Ariella Moon's Blog, page 41

Reversals: Plot Twists and Story Structure

The Harry Potter series. The Hunger Games trilogy. Woody Allen's film, Blue Jasmine. What do they have in common? Reversals.
To find out more about these classic plot twists, visit http://www.ariellamoon.com/monthlymuse.html
Once you learn about reversals, you will become obsessed with them. I know I am!
~Ariella Moon

Back to School Hop

Welcome Back to School! Do you love YA Books? Yay! Because I will be giving away two e-books,one copy of Spell Check, Book 1: The Teen Wytche Saga,and one copy of Spell Struck: Book 2: The Twytche Saga.(Spell Fire, Book 3, will release in November)Enjoy the tour!~Ariella Moon

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Expand Your Author Brand - Transmedia with Karen Snyder

Expand Your Author Brand – Transmedia with Karen Snyder
I was quite comfortable with my writing routine, thank you very much, and entirely uncomfortable with the tech world. Therefore, I found Karen Snyder’s recent course, “The Power of Transmedia” (RWA U) thought provoking and often well beyond my skill level.
Snyder has plunged where no romance writer has gone before — into the deep end of the transmedia pool. An author, director, and transmedia producer, she is currently producing the world’s first transmedia historical romance series, “The Elements Club.”
Transmedia Defined
When I signed up for the week-long online course, I had only a vague notion of what transmedia entailed or how it could boost sales of my Young Adult series, The Teen Wytche Saga (Spell Check, Book 1, Spell Struck, Book 2, and Spell Fire, to be released in November 2013).
Snyder defines transmedia as:
“…transmedia is a form of storytelling that involves relaying a story across at least three different media platforms with each platform offering unique content rather than repurposed assets. Transmedia stories exhibit the following four properties:1.    all platforms (mobile, web, TV, print, etc.) are considered from the inception of the project as valid vehicles to support narrative;2.    different platforms are used to tell different aspects of a story;3.    participation and sharing is (sic) encouraged (but not necessary);4.    while users are encouraged to draw connections between platforms, stories can exist separately from one another in the fictive universe.In the example of The Elements Club, the story is spread across ebooks, interactive ebooks, casual video games, online episodes, website and social media. Each media offers a deeper level of engagement with the world of the club…”For Writers – the Heart of TransmediaAuthors can extend their brand, assets, and fan base by creating cross-platform stories. These are not re-purposed works, but rather new, related, and often, interactive content. In other words, the author creates a mix-media franchise. Snyder challenged her students to imagine spin-offs for their books, including video games, Behind-the-Scenes books, graphic novels, music CDS, YouTube videos, and more. Disney is a master of transmedia. From each hit movie, they’ll spin books, musicals, CDs, clothing, dolls, ice shows, coloring books, and more. Film series such as Star Wars and the Matrix have similarly extended their brands. Popular television shows, including The Walking Dead, Dexter, Breaking Bad, and Nikita, have created interactive video, mobile, and social media games, related talk shows, and other cross media platforms. Snyder used The Walking Dead as a prime example of transmedia success.http://www.transmedialab.org/en/the-b... Transmedia – the Long GameMix-media franchises take time to develop. Snyder’s The Elements Club, set in Victorian London, follows the lives and loves of its various club members, with new segments released every six months. According to Snyder,“A segment is a group of products that focus on the romance of a specific couple in The Elements Club series. Products include epub eBooks, interactive ebooks books, casual video games, online episodes, live events and over time, ancillary products.”Some of these big-budget, tech-savvy ideas will require financial backing for many mid-list and indie-published authors. But others, like posting related content on social media platforms, are within everyone’s grasp.For me, with a recent publication (Spell Struck) to promote and a third book (Spell Fire) due to release in November, the thought of adding transmedia is both daunting and intriguing. Now that Karen Snyder has planted the transmedia seed, there is no turning back. The trick will be to expand within my skill set and budget. The ideas are percolating. Game on.© 2013 Ariella Moonhttp://www.AriellaMoon.com
 

Kate Wyland, Author of Forewarning

Today's spotlight is on writer and equestrian fan, Kate Wyland.


FOREWARNING is free on Amazon -- Sept. 19-23!
Book Blurb
FOREWARNING:
Healing is her life. Will it be her death?

Grieving and guilt-stricken after her husband’s suicide, Kasey Martin has closed her energetic healing practice and retreated to her Oregon horse ranch. One night, she rescues a badly injured man, and against her better judgment, uses her neglected skills to save his life. This starts her on an unexpected journey of healing and danger.

Complicating her life is Jim Bradley, an old friend who has long been in love with her and wants her to return to her work. When criminals looking for her patient invade the serenity of her world, she must use her skills to save all three of their lives.
Excerpt:
Kasey Martin found a badly injured man, used her energetic healing skills to help him and got him to the hospital her late husband practiced at. Now she is waiting to hear the results of the surgery.

Bleary-eyed, Kasey focused on the approaching figure in green scrubs and her heart leapt. Brian!Reality intruded and she realized it was Jim. Then the rest of the night came back to her.
“How is he? Is he going to be okay?”
A slow smile creased Jim’s craggy face as he nodded and answered. “We’re pumping blood and fluids into him, as you would expect. His hand sustained second- and third-degree burns. To my surprise, I didn’t have to remove his spleen.” He scrubbed his hands through his sandy hair, fluffing up the damp strands.
Folding his tall, lean form, he sat on the chair next to her and put his hands on her upper arms to turn her slightly away from him. She tensed when he began massaging her shoulders, then gradually relaxed, giving into the comfort of his touch. Closing her eyes, she let her head drop as he rubbed small circles up and down her neck.
He continued in his slow, folksy drawl. “The assisting surgeon is sorta’ puzzled, though. He can’t figure out how that amount of blood came out of the small seeping wound we found. You did a good job, Rusty. I saw where a larger part had already started to heal.”
A wave of relief swept over her and the tightness in her chest released. “I’ve never tried anything like that before.”
Jim’s voice quickened with excitement and he gave her a harder squeeze. “Damn, that was fascinating. I’ve seen the results of your work from the outside for years. This is the first time I’ve seen it from the inside.”
Kasey twisted her head around. “You didn’t say anything, did you?”
“No, no, the Assisting works for Frank. I didn’t want to start something. He’ll find out about you soon enough.”
The thought of Frank Edwards, her former father-in-law, sent her blood pressure skyrocketing. Kasey wagged her head back and forth. “No. Tonight was an emergency. I can’t do my Integrative Therapy anymore. I don’t know how I managed to do anything at all.”
“But you did, and the guy probably owes you his life. You should feel damn good.”Actually, she felt scared and exhausted. She’d taken a chance tonight. Against her better judgment, she’d used her abilities for the first time in over a year. And it appeared to have worked out—for the moment. She knew she would pay for her actions. The fatigue that was draining her now was only the beginning.
Engrossed in his own thoughts, Jim continued. “I’ve sent our mystery man up for an MRI, and I’m pretty sure they’ll find brain swelling. Seems he suffered two cranial injuries. The one on the front of his head is typical of a car accident. The other is on the side toward the back and looks like he was hit from above or something fell on him. Apparently happened a while earlier.”
He paused, while still kneading her neck and shoulders, then spoke rapidly. “Given his condition, I don’t want to pump any more drugs into him than I can help. I’d like you to work on him when he comes back.”
Jim, like many younger physicians, often looked to alternative methods to heal his patients. Still, Kasey twisted and stared at him in disbelief, then shook her head.
“No way. I’ve quit.”
“I know you’re scared and hiding out, but you obviously didn’t quit tonight. You need to finish the job.”
“And what about Frank? What would he say to my ‘finishing the job’ in his hospital?”
“He couldn’t say anything. You’d be working under my orders.” Jim leaned toward her. “Think about it.”
“All I want to think about is going home and getting some sleep.” Now that the worry was gone and she’d begun to relax, she was having trouble keeping her eyes open and her body upright in the chair. She hoped she’d be able to make it back to the ranch.
With a defeated sigh, Jim changed the subject. “Take a minute and tell me about tonight. Where did you find our patient?”
Kasey accepted the switch in topic with relief. She’d already told her story—with certain parts left out—to the Sheriff’s officer who had escorted her to the hospital. She’d learned from him they’d found no identification on the man, so they couldn’t notify anyone. They’d have to wait until he regained consciousness.
After she finished telling Jim about her rescue efforts, he nodded. “Tell Star for me she ‘done good’ when she woke you up … and so did you.”
He rose and extended his arms above his head. Glancing down at her, he paused in mid-stretch. He jerked forward and took her face in his hands.
“Jeeze, Kasey, what’s going on? You look like you’re ready to pass out.” One hand went to her wrist as he felt her pulse.
She gave him a groggy smile. “Just tired. Think I’ll take a nap before I head home.”
“You’re not going anywhere.” He scooped her into his arms and started down the hall past a deserted nurse’s station. “I’m putting you to bed. We have a few empty rooms at the end of this hallway where we’ve been remodeling. It’s far enough away from any patients that you shouldn’t be bothered by their energy.”
Kasey pushed against his chest. “Don’t be silly. Put me down. I’ll be all right in a few minutes and then I’ll head back home. The animals will want their breakfast in the morning.”
Jim frowned down at her. “No way. You can’t drive in that downpour. You’ll end up in here alongside your patient.”
From over his shoulder, Kasey could see the rain coming almost horizontally at the glass doors of the emergency room. She had to admit she didn’t look forward to another hour’s drive in that. With a sleepy shrug, she slumped against Jim’s shoulder. After so long alone, it felt good to be held and taken care of.


Author Bio
Kate Wyland is a life-long horse nut who started riding at three years old. She’s taken part in a great variety of equestrian activities with her greatest loves being dressage and trail riding in the mountains. A few years ago, she exchanged her tech writing “bug” hat for a fiction writing Stetson. Suspense, romance, horses and sometimes the paranormal are the themes she likes to explore in her books. And she delights in sharing her love of animals and country living.
Contact links
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKateWy...
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/katewyland
Website: http://katewyland.com/
Blog:  http://katewyland.com/blog/
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/dash...
Buy Link
Amazon:  http://tinyurl.com/l93s8ml
Free Sept. 19-23!

Harvest Moon 2013

Image by Schyler at en.wikipedia
The Harvest Moon September 19, 2013Full Moon 7:13 a.m. EDTMoon void of course, 7:13 a.m. EDTMoon enter Aries 12:58 EDT
The full moon closest to the autumnal equinox is called the Harvest Moon. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Harvest Moon’s strong light enabled farmers to gather their crops well past sunset. On a metaphysical level, the September moon urges us to reflect upon what we have sown over the growing season. What have we reaped? As the moon moves into Aries, passions and impatience flare. But on the 21st, the moon enters Taurus with its grounding energies. The 22nd brings the autumnal equinox, a good time to focus upon personal, political, and environmental harmony and balance.

Wendy Knight is in Today's Spotlight with Feudlings in Flames

Here's a first look at Feudlings in Flames, Fate on Fire Book Two by Best Selling author, Wendy Knight:

Back Cover Blurb
Ari thought being in love with her prophesied nemesis sucked. But being responsible for her best friend's kidnapping? It sucks worse.
Ari and Shane thought they’d beaten Fate and ended the three-hundred year war plaguing their people. They thought love had won. But they were so, so wrong.
Instead of graduating high school like the normals, they’re in a battle to save Charity – Shane’s cousin, Ari's best friend, and the seer who might hold the key to ending the war for good. To do that, they’re forced to accept help from a boy they aren’t even sure they can trust. He’s powerful and knows spells even Ari’s never heard of, but he’s also secretive and has a past he’s determined to keep hidden . Add to that the fact that he has his sights set on Ari, and Shane would rather do without his help.
Ari has bigger problems than mysterious boys and their strange powers. The powerful Edren Family is hunting her brother, and she can't very well save him or Charity while they’re constantly being attacked by her own people. To stop the raids, she has to take the fight to them. But if she starts hunting the family that raised her, what kind of monster will she be?
Fate still waits for the death of one by the hand of the other.
Excerpt
         "No no, Hunter, it curves this way." Ari stood back, watching with a frown, and then jumped back in. "Imagine in your mind what you want the spell to do. Tie your emotions to your spells."         Shane watched her guide Hunter and tried again on his own. "Close, Shane, but like this," Ari reached out, holding his hand as she led him through the motion. He felt the flames racing through his blood react to her touch and sparks flew from his fingers, igniting the spell. It hung, burning, in the air, a bright blue curlicue thing. "Perfect," she whispered, still holding on to his hand.
Author BioWendy Knight was born and raised in Utah by a wonderful family who spoiled her rotten because she was the baby. Now she spends her time driving her husband crazy with her many eccentricities (no water after five, terror when faced with a live phone call, etcetera, etcetera). She also enjoys chasing her three adorable kids, playing tennis, watching football, reading, and hiking. Camping is also big: her family is slowly working toward a goal of seeing all the National Parks in the U.S. You can usually find her with at least one Pepsi nearby, wearing ridiculously high heels for whatever the occasion may be. And if everything works out just right, she will also be writing.



Links:Twitter: @wjk8099Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorWendyKn... www.writethroughthenoise.blogspot.comGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Buy Links:Astraea Press: http://astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=27682185Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Feudlings-in-Flames-ebook/dp/B00EY5DALS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1378194244&sr=8-4&keywords=Feudlings+in+Flames
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feudlings-in-flames-wendy-knight/1116814623?ean=2940148467472 

Wendy Knight is in Today's Spotlight with Feudings in Flames

Here's a first look at Feudings in Flames, Fate on Fire Book Two by Best Selling author, Wendy Knight:

Back Cover Blurb Ari thought being in love with her prophesied nemesis sucked. But being responsible for her best friend's kidnapping? It sucks worse.
Ari and Shane thought they’d beaten Fate and ended the three-hundred year war plaguing their people. They thought love had won. But they were so, so wrong.
Instead of graduating high school like the normals, they’re in a battle to save Charity – Shane’s cousin, Ari's best friend, and the seer who might hold the key to ending the war for good. To do that, they’re forced to accept help from a boy they aren’t even sure they can trust. He’s powerful and knows spells even Ari’s never heard of, but he’s also secretive and has a past he’s determined to keep hidden . Add to that the fact that he has his sights set on Ari, and Shane would rather do without his help.
Ari has bigger problems than mysterious boys and their strange powers. The powerful Edren Family is hunting her brother, and she can't very well save him or Charity while they’re constantly being attacked by her own people. To stop the raids, she has to take the fight to them. But if she starts hunting the family that raised her, what kind of monster will she be?
Fate still waits for the death of one by the hand of the other.
Excerpt          "No no, Hunter, it curves this way." Ari stood back, watching with a frown, and then jumped back in. "Imagine in your mind what you want the spell to do. Tie your emotions to your spells."          Shane watched her guide Hunter and tried again on his own. "Close, Shane, but like this," Ari reached out, holding his hand as she led him through the motion. He felt the flames racing through his blood react to her touch and sparks flew from his fingers, igniting the spell. It hung, burning, in the air, a bright blue curlicue thing. "Perfect," she whispered, still holding on to his hand.
Author BioWendy Knight was born and raised in Utah by a wonderful family who spoiled her rotten because she was the baby. Now she spends her time driving her husband crazy with her many eccentricities (no water after five, terror when faced with a live phone call, etcetera, etcetera). She also enjoys chasing her three adorable kids, playing tennis, watching football, reading, and hiking. Camping is also big: her family is slowly working toward a goal of seeing all the National Parks in the U.S. You can usually find her with at least one Pepsi nearby, wearing ridiculously high heels for whatever the occasion may be. And if everything works out just right, she will also be writing.



Links:Twitter: @wjk8099Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorWendyKn... www.writethroughthenoise.blogspot.comGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Buy Links:Astraea Press: http://astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=27682185Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Feudlings-in-Flames-ebook/dp/B00EY5DALS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1378194244&sr=8-4&keywords=Feudlings+in+FlamesBarnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/feudlings-in-flames-wendy-knight/1116814623?ean=2940148467472 

$50.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Publisher Giveaway on Facebook!Astraea Press is running a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card giveaway on Facebook. The giveaway ends at 8:00 p.m. Central Time, tonight. So don't delay!https://www.facebook.com/astraeapress
To enter, just comment on the giveaway post, and tell them your favorite Astraea Press book. Cyber hugs to anyone who mentions my Teen Wytche Saga novels: Spell Check or Spell Struck.
Good luck!Ariella Moon

Harlequin Writing Contest Could Lead to a Publishing Contract

Would you like to get your unpublished romance novel in front of the editors at Harlequin and Mills & Boone, a romance publisher with a global readership? Then start polishing your first draft because Harlequin's writing boot camp and big writing competition is about to begin. I've quoted below a few details from the Harlequin site. For the full story, go to http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com. Harlequin Writing Contest Details:Beginning September 23 you can submit the First Chapter (5000 words max) of your romance story plus a 100-Word Pitch to the series you have targeted. The pitch should outline the concept, plot, characters, conflict and setting. You must target one of our 20 eligible series.All First Chapter submissions will be posted for everyone to read and add comments in the space provided. Last day for submissions is October 9. Don’t delay…submit your chapter right away so more people—including the editors–will see it!New Adult Writing ContestIf you've written a New Adult manuscript (college age characters), here's a writing contest just for you! From http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com:Breaking News! Wattpad Bonus Writing ContestHarlequin is launching a New Adult Romance series and we’ve partnered with Wattpad to offer a bonus writing contest—in addition to our SYTYCW writing contest. Visitwww.wattpad.com/SYTYCW for details. Starting September 23 writers can submit the first chapter and a 100-word pitch aimed at the New Adult Romance series. Submissions will be posted exclusively on Wattpad for comment and voting. Harlequin editors will judge the top 25 manuscripts and select four winners who will be published in the New Adult Romance line.Wattpad is the world’s largest online community for reading, writing and sharing stories.
Good luck!~Ariella Moon

Back to School Magic - The Art of Letting Go

Having a tough time sending your child off to school or your teen off to college?Need some moral or magical help? 
For positive steps you can take to honor, protect, and release your child, read "The Art of Letting Go" in The Monthly Muse at www.AriellaMoon.com