Leigh Talbert Moore's Blog, page 3
July 9, 2014
Mosaic Aftermath, Cover Love, & a #Giveaway!
I always have this period about two weeks after I release a new book--after all the tours and blitzes have died down--when my brain just goes on ADD mode.
Seriously.
It's like I can't concentrate on a thing--I have rebellious teenager brain. LOL!
Maybe because writing a book requires such a long period of intense concentration or something? All I know is I have to just let it decompress.
The letdown period.
In other news, I'm waiting on the printer's proof of Mosaic, so paperbacks should be ready very soon--as soon as next week! I'll be blasting that everywhere the moment it happens.
And TWO great writer-friends have amazing new books coming out. I'm honored to be a part of their cover reveals.
Here goes...
First, by Karen Amanda Hooper, author of The Kindrily series and The Sea Monster Memoirs , comes an incredible-sounding new series, Virtual Arcana.
Virtual Arcana will release this fall serial style, meaning short episodes (averaging 15-20k) will be published frequently (official schedule TBA), instead of waiting 6-12 months between each long book in a trilogy.
Each episode will be named after one of the major arcana cards of a tarot deck.
Season 1- Episode List 0- The Fool1-The Magician
2-The High Priestess3-The Empress4-The Emperor5-The Hierophant6- The Lovers
Summary of Virtual Arcana :
In a faraway future, Kelsey Zellar is starting her senior year at yet another school thanks to her twin sister’s troublesome obsession with outlawed virtual reality games.
Every school they’ve ever attended is pretty much the same: lunchroom drama, rich kids binging on enhancement candies, and classmates rallying for or against the government’s strict control over everything from entertainment privileges to caffeine consumption.
Unlike her sister, Kelsey follows the rules and keeps her nose out of trouble and politics while sniffing out her next flavored latte and favorite novel. But when Kelsey meets a charming book connoisseur, and accepts his offering of a tarot card, she takes the first step toward two new addictions: the guy of her dreams, and his illegal dealing of virtual escapes into her beloved storybooks.
Kelsey straddles the worlds of fiction and reality, but is she a fool for believing in her own
happy ending?Add it on Goodreads!
GIVEAWAY: To celebrate, Karen is giving away EIGHT ebooks of the first episode: The Fool.
Open internationally.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Karen Hooper writes young adult paranormal and fantasy, and is the author of The Kindrily series and The Sea Monster Memoirs. She is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She’s addicted to coffee, chocolate, and complicated happily-ever-afters.
You can find her at www.KarenAmandaHooper.com .
* * *
Next up is my FAB friend Magan Vernon, with her new book The Only Answer, a companion novel to her bestselling The Only Exception !
Title: The Only AnswerAuthor: Magan VernonAge Group: NAGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: 8/11/14
Add it on Goodreads Today!
SYNOPSIS
The sequel to the international hit, The Only Exception.
A boy burdened with a family legacy.A girl haunted by a shattered past.
Both searching for answers to a future
threatened by the unknown.
Three years ago, conservative Trey Chapman and liberal Monica Remy met their match in one another - and made the only exception that would change their lives forever.
Now, Trey's father is running for president, forcing Trey and Monica to put aside their personal beliefs to be the model of perfection.
But fate has other ideas, casting the family in scandal.
Some seek to use that disgrace to further their family legacy, while others refuse to let go of the past. Trey and Monica soon find themselves lost among questions that challenge their true feelings.
Will they be able to rediscover that the only answer lies with one another, or will they lose each other forever?
Be sure to add The Only Answer to your to-read list on Goodreads !
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT
“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re very persistent?” she said, taking the brush and can.
“Every single day of my life and you love it.” I picked up the other can and brush.She smiled, shaking her head. “Yeah, yeah. You’re lucky I put up with you.” She turned toward the wall. “You want me to just start painting?”“Yes. Get a big enough square so we can see if we like that color for the wall. At least one foot by one foot.”“That’s very precise measurements,” she said, looking at me out of the corner of my eye.“Always best to be precise, Miss Remy.” I smiled, waiting for her to start painting to I could work on my own.“Very true, Mr. Chapman.” She finally took her eyes off me and began stroking the brush against the wall.I wasn’t sure how long it would take her to paint so I had to work fast. I didn’t even care if I spilled on my five-hundred dollar suit coat as long as I got the job done. By the time I was finished I turned fully toward Monica. My nerves were at an all time high and my heart was beating so fast I couldn’t even count the beats as I waited for her to look at me.Usually she did everything she could to try and beat me. I loved her competitiveness and the way she challenged me. But not today. Now I just wanted her to finish her painting and finally turn toward me. But she wasn’t even looking in my direction. She was lost in thought, meticulously painting the tiny red square on the wall.I wasn’t one to get flustered but I let out an audible groan. That was when she widened her eyes and finally turned toward me. “What the hell is your problem, Trey?” She dropped the paint brush in her can, red paint splattering on her hands.I opened my mouth to answer but she cut me off before I could speak. “You rushed me through dinner so we could see your new apartment, an apartment that I’m not even going to really be living in because I can’t get a real job. Then as soon as we get here you’re rushing me to get in the bedroom so you can paint a freaking wall when we’re both dressed up for the convention. I’ve put up with a lot from you and I know you’re nervous about tonight, but you have to freaking relax or you’re going to drive me crazy!”I cleared my throat. “Okay.” I nodded. “I understand I’ve been on edge tonight, but there’s a perfectly good reason and we can discuss it after I see which paint color is better for the wall.” I stepped back, smiling with my hands in my pocket.She raised an eyebrow, turning away from the wall and putting her hands on her hips. “What kind of stunt are you trying to pull right now? Are you hiding something? Is this where you break up with me?”I usually loved her stubbornness but now Monica was getting to be a little bit too much. I was already on edge and had it all planned out, but nothing was going quite right. Love was never perfect that way, but once I found Monica I learned that things didn’t have to be perfect to work out.Slowly I extended one hand and kept the other in my pocket. “Just come stand here with me and look at the wall and stop being so obstinate.”She crossed her arms over her chest. “What if I said no?”I took a few steps toward her until we were toe-to-toe. I didn’t say anything. Instead I just smiled and put my hands on her waist, lifting her in the air. She squealed as I walked backwards a few steps before setting her down a couple feet away.“You’re very persistent, Mr. Chapman.”I took her hands in mine. “I am when I know what I want and I’ve known that I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you. The first time you opened your mouth and spoke to me. I knew there wasn’t going to be anyone else but you.” Slowly I turned her toward the wall and she gasped, removing her hands from mine and covering her mouth as soon as she read the words I painted on the wall: Will you marry me?I pulled the velvet box out of my pocket and stood in front of her before I got down on one knee and opened the box, holding it open for her. The woman at Tiffany’s told me the diamond cut was called the Lucida after the brightest star in a constellation. She didn’t even need to tell me all of that before I was sold on the square diamond with it’s diamond side stones and opened curved diamond band. There something incredibly unique about it. Something that caught my eye. Just like Monica did.I swallowed hard, trying to focus on my words instead of the tears that welled up in her eyes. These weren’t tears of sorrow like the night she poured her soul to me after Alpha Mu’s barn dance. These were tears of joy. “Monica Remy, It’s been three years since you first walked into my life. Three of the best years I’ve ever had. We’ve laughed together. Cried together. Everything. Together. I can’t imagine my life without you. I picked out this apartment especially so I could share it with you and our future collectively. And I hope that you’ll do me the honor of marrying me.”I held my breath waiting for her response, counting down each second to my heart beat. Finally she nodded slowly before removing her hands from her mouth. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes. Yes. Yes. A million times yes!” she said louder.I couldn’t hold the grin that was threatening to split my face. I put the ring on her finger, slowly standing up before wrapping her arms around her waist. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world tonight, Monica.”
* * *
About Magan Vernon
Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media. You can find her online on
Website | Facebook | Twitter
YAY!!! There you have it, reader friends! Some amazing and HOT new creativity to jump on--coming soon!
Have a super week and a super summer! Happy reading~
Seriously.
It's like I can't concentrate on a thing--I have rebellious teenager brain. LOL!
Maybe because writing a book requires such a long period of intense concentration or something? All I know is I have to just let it decompress.
The letdown period.
In other news, I'm waiting on the printer's proof of Mosaic, so paperbacks should be ready very soon--as soon as next week! I'll be blasting that everywhere the moment it happens.
And TWO great writer-friends have amazing new books coming out. I'm honored to be a part of their cover reveals.
Here goes...
First, by Karen Amanda Hooper, author of The Kindrily series and The Sea Monster Memoirs , comes an incredible-sounding new series, Virtual Arcana.
Karen says: “I love the cover because it represents the story so perfectly—a blend of old-fashioned and techy, romance and magic, reality and illusion, The Notebook meets The Matrix (with a sprinkling of The Giver). Some friends saw an early sneak peek and asked if the girl was real or a CGI (computer-generated image). That put a huge smile on my face because that is the perfect question for this series.” *insert mischievous smile here*Karen gives huge thanks to friend and talented cover designer, Steve Graham of the INFINITY CREATIVE (www.TheInfinityCreative.com) for making her virtual reality-esque vision a beautiful reality.
Virtual Arcana will release this fall serial style, meaning short episodes (averaging 15-20k) will be published frequently (official schedule TBA), instead of waiting 6-12 months between each long book in a trilogy.
Each episode will be named after one of the major arcana cards of a tarot deck.
Season 1- Episode List 0- The Fool1-The Magician
2-The High Priestess3-The Empress4-The Emperor5-The Hierophant6- The Lovers
Karen says: “It’s an experiment for me as an author and for my readers. If Virtual Arcana develops a good following I’ll continue with season 2 and 3. That would mean 22 total episodes, one for each of the 22 major arcana tarot cards.”
Summary of Virtual Arcana :
In a faraway future, Kelsey Zellar is starting her senior year at yet another school thanks to her twin sister’s troublesome obsession with outlawed virtual reality games.
Every school they’ve ever attended is pretty much the same: lunchroom drama, rich kids binging on enhancement candies, and classmates rallying for or against the government’s strict control over everything from entertainment privileges to caffeine consumption.
Unlike her sister, Kelsey follows the rules and keeps her nose out of trouble and politics while sniffing out her next flavored latte and favorite novel. But when Kelsey meets a charming book connoisseur, and accepts his offering of a tarot card, she takes the first step toward two new addictions: the guy of her dreams, and his illegal dealing of virtual escapes into her beloved storybooks.
Kelsey straddles the worlds of fiction and reality, but is she a fool for believing in her own
happy ending?Add it on Goodreads!
Karen says: “I realize some of my readers don’t/won’t care for episodic storytelling, so of course there will be the option to wait until the first season is complete and read all the episodes straight through as one full-length novel. But I wanted to offer my new series
as a serial for those readers who dislike waiting so long to read more.”
GIVEAWAY: To celebrate, Karen is giving away EIGHT ebooks of the first episode: The Fool.
Open internationally.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Karen Hooper writes young adult paranormal and fantasy, and is the author of The Kindrily series and The Sea Monster Memoirs. She is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She’s addicted to coffee, chocolate, and complicated happily-ever-afters.You can find her at www.KarenAmandaHooper.com .
* * *
Next up is my FAB friend Magan Vernon, with her new book The Only Answer, a companion novel to her bestselling The Only Exception !
Title: The Only AnswerAuthor: Magan VernonAge Group: NAGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: 8/11/14
Add it on Goodreads Today!
SYNOPSIS
The sequel to the international hit, The Only Exception.
A boy burdened with a family legacy.A girl haunted by a shattered past.
Both searching for answers to a future
threatened by the unknown.
Three years ago, conservative Trey Chapman and liberal Monica Remy met their match in one another - and made the only exception that would change their lives forever.
Now, Trey's father is running for president, forcing Trey and Monica to put aside their personal beliefs to be the model of perfection.
But fate has other ideas, casting the family in scandal.
Some seek to use that disgrace to further their family legacy, while others refuse to let go of the past. Trey and Monica soon find themselves lost among questions that challenge their true feelings.
Will they be able to rediscover that the only answer lies with one another, or will they lose each other forever?
Be sure to add The Only Answer to your to-read list on Goodreads !
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT
“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re very persistent?” she said, taking the brush and can.
“Every single day of my life and you love it.” I picked up the other can and brush.She smiled, shaking her head. “Yeah, yeah. You’re lucky I put up with you.” She turned toward the wall. “You want me to just start painting?”“Yes. Get a big enough square so we can see if we like that color for the wall. At least one foot by one foot.”“That’s very precise measurements,” she said, looking at me out of the corner of my eye.“Always best to be precise, Miss Remy.” I smiled, waiting for her to start painting to I could work on my own.“Very true, Mr. Chapman.” She finally took her eyes off me and began stroking the brush against the wall.I wasn’t sure how long it would take her to paint so I had to work fast. I didn’t even care if I spilled on my five-hundred dollar suit coat as long as I got the job done. By the time I was finished I turned fully toward Monica. My nerves were at an all time high and my heart was beating so fast I couldn’t even count the beats as I waited for her to look at me.Usually she did everything she could to try and beat me. I loved her competitiveness and the way she challenged me. But not today. Now I just wanted her to finish her painting and finally turn toward me. But she wasn’t even looking in my direction. She was lost in thought, meticulously painting the tiny red square on the wall.I wasn’t one to get flustered but I let out an audible groan. That was when she widened her eyes and finally turned toward me. “What the hell is your problem, Trey?” She dropped the paint brush in her can, red paint splattering on her hands.I opened my mouth to answer but she cut me off before I could speak. “You rushed me through dinner so we could see your new apartment, an apartment that I’m not even going to really be living in because I can’t get a real job. Then as soon as we get here you’re rushing me to get in the bedroom so you can paint a freaking wall when we’re both dressed up for the convention. I’ve put up with a lot from you and I know you’re nervous about tonight, but you have to freaking relax or you’re going to drive me crazy!”I cleared my throat. “Okay.” I nodded. “I understand I’ve been on edge tonight, but there’s a perfectly good reason and we can discuss it after I see which paint color is better for the wall.” I stepped back, smiling with my hands in my pocket.She raised an eyebrow, turning away from the wall and putting her hands on her hips. “What kind of stunt are you trying to pull right now? Are you hiding something? Is this where you break up with me?”I usually loved her stubbornness but now Monica was getting to be a little bit too much. I was already on edge and had it all planned out, but nothing was going quite right. Love was never perfect that way, but once I found Monica I learned that things didn’t have to be perfect to work out.Slowly I extended one hand and kept the other in my pocket. “Just come stand here with me and look at the wall and stop being so obstinate.”She crossed her arms over her chest. “What if I said no?”I took a few steps toward her until we were toe-to-toe. I didn’t say anything. Instead I just smiled and put my hands on her waist, lifting her in the air. She squealed as I walked backwards a few steps before setting her down a couple feet away.“You’re very persistent, Mr. Chapman.”I took her hands in mine. “I am when I know what I want and I’ve known that I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you. The first time you opened your mouth and spoke to me. I knew there wasn’t going to be anyone else but you.” Slowly I turned her toward the wall and she gasped, removing her hands from mine and covering her mouth as soon as she read the words I painted on the wall: Will you marry me?I pulled the velvet box out of my pocket and stood in front of her before I got down on one knee and opened the box, holding it open for her. The woman at Tiffany’s told me the diamond cut was called the Lucida after the brightest star in a constellation. She didn’t even need to tell me all of that before I was sold on the square diamond with it’s diamond side stones and opened curved diamond band. There something incredibly unique about it. Something that caught my eye. Just like Monica did.I swallowed hard, trying to focus on my words instead of the tears that welled up in her eyes. These weren’t tears of sorrow like the night she poured her soul to me after Alpha Mu’s barn dance. These were tears of joy. “Monica Remy, It’s been three years since you first walked into my life. Three of the best years I’ve ever had. We’ve laughed together. Cried together. Everything. Together. I can’t imagine my life without you. I picked out this apartment especially so I could share it with you and our future collectively. And I hope that you’ll do me the honor of marrying me.”I held my breath waiting for her response, counting down each second to my heart beat. Finally she nodded slowly before removing her hands from her mouth. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes. Yes. Yes. A million times yes!” she said louder.I couldn’t hold the grin that was threatening to split my face. I put the ring on her finger, slowly standing up before wrapping her arms around her waist. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world tonight, Monica.”
* * *
About Magan Vernon
Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media. You can find her online on Website | Facebook | Twitter
YAY!!! There you have it, reader friends! Some amazing and HOT new creativity to jump on--coming soon!
Have a super week and a super summer! Happy reading~
May 10, 2014
MOSAIC Release Date & Cover Revealed!
I'm deep in the cave, reader-friends, working hard to finish this last book in The Dragonfly Series!
Mosaic is coming right along. I was telling a friend how one of my favorite scenes so far is when Lucy is so angry, she starts throwing her dinner at Will... one side dish at a time. (LOL!)
Ahh, this installment has TONS of Drama, and I can't WAIT to share it with you.
I've got a lot of ground to cover, but the Release Date is Set:
Mosaic will be everywhere on Monday, June 30!
Mark your calendars now!
I'm headed back to the cave, but before I go, check out the beautiful cover...
Photography and cover design by: Christi Allen Curtis www.christiallencurtis.com
Here's the Blurb:
“The Dragonfly Books are original and unpredictable! Superb plot twists, characters that you will love, endings that leave you craving more!” -D. Blair, Goodreads
“Moore’s DRAGONFLY series has a lot of tension, a lot of drama, and a whole lot of sexy entertainment!” --Magan Vernon, bestselling author of The Only Exception
Mosaic (Dragonfly #4) by Leigh Talbert Moore
The future never goes as planned. People are never what they seem. And time changes everything.
So you want to know what happened to Anna and Julian? Well, listen up, because I’ve got the whole scoop. I’m Jules, btw, and I am an artist, as you already know if you’ve read Watercolor. What you might not know is I inherited my mother’s cute little newsy nose, thank you very much.
It’s high school reunion time, and everyone’s coming back to Fairview—everyone who’s not already there, mind you. What went wrong, who’s fault it was, and why the heck nobody knew about me… it’s all coming out.
Long-distance relationships rarely last, and a lot of water has passed under that bridge. Big Secrets will be exposed, and in the end we’ll know if that old saying is true: Love is stronger than time.
> > Mosaic , the exciting conclusion to The Dragonfly series, coming June 30, 2014! < <
Add it on Goodreads Today!
~ ~ ~
So there you have it! Now I just have to finish writing it..
Hope you all are having a fantastic month--summer's just around the corner!
Remember, if you need to start the series, Dragonfly (Book #1) is FREE!
FREE on Amazon!
Get your FREE Download Today and get ready~
Amazon: http://amzn.to/11i1vrmiTunes: http://bit.ly/13ixoDANook: http://bit.ly/1fJJaLNGoogle Play: http://bit.ly/NlB2cbSmashwords: http://bit.ly/1fLvTDXKobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dragonfly-8
I'll be back soon, reader-friends~
Mosaic is coming right along. I was telling a friend how one of my favorite scenes so far is when Lucy is so angry, she starts throwing her dinner at Will... one side dish at a time. (LOL!)
Ahh, this installment has TONS of Drama, and I can't WAIT to share it with you.
I've got a lot of ground to cover, but the Release Date is Set:
Mosaic will be everywhere on Monday, June 30!
Mark your calendars now!
I'm headed back to the cave, but before I go, check out the beautiful cover...
Photography and cover design by: Christi Allen Curtis www.christiallencurtis.com
Here's the Blurb:
“The Dragonfly Books are original and unpredictable! Superb plot twists, characters that you will love, endings that leave you craving more!” -D. Blair, Goodreads
“Moore’s DRAGONFLY series has a lot of tension, a lot of drama, and a whole lot of sexy entertainment!” --Magan Vernon, bestselling author of The Only Exception
Mosaic (Dragonfly #4) by Leigh Talbert Moore
The future never goes as planned. People are never what they seem. And time changes everything.
So you want to know what happened to Anna and Julian? Well, listen up, because I’ve got the whole scoop. I’m Jules, btw, and I am an artist, as you already know if you’ve read Watercolor. What you might not know is I inherited my mother’s cute little newsy nose, thank you very much.
It’s high school reunion time, and everyone’s coming back to Fairview—everyone who’s not already there, mind you. What went wrong, who’s fault it was, and why the heck nobody knew about me… it’s all coming out.
Long-distance relationships rarely last, and a lot of water has passed under that bridge. Big Secrets will be exposed, and in the end we’ll know if that old saying is true: Love is stronger than time.
> > Mosaic , the exciting conclusion to The Dragonfly series, coming June 30, 2014! < <
Add it on Goodreads Today!
~ ~ ~
So there you have it! Now I just have to finish writing it..
Hope you all are having a fantastic month--summer's just around the corner!
Remember, if you need to start the series, Dragonfly (Book #1) is FREE!
FREE on Amazon!
Get your FREE Download Today and get ready~
Amazon: http://amzn.to/11i1vrmiTunes: http://bit.ly/13ixoDANook: http://bit.ly/1fJJaLNGoogle Play: http://bit.ly/NlB2cbSmashwords: http://bit.ly/1fLvTDXKobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dragonfly-8
I'll be back soon, reader-friends~
April 15, 2014
MOSAIC Writing Cave #Break!
Hey, reader-friends!
The good news, which I know you'll be glad to hear, is I'm in the writing cave working hard to finish Mosaic for June!
The bad news is I'm going to have to put the blog on a mini-break in the meantime until I finish.
I'll update with the cover reveal as soon as I have it, but in the meantime, all my writing energy is focused on getting this last book in the series out.
I know you understand, and trust me, I see your emails, Facebook posts, tweets, etc., asking me to hurry up--LOL!
I will say, since it's the last book in the series, I really want it to be "right." Also, I'm really loving grown up Julian, Anna, and Jack. Can't wait to share them with you.
While the blog is on a break, please visit my Facebook page (link) , where I'll continue posting daily and giving status updates and teasers.
On May 24, you can Meet Me and a bunch of other fantastic authors at the Cincy Author Event (link) !
Click here for more info!
And if you would, please leave a short, sweet review for my books on Amazon (link) if you like them! Reviews help your favorite authors more than you know.
Link to ALL Leigh's Books on Amazon
Please also share the Dragonfly links with a friend you think might tike the series! It's a FREE book after all! *smile*
► Get DRAGONFLY FREE!!!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/11i1vrm
iTunes: http://bit.ly/13ixoDA
Nook: http://bit.ly/1fJJaLN
Google Play: http://bit.ly/NlB2cb
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1fLvTDX
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dragonfly-8
Until I'm back--have a super week! Thinking of you~
The good news, which I know you'll be glad to hear, is I'm in the writing cave working hard to finish Mosaic for June!
The bad news is I'm going to have to put the blog on a mini-break in the meantime until I finish.
I'll update with the cover reveal as soon as I have it, but in the meantime, all my writing energy is focused on getting this last book in the series out.
I know you understand, and trust me, I see your emails, Facebook posts, tweets, etc., asking me to hurry up--LOL!
I will say, since it's the last book in the series, I really want it to be "right." Also, I'm really loving grown up Julian, Anna, and Jack. Can't wait to share them with you.
While the blog is on a break, please visit my Facebook page (link) , where I'll continue posting daily and giving status updates and teasers.
On May 24, you can Meet Me and a bunch of other fantastic authors at the Cincy Author Event (link) !
Click here for more info!
And if you would, please leave a short, sweet review for my books on Amazon (link) if you like them! Reviews help your favorite authors more than you know.
Link to ALL Leigh's Books on Amazon
Please also share the Dragonfly links with a friend you think might tike the series! It's a FREE book after all! *smile*
► Get DRAGONFLY FREE!!!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/11i1vrm
iTunes: http://bit.ly/13ixoDA
Nook: http://bit.ly/1fJJaLN
Google Play: http://bit.ly/NlB2cb
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1fLvTDX
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/dragonfly-8
Until I'm back--have a super week! Thinking of you~
April 8, 2014
MOSAIC Teaser Tuesday!
Yes, Alice, I'm a day late...
I was at the Louisville Authors Event in Kentucky this weekend, so yesterday was a foggy, dig-out day. But I wouldn't change a thing! LAE 2014 was a blast .
Compared to other events, it was relatively small. The turnout was moderate, but for me, the point was getting to spend time with author-friends I know and getting to meet author-friends I've only ever "known" online!
For writers out there trying to decide if they should do one of these things, I say a HUGE YES! This was my third event, and I'll only be able to do probably two more this year.
Still, even when it's small like LAE, I had plenty of sweet reader-friends come out to chat and get a signed copy of one of my books or have me sign their Kindle cases...
More than that, Friday and Saturday nights were spent talking shop, talking family, talking changes, and just getting to know other fellow writer-friends outside the cave. That is so important.
Writing is such an isolated job, and with the way everything is moving online, marketing books is also becoming pretty isolated. Being alone for long periods isn't good for anybody--just ask Elsa! *wink*
Author events are refreshing, rejuvenating, and we had so many good laughs. I think it's safe to say we all came back feeling bonded and great about our goals and aspirations and about each other. Nothing's better for squashing any feelings of isolation, loneliness, or competition than face time.
Here's a little photo collage of my time there...
Top, l-r: Me & Kate Roth, Denise Grover Swank, Kiki,
Center: Aleatha Romig, Jennifer Laslie (organizer), my signed book haul,
Bottom: Me with Dawn Pendleton & Kate.
* * *
And now for that Mosaic Teaser!!!
Newsletter subscribers got this one last week. Not signed up for my New Release Newsletter? Here's the (link)!*
*Be sure to add leightmoore@gmail.com to your contacts so it doesn't bounce to spam! (Subscribers, be sure you've done this as well!)
Mosaic
by Leigh Talbert Moore
*unedited draft, subject to change*
expected release May/June 2014
© 2014, Leigh Talbert Moore
Everywhere I went, I held my breath expecting to run into Jack. It was inevitable that we would see each other, and I wanted to get it over with. He knew Julian and I were together, but I wanted to see how I’d react to being confronted with him here, alone. I didn’t have to wait any longer because as I made my way past the tables, there he was, sitting by himself in a back corner booth.
“Jack.” I was incredibly nervous. I wasn’t sure how I would react to hearing his voice.
He looked up and saw me. His blue eyes widened almost imperceptibly, and then he laid his head back against the wooden panel of the booth. “Anna.”
His voice was low and slightly loose, and I noticed a half-empty pitcher on the table in front of him. None of it mattered because he was so amazingly handsome in the dim yellow light. He was almost unchanged from our last meeting at homecoming—the night I left early and Julian sat with me while I cried. I still cringed at that memory.
The blue oxford he wore made his eyes seem to glow, but I was filled with relief.
I didn’t melt at the sight of him. I wasn’t that fragile little girl anymore. I had someone now who meant more to me than the infatuation that had defined almost a year of my life, and all I felt for the guy in front of me was friendship. I wanted us to be friends if that were possible. Julian was his half-brother, after all.
Jack’s eyebrows pulled together in a frown. “What are you doing here?”
“I… I didn’t expect to see you.”
“Well, it looks like you found me.” He was still frowning, and I was starting to feel a pain in my chest that I hadn’t felt in a long time. We could be friends at least, couldn’t we?
“Were you hiding?” I tried to joke. “Wow, it's been what? Almost a year?”
“Six months.” His tone was sharp, and I decided the answer to friendship was No.
“Well, I’d better go. I’m sure we’ll see each other around. I’m at Loyola now. Full scholarship. It was the best offer I got, so I took it.” The way he was acting, I was hoping he didn’t remember how much he’d had to do with my decision to apply here.
“You were always very smart. Speaking of smarts, how’s Julian?”
“He’s at Savannah now.”
Was this about Julian? He slid to the side of the booth and stood to face me. I’d forgotten how tall he was as he leaned forward to close the space between us.
“Tell me, was Julian on the pass-fail system as well, or did you grade him on a curve?” His voice was low and sarcastic, and I could smell the alcohol on his breath. My pulse ticked up a notch. This was not the friendly reunion I’d envisioned.
“I don’t understand.”
“You were so good at riding the fence. After I left, did you run straight to Julian or did you wait a day or two for appearances?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. You broke up with me.”
“Right. No discussion. No argument.”
“Do you have a head injury?” My voice rose as my tension built. “You were determined... You said… You told me you needed to end it. Jack, I waited for you.”
“You waited? Why?” He leaned back and the look in his eyes immediately called up the first night I’d encountered his father. It could have been the same man standing in front of me now.
“I don’t know. I don’t even recognize you anymore.”
“I’m me,” he smiled holding out his arms, slightly wobbly.
“You’re not Jack. Not my Jack.”
“I never was your Jack.” The smile left his face, and the cold withdrawal returned.
“Right. You told me many times, but I wanted…” I wouldn't finish that sentence. It was all in the past, and I wasn't going back there. Still, my whole body was tight, every muscle on alert.
“Wanted what?”
“What’s happened to you?”
He looked as if he would sit back in the booth, but after a pause, he turned back and grabbed my arm roughly, pulling me into his embrace. His kiss was hard and aggressive, and I put my hands on his shoulders and pushed myself free.
“Stop it! What are you doing?”
“Just trying to remember what I’ve been missing.”
“If you’re missing anything, it’s your own fault. You could have called me at any time. I’d have waited forever if you’d only asked me to.”
“I didn’t know you needed to be asked.”
“That’s not fair.” A tear spilled down my cheek, and I was leaving then. This was crazy, and why the hell was I crying anyway? He was the one rewriting history, clearly still trying to mess with my head. I was so angry and hurt, I could barely see where I was going, but I stopped as I opened the door to leave. Looking back through the center window, I saw him slump back down in the booth, head back against the wall, eyes closed. He might be messing with my head, but one thing was certain--something was very wrong. The question I faced was whether to walk away from it or try and help him.
* * *
And on that note, I'm headed back into the cave, reader-friends!
Have a super week~
I was at the Louisville Authors Event in Kentucky this weekend, so yesterday was a foggy, dig-out day. But I wouldn't change a thing! LAE 2014 was a blast .
Compared to other events, it was relatively small. The turnout was moderate, but for me, the point was getting to spend time with author-friends I know and getting to meet author-friends I've only ever "known" online!
For writers out there trying to decide if they should do one of these things, I say a HUGE YES! This was my third event, and I'll only be able to do probably two more this year.
Still, even when it's small like LAE, I had plenty of sweet reader-friends come out to chat and get a signed copy of one of my books or have me sign their Kindle cases...
More than that, Friday and Saturday nights were spent talking shop, talking family, talking changes, and just getting to know other fellow writer-friends outside the cave. That is so important.
Writing is such an isolated job, and with the way everything is moving online, marketing books is also becoming pretty isolated. Being alone for long periods isn't good for anybody--just ask Elsa! *wink*
Author events are refreshing, rejuvenating, and we had so many good laughs. I think it's safe to say we all came back feeling bonded and great about our goals and aspirations and about each other. Nothing's better for squashing any feelings of isolation, loneliness, or competition than face time.
Here's a little photo collage of my time there...
Top, l-r: Me & Kate Roth, Denise Grover Swank, Kiki,Center: Aleatha Romig, Jennifer Laslie (organizer), my signed book haul,
Bottom: Me with Dawn Pendleton & Kate.
* * *
And now for that Mosaic Teaser!!!
Newsletter subscribers got this one last week. Not signed up for my New Release Newsletter? Here's the (link)!*
*Be sure to add leightmoore@gmail.com to your contacts so it doesn't bounce to spam! (Subscribers, be sure you've done this as well!)
Mosaic
by Leigh Talbert Moore
*unedited draft, subject to change*
expected release May/June 2014
© 2014, Leigh Talbert Moore
Everywhere I went, I held my breath expecting to run into Jack. It was inevitable that we would see each other, and I wanted to get it over with. He knew Julian and I were together, but I wanted to see how I’d react to being confronted with him here, alone. I didn’t have to wait any longer because as I made my way past the tables, there he was, sitting by himself in a back corner booth.
“Jack.” I was incredibly nervous. I wasn’t sure how I would react to hearing his voice.
He looked up and saw me. His blue eyes widened almost imperceptibly, and then he laid his head back against the wooden panel of the booth. “Anna.”
His voice was low and slightly loose, and I noticed a half-empty pitcher on the table in front of him. None of it mattered because he was so amazingly handsome in the dim yellow light. He was almost unchanged from our last meeting at homecoming—the night I left early and Julian sat with me while I cried. I still cringed at that memory.
The blue oxford he wore made his eyes seem to glow, but I was filled with relief.
I didn’t melt at the sight of him. I wasn’t that fragile little girl anymore. I had someone now who meant more to me than the infatuation that had defined almost a year of my life, and all I felt for the guy in front of me was friendship. I wanted us to be friends if that were possible. Julian was his half-brother, after all.
Jack’s eyebrows pulled together in a frown. “What are you doing here?”
“I… I didn’t expect to see you.”
“Well, it looks like you found me.” He was still frowning, and I was starting to feel a pain in my chest that I hadn’t felt in a long time. We could be friends at least, couldn’t we?
“Were you hiding?” I tried to joke. “Wow, it's been what? Almost a year?”
“Six months.” His tone was sharp, and I decided the answer to friendship was No.
“Well, I’d better go. I’m sure we’ll see each other around. I’m at Loyola now. Full scholarship. It was the best offer I got, so I took it.” The way he was acting, I was hoping he didn’t remember how much he’d had to do with my decision to apply here.
“You were always very smart. Speaking of smarts, how’s Julian?”
“He’s at Savannah now.”
Was this about Julian? He slid to the side of the booth and stood to face me. I’d forgotten how tall he was as he leaned forward to close the space between us.
“Tell me, was Julian on the pass-fail system as well, or did you grade him on a curve?” His voice was low and sarcastic, and I could smell the alcohol on his breath. My pulse ticked up a notch. This was not the friendly reunion I’d envisioned.
“I don’t understand.”
“You were so good at riding the fence. After I left, did you run straight to Julian or did you wait a day or two for appearances?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. You broke up with me.”
“Right. No discussion. No argument.”
“Do you have a head injury?” My voice rose as my tension built. “You were determined... You said… You told me you needed to end it. Jack, I waited for you.”
“You waited? Why?” He leaned back and the look in his eyes immediately called up the first night I’d encountered his father. It could have been the same man standing in front of me now.
“I don’t know. I don’t even recognize you anymore.”
“I’m me,” he smiled holding out his arms, slightly wobbly.
“You’re not Jack. Not my Jack.”
“I never was your Jack.” The smile left his face, and the cold withdrawal returned.
“Right. You told me many times, but I wanted…” I wouldn't finish that sentence. It was all in the past, and I wasn't going back there. Still, my whole body was tight, every muscle on alert.
“Wanted what?”
“What’s happened to you?”
He looked as if he would sit back in the booth, but after a pause, he turned back and grabbed my arm roughly, pulling me into his embrace. His kiss was hard and aggressive, and I put my hands on his shoulders and pushed myself free.
“Stop it! What are you doing?”
“Just trying to remember what I’ve been missing.”
“If you’re missing anything, it’s your own fault. You could have called me at any time. I’d have waited forever if you’d only asked me to.”
“I didn’t know you needed to be asked.”
“That’s not fair.” A tear spilled down my cheek, and I was leaving then. This was crazy, and why the hell was I crying anyway? He was the one rewriting history, clearly still trying to mess with my head. I was so angry and hurt, I could barely see where I was going, but I stopped as I opened the door to leave. Looking back through the center window, I saw him slump back down in the booth, head back against the wall, eyes closed. He might be messing with my head, but one thing was certain--something was very wrong. The question I faced was whether to walk away from it or try and help him.
* * *
And on that note, I'm headed back into the cave, reader-friends!
Have a super week~
March 31, 2014
Spring Break on Location, Vampires! and an Author Spotting
Shew
, reader-friends! The first day back to work after vacation is always the hardest.
Last week, the fam and I drove due south and spent six days rambling around Baldwin County, Ala., also known as the setting of The Dragonfly Series .
Since we lived there almost ten years, we've got many friends and favorite locations.
Dragonfly was the very first book I ever wrote, and since I was learning, I thought it would be easier to have all the action occur in a very familiar location.
Basically that means all of the major scenes in The Dragonfly Series happen in "real" places. Like this one...
Jesse's Restaurant
on the Magnolia River
Jack and Anna's dinner date at Jesse's was doomed from the start, but I still like that scene and how it came together.
Do you have a favorite part in the series? Let me know what it is~
In the meantime, I'm back, digging out, and looking forward to writing more Mosaic very soon! I can't wait to share this final installment with y'all!
NOTE: Be sure to sign up for my New Release Newsletter (link) , so you don't miss any important announcements, sneak peeks, or giveaways~**
**Please add leightmoore@gmail.com to your email contacts so it doesn't bounce to spam!
* * *
Now, what's this about vampires?
It's coming. April 19th...
The first book in the second season of Blood and Snow is entitled VAMPIRE LIES.
My good friend RaShelle Workman is releasing her super-popular vampire series a little differently this time. Instead of 12 smaller volumes and a bunch of short stories, there will be at least three full length novels.
You can pre-order Book 1 by clicking HERE .
In Season 2 there will still be plenty of Snow White and her true love, but the story will be told from Jasmine's point of view.
Here's this summary:
Vampire Lies
by RaShelle Workman
Blood and Snow Season 2, Book 1 ~ YA Fractured Fairytale
Eyes like violet sapphires. Wings of smoldering fire. Consume your true love's blood. Become the Eternal Vampire.
Once upon a time there lived a vampire with wings and the genie who loved her...
Born of the seven magics, Jasmine is different in every way, including the obnoxious wings on her back courtesy of the original Vampires. She wants to be normal, to be a regular teenaged girl.
When a gorgeous dark-haired boy named Laeddin shows up and promises to sneak her away from all her problems and hide her in the human world, she agrees. But an evil lurks in her nightmares, a man with red eyes.
It doesn’t take long for Jasmine to realize that no matter how far she tries to run from who she is, he’s only a dream away. He wants her. He needs her. He acts as though he loves her. It’s becoming harder and harder to tell the difference between the path that’ll lead to her happily ever after, and the path that’ll lead to her destruction as well as all magic.
Be sure to sign up for RaShelle's newsletter to be entered into her monthly drawing. Click HERE .
Have you read the first season of Blood and Snow? If not, Amazon is running a special right now where you can get all 12 volumes for only $1.99. Get it HERE .
RaShelle's series is so super-popular! If you haven't started it yet, the time is now~
* * *
Author Spotting...
This coming Saturday! As in five days from today, you can meet me in Louisville! ...along with a bunch of other super-popular authors!
Get all the scoop here (link)!!!
Bring your books to have signed. We'll also have books on hand for purchase and signing. Come with questions, stop by and say hello... Take a picture! It's all free.
Hope to see you there! Until then, have a fantastic week, reader-friends~
Last week, the fam and I drove due south and spent six days rambling around Baldwin County, Ala., also known as the setting of The Dragonfly Series .
Since we lived there almost ten years, we've got many friends and favorite locations.
Dragonfly was the very first book I ever wrote, and since I was learning, I thought it would be easier to have all the action occur in a very familiar location.
Basically that means all of the major scenes in The Dragonfly Series happen in "real" places. Like this one...
Jesse's Restaurant
on the Magnolia RiverJack and Anna's dinner date at Jesse's was doomed from the start, but I still like that scene and how it came together.
Do you have a favorite part in the series? Let me know what it is~
In the meantime, I'm back, digging out, and looking forward to writing more Mosaic very soon! I can't wait to share this final installment with y'all!
NOTE: Be sure to sign up for my New Release Newsletter (link) , so you don't miss any important announcements, sneak peeks, or giveaways~**
**Please add leightmoore@gmail.com to your email contacts so it doesn't bounce to spam!
* * *
Now, what's this about vampires?
It's coming. April 19th...
The first book in the second season of Blood and Snow is entitled VAMPIRE LIES.
My good friend RaShelle Workman is releasing her super-popular vampire series a little differently this time. Instead of 12 smaller volumes and a bunch of short stories, there will be at least three full length novels.
You can pre-order Book 1 by clicking HERE .
In Season 2 there will still be plenty of Snow White and her true love, but the story will be told from Jasmine's point of view.
Here's this summary:
Vampire Lies
by RaShelle Workman
Blood and Snow Season 2, Book 1 ~ YA Fractured Fairytale
Eyes like violet sapphires. Wings of smoldering fire. Consume your true love's blood. Become the Eternal Vampire.
Once upon a time there lived a vampire with wings and the genie who loved her...
Born of the seven magics, Jasmine is different in every way, including the obnoxious wings on her back courtesy of the original Vampires. She wants to be normal, to be a regular teenaged girl.
When a gorgeous dark-haired boy named Laeddin shows up and promises to sneak her away from all her problems and hide her in the human world, she agrees. But an evil lurks in her nightmares, a man with red eyes.
It doesn’t take long for Jasmine to realize that no matter how far she tries to run from who she is, he’s only a dream away. He wants her. He needs her. He acts as though he loves her. It’s becoming harder and harder to tell the difference between the path that’ll lead to her happily ever after, and the path that’ll lead to her destruction as well as all magic.
Be sure to sign up for RaShelle's newsletter to be entered into her monthly drawing. Click HERE .
Have you read the first season of Blood and Snow? If not, Amazon is running a special right now where you can get all 12 volumes for only $1.99. Get it HERE .
RaShelle's series is so super-popular! If you haven't started it yet, the time is now~
* * *
Author Spotting...
This coming Saturday! As in five days from today, you can meet me in Louisville! ...along with a bunch of other super-popular authors!
Get all the scoop here (link)!!!
Bring your books to have signed. We'll also have books on hand for purchase and signing. Come with questions, stop by and say hello... Take a picture! It's all free.
Hope to see you there! Until then, have a fantastic week, reader-friends~
March 24, 2014
Spring Break, Spring Books, and #WINNING!
It's Spring Break, reader-friends! whoop whoop!!!
I'm still in the Midwest at the moment, but my Southern home-fries are enjoying 70 degree sunshine (my dad told me he had to cut the grass yesterday--!), and we're looking forward to hitting the road, chasing the sun!
Incidentally, I'll be spending the week right smack in the setting of The Dragonfly Series! Yep, OBA FTW! Mosaic is cruising along nicely, and it's looking like a May/June release date...
I'll be posting Mosaic updates as they occur in April~
This week is a writing break for me, but that means it's a time to READ! And I've got TWO fantastic new books to share with you today... and Two ways to WIN!
First up is a New Adult contemporary romance by a great writer-friend of mine Elle/Lee Strauss!
I read Sun and Moon , the first book in this "series," and loved it ! You can get it FREE on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. (links below) But it's not a true series, as each book can be read in any order.
Check it out:
Introducing Flesh & Bone, a contemporary romance(The Minstrel Series #2)
Coming April 3rd!
(Another amazing cover by the very talented Steven Novak of Steven Novak Designs!)
Here's the blurb:
She can’t remember. He can’t forget. Eva Baumann is invisible. Sebastian Weiss is famous. In a perfect world Eva would be fearless and Sebastian would be guiltless.
It’s not a perfect world.
The Minstrel Series is a collection of contemporary romance novels set in the singer/songwriter world. The books are companion novels, with shared settings and characters, but each is a complete stand-alone story with a HEA (happily ever after) and no cliffhangers!
FLESH & BONE INCLUDES MORE GREAT ORGINAL MUSIC MP3s!
Haven't read #1 Sun & Moon ? Get it FREE!!!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo'
And now for your first chance to WIN!
Click Here! And enter to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and three MP3s, including Flesh and Bone! (link)
* * *
The second New Release I have for you today is an *adult* romance by the leader of the Romance Writers of America group I'm in here. It's about a HOT Fireman, and it sounds yummy!
Check it out~
Love Over Troubled Waters by Lanora Mangano
On Amazon
Here's the blurb:
It should have been a normal drive home from work for Maggie Connors. However, a freak rain storm had other plans for her when the bridge she crossed, in her car, collapsed plunging her into the river below.
Para Rescue man, Jake Madison wasn't looking for a life changing event, but he got just that when he saved Maggie's life. He couldn't get the red hair beauty out of his mind but was determined to give her back the courage she lost in the traumatic event.
For more information about LaNora's upcoming books, please visit:www.findinglanora.weebly.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lanora-Mangano/527909407268248
Get your copy of Love Over Troubled Waters on Amazon Today!
* * *
Now for your second chance to #WIN!
Hop over to my group blog YA Confidential EVERY MONDAY and enter to win a Free Book!
We post "From the Vault" questions and answers, and one lucky commenter wins the book of his or her choice every week!
Any book, every week!
Check it out (link)~
* * *
Now I'm headed to pack. I hope you all have a fantastic week. Stay warm, read a book, and keep in touch! Love ya~
I'm still in the Midwest at the moment, but my Southern home-fries are enjoying 70 degree sunshine (my dad told me he had to cut the grass yesterday--!), and we're looking forward to hitting the road, chasing the sun!
Incidentally, I'll be spending the week right smack in the setting of The Dragonfly Series! Yep, OBA FTW! Mosaic is cruising along nicely, and it's looking like a May/June release date...
I'll be posting Mosaic updates as they occur in April~
This week is a writing break for me, but that means it's a time to READ! And I've got TWO fantastic new books to share with you today... and Two ways to WIN!
First up is a New Adult contemporary romance by a great writer-friend of mine Elle/Lee Strauss!
I read Sun and Moon , the first book in this "series," and loved it ! You can get it FREE on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. (links below) But it's not a true series, as each book can be read in any order.
Check it out:
Introducing Flesh & Bone, a contemporary romance(The Minstrel Series #2)
Coming April 3rd!
(Another amazing cover by the very talented Steven Novak of Steven Novak Designs!)
Here's the blurb:
She can’t remember. He can’t forget. Eva Baumann is invisible. Sebastian Weiss is famous. In a perfect world Eva would be fearless and Sebastian would be guiltless.
It’s not a perfect world.
The Minstrel Series is a collection of contemporary romance novels set in the singer/songwriter world. The books are companion novels, with shared settings and characters, but each is a complete stand-alone story with a HEA (happily ever after) and no cliffhangers!
FLESH & BONE INCLUDES MORE GREAT ORGINAL MUSIC MP3s!
Haven't read #1 Sun & Moon ? Get it FREE!!!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo'
And now for your first chance to WIN!
Click Here! And enter to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and three MP3s, including Flesh and Bone! (link)
* * *
The second New Release I have for you today is an *adult* romance by the leader of the Romance Writers of America group I'm in here. It's about a HOT Fireman, and it sounds yummy!
Check it out~
Love Over Troubled Waters by Lanora Mangano
On Amazon
Here's the blurb:
It should have been a normal drive home from work for Maggie Connors. However, a freak rain storm had other plans for her when the bridge she crossed, in her car, collapsed plunging her into the river below.
Para Rescue man, Jake Madison wasn't looking for a life changing event, but he got just that when he saved Maggie's life. He couldn't get the red hair beauty out of his mind but was determined to give her back the courage she lost in the traumatic event.
For more information about LaNora's upcoming books, please visit:www.findinglanora.weebly.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lanora-Mangano/527909407268248
Get your copy of Love Over Troubled Waters on Amazon Today!
* * *
Now for your second chance to #WIN!
Hop over to my group blog YA Confidential EVERY MONDAY and enter to win a Free Book!
We post "From the Vault" questions and answers, and one lucky commenter wins the book of his or her choice every week!
Any book, every week!
Check it out (link)~
* * *
Now I'm headed to pack. I hope you all have a fantastic week. Stay warm, read a book, and keep in touch! Love ya~
March 17, 2014
#WIN Fifty Books, Meet Me in Louisville, & Book Trailer Fun!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!
Too bad the fun is on a Monday, but that's okay. We can still celebrate!
I'm in the writing cave, so basically I've just got a bunch of announcements for you here today...
To start off with, FIFTY author-friends (including me) have all banded together to do a HUGE Pinterest Party Giveaway.
On Facebook
It's loads of fun where you re-pin pins and enter to win--did I mention FIFTY books are up for grabs by bestselling authors like Amy Harmon, Alyssa Rose Ivey, moi...
All the scoop is on the Facebook Event page, so go HERE (link) and check it out!
You could win a Signed Copy of Watercolor ~
* * *
Now What's this about Book Trailers?
I've never really done them, which is crazy because I'm a total music geek. I don't listen to music when I write, but all of my stories jumped off from a song...
So I made this cool Book Trailer for the Dragonfly Series using Flipagram!
Let me know what you think...
> > And remember you can get Dragonfly FREE on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Google Play, etc.
* * *
Finally, don't forget I'll be at the Louisville Author Event on Saturday, April 5! It's a free event, but you need to get a ticket so they know you're coming.
On Facebook
Again, there's an LAE Facebook Page with all the details HERE (link) --I hope to see you there!
It's chilly today, reader-friends but supposedly it'll be hot tamale... (pa-dum-pum)
Have a super week~
Too bad the fun is on a Monday, but that's okay. We can still celebrate!
I'm in the writing cave, so basically I've just got a bunch of announcements for you here today...
To start off with, FIFTY author-friends (including me) have all banded together to do a HUGE Pinterest Party Giveaway.
On Facebook
It's loads of fun where you re-pin pins and enter to win--did I mention FIFTY books are up for grabs by bestselling authors like Amy Harmon, Alyssa Rose Ivey, moi...
All the scoop is on the Facebook Event page, so go HERE (link) and check it out!
You could win a Signed Copy of Watercolor ~
* * *
Now What's this about Book Trailers?
I've never really done them, which is crazy because I'm a total music geek. I don't listen to music when I write, but all of my stories jumped off from a song...
So I made this cool Book Trailer for the Dragonfly Series using Flipagram!
Let me know what you think...
> > And remember you can get Dragonfly FREE on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Google Play, etc.
* * *
Finally, don't forget I'll be at the Louisville Author Event on Saturday, April 5! It's a free event, but you need to get a ticket so they know you're coming.
On Facebook
Again, there's an LAE Facebook Page with all the details HERE (link) --I hope to see you there!
It's chilly today, reader-friends but supposedly it'll be hot tamale... (pa-dum-pum)
Have a super week~
March 10, 2014
HUGE #Giveaway Event and a NEW Jolene Perry Book!
Happy Monday, reader-friends!
I don't know about you, but I'm feeling spring on the way... #eeep!
I'll get to this HUGE GIVEAWAY in a second, but first...
You hear me talk a lot about my fab cover designer and amazing writer-friend Jolene Perry...
Well, Jolene is a "hybrid" author, meaning she has both self-published and traditionally published books.
And they're all amazing... go to her website (link) right now and pick one to read.
I'll wait.
...
Which one did you pick?
J/k... Jolene's newest book The Summer I Found You is published by Albert Whitman Teen, and it is as gorgeous as it is breathtaking...
Get me on Amazon!
AND!!! I'm so excited because we have Jolene herself here today to tell you about it!!!
Take it away, Jo~
All the Swoony Stuff by Jolene Perry
So. When I'm making the rounds and doing a million blog posts to spread over the internet, I get to be supah specific.
Today I'm going to share some of my favorite swoony moments from THE SUMMER I FOUND YOU but first, the blurb:
All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction.
Kate had the perfect boyfriend--until he dumped her. It couldn't have come at a worse time: ever since she found out she has diabetes, she's been trying to cope. She just wants to feel normal again.
Aidan planned on being a lifer in the Army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's the guy with one arm and nothing is the same as it was before. He wishes he could forget.
When Kate and Aidan meet, things couldn't be more awkward. Neither wants to get attached, and they both could use some fun. But what if they need each other more than they realize?
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
First off from Kate...
Now that I’ve leaned over, the warmth of him hits me, and we’re close. Really close. Aidan’s breath hits my face, and I slide my arms over his toned stomach and down his muscular arm to get my arms around the baby. And for the first time, I’m touching a guy who I’d really, really like to see with his shirt off. Our eyes catch, and his breath blows across my face.
Whoa. Butterflies are running circuits through my insides, over a guy who’s two years older, and only wants to hang with me so I can babysit with him.
What’s wrong with me? I’m like all hormonal or something. Even making out with Shelton didn’t make me all breathless like this. I scoop up the bundled baby, and lay him down in his bed, relieved I didn’t break him or wake him or something.
I back away from the crib and run into the stomach and chest I was just thinking about...
And then from Aidan...
I open my mouth to argue, but I suddenly feel pretty dumb for not thinking about it earlier. And I’m completely distracted by how her hand feels on my chest. As her hand slides down, her eyes follow, and I want for her to have wanted to touch me way more than I should.All I hear is my breathing and I’m still staring at her hand, which is now nearly to the top of my jeans.
She drops her arm, and steps around me leaving me feeling very on edge, and maybe a bit like I want her to touch me that way again. I go around the front of the car and climb into the driver’s seat—still feeling the heat from her touch. I have no idea if I’m thrilled or terrified that I said yes to going with her tonight. Kate isn’t like Georgia, my Air Force girl. It wouldn’t be a hook-up once in a while kind of thing. Nerves start to press in.
I settle into the seat, and the car takes over my thoughts. I love this car. I run my hand over the top of the steering wheel a few times.
“When you’re done fondling your vehicle, I need you to show me how to shift.”
I chuckle, and turn as sideways as I can, pushing the clutch in with my left foot.
“Put your hand on the shift.”
She does. Her hair falls over her face a bit as she looks down, but I can still make out her dark eyes staring in concentration.
“Now you just follow the map on the top, you’ll feel a bump and then you’re in neutral, pull it back farther and you’ll be in second.”
She pulls down and the shifter goes slack in neutral. “Now what?” Her eyes are still focused on her hand.
“Pull back more and you’ll slide into second.”
She concentrates for a few moments, and jerks, but nothing happens. I scoot even farther sideways to put my left hand over hers. Our eyes catch. Okay. Breathe. This is just a girl. No big deal.
“Okay, first.” I move our hands into first. “Second.” I move our hands again. We go through all the gears a few times. My hand on hers. Me trying to keep my heart beating normal, trying to force my chest to relax. This is crazy. I’m just touching her hand.
And finally this from Aidan :-D
I don’t even have to look to know her cheeks are turning red,and that she probably just said something she didn’t mean to. This is when her bursts of honesty are really going to help. She leans forward until the top of her head is pressed into my chest, hiding. Her arms wrap around my sides, keeping us together.
“I can’t believe you just said that.” I kiss her softly on the temple, and run my hand slowly up and down her arm.
“Me either.”
I touch her chin until she lifts her head from my chest and looks back up at me. It’s stupid, but I want her to kiss me first this time. Like I want to make sure she really does want this as much as I do.
But now I wonder—what will she actually think about me only having one arm? What will happen when she accidentally runs her hand over where my arm should be? Will it matter? Will she care?
I’m actually relieved that my shoulder stump is against the seat. Out of reach.
She leans forward and our lips come together in a small soft kiss before pulling away. I kiss her back, but this time our kiss is deep enough that the electricity flies through my body sending tingles to my toes, fingertips, every piece, every part. All of it. And I should probably be thinking more, but it feels so good to not think, to just feel. I slide my arm around her waist, frustrated I don’t have more power to keep her close, and kiss her again.
~ ~ ~
So. Care to share any swoon-worthy books you've read lately? Because I'm always looking for a great love story...
~Jolene
* * *
Yay! Thanks, Jolene!!! Doesn't The Summer I Found You sound uh-mazing??? Run get it:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
* * *
Now for the HUGE GIVEAWAY!
FIFTY of your favorite YA and NA authors will celebrate being Irish for a day and play on Pinterest. There will be more than 45 e-book giveaways!
Join the Facebook party HERE! and don't miss a thing!!!
Participating Authors:
Lila Felix A. W. Exley Melissa Pearl Jessica Gibson Cindy M. Hogan Sarah Ashley Jones
Marie Landry Rachel Morgan Jennifer Snyder
Stacey Marie Brown Jessica Therrien D.L. Raver
Stacey Wallace Benefiel Marilyn Almodóvar Angee Taylor
A.O. Peart Devyn Dawson Rick Chiantaretto
Raine Thomas L.P. Dover Tamara Hart Heiner
Leigh T Moore Meradeth Houston Amber Argyle
Tawdra Kandle Carlyle Labuschagne Lisa Collicutt
Christy Dorrity Stephanie Fowers Kristina Renee
Faith McKay Charlotte Abel Jamie Ayres
A.M. Hargrove Charli Webb Amy Harmon
Alyssa Rose Ivy Kristie Cook Lani Woodland
T.M. Franklin Laura Howard Sharron Riddle
Eliza Tilton S. M. Boyce Bethany Lopez
Dawn Leigh L.A. Casey Emma Adams Amber Garr Liz Long
a Rafflecopter giveaway
That's it for me, reader-friends! Have a SUPER week~
I don't know about you, but I'm feeling spring on the way... #eeep!
I'll get to this HUGE GIVEAWAY in a second, but first...
You hear me talk a lot about my fab cover designer and amazing writer-friend Jolene Perry...
Well, Jolene is a "hybrid" author, meaning she has both self-published and traditionally published books.
And they're all amazing... go to her website (link) right now and pick one to read.
I'll wait.
...
Which one did you pick?
J/k... Jolene's newest book The Summer I Found You is published by Albert Whitman Teen, and it is as gorgeous as it is breathtaking...
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Get me on Amazon!
AND!!! I'm so excited because we have Jolene herself here today to tell you about it!!!
Take it away, Jo~
All the Swoony Stuff by Jolene Perry
So. When I'm making the rounds and doing a million blog posts to spread over the internet, I get to be supah specific.
Today I'm going to share some of my favorite swoony moments from THE SUMMER I FOUND YOU but first, the blurb:
All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction.
Kate had the perfect boyfriend--until he dumped her. It couldn't have come at a worse time: ever since she found out she has diabetes, she's been trying to cope. She just wants to feel normal again.
Aidan planned on being a lifer in the Army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's the guy with one arm and nothing is the same as it was before. He wishes he could forget.
When Kate and Aidan meet, things couldn't be more awkward. Neither wants to get attached, and they both could use some fun. But what if they need each other more than they realize?
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
First off from Kate...
Now that I’ve leaned over, the warmth of him hits me, and we’re close. Really close. Aidan’s breath hits my face, and I slide my arms over his toned stomach and down his muscular arm to get my arms around the baby. And for the first time, I’m touching a guy who I’d really, really like to see with his shirt off. Our eyes catch, and his breath blows across my face.
Whoa. Butterflies are running circuits through my insides, over a guy who’s two years older, and only wants to hang with me so I can babysit with him.
What’s wrong with me? I’m like all hormonal or something. Even making out with Shelton didn’t make me all breathless like this. I scoop up the bundled baby, and lay him down in his bed, relieved I didn’t break him or wake him or something.
I back away from the crib and run into the stomach and chest I was just thinking about...
And then from Aidan...
I open my mouth to argue, but I suddenly feel pretty dumb for not thinking about it earlier. And I’m completely distracted by how her hand feels on my chest. As her hand slides down, her eyes follow, and I want for her to have wanted to touch me way more than I should.All I hear is my breathing and I’m still staring at her hand, which is now nearly to the top of my jeans.
She drops her arm, and steps around me leaving me feeling very on edge, and maybe a bit like I want her to touch me that way again. I go around the front of the car and climb into the driver’s seat—still feeling the heat from her touch. I have no idea if I’m thrilled or terrified that I said yes to going with her tonight. Kate isn’t like Georgia, my Air Force girl. It wouldn’t be a hook-up once in a while kind of thing. Nerves start to press in.
I settle into the seat, and the car takes over my thoughts. I love this car. I run my hand over the top of the steering wheel a few times.
“When you’re done fondling your vehicle, I need you to show me how to shift.”
I chuckle, and turn as sideways as I can, pushing the clutch in with my left foot.
“Put your hand on the shift.”
She does. Her hair falls over her face a bit as she looks down, but I can still make out her dark eyes staring in concentration.
“Now you just follow the map on the top, you’ll feel a bump and then you’re in neutral, pull it back farther and you’ll be in second.”
She pulls down and the shifter goes slack in neutral. “Now what?” Her eyes are still focused on her hand.
“Pull back more and you’ll slide into second.”
She concentrates for a few moments, and jerks, but nothing happens. I scoot even farther sideways to put my left hand over hers. Our eyes catch. Okay. Breathe. This is just a girl. No big deal.
“Okay, first.” I move our hands into first. “Second.” I move our hands again. We go through all the gears a few times. My hand on hers. Me trying to keep my heart beating normal, trying to force my chest to relax. This is crazy. I’m just touching her hand.
And finally this from Aidan :-D
I don’t even have to look to know her cheeks are turning red,and that she probably just said something she didn’t mean to. This is when her bursts of honesty are really going to help. She leans forward until the top of her head is pressed into my chest, hiding. Her arms wrap around my sides, keeping us together.
“I can’t believe you just said that.” I kiss her softly on the temple, and run my hand slowly up and down her arm.
“Me either.”
I touch her chin until she lifts her head from my chest and looks back up at me. It’s stupid, but I want her to kiss me first this time. Like I want to make sure she really does want this as much as I do.
But now I wonder—what will she actually think about me only having one arm? What will happen when she accidentally runs her hand over where my arm should be? Will it matter? Will she care?
I’m actually relieved that my shoulder stump is against the seat. Out of reach.
She leans forward and our lips come together in a small soft kiss before pulling away. I kiss her back, but this time our kiss is deep enough that the electricity flies through my body sending tingles to my toes, fingertips, every piece, every part. All of it. And I should probably be thinking more, but it feels so good to not think, to just feel. I slide my arm around her waist, frustrated I don’t have more power to keep her close, and kiss her again.
~ ~ ~
So. Care to share any swoon-worthy books you've read lately? Because I'm always looking for a great love story...
~Jolene
* * *
Yay! Thanks, Jolene!!! Doesn't The Summer I Found You sound uh-mazing??? Run get it:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble
* * *
Now for the HUGE GIVEAWAY!
FIFTY of your favorite YA and NA authors will celebrate being Irish for a day and play on Pinterest. There will be more than 45 e-book giveaways!
Join the Facebook party HERE! and don't miss a thing!!!
Participating Authors:
Lila Felix A. W. Exley Melissa Pearl Jessica Gibson Cindy M. Hogan Sarah Ashley Jones
Marie Landry Rachel Morgan Jennifer Snyder
Stacey Marie Brown Jessica Therrien D.L. Raver
Stacey Wallace Benefiel Marilyn Almodóvar Angee Taylor
A.O. Peart Devyn Dawson Rick Chiantaretto
Raine Thomas L.P. Dover Tamara Hart Heiner
Leigh T Moore Meradeth Houston Amber Argyle
Tawdra Kandle Carlyle Labuschagne Lisa Collicutt
Christy Dorrity Stephanie Fowers Kristina Renee
Faith McKay Charlotte Abel Jamie Ayres
A.M. Hargrove Charli Webb Amy Harmon
Alyssa Rose Ivy Kristie Cook Lani Woodland
T.M. Franklin Laura Howard Sharron Riddle
Eliza Tilton S. M. Boyce Bethany Lopez
Dawn Leigh L.A. Casey Emma Adams Amber Garr Liz Long
a Rafflecopter giveaway
That's it for me, reader-friends! Have a SUPER week~
March 3, 2014
It's a Choice
True Confession time, reader-friends...
I signed up to participate in a blog hop, and I failed to do my assignment. *hangs head in shame*
The lovely and immensely talented Sheri Larsen (link) invited her blogger friends (including me) to watch a Video on Gratitude (link) each day last month and take notes on how our attitudes changed. Or just our findings in general.
Can I just say, I'm GRATEFUL that Sheri is as kind and understanding as she is. She's an amazing writer-friend. One of my first! She's always looking for ways to be encouraging and positive, and in this business, you NEED that so much.
I forgot to watch the video every day.
But! While I didn't do my homework, I am still immensely grateful for so many things that have happened to me since I started my publishing journey in 2009.
It's easy to get defeated in this business. Five positive reviews can be killed by one mean-spirited negative review.
Luck is a big part of success--and that can be very discouraging.
Don't get me wrong. Luck is not the only part of success. You still have to produce good work.
But you can work your tail off and only achieve mid-list status for a long time, and then there are friends for whom it seems to come so easy... It can cause one to lose focus. It causes some to make poor choices. (Beware the green-eyed monster, friends!)
Gratitude in this industry is a Choice.
It's not quite the assignment, but Today I Choose to be Grateful because...
1-I got into publishing at an unbelievably revolutionary time. Not only can I make a living from my books, but I get to meet my readers up close and personal, I get to meet other crazy-talented writers... the networks and connections and support are out of this world.
2-I met Susan Kaye Quinn (link). I'm sure there are other phenomenally talented authors out there who are supportive, encouraging, generous, and great friends. Sue's at the top of my list.
3-I met Jolene Perry (link). At a time when I was so scared, she pushed me in the pool. Then she stood on the side and laughed and laughed. Just kidding! She did not. But she did make six amazing book covers for me. She listens to me when I'm having "moments," she makes me giggle and swoon with her gorgeous stories, and she keeps me in the publishing loop... Jolene's another unbelievably talented author who is also an amazing friend.
4-I met Sheri Larsen... And Matt and Tami and Jessica and Kelly and Elle and PK and Lydia and Sarah and all the Indelibles and the kids over at YA Confidential... Did I mention this was an incredible time to be a writer?
The Internet has made it possible to find true friends to offer support and encouragement, to let you vent, and who share what they've learned and a helping hand. What a blessing!
5-I have the most incredibly supportive family. This should be #1. No, this shouldn't even be on a numbered list, but rather it should be the big headline up there... When this business gets me down, I'm so so fortunate to have JRM and the girls to hug me and tell me they think I'm amazing. Isn't that amazing? It makes me cry, I'm so blessed.
6-I have been lucky/blessed. From the amazing reception to The Truth About Faking to the encouraging things happening right now with the Dragonfly series on Wattpad (link) , I'm so thankful for the opportunities that have come my way.
7-I found YOU, my reader-friends! (Or you found me?) I love your emails and tweets and Facebook messages and comments on Wattpad... I love YOU! You guys keep me going!
Last year was hard.
From family stresses to changes in the market to being so far from home... I was ready to walk away more than once. JRM asked me what I would do if I wasn't writing at one point. "Get a job at Target! Who cares!" I cried...
Isn't that silly? See, I can be a drama queen too. The Truth About Me, however, is I have to be a writer. I don't have a choice.
That being the case, I'm so grateful I'm alive in these days. I've said it a lot, but this is truly the best time to be a writer.
Please visit these other fab bloggers who actually did the assignment (link) , and have a super week, reader-friends~
I signed up to participate in a blog hop, and I failed to do my assignment. *hangs head in shame*
The lovely and immensely talented Sheri Larsen (link) invited her blogger friends (including me) to watch a Video on Gratitude (link) each day last month and take notes on how our attitudes changed. Or just our findings in general.
Can I just say, I'm GRATEFUL that Sheri is as kind and understanding as she is. She's an amazing writer-friend. One of my first! She's always looking for ways to be encouraging and positive, and in this business, you NEED that so much.
I forgot to watch the video every day.
But! While I didn't do my homework, I am still immensely grateful for so many things that have happened to me since I started my publishing journey in 2009.
It's easy to get defeated in this business. Five positive reviews can be killed by one mean-spirited negative review.
Luck is a big part of success--and that can be very discouraging.
Don't get me wrong. Luck is not the only part of success. You still have to produce good work.
But you can work your tail off and only achieve mid-list status for a long time, and then there are friends for whom it seems to come so easy... It can cause one to lose focus. It causes some to make poor choices. (Beware the green-eyed monster, friends!)
Gratitude in this industry is a Choice.
It's not quite the assignment, but Today I Choose to be Grateful because...
1-I got into publishing at an unbelievably revolutionary time. Not only can I make a living from my books, but I get to meet my readers up close and personal, I get to meet other crazy-talented writers... the networks and connections and support are out of this world.
2-I met Susan Kaye Quinn (link). I'm sure there are other phenomenally talented authors out there who are supportive, encouraging, generous, and great friends. Sue's at the top of my list.
3-I met Jolene Perry (link). At a time when I was so scared, she pushed me in the pool. Then she stood on the side and laughed and laughed. Just kidding! She did not. But she did make six amazing book covers for me. She listens to me when I'm having "moments," she makes me giggle and swoon with her gorgeous stories, and she keeps me in the publishing loop... Jolene's another unbelievably talented author who is also an amazing friend.
4-I met Sheri Larsen... And Matt and Tami and Jessica and Kelly and Elle and PK and Lydia and Sarah and all the Indelibles and the kids over at YA Confidential... Did I mention this was an incredible time to be a writer?
The Internet has made it possible to find true friends to offer support and encouragement, to let you vent, and who share what they've learned and a helping hand. What a blessing!
5-I have the most incredibly supportive family. This should be #1. No, this shouldn't even be on a numbered list, but rather it should be the big headline up there... When this business gets me down, I'm so so fortunate to have JRM and the girls to hug me and tell me they think I'm amazing. Isn't that amazing? It makes me cry, I'm so blessed.
6-I have been lucky/blessed. From the amazing reception to The Truth About Faking to the encouraging things happening right now with the Dragonfly series on Wattpad (link) , I'm so thankful for the opportunities that have come my way.
7-I found YOU, my reader-friends! (Or you found me?) I love your emails and tweets and Facebook messages and comments on Wattpad... I love YOU! You guys keep me going!
Last year was hard.
From family stresses to changes in the market to being so far from home... I was ready to walk away more than once. JRM asked me what I would do if I wasn't writing at one point. "Get a job at Target! Who cares!" I cried...
Isn't that silly? See, I can be a drama queen too. The Truth About Me, however, is I have to be a writer. I don't have a choice.
That being the case, I'm so grateful I'm alive in these days. I've said it a lot, but this is truly the best time to be a writer.
Please visit these other fab bloggers who actually did the assignment (link) , and have a super week, reader-friends~
February 24, 2014
Writing for Tears - The Onion Approach
Sorry, this post is not about
The Onion (link)
--the satirical newspaper. Instead, I was thinking this morning about craft and writing and my own evolution as a writer.
Coming from a journalism background, my biggest challenge as a novelist was slowing down. I'd been trained to get to the point fast. Give the most important point first. Don't bury the lede! No extraneous details, no side-trips into smells or tastes...
I know. Some feature writers flower their prose a bit, and tempering that is part of the craft of feature writing, but for the most part, news reporting is bare bones. Just the facts, ma'am.
Then I started writing books, and I was all, "This person has to get from Point A to Point B to Resolution C after Shocking Revelation D."
I'd sit down and pound it all out, and while it was entertaining, my early readers were all, "I've got a whiplash this happened so fast!"
I wasn't giving anybody time to think or feel about what was happening, to process. I wasn't peeling back the layers slow enough. I wasn't giving my readers time to cry. (Get the onion part now? I made that up, fyi.)
I have some writer friends with the exact opposite problem. They write too many words, and their biggest task is going back and cut cut cutting all the fat so they're not boring you to death or filling your head with a lot of unnecessary details.
Going on Year 4 as an author, my second as a full-time novelist, my first drafts still often come out with "fast patches"--parts that need to slow down to provide the full emotional effect.
I'm still learning to think like a symphony conductor. Have the Big Fast Loud part followed by a quiet, thoughtful spot.
The good news is now when I read back through that first draft, I'm much better at spotting these places and adding thoughts, feelings, sights, sounds, etc., to spread out the moment.
I think The Truth About Letting Go was the first time I truly felt satisfied I'd mastered the process. To this day, I can't read Chapter 17 without crying... but that's another story.
I'm headed back into the cave, reader-friends! Just popping out to say Hi! and share my thoughts.
Remember to check out IndieReCon starting tomorrow! (link) It's a FREE online writers conference filled with tons of useful information about business, craft, working with readers, marketing, etc.
And since last week I posted the Valentine's Day "Love Notes" for the Dragonfly series, this week, I'll post the ones for the "Truth" books.
Enjoy~
The Truth About Faking
And talk about layers~
The Truth About Letting Go
Have a super week, reader-friends! Love ya~
Coming from a journalism background, my biggest challenge as a novelist was slowing down. I'd been trained to get to the point fast. Give the most important point first. Don't bury the lede! No extraneous details, no side-trips into smells or tastes...
I know. Some feature writers flower their prose a bit, and tempering that is part of the craft of feature writing, but for the most part, news reporting is bare bones. Just the facts, ma'am.
Then I started writing books, and I was all, "This person has to get from Point A to Point B to Resolution C after Shocking Revelation D."
I'd sit down and pound it all out, and while it was entertaining, my early readers were all, "I've got a whiplash this happened so fast!"
I wasn't giving anybody time to think or feel about what was happening, to process. I wasn't peeling back the layers slow enough. I wasn't giving my readers time to cry. (Get the onion part now? I made that up, fyi.)
I have some writer friends with the exact opposite problem. They write too many words, and their biggest task is going back and cut cut cutting all the fat so they're not boring you to death or filling your head with a lot of unnecessary details.
Going on Year 4 as an author, my second as a full-time novelist, my first drafts still often come out with "fast patches"--parts that need to slow down to provide the full emotional effect.
I'm still learning to think like a symphony conductor. Have the Big Fast Loud part followed by a quiet, thoughtful spot.
The good news is now when I read back through that first draft, I'm much better at spotting these places and adding thoughts, feelings, sights, sounds, etc., to spread out the moment.
I think The Truth About Letting Go was the first time I truly felt satisfied I'd mastered the process. To this day, I can't read Chapter 17 without crying... but that's another story.
I'm headed back into the cave, reader-friends! Just popping out to say Hi! and share my thoughts.
Remember to check out IndieReCon starting tomorrow! (link) It's a FREE online writers conference filled with tons of useful information about business, craft, working with readers, marketing, etc.
And since last week I posted the Valentine's Day "Love Notes" for the Dragonfly series, this week, I'll post the ones for the "Truth" books.
Enjoy~
The Truth About Faking
And talk about layers~
The Truth About Letting Go
Have a super week, reader-friends! Love ya~
