Megan Duke's Blog, page 2
February 14, 2016
Happy Valentine's Day! (here's what's happening...)
It's been a long time.
Sorry for neglecting my blog, but things have been intense lately. The past several weeks have been tough, and most of you reading this will know why. I'm doing slightly better when it comes to my health, but as far as my drive... I'm still trying to get it going. Dealing with all of this personal crap has really thrown me off my game. I'm tired all day every day, and 70% of the time my body is in pain. On bad days, writing gets placed on the back burner, and my priorities lack any creativity. There are some days, however, when I feel confident. The past few days for example, I've been hanging out at Barnes and Noble and plowing through accounts for INSTEAD OF THIS. If I've got enough Americanos running through my system, I can usually get several thousand words out. It's the motivation that's killing me.
My plan was to have the third Mind Breaker book published on March 1st, and I'm really REALLY hoping that I can do that. But here's the catch. There will not be advanced copies available for street team members this time around. I will have 5 review copies that I'm sending out to a pre-selected group of bloggers later in the month after it's been released. After IoT is released, I will be working full time on Negative Spaces. That is slated to be released in June. If all goes well, my next plan is to start writing a secret project that I will be querying to agents. That's right, folks. I'm picking back up on the querying game! This particular story might be familiar to those of you that are signed up for my street team newsletter. I sent out the premise for this story several months ago, and most of you got back to me with great feedback! Contemporary is big right now, and we ALL know that contemporary is MY THING, so hopefully we can make something happen.
I'll try to keep you guys updated on the status of everything as much as I can, but just know that the dates I've given you are not set in stone. These are my goals, and I'm crossing my fingers that nothing hinders me from being able to release all of the books coming out on time. Thanks for your patience as always. You are the very best! xx
-Megan.
Sorry for neglecting my blog, but things have been intense lately. The past several weeks have been tough, and most of you reading this will know why. I'm doing slightly better when it comes to my health, but as far as my drive... I'm still trying to get it going. Dealing with all of this personal crap has really thrown me off my game. I'm tired all day every day, and 70% of the time my body is in pain. On bad days, writing gets placed on the back burner, and my priorities lack any creativity. There are some days, however, when I feel confident. The past few days for example, I've been hanging out at Barnes and Noble and plowing through accounts for INSTEAD OF THIS. If I've got enough Americanos running through my system, I can usually get several thousand words out. It's the motivation that's killing me.
My plan was to have the third Mind Breaker book published on March 1st, and I'm really REALLY hoping that I can do that. But here's the catch. There will not be advanced copies available for street team members this time around. I will have 5 review copies that I'm sending out to a pre-selected group of bloggers later in the month after it's been released. After IoT is released, I will be working full time on Negative Spaces. That is slated to be released in June. If all goes well, my next plan is to start writing a secret project that I will be querying to agents. That's right, folks. I'm picking back up on the querying game! This particular story might be familiar to those of you that are signed up for my street team newsletter. I sent out the premise for this story several months ago, and most of you got back to me with great feedback! Contemporary is big right now, and we ALL know that contemporary is MY THING, so hopefully we can make something happen.
I'll try to keep you guys updated on the status of everything as much as I can, but just know that the dates I've given you are not set in stone. These are my goals, and I'm crossing my fingers that nothing hinders me from being able to release all of the books coming out on time. Thanks for your patience as always. You are the very best! xx
-Megan.
October 27, 2015
Instead of This COVER REVEAL
It seems odd to be revealing the final cover in The Mind Breaker Accounts, because it's been YEARS since I first started this series, and I NEVER thought I'd EVER get to the end of it. Haha. It's been a struggle guys. No joke. Seeing that I had already written the first two and merely revised them for re-release this year, I'm actually having to sit down and write the third book. I've always had the notes for it, and the timeline was planned out fairly early, but along with the revisions certain things have changed. I'm very excited about those changes, and honestly, I believe I was meant to be stalled with this series. If I would have kept writing it 3 years ago, it wouldn't be the same. It would never have turned into the incredible story it is now. Writing four books in the Small Circles collection has really allowed me to grow and develop as a writer. I'm incredibly thankful to have those experiences, and I have no doubt that it will show in this final installment to the Mind Breakers trilogy.
Well.... here we go!
HOW GORGEOUS IS CHANDLER, GUYS???Chandler Dollahite is the model posing as Alivien, if you haven't guessed that already. If you want to know a little more about her and the fabulous photographer behind these striking covers, Vania Stoyanova, check out these blogs for interviews.
Chandler: The Book Lioness
Vania: Ana Loves
Can we just admire for a second how beautiful they all look together???
And, as announced by Sarah earlier this week on Always and Forever Fangirling , the lyric video for my song "Fade" IS COMING! It really is, I promise. It's been in the works for a while, but I just haven't had the time to dedicate to it. Welp. Now I finally pulled something together and it's taken 3 DAYS to upload it! My computer can't handle it. I don't know why. I'm still trying, so I'll let you all know when it's up, but I'm really anxious for you all to be able to listen along with the lyrics. I wrote and recorded this song with Lauren Lyle, and it's pretty much one of my favorite things I've ever done. The experience was amazing, and it really brought out my love for singing. It's not something I'll ever pursue, but remembering how fun it is was great :) "Fade" is the official song for The Mind Breaker Accounts, so I'll let you guys read into it what you will.... I think that's all I have for now. I don't have any new updates on the release date for Instead of This. I will be posting a link on my website for pre-orders starting December 1st. If you'd like a signed copy, this will be the best way to reserve one. And it's easier for me to know how many I need to print ahead of time. I'm still writing and taking my time, but as always I'll keep everyone informed with the latest news. Thanks for all the patience and support! You're the very best readers I know!
-Megan.
Well.... here we go!
HOW GORGEOUS IS CHANDLER, GUYS???Chandler Dollahite is the model posing as Alivien, if you haven't guessed that already. If you want to know a little more about her and the fabulous photographer behind these striking covers, Vania Stoyanova, check out these blogs for interviews.
Chandler: The Book Lioness
Vania: Ana Loves
Can we just admire for a second how beautiful they all look together???
And, as announced by Sarah earlier this week on Always and Forever Fangirling , the lyric video for my song "Fade" IS COMING! It really is, I promise. It's been in the works for a while, but I just haven't had the time to dedicate to it. Welp. Now I finally pulled something together and it's taken 3 DAYS to upload it! My computer can't handle it. I don't know why. I'm still trying, so I'll let you all know when it's up, but I'm really anxious for you all to be able to listen along with the lyrics. I wrote and recorded this song with Lauren Lyle, and it's pretty much one of my favorite things I've ever done. The experience was amazing, and it really brought out my love for singing. It's not something I'll ever pursue, but remembering how fun it is was great :) "Fade" is the official song for The Mind Breaker Accounts, so I'll let you guys read into it what you will.... I think that's all I have for now. I don't have any new updates on the release date for Instead of This. I will be posting a link on my website for pre-orders starting December 1st. If you'd like a signed copy, this will be the best way to reserve one. And it's easier for me to know how many I need to print ahead of time. I'm still writing and taking my time, but as always I'll keep everyone informed with the latest news. Thanks for all the patience and support! You're the very best readers I know!
-Megan.
October 13, 2015
Preview of "Instead of This"
I'm pleased to share a rough draft of the first present day account in the third Mind Breaker book, "INSTEAD OF THIS", coming soon!
PRESENT DλYTuesday, July 30th
She’s sitting on the edge of her seat. She’s not nervous. She’s literally sitting on the edge. Her blond hair is pulled into a half-hearted ponytail, little wisps of feather light locks fall around her face. I haven’t seen her in three weeks, and it seems unnatural for her to have lost so much weight, but she’s even skinnier than I remember. Liz is a fighter. She’s never sat back and watched anyone else take the reins. I have to admit, over the years I’ve questioned where her heart is, but I can see now that she’s a person. She’s not just a Mind Breaker. She’s scared and alone, and she needs to know it will all be okay. As Cain and I are exiting the treatment room, Liz is sitting outside the door. I can only assume she’s been waiting for her turn. I was informed that the other Mind Breakers are receiving the same radiation therapy that I am, but they weren’t sharing the same easy recovery. Liz looks tired, but I’m not sure if it’s because of the cure they’ve come up with or just general weariness from being held against her will. Or it could be because of Tom.
I wonder if they’ve found him.
I want to speak to her, but I’m afraid to ask Cain if he’ll stall for us. He did it once for Jack and me, but the one time I saw Amos Cain rushed us through the hall as if speaking would jeopardize something crucial. Just to test the water, I slow my pace and force him to turn around to make eye contact with me.
He follows my gaze as it travels to Liz, and he knows.
“Take a seat, Denni,” he instructs me. “I need to speak with someone. Don’t move. I’ll be watching.”
He tries to sound a lot more menacing than he actually is, but I know the true nature of Cain by now. At first, I was afraid of his giant frame and scarred features, but I’ve come to realize that the true nature of people are found on the inside. After all, every Mind Breaker I’ve met was a true person inside and out.
I just wish the rest of the world could see that as well.
Liz doesn’t notice when I take a seat next to her. I’m sure she knows I’m here, but she refuses to look up from the floor. Her eyes are set on the tiles. I nudge her gently in the side, and she sighs to acknowledge me. There’s one guard standing outside the office Cain just disappeared through. He’s not paying much attention to us, so I take a chance and whisper as low as humanly possible.
“I’ve seen Jack and Amos,” I tell her. “They were fine as of last week.”
Liz takes another breath. This time in relief. I see her close her eyes and continue to breathe slow and deep.
“Have they… have you gone in yet?” I ask.
She nods once. Then mutters, “This is my last round.”
“Mine, too. How do you feel?”
“Numb.”
I understand completely. Before, when I still had MB1 in my system, I felt the effects of mind control throughout my entire body. I could sense emotions at the highest level, feeling everything others felt around me, as well as have a deeper sense of my own feelings. I’ve yet to try controlling anything, but I know that will be gone too. My ability to manipulate minds and move objects has seen its last days. But I don’t really mind. I’ve known a life before being a Mind Breaker. It’s the others I worry about. They’ve never known anything else. Liz and the rest of the Original Seven were volunteered at birth for a drug trial that was supposed to guarantee intelligence, but it changed their lives. The control they’ve always known is now something they’re going to have to learn to live without. I can’t imagine how their bodies are reacting from the radiation and the counter drug.
It’s got to be hell feeling absolutely nothing for the first time in your life.
“I need to tell you something,” Liz speaks softly. “It’s about Oliver.”
I lean closer so she won’t have to raise her voice. “Are they looking for him, too?”
“No. He’s not who you think. He’s—”
Cain appears again from the office and interrupts us before Liz can finish her confession. He pulls me from my seat a little forcefully, probably to show his authority in front of the other guard. I give him a pleading expression, but he holds a poker face. Liz watches us travel down the hall, her eyes falling back to the floor once we turn the corner.
“She was going to tell me something important,” I rile at Cain.
He lets himself show a bit of sympathy. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t give you much time. It’s getting harder to let things slip around here. But I’ve heard some good news.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ll have a bit more freedom once their done administering the cure. They figure if you don’t have your power, you’re not much of a threat anymore.”
I look to the metal bracelet around Cain’s wrist. It’s magnetic and meant to deter us from using our control. “I thought they had that covered,” I let out in contempt.
He sees where my eyes have landed on the bracelet and gives me a curt nod.
“They’re still scared, Denni. They’re covering all the bases.”
“Are you scared?” I ask.
“Of course,” he admits, “but not as much with you.”
I like to think he’s paying me a compliment, but it stings to hear him confess such fears. If he’s afraid of the other Mind Breakers, he should be just as afraid of me. I’m no different. Not really.
“Is it because you trust me?”
He swallows. “I do. And I trust the others too. It’s just…” We’re at my room, so he stops to unlock the door. “I know what happened to Nathan wasn’t his fault. He couldn’t help it. Losing control isn’t something any of you expect, but it happens.”
I know what he’s trying to say. Cain thinks I’ve got a better grip on my abilities than the others. He’s afraid that one of them will eventually slip and aim their loss of control in his direction. After learning that our gift is also our flaw, the wait to go crazy has taken up camp at the front of all our minds. We know it’s possible. The control that allows us to manipulate others is beginning to backfire. Nathan and Makenna were the first to show signs. Eventually, we’ll all go crazy. But maybe this cure will actually work.
After today, our powers will be a distant memory.
After today, no one will have to be afraid anymore.
PRESENT DλYTuesday, July 30th
She’s sitting on the edge of her seat. She’s not nervous. She’s literally sitting on the edge. Her blond hair is pulled into a half-hearted ponytail, little wisps of feather light locks fall around her face. I haven’t seen her in three weeks, and it seems unnatural for her to have lost so much weight, but she’s even skinnier than I remember. Liz is a fighter. She’s never sat back and watched anyone else take the reins. I have to admit, over the years I’ve questioned where her heart is, but I can see now that she’s a person. She’s not just a Mind Breaker. She’s scared and alone, and she needs to know it will all be okay. As Cain and I are exiting the treatment room, Liz is sitting outside the door. I can only assume she’s been waiting for her turn. I was informed that the other Mind Breakers are receiving the same radiation therapy that I am, but they weren’t sharing the same easy recovery. Liz looks tired, but I’m not sure if it’s because of the cure they’ve come up with or just general weariness from being held against her will. Or it could be because of Tom.
I wonder if they’ve found him.
I want to speak to her, but I’m afraid to ask Cain if he’ll stall for us. He did it once for Jack and me, but the one time I saw Amos Cain rushed us through the hall as if speaking would jeopardize something crucial. Just to test the water, I slow my pace and force him to turn around to make eye contact with me.
He follows my gaze as it travels to Liz, and he knows.
“Take a seat, Denni,” he instructs me. “I need to speak with someone. Don’t move. I’ll be watching.”
He tries to sound a lot more menacing than he actually is, but I know the true nature of Cain by now. At first, I was afraid of his giant frame and scarred features, but I’ve come to realize that the true nature of people are found on the inside. After all, every Mind Breaker I’ve met was a true person inside and out.
I just wish the rest of the world could see that as well.
Liz doesn’t notice when I take a seat next to her. I’m sure she knows I’m here, but she refuses to look up from the floor. Her eyes are set on the tiles. I nudge her gently in the side, and she sighs to acknowledge me. There’s one guard standing outside the office Cain just disappeared through. He’s not paying much attention to us, so I take a chance and whisper as low as humanly possible.
“I’ve seen Jack and Amos,” I tell her. “They were fine as of last week.”
Liz takes another breath. This time in relief. I see her close her eyes and continue to breathe slow and deep.
“Have they… have you gone in yet?” I ask.
She nods once. Then mutters, “This is my last round.”
“Mine, too. How do you feel?”
“Numb.”
I understand completely. Before, when I still had MB1 in my system, I felt the effects of mind control throughout my entire body. I could sense emotions at the highest level, feeling everything others felt around me, as well as have a deeper sense of my own feelings. I’ve yet to try controlling anything, but I know that will be gone too. My ability to manipulate minds and move objects has seen its last days. But I don’t really mind. I’ve known a life before being a Mind Breaker. It’s the others I worry about. They’ve never known anything else. Liz and the rest of the Original Seven were volunteered at birth for a drug trial that was supposed to guarantee intelligence, but it changed their lives. The control they’ve always known is now something they’re going to have to learn to live without. I can’t imagine how their bodies are reacting from the radiation and the counter drug.
It’s got to be hell feeling absolutely nothing for the first time in your life.
“I need to tell you something,” Liz speaks softly. “It’s about Oliver.”
I lean closer so she won’t have to raise her voice. “Are they looking for him, too?”
“No. He’s not who you think. He’s—”
Cain appears again from the office and interrupts us before Liz can finish her confession. He pulls me from my seat a little forcefully, probably to show his authority in front of the other guard. I give him a pleading expression, but he holds a poker face. Liz watches us travel down the hall, her eyes falling back to the floor once we turn the corner.
“She was going to tell me something important,” I rile at Cain.
He lets himself show a bit of sympathy. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t give you much time. It’s getting harder to let things slip around here. But I’ve heard some good news.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ll have a bit more freedom once their done administering the cure. They figure if you don’t have your power, you’re not much of a threat anymore.”
I look to the metal bracelet around Cain’s wrist. It’s magnetic and meant to deter us from using our control. “I thought they had that covered,” I let out in contempt.
He sees where my eyes have landed on the bracelet and gives me a curt nod.
“They’re still scared, Denni. They’re covering all the bases.”
“Are you scared?” I ask.
“Of course,” he admits, “but not as much with you.”
I like to think he’s paying me a compliment, but it stings to hear him confess such fears. If he’s afraid of the other Mind Breakers, he should be just as afraid of me. I’m no different. Not really.
“Is it because you trust me?”
He swallows. “I do. And I trust the others too. It’s just…” We’re at my room, so he stops to unlock the door. “I know what happened to Nathan wasn’t his fault. He couldn’t help it. Losing control isn’t something any of you expect, but it happens.”
I know what he’s trying to say. Cain thinks I’ve got a better grip on my abilities than the others. He’s afraid that one of them will eventually slip and aim their loss of control in his direction. After learning that our gift is also our flaw, the wait to go crazy has taken up camp at the front of all our minds. We know it’s possible. The control that allows us to manipulate others is beginning to backfire. Nathan and Makenna were the first to show signs. Eventually, we’ll all go crazy. But maybe this cure will actually work.
After today, our powers will be a distant memory.
After today, no one will have to be afraid anymore.
October 11, 2015
Instead of This: Blog Tour & Synopsis
It's almost time to reveal the final cover for The Mind Breaker Accounts!
For this special occasion, I'm setting up a blog tour!
October 22-27th, six bloggers will be posting a piece of the final cover along with some extra insight on all the characters, Q&As from some special guests, and a look at where they think the Mind Breakers might end up. On the last day of the tour, October 27th, I will be posting the full cover HERE on my blog!
I've also added the synopsis for the third book, Instead of This, on Goodreads.
Click here to add it to your shelf!
Here is the schedule for the blog tour:
Thursday, Oct. 22nd - Bryce (Jack) http://www.novelstosong.comFriday, Oct. 23rd - Abbey (Amos) http://abbeybooksandmore.blogspot.comSaturday, Oct. 24th - Catheryn (Alivien) http://www.thebooklioness.blogspot.com Sunday, Oct. 25th - Ana (Denni) http://www.analoves.comMonday, Oct. 26th - Sarah (Avery) http://www.alwaysandforeverfangirling.wordpress.comTuesday, Oct. 27th - Bea (Liz) http://www.abookwithbea.wordpress.com
Can't wait!
-Megan.
September 15, 2015
Random Bethyl Feels
****SPOILERS****
I'm on a Walking Dead high/low.
The countdown for season 6 is getting so close, and I've decided to make the time go by re-watching the entire show from the beginning. Doing such, I came across my love for Daryl and Beth, again. It's been a while since I've had an OTP this severe, and I was devastated when she died. So, my way of coping was to write. Duh. I'm a creative thinker. My coping mechanism with anything is to write it all down. Yes. Instead of working on my own books, I took the time to do this. Sorry not sorry.
I loved it so much, I wanted to share it.
Here is a small scene from Daryl's POV after Beth dies.
I wanted to dig deeper into how he was feeling.
The worst thing he could possibly feel was creeping along his skin like spiders on a web. The loss ate at his bones, licking them like fire. It was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. One second, she was there. And now, she was just gone.What had he done to bring this upon himself? He’d never wanted to feel in the first place. Keeping people at a distance was his forte, but she’d broken his barrier. She’d torn down the walls that surrounded his heart and his mind, burrowing deep and latching on with innocence and a sense of security unlike anything he’d ever known. Was it possible to take it all back? Could he blink and somehow wake up, realizing it was all a dream? A terrible nightmare. A horrific thought. Not real or true.No.This pain was real. He knew that. It didn’t make sense that losing someone could physically hurt. His muscles seized at his core. They sent shudders of heartbreak up and down his spine. Over and over again. He was losing his breath. He was blind from the tears. Silently, he prayed that the salt in his eyes would wash over his entire body, sweeping him away from the earth and on to her. Wherever she was.It did happen, he reminded himself. Everything that happened, it was real. I was falling in love with her. He hadn't understood it at first, but he'd felt the pull toward her--that ache inside that told him to open up. To let her in. I love her, he thought. With tremendous effort, he lifted himself off the ground. He’d placed her body among the flowers. They were the color of her hair, bright and golden yellow. Tiny rays of sun illuminated her face. Her features remained quiet and still. Eerily still. Why had it taken him so long to realize she was beautiful? Something so fragile didn’t belong in this world. It was a cruel joke to believe that it was all for a reason. She’d believed it, but could he? Now that she couldn’t remind him to be good, would he be able to live as that person? She saw it in him, even when he didn’t. She’d become everything he didn’t think he could be, and now he was nothing. He couldn’t be anything without her.Flashes of the moments they’d shared came to him in giant waves. They crashed again him, slowly corroding what remained of the hope he'd found. If he closed his eyes long enough, he could still see her smile. He could still feel the nerves of awkwardness and sparks that shot between them. Something had been happening. Something had been building, but now it was broken. She was the light at the end of the tunnel, but someone came along and blew it out. He’d never forget it, and he most certainly would never forgive. The others were beginning to scatter. He could still hear the cries of her sister in the distance. It was a mournful sob that didn’t sound human. It was guttural and crushing. It wasn’t that he couldn’t understand their pain. After all, they’d lost her too. But it was different for him. They’d lost someone. For him, he’d lost everything. Know one but her would ever know how close he’d come to feeling alive. Could he ever find that again? Would he ever want to?Each step back to the group felt like bricks weighing him down to the earth. One wrong move and he would fall through the sinking ground. Down, down, down. He was already being swallowed by grief, what would a little dirt do to him now? He’d be with her. They’d share a grave together. Something inside him was already dead, so what would it matter if he actually was? It was just a technicality. One shot through the skull, just like her. That’s all it would take. They’d truly be able to feel each other’s pain.
But he couldn’t do that. She wouldn’t want him to. And he was too much of a coward to try.
I'm on a Walking Dead high/low.
The countdown for season 6 is getting so close, and I've decided to make the time go by re-watching the entire show from the beginning. Doing such, I came across my love for Daryl and Beth, again. It's been a while since I've had an OTP this severe, and I was devastated when she died. So, my way of coping was to write. Duh. I'm a creative thinker. My coping mechanism with anything is to write it all down. Yes. Instead of working on my own books, I took the time to do this. Sorry not sorry.
I loved it so much, I wanted to share it.
Here is a small scene from Daryl's POV after Beth dies.
I wanted to dig deeper into how he was feeling.
The worst thing he could possibly feel was creeping along his skin like spiders on a web. The loss ate at his bones, licking them like fire. It was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. One second, she was there. And now, she was just gone.What had he done to bring this upon himself? He’d never wanted to feel in the first place. Keeping people at a distance was his forte, but she’d broken his barrier. She’d torn down the walls that surrounded his heart and his mind, burrowing deep and latching on with innocence and a sense of security unlike anything he’d ever known. Was it possible to take it all back? Could he blink and somehow wake up, realizing it was all a dream? A terrible nightmare. A horrific thought. Not real or true.No.This pain was real. He knew that. It didn’t make sense that losing someone could physically hurt. His muscles seized at his core. They sent shudders of heartbreak up and down his spine. Over and over again. He was losing his breath. He was blind from the tears. Silently, he prayed that the salt in his eyes would wash over his entire body, sweeping him away from the earth and on to her. Wherever she was.It did happen, he reminded himself. Everything that happened, it was real. I was falling in love with her. He hadn't understood it at first, but he'd felt the pull toward her--that ache inside that told him to open up. To let her in. I love her, he thought. With tremendous effort, he lifted himself off the ground. He’d placed her body among the flowers. They were the color of her hair, bright and golden yellow. Tiny rays of sun illuminated her face. Her features remained quiet and still. Eerily still. Why had it taken him so long to realize she was beautiful? Something so fragile didn’t belong in this world. It was a cruel joke to believe that it was all for a reason. She’d believed it, but could he? Now that she couldn’t remind him to be good, would he be able to live as that person? She saw it in him, even when he didn’t. She’d become everything he didn’t think he could be, and now he was nothing. He couldn’t be anything without her.Flashes of the moments they’d shared came to him in giant waves. They crashed again him, slowly corroding what remained of the hope he'd found. If he closed his eyes long enough, he could still see her smile. He could still feel the nerves of awkwardness and sparks that shot between them. Something had been happening. Something had been building, but now it was broken. She was the light at the end of the tunnel, but someone came along and blew it out. He’d never forget it, and he most certainly would never forgive. The others were beginning to scatter. He could still hear the cries of her sister in the distance. It was a mournful sob that didn’t sound human. It was guttural and crushing. It wasn’t that he couldn’t understand their pain. After all, they’d lost her too. But it was different for him. They’d lost someone. For him, he’d lost everything. Know one but her would ever know how close he’d come to feeling alive. Could he ever find that again? Would he ever want to?Each step back to the group felt like bricks weighing him down to the earth. One wrong move and he would fall through the sinking ground. Down, down, down. He was already being swallowed by grief, what would a little dirt do to him now? He’d be with her. They’d share a grave together. Something inside him was already dead, so what would it matter if he actually was? It was just a technicality. One shot through the skull, just like her. That’s all it would take. They’d truly be able to feel each other’s pain.
But he couldn’t do that. She wouldn’t want him to. And he was too much of a coward to try.
August 22, 2015
Because of Him Playlists
It's time for another playlist.
Here are my picks for Because of Him - Book 2 of The Mind Breaker Accounts:
1) Every Other Freckle - alt-J
2) Bad Blood - Bear's Den
3) Let's Get Lost - G-Easy, Devon Baldwin
4) Why We Try - Matthew Mayfield feat. Chelsea Lankes
5) Quiet Lies - Matthew Mayfield
6) Tell Her You Love Her - Echosmith
7) Girls Like You - The Naked and Famous
8) Wild Eyes - Local Natives
9) Life Boat (Tc Spitfire Remix) - Early Morning Rebel
10) Long the Way You Lie Pt. 2 - Rihanna, Eminem
11) Tangled Web - Matt Hires
12) We Won't - Jaymes Young, Phoebe Ryan
13) You Haunt Me (Amtrac Remix) - Sir Sly
14) Bittersweet - ARCHIS
15) Fear (Phil Tan Radio Mix) - Blue October
16) Eyes Shut - Years & Years
I also made a playlist dedicated to Alivien and Liz... it's called "Are you Listening?"
1) Handcuffs - Prince Royce
2) The Hills - The Weeknd
3) Take Me to Church - Hozier
4) Black Sun - Death Cab for Cutie
5) Chandelier (Piano Version) - Sia
6) Let it Go - Devlin, Labrinth
7) Here - Alessia Cara
8) Drops in the Ocean - Hawk Nelson
9) Hold On, We're Going Home - Pia Mia
10) You've Haunted Me All My Life - Death Cab for Cutie
11) I Know, I Know - Matt Hires
12) Fallout - Marianas Trench
13) Whisper Whisper - Paper & Places
14) California - Yellowcard
15) Often (Kygo Remix) - The Weeknd
16) Safe Place to Land - Christian Burghardt
Here are my picks for Because of Him - Book 2 of The Mind Breaker Accounts:
1) Every Other Freckle - alt-J
2) Bad Blood - Bear's Den
3) Let's Get Lost - G-Easy, Devon Baldwin
4) Why We Try - Matthew Mayfield feat. Chelsea Lankes
5) Quiet Lies - Matthew Mayfield
6) Tell Her You Love Her - Echosmith
7) Girls Like You - The Naked and Famous
8) Wild Eyes - Local Natives
9) Life Boat (Tc Spitfire Remix) - Early Morning Rebel
10) Long the Way You Lie Pt. 2 - Rihanna, Eminem
11) Tangled Web - Matt Hires
12) We Won't - Jaymes Young, Phoebe Ryan
13) You Haunt Me (Amtrac Remix) - Sir Sly
14) Bittersweet - ARCHIS
15) Fear (Phil Tan Radio Mix) - Blue October
16) Eyes Shut - Years & Years
I also made a playlist dedicated to Alivien and Liz... it's called "Are you Listening?"
1) Handcuffs - Prince Royce
2) The Hills - The Weeknd
3) Take Me to Church - Hozier
4) Black Sun - Death Cab for Cutie
5) Chandelier (Piano Version) - Sia
6) Let it Go - Devlin, Labrinth
7) Here - Alessia Cara
8) Drops in the Ocean - Hawk Nelson
9) Hold On, We're Going Home - Pia Mia
10) You've Haunted Me All My Life - Death Cab for Cutie
11) I Know, I Know - Matt Hires
12) Fallout - Marianas Trench
13) Whisper Whisper - Paper & Places
14) California - Yellowcard
15) Often (Kygo Remix) - The Weeknd
16) Safe Place to Land - Christian Burghardt
a thought.
On August 20th I uploaded the final version of BECAUSE OF HIM.This will be my sixth book professionally released independently on Amazon.WOW!It feels like I've come a long way in three years, and I think it's true. I've met so many amazing people that have become assets to my career and developed lasting friendships along the way! Whenever I add a new book to my bibliography on Goodreads, I think just how happy I am that this is what I chose to do with my life. I love writing. I love telling stories and filling pages with endless words that can inspire, crush, or make you think. It's wonderful to know that so many people are reading my words and feeling something because of them. Still, there are days when I doubt myself. There are times when I wonder if I'll ever have more than this. Just me, sitting in my room and writing for the internet. Of course, I'd love to be traditionally published. I'd love to walk into Barnes & Noble and see my book sitting on the shelf. Not because I want the money, but because it would mean my stories are reaching a wider audience. I've struggled for a long time to balance the line between being independent and having an agent/publisher/publicist back me. I'm afraid I'll lose the freedom I currently have with doing everything myself, but at the same time, I'm afraid that without those people I'll never reach my true potential. I've said it before: I don't want to be famous. And it's true.I don't want to be John Green or J.K. Rowling. My wish is not to be a millionaire that flies across the globe and does countless interviews answering the same questions over and over. I never want to lose the relationships I've built with my readers. I'd love to see my books play out on a big screen, but I never want to lose the drive to have an imagination. If I could make enough money from book sales to leave my day job, that would be awesome, but isn't that the dream for most authors? I'm finding more and more that the writing world is full of genuine people. The authors I've met are not in this because of the money or the recognition. They love telling stories. I've never felt so welcomed by a group of people than when I'm at book festivals. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that my world revolves around books, and those that write them.It seems that as long as there are people out there that want to read my books, I'll write them.Even if there's not, I doubt I'd stop.No matter what happens, I don't think I'll ever give up my one true love.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
― Mary Oliver
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?”
― Mary Oliver
August 16, 2015
"Fade"
I was (and still am) planning to create a lyric video for the song Lauren Lyle and I recorded together for The Mind Breaker Accounts, but it's yet to become a thing. That's because I'm currently working to publish 4 novels in less than a year and a half..... anyone have any extra time they can spare?
No? Okay.
Anyway. The lyrics have been requested, so until there's a video, I'm just going to post them here for anyone that is curious!
Also, here are the links to iTunes and Spotify.
(Megan)
I told
No one
When I walked away
Kept it all to myself
I held
Pieces
Of my heart to save
Guess they're all broken now
Light a fire with this match
Cause
Our spark is fading fast
And
If it dies I think I might die too
Don't hold back
Cause I see smoke
And
I need the heat
So I won't smolder
I need this more than
Oxygen in my lungs
What did you say to cause the hurt?
What did I do to make it worse?
Maybe no matter what
It would have ended this way
When did the love fade?
(Lauren)
You need
Clarity
To understand the pain
But I've no words
For what I felt
Maybe
Truthfully
I needed to escape
We were rusting on a shelf
Light a fire with this match
Cause
Our spark is fading fast
And
If it dies I think I might die too
Don't hold back
Cause I see smoke
And
I need the heat
So I won't smolder
I need this more than
Oxygen in my lungs
(Megan)
What did you say to cause the hurt?
What did I do to make it worse?
Maybe no matter what
It would have ended this way
When did the love fade?
(repeat chorus)
No? Okay.
Anyway. The lyrics have been requested, so until there's a video, I'm just going to post them here for anyone that is curious!
Also, here are the links to iTunes and Spotify.
(Megan)
I told
No one
When I walked away
Kept it all to myself
I held
Pieces
Of my heart to save
Guess they're all broken now
Light a fire with this match
Cause
Our spark is fading fast
And
If it dies I think I might die too
Don't hold back
Cause I see smoke
And
I need the heat
So I won't smolder
I need this more than
Oxygen in my lungs
What did you say to cause the hurt?
What did I do to make it worse?
Maybe no matter what
It would have ended this way
When did the love fade?
(Lauren)
You need
Clarity
To understand the pain
But I've no words
For what I felt
Maybe
Truthfully
I needed to escape
We were rusting on a shelf
Light a fire with this match
Cause
Our spark is fading fast
And
If it dies I think I might die too
Don't hold back
Cause I see smoke
And
I need the heat
So I won't smolder
I need this more than
Oxygen in my lungs
(Megan)
What did you say to cause the hurt?
What did I do to make it worse?
Maybe no matter what
It would have ended this way
When did the love fade?
(repeat chorus)
August 14, 2015
Preview of Ninety Degrees (April 2016)
Hello and happy August 14th.
WTF?
The world keeps turning for some reason, and I can't get it to stop.
But don't mind me. I'm not here to complain about how there are no hours in the day and I'm getting older every second and I'm kinda freaking out that it's already halfway through August....
I wanted to share a rough preview of Negative Spaces with you guys, because I know you're so anxious. I'm not stupid. I know this is what everyone is most excited about, so I'm not going to make you wait FOREVER to hear anything about it.
This preview is from the very first short story-- Carter's to be exact.
Follow the link to read: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yl7fzLg-x98kyX6ffiprUOZsj2rwL2JB2w9xhc3bEHc/edit?usp=sharing
FYI... I'm sending out ARCS today! And the street team will be getting packages by the end of this month!
-Megan.
WTF?
The world keeps turning for some reason, and I can't get it to stop.
But don't mind me. I'm not here to complain about how there are no hours in the day and I'm getting older every second and I'm kinda freaking out that it's already halfway through August....
I wanted to share a rough preview of Negative Spaces with you guys, because I know you're so anxious. I'm not stupid. I know this is what everyone is most excited about, so I'm not going to make you wait FOREVER to hear anything about it.
This preview is from the very first short story-- Carter's to be exact.
Follow the link to read: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yl7fzLg-x98kyX6ffiprUOZsj2rwL2JB2w9xhc3bEHc/edit?usp=sharing
FYI... I'm sending out ARCS today! And the street team will be getting packages by the end of this month!
-Megan.
August 8, 2015
A few of my favorite things.
Good Afternoon August!
Thank baby Jesus summer is almost over.
I hate the hot. I really do. I'm a winter baby, so I love the cold.
But I'm starting to think that my favorite season is Autumn. Fall weather is just gorgeous. All the pretty colors in the leaves. And it's the perfect temperature. You can wear sweaters and scarves but not freeze your fingers off. Ah yes.
Anyway, I'm here to share a few of my favorite things. Not books, because I always talk about books. I'm also a big fan of movies, music, and television. So, I wanted you to know.
Just because. Is that cool?
Alright, let's go.
Movies.
I am a massive movie-goer.
I love seeing adaptations, but I also really appreciate original screenplay.
Here are 15 of my favorite films. Not in any particular order.
1) Snowpiercer
2) Man on a Ledge
3) Primal Fear
4) Memoirs of a Geisha
5) Fight Club
6) The entire Harry Potter franchise
7) The Descendants
8) The Place Beyond the Pines
9) Remember Me
10) Can't Buy Me Love
11) Water for Elephants
12) The Perks of Being a Wallflower
13) Stuck in Love
14) Rise (& Dawn) of the Planet of the Apes
15) The entire Hunger Games franchise
Albums.
My love for music has no bounds.
Here are some of my favorite artists and their most played albums.
1) Ed Sheeran - + , X
2) Ellie Goulding - Halcyon Days
3) Lights - Siberia, Little Machines
4) Gabrielle Aplin - English Rain
5) Ben Howard - Every Kingdom
6) Damien Rice - (everything he's ever done, ever)
7) Angus & Julia Stone - (everything they've ever done, ever. AND Julia Stone as a solo artist)
8) Snow Patrol - (basically Gary Lightbody's voice does things)
9) Lana Del Rey - Born to Die
10) SafetySuit - These Times
Television.
I watch a lot of TV show. But not on TV. I collect season of shows on DVD, or binge them on Netflix. There are way too many to choose from, so I'm doing 15 this time.
1) Friends
2) Gilmore Girls
3) Weeds
4) House
5) One Tree Hill
6) Breaking Bad
7) The Walking Dead
8) Orange is the New Black
9) Misfits
10) Skins - the U.K. version
11) Shameless - the U.S. version
12) Gossip Girl
13) Heroes
14) 90210 - the new one
15) Pretty Little Liars
-Megan.
Thank baby Jesus summer is almost over.
I hate the hot. I really do. I'm a winter baby, so I love the cold.
But I'm starting to think that my favorite season is Autumn. Fall weather is just gorgeous. All the pretty colors in the leaves. And it's the perfect temperature. You can wear sweaters and scarves but not freeze your fingers off. Ah yes.
Anyway, I'm here to share a few of my favorite things. Not books, because I always talk about books. I'm also a big fan of movies, music, and television. So, I wanted you to know.
Just because. Is that cool?
Alright, let's go.
Movies.
I am a massive movie-goer.
I love seeing adaptations, but I also really appreciate original screenplay.
Here are 15 of my favorite films. Not in any particular order.
1) Snowpiercer
2) Man on a Ledge
3) Primal Fear
4) Memoirs of a Geisha
5) Fight Club
6) The entire Harry Potter franchise
7) The Descendants
8) The Place Beyond the Pines
9) Remember Me
10) Can't Buy Me Love
11) Water for Elephants
12) The Perks of Being a Wallflower
13) Stuck in Love
14) Rise (& Dawn) of the Planet of the Apes
15) The entire Hunger Games franchise
Albums.
My love for music has no bounds.
Here are some of my favorite artists and their most played albums.
1) Ed Sheeran - + , X
2) Ellie Goulding - Halcyon Days
3) Lights - Siberia, Little Machines
4) Gabrielle Aplin - English Rain
5) Ben Howard - Every Kingdom
6) Damien Rice - (everything he's ever done, ever)
7) Angus & Julia Stone - (everything they've ever done, ever. AND Julia Stone as a solo artist)
8) Snow Patrol - (basically Gary Lightbody's voice does things)
9) Lana Del Rey - Born to Die
10) SafetySuit - These Times
Television.
I watch a lot of TV show. But not on TV. I collect season of shows on DVD, or binge them on Netflix. There are way too many to choose from, so I'm doing 15 this time.
1) Friends
2) Gilmore Girls
3) Weeds
4) House
5) One Tree Hill
6) Breaking Bad
7) The Walking Dead
8) Orange is the New Black
9) Misfits
10) Skins - the U.K. version
11) Shameless - the U.S. version
12) Gossip Girl
13) Heroes
14) 90210 - the new one
15) Pretty Little Liars
-Megan.
