Skye Callahan's Blog, page 34
January 14, 2014
Must find sleep #ROW80 #IWSG
We’re into week 1 of implementing changes as a result of the beta reads and my brain hurts. I lucked out to have one beta who also an editor by trade, and I have to say, these are the best critiques I think I’ve ever gotten at this stage. I love a good detailed critique that doesn’t beat around the bush. Hearing “this is awesome” feels great, but in reality, it’s super unhelpful. So, I’m chugging along and working from a printed copy myself to find the rest of the details that need to be adjusted.
In other news, I can’t remember the last time I slept for more than two consecutive hours–or at least slept without dreaming about this stupid MS. If I don’t sleep tonight, I may go nutters very, very soon!!
Current Projects
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 1st set of beta reads done–62055 words
January Goals
Writing
Finish another 20k on Beyond the Divide
Incorporate beta suggestions on Bound and Unbroken
Add 10k to Bound and Unbroken
Send Bound and Unbroken to editor
Accomplishments this week:
I don’t remember how much I’ve added to Bound, but I’m getting closer to my minimum goal of 70k
I also have a few new ideas for scenes and areas that need expanded.Non-Writing Goals
Get back to Juicing more often.
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs. I normally get a few visits done and then something comes up and I never get back around to finishing up comments. So I plan to make it a part of my daily routine to visit a few other blogs each day (instead of trying to do it in one swoop).
Accomplishments this week:
Yeish, all I want is sleep!
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
Tuesday Takeover: Helen from Kinky Book Klub
I’m super excited to continue my guest series by welcoming Helen from Kinky Book Klub to my blog for an interview. Kinky Book Klub is currently helping me with my upcoming Bound and Unbroken cover reveal, and Helen has been very helpful and supportive.
Thanks for joining me Helen! Can you briefly introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Helen from Kinky Book Klub, I’m a 43 year old married mum of one who occasionally pretends she’s a runner but would much rather be curled up with a good book. My day job is helping authors self publish their own books.
Why did you start Kinky Book Klub?
Because a friend introduced me to book blogging I’m a voracious reader, and my favourite reads are smutty books. To be able to share that with others is a dream, and I’ve made some great friends as a result.
What is your favorite part of working with authors?
Helping them make their dream come true. As an author myself I know how important reviews and feedback are, and just how hard it is to promote your books. By working with authors I get to share in that process. I also have some amazing Facebook chats with authors around the world about anything and everything. There’s just something special about working with authors.
In addition to running the blog, and helping other authors, you also write non-fiction. Can you tell us a little about your business books? And are you planning on any new ones?
My most recent book was about my four year journey from non runner to completing my first ever marathon in London early last year. Most of the books I write are how to guides, so how to publish your own book, how to use Twitter, etc.
I’m hoping to write a children’s book this year and get out of the non-fiction genre. I’m aiming at an audience of 11-13 year olds, and hope eventually to work up to grown up books.
What book are you reading now?
That changes on a daily basis! It’s the 2nd of Jan as I write this and I’ve already finished five books this year. I’ve recently finished Raw by Belle Aurora, Saving Stella by Eliza Brown, A Tragic Wreck (Beautiful Mess #2) by T.K Leigh, Ancient Hunger by Arden Aoide, Draw Me In by Megan Squires and Wild Heart by Jennifer Culbraith.
Is there anything in particular that draws you to read a book by a new author?
A kick ass book description and a decent cover. Sell me the book, I read pretty much anything other than paranormal but even then you can often tempt me by mention of tattoos!
I have eclectic tastes, and am a very fast reader, so I try and find books that don’t fit the norm. There are a lot of similar book plots out there at the moment, so if you can sell me the plot for something new then I’m likely to be interested.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with those in the writing industry?
Edit, proofread and proofread again. As an author you should never send work out that isn’t proofed and edited. I’ve had so many ARC copies in the last few months that contained errors or even glaring formatting issues. I have to say some of the worst examples have come from publishers rather than self published authors. Bad proofreading or editing can kill your book, and not all reviewers are fair. That also means you need a bloody strong backbone. Just accept that not everyone will like your work, ignore those that don’t unless they are all giving the same constructive feedback, and listen to the readers who give genuine feedback.
Be everywhere you can on social media, Facebook, Twitter, have a blog and newsletter and have a mailing list. You must put your books on Goodreads, even if they don’t yet have a cover yet and are just planned in your head. Acknowledge your readers, if they leave reviews on Goodreads like them or comment on them.
Make friends with the book blogs, they can be hugely influential in helping you promote your book. A lot of them are booked up three months in advance, so if you’re thinking of running blog tours or cover reveals get them booked early to maximise opportunities.
A lot of Facebook blogs, mine included, welcome author takeovers, it’s a great way to meet and interact with fans.
And my personal peeve – if your book has a cliffhanger then warn me in the book blurb!
If authors would like to work with you, what’s the best way to get into contact with you?
Via the blog http://www.kinkybookklub.co.uk or email: info@kinkybookklub.co.uk
Blitz Round
Favorite superhero: Batman (Dark Knight)
Favorite place to read: Cuddled up in my bed or on a sunbed in the sun
Paperback, hardcover, or eBook? – Kindle every time!
Salty or sweet? Depends on the mood, I do have chocaholic tendencies though
Favorite sound: My daughters laugh
Pet Peeve: Cliffhanger endings in books
Thanks for joining me, Helen! And to all of the authors and readers, please check out her page! I can speak from experience in saying that she is awesome and really helpful!
Contact info
Website | Twitter | Facebook
January 11, 2014
Another weekend, another #ROW80 and #Snippet Sunday
Welcome back!! I’m going to combine my Snippet Sunday and ROW80 post, this week to see how it goes.
This week, I’ve had freak outs over worked on finalizing my cover, planning for the reveal on the 21st, betas reading my story, and planning for blog tours, book blitzes, etc… :p
All of those little technical bits have left me exhausted and dead to the world.
Current Projects
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 1st draft complete & with Betas
January Goals
Writing
Finish another 20k on Beyond the Divide
Incorporate beta suggestions on Bound and Unbroken
Add 10k to Bound and Unbroken
Send Bound and Unbroken to editor
Accomplishments this week:
I added an additional 2000ish words to Bound and Unbroken and made a load of corrections
Finalized cover, again! After deciding on the series name and a couple of other details, the appearance changed a little.
Began the process of getting the Bound and Unbroken Release Day Blitz and Tour organized, (thanks to Christine at Sinful Thoughts Author Promo)
I ordered bookmarks, postcards, and business cards!
Non-Writing Goals
Get back to Juicing more often.
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs. I normally get a few visits done and then something comes up and I never get back around to finishing up comments. So I plan to make it a part of my daily routine to visit a few other blogs each day (instead of trying to do it in one swoop).
Accomplishments this week:
Since I’m sponsoring ROW80 this round, it’s even more incentive to get around to visit the other blogs. I still need to work on visiting a few blogs every day though.
I bought a new supply of fruits and veggies for juicing
Snippet Sunday
Last week, Eric and Lena continued their encounter after she ran into him at school, but it doesn’t seem like he’s giving up his pursuit. Today, Lena is attending a small Beethoven concert that her roommate is performing in….
—
A hand brushed her shoulder, and she bit back the urge to glare up at its owner. Instead, she glanced over to see feet clad in motorcycle boots, half covered in dark jeans. Those certainly weren’t the brown loafers she’d come to expect from most attendees of these events. Slowly her eyes climbed his body, until her heart jumped up and made a nest in her throat.
“Is the Loner saving every seat in this section?”
“Maybe.” She reminded herself to blink before her eyes dried out like her mouth.
Eric glanced to her feet, silently asking for permission to pass.
She let them drop off the back of the chair, but left them outstretched in front of her, ensuring he wouldn’t have room to pass easily. “Are you stalking me?”
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
January 8, 2014
Writing through the cold (sort of) #ROW80 #IWSG
It’s the second post of 2014 and this has already been a crazy year. I love cold weather and snow, however, -12 without windchill is a bit extreme even for me. And I know that there were places hit far worse.
Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Update: I just realized that today is also IWSG–I need to get my 2014 calendar organized (or get a 2014 calendar).
Click the image to view the participant list!
Insecurities this month: Sending Bound and Unbroken to betas!!
It wasn’t the actual sending that was so bad, it’s the wait afterward.
Hour 1: Everything’s okay
Hour 2: OMG they hate it
Hour 3: My story totally sucks
Hour 4: OMG I have an email!!! They didn’t hate it.
Hour 5: What’s keeping everyone else?
Repeat hours 2-5 as needed.
I’m exaggerating but that’s generally how it all goes. And then it doesn’t help when I start to read over it for probably the fifth time, and find stupid mistakes, or things I wished I had done better before sending it. :p
Around and around we go!
Current Projects
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 1st draft complete & with Betas
January Goals
Writing
Finish another 20k on Beyond the Divide
Incorporate beta suggestions on Bound and Unbroken
Add 10k to Bound and Unbroken
Send Bound and Unbroken to editor
Accomplishments this week:
Added 26 words to Bound and Unbroken
Well, it’s something!Finalized cover!! (p.s. anyone who wants to sign up to help out with the cover reveal on Jan 21 can click the top image on the sidebar, please
)Attempted to smack self in face over stupid errors I found after sending the doc to betas.
Non-Writing Goals
Get back to Juicing more often.
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs. I normally get a few visits done and then something comes up and I never get back around to finishing up comments. So I plan to make it a part of my daily routine to visit a few other blogs each day (instead of trying to do it in one swoop).
Accomplishments this week:
Not freezing or letting the ferrets freeze!
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
January 7, 2014
Tuesday Takeover: Ginny of Gins Book Notes
I’m introducing a new regular column on the blog–Tuesday Takeover–where I’ll feature someone from the indie writing community. Authors, book bloggers, and service providers are all welcome to participate!
My first guest is Ginny a book blogger and service provider from Gins Book Notes.
Thanks for joining me Gin! Can you briefly introduce everyone to who you are?
Hi everyone! (waves crazily). Thanks Skye for letting me visit your wonderful site today. I’m Ginny aka Gin’s Book Notes. I enjoy books, design, art, and organizing. Yep, I proudly wave my nerd flag.
I spend my time reading, writing book reviews, promoting authors, and designing book covers, video book trailers, and promotional graphics. When I’m not doing those things…snort…I enjoy watching cheesy movies with the hubs and spending time with my 5 dogs and 2 cats.
LOL, sounds like we would get along well should we ever meet in real life
Why did you start Gins Book Notes?
I really wanted a blog and tried a few different things before realizing that I am somewhat of a private person. I didn’t enjoy posting pictures of my home remodeling projects and craft projects all over the blogosphere. During one of my “breaks” from unsuccessful blog attempts I was reading Chasing Justice by Danielle Stewart and felt compelled to contact her and let her know how much I liked her book. She encouraged me to leave a review and join her street team and as they say “the rest is history”. I had no idea how important reviews were or that there was this whole group of amazing book lovers out there that I could actually get to know and love. It truly is wonderful and I now know that the secret to having a blog you love is to blog about your passion(s). For me that is books.
What is your favorite part of working with authors?
Their sincere appreciation for your help in sharing their books with others.
How did you get started designing covers?
My background is in marketing but I have always loved design, digital scrapbooking, and playing around in photoshop and other computer programs. Things have just progressed and it seems that all the bits and pieces of my life have combined into this wonderful path that I am now on. I still have a lot to learn and I’m currently taking some courses to help me get to where I want to be with my design skills. I am so very thankful for the opportunities that I’ve been given and for the amazing support that I’ve received.
What book are you reading now?
Until the End of the World by Sarah Lyons Flemings….it is A-MA-ZING!
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Blah….I can’t answer this one. I love too many. I know that is a lame answer, so I will try. Let’s go with a classic. I love Nathaniel Hawthorne’s writing. Young Goodman Brown is my favorite. I love the symbolism of his writing.
Do you have any advice you’d like to share with those in the writing industry?
Be kind…to yourselves and to others. Remember that you will never make everyone happy and that it is a losing battle if you try. Be yourself and stay true to the voices in your head.
If authors would like to work with you, what’s the best way to get into contact with you?
You can email me through my website (http://ginsbooknotes.com), email me directly (gin at ginsbooknotes.com), or message me on my FB page https://www.facebook.com/GinsBookNotes
Blitz Round
Favorite superhero: Wolverine
Favorite place to read: Tub
Paperback, hardcover, or eBook? All the above
Salty or sweet? Salty followed by sweet followed by salty…lol.
Favorite sound: My husband playing guitar.
Pet Peeve: “No copyright infringement intended” added to youtube videos…ugh…don’t get me started.
Thanks, Gin, for being my first guest in this series! It was a pleasure getting to know a little more about you.
Contact info
Website: http://ginsbooknotes.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ginsbooknotes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinsBookNotes
If you’d like to participate in a Tuesday Takeover, fill out the form here! Posts will be scheduled in the order that I receive completed post information.
January 6, 2014
2014 Goals #ROW80
Welcome to 2014!!
I should have gotten this post written up yesterday, but I was too busy finishing Bound and Unbroken!! That baby is done and off to the betas. Overall I ended up with about 70k in the first draft, but as it gets refined, I’ll probably add more detail and description (I’m usually a bare-bones drafter).
I’m also supposed to be off to the day job once again today, but since it’s way below freezing, our road is a solid sheet of ice and we just have a small rear-wheel drive pickup, that isn’t happening. Sorry to the day job folks but a day’s pay isn’t going to cover a wreck!
Ah, but that gives me an extra day to play, create Bound and Unbroken promos, and get ready for beta feedback. Now, on to the serious stuff.
Annual Goals:
Self publish four novels
Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance)–draft 1 complete
Beyond the Divide (Darkness Bound #2, Paranormal Urban Fantasy)–9959 words complete
Wild Guardian (Paranormal Romance)–42,442 words complete
Untitled (BDSM Romance)–not started
JuNoWriMo – Untitled (BDSM Romance)
NaNoWriMo – Darkness Bound #3
Read fifty 50 books
Visit 5 Insecure Writers Group Blogs per day and interact.
Become more consistent with A Round of Words in 80 days updates.
Participate in Snippet Sunday/WeWriWa and visit other participating blogs each week.
Feature a writer/blogger on my blog every Tuesday (sign up).
Current Projects
Book 1: Beyond the Divide (Paranormal, Urban Fantasy) 9959 words
Book 2: Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance) 1st draft complete
January Goals
Writing
Finish another 20k on Beyond the Divide
Incorporate beta suggestions on Bound and Unbroken & send to editor
Non-Writing Goals
Get back to Juicing more often.
Become more active in my regular blogging activities and in visiting other blogs. I normally get a few visits done and then something comes up and I never get back around to finishing up comments. So I plan to make it a part of my daily routine to visit a few other blogs each day (instead of trying to do it in one swoop).
A Round of Words in 80 Days is the writing challenge that knows you have a life.
We are all different and we all have different demands on our time. Why should we all have the same goal? The simple answer is that we shouldn’t. If you want to be a writer, then you have to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to your changing circumstances. If that means changing your goals when your life blows up, so be it. ROW80 is the challenge that champions the marriage of writing and real life.
January 5, 2014
Bound and Unbroken: Snippet 6 #WeWriWa #SnippetSunday
This is from my WIP, Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance). You can find all of my previous snippets here: Weekly Snippets
Lena had just run into “Rusty” walking the halls of her elementary school looking for Mrs. Cook. Lena is nice enough to help him find his way, but can’t resist the opportunity to talk to him again after the final bell rings. But, thanks to a student running through the halls, “Rusty” is about to make an unintended discovery.
—
“My name is Eric, by the way.” He flashed his ID badge before pulling it off his neck and sticking it into a drop box by the office door.
The flutter in her chest turned into a staccato beat that threatened to shake through her chest, but her mouth refused to open. This quaint anonymity concept she’d been holding onto was fading faster than she could process.
He moved toward her, nudging her across the hall until it was her back against the wall. “I could just call you Ms. Ross.”
That was the number one downside to being a teacher–she hated when people called her that. “Lena.”
—
~Bound and Unbroken~
Cover Reveal hosted by Kinky Book Klub on January 21, 2014–all bloggers are welcome to sign up! And to celebrate, there’s a big giveaway already in swing with gift cards and lots of ebooks up for grabs.
Lena is about to discover pleasure in the things she can’t control.
To get even with her roommate for dragging her to a sports bar on a Friday night, Lena begins flirting with the handsome stranger who sits at the bar next to her. Their anonymous conversation leads to a shared cab ride, but Lena’s conscience puts a damper on the evening—leaving the near-fling to become a memory.
Until she finds him roaming the halls of the school where she teaches.
Eric’s only reason for returning to his hometown is to care for his recently orphaned nephew. He knew the return would involve dredging up his past with family and friends, but he didn’t expect a lone girl to capture his interest and offer an escape within his new life.
When he reveals his desires, can she submit?
And will his binds be enough to keep her?
As part of my blogging plan for the new year, I’d like to start hosting anyone in the writing industry (bloggers, writers, or service providers) though interviews or guest posts every Thursday. If you’d like to participate, you can sign up here. 
Find more excerpts at:
Weekend Writing Warriors
Snippet Sunday
If you don’t want to miss out on the release or upcoming events, sign up for my newsletter.
January 1, 2014
Beck by Harper Sloan: Blog Tour
Harper Sloan
Book 3 – Corps Security Series
Synopsis
**Warning** This book is intended for a mature reading**
~DEE~
I’ve always been good at wearing masks. Not letting anyone see the real me. I’m content being the happy-go-lucky best friend. The strong willed boss. The independent woman who doesn’t need a man.
But the truth is I’m just as broken as the rest of you. I’m terrified that all it will take is one person to make all my carefully constructed walls crumble into fine dust. So I guard my heart with everything I have. Determined to never let anyone get close enough to hurt me again.
All is perfect until HE walks into my life. No… he doesn’t just walk. He struts his good-looking, sex-oozing self-right into my space and demands that I see HIM. Making me want what I know I can’t have.
So I did the only thing I know how to do.
I run.
But he just won’t let me go.
~BECK~
The second I see her, I know she will be mine. I see past the gorgeous smiles and heart-stopping laughter. I see HER. She doesn’t want me to know her secrets or the past that haunts her, but I make it my mission to find out.
To make her mine.
She can run all she wants, but it will never be far enough to stop me from coming after her.
She’s it for me and she knows it.
She’s just too scared to admit it.
**NO cliffhanger, HEA, inter-connected standalones**
Buy Links
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
About The Author
Harper lives in small town Georgia just a short drive from her hometown of Peachtree City. She (and her 3 daughters) enjoy ruling the house they dubbed ‘Estrogen Ocean’, much to her husband’s chagrin. Harper has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books; you can almost ALWAYS find her with her ereader attached. As an ex-reviewer and blogger, Harper’s passion for reading runs deep. It wasn’t until ‘Axel’ decided to take up residence that she realized her true calling.
She started using writing as a way to unwind when the house went to sleep at night; and with a house full of crazy it was the perfect way to just relax. It didn’t take long before a head full of very demanding alphas would stop at nothing to have their story told.
Social Links
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/harpersloanbooks
Twitter: @harpersloan
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7122060.Harper_Sloan?from_search=true
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/HarperSloan
Email: authorharpersloan@gmail.com
Instagram: @harper_sloan
Rafflecopter
a Rafflecopter giveaway
December 28, 2013
Bound and Unbroken: Snippet 5 #WeWriWa #SnippetSunday
This is from my WIP, Bound and Unbroken (BDSM Romance). You can find the last snippet I shared, here or read all of chapter 1 unedited on Wattpad.
Lena had just run into “Rusty” walking the halls of her elementary school looking for Mrs. Cook. Lena is nice enough to help him find his way, but can’t resist the opportunity to talk to him again after the final bell rings. But, thanks to a student running through the halls, “Rusty” is about to make an unintended discovery.
—
“Yes, Ms. Ross.” The child lowered his head and ducked through the door as quickly as he could, but Lena’s breath caught in her throat at the sound of her name.
“Loner has a last name,” Rusty mused.
“And you have a kid,” Lena said with more venom than intended.
Rusty’s eyes widened, but his unbalancing smirk didn’t fade.
Lena readjusted the bag on her shoulder–she hadn’t meant to call him out on, but there was no turning back. “Come on, why else would you be here?”
“I have a nephew.”
—
~Bound and Unbroken~
Cover Reveal hosted by Kinky Book Klub on January 21, 2014–all bloggers are welcome to sign up!
Lena is about to discover pleasure in the things she can’t control.
To get even with her roommate for dragging her to a sports bar on a Friday night, Lena begins flirting with the handsome stranger who sits at the bar next to her. Their anonymous conversation leads to a shared cab ride, but Lena’s conscience puts a damper on the evening—leaving the near-fling to become a memory.
Until she finds him roaming the halls of the school where she teaches.
Eric’s only reason for returning to his hometown is to care for his recently orphaned nephew. He knew the return would involve dredging up his past with family and friends, but he didn’t expect a lone girl to capture his interest and offer an escape within his new life.
When he reveals his desires, can she submit?
And will his binds be enough to keep her?
As part of my blogging plan for the new year, I’d like to start hosting anyone in the writing industry (bloggers, writers, or service providers) though interviews or guest posts every Thursday. If you’d like to participate, you can sign up here. Find more excerpts at:
Weekend Writing Warriors
Snippet Sunday
If you don’t want to miss out on the release or upcoming events, sign up for my newsletter.
