Natasha House's Blog
April 8, 2015
5 Tips I learned by writing my fantasy
I've never been a hard core fantasy reader *gasp* and when the idea for my own fantasy came to me it was like a foreign concept.
I just do what the characters say!
Here's some tips I learned by making mistakes.
1. Get a good cover.
Sounds easy right? When you're a new author with 0 cash, it's a bit steep to fork out a couple hundred bucks for a cover. But. For. The. Love. Of. God. Get a good cover. My first cover for my fantasy makes me laugh. (BTW in the process of getting a new one, cause the current one is still pretty bad)
2. Narrow down those POVS
I had like a billion characters. Not even joking, and the more reviews that came in the more it became pretty noticeable that too many hands in the pot was bad and hard to connect with.
3. Figure out your world.
I have to laugh, because I am a pantser by nature (write by the seat of my pants) and the major mistake I made was not knowing what the heck I was doing.
4. Write an ending.
Again, I smack my own forehead, because all my fantasy books will leave you angry! Haha! Mostly because I'll bring you to an exiting part and BAM stop. I personally would probably just scramble to buy book 2, but that's me!
5. Consider writing the whole series first.
This is a large concept, but I say this because, I started off publishing novellas that were roughly 20k, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized they should be 3 longer books, instead of 5 short ones.
I hope you got some tips out of my mistakes!
Happy Writing!
Author Note:
I am currently in the process of revamping this series and taking my own advice up above. I'm excited to see what happens as an end result.
I just do what the characters say!
Here's some tips I learned by making mistakes.
1. Get a good cover.
Sounds easy right? When you're a new author with 0 cash, it's a bit steep to fork out a couple hundred bucks for a cover. But. For. The. Love. Of. God. Get a good cover. My first cover for my fantasy makes me laugh. (BTW in the process of getting a new one, cause the current one is still pretty bad)
2. Narrow down those POVS
I had like a billion characters. Not even joking, and the more reviews that came in the more it became pretty noticeable that too many hands in the pot was bad and hard to connect with.
3. Figure out your world.
I have to laugh, because I am a pantser by nature (write by the seat of my pants) and the major mistake I made was not knowing what the heck I was doing.
4. Write an ending.
Again, I smack my own forehead, because all my fantasy books will leave you angry! Haha! Mostly because I'll bring you to an exiting part and BAM stop. I personally would probably just scramble to buy book 2, but that's me!
5. Consider writing the whole series first.
This is a large concept, but I say this because, I started off publishing novellas that were roughly 20k, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized they should be 3 longer books, instead of 5 short ones.
I hope you got some tips out of my mistakes!
Happy Writing!
Author Note:
I am currently in the process of revamping this series and taking my own advice up above. I'm excited to see what happens as an end result.
January 20, 2015
5-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Court
I grew up in a family who didn't believe in dating. No, we weren't crazy, here's 5 reasons why.
(Most people's faces when you tell them you don't date)
1. A lot less stress
Finding your "perfect" man isn't like a Disney movie. Girls go on a hunt for Prince Charming and weird enough, he keeps turning into the frog prince. Yuck.
Don't settle for the frog. God has your prince.
Courting is based on trust. When you trust God about your relationship, you won't end up with a frog. Who wants frog breath? I mean come on!
2. Heartache doesn't happen
How many girls get their hearts shattered by a guy they got into a relationship with that wasn't God? Just read New Moon from the Twilight series, good gravy, you'll see what it does to some girls when a boy leaves them.
3. Be happier with the single life
While you're single, enjoy it! Live life with the contentment of having faith that God's got your back. Instead of obsessing over the perfect man, just discover who you are, and what you love doing in life. A man will be attracted to a girl who's got her head screwed on straight.
4. Build a friendship that will last forever
When I first met my husband, I desperately needed a friend, and we started chatting back and forth on-line. I didn't stress about anything, just built our friendship over time. Amazingly enough, that friendship became more.
You want the man you marry to be your best friend.
If you're not comfortable farting in front of the guy, then he's probably not for you. Obviously, you don't wanna fart the first time you meet.
5. Your relationship will shine
When God brings that perfect man into your life, I say "perfect" but don't expect your guy not to screw up now and again. But, God knows what will polish you and help you move forward. So, don't be surprised if you attract the exact opposite of your personality.
Believe me, this courting stuff works. God brought along the man for me, right when I needed him most. He makes me laugh, lightens my life with his smile, and helps me through anything I face. Don't give up, girls! God has your dream man for you!
If you've enjoyed this post please sign up for my newsletter: Chocolate Kisses for Your Thoughts
Natasha House is the author of Grace Alive, a modern day Christian romance novel where Zoe, a pastor's daughter faces a giant challenge with the topic of courting. If you enjoy Christian romance, with humor, drama, and passion, then you'll enjoy Grace Alive.
(Most people's faces when you tell them you don't date)
1. A lot less stress
Finding your "perfect" man isn't like a Disney movie. Girls go on a hunt for Prince Charming and weird enough, he keeps turning into the frog prince. Yuck.
Don't settle for the frog. God has your prince.
Courting is based on trust. When you trust God about your relationship, you won't end up with a frog. Who wants frog breath? I mean come on!
2. Heartache doesn't happen
How many girls get their hearts shattered by a guy they got into a relationship with that wasn't God? Just read New Moon from the Twilight series, good gravy, you'll see what it does to some girls when a boy leaves them.
3. Be happier with the single life
While you're single, enjoy it! Live life with the contentment of having faith that God's got your back. Instead of obsessing over the perfect man, just discover who you are, and what you love doing in life. A man will be attracted to a girl who's got her head screwed on straight.
4. Build a friendship that will last forever
When I first met my husband, I desperately needed a friend, and we started chatting back and forth on-line. I didn't stress about anything, just built our friendship over time. Amazingly enough, that friendship became more.
You want the man you marry to be your best friend.
If you're not comfortable farting in front of the guy, then he's probably not for you. Obviously, you don't wanna fart the first time you meet.
5. Your relationship will shine
When God brings that perfect man into your life, I say "perfect" but don't expect your guy not to screw up now and again. But, God knows what will polish you and help you move forward. So, don't be surprised if you attract the exact opposite of your personality.
Believe me, this courting stuff works. God brought along the man for me, right when I needed him most. He makes me laugh, lightens my life with his smile, and helps me through anything I face. Don't give up, girls! God has your dream man for you!
If you've enjoyed this post please sign up for my newsletter: Chocolate Kisses for Your Thoughts
Natasha House is the author of Grace Alive, a modern day Christian romance novel where Zoe, a pastor's daughter faces a giant challenge with the topic of courting. If you enjoy Christian romance, with humor, drama, and passion, then you'll enjoy Grace Alive.
November 29, 2014
Dream Big
Every writer faces the big, drooly monster of I quit. You get a bad review, someone trashes your work, your family/friends aren't supporting you, or crummy sales. All of this can make you throw in the towel as a creative person. Whether it be writing, drawing, singing, or something else creative, you face this. There is ALWAYS going to be someone better than you. Always. Someone is always going to say something negative at one point about your hard work.
Keep dreaming. No one is going to kill your dream except you in the end of things. Keep going! Keep following the love you have for writing! #Dreambig
Keep dreaming. No one is going to kill your dream except you in the end of things. Keep going! Keep following the love you have for writing! #Dreambig
October 17, 2014
October 6, 2014
Paperback Giveaway!
Come join my Facebook Paperback Give away party!
The Last book of the Jade Series is done! Let's celebrate!
https://www.facebook.com/events/86649...
The Last book of the Jade Series is done! Let's celebrate!
https://www.facebook.com/events/86649...
August 27, 2014
Save $4 on my Christian romance!
(Christian Contemporary Romance)
Grace Alive .99¢ for a very limited time!! http://amzn.com/B00H0J6J4K
He had a past. She was a pastor's daughter.
Grace Alive .99¢ for a very limited time!! http://amzn.com/B00H0J6J4K
He had a past. She was a pastor's daughter.
August 9, 2014
How many times can I change a cover?
So, as you all know (or don't...haha) I keep playing around with my fantasy books. I finally have a cover that I like (I hope) and am officially hopefully done messing with it! Here are the two new covers for the series. I combined books and now the series will only be 3 books long instead of 5. What do you think?
July 24, 2014
Reinventing is fun
So, I've been a crazy girl lately. I am now putting my different genres under a different pen name. I think people who enjoy Christian romance, probably won't want a crazy sci-fi. It's been quite a chore re-doing covers and the insides of the books.
July 17, 2014
Bloggy, blog, blog
I haven't written anything interesting in a long time. Well, this post isn't any different. I've been working away at an old project I published. It was a short story I wrote for my facebook fan page, just for the heck of it! I got it from 12k to 30k. Then...of course I had to get all distracted! Squirrel!
Now I'm reediting The Vullens' Curse. This was not planned! I simply downloaded it off my amazon account to read it again before I publish the final book. Boom. Errors. Ugh. So...yeah reediting again! Plus, I uploaded the wrong version. I had combined books 1-3 into one book, but I'd taken out the other books, but I accidentally put that version on amazon....heh heh. Oops! So this writer has a butt load of work...and instead I'm blogging. Go figure.
Now I'm reediting The Vullens' Curse. This was not planned! I simply downloaded it off my amazon account to read it again before I publish the final book. Boom. Errors. Ugh. So...yeah reediting again! Plus, I uploaded the wrong version. I had combined books 1-3 into one book, but I'd taken out the other books, but I accidentally put that version on amazon....heh heh. Oops! So this writer has a butt load of work...and instead I'm blogging. Go figure.
July 1, 2014
Meet My Character Tour
Meet My Character Blog Tour
FP Spirit, author of The Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford Book 1)
asked me to be part of the “Meet My Character Blog Tour”
You can read more about him and find his Meet My Character post here. http://fpspirit.com/news/
The Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford Book 1) http://amzn.com/B00L5JN5SE
In this character tour I’ve been asked to answer a few questions about one of the main characters on a work in progress book. I am currently writing a prequel to my epic fantasy series: The Jade Series. Here is a link to the first novel which is FREE: http://amzn.com/B00C7XETLY
1) What is the name of your character?
Her name is Taylynn. She is just one of the brand new characters coming up in this prequel. She is a race that for now I am keeping a secret until the final chapter of Jade is released coming up in the fall.
2) When and where is the story set?
This story is set pre-Jade. Thousands and thousands of years ago when Jade wasn’t quite “Jade.” You will recognize some of the world, but most will be unfamiliar.
3) What should we know about him/her?
I knew right away that I liked Taylynn. She’s headstrong, brave, even a bit reckless. She believes in something much bigger and greater than herself, and she’s ready to defy anyone who tries to stop her. She walks in places no one dares walk.
4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?
Taylynn is put in a situation that she really has no control over. Forced between her wild personality and being shoved into a box, this girl has a strong choice to make when her father is pushing her into a relationship that she has no desire for.
5) What is the personal goal of the character?
This is hard without giving too much away! Let’s just say her goal will affect her people for generations to come. She has no idea that with one choice she will cause complete chaos and even change the face of her entire world. She is willing to do anything to protect a race that has been forgotten.
6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?
Not currently. It really takes me forever to come up with names. I have considered: Banished. This novel is in the baby stage! It is only 12k right now.
7) When can we expect the book to be published?
I wasn’t even planning on writing this right now! I sort of on a whim started it a week or so ago. I guess maybe next year sometime? I still have the last book of Jade to publish and one more book in my Heart of Grace Series. This is my fun little side project!
And now, I’ve tagged another gifted author who has agreed to join the blog tour. She will be posting her Meet My Character posts on July 8th (one week from today).
1. Meet Clarissa Cartharn Fabulous author of romance! Hop into romance after romance with this author who will spin a wonderful tale for you.
Her brand new dystopian romance will leave you breathless as you find yourself in a future world. Here’s a quick description of her book: Woodsmen
He wasn’t human. He was a chimera; part human-part animal. And yet he knew her, he felt her like no man had ever done
In the year 3035, where corporations rule the world and everything is merchandised, freedom rides on the hopes of one man- and he isn’t human.
When Jared Ryder storms into Callum House to stop his sister from working for the enemy, he is confronted with an equally raging Ellie Callum. He knows he should hate her- after all it was her father who was responsible for the death of his Da and the despicable oppression looming in his sector. But despite his pleading common sense, all he feels for her is instant attraction. But there is also something else that stands in his way from claiming her. He isn’t human.
http://amzn.com/B00KQGSFLE
FP Spirit, author of The Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford Book 1)
asked me to be part of the “Meet My Character Blog Tour”
You can read more about him and find his Meet My Character post here. http://fpspirit.com/news/
The Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford Book 1) http://amzn.com/B00L5JN5SE
In this character tour I’ve been asked to answer a few questions about one of the main characters on a work in progress book. I am currently writing a prequel to my epic fantasy series: The Jade Series. Here is a link to the first novel which is FREE: http://amzn.com/B00C7XETLY
1) What is the name of your character?
Her name is Taylynn. She is just one of the brand new characters coming up in this prequel. She is a race that for now I am keeping a secret until the final chapter of Jade is released coming up in the fall.
2) When and where is the story set?
This story is set pre-Jade. Thousands and thousands of years ago when Jade wasn’t quite “Jade.” You will recognize some of the world, but most will be unfamiliar.
3) What should we know about him/her?
I knew right away that I liked Taylynn. She’s headstrong, brave, even a bit reckless. She believes in something much bigger and greater than herself, and she’s ready to defy anyone who tries to stop her. She walks in places no one dares walk.
4) What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life?
Taylynn is put in a situation that she really has no control over. Forced between her wild personality and being shoved into a box, this girl has a strong choice to make when her father is pushing her into a relationship that she has no desire for.
5) What is the personal goal of the character?
This is hard without giving too much away! Let’s just say her goal will affect her people for generations to come. She has no idea that with one choice she will cause complete chaos and even change the face of her entire world. She is willing to do anything to protect a race that has been forgotten.
6) Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?
Not currently. It really takes me forever to come up with names. I have considered: Banished. This novel is in the baby stage! It is only 12k right now.
7) When can we expect the book to be published?
I wasn’t even planning on writing this right now! I sort of on a whim started it a week or so ago. I guess maybe next year sometime? I still have the last book of Jade to publish and one more book in my Heart of Grace Series. This is my fun little side project!
And now, I’ve tagged another gifted author who has agreed to join the blog tour. She will be posting her Meet My Character posts on July 8th (one week from today).
1. Meet Clarissa Cartharn Fabulous author of romance! Hop into romance after romance with this author who will spin a wonderful tale for you.
Her brand new dystopian romance will leave you breathless as you find yourself in a future world. Here’s a quick description of her book: Woodsmen
He wasn’t human. He was a chimera; part human-part animal. And yet he knew her, he felt her like no man had ever done
In the year 3035, where corporations rule the world and everything is merchandised, freedom rides on the hopes of one man- and he isn’t human.
When Jared Ryder storms into Callum House to stop his sister from working for the enemy, he is confronted with an equally raging Ellie Callum. He knows he should hate her- after all it was her father who was responsible for the death of his Da and the despicable oppression looming in his sector. But despite his pleading common sense, all he feels for her is instant attraction. But there is also something else that stands in his way from claiming her. He isn’t human.
http://amzn.com/B00KQGSFLE
