Friday Feature: Crow's Rest by Angelica Jackson

Avery Flynn arrives for a visit at her Uncle Tam's, eager to rekindle her summertime romance with her crush-next-door, Daniel.

But Daniel’s not the sweet, neurotic guy she remembers--and she wonders if this is her Daniel at all. Or if someone--or something--has taken his place.

Her quest to find the real Daniel--and get him back--plunges Avery into a world of Fae and changelings, where creatures swap bodies like humans change their socks, and magic lives much closer to home than she ever imagined.

Coming out May 12 through Spencer Hill Press.

Check out the trailer!

Find the book on Amazon, B&N, and Goodreads.

In keeping with her scattered Gemini nature, Angelica R. Jackson has far too many interests to list here.

She has an obsession with creating more writing nooks in the home she shares with her husband and two corpulent cats in California's Gold Country. Fortunately, the writing nooks serve for reading and cat cuddling too.

Other pastimes include cooking for food allergies (not necessarily by choice, but she’s come to terms with it), photography, and volunteering at a local no-kill cat sanctuary.

Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads  |  Photo Galleries  |  Blog  |  Website

Want your YA, NA, or MG book featured on my blog? Contact me here and we'll set it up.

Writer Wednesday: Revising Out Loud

I've been doing a lot of editing lately, both for clients and for my own books, so I thought I'd share a tip with you all today. I talk a lot about how I edit books backward in one of my reading passes, but something else that is just as important (maybe more important) is reading the book out loud.

I can't stress this enough. Yes, you will probably lose your voice if you revise too much in one sitting, but reading aloud allows you to identify so many weakness in your writing. Don't believe me? Ask people who have had their books made into audio versions if their readers (the person making the audio) identified errors. I bet they did. 

Here are just a few things you'll hear when you read your book aloud:

Repetition  Every manuscript I edit has repetition it in. Every single one. And in 

most cases it's unnecessary repetition that you don't want. (My editors get on my case for this too because seriously, everyone does it.) If you read your book aloud, the repetition pretty much slaps you in the face, and then you can get rid of it. You'll be thankful when the book reads more smoothly and the pace picks up, too.

Missing Words  Yes, you can hear missing words. You hear them because they aren't there. When we read in our heads, we don't always catch a missing "the" or "an," but you will when you read aloud.

Awkward Wording  You'll stumble over sentences that aren't quite right if you read them aloud. If you have to slow down or reread a sentence, something is wrong with your wording. Maybe it's a case of poor word choice or a phrase that doesn't quite read correctly. Either way, this is the time to fix it.

Contractions  I've had clients make words into contractions that have no right to be contractions. ;) It's awkward for the reader. In the same token, most kids don't speak without contractions, so if you're avoiding them completely, think again. Reading aloud will highlight areas that don't sound like real life speech.

Italics  Sometimes you have to make sure your intent with emphasis is clear. Italics will do that. So if you're reading a sentence and the emphasis could be placed on the wrong word, make life easier on your reader and add italics to the word or words you want emphasized.

I could probably keep going, but I think you get the point. It's worth the extra time it takes to read a manuscript aloud. 

Do you make reading aloud part of your revision process?

Monday Mishmash: 1/26/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Scholastic Book Fair  I'm working the Scholastic Book Fair this week at my daughter's school. I know Stephanie Farris's book will be there, so I'll be talking it up to the kids. Anyone have a book that's part of the fair? I'll be sure to showcase it if so. :)
2. Editing  I'm working on client edits this week.
3. Snow  This stuff needs to go away for good. I'm done with winter.
4. Drafting  I'm doing something I rarely do. I'm slowly drafting a book here and there between other projects. I don't really like to work like this but sometimes it's necessary, and to be honest, I love what I've written so far, so maybe this is what this book needs.
5. Looking For Love Cover Reveal Signups  I'm looking for people to sign up for the Cover Reveal of the final installment of the Campus Crush companion series (New Adult contemporary romance). Interested in helping out? Oh, and the form has a spot if you're interested in reviewing an ARC. Sign up here: 

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: Racing Hearts by Laura Lascarso

He wants to honor his father’s legacy; she wants to prove her father wrong. 

18-year-old Jesse is still grieving from the loss of his father to cancer when he learns his mother has lost her job. All too soon, Jesse, his little sister, and his mother might be put out on the streets. 

Jesse hears of a local car race sponsored by his father's nemesis, Shep Bradley, and the prize money might be enough to keep Jesse’s family from losing their home - if he can win it.

When Shep’s own daughter Brooke asks Jesse to build her a racecar against her father’s wishes, Jesse accepts. After all, he needs the money.

Coming February 10 through Leap Books.

Here's a teaser pic to get you ready for this book:

Want your YA, NA, or MG book featured on my blog? Contact me here and we'll set it up.

Writer Wednesday: Writing Vs. Social Media

We all know that part of what we do as writers is interact on social media. We need to be available to our readers so they are aware of when our next book comes out or when we get a new contract and of course so they can get to know us as people and readers, too. I'm going to admit that lately, I've been so busy that I haven't been online much.

Yup. I've been a bad social media author. Here's why. Over the past month, my husband and daughter have been home a lot. A lot. I've always tried to balance my writing life and my personal life. So when my family is home, I like to spend time with them. Nothing unusual there, right? Right. So that means my time to actually work is cut down significantly. And that leads to me deciding what's more important—writing or being on social media.

I chose writing. I worked on a new novella and I revised two books. That's not to mention editing for my clients, too. So you see, something had to give. For me that something was social media, and I'm hoping you'll all forgive me for being quiet online. I'm hoping the promise of more books from me will make up for it.

Do you ever go social media quiet? Do you find you lose followers, or are they forgiving?

Monday Mishmash 1/19/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Another Campus Crush  So last week I mentioned that fans asked for another Campus Crush story for Mike since he didn't get his HEA. I thought I was going to write a novel for him, but this series insists that it's made up of novellas, and that's what his story has turned into. More details to come.
2. Friday Feature  I have some Friday Feature spots available this month and next (and beyond, actually) so if you have a new release or upcoming release and would like to be featured email me khashway(at)hotmail(dot)com.
3. Spotlight and Giveaway  The very sweet and awesome Megan McDade is hosting me on her blog this month and in addition to interviews and guest posts, there's a giveaway (winner's choice of a paperback of Touch of Death or The Monster Within). Check it out here.
4. Winter Ball  My daughter attended her first school dance last Friday. It was three hours of me sitting on a hard cafeteria stool, but seeing her dance and run around with her friends made it worth it. She's only in second grade, so seeing how outgoing she is really makes me happy. That girl is not afraid to be who she is. :) I'm a proud mom.
5. Winter Blues  Anyone else have the winter blues? Some of my 2014-year-of-ickiness has carried over and I'm hoping to be finished with it by the end of the month so I can get back to life as usual. And I could really use some sunshine and warmer weather if anyone can make that happen. ;)

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: 52 Likes by Medeia Sharif

After a brutal rape and near-murder, Valerie wants to get past feelings of victimhood from both the assault and her history of being bullied. She’s plagued by not knowing the identity of her rapist and by the nasty rumors in school about that night. Valerie follows clues from ghostly entities, past victims of the rapist-murderer, contacting her through a social media site—why do all of their eerie photos have 52 likes under them? Their messages are leading her to the mystery man, although he’ll put up a fight to remain hidden.

My thoughts:

After reading Vitamins and Death in one sitting, I knew Medeia could write edgy and dark YA really well, so I jumped at the chance to read 52 Likes. Once again, I couldn't put the book down. The book begins with Valerie being raped. I wasn't sure how I'd endure reading a rape scene, but it was handled really well. I felt Valerie's emotion without being overwhelmed by the horrific act. What I loved about this book was that Valerie doesn't allow herself to sit back and become the victim. She fights. Even when everyone around her is making her feel like she is the one who did something wrong, she continues to seek out her rapist and reveal his identity to everyone.

The ghosts of the rapist's victims appear to Valerie, encouraging her to fight for them, too. Valerie was supposed to die like they did, only a passerby saved her life. And that means her rapist is set on finishing what he started. The mystery behind who the rapist is and the race to reveal him and have him locked up before he gets to her again is what made me keep turning the pages. 

If you like darker YA with mystery and some ghosts thrown in, this is the perfect read. I dare you to put it down once you start reading it. ;)

*Want your YA, NA, or MG book featured on my blog? Contact me here and we'll set it up.

52 LIKES, Evernight Teen, 2015
Purchase from Amazon, Evernight Teen (vendor links will be updated on the author's site)

Find Medeia – YA and MG Author

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Writer Wednesday: Deadlines Vs. at Your Own Pace

I'm one for deadlines. Sure, I'll pull my hair out and wonder how I'll ever meet all my deadlines, but then my mom (who keeps me sane) tells me that I'll get it done because I always do. 

For me, the real problem is not having a deadline. If I don't know when I need to have a book drafted or revised by, I'm not as productive. And it's not by choice either. I find I'm just not as focused or as creative. I believe I've taught myself to be creative on command. It's a real thing. When I know I have to accomplish something, I'll do it. End of story. Tell me you'd like me to do something when I have time, and I'm lost. I need a deadline. This often means I create my own deadlines. And while I know I'm the one setting the deadline, I can still fool myself into believing it must be done. ;)

Are you like this? Do you need deadlines to motivate and push you toward your goals?

Monday Mishmash: 1/12/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Editing  I've been very busy with edits, which I love. I've gotten to work on some really great manuscripts.
2. Revisions  I finished up revisions on Out of the Ashes, and I really love this book.
3. Drafting  Campus Crush fans have demanded politely asked for another book for Mike. ;) I couldn't say no. Mike needs his HEA. So last night I began drafting his book. And yes, I believe it will be a full-length novel instead of a novella, but don't quote me on that just yet.
4. Balance  This month is all about finding balance as I edit, revise, and draft at the same time. Eek!
5. Kelly's Coven Giveaways  I have an awesome street team and this month I'm rewarding them in two ways—with the opportunity to beta read Out of the Ashes AND with a giveaway for a signed book (of mine) of their choice. I've gotten several new members this month. Will you be next? You can join us here.

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: Enlighten Me

Sometimes carefully constructed lies can become the truth…

When seventeen-year-old Amanda reawakens, she is faced with the life Chloe lived for 17 years. The adjustment isn’t easy. But as she attempts to acclimate to a life that’s foreign to her, old friends become new enemies and bad habits are hard to stop. When she begins to doubt the story she’s been given to explain her travels through the multiverse, she knows she must find the answers before everyone else. Because if her weird dreams and visions are an indication of who she really was everyone might just be in danger, but not from the enemy they think.

From her.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/DawnBrazil/e/B00JBWGE08/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/dawnbrazil

Blog: DawnBrazil.blogspot.com

Twitter: @DawnBrazil

Facebook Page: Author Dawn Brazil

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/brazildawn/

And here's an excerpt:

A puff of cold air expelled from my slack jaw and scattered in front of my face. I spun around trying to recall when I’d opened my bedroom window.

I’m certain I hadn’t.

The room was bathed in darkness. I could scarcely make out my silhouette against the wall. Still, I slipped my feet softly to the carpeted floor. My family was sleeping, and I didn’t want to risk waking them. On tiptoes, I crept to the open window overlooking our yard. The cool whip of the March wind sliced through my skin. A shiver tore through me as the chill of the New York night tucked me inside my own personal blizzard.

I reached for the lift rail to slam the window closed when a shadow crept into view just below my second story landing. I blinked but held my eyes on the shadow. It didn’t move. But it did watch me. Partially clothed in darkness, the shadow dissolved before my eyes into a haze of gas.

I squared my jaw and took a deep breath. My mind cascaded over the many possibilities for what I’d saw. It could have just been the wind. Or someone was up downstairs and cast a long shadow from the back porch. My contemplation on the shadow was futile. It was gone, so it didn’t matter.

My life was screwed up anyway. Fighting an enemy everyone told me wanted to kill me and everyone else. But that same enemy telling me that wasn’t true and proved it by not killing me on the many occasions he could have. Traveling through multiple universes trying to find and kill said enemy because of his supposed threat. Then having a vision I killed everyone and not said enemy. But even more confusing, I knew said enemy was a threat, but I just didn’t know why.

What difference did a ghost make in the scheme of things?

*Want your YA, NA, or MG book featured on my blog? Contact me here and we'll set it up.

Writer Wednesday: Writer Rebel's Creed and Goals for 2015

I'm taking part in the Writer Rebel's Creed again this year, hosted/originated by Sheri Larsen. As part of the group, this is what I'm pledging to this year:

If you'd like to join, check out Sheri's blog and sign up.

In addition to the Rebel's Creed, here are my goals for 2015:

1. Secret goal I can't reveal yet. Sorry! I know what it is though, and I'll share as soon as I can.
2. Promote The Darkness Within (Sequel to The Monster Within). The book releases in June and I'm ready to show everyone why they should love Sam and Ethan.
3. Write another Campus Crush book. Ashelyn Drake fans have asked for another story featuring Mike (from Nothing to Tell) so he can get his HEA. I want to give him just that. :)
4. Write the final book in the Curse of the Granville Fortune Series. This goal is self-explanatory. ;)
5. Build my street team (Kelly's Coven) by spoiling my fans with lots of great exclusive stuff. I'm talking about bonus content, exclusive giveaways, changes to be characters in my books, review copies, SWAG, one-on-one discussions with me, and lots more.

Okay, so goals are great, but wish lists are a lot of fun, too. I'm putting these separately because they aren't things I have total control over. Here is my wish list of things I'd LOVE to happen in 2015:

1. Get one or two more book deals. That would be really nice. :)
2. Make the USA and/or NYT best seller list. My ultimate dream!
3. Going to BEA or another big convention. Spencer Hill Press won't be attending BEA this year, so I need a miracle to happen in order to go.
4. A drama-free year. It's no secret 2014 was rough for me. I want no drama in 2015. Can someone please make that happen for me?

What are your goals and/or wishes for 2015?

Monday Mishmash 1/5/15

Happy Monday! Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme dedicated to sharing what's on your mind. Feel free to grab the button and post your own Mishmash.

Here's what's on my mind today:

1. Editing:  I'm booked for the month of January, which is great. Now I just need more time in my day to work on my own writing projects. ;)
2. Construction:  We are getting so close! Unfortunately, this weekend set us back a bit when a few things had to be redone. *sigh* But we are making forward process again now.
3. Secret Projects in the Works:  I have a few things in the works that I can't share just yet. I'm hoping to be able to reveal them by the end of the month.
4. My Office:  My office is about 99% complete, but it's missing the most important things of all—framed posters of my books. Once I get those up, I'll share pictures with you.
5. "Best" Lists of 2014:  I'm excited to say that The Monster Within, Campus Crush (Ashelyn Drake title), and Into the Fire (Ashelyn Drake title) all made several "Best of 2014" lists! That makes me so happy!
6. Kelly's Coven:  I'm putting out an invite to my street team, Kelly's Coven. We have a FB page where we interact, and this month I have a mega giveaway going on. If you'd like to help me promote my books and get exclusive access to content, first peeks at covers and news, and exclusive giveaways, you can join here. (Or let me know you'd like to join and I can give you access to the group.) I'd love to have you. :)
7. Cover Reveal for 52 Likes by Medeia Sharif 
Evernight Teen, January 16, 2015

After a brutal rape and near-murder, Valerie wants to get past feelings of victimhood from both the assault and her history of being bullied. She’s plagued by not knowing the identity of her rapist and by the nasty rumors in school about that night. Valerie follows clues from ghostly entities, past victims of the rapist-murderer, contacting her through a social media site—why do all of their eerie photos have 52 likes under them? Their messages are leading her to the mystery man, although he’ll put up a fight to remain hidden.

Find Medeia – YA and MG Author



Blog   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads   |   Instagram   |   Amazon


8. Cover Reveal for The Milayna Series by Michelle Pickett  You've seen the cover for Milayna, book one in the Milayna Trilogy, and now the remaining covers in The Milayna Series are revealed!

Book one, Milayna, is scheduled to release March 17, 2015. Book two, Milayna's Angel, and book three, The Innocent, are both scheduled for release in 2015. And for a limited time, you can pre-order Milayna (Book #1) for $2 off the purchase price! It's available for pre-order at only $2.99, but only for a limited time.

That's it for me. What's on your mind today?

Friday Feature: Star of the Team

A girl.

A dream.

An accident.

A dream shattered.

 

Eleven-year-old Kate Taylor dreams of being the star of her basketball team, Angels. When Kate’s tooth is knocked out at one of the games and her mother, who is also her coach, says she can’t play until the tooth the dentist replants heals, Kate’s dreams are in jeopardy. Add Emily, the new girl at school who claims she’s the best, and Kate faces a challenge to prove that she is the star.

 

Will Kate succeed? Or will Emily ruin Kate’s plans?

 

Amazon:  http://tinyurl.com/k5y1mky

 

Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/18r6ox4

 

Bev’s Bio:

 

Most of the time, you’ll find Beverly in front of her computer, writing the stories little voices whisper in her ear. When she’s not writing, she takes long walks and snaps pictures of clouds, wild flowers, birds and deer. To some of her friends, she is affectionately known as the “Bug Lady” because she rescues butterflies, moths, walking sticks, and praying mantis from her cats.

For twenty-two years Beverly taught children in grades two through five how to read and write. They taught her patience. Now, she teaches a women’s Sunday school class at her church. To relax she plays the piano. Her cats don’t appreciate good music and run and hide when she tickles the ivories.

 

http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com

http://beverlystowemcclure.wordpress.com

Want your YA, NA, or MG book featured on my blog? Contact me here and we'll set it up.