Freddie DiFranco's Blog, page 4
February 1, 2016
Finding Freedom in Our Fiction Feature
Ahoy readers!
A lovely Monday to you all! As per usual, I've another great Fiction Feature for you today! The twist is that it's not about the typical YA genres I usually cover on here. That's not to say it's not a great read, though!
But I'll let the book do the talking, of course ;) Here's Sue Searles' Finding Freedom!
Naïve Emily Garrett discovers that her safe, secure upbringing has been a devastating lie. Snatched on the day she was born, apparently by the same people she calls her parents, she is forced to learn the reasons for their desperate actions.
Ifetayo Ayassou finally finds the courage to escape her hellish existence as a trafficking victim and, coupled with the difficult healing process, she begins a search for the child she was forced to give away eighteen years ago.
Two women plunged into the underworld of human trafficking, both in search of freedom and truth—and each other. But, will their paths collide?
I always find it interesting how authors from other parts of the world write about different and interesting topics. Human trafficking is a major problem outside of the US, and I'm honored to be featuring a story that focuses on the human connections the victims oftentimes lose and crave. Fast-paced, touching, and chilling at times, this is a wonderful read. As usual, I've an excerpt to get you really hooked:
*****
Her plan was set in motion. Lea would take her usual long walk to the market as if nothing was different. But then instead of returning to the house at the end of the day, she’d go in the opposite direction. Destination Togo—wherever that might be.
A wave of terrifying exhilaration washed over Lea as she stepped out of her mistress’s house for the last time. A collection of painful memories was contained under that roof, each room telling its own horrific story. The idea of living alone on the street was beyond frightening. She’d done the unthinkable, and while the idea made her panic she had a plan, up to a point.
But, she was free.
For the first time in her life she had a purpose—to find her mother and see for herself if the woman still remembered her or cared about her. Until then, Lea would have to watch her back and find a way to survive. She bit back tears, too afraid to let them fall. For now, the sweet taste of freedom would be her main concern, and it was more gratifying than she could ever have imagined.
The congested marketplace drew her in with its roadside bukas, each stall taunting her with its enticing smells of smoked fish and snacks sizzling in palm oil. Despite the comfort of the familiar surroundings, Lea felt unusually restless today, second-guessing her decision for the hundredth time. She was still in familiar territory and it wasn’t too late to turn back. She took comfort in the busyness of the jostling vendors and the colorful stalls, a sight she knew so well. It would be tempting to return to a life that was at least predictable, even if it was horrendous. No! She had made up her mind. Perhaps there was still a trace of the spirited girl she once was, after all.
The unforgiving Nigerian sun sliced through a thick, gray blanket of cloud, enveloping the village in a shroud of dreary smog. Lea made sure she’d sold about half her quota of loaves, before immersing herself in the crowd and taking her first steps of freedom. The sense of exhilaration mingled with pure terror, but she had to keep going. Freedom must be foremost in her mind. She tried to picture her mother’s face, even though the memory was hazy. Perhaps that would keep her calm and help her to press on. She thought of Mother’s arms around her and wondered if she’d ever see her again. Lea swatted away angry tears. This was no time for pipe dreams; she had to be strong.
Soon Lea was in unfamiliar territory. The crowds thinned and she was alone in a labyrinth of back streets with old, neglected buildings and overgrown gardens. Obeche trees drooped overhead, pinning her with dense overgrowth. She felt claustrophobic and trapped in this strange, lonely world. She kept going, the early stage of blisters searing her swollen feet. She rounded a corner and was thankful for the bustling activity up ahead. An elderly man buzzed past on a whining scooter and a pair of stray dogs chased each other across the street. A family of six sat on the side of the road sharing an afternoon meal. Lea had never been this far down the end of town and she started to panic. It was too late to turn back now. In a few hours it would be dark and Alina would know she wasn’t coming back. She determined in herself that she could not—would not—get caught.
As the crowds thickened, she clutched the baskets carrying the remaining loaves of bread. They were her only possessions, apart from the threadbare notebook wedged deep in her waistband. She kept checking to make sure it hadn’t fallen out along the way, and walked until her feet ached.
Before long, buildings cast elongated shadows across the narrow street and darkness wrapped its arms around her. Lea’s anxiety multiplied as her mind wandered to Auntie Alina. Did the woman know yet that she wasn’t coming back? The thought choked her with fear.
*****
You can purchase Finding Freedom at the links below:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Freedom-Sue-Searles-ebook/dp/B01B6KGYMA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454176897&sr=8-2&keywords=sue+searles
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/finding-freedom-sue-searles/1108817778?ean=2940157883904
Kobo Books: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/finding-freedom-6
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/611198
Now that you're hooked, let's meet our author! Sue Searles is new to my blog, but I'm sure she won't be a stranger for long!
Sue Searles has written several books, ranging from women’s fiction and short stories to poetry and children’s books. Having worked on various forms of storytelling since childhood, writing has been a lifelong passion.
Now somewhat older and wiser, she is passionate about thinking outside the conventional box, and conveys messages that are thought-provoking and life-changing.
Her inspiration comes mainly from studying people, reading, and daily life.
Sue is happily married and lives in sunny South Africa with her husband and son.
You can reach out to Sue at her links below:
Blog: www.suesearlesbooks.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sue-Searles-Author-1505707636405524/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sue_searles
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/searles0490/
Instagram: Sue Searles
And that's it for now! I hope y'all have a wonderful February, and as always, stay tuned for more great reads and all things Lucid!
Until next time, keep readin' and dreamin'!
-Fred
A lovely Monday to you all! As per usual, I've another great Fiction Feature for you today! The twist is that it's not about the typical YA genres I usually cover on here. That's not to say it's not a great read, though!
But I'll let the book do the talking, of course ;) Here's Sue Searles' Finding Freedom!
Naïve Emily Garrett discovers that her safe, secure upbringing has been a devastating lie. Snatched on the day she was born, apparently by the same people she calls her parents, she is forced to learn the reasons for their desperate actions.
Ifetayo Ayassou finally finds the courage to escape her hellish existence as a trafficking victim and, coupled with the difficult healing process, she begins a search for the child she was forced to give away eighteen years ago.
Two women plunged into the underworld of human trafficking, both in search of freedom and truth—and each other. But, will their paths collide?
I always find it interesting how authors from other parts of the world write about different and interesting topics. Human trafficking is a major problem outside of the US, and I'm honored to be featuring a story that focuses on the human connections the victims oftentimes lose and crave. Fast-paced, touching, and chilling at times, this is a wonderful read. As usual, I've an excerpt to get you really hooked:
*****
Her plan was set in motion. Lea would take her usual long walk to the market as if nothing was different. But then instead of returning to the house at the end of the day, she’d go in the opposite direction. Destination Togo—wherever that might be.
A wave of terrifying exhilaration washed over Lea as she stepped out of her mistress’s house for the last time. A collection of painful memories was contained under that roof, each room telling its own horrific story. The idea of living alone on the street was beyond frightening. She’d done the unthinkable, and while the idea made her panic she had a plan, up to a point.
But, she was free.
For the first time in her life she had a purpose—to find her mother and see for herself if the woman still remembered her or cared about her. Until then, Lea would have to watch her back and find a way to survive. She bit back tears, too afraid to let them fall. For now, the sweet taste of freedom would be her main concern, and it was more gratifying than she could ever have imagined.
The congested marketplace drew her in with its roadside bukas, each stall taunting her with its enticing smells of smoked fish and snacks sizzling in palm oil. Despite the comfort of the familiar surroundings, Lea felt unusually restless today, second-guessing her decision for the hundredth time. She was still in familiar territory and it wasn’t too late to turn back. She took comfort in the busyness of the jostling vendors and the colorful stalls, a sight she knew so well. It would be tempting to return to a life that was at least predictable, even if it was horrendous. No! She had made up her mind. Perhaps there was still a trace of the spirited girl she once was, after all.
The unforgiving Nigerian sun sliced through a thick, gray blanket of cloud, enveloping the village in a shroud of dreary smog. Lea made sure she’d sold about half her quota of loaves, before immersing herself in the crowd and taking her first steps of freedom. The sense of exhilaration mingled with pure terror, but she had to keep going. Freedom must be foremost in her mind. She tried to picture her mother’s face, even though the memory was hazy. Perhaps that would keep her calm and help her to press on. She thought of Mother’s arms around her and wondered if she’d ever see her again. Lea swatted away angry tears. This was no time for pipe dreams; she had to be strong.
Soon Lea was in unfamiliar territory. The crowds thinned and she was alone in a labyrinth of back streets with old, neglected buildings and overgrown gardens. Obeche trees drooped overhead, pinning her with dense overgrowth. She felt claustrophobic and trapped in this strange, lonely world. She kept going, the early stage of blisters searing her swollen feet. She rounded a corner and was thankful for the bustling activity up ahead. An elderly man buzzed past on a whining scooter and a pair of stray dogs chased each other across the street. A family of six sat on the side of the road sharing an afternoon meal. Lea had never been this far down the end of town and she started to panic. It was too late to turn back now. In a few hours it would be dark and Alina would know she wasn’t coming back. She determined in herself that she could not—would not—get caught.
As the crowds thickened, she clutched the baskets carrying the remaining loaves of bread. They were her only possessions, apart from the threadbare notebook wedged deep in her waistband. She kept checking to make sure it hadn’t fallen out along the way, and walked until her feet ached.
Before long, buildings cast elongated shadows across the narrow street and darkness wrapped its arms around her. Lea’s anxiety multiplied as her mind wandered to Auntie Alina. Did the woman know yet that she wasn’t coming back? The thought choked her with fear.
*****
You can purchase Finding Freedom at the links below:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Freedom-Sue-Searles-ebook/dp/B01B6KGYMA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1454176897&sr=8-2&keywords=sue+searles
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/finding-freedom-sue-searles/1108817778?ean=2940157883904
Kobo Books: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/finding-freedom-6
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/611198
Now that you're hooked, let's meet our author! Sue Searles is new to my blog, but I'm sure she won't be a stranger for long!
Sue Searles has written several books, ranging from women’s fiction and short stories to poetry and children’s books. Having worked on various forms of storytelling since childhood, writing has been a lifelong passion.
Now somewhat older and wiser, she is passionate about thinking outside the conventional box, and conveys messages that are thought-provoking and life-changing.
Her inspiration comes mainly from studying people, reading, and daily life.
Sue is happily married and lives in sunny South Africa with her husband and son.
You can reach out to Sue at her links below:
Blog: www.suesearlesbooks.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sue-Searles-Author-1505707636405524/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sue_searles
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/searles0490/
Instagram: Sue Searles
And that's it for now! I hope y'all have a wonderful February, and as always, stay tuned for more great reads and all things Lucid!
Until next time, keep readin' and dreamin'!
-Fred
January 25, 2016
Fiction Feature: Landry in Like!
Ahoy readers!
Hope this chilly weather hasn't been keeping you down! It is the perfect excuse to curl up with a new book, though, and I just so happen to be giving you another great read on today's Fiction Feature!
Krysten Lindsay Hager and her lovable character Landry aren't strangers to my blog, and I'm happy to say that Landry's third story, recently hit the e-shelves! Time to get wrapped into another great YA self-esteem drama with Landry in Like!
Things seem to be going well in Landry Albright’s world—she’s getting invited to be on local talk shows to talk about her modeling career, her best friends have her back, and her boyfriend Vladi is becoming someone she can truly count on…and then everything changes. Suddenly it seems like most of the girls in school are into hanging out at a new teen dance club, while Landry just wants to spend her weekends playing video games and baking cupcakes at sleepovers. Then, Yasmin McCarty, the most popular girl in school, starts to come between Landry’s friendship with Ashanti. Things take a turn when Yasmin tells Vladi that Landry is interested in another boy. Can Landry get her relationships with Ashanti and Vladi back or will she be left out and left behind?
Looks like Landry's third story is just as full of drama, friendship, and growing up as the others, no? Well, don't take my work for it! Here's an excerpt to really get you hooked!
***
I wanted to call my friends and tell them about being on the talk show, but Mom said we had to be at the TV station super early — even before school started. She said I could text them, but I had to turn off my phone and go to bed.
“I’m waking you up at four a.m.,” she said. “You have to be there at five-thirty.”
“Can I just call Peyton and Ashanti? Please?”
“Fine, but you have five minutes and then that phone is mine and you’re in bed.”
I dialed Peyton, but her mom said she was in the shower. I told her mom about the show tomorrow and said my mom wouldn’t let me stay up any later to call Peyton back.
“How exciting! I will make sure Peyton knows, and I will be watching you tomorrow. Good luck, honey,” Mrs. Urich said.
I called Ashanti next and told her.
“Get out. Get. Out. No way. This is so exciting!”
“I’m so nervous. My stomach is already doing cartwheels. I can’t do one, but my stomach can. Seems unfair. What if I throw up before I go on? I did that right before I went on at the statewide Ingénue modeling competition in Detroit, and my mom had to give me a cough drop to cover up the smell.”
“I’m sure you’ll be fine, but… just in case, take a cough drop with you,” Ashanti said. “Good luck. You’ll be great and I’ll go set the DVR now.”
I hung up and sent a text to Vladi, India, Devon, Thalia, Tori, and Ericka, so no one would be mad and feel left out. Then I shut off my phone. Mom poked her head in the door to make sure I was in bed.
“Night, hon. Try to get some rest,” she said.
Easier said than done. I stared at my ceiling while thinking about all the things that could possibly go wrong tomorrow. Seeing as the show was on in the morning, I never got to watch it, so I had no idea what the set was like — did it have super high chairs and I’d struggle to get into them? And what if it had those higher stools that were kind of tippy and my rear overshot the seat and I fell off? Or what if the prep questions got lost and the interviewer asked me random things like my feelings on nuclear war or asked me about some foreign political leader who I had never heard of before, and I appeared stupid? Why did I say I’d do this? I tried to get comfortable and it felt like I had just dozed off when I felt my mom shaking my shoulder.
“Rise and shine, TV star,” she said.
***
You can find Landry in Like at these e-retailers below:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Landry-Like-Landrys-True-Colors-ebook/dp/B01AL6AUA2/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Landry-Like-Landrys-True-Colors-ebook/dp/B01AL6AUA2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453196883&sr=8-2&keywords=krysten+hager
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/landry-in-like-krysten-lindsay-hager/1123253456?ean=2940157767242
Nook UK: http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/landry-in-like-by-krysten-lindsay-hager/2940157767242
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/landry-in-like
Itunes/ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/landry-in-like/id1076225388?mt=11
And, since it's been a minute, let me re-introduce our lovely author, Krysten Lindsay Hager! She's got a super cute new author pic, too!
Krysten Lindsay Hager is the author of the Landry’s True Colors Series, a clean reads young adult series and the new Star Series. Krysten writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, middle school and high school, frenemies, modeling, crushes, values, and self-image in True Colors, Best Friends…Forever? And Landry in Like, as well as in, Next Door to a Star (Star Series). Her sequel to Next Door to a Star will be out March 22, 2016.
Krysten is a book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes YA, MG, humor essays, and adult fiction. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in Portugal, South Dakota, and currently resides in southwestern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows. She received her master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.
You can reach out to Krysten at the links below:
Website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/krystenlindsay
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/e/B00L2JC9P2/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8298036.Krysten_Lindsay_Hager
Author talk show interview: http://wdtn.com/2014/11/06/true-colors/
And that's it for this Fiction Feature! Stay tuned for some sneak peaks of Reverie and all things Lucid!
Until next time, keep readin' and dreamin'!
-Fred
Hope this chilly weather hasn't been keeping you down! It is the perfect excuse to curl up with a new book, though, and I just so happen to be giving you another great read on today's Fiction Feature!
Krysten Lindsay Hager and her lovable character Landry aren't strangers to my blog, and I'm happy to say that Landry's third story, recently hit the e-shelves! Time to get wrapped into another great YA self-esteem drama with Landry in Like!
Things seem to be going well in Landry Albright’s world—she’s getting invited to be on local talk shows to talk about her modeling career, her best friends have her back, and her boyfriend Vladi is becoming someone she can truly count on…and then everything changes. Suddenly it seems like most of the girls in school are into hanging out at a new teen dance club, while Landry just wants to spend her weekends playing video games and baking cupcakes at sleepovers. Then, Yasmin McCarty, the most popular girl in school, starts to come between Landry’s friendship with Ashanti. Things take a turn when Yasmin tells Vladi that Landry is interested in another boy. Can Landry get her relationships with Ashanti and Vladi back or will she be left out and left behind?
Looks like Landry's third story is just as full of drama, friendship, and growing up as the others, no? Well, don't take my work for it! Here's an excerpt to really get you hooked!
***
I wanted to call my friends and tell them about being on the talk show, but Mom said we had to be at the TV station super early — even before school started. She said I could text them, but I had to turn off my phone and go to bed.
“I’m waking you up at four a.m.,” she said. “You have to be there at five-thirty.”
“Can I just call Peyton and Ashanti? Please?”
“Fine, but you have five minutes and then that phone is mine and you’re in bed.”
I dialed Peyton, but her mom said she was in the shower. I told her mom about the show tomorrow and said my mom wouldn’t let me stay up any later to call Peyton back.
“How exciting! I will make sure Peyton knows, and I will be watching you tomorrow. Good luck, honey,” Mrs. Urich said.
I called Ashanti next and told her.
“Get out. Get. Out. No way. This is so exciting!”
“I’m so nervous. My stomach is already doing cartwheels. I can’t do one, but my stomach can. Seems unfair. What if I throw up before I go on? I did that right before I went on at the statewide Ingénue modeling competition in Detroit, and my mom had to give me a cough drop to cover up the smell.”
“I’m sure you’ll be fine, but… just in case, take a cough drop with you,” Ashanti said. “Good luck. You’ll be great and I’ll go set the DVR now.”
I hung up and sent a text to Vladi, India, Devon, Thalia, Tori, and Ericka, so no one would be mad and feel left out. Then I shut off my phone. Mom poked her head in the door to make sure I was in bed.
“Night, hon. Try to get some rest,” she said.
Easier said than done. I stared at my ceiling while thinking about all the things that could possibly go wrong tomorrow. Seeing as the show was on in the morning, I never got to watch it, so I had no idea what the set was like — did it have super high chairs and I’d struggle to get into them? And what if it had those higher stools that were kind of tippy and my rear overshot the seat and I fell off? Or what if the prep questions got lost and the interviewer asked me random things like my feelings on nuclear war or asked me about some foreign political leader who I had never heard of before, and I appeared stupid? Why did I say I’d do this? I tried to get comfortable and it felt like I had just dozed off when I felt my mom shaking my shoulder.
“Rise and shine, TV star,” she said.
***
You can find Landry in Like at these e-retailers below:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Landry-Like-Landrys-True-Colors-ebook/dp/B01AL6AUA2/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Landry-Like-Landrys-True-Colors-ebook/dp/B01AL6AUA2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453196883&sr=8-2&keywords=krysten+hager
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/landry-in-like-krysten-lindsay-hager/1123253456?ean=2940157767242
Nook UK: http://www.nook.com/gb/ebooks/landry-in-like-by-krysten-lindsay-hager/2940157767242
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/landry-in-like
Itunes/ibooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/landry-in-like/id1076225388?mt=11
And, since it's been a minute, let me re-introduce our lovely author, Krysten Lindsay Hager! She's got a super cute new author pic, too!
Krysten Lindsay Hager is the author of the Landry’s True Colors Series, a clean reads young adult series and the new Star Series. Krysten writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, middle school and high school, frenemies, modeling, crushes, values, and self-image in True Colors, Best Friends…Forever? And Landry in Like, as well as in, Next Door to a Star (Star Series). Her sequel to Next Door to a Star will be out March 22, 2016.
Krysten is a book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes YA, MG, humor essays, and adult fiction. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in Portugal, South Dakota, and currently resides in southwestern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows. She received her master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.
You can reach out to Krysten at the links below:
Website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/krystenlindsay
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/e/B00L2JC9P2/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8298036.Krysten_Lindsay_Hager
Author talk show interview: http://wdtn.com/2014/11/06/true-colors/
And that's it for this Fiction Feature! Stay tuned for some sneak peaks of Reverie and all things Lucid!
Until next time, keep readin' and dreamin'!
-Fred
January 4, 2016
2016 is the year of the dreams!
Ahoy, wonderful readers!
I hope you are all recovering swimmingly from a lovely holiday season! 2015 is behind us as a shining new year awaits!
I apologize for the brief hiatus during the busy holiday season. A bout of sickness threw me for a loop and resulted in a forced period of hibernation. All is well now, however, and I'm ready to jump on into the new year with good writing, reading, and of course dreaming!
Edits for Reverie are going swimmingly, and you should expect the next installment for Devon & Co's adventure this coming Spring! I'll be posting excerpts, photos, and other cool stuff to keep y'all satiated until the release date, so stay tuned!
I'll also be posting more fiction features about YA fantasy and sci-fi that I've read. My goal is to read 60 new books this year, so I'll be passing along the good ones so y'all can enjoy them, too! I'll also be promoting my fellow indie authors as well, but I really want to focus on the YA sci-fi/fantasy genre, so I can write passionately about what I promote.
I'm also going to challenge myself to write every day. Some of those words will never make it into a book, but it's crucial to crank out words outside of the month of November. NaNoWriMo is great, don't get me wrong, but it'd be nice to have some words in other months to tweak and critique.
I want to draw my characters more. I love my characters, and I have an amazing picture of what they look like in my head, but I wanna show y'all what I think they all look like. I've some pretty nice ones of Devon, Mitch, and Kyle, but I'm gonna elaborate and show those off alongside some Dreamer sketches. Hopefully y'all will enjoy seeing them..or at least get a few good laughs at my attempt at being a visual artist.
Anyway, what are your New Years resolutions? Are you gonna take that Spanish course at the rec? Gonna run a marathon? (Major props if you do that one...I'd die) I hope whatever you decide to tackle will be tackled with finesse, power, and makes you a better person once it's done!
Let's go after 2016 like never before!
And as always, keep readin' and dreamin'
-Fred
I hope you are all recovering swimmingly from a lovely holiday season! 2015 is behind us as a shining new year awaits!
I apologize for the brief hiatus during the busy holiday season. A bout of sickness threw me for a loop and resulted in a forced period of hibernation. All is well now, however, and I'm ready to jump on into the new year with good writing, reading, and of course dreaming!
Edits for Reverie are going swimmingly, and you should expect the next installment for Devon & Co's adventure this coming Spring! I'll be posting excerpts, photos, and other cool stuff to keep y'all satiated until the release date, so stay tuned!
I'll also be posting more fiction features about YA fantasy and sci-fi that I've read. My goal is to read 60 new books this year, so I'll be passing along the good ones so y'all can enjoy them, too! I'll also be promoting my fellow indie authors as well, but I really want to focus on the YA sci-fi/fantasy genre, so I can write passionately about what I promote.
I'm also going to challenge myself to write every day. Some of those words will never make it into a book, but it's crucial to crank out words outside of the month of November. NaNoWriMo is great, don't get me wrong, but it'd be nice to have some words in other months to tweak and critique.
I want to draw my characters more. I love my characters, and I have an amazing picture of what they look like in my head, but I wanna show y'all what I think they all look like. I've some pretty nice ones of Devon, Mitch, and Kyle, but I'm gonna elaborate and show those off alongside some Dreamer sketches. Hopefully y'all will enjoy seeing them..or at least get a few good laughs at my attempt at being a visual artist.
Anyway, what are your New Years resolutions? Are you gonna take that Spanish course at the rec? Gonna run a marathon? (Major props if you do that one...I'd die) I hope whatever you decide to tackle will be tackled with finesse, power, and makes you a better person once it's done!
Let's go after 2016 like never before!
And as always, keep readin' and dreamin'
-Fred
