S.A. Larsen's Blog, page 5
March 6, 2019
IWSG ~ View Matters
I'd like to start by thanking everyone that commented on last month's post, where I was questioning, well . . . pretty much everything. Your advice and encouragement was priceless. I've accepted all that's happening to my family right now, but I've decided that I do still love being a storyteller. Thus, my focus will be on taking care of our ailing family members and helping to run our family business, all while banking my experiences and interactions to use in my writing. I might have to write at a slower pace now, but I will continue writing books.Okay, moving on to this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group's post and a huge thank you to this month's awesome co-hosts - Fundy Blue, Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard! You all RAWK!
IWSG March Question:Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?
MORE PARTICIPANTS
Love this question! So far, in my middle grade novel MOTLEY EDUCATION and its sequel currently on submission, I've written from the perspective of both the hero and the villain. The majority of the story is told from the hero's POV, past tense, third person close; however, I toss in a chapter here and there from the villain's POV to give a different angle of the world I'm creating. Plus, the villain's view of the world and his/her personal backstory is always so much fun to create! For my young adult novel MARKED BEAUTY, I wrote from two separate perspective, both heroes of the tale. I did utilize my male hero as the window into the villain's persona and past, though. I really enjoyed writing his perspective that way. What about you? Which is your favorite POV to write from? AND what about reading - which point-of-view to you rather read?
February 6, 2019
IWSG ~ Life Changes
I usually keep my Insecure Writer Support Group post to a short nod of the chin and shake of the head. But this month, I must deviate from my norm. There's something I need to write about, something from real life, and I figure if any group would understand it will be this one. (If you'd rather not read the post in its entirety I totally understand. Just scroll to the bottom and answer this month's designated question. I'd love to hear your answer.)
Writers often take from their own experiences or those they've witnessed, kneed them a little, and then use them in their stories or even as simple inspirations and motivations for story. Well, I've had life hand me plenty of writing material lately; so much so that I should have ten new books written. That is, if I had the time.
2018 was rough, with my mom moving into a nursing home. It was a life change for my dad, my brother, and myself and one that bled into my own little family of husband, four kids, an old pooch, and three kittens. And you know when you think you can't take anymore and you're like Nothing more can happen . . . and then it does? Yeah, that's where I've been since December 3rd when my father-in-law was admitted into the hospital with pneumonia and a UTI. Like my mom, he also suffers from mild/moderate dementia. Up until that day he was driving and getting around with my mother-in-law just fine.
But now, he's still in the hospital. Yup, you read that correctly. It's been nine weeks. His condition has gotten better and then worse to where it pushed him into a diagnosis of Delirium. I didn't know that was an actual thing, but it is. And just before he got sick, we'd adopted a new German Shepherd puppy. *Talk about adding in extras when we didn't need any.*
Lots of other things have happened in between these weeks, but I won't get into those except to say that they have eaten every stinking bit of my writing time, not to mention my inspiration and motivation to start my next middle grade book. And with this new spooky middle grade group I'm part of and all the extra social media exposure we're getting, this is a perfect time to buckle down and write a new MG. I have started three separate novels. But each time I sit down (even for fifteen minutes) to write a few lines I freeze up and can only see the mountain of total YUCK that's coming for my in-laws, and the mountain that is creating a new novel from outline to final draft. (My father-in-law will probably end up having to stay in a nursing home, which we can't say to my mother-in-law because she's not ready to face that yet.)
How do you see through all the YUCK life wades before you? I'm normally good at this, but I can't say that this time. I need to rekindle that feeling that writing a new story is fun, kind of like my escape from it all and therapy. LOL
Thanks for letting me bend your ear. I feel a little better now. Hugs to you and to wherever you are in your writing life.
Feel free to answer this month's question:
ParticipantsBesides writing what other creative outlets do you have?
The awesome co-hosts for the February 6 posting of the IWSG are Raimey Gallant, Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace!
Writers often take from their own experiences or those they've witnessed, kneed them a little, and then use them in their stories or even as simple inspirations and motivations for story. Well, I've had life hand me plenty of writing material lately; so much so that I should have ten new books written. That is, if I had the time.2018 was rough, with my mom moving into a nursing home. It was a life change for my dad, my brother, and myself and one that bled into my own little family of husband, four kids, an old pooch, and three kittens. And you know when you think you can't take anymore and you're like Nothing more can happen . . . and then it does? Yeah, that's where I've been since December 3rd when my father-in-law was admitted into the hospital with pneumonia and a UTI. Like my mom, he also suffers from mild/moderate dementia. Up until that day he was driving and getting around with my mother-in-law just fine.
But now, he's still in the hospital. Yup, you read that correctly. It's been nine weeks. His condition has gotten better and then worse to where it pushed him into a diagnosis of Delirium. I didn't know that was an actual thing, but it is. And just before he got sick, we'd adopted a new German Shepherd puppy. *Talk about adding in extras when we didn't need any.*
Lots of other things have happened in between these weeks, but I won't get into those except to say that they have eaten every stinking bit of my writing time, not to mention my inspiration and motivation to start my next middle grade book. And with this new spooky middle grade group I'm part of and all the extra social media exposure we're getting, this is a perfect time to buckle down and write a new MG. I have started three separate novels. But each time I sit down (even for fifteen minutes) to write a few lines I freeze up and can only see the mountain of total YUCK that's coming for my in-laws, and the mountain that is creating a new novel from outline to final draft. (My father-in-law will probably end up having to stay in a nursing home, which we can't say to my mother-in-law because she's not ready to face that yet.)
How do you see through all the YUCK life wades before you? I'm normally good at this, but I can't say that this time. I need to rekindle that feeling that writing a new story is fun, kind of like my escape from it all and therapy. LOL
Thanks for letting me bend your ear. I feel a little better now. Hugs to you and to wherever you are in your writing life.
Feel free to answer this month's question:
ParticipantsBesides writing what other creative outlets do you have?The awesome co-hosts for the February 6 posting of the IWSG are Raimey Gallant, Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace!
January 14, 2019
Cover Reveal! CAGED FIRE by L.M. Preston
One of the most exciting aspects of having an expectant book baby is seeing the cover design for the first time! And as a reader, I love this part, too.
Today, I'm here to help my wonderful author friend L.M. Preston share her cover for her next young adult novel for teens. And she has a surprise for you at the end of this post. Here's the cover:
Scroll please . . .
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TA - DAH!!!
I am beyond in LUV with the purple!AND check out this animated version. Super cool!
via GIPHY
CAGED FIRE: Vigilant, Book 2Author: L.M. PrestonPublisher: Phenomenal One PressRelease Date: March 7, 2019Pre-order NOW!
Description:
They say you can't run away from your problems. EmVee knew from experience it was true. She and her father tried to run, until the truth came and got them. Now with nothing to lose, she must confront the monster that changed her life forever. Unfortunately, she has to work with his best friend, Kayson who she is almost sure, isn't quite as nice as he seems. Kayson revealed not just why her father disappeared, but a new world of magicals that wanted the debt he left behind to be paid.(Insatiable Darkness - Book 0, Caged Fire - Book 1, Unbreakable Darkness - Book 1.5)
PURCHASE LINKSAMAZON | WEBSITE STORE
LM is offering a 2 month long book immersion with characters and game exclusive events! To play, go here: FACEBOOK FAN GROUP
Here's your secret surprise: an excerpt
“Look kid, your father’s time is running cold. They are on to us, too many lives are at stake if either of you get caught.” Rocky handed her a thumb drive. “It’s a matter of your life and his death. He owes me, and I owe another a favor.”
“You give it to him,” EmVee replied evenly, checking her emotions and desire to punch the guy and run.
“No, this is where my road ends. Remember. Remember the name to nowhere and the code is your father’s real name. If you are his daughter. He would have told it to you, it’s a safe-word of sorts. I’m tired of running and they made sure I don’t have anything to run to. My son, he’s out there somewhere, and I’ll die taking the name of his safe-place with me. He’ll be free of them, both of them. Max and you have a chance. Don’t forget my name. It’ll mean something someday I hope. Run. Run now.” Rocky grasped her wrist, yanked it toward him, and placed the thumb drive in her hand.
EmVee looked at the drive, squeezed it in her palm.
Rocky tossed something in his mouth and pushed her back. “Look away, kid.” His body started convulsing. He groaned and collapsed, eyes open and staring towards the moon teased by dark clouds.
Sweat slid from under her drawn hoodie. Why’d he’d do it? They could’ve taken him to a hospital.
She glanced around quickly, then went for Rocky’s pockets. She reached in his jacket, flesh and entrails had spilled from his waist and into his coat. EmVee jerked back, shook her head a shaky sigh escaped her lips. She bit down on her lip and did what she had to do. In his jacket she found his cellphone and put it in her back pocket. His wallet she stuffed in the side pocket of her backpack. There was nothing else.
Putting her hand over her nose, swallowing back the tangy taste of vomit. She reached over and closed Rocky’s blue eyes. She’d never forget them.
Wishing L.M. all the luck in the world with this one! It sounds and looks amazing.
What's your favorite thing about book covers?
Today, I'm here to help my wonderful author friend L.M. Preston share her cover for her next young adult novel for teens. And she has a surprise for you at the end of this post. Here's the cover:
Scroll please . . .
*
**
***
****
****
TA - DAH!!!
I am beyond in LUV with the purple!AND check out this animated version. Super cool!via GIPHY
CAGED FIRE: Vigilant, Book 2Author: L.M. PrestonPublisher: Phenomenal One PressRelease Date: March 7, 2019Pre-order NOW!
Description:
They say you can't run away from your problems. EmVee knew from experience it was true. She and her father tried to run, until the truth came and got them. Now with nothing to lose, she must confront the monster that changed her life forever. Unfortunately, she has to work with his best friend, Kayson who she is almost sure, isn't quite as nice as he seems. Kayson revealed not just why her father disappeared, but a new world of magicals that wanted the debt he left behind to be paid.(Insatiable Darkness - Book 0, Caged Fire - Book 1, Unbreakable Darkness - Book 1.5)
PURCHASE LINKSAMAZON | WEBSITE STORE
LM is offering a 2 month long book immersion with characters and game exclusive events! To play, go here: FACEBOOK FAN GROUP
Here's your secret surprise: an excerpt
“Look kid, your father’s time is running cold. They are on to us, too many lives are at stake if either of you get caught.” Rocky handed her a thumb drive. “It’s a matter of your life and his death. He owes me, and I owe another a favor.”
“You give it to him,” EmVee replied evenly, checking her emotions and desire to punch the guy and run.
“No, this is where my road ends. Remember. Remember the name to nowhere and the code is your father’s real name. If you are his daughter. He would have told it to you, it’s a safe-word of sorts. I’m tired of running and they made sure I don’t have anything to run to. My son, he’s out there somewhere, and I’ll die taking the name of his safe-place with me. He’ll be free of them, both of them. Max and you have a chance. Don’t forget my name. It’ll mean something someday I hope. Run. Run now.” Rocky grasped her wrist, yanked it toward him, and placed the thumb drive in her hand.
EmVee looked at the drive, squeezed it in her palm.
Rocky tossed something in his mouth and pushed her back. “Look away, kid.” His body started convulsing. He groaned and collapsed, eyes open and staring towards the moon teased by dark clouds.
Sweat slid from under her drawn hoodie. Why’d he’d do it? They could’ve taken him to a hospital.
She glanced around quickly, then went for Rocky’s pockets. She reached in his jacket, flesh and entrails had spilled from his waist and into his coat. EmVee jerked back, shook her head a shaky sigh escaped her lips. She bit down on her lip and did what she had to do. In his jacket she found his cellphone and put it in her back pocket. His wallet she stuffed in the side pocket of her backpack. There was nothing else.
Putting her hand over her nose, swallowing back the tangy taste of vomit. She reached over and closed Rocky’s blue eyes. She’d never forget them.
Wishing L.M. all the luck in the world with this one! It sounds and looks amazing.
What's your favorite thing about book covers?
January 2, 2019
IWSG & Starting Over
The beginning of a new year brings familiarity - reflections of the previous year, thoughts about the new year, what we did or didn't do, and so on.
For many years, I looked at this time as a chance to start over, to begin the race again and to see if I could apply lessons learned from last year to improve my performance this year. But as I've aged, I've found myself wondering if it's possible to truly start over. It's not like my past experiences leave me just because another January comes around. I highly doubt the heartaches I've endured will ever leave me. And I know the joys and happy times are my fuel to forge ahead. The past is like our fog. It's in the background and not focused on, but it's always there in one form or another. It's what has journeyed us to this here and now. Starting over implies that all we did wasn't worth anything, and that is not true.
It's all part of us, and I say each part is priceless.
The turn of another calendar year gives us a chance to consciously examine our accomplishments, failures, hopes, and struggles, but it doesn't negate our past. Each segment of our past is a stepping stone to our next adventure to learn, grow, and become. I'll just leave you with this to ponder.
***I apologize for being MIA the past six weeks or so. I'll write about it soon. Just wanted to say 'thanks' for sticking around.
I'd like to thank this month's IWSG co-hosts Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue for being so cool!
Here's the optional IWSG question for this month:
What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?
I'll start with my least favorite because that's easy - What is the favorite book you've written?
Aw, awesome readers! There's so much about each book, story, and manuscript that I love and hate at the same time. This question is like asking me to choose a favorite child. I love them all. Of course, at one time each frustrated me to no end, too. It's a love-hate relations. ;)
Participants
I like sharing my writing journey with others in hopes that it will encourage them to keep at whatever they desire to do in their hearts. That would be my answer to my favorite question of How did you get published?
Feel free to answer either of my questions!
For many years, I looked at this time as a chance to start over, to begin the race again and to see if I could apply lessons learned from last year to improve my performance this year. But as I've aged, I've found myself wondering if it's possible to truly start over. It's not like my past experiences leave me just because another January comes around. I highly doubt the heartaches I've endured will ever leave me. And I know the joys and happy times are my fuel to forge ahead. The past is like our fog. It's in the background and not focused on, but it's always there in one form or another. It's what has journeyed us to this here and now. Starting over implies that all we did wasn't worth anything, and that is not true.
It's all part of us, and I say each part is priceless.
The turn of another calendar year gives us a chance to consciously examine our accomplishments, failures, hopes, and struggles, but it doesn't negate our past. Each segment of our past is a stepping stone to our next adventure to learn, grow, and become. I'll just leave you with this to ponder.
***I apologize for being MIA the past six weeks or so. I'll write about it soon. Just wanted to say 'thanks' for sticking around.
I'd like to thank this month's IWSG co-hosts Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue for being so cool!
Here's the optional IWSG question for this month:
What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?
I'll start with my least favorite because that's easy - What is the favorite book you've written?
Aw, awesome readers! There's so much about each book, story, and manuscript that I love and hate at the same time. This question is like asking me to choose a favorite child. I love them all. Of course, at one time each frustrated me to no end, too. It's a love-hate relations. ;)
Participants
I like sharing my writing journey with others in hopes that it will encourage them to keep at whatever they desire to do in their hearts. That would be my answer to my favorite question of How did you get published?Feel free to answer either of my questions!
November 14, 2018
New Website! Spooky Middle Grade
I'm thrilled to announce the official launch of my new group of middle grade of authors!
New Website! Spooky Middle Grade
I'm thrilled to announce the official launch of my new group of middle grade of authors!
New Website! Spooky Middle Grade
I'm thrilled to announce the official launch of my new group of middle grade of authors!
New Website! Spooky Middle Grade
I'm thrilled to announce the official launch of my new group of middle grade of authors!
New Website! Spooky Middle Grade
I'm thrilled to announce the official launch of my new group of middle grade of authors!
New Website! Spooky Middle Grade
I'm thrilled to announce the official launch of my new group of middle grade of authors!
