Michelle Flick's Blog, page 4

A way to be a beta reader

Lately - I have been having a lot of conversations and experiences with editing. So folks - you are going to be witnessing a lot of editing posts.

I recently made a great friend (Autumn Houghton-Stanton) and had the opportunity to be one of her beta readers. When I edit, I am someone who wants to take the opportunity to really benefit the author. I want to know exactly what they want from me, what they want me to fix, what to look for, etc. So I asked Autumn and she requested that I read each chapter and give her feedback - one or two sentences. I had never done editing this way. I normally go through a story with a fine tooth comb - teacher in me - so this was different.

It worked really good. I would read, give Autumn my reactions and notes, and move on. It moved fast. I didn't get caught up in the grammar aspect (not that she had an issue).

Autumn and I also emailed frequently in the 24 hours it took me to read her book - YEAH IT WAS THAT GOOD! During the emails I could ask if I was giving her what she wanted, if I was being helpful. I think this important. An editor shouldn't just take a manuscript and lock herself in a closet. The dialogue with the author is super important. Again, editing is about getting the maximum results for the author.

What about you? How do you edit? What's the best (or most beneficial) way? LMK.

Catch - It's an app!

Have you ever been smack table in the middle of a WIP and this great idea for ANOTHER book pops into your brain? And your brain starts to work out the characters, snippets of dialogue, the setting? This happens to me all the time, especially when it comes to dialogue. I can come up with some great conversations in my head. No, I'm not crazy; I'm a writer.

But my current WIP! I can't stop now! I'm on a roll. But if I don't start writing this other book, I'm going to forget this great one liner, this description. CROSSROADS. 
NOPE! 
The app is called Catch. 
I love this app for the following reason:1. It's an app so it's on my phone - always handy! In school, in the car, middle of restaurant, anywhere.2. It records your voice. So you know how your mind works faster than your fingers can type. Well, no problem there. I have tons of sounds bytes with my voice dictating EXACTLY what I want. 3. Tons of sounds bytes? Not a problem - I organize all of my recordings based on the WIP. Catalogued. Check!
4. I can type an idea if I need to.
5. I'm pretty sure you can do something with pictures or icons - I haven't done anything with this - but thought I should mention it.
6. You can use it for other things to - lists, work stuff, etc. I do use my only for writing - but someday I may expand.7. When I'm ready, it's ready. I don't lose any of those great ideas that I am 100% positive will not be edited out later... (HA! Right.) 
That's my app. What app do you use to help you in the writing process? 

Final Four! Go vote for Dank! Giveaway here too!

AHHHHH Final FOUR! Please go vote for Dank at the YA-Sisterhood! We have been killing it! So keep up the good work! There is a giveaway at the bottom of this post! Go vote and spread the word!

Personality: He's pretty honest and upfront. For the most part, each character who has a run in with Dank knows where they stand with him. The only time he withholds anything is when it might effect/affect Pagan in some way. He writes music from his heart. Dank has a sarcastic side, that isn't abrasive, but just enough to tease Pagan. He takes his "work" seriously and after his love with Pagan, understands what he is doing more clearly, so he is willing to grow (how many guys really are?) 


Looks: Bluer than blue eyes. So blue that they have been referred to as gems. Look at the covers. Those babies pop. He also has black, not too long hair, that curls on the ends. A sultry smirk reserved only for Pagan and a dimple. Just one, sinisterly cute dimple. Smoking hot body. Did I mention his blue eyes? 


Talents: Besides easing people into their deaths? He serenades (and well, like soothingly and sensually) his girlfriend Pagan with a guitar and lullabies that he has written about how she has saved him. I mean, what girl doesn't want that? I do. 

Special Attributes/Best Qualities: One of my favorite qualities about him is his compassion. He can be a tough, I know that, but he can be so sweet and he doesn't have to be. For example, there was a little girl in EXISTENCE and he talked to the little girl and tried to make dying easier and made it a beautiful process. He didn't have to. His compassion extends farther than Pagan. Then there is that whole he is Death thing. Ya know - no biggie. Or the fact that he is a deity. 

Anything else? This year, with the help of my street team (WHO ARE AWESOME) and the great Abbi Glines, I have added some other reader's favorite qualities, moments, and quotes. 

One of my favorite quotes: “He's already proven he'll defy Heaven to keep her. If Hell wants a piece of him too, then bring it on.”  SWOON!


Two Responses from Abbi Glines! 
What are some of your favorite things about Dank? 
He holds the key to life or death in his hands yet he becomes as weak as a human when he falls for Pagan. There is something about watching a Deity act like a mortal because of love that gets to you. One of the reasons I love Greek Mythology. 

And why was he a fun character to write? Because he wasn't a man. He was something that every human fears but they know they will meet one day. Writing him with emotions and giving him a voice was almost comforting in a way. 

From the Greedy Booker - (and a quote I love) - “I’m not a man so I do not have a heart that loves as a human does. I’m an immortal god that dwells with supreme power because I hold the keys to Death. But you are my existence. I am yours.”- Existence

From Jorie Sus- Confronting Ghede with the Warriors threatening to destroy voodoo if he doesn't release Pagan's soul - (I have to say I loved this too. BAD ASS and it reminded me of how tough Dank is.)

From Erica Cope "It's the scene where Pagan is home from dress shopping and Dank comments on the pale pink dress then....
Both his hands gripped my waist pulling me hard up against his body. "You tempt me. I can't be tempted. I'm not made to be tempted but you, Pagan Moore, you tempt me."Then he goes on to say:"I didn't understand it at first. But now I know. It's your soul calling to me. Souls mean nothing to me. They aren't supposed to. But yours has become my obsession."Totaly swoonworthy moment for me. :)What's better than having a sexy rockstar serenade you in your sleep? :)
Kayla -  Okay, seriously, this year's tourney is full of total hotness & it was hard to choose which fella I wanted to support. I decided Dank was my man this year to support because, well, what's hotter than the baddest guy ever (hello - he's DEATH) who also plays the guitar plus sings & loves fiercely!

Willow D - “I realised you owned me one night in this room. I was singing to you and you were sleeping. You made a little noise in your sleep like you were distressed and I panicked and ran to your side. You grabbed my arm in your sleep and pulled it up against your face and went back to sleep. I didn't want to ever move.”
So if you love Dank or just fell in love with him, support us! Tweet for #TeamDank, on facebook, on your blog and where ever else!

BIG NEWS!!! Abbi is donating 15 copies of Existence for the Tourney with some swag AND has agreed to write a novella for Dank and Pagan after Ceaseless. It will be free if Dank wins the tourney. And people, lets be honest, if you have read the series, why wouldn't you vote for him? a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vote for Dank and a giveaway!

Ding! Round 2! While Four is very handsome, I need you togo vote for Dank at the YA-Sisterhood! There is a giveaway at the bottom of this post! Go vote and spread the word!

Personality: He's pretty honest and upfront. For the most part, each character who has a run in with Dank knows where they stand with him. The only time he withholds anything is when it might effect/affect Pagan in some way. He writes music from his heart. Dank has a sarcastic side, that isn't abrasive, but just enough to tease Pagan. He takes his "work" seriously and after his love with Pagan, understands what he is doing more clearly, so he is willing to grow (how many guys really are?) 


Looks: Bluer than blue eyes. So blue that they have been referred to as gems. Look at the covers. Those babies pop. He also has black, not too long hair, that curls on the ends. A sultry smirk reserved only for Pagan and a dimple. Just one, sinisterly cute dimple. Smoking hot body. Did I mention his blue eyes? 


Talents: Besides easing people into their deaths? He serenades (and well, like soothingly and sensually) his girlfriend Pagan with a guitar and lullabies that he has written about how she has saved him. I mean, what girl doesn't want that? I do. 

Special Attributes/Best Qualities: One of my favorite qualities about him is his compassion. He can be a tough, I know that, but he can be so sweet and he doesn't have to be. For example, there was a little girl in EXISTENCE and he talked to the little girl and tried to make dying easier and made it a beautiful process. He didn't have to. His compassion extends farther than Pagan. Then there is that whole he is Death thing. Ya know - no biggie. Or the fact that he is a deity. 

Anything else? This year, with the help of my street team (WHO ARE AWESOME) and the great Abbi Glines, I have added some other reader's favorite qualities, moments, and quotes. 

One of my favorite quotes: “He's already proven he'll defy Heaven to keep her. If Hell wants a piece of him too, then bring it on.”  SWOON!


Two Responses from Abbi Glines! 
What are some of your favorite things about Dank? 
He holds the key to life or death in his hands yet he becomes as weak as a human when he falls for Pagan. There is something about watching a Deity act like a mortal because of love that gets to you. One of the reasons I love Greek Mythology. 

And why was he a fun character to write? Because he wasn't a man. He was something that every human fears but they know they will meet one day. Writing him with emotions and giving him a voice was almost comforting in a way. 

From the Greedy Booker - (and a quote I love) - “I’m not a man so I do not have a heart that loves as a human does. I’m an immortal god that dwells with supreme power because I hold the keys to Death. But you are my existence. I am yours.”- Existence

From Jorie Sus- Confronting Ghede with the Warriors threatening to destroy voodoo if he doesn't release Pagan's soul - (I have to say I loved this too. BAD ASS and it reminded me of how tough Dank is.)

From Erica Cope "It's the scene where Pagan is home from dress shopping and Dank comments on the pale pink dress then....
Both his hands gripped my waist pulling me hard up against his body. "You tempt me. I can't be tempted. I'm not made to be tempted but you, Pagan Moore, you tempt me."Then he goes on to say:"I didn't understand it at first. But now I know. It's your soul calling to me. Souls mean nothing to me. They aren't supposed to. But yours has become my obsession."Totaly swoonworthy moment for me. :)What's better than having a sexy rockstar serenade you in your sleep? :)
Kayla -  Okay, seriously, this year's tourney is full of total hotness & it was hard to choose which fella I wanted to support. I decided Dank was my man this year to support because, well, what's hotter than the baddest guy ever (hello - he's DEATH) who also plays the guitar plus sings & loves fiercely!

Willow D - “I realised you owned me one night in this room. I was singing to you and you were sleeping. You made a little noise in your sleep like you were distressed and I panicked and ran to your side. You grabbed my arm in your sleep and pulled it up against your face and went back to sleep. I didn't want to ever move.”
So if you love Dank or just fell in love with him, support us! Tweet for #TeamDank, on facebook, on your blog and where ever else!

BIG NEWS!!! Abbi is donating 15 copies of Existence for the Tourney with some swag AND has agreed to write a novella for Dank and Pagan after Ceaseless. It will be free if Dank wins the tourney. And people, lets be honest, if you have read the series, why wouldn't you vote for him?  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wrong Side of Town! Cover Reveal!

I am always happy to be supporting indie authors. But there are two ladies in the indie world that I feel like putting on a cheerleading outfit and doing a cartwheel for. One of them is Erica Cope and the other is! DRUMROLL!!!!

Komal Kant!

Today I am doing a cover reveal for her soon to be out novel - Wrong Side of Town. Hello Vincent!


“You never know someone is missing in your life until the moment they enter it.”

Estella Markson is a good girl. She studies hard, stays out of trouble, and is struggling to hold together her family that is falling apart because of her alcoholic father. Vincent Madden is the guy your mother warned you to stay away from. He doesn’t follow the rules, is in a notorious motorcycle gang, and doesn’t care if he breaks the law or someone’s bones.

After a chance encounter, Vincent starts to take an interest in the innocent girl who is so different to him. Despite Vincent’s infamous reputation, Estella is also intrigued by him. There is something about this bad boy that gives her an escape from her world of problems, and she can’t stay away. Even as they struggle with the problems in their lives, Vincent and Estella soon find that trying to forget is easier with someone by your side.



About Komal

Komal Kant is the author of IMPOSSIBLE, FALLING FOR HADIE, and the upcoming WRONG SIDE OF TOWN. She currently lives in Sydney, but wishes she lived all over the world. Her weird-filled days are filled with imaginary characters who often speak to her in hushed tones before stealing her lunch money; Siberian Huskies who talk back a lot; and the growing need to clone herself so she can write faster. You can often find her swooning over fictional male characters who smirk a lot, superhero-related movies, and Ryan Gosling. So if there was ever a superhero movie with Ryan Gosling in it smirking a lot, she would pass out from an overload of swooniness.



Want to fine Komal? See below!

Add the book on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...

Website: http://www.komalkant.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Komal-...

Twitter: @Komal_Kant

Team Dank - for the YA Crush Tourney

Hi everyone! I am so excited to representing Dank today! I started reading about Dank about a year ago I would say, and well, let's face it. He's hot; he can sing and he's death. Yeah - Death - talk about bad ass.

Personality: He's pretty honest and upfront. For the most part, each character who has a run in with Dank knows where they stand with him. The only time he withholds anything is when it might effect/affect Pagan in some way. He writes music from his heart. Dank has a sarcastic side, that isn't abrasive, but just enough to tease Pagan. He takes his "work" seriously and after his love with Pagan, understands what he is doing more clearly, so he is willing to grow (how many guys really are?) 


Looks: Bluer than blue eyes. So blue that they have been referred to as gems. Look at the covers. Those babies pop. He also has black, not too long hair, that curls on the ends. A sultry smirk reserved only for Pagan and a dimple. Just one, sinisterly cute dimple. Smoking hot body. Did I mention his blue eyes? 


Talents: Besides easing people into their deaths? He serenades (and well, like soothingly and sensually) his girlfriend Pagan with a guitar and lullabies that he has written about how she has saved him. I mean, what girl doesn't want that? I do. 

Special Attributes/Best Qualities: One of my favorite qualities about him is his compassion. He can be a tough, I know that, but he can be so sweet and he doesn't have to be. For example, there was a little girl in EXISTENCE and he talked to the little girl and tried to make dying easier and made it a beautiful process. He didn't have to. His compassion extends farther than Pagan. Then there is that whole he is Death thing. Ya know - no biggie. Or the fact that he is a deity. 

Anything else? This year, with the help of my street team (WHO ARE AWESOME) and the great Abbi Glines, I have added some other reader's favorite qualities, moments, and quotes. 

One of my favorite quotes: “He's already proven he'll defy Heaven to keep her. If Hell wants a piece of him too, then bring it on.”  SWOON!


Two Responses from Abbi Glines! 
What are some of your favorite things about Dank? 
He holds the key to life or death in his hands yet he becomes as weak as a human when he falls for Pagan. There is something about watching a Deity act like a mortal because of love that gets to you. One of the reasons I love Greek Mythology. 

And why was he a fun character to write? Because he wasn't a man. He was something that every human fears but they know they will meet one day. Writing him with emotions and giving him a voice was almost comforting in a way. 

From the Greedy Booker - (and a quote I love) - “I’m not a man so I do not have a heart that loves as a human does. I’m an immortal god that dwells with supreme power because I hold the keys to Death. But you are my existence. I am yours.”- Existence

From Jorie Sus- Confronting Ghede with the Warriors threatening to destroy voodoo if he doesn't release Pagan's soul - (I have to say I loved this too. BAD ASS and it reminded me of how tough Dank is.)

From Erica Cope "It's the scene where Pagan is home from dress shopping and Dank comments on the pale pink dress then....
Both his hands gripped my waist pulling me hard up against his body. "You tempt me. I can't be tempted. I'm not made to be tempted but you, Pagan Moore, you tempt me."Then he goes on to say:"I didn't understand it at first. But now I know. It's your soul calling to me. Souls mean nothing to me. They aren't supposed to. But yours has become my obsession."Totaly swoonworthy moment for me. :)What's better than having a sexy rockstar serenade you in your sleep? :)
Kayla -  Okay, seriously, this year's tourney is full of total hotness & it was hard to choose which fella I wanted to support. I decided Dank was my man this year to support because, well, what's hotter than the baddest guy ever (hello - he's DEATH) who also plays the guitar plus sings & loves fiercely!

Willow D - “I realised you owned me one night in this room. I was singing to you and you were sleeping. You made a little noise in your sleep like you were distressed and I panicked and ran to your side. You grabbed my arm in your sleep and pulled it up against your face and went back to sleep. I didn't want to ever move.”
So if you love Dank or just fell in love with him, support us! Tweet for #TeamDank, on facebook, on your blog and where ever else!

BIG NEWS!!! Abbi is donating 15 copies of Existence for the Tourney with some swag AND has agreed to write a novella for Dank and Pagan after Ceaseless. It will be free if Dank wins the tourney. And people, lets be honest, if you have read the series, why wouldn't you vote for him?  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Editing diseases

When completing a manuscript, there is no greater feeling. Truly. I feel like I climbed Mount Everest without oxygen. It's amazing. Can my writing friends agree? What do you feel like?

Then reality - your manuscript is no where close to being done. In fact, it's never done. EVER. Insert sad face - (OR I'M GOING TO GO INSANE face). But if you are like me, you have multiple wonderful beta partners who help you shape and fill in the gaps while you edit and get your dreams for your "baby" back on track.

I have been talking about my dream walking novel for a year now. It's done. It was edited by my dear friend Nadine, and I have been dilly dallying with editing, because it's my least favorite part, but I am pushing through. But while editing, I have had to check back in with my doctor about "That-itis". For those of you who are unaware of what this disesase is: Its the overuse of the word "that". In most cases the word "that" is only a filler and is unnecessary to the sentence's structure, but the writer cannot help herself but put it into the sentence. THAT being said - Nadine was happy to report that I still show signs, but am getting better.

Something else I have noticed this writing process is my use of commas. I know the (million) rules for comma usage. I teach English for crying out loud. I harp on my students pretty hard. I am confident I know when to use a comma, EXCEPT when I write. I think I might be developing a case of Comma-itis. Be careful, I am not sure if it is catchy.

What do you "suffer" from? What do you notice about your writing during the editing process?

Sunday Series (4) Night Shade Series

Remember the big vampire trend? Yeah I am a vamp lover - have you read my first book? But like all trends your tastes changes, and I jumped on the werewolf (shapeshifter) trend.

Andrea's series is about a girl named Calla who, within the first pages, bites a boy names Shay. Her bite  is to save his life, but she also turns him into a wolf. This is a big no-no for the whole race. But she was drawn to him. And attraction is attraction.

The laws of Calla's pack are pretty clear. There are alphas in each generation. The other wolves have to submit. They are to follow The Keepers and protect what The Keepers find important and do this obediently. As an alpha female, Calla is to marry Ren. Ren in the first book is a cocky, arrogant, but sexy jerk. It's clear that Calla is rebellious and unwilling to follow the rules of the Keepers, just because it's supposed to be that way. Her rebellious side is further prompted by her developing feelings for Shay and figuring out a way to be with him.

But The Keepers aren't who they say they are. And the The Searchers, the sworn enemy of the series, isn't who they say they are. But it throws Calla's world even more off balance.

What I loved about this series:
Ren - yeah this happens to me. The winner of the love story isn't who I want to be the winner. Ren does a lot of maturing in this series. I love his description. And once he gets over that cocky attitude, he actually is very much in love with Calla. This was right before I got over love triangles.

Calla, in a lot of ways, is like Rose Hathaway. She thinks for herself. She isn't afraid of a fight or what to fight for. She acts impulsively at times, but does it with the best of intentions - to save the people she loves. She's smart. She's beautiful. She's a leader.

"Ren watched us as he leaned casually against the table, holding a pair of scissors. I'd never seen a classroom tool look so dangerous."  (Obviously I would start with Ren)

"This is where you belong, Calla.” He pulled me closer, tilting my chin up. “Be with me. Tell me it’s what you want.”
I couldn’t tear my eyes from his. “What I want?”
“Yes. Anything, everything you need, I’ll give you. Always. I promise. Just tell me one thing.”
“What?”
“That you want this, us.” His voice dropped so low I could barely hear him. “That someday you’ll love me.”
My hands began to tremble where they rested around his neck. “Ren, you know we’re going to be together. We’ve both known that for a long time.”
He gave me a hard look. “That’s not what I’m talking about.”
“Why are you asking me this?” I tried to pull back, but he held me against him.
The glimmer of a smile appeared on his lips. “Why not?”
My temper flared. “Are you trying to say that you love me?”

"Silas?" I glanced from Ren to the mad-haired scholar. "He was your company?" 
"Still jealous?" Ren winked at me. 
"I was not jealous," I said. 
"Really?" Ren said. "So that harpy-ish tone was your normal speaking voice?" 

Series Sunday (3)

My intentions when I started this Series Sunday was to only post Series that were done. But the TOO FAR series is almost done as of tomorrow, so I feel I can publish this one now. 
Holy cow. 
I found this series through my dear friend Komal. I had just read her wonderful novel Impossible (Sigh) and I wanted to read some contemporary novels like hers. She told me about the fabulous Abbi Glines. 
FALLEN TOO FAR was the first of all Glines books that I picked up and then didn't put down.  The series follows a young woman, who just graduated, lost her mom to cancer, her twin sister died when she was young, and is now going to live with her father who walked out on her family after her sister's death. Yeah, hard life, except, her welcome to this new home is anything but. 
Her father isn't there Her stepsister hates herIt's not actually her father's houseShe's not welcome by the owner of the house And her new step-brother Rush is less than likable - hot, but a jerk. 
All within the first few pages people.
So what happens eventually is Rush lets Blair live with him and come to find out, Rush isn't "immune" to Blaire's innocence. Believe me, he tries for the first novel, to be cold and distant and cruel, but Rush Finlay is intoxicating. Like delicious. And if he treated me the way he did Blaire, I wouldn't have stayed away either. All in the first book and talk about a surprise ending - POOR BLAIRE. 
Book 2 - Well, lets say there are some consequences to a steamy and sexy romance. 
Book 3 - June 10th! Buying it on my first official day of maternity leave. 
What I love about this series:Rush! He's hott! HOTT! And sexy. He blunders through everything with Blaire and I mean everything. He screws it up and then has to fix it. Then there is the whole extremely loyal to his baby sister. She's a witch, but it is his sister. 
While I love the characters, I do. Rush is it for me. 




I love the third cover because of a tattoo and a ponytail. LOVE

What do you love about this series? Are you going out tomorrow to buy it? Who is your favorite character?

Calling All Abbi Glines Fans!

I have been chosen to be advocate for the steamy, dark, Dank Walker - aka - Death...

You know the saying Give me liberty or Give me Death? - Well - Give me Death first in this case! I pick Death! haha

Anyway - June 27th - I have my first match up. I have a buy the first round so I take on a winner from the first bracket. But I am looking for is a couple of things:

Someone to do a button for me (or however many you are willing to make) Be part of the "Street Team" where we go and promote Dank for 24 hours - Facebook, twitter, blog, instagram - you name it. You can also post up your own post about Dank or steal mine that will be up on The YA Sisterhood. Your choice.Tell me something you love about Dank, a favorite scene, a favorite quote. (I really want to pick out his best attributes as voted by you guys!)If you are interested, you can leave a comment here, tweet me at mflick729, or email me mf060784@gmail.com
 

Haven't read this series? Um, you should. :) I mean look at that man!