Ashley Stoyanoff's Blog, page 15
August 2, 2012
My Writer Personality
Some of us write just to write, scribbling words on a page out of love and letting our imaginations soar. Others like to take a more planned approach. We outline, create character sketches full of back story, plan out every detail of the town, and the details go on and on...
I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m an obsessive planner. I create outline after outline after outline until the story is sound. But then as I pound out the words on the keyboard, I always seem to get lost in the story and then before I know it, I’m at a new place I had never before imagined.
This can be a great thing, but, like all organization freaks, I find myself pulling back, and again, I'm back at the drawing board trying to find a way to have this new development work in the story.
After hours, days and even weeks of frustration, trying to balance out my obsessive and creative sides, I came up with a compromise which has led to a writing process that keeps both my personalities happy.
I write every day no matter what. I always start out the first 30 minutes with my imagination, letting the words come out however they please. This is my warm up, getting those creative juices flowing. Usually I pick one of the minor characters within the story I’m writing to play the lead. I never fail to be surprised to see some of the crazy things those minors do when they have the spotlight. It gives them a chance to shine and gives me new inspiration.
Then I like to have a coffee or 5 (I drink at least three pots a day). While I sip on the delicious java, I read over my little sprint and see if any of it is usable in my present or maybe a future story. If a new story idea comes to mind from the warm up, or I think of an awesome place to add it in the current story, I take 20 to 30 minutes to jot it down, if not I move on, checking out where I left off on my outline. Then I take a few minutes to review the last few paragraphs from the day before to get my bearings.
This is where my writing process takes, what I like to think of as a designer feel. Like most, I write scene by scene, breaking the book down into sections. However, I don’t stop there. I strip it down and write every scene in sections, dialogue, emotions, narrative, and then setting. And by splitting it up into steps my organizational side stays content.
My favorite thing to write is dialogue so this is where I always start. I will sketch out the whole scene with just the dialogue. I find that when I’m only thinking about what is actually being said and nothing else the dialogue is more natural, not forced, and overall, original.
But the neat thing about this is, when the dialogue is done, the emotions are easy to fill in since I already have a great sense of exactly what is being said.
At this point, I read through everything again, filling in narrative and thinking of the perfect place for this scene to happen. I find setting can be tricky, which is probably why I leave it to the end. I really over think this part. Would an 18-year-old boy throw a punch in his own living room when his parents could be in the kitchen? What if a 16-year-old girl was being picked on at school? Would she cry in public or would she run to the bathroom? Where is the best place for that first kiss? Should it be a romantic setting or did it just happen at a continence store?
However, in the end, I have a great scene; my imagination has been let loose and my fixation with organization has been kept satisfied, and then I get to start the process all over again.
I like to think I fall somewhere in the middle. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m an obsessive planner. I create outline after outline after outline until the story is sound. But then as I pound out the words on the keyboard, I always seem to get lost in the story and then before I know it, I’m at a new place I had never before imagined.
This can be a great thing, but, like all organization freaks, I find myself pulling back, and again, I'm back at the drawing board trying to find a way to have this new development work in the story.
After hours, days and even weeks of frustration, trying to balance out my obsessive and creative sides, I came up with a compromise which has led to a writing process that keeps both my personalities happy.
I write every day no matter what. I always start out the first 30 minutes with my imagination, letting the words come out however they please. This is my warm up, getting those creative juices flowing. Usually I pick one of the minor characters within the story I’m writing to play the lead. I never fail to be surprised to see some of the crazy things those minors do when they have the spotlight. It gives them a chance to shine and gives me new inspiration.
Then I like to have a coffee or 5 (I drink at least three pots a day). While I sip on the delicious java, I read over my little sprint and see if any of it is usable in my present or maybe a future story. If a new story idea comes to mind from the warm up, or I think of an awesome place to add it in the current story, I take 20 to 30 minutes to jot it down, if not I move on, checking out where I left off on my outline. Then I take a few minutes to review the last few paragraphs from the day before to get my bearings.
This is where my writing process takes, what I like to think of as a designer feel. Like most, I write scene by scene, breaking the book down into sections. However, I don’t stop there. I strip it down and write every scene in sections, dialogue, emotions, narrative, and then setting. And by splitting it up into steps my organizational side stays content.
My favorite thing to write is dialogue so this is where I always start. I will sketch out the whole scene with just the dialogue. I find that when I’m only thinking about what is actually being said and nothing else the dialogue is more natural, not forced, and overall, original.
But the neat thing about this is, when the dialogue is done, the emotions are easy to fill in since I already have a great sense of exactly what is being said.
At this point, I read through everything again, filling in narrative and thinking of the perfect place for this scene to happen. I find setting can be tricky, which is probably why I leave it to the end. I really over think this part. Would an 18-year-old boy throw a punch in his own living room when his parents could be in the kitchen? What if a 16-year-old girl was being picked on at school? Would she cry in public or would she run to the bathroom? Where is the best place for that first kiss? Should it be a romantic setting or did it just happen at a continence store?
However, in the end, I have a great scene; my imagination has been let loose and my fixation with organization has been kept satisfied, and then I get to start the process all over again.
July 23, 2012
Enter to WIN a Copy of The Soul's Mark FOUND, Extended Edition
There are two giveaways to celebrate the release of The Soul's Mark: FOUND, Extended Edition
The Prizes: SEVEN copies of The Soul's Mark: FOUND
5 - eBook copy (open to readers everywhere)
2 - Print copy (open to readers in US & Canada)
To enter, go to http://www.ashleystoyanoff.com/book_g...
There are two different Entry Forms. The first is for the Print copy (open to US and Canada), hosted by Goodreads and the second is for the eBook giveaway (open to everyone), hosted by www.ashleystoyanoff.com.
Winners of eBook giveaways must respond to the congratulatory e-mail within 7 days of receiving it or new winners will be chosen.
The eBook winner will receive the book via Smashwords coupon.
Good Luck! :)
The Prizes: SEVEN copies of The Soul's Mark: FOUND
5 - eBook copy (open to readers everywhere)
2 - Print copy (open to readers in US & Canada)
To enter, go to http://www.ashleystoyanoff.com/book_g...
There are two different Entry Forms. The first is for the Print copy (open to US and Canada), hosted by Goodreads and the second is for the eBook giveaway (open to everyone), hosted by www.ashleystoyanoff.com.
Winners of eBook giveaways must respond to the congratulatory e-mail within 7 days of receiving it or new winners will be chosen.
The eBook winner will receive the book via Smashwords coupon.
Good Luck! :)
July 20, 2012
The Soul’s Mark: FOUND – Re-Edited Extended Edition
Awesome News! The Soul’s Mark: FOUND has been re-edited and with the re-edit I’ve snuck in some extra scenes. Hope you all enjoy them. :)
I want to extend special thanks to Alyaqadhan Alghafri for illustrating the amazing new cover and to Kathryn Calvert for her wonderful editing!
Edited by Kathryn Calvert
Cover art illustrated by Alyaqadhan Alghafriwww.alghafri.deviantart.com
The eBook is available now at Smashwords.com. Use the code SSW50 at checkout for 50% off during our site-wide promotion! (Offer good thru July 31, 2012).
The revised edition is also available at Amazon.com in paperback.
Stay Tuned for Updates on The Soul’s Mark: HUNTED, Book 2 of The Soul’s Mark Series.
I want to extend special thanks to Alyaqadhan Alghafri for illustrating the amazing new cover and to Kathryn Calvert for her wonderful editing!
Edited by Kathryn Calvert
Cover art illustrated by Alyaqadhan Alghafriwww.alghafri.deviantart.com
The eBook is available now at Smashwords.com. Use the code SSW50 at checkout for 50% off during our site-wide promotion! (Offer good thru July 31, 2012).
The revised edition is also available at Amazon.com in paperback.
Stay Tuned for Updates on The Soul’s Mark: HUNTED, Book 2 of The Soul’s Mark Series.
July 8, 2012
Amelia's Diary
Hey Everyone,
I thought I would do something fun today. Hope you enjoy Amelia's diary.
Dear Diary,
Before I start, you need to know that Angelle has completely lost her mind. Over the last week, she had made it her mission to keep Mitch and I from fighting, but today she went too far.
It all started this morning. Eric and I met in the kitchen for our usual run and of course, before we left Mitch, and I had our daily argument about my running. He tried to tell me he didn’t think I should be out. That it wasn’t safe, but I know he’s still jealous of how much time I spend with Eric.
I think the fight pushed Angelle over the edge because she broke down in a soggy mess of tears and screamed, “You guys are going to end up just like me!” and then she rushed out of the kitchen.
I know I should have gone after her, but instead I blew it off. I couldn’t deal with the drama that early in the morning. Not before my run so I left with Eric.
The house was quiet when we got back, and that should have been my first hint that something was up. It’s Saturday and usually the gang would be waiting in the kitchen for me to get back. We would have breakfast and plan out the day. But everyone was gone.
I went off to my room for a shower, and that’s where I found the note. It was from Mitch, or so I thought, telling me he needed my help in the dungeon.
That probably should have been the second hint. Mitch knows how much I hate that place, and if I had stopped and thought about it, I would have realized he would never ask me to go down there. Maybe it was that knowledge that made me panic, because I took off running, surely something was wrong.
As soon as I opened the steel doors to the horrid dungeon they slammed shut behind me, and I heard the clicking of locks. I pounded my fist on the door screaming for someone to help me. After about 10 minutes of this Angelle yelled at me, telling me that she wasn’t letting us out until we figured out how to be nice to each other.
At that time, I thought I would kill her for this, and if I didn’t, surely Mitch would. I even said as much to her, but she just laughed and told me this was for the best, and he would understand.
I really don’t think I had ever been that mad before but all that anger melted away when I heard Mitch’s voice and his velvety chuckle. He quickly reminded me that there was no point in wasting time trying to open the door. It was vampire proof, so I wouldn’t be able to open it, and he had already tried.
When I finally gave up and followed him down the steps I was floored. Angelle had really been working on this. The scary torture room was beautiful. All the crazy devises removed, candles lit, rose petals covered the floor. It was amazing.
And the best part about it was, it worked. Mitch and I had an awesome day. We talked. We kissed. We fought. And then we made up, and man was that fun. I could spend the rest of my life kissing that man.
Angelle finally let us out after just over 7 hours and not that I’ll ever tell her this, but I kinda wish she hadn’t. I had forgotten how much I loved him and today was a wonderful reminder of how great we are together. When we aren’t fighting the bond, life is perfect. I wonder how long that will last. I guess I will just have to wait and see.
I thought I would do something fun today. Hope you enjoy Amelia's diary.
Dear Diary,
Before I start, you need to know that Angelle has completely lost her mind. Over the last week, she had made it her mission to keep Mitch and I from fighting, but today she went too far.
It all started this morning. Eric and I met in the kitchen for our usual run and of course, before we left Mitch, and I had our daily argument about my running. He tried to tell me he didn’t think I should be out. That it wasn’t safe, but I know he’s still jealous of how much time I spend with Eric.
I think the fight pushed Angelle over the edge because she broke down in a soggy mess of tears and screamed, “You guys are going to end up just like me!” and then she rushed out of the kitchen.
I know I should have gone after her, but instead I blew it off. I couldn’t deal with the drama that early in the morning. Not before my run so I left with Eric.
The house was quiet when we got back, and that should have been my first hint that something was up. It’s Saturday and usually the gang would be waiting in the kitchen for me to get back. We would have breakfast and plan out the day. But everyone was gone.
I went off to my room for a shower, and that’s where I found the note. It was from Mitch, or so I thought, telling me he needed my help in the dungeon.
That probably should have been the second hint. Mitch knows how much I hate that place, and if I had stopped and thought about it, I would have realized he would never ask me to go down there. Maybe it was that knowledge that made me panic, because I took off running, surely something was wrong.
As soon as I opened the steel doors to the horrid dungeon they slammed shut behind me, and I heard the clicking of locks. I pounded my fist on the door screaming for someone to help me. After about 10 minutes of this Angelle yelled at me, telling me that she wasn’t letting us out until we figured out how to be nice to each other.
At that time, I thought I would kill her for this, and if I didn’t, surely Mitch would. I even said as much to her, but she just laughed and told me this was for the best, and he would understand.
I really don’t think I had ever been that mad before but all that anger melted away when I heard Mitch’s voice and his velvety chuckle. He quickly reminded me that there was no point in wasting time trying to open the door. It was vampire proof, so I wouldn’t be able to open it, and he had already tried.
When I finally gave up and followed him down the steps I was floored. Angelle had really been working on this. The scary torture room was beautiful. All the crazy devises removed, candles lit, rose petals covered the floor. It was amazing.
And the best part about it was, it worked. Mitch and I had an awesome day. We talked. We kissed. We fought. And then we made up, and man was that fun. I could spend the rest of my life kissing that man.
Angelle finally let us out after just over 7 hours and not that I’ll ever tell her this, but I kinda wish she hadn’t. I had forgotten how much I loved him and today was a wonderful reminder of how great we are together. When we aren’t fighting the bond, life is perfect. I wonder how long that will last. I guess I will just have to wait and see.
July 3, 2012
My reading pile
In the spirit of supporting my fellow authors, I have set a goal to read 25 INDIE Books between July and December 2012.
Thanks to some recommendations the books I have purchased for this goal include:
1-Demon Evolution by David Estes
2-Archangel Evolution by David Estes
3-The Moon Dwellers by David Estes
4-Angel Evolution by David Estes
5-Delusions (Book Two In The Affinity Series) by Christina Smith
6-Frost by Kate Avery Ellison
7-The Curse Girl by Kate Avery Ellison
The books that I have won or have been given to me for review include:
1-The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey (Forever Girl, #1) by Rebecca Hamilton
2-Whom the Gods Destroy by D.C. Belton
Stay tuned for my reviews on these books.
If any of you have read a fantastic INDIE Book post it here. I would love to hear what you guys are reading!
Thank you to everyone for your recommendations!
Thanks to some recommendations the books I have purchased for this goal include:
1-Demon Evolution by David Estes
2-Archangel Evolution by David Estes
3-The Moon Dwellers by David Estes
4-Angel Evolution by David Estes
5-Delusions (Book Two In The Affinity Series) by Christina Smith
6-Frost by Kate Avery Ellison
7-The Curse Girl by Kate Avery Ellison
The books that I have won or have been given to me for review include:
1-The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey (Forever Girl, #1) by Rebecca Hamilton
2-Whom the Gods Destroy by D.C. Belton
Stay tuned for my reviews on these books.
If any of you have read a fantastic INDIE Book post it here. I would love to hear what you guys are reading!
Thank you to everyone for your recommendations!
My Reading Pile
In the spirit of supporting my fellow authors, I have set a goal to read 25 INDIE Books between July and December 2012.
Thanks to some recommendations the books I have purchased for this goal include:
1-Demon Evolution by David Estes
2-Archangel Evolution by David Estes
3-The Moon Dwellers by David Estes
4-Angel Evolution by David Estes
5-Delusions (Book Two In The Affinity Series) by Christina Smith
6-Frost by Kate Avery Ellison
7-The Curse Girl by Kate Avery Ellison
The books that I have won or have been given to me for review include:
1-The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey (Forever Girl, #1) by Rebecca Hamilton
2-Whom the Gods Destroy by D.C. Belton
Stay tuned for my reviews on these books.
If any of you have read a fantastic INDIE Book post it here. I would love to hear what you guys are reading!
Thank you to everyone for your recommendations!
Thanks to some recommendations the books I have purchased for this goal include:
1-Demon Evolution by David Estes
2-Archangel Evolution by David Estes
3-The Moon Dwellers by David Estes
4-Angel Evolution by David Estes
5-Delusions (Book Two In The Affinity Series) by Christina Smith
6-Frost by Kate Avery Ellison
7-The Curse Girl by Kate Avery Ellison
The books that I have won or have been given to me for review include:
1-The Forever Girl: Sophia's Journey (Forever Girl, #1) by Rebecca Hamilton
2-Whom the Gods Destroy by D.C. Belton
Stay tuned for my reviews on these books.
If any of you have read a fantastic INDIE Book post it here. I would love to hear what you guys are reading!
Thank you to everyone for your recommendations!
June 25, 2012
Things I LOVE to do when I'm not Writing
Reading: Well, you probably guessed it. If I’m not writing, I’m usually reading. I love YA books but I will read just about anything.
Shopping: Clothes and purse shopping is a weekly occurrence for me. I actually do it so often that recently I’ve had to make a rule for myself—for every 1 thing buy, I donate 2. It keeps the closet from overflowing.
Playing with my cats: My cats, Tanzy and Trinity, are sucks. They love attention and demand it at least ten times a day. If they feel I haven’t given them enough love they will literally sit on my keyboard until I do.
Watching a chick flick: My all time favorite is The Notebook. I cry and laugh every time.
Road trips: Who doesn’t like spontaneous road trips?
Walking along the waterfront: This one falls in with the next on my list. One of my favorite places is the waterfront by my house. It’s so peaceful and a great place to people watch.
People watching: If I need inspiration, this is one of my favorite things to do. I have never failed to see something interesting, creative, or just plain weird and can always write a great scene after people watching.
Watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A few years ago my husband bought me all the seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer for Christmas. I love those old shows and could watch them over and over.
Going on one of my brothers’ adventures: Spending time with my brother and his girlfriend is always a blast. You never go to their house to just hang out. He always has some crazy adventure planned. The last one was great. He made a huge deal about an ‘epic’ surprise. We followed him along a trail. It was freezing and snowing and the whole time he was making us guess where we were going—we couldn’t. Turns out, there were rapids along the river we had been walking along and a bunch of ducks would go to the top and float down as if taking a ride.
Did I mention reading????
Driving with my husband: My husband is away with work most weeks so our weekend drives are a great way to spend time together. (Also a great time to talk since there is no video game distractions.) He loves his video games.
Checking and responding to emails: I’m not sure if this counts because it’s technically writing but I do it a lot.
Pretending I can draw: I can’t but its fun anyway. I recently bought soft pastels and have created a stack of masterpieces. (Or at least I want to think so) They really just look like smudged blobs of color. But it’s messy which means fun!
Doing absolutely nothing: Sometimes it’s great to just do nothing, although, I usually can’t since my nothing time is spent reading.
Shopping: Clothes and purse shopping is a weekly occurrence for me. I actually do it so often that recently I’ve had to make a rule for myself—for every 1 thing buy, I donate 2. It keeps the closet from overflowing.
Playing with my cats: My cats, Tanzy and Trinity, are sucks. They love attention and demand it at least ten times a day. If they feel I haven’t given them enough love they will literally sit on my keyboard until I do.
Watching a chick flick: My all time favorite is The Notebook. I cry and laugh every time.
Road trips: Who doesn’t like spontaneous road trips?
Walking along the waterfront: This one falls in with the next on my list. One of my favorite places is the waterfront by my house. It’s so peaceful and a great place to people watch.
People watching: If I need inspiration, this is one of my favorite things to do. I have never failed to see something interesting, creative, or just plain weird and can always write a great scene after people watching.
Watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A few years ago my husband bought me all the seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer for Christmas. I love those old shows and could watch them over and over.
Going on one of my brothers’ adventures: Spending time with my brother and his girlfriend is always a blast. You never go to their house to just hang out. He always has some crazy adventure planned. The last one was great. He made a huge deal about an ‘epic’ surprise. We followed him along a trail. It was freezing and snowing and the whole time he was making us guess where we were going—we couldn’t. Turns out, there were rapids along the river we had been walking along and a bunch of ducks would go to the top and float down as if taking a ride.
Did I mention reading????
Driving with my husband: My husband is away with work most weeks so our weekend drives are a great way to spend time together. (Also a great time to talk since there is no video game distractions.) He loves his video games.
Checking and responding to emails: I’m not sure if this counts because it’s technically writing but I do it a lot.
Pretending I can draw: I can’t but its fun anyway. I recently bought soft pastels and have created a stack of masterpieces. (Or at least I want to think so) They really just look like smudged blobs of color. But it’s messy which means fun!
Doing absolutely nothing: Sometimes it’s great to just do nothing, although, I usually can’t since my nothing time is spent reading.
June 13, 2012
My Hero
From a very young age, we are told that we can be anything or do anything if we work for it. Our teachers, parents, family, friends, basically everyone we come across asks us, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” And when we answer, they always say, “You can do it.”
For me, this has always been an easy answer. Sure there were the usual things like a princess, an astronaut, and a movie star, but more than anything else, I have always wanted to be like my mother. I know this will probably sound tacky, but it is thanks to her that I have realized that I really can do anything if I put my mind to it.
My mom, Jo-Anne, is a living, breathing miracle. A few years ago, she fell off her horse. After being airlifted to a hospital and rushed in for emergency surgery, the doctors said that she probably wouldn’t make it through the night. She suffered substantial head injuries, including internal bleeding within the brain.
It was a struggle for a while but not only did she wake up; she is now living on her own, taking care of herself and has a full time job. Her goal after her injury (once her memory finally came back) was to be self-sufficient, and I am proud to say that she has succeeded.
When I first started writing my new novel, The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, there were times when I just wanted to give up. a full-length novel can be a lot of fun and 99.9% of the time I loved it, but there was always that small part of me that got frustrated, especially when I was staring at a blank computer screen and could not think of anything to write.
But each time I wanted to throw my manuscript out the window I thought about my mom. About the loving person she had always been and all the things she has gone through. If she can go through a complete life change and do it with a smile, well, then, I could finish a novel.
Not only was her life story my silent inspiration, she also took the time to be my full time sounding board while writing. When I got stuck on a plot twist or a character name or really anything I needed to talk through she was there. She encouraged me along the way, and her belief that I could write pushed me through all the bumps in the road.
It gives me great pride to say my mom is definitely my hero, and I strive every day to be as truly amazing as she is.
For me, this has always been an easy answer. Sure there were the usual things like a princess, an astronaut, and a movie star, but more than anything else, I have always wanted to be like my mother. I know this will probably sound tacky, but it is thanks to her that I have realized that I really can do anything if I put my mind to it.
My mom, Jo-Anne, is a living, breathing miracle. A few years ago, she fell off her horse. After being airlifted to a hospital and rushed in for emergency surgery, the doctors said that she probably wouldn’t make it through the night. She suffered substantial head injuries, including internal bleeding within the brain.
It was a struggle for a while but not only did she wake up; she is now living on her own, taking care of herself and has a full time job. Her goal after her injury (once her memory finally came back) was to be self-sufficient, and I am proud to say that she has succeeded.
When I first started writing my new novel, The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, there were times when I just wanted to give up. a full-length novel can be a lot of fun and 99.9% of the time I loved it, but there was always that small part of me that got frustrated, especially when I was staring at a blank computer screen and could not think of anything to write.
But each time I wanted to throw my manuscript out the window I thought about my mom. About the loving person she had always been and all the things she has gone through. If she can go through a complete life change and do it with a smile, well, then, I could finish a novel.
Not only was her life story my silent inspiration, she also took the time to be my full time sounding board while writing. When I got stuck on a plot twist or a character name or really anything I needed to talk through she was there. She encouraged me along the way, and her belief that I could write pushed me through all the bumps in the road.
It gives me great pride to say my mom is definitely my hero, and I strive every day to be as truly amazing as she is.
June 10, 2012
Naming Characters
Have you ever thought of the perfect character but cannot come up with a name? I have. More often than not, I can think of absolutely everything (hair, eyes, personality) but none of the names I have seem right. Naming characters has to be my favorite and most troublesome task while writing.
Names can be so tricky. Can you name the villain something sweet like Lacy? Or what about the hot boy next store? What’s his name? Would Drew work? Does he seem like a Drew? These are just some of the questions that run through my mind while I’m trying to find that perfect name. Then when I finally find the first name, it’s like I have to start all over again to find the last name. At one point I actually opened a phone book, closed my eyes and pointed. This, just so you know, is how I found Amelia’s last name (Caldwell).
So here is a list of things I do while trying to find that perfect name.
1) Look through a phone book and see if there are any unique names that pop out.
2) Read the newspaper, especially the authors of the articles.
3) Look through baby name books.
4) Google is always a great help.
Once I’ve compiled a list of first and last names I write them out, side by side, and draw a bunch of arrows trying to match them together. Once I have the names matched up I draw more arrows to the character description. And then most of the time I go through the process again until I find that perfect name.
Names can be so tricky. Can you name the villain something sweet like Lacy? Or what about the hot boy next store? What’s his name? Would Drew work? Does he seem like a Drew? These are just some of the questions that run through my mind while I’m trying to find that perfect name. Then when I finally find the first name, it’s like I have to start all over again to find the last name. At one point I actually opened a phone book, closed my eyes and pointed. This, just so you know, is how I found Amelia’s last name (Caldwell).
So here is a list of things I do while trying to find that perfect name.
1) Look through a phone book and see if there are any unique names that pop out.
2) Read the newspaper, especially the authors of the articles.
3) Look through baby name books.
4) Google is always a great help.
Once I’ve compiled a list of first and last names I write them out, side by side, and draw a bunch of arrows trying to match them together. Once I have the names matched up I draw more arrows to the character description. And then most of the time I go through the process again until I find that perfect name.
June 4, 2012
The Soul’s Mark: FOUND – FAQ
With the numerous emails I have received since the release of The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, I've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you have more questions or would like more details, comment on my blog, on Facebook or send me an email. I always love hearing from you guys.
Will The Soul’s Mark be a series?
Yes. The next book is called The Soul’s Mark: HUNTED. At this time I do not have an anticipated release date but the outline is completed and I am into the fun stuff now.
Can you write it faster?
The simple answer to this is no. Writing takes time and in most cases I rewrite a scene 10 to 20 times before I’m happy with it. It wouldn’t be fair to you guys if I rush just to release the next book.
Why did you use the alchemy symbol for soul as the mark?
I used the alchemy symbol because after countless hours of research on soulmate theories, I found the Alchemists theory the most interesting.
Will we see more of Eric in the next book?
At this point all I’m going to say is that Eric isn’t going anywhere and he will be in the next book.
How did you come up with a witch having a vampire soulmate?
Originally, Amelia wasn’t a witch. The first idea and the basis for the story was the vampire soulmate bond. The witch idea just sort of happened. I woke up one morning and thought, Amelia’s a witch, and I went with it.
Who did the cover for The Soul’s Mark: FOUND?
I designed the cover layout. However, the girl and vampire images were purchased through dreamstime.com.
Where can I find your book?
You can purchase the book at any of the following retailers.
Amazon
Available in Paperback and Kindle Edition
Barnes and Noble
Available in Paperback and Nook Book
Ashley Stoyanoff Books
Available in PDF, EPUB and MOBI
Kobo Books
Available in EPUB
Google ebookstore
Available for Android and iPad/iPhone
Do you respond to your emails and fan inquiries or does someone else?
I personally respond to every email, comment, or facebook post.
What is the best way to contact you?
Here are some ways you can talk to me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshleyStoyanoffTheSo...
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ashley_stoyanoff
Website: www.ashleystoyanoff.com
Email: ashley@ashleystoyanoff.com
Will you read and review my published/unpublished book?
I only accept books that interest me. I find this works best because if the synopsis does not spark my curiosity, most likely neither will the book and if I’m not interested in the storyline, it is fair to say the review will probably not be positive. That said, I will read and consider every request for a review and if the book triggers my interest I will read and review it.
Will The Soul’s Mark be a series?
Yes. The next book is called The Soul’s Mark: HUNTED. At this time I do not have an anticipated release date but the outline is completed and I am into the fun stuff now.
Can you write it faster?
The simple answer to this is no. Writing takes time and in most cases I rewrite a scene 10 to 20 times before I’m happy with it. It wouldn’t be fair to you guys if I rush just to release the next book.
Why did you use the alchemy symbol for soul as the mark?
I used the alchemy symbol because after countless hours of research on soulmate theories, I found the Alchemists theory the most interesting.
Will we see more of Eric in the next book?
At this point all I’m going to say is that Eric isn’t going anywhere and he will be in the next book.
How did you come up with a witch having a vampire soulmate?
Originally, Amelia wasn’t a witch. The first idea and the basis for the story was the vampire soulmate bond. The witch idea just sort of happened. I woke up one morning and thought, Amelia’s a witch, and I went with it.
Who did the cover for The Soul’s Mark: FOUND?
I designed the cover layout. However, the girl and vampire images were purchased through dreamstime.com.
Where can I find your book?
You can purchase the book at any of the following retailers.
Amazon
Available in Paperback and Kindle Edition
Barnes and Noble
Available in Paperback and Nook Book
Ashley Stoyanoff Books
Available in PDF, EPUB and MOBI
Kobo Books
Available in EPUB
Google ebookstore
Available for Android and iPad/iPhone
Do you respond to your emails and fan inquiries or does someone else?
I personally respond to every email, comment, or facebook post.
What is the best way to contact you?
Here are some ways you can talk to me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshleyStoyanoffTheSo...
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ashley_stoyanoff
Website: www.ashleystoyanoff.com
Email: ashley@ashleystoyanoff.com
Will you read and review my published/unpublished book?
I only accept books that interest me. I find this works best because if the synopsis does not spark my curiosity, most likely neither will the book and if I’m not interested in the storyline, it is fair to say the review will probably not be positive. That said, I will read and consider every request for a review and if the book triggers my interest I will read and review it.
