Layne Harper's Blog, page 4
March 21, 2014
Aiden's Broken Heart
Quick note... Today, Aiden's short story will be live on Amazon for sale. It's the exact same story I wrote for Love Words & Books Blog back in February. NO CHANGES OR ADDITIONAL MATERIAL! Here is the link where you can read it for free (http://lovewordsandbooks.com/2014/02/14/the-anti-valentines-day-our-broken-hearts-club-with-layne-harper/#more-3549).
Why did I decide to offer a free story for sale? I have a lot more readers of the Infinity Series than I do social media followers. I like the story too much not to try to share it with all fans. If Amazon would allow me to give it away through them, I would.
The thought of making money off of this makes me cringe. So, I'm donating all of the profits from "Aiden's Broken Heart" to a rescue animal organization that is near and dear to my heart. Not every animal is as lucky as Pancho :-)
Why did I decide to offer a free story for sale? I have a lot more readers of the Infinity Series than I do social media followers. I like the story too much not to try to share it with all fans. If Amazon would allow me to give it away through them, I would.
The thought of making money off of this makes me cringe. So, I'm donating all of the profits from "Aiden's Broken Heart" to a rescue animal organization that is near and dear to my heart. Not every animal is as lucky as Pancho :-)
March 19, 2014
New Quote From "Infinity."
I wish I could share the context of this quote from Charlie... It's one of my favorite scenes and makes me laugh every time I read it. Hasn't everyone felt this way about their partner?
"How’s it possible to want to smother him with kisses and at the same time long to twist his balls while he writhes in pain?"
Have a lovely day :-)
"How’s it possible to want to smother him with kisses and at the same time long to twist his balls while he writhes in pain?"
Have a lovely day :-)
March 17, 2014
March 3, 2014
What's happening on April 17?
Great question! Infinity. will be live on Amazon. I'm so excited to share the end of Colin and Charlie's story with you. That's not entirely accurate. I dread the series coming to an end, but I'm tired of keeping their secrets. Does that make sense?
I will not be posting teasers from the book. Why? Because there is really nothing I can share without giving away major plot points. This book is not an 85,000 word epilogue. A lot of story happens in the 340 (or so) pages.
What I do plan on sharing is some of the story that didn't make it into the final book. For example, I had originally written the back story to Colin's first marriage. In the end, I found it was more of a detraction than an addition to the conclusion of the book. I'll post on my blog some of his first marriage. I might even share his ex-wife's name (she does have one :-)).
One of the most frequent questions I'm asked is am I happy with the conclusion to their story. The answer is yes. Absolutely. When the book is complete, you will not have any lingering questions. Is everything wrapped up with a pretty bow? No. But, neither is life. However, if you don't have a huge smile on your face at the end, I'll be blown away.
One of the biggest criticisms I've received is why the story took four books to tell. I hope that Infinity. answers that question for you. I've never been okay with the prince rescuing the princess from the tower and the story ends. As I wrote in Finding Infinity...
"All fairytales that I read as a child cut off at the wedding. No one hears about how the princess dealt with the prince leaving her every weekend to slay dragons. Or what happens when the wicked step-sisters waggle their perfect asses in his direction. Do the princess and prince have a baby? Who knows? That part of the fairytale is omitted. Does Prince Charming want to have sex with the princess to make his ego feel better?"
That's the kind of author that I am.
Stay tuned for deleted scenes, as I've come to call them... Yay!
I will not be posting teasers from the book. Why? Because there is really nothing I can share without giving away major plot points. This book is not an 85,000 word epilogue. A lot of story happens in the 340 (or so) pages.
What I do plan on sharing is some of the story that didn't make it into the final book. For example, I had originally written the back story to Colin's first marriage. In the end, I found it was more of a detraction than an addition to the conclusion of the book. I'll post on my blog some of his first marriage. I might even share his ex-wife's name (she does have one :-)).
One of the most frequent questions I'm asked is am I happy with the conclusion to their story. The answer is yes. Absolutely. When the book is complete, you will not have any lingering questions. Is everything wrapped up with a pretty bow? No. But, neither is life. However, if you don't have a huge smile on your face at the end, I'll be blown away.
One of the biggest criticisms I've received is why the story took four books to tell. I hope that Infinity. answers that question for you. I've never been okay with the prince rescuing the princess from the tower and the story ends. As I wrote in Finding Infinity...
"All fairytales that I read as a child cut off at the wedding. No one hears about how the princess dealt with the prince leaving her every weekend to slay dragons. Or what happens when the wicked step-sisters waggle their perfect asses in his direction. Do the princess and prince have a baby? Who knows? That part of the fairytale is omitted. Does Prince Charming want to have sex with the princess to make his ego feel better?"
That's the kind of author that I am.
Stay tuned for deleted scenes, as I've come to call them... Yay!
March 2, 2014
Rachael and Aiden
One of the most common questions I'm asked is "will Rachael and Aiden have their own book?" The answer I give is "at this time, I'm not planning on writing their story." It sounds like a cop out answer. Here's the truth. I adore the character of Rachael. I also love Aiden desperately. However, I don't think they would be as popular if you saw more of their flaws. I think they're fabulous secondary characters. Superficially, they're very fun to write.
However, just the short story I wrote about Aiden's most miserable Valentine's Day resulted in hate mail - like I got a couple of death threats. Did I hit publish on "Falling Into Infinity" to make friends? No. It was a my bucket list item which took on a life of its own, and for that, I'm very thankful.
I will never create my characters or write my stories to pander to the masses because I'm not a fairy tale kind of girl. With that being said, I'm desperately afraid if I did give Rachael and Aiden their own book I'd have to soften their character flaws to make their story somewhat endearing so you wouldn't hate me. As of right now, I'm not willing to compromise their story.
Will I one day give Rachael and Aiden's story a life of its own? Maybe. There are elements I love. I'm obsessed with the bi-racial aspect of their relationship. I think its one that hasn't been explored, and it does add a layer of added relationship tension even though it shouldn't. I also love how completely different they view their relationship. I think this is very common, and one of the main reasons the divorce rate is so high.
What I have thought about is giving Rachael a story of her own separate from Aiden. Have you read "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch? It's one of my all time favorite books. If you have daughters, seriously, go buy it (http://www.amazon.com/The-Paper-Bag-Princess-Annikins/dp/0920236251). Here's the book synopsis...
The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald --- who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance.
My mom bought me the book when I was in high school. Rachael is very loosely based on Princess Elizabeth. I'd love to write a story about a smart, resourceful, female who's succeeding in a world of alpha male politics. Her goals aren't to get married or have children. Her happily ever after is defined by the level of influence she achieves over the nation's policies.
Just a thought to ponder when I can't sleep...
However, just the short story I wrote about Aiden's most miserable Valentine's Day resulted in hate mail - like I got a couple of death threats. Did I hit publish on "Falling Into Infinity" to make friends? No. It was a my bucket list item which took on a life of its own, and for that, I'm very thankful.
I will never create my characters or write my stories to pander to the masses because I'm not a fairy tale kind of girl. With that being said, I'm desperately afraid if I did give Rachael and Aiden their own book I'd have to soften their character flaws to make their story somewhat endearing so you wouldn't hate me. As of right now, I'm not willing to compromise their story.
Will I one day give Rachael and Aiden's story a life of its own? Maybe. There are elements I love. I'm obsessed with the bi-racial aspect of their relationship. I think its one that hasn't been explored, and it does add a layer of added relationship tension even though it shouldn't. I also love how completely different they view their relationship. I think this is very common, and one of the main reasons the divorce rate is so high.
What I have thought about is giving Rachael a story of her own separate from Aiden. Have you read "The Paper Bag Princess" by Robert Munsch? It's one of my all time favorite books. If you have daughters, seriously, go buy it (http://www.amazon.com/The-Paper-Bag-Princess-Annikins/dp/0920236251). Here's the book synopsis...
The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald --- who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance.
My mom bought me the book when I was in high school. Rachael is very loosely based on Princess Elizabeth. I'd love to write a story about a smart, resourceful, female who's succeeding in a world of alpha male politics. Her goals aren't to get married or have children. Her happily ever after is defined by the level of influence she achieves over the nation's policies.
Just a thought to ponder when I can't sleep...
February 27, 2014
Oh yeah... Here's the cover.
As I've stated a million times before, I'm a self promotion nightmare. I forgot to post the cover of "Infinity." Here it is, and in my opinion, this could be the book's summary. I love it so much that I have it framed in my office :-)
On yeah... Here's the cover.
As I've stated a million times before, I'm a self promotion nightmare. I forgot to post the cover of "Infinity." Here it is, and in my opinion, this could be the book's summary. I love it so much that I have it framed in my office :-)
February 25, 2014
Charlie and Colin... The Character Names.
So it occurred to me I've never shared where the character's names Colin and Charlie originated. As I've said previously, the characters Charlie and Colin were created when I was thirteen. Not to heap my childhood woes on you, but I was a book nerd when reading wasn't very cool. I'd always made up stories, and creative writing was like kid crack for me.
Children of the '80's remember Charlie perfume? Yup! I wanted a bottle of Charlie body spray desperately. My mother, as she should have, told me no. Here's the commercial for those who missed out. I still haven't gotten a bottle...
What about Coin, you ask? Good question. Every kid in the state of Texas is required to take Texas history in middle school. My class was taught by the football coach at our school. He was awesome. Made history relevant to a bunch of 13-year-old's. We learned about Collin McKinney who was the one of the original drafters of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Then, we had to research places in Texas named after famous historical Texans. So there is a major street that cuts across downtown Houston named in his honor. McKinney street just so happens to intersect Caroline Street. And now you know...
Children of the '80's remember Charlie perfume? Yup! I wanted a bottle of Charlie body spray desperately. My mother, as she should have, told me no. Here's the commercial for those who missed out. I still haven't gotten a bottle...
What about Coin, you ask? Good question. Every kid in the state of Texas is required to take Texas history in middle school. My class was taught by the football coach at our school. He was awesome. Made history relevant to a bunch of 13-year-old's. We learned about Collin McKinney who was the one of the original drafters of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Then, we had to research places in Texas named after famous historical Texans. So there is a major street that cuts across downtown Houston named in his honor. McKinney street just so happens to intersect Caroline Street. And now you know...
February 14, 2014
Want a little story from Aiden?
Hey everyone! My friends at Love, Words and Books asked me to write a little something for their Valentine's Day Broken Hearts Club. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good love story even if it doesn't turn out for the best.
If you'd like some insight into Aiden and Rachael's relationship, check it out HERE (http://lovewordsandbooks.com/2014/02/14/the-anti-valentines-day-our-broken-hearts-club-with-layne-harper/#more-3549).
I promise that you'll hear more from Rachael and Aiden in Infinity. which will be available this spring.
If you'd like some insight into Aiden and Rachael's relationship, check it out HERE (http://lovewordsandbooks.com/2014/02/14/the-anti-valentines-day-our-broken-hearts-club-with-layne-harper/#more-3549).
I promise that you'll hear more from Rachael and Aiden in Infinity. which will be available this spring.
December 31, 2013
What a year!
I always tend to get a bit sentimental on New Years Eve. It's the idea that this year is in the books, and I can never write the numbers 2013 on a check again (yes, I still pay by check sometimes). My kids are a year older. Hell! I'm a year older. Didn't we just celebrate Y2K?
This year has been interesting. It's the first time in a long time that I did something for myself. I got serious about writing. Since, I became a mom, I've kind of checked out of me being me. Yes! Some will say that I became a new me when I had kids. But, I kind of missed the old me. When I got pregnant, I ditched my fabulous high heels for Uggs and flip flops. Getting dressed up became putting on nice jeans instead of my ten-year-old Gap jeans that are so soft that I could sleep in them. That was just my physical appearance. Mentally, I thought more about how I was going to get a local merchant to donate the silent auction gift certificate that my kid's school needed for the fund raiser than what was important to me, which has always been writing.
So, about this time last year, I took a deep breath and spilled my heart out to my husband. You see, I've been writing Colin and Charlie's story since I was kid. Of course, their story has evolved throughout the years, but the theme hasn't changed. How does one find the balance between their passions and their family (kind of like what I've done this year). My husband told me to go for it. I gave him the latest manuscript and left the house for a long time. You see, I couldn't stand the idea of him reading "Falling Into Infinity" let alone any of you.
When I returned home, he told me how proud he was of me. Then, he said that I couldn't publish it. The latest manuscript was written before the 2012 Aggie football season. He pointed out that I'd essentially written Johnny Manziel's debut season before it happened. I sucked it up and told another friend what I had been up to and let her read it. She said that I should go to Vegas because I could be a millionaire.
In late January of 2013, I had pretty much given up on their story. It was always just a college story with an epilogue that is essentially now the fourth book in the series. Then my friend, insomnia, reared its ugly head. One night, about two o'clock in the morning, I went to my computer and began to rework the book. In ten days, I had the bones for "Falling Into Infinity." I outlined the next three books and found that I had a story that I really liked. In fact, it was even better than the original - so much more authentic.
In May, I was ready to publish. My husband kept pushing me to do it. Terror is not a strong enough word to describe the couple of weeks before the book went live. I sent out seven ARC's to bloggers that I followed and prayed that the emails would wind up in their SPAM folders. My best case scenario was that I was able to check this off my bucket list without a single soul ever reading the series.
Then, in early June, I heard back from Jessica's Book Review. She said how much she loved "Falling." She gave it five stars. I cried.
I used to compare the process of writing a book to putting a picture of your child on the Internet and asking people you don't know to give you their opinion of him or her. That's no longer accurate. The kid is half my husband. I can reason away any faults that you see as his genes not mine. I now think of it as broadcasting your most inner thoughts - the ones that you never want anyone to know - and asking the world to judge you while you stand naked in front of them. It's gut wrenching.
I hit publish and ignored Amazon and all social media. I dove into finishing "From Now Until Infinity." Two weeks after it was live, my friend set up an author page on Facebook for me. Then, I drank half a bottle of wine and began reading the comments on Goodreads and Amazon.
The good reviews are still just as difficult to read as the bad. It's hard for me to come to terms with the idea that you know who Colin and Charlie are. They've been my dirty little secret for far too long. I'm also very protective of their story. I've been asked by blogs to do character interviews, and I always turn them down. I think of them as my friends, and I'm telling you their story over a long dinner. You wouldn't do a media interview about your best friends would you?
In six months, I've spent less than $50 on Facebook advertising. I've sent out very few ARC's. I've turned down all requests for public book signings. I'm a promotion person's nightmare.
But, because of you, my dreams have come true. I'm an Amazon best selling author. It's hard to even type those words because it still seems so impossible. Thank you to everyone who's read the entire series and fallen in love with Charlie and Colin. Thank you to those who couldn't get past the second chapter of "Falling" and sent me messages telling me so. I appreciate you for taking the time to let me know why you didn't like the book. Especially, thank you to everyone who's shared the series with a friend. God, it means so much to me that you cared enough to tell someone else about Colin and Charlie. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My goals for 2014:
Do a better job of accepting your praise and criticism. Be more available on my blog and other social media.Oh yeah... Get book four in your hands some time in March :-)Publish my new book. It's not part of the Infinity Series in that you need the back knowledge to appreciate it, but it does feature a character from the series. Let me repeat... It's not part of the Infinity Series at all. There is no new information to be gleamed about Charlie or Colin from the book. You can read it without knowing who Colin and Charlie are and not miss out on anything. I'll give you a hint... The character is not Rachael or Aiden. I also believe in sharing what I've learned so far on this journey:
I can wear my worn out Gap jeans, grey sweatshirt and keep my hair twisted up in a clip and still accomplish more in five hours than most people get done all day!Amazon is unpredictable at best and a nightmare at its worst.My kids can eat cereal and hot dogs for supper (sometimes together) and survive - even thrive.I can shut my office door and ignore my family for a night and the house doesn't collapse around us. Kids still get bathed, homework is completed and children don't starve if I'm MIA. I also still get picked flowers and "I love you notes." My kids see that I'm doing something for myself that doesn't revolve around them and they're proud of me. It's really amazing.There is still an abundance of kindness in this world. My new book friends I've made this year have enriched my life in ways that I didn't even know I was lacking.Tough skin is necessary if you want to take your foot off of first base to steal second. People have bad days. They say things that they don't mean. Meanness is all about the person dishing it.Too much wine equals insomnia. Who knew?Cheers! Here's to wishing you a blessed 2014, and hopefully more great stories from me :-)
This year has been interesting. It's the first time in a long time that I did something for myself. I got serious about writing. Since, I became a mom, I've kind of checked out of me being me. Yes! Some will say that I became a new me when I had kids. But, I kind of missed the old me. When I got pregnant, I ditched my fabulous high heels for Uggs and flip flops. Getting dressed up became putting on nice jeans instead of my ten-year-old Gap jeans that are so soft that I could sleep in them. That was just my physical appearance. Mentally, I thought more about how I was going to get a local merchant to donate the silent auction gift certificate that my kid's school needed for the fund raiser than what was important to me, which has always been writing.
So, about this time last year, I took a deep breath and spilled my heart out to my husband. You see, I've been writing Colin and Charlie's story since I was kid. Of course, their story has evolved throughout the years, but the theme hasn't changed. How does one find the balance between their passions and their family (kind of like what I've done this year). My husband told me to go for it. I gave him the latest manuscript and left the house for a long time. You see, I couldn't stand the idea of him reading "Falling Into Infinity" let alone any of you.
When I returned home, he told me how proud he was of me. Then, he said that I couldn't publish it. The latest manuscript was written before the 2012 Aggie football season. He pointed out that I'd essentially written Johnny Manziel's debut season before it happened. I sucked it up and told another friend what I had been up to and let her read it. She said that I should go to Vegas because I could be a millionaire.
In late January of 2013, I had pretty much given up on their story. It was always just a college story with an epilogue that is essentially now the fourth book in the series. Then my friend, insomnia, reared its ugly head. One night, about two o'clock in the morning, I went to my computer and began to rework the book. In ten days, I had the bones for "Falling Into Infinity." I outlined the next three books and found that I had a story that I really liked. In fact, it was even better than the original - so much more authentic.
In May, I was ready to publish. My husband kept pushing me to do it. Terror is not a strong enough word to describe the couple of weeks before the book went live. I sent out seven ARC's to bloggers that I followed and prayed that the emails would wind up in their SPAM folders. My best case scenario was that I was able to check this off my bucket list without a single soul ever reading the series.
Then, in early June, I heard back from Jessica's Book Review. She said how much she loved "Falling." She gave it five stars. I cried.
I used to compare the process of writing a book to putting a picture of your child on the Internet and asking people you don't know to give you their opinion of him or her. That's no longer accurate. The kid is half my husband. I can reason away any faults that you see as his genes not mine. I now think of it as broadcasting your most inner thoughts - the ones that you never want anyone to know - and asking the world to judge you while you stand naked in front of them. It's gut wrenching.
I hit publish and ignored Amazon and all social media. I dove into finishing "From Now Until Infinity." Two weeks after it was live, my friend set up an author page on Facebook for me. Then, I drank half a bottle of wine and began reading the comments on Goodreads and Amazon.
The good reviews are still just as difficult to read as the bad. It's hard for me to come to terms with the idea that you know who Colin and Charlie are. They've been my dirty little secret for far too long. I'm also very protective of their story. I've been asked by blogs to do character interviews, and I always turn them down. I think of them as my friends, and I'm telling you their story over a long dinner. You wouldn't do a media interview about your best friends would you?
In six months, I've spent less than $50 on Facebook advertising. I've sent out very few ARC's. I've turned down all requests for public book signings. I'm a promotion person's nightmare.
But, because of you, my dreams have come true. I'm an Amazon best selling author. It's hard to even type those words because it still seems so impossible. Thank you to everyone who's read the entire series and fallen in love with Charlie and Colin. Thank you to those who couldn't get past the second chapter of "Falling" and sent me messages telling me so. I appreciate you for taking the time to let me know why you didn't like the book. Especially, thank you to everyone who's shared the series with a friend. God, it means so much to me that you cared enough to tell someone else about Colin and Charlie. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My goals for 2014:
Do a better job of accepting your praise and criticism. Be more available on my blog and other social media.Oh yeah... Get book four in your hands some time in March :-)Publish my new book. It's not part of the Infinity Series in that you need the back knowledge to appreciate it, but it does feature a character from the series. Let me repeat... It's not part of the Infinity Series at all. There is no new information to be gleamed about Charlie or Colin from the book. You can read it without knowing who Colin and Charlie are and not miss out on anything. I'll give you a hint... The character is not Rachael or Aiden. I also believe in sharing what I've learned so far on this journey:
I can wear my worn out Gap jeans, grey sweatshirt and keep my hair twisted up in a clip and still accomplish more in five hours than most people get done all day!Amazon is unpredictable at best and a nightmare at its worst.My kids can eat cereal and hot dogs for supper (sometimes together) and survive - even thrive.I can shut my office door and ignore my family for a night and the house doesn't collapse around us. Kids still get bathed, homework is completed and children don't starve if I'm MIA. I also still get picked flowers and "I love you notes." My kids see that I'm doing something for myself that doesn't revolve around them and they're proud of me. It's really amazing.There is still an abundance of kindness in this world. My new book friends I've made this year have enriched my life in ways that I didn't even know I was lacking.Tough skin is necessary if you want to take your foot off of first base to steal second. People have bad days. They say things that they don't mean. Meanness is all about the person dishing it.Too much wine equals insomnia. Who knew?Cheers! Here's to wishing you a blessed 2014, and hopefully more great stories from me :-)
