March Madness and Agent Spotlight!

What is up? Thanks for all the well wishes last week! I am still not 100% but at least I'm out of the dang sickbed:)

So it's almost March! Can you believe it? I can't! I've got a birthday this month and a 1 year blogoversary to celebrate (which was actually last week but who's counting?). So be prepared for some kind of fun giveaway coming soon.

March is also March Madness and no, I don't mean the basketball tournament, even though... GO BIG BLUE UK WILDCATS!!!!!

That said, I am actually talking about this fun little deal where you focus on a project and write your butt off the whole month of March.

  Check out the directions if you want to join in HERE and HERE. I'm doing it and hope we can root each other on.

***

And now for my AGENT SPOTLIGHT!

Since I have recently become obsessed with Twitter thanks to TweetDeck, I have picked an agent who is a pretty kick-butt tweeter.

Laura Bradford of the Bradford Lit Agency

She is currently interested in the following genres: Romance (historical, romantic suspense, paranormal, category, contemporary, erotic), urban fantasy, women’s fiction, mystery, thrillers and young adult as well as some select non-fiction. 



If you haven't checked her out on TWITTER you should! She often does #askagent sessions just because she like to be helpful. Love those!

If you need more reasons to love her, here is an INTERVIEW.



Writer's Butt Update #2

I'm gonna keep this post short and sweet folks, because not only did I get the nasty funk this week--you  know the one where your throat is like sand paper and your nose stops working--but I also woke up this morning with the puke bug. BLEH!

So on to Writer's Butt Update #2:
I lost 5 more pounds!!! Woo hoo for me! I haven't been working out as much as I should and I didn't eat very well this past week from being sick, but I'm still trying to eat lots of fruits and veggies and as I sit at the computer, I drink water and take breaks to get up and move.

I think that's all I can manage in this post. Talk of food and movement is making me turn green. I'm off to go hug the toilet...again.

What are you doing this month to banish Writer's Butt from your life? I may be sick, but I'd still love to hear.

Agents and Halflings...not necessarily in that order

I can't begin today's post without first thanking everyone for their comments on my last post. Your opinions are soooo important and it really helped me figure out whether I should move on with a new idea or start book two of my current WIP. I've decided to plot the new idea and once I begin querying Ripple Effect, I will write the new idea. I already have a name: Beneath the Stairs. So THANK YOU!!!

Alrighty, on to my post...

Anyone who follows Jamie Ayers blog knows she is doing a 1st page critique contest (and you still have until Wed if you want to get in on it). The one doing the critique will be debut author Heather Burch who had her fabulous book, Halflings, come out in January anywhere books are sold.

Here is an excerpt:

Hunted by men and demons ...

Seventeen-year-old Nikki must entrust her life to three half human, half angel young men; the Halflings are sworn to protect her at all costs, but when two fall for Nikki, it puts more than their lives in danger; their very eternal souls hang in the balance.

Sounds pretty cool to me. What do you think?

I think I need to pick this book up:)

 

 

***

As I told you a while back I was going to start highlighting a lovely agent here on my blog for those on the dream agent search. My first agent is Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

Aside from her being a work horse in the industry, she is also extremely sweet!

From the Seymour site, this is what she's on the prowl for:

 Do you have the next book to feed her habit? A smart, tight read she won’t be able to put down? A signature voice she’ll fight to represent?

HEA’s are a must for romance. Mainstream suspense, thrillers, mysteries, YA and inspirational novels are welcome. A consummate science geek and card-carrying Mensa member, Nicole would love to find the next great science fiction/fantasy novel or action/adventure masterpiece. 

Here are some interviews Nicole has done:

Honestly YA 2/3/12

Mother, Write, Repeat 2/3/11

And here is how you SUBMIT TO HER

If you would like to stalk her (in the most professional way) check her out on TWITTER

Good Luck!

 

From first page critiques to looking for agents...where are you on your writer's journey and are you happy where you are?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday Free For All!

photo cred

I'm needing some writerly opinions, so naturally I'm coming to my blog buddies for help.

We'll call this the question of the week.

Hypothetically...

You finish a wip then send it out into the world for a little beta lovin'. While you're sitting around returning the beta favor or reading books, maybe actually even experiencing life again, your writer juices creep up.

Oh you know what I'm talking about. They're the juices with side effects like bodyquakes, a constant glazed expression as you plan a 300 page book in your head and a perma-smile.

All because of your shiny NEW ideas!

You may have been trying to put a lid on them while you were finishing your last project, but they're plowing you down with reckless abandon right now.

My question then is this:

Do you take one of these new, fresh ideas and mold it into something right away, or do you put it on the back burner and continue working on what could be book number two for your recently finished piece?

I hear some say, let your creative juices flow. You never know if your current wip is even going to catch an agent's eye.

Others say, no, do book two because an agent is going to want to see what you have planned after book one.

I'm a query newbie so I I have no idea which is the best route....if there really is one. So please sound off.

Which would you choose. Write the new book or continue the series?

And for those of you who say both, well, I bow down to you:)

Have a great weekend peoples!

Is it getting hot in here? Blog Hop

Hello love birds! I hope you all are having a fabulous Hearts Day:)

Look, I know the real reason you're here. It's for the hot juicy action! Hope and Cassie were thoughtful enough to know we needed to heat things up this Valentine's Day so they put together a super spicy blogfest.

To get in on the swoonworthy fun go HERE.

Here is what we are supposed to do:
Please share one of your favorite kissing scenes from a book you've read, from your own WiP, make one up, or write about one of your own memorable kisses. Then hop around to feel how sweet, romantic, or downright steamy other characters are getting smooched!

I chose to share a kissing scene from Colleen Houck's Tiger's Voyage.

My favorite kinds of kissing scenes are often times the ones that lead up to the mega kiss. I love the emotional flirting, those, "Oh my gosh, is this really gonna happen?" moments.

This is one of those to me:

          "Give it a rest Shakespeare. I'm not a shrew to be tamed. Like I told you last night, I'm dating Kishan now."
          "Really?" He stood and stalked toward me.
          All of a sudden I couldn't breathe. I kept backing up until I hit the wall. He pressed his hands against it on either side of my head and leaned in close to me. I stubbornly thrust out my chin, refusing to be intimidated by him.
          "Yes. I am. It's a good thing I came here to talk with you about it anyway. I don't want...you chasing me around or making things," I swallowed thickly, "difficult."
          Ren laughed throatily and leaned closer to nuzzle my ear. "You like me to be...difficult."
          "No." I groaned when he bit my earlobe. "I want my life to be simple and comfortable. And with Kishan it will be."
          "You don't really want something simple, do you Kelsey?" His lips pressed against the soft skin behind my ear, and I shivered. "Complication," he began trailing slow, teasing kisses down my neck, "is what makes life," he cupped the back of my neck and slid his hand into my hair, "exciting."
          I turned my face away, but he just took the opportunity to explore more of my exposed neck.
          "Love is complicated, iadala. Mmm, you taste delicious. Do you know how good it feels to be able to touch you without pain? To kiss you?" He pressed tingling kisses along my jaw, and whispered, "I want to drown in the pleasure of being close to you."
           I groaned and gripped his upper arms. Speaking of drowning, I was going under, and fast. Blinking open my eyes, I grabbed his shoulders, faced him, and used all my strength to push him away, but he only backed off a few inches.
         "That's it, Ren. I mean it. Read...my...lips. I want Kishan. Not you."
          His eyes tightened, but then shone with a wicked gleam. "I thought you'd never ask." Suddenly, he yanked me into his arms. One of his hands splayed against my back and the other slipped into my hair. He angled my head and crushed his mouth against mine....

MUCH KISSING MUCH KISSING MUCH KISSING

          ....."Hmm," he trailed his finger from my temple down my cheek to my lips and touched the bottom lip lightly. "That's interesting."
         Sighing, I asked, "What's interesting?"
          "Despite you protestations, I would say that your lips definitely want...me."

And then it goes from there. Love it! I can;t wait to check out the rest of the hot and heavy scenes. If you want to join me go HERE

I hope your V-day is as complicated and interesting as Kelsey and Ren's!

Happy Monday!

Hey Ya'll! Yep, I'm from the south:) Just wanted to put a quick post up reminding everyone that tomorrow is V-day and of course the It's Getting Hot in Here Blogfest! It's gonna be spicy:)

Also, the second round of Cupid's Bouncer Judging is beginning and I would so love it if you wanted to pop over to my post (#65) and leave me a loverly comment. Also, let me know if your in it and I'll do the same for you.

And finally, in other contest news, Melodie's agent contest at Forever Rewrighting is beginning today too! So check it out:)

I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest - Day 3

Before we get into the final challenge for the I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest, I wanted to turn your attention to an awesome agent contest for those writers ready to query. Melodie from Forever Rewrighting has just landed an agent and she is feeling awfully thankful. Go check out her blog where she will be hosting a pitch contest with her new agent next week!

And now for the challenge....
I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest is coming to a close and boy are Cassie and Angie wanting us to go out with a bang. Here is what we do:
Emotion Flash Fiction: Emotion is the engine of a story. Pick an emotion and in a flash fiction piece of 250 words MAKE us feel it! We want to connect with your character. This will be a challenge in 250 words.

I picked my MC, Kali. And because I suck at flash fiction, I used a small scene from Ripple with her and her mom.
          I peek through the bedroom door, but can’t see much. The only light comes from a tiny side lamp. Dust dances about the shade as if it celebrates even a fraction of luminescence in the room. Mom sits hunched over the small bedside table. Her back is to me, and her elbows are propped up, hands tangled in her hair.
        “Mom,” I whisper.
         No response.
         Walking closer, I speak her name again. She still doesn’t answer, but I see her shoulders tense. She knows I’m here and hasn’t yelled for me to leave, so I continue to approach.
         I am near enough to see she’s reading. It isn’t a book, but a letter. A familiar letter, the writing is too small, the paper too wrinkled with age to see what it says.
         "Mom, are you going to come downstairs for the party?” I pause. “I’m turning seventeen today.” My voice wavers and I sense a knot choke me mid-sentence. I take a deep breath, forcing the tears back. I don’t have time to reapply my makeup. The guests will be arriving any minute.
         It is best if I just leave. She isn’t talking today. I hesitate before turning around and reach out to touch her shoulder. Instead of making contact, it hovers mid-air before I drop it and walk out.

***

And that's it. What kind of emotion do you think Kali was feeling?

If you want to check out other blogfesters pieces go here.

Thanks so much Angie and Cassie for this fun blogfest!!! I had a blast:)

I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest - Day Two

We're at it again! Day two of the I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest has begun and this one is all about dialogue.
The rules are simple: Introduce two of your characters using only dialogue. I chose Mole and Raven, two supporting characters in Ripple.

Ready. Set. Go.

"Just be the ball Mole, think like it and...shoot."

"Easy for you to say Raven. But I've got too many personalities in my head as it is. I don't want to be the stupid ball. This game sucks. I'm leaving."

"Where you gonna go? You're in a freakin' mental institution. All we have is our basketball court and some TVs hung from the ceiling."

"Can't you burn us out of this joint or something."

"Ummm that would be a big negatory. That's how I landed my butt in this hole in the first place."

"Fine. Give me the ball."

"Finally coming around. Here. Now, be the ball like I said."

"I'm not going to pretend to be this ball. It can't help me. It doesn't even think. I'm gonna crush you, you insignificant excuse for a ball."

"What the heck did you do that for? And where did you get that knife in the first place. We aren't allowed to have weapons here Mole."

"It's one of the butter knives from breakfast, genius."

"Yeah, well, your butter knife just ruined my day. Now I'll have to go watch Vampire Diaries re-runs. Thanks a lot Mole."

"You're welcome Raven. I knew you'd be happier without that stupid ball."

*** 

That was fun!
 If you want to go check out the rest, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest

Who doesn't need a shrink at one time or another? Angie Cothran and Cassie Mae happen to think our characters could use some head help too! Don't you love it? So Day 1 of the I'm Hearing Voices Blogfest is taking our characters to the couch. Come with me on a journey into Alec's mind. He's my troubled pretty boy from Ripple.

Deana: Hello Alec. We have a couch over here. Won't you lie down?

Alec: Nah, I think I'll stand, but thanks for asking doll. You sure do look lovely by the way.

Deana: Oh Alec, its not gonna happen today. This day is all about you. So lets get started shall we?

Alec: Sure thing. I'm an open book.

Deana: We'll see about that. Alec, what would you say is your biggest vulnerability?

Alec: *Cough* Well, ah, you really know how to start a therapy session off don't you? I guess my answer would be an actual person. Her name starts with a K. I probably shouldn't say that since it's my brothers girl and all.

Deana: And that would have been my next question: Do others know this or is it a secret?

Alec: Yeah, not something I like to broadcast. Ruins my whole tough guy, I could give a crap less, image.

Deana: What would your best friend say is your fatal flaw and why?

Alec: *laughs* I don't have friends Deana, are you kidding? My brother can't stand me and Kali forgot she ever knew me soooo, I guess to answer that for myself, it would be that I am devastatingly handsome. It gets me into a lot of trouble. *wink* Hence the whole brother hating me thing.

Deana: *blushing slightly because he really is good looking* Alrighty then, since you have no friends, what would you say is your redeeming quality and why?

Alec: No doubt about it, I would lay down my life for my friends, family, the cause.

Deana: Wait. I thought you didn't have any friends?

Alec: They might not like me, but that doesn't mean I don't like them. *silence* Can we move on?

Deana: Sure. What do you want most?

Alec: Hmm, now that isn't so easy. I wish I could say to get the girl, but I'd really like to save the world too.

Deana: Can you pick one?

Alec: I suppose if I save the world I might get the girl too, so I'm going with save the world.

Deana: Okay, and what will you do to get that?

Alec: Almost anything. Even betray my own flesh and blood. Cause it's all for a good cause you know?

Deana: Yes Alec, I do know. Thanks for letting us get inside your head today.

Alec: Anything for you sweet cheeks.

Deana: Would you stop that already?

Alec: What? *smiles*

And that's it folks! To check out the other entries go HERE

Friday Free For All

Happy Friday!

(Yes I am posting this on Thursday actually, but it's because of a blog hop (see below) and the link had to be up Thursday.)

Alright, I can't keep it bottled in any longer. I want to scream it from the hills how stinking awesome this blogging/writing community is!

First off, if you remember last Friday, I had my first Writer's Butt post and I asked for picture ideas.Well, wouldn't you know, awesome chick, Heidi Bolton said she was sitting in the carpool line and decided to draw me up something. And let me tell you; I LOVE MY NEW WRITER'S BUTT! Check it out....

Hehe! Thanks Heidi!!!


Another reason blogging rocks. I love checking in every month on Sharon Bayliss' blog, The Blue Word, because she gives us the lowdown on all the latest and greatest writing contests. Here is this months contest post (part 1) from Sharon 

I also got three awards this week! The above mentioned Sharon Bayliss (The Blue Word) and Martin Willoughby (From Sand to Glass) gave me the Kreativ blog award and Kelley Lynn (Between the Bookends) gave me The Two Thumbs Up From Skunk and Liebster awards.

Now instead of boring you all with loads of info about me. I am going to combine one thing about me you may not know and the one thing I like about myself (because that is what you're supposed to do for the Skunk award).

Drumroll........
I have never had a cavity! Its a fact about myself and something I think is pretty darn cool about myself too:)
Thanks for the awards guys!

Now for my final Friday Free For All fun:

Juliana Brandt is doing a fun little blog hop where you do a scene and every line of dialogue is done in the form of a Tweet.  No more than 140 characters. So here is mine. Short and Sweet:)
Theme: Four years old and still not potty trained
My characters @potty training child, @mommy, @daddy
@mommy: Listen buddy, today's the day. Your going to poop in the potty. Yay!
@pottytrainingchild: Nope.
@mommy: Oh yes you are sweetie. # 2 is going in the potty. And its happening today. YAY!
@pottytrainingchild: Nope.
@mommy: Listen. If you don't go potty in the potty, I'm going to have to take you to the doctor.
@pottytrainingchild: Nope.
@mommy: And if you have to go to the doctor, you're going to have to get a shot. In you butt.
@pottytrainingchild: I gotta go potty mommy
@mommy: Yay!
@pottytrainingchild: *grunts* *grunts* *grunts*
@mommy: *whistle while trying not to look too hopeful*
@pottytrainingchild *plop* Mommy, poopy just came out my butt into the toilet.
@mommy: Yay yay yay yay!
@pottytrainingchild: I no go to the doctor to get a shot!
@mommy: Nope baby. I'm going to text daddy the good news! *texting good news*
@daddy: *texting back* Holy crap that is good news!
@mommy: *texting back* crap is right :)

Now you know another great thing that's happened in my life recently and it's about dang time! Hey, don't judge on the fake threat of a shot to the butt either. You do what you gotta do. The boys trained right?:)

Have a great weekend folks!

Do you argue with your characters

I got into a fight with my protag the other day and after it was all said and done she won the battle...but I won the war!!

I realized the big tug-o-war match we were having was because I wanted her to react the way I would react.

I've been learning through a tedious process, that when we as writers really come out of our shell, one thing we will do, is let our characters go off into this big ole' world on their own and be who they were meant to be.

So yeah, I shed a few tears, but in the end, I think I grew a little more as a writer.

What about you, do you ever get into fist fights with your characters because you want them to do something they wouldn't really do?

***

Just a little update: I haven't forgotten about my agent spotlights. I will be starting them soon, so stay tuned!

Writers Butt--Update #1

Welp, this is my first Writer's Butt update and I really wanted to find the perfect picture for the occasion but I couldn't find one. If anyone knows of any hilarious pics (in good taste) that would relate to Writers Butt, I'd love to hear about it.

Now, onto the update....

As I said in my beginning of the year goals post, I am determined to get my tail in shape this year and rid my life of Writer's Butt. I am under the impression that being accountable to you all is going to help me reach my goal.

SO

It has been 26 days and here is what I've done:

- Joined Weight Watchers (I have actually been a member for awhile, but was horrible at doing it. Now I'm better!

- Started working out. I'm trying mix it up be doing some P90X, Dance 2 and Adventures on the Kinect and cleaning. And I do this BEFORE I start my writing.

- Eating smaller portions.

By doing those things I have LOST 8.2 POUNDS!!!

I'm feeling pretty good. Nope it isn't Biggest Loser numbers or anything, but it is coming off which makes me feel better every time my butt plops in the writing chair.

What about you? Are you trying to rid your life of Writer's Butt? If so, what are you doing? How is it going? What about other goals, how are they coming along?

***

Before I say adios for the weekend I want to thank all of those who helped me out and encouraged me through the crappy synopsis. I also want to give Sharon Bayliss and Robin Weeks a shout out and a big thanks for both giving me the Kreative Blogger award! You two are slammin' in my book:)

Now for 6 random things about me (some of these may be repeats so I'm sorry if you've heard them before...

1) When I was a child I lived in a tent with my dad for about 6 months.

2) I was attacked by my brothers big dog and my husband--then boyfriend--saved me and was attacked. To this day both of us have scars and nerve damage in our arms.

3) I've moved way more times than I can count. 30 times give or take is what I'm thinking.

4) A brown recluse bit me when I was a teenager and I almost lost my leg.

5) I was a baton twirler for the Tennessee Twirlers when I was a kid and made the state team in Tennessee and we got to travel and perform all over.

6) My great uncle was in the Guinness Book of World Record for pulling a train with his teeth. No lie!

And I'm passing this award on to just a few of my favorite bloggers out there (I wish I could pick you all!):

Meredith Moore

ER King

Angela Brown

Angie Cothran

Jasmine Walt

Jamie Ayers 

The Dreaded Synopsis

Well, I've ho-hummed about this for a week and I am still pulling my hair out. The synopsis shouldn't be this hard. But it is! For me.

But numerous people have given me this link so it must be a good one. So I thought I would share.

How To Write A 1-Page Synopsis

I've been working on some editing and today I am sending my kiddos off to school and will write this darn thing! Even if it kills me. And it just might.

Wish me luck:)

Free-For-All Friday! Contests! Bloghops! Awards!

What a week! I'm all about the hectic week though, because I kinda like to be frazzled. There I said it. It's a love/hate thing I suppose.

Here are some highlights:

-My van is a piece of junk. Did you know it costs over a $1000 bones to fix junk? And then, when I went to pick up the fixed junk, it wouldn't start. Darn batteries.

-I took my Grandmother to the doctor for a check-up on her skin cancer. It was gone. Yes! But a new place showed up. That woman is a fighter I tell you. She has dealt with years of Lymphoma and now skin cancer yet she still manages to curl her hair and put lipstick and jewelry on when we go out. Love her:)

-These two boys I don't know came to my house freezing and needing a ride, I felt so bad for them so I gave them a ride to their house. Now they are coming on warm days asking for rides. Umm....

In my writing world:

-I am still looking for two more betas, so if anyone is interested please let me know:)

-ER King (Get Busy Writing) has been brave enough to be a beta reader and she just sent me some fabulous suggestions!

-Monica (Love YA) just critiqued my first 1000 and again, more fab suggestions!

-I entered some contests and in Jamie Ayers agent contest, I got excellent feedback from Nicole Resciniti from the Seymour Agency. Can I just say she is soooo cool! She asked everyone who entered for a partial and a synopsis (except for two, who she asked for fulls).

-Which brings me to the next item on my writing 'to do' list. A synopsis. I would rather gouge my eyes out with red hot coals. Maybe.

-I blinked and went up a hundred followers! Not sure how that happened, but thanks so much to my new lovelies:)

-I was given the Versatile and Kreativ Blogger awards from the uber-fantastic Kelley over at Between the Bookends. I'm supposed to tell some things about myself, so I am going to call my bullet list above 'my things' and pass these awards on to...
ANYONE WHO COMMENTS ON THIS POST (because I seriously can't pick I love you all!)

And one last item of business for the Free-For-All

Writing Contests I've heard about:
Query Tracker Logline/100 words-Jan 30th
Cupids Connection Query/250 contest Ends today!
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest Jan 23-Feb 5

Bloghops I'm Doing:
Flickerfest Bloghop - Can't find the link to this, but I wanted to do it. If anyone knows, I'd love to know.
The rest of the bloghops I'm doing are in the left sidebar under "Things I Love". I'm excited for them all!

Have a great weekend!

Debut Author, Tawdra Kandle Interview and Chance to Win a Kindle!

I don't usually blog on Wednesdays anymore, but one of my great friends, Tawdra Kandle, is starting her book tour today and I am super excited for her. You should really check out her book, Fearless and the tour because she is giving away a free Kindle, plus if you sign up for her newsletter you get a free e-book of her second book in the series, Breathless! Whaa...? Yup, I said it:) Check out the details HERE

Now, on to the interview...

DB: Tell us a little about yourself and your book? 

TK: I’m a wife and  a homeschooling mom.  Two of my kids are graduated, and two are still homeschooling. I’ve also been a mother-in-law since this past June! And of course, I’m a writer.  I’ve been creating characters and stories in one form or another since I can remember.  Those tales saw me through some tough times.  My first short story was published in the magazine “A Child’s Life” when I was twelve years old.  After I was married and had children, I veered away from fiction for several years to concentrate on non-fic work, mostly columns and articles on parenting and homeschooling. I also wrote some homeschool curriculum.  I began seriously writing fiction again in 2008, and that year I finished my first YA novel, FEARLESS, which grew into the King series.

FEARLESS tells the story of Tasmyn, a seventeen-year old girl who has spent her life hiding her ability to hear minds. When she moves to the town of King, Tas is faced with first love, a rumor of blood sacrifices and a chem. teacher who seems to be more than she appears. The King series follows Tasmyn’s journey from a shy and cautious girl to a young woman confident in and comfortable with her powers.

DB: Wow, published at 12! You are destined for great writerly things:) And having read Tawdra's work, Fearless is one you don't want to miss!

You recently went the indie publishing route and I think your story is one that many writers might resonate with. Could you share your journey and how you got to where you are now?

TK: Like most if not all writers, I began this journey fully confident that I would go the traditional publishing route.  Once FEARLESS was completed, I began querying agents.  In retrospect, I started that process too soon, burning contacts before the book was really ready to be seen. Querying can be  demoralizing, but I didn’t really lose heart.  I was encouraged by agents telling me that they loved my writing but that my story wasn’t quite what they were looking for at the moment. 

I attended a writers’ conference in New York in the fall of 2010, and it was there that I realized that the world of publishing was in the midst of a revolution. Agents and editors weren’t saying as much in their seminars, but privately, they were much more vocal. I also recognized that finding an agent was going to be much harder than I had anticipated, as our small group received directly contradicting advice from each new set of agents we met in the roundtables!

I began chatting online with some of my favorite well-known authors, asking their advice on the whole process.  Several told me that if they were new writers today, they would definitely go the route of indie publishing, because it provides more creative and financial control. It took a little time for me to accept that going this way was not giving up; instead, it’s just taking a different road to the same destination. It does require more work in the realm of promotion and publicity, but even those authors who are traditionally published are often on their own when it comes to that part of the business.  The days of book tours and readings for every new author are over!

DB: I love hearing your story, and I think this is a great route. I commend you for it and can't wait to see your success:)

Time management seems to a big theme in a lot of blog posts I read lately. Can you tell us how you time manage writing with promotion, being a mother, wife, and all the many other duties you have?

TK: This is a huge topic of interest for me; I even have a page on my website called “How Writers Stay Sane” and post weekly about different strategies. I am blessed to have daughters who are very tolerant of my writing.  They frequently pick up the slack in the housekeeping and cooking department.  I try to keep running lists of what needs to be done when, different lists for each part of my life.  I have a wonderful friend, fellow writer and advisor who prods me to keep up the promotion end when I slack off.  And I don’t sleep nearly as much as I would like! It’s amazing the things you can accomplish after midnight.  Now having said that, I miss the amount of time I used to be able to give just pure writing—not editing, not promotion or anything else associated with books—just pure, wonderful writing time.  I have books that need to be finished, and I might have to run away for a week to make that happen.  But shhhh. . don’t tell my family that!

DB: Your secret is safe with me:)

What is the next step for Tawdra Kandle?

TK: Other than running away?    Once I’ve launched that, I am going to concentrate on editing RESTLESS and the final book in the series, which I think will be called TIMELESS (but that is a working title).   Then I have to finish the first book in my adult series, which is as yet untitled.  It’s much lighter than the King series, and I am having a lot of fun with it.  I think it has series potential, but we shall see.  After that. . .Nell wants her own book, and I have the work up of a sort of prequel to the King series, about Gravis King, the man who founded the town, and Sarah, the witch he rescued from being burned at the stake in Romania.  So many characters, so little time!

DB:Well, it doesn't sound like you are giving yourself any time to run away!  

Now let's have a little fun....

Favorite food?

TK: Aside from anything chocolate, I love beets with goat cheese and spiced pecans.  I know. . but it’s good for me and I love the juxtaposition of flavors!!

Favorite book?

TK: You might as well ask me about my favorite child. Gone With the Wind was the first real book I remember reading, when I was about 7 or 8.  I love Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow. Just about anything Anne Rice writes. . .and Stephen King. . .Diana Gabaldon. . .oh, I could just go on and on!

DB: Favorite author, and if you were trapped in an elevator with him/her, what would ask?

TK: My favorite author right now is probably Diana Gabaldon, just because I love her style and her unapologetic defiance of book length maximums! If we were trapped in an elevator, I would ask her how she keeps all her story strands straight. . .and how she integrates them so well.

DB: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

TK: England. 

DB: Where do you see yourself in five years?

TK: Still writing, hopefully with more finesse and style, and also I hope with more understanding of the promotion and publicity process.  I would like to have a loyal readership who enjoy my books.  That,  a happy and healthy family, and I’ll be satisfied.

DB: Sounds like a perfect plan! Tawdra, thanks so much for visiting today!

And for all you potential Tawdra fans, go get her book HERE. It's awesome!

Is Blogging Important to Your Writing?

I've heard both sides of this question very thoroughly debated, and I have come to the conclusion that...well, it depends.

When I first decided I would try this novel thing out, I hadn't the first clue about blogging or websites...or writing anything for that matter. All I knew is I wanted to write. And I did.

As I wrote, I read. And as I read, I began to become more and more interested in the author behind the story, since I wanted to be one myself. I headed to the Internet to learn more, and low and behold, author blogs were born to me.

My eyes were suddenly opened to a whole new world of writing 'dos and don'ts', as well as the camaraderie I so desperately craved from other like-minded people.

So I began a blog of my own.

Did it make me famous? No.

Do I expect agents to come knocking down my door because they love my blog? Umm, no.

Do I expect my massive following of 468 (of which I may be lucky to get 30 or so of them to check out my blog daily) to push my sales through the roof when I finally do get a book deal (I'm an optimist, what can I say:)? That would be a big fat no as well.

BUT

Has it done those things for other authors? Well, sure.

Has it taught me oodles of information on the craft, the writing market, finding a critique group, what a beta is, finding an agent, getting published, not giving up, querying...and the list goes on? Heck yes!

So is blogging important to your writing? I can't answer that for you. But, for me, I would have to say a big resounding, YES! I have learned so much through the outlet it provides, I don't know what I would do without the blogs I browse to teach me. I wasn't lucky enough to get a degree in Creative Writing...or even finish college for that matter (though I hope to one day). So I consider what I learn through blogs, sites and helpful links, my schooling. Of course the occasional writers conference doesn't hurt either. And when I go there and meet people, I go home and check out their blogs if they have one.

I love blogging.

I know it isn't for everyone. And even if it is for you, there is a fine line between blogging to help you write and blogging taking away your time to write. We all have to learn our limits.

What about you? Is blogging important to your writing? And if so, how?

On the Horizon

Now that my 2012 goals are in place, I thought I would use my blog as way to help me achieve them. So I've got a few new things I'm going to be doing that I'd like to share with you.

Writer's Butt Updates:
You may remember a post back in September about how sitting in my computer chair day-in and day-out has done a number on my tail? I called the dilemma, Writer's Butt. Well, this year, I am bound and determined to remedy this issue. To help, I will be doing a monthly post on the last Friday of every month, about what's working, what's not, and my progress (or lack thereof), to keep me accountable. Feel free to join me on these Fridays. Together, we can rid the world of Writer's Butt! Or at least have fun trying:)

Friday Free-For-All:
On Friday's I'm going to give myself permission to have a free day. I'll talk about my life, my writing updates, how my cat (Totally flubbed that up. It's my dog. That is what I get for writing this post at midnight:) wears booties in the snow because she doesn't like her feet to get cold. No joke. Anything and everything will be up for grabs on Fridays.

Agent Spotlight:
My other blogging day is Tuesday, and I am going to try to keep that centered around writing. I'm talking, the craft, getting published, marketing, the ups and downs of the journey, you name it. And since I'm going to be querying soon, I thought it might also be nice to add in some spotlights for new agents, or ones I've come across in my research that I think are super cool.

Are any of you bloggers out there changing things up in your neck of the woods? I'd love to hear all about it.

Baby Got Back

And by back, I don't mean a big ole booty that jiggles when you walk. Though I do have one of those too.









Nope. I mean, one sturdy, iron steel back bone. Because it's what you must have in this writing world right?



I'm getting mine nice and chiseled for next week, because I'm going to send my manuscript FOR THE FIRST TIME to a group of beta buddies.
Edit: Okay, scratch the "very first time" bit. I just realized that I have had a beta buddy before with the very first manuscript I ever wrote. Jordan McCollum (who is going to have her debut novel out in 2013!) She was one who thrashed me...in a good way, she was very kind through it all. But it was the most helpful thing I think I've had on my writing road thus far. I will be ever grateful for her:)
For those of you just starting out on your writing journey, a beta is basically a reader with fresh eyes. They haven't critiqued your work line by line, like your critter group. They haven't read any of it really. They're there to pick up on plot holes, pacing, the real nitty-gritty kind of stuff. The stuff that makes a book a page turner vs a dusty old thing forgotten on a book shelf.

So yeah.

Gulp.

I'm four days away from sending my baby out into the world. Am I scared? Heck yeah! But you know what? I'm more excited than anything else, because I'm ready to get the thrashings I need in order to make my book the best that it can be. I can't believe I've finally made it to this point. It feels sooooo good!

So what about you? Are you tough as nails when you send your blood, sweat and tears out into the world? Or are you so protective over it, that one negative slash to your pages will send you in a downward spiral? Maybe your somewhere in between? I'd love to know how the beta process works for you all.

That was Then, This is Now

That was Then

Last year I had a couple of solid goals:

1) Finish my novel

2) Get in shape

Did I meet them?

For the first goal. I did. But in a way totally unexpected. Mid-year I decided to shelve the novel I was working on, for an idea that had been swimming in my brain for a couple of years. I will be sending it out to beta buddies in the next two weeks. So YES! Goal met.

As for the second one, getting in shape. Did I meet it? Not so much. I digress.

This is Now

There is something about this year that has me giddy with hope and excitement and anticipation. It could be because my plan is to begin querying in February, and I haven't yet experienced the drudgery of waiting, accompanied with utter rejection. Over and over. But I'll tell you something, even with that notion on the horizon, I'm still totally pumped up for 2012!

So without further ado (and praying I don't bore you because this is quite possibly your 100th goals post you've read for the new year) I give you my goals for 2012:

-Query 10 agents at a time until I decide whether my query and/or manuscript is working, or is a total bust and in need of a rehaul.

-Land my dream agent (yep, I said it)

-Write another book and outline a third
-Get my dang finances in order

-Get organized--like, every junk drawer, and closet cleaned out. For real this time.

-Get my writers butt in shape. I know, I know. I said this one too. But seriously. I'm going to do it this year.

-Develop more meaningful relationships with my kids. Not just talk to them while my face is glued to the computer screen.

-Throw an even bigger 'Gearin' Up to Get an Agent Blogfest' (Oh yeah, it's coming back!)

-Get a website

-Do something new with my blog, or possibly start a group blog with like-minded writers (If anyone reading this has been thinking the same thing, let's talk:)

-BE PATIENT

That's it. You think I can do it? What about 80% at least? I'm shooting for 95%.

What about you? If you haven't worn this topic into the ground, what are your goals for the new year?

Happy 2012!!

Happy New Year my peoples! I sure hope whatever holiday you've been celebrating has been wonderful!

I can't tell you how happy I am to be back in the saddle, so to speak. I've had a terrific little break and I've spent a lot of it reflecting on this past 2011 as well as picking my New Year resolutions for 2012.

This week I'm going to be sharing those because, like most of you, I think it's important to see where I've come in a year, and where I'm headed...or at least, would like to be headed.

Before I get into that, however, I would be remiss if I didn't first rattle off some of the many blessings I received over the holiday break. And as I share them, I think it's important to note that before some of them became blessings, they started out as nightmares. Thats' life though, I suppose.

My Blessings

1) I realized how completely supportive my family is about my writing when, for Christmas, I received not one, but two laser printers and a trip to the LDS StoryMakers conference in May!

2) Twenty pages from finishing the third edit of my novel, my computer crashed. I didn't know what I was going to do...until a new lap top showed up on my front porch. Literally! Querying agents in February is still a go!

3) The night before Christmas Eve, my seven year old daughter woke me up with the 24 hour puking bug. I spent the entire night holding her hair back and rubbing her back. In those wee hours of the morning, I realized how completely blessed I am be able to love and comfort my children when they need me.

4) This is the first year, in many, that we live close to family and didn't have to kill ourselves travelling from one place to another with loads of luggage.

5) I love my family and they love me. Probably the best blessing of all!

What about you? Amidst the goal setting, and reflecting on the past, have you taken the time to count your many blessings? If so what are some of them?