Ashley R. Carlson's Blog, page 5
August 19, 2014
What Publishing Your Work Can Teach You
Since publishing my first WORK EVER I wanted to talk about what I have learned in the last few days-but first things first.
-Please subscribe to my newsletter. If you do, I will send you a FREE COPY of my short story, "Cruel," within 24 hours after subscribing.
-Please REVIEW my short story on Amazon with your thoughts. I am also in the process of uploading it to Nook and iBooks (Smashwords' formatting requests were just too confusing), and will have it listed on Goodreads to review as well. I plan to write a blog post about the more technical side of things once I have figured it out myself.
A quick overview of this video, and what publishing your first work can teach you.
1) I did not expect to make money with this short story; that was not my goal. What I realized however is just HOW MUCH competition there is for getting a readership. When I watched my e-book vacillate between a ranking of 200,000 and 250,000, it was a harsh reality that the same thing will happen with my steampunk novel UNLESS:
2) I do a serious marketing campaign. Blog tour, cover reveal, releasing chapters, sending ARC's to book bloggers and writers, pre-order buttons for the book, the works. I don't mind doing it, but I am realizing now JUST HOW ESSENTIAL it is if you want to be successful straight out of the gate.
3) Any money I make won't be received for at least two months. Maybe longer. I learned this fun little kernel of information from my Twitter friend, Drew Hayes. Check him out; he likes to drink alcohol and wear ties (inside joke-the tie part; everyone knows he's a lush). This was that much more of a realization that making money as a writer is a long-term, slow process.
4) I may put the novel on hold to write and release numerous romance/erotica short stories. This is to increase my backlist, and I have also heard that this is one of the best e-book genres to write for currently. I also really enjoy writing in it. So it would be a matter of cranking out a considerable number of high quality short stories within the next few weeks/months that can reach a wider audience and make money.
5) Kickstarter/Patreon. I am considering starting one of these fundraisers to get support with my writing, though I know nothing about them. Two of my idols and fellow self-publishers, S.C. Barrus and Ksenia Anske, recommend them.
So there you have it; what I've learned since self-publishing my first piece. Please subscribe to my newsletter for your free copy of "Cruel," or go check it out on Amazon/iBooks/Nook/Goodreads!
Until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
**My apologies for the poor sound/video quality. I am borrowing this computer since mine crapped out on me-just another reason I need money. Argh.
-Please subscribe to my newsletter. If you do, I will send you a FREE COPY of my short story, "Cruel," within 24 hours after subscribing.
-Please REVIEW my short story on Amazon with your thoughts. I am also in the process of uploading it to Nook and iBooks (Smashwords' formatting requests were just too confusing), and will have it listed on Goodreads to review as well. I plan to write a blog post about the more technical side of things once I have figured it out myself.
A quick overview of this video, and what publishing your first work can teach you.
1) I did not expect to make money with this short story; that was not my goal. What I realized however is just HOW MUCH competition there is for getting a readership. When I watched my e-book vacillate between a ranking of 200,000 and 250,000, it was a harsh reality that the same thing will happen with my steampunk novel UNLESS:
2) I do a serious marketing campaign. Blog tour, cover reveal, releasing chapters, sending ARC's to book bloggers and writers, pre-order buttons for the book, the works. I don't mind doing it, but I am realizing now JUST HOW ESSENTIAL it is if you want to be successful straight out of the gate.
3) Any money I make won't be received for at least two months. Maybe longer. I learned this fun little kernel of information from my Twitter friend, Drew Hayes. Check him out; he likes to drink alcohol and wear ties (inside joke-the tie part; everyone knows he's a lush). This was that much more of a realization that making money as a writer is a long-term, slow process.
4) I may put the novel on hold to write and release numerous romance/erotica short stories. This is to increase my backlist, and I have also heard that this is one of the best e-book genres to write for currently. I also really enjoy writing in it. So it would be a matter of cranking out a considerable number of high quality short stories within the next few weeks/months that can reach a wider audience and make money.
5) Kickstarter/Patreon. I am considering starting one of these fundraisers to get support with my writing, though I know nothing about them. Two of my idols and fellow self-publishers, S.C. Barrus and Ksenia Anske, recommend them.
So there you have it; what I've learned since self-publishing my first piece. Please subscribe to my newsletter for your free copy of "Cruel," or go check it out on Amazon/iBooks/Nook/Goodreads!
Until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
**My apologies for the poor sound/video quality. I am borrowing this computer since mine crapped out on me-just another reason I need money. Argh.
August 16, 2014
Self-Published Authors Interview Series: S.C. Barrus
Photo by Alex Stoddard
Here is the second installment of my self-published authors interview series, where I talk with writers about their methods, some personal anecdotes, and what they are currently working on! (My first interview was with Jenny Bravo, and can be read here).
Today's interview is with S.C. Barrus, a man who I came across from Ksenia Anske's website when she requested great self-published books to read. S.C. Barrus's name was mentioned and I saw that he wrote steampunk, so I was SOLD. He was gracious enough to agree to this interview even though he works full-time, has a family, and is currently in the process of releasing a serialized novel titled The Gin Thief! Read on to learn more about the man behind the amazing hats...
AC: Tell us about S.C. Barrus as a child (all the strange details!).
SCB: As a small child I used to love worms. I'd collect them in buckets while digging in the back yard. Upon finding a monster worm I was particularly proud of, I proceeded to roll it with my palm on top of my bike seat. To my horror, the worm broke in half, so I ran to my mom crying, begging her to put it back together.
AC: Or maybe just some personality traits.
SCB: I sometimes have a hard time shutting up, and it gets me in trouble. I take jokes too far. At my wife's grandma's wake, they were telling stories about where she wanted her ashes spread. Some said she wanted them spread over some lake, others said over a forest. Then they joked that as they scattered the ashes, maybe her top half would end up in the lake and her bottom half in the forest. That's where I spoke up. Miming the action of shoving a their poor dead grandma into a furnace, I said "You know those incinerators are kind of small, they got to shove the bodies in, so you won't know which parts are going where." All went silent and very judgy before my wife's uncle shouted, "Ooooooooh!" That was years ago, and he still reminds me of that moment.
AC: Your wife must be a very patient and understanding woman. So did you show signs of a future as a writer even when you were young?
SCB: Totally. I wrote my first full length novel when I was in high school, and I won The Meadow Brook Way Award for Literary Excellence because of it (our high school's creative writing award). That was cool. But even before that I was always writing short stories and poems, even as a kid. It was clear pretty early on that I wanted to be a writer.
AC: What have been your best and worst experiences in writing so far, and how have you handled them?
SCB: That's a tough question. My best moment might have been getting my kickstarter campaign funded. It was 90% of the way there, and one kind couple swooped in at the last second and funded the remaining 10%. That was pretty exhilarating. I also love doing book readings, conventions, and meeting fans. It's always nice to know that people appreciate the work you do. But mostly I just enjoy the process. Not drafting, filling a blank page can be like pulling teeth sometimes, so I just spew what I can on page as quick as possible. But going through and turning that trash into actual prose is very rewarding. I love going over the final draft and finding sentences I'm particularly proud of.
Worst experience though... Explaining to my wife that I wanted to invest $3,000 of our own money into my novel Discovering Aberration. She understood and was very supportive, but it's a huge risk for us. We're not rich. Luckily the investment is paying itself off, so when it came to investing money into The Gin Thief we were both a lot less nervous.
AC: Why did you decide to self-publish? Was it always your plan, or something you decided upon after querying for a while?
SCB: When I wrote my first novel in high school, I queried for that a lot. I was only 17 and it didn't get picked up (thank God; there are scenes in that book that might shame Kevin Smith). But as I matured as a writer, I began to study the publishing industry. It didn't take long before I knew I wanted to go the indie route. I'm an indie at heart anyway. And as I learned about internet marketing through my career, I discovered that most of the work a publisher does, I could do myself. So with Discovering Aberration, I just dived in head first. Never queried, just took charge. I did some things right, some things wrong, learned a ton, and am ready to do it again.
AC: Your first full-length novel, Discovering Aberration, is a steampunk adventure novel that you self-published in early 2014. Can you tell us how the idea came to you, and a bit about the storyline so that readers can purchase it immediately after reading this?
SCB: Discovering Aberration is largely told in two parts. The first is an urban fantasy setting as Freddy, a rebellious writer, and Lumpen, a disenchanted archeologist, steal a map from a crime lord which they believe will point them to the discovery of a lifetime. By the second half, they arrive at a mysterious island that begins to drive people mad, and the thrills escalate from there. Inspiration came from a lot of sources. From classics by Verne, Lovecraft, Poe, Stevenson, and their contemporaries, and you can see that in the feel of the novel. But it also came from interactions I had with my cousin, which is the basis for the banter. Finally, the island was a place I visited in a dream that I wanted to recreate.
AC: Sounds amazing. What does your writing process look like? How long does it take you to write each draft, and do you re-write the entire second draft (as I’ve read some authors do) or just tweak it, etc.? Beta-readers, editors, cover design? TELL US YOUR SECRETS.
SBC: My writing process is slow. I'm trying to speed it up, but I never call a project complete until I can read through it without cringing at my prose. As I mentioned before, the first draft is spat out as quickly as I can muster without any regard for quality or character. From there I go over each scene again and again until it's fully developed. By the end, probably every sentence has been rewritten, hacked apart and put back together three or four times. These days I've added another step where I go back through and cut everything that's unnecessary. If there's a sentence that says "She had gone to the beach," it is cut down to "She went to the beach," for example. But more than this, I find myself cutting entire paragraphs that I love if they aren't serving a specific purpose. For example: The Gin Thief: Episode 1 is set to be 30,000 words. I broke that word count a while ago before writing the final scene. I've since whittled it down to 25,000 and am working on that scene now.
AC: You give some amazing advice on your site about self-publishing and especially how to MARKET a book. You are also incredibly innovative with your website; trying new things and engaging your readers to get their feedback. Through all of this trial-and-error learning over the last couple of years, is there anything you really wish you’d known from the beginning? Something we should be aware of to prevent making our own mistakes that way?
SCB: Yes. Building a mailing list is more important than building a blog audience. Especially before you publish. And time spent blogging is often time better spent writing your book (unless you have a lot of time on your hands). At my blog's peak, I had around 8,000 people a month reading it. Probably around 1% bought the book. At that same time, I had build my mailing list to about 80 people because I wasn't trying that hard. The majority of those people bought my book, probably around 60%. So now I only blog when I feel compelled. I don't keep a regular schedule, I no longer try to force out a blog post if I didn't post that week. The funny thing about that is, now my blog audience might be smaller, but they are more engaging than ever before. So to sum up, I wish I would have spent less time blogging, more time writing, and I wish I would have believed in the power of a mailing list earlier.
AC: That is so surprising! Everything I've ever seen talks about the importance of a blog and rarely about a mailing list. Very insightful; I'll try that for my upcoming novel. Your current project is a serialized steampunk adventure entitled The Gin Thief. You talk about why you decided to serialize it on your website. Can you tell us a little about this new book’s premise, and an anticipatory release date? Where can we find it?
SCB: The Gin Thief is a gangland steampunk serial taking place in the same world as Discovering Aberration, but this time the protagonists aren't the writer and archaeologist, but a gang of women known as Scarlets. We follow Yevylin, a foreigner attempting to enter an unforgiving city wherein she's thrust into a struggle for survival. She's quickly adopted by the Scarlets, and as the series progresses she attempts to matriculate into their ranks in order to survive, all the while focused on the task at hand: to steal a priceless bottle of gin. I'm hoping to release it by the beginning of next month or sooner, but at the rate I'm going it will probably be mid September. You'll be able to find it on Amazon, and probably everywhere else too. If you want to be notified of it's release and want the opportunity to read the entire series for free, then visit my website AwayAndAway.com and sign up for the mailing list.
AC: Fantastic. Everyone do that right now! What is something readers don’t know about you? Hobby you enjoy, or a fun personal quirk?
SCB: I enjoy practicing Muay Thai, which is a violent form of kickboxing using elbows and knees as well as punches and kicks. I've done it for years, and while I've had less time to practice and spar recently, I'm hoping I can get back in the habit soon.
AC: And finally, I like to ask each interviewee to recommend a charity that they feel personally drawn to, so that I can add it to the charity page on my website! What organization or charity do you feel we should raise awareness about?
SCB: I like Books to Prisoners (http://www.bookstoprisoners.net/), which is a great organization that pretty much lives up to its name by delivering books to prisoners.
This is important for a lot of reasons. First, America has the largest prison population in the world (more than China, it's that bad). Most prisoners have done nothing more than commit a low level drug offense. These people shouldn't be suffering for an addiction, they should instead be given access to rehab facilities. Anyway, that's besides the point, because these people are there, behind bars. People like you and me. I think they should at least have something to read. Reading is an escape from the monotony of prison, but it's also a way to educate prisoners. I think the more they read, the less likely the are to end up back in a cell, which is good for everybody.
***
So there you all have it; straight from the mouth of an entrepreneurial writer who has continually been making money over the last few months with Discovering Aberration and is willing to share his advice with us. Also, please check out the dystopian short story I published on Amazon for $0.99, and review it. I am happy to email the free PDF to you as well, the more feedback the better!
About S.C. Barrus
S.C. Barrus is the author of the novel Discovering Aberration and the upcoming serial The Gin Thief. Born in Canada, he grew up as a rebellious youth in the Pacific Northwest where he skipped school in favor of swimming in the local rivers. He was raised on a hefty selection of books, video games and movies, and grew to love storytelling from a young age. He received his degree in creative writing from the University of Washington and began writing fiction in 2011. Throughout the years, S.C. Barrus has been inspired by a wide range of authors and genres including literary fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy and sci-fi. Perhaps the easiest influences to identify in his writing come from authors such as Edgar Allen Poe, Jules Verne, H.P. Lovecraft and Robert Louis Stephenson.
Here is the second installment of my self-published authors interview series, where I talk with writers about their methods, some personal anecdotes, and what they are currently working on! (My first interview was with Jenny Bravo, and can be read here).
Today's interview is with S.C. Barrus, a man who I came across from Ksenia Anske's website when she requested great self-published books to read. S.C. Barrus's name was mentioned and I saw that he wrote steampunk, so I was SOLD. He was gracious enough to agree to this interview even though he works full-time, has a family, and is currently in the process of releasing a serialized novel titled The Gin Thief! Read on to learn more about the man behind the amazing hats...
AC: Tell us about S.C. Barrus as a child (all the strange details!).
SCB: As a small child I used to love worms. I'd collect them in buckets while digging in the back yard. Upon finding a monster worm I was particularly proud of, I proceeded to roll it with my palm on top of my bike seat. To my horror, the worm broke in half, so I ran to my mom crying, begging her to put it back together.
AC: Or maybe just some personality traits.
SCB: I sometimes have a hard time shutting up, and it gets me in trouble. I take jokes too far. At my wife's grandma's wake, they were telling stories about where she wanted her ashes spread. Some said she wanted them spread over some lake, others said over a forest. Then they joked that as they scattered the ashes, maybe her top half would end up in the lake and her bottom half in the forest. That's where I spoke up. Miming the action of shoving a their poor dead grandma into a furnace, I said "You know those incinerators are kind of small, they got to shove the bodies in, so you won't know which parts are going where." All went silent and very judgy before my wife's uncle shouted, "Ooooooooh!" That was years ago, and he still reminds me of that moment.
AC: Your wife must be a very patient and understanding woman. So did you show signs of a future as a writer even when you were young?
SCB: Totally. I wrote my first full length novel when I was in high school, and I won The Meadow Brook Way Award for Literary Excellence because of it (our high school's creative writing award). That was cool. But even before that I was always writing short stories and poems, even as a kid. It was clear pretty early on that I wanted to be a writer.
AC: What have been your best and worst experiences in writing so far, and how have you handled them?
SCB: That's a tough question. My best moment might have been getting my kickstarter campaign funded. It was 90% of the way there, and one kind couple swooped in at the last second and funded the remaining 10%. That was pretty exhilarating. I also love doing book readings, conventions, and meeting fans. It's always nice to know that people appreciate the work you do. But mostly I just enjoy the process. Not drafting, filling a blank page can be like pulling teeth sometimes, so I just spew what I can on page as quick as possible. But going through and turning that trash into actual prose is very rewarding. I love going over the final draft and finding sentences I'm particularly proud of.
Worst experience though... Explaining to my wife that I wanted to invest $3,000 of our own money into my novel Discovering Aberration. She understood and was very supportive, but it's a huge risk for us. We're not rich. Luckily the investment is paying itself off, so when it came to investing money into The Gin Thief we were both a lot less nervous.
AC: Why did you decide to self-publish? Was it always your plan, or something you decided upon after querying for a while?
SCB: When I wrote my first novel in high school, I queried for that a lot. I was only 17 and it didn't get picked up (thank God; there are scenes in that book that might shame Kevin Smith). But as I matured as a writer, I began to study the publishing industry. It didn't take long before I knew I wanted to go the indie route. I'm an indie at heart anyway. And as I learned about internet marketing through my career, I discovered that most of the work a publisher does, I could do myself. So with Discovering Aberration, I just dived in head first. Never queried, just took charge. I did some things right, some things wrong, learned a ton, and am ready to do it again.
AC: Your first full-length novel, Discovering Aberration, is a steampunk adventure novel that you self-published in early 2014. Can you tell us how the idea came to you, and a bit about the storyline so that readers can purchase it immediately after reading this?
SCB: Discovering Aberration is largely told in two parts. The first is an urban fantasy setting as Freddy, a rebellious writer, and Lumpen, a disenchanted archeologist, steal a map from a crime lord which they believe will point them to the discovery of a lifetime. By the second half, they arrive at a mysterious island that begins to drive people mad, and the thrills escalate from there. Inspiration came from a lot of sources. From classics by Verne, Lovecraft, Poe, Stevenson, and their contemporaries, and you can see that in the feel of the novel. But it also came from interactions I had with my cousin, which is the basis for the banter. Finally, the island was a place I visited in a dream that I wanted to recreate.
AC: Sounds amazing. What does your writing process look like? How long does it take you to write each draft, and do you re-write the entire second draft (as I’ve read some authors do) or just tweak it, etc.? Beta-readers, editors, cover design? TELL US YOUR SECRETS.
SBC: My writing process is slow. I'm trying to speed it up, but I never call a project complete until I can read through it without cringing at my prose. As I mentioned before, the first draft is spat out as quickly as I can muster without any regard for quality or character. From there I go over each scene again and again until it's fully developed. By the end, probably every sentence has been rewritten, hacked apart and put back together three or four times. These days I've added another step where I go back through and cut everything that's unnecessary. If there's a sentence that says "She had gone to the beach," it is cut down to "She went to the beach," for example. But more than this, I find myself cutting entire paragraphs that I love if they aren't serving a specific purpose. For example: The Gin Thief: Episode 1 is set to be 30,000 words. I broke that word count a while ago before writing the final scene. I've since whittled it down to 25,000 and am working on that scene now.
AC: You give some amazing advice on your site about self-publishing and especially how to MARKET a book. You are also incredibly innovative with your website; trying new things and engaging your readers to get their feedback. Through all of this trial-and-error learning over the last couple of years, is there anything you really wish you’d known from the beginning? Something we should be aware of to prevent making our own mistakes that way?
SCB: Yes. Building a mailing list is more important than building a blog audience. Especially before you publish. And time spent blogging is often time better spent writing your book (unless you have a lot of time on your hands). At my blog's peak, I had around 8,000 people a month reading it. Probably around 1% bought the book. At that same time, I had build my mailing list to about 80 people because I wasn't trying that hard. The majority of those people bought my book, probably around 60%. So now I only blog when I feel compelled. I don't keep a regular schedule, I no longer try to force out a blog post if I didn't post that week. The funny thing about that is, now my blog audience might be smaller, but they are more engaging than ever before. So to sum up, I wish I would have spent less time blogging, more time writing, and I wish I would have believed in the power of a mailing list earlier.
AC: That is so surprising! Everything I've ever seen talks about the importance of a blog and rarely about a mailing list. Very insightful; I'll try that for my upcoming novel. Your current project is a serialized steampunk adventure entitled The Gin Thief. You talk about why you decided to serialize it on your website. Can you tell us a little about this new book’s premise, and an anticipatory release date? Where can we find it?
SCB: The Gin Thief is a gangland steampunk serial taking place in the same world as Discovering Aberration, but this time the protagonists aren't the writer and archaeologist, but a gang of women known as Scarlets. We follow Yevylin, a foreigner attempting to enter an unforgiving city wherein she's thrust into a struggle for survival. She's quickly adopted by the Scarlets, and as the series progresses she attempts to matriculate into their ranks in order to survive, all the while focused on the task at hand: to steal a priceless bottle of gin. I'm hoping to release it by the beginning of next month or sooner, but at the rate I'm going it will probably be mid September. You'll be able to find it on Amazon, and probably everywhere else too. If you want to be notified of it's release and want the opportunity to read the entire series for free, then visit my website AwayAndAway.com and sign up for the mailing list.
AC: Fantastic. Everyone do that right now! What is something readers don’t know about you? Hobby you enjoy, or a fun personal quirk?
SCB: I enjoy practicing Muay Thai, which is a violent form of kickboxing using elbows and knees as well as punches and kicks. I've done it for years, and while I've had less time to practice and spar recently, I'm hoping I can get back in the habit soon.
AC: And finally, I like to ask each interviewee to recommend a charity that they feel personally drawn to, so that I can add it to the charity page on my website! What organization or charity do you feel we should raise awareness about?
SCB: I like Books to Prisoners (http://www.bookstoprisoners.net/), which is a great organization that pretty much lives up to its name by delivering books to prisoners.
This is important for a lot of reasons. First, America has the largest prison population in the world (more than China, it's that bad). Most prisoners have done nothing more than commit a low level drug offense. These people shouldn't be suffering for an addiction, they should instead be given access to rehab facilities. Anyway, that's besides the point, because these people are there, behind bars. People like you and me. I think they should at least have something to read. Reading is an escape from the monotony of prison, but it's also a way to educate prisoners. I think the more they read, the less likely the are to end up back in a cell, which is good for everybody.
***
So there you all have it; straight from the mouth of an entrepreneurial writer who has continually been making money over the last few months with Discovering Aberration and is willing to share his advice with us. Also, please check out the dystopian short story I published on Amazon for $0.99, and review it. I am happy to email the free PDF to you as well, the more feedback the better!
About S.C. BarrusS.C. Barrus is the author of the novel Discovering Aberration and the upcoming serial The Gin Thief. Born in Canada, he grew up as a rebellious youth in the Pacific Northwest where he skipped school in favor of swimming in the local rivers. He was raised on a hefty selection of books, video games and movies, and grew to love storytelling from a young age. He received his degree in creative writing from the University of Washington and began writing fiction in 2011. Throughout the years, S.C. Barrus has been inspired by a wide range of authors and genres including literary fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy and sci-fi. Perhaps the easiest influences to identify in his writing come from authors such as Edgar Allen Poe, Jules Verne, H.P. Lovecraft and Robert Louis Stephenson.
August 13, 2014
Identify Your Inspirations To Write Better
Photo credit: Sarah Ann Loreth
Since finishing the first draft of my current WIP (cue shooting confetti into the air), I have not been writing for the last few days. It has been 1. A RELIEF and 2. A GIANT STRUGGLE.
The first one, because writing a book can be a lot of work. I did the math and calculated (extremely roughly, being that math is from the devil and I am terrible at it) that I probably spent about 360 hours writing my first draft. That's 9 full-time work weeks.
And the second one, because I REALLY love my WIP. Like...when I think about certain scenes, I just want to read them so badly and tweak them to make them better and just...find the meaning in it all; this pile of words I've written. But I've refrained, because that's what Stephen King and Ksenia Anske say to do, and they know MUCH better than I about how to be successful with this writing business.
So I got to thinking the last few days about how I could "prepare" myself for the second draft of my book. Reading a lot of inspiring material, certainly, but I want it to go further. I want to remember all of the inspiring material that's stuck in my brain over the years, movie scenes and songs and places I've visited that just...SPOKE TO ME. I think that filling my mind with those memories, and pondering why they stuck, is going to prepare me for writing a second draft that's infused with the themes, scenes, and feelings that I MYSELF have been drawn to. And I think that to write the best book YOU can, this is something you should consider as well. So here are my inspirations, to explain what I mean:
MOVIE/BOOK:
Ella Enchanted/Ever After-This Cinderella story has resonated with me since I was a child. In the book, Ella endures a terrible youth and yet prevails by being clever and independent.
In the movie, Drew Barrymore plays a strong female lead character who doesn't need a man's protection. In fact, during a scene with some barbaric gypsies, SHE saves THE PRINCE. Yet she is a lady; she is beautiful, and soft at times.
This sort of female character has always inspired me (and countless others)--a woman who can be both strong AND feminine. She is no Bella Swan, swooning over her protector.
My current MC is an interesting one, because in the beginning of the book I have her starting out WITH an intense need to be loved by a man (her arranged-marriage husband, who shuns her for reasons unknown). She is not strong; she is weak. She tries to use her sexuality to tempt him into loving her, resulting in further rejection and abusive behavior on his part.
But that is her story arc; over time she gets to a place of accepting herself, of not NEEDING a man to want her (doesn't nearly every girl go through that from age 14-23? I know I did).
I wanted her to become brave enough to stand up for what was right, because she'd had to learn self-reliance and self-acceptance in a cold, cruel world. Just like Ella in Ella Enchanted, and Drew Barrymore in Ever After. I feel that I am just portraying the transformation of my character from a victim to a triumphant person.
SONG:
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons.
For some reason, this song has spoken to me since it came out. When I hear it, I think of one word: REBELLION.
I imagine a group of people--the underdogs--fighting against an unfair force. Whether it be a government, an abusive partner, an illness, whatever. This song makes me FEEL SOMETHING, and that something is that I am a bad-ass. It makes me want to write, and it makes me want to write scenes that are meaningful.
-When I wrote my two love interests meeting for the first time, during an attack on the government when my MC was put into extreme danger, I listened to this song.
-When my MC rebelled against the government and her cruel husband, I listened to this.
-When the climax of my book began, and the secret motives of my villain were revealed as a massive airship attack took place mid-air over a forest...I listened to this.
ANYTIME I really wanted to feel something, and get inspired, this song played. And I suggest you find one or a few that have the same effect on you. Listen to them on repeat.
PLACE:
When I was 20, I studied abroad in Europe. I traveled to numerous countries, but the one that stuck out the most to me was probably the town of Cobh, Ireland. It was misty, dark, rainy. I could see the ocean from my (haunted) hotel's window in the bathroom, and I remember staring...staring out of that square of glass into the town's bay, imagining that I'd see a ghost ship breaking through the fog and straight toward me, carrying evils unknown.
That foreboding sense, and the completely visceral feeling that a place like that gave off--full of sadness, mystery, and secrets...that was inspiring to me.
It is the setting of the Forbidden Lands in my WIP--a place of evils that hide in the darkness, broken spirits, lost souls. It is the place my MC must travel to, if she wishes to save her companion.
What movies, songs, and places inspire YOU? Do they find their way into your WIP's, in some way or another?
If you don't know the answer right away to such a question, I implore you to search. Search within yourself, and your memories. What comes to you first? What is seared into your brain as if with a hot brand, something that has dug its claws into your hypothalamus and refuses to let go?
THOSE are the things you should focus on while you write. I truly can't believe that anything written with that kind of feeling from within you will be less than something you love.
Until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
Since finishing the first draft of my current WIP (cue shooting confetti into the air), I have not been writing for the last few days. It has been 1. A RELIEF and 2. A GIANT STRUGGLE.
The first one, because writing a book can be a lot of work. I did the math and calculated (extremely roughly, being that math is from the devil and I am terrible at it) that I probably spent about 360 hours writing my first draft. That's 9 full-time work weeks.
And the second one, because I REALLY love my WIP. Like...when I think about certain scenes, I just want to read them so badly and tweak them to make them better and just...find the meaning in it all; this pile of words I've written. But I've refrained, because that's what Stephen King and Ksenia Anske say to do, and they know MUCH better than I about how to be successful with this writing business.
So I got to thinking the last few days about how I could "prepare" myself for the second draft of my book. Reading a lot of inspiring material, certainly, but I want it to go further. I want to remember all of the inspiring material that's stuck in my brain over the years, movie scenes and songs and places I've visited that just...SPOKE TO ME. I think that filling my mind with those memories, and pondering why they stuck, is going to prepare me for writing a second draft that's infused with the themes, scenes, and feelings that I MYSELF have been drawn to. And I think that to write the best book YOU can, this is something you should consider as well. So here are my inspirations, to explain what I mean:
MOVIE/BOOK:
Ella Enchanted/Ever After-This Cinderella story has resonated with me since I was a child. In the book, Ella endures a terrible youth and yet prevails by being clever and independent.
In the movie, Drew Barrymore plays a strong female lead character who doesn't need a man's protection. In fact, during a scene with some barbaric gypsies, SHE saves THE PRINCE. Yet she is a lady; she is beautiful, and soft at times.
This sort of female character has always inspired me (and countless others)--a woman who can be both strong AND feminine. She is no Bella Swan, swooning over her protector.
My current MC is an interesting one, because in the beginning of the book I have her starting out WITH an intense need to be loved by a man (her arranged-marriage husband, who shuns her for reasons unknown). She is not strong; she is weak. She tries to use her sexuality to tempt him into loving her, resulting in further rejection and abusive behavior on his part.
But that is her story arc; over time she gets to a place of accepting herself, of not NEEDING a man to want her (doesn't nearly every girl go through that from age 14-23? I know I did).
I wanted her to become brave enough to stand up for what was right, because she'd had to learn self-reliance and self-acceptance in a cold, cruel world. Just like Ella in Ella Enchanted, and Drew Barrymore in Ever After. I feel that I am just portraying the transformation of my character from a victim to a triumphant person.
SONG:
Radioactive by Imagine Dragons.
For some reason, this song has spoken to me since it came out. When I hear it, I think of one word: REBELLION.
I imagine a group of people--the underdogs--fighting against an unfair force. Whether it be a government, an abusive partner, an illness, whatever. This song makes me FEEL SOMETHING, and that something is that I am a bad-ass. It makes me want to write, and it makes me want to write scenes that are meaningful.
-When I wrote my two love interests meeting for the first time, during an attack on the government when my MC was put into extreme danger, I listened to this song.
-When my MC rebelled against the government and her cruel husband, I listened to this.
-When the climax of my book began, and the secret motives of my villain were revealed as a massive airship attack took place mid-air over a forest...I listened to this.
ANYTIME I really wanted to feel something, and get inspired, this song played. And I suggest you find one or a few that have the same effect on you. Listen to them on repeat.
PLACE:
When I was 20, I studied abroad in Europe. I traveled to numerous countries, but the one that stuck out the most to me was probably the town of Cobh, Ireland. It was misty, dark, rainy. I could see the ocean from my (haunted) hotel's window in the bathroom, and I remember staring...staring out of that square of glass into the town's bay, imagining that I'd see a ghost ship breaking through the fog and straight toward me, carrying evils unknown.
That foreboding sense, and the completely visceral feeling that a place like that gave off--full of sadness, mystery, and secrets...that was inspiring to me.
It is the setting of the Forbidden Lands in my WIP--a place of evils that hide in the darkness, broken spirits, lost souls. It is the place my MC must travel to, if she wishes to save her companion.
What movies, songs, and places inspire YOU? Do they find their way into your WIP's, in some way or another?
If you don't know the answer right away to such a question, I implore you to search. Search within yourself, and your memories. What comes to you first? What is seared into your brain as if with a hot brand, something that has dug its claws into your hypothalamus and refuses to let go?
THOSE are the things you should focus on while you write. I truly can't believe that anything written with that kind of feeling from within you will be less than something you love.
Until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
August 10, 2014
How To Write A Book In Two Months
IT IS FINISHED (for now).
I have officially written an entire book. 102,000 words. In TWO months.
I'm as surprised as you about it, although the reason I quit my job WAS to do this; write a book and self-publish it.
So I decided to make a video/blog post for a number of reasons, among them being:
TO CELEBRATE THIS MOMENT.
TO INTRODUCE MYSELF TO READERS (in the unique medium that is video).
AND TO TELL YOU HOW I DID IT.
Just a quick run-down of what I discuss regarding how I wrote a book in two months:
1. Quit your job. Honestly, this was the biggest thing that allowed me to have the time and ENERGY to write.
2. Have a specific daily word count.
3. Have a routine, and be very diligent.
4. #Wordsprints!
5. Take time away from the book for a few days if you need it.
6. Find out your preferred way of outlining. I use a whiteboard, and it literally changed my life.
7. Have a support system of writers to encourage/inspire you. (Not mentioned in the video.) I forgot to mention this in the video, but it was very helpful to have a number of writer friends on Twitter to talk with, get encouragement from, commiserate with, etc.
8. Have NO SOCIAL LIFE. Honestly. (Also not mentioned in the video.) The last two months I BARELY went out with my friends and family, let alone talked to them. I also had just broken up with my boyfriend and he was no longer living here, so I wasn't cooking. I basically ate pretzels and hummus for the last month as I wrote. Probably earned me another twenty hours of writing for that reason alone.
So please watch the video; get to know a little more about me, and how I was able to do this. I am taking a week off between drafts (it is a recommended six weeks, but I don't have the time nor the money for THAT) and then will begin my second draft next weekend.
IN the meantime, I will be following Ksenia Anske's amazing advice and voraciously reading my favorite authors in the next week to fill my brain with wonderful writing (Just finished Anske's Rosehead, currently reading Divergent, and plan to read Harry Potter again). I will also be "outlining" my current draft (or what I can remember of it, because I won't read it all until next weekend in one sitting) on note cards and comparing it to the amazing Master Outline over at Better Novel Project to see if I can tweak mine in places to follow it more closely. This is such an amazing site, and so insightful about the similarities of successful YA novels. Check it out immediately.
By the way-I had to cut and paste the video at the end; hence my cat suddenly appearing behind me. I've also discovered that I HATE making YouTube videos. And please forgive me for how nerdy I sound; this is quite the "stream of consciousness" conversation I'm having with you and I apologize beforehand.
Hope you enjoy "meeting me," and until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
I have officially written an entire book. 102,000 words. In TWO months.
I'm as surprised as you about it, although the reason I quit my job WAS to do this; write a book and self-publish it.
So I decided to make a video/blog post for a number of reasons, among them being:
TO CELEBRATE THIS MOMENT.
TO INTRODUCE MYSELF TO READERS (in the unique medium that is video).
AND TO TELL YOU HOW I DID IT.
Just a quick run-down of what I discuss regarding how I wrote a book in two months:
1. Quit your job. Honestly, this was the biggest thing that allowed me to have the time and ENERGY to write.
2. Have a specific daily word count.
3. Have a routine, and be very diligent.
4. #Wordsprints!
5. Take time away from the book for a few days if you need it.
6. Find out your preferred way of outlining. I use a whiteboard, and it literally changed my life.
7. Have a support system of writers to encourage/inspire you. (Not mentioned in the video.) I forgot to mention this in the video, but it was very helpful to have a number of writer friends on Twitter to talk with, get encouragement from, commiserate with, etc.
8. Have NO SOCIAL LIFE. Honestly. (Also not mentioned in the video.) The last two months I BARELY went out with my friends and family, let alone talked to them. I also had just broken up with my boyfriend and he was no longer living here, so I wasn't cooking. I basically ate pretzels and hummus for the last month as I wrote. Probably earned me another twenty hours of writing for that reason alone.
So please watch the video; get to know a little more about me, and how I was able to do this. I am taking a week off between drafts (it is a recommended six weeks, but I don't have the time nor the money for THAT) and then will begin my second draft next weekend.
IN the meantime, I will be following Ksenia Anske's amazing advice and voraciously reading my favorite authors in the next week to fill my brain with wonderful writing (Just finished Anske's Rosehead, currently reading Divergent, and plan to read Harry Potter again). I will also be "outlining" my current draft (or what I can remember of it, because I won't read it all until next weekend in one sitting) on note cards and comparing it to the amazing Master Outline over at Better Novel Project to see if I can tweak mine in places to follow it more closely. This is such an amazing site, and so insightful about the similarities of successful YA novels. Check it out immediately.
By the way-I had to cut and paste the video at the end; hence my cat suddenly appearing behind me. I've also discovered that I HATE making YouTube videos. And please forgive me for how nerdy I sound; this is quite the "stream of consciousness" conversation I'm having with you and I apologize beforehand.
Hope you enjoy "meeting me," and until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
August 6, 2014
When It's Time For Our Characters To Get "Intimate"
So I've been contemplating whether to write this post for a few days, due to its (obvious) sensitive nature and how afraid I am to put "that" kind of writing into the world.
But it's the uncomfortable feeling of sharing writing that has a sexual nature that is spurring me to put it out there, for a number of reasons:
ONE: I am self-publishing a book that may or may not be in the YA/NA category based on subject matter, ages of my characters, etc. It is fantasy and steampunk, and although I'm sure that can appeal to adults, I think it would be of interest to a younger audience as well. That being said--the sex scenes between my characters that keep sneaking into my WIP are both fun to write, and what I think is necessary to showcase my characters in a truthful nature.
TWO: I don't really read erotica (I tried with Fifty Shades and got so frustrated with Ana-what's-her-name that I wanted to throw the damned thing in my garbage disposal), and I also don't read much "current" NA (contemporary story lines), though I'm trying to change that.
SO I don't really know WHAT makes a good sex scene. I don't know which words to use (Anatomically-correct? Vague? Flowery?!) when describing the different parts of my characters. Some browsing on the internet showed me that this is a common issue.
WHAT I DO KNOW: I want my sex scenes to be like real life. Messy, sometimes embarrassing, with bodily functions and character's self-consciousness about their bodies and what is happening. Sex is not all about "hot sweaty bodies melding together in perfect, simultaneous orgasms" or some billionaire tying you up and whipping you with a riding crop (though this can be hot as well). I want my sex scenes to be truthful; a union of both discovering one another's bodies, but also a string of uncertainties and awkward moments. REAL MOMENTS. What sex is REALLY LIKE.
I saw something on Twitter this week about "condom use" being a topic of discussion regarding romance novels, and how safe sex isn't mentioned enough (though many authors begged to differ, and had the evidence to prove it). I like that books are being honest about sexual encounters, in all their glorious ways and their "hum-drum" ways as well.
AS I discussed some of my WIP with a friend, they mentioned how they felt that my scene's sexual nature was inappropriate for a younger audience (true) and would severely compromise said audience (sad, but probably true as well). It troubles me to think about cutting these scenes out in my second draft, because I do really think they enrich my story--so I just wanted to share one right now. Partly to get the scary part over with (AGH sending to my editor and beta-readers?!? They'll know I think of sexual things!!) and also to see if anyone wanted to share their feedback about what THEY do when it comes to writing sex scenes. What words do you use, and if you have any thoughts about mine, feel free to share. (Are my anatomical words too strange?)
So without further ado, here is a scene from my first draft (forgive me for that) between the two main characters, Ambrose (female) and Vassar (male) finally being intimate.
WARNING: THIS HAS GRAPHIC CONTENT. If you are uncomfortable regarding explicit writing, please do not continue.
***Update: Due to insightful comments since posting this, I have since changed some of the wording and shortened the piece. I have begun to realize that it is extremely descriptive and probably only appropriate for erotica--but that doesn't negate the fact that it was FUN to write! Enjoy. :)
I look down at his chest and torso with hungry eyes. Vassar’s broad build and sparse pattern of golden body hair make me want to scream. I run my hands over his body, pushing myself up to kiss him there.
"Man, you’re a tease,” he says, reaching down to pull my sweater off. His eyes are like fingers over my body, a smile of desire on his lips. I feel self-conscious, and try to lie flat so that any extra flesh doesn’t roll over on itself. Vassar stands at the foot of the bed and looks down at me; his tall form and lean muscles making me ache for him.
“Come here,” Vassar says, his voice husky. He yanks me by my hips to the edge, running his hands over my covered breasts and down to my stomach.
“May I?” he asks, looking at my bra.
My heart batters around. “You may.”
Vassar unclasps the front, revealing my breasts to the open air. He runs his warm hands over them, rolling the nipples under his fingers until they’re erect. My entire core shakes with longing, and when our eyes meet, he smiles.
“You like this?”
“Yes,” I say, short of breath.
“Am I teasing you?”
“Yes.”
Vassar approaches me and takes one nipple in his mouth, massaging the other breast with his hand. He rolls it in his mouth, sucking and swirling his tongue around it as I moan and sigh, the noises coming unconsciously from within me.
I can tell it excites him, so I get a little louder.
Vassar surfaces and comes up to kiss my mouth, massaging his tongue more aggressively against mine. “You’re gonna wake the whole zeppelin,” he whispers.
“Sorry. I’ll be quieter.”
“I didn’t say I minded.”
He continues to handle my breasts with expertise, and the fleeting thought of their uneven size goes through my mind.
“These are wonderful,” he murmurs.
“One’s bigger than the other,” I say, figuring I mine as well not ignore the fact.
Vassar leans back, examining one in each hand.
“Ah. I see, they are. The best of both worlds,” he says, kissing my mouth again. His acceptance of my body, with its imperfections, heightens my desire to alarming rates. It makes me feel safer, like I can let go.
I decide to say something I never normally would. “Make me come,” I whisper, looking into his eyes.
A moment later he unbuttons my pants and slowly wiggles them over my hips and butt, pulling one leg out and then the other. Vassar looks down at the lacey white panties I selected this morning—I think with the subconscious hope we’d be in this situation.
“Gorgeous. Holy shit.”
He gently pushes my legs apart, the feeling of utter vulnerability sending delicious waves through me. He settles his torso between my knees, bringing his mouth down to kiss my stomach and along the top of my panties.
I sigh, twisting my hands into his hair. The thought of his mouth on my flesh is so delectable to imagine, but the worry of how I might taste makes me hesitant to move forward.
Vassar takes the edge of my undergarments into his mouth, pulling them down with his teeth. I watch him with interest as he pulls them completely off with his hands. He kisses along my legs, into one inner thigh, skipping over my sensitive crotch, and over to the other.
“Arrrghh,” I groan, and he laughs from between my legs.
“Are you getting impatient?”
I don’t even answer, nodding furiously instead.
“Fine.”
Vassar continues back the way he came across my left thigh, but instead of moving to my leg, he finally puts his mouth over my opening, licking the sensitive flesh at the top.
I moan so loudly that I clap my hands over my mouth. Vassar continues to run his tongue over it, before moving an inch down. He lightly pushes my legs up and wider. I reach above for a pillow, finally locating one and throwing it over my face to muffle the noise.
I can feel the waves of orgasm building. He takes two fingers and sticks them inside gently, lifting his head up.
“Does that hurt?”
“No, no. Keep going.”
Vassar brings his mouth down again, sucking gloriously and moving his fingers in a “come here” motion inside of me. The combination of sensations is better than anything I’ve ever felt, and I can sense the orgasm coming.
“Keep going, harder…” I instruct.
He moans, continuing to finger me.
“I’m—about—to—” I breathe, bringing the pillow over my face again. I feel my legs begin to shake uncontrollably, the burst of orgasm shooting all over my body as I scream into the fabric. Vassar fingers me harder as I come. He continues until I stop moaning, the last waves of pleasure twitching through my body.
I look down as Vassar wipes his mouth with the sheet and comes up to lie next to me.
He waits for my breathing to slow, swirling light circles with a finger over my stomach.
“That…was…amazing.”
“Thank you,” he says, kissing me. His tongue has a slightly tangy, bitter flavor.
“Did I taste bad?” I ask in worry.
“No! Not at all. I loved it; hearing you let go.”
That's it for now; feel free to share your thoughts, tips, and tricks when writing your own sex scenes!
But it's the uncomfortable feeling of sharing writing that has a sexual nature that is spurring me to put it out there, for a number of reasons:
ONE: I am self-publishing a book that may or may not be in the YA/NA category based on subject matter, ages of my characters, etc. It is fantasy and steampunk, and although I'm sure that can appeal to adults, I think it would be of interest to a younger audience as well. That being said--the sex scenes between my characters that keep sneaking into my WIP are both fun to write, and what I think is necessary to showcase my characters in a truthful nature.
TWO: I don't really read erotica (I tried with Fifty Shades and got so frustrated with Ana-what's-her-name that I wanted to throw the damned thing in my garbage disposal), and I also don't read much "current" NA (contemporary story lines), though I'm trying to change that.
SO I don't really know WHAT makes a good sex scene. I don't know which words to use (Anatomically-correct? Vague? Flowery?!) when describing the different parts of my characters. Some browsing on the internet showed me that this is a common issue.
WHAT I DO KNOW: I want my sex scenes to be like real life. Messy, sometimes embarrassing, with bodily functions and character's self-consciousness about their bodies and what is happening. Sex is not all about "hot sweaty bodies melding together in perfect, simultaneous orgasms" or some billionaire tying you up and whipping you with a riding crop (though this can be hot as well). I want my sex scenes to be truthful; a union of both discovering one another's bodies, but also a string of uncertainties and awkward moments. REAL MOMENTS. What sex is REALLY LIKE.
I saw something on Twitter this week about "condom use" being a topic of discussion regarding romance novels, and how safe sex isn't mentioned enough (though many authors begged to differ, and had the evidence to prove it). I like that books are being honest about sexual encounters, in all their glorious ways and their "hum-drum" ways as well.
AS I discussed some of my WIP with a friend, they mentioned how they felt that my scene's sexual nature was inappropriate for a younger audience (true) and would severely compromise said audience (sad, but probably true as well). It troubles me to think about cutting these scenes out in my second draft, because I do really think they enrich my story--so I just wanted to share one right now. Partly to get the scary part over with (AGH sending to my editor and beta-readers?!? They'll know I think of sexual things!!) and also to see if anyone wanted to share their feedback about what THEY do when it comes to writing sex scenes. What words do you use, and if you have any thoughts about mine, feel free to share. (Are my anatomical words too strange?)
So without further ado, here is a scene from my first draft (forgive me for that) between the two main characters, Ambrose (female) and Vassar (male) finally being intimate.
WARNING: THIS HAS GRAPHIC CONTENT. If you are uncomfortable regarding explicit writing, please do not continue.
***Update: Due to insightful comments since posting this, I have since changed some of the wording and shortened the piece. I have begun to realize that it is extremely descriptive and probably only appropriate for erotica--but that doesn't negate the fact that it was FUN to write! Enjoy. :)
I look down at his chest and torso with hungry eyes. Vassar’s broad build and sparse pattern of golden body hair make me want to scream. I run my hands over his body, pushing myself up to kiss him there.
"Man, you’re a tease,” he says, reaching down to pull my sweater off. His eyes are like fingers over my body, a smile of desire on his lips. I feel self-conscious, and try to lie flat so that any extra flesh doesn’t roll over on itself. Vassar stands at the foot of the bed and looks down at me; his tall form and lean muscles making me ache for him.
“Come here,” Vassar says, his voice husky. He yanks me by my hips to the edge, running his hands over my covered breasts and down to my stomach.
“May I?” he asks, looking at my bra.
My heart batters around. “You may.”
Vassar unclasps the front, revealing my breasts to the open air. He runs his warm hands over them, rolling the nipples under his fingers until they’re erect. My entire core shakes with longing, and when our eyes meet, he smiles.
“You like this?”
“Yes,” I say, short of breath.
“Am I teasing you?”
“Yes.”
Vassar approaches me and takes one nipple in his mouth, massaging the other breast with his hand. He rolls it in his mouth, sucking and swirling his tongue around it as I moan and sigh, the noises coming unconsciously from within me.
I can tell it excites him, so I get a little louder.
Vassar surfaces and comes up to kiss my mouth, massaging his tongue more aggressively against mine. “You’re gonna wake the whole zeppelin,” he whispers.
“Sorry. I’ll be quieter.”
“I didn’t say I minded.”
He continues to handle my breasts with expertise, and the fleeting thought of their uneven size goes through my mind.
“These are wonderful,” he murmurs.
“One’s bigger than the other,” I say, figuring I mine as well not ignore the fact.
Vassar leans back, examining one in each hand.
“Ah. I see, they are. The best of both worlds,” he says, kissing my mouth again. His acceptance of my body, with its imperfections, heightens my desire to alarming rates. It makes me feel safer, like I can let go.
I decide to say something I never normally would. “Make me come,” I whisper, looking into his eyes.
A moment later he unbuttons my pants and slowly wiggles them over my hips and butt, pulling one leg out and then the other. Vassar looks down at the lacey white panties I selected this morning—I think with the subconscious hope we’d be in this situation.
“Gorgeous. Holy shit.”
He gently pushes my legs apart, the feeling of utter vulnerability sending delicious waves through me. He settles his torso between my knees, bringing his mouth down to kiss my stomach and along the top of my panties.
I sigh, twisting my hands into his hair. The thought of his mouth on my flesh is so delectable to imagine, but the worry of how I might taste makes me hesitant to move forward.
Vassar takes the edge of my undergarments into his mouth, pulling them down with his teeth. I watch him with interest as he pulls them completely off with his hands. He kisses along my legs, into one inner thigh, skipping over my sensitive crotch, and over to the other.
“Arrrghh,” I groan, and he laughs from between my legs.
“Are you getting impatient?”
I don’t even answer, nodding furiously instead.
“Fine.”
Vassar continues back the way he came across my left thigh, but instead of moving to my leg, he finally puts his mouth over my opening, licking the sensitive flesh at the top.
I moan so loudly that I clap my hands over my mouth. Vassar continues to run his tongue over it, before moving an inch down. He lightly pushes my legs up and wider. I reach above for a pillow, finally locating one and throwing it over my face to muffle the noise.
I can feel the waves of orgasm building. He takes two fingers and sticks them inside gently, lifting his head up.
“Does that hurt?”
“No, no. Keep going.”
Vassar brings his mouth down again, sucking gloriously and moving his fingers in a “come here” motion inside of me. The combination of sensations is better than anything I’ve ever felt, and I can sense the orgasm coming.
“Keep going, harder…” I instruct.
He moans, continuing to finger me.
“I’m—about—to—” I breathe, bringing the pillow over my face again. I feel my legs begin to shake uncontrollably, the burst of orgasm shooting all over my body as I scream into the fabric. Vassar fingers me harder as I come. He continues until I stop moaning, the last waves of pleasure twitching through my body.
I look down as Vassar wipes his mouth with the sheet and comes up to lie next to me.
He waits for my breathing to slow, swirling light circles with a finger over my stomach.
“That…was…amazing.”
“Thank you,” he says, kissing me. His tongue has a slightly tangy, bitter flavor.
“Did I taste bad?” I ask in worry.
“No! Not at all. I loved it; hearing you let go.”
That's it for now; feel free to share your thoughts, tips, and tricks when writing your own sex scenes!
August 2, 2014
Heal Your Spirit To Write Your Book
Photo with my dog Sadie, in Flagstaff As some of you who see me on Twitter/Google+/Facebook may know, I am currently writing the first draft of my steampunk fantasy novel, and was about 83k words in last week. I was writing at LIGHTNING SPEED; 5,000 words per day at times, and the climax was coming near. I saw it perfectly in my head: the zeppelin carrying my main character and her friends embarks to the next city, with an epic fight between a rebellious group and the evil government taking place RIGHT ON THE SHIP, with it's eventual climactic dismantling and crash into the forest below.
It was perfect. I had daydreams about it. I MISSED MY EXITS while driving because of it. It was so amazing, and I wanted to write it so badly, until, when I started, I realized....
IT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE. Not all of it, mind you, but essentially the part where the evil government desperately WANTS the rebellious group leaders, so why in the hell would they shoot them down in an attempt to kill them? Didn't make sense. I had my motives all messed up--and it was driving me insane. Literally; I spent a good portion of this Tuesday staring at my whiteboard, writing and re-writing and scribbling out parts and trying, somehow, to make the vision work that had come so clearly to me for weeks prior.
I finally just gave up, having scrapped about 5k words I'd written that didn't work any longer, with this hitch in the storyline. Then the opportunity to go up north to Flagstaff landed in my lap. So without thinking any further, I left that night for an impromptu trip.
I couldn't shake the feelings of guilt clinging to me like annoying gnats; buzzing in my ears, "Your book. You should be writing your damned book right now, you lazy, uncreative excuse for an author."
I tried to bat those bugs away, instead telling myself that it was okay to take a summer vacation and NOT write for a few days.
And I am here to tell you that it really did help me. Once I was able to get over the guilty, nagging feelings that I was neglecting my craft, I was able to just let my mind be. I watched some TV, ate some ice cream, and went for hikes with my dogs (which was by most standards an utter disaster, since my pets seem to regard any other dog/human as a threat to my existence, and thus bark like they will rip that individual's throat out if they so much as come near me).
I brought my WIP's notebook, and wrote down a few errant thoughts or two. I even tried to write some more, managing a measly 1200 words that I am going to have to scrap AGAIN, since they still don't work logically speaking.
When I was driving or hiking however, letting my mind wander, it was almost as if the avenues of another character's motives opened up to me. I was able to inexplicably understand the motives of my main villain, which up until that point had been completely unbeknownst to me. It was so odd in fact, that my villain's previous strange behavior, which I'd never known the reasoning behind, just having put it in for fun, suddenly fit PERFECTLY with what I realized were her ultimate motives.
When I was able to re-outline the climactic scenes of my WIP's ending in my notebook, sitting there in the hotel room the last night, it was like otherworldly magic was taking place. Everything worked, because the missing piece of the puzzle, the reasoning behind what I needed to make that amazing scene happen, finally came to light.
And I think it came to me because I stopped trying to FORCE it. Being that I am still a very new writer, I have taken in so much advice from writing greats such as Stephen King, Hugh Howey, and Ksenia Anske-yet I haven't stumbled across much when it comes to a "writer's block" of sorts, in the sense of letting the story come to you "organically" (if you want to sound really hippie-ish about it). I am sure they have written about it, as many others surely have, but I've yet to read their opinions.
So this was a new thing for me; letting myself off the hook with the daily writing quota, and allowing my mind NOT to think about my story for a few days, and instead to focus on enjoying the scenery, the cooler weather, and the local gelato (which, I'll admit, I enjoyed a plentiful amount of times).
I did still feel a little "off" without writing for the first day, like how you feel when you wake up from a nightmare but can't remember what it was, just that you were profoundly disturbed by it.
That feeling didn't fully go away until I had rewritten my climax and it worked (I might've angered the other hotel guests when I screamed "EUREKA!" at the top of my lungs), and it still hasn't fully disappeared today as I've tried to sift through what I've previously written, realizing none of it is really salvageable.
But I don't mind starting my new climax from scratch-I'm just so happy to be writing again. And I think that "healing my spirit," by allowing myself to revel in God's creation and NOT focus on my imaginary world for a short time, allowed me to get there much faster.
Try it out, tell me how it works. Don't let the hiatus go on for more than a week or so, lest it become a habit.
But I can honestly say now that I have learned through trial and error that short writing vacations are okay. And necessary. Sometimes you need to heal your spirit to write your book.
Until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
July 30, 2014
Self-Published Authors Interview Series: Jenny Bravo
Photo byAlex Stoddard
Being that I am a future self-publisher myself (releasing Book One of my steampunk fantasy series this Fall! AGH!), I have met so many wonderful and intelligent self-published/publishing authors to learn from and be inspired by. One of those great people is Jenny Bravo, a gorgeous brunette who shares my affinity for Ever After (shout out to you as well, Marissa Fuller!), among other things. For somewhat selfish reasons, I wanted to interview Jenny and learn more about her, her current WIP, and why she decided to self-publish. I hope you are all as inspired by her as I have been, as we all press on to revolutionize the publishing industry. Without further ado-take it away, Jenny!
AC: Go back to little Jenny. What was she like? Were there ever any warning signs back then that you’d grow up to be a writer? (I was a weirdo; a teacher even told my mother once she was afraid I lacked a substantial grasp of reality…)
JB: Oh, little Jenny. Growing up, the writer gene was evident. I made up stories constantly, and would tell them to whoever would listen. Fairies, princesses, mermaids, you name it. I remember when I first read A Bridge to Terabithia. I invented a whole language for my sister and me and we’d escape to our own world. Books took me places. I loved my childhood, because I lived so many different lives in my small corner of the world.
AC: What have been your best and worst experiences in writing so far?
JB: My best writing experience was in college. I had just taken the leap from a “stable” degree to pursue an English major. I signed up for a short story workshop with Chris Tusa, and I wrote my first story, my first real finished work, about a little girl with cancer who idealizes her Barbie dolls. Chris took me aside after class and told me that he didn’t do this with most students, but he saw potential in me. He said I was a writer, and that led me to where I am today. You need that validation, especially at the beginning. I strapped on that writer title and said, “Okay, let’s do this.”
My worst experience? The low points. We all have those days where we just don’t feel good enough, where we want to quit. It can get lonely, and only writer people fully understand the effort that goes into a piece of writing. Thankfully, this writer community is extremely welcoming, and that makes all of the difference.
AC: Can you tell us a little bit about your current WIP, how the idea came to you, and what you’re most excited about with it?
JB: The book I’m writing now is the book that I’ve been meaning to write for years. It’s the perfect first book for me. These are the Moments is an NA/YA crossover novel about Wendy Lake, a twenty-something straddling adultdom and her slowly slipping youth. When her best friend Vivian gets engaged, Simon, the boy she can’t forget, comes ricocheting back into her life. I’m really excited about the dual timeline. Half of the story is told in the present while the other half is told from Wendy and Simon’s history. It’s so cool seeing how the two fit together. The idea came from life, and in some ways, it’s kind of a collection of characters, events and experiences of people I’ve met. Of course, it’s fictionalized, so I get to change and manipulate it for the overall message. Writer perk!
AC: Sounds amazing! So, why did you decide to self-publish your book? Did you query at all, begin the traditional route and redirect?
JB: Honestly, I had never even imagined self-publishing until a few months ago. I had all of those writer books, you know, the ones that talk about how to get an agent and how to write a query letter. Then I found Ksenia Anske. I was so impressed by her openness with writing, and her ability to speak directly to her readers, and I wanted that. So, I did the research. Soon enough, I’d found a cover designer, then an editor, and now it’s slowly just building itself up into an actual book. What I love about self-publishing is the ability to control the future of my story. I get to do all of the marketing, the planning, the promotion, and then it’s up to readers. I think it’s a beautiful relationship, and I can’t wait to get started. On that note, I still admire and appreciate traditional publishing. If it’s right for another story, I will definitely explore that route.
AC: What tips do you have for aspiring self-publishers and writers in general about this crazy business?
JB: There’s so much to know about writing, so much that I’m still figuring out! I think that there’s a small recipe for success here. First, write. Often. Always. You learn so much from your own experience. Second, reach out. There’s an amazing community of writers and readers just waiting for you. Social media makes this so easy now! Writers no longer have to hide out in dark corners all by themselves. It’s awesome. Still, don’t compromise your writing for the glitz of followers on your blog. Balance will get you very far, my friends. Oh, and coffee. Lots of coffee.
AC: And finally: Tell us something about yourself that we don’t know. Your DEEPEST, DARKEST SECRET. Or maybe a hobby you enjoy.
JB: Ahh! Deepest darkest secret? I’ll never tell! (Because it’s probably just really dorky and embarrassing.) So instead, let’s see. A hobby. I’m a big musical theater buff. I performed in musicals all throughout high school and into college. I’ve seen Wicked three times. And I was practically raised on The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack. Does that work? Kind of a letdown?
AC: Not a letdown at all. Final question: what charity do you especially feel strong about, so that I can add it to my "Charity Page" to raise awareness?
JB: I’m so glad you asked this question! There’s a foundation called the JuCan Foundation that has a special place in my heart. Julia Cobb is a young girl who lost her life to pediatric cancer, and I had the pleasure of meeting her while working at Disney last year. Her parents are walking from Disneyland to Disney World for the upcoming months to raise awareness. You can find their website here.
AC: Fantastic! Thank you so much for your time Jenny, and I can say with confidence that we as your readers and fans are very excited about These Are The Moments when it releases.
Jenny Bravo is an-almost novelist from Covington, Louisiana. Sometimes, she sings Frozen to random strangers on the Internet. Her book, These are the Moments, should be finished… eventually. She blogs here, tweets here and pins here.
Being that I am a future self-publisher myself (releasing Book One of my steampunk fantasy series this Fall! AGH!), I have met so many wonderful and intelligent self-published/publishing authors to learn from and be inspired by. One of those great people is Jenny Bravo, a gorgeous brunette who shares my affinity for Ever After (shout out to you as well, Marissa Fuller!), among other things. For somewhat selfish reasons, I wanted to interview Jenny and learn more about her, her current WIP, and why she decided to self-publish. I hope you are all as inspired by her as I have been, as we all press on to revolutionize the publishing industry. Without further ado-take it away, Jenny!
AC: Go back to little Jenny. What was she like? Were there ever any warning signs back then that you’d grow up to be a writer? (I was a weirdo; a teacher even told my mother once she was afraid I lacked a substantial grasp of reality…)
JB: Oh, little Jenny. Growing up, the writer gene was evident. I made up stories constantly, and would tell them to whoever would listen. Fairies, princesses, mermaids, you name it. I remember when I first read A Bridge to Terabithia. I invented a whole language for my sister and me and we’d escape to our own world. Books took me places. I loved my childhood, because I lived so many different lives in my small corner of the world.
AC: What have been your best and worst experiences in writing so far?
JB: My best writing experience was in college. I had just taken the leap from a “stable” degree to pursue an English major. I signed up for a short story workshop with Chris Tusa, and I wrote my first story, my first real finished work, about a little girl with cancer who idealizes her Barbie dolls. Chris took me aside after class and told me that he didn’t do this with most students, but he saw potential in me. He said I was a writer, and that led me to where I am today. You need that validation, especially at the beginning. I strapped on that writer title and said, “Okay, let’s do this.”
My worst experience? The low points. We all have those days where we just don’t feel good enough, where we want to quit. It can get lonely, and only writer people fully understand the effort that goes into a piece of writing. Thankfully, this writer community is extremely welcoming, and that makes all of the difference.
AC: Can you tell us a little bit about your current WIP, how the idea came to you, and what you’re most excited about with it?
JB: The book I’m writing now is the book that I’ve been meaning to write for years. It’s the perfect first book for me. These are the Moments is an NA/YA crossover novel about Wendy Lake, a twenty-something straddling adultdom and her slowly slipping youth. When her best friend Vivian gets engaged, Simon, the boy she can’t forget, comes ricocheting back into her life. I’m really excited about the dual timeline. Half of the story is told in the present while the other half is told from Wendy and Simon’s history. It’s so cool seeing how the two fit together. The idea came from life, and in some ways, it’s kind of a collection of characters, events and experiences of people I’ve met. Of course, it’s fictionalized, so I get to change and manipulate it for the overall message. Writer perk!
AC: Sounds amazing! So, why did you decide to self-publish your book? Did you query at all, begin the traditional route and redirect?
JB: Honestly, I had never even imagined self-publishing until a few months ago. I had all of those writer books, you know, the ones that talk about how to get an agent and how to write a query letter. Then I found Ksenia Anske. I was so impressed by her openness with writing, and her ability to speak directly to her readers, and I wanted that. So, I did the research. Soon enough, I’d found a cover designer, then an editor, and now it’s slowly just building itself up into an actual book. What I love about self-publishing is the ability to control the future of my story. I get to do all of the marketing, the planning, the promotion, and then it’s up to readers. I think it’s a beautiful relationship, and I can’t wait to get started. On that note, I still admire and appreciate traditional publishing. If it’s right for another story, I will definitely explore that route.
AC: What tips do you have for aspiring self-publishers and writers in general about this crazy business?
JB: There’s so much to know about writing, so much that I’m still figuring out! I think that there’s a small recipe for success here. First, write. Often. Always. You learn so much from your own experience. Second, reach out. There’s an amazing community of writers and readers just waiting for you. Social media makes this so easy now! Writers no longer have to hide out in dark corners all by themselves. It’s awesome. Still, don’t compromise your writing for the glitz of followers on your blog. Balance will get you very far, my friends. Oh, and coffee. Lots of coffee.
AC: And finally: Tell us something about yourself that we don’t know. Your DEEPEST, DARKEST SECRET. Or maybe a hobby you enjoy.
JB: Ahh! Deepest darkest secret? I’ll never tell! (Because it’s probably just really dorky and embarrassing.) So instead, let’s see. A hobby. I’m a big musical theater buff. I performed in musicals all throughout high school and into college. I’ve seen Wicked three times. And I was practically raised on The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack. Does that work? Kind of a letdown?
AC: Not a letdown at all. Final question: what charity do you especially feel strong about, so that I can add it to my "Charity Page" to raise awareness?
JB: I’m so glad you asked this question! There’s a foundation called the JuCan Foundation that has a special place in my heart. Julia Cobb is a young girl who lost her life to pediatric cancer, and I had the pleasure of meeting her while working at Disney last year. Her parents are walking from Disneyland to Disney World for the upcoming months to raise awareness. You can find their website here.
AC: Fantastic! Thank you so much for your time Jenny, and I can say with confidence that we as your readers and fans are very excited about These Are The Moments when it releases.
Jenny Bravo is an-almost novelist from Covington, Louisiana. Sometimes, she sings Frozen to random strangers on the Internet. Her book, These are the Moments, should be finished… eventually. She blogs here, tweets here and pins here.July 29, 2014
Self-Published Authors Doing it Right!
Hugh Howey Ksenia Anske Chuck WendigThe other blog I write for just posted a piece I wrote about self-published authors who are doing it RIGHT! Above are three of them, Hugh Howey, Ksenia Anske, and Chuck Wendig, that I discuss in the post, but I also branch out regarding others, including the "Kindle Million Club."
Here's an excerpt, and the link for the rest:
Quite a few other decently known self-pubbers can be found, among them Chuck Wendig, Amanda Hocking, and the indie-revered Hugh Howey (whose self-published book Wool is being made into a film with director/producer Ridley Scott). A noticeable trend found throughout is that after finding success with self-publishing, these authors were approached by a traditional publisher, signing several million dollar deals in cases.
Amanda Hocking, a 29-year-old from Minnesota, first experienced success when she self-published her YA paranormal books on Amazon and Smashwords in 2010; the rights to her Watersong series were sold for $2 million a year later. CJ Lyons, an ER pediatrician-turned-NYT’s-bestseller, is another hybrid author who touts traditional publishing as her end-goal: “I enjoy working with an editor, and I think my writing is ready to go to the next level,” Lyons said to USA Today about her 2011 contract with Minotaur Press. This quote is interesting in that, being an experienced self-published author, Lyons should recognize that there are hundreds of talented freelance editors at her disposal for self-publishing, and a contract with Minotaur Press didn’t suddenly tap into a specialized resource. If you’re work hasn’t been edited before self-publishing, then it makes it that much harder to impress a larger publishing house.
What Lyons, Hocking, and many others who’ve followed this path aren’t saying is that with traditional publishing comes a level of prestige otherwise withheld. The stigma around self-publishing still lingers, faded as it has become. But authors like Joel Friedlander and Kristine Kathryn Rusch offer lengthy thoughts on how e-markets have changed the game of publishing, making it easier for some to win. For many though, the mark of writing success is still that featured placement in the Barnes & Noble window shelves; it’s a dream not easily quelled.
To read the rest, go to Midnight Publishing's post!
Also, if anyone has any other suggestions for up-and-comers, I'd love to hear about them. I am starting my interview series tomorrow with self-published/publishing authors, beginning with the wonderful Jenny Bravo! Come back to learn more about what Jenny's currently working on, why she decided to self-publish, and a little secret about her NO ONE KNOWS (until tomorrow).
Stay tuned for my interview as well with one of my all-time heroes, Ksenia Anske, in the coming weeks.
Until then, keep writing and keep dreaming!
July 25, 2014
Why My Heart Is Full Today
This post isn't about writing, at least, not directly. I just felt the need to share why my heart feels so full this morning. This is Megan; she is a puppy I saw through Twitter a few weeks ago-she was rescued by the only animal sanctuary in Peru's Amazon-the Amazon CARES organization. The shelter is desperately in need of funds, having just lost their leadership in the United States, and along with it, a lot of donations.
Anyway, I felt that I could spare a bit and donated through Crowdrise for her to have food and medical attention until she was adopted. How wonderful it was to hear that she was adopted this morning!
Megan has been rescued, but in her place are thousands of other animals, and other people, in this world that are suffering. Even the ecosystem. I'm not trying to be melancholy; what I am saying is that there are so many ways in this world to help. There are so many people, animals, regions, and causes that need your support. Change someone else's life, and CHANGE YOUR OWN LIFE. Help someone else, and HELP YOURSELF. It truly is the best feeling in the world.
We are here on this Earth for a short time, in the big scheme of things. While I love nice things as much as the next girl, and treat myself at times-I think it's important to also make a concerted effort to give regularly: either financially, with volunteering, or spreading the word about a cause.
I promise you, it will fill your heart just as much, if not more, than a new shirt or piece of jewelry. Make the decision today. Something small; only takes a minute.
Because this morning, seeing that picture brought-I'll admit-tears to my eyes. I've never met this sweet animal, and I probably never will. But the hope that I might've had anything to do with her health and safety makes this day that much sweeter. It gives me a reason to write. It gives me a reason to love. It gives me a reason to LIVE.
Until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
July 22, 2014
My Writing Space and Self-Publishing Blunders
Sarah. Katherine. Place
I just wanted to share that I am in a few places on the internet today: first is on Cassandra Page's awesome blog, for her series "My Writing Space."
I talk about where I do my work (my desk, usually surrounded by my brood of pets), the whiteboard that helps get my creative juices flowing, and finally which books are on my TBR list. Here's the link, and be sure to show Cassandra some love. Her urban fantasy, Isla's Inheritance, is releasing in October, so we'll be book buddies! (Though my steampunk fantasy may not be until November, but I'm cranking it out...)
Secondly, the first post for the publishing company I intern for, Midnight Publishing, has debuted on the new website! It looks beautiful, and my boss Lauren Wise has put a lot of thought into the new design. Here's the link, and it's titled "Self-Publishing Blunders," giving an in-depth, step-by-step guide on what MISTAKES people make in self-publishing!
This is just the first of many posts for Midnight Publishing, all surrounding writing, editing, and the publishing industry. I'm really excited to share as much knowledge as I can, and continue to learn from those I meet along the way.
Until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
I just wanted to share that I am in a few places on the internet today: first is on Cassandra Page's awesome blog, for her series "My Writing Space."
I talk about where I do my work (my desk, usually surrounded by my brood of pets), the whiteboard that helps get my creative juices flowing, and finally which books are on my TBR list. Here's the link, and be sure to show Cassandra some love. Her urban fantasy, Isla's Inheritance, is releasing in October, so we'll be book buddies! (Though my steampunk fantasy may not be until November, but I'm cranking it out...)
Secondly, the first post for the publishing company I intern for, Midnight Publishing, has debuted on the new website! It looks beautiful, and my boss Lauren Wise has put a lot of thought into the new design. Here's the link, and it's titled "Self-Publishing Blunders," giving an in-depth, step-by-step guide on what MISTAKES people make in self-publishing!
This is just the first of many posts for Midnight Publishing, all surrounding writing, editing, and the publishing industry. I'm really excited to share as much knowledge as I can, and continue to learn from those I meet along the way.
Until next time, keep writing and keep dreaming!
