Zara Hoffman's Blog: Zara Hoffman's Goodreads Author Blog, page 13

NaNoWriMo, Preorders, and A Good Cause

You may remember me announcing  The Belgrave Legacy 's sequel,  Unmoored . I outlined it during October (#NaNoPrep & #Preptober), and am starting to draft it in earnest for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).Title: Short Story Collection
Series: The Belgrave Legacy, 0.5
Author: Zara Hoffman
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ZH Press

Goodreads Preorder3 witches. 3 stories.

Meet the original Belgrave matriarch and see her do all she can to protect her family in Evelyn's Enchantment.

Meet Fawn and Alec's grandmother as she makes a difficult decision to give up the love her life to save her unborn daughter in Cassandra's Choice.

Meet Stella Belgrave, Fawn and Alec's mom, and learn about her own love story in Stella's Soulmate.

The Short Story Collection has three young adult paranormal short stories featuring magic and three powerful Belgrave witches before Fawn was called on to fulfill her destiny. These stories can be read as prequels, but are not necessary to understand the plot of The Belgrave Legacy .In addition to all of that, author Susan Dennard and Kat Braver created The Mighty Pens (#TheMightyPens), a fundraiser for NaNoWriMo participants to raise money for the Malala Fund. Below is my message from my personal fundraising page. Please donate if you can. It goes to support girls' education, something in which I wholeheartedly believe. The fundraiser will run from today (November 1) to November 30.

I've been a feminist for as long as I can remember. Remember, feminism=gender equality, not man-hating (that's misandry).

My internship last summer with Seneca Women (founded by Kim K Azzarelli and Melanie Verveer—google them, they're freaking awesome), educated me so much on current feminist developments. My Women's Studies class last semester focused mostly on the past, but both largely agreed on one point: the future is female.

We need to invest in women and girls. And girls' education is the answer to some of the world's most pressing problems — war, economic instability, climate change and health crises. Yet more than 130 million girls around the world are unable to go to school.

As Seneca Women regularly points out: if you're not investing in half of your population, everyone is being held back.

That's why I started a fundraiser for Malala Fund, the amazing organisation founded by education activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. They believe in a world where every girl can learn for 12 years and lead without fear — and I agree!

If you do, too, you can support their work by making a donation to my page. The process is fast, easy, and secure — and best of all, it supports the a great cause.
​
Are you with me?

Donate Now

Cover Reveal: The Belgrave Legacy Short Story Collection

Today I'm releasing the cover for The Belgrave Legacy  Short Story Collection . I'm still writing it (as you can see in the sidebar), but I'm planning for the book to be published around Thanksgiving since I plan to finish the writing this weekend.

​The cover may seem familiar. And it should. It's based on the back of the tarot cards which feature some of The Belgrave Legacy characters. You can buy them here, and donate to the tarot fund to help create more character tarot cards.

In the meantime, be sure to add the Short Story Collection ​to your Goodreads TBR.
Title: Short Story Collection
Series: The Belgrave Legacy, 0.5
Author: Zara Hoffman
Genre: Upper YA Paranormal Romance
Publisher: ZH Press

Add on Goodreads3 witches. 3 stories.

Meet the original Belgrave matriarch and see her do all she can to protect her family in Evelyn's Enchantment.

Meet Fawn and Alec's grandmother as she makes a difficult decision to give up the love her life to save her unborn daughter in Cassandra's Choice.

Meet Stella Belgrave, Fawn and Alec's mom, and learn about her own love story in Stella's Soulmate.

The Short Story Collection has three young adult paranormal short stories featuring magic and three powerful Belgrave witches before Fawn was called on to fulfill her destiny. These stories can be read as prequels, but are not necessary to understand the plot of The Belgrave Legacy .

Book Blitz: Marked By Fate & ACOTAR Giveaway

Title: Marked By Fate: A Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction Collection
Author(s): Kristin D. Van Risseghem, Rhonda Sermon, Kelly St. Clare, Raye Wagner, Ednah Walters, Erin Hayes, Siobhan Davis, Jamie Thornton, Debra Kristi, Sarah K. L. Wilson, Hilary Thompson, Ingrid Seymour, Jeanne Bannon, Melle Amade, Lena Mae Hill, C.J. Anaya, Jackson Dean Chase, D. L. Armillei, Emily Martha Sorensen, Amalie Jahn, Dionne Lister, J.L. Weil, Alisha Klapheke, Angela Fristoe, Meg Cowley, Brandon Barr
Genre(s): Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Publication Date: October 24, 2017

Marked by Fate is now enhanced with Augmented Reality! Read, Watch, Listen. The new ultimate reading experience!

Step into adventure with Marked By Fate; the ultimate reading experience. Be immersed in twenty-six fantasy & science fiction worlds with state of the art Augmented Reality technology. Read, listen, and watch bonus content inside to bring the characters and story to life around you.

Enjoy the added features of this special edition, which allow you to enjoy bonus content right from your reading device. See character artwork. Listen to your story’s soundtrack. Watch book trailers and bonus videos. Experience behind the scenes like never before, thanks to Augmented Reality technology. Immersive Fantasy™; bringing fantasy worlds to life.

25 COMPLETE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY NOVELS BY 26 BESTSELLING AUTHORS. PLUS, A SPECIAL BONUS NOVELLA.

Embark on fantastic journeys through magical realms, dystopian lands, and faraway galaxies in this exciting collection of fantasy & science fiction novels brought to you by some of today’s hottest authors. Encounter werewolves, robots, angels, time travelers, shifters, and more in this action-packed box set that will leave you breathless.
Read the beginnings and deleted scenes in Marked by Fate: OriginsWelcome to Marked BY Fate: An interactive Immersive Fantasy™ reading experience!The authors of Marked By Fate are thrilled to share this ground-breaking novel with you! Think Harry Potter and Kindle in Motion. Moving, singing books, and all the excitement of a truly enriched reading experience. We call it Immersive Fantasy™, because that's what it does. It draws you into our stories and brings our worlds to life! The titles in Marked By Fate use this revolutionary technology to bring you the best reading experience of your life.
 
How does Immersive Fantasy™ work?
Immersive Fantasy™ utilizes what's known as Augmented Reality (AR).Using a smart phone/device, you can scan secret cues in the stories, and extra AR content will pop up on your device, streamed direct from the cloud (internet connection required). See amazing, exclusive character artwork. Watch video content.  Listen to the soundtrack whilst you read. Discover behind the scenes with theauthors in bonus content.
 
Would you like to try it?
Then keep reading! You have already downloaded the Immersive Fantasy edition of Marked By Fate, and you just need to bring the magic to life. The simple instructions overleaf will help you easily access this astonishing new world of fantasy that will delight your every sense. Start your Immersive Fantasy™ adventure today!Immersive Fantasy™ Instructions #element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad .paragraph { padding: 0 !important; margin: 0 !important;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion { padding: 20px 0;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple .accordion__item { width: 100%; display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 0; background-color: #FFFFFF; height: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple .accordion__item > .accordion__title { width: 100%; background-color: #E0E0E0; padding: 10px 20px; font-weight: bold !important; text-transform: uppercase; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.25rem; 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box-shadow: none; transition: 500ms ease; z-index: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material > .accordion__item.active { box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); z-index: 3;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box .accordion__item { width: 100%; display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 0; background-color: #FFFFFF; height: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box .accordion__item > .accordion__title { width: 100%; background-color: #E0E0E0; padding: 10px 20px; font-weight: bold !important; text-transform: uppercase; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.25rem; transition: 250ms ease; opacity: 0.75; cursor: pointer; min-height: 45px;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box .accordion__item > .accordion__title span { opacity: 0.5;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box .accordion__item > .accordion__title::after { content: '+'; position: absolute; float: right; top: 10px; right: 20px; font-size: 1.25em; opacity: 0.5; color: #919191;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box .accordion__item > .accordion__content { display: none; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1rem; max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: 500ms ease; background-color: #FAFAFA;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title { background-color: #FAFAFA; opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title span { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title::after { content: '\2013'; color: #9e9e9e;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box .accordion__item.active > .accordion__content { display: block; max-height: 1000px; transition: 500ms ease;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box > .accordion__item { transition: 500ms ease; border: 1px solid #919191; z-index: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box > .accordion__item.active { z-index: 3; border: 1px solid #9e9e9e;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item { width: 100%; display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 0; background-color: #FFFFFF; height: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title { width: 100%; background-color: #E0E0E0; padding: 10px 20px; font-weight: bold !important; text-transform: uppercase; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.25rem; transition: 250ms ease; opacity: 0.75; cursor: pointer; min-height: 45px;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title span { opacity: 0.5;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title::after { content: '+'; position: absolute; float: right; top: 10px; right: 20px; font-size: 1.25em; opacity: 0.5; color: #919191;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__content { display: none; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1rem; max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: 500ms ease; background-color: #FAFAFA;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title { background-color: #FAFAFA; opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title span { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title::after { content: '\2013'; color: #9e9e9e;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__content { display: block; max-height: 1000px; transition: 500ms ease;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title:hover { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--simple.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title:hover span { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item { width: 100%; display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 0; background-color: #FFFFFF; height: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title { width: 100%; background-color: #E0E0E0; padding: 10px 20px; font-weight: bold !important; text-transform: uppercase; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.25rem; transition: 250ms ease; opacity: 0.75; cursor: pointer; min-height: 45px;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title span { opacity: 0.5;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title::after { content: '+'; position: absolute; float: right; top: 10px; right: 20px; font-size: 1.25em; opacity: 0.5; color: #919191;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__content { display: none; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1rem; max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: 500ms ease; background-color: #FAFAFA;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title { background-color: #FAFAFA; opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title span { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title::after { content: '\2013'; color: #9e9e9e;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__content { display: block; max-height: 1000px; transition: 500ms ease;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title:hover { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title:hover span { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch > .accordion__item { margin-bottom: 1px; box-shadow: none; transition: 500ms ease; z-index: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch > .accordion__item.active { box-shadow: 0 0 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); z-index: 3;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--material.no-touch .accordion__item:hover { box-shadow: ; z-index: 3;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item { width: 100%; display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 0; background-color: #FFFFFF; height: 100%; box-sizing: border-box;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title { width: 100%; background-color: #E0E0E0; padding: 10px 20px; font-weight: bold !important; text-transform: uppercase; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.25rem; transition: 250ms ease; opacity: 0.75; cursor: pointer; min-height: 45px;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title span { opacity: 0.5;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title::after { content: '+'; position: absolute; float: right; top: 10px; right: 20px; font-size: 1.25em; opacity: 0.5; color: #919191;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__content { display: none; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1rem; max-height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition: 500ms ease; background-color: #FAFAFA;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title { background-color: #FAFAFA; opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title span { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__title::after { content: '\2013'; color: #9e9e9e;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item.active > .accordion__content { display: block; max-height: 1000px; transition: 500ms ease;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title:hover { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item > .accordion__title:hover span { opacity: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch > .accordion__item { transition: 500ms ease; border: 1px solid #919191; z-index: 1;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch > .accordion__item.active { z-index: 3; border: 1px solid #9e9e9e;}#element-0f17a7bc-b30e-457b-b743-a2dc06477cad > .accordion--box.no-touch .accordion__item:hover { z-index: 3;}Getting Set UpThese three steps are crucial to ensure you can access the AR content.On your smart phone or tablet, download the Aurasma app from your app store.Login to the app, and register your account.Searchfor the user 'MarkedByFate', and click follow.Accessing Immersive Fantasy™ Augmented Reality ContentFollow these steps carefully to access the AR content. Additional help can be found on the Aurasma help desk.
Read and enjoy the story, and watch for clues to the AR content. These will appear in the form of images with a symbol next to them, denoting the type of AR content. Content viewable includes images (camera icon), videos (movie clip icon), or music (music icon).You will need one device/format to read on, and a smart device to access the AR content.When you spot an Immersive Fantasy™ clue, open the Aurasma app on your smart device.(Navigate to the viewfinder screen if the app does not automatically do this.)Center your viewfinder on the trigger image. Make sure to include all of the trigger image in the screen. You can view the content vertically/in portrait or horizontally/in landscape.The app will display the AR content in the form of an image overlay, video overlay, or music overlay, as denoted by the symbol next to the image.Enjoy! You can zoom in and out and tilt your camera to fully explore each piece of content. Make sure you have your sound turned on so you can listen to the video and audio content! You will have to continue focusing on the content to keep listening to music/watching videos/viewing images.It might take a little practice - don't worry if you struggle on your first try.TroubleshootingWhat to try if it won't work.
No AR content is popping up: have you registered an Aurasma account, and followed 'MarkedByFate'? You must do this to access the content.No AR content is popping up: have you made sure all of the trigger image is in your viewfinder?No AR content is popping up on my kindle/e-inkdevice: please adjust your device screen brightness. If the screen is too bright or too dim, the image cannot be recognized by the app.I can't hear any sound: check the icon. Only video/music AR content has sound.I can't hear any sound, and it should be playing some: please ensure your volume is not muted, and turned up.The content keeps disappearing: ensure you keep the viewfinder focused on the trigger image so that the AR content will remain overlaid on your screen. If you move too far away from the trigger image, the AR content will disappear. Activate it again by re-scanning the trigger image.Can I access the eBook and the AR content on the same device? No. Aurasma uses your device camera, so you will have to read the book on a difference device to the device you are using Aurasma with.It's just not working - I've tried everything: Please refer to the Aurasma help files, and contact their help desk if you are still having issues. Whilst extensive testing has been performed to ensure maximum device compatibility, regrettably not all devices may be compatible. Best compatibility will be found on pixel based screens with good brightness levels.

International Giveawaya Rafflecopter giveaway

Sales Blitz: Roar by Cora Carmack

From New York Times bestselling author Cora Carmack comes her debut young adult fantasy, Roar, now available in eBook for $2.99 today only! Roar takes readers on an adventure filled with charismatic characters in an enthralling world sure to keep them turning the pages. Grab your copy today!Title: Roar
Series: Stormheart, 1
Author: Cora Carmack
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication Date: June 13, 2017

New York Times bestselling author Cora Carmack's young adult debut: Roar.

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora's been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.
About the Author Cora Carmack is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Since she was a teenager, her favorite genre to read has been fantasy, and now she’s thrilled to bring her usual compelling characters and swoon-worthy romance into worlds of magic and intrigue with her debut YA fantasy, Roar. Her previous adult romance titles include the Losing It, Rusk University, and Muse series. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages around the world. Cora splits her time between Austin, TX and New York City, and on any given day you might find her typing away at her computer, flying to various cities around the world, or just watching Netflix with her kitty Katniss. But she can always be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and www.coracarmack.com. Her Other Books

19 Actionable Writing Tips from Instructional Solutions

When I'm in college, it feels like is a never-ending list of papers to write (even more so than a never-ending train of tests). Even as an author, I know I occasionally start to dread my next assignment.

That’s why it is essential to have a process for writing. Having a process can help you write better in less time. That goes for school and novel writing. Today I wanted to share an infographic that was created by Instructional Solutions on how to become a better writer. The graphic guides you through 19 actionable tips. Below are 3 of ones that I think are super importantVerbs = Energy: It’s always good to look at your verbs when you are editing your work. Strong verbs are the cornerstone of a proper sentence. This is something I'm still sometimes guilty of not doing, but that's what revision and editing are for.Use a One-Sentence Paragraph: Using a one sentence paragraph can add emphasis. I definitely sometimes do this for my novels. Unfortunately, my teacher this semester is against this, so be sure to listen to your professor's instructions. Make It Easy To Read: This is a tip I include on my hire me page. The traditional manuscript format is as follows: 12pt Times New Roman font, double-spaced, 1" margins, formatted indents—no tabs). As with the tip above, format your paper as your teacher tells you, too, but this is usually true for both manuscripts and papers.​What is your favorite writing tip? Let me know in the comment section below!
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Beautiful Books 2017: Introduce Your NaNoWriMo Novel

click to see original post What inspired the idea for your novel, and how long have you had the idea? This novel was inspired during the writing of  The Belgrave Legacy , back when it was 3 novels and I was specifically drafting Tears of an Angel where I had the main female character's brother and best friend mirroring her relationship struggle. I plan for much of what I cut of their subplot to find a new home in  Unmoored .Describe what your novel is about! It's Alec Belgrave and Ivy Moore's time to shine. Readers will get to see what was happening between the two people closest to Fawn as she went through her journey in The Belgrave Legacy.What is your book’s aesthetic? Use words or photos or whatever you like! I keep thinking water (Ivy, a siren) and fire (Alec, sometimes hot-headed). The cover will be predominantly blue like ​The Belgrave Legacy was predominantly purple.Introduce us to each of your characters! Alec is the protective older brother to Fawn, good friend to Ivy, and is both confused and annoyed with his attraction to his little sister's best friend. He does his best, but sometimes makes mistakes. Ivy is the lively best friend to Fawn, knows more about the Supernatural world than either Belgrave twin. You can learn more about Ivy here.How do you prepare to write? (Outline, research, stocking up on chocolate, howling, etc.?) I "outline" (but I really do need to write an outline for this story, despite having already jumped in head first). I'm naturally a pantser, even though I always tell myself to be planner. I'm aiming for the realistic (but elusive) goal of becoming a plantser.What are you most looking forward to about this novel? Getting to tell Alec and Ivy's story since I was so sad when I had to cut it when I combined the 3 Fawn and Caleb stories into a single book.List 3 things about your novel’s setting: usually separate; college campuses (they don't go to the same school), Hell, and The Belgrave apartment (among others in flashbacks)What’s your character’s goal and who (or what) stands in the way? Ivy wants to tell Alec they're soulmates and be happy, but Fawn's life overshadows her attempts. Alec wants to get a handle on (and move on from) his feelings for Ivy, but doesn't know how to.How do your protagonists change by the end of the novel? Alec becomes more understanding and patient. Ivy learns to open up more and be more trusting.What are your book’s themes? How do you want readers to feel when the story is over? The importance of friendship and trust as the foundation for a strong relationship.

Success: Juggling School and Everything Else

click for more entries This is my third week of Junior Year and I find myself still getting back into the homework mindset while also trying to finally get back to my writing and remembering to be more social than I have been at school so far.

All in all, I find myself tending towards iTunes and Netflix to an unhealthy degree. Thankfully, last night I spent 2 hours writing  The Belgrave Legacy 's sequel  Unmoored  and replying to beta reader comments on  The Matchmakers . Unfortunately, I still need to psych myself up to fix and finish this draft of The Matchmakers before I then revise it into Draft 2, revise, edit, and publish it. Who knows how long that will take. But the good news is that I'm writing (and now blogging) again. I would say that's progress.

Alphabetized List of Musicals I've Seen

I decided to give a comprehensive list of all the musicals I've seen spanning my lifetime so far (16 years). WARNING: Only read this if a) you have time to read a long list and b) are willing to look up any musicals you don’t know. The ones with links are either significant to me in one way or another, or just one of my favorites. 42nd Street (my first musical ever)The Addams FamilyAll Shook UpAnnieAnnie Get Your GunBabes in ArmsBeauty and the BeastBig River (THREE times: once at Roudabout Theater, read a review or program, and twice at Ford's Theater)Billy ElliotBring it On (TWICE)BrooklynBye Bye BirdieCaptain LouieCarouselChicagoCinderella (THREE times—not counting Julie Andrews movie version)A Chorus LineA Christmas CarolCome From AwayCrazy For YouEvitaFiddler On the Roof (TWO times)Finding Neverland (TWO times: ART in Boston, Broadway)FootlooseGodspellGuys and DollsHamilton (THREE times)HairsprayHigh School Musical, the MusicalHow To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (TWO times)Hugh Jackman, Back on BroadwayIn The HeightsJersey Boys (TWO times)Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatLa Cage aux FollesLes Misérables (FOUR times; twice in London, twice on Broadway—not counting movie)The Lion King (FOUR times)Little WomenLove Never Dies (seen in London)Mamma Mia!Mary PoppinsMatilda! (THREE times; once  in London's West End and twice on Broadway)MemphisThe Music ManMy Fair Lady (I saw the 2007 New York Philharmonic concert)Nice Work If You Can Get ItOklahoma!Oliver!OnceOnce Upon A MattressPeter Pan (TWO times with Cathy Rigby)Peter and the StarcatcherThe Phantom of the Opera (THREE times: on Broadway, in London's West End, in Boston)The Prince and the PauperSeussical!Shafrika! The White GirlSinging in the RainSister Act!South Pacific (I saw the 2008 Broadway Revival at Lincoln Center)Spring Awakening (saw the LIVE Asbury Park production)Story of My Life TarzanThoroughly Modern MillieUrinetownWaitress (TWO times: with Jessie Mueller, with Sara Bareilles)We Will Rock YouWicked (ELEVEN times on Broadway)XanaduA Year With Frog and ToadYoung FrankensteinZanna, Don’t! (opened on my 6th Birthday and introduced me to my love of musical theater; seen too many times to count)

Alphabetized List of Musicals I've Seen

I decided to give a comprehensive list of all the musicals I've seen spanning my lifetime so far (16 years). WARNING: Only read this if a) you have time to read a long list and b) are willing to look up any musicals you don’t know. The ones with links are either significant to me in one way or another, or just one of my favorites. 42nd Street (my first musical ever)The Addams FamilyAll Shook UpAnnieAnnie Get Your GunBabes in ArmsBeauty and the BeastBig River (THREE times: once at Roudabout Theater, read a review or program, and twice at Ford's Theater)Billy ElliotBring it On (TWICE)BrooklynBye Bye BirdieCaptain LouieCarouselChicagoCinderella (THREE times—not counting Julie Andrews movie version)A Chorus LineA Christmas CarolCome From AwayCrazy For YouEvitaFiddler On the Roof (TWO times)Finding Neverland (TWO times: ART in Boston, Broadway)FootlooseGodspellGuys and DollsHamilton (THREE times)HairsprayHigh School Musical, the MusicalHow To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (TWO times)Hugh Jackman, Back on BroadwayIn The HeightsJersey Boys (TWO times)Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatLa Cage aux FollesLes Misérables (FOUR times; twice in London, twice on Broadway—not counting movie)The Lion King (FOUR times)Little WomenLove Never Dies (seen in London)Mamma Mia!Mary PoppinsMatilda! (THREE times; once  in London's West End and twice on Broadway)MemphisThe Music ManMy Fair Lady (I saw the 2007 New York Philharmonic concert)Nice Work If You Can Get ItOklahoma!Oliver!OnceOnce Upon A MattressPeter Pan (TWO times with Cathy Rigby)Peter and the StarcatcherThe Phantom of the Opera (THREE times: on Broadway, in London's West End, in Boston)The Prince and the PauperSeussical!Shafrika! The White GirlSinging in the RainSister Act!South Pacific (I saw the 2008 Broadway Revival at Lincoln Center)Spring Awakening (saw the LIVE Asbury Park production)Story of My Life TarzanThoroughly Modern MillieUrinetownWaitress (TWO times: with Jessie Mueller, with Sara Bareilles)We Will Rock YouWicked (ELEVEN times on Broadway)XanaduA Year With Frog and ToadYoung FrankensteinZanna, Don’t! (opened on my 6th Birthday and introduced me to my love of musical theater; seen too many times to count)

Infographic: 28 Boring Words and What to Use Instead

As a college student who will continue writing lots of papers this year, and an author, word choice is an important part of the writing, revising, and editing stages of a book. Below is an infographic shared with me via email and I thought some of you might like it as well.
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