A.E. Jones's Blog, page 18

Back to Basics

Every year, my father and I participate in our town’s chalk walk. We pick a picture and then transfer it to a sidewalk stone “up town” while hundreds of adults and children draw around us. It’s a fun event, and over the years some of the drawings have been quite elaborate.

This year we were battling against the weather. The event was supposed to happen on a Saturday, but it rained, so they moved it to Sunday. We decided to draw something simple – to go back to basics like when we first started this process years ago. Attached is the finished product. Not too bad if I say so myself

Baby Brother Wants His Turn

My previous two blogs showcased a teaser from Misha and Aleksei’s upcoming books in my new Realm series. So you shouldn’t be shocked to learn that Sergei, the youngest brother of the demon trio wants his turn too.

Each brother have hurdles to overcome before finding their special someone. And don’t think their mates will let them get off easy. Heck no! That’s what makes the journey so wonderful.

So here goes… Sergei

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Characters Have Taken Over!

Last week I gave you all a teaser from the first book in my new demon trilogy, The Realm, coming out this fall. Well, now that Misha got his say last week, Aleksei has decided he needs a moment in the spotlight. So below you will find a snippet from his book.

What I have found fascinating with this process is that the three brothers are all very different, but yet they make sense as a whole, even if they don’t get along all the time.

So here goes..

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It looks like Aleksei has gotten himself into trouble like Misha did. Will these brothers figure out what to do before it’s too late?

Stay tuned…

 

 

 

 

When Characters Demand Attention

So my characters have been talking to me. They want to know why I’m not sharing their stories yet with you. I have tried to explain that publishing is a process. There are edits, proofreads, covers, formatting, etc. And this takes time. Fall will be here before we know it and their stories will be in your hands.

But here’s the thing. My trio of heroes are impatient, alpha demons. So as a compromise, I’m going to share a couple lines from Misha’s book tonight since he can’t wait for you all to get a taste. And then I’m sure Aleksei and Sergei will weigh in on this battle of wills and want quotes from their stories as well.

All in due time, right?

So here goes…

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Looks like Misha’s got himself into a pickle, huh? We’ll just have to see how things play out. If I know Misha, he’ll work it out with the help of his family and friends.

Stay tuned.

 

Family Time

Happy Monday, my friends! You may have noticed last Monday that I didn’t post a blog. I was away for Memorial Day weekend with my family. It was so wonderful to reconnect and spend time with everyone. It seems like we go a million miles an hour now on planet earth which leaves us little time to celebrate each other. But I did get some quality time with my family and it was GOOD.

This past weekend I spent time with my imaginary family; three crazy-sexy demon brothers, an over-the-top father, a mischievous grandmother, and an opinionated adopted sister. You guessed it, I was reading through the demon trilogy books in preparation for edits.

Whew – what a crazy ride that was. Three books in two days, making sure they flowed together and made sense. As much as Russian demons who live in Cleveland can make sense that is. But these books are very much about family. Let’s face it. Most people don’t fall in love with one person and only interact with them. Oh no, family is definitely involved. And in this trilogy, family is play a HUGE role in the relationships. They provide angst, and humor, and frustration, and support. And they add layers to the story, and giggles, we can’t forget those!

So I got to spend time with my imaginary family this weekend and it was GOOD too.

Why 9556 Is a Magic Number!

Have I piqued your interest? Why in the world would 9556 be a magic number? Well, that is the number of words I wrote this weekend on my third novel in my demon brothers series. And the best part of that number? The last two words were THE END!

Wow, I am so happy to have the first draft done, done, done! Cue the music, confetti, balloons, and chocolate, because AE has written Misha, Aleksei, and Sergei’s stories.

Now we jump into edits, edits, edits! And then the books should be heading your way in the fall. I can’t wait to share this Russian demon family’s stories. It was great to dive into Misha’s family in a big way.

Normally an author provides splashes of backstory to build a character. In this instance the back story actually got to come to life in the form of two more sexy demon brothers, an outrageous Grandmother (Babushka) and a smooth-talking Father. So we get romance, and family drama, and learning how to fit in. We also have some cute kids thrown in as well!

Over the next few months, I’ll be telling you more, more, more about these stories. I’ll also share covers, blurbs, and release dates.

I just wanted to share the news, so you could celebrate along with me! And don’t worry about things getting too crazy. My celebration last night included a vanilla/chocolate twist cone with crunch.

Yep, I know how to throw a party!

 

Try

So I saw a quote the other day and it made me think about my life and my writing which is always a GOOD thing.

Words hold so much power. As an author I understand that at a fundamental level. So when a few words inspire me, I know they are something I was meant to see and take to heart.

What makes this quote even better is that it is from an author. Authors taking advice from authors, right?

So here’s the quote from Ayn Rand:

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”

There are all types of quotes and to me this is an anthem quote. I can almost hear the music behind the words (as with any inspirational scene in a movie).

So tonight I wanted to share these words with you. If you feel like you want to do something, then do it, or at least TRY.

I think that is what stops many of us – the fear of trying. We aren’t going to be successful at everything. But I think many are afraid of failure so they don’t even try.

But here’s the ironic thing. If you never try something that speaks to your heart,  then isn’t that a form of failing?

So pick up those paintbrushes, sketchbook, instrument, laptop and create. Go back to school, take singing lessons, learn how to ski, take up quilting, heck run for office.

Do something. Try something. You might be surprised at the results.

Do You Feel Lucky? I do!

Writing can be rewarding, but it can also be hard. Even though I rely on a team of wonderful women to help me edit, proof, format, and cover my books, when it comes down to the writing of it, it’s me and my computer.

And as much as my characters talk to me a LOT, writing is solitary. So how do I keep moving forward?

I rely on my writing community. Today’s blog is a shout out to a wonderful group of super-women. We were all finalists in RWA’s Golden Heart contest in 2013. We’re from all over the world and write all different forms of romance. We call our group the Lucky 13’s.

And we’re fierce cheerleaders for each other. Give me an S-U-P-P-O-R-T!

Yesterday, I found out that I am a Holt Medallion finalist for my book TO HAVE AND TO HOWL and that is such a thrill and honor. But tonight, I was reminded how truly “Lucky” I am. An outpouring of congrats emails and Tweets came my way from my writing pals. After five years we still have each other’s backs.

Always there for each other. Always supportive. Always…just always…

Thanks Luckies for you Love – right back at you!

 

Time To Take A Spin

As many of you know, I am writing a Mind Sweeper spin-off trilogy based on Misha’s family. What you might not realize is that I am writing them simultaneously. Here’s what I mean…

Misha’s book has been written and edited. Next will be proofreading. In the midst of that, the first draft of Aleksei’s is completed and I am going to be doing some scene edits before I send it to my editor for detailed edits. And let’s not forget that I am also in the process of writing Sergei’s book right now as well. That will be going for content edits the first week of June, and then detailed edits once Aleksei’s book is done.

Have I made you dizzy?

If not, you will be soon – hang on. Because not only is the writing and editing craziness happening all together, but I am also writing some crossover scenes as well. So a scene in Misha’s book might also appear in Aleksei’s book and another scene from Aleksei’s book might be part of Sergei’s. The fun part is seeing the scenes in a different point of view!

Crazy, right? Maybe, but I’m up for the challenge (or maybe I’m too dizzy now to slow down). Either way, I hope you’ll be up for the read!

When Attitude is a Good Thing

Three weeks ago my blog talked about inspiration. Inspiration that I received from family and friends in the form of two bracelets with sayings on them.

This week, another dear friend gave me a necklace – you’ve seen the type – a pretty bar necklace that hangs horizontally on a chain. Many of them have a word or saying. I’ve seen words like, Live, Love, Peace, Joy. So when I pulled out the pretty, delicate necklace from the box imagine my surprise when the word stamped on the bar was ‘Badass’.

I actually tilted my head back and laughed out loud. Because my friend gets it. It’s all about attitude. There are so many things in this world that can hold us back, not the least of which is our own fears and insecurities.

She reminded me that when I started this writing journey, my motto was Be Fearless. And it still is! So I wear this necklace proudly. It’s my own personal attitude boost.

Here’s to you finding your own attitude booster and using it often!