Chrystal Vaughan's Blog, page 8

The Publication Blues

I have been writing, off and on, a short story that came to me a while back (I've posted a sample on here in the Stories, Poems, and Musings section under "Excerpt from Dead in the Water"). But my circus books are on hold because I have had this sense of unfinished business ever since I typed the last word. And of course, there was endless amounts of editing before I was happy (I'm not satisfied, but I am happy). My daughter, Emily, said I needed to just leave it alone finally. But still, something was missing and the characters in my head refused to speak to me until I addressed this unresolved issue.

Finally, I figured out what the problem was. The book was just sitting in my computer, in a Word document. It was going nowhere.

It needed a cover. Which my lovely daughter Emily Le Artiste provided. Here it is:

 And it needed an audience. Sure, I have had editors and test readers go through it, but it needed someone to read it without any agenda other than receiving its message. How can I do that? Hailey and her friends (the characters in the book) insisted I figure it out or there would not be another word forthcoming for the second and third books. Sure, I have a good idea what's going to happen but typically those ideas don't go the way I originally intended. It's as if the story takes on a life of its own. But I digress. How to get their story out to others? I went the self publishing route. My book is now available as an Ebook at www.smashwords.com. Just turn off the adult filter (because there's some adult content in my book, boy howdy) and search for my name, Chrystal Vaughan. Here's a coupon code for 20% off until November 9, 2013: KD58U. Just use it at checkout for the discount. Additionally, once the book passes the review panel's approval for formatting, it will be distributed to Kindle, Nook, Kobo Reader, and iPad as well.  Print copies will be available soon from Amazon, once the cover art passes final inspection. Just search my name there for a print copy of the book, in about a week. I don't have a coupon yet but if they allow me to create one, I'll post an update here. As soon as I have a copy of the book in my hand, I know that Hailey and her friends will let me back in their world. In the meantime, my short story "Dead in the Water" is nearly finished. POLL QUESTION: Would you prefer an author to release each short story as they are finished, or compile them into a book of their own? Leave a comment and let me know!

Writing, Writing, and More Writing

I sat on the editing comments for a while and now feel that I can agree with a few more of them. Apparently it's hard to take criticism for something you feel passionately about. Go figure. But as the editor pointed out in the beginning, these are suggestions. I don't have to take them. However, many of the points made are valid and so, I will most likely incorporate several of them. It's been a good learning experience.

I've joined some writing groups, entered a couple of writing contests, and followed a few writer's blogs, at my editor's suggestion. One I particularly like is Mike Wells' Blog. He has some great tips on writing, and I plan to follow his formula for writing a synopsis for my book. I'll try it out here.

Mike says the basic formula is this:
"Hero finds herself stuck in situation from which she wants to free herself.  Can she achieve goal, or will  villain stop her and cause her to experience disaster?"

Then you insert the appropriate characters and situations from your own book to make it work. I'll do that now:
"Hailey Ames finds herself hunted by an evil that shadows her. Can she and her new friends from the unusual circus run fast and far enough for fate to lose her trail? Will Hailey be able to make choices that will ultimately save her and her friends, or doom them all?"

Hey I think that works! It's only a few sentences but it summarizes the book pretty well. I'm going to use it for my publication synopsis. Thanks to Mike for the advice!

For now, Hailey and her friends are currently on the back burner, simmering under the weight of their edits and cooking a bit longer before I decide if they are done. Then I will continue on the second in the series, which takes place a few years later, as does the third after it. However, a new story idea came to me last night when I was trying to go to bed, and I woke up itching to get it written down. So I started that this morning and suddenly have written 5,000 words already. I'm really happy with it though.

So that's it. Once I publish Sideshow I'll post a link here, on my Facebook, Twitter, and etc. Hope everyone is doing great!

Edit, Revise, Repeat

I sent my book, Sideshow, to an editor that my stepmom knows, and received feedback yesterday. I really appreciate having a critically trained eye comb through it; there were several things I completely missed because I was too close to the story. I have a few friends that have read my *very* rough first draft and they also had brilliant suggestions that I have incorporated into this second draft.
At the same time, I think one has to take a few of the suggestions with a grain of salt. Damn. A cliche. That keeps happening...
But no really; a few suggestions for changes would have a negative effect on the story that has lived in my head for so long and is now set free. So I will leave those areas alone, and let my readers judge. 
I have spent all night editing, revising, and editing some more. I'm super exhausted but very happy with the results. And while the book is still not quite as lengthy as I would like, it's perfect for ebook format and so that is likely the route I will take. 
A couple of critiques I can't change but am extremely worried about is that A) my book is too graphic, and B)my protagonist is only nine years old, and it seems such a young heroine is undesired by adult readers. In addition, my writing of her character seems too "old" for a child of nine. But my eight year old is extremely sophisticated, and as she is my model for some of my main character's personality traits, I'm going to leave her the way she is too. You readers can decide for yourselves.
What it comes down to is this: I'm happy with the edits. I'm going to sit on it a while, and when the time is right, I will pursue publication. Until then, the circus is calling...

Sockin It Up

I've been on a sock making binge lately. I learned to make toe up socks, using a short row increase method and a similar method for the heel. Next I tackle two at a time and a complicated thing called entrelac. 
Here are pics:  
 Watermelon socks
 Dr. Who Tardis socks

Arachne

I haven't spun yarn in a while; no, not story telling, but actual yarn creating for knitting or crocheting. I had a batch of wool from last winter that I had dyed blue but not spun yet, so I finished it today. I just did a pretty simple, small twist art yarn since i don't plan to ply it, but will leave it as a single ply. Now I need to get some more wool!

Bucket List Item: Author. Check!

After a year of writing, my book is finally written. I have a lot of editing to do, and I have a few areas I wanted to flesh out a bit, but the essential story I've carried in my head and lost sleep over is written down for posterity. I've already sent away for my ISBN number and registration with the Library of Congress. Once I receive that confirmation I'll feel like a real author. So happy it's done! Now the next one picks up about a year after the first one ends.....

Author:Accomplished

After a year of writing, my book is finally written. I have a lot of editing to do, and I have a few areas I wanted to flesh out a bit, but the essential story I've carried in my head and lost sleep over is written down for posterity. I've already sent away for my ISBN number and registration with the Library of Congress. Once I receive that confirmation I'll feel like a real author. So happy it's done! Now the next one picks up about a year after the first one ends.....

The Oregon Zoo

Every year, out family takes a week vacation to some place either we have never been to or that we wish to revisit. This year, we chose the Oregon Zoo as our destination. I have been there many times but Caleb and Madyson have never been (Emily didn't go with us as she doesn't like to travel). I also wanted to visit an eatery known as Joe's Crab Shack; the commercials always make me hungry! In addition, it was both Caleb and Madyson's birthday celebrations. We visited with my Aunt Deby, Uncle Marty, cousin Cari, and nieces Michelle, Kayla, and Sydnee. Here are some pictures of the people and animals we saw: Joe's, at last!
Caleb prepares to feast
Madyson is totally ready for her crab!
Holy steam pot of deliciousness
Lobster. That is all.
One of the first animals we saw at the zoo was this lovely sea lion. 
This little penguin was very busy. And difficult to photograph!
These little lorikeets were not interested in visitors' nectar and seed cups. Too full!
I want one of these fruit bats. I would name him Antonio. 
This marmoset was too hot to play
Yes that is a crocodile. Anyone know what the difference between an alligator and a crocodile is? Madyson knows!
Giraffe! So cute!
This is Tusker, the male elephant. He is the proud papa of....

Lily! The brand new baby pictured here with her mother, Rose.
These long necked creatures are called gerenuks 
I love this photo booth picture of Madyson and Kitty :)
How many hippos do you see?
The closest she will probably get to a lion, unless she becomes a zoo veterinarian as she has planned. 

Awwww so cute!
This orangutan was chewing off bits of coconut husk, and rolling them into balls in his mouth. He would then spit the coconut husk balls into one hand and repeat. When he laid eyes on Madyson, he started spitting his coconut husk balls out so they would roll in front of her. I think maybe he wanted her to pick them up but the bullet proof glass prevented their friendship from developing further. 
Little known fact about me: I love mandrills
Aunt Deby and Uncle Marty. They are awesome!
Cari looks unimpressed doesn't she?
Cousins! From left to right: Sydnee (9), Michelle (13), Madyson (8), and Kayla (11)
I have about a hundred more pictures on the big girl camera; when I get some batteries I'll share more pictures from our adventure. Additionally, stay tuned for the water lily socks!

Happy Fourth of July!

Well these history classes are sure coming in handy I tell ya. Last night while waiting for the fireworks show to begin, my youngest daughter asked why do we celebrate the 4th of July, anyway...I consider myself rather knowledgeable on the subject nowadays, so I bored her for about twenty minutes with tales of the Revolution and etc. I think I even felt it necessary to emphasize how July 2nd is as important as July 4th....poor kid.
She finally got to have some fun though:
How did you celebrate independence from British rule?

Not My Granny's Squares

I like to haunt Pinterest and Ravelry for patterns, inspiration, and the latest trends in yarn-y fashions and accessories. I have discovered that crocheting granny squares and assembling them into interesting items is kind of a "thing" just now. 
You know granny squares right? Everyone's grandmother must have had one of these hanging off the back of the sofa. A large, crocheted, flowery affair?
Not anymore! Here's what I taught myself to make. First I had to learn how to crochet the squares, which was tough because I'm a knitter and not typically a crochet-er. I'm learning to become bistitchual however! Then I had to find a way to bind them together; Pinterest suggested the mattress stitch or whip stitch. Then I had to make the handles and attach them, which was simple since I just crocheted them. It turned out pretty cute! I still should line it if course but I am ready to move on to the next bag, socks, or sweater....