Mikey Brooks's Blog, page 16

Back 2 School Sale!

I am a fan of clean books. meaning I like to read a book and not worry about the content inside. I like to know that what I read will be free of graphic violence, sex, bad language, or drug usage. That is why I totally support a new site geared toward CLEAN books. It's called CLEANAUTHORS.COM and they celebrate the morals I do with books.


To kick off their site they are hosting a BACK 2 SCHOOL SALE on FRIDAY the 13th (September 13th, 2013 to be exact). All the books listed will be dropped from their regular price and we either be FREE or  just $.99!! These are great clean reads you wont have to cringe at. Plus, The Dream Keeper is included for this sale, so if you haven't gotten a copy yet, now is your chance!! Visit: http://cleanauthors.com/event/back-to... for more details.

Is Publishing Worth it Anymore?

Recently a small independent press decided to close their doors. This really saddened me because I have so many of my friends that have books with them. It got me to thinking once again about the publishing world and how unexpected it is. There have been so many small publishers to go under over the past few years that it seems almost not worth it to be with a small publisher. The risk seems too high. The publisher that recently announced their closer actually asked to review The Dream Keeper book when I was shopping it around. I don’t know how I would have responded if I had been published with them and just a few months later they made this announcement. What would have happened to the remaining books in the trilogy? What would become of my rights?
image courtesy of Stewart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.netThis got me to thinking more about the goals for myself as an author. I want to be successful and I crave the support of a publisher, but a small press, unless it’s self-sustaining, cannot make that happen for me. I need a large publisher. So really, I need an agent. With the regulations on unagented manuscripts there is no way I will sign with a large publisher without an agent. In order to get an agent, I need a great book that is sellable—intriguing and market driven. So, first step: write a killer book. Next, I need to find an agent that I know will get the job done. Not just anyone. I need someone who has proven to be successful and who knows their business—that’s not asking too much right? Of course not! But that means I am going to have to do my homework. Submit only to the agents that I feel are a good match for me and my work. Submit to agents that I know will work as hard as I will to sell that book. Okay, I have found my agent, now I need to get the agent’s attention. I need to write a query letter that will have them requesting the book in a matter of seconds after reading it and not put it in the “maybe” file and be forgotten. After I bleed the query letter onto the keyboard I send it out and wait. Once I get an agent the process begins again, this time with publishers. In a few years I might see my book printed. This sounds like a lot of work right? You bet it does! What’s the other option?
The other option is to self-publish, or as the hip new term goes, turn indie. This is going to be less The Dream Keeper on my own I knew what I was getting into. I spent two years researching the playing field before I even attempted doing it. I started with picture books, just to see how they did. I found the work, hard, frustrating at times, rewarding at others, and over all a full-time job. Did all the work I put into it make me successful? No, it didn’t. Am I still working on becoming successful? Yes, I am. An overnight success takes about ten years, so I feel I am on the right track. Self-publishing or indie-publishing, however you look at it, is not going to give you a quick way to publishing a book and making it big. I am not saying it won’t, but it will come with a heck of a lot of work. As an indie author I am the cover artist, cover designer, formatter, editor, line editor, copy editor, proofer, marketing expert, budgeter,  publicist, distributor, financial backer, and on top of it—writer. That’s a lot of roles, not to mention all the ones you have outside of your book, spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, child, employee…the list goes on and on. Self-publishing take a lot of work. Heck, publishing a book period, takes a lot of work. Let’s not forget what it takes just to get an agent and even that’s no guarantee you’ll sign with a large press.work and more rewarding anyway right? Ah…no, afraid not. Rewarding yes, but less work, heck NO. When I gave up my contract with a small press to publish

I hope I am not sounding all Johnny-rain-cloud. I just want to remind myself and maybe you what authors are up against. Whichever road we take to get our books into the hands of readers will be well work the time, effort, risk, and heartache (yes there is plenty of tears shed over rejections and bad reviews). But guess what? It’s really worth it in the end. The best moment of my writing career was when I saw a picture posted online of a kid reading my book—my book!! It took over a hundred and twenty rejects from agents and publishers, hours and hours of editing, illustrating, formatting, sweating, planning, launching, and smiling to see it all happen. It was hard work, but that one kid made it all worth it. Will it be the same with a big publisher, heck yeah, and I am ready for the ride, but I think I am done with small houses. It’s either go big or go indie for me…maybe I’ll do both.

Some Great Advice I Learned About Writing

http://jamesdashner.com/
A few years ago, before he was famous, I had the opportunity to talk with bestselling author, James Dashner, about how he found time to write. Then he had just quit his job as an accountant and started writing full-time. I wanted to know how he balanced a full-time job with his roles as a husband and father. He told me that in order to be successful writer, you had to treat it like a job. It has to be that important to you. Once he started treating his own writing as a job, he found he wrote a lot more. He would sacrifice lunch breaks, hanging out with friends, and watching favorite shows. 
I thought this was some great advice so I started treated my writing like my part-time job. You wouldn’t believe the mindset that put me in once I took that advice. We don’t find time to write, we make time, and if we treat it like a job, we become more successful at it. 
Naypong / FreeDigitalPhotos.netYou might know that I work from home as a freelance illustrator and cover artist. Some might think that because I work from home I would have loads of time to write. Nope. Just like I had to when I had a regular day job, I have to make time to write. Making time to write might consist of sacrificing things we normally do. I don’t get to spend hours in front of the TV watching a show or playing a game, not if I want to finish a book. When I tell you to sacrifice things, I am not saying to sacrifice important things. Don’t ignore your children, spouse, full-time work, or friends, just because you want to write. You will find yourself giving up the little things (that once taken away aren’t even missed) and finding more time.
I am not as successful as James Dashner, maybe I will never be—or perhaps one day it will happen. We are all in different stages of our careers as writers. I do know that James’ career all began because he took the time to make his writing important. I hope we can do the same.

Book Feature: First Kiss

I am thrilled to have back on the blog bestselling author Cindy Hogan. Cindy is the author of thriller series, Watched, as well as her newest serial, Confessions of a 16-Year-Old Virgin Lips. I am happy to be apart of Cindy's book blitz and encourage you to read through this fabulous interview. 
Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAYfor a FREE print or eBook copyof the bestselling book, Protected. 

About Cindy Hogan: Cindy M. Hogan graduated with a secondary education teaching degree and enjoys spending time with unpredictable teenagers. More than anything she loves the time she has with her own teenage daughters and wishes she could freeze them at this fun age. If she's not reading or writing, you'll find her snuggled up with the love of her life watching a great movie or planning their next party. She loves to bake, garden and be outdoors doing a myriad of activities.
Author links: Blog: http://cindymhogan.blogspot.ca/ Facebook: http://goo.gl/ZALArh
The Interview 
Welcome back Cindy! Last time we featured you on my blog we were discussing writing thrillers. Today we’re celebrating your newest releases: First Kiss and Stolen Kiss. How have you liked writing a serial and how's it different from a series? 
Cindy Hogan: It's been harder than I anticipated, but I love a challenge. The best way to get a grasp on serials is to think about a season of your favorite TV series. Each season has 6-11 episodes that make up the season. Each episode stands on its own, but is also connected to the entire season. So, the name of my new series is Confessions of a 16-Year-Old Virgin Lips and the first episode is called First Kiss. The second episode is called Stolen Kiss. The third episode is called Rebound Kiss and will be out in the next week or two.
How long have you been writing books?
Cindy Hogan: I started my first book, Watched, that you can pick up for FREE during this book blitz at your favorite eBook retailer, about six years ago. Once that became a bestseller, I didn't have time to be a great teacher and a great writer, so I quit teaching. Which, was really hard. I loved being a high school teacher, mostly because I got to hang out with awesome teens all day.
What do you love to write about?
Cindy Hogan: Is there anything more fascinating than teenagers? Seriously, the unpredictable nature of teens makes for great stories. I love the idea of putting sixteen to eighteen year olds get into extraordinary circumstances and seeing what they do.
How do you plan out your books?
Cindy Hogan: When I come up with a new story idea, I usually know the beginning and the end—that's it. I don't outline my stories, I just write what comes to me during a short brainstorming session each day. How do you make your scenes so real?
Cindy Hogan: I always go and visit the places that my books are set. Last year I went to Belgium and took copious notes and a million pictures before writing Created. I also visited Washington, DC, Helena, Montana, and Niceville, Florida before writing Watched and Protected. This year I traveled to New York and France for the two books I'm working on right now. I lived in Roseburg, Oregon where Adrenaline Rush is set and I also lived in Tennessee where Gravediggers is set. We traveled to both places last year to make sure the setting was correct for both books. You may think I love to travel, but really, it's Bill, my husband who has a love affair with travel.
What do you like to read?
Cindy Hogan: I mostly read YA books, but I also love adult mystery and suspense novels.
Do you have children?
Cindy Hogan: I have two teenage girls. They are so fun to be with. They inspire me. My oldest daughter inspired the serial, Confessions of a 16-Year-Old Virgin Lips. My husband also inspires me by coming up with some of the best ideas. The idea for Gravediggers came from him. I'm waiting for my out-of-control dog to inspire me instead of make me crazy.
Thank you so much for sharing this short interview! What can we expect next from you?
Cindy Hogan: I have 2 books coming out in October: Adrenaline Rush and Gravediggers. Adrenaline Rush is a YA suspense novel with a dash of romance and Gravediggers is a YA mystery novel with a dash of romance. The covers of those two novels will be revealed soon.
About the Book

VL. Virgin Lips. You may not have heard of it, but where I live, it’s a thing with a card, even if it is a figurative card. I was Brooklyn Hill, certified virgin lips, and I planned on clinging to that figurative card with all I had—while dating as many of the hottest guys at school as I could.Maybe that’s a bit strange. I mean, what teenage girl isn’t interested in kissing? Locking lips definitely interested me, but the drama that came with it didn’t. No kissing, no drama. Simple.But on my sixteenth birthday, on my first real date even, the drama found me. His name was Luke Graham—cute, funny, and bad news for the whole female race.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18164586-first-kiss
Purchase: Amazon. Only .99 cents: http://goo.gl/2sSI5n The Giveaway
You could win a copy of this book!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Feature: Ragesong

For Tween the Weekends this time I wanted to feature a book that I recently read and really enjoyed. I think Tween literature is stuck somewhere between middle-grade and young adult. This is one of those books. The main characters are young enough to be considered middle-grade but some of the concepts presented are older. If your tween likes fantasy-adventures this book is for them!

"When the peaceful kingdom of Fermicia is enslaved by a power-hungry renegade, its only hope lies in a band of unlikely heroes: two children whose musical abilities allow them to harness the power of Ragesong, and their shape-changing guides.  


Jake starts his first day of junior high completely oblivious to the fact that he has been chosen for something incredible. That same afternoon, he learns that he has been marked as one with the power to save an entire kingdom. Through the course of his journey, Jake discovers that his advanced musical abilities are peculiarly connected to a mysterious power known as Ragesong. 

Joined by a shy, young girl with similar musical talents and two Changelings that hold a fierce loyalty to their  homeland and king, Jake must learn to harness this ability in order to survive the dangers of a hostile new world."

"Ragesong is an action-packed thrill ride that is both brilliant and captivating. This story will not let you go until the last page. Simmons has created something magical that teens will call AWESOME!" -Mikey Brooks, author of The Dream Keeper 

I think what made this book such a fascinating read was the character, Jake, and how I was able to connect with him immediately. J.R. Simmons uses a lot of pop culture references, especially nods to music and video games, which I enjoyed. The story was fast paced, engaging, and unique. I especially enjoyed the fantastical bits--the world of Fermicia and the magic systems created. The two Changelings that assist Jake are funny, brave, and heroic. Seriously, tweens, especially tween boys, will LOVE this book.


About the Author: JR Simmons lives in Northern Utah with his wife and 4 boys. He loves spending time with his family and coaching his kids in all of their different sports. He is an avid gamer and is very excited that his boys are picking up on his hobby. JR was recently introduced to triathlons and has since found that he loves the sport. Most nights he can be found either sitting down with a good game or hunched over his iPad writing.

Find out more about J.R. Simmons and his book at: http://jrsimmons3.wordpress.com/

Where to find it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EN86LR6



For more great content on TWEENSplease follow this link to the EMBLAZON website.

Why I write Middle-Grade

stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I have always been interested in hidden worlds. Ever since I was little I used to believe that the gateways to these worlds were closer than we thought. One day while exploring the woods that surrounded our farm in Missouri, I found the remains of an ancient house that had been blown away in a tornado. The only thing left was a bit of the foundation and a set of stone steps leading to an invisible door. I often imagined as I stood there that if I just took one step forward I’d find myself in a dreamland—a place where magic existed and adventure called.
The imaginations of my youth have carried over to adulthood and I see myself wanting to return to those places I dreamed up. I want to still believe in the existence of magic and find the rabbit holes leading to wonderlands. At heart I am just a kid—the same boy who stood on the stone steps of a vanished house wishing it was something more. I write middle-grade because I write the books I would have wanted to read when I was a kid.
Stvatta / FreeDigitalPhotos.netWhat makes middle-grade books so exciting is that they are the books that carry a reader from the boundary of childhood into adult. They are bridges—doorways to something new. Mostly I write these stories for myself—the inner child that never wants to leave the stone steps. I also write for the kids that I know, like me, are dreamers, wanting to find magic in the most unlikely of places. Middle-grade books are truly written with the heart of children in mind.

Amazing August Author Event

I am happy to announce a great event for those local to Utah.  

There will be a panel for questions and a book signing. Come and meet new and favorite authors of all genres.Please share this event with local bloggers and friends.This is the library's first author event and if it goes well they hope to schedule more in the future.Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/416918065083935/ for more info.

King's Artesan Blog Tour

Welcome! Welcome! Today on the blog I have a terrific book feature: KING'S ARTESAN by Cas Peace and an interview with her. This is the final book in the Artesans of Albia Trilogy . Cas is not only a terrific writer she is a wonderful person, an animal advocate, a song writer, and a freelance editor--not to mention one of my closest confidants. I think a lot of herself goes into her books. If you haven't had the chance to read them I highly recommend them. You will find yourself falling in love with characters and escaping to the world of Albia in your mind. Cas has written a truly magical series. Guess what? This book might be the end of the trilogy but its only the third book in the saga to come. Cas has six more books about the world of the Artesans in the works with her publisher, Rhemalda. I had had chance to interview Cas and I know you will love the replies she gives.

Also check out the GIVEAWAY at the bottom of this post. 
You could win ALL 3 of Cas' books in eBook format!!
The Interview:

Thank you so much Cas for being on my blog!Cas Peace: Before I start, I would like to thank my wonderful friend Mikey Brooks for once again allowing me to be featured on his blog. Good friends are rare and precious in this world, and Mikey is one of the best. He’s also a great writer in his own right – be sure to check out his books!
Thank you, Cas!! You are too sweet. So, what can we look forward to in King's Artesan?
Cas Peace: In King’s Artesan, the reader learns much more about the Staff and its importance. Both Robin and Sonten are desperate to get their hands on it, and this leads to some damaging conflict. The outcome of their race to possess it has far-reaching consequences, some of them tragic. But the major revelation in King’s Artesan is the identity of - insert doom-laden, doo - do, doo- do, Jaws-type music - The Baron! His plans hinge upon possession of the Staff, and the reader learns more about what his ultimate goal is.  Has that whetted your appetite?
Yes, it has!! Who is your favorite character and why?Cas Peace: This is a really tough question because I don’t really have a favorite. It would be easy to say Sullyan, simply because I invested so much time and effort into her, but I think I actually empathize more with Taran. Having said that, I absolutely love Bull. In my mind, he’s everyone’s favorite uncle. He’s loving, capable, fallible, funny, and the one person you could completely rely on without ever having to ask. He’d walk to the ends of the earth for those he loves, and I think this is a quality we need more and more in our lives.
This is a long series, what helps you keep the story going?Cas Peace: The story kept itself going! The more I wrote, the more driven I became to find its conclusion. The Artesans series was one of those plots that revealed more of itself as time went on. I originally thought I was only writing until the end of King’s Artesan. But when I got there, I realized there was a huge amount more to tell. At the conclusion of the next trilogy, Circle of Conspiracy, I really thought I’d wrapped everything up. But it seemed the characters hadn’t finished with me, and a whole new trilogy, Master of Malice, was born. And I’m not even sure I’m done with it now!
Who is your least favorite character?Cas Peace: My least favorite character of the whole series is one the reader hasn’t met yet. Her name is Seline, and she’s the daughter of King Elias. She appears very briefly in the Circle trilogy, but her real contribution comes in Malice. I won’t spoil anything, but she causes real problems! But if we’re talking about the Artesans trilogy, then I guess my least favorite has to be Parren. He’s a real slime ball and the sort of person I simply despise. He was great fun to write, though!
When can readers expect the next installment in the triple trilogy? Cas Peace: I am still in talks with Rhemalda Publishing concerning Circle of Conspiracy, the next Artesans trilogy. If all goes well, the books should be available during 2014. We have discussed publishing the entire trilogy during that year, rather than one book a year, and I think it’s a good idea. However, nothing is decided yet. Watch this space!
You write songs that accompany your books. Can you share the lyrics to the song you wrote for King's Artesan, and share a link to listen?Cas Peace: I do love writing songs to accompany my books. And in the editing process for King’s Artesan, I got the chance to write the song that features throughout the entire triple-trilogy series. This might sound really odd, but although this particular song is mentioned in pretty much every book, I had never actually written the words. However, when I was asked by Rhemalda’s editor, Diane, to alter some of the scenes at the end of King’s Artesan, I realized that the song could be used to wonderful effect. And this necessitated me writing the words. Normally when I write a song, I already have words in mind. They usually suggest themselves. In the case of this song though, it only existed as emotions, as a concept. I had shied away from writing words to it because I doubted I could capture that concept. Rewriting those scenes, however, proved to be the catalyst that freed the concept and brought it to life. Indeed, it proved essential to the story, and key to the resolution of the scenes. Who would have thought? So although I found the rewrite hard work, and it resulted in the ebook file being late for publication (my apologies to anyone waiting!) I am incredibly grateful to Diane for providing the impetus. The song is called Morgan’s Song (All That We Are) and it will eventually be available as a free download (like all my songs) from my website, www.caspeace.com. For now, though, here is a temporary link to where you can hear or download it: http://goo.gl/Nb4lC0
 Morgan's Song:
All That We Are
Earth speaks in tones of soil, wood and stoneAn echo that runs through all that we are.Its presence and power sustain on their ownBut your love gives life meaning, your heart is my home.
Water’s music gives birth to the soulIts essence surrounds us, feeds all that we areThe hard rain, wild sea, the softness of snow,Run deep within us, as Love itself flows.
Fire of the sun pours warmth through the leavesLife’s cradle of heat gives us all that we areLight for our eyes and the life that we see,Kindling true friendship, your love kindles me.
Air with a soft sigh, or raging with force,Filling the spaces of all that we are.Tempests and zephyrs, the clouds upon their course,Its voice sings so sweetly when Love is the source.
Now Spirit rise up and join all these as oneThe core of our being, of all that we areThe source of all loving, the heart’s labours doneWhen two spirits join, when two souls sing one song.

I want to take you on a brief journey of 
The Artesan of Albia series to entice you to read them.
Cas starts us with the book KING'S ENVOY: Taran Elijah's quest for knowledge uncovers a plot that threatens the world. In Albia, the fourth realm, the precious Artesan gift is dying. Although born to the craft, Taran is struggling to achieve his potential. Against his friends' advice, he embarks on a foolhardy plan to acquire the teaching he craves. Alone, he crosses into Andaryon, the fifth realm, but instead of finding a mentor, he stumbles upon a treacherous plot. In the wake of Taran's actions, Albia suffers a series of vicious raids. Major Sullyan of the High King's forces is sent to oppose them. But a dark and treacherous force is moving through the realms and both Taran and Sullyan will feel its power. Their craft, the lives of their friends, the very existence of their realm are under threat unless they expose and oppose the evil. This book ends on a cliff hanger that will make you want to read the next.

KING'S CHAMPION: After surviving brutal torture and escaping from Lord Rykan’s dungeons, Major Sullyan is trapped in Andaryon, too injured to cross the Veils. Slowly dying and determined to find some purpose in the shattered remains of her life, she travels to the Andaryan capitol to offer the Hierarch her sword and Artesan gifts in the fight against Rykan and his vast army. Because women hold no power in Andaryon, Sullyan is met with prejudice, hostility, and suspicion.
Before she can seek vengeance on the field of battle, she must prove herself to the Hierarch’s generals. Finding support from the unlikeliest sources, Sullyan sets a plan into motion to defeat Lord Rykan and end his bid for the throne. The fate of two realms depends on her success, but her strength is fading fast and time is running out.

A now to introduce KING'S ARTESAN: Unable to purge herself of the poison that is slowly killing her, Major Sullyan remains trapped in Andaryon. The only thing that can save her is the Staff, which still lies buried in Taran’s cellar. Robin Tamsen sets out on a desperate quest to recover the artifact, but the enemy is two steps ahead of him. Sonten knows where the Staff is, and he will stop at nothing to get it back. If he does, Sullyan’s life will be forfeit and no Artesan will be safe. 

The race for the Staff has begun.

I am excited to read this book! If you like to read epic fantasy you will LOVE this series. It is creative and magical. But you dont have to take my word for it. See what others are saying about the books:

"A wonderfully written, unique story that truly stands out."
Mark Mayfield, former Editor-in-Chief, House Beautiful Magazine, New York

"Beautifully crafted, a joy to read."Fantasy author Raven Dane.
"Thrilling, imaginative and a great read."
Fred Le Grand, The Cyclist.
"Amazing fantasy, this book is so good! A great sense of world building, the Artesan connection grows stronger and more fascinating with each character. A premium effort from a confident writer, someone who knows fantasy and its readers well. King's Envoy is a great read!"
Gerry Dailey, avid reader and reviewer.
About Cas Peace:

As well as her love of horses, Cas is mad about dogs, especially Lurchers. She enjoys dog agility training and currently owns two rescue Lurchers, Milly and Milo. Milly has already had some success in the agility ring, and Milo will begin competing in late 2011. Cas loves country walks, working in stained glass and folk singing. She has also written a nonfiction book, "For the Love of Daisy," which tells the life story of her beautiful Dalmatian. Find her at her website: http://www.caspeace.com or at: http://rhemalda.com/explore/rhemalda-authors/item/cas-peace
Where to find the Books: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17925222-king-s-artesan
http://shop.rhemalda.com/product/kings-artesan.html
http://rhemalda.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cas.peace
https://www.facebook.com/RhemaldaPublishing
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Children's Writers Blog Hop

If you are new to my blog, welcome, welcome! Take a look around and have fun with what you find. For those of you that have been here before you'll soon understand this introduction. I was invited to be apart of a blog hop for writers of children's books. A blog hop is kind of fun. It helps people find new and exciting blogs and its fun to connect people all over the world. If you're following the tour you most likely came from Cordelia Dinsmore's blog at http://cordeliadinsmore.blogspot.com/.

Image courtesy of imagrymagestics / FreeDigitalPhotos.netThe classification of children's literature encompasses a lot of ages. I write both middle-grade (ages 9-14) and also picture books (ages 2-9) so I think I have all the demographic covered. So while on this hop you might find someone who writes a picture books or someone who writes for teens. That's the fun of it. 

We were asked to answer 4 simple questions. I hope you find my answers insightful. I also invite you to check out the stops on this blog hop so we can keep you discovering new and talented writers.


1. What are you working on right now?
Right now I am working on a middle-grade novel that can be described at Rick Riordan's The 39 Clues meets Roald Dahl's The Witches. When Emmy and Ian Hunter's parents go missing they discover their family has a secret. Their parents are a part of a underground society of witch hunters. What's more is the witches have invaded their school disguised as Lunch ladies. Will Emmy and Ian be able to find their parents or will they be left to vanquish the witches of Roosevelt Elementary on their own? 

2. How does it differ from other works in its genre?
Most of the time I write things that are very different from the average mainstream MG book. I had a hard time connecting The Dream Keeper book with others in its genre. This time I wanted to try for something a little more mainstream. I liked the style of The 39 Clues and I am fasignated with witches and magic. This book is part mystery, part fantasy, part suspense, and all it fun. 
3. Why do you write what you do?
I work full time as a freelance illustrator mostly specializing in art for children. I also am a cover designer and have created many fun book covers. I also work part time as an author. I have several picture books published and I released my first MG novel in June of this year. The rest of my time is spent playing daddy to my little girls.

4. How does your writing process work?
It depends if I am writing a picture book or a full length novel. For a picture book I always start with just an idea of what I want to get across. Its harder because you are so limited in words and space. I write a brief idea of the main things I want in the book and then storyboard with drawings. Because I do my own art this is my process for those. With middle-grade I take the idea that I have and write out an outline of the main events in the book. Then I think about each main character and try to outline a internal story for each one of them. My outlines are not very detailed. I like to discovery write from point to point. If I get stuck somewhere, I will either storyboard out the scene I was working on or I will delve deeper into my outline. I find this is what works for me. Every writer does something completely different. That is why it's an art. No artist is exactly the same.
Your next stops on the blog hop will take place 1 week from today (August 19th) but please don't hesitate to go check out these blogs today. You'll enjoy what you find. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful morning, day, or evening (depending on what time your reading this).
Author Sherry Gamon: 
http://www.wordpaintingsunlimited.com/

Author Stacy Lynn Carroll:
www.stacylynncarroll.com

Author Joyce P. Smith:
 http://zanygsworld.blogspot.com/
  Author Danyelle Leafty:
http://myth-takes.blogspot.com/

Author Monique Bucheger: 
http://moniquebucheger.blogspot.com/


Fun for you. I was only supposed to have 3 authors on my list but I asked 5 just in case one couldn't do it. Well, you get 5! They all accepted. Check out their blog posts on August 19th. And thanks for stopping by. 

Book Bomb: Slippers of Pearl

Danyelle Leafty is having a BOOK BOMBMonday, August 12th.
The price of the eBook that day will be ONLY $.99!! I have read Danyelle's other books and you will want to grab this one!


Book's Description:

Shoes, unlike magic, are predictable. They don't change shape, bite, or alter a person's destiny. And that's just how Faryn likes it. But his Uncle Harvey has a bad habit of dying. While inconvenient, this hasn't ever been a problem until now. Thanks to an evil witch and a poisoned apple turnover, Harvey is dead again--permanently this time. As his uncle's heir, Faryn has to give up shoemaking in order to accept and refine his magic. Magic he never wanted. Unwilling to let go of his dream, but unable to escape his destiny, Faryn combines the two and discovers a knack for making magical shoes. He also learns that turning a person into a goose is a lot easier than turning her back, and that he severely underestimated how much trouble magic can be.
About Danyelle Leafty:
Danyelle Leafty writes upper MG and YA fantasy, and is the author of THE FAIRY GODMOTHER DILEMMA series. Danyelle has always loved fairy tales, and prefers stories where someone gets eaten, or at the very least, transmogrified. Much of her inspiration has come from fairy tales, because as G.K. Chesterton so aptly states, "Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten." In her spare time, she collects dragons, talking frogs, and fairy godmothers. She also collects books, and one day hopes to make a house out of them. She enjoys learning languages, fiddling with her harp, and perfecting the fine art of mothering. (It's a lot like trying to herd chickens during a lightning storm while a goat stampede is going on.) One of her heroes is Albert Einstein, particularly for the following quote: "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The most important thing is not to stop questioning."
Check out her blog at: http://myth-takes.blogspot.com/

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