K.N. Lee's Blog, page 4

5 Personal Moments connected to The Man of Cloud 9

I am super excited to present a guest post written by my dear friend, the amazing Adam Dreece. It has been a long time since he debuted his Yellow Hoods series, and now has branched off into riveting, and intelligent science fiction. Now, he gives us a brief look into how certain experiences in his life inspired and are interconnected to The Man of Cloud 9!
5 Personal Moments Connected to The Man of Cloud 9 


5. When I worked in Silicon Valley for a Startup, we went through rounds of funding and fought for every customer. I heard a lot of people talking about their startups at the cafes, restaurants, and was regularly interviewed by many. The energy was high, the ideas sometimes ludicrous. I installed the story with that. 



4. When I worked at Microsoft, I made two enemies. Both of them tried their best to have me denied a promotion. One by creating new procedures and lobbying as hard as they could for me to be denied, and the other actually was a director who went so far as to “uncheck” my promotion in the software that tracked that and managed to do it without leaving a trace. Both were vehement that I should be out. Why? Because for one, they hated that I had turned a friend’s career around, from him being ready to fire to becoming a super-star, and the other because I had been asked for my honest opinion in a meeting and I gave it to her, politely and politically wrapped but still honest. When finally confronted, both of them admitted to what they did and didn’t care. There were no consequences. I did get my promotion, but left a year or two later.I took some of this sentiment, this “it has nothing to do with you, but rather what you represent” hostility and incorporated it into my villain in the story. Moreover, I took that sense of “you are the manifestation of my imperfection” as the root of the conflict. 



3. I’ve had people shut down my ideas because they didn’t want to take the time to understand them,. I adapted by learning it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission, particularly when I had been brought on to fix software projects. This idea is at the heart of Niko as a genius and inventor. He knows that few would potentially understand what he really wants, and he keeps it wrapped in layers and hidden impossibly deeply. 



2. Several points in my life, I made a personal decision that was the right moral one, but it slowed my technical career. Niko faces the implications of such a moral decision, though we don’t know fully what it was until the end. 



1. When I was 17 years old, I ran into the older brother of one of my best friends in the street. I asked how my friend was doing. He’d suffered a brain tumor a year before. The parents didn’t always allow my calls to pass through, they weren’t particularly fond of me because I was younger and didn’t share their ethnicity. I was told that my friend had died two months ago. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Niko suffers a loss at that age, and like me, he found purpose to help him come out of it. It gave him ruthless focus, only enough room for barely two things in his life.

In 2014, Adam Dreece stopped hoping to be an author one day. He wrote and indie published the first two installments in his young adult, steampunk meets fairy tale, series The Yellow Hoods. In 2015, when the first two books became IAN Book of the Year finalists in YA and Fantasy, he released two more in the series, as well as a novelette. Along the way, Adam has become a fixture on Twitter and Facebook for his blog articles and willingness to help other authors. He's a frequent speaker on cons, festivals and events. He's currently working on his first science fiction novel called The Man of Cloud 9, and has a weekly serial called The Wizard Killer. In 2016 he plans to also bring out the 5th book in The Yellow Hoods series. He currently resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his wife and children. He is an active online mentor at adamdreece.com, and is a busy public speaker, panelist, and author in Canada and the Pacific Northwest.


The Man of Cloud 9

"a truly unique voice" - Tracy A. Fischer, Readers' Favorite

“Adam Dreece continues to surprise, enthrall, and sweep us, his avid readers, along - with his elegant prose and insightful story telling. If you, like I, enjoy the scifi/fantasy genre - you can’t do better than The Man of Cloud 9.” - Rene Auberjonois, Avid Reader, Actor/Director (incl Star Trek Deep Space 9's Odo)

-- On extended Launch promotion (reg. $6.99) --

Seventy years from now, climate change has damaged the world, and civilization has lost its appetite for radical dreamers and innovation.

Niko Rafaelo believes that the key to our future lies in revisiting the banned technology of nanobots, and binding it with the human microbial cloud (the bacteria that surrounds each person). Cut from the same cloth as Steve Jobs and his Silicon Valley heroes of history, Niko is driven to see his dream become a reality, no matter the consequences.

The Man of Cloud 9 is an intimate story, centred around the life of Niko Rafaelo and those closest to him. It reveals an all new side of Adam Dreece, best-selling author of The Yellow Hoods and The Wizard Killer.

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When In Rome...Lose Control: Cynthia's Story

When In Rome...Lose Control: Cynthia's StoryBlog Tour


Today we are pleased to welcome Lena Mae Hill as she celebrates the release of her new book, When in Rome...Lose Control. Honestly, I think it looks FANTASTIC, and I bought my copy today. Let me know what you think in the comments!


Cynthia and Nick are best friends, and she's intent on keeping it that way. She's always wanted a BFF, and she's not about to compromise their friendship by doing anything silly, even if they are studying abroad in the romantic city of Rome together. Cynthia is there to see the world and experience all it has to offer, including boys. After all, she can always hook up with Nick back in Arkansas if she changes her mind. But when an unexpected family tragedy happens back home, her trip is thrown into turmoil. Torn between going home and staying in Rome, between partying to forget her sorrows and dwelling on regrets, she always seems to make the wrong choice. So when her friendship with Nick begins to crumble, she's forced to reevaluate that choice, as well. Is staying 'just friends' the only thing that ensures he will always be there for her, or is it the one thing that their friendship can't endure?




Author bio: Hey, y'all. Thanks for checking out my work! I'm a southerner, born and raised, which means I mostly mind my manners but I also have the cussing streak of my Italian grandpa when the mood hits. I'm a serious chocolate addict, a coffee lover, and a restless homebody. I'm online everywhere. Come say hi!
Purchase linkshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JMN4X3Khttps://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01JMN4X3Khttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01JMN4X3K


Social media linkswebsite: http://www.lenamaehill.comhttp://www.facebook.com/lenamaehillhttp://www.twitter.com/lenamaehillhttp://www.instagram.com/lenamaehill


Mailing list sign-up link: http://giveaway.lenamaehill.com
Enter the Colleen Hoover Giveaway sponsored by Lena Mae Hill here.

SeQuence: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance (The Heart of the Ocean Series Book 1)

SeQuence: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance (The Heart of the Ocean Series Book 1)Cover Reveal
A young love. A new world. Four Kingdoms in a Game of Sequence.  Who wins when Life and Death are on the line?
From chaotic voices on Earth…
Haunted by voices inside her head, seventeen-year-old Alessia Appleton is incarcerated in a mental asylum. In her flight to sanctuary, she’s transported to Zeneshia, a breathtaking world under the sea filled with colourful forests and gigantic glowing moons. Here, she discovers the unique power of her mind—and how an entire kingdom’s survival is dependent on it. As she finds her true self, she falls irrevocably in love with Dante Erajion. 

To the tranquillity of the Kingdom under the Moons…
Determined to avenge his mother’s murder, Dante isn’t looking for love until he meets Alessia. Together they unravel the past, inevitably kindling the Foretold Sequence of Hearts. In a world where Sequence takes precedence over chance, powerful forces manipulate the future and redesign Sequences, using Alessia as an unwitting cat’s paw in the Four Kingdoms’ Game of Sequence.

Love might not be enough to save them…
With Alessia and Dante’s destinies intertwined, their love is under threat…and so is the future of their people. As players of the Game make their first move, can young love survive the ordeals of a shifting Sequence to Life, Love, and Death?

Shortlisted for the 2015 Love Stories New Talent Award
SeQuence is the first instalment in the enchanting Young Adult Fantasy/Romance Series; The Heart of the Ocean. It is a sweet and romantic tale about first and forever love—sacrifice and courage in a mystical world of moonbows and myths.AVAILABLE ON AMAZONBiographyLorraine M.L.M writes young adult romantic fiction. Her love for reading prompted her passion for writing. She loves all genres of romance but has a special and inherent interest in Fantasy/Romance in particular uplifting and thought provoking fiction. Her YA Fantasy/Romance debut novel, SeQuence was shortlisted for the 2015 Love Stories New Talent Award.When she’s not writing, she can be found gazing into the distance thinking about writing.a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Shining Ones Blog Tour

The Shining Ones Blog Tour

  A stranger walks into a bar sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but for Poesy Wharton, it’s no joke at all.

For Poesy, a twenty-something waitress who’s living paycheck to paycheck, life on Tybee Island is predictably normal until Adam Walker drifts into Paddy’s Bar and Grill, the small town dive where she works. Unable to resist his quirky, English reserve and the strange tingling that plagues her every time they touch, Poesy finds herself drawn to Adam even against the advice of her two best friends, Birdie and Haylee Jane.

When bad things begin to happen including the brutal murder of another local waitress, Poesy finds herself caught between the man she wants and a secret world that could take away everything she knows and loves. Poesy must choose her path wisely or lose everything . . . but did she ever have a choice?

Watcher is the first book in the new adult urban fantasy series, The Shining Ones, a four book saga set in the community of Tybee Island, Georgia.Download for FREE  Amazon Kindle
 Kobo E-book 
 iTunes E-book
 Barnes and Noble E-book  


Shawnee began writing the first book in her new adult urban fantasy series, The Shining Ones, in early 2010. Drawing on inspiration from her life abroad, as well as, her time in the Goth subculture of the '80s and '90s, Watcher was published in February 2012. Protector (Book Two) was released in February 2016. She is currently working on several projects including Betrayer, the third book in The Shining Ones series, and a book of short stories based on '80s hits. Shawnee lives in Virginia with her husband.Connect with Shawnee Small Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aboutshawneesmall/ Twitter https://twitter.com/shawnee_small Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29036099-watcher
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Your Best Age is Now ( An Interview With Dr. Robi Ludwig)

Your Best Age is Now 

Today, Write Like a Wizard is pleased to introduce today's guest, Dr. Robi Ludwig. She gives us insight into the writing process and what inspires her. Comment below with your favorite part of the interview!
Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:
In Your Best Age is Now, I explore how midlife is not the beginning of a decline, but in fact a very exciting time in life. It’s the perfect time to pursue and actualize your dreams.
Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?My book is for people who have entered midlife and want to continue to feel that their life goals and dreams are still possible. I’ve been told by younger readers, as well as older readers that they also relate to the message in my book. So, I guess the book can resonate with anyone who wants to resist the idea that there has to be an expiration date to the things we want to do in life or who we want to become.
How did you come up with the title of your book?I follow this European makeup artist on Instagram and one day in one of her photo montages, she had a photo of a statement that said, “My Best Age is Now”. I shared this find with my team at Harper One and then we came up with the title, Your Best Age is Now. I knew when we came up with Your Best Age is Now, it was the perfect title for my book.
Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? What is the significance of that particular image?The cover art includes a photo of me and was designed by Harper One. They really chose everything about the cover and just got me to sign off and approve of it. I suppose Harper One wanted people to know that I was the voice behind the book. This cover certainly emphasized that point.
If you could change ONE thing about your book, what would it be? Why?I think I would include more male themes and stories into my book. Your Best Age is Now is a little female focused because at the time I thought the female audience would be most interested in buying this kind of book. I certainly don’t want the men to feel left out, because this theme is just as true for men as it is for women.
Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book.I had my mother read my book before I sent it in for its final edit. She was a tougher editor than my editor at Harper One. One passage she took issue with was when I said that women can even get tattoos to celebrate their rebellious side, if they wanted to during midlife. She felt strongly that this idea should not be in the book. I eventually took it out because a focus group agreed with her. I also took out the words rebel and YOLO and changed it to moxy and You Only Live Once, because my original words were thought to send a dubious message. I wanted the message in the book to be as clear and non-controversial as possible.
What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife by Marianne Williamson and Passages by Gail Sheehy are similar in feel to my book. At least I’d like to think so. Both books address midlife from a new and fresh perspective: one that doesn’t demean midlife or the possibilities that can happen during this time.
Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?I do have a love of jewelry, which has inspired several personal jewelry lines. I created a cloud inspirational necklace, which I sold on QVC. Then I had a jewelry line on ShopNBC for a period of time. I also created an independent jewelry line, which I named Vise Mari. Vise Mari means dream big in Romanian. This line was influenced and inspired by my love of vintage jewelry.
What can we expect from you in the future?Well, I’m hoping there will be more books. I’d love to have my own radio show, podcast or TV show. I’d like to continue contributing in all of the ways that I already am: being on National TV as a spokesperson, giving speeches, and continuing to spread information I feel needs to be shared in the world. Essentially, I’d love to continue doing what I’m already doing, but turn it up a notch.
Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?I think the first tip is to write about what you feel passionately about. Also to research what other books have already been written about this topic, so you have an idea what you’re bringing that’s new and different to this space. Then, build up your social media following. Book publishers like to know the book they invest in is going to have a way of being marketed. If you can present publishers with a large audience who would be interested in buying what you’re selling, you’re half way there.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?I just want to thank you for this opportunity to speak with you and your audience. I hope you find my book inspiring and helpful on your journey to creating whatever it is you’d like to create in your life.


Although we’ve been conditioned to think “middle aged” is practically a four-letter word, the realities of women in midlife today are far different than what our mothers experienced. Women in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s are living younger, vibrant lives. But influenced by our youth-obsessed culture, we fear that when we hit midlife, we stop being relevant and no longer have options—that it’s simply too late for us.
Contradicting long-ingrained beliefs, Robi Ludwig draws on myth-busting data from scientific research and on her experience as a therapist to show midlife is not the beginning of our decline—it is actually a time to pursue our dreams. In Your Best Age Is Now, she offers specific advice on how to change our perception of this next life phase and make the best of it by:·      Letting go of stress to create a more balanced life;·      Identifying false thinking that is holding us back;·      Taking charge of our love life and relationships;·      Staying relevant in the workplace or starting new, exciting careers;·      Becoming more spiritual and leading a life of gratitude; and more.Your Best Age Is Now provides the guidance you need to reject the status quo, become more “you” than ever before, and find the kind of happiness you never thought possible.
“A must-read for any woman who fears her prime is in her past. Ludwig’s practical and perspective-changing advice will help you embrace midlife’s unique opportunities and navigate challenges with ease, so you can live your fullest life yet.”—Holly Phillips, M.D., general internist, author of The Exhaustion Breakthrough, and CBS News medical contributor“Every woman needs to read this book. Robi Ludwig will convince you that a youthful mindset, plus new adventures and opportunities and even new or deeper love, are all highly possible, no matter what the number on your birth certificate is.”—Bonnie Fuller, president and editor-in-chief of HollywoodLife.com
“Robi Ludwig shows us how to feel ageless, beautiful, and relevant. A superb book that will shift and transform your beliefs about midlife and aging.” —Laura Geller, founder of Laura Geller Beauty and board member of the Cosmetic Executive Women Foundation
“In this revolutionary and riveting book, Robi Ludwig brilliantly helps women break through the disabling myths we’ve been fed about midlife. She redefines it, using science and inspiring stories from her practice, empowering us to enjoy this truly fantastic time of life.”—Lisa Bloom, civil rights attorney, legal analyst for NBC News and Avvo.com, andNew York Times bestselling author of Think
“Robi Ludwig nails it! She makes it clear that midlife is the time for wise, effective women to advance the whole damn species! Robi makes us roar!”—Dr. Wendy Walsh, Emmy-nominated former cohost of The Doctors and CNN commentator



Robi Ludwig, Psy.D. is a nationally known psychotherapist, award-winning reporter, and author. She is a relationship contributor for Investigation Discovery Network’s Scorned, and has hosted TLC’s reality show One Week to Save Your Marriage and GSN’s Without Prejudice? Dr. Ludwig is a regular guest on CNN, Fox News, and Headline News, discussing psychological and lifestyle issues as well as the criminal mind. She has appeared on Today, Entertainment Tonight, 20/20, World News Tonight, Nightline, The View, Fox and Friends, Steve Harvey, The Wendy Williams Show, and is on the medical board and a contributor for BELLA Magazine. She also writes for the Huffington Post. Dr. Ludwig lives in New York City.
Social media links: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/drrobiludwigTwitter - https://twitter.com/drrobiludwigInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/drrobiludwig/Google + - https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DrRobiLudwig/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/DrRobiLudwigBlogspot - http://drrobiludwig.blogspot.com/ 

Available now!   http://drrobiludwig.com/book/




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Enter to win $1100 in Amazon Gift Cards!

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Fall has arrived! Enter to win $1100 in Amazon Gift Cards!One simple entry will subscribe you to 58 Romance Author Newsletters. Unsubscribe any time, but please don't label us as spam. Better still, stick around and get to know us. Participating Authors:Abbie Roads | Alexa Brookes | Alexis Noelle | Allie Cooke | Amy L Gale | Amy Lamont | Anne Stone | Asa Marie Bradley | Ash Krafton | Brandy Dorsch | C.E. Wilson | Christa Cervone | Christine Ardigo | Demelza Carlton | Eden Ashe | Elianne Adams | Em Petrova | Emma Nichols | Erin Cawood | Heather C. Myers | JB Duvane | Jennifer L. Allen | Jessica Linden | Joanna Mazurkiewicz | Joanne Dannon | Jordan Ford | Kellie Mc Allen | Kelly Moore | KN Lee | Laxmi Hariharan | Lena Bourne | Lena Mae Hill | Linda Joyce | Lindsay Cross | Liz Gavin | Lola Jamieson | Mary Abshire | Mary Jane | Melissa Pearl | Melissa Storm | Monica Corwin | N.W. Moors | Noelle Greene | Piper Rayne | Robyn Roze | Seven Steps | Skye Jordan | Susanne Bellamy | Sydney Aaliyah Michelle | Talina Perkins | Teagan Kade | Tiffani Lynn | Tina Moss | Tracey Pedersen | Tracy A. Ball | Tracy Ellen | Victoria Pinder Enter to win here: http://lovekissedbooks.com/2016/10/...

The Keeper of Dragons Cover Reveal!

  A mystical calling.
On his 18th birthday, Cole’s learns that he is a dragon fated to save all that was deemed true. Destiny. Cole’s life spirals into an uncontrollable battle for life or death. First, he learns that his family isn’t really his own and his birth parents are dragons. With that legacy comes a special calling; devoting an eternity to protecting all true beings from creatures bent on controlling the Earth and bringing an end to dragons. Danger. As the newly-minted Prince of Ochana, Cole is also the Keeper of Dragons and his first task is to keep the nefarious farro-fallen fairies-at bay. With no formal training, no control of his mahier-dragon magic, and fear like he’s never experienced before, will Cole be able to reach outside of his human side and embrace his destiny in time to defeat the farros? Join bestselling author, J.A. Culican on an epic fantasy adventure fans and critics are calling a world of magic, and comparing to Robert Jordan.
ReviewsThe Keeper of Dragons is the perfect adventure fantasy for anyone with a big imagination. -K.N. Lee,International Bestsellling Author of The Eura ChroniclesAn absolutely entertaining story of magic, love, and intrigue encompassing multiple worlds, people, and cultures.-Mike Shelton, Author of the YA Fantasy series The Cremelino ProphecyAbout the AuthorJ.A.Culican is a teacher by day and a writer by night. She lives in New Jersey withher husband of eleven years and their four young children. She spends herevenings at home, with her family, watching Harry Potter and Star Wars. Whennot home you can find her at the soccer or field hockey fields, rooting herchildren on. J.A.Culican’s inspiration to start writing came from her children and their lovefor all things magical. Bedtime stories turned to reality after her oldestdaughter begged her for the book from which her stories of dragons came from.In turn, the series, The Keeper of Dragons was born. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Common Types of Writer’s Block (and how to combat them)

Today we have a fantastic guest! She shares her tactics for defeating the dreaded writer's block. Meet author, Hannah Stahlhut
Common Types of Writer’s Block (and how to combat them)
We’ve all been there. The blank Microsoft Word document glaring back at you while Facebook notifications beckon from the iPhone on your desk. You want to write so badly-- you’ve fought this battle and won a thousand times over-- but for some reason at this moment you have lost the power of language.
This is writer’s block.
I’ve struggled with it on many occasions during each of my novels. And no two cases of writer’s block were the same for me. That’s why I decided to lay out the different cases of writer’s block (I divided it into 6 types!) and recommend potential solutions. For writers like me who find themselves stumped and gazing vacantly at your screen, try diagnosing your case of writer’s block and applying treatment as necessary:
Not Inspired
The “uninspired” variation of writer’s block is a tough one. It’s quite common for me and my writer friends. It’s also, in my opinion, a poor excuse for not writing. If you call yourself a writer, you cannot stop writing when you don’t feel inspired. Same goes for people of any profession. Even the best teachers, accountants, business people, or architects don’t wake up feeling like the stars are aligned for them to perform with divine inspiration every day. They must work at their jobs, through the rough days and the great ones. And so must we.
Having said that, there are some treatments to help with inspiration in writing. If you haven’t yet started the story, begin by writing character profiles and backstories. Maybe something interesting about them will bring you the motivation you need. A spark of connection with a character can do wonders. My personal favorite solution to uninspired writer’s block, however, is simply to pick a favorite movie of mine and watch it. If I’m feeling uninspired writing a romance, I watch something like Ever After. If I’m stumped writing a battle scene, I watch Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. The experience of watching a truly great movie that gives you all the feels you want to create in your own writing can jump start your project.
Bonus tip: while I highly recommend watching movies to spark the writing bug, I strongly warn against watching TV shows for inspiration. I tried this once. It led to me binge-watching the first four seasons of Game of Thrones with nothing to show for myself. Don’t make my mistake. Watch a movie with an ending and make yourself sit in front of the computer when it’s done.
Written into a corner
This is the toughest form of writer’s block in my opinion. Writing yourself into a corner in the plot, whether you’ve accidentally wrapped up the main conflict too soon or, like me, accidentally separated two main characters without realizing the implications for the story, can be a tough bind to escape.
The great news is, you can always write yourself out of a bind like this. The bad news is, it may require some rewriting. Try going back a few chapters. What did you do that led the plot astray? Could you lead it in a different direction that makes sense and leaves the story more open to possibilities? Or maybe you don’t need to rewrite at all, and what you need is to introduce another point of conflict for the story that gives you more material to work with.
Bonus tip: You may not like to hear this, but the key to preventing this type of writer’s block is by writing an outline and by revising the outline when the plot takes unexpected turns (which it’s certainly allowed to do).
Out of ideas
If you’re out of ideas, usually it means you’re actually “uninspired” or in a corner. If you haven’t yet started a story and you have no concrete ideas to nail down, try more prewriting. Work through your characters. Find out what it is they want most and take it away from them. Find out what they fear and make it a reality. It’s cruel, but it’s what writers do. Without that, we have no stories to write. Create characters you love, then create some kind of opposition for them to overcome. If you’ve written yourself into a corner, perhaps you’ve resolved the conflict or opposition too soon. That is the death of a plot, so watch out for it.
Bonus tip: Remember to keep and carry a notebook wherever you go, or a notepad app - whatever the kids are using these days. Then take down all your ideas when you feel inspired, that way you can return to them when you get stumped at the keyboard.
Too many ideas
Having too many ideas is more my problem than being out of ideas. Sometimes I get ideas for too many stories at once, other times I get too many ideas for directions to take my current project. The key here is to harness this moment of extreme inspiration and motivation. Pick a project and try to stick to it. If you get threads of ideas for other projects, jot them down so you can return to them later. For your current story, if you have too many ideas, write some potential outlines to see which idea leads you where you want to go. Also listen to what your characters are telling you. Pick the route that reads true for them.
Bonus tip: Don’t be discouraged if you have too many ideas. Too many good ideas is not a bad thing.
Disagreements with characters
This is a frequent source of writer’s block for me. I tend to fight my characters on some things, which is a bad call almost all of the time. The only recommendation I can give is to make sure whatever happens in the plot, the characters respond based on their personality, desires, and history. If their natural responses are unexpected, work the plot around that. You wrote your outline. You can change it.
If the disagreement is you struggling to relate to a character, your challenge is more difficult. I had some serious trouble connecting with one of my characters, and it destroyed an entire draft of my novel. It took weeks and weeks of rewriting to resolve it. The important thing to remember is if you don’t find some way to relate to your character, neither will readers. It comes through in your writing if you don’t like a character. Try doing some free writing with the character who gives you trouble. Find common ground, some value that you share with them, no matter how different you two may be. Trust me, pressing pause on the story and having a heart-to-heart with your protagonist pays off.
Bonus tip: Take a personality quiz, like the Myers Briggs, on behalf of your characters. Study their strengths and weaknesses. It’s helpful, plus super fun.
Distractions
There’s no easy way to say this, so here’s the deal: You must get rid of your distraction while you are writing. Do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars. If your distraction is social media like the rest of us, you must turn off desktop notifications for Facebook. And leave your phone in another room. If it helps, maybe you can turn off your internet. Self control is key, okay? Good talk.
Bonus tip: block off writing days or hours on your calendar and stick to them. Don’t reschedule, this is a downhill road to putting off your book indefinitely.
Conclusion
The struggle is real. No one wakes up feeling inspired to write the perfect draft every day. The important thing is that we keep each other accountable and lift each other up. We’re in this together.
Do you have any common traps you fall into for your writing? Share your solutions!


Author BioHannah Stahlhut began writing books in her early teens and hasn't stopped since. Her debut novel came out when she was just 16. Now age 24, Hannah is currently working on the Spirit Seeker Novels, fantasy adventure books for teen and adult readers. In her free time, Hannah likes to binge on Netflix shows (Parks and Recreation, The IT Crowd, Dexter, Battlestar Galactica, and The 100 are a few of her current favorites). She also enjoys pretending to be fit by riding her bicycle to work. She considers herself an honorary member of both House Lannister and Hufflepuff. An odd combination to be sure, but one she will defend to the bitter end. Hannah hopes readers enjoy reading her books half as much as she enjoys writing them.
Wanderling Blurb
For as long as Adala can remember, she’s spent summers abroad as part of her father’s crew. At last she is determined to stay home and pursue a new life with her mother and young brother, Shem. But Adala’s world is suddenly thrown into havoc when Shem collapses at the market one day, crying out that their father has died at sea. Before she can process his surreal claims, Shem is stolen away from their cottage in the night.Adala’s plight to rescue Shem soon lands her captive to an outcast group of criminals. Traversing the desert hills, she grows ever aware of the surrounding dangers and afraid that Shem’s intuitions may be used in a nefarious plot for vengeance. Adala is forced to ask herself: Are her brother’s otherworldly senses genuine? How do they relate to a dark prophecy of the “savage” desert clans? Can she trust Tobin, a kind-hearted outcast soldier with ties to the desert dwellers?Join Adala as she seeks to free herself and her brother from the clutches of an outcast leader determined to push Shem toward a frightening destiny.Connecthttps://twitter.com/hstahlhuthttps://www.facebook.com/stahlhutauthorhttps://www.pinterest.com/hstahlhut/BuyAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/Wanderling-Spirit-Seeker-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01AV5TPJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471355216&sr=8-1&keywords=stahlhut#nav-subnav SmashWords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/637167a Rafflecopter giveaway

The King's Lion Series Flash Sale!

The King's Lion Series Flash Sale!

The Forbidden City (The King's Lion Book 

Filled with magic, mystery, romance and spectacular battles, 
this is the first epic adventure of the King's Lion 


Hunted by his own legions, the undefeated General Leandros, the King's Lion, seeks refuge in the mysterious land of Indra. But sanctuary comes at a high price. 


An ancient evil plunges the world into warfare and bloodshed and Leandros must use his military genius if he is to prevail. 


With assassins lurking behind every corner, he must protect the woman he loves and defeat the ruthless usurper who murdered his own brother, the King. 


In a world full of intrigue and enchantment, where Gods and humans play dangerous power games, the King's Lion fights one breathtaking battle after another across an entire continent. The future of the Empire depends on him. 

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Excerpt

The two men followed her as if waking from a dream. They quickly covered the distance to the nearest bridge. The bridge shone under the afternoon sun as if it had recently been polished. It was an amazing construction covered in spotless white marble showing no signs of decay. It was guarded on both sides by two gigantic statues. Both had bodies that were a mix of human and animal. One was female and had an eagle’s head, and in claw-like paws it held a shield and a war hammer. The other had a masculine head over a feline body. The face resembled those of the desert tribes. In its human hands it held a broadsword and a disk covered entirely in shining gold.

'What are they?' Leandros whispered in awe. 'Did such creatures ever exist?'We do not know. Identical statues guard both ends of the bridges. We have not found any reference to them in any text. Maybe they symbolise something lost long ago.''Why are those bridges here? What is on this island? And why are you stationed here?' Leandros asked, bewildered. 'You will see the answers to your questions soon. Our drink must be ready by now. Let's get back to the house,' the shaman suggested.Once they were seated around the table again, Naya poured the drink she had prepared into three goblets. 'Will you drink?' she asked Malek.'Every time I drink, this thing scares me more. But I am ordered to accompany my friend here all the way, so I will drink.' 'It is time to explain the last part of our legacy,' Naya said, addressing the General. 'To do so, you must drink this and trust me. Can you do that?'Leandros looked from one to the other of his two hosts and silently inclined his head. All this talk of magic and the sight of the statues was making him pretty uneasy.'We will drink together and then we will walk outside. We will be holding hands, and I must ask you not to let go of me, no matter what you see. Now drink up,' she urged, lifting the goblet to her lips. Leandros could not avoid noticing that the irises of her eyes were narrowed, making her resemble a wild animal facing an unknown threat.The drink had a scented flavour and left a bitter aftertaste in the mouth. When they had all drained their goblets Naya stood up and extended her hand to Leandros. He took it and followed her to the door.As they went out Naya stood in front of him, blocking his view. 'Remember, don't let go.' she said, moving aside.General Leandros, commander of armies and fearless soldier, beheld a chilling sight. On, the previously empty island stood the most magnificent city he had ever laid eyes upon. A city of large buildings, in the middle of which rose four high towers of every imaginable design. All the buildings seemed to be covered by white marble, black granite or pink quartz. It was a thing of incredible beauty and magnificence. At the same time it seemed to radiate a sense of unsuppressed rage.As if in a dream, Leandros heard the voice of Naya explaining that this was an Imperial city and that it was normal to be filled with dark feelings. It had this effect, she explained, on anyone who beheld it. The Salt Guardians were there, she said, to 'guard the bridges from the dark'. Although they could not tell how the bridges should be guarded, for centuries the Indrans had been stationing their best soldiers next to the bridges, as instructed by their legacy. They called this place 'the Forbidden City'.Leandros tried to talk, to ask a question, but he was unable to. He felt Naya's fingers on his lips and heard her instructing him not to try to talk. 'You will only exhaust yourself trying so we had better return.' He was almost dragged by Naya and Malek back to the cottage.Naya offered him water and asked him to sit and rest, while she prepared a meal of dried fruits and nuts. They ate in silence and Leandros felt his strength gradually returning. 'Now we may talk,' Naya announced. 'I am certain you have many questions and no idea where to start?' Next to her, Malek gave a feeble smile, as if he were also shaken by the experience.'I felt as if the city wanted to drink my soul,' said Leandros. 'How come I could not see it before?''I am afraid the explanation will confuse you even more. You see, this city exists in a timeframe only seconds different from our own. To see it, it is necessary to speed up your perception. For that, you need the drink I gave you, which does exactly that. The presence of a shaman is necessary, to “anchor” you in this timeframe. Without me, you could get lost in time. I know all this makes little sense but that is the best way I can describe it. I warned you it's confusing.' 'But how did this happen? Are there people living there?' 'As far as we know there are no people there. There are forces, remnants of the past, but we have not managed to explore them fully. Brave shamans have visited the city many times but it was not possible to stay there for long. You see, it drains visitors' energy quickly. As to how it came to be here like that, we believe this has to do with whatever changed the Eagle Empire. We are still trying to learn more about it.''Where did all the material used to build this place come from? It is a true wonder.''The marble came from quarries on the mountains. The granite must have come from the Black Islands. They are called Black, as you know, because they are of volcanic origin. As for the quartz, we assume it came from the area where the desert is now. It must have taken years and immense resources to build it.' 'But what is its purpose? Was it where the Emperors dwelled? I always thought the capital city of the Empire was Lucella, the capital of my country.''From what we have managed to find out, through ancient scrolls and our visits there, it seems it was not a place where ordinary people lived. It seems like a place to worship the Gods. The buildings are full of decorations and the towers contain altars. We have not yet managed to fully explore them, since they are right in the middle of the city. Generations of shamans have tried unsuccessfully to unlock their secrets.'
THE LION PROPHECY (The King's Lion Series Book 2)

THE KING'S LION IS BACK IN A SWASHBUCKLING ADVENTURE! 
After years of fighting, peace reigns over the Eagle Empire. General Leandros is enjoying a romantic vacation with his wife at sea when a mysterious sea captain, the Mask, abducts them, asking for their help to free his fellow islanders from slavery. 


Leandros and Helena start training the islanders, conducting daring raids on land and sea to free the slaves. Their only allies are a powerful sea-witch and a savage crew of ex-pirates. 


Breathtaking duels and fierce battles turn the tide in favour of the islanders until the enemy monarch sends his Grand Fleet to subdue them. With only two ships and a handful of men, the King's Lion faces a terrifying challenge. The future of an entire nation lies in his hands. 

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› Visit Amazon's Alexander Grant Page
 FollowBiographyAfter a long career working in the media and with international organisations, which took him across four continents, Alexander has combined two of his great passions, writing and strategy, to produce the King's Lion Tales. The books, in order of publication, are:

THE FORBIDDEN CITY
THE LION PROPHECY

Alexander is currently writing the third book in the series.
Find out more in his Basketball Diaries blog at www.alexandergrant.eu or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AlexanderGra...) and Twitter (@AlexGrant_EU)a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Heron Prince #NEWRELEASE

The Heron Prince #NEWRELEASE AMAZON



The Demon Door can be opened...but the price is deadly.Rhuun, the half-human heir to the demon throne of Eriis, has found acceptance among the humans on Mistra. He even found love with the tempting and infuriating human, Lelet va’Everly. With Lelet at his side, his ability to create fire has finally awakened, proving that he is not the cursed cripple all of Eriis believed him to be. There are secrets in his blood, unique and powerful...and worth killing for. When Rhuun is betrayed and tricked into returning to Eriis, Lelet has no choice but to turn to exiles, children, and madmen to save him. She must do the impossible: transform herself into a demon and travel to a forgotten city to make an agonizing bargain for his life. Surrounded by dark Mages, a war-hungry Queen, mercurial Goddesses, and enemies on every side, the demon prince and the human woman will find the Court of Eriis a subtle and dangerous place, and one false move could doom them both. Best-selling author Kim Alexander works her magic once again, creating a novel with worlds that are as rich and complex as her characters. The Heron Prince is the second book of The Demon Door series.
FollowBiographyKim Alexander grew up in the wilds of Long Island, NY and slowly drifted south until she reached Key West. After spending ten rum-soaked years as a DJ in the Keys, she moved to Washington DC, where she lives with two cats, an angry fish, and her extremely patient husband. She began writing when she ran out of authors to interview (and they pulled the plug on her channel, Sirius XM Book Radio.) Kim was in her twenties when she finally read a book not prominently featuring spaceships and/or wizards. Turns out Jane Austen was pretty funny! THE SAND PRINCE is Kim's first novel and begins a fantasy series called THE DEMON DOOR. Her husband tells her she needs to write at least ten more books if she intends to retire in Thailand, so thank you for your patronage. Please visit her at kimalexanderonline.coma Rafflecopter giveaway