Max Ellendale's Blog, page 7
May 10, 2013
Winners of “The turning point…” Contest Announced!
I’m happy to announce that there were 8 entries for “The turning point…” contest! All entries were wonderfully touching. I wish I could make EVERYONE a winner. I really do…
Winners were selected at random…
*drum roll*
1st Place: Amy Conley!
2nd Place: Sierra Dawn!
3rd Place: Iris Ka-Yan Bakalar!
4th Place: Julie Wilson!
Winners will be contacted via provided information! Congratulations to all of you!
May 1, 2013
Contest: “The turning point…”
Hello friends and fans! Are you ready for a contest? Yes? Well… okay good! Here is your task…
To enter, comment on this blog post related to the following:
Characters often go through life-altering events that set them on a certain trajectory toward the climax of the story. These changes, or plot turns, can effect every aspect of the characters life and the readers experience. This is not unlike our everyday reality. Think of a time in your life when everything turned around, when everything changed…
Reply to this post beginning with the prompt “The turning point of my life was when…” in order to be entered for a chance to win one of the prizes below. If you’re not comfortable replying personally, be creative! Entertain me! Character voices are always welcome. *grin*
1st Place: Glyph mini-Media kit (includes 1 signed copy of Glyph, 1 canvas mini-tote, 2 bookmarks, 2 pens, 2 pencils, 2 guitar picks, and Shawnee’s stationery mentioned in the book!
2nd Place: 1 signed copy of Glyph!
3rd Place: 1 signed bookmark + randomly chosen promo item
4th Place: 1 signed bookmark
Winners will be chosen on May 10, 2013!
This is your mission should you choose to accept it, good luck!
(PS – International entries are welcome with the knowledge that if you win, shipping might take awhile!)
April 30, 2013
May 2013
May has been a rather exciting month! Wait no… that was April. May will be a very exciting month! Ha! With Glyph‘s print release, I’m working on engagements for book signings and marketing. In line with such, contests and giveaways are happening as well! Head over to my blog and check it out! I’m trying my very hardest to get the word out there about The Legacy Series! Book 2, titled Birthrite, is moving through the publishing process. I’ve seen preliminary cover art (nothing official yet) and worked on pre-edits this past weekend. A release date has not yet been set but as soon as I know, I will be sure to post it!
I’ve also begun preparing for my upcoming workshop, “Beginnings of Genre Fiction,” at Cuppapulp Booksellers in Chestnut Ridge, New York this summer! (see above for details) I look forward to meeting many of you!
A brief update on some other projects. My YA fantasy tale is still in the query process and I’m actively soliciting agents. No word yet on some of my nonfiction and poetry submissions! Deadlines have not yet passed for any of them so the waiting game is on!
In other news, I’ll be graduation (finally) from my MFA program! Last year I decided to hold off on graduating (even though I had all the credits) in order to be a part of the first graduating MFA class at our school, which also means I haven’t had any classes in about a year! A very long wait indeed. I’m continuing to work with new and intermediate writers for Mentoring & Consultation and, I have to admit, I’m enjoying it immensely! Also this month, I was certified and Reiki 1 & 2! I’m working very hard on expanding my freelance skills and my passion for alternatives.
Well, that’s all for now! Wishing everyone the best and always remember to do what you love!
Cheers,
Max
P.S. – Spread the love and visit fellow author, G.C. Nichols‘, new website! I’m looking forward to seeing her work in print! Also, anyone know any children/young authors? Check out Splash Journal! Submissions are open!
April 15, 2013
April 13, 2013
April 2013
My apologies for such a late April update! So many things have been going on that I lost track of my responsibilities. Though I hope the fabulous updates for this month make up for it!
I’m happy to announce that Glyph is now available in paperback! I’ve been anxiously awaiting this day and now that it’s finally here, excitement is abound! In honor of this release, I’ve got some awesome new promo gear (see the latest to the right) and hope to give some away at upcoming signings, events, and blog contests! My deepest gratitude to Barry Brown of Imprint Marketing Concepts for this latest creation!
And now for my next announcement… *drum roll*
Book two of the Legacy Series was accepted and contracted with Breathless Press! Are you ready for the title reveal? The title of book two is BIRTHRITE! As of this moment, the manuscript is in the hands of my editor and cover art is in the works! I’m deliriously excited about publishing this sequel! I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting word on this book. I don’t have a release date as of yet but when I do, I will be sure to post it!
Lastly, I’m also very pleased to announce that I will be teaching a “Beginnings of Genre Fiction” workshop at Cuppapulp Booksellers in Chestnut Ridge, New York this summer! (see above for details) I look forward to meeting many of you!
A brief update on some other projects. My YA fantasy tale is still in the query process and I’m actively soliciting agents. As many of you know, this is a lengthy process that I began barely six months ago. I have patient faith that this manuscript will find a home in the future! I’ve also begun submitting some of my nonfiction, poetry, and short-stories to literary magazines and contests. I tied on my special Cloak of Bravery and soared (nervously) deep into the scariest caves of the literary world. Only time will tell of the outcome.
That’s all the updates I have for this month! Keep an eye on my blog and social networking sites for upcoming contests! One of the grand-prizes will be a Legacy Series media kit including an autographed copy of Glyph and tons of nerdy promotional gear!
The best to you and keep writing!
Cheers,
Max
P.S. – Spread the love and visit fellow author, G.C. Nichols‘, new website! I’m looking forward to seeing her work in print!
April 4, 2013
neglect
Words all a mess,
can’t even guess.
I’ve written less
than an ardvark eating
a pest.
Motivation waned,
left me pained.
In a river of doubt,
I’ll never get out.
Book released,
sill confidence ceased.
Success? Or
fail this test.
Alone by the shore,
characters abhorred.
Voices unheard,
they do not deserve
the neglect
I have served.
March 10, 2013
Beginnings of Genre Fiction Workshop March 23
Beginnings of Genre Fiction
What do successful genre novels have in common? An engaging plot, flowing narrative that draws readers in, and believable characters. Sci-fi/fantasy, mystery, horror, romance, paranormal…This workshop will provide an overview of how to craft the literature of the fantastic! Topics will include:
- Plot: Tweaking the old school “plot arc”: to suit new tastes, foreshadowing, subplots, plot turns and saggy middles.
- Narrative: The delicate balance between dialogue, action, and description.
- Characters Development: Creating a character with enough depth to carry the story, unforgettable secondary characters, use and integration of back story.
- World building & Creatures: Believable worlds/creatures, using the now world to inform the other worlds.
- Brief discussion of the industry at present, literary agents, small press, NAN, and indie/self-publishing. Social networking. The dreaded query.
This workshop will include in-session writing exercises. Writers of all levels are welcome and encouraged!
For individual consultation, please email Max at maxellendale@aol.com. Include a writing sample, an idea for discussion, or any questions/topics you would like to discuss. All manuscripts must be received by March 16, 2013 (one week prior) so that Max has ample time for review.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
10:00am-12:00pm Workshop
12:30pm – ?? Individual Consultations
Cuppa Pulp Booksellers
817 Chestnut Ridge Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
P: (845) 290-1572
F: (845) 290-6919
Paranormal romance author, Max Ellendale (Glyph, Breathless Press 2012), will lead a 2-hour workshop on all aspects of beginning a plot-driven novel. Optional individual consultation. Sign up at info@cuppapulp.com or call Meadowlark at 845-290-1572.
$20 2-hour intensive $10 optional consult
For more information, please visit: www.maxellendale.com and www.cuppapulp.com.
March 3, 2013
March 2013
March is here with the promise of Spring. It’s been a long, gray winter here and I’m really looking forward to some warmer weather.
Coming March 23, I’ll be running a “Beginnings of Genre Fiction” workshop at Cuppa Pulp Booksellers here in New York (see details below). Donna caught up with me for an interview! Stop by Cuppa Pulp to take a look!
Most of my energy this month will be spent on preparations for the workshop and manuscript reviews. Though, of course, time for my own writing is mixed in as well. No news to report on projects out in query. I’ve sent out a few poems to lit mags and other contests but those can take months for any kind of response. Onward into the world of writing!
Cheers,
Max
**Workshop Details**
Beginnings of Genre Fiction Workshop
Saturday, March 23, 2013
10:00am-12:00pm – Workshop
12:30pm – ?? Individual Consultations
Cuppa Pulp Booksellers
817 Chestnut Ridge Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
P: (845) 290-1572
F: (845) 290-6919
What do successful genre novels have in common? An engaging plot, flowing narrative that draws readers in, and believable characters. Sci-fi/fantasy, mystery, horror, romance, paranormal… This workshop will provide an overview of how to craft the literature of the fantastic! Topics will include:
Plot: Tweaking the old school plot arc: to suit new tastes, foreshadowing, subplots, plot turns and saggy middles.
Narrative: The delicate balance between dialogue, action and description.
Character Development: Creating a character with enough depth to carry the story, unforgettable secondary characters, use and integration of back story.
World building & Creatures: Believable worlds/creatures, using the now world to inform the other worlds.
Brief discussion of the industry at present, literary agents, small press, NAN, and indie/self-publishing. Social networking. The dreaded query.
This workshop will include in-session writing exercises. Writers of all levels are welcome and encouraged!
For individual consultation, please email Max at maxellendale@aol.com. Include a writing sample, an idea for discussion, or any questions/topics you would like to discuss. All manuscripts must be received by March 16, 2013 (one week prior to workshop) so that Max has ample time for review.
Sign up at info@cuppapulp.com or call Meadowlark at (845)290-1572.
For more information, please visit: www.cuppapulp.com
February 12, 2013
Guess the Character
Greetings.
T’was expressed to me that must needs I be makin’ an appearance here. I do not understand why, but I do as I am told. You wish to know about me? I dunnae think there is much fer me to be telling ye. I work to keep the peace, as best as I can. My reasons be my own, and aren’t for a human like yerself to be knowin’. T’would be best if we part ways now. Pray we ne’r meet again.
Alright readers, here are your choices:
Stella
Karma
Braelynn
Zeara
Please leave your guess below and proceed to the next blog. Remember, you must leave an answer on all 9 blogs to be entered in the drawing to win a Kindle Fire, among other great prizes!
February 8, 2013
Beginnings of Genre Fiction Workshop
In the midst of the blizzard, I thought it appropriate to post something to look forward to in the coming Spring! I’ll be running a workshop on genre fiction (sci-fi/fantasy, paranormal, horror, romance, mystery, YA) that we’re calling it “Beginnings of Genre Fiction.” I’m looking forward to seeing some of you there! Details are below and on my website: www.maxellendale.com.
Cheers!
Max
Beginnings of Genre Fiction Workshop
Saturday, March 23, 2013
10:00am-12:00pm – Workshop
12:30pm – ?? Individual Consultations
Cuppa Pulp Booksellers
817 Chestnut Ridge Road
Chestnut Ridge, NY 10977
P: (845) 290-1572
F: (845) 290-6919
What do successful genre novels have in common? An engaging plot, flowing narrative that draws readers in, and believable characters. Sci-fi/fantasy, mystery, horror, romance, paranormal… This workshop will provide an overview of how to craft the literature of the fantastic! Topics will include:
Plot: Tweaking the old school plot arc: to suit new tastes, foreshadowing, subplots, plot turns and saggy middles.
Narrative: The delicate balance between dialogue, action and description.
Character Development: Creating a character with enough depth to carry the story, unforgettable secondary characters, use and integration of back story.
World building & Creatures: Believable worlds/creatures, using the now world to inform the other worlds.
Brief discussion of the industry at present, literary agents, small press, NAN, and indie/self-publishing. Social networking. The dreaded query.
This workshop will include in-session writing exercises. Writers of all levels are welcome and encouraged!
For individual consultation, please email Max at maxellendale@aol.com. Include a writing sample, an idea for discussion, or any questions/topics you would like to discuss. All manuscripts must be received by March 16, 2013 (one week prior to workshop) so that Max has ample time for review.
Sign up at info@cuppapulp.com or call Meadowlark at (845)290-1572.
For more information, please visit: www.cuppapulp.com
