyle steals every scene he's in, and I can't wait to see what they do with his character.

I loved seeing the modern versions of the fairytale characters.  From hints in a mysterious book (you know I love my mysterious books!), viewers can expect to see characters from the classic tales, along with some more modern fairy tales like Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz.  I'm looking forward to playing "spot-the-character" in the next few episodes.  (This might necessitate a drinking game…I'll keep you posted.)

In summary, Once Upon a Time has impressed me enough that I'll be tuning in next Sunday to watch.  It's on ABC at 8/7C (so moms might have to set the DVR to work around bedtime) so if you like a little intrigue with your happily ever after, you might want to take a look.

Here's the trailer:

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Release Week Round-up: A Hidden Fire

Via Spare Some Prose…

So, at the end of the week, I wanted to let you know how this crazy thing called a book launch went.  The short answer is, I'm really pleased.

A Hidden Fire has stayed fairly high in the Kindle store rankings, and after only four days has a 4.81 out of 5.00 rating on Goodreads.  It has also been ranked in the top ten Best Independent Novels at Listopia on Goodreads, which is incredibly flattering.  It's gotten some amazing reviews and some really flattering write-ups.  I even did an author interview about the book and series.  More reviews are scheduled to publish this weekend, but I'll be putting any further information about that at ElementalMysteries.com.

Most importantly to me as a writer, people are e-mailing, tweeting, and reviewing telling me they have bought the book and they loved it.  This crazy story I cooked up in my brain and devoted so many hours to writing has found its own audience.  Readers are connecting with Beatrice and Gio.  They like the supporting characters.  (I think Carwyn already has his own fan club.  He's such an attention hog.)  In short, past the sales numbers, readers are enjoying the book, and that means more to me than anything else.

Thank you to everyone who made this launch week a success.  If you have read the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads (or both!)  Be honest, I know it won't be everyone's favorite, and that's fine, but readers and shoppers really do read reviews, so they make a huge difference.

If you read the book and enjoyed it, tell a friend!  (If you hated it…well, you can e-mail me and I'll listen, I promise.) I've always found the best books by word of mouth and you're probably the same.  And if you have any questions about this whole crazy process, let me know, I'd love to answer.  If I can publish a book, probably a lot of you can, as well!

I'm still running the give-away for the free copy of the book over at the Elemental Mysteries fan page on Facebook.  If you "like" the book on Facebook, you're entered to win! Yup, that's it. Check it out if you're interested.

As always, thank you so much for reading,

Elizabeth

First Week Round-up: A Hidden Fire

So, at the end of the week, I wanted to let you know how this crazy thing called a book launch went.  The short answer is, I'm really pleased.

A Hidden Fire has stayed fairly high in the Kindle store rankings, and after only four days has a 4.81 out of 5.00 rating on Goodreads.  It has also been ranked in the top ten Best Independent Novels at Listopia on Goodreads, which is incredibly flattering.  It's gotten some amazing reviews and some really flattering write-ups.  I even did an author interview about the book and series.  More reviews are scheduled to publish this weekend, but I'll be putting any further information about that at ElementalMysteries.com.

Most importantly to me as a writer, people are e-mailing, tweeting, and reviewing telling me they have bought the book and they loved it.  This crazy story I cooked up in my brain and devoted so many hours to writing has found its own audience.  Readers are connecting with Beatrice and Gio.  They like the supporting characters.  (I think Carwyn already has his own fan club.  He's such an attention hog.)  In short, past the sales numbers, readers are enjoying the book, and that means more to me than anything else.

Thank you to everyone who made this launch week a success.  If you have read the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads (or both!)  Be honest, I know it won't be everyone's favorite, and that's fine, but readers and shoppers really do read reviews, so they make a huge difference.

If you read the book and enjoyed it, tell a friend!  (If you hated it…well, you can e-mail me and I'll listen, I promise.) I've always found the best books by word of mouth and you're probably the same.  And if you have any questions about this whole crazy process, let me know, I'd love to answer.  If I can publish a book, probably a lot of you can, as well!

I'm going to try not to blog too much here about THE BOOK and all that.  This site is really more about writing and other things I love, but I'll be posting more teasers for Book Two, This Same Earth, and other book news over on the Elemental Mysteries website, so take a look over there, if you get a chance!

Also, I'm still running a give-away over at the Elemental Mysteries Fansite on Facebook. If you "like" the page, you're entered to win! (Easiest give-away ever.) I'm running it through the weekend, so head on over there if you're a Facebook fan and check it out!

As always, thank you so much for reading,

Elizabeth

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New Release—A Hidden Fire Available

Dear Readers,

Today is the official release of my book, A Hidden Fire, the first book in the Elemental Mysteries series. (insert special effects here)

Though I have dedicated the book itself to my friend, Lacey, I would like to dedicate this release day to you, my readers online, and all the encouragement, enthusiasm, and excitement you have blessed me with.

I end most of my posts the same way, "Thanks for reading," and I want you to know that I truly mean that.  Thank you for your time.  Thank you for your attention.  Thank you for letting me take over a little of your imagination with my stories.  I hope I haven't wasted it.

In the past year, I hope I have made you smile, laugh, think, or even cry a little (but not from my comma abuse). And I hope you enjoy this book.  All of you are a big part of the reason I decided make this journey on my own terms.  You gave me the confidence to take that step.

I'll be running around the blogosphere today, doing guest posts here or there, I may have an interview with Nichole Chase, a totally fab YA author, and of course, I'll be dropping into Twitter. (You know you can always get me there!) I'll be linking to some reviews in the coming week, but after that, I promise I'll pipe down and let the book speak for itself.

If you read A Hidden Fire, I hope you'll consider leaving me a review where you bought it.  Good or bad, feedback is so very important (there's also some really technical explanation involving the word 'algorithm' that I'm not even going to attempt to explain here, but yeah, reviews are important). I hope to hear what you think in the coming days and weeks.

Thank you.

Thank you!

Thank you for reading,

Elizabeth

A Hidden Fire is available to purchase for $2.99 at:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords (should be available to all international readers outside Amazon's reach! 10 file formats including mobi, epub, and PDF)

Please remember that even if you don't have an e-reader, there are free e-book programs online from Amazon, Nook, and others that will enable you to read any electronic book on your computer or smartphone!  I also highly recommend Calibre, which has good quality e-reader software, all for free.  There will be a paperback version of the book eventually, but it is significantly more expensive. If you have any questions about where to get the book, or about e-books in general, please leave me a comment or email me, I'd love to answer your questions.

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In defense of "said."

[image error]Dialogue tags.

We remark.  She stutters.  He queries.  They call.

Writers spend a lot of time talking about dialogue tags, and most of the conversation seems to be about avoiding the most dreaded dialogue tag of them all.

Said.

Did you hear the ominous music in the background?  Did you?  It was there.  Why?  Because, we are informed by "experts" that the use of "said" as a dialogue tag is amateurish.  Banal.  Repetitive.  In fact, it's one of the hallmarks of a new writer.

Gasp!

I had no idea!  "Said," to the penalty box with you!

Okay, really, I did have an idea.  But I like being contrary, so I'm here today to confess my dirty little secret.

I love "said."

I do.  I use it all the time.  You've probably never noticed for reasons I'll explain in just a bit, but you know who else uses it?

Pretty much every writer of English ever.

"Really?" you inquire.

"Yes," I respond.

 

First, let's talk about dialogue tags in general.  I avoid them as often as possible.  I'm a great believer in letting body language or other action indicate to the reader who is talking. Example:

 

"It's like he's from another planet, Grandma." 

"He's old-fashioned…and European.  Maybe he just doesn't advertise online.  There's nothing wrong with that." 

"But not even a public telephone listing for his business?  Not a single mention?  It just seems odd."  She sat at the breakfast table, drinking coffee and watching her grandmother start the chili verde for dinner that night.  

"Do you feel unsafe with him?"  Isadora turned to her, a look of concern evident on her face.  "You're alone with him in that reading room for hours every week.  I won't have you feeling unsafe." 

Beatrice shook her head.  "No, it's not that.  There's just something…" 

Isadora turned back to the stove.  "You're creating a mystery where there is none, Mariposa.  I think he's a nice man.  Just old-fashioned."  

 

In this passage from Chapter Four of A Hidden Fire, Beatrice and her grandmother are having a conversation about the mysterious scholar Beatrice has met at the library.  Not a single dialogue tag is used, but hopefully, it's clear who is talking from the body language or action mentioned.

Using this technique also gives a more dynamic feel to conversations and is a great way to develop character.  Does your character have a habitual action?  A nervous tic? Avoiding dialogue tags forces you to develop your character's body language, and not just their voice.

But the fact is, there are times that you just want to focus on dialogue, particularly if it is a rapid fire kind of conversation or the middle of an action scene.  In those cases, you want the dialogue to be quick and lean.  Sometimes it's in the midst of a larger group scene.  When you have more than two people talking, spending too much time mentioning what each is doing can make the reader feel like they're watching a particularly confusing ping-pong match.

In those cases, you want your dialogue tags to be just that: tags.  Quick notes in the text to let the reader know who is talking and nothing else.  You don't want to indicate tone of voice or movement.  You don't need nuance.  You need identity, and that is all.

And that's why I love "said."

Why?  Because "said" is the dialogue tag that isn't.  Try it sometime.  Look over a favorite bit of dialogue in a book.  Many times, you'll notice (as long as it's not overused) that your eye skips over "said."  You make a mental note of who said what, but you're not focused on a murmur or a shout.  You're not wondering why the character quipped or questioned.  The focus remains on the words the character uses, and that is all.

So, here's my advice.  Don't be afraid of "said." Using it doesn't make you a bad or amateurish writer. In fact, using it correctly can really clean up your dialogue.  Used judiciously, "said" can become a great friend and prevent confusion or reader whiplash.

"Said," you can come out of the penalty box now.  Just play nicely.

 

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth

 

P.S. While I'm not starting the big promotion until Tuesday, I wanted to let my regular blog readers know that A Hidden Fire is on Amazon and Barnes & Noble now, so it is available for purchase in the US, UK, France, and Germany! It's also getting some pretty flattering reviews, so that's always nice.  (Be warned, however, some of them are very spoiler-ish reviews, so be careful if you prefer surprise. I have no control over readers posting spoilers.) I'll have more obnoxious posting about that tomorrow. I promise not to overdo it.

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How does music move you?

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.

Aldous Huxley

 

So most of you know that I love music. A lot. A lot a lot. As in, I was a sobbing mess when I lost my playlists in my hard drive crash. ("But honey, we saved all the music!" "But…but…my playlists! How will I ever remember the exact order of my Lyle Lovett collection?") As in, I still travel hundred of miles and drag my six-year-old along to go to music festivals.  (He likes the contact high. Kidding! Mostly…) And music really inspires me in my writing.  But I wanted to write a little here about how I actually use it as a writing tool and not just for fun.

While some people have set hours of the day that they write or a particular room that seems to make that creative energy flow, I do not. Nope. Most of the over half a million words I've written in the past couple of years have been written at my kitchen table.

Sometimes it's quiet, most times I'm surrounded by the cacophony of an active household. Since my husband works from home, that means that at any time, I can have one small boy, one large man, and three loud dogs running around and barking. (They all bark, or at least it feels that way sometimes.)

The reason that music has become so essential to my writing isn't just that it sounds cool, but because it allows me to focus.  Before I sit down to start writing, I put together a playlist for a book.  I listen to it while I brainstorm.  I listen to it while I plot or time-line.  Sometimes there are songs for each individual chapter, sometimes it's a set for a character, but there is always a playlist, and I don't change it much once I start writing.  When that playlist starts, it immediately puts me in "writing mode," no matter where I am.  I might be at the kitchen table with one earphone in so I can make sure no one starts crying or bleeding, it might be at the library while my son is at judo, or at a coffee shop late at night, but whenever I hear that music, it allows me to focus my mind and brings me back into my characters' universe.

This might not work for everyone, but it's pretty effective for me, and it's something that you might try in your own writing if writers' block is an issue for you.  Sometimes, all I need is the first few bars of a song to throw me into my character's mind or body and then away I can go.

So if you don't have a crystal cocoon to write in (and frankly, who does?) try a dedicated playlist! I save them all and go back to them when I'm editing, or just need to remind myself why I loved that book or piece of writing in the first place.

What do you think? How does music move or inspire you?

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth

Below is the music video for one song that was instrumental (ha! I'm punny.) in the development of Giovanni Vecchio, the main character in A Hidden Fire, which will be out on Tuesday!

Damien Rice—"Volcano"

 

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Contest news!

Hello all!

I've had so many new subscribers to this blog! I love it. Thanks to all my new readers.  I just wanted to make sure that readers know the contest for the free copy of A Hidden Fire is for subscribers over at the book website, ElementalMysteries.com. So click over there if you're interested in winning a free book!

Hope you're all having a great week. I'm swamped with final details for the book launch, which is a week from today, but I'll soon be posting back here more regularly.

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth

Tis the season…

photo by: Tomas Castelazo

For spooks, goblins, skeletons, and give-aways!

I am announcing the final publication date for my book, A Hidden Fire, on October 18th, 2011! I won't belabor the point here, but if you have any other questions, I hope you'll check out the site for the books, ElementalMysteries.wordpress.com for book news, teasers and contests.

Here's some advance praise for the book:

"A sophisticated, intelligent, story that will leave you in love with its characters. This is a must-read for lovers of paranormal romance looking for something that has real substance." –Nichole Chase, author of Mortal Obligation, Book One ofThe Dark Betrayal Trilogy

"I am in love with this story! It is beautifully crafted and moves at the perfect pace to suck you in and keep you coming back for more. …I am eagerly anticipating the next installment of this series, and I am grateful for the chance to read an ARC copy of this one. If only I had the patience of a vampire to get me from now until it's release."—Rachel, Goodreads reviewer

Currently I am running a contest for an Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) for all my new subscribers over at the book site.  That's right, if you sign up for email updates over at EM.com, you are automatically entered to win a free copy of the book a week before it's on sale to the public! Contest ends this coming Tuesday.

I also have a seasonal post up there about Dia de los Muertos, a fascinating holiday that is celebrated more and more in the United States and is featured in the book.  Hope you check it out!

Thanks for reading,

Elizabeth