On Writing

One of my absolute favorite topics to read about is another author's story of how and why they entered the writing life. I find each unique story to be inspiring and insightful!

Tonight, I read Elizabeth Gilbert's (best known for her memoir Eat, Pray, Love) article on the subject. I am attaching the link, so please check it out.  One important point she made is not to "pre reject yourself" - especially without ever having tried to share your work. I also love how she explains that writing is for all ages.

http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/writing.htm

Another author with extremely insightful writing on the process of writing is Dani Shapiro. Her blog "Moments of Being" is stuffed full of exquisite writer's life tidbits.

http://danishapiro.com/category/blog/

Current Work in Progress

So, I wanted to give my readers an update on Body of Ash. It is currently in its final stages of editing and I am thrilled about the progress.

I was recently asked what it is about and without me dropping spoilers, I wanted to just discuss the themes of the novel. The book is essentially about one man and the four women whose lives he touches due to his addictions.

As a human development and family studies major, I am always fascinated when I read about relationships, especially those within a family. Within this novel, I explored the theme of mothers and daughters and how the connection between a female child and their mother - (both grown and teens) is a powerful force. There is such anguish on the road to becoming your own woman and it is difficult to break away - even when it is necessary.

I also explored the theme of control. Control over self and others was a constant thread of the characters trying to gain leverage when their worlds began to spiral in an unstoppable direction.

Also, the story confronts the appearances versus reality issues many families cope with. People aren't always what they seem - especially in small towns.

The novel has two teenage girls living very different lives with two very different mothers who are involved with the same man. The plot explores what happens when all of these lives come to together in an obsessive turn of events.

Updates will be posted soon. Thanks everyone for your wonderful emails!

The Truth on Blood Twist

So, lately I have been asked about Blood Twist and when my readers can expect Book 2 in The Erris Coven Series. I have decided to post here the update on the the status of my work in progress.  As I posted late last fall, I was offered the opportunity to take a writing class with legendary author and poet Davyne Verstandig. Upon meeting her, she challenged me to temporarily put Blood Twist on hold until I have completed a few months of writing training. Reluctantly, I agreed - after all, I want to be a better writer of course. So, I put the mostly completed manuscript aside and began writing Body of Ash in class. My class will end in April - in which time I hope to begin working on Blood Twist again. The only problem is....the computer I have Blood Twist on has crashed and died. Yes, Yes, I know - how could I have not had it backed up times ten? I keep asking myself that same question. But, all that remains is a few sample chapters I have on email that were sent to beta readers early on. I have my notes and my outline - but I wonder how long it will take to rewrite and complete the new novel? I don't think it can be exactly the same, but hope the new writing skills I have developed and the love I have for Lexie, Torin, Braden and Liz, as well as the rest of the Erris Coven family will help me rewrite - revise - reinvision the novel that was almost completely done before.

In the meantime, I am going to finish writing Body of Ash for my University of Connecticut class. It is so different than Fate Fixed or Blood Twist because it is not paranormal or young adult, but a contemporary women's fiction novel about a small New England family that crumbles under the weight of a father's addiction and the need to break down appearances. I don't know if I will self-publish it or seek traditional publishing, most likely it will be self-published though.

After completing the new edition of Blood Twist, I will be working on Breaking Jade - a young adult paranormal novel I am very excited about writing.

I want to thank all of my readers for their passion about Fate Fixed. It means the world to me when I hear from each and every one of you. At this time, there are still five novels planned in the series - plus a few extra surprises as well. If anyone ever has questions about the series or characters, please feel free to email me at compellingread(at)gmail(dot)(com). I love hearing from readers. If anyone would like to send me any fan fiction they have written about Lexie and Torin, I would be happy to post it here on my blog.

Until next time!

Cover Reveal - EBook Edition - Glass Ashes by Miranda Wheeler

It's absolutely gorgeous!!! The graphic artist who designed it designed my covers as well!!!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW with Tish Thawer!

Today I have the lovely and talented Tish Thawer stopping by for an interview on her Scent of a White Rose tour! Be sure to also read the amazing 5 star review I gave her excellent book as well.

1) Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Absolutely! My official bio reads: I’m Tish Thawer and am currently working on The Rose Trilogy. A paranormal romance featuring a young woman named Rose, and Christian, the vampire who loves her. 

Before becoming a writer I worked as a computer consultant, a photographer and a graphic designer. I also operate a custom glass etching business, in addition to being a wife and mother of 3 wonderful children. 

I've been a fan of the paranormal for as long as I can remember. Anything to do with superpowers, myth and magic has always held a special place in my heart. From my first paranormal cartoon, Isis, to the phenomenon that is Twilight, this genre has always been a part of my life.

My unofficial bio is: I'm boring. I'm a complete a hermit. I love to stay home to read and write. I love watching movies and playing games with my family. I love doing landscape photography and taking road trips. My favorite food are mushrooms–I could eat them on almost anything. I'm a whip cream addict–can't drink my coffee or hot cocoa without it. I will only own arctic type dogs. I love all things fantasy and magical and have a thing for Ian Somerhalder. :p

2) Please tell us about your work?

The brief summary: The Rose Trilogy is a paranormal romance featuring a young woman named Rose, and Christian, the vampire who loves her.

The slightly longer summary: Rose is an "innocent" human girl who carries a secret. Christian is a vampire who's completely in love with her. They both face separate challenges, but when those challenges collide, they will change their relationship forever.

3) What is your favorite part about writing?

 I love waking up with an idea in my head and then being able to create a new world based on that. For me when I sit down at my computer, it's almost like automatic writing; the story just rolls out onto the page and then suddenly I'm immersed in this new world where amazing things happen. It's the joy of being able to create something that can serve as an escape for anyone who reads it.

4) Would you say your work is character driven or plot driven?

I think both. I'm not sure you can have a good story without a combination of the two. My characters are driven because they know what they want, but it's the plot that has them battling to get there.

5)  What inspired you to write your latest story? Did you experience any roadblocks while getting into your characters?

As clichés as it sounds, I had a dream and woke up with the title of the first book in my head: Scent of a White Rose. Within minutes I had the other two and knew that these would be about a girl named Rose. The first book portrays her as an innocent–hence the "white" Rose. The second; Blood of a Red Rose, will follow Rose as she explores a darker side of herself, and the third; Death of a Black Rose, is about the turning point where she becomes truly dark, and whether Christian will be able to save her.(Sorry, I know that's kinda vague, but did you really expect me to give too much away? LOL)

As for any roadblocks, not really. I knew who my characters were from the beginning, but there were a couple that I needed to flesh out more once I got to the end of the story. So I went back and added a little more background information and detail about certain characters.

6) If you could spend one day with any of your characters, who would you spend it with?

Evangeline. She's my favorite! She's beautiful, smart, caring and old...imagine all that I could learn.

7)  What would you say your greatest strength as a writer is?

Oh wow! That's a tough question for me because I constantly think, "I can do better."  But...my editor says that she enjoys my world building. The details I include and how I portray things so that they come across just as I imagined them. I hope she's right! LOL

8)  How would you describe your writing process? Do you make an outline first?

No. I don't make an outline. As I mentioned above, things just tend to fly from my head onto the page. I can literally have the entire book's plot laid out in my head within hours, and then when I start typing the details just fill in–including my characters names. It's really a case of them telling me what their names are and what they're doing, not the other way around.

9)  I love reading novels from independent authors and small publishing companies. Do you have a favorite you can recommend?

Nope.  I can't answer that one. There are so many amazing authors out there that I enjoy, I couldn't possibly pick just one.

10)  Do you have any words of wisdom for anyone considering publishing?

I would say...just go for it. Don't let the fear of not being good enough stop you from going after your dream. But instead, let it be the motivating factor for you to really strive to do your best work. Find a good cover artist, and a great editor–do not publish without having your work edited. It can make all the difference in the world.

11)  Did you take an active part in creating your cover(s)? Do you enjoy that aspect of publishing?

I found Regina Wamba, owner of Mae I Design and Photography after seeing some of her work on another author's website. I contacted her with my ideas and sent some samples of what I was wanting to do and what "feel" I wanted my covers to have. Then, she blew me away. Her design took what I had envisioned and turned it into magic. I'm in awe of her talent and absolutely love her!

12)  What are your future plans in writing? 

I am actively working on books two and three of The Rose Trilogy, that is my first priority. But I was invited to submit a short-story for an anthology that I'm working on as well. I also have another trilogy that I'm 90% done with book one, and then have a fantasy series that I'll be working on that will consist of five short novellas. So my future plans? Just keep writing! ;)

13)  Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?

Yes ma'am. In appreciation for all those who are taking the time to follow my blog tour I would like to share the details of my giveaway once again. At the bottom of this post, you'll find an image of smoking white roses (take note of how many). Click on the image and you'll be link to my contact page where you'll need to sent me comment (using the comment form), with the number of smoking roses that you found and where you found them. On January 28th, I will post a questionnaire on my blog and the first person who has found all the smoking roses, and who correctly answers the questionnaire will win the swag package that I've put together. It includes; bookmarks, a signed notecard, a magnet, a key chain, a coffee cup, a beautiful Scent of a White Rose journal, and a signed copy of the book.

(There will also be some bookmarks, key chains, signed notecards and some magnets up for grabs at specific stops along the tour. - Check my blog for details)

Smoking Rose Graphic! Treasure Hunt!

14) Also, please tell us where we can find your work online?

tishthawer.blogspot.com

www.tishthawer.com

facebook.com/TishThawer

facebook.com/TheRoseTrilogy.TishThawer

@TishThawer on Twitter

goodreads.com/TishThawer

Thank you Tish for the great interview. I loved your book and your covers are dreamy! Best wishes with the trilogy!

I invite all of my followers to check out her amazing book:

Amazon: Here


Barnes & Noble: Here

Smashwords:  Here

Review: Scent of a White Rose

Review: Scent of a White Rose by Tish Thawer

* * * * *

When my author friends have new books coming out, I love to support them by inviting them to guest post on my blog and to do interviews. When I learned that Tish Thawer’s novel, Scent of a White Rose, was being released, I wanted to do more than just invite her to make my blog a stop on her tour – I desired the pleasure of being able to drift away into her unique paranormal world with an ARC copy of my own to escape into! So, with my boys at school and hubby at work, (my afternoon free from distraction), I pulled out my new fleece blanket, favorite fuzzy socks, and a cup of gingerbread coffee and curled up by the fire with my Kindle Fire. Within moments of the very first chapter, I was swept into Thawer’s paranormal romance that was filled with suspense and bits of mystery, creepy antagonists and sexy vampires – all much to my liking!

This book had all of the elements I enjoy in a young adult paranormal romance.

1) The characters are multidimensional and interesting. Although there were times I wanted to chastise Rose for having the language of a truck driver or smack her Dad for being blind and controlling – the flaws Thawer crafted in her characters make them realistic and believable. She didn’t take a cookie cutter approach which was refreshing. For example – there were times I thought Rose was too immature for 20, but then, taking into consideration how much she and her father had been through – it made sense.

2) Excellent Pacing. This author has mastered her narrative drive which I personally appreciate. Her writing his crisp and to the point – there are no pages of nonstop scenery slowing down the action!

3) Steamy Romance. I loved the relationship between these two lovers. It wasn’t co-dependent and creepy, but they really had deep emotions for each other. How that will be resolved in the future books shall be interesting. (If Rose can’t be Christian’s consort – every available female reader will want the job!)

4) Multiple Points of View. Maybe I’m biased because that is a writing technique that I employ myself, but I find it refreshing to not just be in one person’s head. Of course, it will depend on the novel but I think the author gave us just enough insight into each of the main characters to provide an appropriate amount of structure and to further the plot.

5) Just the right length. We’ve all read books that have either ended too abruptly or went on and on long after the plot was dead. Not the case for Scent of a White Rose. It was a pleasurable quick read that left enough intrigue and care for the characters that I will want to read the others in the series without being overdone.

Overall – excellent book and I recommend it if you are a fan of the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris, The Blood Coven Vampire Series by Mari Mancusi, Rachel Caine’s Morganville Vampire’s Series, and of course, my first novel, Fate Fixed. I highly recommend the read and give it five out five stars.  

So, where can you buy this gem? lol 

Amazon:Here

Barnes & Noble: Here

Smashwords: Here

In Leah's Wake Author Guest Blog!

Announcing the In Leah’s Wake Social Media Whirlwind Tour! As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the In Leah’s Wake eBook edition has dropped to just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including Amazon gift cards of up to $500 in amount and 5 autographed copies of the book. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 16th, so you don’t miss out.  

To Win the Prizes

1. Purchase your copy of In Leah’s Wake for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes
3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!
4. BONUS: If you leave a comment on this blog post, you have another chance at $100!

 

...And I can win too!

Over 100 bloggers are participating in this gigantic event, and there are plenty of prizes for us too. The blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card as well. So when you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to say that I referred you, so I can get a point in the poll.  

The Featured Events include:

Monday, Radio Interview with Novel Publicity! We’re kicking-off on the Novel Publicity Free Advice blog. We interviewed Terri on our radio show Sunday night and have embedded the full podcast and blogged about its highlights. Give it a listen and then leave a comment on the blog post. This is a great chance to get to know more about this inspiring and friendly author. One commenter will win an autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake. Don’t forget to enter for the other contest prizes while you’re over there! Tuesday, Twitter sharing contest! A tweet is tiny, only 140 characters. But on Tuesday, it could win you $50. Send the following tweet across the twittersphere, and you just may win a $50 Amazon gift card. An autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake is also up for grabs. The winner will be announced Wednesday morning. Here’s the tweet: In Leah's Wake has taken the publishing world by storm. Get the book for just 99 cents http://ow.ly/7ywpZ #whirlwind Wednesday, Google+ sharing contest! Yup, there’s yet another awesome opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card, and this time it just takes a single click! Visit Google+ and share Emlyn Chand’s most recent post (you’ll see the In Leah’s Wake book cover included with it). On Thursday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake is also up for grabs. Three chances to win! How about that? Thursday, Facebook sharing contest! Stop by Novel Publicity’s Facebook page and share their latest post (you’ll see the In Leah’s Wake book cover included with it). It’s ridiculously easy to win! On Friday morning, one lucky sharer will be $50 richer. An autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake is also up for grabs. Friday, special contest on the author’s site! Win a $500 Amazon gift card, simply by leaving a comment on Terri’s most recent blog post. Yup, you read that correctly—$500! How easy is that? An autographed copy of In Leah’s Wake is also up for grabs.

Remember, it’s all about the books!

About In Leah’ Wake: The Tyler family had the perfect life – until sixteen-year-old Leah decided she didn’t want to be perfect anymore. While her parents fight to save their daughter from destroying her brilliant future, Leah’s younger sister, Justine, must cope with the damage her out-of-control sibling leaves in her wake. What happens when love just isn’t enough? Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. About the Author: Terri Giuliano Long grew up in the company of stories both of her own making and as written by others. Books offer her a zest for life’s highs and comfort in its lows. She’s all-too-happy to share this love with others as a novelist and a writing teacher at Boston College. She was grateful and thrilled beyond words when her award-winning debut literary novel, In Leah’s Wake, hit the Barnes and Noble and Amazon bestseller lists in August. She owes a lot of wonderful people – big time! – for any success she’s enjoyed! Visit her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.  

What’s the Story, Morning Glory?

The Importance of Music and how it Inspired In Leah's Wake

  Although I find it too distracting to listen to music while I write, inspiration for my stories often arises from music. While I was writing In Leah’s Wake, songs brought me into the emotional state necessary to write difficult scenes. Songs set a mood, which helped me envision places, and songs helped me to identify and shape the book’s themes. The novel opens with Zoe and Will listening to the Van Morrison song “Tupelo Honey,” a sweet love song that gives their relationship context by suggesting happier, better days. “Showdown at Big Sky,” which Will puts on the stereo next, foreshadows the problems on the horizon, and “Face in the Crowd” speaks to the profound loneliness Will feels as he waits up for Leah that night, imaging all the unthinkable horrors that might have befallen his daughter. Later in the book, the song “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina,” from Evita, gave me a glimpse into Zoe’s fractured emotional state—remorse compelled by abiding love—as she drives home, wondering what to expect next from her rebellious teenage daughter: “I still need your love after all that I've done . . . I love you and I hope you love me . . .” “Stardog Champion” from Stardog Champion by Mother Love Bone, suggests power, so appropriate to the post-fight euphoria felt by Todd and Lupo after a showdown with Will. Often, songs transport me to a place. Listening to Miles Davis one evening brought me, in my mind, to the coffeehouse Zoe visits with the policeman, Jerry Johnson. Music also helps me to clarify themes. One night, on our way home from dinner, my husband, Dave, played the Bruce Springsteen album Greetings From Asbury Park. The song “Growin’ Up” struck a nerve and I insisted on listening to it over and over. I saw Leah, a good kid, just trying to grow up and make her way in the world. I heard “Champagne Super Nova,” from the Oasis CD What’s the Story? Morning Glory, when I stepped out of the shower one morning. Our house was wired for sound and Dave was playing the new CD he’d just bought. As with “Growin’ Up,” I insisted that he replay the song, and then replay it again. The pivotal scene, where Justine asks Leah for a cigarette and Leah allows her little sister to smoke, blossomed as I listened to the music. As I wrote, music came to play a defining role in the book, and I would often search for the right music after writing a scene. The Liszt piano solo “Hungarian Rhapsodies” mirrors Zoe’s frenzied mind as she drives home from her motivational workshop, the day after Leah shows up drunk at 3:00 a.m., after a wild party. The same happened with “Paranoid Android,” from Okay Computer by Radiohead, “I’m On Fire,” from the Bruce Springsteen album Born in the USA, “Stardog Champion,” from Stardog Champion by Mother Love Bone, “I Loves You Porgy” from Porgy and Bess, and “Misguided Angel,” from The Trinity Session by the Cowboy Junkies. Without music, In Leah’s Wake would be a very different – and for me, the writer, much less compelling book. For those of you who, like me, find inspiration in music, here’s the soundtrack. Enjoy!

Soundtrack from In Leah’s Wake

  “Growin’ Up,” Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ, Bruce Springsteen, Sony Records, 1972 “Tupelo Honey,” Tupelo Honey, Van Morrison, Polydor/Pgd, 1971 “Showdown At Big Sky,” Robbie Robertson, Robbie Robertson, Universal Int’l, 1987 “A Face In The Crowd,” Full Moon Fever, Tom Petty , MCA, 1989 “John Barleycorn,” John Barleycorn Must Die, Traffic, Island Records, 1970 “Not A Pretty Girl,” Not a Pretty Girl, Ani DiFranco, Righteous Babe, 1995 Hungarian Rhapsodies, Franz Liszt, Leslie Howard solo piano, Hyperion, 1999 “Testify,” The Battle of Los Angeles, Rage Against The Machine, Sony Records, 1999 “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” Evita (Music From The Motion Picture), Madonna, Warner Bros./WEA, 1996 “The Ride of the Valkyries,” Wagner Without Words, Conducted by George Szell, Performed by the Cleveland Orchestra, Sony Records, 1991 “Chase The Blues Away,” Morning Glory: The Tim Buckley Anthology, Tim Buckley, Elektra/ WEZ, 1966 “Champagne Supernova,” (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, Oasis, Sony, 1995 “The Candy Shop,” The Massacre, Fifty Cent, Aftermath, 2005 “Vital Transformation,” Inner Mounting Flame, The Mahavishnu Orchestra Jazz, Sony 1971 “Strawberry Fields Forever,” Magical Mystery Tour, The Beatles, Capitol Records, 1967 “Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5,” Mozart: The Five Violin Concertos by Itzhak Perlman violin, Weiner Philharmoniker and James Levine, Deutsche Grammophon, 1995 “Surrey With The Fringe on Top,” Steamin, Mile Davis, Prestige, 1956 “Come As You Are,” Nevermind, Nirvana, Geffen Records, 1991 “Paranoid Android,” Okay Computer, Radiohead, Capitol Records, 1997 “I’m On Fire,” Born in The USA, Bruce Springsteen, Sony, 1984 “Stardog Champion,” Stardog Champion, Mother Love Bone, Mercury/Universal, 1992 “I Loves You, Porgy,” The Melody At Night With You, Keith Jarrett, EMC Records, 1900 “Hasta Siempre, Witchi-Tai-To, Jan Garbarek and Bobo Stenson Quartet, EMC, 1973 Records “As The Years Go Passing By,” Born Under a Bad Sign, Albert King, Stax, 1967 “Misguided Angel,” The Trinity Session, Cowboy Junkies, RCA Records, 1988 “Davidian,” Burn My Eyes, Machine Head, Roadrunner Records, 1994 “Here I Am, Lord,” Wonder, Love, and Praise, Daniel Schutte, New Dawn Music, 1981