Casey Hays's Blog, page 5
November 30, 2016
These are few of my Favorite Things!
It’s time! My twenty-four day Countdown to Christmas begins tomorrow with a fantastic line up of authors from all genres! Get ready for a whirlwind of awesomeness as each day a different author shares something memorable about Christmas. You’ll see everything from original short stories to childhood Christmas memories… and so much more! Plus, everyday you’ll be presented with a chance to enter and win a fabulous Giveaway! So, hang your stocking, chug your mug of Christmas ale, sing a Yuletide or two, and kick up your feet for the sleigh ride! I’m getting excited, and I hope you are, too!
Please be sure to invite people to follow my blog so all of us can enjoy the celebration together!
https://whisperingpages3.wordpress.com/
November 10, 2016
Kinship: The Uncertain Life of a Vampire Hunter by Caroline A. Gill
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of Kinship for an honest review.
This was a very unique read! Caroline Gill is definitely a talented word artist. Set in a dark world where vampires certainly don’t glitter and the life of a hunter is far from glamorous, Kinship is a masterfully designed machine.
There are some interesting aspects to this novel that I normally would dislike. For example, the novel contains almost no dialogue. It is a descriptive narration that, frankly, I don’t usually enjoy. I like lots of dialogue; in fact, I prefer books where the dialogue and character development carry the story line. This book used neither technique, and yet I found myself captivated at times by the setting and the action and this strangely beautiful eeriness that envelops Gill’s world.
The only negatives I could mention would be that the long flowery paragraphs often drown out the plot, and sometimes it took me a moment to dig through it all and find my way back to the story. There is quite a bit of repetition, which slowed the story and caused it to become tedious at times. Also, Gill’s language is reminiscent of Charlotte or Emily Bronte. I am a fan of both, and so I have mixed feelings on its use in this story. Although beautiful and elegant, it caused the contemporary setting to feel out of place. I had to continuously remind myself that I was in modern day Chicago, for example. But surprisingly, it still worked, and this strange mixture of all these things somehow added to the wonderment of this story and confused my emotions… in a good way. That’s pretty brilliant, really.
I do plan to read the sequel, as I was given a copy of it as well, and I am looking forward to it!
October 31, 2016
Zombie Crawl 3
It’s my first Zombie Crawl!
I’ll let you in on a secret… I don’t write zombie novels. Oh, it’s not that I’m adverse to the growling little creatures. I mean, I’m a solid fan of The Walking Dead just like everyone else. I’ve just never taken an interest in writing about them. Not that I won’t someday.
So when I decided to join up this year, I thought to myself, “What kind of prize do I want to give away?” Now, I could have just given away a copy of one of my own Dystopian books from my series, which you can find out all about at my website, Whispering Pages HERE. But I figured… why do another giveaway of my own stuff when I’m surrounded by awesome authors every day who write zombie fiction? I’m smart like that… lol! And that’s why my prize is awesome!
Now, just because I don’t write in the zombie apocalypse genre does not mean I haven’t encountered any. In fact, if you can believe it, I had the privilege of meeting one on my way home from Zumba last night. Our conversation went a little something like this…
Me: What the… ?
Fred the Zombie (I named him Fred. Why not?): Grrr….
Me: Dude, you stink. A lot. How long have you been dead?
Fred: Grrrrr…..gurgle, slurp.
Me: That long huh? Do you remember who you were before all this… decay set in?
Fred: (suddenly stops growling and looks me right in the eye as lucid as can be): Really? You aren’t scared?
(Turns out some zombies can talk, especially around Halloween. Fred’s British, by the way.)
Me: Look, I just did 100 squat presses to “If you like it then you shoulda put ring on it.” After that, I’m not scared of nothin’.
So… yeah. Not a zombie writer… and probably should just stick to writing what I know. But, don’t think I won’t enjoy a good zombie novel from time to time! And you’re in luck! I’m giving one away!
Enter my fun little giveaway right here to win a copy of Grace Lost… and a mystery Zombie prize:
Be sure to Visit the Zombie Crawl Event to enter the Grand Prize Giveaway, and to see what the other authors are giving away, too. Thanks for stopping by!
The Schedule
OCTOBER 24 – Monday
Jeffrey Clare (publisher, group host)
Christina L. Rozelle (author)
OCTOBER 25 – Tuesday
Digital Dirty Girl Book Blog (blog)
Rissa Blakeley (author)
OCTOBER 26 – Wednesday
R.L. Blalock (author)
Bryan Way (author)
Post-Apocalyptic Playground (blog)
OCTOBER 27 – Thursday
Claire C. Riley (author)
M. Lauryl Lewis (author)
OCTOBER 28 – Friday
The Voluptuous Book Diva (18+ blog)
YA Book Divas (blog)
Grivante (author)
OCTOBER 29 – Saturday
Kate L. Mary (author)
Brea Behn (author)
OCTOBER 30 – Sunday
Cameo Renae (author)
J.W. Vohs (author)
OCTOBER 31 – Monday
Kelsey D. Garmendia (author)
Lindsey Winsemius (author)
Casey Hays (author)
Lee Ryder (author)
August 16, 2016
GIVEAWAY!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
July 16, 2016
Lessons from the Iceberg
You see, I wrote a book. I thought it was good. I thought it was original and creative and what every reader was looking for. I thought my decent handle on grammar and spelling would be praised, and that editors would adore me for lessening their workload. And so I held out for the taking my beautiful first book full of sweat and tears and every ounce of my heart. I envisioned the idea of becoming the next overnight sensation like Suzanne Collins or Stephenie Meyer. In fact, I was certain my story was so grand that agents would literally be jumping at the chance to sign me up. You can imagine my disappointment when my less than humble ego was crushed by rejection after rejection. The good news? I needed that!
It was only then that I became teachable.
In 2010, I was signed by a small publishing company out of Colorado Springs owned by Spring Lea Henry, and it was under her tutelage that I began to truly understand and appreciate the craft of writing. I began to learn the many intricacies involved in developing good, strong, arc characters, villains, and heroes. I discovered that even the weather and the scenery and the tone and mood of a story can be a character. I learned how to invoke emotions in my readers with diligently crafted words or phrases. I learned that writing is essentially thinking first before one word is put to paper, and that writers are “word sculptors”. I found my voice.
And then, Spring Lea said this:
“Your story is only the tip of the iceberg. What you have to consider is everything that lies beneath the water. Perhaps your readers will never need to know this information, but you as the author must know it. You must know every bit of your world. Because you cannot master world-building or character development or motives or a kick-ass plotline if you refuse to dive into the water and learn where it all began.”
~Spring Lea Ellorien Henry
After that, we spoke and laughed and referred often to the Iceberg until it made sense in my pea brain. That one statement transformed me into a true writer.
Spring Lea died last month after a short battle with stomach cancer. In her wake, she left mounds of advice I will never forget. In light of this, I recently asked several fellow authors to share the best piece of advice they’ve ever received. This is what they said:
IcebergFind your own voice because no one writes like you do.
~Audrey Rich
“Drafts are for sucking–this is the mantra I will live by every time I write a first draft. Seriously, when you give yourself permission to let it suck, the words come so much easier.” by Heather Hildebrand
~Jordan White
You will never think your book is “perfect.” You’ll always want to change something. If you wait until there’s nothing left to change, no one will ever get a chance to read your story.
~Alicia Rades
Write the book you want to read.
~Kara Jorgensen
Write about what hurts the most. Write even when you think you can’t. Write first, edit later.
~Hannah Sholander
Write every day! Even if you are blocked or don’t think it’s good enough. No matter what it is, as long as you are writing, you will be that much closer to your goal.
~Jaci Wheeler
Read 4 and 5 star reviews, as you should surround yourself with positive things that encourage your writing.
~Deborah Josupait Roach
Never give up! There are people behind you who are supporting you and want you to finish it. There are people who will keep you accountable if you have a set goal.
~Amanda Edmunds
Write, publish, repeat.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
~Rissa Blakeley
Books aren’t like cars. A reader doesn’t just buy one book every 4-5 years and read it exclusively. There’s no reason for authors to compete against one another. We should HELP each other instead.
~Brian Parker
Educate yourself on the business thoroughly–from experts–before jumping in and getting started. Otherwise, you are wasting your time, money and possibly destroying your intellectual property.
~Stephanie J. Pajonas
Focus on the passion to write first, the marketing second. Otherwise, you may forget why you are writing in the first place.
~Brea Behn
Read, read, read. Read as much as you write.
Read great, well-written novels to learn how it’s done right.
~Harlow Cyan Fallon
************************
If nothing else, we as a writing community must be humble. We must listen to the advice of more experienced authors, editors, bloggers, and publishers. We must generously offer advice to those following in our footsteps. And together, we will be better.
I’m so glad I’m a quick study.
IN MEMORIAM
SPRING LEA ELLORIEN HENRY (1972-2016)
Lessons from the Iceberg
I’m not ashamed to admit that I was super naive about the book publishing world once. I’m also not ashamed to admit that I have been known to be prideful.
You see, I wrote a book. I thought it was good. I thought it was original and creative and what every reader was looking for. I thought my decent handle on grammar and spelling would be praised, and that editors would adore me for lessening their workload. And so I held out for the taking my beautiful first book full of sweat and tears and every ounce of my heart. I envisioned the idea of becoming the next overnight sensation like Suzanne Collins or Stephenie Meyer. In fact, I was certain my story was so grand that agents would literally be jumping at the chance to sign me up. You can imagine my disappointment when my less than humble ego was crushed by rejection after rejection. The good news? I needed that!
It was only then that I became teachable.
In 2010, I was signed by a small publishing company out of Colorado Springs owned by Spring Lea Henry, and it was under her tutelage that I began to truly understand and appreciate the craft of writing. I began to learn the many intricacies involved in developing good, strong, arc characters, villains, and heroes. I discovered that even the weather and the scenery and the tone and mood of a story can be a character. I learned how to invoke emotions in my readers with diligently crafted words or phrases. I learned that writing is essentially thinking first before one word is put to paper, and that writers are “word sculptors”. I found my voice.
And then, Spring Lea said this:
“Your story is only the tip of the iceberg. What you have to consider is everything that lies beneath the water. Perhaps your readers will never need to know this information, but you as the author must know it. You must know every bit of your world. Because you cannot master world-building or character development or motives or a kick-ass plotline if you refuse to dive into the water and learn where it all began.”
~Spring Lea Ellorien Henry
After that, we spoke and laughed and referred often to the Iceberg until it made sense in my pea brain. That one statement transformed me into a true writer.
Spring Lea died last month after a short battle with stomach cancer. In her wake, she left mounds of advice I will never forget. In light of this, I recently asked several fellow authors to share the best piece of advice they’ve ever received. This is what they said:
Find your own voice because no one writes like you do.
~Audrey Rich
“Drafts are for sucking–this is the mantra I will live by every time I write a first draft. Seriously, when you give yourself permission to let it suck, the words come so much easier.” by Heather Hildebrand
~Jordan White
You will never think your book is “perfect.” You’ll always want to change something. If you wait until there’s nothing left to change, no one will ever get a chance to read your story.
~Alicia Rades
Write the book you want to read.
~Kara Jorgensen
Write about what hurts the most. Write even when you think you can’t. Write first, edit later.
~Hannah Sholander
Write every day! Even if you are blocked or don’t think it’s good enough. No matter what it is, as long as you are writing, you will be that much closer to your goal.
~Jaci Wheeler
Read 4 and 5 star reviews, as you should surround yourself with positive things that encourage your writing.
~Deborah Josupait Roach
Never give up! There are people behind you who are supporting you and want you to finish it. There are people who will keep you accountable if you have a set goal.
~Amanda Edmunds
Write, publish, repeat.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
~Rissa Blakeley
Books aren’t like cars. A reader doesn’t just buy one book every 4-5 years and read it exclusively. There’s no reason for authors to compete against one another. We should HELP each other instead.
~Brian Parker
Educate yourself on the business thoroughly–from experts–before jumping in and getting started. Otherwise, you are wasting your time, money and possibly destroying your intellectual property.
~Stephanie J. Pajonas
Focus on the passion to write first, the marketing second. Otherwise, you may forget why you are writing in the first place.
~Brea Behn
Read, read, read. Read as much as you write.
Read great, well-written novels to learn how it’s done right.
~Harlow Cyan Fallon
************************
If nothing else, we as a writing community must be humble. We must listen to the advice of more experienced authors, editors, bloggers, and publishers. We must generously offer advice to those following in our footsteps. And together, we will be better.
I’m so glad I’m a quick study.
IN MEMORIAM
SPRING LEA ELLORIEN HENRY (1972-2016)
July 2, 2016
FOURTH OF JULY GIVEAWAY
TO ENTER: Go to https://www.facebook.com/Casey-Hays-1... and look for the banner pictured below to find out all the details and enter to win an awesome Arrow's Flight swag pack, including free autographed books from my series!
Good Luck!
Casey
June 14, 2016
Wake up and read *Awoken* by Sarah Noffke
Since finishing up The Scent of Lilac and shipping it off to my editor, I’ve finally found some time to read while I wait for those nasty, little inevitable edits. One thing all authors understand is that reading other authors’ works is essential. It’s the fuel for our imaginations. It’s what inspires us to pick up the pen again. It makes us better. And so… I read.
This month, fellow indie author Sarah Noffke is holding a reading marathon for her Lucidites series, and so I thought, why not? I have some time on my hands. I joined in on the reading of the very first book she ever wrote, Awoken. Here’s all I have to say:
***
If you’re looking for a sleepless night, literally, then this Dream Travelers book is the right choice for you! Set in an Institute created specifically for dream travelers Awoken, Book 1 in the Lucidites series, kept me longing for more. I’m always attracted to books that value character development and relationship building over plot, books that allow a natural plot to develop through character interaction. In that area Sarah Noffke delivered! I found myself turning each page with emotion as I came to know the characters one by one. I loved so many things about this book! The cautious flirtations between Roya Stark and Aiden, the casual manner in which Joseph slowly became Roya’s friend, the close, trusting bond she developed with George. In fact, by the end of the book the hardened, suspicious loner had bonded with her team in a way that allowed her to successfully focus on the mission. The characters were so endearing in this book, from the students to the teachers, and I thoroughly enjoyed being dragged into the story and feeling like I was right there in the thick of the action all the way to the end. The writing is simply brilliant in so many ways! As an indie author myself, I highly recommend this book!
***
Until next time…
March 10, 2016
Multiple Personalities… sometimes, this is good.
A few weeks ago, my daughter came home from school with results from an online personality test. There were 16 personalities featured, and I was curious. So I plopped down in front of my computer and dug in.
My results? Turns out I’m a Debater. “A smart and curious thinker who cannot resist an intellectual challenge.” (My family did not take this as a surprise. ;)
So what did I learn? I learned that this test was frighteningly accurate! So… first, my strengths:
I enjoy learning new and especially abstract concepts with my tremendously flexible mind, which is able to shift from idea to idea without effort. (Why, thank you!)
I respond with unabashed glee to solving chronic, systemic problems, analyzing them from every angle to find the best solutions. (Most people do not find this fun…)
With knowledge and originality, I reject without remorse options that don’t work. (True dat!)
I have a way with words and wit that others find intriguing, charming–even entertaining– while at the same time, informative. (I’m not sure everyone would agree, but I can’t please them all. That would be far too challenging!)
And lastly, I am truly impressive in my enthusiasm and energy, having no qualms with putting in long days and nights to find a solution.
And… just when this was all starting to sound extremely tiring, here came my weaknesses:
I’m very argumentative, insensitive, intolerant (OK, I’m not liking this one bit), I find it difficult to focus, and I dislike practical matters. (All of which I blame on menapause, by the way.)
Needless to say, I was consoled only by the fact that “this is a test… this is only a test.”
There were other categories: how a debater parents, functions in friendships, handles romantic relationships. Apparently, due to my lack of emotions, I tend to ignore my partner’s feelings and expect my children to independently change their own diapers. Geesh!
The one hope in all of this came at the very end, when I was assured that Debaters do have it in them to change their ways, and actually desire to do so. Good news!
I hope you caught the hint of sarcasm in my tone. Honestly, when I read every segment of this test, I realized that I’m not as bad as I’ve made myself appear here. But if nothing else, it did alert me to my shortcomings, and it allowed me, along with all of my friends who took the test with me, to understand each other so much better. One of my best friends is a Protagonist, the other a Consul. Finally! We get each other!
Mostly, I was reminded that life is one big test. Every day, we are asked to take it. Some days we fail miserably, but more times than not, we taste sweet success. On those days, I remember that I can be better than this personality test affords. I can hold my tongue, be considerate towards my husband, and support my children while continuing to instill in them independence. I can remember that the world does not revolve to please my every whim, but rather the opposite. And I can be grateful for the little tests God throws my way that make me deny myself… and strive to be better.
Take the test: https://www.16personalities.com/
———————————————
**COMING MARCH 22, 2016 – I will be a guest blogger for Sarah Noffke. Follow her at http://www.sarahnoffke.com/
and don’t miss out as I tackle another fun topic: phobias! Muahahahaha!
Multiple Personalities… sometimes, this is good.
A few weeks ago, my daughter came home from school with results from an online personality test. There were 16 personalities featured, and I was curious. So I plopped down in front of my computer and dug in.
My results? Turns out I’m a Debater. “A smart and curious thinker who cannot resist an intellectual challenge.” (My family did not take this as a surprise.
