Alyssa Hubbard's Blog, page 16

APOCALYPTIA (Sci-Fi/Romance/YA) is Here!

Today is the day everyone! All available purchasing options can be found here:

My Books!

More should be coming up as the days go by, but for now Smashwords is the place to go for all downloading options, and my book will always be free!

Thanks for reading and for your support!

-Lissy

Filed under: Personal Posts

“Sometimes I wake up and decide I’m a rubbish writer…” a micro poem by Alyssa Hubbard

Some days, I wake up and decide I am a rubbish writer. Everything I write, whether it be a novel, a short story, a grocery list, it is all just rubbish.

Some days, I wake up and decide I am a goodly writer. Everything I write, whether it be a novel, a short story, a grocery list, it is all goodly.

Then there are days I don’t write at all. Those are days I cease to be a writer.

-Alyssa Hubbard

Filed under: Original Work, Personal Posts, Poems

Open Endings

I’ve noticed a trend with my work. Since I’m in the editing process of An Austrian March I have little time and energy to work on another full-fledged novel or novella, and until it’s done and published, I won’t be doing very much novel writing. However, as I mentioned before, I have a very intense need for writing now. A writing habit, if you will. As such, I can’t go for very long periods of time without writing something.

So, I’ve gone back to writing short stories and poems – pieces that don’t need extensive and copious amounts of time and attention to create. And as I’m writing them and doing quick edits of them, I’m also constantly shipping them off to literary journals/magazines. As I’ve been writing them, I’ve noticed a lot of open endings. And once I took notice of that, I also thought back to Apocalyptia and An Austrian March, both having very open endings.

I, personally, hate open endings in the novels I read.

But on that same coin, I love them because I hate them.

I know that makes no sense, but allow me to explain. I love works that give me an intense emotional response, including anger. If a book can anger me because it didn’t give me closure, then it is a great book. To me, when a book is open ended, it gives me the sense of continuation, of immortality. The characters’ stories aren’t done, they have lives beyond the book that I may never know about. Something about having it end with a sense of more just fascinates me. It’s like saying you’ll see a friend later even though you both know it’s good-bye. Sad, but wonderful, and something I want to emulate in my writing, though I hadn’t noticed it until now.

Books with complete endings aren’t bad either. I also have an emotional response to those, but the analogy is much different in this case. At the end of a book (or series) for me, I feel as if I am burying a friend. I’m saying goodbye for one last time.

I love both and it’s up to us as the writers to decide whether our hero or heroines should get their complete ending or not. We don’t have to have them win or lose, live or die, or do much of anything. That’s the beauty of being a writer. We decide how we want it all to end, or if we want it to end it all. Isn’t that a beautiful thought?

How do you feel about open endings? Closed endings? Which do you prefer? Which ones do you tend to write? Let me know, and comment below!

Thanks for reading.

-Lissy

Have a request for a blog post topic? Just wanna ask a question? Go to my Home page, fill out the contact sheet, and shoot me an email! I look forward to hearing from you.

Filed under: Personal Posts

My Presentation at a Middle School

Writers truly don’t realize how much their books mean to people.

I went to a middle school on November 1st to talk about how one becomes a writer, while also encouraging the students to follow their dreams. When I initially came in, most of the students had no clue who I was. Then the teacher announced who I was, naming one of the stories I wrote for Humans and Their Creations, which she had also read to her class.

The room erupted in excitement.

One of the students continuously asked, “Really? Really? The author is here? Really?”

They were all so excited, and I was completely taken aback. Once I had gone over my presentation, the room erupted with questions ranging from where I was from to how one goes about creating characters. They were so excited and so passionate about being heard and asking questions, I couldn’t help but feel excited as well.

I don’t think I’ve hugged and high-fived so many people before in my life, but the best part of it all was hearing one student say, “You’re my hero.”

I don’t know why I was a hero, but I achieved what I had set out to do. I made a child feel as if they could do it, and that is all I wanted to achieve. I wish I could have stuck around and had a bit more fun with the kids, but unfortunately I had to go. I look forward to going to even more places and meeting even more passionate students as my time as a writer goes on, but this experience is definitely one for the record books.

There were so many wonderful kids, we almost didn’t have room.

The only picture I’m actually in. Can you spot me?

Filed under: Personal Posts

Screenwriting

I remember the first time I had ever been introduced to the world of script-writing. My mother was reading a small project I had been working on for about three months when she stopped and said,

“Alyssa, you should write scripts.”

At the time, that highly offended me, especially when she went on to comment on how my writing was better suited for short stints of description, rather than full length novel description. I was angry, offended, and I set out to prove her wrong. I have been successful thus far, but just this morning I let my boyfriend read a short story I’ve been planning to shop around. He read it, smiling and enjoying himself. I was beaming, beyond excited to hear his feedback, and as he set down the manuscript with a satisfied sigh, I expected nothing but praise. What I got was not the opposite, but an eye opener.

“Lissy, this would make a great movie.”

A great movie?

Me? A movie writer?

Once again, an inkling of offense creeped up, but then I read over the manuscript again. I googled different ways of getting into the screenwriting business, what was required of me as far formatting and description went. I’ve learned a lot just from a few hours of light skimming, and I’ve even started a practice draft. I’m not sure if this will go anywhere, but I’m sure it will take time. Time and a lot of trial-and-error. We all have to start somewhere, and even if I do find this to be my niche, books and authorship will always be my true passion.

And no matter what, I was born a writer.

Thanks for reading.

-Lissy

Have a request for a blog post topic? Just wanna ask a question? Go to my Home page, fill out the contact sheet, and shoot me an email! I look forward to hearing from you.

Want to help me out? Check out my Poll page when you get a chance. All of the answers help me out.

Filed under: Personal Posts

Why you should always be submitting/writing something…

I am an indie author, nothing new there, but even as I’m writing and preparing my works for their eventual publication, I am still submitting to multiple different literary magazines. I make it a point to write at least three new short pieces a week, and maybe a couple of poems if I can manage them. With my schedule as packed as it is, most of the time I can’t always have my computer on me, which is a problem since An Austrian March is being edited on the computer. So, whenever I have a little free time, I whip out my my notebook and start on something small, something that doesn’t require a lot of attention or heavy plotting, something under 2,000 words. Once I’m done, I polish it up, then prepare it for simultaneous submissions.

Even as an indie writer, I believe it is essential to be submitting to literary magazines and journals. Why? Well, grab your pens, raise them high, and scream HUZZAH! as we dive right into my new list!

PRACTICE

Querying skills, to me, are essential. They teach discipline, how to follow the rules, and they help your technical writing skills. Querying different places helps to diversify your writing.
LEARNING A LIFE SKILL

Querying magazines is very similar to inquiring about possible jobs. Though writing may be your job, a lot of indie writers have to supplement their writing with another job. When you query, you want to think of it like you’re inquiring for a job. You want to put your best foot forward without kissing ass. Just another great life skill to be had from querying.
FEEDBACK

In rare cases, you may receive feedback with your rejected piece. Take the criticism and work it into your bigger projects. Not everything they say may be what you want to do, but there may be just a bit of advice that you can enhance your writing with. This point is very valuable. It gets you a front row seat to what an editor is looking for in a piece. Though you may never go through traditional channels to publish your novels, it is helpful to see what actually sells books or what usually works in specific genres and pieces.
IF ACCEPTED, YOU GET RECOGNITION

Who doesn’t like getting a little praise? When you get published in a journal, it ups your credentials. People who read that magazine will recognize your name and may go after some of your other works, like your indie books. More praise, more recognition, more book sales. Lots and lots of good stuff.
YOU PUMP OUT A LOT MORE WORK

Because I’m always submitting and writing, I always have new pieces to play around with. My writing is getting better, my ability to query is getting better. My writing skill, in general, is getting better.

Though there are a lot of people who refuse to try traditional publishing, querying literary journals for pieces that may be too short to publish individually is a great way to practice and get your name out there. But what do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Do you feel literary magazines and journals are worth the effort? Have you been published in one before? Let me know, and comment below!

Thanks for reading.

-Lissy

Have a request for a blog post topic? Just wanna ask a question? Go to my Home page, fill out the contact sheet, and shoot me an email! I look forward to hearing from you.

Want to help me out? Check out my Poll page when you get a chance. All of the answers help me out.

Filed under: Marketing Tips, Writing and Marketing Tips, Writing Tips

Why I’m deciding to sell my books for FREE

Am I insane? Probably.

It wasn’t too long ago I decided to make all the books I’ve written, thus far, free, and the moment it was announced, I received some positive feedback. But for every one positive email, I received at least ten negative. They weren’t extremely negative, and most were complimentary. However, a few choice comments made it out to seem that I was a complete idiot and fool. Any other day I would’ve brushed them off. Opinions are called opinions for a reason, and I can’t force someone to change theirs, but I would like to take a moment to just clarify my reasons for doing this. I don’t believe I properly explained myself, but hopefully this will clarify some things. Onward we go!

I NEVER SET OUT TO MAKE A PROFIT

Writing has always been a labor of love for me, and while the extra money was nice, it wasn’t like I was counting on that money. When I visited the middle school, there was a kid who came up to me and told me they couldn’t get my book because their mom/dad didn’t want to pay money for it. That hurt me. I want my books to be available to EVERYONE, even those who can’t afford to pay for it. Her parents still might not want to get her the book, but at least money isn’t the issue.


I HAVE A JOB. I DON’T WANT WRITING TO BECOME A JOB

It is my dream to one day quit everything I may be doing in life and just spend my days writing and publishing until I die. Today isn’t the day that happens. Tomorrow isn’t the day that happens. I work as a cashier at Academy. THAT’S my job. Writing for profit, going to school, and working all the time made writing seem much more of a chore. I was worried about taxes I would have to pay, and YES, I would have to pay taxes on everything I made rather than receive any kind of return. So taxes, piled up on paying for college, on top of working to pay for all of that really made it hard for me to enjoy writing. Now that I don’t have that extra stress, writing is much more fun.


SELF-ESTEEM

Those who have read my book and said they enjoyed it are great. They’ve made me feel like I can actually achieve what I want to do, but every time someone pays for my book, I feel this huge amount of guilt. Did they just pay money for a book they’re probably going to hate? Did they just spend hard earned cash on a nobody? And that final question brings me to my next and final point.


I AM A NOBODY

It’s true. The amount of people who know me as a writer are very few and far between, and I’m okay with that. What’s the best way for someone to get to know me as a writer? I’m going to give my books away! There’s no risk in them getting a free book. If they like it, then plus for them. If they don’t, well, at least they didn’t spend anything on it, which is why I am taking armloads of my books and donating them to local libraries around my state. It makes me feel good to be able to do this.

I love having the ability to give my books away. From an economic standpoint, it may not make sense to most people reading this, but as an author, it helps me out emotionally and socially. I’m a much happier person when I’m not having to worry about all the extras. I just want to write books, maybe not bestsellers, maybe not perfect works of literature, but good books, at least. If you still don’t understand or still want to send me an email about how nonsensical this all is, then go for it. I won’t mind. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it any clearer for you. In the meantime, thank you for reading. Happy reading! Happy writing!

-Lissy

Filed under: Personal Posts

To Anyone, Like Me, Who Has Anxiety Problems:

Don’t panic.

It is scary now, but just focus on these words. Block everything else out and focus on what you’re reading right now.

Good.

Now focus on the rise and fall of your chest.

Keep it at a steady rhythm.

In.

Out.

In.

Out.

Good. You’re doing great. Repeat this a couple times if you have to.

Now, smile.

You deserve to smile. You’re doing so great right now.

Do you want to cry? That’s ok. Go for it. No one will judge you. Just let it out, then come back and read this. I’ll still be here, so don’t worry about it.

There. Do you feel better? I’m so glad. You’re so strong.

Now, this is a little tough, but try it for me.

Laugh.

Just laugh, even if you don’t like the way it sounds.

Here, allow me to help you:

http://youtu.be/RP4abiHdQpc

Wasn’t that funny? I love that video.

Now, how do you feel?

Better?

I’m so glad. My mother used to do this for me all the time when I was little, though without the youtube video, of course. Now, if you ever need this, it will always be on my blog. I will never delete it. I promise.

Now, I love you, and have an awesome day.

-Someone who knows what it feels like

Filed under: Personal Posts

The Blur – A Doctor Who Fanfic

In the mornings, I see a face. I’m neither awake nor asleep. It’s that inbetween, where the shadows of subconscious can still take hold, but your mind is aware enough to pull you back – reminding you, Hey. The day is waiting for you, but in my case, it’s a face that awaits me.

The face is both a blur and an itch. I squint my eyes, but only find that it twists it more. I open them wider and I lose sight of the face altogether. It’s maddening, and I have half the mind to just grab the man and shake him.

Man.

It was the first time I ever referred to it as a gender. Him. Yes, that’s right. It is usually a man.

“And you said it was an itch?”

Yes.

“Tell me more about the itch.”

Well, it’s not good or bad. It’s kind of just there. Not an itch I can scratch, either. It’s like a reminder that face brings – like something imprinted on my brain that I’m supposed to know or be able to remember, but I just can’t. It’s just as maddening as the blurry man.

“Tell me more about the man.”

You’re a demanding bloke, aren’t you?

“Well, that’s what you pay me for, isn’t it Mrs. Noble?”

I thought we’d be talking about my mum or something a bit more shrink-like. I didn’t realize dreams were a part of that.

“Now, Mrs. Noble-”

Yeah, yeah, you’re here to help me. I don’t need to hear it anymore. Let’s just get a move on. Now, what was your question?

“The man?”

The man? The man. And see, that’s another thing. I’ll remember him for one second, then I’ll forget him the next. It’s like two different parts of me are fighting over this guy – one to forget and one to remember.

“Which one do you want to win?”

Huh?

“Which are you rooting for? Do you want to remember him, or don’t you?”

I- I don’t know. I suppose I would like to, but-

“But?”

Hang on. Hang on. I’m getting there, you impatient bugger. But there’s something about him. I feel like he’s dangerous, but it’s almost attractive the way he is. His danger is attractive. I reach out to him sometimes, and I feel my fingers brush against his jacket. He smiles at me sometimes.

“He smiles?”

Yeah.

“I thought you said he was a blur?”

Huh? Oh. Well, I guess he isn’t always a blur.

“Continue.”

I don’t know. I’m getting a headache. Maybe we should stop for the day.

“You know your mother is outside.”

Nevermind. We can keep going, and you can stop smiling. You look daft when you smile.

“Nevermind that Mrs. Noble. On you go.”

Right, well, sometimes he’s not just a face either. He smiles and I can hear a laugh, and sometimes he reaches out for me. But there’s something sad about his smile. He’s a very sad man.

“You feel sorry for him?”

Yes. He is so lonely. He just wants someone to travel with, to be his pal, but it’s too dangerous. Things are always happening to him and to his friends. He’d rather be alone than risk their lives.

“You sound like you know him.”

Huh? Well, I guess I would have to know him. He’s in my head after all.

“Yes. Well, you speak of him as if he actually exists.”

How do you know he doesn’t exist?

“I don’t, I’m just asking-”

How do you know the sun will rise tomorrow?

“Mrs. Noble, there’s no need to get upset-”

How do you know the Earth will always move?

“Mrs. Noble, please don’t raise your voice-”

How do you know there isn’t something out there? Someone calling for help? Just waiting to be saved?

“Mrs. Noble, please calm-”

How do you know that blue box won’t come back?

…

“Mrs. Noble?”

…

“Here are some tissues. Please don’t cry.”

…

“Are you ok?”

…

“Do you want to talk anymore? About the man?”

No… no. I think I know who I’m rooting for now.

“Who?”

… Maybe it is best that I forget him.

“I agree.”

Doc?

“Yes.”

The man cries when he smiles. Do all doctors do that?

“Is your man a doctor?”

… I think so.

The End.

Thanks for reading!

-Lissy

Want updates for my fanfiction only? Follow my FanFiction.Net account!

Want to help me out? Check out my Poll page when you get a chance. All of the answers help me out.

Filed under: FanFic

AN AUSTRIAN MARCH Playlist

This novella has been in the making for a long time, but as it gets closer and closer to publication, I itch to make a playlist. It’s not just for the sake of making a playlist, but the book itself is based entirely on music. Without music, there would be no point to it, and the main song on the playlist is Die Lorelei, a German folk song. That song’s sad lyrics led me to the create the work.

The problem is that the book is a romance, and it’s actually the book I was referencing in my controversial post all that time ago. So, the playlist is 100% love songs. The problem is, most of the songs I wanted to use were poppy tunes that didn’t make much sense when paired with the classical background of the book.

And that’s how my wonderful journey began.

I’ve searched through Spotify, and I was beyond surprised. There is so much talent out there, and so many talented souls who just aren’t given enough spotlight. Well, today, I will honor those covers. Here I have the playlist.  I believe my characters would be proud to both listen and perform the songs in these forms, and I like most of these just as much, if not more, than their originals.

Please listen.

At the bottom of this post, below the playlist, I will have the lyrics pasted for you to read. Once again, enjoy.

English Translation of Die Lorelei:

I know not if there is a reason

Why I am so sad at heart.

A legend of bygone ages

Haunts me and will not depart.

The air is cool under nightfall.

The calm Rhine courses its way.

The peak of the mountain is sparkling

With evening’s final ray.

The fairest of maidens is sitting

Unwittingly wondrous up there,

Her golden jewels are shining,

She’s combing her golden hair.

The comb she holds is golden,

She sings a song as well

Whose melody binds an enthralling

And overpowering spell.

In his little boat, the boatman

Is seized with a savage woe,

He’d rather look up at the mountain

Than down at the rocks below.

I think that the waves will devour

The boatman and boat as one;

And this by her song’s sheer power

Fair Lorelei has done.

Thanks for reading/listening. If you’d like to read more about this project, head on over to “My Books.” You can read up on it there, and when it comes out, there will be links for you to purchase it. Thank you, again.

-Lissy

Have a request for a blog post topic? Just wanna ask a question? Go to my Home page, fill out the contact sheet, and shoot me an email! I look forward to hearing from you.

Filed under: Personal Posts