S.K. Whiteside's Blog, page 2

Characters and their Cars

[image error]  I thought I would do a fun post about the different cars my characters drive.  When writing supernatural bad asses why not give them some toys?  I mean, if I cant have them, at least my characters can...right?  How can you have a fully developed character personality without including their "tastes"?  
Since Malachi's story is due to be released first in "SERAPHIC: An Anthology" with CH&BB Publishing, I thought it only fair to start with him.  Malachi's car may come off a bit ostentatious at first (starting price for this baby withOUT the goods exceeds 180k) but when you get to know Malachi, you quickly understand that, that is just the kind of guy he is.   Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
Malachi is a class act.  When he is not being overly sarcastic and bitter, he spends time trying to enjoy the finer things in life...er, death.  Maybe Afterlife?  In any case, he is a lover of fine wines (and women), Gucci, Prada, and all other costly name brands.  Finely tailored suits, hair care, and shoes (definitely) the shoes are nothing less than the best and he often looks more like a Calvin Kline model than Centuries Old Fallen Angel Warrior.  Did I mention he was a TECH JUNKIE???  Anything APPLE/MAC and he is all over it.  It doesnt help I guess that his real life counterpart seems to be the same way.  The question is, does Malachi take after him or does HE take after Malachi???
 Syn's toys are a bit more on the dangerous side, just like her.  Since her creation (she is an earthbound egyptian goddess) she has been a bit dangerous and often crosses over to the destructive side.  It makes for an excellent warrior but a terrible person to house sit.   What's even worse is she has no remorse for the destruction, or anything for that matter.  She doesnt have any emotions.  It's the Gods way of ensuring she doesnt destroy the world.  Last time she got angry she nearly wiped mankind from the planet.  To make up for it Syn likes all things dangerous and exciting.  Its her way of feeling SOMETHING.  Her pride and joy sits at roughly 250k Fully loaded.Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

IN PREPARATION FOR 2012

Well, I can honestly say that most of 2011 has been a bit of a disappointment for me.  It was a pretty rough year emotionally, spiritually, physically, and vocationally but, by the end of the year signs of prosperity began to show themselves.  Like everyone else in the world who write "resolutions" I look forward to starting "anew".  I have learned (and sometimes RE-learned) a few things and look forward to carrying that knowledge into 2012 and making the best of the new year.  I also do not believe setting "new years resolutions" and bounding myself to tightly knit principals.  Everyone should always strive to better themselves no matter what the situation so instead of making "resolutions", I am opting to setting goals I would like to accomplish by this time next year.
Tentative Summer 2012.1.  Have every single work on my "in progress list" (which will be updated tonight to prepare for the new year) under contract and in print with a publishing company (not just ebook with the exception of my free reads and shorts).  Even if I have to do it myself.
2.  FINALLY apply and send off my applications for graduate schools to get my Doctorate.  (I am an overachiever, what can I say).
3.  Get back in PEAK physical condition (finish with surgeries and all).
4.  Become more financially indpendent and responsible.  (actually put money in my pathetic savings account).
5.  Spend more time with my children.  (Unfortunately mommy and daddy have been so busy, we havent taken time to enjoy our babies like we should and they are growing so fast).
6.  Spend more time on things of importance and less time on things not in my control.
7.  Write more.
8. Write more.
9.  Be happy.
That's a doable list dont ya think?  I mean, everyone says "lose ___# lbs. this year by so and so" the problem I have found is (through working as a Therapist) is that when you set your expectations too high, you become discouraged from completing your task when things dont go entirely the way you envision or except.  Therefore, you should set realistic goals that dont limit you onto one particular outcome and set you up for failure.  FAILURE is a hell of a de-motivater.    I think WRITERS should also take heed to this information and set realistic goals in 2012.  Not everyone is going to love your work...not every person is going to get published...and not everyone is going to be the next J.K. Rowling or Stephanie Meyer (except me *cough* lol).  I know I say it all of the time, but its something that I like to think about when I need help through those WONDERFUL rejection letters all writers get at some point...
"J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter was rejected TWELVE times before someone took a chance."
Things dont come easy in life.  You have to put for some effort and work, otherwise...how are you going to truly enjoy it?
Happy New Year everyone!!!
~S.K

False Praise: Why I love my CRIT Partner

I hate false praise.  I hate fake admiration.  I ABSOFUGGINLUTELY hate telling a writer their work was AWESOME just for the sake of sparing feelings...
I'm not that girl.
I see it like this, I dont OWE you anything and if your feelings are worn on your shoulder to the point you take offense to constructive criticism, then you are DEFINITELY in the wrong game.  Friends/Acquaintences or not, when it comes to business it is what it is.  If I think your story SUCKS then guess what that's MY OPINION.  I am sure SOMEONE out there will like it because as a writer friend once told me, "There is an audience out there for everyone."
She couldn't have been more correct.
I have recently joined a new publishing family (Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing, LLC) and they are the type of company who believes there is an audience for everyone (Love them!)  Unfortunately, new authors/writers are coming into this sense of ENTITLEMENT and all of them think their story is the best and unique.  Normally I wouldn't care but as I have begun doing some promo work for them for their books (which I absolutely dont mind...I support Indie Publishers and bookstores...and they in NO WAY abuse my kindness which is why I love them) I have noticed a growing trend.  The entitlement and sequential praise that their "Fans" give them for works that they have NEVER EVEN READ baffles me.  
I CANT STAND HANDOUTS.
I see so many "awesome, I cant wait for your book" or "you're a great writer" and I KNOW (sometimes for FACT) that some of these same people secretly are annoyed and cannot stand the premise for said work let alone looks forward to reading it.  It's heartbreaking.  I am all for support and upliftment but you are setting your "FRIENDS" up for failure and disappointment.  How do you expect anyone to WORK, BETTER THEMSELVES, OR GROW, when you are assisting in giving them what I deem a NARCISSITIC view of their work.  (Sorry that's the Therapist in me).  If they get offended for you telling the truth then they need to get out of the writing game STAT.  Rejection comes with the territory.  J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter was rejected 12 times before she got a yes.  Furthermore as writers, why get offended?  If you ask someone their opinion who are you to get upset with they give it?  They are only giving you what you asked for? For example, I hate SCI-FI so asking me my opinion on a SCI-FI story would be pretty much dumb on your part.  
One way to combat this problem I am seeing is for people to get a TRUE critique partner.  You need a CRIT partner that will NOT spare your feelings and tell you what you need to work on, what works, and what is completely and utterly STUPID about your MS.  Any CRIT partner that reads your story and on the FIRST read tell you they ABSOLUTELY LOVED EVERYTHING is a bold face lie and you should be weary.  They are setting you up for disappointment to spare your feelings or not sound like a bitch.  If you are lucky enough to get a "already published" author as a crit partner that also helps.  
That is why I absoltely love my critique partner.
A published writer with a proven track record and similiar outtake on everything that is life like myself, my critique partner ZEE MONDEE is the BOMB DIGGITY.  I send her my MS and even simple things she doesn't like (like the friggin name of a character) she let's me know.  
"I cannot stand the name of the character...it sounds so plain," was her exact words.
THAT'S what I am talking about...LET ME KNOW!
She is also not afraid to tell me when I am "Fuggiin up", "You need to get cracking on the rest of your MS so I can read it!"  Almsot makes me feel bad for procrastinating or starting something else!  Did I mention she is a fabulous writer?  I am so lucky to have her on my team.  You can't have her though, go find your own.  
I'm serious...
You need one like NOW, because I am going to start being mean to some of you all about your work and your attitudes.  Not everyone can be fortunate enough to have writer friends like me who keep me grounded like my critique partner.  A special thanks to my SEASONED/VETERAN writer friends who continue to keep it "100%" with me and keep reminding me that being a "Writer" is more than just getting "published" and that sometimes the truth is what you need to hear to succeed.  These ladies are the ONLY ones I would trust to tell me the truth no matter how much it hurts because I asked for it and needed to hear it.  Delilah Devlin, Megan Heart, Yvonne Nicholas, and Debra Glass.  I appreciate you all.
Much Love~SK
P.S.  Check out my fabulous crit partner here...http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...

Why I failed at NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo book cover designed by ParaGraphic Designs*Le Sigh* Where do I begin?  As National Novel Writing Month (a.k.a. NaNoWriMo) draws to a close, I guess it is pretty obvious I will NOT meet my quota.  To be quite honest, I hadnt put forth much of an effort.  Don't get me wrong, my idea was/is brilliant (if I do say so myself) and I will DEFINITELY continue working on the novel.  The thing is, my excuse for not finishing is...
wait for it...
Things have been going really well in the writing arena.  
You heard me right.  
I did not finish my NaNoWriMo novel because my writing is going super well.
What do I mean?  For starters, a major publishing company loved my Paranormal Menage' story but unfortnuately will no longer be publishing Paranormal stories (I guess they are a bit repetitive now).  They wanted to know if I had any non paranormal LGBT fiction instead.  Alas, I do not.  I was then told to please send in any non paranormal work that I may have in the future because they really liked my style.  
The bad news?  My story didnt get published.  The good news?  Had it not been Paranormal, it might have.  Who knows maybe I will "restructure" it and send it back to them.  Either way, it was very encouraging to have such a positive reply from a publisher.  It lets me know I am on the write track with my writing.
My Ebook sales are doing REALLY well.  So well, I am actually shocked.  Even my Amazon.uk sales are skyrocketing.  Who knew there were that many people out in the world that really like smut?  I am both happy and concerned at the same time (lol).  I must say, I was a bit uncomfortable writing the stuff at first but now, its kind of fun.  I started writing the erotic shorts to submit to a couple of erotic/romance anthologies and each time I write one, I feel I get a little bit better.  I still have trouble making that emotional connection between the characters before and during sex but then again, I am not a romance writer.  I have decided that I can live with that.
My first full length novel "Guardian" is almost complete.  My Critique Partner (CP) loved it so far and cant wait for the second half.  A few minor kinks to work out (i.e. she told me she hated the names but thats ok, because I wasnt really feeling them either.)  We decided to play with these names that readers will find but funny and ironic.  Other characters have quite a few quips about that throughout the book.
Speaking of Guardian, one of its more central characters has been getting alot of buzz.  Apparently women go crazy for "Malachi" the smart ass ego-centric fallen angel in Guardian.  I wonder what they all would say if they found out he is based off of a real person I know.  Needless to say, Malachi will now be getting his own short for print in an Anthology (yay!).  The title of the story is "Fallen From Grace" and tells the story of how Malachi became a Fallen Angel.  Its kind of Dark and Twisted but it would have to be to get him from the Malachi he was, to the Malachi he is to become in Guardian.  I will keep you all posted on the release date for that.  I am in the last stages of that manuscript then its off to the publisher!
The muse has been hitting me upside the head constantly for the past few weeks and I am trying to stay above ground. In fact, please excuse any typos or editing mistakes.  As a matter of fact, today I have completed 4223 words and I am still on a roll.  I am in a zone and I dont want it to stop.
 So THAT my lovelies is why I failed at NaNoWriMo.  
If you think its just an excuse...
bite me.

Immortal Series: Meet The Characters, SYN (teaser)

What better way to have you meet the protagonist of the Immortal Series than to give you a teaser from the book?  This particular teaser/excerpt gives you a bit of insight (small albeit) into Syn's personality and her role in the series.  Sit back and relax and spread the word because Guardian is coming...wheter you are ready for it or not!

She had just turned towards the direction of her loft to call it a night when she heard a scream.  Syn immediately took off, half running and half jumping the rooftops toward the direction where she was sure she had heard the scream.  "At last some action," she thought out loud.  Another scream followed but this time it sounded closer.  Syn stopped at the edge of what was the fifth rooftop she had jumped and peered over the side.  Below the building she saw what appeared to be half wolf and half……….woman???  The beast had the body of a human woman with the appendages of a wolf.  She…it…or whatever it was, was disgusting to look at.  It was far more hairy than a normal human with huge paw like feet and large claws.  Its hands looked like human hands but were larger, longer, and curved over like long talons.  The hairy chest of the beast hid slightly large breasts (the reason why Syn assumed it was of the female variety) but the head was that of a large grotesque wolf.  Her long, snouted mouth was dripping with saliva and blood.  Syn had never seen a female werewolf in person before.  Generally they stayed hidden in their packs serving as concubines and sex slaves for the males.  This one Syn was now sure was definitely female and definitely in the mortal world feeding off a human male, whom she could now make out was her victim.  The female wolf was preparing to go in for the kill when she paused and sniffed the air.  The wolf's thin lips curved back into a low snarl which revealed most of her blood covered fangs.  Before the wolf could react Syn jumped from the rooftop where she was crouching and sliced a gaping wound along the animals back with her knife.  The wolf let out a howl so shrill it made the hairs on Syn stand on end... "…christ that is an annoying sound," she thought.  As the wolf lunged, she reached her big claw-like hands at Syn but Syn's reflexes were too quick.  Syn leaned back and kicked her with the heel of her boot in the middle of her hairy ribcage.  She assumed that with a human-ish body the blow would have the same effect.  She was wrong.  The blow did cause the she-wolf to falter a step or two but she quickly regained her balance and started towards Syn again.  "Oh Crap." Syn turned in the opposite direction, ran up the wall of the building she was facing and flipped behind the abomination.  Either the she-wolf could not see that well or the female breed of wolf were dumb as posts because she immediately became confused as if Syn vanished into thin air.  Syn watched the dumb animal for maybe half a second before she jumped on her back and separated its brainless head from its body.  She cleaned her knife in the creature's hair as its body slumped to the ground with a loud "thud".  Syn then tossed the pieces of the creature into a nearby dumpster and set it ablaze.  The only way to kill a werewolf is with silver and fire.  It was true for her male counterparts so Syn figured what's good for the goose should sure as hell work for the gander.

Stay tuned for more info on Immortal Series: Guardian coming soon.


Syn's previous life.

Ranting Review: Blood & Light by Rue Volley

Author Rue Volley
Well folks I am PLEASED to announce my last Ranting Review for a while as I will be concentrating on my own writing projects.  I love reviewing and reading but it must take a momentary backseat. With that being said, I am happy to have Rue Volley's  Blood & Light  to be the champion and hold the coveted "final" (yet temporary) slot.  Rue Volley is an Author Extroidenaire, Pimp-Tagger (lol), Photographer, overall nice gal, and CLASSIC OVER-ACHIEVER.  When Rue writes, she WRITES AND WRITES AND WRITES.  She wrote her entire Blood & Light  series prior to a Literary Contract.  (Think Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in length each book).
Blood & Light Book 1 in the Series
You know the rules with Ranting Reviews.  I do not allow spoilers.  I only give impressions that may or may not make you want to read the book.  In the case of  Blood & Light  I can say it definitely left an impression.  As a Therapist I can appreciate the motivation behind the writing of the story.  Rue provides a touching insight to this motivation at the beginning of the book before the story that is sure to bring a tear to the eye of anyone who has ever lost a family member (ok so that was a SLIGHT spoiler).  Throughout the book you cant help but feel the emotions the author was feeling as she wrote (then again maybe thats the Therapist in me...lol).  
The story itself is snarky, fun, and of course sexy (just how I like it).  It also has some sembelance of reality (yeah I know, for Vampires right? I live in New Orleans....VAMPIRES EXIST!).  Unreseloved family issues and emotional hangups run rampant and its so nice to see something that can be remotely REAL versus the typical teenage "I - love- you- so -much- I- will- die -without -you,- bite- me- so - that - i - can - live- forever - and - we - can - be- together- forever- not - quite - a - threesome - love - triangle."  I have only read book one thus far and can say that it is indeed refreshing, unique, and a much needed take in this age of Stephanie Meyers.  Well done Rue Volley!
The downside of  Blood & Light ?  (You know I always have to give one no matter how much I love a book because I have to be fair).  The downside is the length.  Granted its all in personal preference and has nothing to do with the writer or the story itself.  Blood and Light is roughly 700 pages (ebook edition, not sure the exact number in print).  This is pretty lengthy for a series opener.  Again, a non writer person may not care about this and truthfully had I not been doing a review and were only reading in my lesiurely time I probably wouldnt care either.  I just felt like such a loser because it took me forever to make a dent (whatever call me an over-achiever...lol).
All in all  Blood & Light  is well worth the buy and is the start to what I presume to be a great series from Rue Volley and that's not just
Book 2 of the Blood & Light Series. 
HA! You Get it?!!!
Now, even though I swear off spoilers doesnt mean I cant give you goodies!  With permission of the author I present to you an excerpt from  Blood & Light  by Rue Volley...Be still my heart, there is biting.

"Why are you here?" I whispered. He grinned. "Saving all the forest creatures, I guess." He said. I looked at him. I don't know what came over me, I really don't. I moved forward and pushed him onto his back. I laid down on top of him and touched his face. He looked at me, a little confused. "What are you doing?" he whispered. I pressed my lips against his and he tried to stop me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and he tried to say something. I kept kissing him though. He pulled me away from him.  "I have to tell you something…something you need to know." He said. I looked at him and pushed myself up. I started to take my leather off as his eyes got wider. He held his hands up. "I have to talk to you Rue!" he said. I jumped on top of him and leaned forward. I kissed him harder and grabbed at his leather. I started to pull it off of him. I leaned forward and bit his shoulder. I tasted the blood in my mouth. I felt his body tense up and he moaned. I sat up and the blood was on my lips. He looked at me and sat up with me on his lap. He grabbed my hair and kissed me as he rolled me onto my back. He leaned in and bit my neck. I felt his teeth break my skin and I cried out as my legs pulled up. He pulled away from my neck and gently kissed my lips. He suddenly stopped and pulled himself away from me. He stood up and cleared his throat as he paced back and forth. I pushed myself up on my elbows and looked at him. "Why did you stop?" I said. Josh looked at me, laying there with my shirt off and shook his head. "You have no idea what I would love to do to you right now…I swear to god." He said. I tilted my head. "Do what you want with me Josh…I want you." I whispered. He stopped pacing and stared at me. He pulled his hair and yelled out. I flinched. "What is wrong with you?" I asked him. He looked at me. "Oh my god…any other time…I swear to god!...I would mess you up." He said. I stood up and started to pull my pants off. He turned and watched me. "Oh god, you have to stop, or I am going to lay you down right here Rue…I promise you." He whispered. "Then do it." I said as I touched my stomach. He lunged forward and grabbed my hand. He pulled me to him. "Don't do that." He whispered. I took his hand and put his finger in my mouth, I bit it slightly and he made a strange noise as he moved back, away from me. He stood there looking at me. "I want you so badly, I want to bite you in the worst places." He said. I flashed to him and placed my hand on his, I put it on my breast and he shuddered.

You can purchase  Blood & Light  here on Ranting Reviews or on the link below...http://www.amazon.com/Blood-and-Light...

Guardian Excerpt

[image error]






The moment you have all been waiting for (lol, because clearly I am THAT important right?) Decided to give you all an excerpt up my upcoming book. Enjoy!
Here you meet the main character Syn.

It was early morning when she woke up sweating.  She didn't really know why but the instant her eyes adjusted to the dark room all traces of the dream she had vanished.  It was the weirdest feeling.  She typically doesn't dream so the fact that she indeed had one was a little unnerving.  Then again, she doesn't usually sleep.  Sleeping for her was more out of habit and boredom than necessity.  Her name is Syn, no last name…Just SYN as in the Seven Deadly varieties.  Syn is a vampire; at least that is what your kind, humans, would call her today.  She came from a time where they had no name and many of them were worshiped as gods and goddesses.  Today most cultures call them Vampires and well, Vampires don't need to sleep….or eat…or drink….or breathe.  Morbid, right?  Whatever, you get use to the idea after thousands of years.   

Syn rolled over, glanced at the clock, and groaned.  08:37a.m. just great. She was so not a morning person.  Come to think about it, she wasn't much of an afternoon or evening person.  Syn typically didn't like people and felt that all life is meaningless.  Living to her was so overrated.  The only reason she didn't cease to exist was because she had a job to do.  Ok, Syn knew she could sound a bit depressing but she wasn't…at least she didn't think she was.  Syn didn't really have any feelings to know.  Syn was not allowed to have feelings so she didn't feel happy, sad, or pain and really did not know if she cared that she couldn't feel.  It's a complicated situation...

© Copyright 2011 S.K. Whiteside

  

Meet the Characters: Echo

[image error]
Name: Sean "Echo" LeBeauBooks: Immortal SeriesHeight: Varies but around six feet in his "original" phaseHair: Blonde and WavyEyes: Crystal BlueCharacter: He is a MimicPowers: Can assume the appearance and physical powers of anyone in close proximity visually.Family: Unknown
Favorite Color: Blue    Not much is known about Echo because he doesnt like to talk much about his past.  What is known is that he is good at what he does.  He has a heart of gold and lives to do his job with the Guardians.  He is an Advocate for all avenues of human rights and has the snarkiest sense of humor.  He can sometimes be found impersonating people including his fellow guardians just for the fun of it and the sheer confusion it causes.
In his own words:  
Good or Bad? "Definitely Good.  I am only Bad where its meant to be private and even then I am good ;)"
I can't live without my? "My computer"
Love? "Why not? Everyone needs it."
Favorite Part about being a Guardian? "Showing the world that just because I am deaf doesnt mean I cant do anything.  I can do anything anyone else can do...and most of the time I do it better."

Worst Part about being a Guardian? "Being prejudged by narrow minded idiots"

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?"There is nothing wrong with me, so I dont need to change anything."  *shrug* "It may sound cocky, but it is what it is."
If the world ended tomorrow I would be?...."Spending time with those I care about."
*SWOON HEART*

Meet the Characters: Malachi

[image error] Name: MalachiBooks: Immortal Series
Height: 6"1
Hair: Dark Brown (Today)
Eyes: Blue
Character: Fallen Angel
Powers: Healing, Super Strength, Flight, Wind Elemental, Various Forms of Martial Arts.

Family: None. Disowned.

Favorite Color: Black or White

Favorite Group: 30 Seconds to Mars


If you ask Malachi about Malachi, Malachi would say that Malachi is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Malachi thinks that Malachi is super awesome and Malachi is never wrong. We say? Malachi is being an arrogant ass because Malachi is insecure and doesnt really want people to know the real him. Kicked out of Heaven by his bretheren for a foolish mistake, all Malachi wants to do is earn his way back in. Malachi is often being judged and labled as an arrogant womanizing ass that's beyond narcissitic and let's face, that's what he wants you to think. What Malachi doesn't want you to know is that there is more to his story, a side he doesnt want to tell because it brings back the still fresh memories of a serious betrayal that has left him scarred in more ways than one...


In his own words:

Good or Bad? "Doesn't matter, in the end they all turn on you anyway"

I can't live without my?  "iPhone"


Casey Anthony? "Is that the git that killed her kid?" *looks around* "I'd do her. Its not like she has to answer to me in the end anyway, Besides, a Chick's a Chick."


Love? "It's overrated and makes you WEAK and STUPID"


Favorite Part about being a Guardian? "Kicking Ass and taking names"



Worst Part about being a Guardian? "next question"



If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be? "Have you seen me? I'm effin gorgeous!  *sigh* next question"



If the world ended tomorrow I would be? ...."Praying for your souls."

[image error]

BACK IN ACTION!

[image error]Well folks, I finally have my new hard drive and I am able to start making up for lost time.  It has been really hard having my mind go 100 miles per hour yet have no outlet to explore.  The good news is I have been able to recover about 95% of everything on my laptop thanks to the greatest creation in the world the FLASHDRIVE and EMAIL.  Unfortunately all my edits and a few (like three) pictures that I had yet to save over the past two weeks did not survive the Apocolypse.  Don't fret, I can make it up to you!  While I play catch up with my own novel and my reviews for my blog posts I will bring you character profiles so you can get the know the characters in both of my series better.  I will also try to get you an excerpt here and there to titilate and satiate your literary wanton.  The first three characters to be featured are listed below, with the first profile done tomorrow!  Until then, Ciao! Bella!SerenityMalachi[image error]Sean "Echo" LeBeau