Lizzy Charles's Blog, page 5

1 Week to Go~!

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! EFFORTLESS WITH YOU comes out in ONE WEEK! I can’t believe it’s almost here!!! I can’t wait to share the novel with you all!

AND because I can’t wait, I’m throwing out another big teaser! A great Lucy/Justin moment that you won’t want to miss! AND there’s a giveaway too! Another Amazon gift card, because I love you all so much. 

I pull out the camera, viewing the shots. Marissa’s practice posing sessions have really paid off. It looks like Justin is hitting on Marissa. One shot even looks like Justin was leaning in for a kiss, pinning Marissa against the bar.

She is an evil genius.

I scan through, deleting a few of the unflattering jaw shots of Marissa. One photo stops me. Marissa stares at Justin, her hand on his shoulder and another playing with her hair. Justin doesn’t notice her, his green eyes focus on the camera. Were they pleading? I delete it. Weird camera angle.

“How’d they turn out?” I jerk. That voice has become too familiar.

“Really, come back for more?” I gaze up, determined to face him.

Justin smiles. How can this be fun for him? My pulse quickens. I want to punch him.

He sits next to me, snatching Marissa’s camera out of my hand and scrolling through the photos. I watch his thumb, ready to pounce if it nears the delete button. Marissa would kill me.

“Wow. These are pretty incriminating. Awesome job.” He hands the camera back.

I shrug. “Thanks.”

“Does she realize there’s no chance?”

“That may only encourage her.” No point in trying to cover for Marissa. She’d say the same thing.

“That’s what I thought.” He leans back, putting his arms behind his head. His biceps flex and I look away. I don’t need my hormones taking over.

“What?” he asks.

“You tell me.”

He rolls his eyes. “Listen. I’m sorry. You were right. I was a jerk.” Momentarily, I’m dazed. His apology doesn’t seem real. I lift my eyebrow; there has to be more.

I’m right.

“But I’m not sorry about Zach.” He turns to me. “Speaking of which …” Justin nods toward the crowd. Zach is walking toward us.

“Yo, Zach. How’d that game of disc turn out?”

“Tater got schooled!” Zach sits down between us, soaking wet. The side of my dress absorbs the water off his body. He puts his arm around me. My stomach makes a little flip.

He still likes me?

Zach turns to me. “Sorry again about dinner tonight. Work got busy and I lost a bet to Tater. I was so pissed that I completely blanked.” He nudges me and flashes his corner smile. “They say I’ve got a tendency to get overheated.”

I’ve heard that. Last season he threw all the Lacrosse sticks across the field after they lost to Jefferson Academy.

“So,” Zach gives my shoulder a squeeze, “I calmed down with a game of disc.”

He leans in, kissing me on the cheek. “Forgive me?” My heart flutters as my emotions swing on a pendulum. His story could totally be legit, and he fessed up to blanking. The way his hand is wrapped around my waist just feels right. I’m not ready to let that go over a messed up date.

“Yeah, of course. No big deal.” I shrug, wanting to appear like the cool, relaxed, girlfriend.

Justin throws up his hands behind Zach, defeated.

Zach looks back at him. “What, man?” his voice darkens.

“Nothing, really.” Justin stands up, wisely removing himself. “I just remembered I promised Jennifer I’d dance tonight.” He nods toward the dance floor where Jennifer stands eyeing him. “I might as well get it over with.” He looks down at me. “See ya later.”

Zach shrugs in response. I have the sense they weren’t as close as they’d acted on the phone. Zach and I sit next to one another for a moment in silence. My mind races, trying to find something to ask him. “So, how’s the pool?” is all I manage.

He looks at me blankly before a huge smile spreads across his face. He effortlessly leans over and sweeps me off the bench. “You’re about to find out.”

Faking a scream, I kick off my heels before Zach throws me in the water. Thankfully, it’s warm. A thundering splash booms next to me. I swim to the surface and a large arm pulls me into a hug. It feels nice to be held so close. Zach looks down at me, his brown eyes filled with excitement. That look always makes me smile. He turns away from me briefly and whistles to Tater and Pete, his teammates. Both nod and storm the dance floor where they grab their girlfriends and obediently toss them in, too.

What do you think? I hope you’re as excited as me! It’s a really fun and heartwarming story. I can’t wait to share Lucy and Justin with you!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway. $15 dollar Amazon Gift Card this week! Good luck!

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Cover Reveal for (Never)Again by Theresa Paolo

Eep!! Today is my new friend, THERESA PAOLO‘s, cover reveal day for her novel  (Never)Again to be published by (Berkley) Penguin on October 15th, 2013.

I love the cover! It’s so gorgeous.

First, the blurb!

Just when she had finally moved on…

…He moved back.

When college freshman Liz Wagner hears her ex’s voice for the first time

since he moved clear across the freaking country, she does what any

respectable girl would do: Dive into the girls’ bathroom.

Zach

Roberts—the Zach Roberts—is back. And he’s everywhere Liz

looks—infiltrating her friend group, buddy-buddy with her brother. It’s

enough to ruin college altogether. But what choice does she have but to

put on a happy face and pretend he didn’t leave her vulnerable and alone

in a pile of emotional wreckage?

Pretending works, until tragedy

strikes and the only person available for comfort is the one person she

wants to stay away from. When Zach turns out not to be the jerk she

convinced herself he was, but the boy she used to love, Liz needs to

decide whether to open her heart again to the boy who tore it out.

Doesn’t that sound awesome!?

Alright, here is the gorgeous cover! I can’t wait to buy this book!

 Cover time

Available for preorder on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. 

Add it to your TBR list on Goodreads;.

 

 

Theresa Paolo lives in the same town she grew up in

on Long Island, NY with her boyfriend and Milton, their big eyed goldfish. She

has a hard time accepting the fact she’s nearing thirty which is why she writes

New Adult and Young Adult books, reliving the best and worst years of her life

through her characters. She put her love of writing on hold while she received

her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Dowling College. On November 11th

2011 at 11:11 she made a wish. Two hours later she was laid off. Jobless for

the first time since she was sixteen she was determined to make her wish come

true. Writing became her life again and after many nights of ignoring her

boyfriend to spend time with her characters, she finally received the call that

all her hard work, finger crossing and eye crossing paid off. She signed with

Berkley (Penguin) and her debut novel, (NEVER) AGAIN, a NA romance, will be out

in Fall 2013.  When she’s not writing,

she’s behind a camera or can be found in the blogosphere or on Twitter, Pinterest

and Facebook.

 

Cover Reveal- The Funeral Singer

I’m thrilled to be participating in Linda Budzinski’s cover reveal for her novel THE FUNERAL SINGER. The cover is gorgeous!!!!

Here’s the blurb:

Being a funeral singer was a dead-end job until it led her to him …
 
Seventeen-year-old Melanie Martin has witnessed her share of lame eulogies and uninspired epitaphs while singing part-time at her dad’s funeral home. She’s determined to be more than a funeral singer, more than just someone’s “beloved wife” or “loving mother.” 
 
When Mel’s impromptu rendition of “Amazing Grace” at a local rock star’s graveside service goes viral on YouTube, she becomes an Internet sensation, gains thousands of fans and followers, and snags a hot rock star boyfriend–Zed Logan, bass player for The Grime. 
 
But instant fame isn’t easy—and neither is love. Especially when Mel realizes she’s falling for another guy—one who may just want her heart more than her voice …


Sounds awesome, right?
And now… the cover!!!!
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THE FUNERAL SINGER will be available on September 24th from Swoon Romance. Watch for it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

Teaser & Giveaway

Effortless With You releases in two weeks!!! I can’t believe that  August 13th is almost here. It’s taunting me, but in the best way possible. I’m pumped!

To celebrate, I’m releasing a giant excerpt from Effortless With You and having my first giveaway! One lucky person will win a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

I hope you enjoy the teaser and don’t forget to enter the raffle at the bottom of this blog post.

(SQUEE~! Just 2 weeks!!!!)

I adjust my jeans and add a black belt, hoping Zach will like it. My cell phone flashes five past six. Fashionably five minutes late, as recommended in the latest Elle magazine. The Minnesota humidity makes my hair frizz the moment I step out of the locker room. Why do I even try? I search for Zach’s truck, hoping he won’t notice my funky hair.

But it’s not there. He must be caught in traffic. I sit on the bench and wait.

And I wait.

A long time.

My cell displays six thirty-seven. Maybe work is keeping him? The Fireside Bowling Alley often has a dinner rush. I check my phone, but no calls. I text him.

Me: I’m sure Fireside is busy. Take your time.

I really can wait. I have nowhere to go until the party.

I close my eyes and tilt my head back, enjoying the cooler evening sun on my face and praying it will calm my frizz. I hold my cell, waiting for it to vibrate with his response. As the minutes pass, I toy with the idea that maybe he forgot …

But he planned this. He wouldn’t do that.

A light laugh interrupts me. My eyes jolt open and I gasp. I hate how easily I startle.

“Sorry, Lady,” says a deep, smooth voice behind me. “I didn’t mean to scare you. You just look so funny all dressed up but relaxing in the sun.”

“Oh, it’s okay.” Great. I pull at the bottom of my white tank. I look funny.

He clears his throat, waiting for me to do the social thing. Interact.

Not in the mood. Not now. The dent in my phone demands study. If I turn the phone upside down, the dent looks like a cow. I shift, making sure my back faces the voice. Maybe the guy’ll take a hint? My bench creaks with newly added weight.

Nope.

“So?” he says.

I force myself to glance up. My throat closes. Marissa would freak.

Justin stares back with that fake smile. “Who are you waiting for?”

“My boyfriend, Zach Filman.” Confidence, yes.

Justin nods. “Oh, Zach.” He looks at his watch and snickers. “I bet he’s late, huh?” His eyebrow flicks up with his smile.

“No. I’m a bit early.”

“You’re lying.” He moves closer to me.

Shaking my head, I focus on the lined pavement. The lines aren’t parallel at all. I really suck at lying, but the most popular guy in school doesn’t need to know my boyfriend’s late.

“Well, then,” he continues. “I’ll just wait here with you. You don’t mind.”

I do.

He taps his finger on the bench’s armrest. “Shouldn’t be long now.” His voice is thick with sarcasm which he pairs with his flashy, stupid smile. Justin may be gorgeous, but he is super annoying. He clears his throat. “Might as well get to know one another. I’m Justin Marshall.”

No kidding.

“I’m Lucy.” He doesn’t need to know my last name.

“Well, Lucy.” He pulls out his phone. “It’s six fifty-two. When’re you going on that date?”

“For real?” The heat from the sun must’ve fried my brain-to-mouth filter.

He claps his hands together, leaning back, enjoying my outburst. “Well, I’m bored. Jennifer doesn’t get off for another twenty minutes. I need a little fun.”

“Well, in that case, I’m pleased to entertain you.” Sarcasm rolls thick off my tongue.

“Wonderful.” His hands fold behind his head and his muscles twitch. But I’m steady, not a flinch and not even close to his regularly received swoon.

“So, where’re you love birds going?” he continues.

“Romano’s.”

“Right, Italian food. How romantic. Very original, Zach.”

Blood rushes to my face. I don’t care if it is the typical place. This is my first fancy, romantic date and it’s going to be perfect. I glare back, replying with silence.

“Okay, okay.” He throws his hands up. “It’s a good place. Great food, actually.”

I ignore him, glancing back at my phone. An hour late. Maybe he got in an accident?

“Can I ask you two questions?” Justin prods.

“No.” My filter’s gone now. He’s beyond irritating. Just because everyone worships him doesn’t mean he gets to know everyone’s business. Of course, he ignores my answer.

“First, why are you being picked up for a date here?”

I answer without thinking. “Zach thinks my mom’s weird.” My tongue thickens, making it hard to speak. Crap, shouldn’t have said that.

“Oh? Should that matter if he’s dating you? I mean, shouldn’t he want to get to know her if he’s dating you?”

He looks at me with a soft expression, like the ones people use on injured puppies on those Emergency Vet shows.

I press my lips together. He doesn’t know my mom. This time he accepts my silence.

“Secondly, don’t you think you deserve someone who respects you enough to either show up on time or at least call and let you know why he’s late?”

Whoa, who is he to give me relationship advice?

“You’ve got to be kidding, right?”

“No. I’m dead serious. You deserve better.”

“You don’t even know me.”

“No, but I know Zach.”

“So do I. He’s my boyfriend.” I refuse to look at him, instead watching a group of ants pour out of a crack in the pavement. “You know you’re a real jerk, right?” I add.

Justin lets out a long whistle. “Wow. I haven’t been called a jerk since I was, like, eight?”

I don’t care how hot he is. Why Marissa wants him blows my mind.

He pulls out his phone. “Let me show you something.” He dials and flashes me his outgoing call: Zach F.

No. This is not happening.

I launch at his phone but he’s too quick. He jumps off the bench and I eat pavement.

“It doesn’t matter. He isn’t going to answ—” I say as I scramble up off the ground.

“Hello?” a familiar voice booms. Speaker phone. Crap.

“Hey Zach! It’s Justin.”

“Hey Man. What’s up?” My gut relaxes. Zach’s okay.

“Not much. Just waiting to pick up Jennifer.” Justin paces, circling the bench and me.

“Right on, man!” Zach is always so positive. His attitude is contagious. I can’t help but smile when I’m around him.

“What are you up to?”

“Disc golf with Tater.”

My chest squeezes. How can Zach be playing a game with his cousin Tater? An I-Told-You-So expression sits in triumph on Justin’s face.

Stupid face.

“Sweet. Awesome day for a game.”

“I know, huh?”

Justin drags his shoe through some sand.

“Will I see you at the party tonight?”

“Hell, yeah!”

Maybe he didn’t forget? He knows we’re going to the party together. He must have gotten the times mixed up. Assumed he had time to play disc first.

“Sweet. I’ll see you there. Got to run, Jen’s done. We’ve got a great date night planned before the party and all …”

No Justin, don’t do this. I want to die.

“Oh shit, dude. I was supposed to pick up that Lucy chick for a date too.” Zach laughs.

Three skipped heartbeats.

Zach forgot.

He forgot about me.

My nose begins to itch. Tears are inevitable. But I won’t cry in front of Justin. I focus on my cuticles, trying to hold off tears while Zach’s voice continues to boom from the phone. Justin finishes circling the bench, now standing next to me. So I can hear everything Zach says.

“Eh, she’ll understand. It’s a gorgeous day. I mean, who can remember a date when disc golf calls?”

“Well, good luck with that.” Justin taps my shoulder. I want to break his fingers.

“Right on, man.” Beep.

My eyes are heavy, probably now red and puffy too. I take a deep breath, trying to hold off the emotional impact of the moment. Justin’s moved in front of me, waiting for my reaction. He’s so rude. I glare daggers into his green eyes. Hate him.

My phone finally vibrates.

Zach: hey sorry work’s crazy. Meet u at party L8R.

My gut twists inside out. Zach lied. He forgot about me and lied. Why did he ask me out if he didn’t like me? I grab my bag. I need to get away from Justin before I break down.

“Let me guess,” Justin says, “he lied?”

Prying ass.

A ruthless fire burns inside me, made especially for him.

“Can I ask you something?” I don’t wait for an answer. “Why are you so unbearably rude?”

“Listen,” he begins, “you deserved to know.”

“No. That wasn’t your place. Do you think you’re like a god or something? ‘You deserved to know.’ Total bull. Don’t I deserve to be treated with respect?” I pause for effect. His eyes widen and he opens his mouth to speak, but he doesn’t have a word to deliver. “Right. You dish out Hallmark wisdom but don’t follow it yourself. Don’t be a hypocrite.”

The tears are rolling down my cheeks but I don’t care anymore. Now I want him to see it. Staring into his green eyes, I search to see if he understands what he’s done. But his eyes are blank. Not even a hint of remorse. The pool gate jingles and Jennifer steps out. I quickly distance myself from the bench and start the walk of rejection back home.

I don’t look back. I never want to see Justin Marshall again.

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Thanks for entering! The giveaway runs until August 2nd! Feel free to enter every day.

GOING HOME AGAIN Cover!

Oh my goodness! The cover reveal for GOING HOME AGAIN by Abby Cavenaugh is here. Abby is one of my critique partner’s and I’m overjoyed to help in the reveal! GOING HOME AGAIN will be released August 27th and will be available on Kindle and Nook. I can’t wait!

SO, before we get to the cover (which is SO gorgeous!), here’s a summary of what the novel is about.

In high school, it was doubtful Michael Day knew Alyssa Jones existed.

Twenty years later, when the now-famous pop star returns home to coastal North Carolina, Alyssa gets a second chance to make a first impression on Michael.

On sabbatical from his failing marriage, Michael agrees to an interview with Alyssa, a journalist for the local tourist magazine.

When the chemistry between them ignites, Alyssa and Michael are hit with the harsh reality that he isn’t yet free to love her.

With Michael’s wife and son still very much in the picture, can Alyssa hold out until he ends his marriage for good? Or will she risk it all for a second chance with the one who got away?

AND NOW… The Cover!!!!

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Please make sure to add GOING HOME AGAIN to your To Be Read list on GoodReads!

Want more info? Check out Abby’s links!

Abby on Twitter: https://twitter.com/abswrites

Abby on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbbyCavenaughAuthor

Publisher Website: http://www.myswoonromance.com

My Networking Process

I’m at a weird place. You see, I’m done with ALL major revisions!

I’m stuck between revision-land and the release date of my book (EFFORTLESS WITH YOU releases in twenty days!!!). When I’m not freaking out, I’m trying to reign in control and network.

Networking. Ugh. Can we talk about that?

Honestly, I find networking challenging.  I never want to assume I have a connection with someone or pretend something is there when it’s not. I don’t have the guts to ask someone for favor just because I’ve read their tweets or worship their writing. Even people I do interact with frequently, I just never want to assume, ya know?

You see, when I network, it’s because I want to connect. I want to know a person and maybe make a real friend. Not just be part of a web.

Now, I’m not saying the web of networking is bad. It’s not at all. I’m just much slower to move through it because of who I am. I can’t pass people up or look at them as a way to get from point A to point B. I like to chat; find out their favorite ice cream, what they order from Chipotle or Noodles and Co, and how many times they’ve read Harry Potter. I really love knowing people. So networking is slow for me. I’m okay with that though, as I’m getting to know some AMAZING people along the way.

So what does networking mean to you? Any advice? What’s your best approach?

 

 

Character Names

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to share where I got my character names for Lucy and Justin in EFFORTLESS WITH YOU. Rather than write it out, I’m using video (gasp, I know!). You’ll definitely want to watch it as there is a super hot guy pic included. Like, majorly hot.

Here we go! (Don’t forget to watch the bloopers at the end. That’s almost the best part!)

What are your favorite character names? How do you choose names for your characters?

Blog Tour ~ FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI

Eep! I’m so excited, it’s finally FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI Blog Tour day! A month ago, I was asked to read Cassie Mae’s novel, FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI, for review as part of her official blog tour. Her novel is the first released by Flirt, the new adult imprint of Random House. New Adult is an official new literary category, written with characters that appeal to readers age eighteen to twenty something, dealing with the issues that help make a teenage transition into an adult.

I’ve downloaded some self published new adult novels, thinking “hey! cool new genre!” and was shocked when reading them. It was basically young adult erotica.

No, No, No! Where are the issues that the nineteen year old couple face? Where is the essence of the relationship? Why the heck does EVERYTHING have to become super, serious the moment people get interested in one another!?

FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI is the opposite of all of that. Random House knew what they were doing when they chose to have FRIDAY NIGHT ALIBI represent their face of New Adult work.

The writing is hilarious, the character development is honest and real, and the romantic relationship is about beginnings, making you want more. As may come to a shock to the New Adult Readership community, there is no sex. But that doesn’t mean the novel isn’t steamy, trust me. It just happens to be totally appropriate for a fifteen year old girl to pick up, focusing on what it REALLY feels like to fall in love. By the way, I absolutely recommend this novel for ages fifteen plus! Because, let’s be honest, at fifteen you are thinking about that summer after your senior year. This is about that transition!

Cassie Mae is a lovely author, who was willing to let me interrogate her about writing the novel, so I can give you all a behind the scenes look!

Hi Cassie! Thank you so much for subjecting yourself to this interrogation.

HI!!!

Shall we begin?

1. Kelli certainly knows her way around the Xbox! Are you a gamer?

Heck yes! Though, I’ve never played Xbox Live. I had to do some research for that one.

2. Chase is a hottie! Is he inspired by the guy Kelli compares him to, Jason Gordon Levitt? Or someone else?

Looks like JGL, acts like someone else I know He’s a mix, lol.

3. Kelli and Chase play some amazing pranks on one another. Have any of these happened to you in real life? How did you come up with them?

The mooning did happen. I was at a Shopko though and yeah, the guy’s butt was really hairy!

The rest all came from my brain as I was writing, trying to think of ways Kelli and Chase could back and forth. Though, I can picture my husband and I doing these to each other.

4. How does a guy climb up a balcony with two bags of groceries?

He’s talented And doesn’t mind if he falls a few times.

5. I love that Chase is a musician. It made him feel so real. Was this core to his character in the beginning?

No. I added that in after the first round. He was originally a much more sporty guy, but I just can’t help but add a few musical talents to my boys.

6. Throughout the novel, Kelli and her best friend dish out about first kisses in terms of ice cream flavors. What flavor was your first kiss ever? And your first kiss with your husband?

Starlight Mint. On both accounts since my first kiss was with my husband

7. What inspired the concept behind the Friday Night Alibi?

I wanted a heroine who thought she knew who she was. Who was strong and independent and very clever. When I had Kelli in mind, I knew she’d do something in her life that she thinks is brilliant, but it’s very sketchy to everyone else. So the idea popped in my head about kids sneaking around, and her jumping in to help for money. All my ideas usually start with my characters.

8. Have you ever purchased a $250 mani/pedi like Kelli does in the novel?

Heavens no. Well, for one, I can’t do pedicures. I’m WAY too ticklish. And for two, $250 is more than my car payment. I have this theory that nothing is worth more than my car so if I have to pay more for it, then it’s not worth it, lol. That’s how I keep my budget in check

9. Tell me about citrus. What was it about this scent/flavor that called to you to be so focal in all the yummy scenes in this novel?

I was pregnant and craved oranges like a boss.

10. If you could choose your favorite kiss from the book, what one would it be? (Butts in, mine is their first kiss after their intense round of Go Fish!)

There’s like, fifty to choose from, lol!

Hmmm… The kiss when Chase “takes a break” from Kelli’s mouth. Gotta save her from the scruff burn

Thanks so much for stopping in on my blog on your official blog tour!

Thank you!!!!!!

So, what next? GO BUY HER BOOK!!!! (

AND Enter to win a $50 gift card!!!! (P.S. If you comment on my blog, I get a chance to enter a separate drawing as a blog within the tour. So please comment! I have a lot of books I’d like to buy! )

 

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A Writer’s Poison: Waiting for Success

Today, I’m reblogging a fantastic post by Kate Brauning, freelance writer and an editor for Month9Books. She touches on an issue I think all writers deal with at every level. WAITING!
A Writer’s Poison: Waiting for Success

Hello, friends– it’s Kate. I had a realization just now, and I’m wondering how many of you have had a similar one, because it just made me sit up a little straighter.

I have goals. I want to sign with a great agent and get a good book deal and be able to eventually live off my writing income alone (yes, I know that’s rare). I want to improve my writing craft and be not just good, but as good as I can be. I want people to remember my stories because they made them think or made them feel.

Those goals are so big, sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever get there. And I might not– they wouldn’t be good goals if they were things I could easily do. I’m working toward those goals, and I’m learning. I’m an editor with Month9Books and a freelance editor. I teach half-time. Of course, I write and I blog here and over at YA Stands. I attempt to have a life off the computer, too. Each of these things gives me plenty to do for fifteen hours each day.

But I’m also doing a lot of waiting. I’m waiting for the day I reach one of those big goals, and I don’t really think that’s a good thing.

Developing skill takes time. The publishing world takes a lot of patience, sometimes. Writing definitely takes time. I went into this knowing it would be harder, take longer, and be more uncertain than I figured. But all this waiting? It’s the worst part. (Anyone with me there?) I’m not sitting around with idle hands, believe me. But I still feel the waiting. When my mind skips to my inbox and there’s nothing new, when I glance at the word count on my WIP and see it’s barely moved even though I’ve been working on it all afternoon, and even worse, when there is a new email and it’s not the news I want, I feel the waiting.

Being patient is a good thing. Having my expectations set in the right place and having to work for what I want is a good thing. But this kind of waiting is too much to handle along with the uncertainty, hard work, and stress of being a professional writer.

What prompted me to start writing this post was the realization that I shouldn’t be waiting.

And you shouldn’t be, either. I give you permission to stop waiting. In fact, I really think you should stop right now.

… READ MORE HERE

And don’t forget to follow Kate on Twitter: @KateBrauning

What’s a beta-read?

Hi Ya’ll! (Apparently I picked up a bit of a southern accent after my interview with Texan author Jodi Linton!)

After receiving a question about beta reading vs. critiquing, I thought I’d offer my understanding on the process.

First, a beta read IS a critique. But, you don’t have to be critique partners with someone to get a beta read. Please see this post on finding beta readers to reach out and gather a group.

In general, a beta read is an agreement that you will READ the presented manuscript and, after reading, you will write up a document or email for the author with your perspective on characters, plot development, pacing, and anything else the author wanted for you to consider while reading the manuscript. I’ve given beta reads documents and received beta read documents that were anywhere from just a few paragraphs written to a few pages (depending on the condition of the/my manuscript).

Now, a critique partner, CAN and DOES beta read. But they can do so much more too. First, having a critique partner to me means a supportive relationship, not just a one time exchange. So, digging one another out of the “I suck” slums to celebrating writing victories big or small. Encouragement, support, and friendship matter here.

Often a critique partner can give you a more in depth perspective on your manuscript. To me and my critique group, when asked for a full critique, we understand this to mean comments throughout the manuscript using Word’s comment button. We also present line edits via track changes. Not only does this help us help one another but it also improves our own writing skills. We’ll set up chats to discuss character development, plots, or how to handle R&R’s. Basically, it’s a combination of developmental, line, and even copy edits (depending on the skill of your critique partner).

Now, this is where it becomes important to have multiple critique partners and beta reads. Everyone has different skills and varying opinions. You need to look at their critiques as a whole picture when deciding how to develop/change/shape your manuscript.

So? What’s your process? Here’s mine.

I give my manuscript out to trusted critique partners, having one to three do a “full critique” with line edits, comments, etc. Then, after I implement the changes I feel need to be made, I extend my manuscript for beta-reviews to other critique partners and other writing friends.

As you approach implementing opinions, here are some key concepts to keep in mind.

1. This is your novel, you don’t need to agree with every suggestion.

2. If you see a theme running through each critique (ie. a character is too harsh, the plot has horrible pacing during the three hour walk to the grocery store), then open your eyes. It probably means there is really something there to consider changing.

3. Always be thankful for a critique. If someone takes the time to critique/beta your work, honor them with at least considering their opinions on your work. You don’t have to agree with them, but it’s important to consider what they’ve said. I believe everyone’s time is valuable. If I don’t want line edits, I ask only for a beta read. If I already have my novel out with too many beta readers, I’m not going to ask someone else to beta read just because they seem cool. I’ll catch them with my next manuscript.

4. Communicate with your beta readers/critique partners. Set up a time frame that’s realistic for them to complete reading your novel. We aren’t all full time writers. Sometimes you need three weeks to turn around a beta read and even longer for a full critique. That’s okay. Just make sure to communicate so you are on the same page.

5. Do onto others as you would have them do onto you. If you ask for a beta read or a critique, expect to be giving them as well. It may not be from the same author, and that’s okay. But give back! I promise you’ll become a better writer that way!

One last question I got, how many critique partners until you know you are ready to query? sub?

Hmm, that really depends on the condition of your novel. I know an author who uses only one (a full critique). I know some who use twenty.

For my first novel, EFFORTLESS WITH YOU, I used two full critiques…but that’s only because I had two critique partners at the time. For my second novel, that I just submitted to my agent, I went through seven critiques. Three full critiques and four beta reads.

For those who have critiqued before, how do you approach the situation? I’d love to hear your thoughts!