C.J. Duggan's Blog, page 10
November 4, 2012
A MASSIVE Decision.
I have been noticeably absent on the blog-a-sphere, alas dear readers it's all for good reason.
With the looming publishing of The Boys of Summer I have been in the mad throws of wrapping up all the loose ends to make it all reality.
Copy Edits - CHECK
Proofreaders - CHECK
Formatting - CHECK
Registrations - CHECK
Spine and back cover design booked - CHECK
Writing book 2 for The Boys of Summer - SAY WHAAAAAAT???
Yes, in my down time between waiting in the wings for my edits I have been mulling over the possibility, of a prospect that just would not leave me alone. So I am very excited to announce, now the decision is cemented and final (and it took a lot of weighing up) but I have decided that The Boys of Summer will be book One of a Summer Trilogy!!!!!!
Champagne! Champagne for EVERYONE!!
This is a rather big development in my world, as I had only ever intended for The Boys of Summer to be a stand alone. I have dabbled with the idea off and on, but it is not until now so close to publication have I been able to determine for 1) If I had it in me? 2) If I really wanted to go into series territory.
The answer has become clear....I AM SO READY!
With the December release of The Boys of Summer, it is my aim to bring book 2 out in early 2013.
After tBoS has had it's time in the sun, I will be releasing news on book 2.
How excitement! Well best get back to it.
With the looming publishing of The Boys of Summer I have been in the mad throws of wrapping up all the loose ends to make it all reality.
Copy Edits - CHECK
Proofreaders - CHECK
Formatting - CHECK
Registrations - CHECK
Spine and back cover design booked - CHECK
Writing book 2 for The Boys of Summer - SAY WHAAAAAAT???
Yes, in my down time between waiting in the wings for my edits I have been mulling over the possibility, of a prospect that just would not leave me alone. So I am very excited to announce, now the decision is cemented and final (and it took a lot of weighing up) but I have decided that The Boys of Summer will be book One of a Summer Trilogy!!!!!!
Champagne! Champagne for EVERYONE!!
This is a rather big development in my world, as I had only ever intended for The Boys of Summer to be a stand alone. I have dabbled with the idea off and on, but it is not until now so close to publication have I been able to determine for 1) If I had it in me? 2) If I really wanted to go into series territory.
The answer has become clear....I AM SO READY!
With the December release of The Boys of Summer, it is my aim to bring book 2 out in early 2013.
After tBoS has had it's time in the sun, I will be releasing news on book 2.
How excitement! Well best get back to it.
October 11, 2012
No Time For Love :(
Remember the days when I used blog every day? *chuckles, shaking head* Ahhh them were the days.
I thought I would do a bit of an update as I have been missing in action for WAY too long.
July
Submitted The Boys of Summer to my editor.
August - September.
AMERICA!!! I had and an incredible holiday in America, a real dream come true. It had me take a month from my writing schedule something I desperately needed
Yep! Eating Magnolia cup cakes in New York!
Heaven.
September
HOME - and what awaited me? A lovely email from my editor and my MS *gulp* After settling back into reality and getting over some serious jet lag it was back to work!
September - October
In my writing cave working like a mad scientist on my edits. It was challenging, enlightening but also really therapeutic. Many dread the editing process and although I did break out into a cold sweat when I saw the email sitting in my inbox for me when I got home. I actually really enjoyed the process, there is something really cathartic about seeing your story transform before your eyes.
October - now
The last couple of weeks have seen me at my busiest, and I LOVE it. Surprisingly not as stressed as I thought I would be but there is plenty of time for melt downs later (And I know they will come) but for now I am in the process of submitting the edited MS to my copy editor for a quick turn over before submission for proofreading and formatting. This will lead into November where the spine and back cover for paperback will be finalised.
What's to come?
This is what it's all about, and if you're just as excited as I am for it to be released into the big, bad wide world you can add it on GOODREADS!
It seemed only natural to nickname them the “Onslow Boys". Every time they swaggered in the front door of the Onslow Hotel after a hard week's work; their laughter loud and genuine as they settled onto their bar stools. I peeked through the restaurant partition; a flimsy divider between my world and theirs. I couldn't help but smile whenever I saw them, saw him…. Toby Morrison.
Quiet, 17-year-old Tess doesn’t relish the thought of a Summer time job.
She wants nothing more than to forget the past haunts of high school and have fun with her best friends before dreaded Year 12 begins.
To Tess, summer is when everything happens: riding bikes down to the lake, watching the fire works at the Onslow show, and water bomb fights at the sweltering Sunday markets.
How did she let her friends talk her into working?
After first shift disasters, rude wealthy tourists, and a taunting ex boyfriend, Tess is convinced nothing good can come from working her summer away. However, Tess finds unlikely allies in a group of locals dubbed ‘The Onslow Boys’, who are old enough to drive cars, drink beer, and not worry about curfews. Tess’s summer of working expands her world with a series of first times with new friends, forbidden love, and heartbreaking chaos.
All with the one boy she has never been able to forget.
It will be a summer she will always remember.
Warning: Sexual references and occasional course language
Back to the cave. Bring on December!!
I thought I would do a bit of an update as I have been missing in action for WAY too long.
July
Submitted The Boys of Summer to my editor.
August - September.
AMERICA!!! I had and an incredible holiday in America, a real dream come true. It had me take a month from my writing schedule something I desperately needed
Yep! Eating Magnolia cup cakes in New York! Heaven.
September
HOME - and what awaited me? A lovely email from my editor and my MS *gulp* After settling back into reality and getting over some serious jet lag it was back to work!
September - October
In my writing cave working like a mad scientist on my edits. It was challenging, enlightening but also really therapeutic. Many dread the editing process and although I did break out into a cold sweat when I saw the email sitting in my inbox for me when I got home. I actually really enjoyed the process, there is something really cathartic about seeing your story transform before your eyes.
October - now
The last couple of weeks have seen me at my busiest, and I LOVE it. Surprisingly not as stressed as I thought I would be but there is plenty of time for melt downs later (And I know they will come) but for now I am in the process of submitting the edited MS to my copy editor for a quick turn over before submission for proofreading and formatting. This will lead into November where the spine and back cover for paperback will be finalised.
What's to come?
This is what it's all about, and if you're just as excited as I am for it to be released into the big, bad wide world you can add it on GOODREADS!
It seemed only natural to nickname them the “Onslow Boys". Every time they swaggered in the front door of the Onslow Hotel after a hard week's work; their laughter loud and genuine as they settled onto their bar stools. I peeked through the restaurant partition; a flimsy divider between my world and theirs. I couldn't help but smile whenever I saw them, saw him…. Toby Morrison.
Quiet, 17-year-old Tess doesn’t relish the thought of a Summer time job.
She wants nothing more than to forget the past haunts of high school and have fun with her best friends before dreaded Year 12 begins.
To Tess, summer is when everything happens: riding bikes down to the lake, watching the fire works at the Onslow show, and water bomb fights at the sweltering Sunday markets.
How did she let her friends talk her into working?
After first shift disasters, rude wealthy tourists, and a taunting ex boyfriend, Tess is convinced nothing good can come from working her summer away. However, Tess finds unlikely allies in a group of locals dubbed ‘The Onslow Boys’, who are old enough to drive cars, drink beer, and not worry about curfews. Tess’s summer of working expands her world with a series of first times with new friends, forbidden love, and heartbreaking chaos.
All with the one boy she has never been able to forget.
It will be a summer she will always remember.
Warning: Sexual references and occasional course language
Back to the cave. Bring on December!!
July 30, 2012
When is Enough, Enough?
I stand in the doorway of my spare bedroom. It looks like it has been ransacked by a burglar, unfortunately this is of my own doing. Why does it look like this?
I am packing!
It is officially 2 more sleeps and a wakey until I go on my grand American tour for 5 weeks and I am just a little bit excited about it.
It still means that I hold a scrunched up piece of paper with my serial killer-esk writing scrawled over it. My 'to do list' that I am happy to say is getting smaller and smaller, but it still doesn't eliminate the the feeling of
"Have I forgotten something?"
The last thing I want to do is be on the plane and realise I have left Macaulay Culkin in the Attic. (We've all been there. Right?)
It is the super-dooper organised me that hates not being in control. I want to be packed already, I want those suitcases by the front door and I want to be sitting back with an umbrella in my drink with my feet on the coffee table.
Instead I will be wrestling with chargers, and calculating undie to sock ratio's and the greatest debate of all...to roll or to fold? I also have two writing deadlines to abide by before I go. An interview and submissions to my editor (very important) Once that is done then I think I will be able to breath.
My editor gave me some very worthy advice. As stress mounted towards my epic holiday, I have been obsessing about submitting my MS to the editor. Meaning I was re working/writing and 'touching' it with the thought of making it better and better. Just one more review I would say, one more flick through. And then my editor gave me some very valuable advice.
"Just stop touching it C.J"
"And besides - this isn't your publication date. You're getting it back and can - and will - make changes after I'm done with it. So it might be worth just STOPPING NOW."
THAT! Was exactly what I needed to hear. It's about letting it go and moving forward. It was like a giant weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It's really important to let go, but sometimes you just need to be reminded.
So where does this leave the next 5 weeks dear bloggers? Well...I had planned on taking a well needed break from technology, but lets face it! That is SO not going to happen. Naturally I will not be so readily available but I will be checking my emails and messages while I am away, but for my sanity and respect to my hubby I have to put the laptop aside and put 'work' on the back burner.
Definition of holiday?
1. A day free from work that one may spend at leisure, especially a day on which custom or the law dictates a halting of general business activity to commemorate or celebrate a particular event.
Oooooh so that's what it means??
Best get back to the 'to do list' Tomorrow is D day on so many levels and I want those suitcases by the front door and breathing easily because I have fulfilled all my deadlines. Wish me luck!
This is not goodbye...Yet!
I am packing!
It is officially 2 more sleeps and a wakey until I go on my grand American tour for 5 weeks and I am just a little bit excited about it.
It still means that I hold a scrunched up piece of paper with my serial killer-esk writing scrawled over it. My 'to do list' that I am happy to say is getting smaller and smaller, but it still doesn't eliminate the the feeling of
"Have I forgotten something?"
The last thing I want to do is be on the plane and realise I have left Macaulay Culkin in the Attic. (We've all been there. Right?)
It is the super-dooper organised me that hates not being in control. I want to be packed already, I want those suitcases by the front door and I want to be sitting back with an umbrella in my drink with my feet on the coffee table.
Instead I will be wrestling with chargers, and calculating undie to sock ratio's and the greatest debate of all...to roll or to fold? I also have two writing deadlines to abide by before I go. An interview and submissions to my editor (very important) Once that is done then I think I will be able to breath.
My editor gave me some very worthy advice. As stress mounted towards my epic holiday, I have been obsessing about submitting my MS to the editor. Meaning I was re working/writing and 'touching' it with the thought of making it better and better. Just one more review I would say, one more flick through. And then my editor gave me some very valuable advice.
"Just stop touching it C.J"
"And besides - this isn't your publication date. You're getting it back and can - and will - make changes after I'm done with it. So it might be worth just STOPPING NOW."
THAT! Was exactly what I needed to hear. It's about letting it go and moving forward. It was like a giant weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It's really important to let go, but sometimes you just need to be reminded.
So where does this leave the next 5 weeks dear bloggers? Well...I had planned on taking a well needed break from technology, but lets face it! That is SO not going to happen. Naturally I will not be so readily available but I will be checking my emails and messages while I am away, but for my sanity and respect to my hubby I have to put the laptop aside and put 'work' on the back burner.
Definition of holiday?
1. A day free from work that one may spend at leisure, especially a day on which custom or the law dictates a halting of general business activity to commemorate or celebrate a particular event.
Oooooh so that's what it means??
Best get back to the 'to do list' Tomorrow is D day on so many levels and I want those suitcases by the front door and breathing easily because I have fulfilled all my deadlines. Wish me luck!
This is not goodbye...Yet!
July 20, 2012
Am I freak?
I do what I do. I write.
I go into the cave write, procrastinate, write, procrastinate (Yes I'm looking at you Pinterest and all your distracting pretty pics!)
When I step out of my cave I am dishevelled, fragile. I squint at the sunlight and wonder "What day is it?"
I usually play some form of catch up in reading blog posts, Facebook network, check out Twitter in more depth. What usually follows is me stumbling across a 2 day old story of some HUGE issue that has gone down in the Indie world. I read all the 97 outraged comments to a post and slowly process my own confusion and outrage.
Oh no they D'nt!!
I will read another article on Traditional v's Indie debate, or something on profits, royalties, rights, agents. By the end of all my brain hurts and I feel like I really don't know anything. There is one thing for certain, I learn something everyday it's one of the joys of my craft is the constant evolving. It's exciting, scary...AMAZING!
Then I look around and my mind is pounded with so much information, Trolls, Keyboard Warriors, Cyber Bullies they sound like characters in a a futuristic action novel set in the desert. When you have the online world at your finger tips much like a Bavarian Sara-Lee cheesecake, it needs to be devoured in moderation. One of the advice I give people who want to be an Indie writer is:
"Do your research but don't be overwhelmed by it."
You want to be in the know but as soon as it starts affecting your creativity, shut it down and take a break, have a piece of cheesecake! (Just one!...O.K maybe two)
The thing of it is I am interested in all these things, I really am and on some levels it's really vital to know what is going down in the community...But here's my take!
I don't know if it's just me? If it's just a C.J thing but I honestly don't care!
And when I say I don't care I mean, I really don't get emotionally invested in the politics. If a well known publisher Author slams Indies or that certain blog reviewers refuse to review Indie Books. All I care about is being able to reach an audience in my own right, something I would not have been able to believe could be possible?
And guess what Indies are here to stay!
I made a conscious decision a while ago of not tapping into all the negative energy that is focused on the 'haters'. I think it is the only way to survive in this business. By all means process information but filter it so it doesn't alter your creativity. The reality is as writers we are plagued by our own demons, and believe me we are our own worst critics. We often pain strikingly torture ourselves on some days and it's because we are passionate and ultimately striving to make our stories the best they can be. (Or we should be anyway) In the scheme of things it matters little what is happening out there. The many-many hours spent in the solitary of the writing cave are happening because I choose to, I love what I do, but I will damned if I am going to let anyone else effect me because at the end of the day opinions vary, I mean not everyone likes Bavarian Cheesecake (I know right?)
Now don't get me wrong I am not experiencing any of the things I have mentioned, I have been very fortunate that I have had lovely, warm and fuzzy dealings but I know the chances of that happening for the rest of my days is unlikely and I have to be open to the fact. How often do we read a trashy magazine and openly scathe about hating a dress Kate Hudson might be wearing. (Sorry Kate just an example) but what happens next? We turn the page and give it little thought, we go to bed that night and sleep peacefully not even remembering that God awful outfit.
That is much like our work it's often not personal, so we shouldn't take it personally, it's just an opinion and opinions vary (That's life)
So don't stress about who said what to who, whose selling, what people think of what you do, just get on with it. Why waste energy on anything but being fabulous and easting cheesecake??
Do what you do because you love it!
And if all else fails just adopt this attitude.
"So what! Who cares?"
Love it!
So am I freak for not tapping into the hysteria? How do you deal with information overload?
C.J xo
I go into the cave write, procrastinate, write, procrastinate (Yes I'm looking at you Pinterest and all your distracting pretty pics!)
When I step out of my cave I am dishevelled, fragile. I squint at the sunlight and wonder "What day is it?"
I usually play some form of catch up in reading blog posts, Facebook network, check out Twitter in more depth. What usually follows is me stumbling across a 2 day old story of some HUGE issue that has gone down in the Indie world. I read all the 97 outraged comments to a post and slowly process my own confusion and outrage.
Oh no they D'nt!!
I will read another article on Traditional v's Indie debate, or something on profits, royalties, rights, agents. By the end of all my brain hurts and I feel like I really don't know anything. There is one thing for certain, I learn something everyday it's one of the joys of my craft is the constant evolving. It's exciting, scary...AMAZING!
Then I look around and my mind is pounded with so much information, Trolls, Keyboard Warriors, Cyber Bullies they sound like characters in a a futuristic action novel set in the desert. When you have the online world at your finger tips much like a Bavarian Sara-Lee cheesecake, it needs to be devoured in moderation. One of the advice I give people who want to be an Indie writer is:
"Do your research but don't be overwhelmed by it."
You want to be in the know but as soon as it starts affecting your creativity, shut it down and take a break, have a piece of cheesecake! (Just one!...O.K maybe two)
The thing of it is I am interested in all these things, I really am and on some levels it's really vital to know what is going down in the community...But here's my take!
I don't know if it's just me? If it's just a C.J thing but I honestly don't care!
And when I say I don't care I mean, I really don't get emotionally invested in the politics. If a well known publisher Author slams Indies or that certain blog reviewers refuse to review Indie Books. All I care about is being able to reach an audience in my own right, something I would not have been able to believe could be possible?
And guess what Indies are here to stay!
I made a conscious decision a while ago of not tapping into all the negative energy that is focused on the 'haters'. I think it is the only way to survive in this business. By all means process information but filter it so it doesn't alter your creativity. The reality is as writers we are plagued by our own demons, and believe me we are our own worst critics. We often pain strikingly torture ourselves on some days and it's because we are passionate and ultimately striving to make our stories the best they can be. (Or we should be anyway) In the scheme of things it matters little what is happening out there. The many-many hours spent in the solitary of the writing cave are happening because I choose to, I love what I do, but I will damned if I am going to let anyone else effect me because at the end of the day opinions vary, I mean not everyone likes Bavarian Cheesecake (I know right?)
Now don't get me wrong I am not experiencing any of the things I have mentioned, I have been very fortunate that I have had lovely, warm and fuzzy dealings but I know the chances of that happening for the rest of my days is unlikely and I have to be open to the fact. How often do we read a trashy magazine and openly scathe about hating a dress Kate Hudson might be wearing. (Sorry Kate just an example) but what happens next? We turn the page and give it little thought, we go to bed that night and sleep peacefully not even remembering that God awful outfit.
That is much like our work it's often not personal, so we shouldn't take it personally, it's just an opinion and opinions vary (That's life)
So don't stress about who said what to who, whose selling, what people think of what you do, just get on with it. Why waste energy on anything but being fabulous and easting cheesecake??
Do what you do because you love it!
And if all else fails just adopt this attitude.
"So what! Who cares?"
Love it!
So am I freak for not tapping into the hysteria? How do you deal with information overload?
C.J xo
July 16, 2012
Last days to win SIGNED 'The Boys of Summer' Bookmarks.
Tracey at the YA Book Addict was awesome enough to feature little ol me in her Author Spotlight.
Cue random hairy air guitar dude of happiness! Boo-Yeah!!
I always love being involved in new and interesting things, but more importantly it's exciting to be featured on a blog you really enjoy and respect.
Like me if you adore all things Young Adult, seriously check out YA Book Addict.
Also apart of Tracey's EPICness we are winding down to the last days to win 5x SIGNED The Boys of Summer Bookmarks.
Looooooooook! Rule purty like...
Add The Boys of Summer on GOODREADS!
So last days for your chance to win!
Head on over and check out the GIVEAWAY and YA BOOK ADDICT!
ENTER HERE!
Cue random hairy air guitar dude of happiness! Boo-Yeah!!
I always love being involved in new and interesting things, but more importantly it's exciting to be featured on a blog you really enjoy and respect.
Like me if you adore all things Young Adult, seriously check out YA Book Addict.
Also apart of Tracey's EPICness we are winding down to the last days to win 5x SIGNED The Boys of Summer Bookmarks.
Looooooooook! Rule purty like...
Add The Boys of Summer on GOODREADS!
So last days for your chance to win!
Head on over and check out the GIVEAWAY and YA BOOK ADDICT!
ENTER HERE!
July 14, 2012
WHAT was I thinking?
I always like to keep readers in the loop as best I can, I have one foot in the writing cave and the rest of me is leaning across my desk procrastinating by uploading pretty swoony summer pics on my Facebook page.
SWOONY PICTURES >>> Facebook "Like" Page! <<< SWOONY PICTURES
In order to keep things up to date and tackle some of the questions that build up I updated my FAQ section of my website a few months ago.
Since then one question that has been asked of me more than once is.
"Why is a Summer book being released in Winter?"
Like, whats up wid dat C.J?
Indeed, The Boys of Summer is being released in December, but WHY? I hear you groan and collectively grab throw rugs, beanies and mittens shuddering at the very thought. Here are my reasons, I assure you it's not intentionally to be torturous.
It worked out that (in my deepest hopes) December was when I felt my novel would be ready for publication, in my mind I calculated and discovered December would be perfect for more than a few reasons.
The 1st of December marks the first day of Summer in Australia, The Boys of Summer is a YA Romance set in a small mythical Australian town in the mid 90's so I wanted to embrace the December goal by celebrating my inner patriotism.
I am so deeply humbled and over whelmed with the buzz TBoS is receiving internationally, what begun with personal aspirations to tell this story has turned into something so much more and it is because of all you AMAZING readers.
So to answer the question The Boys of Summer will be available in December, it is still very far away (Booo) and it will be meaning some of you may be reading it with throw rugs and beanies instead of pool side tanning :(
But think of it like this!
Swoony boys can be enjoyed anytime of the year.
Bikini or Beanie you will be transported back into the 90's.
It's set lakeside in Australia!!! (Instant holiday)
So until the excruciatingly long wait till December (And yes winter in some parts of the world) :(
You can add The Boys of Summer to your 'to reads' list's on Goodreads.
And if you want to celebrate the essence of what is to come in December? Pop on over to YA Book Addict who is hosting a GIVEAWAY to win SIGNED The Boys of Summer BOOKMARKS!
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Yep! So pretty I had to add it to my Facebook page!
Entering is super easy just click HERE!
THANKS so much for all your questions, keep them coming I LOVE hearing from you!
C.J xo
June 29, 2012
A lesson learned from John Cleese.
I’m not going to lie; I was in a foul mood today. It happens!
In fact it was the messiah of black moods and I didn't know why exactly, you just know that the world is against you. And the worst thing I tried to do? I sat down in front of my screen and looked at the edits I needed to do. (Bad move Duggo!)
Let's just say that I have never been more grateful that my MS is safely stored in my MacBook Pro and not a soul paper form copy, because let me tell you the mood I was in I would have torched the sucker. I love my MacBook so much, that even though in times I feel like smashing it into million pieces...Oh who am I kidding I could never stay angry at you MacBook.
I actually believe the very message I sent to my brother was:
"Feel like burning my book and climbing a bell tower"
My brothers reply?
"O.K, well be careful"
Pfft...Wise guy!
But as the evening went on and my mood began to simmer down, I decided to take a step back, take a deep breath and admit that working on my MS in this frame of mind would not do any good. So I created in other ways. Listened to some Bon Iver (instant mellow) And worked on re igniting the look of my blog and in the process added page links (top bar) to my website, Music, where I will list sound tracks to my books. I also added a new link called 'Blog My Way' another portal for me, and you lovely followers. It is in its infancy so I will explain more on that project very soon.
So there you go, the day was doomed, my mind was mush and I thought everything I was to touch would shrivel and die! (Dramatic I know) But if I hadn't of been in my black mood I wouldn't have forcibly collected myself and re grouped in other ways. I wouldn't have achieved all the things I just mentioned; in a way thank God I was in such a bad place because it worked out for the better. Tomorrow is a new agenda, with the same schedule for edits but I am wise enough to know that I need to tackle them in the right frame of mind.
Right in the middle of this blog post I received a message from my wise cracking brother. We quite often send each other random You Tube clips, as we seem to have the same warped sense of humor. So when a message came through with a You Tube clip and a message simply saying:
"Thank me later." I thought Hello, what have we here?
What he attached was an amazing, inspiring speech from the Genius of John Cleese and how his take on creativity. I was enamored through the whole thing, because as a writer I could completely identify with what he was saying. I thanked my brother as the clip made me feel so much better. (I guess he really is a wise guy?)
I have attached the You Tube clip and highly recommend you take the time to watch it, it really is brilliant.
Oh well off to bed to lay on a bed of roses, hopefully I wont wake up lying on a bed of nails? Eh, if I do, well that's O.K too.
John Cleese on creativity.
One of my most prized possessions, autograph of the legend himself!
June 26, 2012
Exciting Times!
Where is this year going?
I don't know if it is because I have to have a heightened state of mind about deadlines for tBoS? And the fact that America is almost a month away! I know, I know...you are probably over me going on and on about my EPIC holiday but just a little longer of me banging on about it and then I will give you a months silence. Promise!
My plan is to actually have a holiday and minimise my connection to technology. (I get the shakes just thinking about it) This coming from a girl who religiously, blindly fumbles for her phone first thing in the morning. Squinting with one eye open as I check my emails. My husband thinks I have it bad. Pfft whatever! I will totally Facebook, Twitter and Blog about my disagreement to that later, right after I check my emails and kill some time on Pinterest looking at pretty things.
Reality based happenings aside; tBoS edits have been dominating my work load. Keeping in mind that my holiday is going to take a big chunk out of my writing schedule I have to ensure that I am on track with my edits. In order to do this I have had to set myself some serious deadlines. This can both be extremely liberating and terrifying but I am excited about September/October that will see me go into lock down for polishing and then things really start getting exciting. But I try not to think too much about what is to come, I am keenly aware of the things I need to do here on, in order to get to that place. What it means is LOTS of hard work! But I do love a challenge.
I have a few irons in the fire and I am making a conscience effort not to over load my schedule, but I am also open to taking submissions for any Blog reviewers interested in reviewing The Boys of Summer. There will be a blog tour, so if you would like to participate please feel free to contact me through my website.
http://cjduggan.weebly.com/contact.html
For any reviews, interviews, giveaways, or ARCS drop me a line.
Aside from all this that occupies my time I have been eager to share some exciting news. Now don’t get too excited as I wont be revealing anything as of yet but it is a real turning point in my writing career and I am really excited to where it is going to lead me. I received the news only last night so it is still very early in it's stages. I will be able to divulge more most likely when I get back from over seas. Ooooh cryptic much? I know, I know but watch this space there will be an announcement soon.
In the mean time chillax! And oh I don't know? Look at this picture, which has nothing to do with anything other than I like it!
Gotta enjoy what you do!
June 16, 2012
You like me, you really like me!
Regardless whether you do or not? (Although please do!!)
The Boys of Summer Facebook page is in full swing.
For all news, interviews and updates it's an easy one stop spot. Plus, and this is important! It's a great mood setter. I use my page as a networking link but mainly it's a space that I can pour out the images in my head and develop a feel for the readers.
Music links and plenty of swoony, summery pics for your viewing pleasure, what's not to love?
So if your feeling the love you can like me on Facebook HERE
You can also flag it 'to read' on Goodreads! I know, I know the world is an exciting place. Like mine your to-be-read piles are probably ludicrous, you're also probably like me in the fact that I can't help myself. SO if your truly can't help yourself either, you can add it on Goodreads HERE
For all those already on the bandwagon, you are awesome and I like love you all very, very much!
Enjoy the swoony, summer fun!
What I'm listening to.
The Boys of Summer Facebook page is in full swing.
For all news, interviews and updates it's an easy one stop spot. Plus, and this is important! It's a great mood setter. I use my page as a networking link but mainly it's a space that I can pour out the images in my head and develop a feel for the readers.
Music links and plenty of swoony, summery pics for your viewing pleasure, what's not to love?
So if your feeling the love you can like me on Facebook HERE
You can also flag it 'to read' on Goodreads! I know, I know the world is an exciting place. Like mine your to-be-read piles are probably ludicrous, you're also probably like me in the fact that I can't help myself. SO if your truly can't help yourself either, you can add it on Goodreads HERE
For all those already on the bandwagon, you are awesome and I like love you all very, very much!
Enjoy the swoony, summer fun!
What I'm listening to.
June 14, 2012
Living A Lie.
It could be because it's Friday?
Or the fact that I picked up my The Boys of Summer Bookmarks Y'all!!!!
OH YEAH I DID!
Keary Taylor did an amazing job on the design and they are sooooo purty! It was a much welcomed end to a rather lack luster week. But as the sun pierces it's way through the clouds, it shines on my slowly returning writing mojo.
I have some scheduled phone edits tonight, Summer packs to organise for giveaways and I am headed back to the big smoke next week where I get to consult with my website designer on how my NEW and improved website is going. Very exciting! And did I forget to mention first round of professionals edits have commenced? I am amazingly more on track than I thought? Ha!
I was reflecting yesterday as I parked in the supermarket car park (You know as ya do) and I couldn't help but smile and chuckle to myself in a crazy person sort of way. I have not blogged for a while, blog posts were posted recently with the Blog tour, but nothing personal for yonks! So I haven't managed to talk about a ground breaking 'mini' experiences I have had this year. When I say 'mini' I mean quite 'epic' really.
When I set out to go down this publishing path it was like a big dirty secret, it was something I was terrified of people knowing. It was a fear of being judged by the people I care about, who's opinions mean a lot to me. There is an array of emotions that you go through when you're exploring uncharted territory, especially when it comes to pursuing your passion. For 12 months I didn't even tell my best friend that I had locked my self away in a home office working like a mad scientist to perfect a master piece.
In my mind there were three people I was most intimidated in telling about my writing. I thought if I could tell these THREE and live, then I was doing pretty good.
What I didn't expect was the reactions...
Amazingly what I viewed to be my three biggest obstacles have turned out to be my three biggest supporters. They were surprised, keenly interested, and very proud. Only since then that I have been able to embrace what I am doing 100% . Writers out there who fear, you really have to own what you do. Of course the outcome was a very inspiring one for me and has helped me move forward, but what if they didn't support me or understand what I do? Well having thought about that, I think you know what, that's o.k to.
At the end of the day I don't do it for them I do it for me. That's how I started out on this lone journey and that's the way it will always be. Am I fortunate enough that my friends and family are interested in what I do? Absolutely! But it doesn't define me. You should never let any one's opinions define who you are as an artist. I let the fear of 'what if' hold me back.
What if they laugh?What if they sneer?What if they ask questions?
Now I don't care if the world knows what I am doing, I no longer hide away, I put my mug out there loud and proud. This is what I do, and you know what?
Good days, bad days, writing mojo, no writing mojo...It really is the best job in the world!
I knew I loved Simon Pegg, one of my all time favorite quotes.
Or the fact that I picked up my The Boys of Summer Bookmarks Y'all!!!!
OH YEAH I DID!
Keary Taylor did an amazing job on the design and they are sooooo purty! It was a much welcomed end to a rather lack luster week. But as the sun pierces it's way through the clouds, it shines on my slowly returning writing mojo.
I have some scheduled phone edits tonight, Summer packs to organise for giveaways and I am headed back to the big smoke next week where I get to consult with my website designer on how my NEW and improved website is going. Very exciting! And did I forget to mention first round of professionals edits have commenced? I am amazingly more on track than I thought? Ha!
I was reflecting yesterday as I parked in the supermarket car park (You know as ya do) and I couldn't help but smile and chuckle to myself in a crazy person sort of way. I have not blogged for a while, blog posts were posted recently with the Blog tour, but nothing personal for yonks! So I haven't managed to talk about a ground breaking 'mini' experiences I have had this year. When I say 'mini' I mean quite 'epic' really.
When I set out to go down this publishing path it was like a big dirty secret, it was something I was terrified of people knowing. It was a fear of being judged by the people I care about, who's opinions mean a lot to me. There is an array of emotions that you go through when you're exploring uncharted territory, especially when it comes to pursuing your passion. For 12 months I didn't even tell my best friend that I had locked my self away in a home office working like a mad scientist to perfect a master piece.
In my mind there were three people I was most intimidated in telling about my writing. I thought if I could tell these THREE and live, then I was doing pretty good.
What I didn't expect was the reactions...
Amazingly what I viewed to be my three biggest obstacles have turned out to be my three biggest supporters. They were surprised, keenly interested, and very proud. Only since then that I have been able to embrace what I am doing 100% . Writers out there who fear, you really have to own what you do. Of course the outcome was a very inspiring one for me and has helped me move forward, but what if they didn't support me or understand what I do? Well having thought about that, I think you know what, that's o.k to.
At the end of the day I don't do it for them I do it for me. That's how I started out on this lone journey and that's the way it will always be. Am I fortunate enough that my friends and family are interested in what I do? Absolutely! But it doesn't define me. You should never let any one's opinions define who you are as an artist. I let the fear of 'what if' hold me back.
What if they laugh?What if they sneer?What if they ask questions?
Now I don't care if the world knows what I am doing, I no longer hide away, I put my mug out there loud and proud. This is what I do, and you know what?
Good days, bad days, writing mojo, no writing mojo...It really is the best job in the world!
I knew I loved Simon Pegg, one of my all time favorite quotes.
