Guest Post: "Make It Or Break It?" by Kelly York

In my writing folder on my computer, I have quite the collection of folders titled "MS - (working title here).” Some of these are nothing more than text documents of ideas. Random character names, notes on world settings, character relationships, or pictures. Some are plots with no characters attached. Some are, in fact, actual stories! They have a beginning! They have action and development!

And I'll probably never touch them again.

I hate saying "I'm abandoning this idea," because I usually don't abandon something entirely. More often than not I abandon the plot, but I bring the characters with me and reuse them elsewhere. (In fact, I've been etching out a story in my head for some time involving two characters. It’s entirely different from the original story and plot I started writing for them. Not even the same time period/setting/genre.)

This probably has to do with the fact that I'm very character-oriented. Plot and stories aren't the easy or fun part for me: the characters are. I never would have finished writing HUSHED if it weren't for the fact that I adored Archer, loved Evan, and loved to hate Vivian. I have to love my characters on some level or nothing will get done.

I've also noticed a trend: I can start a new story and be on a roll with it until I hit around 10,000 words. The 10k mark seems to be my 'make it or break it' line. If I stop there, I'm never going back to that story. If I can move past it, upward to 20,000 words, I'm going to finish it. (I do not have a single ‘abandoned’ MS in those folders over 10k.)

Currently I have not one, but two WIPs both over 10k. One is over 20k, and the other is nearing that mark.

Do any of you have a collection of unfinished stories you can't bring yourself to just...delete? Do you reuse and recycle bits and pieces from old stories no one will ever see into new ones, or do you have to start completely fresh every time? And what is your make-or-break point (if you have one)?

~~~

Hushed - by Kelley York
Title: Hushed
Author: Kelley York
Genre: YA Thriller
Length: Novel
Launch Date: December 2011
ePub ISBN: 978‐1‐937044‐73‐2 | Print ISBN: 978‐1‐937044‐74‐9
Published December 6th 2011 by Entangled Publishing 

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Grab the book at Amazon or  Barnes & Nobel

~~~

About the Author

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she sRll resides with her lovely
wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving
across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascinaRon with bells, adores all things furry – be
them squeaky, barky or meow‐y – is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe
a mermaid.
Within young adult, she enjoys wriRng and reading a variety of genres from
contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy
and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Guest Post: Characters in Cinder and Ella by Melissa Melon

Today I have Melissa Lemon, the author of Cinder And Ella. She talked about the characters of her books.

~~~

If all of the characters in my book were here with me right now, I would be having a very emotional moment. The sight of Weston and Adela would cause my heart to ache, the prince would make me feel like worms were crawling all over my skin, Katrina would annoy me by hogging the bathroom and I’d be irate whenever Beatrice threw something in my direction.

But not to worry: Cinder would bring me an ice-cold lemonade, clean my kitchen, mop, dust, vacuum, take care of my kids, and finish writing this blog post. She is wonderful like that. And Ella, where are you Ella?

“I’m right here.”

Oh, sorry. And Ella would keep me laughing.

Writing Cinder and Ella had its emotional moments, but mostly it was like spending time with my very best of imaginary friends. I hope that someday you get to know them, too.

(And none of this would have happened anyway because I’m sure we would have had to call an ambulance when Tanner fell down the stairs.)

~~~

About The Author

Melissa has had many imaginary friends (and enemies) since she was a child. Her vivid imagination had her writing stories and jotting down book ideas for years until she finally sat down and finished a novel. She is married to an awesome man and the proud mother of three children. Music is also an important part of her life and she shares time with her music students teaching them piano, cello or guitar. Melissa is a graduate of the University of Utah and currently resides in the Salt Lake area

Find out more about Melissa :

Melissa's Facebook fan page

Melissa on Twitter

Melissa's author blog

Melissa's author page on Goodreads

~~~

Thanks for stopping by Mellisa. You can access Cinder and Ella through NetGalley.

Preorder Cinder and Ella at Amazon

Check the schedule of Cinder and Ella book tour here.

Guest Post: Why I chose to self-publish by Kim Richardson

Marked, Soul Guardians BK 1

by Kim Richardson

ISBN13: 9781461017097

Sixteen year-old Kara  Nightingale’s ordinary life is suddenly turned upside-down when she dies  in a freak accident, and she wakes up in a strange new world with a new  career—as a rookie for the Guardian Angel Legion. Kara hurtles towards  dangerous missions with the help of her Petty Officer and friend, David.

But when she discovers a Mark on her leg, the entire Legion accuses  her of being a Demon spy. Angels are dying, and David begins to pull  away from her. Can Kara prove her innocence as she becomes the Legion’s  only hope? 

It’s going to take a miracle to save the Legion, and Kara’s luck has just run out...

Buy "Marked", Soul Guardians BK 1: Amazon

~~~

I decided to self-publish one night in March when my editor wrote me an interesting email. He informed me that he was hired by a large publishing house to  edit a contracted manuscript that wasn’t a “joy” to work on, like mine  was—and not comparable to it. When his wife (also an editor) told him  that my book was loads better than a bestselling indie author – I  decided to take the plunge. Why the hell not? I told my computer screen. These two professionals with loads of experience believe in me. Let’s see what happens!

Another  factor was the loads of publishers/agents that rejected my book, all  said the same thing: they loved it, but it didn’t “fit” their list at  the moment. What the heck does that mean? Who decides who’s on this  list? Why can’t readers decide what books they want to read? The control  aspect of the self-publishing world attracted me. As an artist, I did  my own cover; decided how I wanted the inside to look like and I chose  the price. I didn't have a whole team of people telling me what I could  and couldn't do. And that was loads of fun.

I  then started to explore the world of self-publishing. My research  confirmed that I had a better chance of succeeding as an indie author if  I wrote a series instead of a standalone book. If I had more books out  there, I had a better chance of being found by readers. And that  appealed to me. I had all these ideas for different storylines for a  series, so I thought this was a great opportunity for me to write my  story. If the traditional publishing road didn’t work out, then  self-publishing a series was the next best thing—which is what I did in  the end.

About Kim Richardson (from goodreads profile):

I grew up in a small town in  Northern Quebec, where I developed a wild imagination because—let’s face  it—there was nothing else to do. I surrounded myself with  art/books/animation and fell in love with fantasy novels and movies  like, Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal. I loved to be transported to other  worlds.

Years later, I left my little “hick town” and moved to the city of  Montreal, where I studied 3D Animation. I became an Animation Supervisor  for a VFX company, and stayed in the field of animation for 14 years.

Now, I’m a full-time writer, enjoying the country life with my  husband and two Bernese Mountain dogs, Simba and Maggie. My children.

I write stories geared towards children because, let's not tell lies, I'm still a 13 year-old at heart!

Visit Kim's BLOG

Join Kim on the rest of her tour!

6/4   giveaway @ Just Another Book Addict

6/4   giveaway @ My Shelf Confessions

6/5   giveaway @ Seeing Night Reviews

6/5   excerpt @ The Bawdy Book

6/6   excerpt @ It's All About Books

6/6   giveaway @ Books Glorious Books

6/7   guest post @ A Chick Who Reads

6/8   guest post @ Reader Girls

6/8   guest post @ It's All About Books

6/9   excerpt @ A Chick Who Reads

6/9   guest post & excerpt @ Read My Mind

6/9   excerpt @ Ramblings of a (Future) Librarian

6/10 giveaway @ Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm

6/10 guest post @ Ramblings of a (Future) Librarian

6/10 guest post @ My Neurotic Book Affair

6/10 interview @ Splash of Our Worlds

6/10 interview @ ComaCalm's Corner

6/11 interview @ Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm

6/12 giveaway @ Star Shadow

6/12 guest post @ The Bawdy Book

6/13 guest post @ Lisa's World of Books

6/14 excerpt @ My Neurotic Book Affair

6/14 giveaway @ Lisa's World of Books

6/15 excerpt @ Sara Is Reading What?

6/15 giveaway @ Splash of Our Worlds

Guest Post: It’s All About Character by Tess Hardwick

 Many readers ask how I get the ideas for my novels.  For me it always starts with a character.  I’m an observer of other human beings, more interested in the nuances of personalities and character traits than anything else in life. I am in constant observation and analysis mode while moving through this world, searching for hints to an individual’s true character loitering beneath their well-formed persona. 

I grew up in a small town.  What I learned early on is that people are not always what they seem: the preacher sneaking out of the bar at 2 a.m. with a woman of questionable reputation; the admired school teacher who beats his wife; the ‘it’ boy who gets an unpopular girl pregnant and lies to everyone, leaving for college as if he had no part in the wreckage left behind.  All of which was known to me, because in a small town, people talk, truths leak out to the observant kid with a bad habit of listening to adult’s conversations, noticing bruises on a woman’s arms, and befriending peers in all social groups. 

What I know now is this affinity I have for noticing everything meant that I was not merely burdened with too much knowledge of the suffering in our human condition but that I was a writer.  For it is the writer’s job to ascertain the truth hidden between the polishing and posturing of life and explore it through words and story.  I’m particularly drawn to telling stories of the voiceless, ordinary people caught in the trappings of their circumstance, rendering them powerless and invisible.  Perhaps this is from my past, hidden truths nestled in my own DNA; generations of women in my family tree, poor and disenfranchised from the best that life had to offer.

For Riversong, the lead character, Lee Tucker, came to me while I was driving the White Whale (that’s our family’s nickname for our Honda minivan) and listening to the song “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol.  Something about the lyrics and melody of that song brought her to my mind, a fair redhead, slender, a hidden fragility displayed to the outside world as cool and distant.  After she came to me, I had to know more about her.  Why was she this way?  What happened in her past that formed her?  As is my process, I then wrote a detailed character analysis and description, including everything from appearance, to her childhood, to her spiritual beliefs.  The story came then, along with several tricks of the fiction craft, like putting her into dire circumstances that forced her to make decisions she wouldn’t normally make.  Oh yes, we storytellers must always have an inciting event.

After the supporting characters are discovered and analyzed in the same way as my main character, the story writes itself.  The characters do what they do, say what they say, because they are fully imagined in my mind.  I know everything about them.  However, even so, sometimes they do things that surprise me, changing the direction of the story.  For example, I never had any intention of making so much of Riversong a love story, but my character Tommy wanted what he wanted and there was no stopping him. 

That’s when, as a writer, the real fun begins.

~~~

ABOUT RIVERSONG

Author Tess Hardwick assembles a colorful cast of endearing small-town characters and takes you on a journey that will make you believe in the possibilities of life – even in the face of overwhelming adversity and unimaginable grief. Lee Tucker is the kind of woman you find yourself rooting for long after the last page is read. 

When Lee’s husband commits suicide, he leaves her pregnant and one million dollars in debt to a loan shark. Out of options, she escapes to her deceased mother’s dilapidated house located in a small Oregon town that, like her, is financially ruined, heartbroken and in desperate need of a fresh start.  Lee's resilience leads to a plan for a destination restaurant named Riversong, to new chances for passion and love, and to danger from her dead husband's debt as her business blooms.

 A surprising mix of romance, humor, friendship, intrigue and gourmet food – Riversong entertains while reminding you of life’s greatest gifts. 

Paperback price: $9.95

eBook price: $2.99

Paperback: 278 pages

Publisher: Booktrope Editions

ISBN-10: 1935961144

ISBN-13: 978-1935961147

•   Available on Amazon.com in Kindle and paperback version
• Available on BarnesandNoble.com in Nook and paperback versions
• Riversong is available internationally – please contact us directly if you do not see it on your preferred book purchase website
• Remember - you can always read for free on www.booktrope.com
•  Discounts or customized editions may be available for educational and other groups based on bulk purchase. For further information please contact info@booktrope.com

ABOUT TESS HARDWICK

Tess Hardwick is a novelist and playwright. She has a BFA in Drama from the University of Southern California. In 2000 she wrote her first full-length play, My Lady’s Hand which subsequently won the 2001 first place prize for new work at the Burien Theatre. This is her first novel.

Like her main character in Riversong, Tess is from a small town in Southern Oregon.  She currently lives in Snoqualmie, Washington with her husband, two small daughters and a teenage stepson.  She is inspired daily by the view of the Cascade Mountains from her home office window

CONTACT INFORMATION

Publishing/Marketing Contact	Author Contact
Katherine Sears	Tess Hardwick
425.830.9702	206.355.1735
ksears@booktrope.com	info@tesshardwick.com
www.booktrope.com	www.tesshardwick.com

Tess is available for personal appearances and interviews, please contact Katherine Sears (info above) to schedule.

 ~~~

Guest Post : Character Interview - Pan from Bloodmaiden

Another guest post is here. This kinda special because this is the first time I have a character from a book.  Today,  the Zalian Circle interviews the sprite, Panganiban—known to friends as “Pan”—during her quest to collect the four legendary Aria of Sulaimon:

1. What is the truth behind the horrible rumors floating around the other three dynasties concerning Sulaimon’s northernmost dynasty—Tynan?

Whatever rumors you hear are true, only magnified a hundredfold! Little of Tynan’s darkness seeps beyond its borders; few know its true horrors, save the sprites whose witness is considered as unsound as our changing emotions and powers and the woodland animals who cannot bear witness. Beyond that, ignorance, denial, and tradition keep others from believing or, in many cases, even hearing the tales of Tynan.

Tynan houses a “sacred” ritual, one involving a grave sacrifice, giving dawn to the endless cries of children and their mothers and fathers. There were once traditions in Tynan that were purer, more wholesome, as in other dynasties. But Tynan is now tainted with evil—and with blood. As to the details of its horrors, I prefer not to speak.

2. How did you meet Crisilin and become involved in her quest?

I once knew a dear friend to the horrors of Tynan. I have been seeking a Quelda ever since then who would have courage to flee Tynan and take a stand to help prevent future losses like her. I have sent the young ladies visions of how their lives might change if they chose to flee. Only Crisilin has followed my summons, and I follow her to avenge that lost loved one and hope to keep any others after Crisilin from the same harm.

3. Please explain to our readers what exactly the Aria are.

We search for the Aria because it is said that, in the beginning, when a truce was made between the human and dragon races of the four dynasties, that the Aria were set up to protect those treaties, protect the people. They are said to be magical songs which, when combined, have the power to heal all wrongs in Sulaimon. That any such power could be strong enough to wash away the evil in Tynan...

4. What kind of sprite are you; what are your powers?

I am an Earth sprite, but my powers shift from region to region. For sprites, Sulaimon is criss-crossed with invisible regions; when a sprite crosses a borderline, their bodies and powers change. For me, there are only five regions; for others, there are many more, which confines them to one area if they hope to have powers at all, for the powers of a new region can take time to completely take effect.

5. There seems to be some sort of special connection between you and that Brydon fellow. Can you explain this?

Brydon and I were once old friends. We traveled much together, but we parted ways after a great...disagreement. But our personalities have always been at odds. If anything “special” once existed between us, it is no more, save that tension and anger and unforgiveness hangs thick like the most noticeable storm cloud.

6. What challenges and hopes await you as you continue your journey?

There remains three dynasties to face. Zale was easy; it has always been known as the friendliest and most accepting of the dynasties. Of Gauthier and Varden though, even I know relatively little, perhaps because they seclude themselves more from the rest of Sulaimon. As for Tynan itself...only Usamah, Great Lord and Creator of All Worlds, can protect us there...

Yet, there is hope. Crisilin is a phenomenon amongst us, her courage shedding light into corners whose shadows I thought untouchable long ago. I am proud to stand with her and follow wherever her path leads—whether to the end of us all or to our salvation and that of Tynan.

Check  The Wormhole on May 19th for the next blog stop 

Also check another blogs who are participating in theBloodmaiden tour here

About the Author: 

Christine E. Schulze has been creating books since she was too young to even write them in words. Her collection of YA fantasy books, The Amielian Legacy, is comprised of series and stand-alone books which can all be read separately but which weave together to create an amazing fantasy. Her fanatsies also incorporate many other genres, such as Christian fantasy, romance, and even a spark of horror at times. She hopes to inspire readers throughout the world with these books by publishing in both traditional and electronic formats to make them available to all readers.

Christine has published several stories with Calliope and Kalkion magazines and is an active member of the WEbook online writing community. She has also published several Christian/fantasy books which are available at various online retailers, as well as publishing several eBooks via Writers-Exchange.

Her latest and most exciting venture includes her publications with Old Line Publishing: Bloodmaiden and Tears of a Vampire Prince: the First Krystine. She also anticipates her upcoming publication with Old Line, Lily in the Snow, as well as releasing The Chronicles of the Mira with Writers-Exchange in both paperback and electronic forms.

Christine currently lives in Belleville, Illinois in her first and most thrilling apartment. 

Check Christine's website to find out more about her

Guest Post & Excerpt of Witch Song by Amber Argyle

As a part of Witch Song ebook tour, today I have Amber, the author of Witch Song. If you join WOW meme, you might have seen this book in some blogs. She also shared some excerpt.


~~~

The Witches in WITCH SONG aren't your average Witches. Their songs control nature—storms, season changes, plants. Here’s an excerpt that shows Brusenna (Senna) controlling nature:


As she’d seen her mother do so long ago, Senna spread her arms and sang, “Wind, lift me high, that my words reach to’rds the sky.” The violent wind slowed, like a herd of raging colts pricking their ears to listen to her song. She sang again. Slowly, it bent and began circling her. As she continued the song, it became a lazy whirlwind that twisted her hair up and made the trees at the edge of the circle sway as if entranced. The air thickened, tentatively testing her weight.


She sang one last time. And this time, the wind lifted her. Her feet dangled above the ground. “Higher,” she sang. The wind obeyed, twirling her skyward as easily as a handful of dandelion fluff. She didn’t stop until she could see the churning sea beyond the island walls.


When she’d reached the apex, the wind carried her voice over the world, “Though Espen’s curse that nature break, I beg of thee hold thy stake. Seasons stay in thy place, winds blow in pace. Weather hold thy climes, plants keep thy times. Not to break but bend. Until at end, I bring thee mend.” She repeated the song over and over again, until her words came through her throat raw and her voice broke.


When she could sing no more, the wind hesitated, as if loath to part with her. She hung suspended, watching the boiling seas and raging storm settle. She looked for any sign of a struggling ship, some proof she wasn’t completely alone, but there was nothing but the empty sea.


She wished she could stop the storm completely. But though the strength of her songs had grown, Espen was stronger. Much stronger. But as long as the other witches resisted, Espen couldn’t have total control.


The wind set Senna gently down. “Thank thee wind, for heading my call. For holding strong, so I did not fall.” She waited as it slowly faded, caressing her face one last time before retreating all together and leaving only the ever constant thunder and rain.

And another that shows Senna using her song to use the plants as weapons:


The dogs streaked through the trees, their baying increasing to a fevered pitch as their quarry came into view. Reaching inside her pouch, Senna drew a Barrier Seed. She forced a hole in the soil and pressed the seed down. “Back up,” she said, gripping Joshen’s arm and pulled. As she moved, she sang, “Take in light, take in air; spread thy roots, thy leaves grow fair.”


She kept repeating the song over and over. A green shoot burst from the earth. Within moments, it was taller than Joshen. “Just a few more songs,” she thought. But the first dog sprang past the tree. Joshen swung the tree branch, catching the dog in the ribs. With a yelp, it backed out of his reach and barked like mad.


Too late to grow it to full maturity! Senna’s song changed into something deeper and darker. This wasn’t a song, so much as a chant. She cringed at the animosity and menace in her voice, “Let nothing pass.” The other dogs slowed, sensing the danger, but not understanding it.


They didn’t have time to do more than flinch as the tree’s branches wrenched them from the ground. Barks of excitement changed to howls of terror as they writhed to free themselves. But the tree didn’t even pause as it flung them back in the direction they’d come. Tail between their legs, the others fled—terror plain in their wild eyes.


~Amber Argyle ~


Witch Song
Paperback: 325 pages
Publisher: Rhemalda Publishing (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936850168
ISBN-13: 978-1936850167
Preorder Witch Song at Amazon

~~~
 Thanks for telling about the witch in your book in advance, Amber. I can't wait to read the whole chapters. 

The Bookish Snob Promotions Wants You!!!

Are you a blogger who LOVES reading romance, urban fantasy and all things paranormal? Someone who loves showcasing the amazing authors who write them? Are you looking for a way to help promote through your blogs?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, I’d like to invite you to become a team member of The Bookish Snob Promotions. This is a hot new book promotional business that focuses on providing fun blog tours and bringing readers and authors together.

Why should I sign up?

Good question. I'm a fellow blogger who has a complete addiction to books. If you're like me, you have a real passion for what you read and want to do what you can to spotlight the authors you love. You're also on the lookout for new talent and being part of a blog tour team can help you do that. This is a way for you give back and also connect with other readers who love the same genres. This is a great addition to your blogs and can also ease the nerves of contacting authors for reviews/interviews/guest posts. By being a member, I help with that.

What does being a TEAM MEMBER mean?

It means you’re part of an amazing group of bloggers that have agreed to host authors on their sites. It means that as authors approach with their books and purchase tour packages, you'll be contacted by me and invited to sign up. For each tour you participate in, you commit to:

· Reading and reviewing the author's book

· Posting the review on your blog and other sites

· Hosting the author for either an interview/guest post/excerpt/giveaway

I work with you each step of the way, answering questions and making sure you're successful. The Bookish Snob Promotions is 100% friendly and I want this to be an exciting experience for you.

Ok, I'm in. How do I sign up?

Signing up is really easy. Just click the link and fill in the below form and I'll get in contact with you.

(Team Member Sign Up)

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at thebookishsnob(AT)hotmail(DOT)com. I can’t wait to get to meet you and thanks for stopping by. Happy reading!!

Bels aka The Bookish Snob J

Guest Post: New beginnings - Short Story Contest by Victoria Allen

TLT is calling out for submissions to our very first short story contest!! The TLT staff will choose the top 10 stories to be published in an anthology. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will go to support the relief efforts in Japan.

CONTEST DETAILS:

• Our theme is “new beginnings,” in honor of our charity. YOU choose the genre- horror, fantasy, romance, etc. We’re looking for creativity and unique incorporations of the theme.
• We are seeking original entries that are between 15 and 20 pages long. Double-spaced. Times New Roman. Include your contact information (name, email and mailing address), as well as a short autobiography. Make this fun- if your story is chosen for publication, your bio will also be printed. It should be no more than one paragraph (6-10 lines).
• Please submit a polished, final copy of your piece. Have family and friends edit your story, because all work will be published as is.Submissions should be written in a Word document and sent as an attachment to victoria@tltpublishing.com . Write “Short Story Contest” in the subject line.
• All entries will receive a TLT bookmark and will be notified when the winners have been selected.
• Contest runs until June 1^st. Top stories will be selected by the TLT team by the middle of June.
• Author of the best story will have his or her story posted on TLT blog and will receive free autographed copies of every book we publish until the end of 2011.
• Authors of the top 10 stories will receive a complimentary copy of the anthology and recognition on the TLT website.
• Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to help fund the relief efforts in Japan. All content, upon submission, can be distributed and used for promotional purposes by TLT without author permission or compensation.

Victoria Allen

Publicist

victoria@tltpublishing.com

tltpublishing.com