Michelle Flick's Blog, page 2

A few things -

Hi everyone! I hope you are getting ready for the holiday season (or are done getting ready!).

I wanted to pop in and let everyone know a few things!

Walker is up on Amazon as an E-copy and a paperback! The links are on the sidebar.

I want to thank everyone who has shared, posted, and bought the book. Your reviews have been wonderful!

I have a blog tour being set up right now! Yeah! I am sure I did something wrong but I have wonderful people who have signed up, read the novel and are posting! Be on the look out for that!

If you are interested in reading Walker and willing to blow up the social medias with reviews (honest ones) email me at mf060784 at gmail or tweet me at @mflick729.

Walker giveaway!

So Walker is out (as if you people have not seen the texts, posts, and tweets) SO I am giving away a copy, or rather copies of Walker.

Kate isn’t thrilled to be moving to the middle of nowhere. She's already lost her parents, now she's leaving the only place she's ever known as home. She’s not there long when she realizes her dreams aren’t her own and that she has the ability to walk through other people's dreams. Not only that, but she might have found her dream guy--literally. He's in her dreams.

Just when she starts to get the hang of dream walking, strange murders in her new town start to occur. Girls are being killed as they sleep with no evidence, no suspects and no clear motive behind the deaths. It doesn’t take Kate very long to realize that the girls aren’t just being killed as they sleep—they’re being killed in their sleep.

Kate must figure out how to find the killer in the real world and keep the ones she loves safe while they sleep



Enjoy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An example as a mommy.

Writing has always been part of my life. When I was a little girl, I would write poems and give them as presents. My mom still has a collections of the poems I wrote her. I started my first novel when I was in 9th grade. It never really made it anywhere.

English class was a natural thing for me in high school. I excelled and didn't try very hard. I didn't have to.

About 8 years ago, I was sitting in a Grad class with my favorite professor Dr. Terry Mosher. And part of the course was working on our own writing. It had been years since I had actually written something that wasn't for an assignment. But as we went around the room, announcing what we would be working on for the semester, the words: a novel popped out. He replied, with a smile "Nothing like being an overachiever.

So I began. I finished it. I never showed it to anyone. EVER.

Three years ago I started the Owens Legacy. I was on fire. I was going to do this. I was going to be successful. I had a goal and from that goal, multiple goals sprung up. I had a purpose beyond teaching, beyond family and friends. I was going to be famous.

Now Walker is out. (Go me.) But this book is different for me when it comes to purpose. This time, I am a mommy of a beautiful almost 6 month old. And I sit around thinking about everything with her. I come back to the thoughts of who I want her to be and examples and how do I make her a strong person.

I now write to set an example for my daughter that dreams can come true, that I am hard working, that I will work and work and not give up, that I have goals. I want to be that for her. Being a mommy - changes you.

Walker is live!

Hey everyone! Ecopies of Walker are out. You can find them here! I have been having some awesome, feel good moments with this book. So if you haven't stopped by to buy it or borrow it - what are you waiting for?

For those of you who don't go through Amazon. This book around I am trying out KDP Select to see the difference in sales. It will be part of other sites once the 90 days is up. I am experimenting.

Anyway - here is my blurb for Walker.

Kate isn’t thrilled to be moving to the middle of nowhere. She's already lost her parents, now she's leaving the only place she's ever known as home. She’s not there long when she realizes her dreams aren’t her own and that she has the ability to walk through other people's dreams. Not only that, but she might have found her dream guy--literally. He's in her dreams.

Just when she starts to get the hang of dream walking, strange murders in her new town start to occur. Girls are being killed as they sleep with no evidence, no suspects and no clear motive behind the deaths. It doesn’t take Kate very long to realize that the girls aren’t just being killed as they sleep—they’re being killed in their sleep.

Kate must figure out how to find the killer in the real world and keep the ones she loves safe while they sleep.


Head over to Amazon and help my rankings :) 

Teaser for Walker - Contest coming later today on Facebook!

Wednesday is Walker's release date!!! So in celebration I am going to give an copy away everyday including Wednesday. It's going to happen on Facebook so be sure to like my page for the chance to win!!!

Kate isn’t thrilled to be moving to the middle of nowhere. She's already lost her parents, now she's leaving the only place she's ever known as home. She’s not there long when she realizes her dreams aren’t her own and that she has the ability to walk through other people's dreams. Not only that, but she might have found her dream guy--literally. He's in her dreams.

Just when she starts to get the hang of dream walking, strange murders in her new town start to occur. Girls are being killed as they sleep with no evidence, no suspects and no clear motive behind the deaths. It doesn’t take Kate very long to realize that the girls aren’t just being killed as they sleep—they’re being killed in their sleep.

Kate must figure out how to find the killer in the real world and keep the ones she loves safe while they sleep. Add it on goodreads.


Here's a teaser though!

I had walked from the parking lot and into the school, so absorbed in the pending melodrama coming toward me today that I didn’t notice my surroundings. People weren’t bouncing off the walls. Mr. Hale was absent from his post. I knew the atmosphere the students of Brighton were creating. The halls were going to be somber, quiet, eerily quiet, but there would always be some sort of noise some people were annoyed with. People would crowd together, looking for comfort, but everyone would feel alone. And for those that didn’t know Brittany, they would feel uncomfortable. They wouldn’t know how to react to those who were grieving and they would continue through the halls respectfully quiet.             Emily had been goofy this morning and I didn’t know how Elise was going to react to this news. Elise had been a cheerleader so I imagined she would have known Brittany as a freshman. I saw her and I knew Elise knew her. Elise tried to give me an encouraging smile, but looked more like she was choking on something.             “I’m sorry,” I said as I sat down next to her.             ‘Thanks.”            There wasn’t much to say because there’s nothing to say.             In English 11, my heart stopped beating. I was unsure if the drama I had been preparing for would happen today. I prayed it wouldn’t. The amount of disrespect that would happen sickened me.             Nothing happened on my way in the classroom. Colton was already in his seat. He looked at me blankly and then went back to staring at his notes. Class went on, like our previous classes did, forced. Mrs. Stacy tried to keep active, but not even her heart was into Arthur Miller today.             Nothing concerning JCru happened all morning. Lunch was quiet. I discovered Emily was one of those people who cracked jokes at inappropriate times to try to ease the awkwardness. She got a few smiles and she got a few dirty looks.             At the last period with Colton, he gave me the blank look. I murmured my sympathies and Mr. Reyda tried to get us to participate in the lab, but didn’t seem to care no one got much work done.
            While they grieved for Brittany, I grieved for my parents. I wondered if every time someone passed, would the feelings of loss come rushing back at me?

Teaser 7 for Walker!

A bunch of teaser coming out this week! Walker will be out in 8 days!!!!

The little girl came charging into the room, frantically looking around the room, not seeing me.             “Ryleigh!” I yelled, hoping she would hear me.             She paused, listening and I heard it too. Footsteps. Heavy, slow footsteps coming toward the room. The urge to hide had passed. I went to grab Rayleigh, but I was unable to touch her. She stared, frozen. The footsteps were closer and I had no desire to see who was coming around the corner. I bolted from the room.             Ryleigh let out a blood–curdling scream, making me stop my mad dash for an exit in the back. I whirled around, to see a guy standing there. He was in the shadows. I could only see disjointed parts of him. His sneakers, the rip in the knee of his jeans, his forearm, but his face fell perfectly in the light. He was staring at me, puzzled.             Ryleigh let out another blood curdling scream and I dashed back into the room. She was a child and she was scared, dream or not. I stood in front of Ryleigh. She screamed and screamed. I went to rip her out of his hold, but I couldn’t touch him either. He knocked her to the ground and started dragging her to the foyer.             “Let her go,” I screamed. “Let her go.”            They didn’t pay any attention to me. He continued to drag her out of the room. He headed toward the staircase as Ryleigh kicked and screamed for her release. I charged at him one more time.


            “Wake up! Wake up Kate!” Jesse was shaking me. “Kate! You’re having a nightmare.”

AH! Poor Kate! Wait no - Ryleigh.

Shameless Promotion - Part 3

Hi everyone. I am rounding up my friends and doing a panel on indie-publishing.  I asked a bunch of questions (things I want to know and others probably do to), they answered, and I am putting it together. Stop by every Wednesday for the next few weeks.

So why the title of this post? Because they are promoting how awesome they are.

My authors are: Erica Cope, Heather Diemer, and J.A. Lantz

Erica:

What is the best avenue for you in promoting your book(s)? I have no idea because I've never done much promoting. The success of my books is 100% thanks to word-of-mouth and some kick ass friends.

Who is someone who has helped you to establish yourself? I owe everything to Komal Kant, Michelle Flick and Heather Sloan.

For someone just breaking into writing, what would you suggest to them? Get a great Critique Group! They are so helpful!

What are some wonderful things about self-promotion? What are some difficult things?  Through self-promotion you meet some really great people but at the same time, it's really awkward for me personally to be all like “Hey, wanna read my book?”

What do you spend most of your time in the promotion world? Why? 
Oh gosh, I guess just Facebook. I've never done a blog tour though I think I should....maybe with my next book!

J.A. Lantz What is the best avenue for you in promoting your book(s)?I’m not very good at it but I have a blog, Avid Reading, Constant Writing I use to write about my writing, the writing process and to review books. The blog is a work in progress. I’ve recently made a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/joseph.lantz.161) for my writing. The Facebook page has allowed me to connect with students who are interested in my novel.
Who is someone who has helped you to establish yourself?  Michelle Rowe. Thank you for encouraging me to write, for pushing me to start my blog, for encouraging me to start the Facebook page and for the figurative kicks in the butt when I’ve needed it. A tremendous Thank You to Nadine for editing, for your insights, for your suggestions and for your enthusiasm for my writing.
For someone just breaking into writing, what would you suggest to them? Write the story as it is in your head and worry about editing when its time to edit.
What are some wonderful things about self-promotion? What are some difficult things?  I’ll get back to you on the wonderful. The difficult thing about self-promotion: self-promoting. I’m horrible at it. 
Heather:  What is the best avenue for you in promoting your book(s)?Social media seems to be the way indie authors are promoting their books.  Blog tours are popular as well.  Having an author like page separate from your personal page is a good way to gain fans and spread the word.
Who is someone who has helped you to establish yourself?Erica Cope first encouraged me to seriously consider writing a book over a year ago and since then I’ve been writing out every story that comes to my head. I’ve have quite a few short stories finished and about 30,000 words for a story I can’t get out of my head, but I can’t seem to move forward with.  Since then I’ve gained some new friends who’ve been very encouraging and pushing me to write more. 
For someone just breaking into writing, what would you suggest to them?Just write. Even if it’s silly, just write what you think about.  You never know how a story will develop.  And you never know what will inspire you.  And always carry a notebook and pen with you. I’m always inspired while driving.  I can’t really drive and write, but I can jot something down real quick.  
What are some wonderful things about self-promotion? What are some difficult things?
I’m not there yet so I don’t know…
What do you spend most of your time in the promotion world? Why? Not sure yet

Me: What is the best avenue for you in promoting your book(s)?My author page on FB. It gets the most traffic and serves as a hub to my blog. Head over and like it - the button is on the side of my bog.
Who is someone who has helped you to establish yourself?Komal Kant - I met her three (?) years ago. Komal would do something and I was like: Hey! I want to do that too! Then that was followed up by: Komal how do I do that. She was great. She always answered my questions and was super supportive. 
For someone just breaking into writing, what would you suggest to them?Everyone said write. I agree. Networking is helpful too. It's good for self-promotion, trials and tribulations, writer's therapy...mostly writer's therapy. :) Go out and post, comment, and tweet.
What are some wonderful things about self-promotion? What are some difficult things?
You are in control of it. The difficult things: You are in control of it. It can be overwhelming because it is constant.
What do you spend most of your time in the promotion world? Why? FB - it's where everyone seems to be. So that is where I am. 

Go follow my awesome panel! Come along with us on that journey too!

Teaser Number 6 for Walker

Teaser number 5 - Release date is getting close.

Today I want to introduce you to my character Elise. She's a crowd pleaser.


“Well, someone saw it and it’s making the rounds.” Elise didn’t seem the least bit disturbed by this. I, on the other hand, was dreading the repercussions for my klutziness. “Public Enemy Number One!” Elise yelled in the hall, pointing dramatically at me.            “Ms. Burrows,” boomed from Mr. Hale from behind us.             “Sorry, Mr. Hale,” she called back. I was figuring one thing out about Elise; she was loud.  She registered my anxious face, draped an arm around me and pulled me down the hall. “Listen, if you let JCru and her brigade of fake Barbies know they are buggin’ you, they’re going to eat you alive. Take Lisa; she let it be known the rumors hurt her feelings and they were like mosquitoes. Kenzie, on the other hand, gave everyone the finger including Colton and put on her big girl pants. They left her alone a lot quicker than they did Lisa.”            “And you? What did you do?”             “I slept with their boyfriends,” she smiled at me.  An interesting second thing I learned about Elise, the pot stirrer. “Probably not the best route.” She smiled at me.

Shameless Promotion - Part 2

Hi everyone. I am rounding up my friends and doing a panel on indie-publishing.  I asked a bunch of questions (things I want to know and others probably do to), they answered, and I am putting it together. Stop by every Wednesday for the next few weeks.

So why the title of this post? Because they are promoting how awesome they are.

My authors are: Erica Cope, Heather Diemer, and J.A. Lantz

Erica:
Why did you choose to do Indie publishing? Honestly? Because Abbi Glines recommended it when I met her at a book signing in 2012. 
How was the editing process? Editing is my least favorite part of the process. I think it's because I always tend to read what I think instead of what I actually wrote. I'm much better at editing for other people.
What were some wonderful things? Reading the feedback notes from my editor!
What were some difficult things about editing? It can feel tedious reading the same thing over and over.
Do you hold down a “day” job? If so, how do you find the time? My day job is “mommy” so I write whenever I can fit it in during the day (when they are napping or the rare times they are entertaining themselves) and at night when they are in bed. 
What kind of writing schedule do you keep to? Welllllll, I tend to write in spurts. There will be weeks where all I do is write, write, write! And then there are times (usually right after I publish) that I do nothing but think about the next story. Then when the mood strikes I write, write, write until it's finished. It's probably not the most productive but what can I say? It's how I roll.

J.A. Lantz

Why did you choose to do Indie publishing?Well, I haven’t published yet, but I’m going the Indie route because I don’t want to wait or endure the lengthy process of traditional publishing. I don’t have anything against traditional publishing – they’ve provided me with some of my favorite books – but the turn around time is too long. I’m already itching to get published as it is, I couldn’t imagine having to wait even longer. Also, I want to avoid rejections because I don’t fit into what the publisher is doing or thinks the readers want. I want my book out there and let the readers decide.
How was the editing process?“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” seems to sum up the editing process pretty well. I enjoyed editing because it allowed me to think about my story in new ways, to streamline the story, to refine the characters and, obviously, fix all my errors (or learning moments as I think of them). On the other hand, editing can be grueling at times because it takes time, time and even more time.
What were some wonderful things? What were some difficult things about editing?Wonderful things: positive feedback from my editor, constructive criticism, sense of accomplishment, seeing less and less red ink on the pages, and enthusiasm for my work from my editor.
Difficult things: saying goodbye to favorite scenes/moments that didn’t help the story but were awesome, having to pull out the entirely distinct novel I somehow managed to write within Helix, being able to see that story as a story in itself, and having so many new ideas for other stories pop into my mind causing me to stop editing and write those ideas down.
Do you hold down a “day” job? If so, how do you find the time?I work as a substitute teacher, so I often have days that are free which are spent editing and writing – not necessarily in that order. As a substitute, I’m able to use prep time to, one, prepare for the classes I’m covering and, two, to write on either my laptop or notepads depending on the time available. However, I always put the teaching responsibilities first.
What kind of writing schedule do you keep to?On my non-work days Monday through Friday, I can be found at the dining room table writing for hours – morning to night. On Saturdays, I squeeze in as much writing as possible around family obligations. On Sundays, I get nothing done because I live with avid (often angry) Bills fans, who shout, yell and cheer as if they were at the stadium. Distracting. Needless to say I look forward to non-football season Sundays.
Heather: Why did you choose to do Indie publishing?I have several friends who’ve published independently and have had success.  Indie authors have a close knit fan base who support each other. 
How was the editing process?
I’m not at that stage yet, but I have a friend who is an editor as well as some friends I think would be willing to help edit. 
Do you hold down a “day” job? If so, how do you find the time?
I do have a part time job that I do from home, I also am finishing up my bachelor’s degree online.  I write when I can, at night or when my husband is home.
What kind of writing schedule do you keep to?I don’t have a set schedule.  Work and school come first and then writing fits in after those are done for the day.

Me: Why did you choose to do Indie publishing?I originally went both routes and was going to go with what panned out first. Indie did. I have one out there right now, one is coming out in December, and I will go this route because now, I can't imagine waiting to publish my work. It's immediate gratification - I like it. :) 
How was the editing process?
Long - I often ask myself why I can't do it right the first time! I luck out because I have a close friend who does a great job editing for me. I also have great Beta readers. Wouldn't make it without these people. 
What were some wonderful things? What were some difficult things about editing? Wonderful things - about editing? Why did I put that question. Difficult? - Finding time. It's hard to keep to a schedule when you have a daunting task ahead of you. I have to make myself sit down and do it. I am my own boss so there is no one cracking the whip over my head. 
Do you hold down a “day” job? If so, how do you find the time?
I do. I teach middle school English. I don't really. I steal the hour I can get when I get it. 
What kind of writing schedule do you keep to?No schedule here. I just try to write once a week, like a good hour or two of non-stop typing. I normally have ideas bouncing around in my head so I can shell out some serious words in that time.




What about you? What's your writing schedule? How do you keep to a plan?

Let us know!

Teaser time for Walker by me :)

Teaser Time for Walker! Let me know what you think! And don't forget to like my facebook page - I am going to be doing a giveaway on it soon!

I was in some sort of maze. Gray, cracked, stonewalls surrounded me. I was outside and the sky was dreary. Why couldn’t I find someone with happy dreams? I mean, really are all people’s psyche’s this messed up? 
I felt the pull for me to move to my left. I stood my ground unwilling to follow the pull. I wanted the dreamer to stop moving. But the more I stood there, I began to feel my skin itch. I gave in and wandered around the maze.
“Nick?” He didn’t appear after a few minutes. “Nick?” But I got nothing.
I continued to wander. I didn’t have a problem until I cam to a dead end and the dreamer kept moving. I tried to back track, fighting against the pull, but the maze was harder to maneuver of my own free will. My skin itched and pulled and pinched. I began to run, trying to make up the distance.
“Nick!” I needed Nick to get me out of here. “Nick!”
The pull continued attack my skin. I felt a rain drop on my upper lip. Great, it was going to rain now I thought. I ran more and more and felt another drop. I touched my lip and looked at my finger.
Blood.
I stopped in my tracks. I touched my nose and found more blood on my hand. This wasn’t happening. It was not real. I was not actually bleeding. It was a dream. But the pull started again. I moved. I ran fast.
I came to a dead end almost with each turn. I could feel the blood drip out of my nose like a leaky faucet. I wanted to scale the walls. I wanted to get the dreamer to just stop moving, to make this feeling stop.
“Nick! Please!”
He was nowhere.
I needed to wake up.
“Wake up, Kate” I said out loud. “Fergie!”
I continued to run, until I felt a sudden pressure on my face.
“Fergie!” It had to be her. “Fergie! Come on girl!. Wake me up!”