tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38046964850951593802024-02-07T21:58:15.291-06:00erica and christy-two moms. two teachers. two writers. one blog.erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.comBlogger513125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-15348161220722674302018-02-07T06:06:00.002-06:002018-02-07T06:10:35.680-06:00#IWSG and releasing my writer's imagination<div>
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This month's IWSG is hosted by <a href="http://authorstephentremp.blogspot.com/" style="color: #057452; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Stephen Tremp,</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;" target="_blank">PatGarcia,</a><a href="https://angelawooldridge.wordpress.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Angela</a> <a href="https://angelawooldridge.wordpress.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Wooldridge,</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://victoriamarielees.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees,</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">and </span><a href="http://madelinemora-summonte.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Madeline Mora-Summonte</a>, so be sure to stop by to visit them as well as its founder <a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/">Alex J. Cavanaugh!</a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/">Time for February's IWSG posts! </a>Join us in sharing fears and successes and advice!</b></div>
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This year my goal is efficiency with both writing and the business-side of publishing. I tend to get caught up in one or the other, or neither, and everything gets muddled up at times. I've created a calendar for each week to be sure everything gets taken care of. Now... to stick to the calendar. </div>
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I've set a release date for the third book in the series because I work better with a deadline, so I'll be busy until summer! I'm excited about my plans after that. It'll be fun to switch gears a little after working so hard on this series.</div>
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<b>This month's question:</b><br />
<b>What do you love most about the genre you write in most often?</b></div>
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The series I'm currently writing I consider to be Christian speculative fiction and I'm excited to be attending a Realm Makers convention this upcoming July. Prior to writing this series, I always wrote contemporary novels for young adults, so this series was quite a leap for me, but it's been worth it. </div>
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Stretching my imagination was necessary for me to continue to develop as a writer. I'm not a courageous person, and I needed to let go a little bit. I worry about everything a reader might nitpick, and because of this new genre, I'm able to take creative leadership and just write. </div>
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I've loved creating a world where angels exist (as I believe they truly do) but take readers to where they train and live and consider what they think and do every day while protecting us by battling demons who trick us and mislead us. </div>
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I'm still improving and in the most recent novella I released, I started to really find how much I love creating fantastical settings, not so much in the magic of them, but the history and the importance of them to the characters and story. I realize this is the case for settings in all stories, but for me, it took writing speculative fiction to be able to release my imagination and write better stories.</div>
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Looking forward to reading about the genre you love most.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by! Sorry I missed last month! January came and I completely forgot about it until I started seeing all your posts that first week!</div>
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Christy</div>
erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-53998864826126196992017-12-06T18:00:00.001-06:002017-12-06T18:00:06.947-06:00#IWSG December: Yup. 2017 is over. Here are my BIG FAILS and my wins. Most importantly: MY PLANS.<br />
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It's the first Wednesday of the month, so it's time for me to write a blog post...</div>
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BECAUSE it's time for this month's Insecure Writer's Support Group blog hop.</div>
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Man, November didn't pan out the way I'd hoped, writing-wise. In fact, all of 2017 didn't really match up to all I'd had planned. Even so, I accomplished a lot that I'm proud of, so I'll jot down the things that kept me from meeting my goals and set forth to be more productive in 2018.</div>
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<b>November Goals:</b></div>
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*Write 50,000 words of novel #3 for NaNoWriMo</div>
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*Get runs in to be ready for the half-marathon after Thanksgiving</div>
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*Be a decent and participatory team member on my November Running Challenge team</div>
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*Complete all assessments, grading, and report cards for November/first quarter report cards</div>
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*Celebrate Thanksgiving with family without breaking down about missing Mom and Grandma</div>
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<b>The November Reality:</b></div>
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*I wrote 13,000 words of novel #3 for NaNoWriMo (BIG FAIL)</div>
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*I revised/edited novella 1.5 for my editor and got it sent in to her... finally (Well, that makes the BIG FAIL a little better, but... )</div>
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*I ran 70 miles to prepare for my half-marathon and to contribute to my team's overall mileage (The big stressor here was that they wanted to get together for a group run, and I run solo BECAUSE it's hard enough to fit in the runs when I have a second. I tend to find a lag in my family schedule, time when my husband or oldest is home to supervise the youngest two and jet out the door for a run. I lost my team 10 bonus miles for not making it to a group run.)</div>
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*I ran the half-marathon with my cousin. It was only her second half-marathon. She ran her first eleven years ago when I ran my first. Since then, I've run at least 15, so I ran with her... slowly. It was hard, but also freeing. When I run on my own, I put pressure on myself to run fast and beat a time... even when I often don't train the way I should... not if I want to set a PR. So, while running slowly, I realized how emotional races are when I run by myself. I'm hoping that now that I know this about myself, I'll enjoy my solo races more... and set a PR. (Ha!) :)</div>
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*Most importantly, a week before Thanksgiving, I finally contacted my cousins, who contacted their mom and we learned that since Grandma wasn't with us this year, 3 of the 6 siblings were going to spend Thanksgiving with their own families and not get together with the whole group as we have since the beginning of time ;). That left my two aunts, my cousins, my hubby and kids, and my dad. They planned to go to a restaurant for a buffet. We've always, always had it at one of our homes. Especially with young ones, sitting quietly at a restaurant when we don't get together more often than holidays didn't sound appealing. I wanted to host it. My mom had always been the host. I wanted to take on that tradition and host in her honor, to make it mine now that she's gone. My husband didn't want to go to a restaurant. He didn't want to host. WE HOSTED OUR FIRST THANKSGIVING! We had six days to get our messy, unorganized, falling apart house in shape. There went a week of writing. After work each day, I worked on homework with the kids and we got them to their extra curriculars, I did laundry, and I CLEANED and I ORGANIZED and I PURCHASED "stuff" for the tables and a giving tree for my guests to clip what they're thankful for to. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. I was too busy and too peaceful with hosting to be sad and miss my mom and grandma. It was the best thing we could have done. :)</div>
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<b>The Truth:</b></div>
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I could've gotten farther in my novel #3.</div>
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I waste a lot of time.</div>
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When I sat on my laptop this past month, I spent 90% of the time not writing.</div>
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I need to disconnect our internet. I didn't even do anything worthwhile online.</div>
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I waste a lot of time.</div>
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<b>The 2018 Goal:</b></div>
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I need to be more productive.</div>
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I will publish:</div>
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Book #3, Novella #2.5, Short Story #3.5, Expanded Edition, 27 Daisies, and An Illusion of Control</div>
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<b>The Plan:</b></div>
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I will type up a weekly/monthly business/publishing/marketing plan with all the items to accomplish each day. I will hold myself to these daily/weekly/monthly goals and keep better track of my time working.</div>
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Last spring my husband said that writing is only my hobby, not my business. Until I keep track of my expenses vs my income, it's a hobby.</div>
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I agreed. </div>
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I created spreadsheets and put my information in.</div>
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I did not keep up with that.</div>
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Last night, my husband said until I make more than I spend, and until I KNOW how much that even is, writing is my hobby, and not a business.</div>
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I agreed.</div>
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I spent hours printing off all my expenses, my income, and scrounging around for the in-home sales notes and etc. I'm unorganized. I'm inconsistent. </div>
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I need to improve.</div>
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I will set and stick to a work schedule, that includes writing, marketing (free things, like more social media presence), and accounting.</div>
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<b>PHEW!</b></div>
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What's the biggest thing that keeps you from meeting your goals? Is it safe to say we all struggle with wasting time on the internet? Or, is there something else? Or, are you way better and being productive than me? PLEASE, share your tips and advice for me. I need some serious help before 2018 hits!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>December 6 question - </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">As you look back on 2017, with all its successes/failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The awesome co-hosts for the December 6 posting of the IWSG are <a href="http://julieflanders.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Julie Flanders,</a> <a href="http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Shannon Lawrence,</a> <a href="http://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Fundy Blue,</a> and <a href="http://hmgardner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Heather Gardner!</a></span></div>
erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-89763413513108290302017-11-01T06:26:00.002-05:002017-11-01T06:26:24.825-05:00Happy (belated) Halloween! And my crazy plans for November... #IWSG<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f4f2f8; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">It’s time for another group posting of the <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">I<b>nsecure Writer’s Support Group!</b></a> Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month and encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.<br /><br />The awesome co-hosts today are:</span><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://tonjadrecker.blogspot.co.za/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Tonja Drecker,</a><a href="http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Diane Burton,</a> <a href="http://mjfifield.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">MJ Fifield,</a> and <a href="http://www.ninjalibrarian.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Rebecca Douglass!</a></span><br style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Remember, the question is optional! </b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">November Question - Win or not, do you usually finish your NaNo project? Have any of them gone on to be published?</span></span></div>
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Hey there! </div>
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This past weekend my kids, husband, dog, and I went to my dad's for our annual pumpkin carving afternoon. It's always a sad(dish) day without my mom (She passed away in 2015.), but it's also very nice to carry on the tradition and to hang out with Grandpa. </div>
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Here are the pumpkins we carved (From left to right: My dad's, My husband's, My eldest son's (carved mostly by Grandpa, based on my son's design), My youngest son's (carved mostly by me based on his design), My middle son's.) </div>
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While they carved, I took pictures and discovered this editing feature on my husband's phone, which is why you get this artistic picture of our pumpkins instead of the one where they look normal and orange. :) You can see a couple of the other pictures I posted on <a href="http://authorcecelia.tumblr.com/post/166895387983/happy-almost-halloween-i-found-the-editing">tumblr</a>. </div>
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Many of you know <a href="http://authorcecelia.tumblr.com/post/165772649483/crossing-the-finish-line-on-half-marathon-day-it">I ran a half-marathon in September</a> and that it's nothing new for me to run that particular race (I've been running it since my oldest son (who's almost 12) was born, but I can't remember if I told you that my feet hurt (unusually so) for a couple of weeks afterward. No worries, however, they feel fine now. I'd just worried I'd done permanent damage. Learning nothing, I agreed to run another with my cousin at the end of November. </div>
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Since I knew I'd have to log some miles to train for another half this month, when my friend Monica tagged me in a Facebook running (log your miles) challenge, I figured why not? However, I found out it's a bit more involved than simply run when you run and keep track of your miles kind of a thing. There's payment and buying items for charity and group running involved... </div>
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Luckily, the ladies (that I just met via one private Facebook message the other night) seem very kind. One is going to shop for us all and I think they'll be understanding if I'm unable to be a part of the group runs. </div>
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Trying to fit in anything extra this month is insane BECAUSE, and this is the most important part of the post: I'M PARTICIPATING IN NANOWRIMO2017. What does that mean? IT'S NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH, so <strike>crazy</strike> creative writers frantically pen at lease 1,667 words per day in order to get a 50,000 word novel written during the month. </div>
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Most people spend the months prior planning out their plot so the writing will come much easier and their plot will be organized. </div>
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I spent the previous month finishing my novella,<em> After the Ashes.</em> I still need to find time to complete revisions so I can send it to my editor. </div>
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Which brings me to another thing I plan to do this month. Release book 1.5 in my Kingdom Come series.
How I planned for Nanowrimo2017:</div>
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<li>Bought candles</li>
<li>Have my trusty phone with music on it next to me</li>
<li>Took a long run and "plotted" out some of the action and dialogue for <em>When Fire Rains Down</em> (book 3 in my series)</li>
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Wish me lots of luck. I think I'll need it!<br />
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I plan to do brief daily posts on my progress (<a href="http://www.ceceliaearl.com/">on Cecelia's blog</a>), so stay tuned. I'd love it if you'd cheer me/her on there, on twitter, tumblr, instagram, email, facebook (@authorcecelia)... anywhere you can find me!<br />
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<b>To answer this month's question: YES, I won Nanowrimo in 2015 and plan to publish it next year. It's a contemporary YA so it will be a fun break from the angel fantasy I've been working on for what feels like forever now!</b><br />
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I'll let you know when <em>After the Ashes</em> is released.
Until then... it's All Saints' Day, so here's a link to some fun Halloween history and a quote from my current favorite saint that just happens to do with writing, along with a link to learn more about her.
<strong>Read about the <a href="http://www.ucatholic.com/blog/the-catholic-origins-of-halloween/">Origins of Halloween .</a></strong>
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“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God Who is sending a love letter to the world.” --Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Mother Teresa (<a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5611">Learn more.)</a></h3>
erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-38029976012060784872017-10-04T07:38:00.001-05:002017-10-04T12:17:22.955-05:00#IWSG: Yes, I have... been laughed at.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hello Writers! Time for another IWSG monthly post.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Purpose:</b> To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Posting:</b> The first Wednesday of every month is officially <b>Insecure Writer’s Support Group</b> day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The awesome co-hosts for the October 4 posting of the IWSG are <a href="https://olgagodim.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Olga Godim,</span></a> <a href="http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Chemist Ken,</span></a> <a href="https://jenniferswritingrevolution.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Jennifer Hawes,</span></a> and <a href="http://www.tamaranarayan.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Tamara Narayan!</span></a></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">October 4 question - <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Have you ever slipped any of your personal information into your characters, either by accident or on purpose?</span></span></b></span></div>
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I have, both accidentally and on purpose, though I think the accidentally is getting less and less the more I write. When I first shared some of my writing with family members and friends, they'd laugh and list off all the ways the character(s) and settings were "totally" me or my family or the town we live in or near. And since it stuck out at them and <i>made them laugh</i> (Nothing they laughed about was intended to be comical.), I learned to watch my writerly self and cut that out real quick.</div>
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And... I'll tell you some examples of ways my personal information has slipped into my novels later today... Sorry, I didn't leave enough time to write this morning.</div>
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To be continued....<br />
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Okay... lunch break. :)<br />
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some personal tid bits that have sneaked their ways into my stories over the years:<br />
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my main characters are always a little anti-social and goal-driven, which makes them unlikable... that's a little bit me as I'm an introvert and can close up pretty tightly. it takes a lot to get me to leave my house sometimes! i need to venture out as a writer in the personality department!<br />
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my main characters are usually runners (like me!)<br />
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sometimes characters say something that friends and family think are "so me" and my phrases (gah!)<br />
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my novels usually have a small amount of faith-based issues in them (my faith is important to me) in my current series, my dad spotted some scenarios from my real-life childhood (he read the bible to me growing up, he left notes for me before going to work, etc)<br />
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my very first novel was set in a house that i'd visited during a local parade of homes (i'd wanted that house!)<br />
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i may or may not have modeled a main character's love interest on an ex-boyfriend...<br />
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i named a character's mom after a favorite soap opera character from my childhood<br />
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i modeled a bowling alley after a real life bowling alley in my town<br />
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i've started using friend's/family member's names in my novels for their amusement and enjoyment :)<br />
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current readers of my books have found these similarities in setting:<br />
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shady creek, wi (fiction) is similar to black creek, wi (a real life nearby town that really was not on my mind when i created the fictional town)<br />
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a character is taken to st. elizabeth hospital (a real life hospital in our city)<br />
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i'm sure there are more, but i'm out of ideas at this moment!<br />
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back to work!</div>
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<i>On a side note... I also really miss Erica, and I don't think she's ever coming back to me. But she was the funny one of us. (She's fine and well and doing amazing things. She just doesn't blog anymore and we don't chat as much as we used to... which used to be multiple times, daily.) Man, those good ol' days of blogging back in 2010-11. We had some fun times!</i></div>
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erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-37850460732451123352017-09-06T19:41:00.001-05:002017-09-06T19:41:19.062-05:00#IWSG September: Surprise! It's fantastical!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDu3AsguXHqH64_KBhShgfM8AxApCyGJZcWypr7NfTAjwpDyebvUwXMzVfJeA3GI32LXtiaOwbA_g73ePoPQ7RZQ648hx-uCjMaXwfhmrfGpmVUidlfmCMTcfZSAvyXDnkpT-iVjXlfo/s1600/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="932" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDu3AsguXHqH64_KBhShgfM8AxApCyGJZcWypr7NfTAjwpDyebvUwXMzVfJeA3GI32LXtiaOwbA_g73ePoPQ7RZQ648hx-uCjMaXwfhmrfGpmVUidlfmCMTcfZSAvyXDnkpT-iVjXlfo/s200/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" width="200" /></a>It’s time for another group posting of the <b><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group!</span></a> </b>Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs. (Check out the link for the IWSG for other updates, too, including an anthology contest and special post in October!)<br /><br /> The awesome co-hosts today are <b><a href="http://tyreanswritingspot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Tyrean Martinson,</span></a> <a href="http://taratylertalks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Tara Tyler,</span></a> <a href="https://raimeygallant.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Raimey Gallant,</span></a></b> and <u><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><b><a href="http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Beverly Stowe McClure!</a></b></span></u><br />
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<b>September’s optional question - Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in? </b></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>(Sorry I missed August and was way late posting today. I'm a first grade teacher, so last month was all about prepping my classroom for school, which began yesterday... it's a brand new year!)<br />
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YES! I have tried a genre I wasn't comfortable in... and then decided to publish it OVER the genre that is "mine" (meaning what I feel I write best). But I do plan to publish in my "real" (winky face) genre next year... and look forward to it. In fact, I MISS writing it very much. That said, I am SO glad I can now switch back and forth.<br />
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I'm the type of person that gets bored easily. When I run or drive, I leave one way, and return another, always finding a cyclical route so I don't have to go the same way twice. Each school year, I completely mix up my schedule and rearrange the bookshelves, reading area, and my desk space. Publishing has been another one of these "cyclical" "mix-it-up" experiences. It's not just write, revise, edit. I can also design covers, market, format, and find new ways to engage readers. Although, I am finding it hard to find the writing time I used to and so I'm at a lull in wordage! (Starting a new school year is not all that helpful either!)<br />
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Which genres do I write, do you ask? I began writing a paranormal/fantasy about a girl who could see auras and travel through a portal to another dimension, but then gravitated toward contemporary young adult fiction and that felt WAY more comfortable. I wrote about teens who had romance, friend, and family troubles. Then, I migrated toward griefy contemporary fiction for young adult and really found my place, writing lyrical prose inspired by Jandy Nelson (The Sky Is Everywhere) and Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me) and Maggie Stiefvater (Shiver). That's my kind of writing. Then, somehow I fell into angel books and started my own series (Christian Fantasy) and have been there for a while now, publishing and completing my series. It's a fantastical world and cast of characters. Sometimes I feel nervous letting my imagination go enough to make my stories paranormal enough. Readers and critique partners and reviewers have said that my books are fantasy well-grounded in reality... and you know what? I take that as a huge compliment, because that's what I enjoy reading and that's who I am as a writer.<br />
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I've hit a rough patch, however, and haven't written much in the past few weeks. Here's my advice to myself (and anyone else in an unwriterly phase):<br />
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1) Give yourself a break. I know to be a writer, a paid writer, one should write even when not in the mood, but... It'll come. It'll return and then you'll be even more productive. Trust in yourself and your writing.<br />
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2) Read. Relax and read. You'll be rejuvenated, re-inspired, and love the process all over again. Reading will help you. I have complete faith (in you and this advice).<br />
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3) Get some exercise and some sleep. Seriously. Your body and mind need them.<br />
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4) Spend time with friends and family. Boat. Camp. Take a hike through a forest. Shoot a bow and arrow. Play human fooseball. (How do you spell that?)<br />
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5) Don't give yourself a timeline. Let your writing self breathe without a deadline.<br />
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What do you think? What do you do when you have stress in your life that kills the writer in you? How do you find your motivation and inspiration again?<br />
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I've been reading instead of writing (and have done the other suggested activities). I've read Shearwater (Derek Murphy), The Siren (Kiera Cass), Insidious (Victoria Evers), Fallen and Tormented (Lauren Kate), Lady Midnight (Cassandra Clare), and maybe a couple more that are escaping me right now (even though I know I enjoyed them!).<br />
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Take care this month! See you in October!<br />
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Christy<br />
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<br />erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-38994697282311487502017-07-05T13:28:00.000-05:002017-07-05T15:09:15.947-05:00#IWSG JULY: There will be ups and there will be downs.<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It’s another IWSG posting day when we share our insecurities and encourage each other. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">For today’s hop, <a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/about-me_12.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Captain Alex’s</span></a> trusty helpers are </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tamaranarayan.com/" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Tamara Narayan,</a> <a href="http://rhymetime24.blogspot.com/" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pat Hatt,</a> <a href="http://www.patricialynne.com/blog" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Patricia Lynne,</a> <a href="http://www.junetakey.com/posts/category/blog-life-happens/" style="color: #e50000;" target="_blank">Juneta Key,</a> and <a href="http://doreenmcgettigan.com/" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Doreen McGettigan</a>.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What is one valuable lesson you've learned since you started writing?</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial";">There will be ups and there will be downs, but all along the way, there will be people to help you up, to tug you along, to help you see past--and hurdle--the upcoming challenges and frustrations. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial";">Writers are encouragers, and we need one another to talk us through giving up, to talk us out of packing up and going home.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Even John Green, an author who reached enormous success, had a down period. I know this, because he's like many of us--he shared it. He was honest and open and he admitted to feeling scared, to hitting a low point in writing. He'd had so much success that he ended up with writer's block, afraid to fail. He felt he would be measured against his previous novels, and then couldn't bring himself to write-- because of the possibility of writing poorly and failing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">But, I heard recently he has another book coming out! So, he faced his fears and is willing to face his readers again with something new.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">We need to do the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">We need to face our fears and look failure in the face. It's the only way to find success again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Now, each of us will have a different measure of success and failure. We all have goals, and, while our end goals may be the same, our daily, benchmark goals are probably different. My current goal: I want to have consistent sales. For many that may be 25 sales per day. For me? I'm happy if I sell 1-3 books per day. My goal right now is consistency, and I'm not meeting it. My sales fluctuate, and consequently, my Amazon sales rank continues to fluctuate also (between 19,000 and 300,000).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Do I look at authors who sell consistently and have sales rank I envy? Yes. Do I imagine they don't have days of failure? Yes. But I'm assuming that can't be true. I'm sure they see another goal in the distance and, therefore, while working to meet it, they must also have days where they feel like they are failing. Or, at least, they may feel they haven't found the success they are working toward--yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>When our goals are not being met, when we are in a down period, we may need to make changes.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">The ups and downs may mean being reactive. Making changes. Researching. Learning. Being malleable. Knowing we'll never know everything--no, <i>accepting</i> we'll never know everything. Allowing ourselves to learn little by little. Listening to others. Taking chances. Growing and evolving. Celebrating small successes and looking forward to larger ones, even when in a valley of doubt, insecurity, and failure. Taking those failures and turning them into successes, because we've gained knowledge from them and allowed them to help us move another direction. Or, to keep someone else from falling in that same pit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Watch, listen, and learn from other authors.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Other authors can serve as our role models. Many are open with what they've tried. What's worked. What hasn't. Pay attention, and give their suggestions and advice a try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">While my success (1-3 sales per day and 1,000 page reads per day) may be seen as failure to an author who's found greater success than that, it's my current place on my journey. It's not my starting point, I'm a couple months past that, and each week has brought new challenges and new successes and my goals continue to evolve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">An author whose advice I follow is <a href="http://urbanepics.com/about/">Derek Murphy</a>. One of the things that draws me to his advice is that he's humble and willing to admit when he's messed up. That is what has given me confidence to try new things, because he's hugely successful and yet, his road hasn't been perfect. Sometimes he's impulsive. Sometimes he tries something new and it doesn't work. But much of what he does DOES work, and he's open and willing to share it with other authors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Be patient, but know when to move on. Know when something is <i>or isn't</i> working.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Marketing has been my biggest challenge, and learning to be patient, as well as making changes, is what I'm working on right now. Sometimes I'm too impulsive and I make too many changes too quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Sometimes I don't know what the problem is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Right now I'm changing direction, changing gears, and trying something unknown and scary, but what I was doing wasn't moving me in a new, more successful direction, so it's time to make a change and see what happens next.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Get organized.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I also need to better organize my spending and income. My husband told me that unless I am keeping detailed track, writing is still my hobby and not my business. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I have my excel spreadsheets now, but I still need to work on consistently updating it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Be smart. Be strategic. Have foresight.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I've been working on making sure my books match the genre they fit into and recently changed my e-book covers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I took my first book out of the Kindle Unlimited program this week, which is a scary, scary change for me. I was finally reaching 1,000 page reads per day and now I've eliminated that income for this month, BUT I know I need to find my readers. And so, I'm including it in Book Funnel giveaways with the hopes that readers will find me and my books, and though I'm losing income this month, finding readers will help my business down the road when I continue to release book after book in this series.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>Share the knowledge.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I'm pretty low on the pole of author-know-how and I'm pretty fresh at publishing and marketing, but I've learned since I started out, and that means I have info and strategies and resources to share. I'm a first grade teacher, so sharing and teaching is who I am, but I also feel like I'm failing when I'm not sharing. I wrote a So You Want To Be An Indie Author (part one) post MONTHS ago, and every week I plan to write the part two and part three, and at this point, part four. But I haven't yet. So, a goal for this month is to get those posts out there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">I couldn't be more grateful for the other writers and authors who are transparent with their journey, so I need to be open and honest with you all out there too. </span><span style="font-family: "arial";">Just in case there's someone out there in need of a hand or a word of encouragement. Because my know-how posts will NOT tell you how I've done everything perfect and right or how I became a best-selling author overnight. No, my posts will tell you what I've done, what a new indie author might expect to do or sell or experience. What NOT to do, what to try, what has worked and what has not worked for me. I will share the questions I've had and the resources where I found the answers. I will share how even though I'm NOT, nor anywhere near, making my same income as teaching, how I still plan to--someday. And I'll make a plan to learn how to get there. With your help. Because you're someone who makes a difference and helps me get through the constant ups and downs of writing and publishing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">So, thanks. For being here. Or for being there for <i>someone</i> on their journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><b>And whether you are currently at an up or down point on your journey, keep going, and never give up.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">#IWSG rocks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">~Christy</span></div>
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erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-41099761254196520762017-06-07T07:34:00.003-05:002017-06-07T09:04:48.849-05:00#IWSG June: Just Keep Writing, Just Keep Writing... but not marketing.<div class="navbar section" id="navbar" name="Navbar">
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I can't say that I ever wanted to quit writing. </div>
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I know I wanted to quit querying and doing twitter contests and this week I may have considered quitting publishing, but never the writing itself. Of course, without all the other things, I'm not sure what I'd be writing FOR. I'm not one who is writing stories purely for my own enjoyment anymore. I want others to read them.</div>
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So I need to keep writing and publishing and writing and publishing. Because that's the route I've chosen for my current paranormal angel series. (I never queried it, because every time I looked at MSWL for my contemporary realistic books, I saw most agents had NO angels and demons on their lists... so that was that!)</div>
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I'M NOT GOING TO QUIT</div>
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My eleven year old (who has been expressing lately that he's sick of me writing, because I just released a second book and the last two weeks were less than pleasant as I wrapped up a school year and formatted the paperback (w/o vellum!)) asked me yesterday, "Mom, what happens if you just don't write the third book in your series?" I said, "I wouldn't do that. I have a business with a product to deliver, and I will deliver it." He said, "But has that ever happened? Has anyone said they were going to have a series, but then quit in the middle and not publish the rest?" I said, "I'm sure that's happened." I'm not sure that it has, but I could understand if it has! I mean, I'm exhausted right now, and if I had to put the next book out this month, I wouldn't be able to do it! But I'm going to take a week or two to recharge, read books I've been waiting to read for months, write something different to give my brain a break, and THEN I'll get the third book out to readers.</div>
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Just keep writing and publishing. This is the business route I've chosen, and though tired at the moment, I'm loving it. </div>
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The marketing, however, is another story.</div>
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I'M GIVING IT A YEAR (and five books)</div>
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I'm having the darndest time finding my readers. Teens who read clean angel fantasy. That's who I need. I'm a teacher, so the middle schoolers have been devouring my books. I sold about 70 paperbacks (in person, through Amazon, and through one bookstore that's carrying my book) and maybe around 400 (off the top of my head, I haven't checked recently to double check this number) e-books between sales, page reads, and free days (this is for book one that's been on sale since January). Lately, though, even with a new release... crickets. I had 31 pre-orders for book 2 and about 6 e-book sales since and 10 paperbacks so far. (Book two released May 31.) </div>
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WHERE ARE MY READERS?</div>
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I'm doing a book blitz via blogs and social media... Zero sales have come from it, though MAYBE the readers who are adding it to their TBR really will decide to read it in the next weeks/months and not forget about my book once the $15 Amazon gift card prize is over and done with...</div>
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I NEED HELP :)</div>
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I clearly don't understand how to best utilize the 7 keywords on Amazon, though I've read countless posts on why this is important and how to zero in my niche. Nope, unless someone tells me the magic keywords for my books, I guess it's not going to happen! Though I did add paranormal angel romance to my title yesterday to help reach my niche readers... </div>
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I have a newsletter with about 500 subscribers (1000 more to be added this month through a <a href="http://www.ripleypatton.com/">Ripley Patton</a> giveaway), but I'm not sure THEY even read what I write. I had a survey and about 15 responded and they prefer paranormal to realistic fiction (good there) and free/cheap books, mostly paperbacks, though... so they're library readers. One, I repeat ONE subscriber wanted to join my street team and THREE joined my ARC team. One of those readers reviewed book one for me. Not the hundreds <a href="http://www.creativindie.com/">Derek Murphy</a> recommends. </div>
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I have my book up for reviews on the same site running my blitz... so far nothing coming from that either.</div>
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The first book in my series is free today, so I'll see if that gets readers for book two, but I put it for free last month on the first day book two was up for pre-order and those 200 readers haven't reviewed or moved onto book 2 (Well, except for the 31 that may have been the ones pre-ordering.)</div>
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I'M TAKING A BREAK</div>
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So, for this month, in addition to reading and blogging about the books I'm reading, I'm going to try to be more transparent about my self-publishing journey, blog more on my author blog, work on a free book in my series (book 1.5) to give away to my subscribers and try to reach out to readers more about books in general and less about my series specifically. </div>
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I'm done doing giveaways and tours and plopping sale images up on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. </div>
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WHAT DO YOU SAY?</div>
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Do you have any other suggestions for me?</div>
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Anyone else struggle with finding, and keeping, your readers? </div>
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So, I'll keep writing and publishing, but not "marketing". I'm going to reach out to readers by reading and sharing the books I'm reading and reaching out to other authors who are taking the same path I've decided to take, to share what I've learned along the way, to share the resources I've saved up. My time will be better spent and the outcome more fulfilling.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by today!</div>
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Christy</div>
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<i>What is the Insecure Writer's Support Group?</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Purpose:</i></b><i> To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Posting:</i></b><i> The first Wednesday of every month is officially </i><b><i>Insecure Writer’s Support Group</i></b><i> day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!</i><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b></b></span></span><i> </i><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Remember, the question is optional! </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>June 7 Question: </i></b></span></span><span style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><i>Did you ever say “I quit”? If so, what happened to make you come back to writing?</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The awesome co-hosts for the June 7 posting of the IWSG will be </i><a href="http://www.jhmoncrieff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>JH Moncrieff,</i></span></a><i> </i><a href="http://madelinemora-summonte.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>Madeline Mora-Summonte,</i></span></a><i> </i><a href="http://jenchandlerwashere.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>Jen Chandler,</i></span></a><i> </i><a href="https://meganmorganauthor.com/blog/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>Megan Morgan,</i></span></a><i> and </i><a href="http://hmgardner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>Heather Gardner!</i></span></a></span> </div>
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erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-47054820612459866402017-05-31T06:03:00.001-05:002017-05-31T06:04:58.631-05:00Happy Release Day to YA Author Cecelia Earl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhJye6mKVXmgWMbb-TG0QdXNl_-4nAPVV9AJrpe_qR_irlMq0zDYcomkNoWA2-TpWeMVNyYxL189-bBO_XouNSM1rsKVWRfptPISQT2I_RhMxizcGJtby1oGBefLXJmQuds6hvx6GlECE/s1600/wsrd+read+now+promo+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="671" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhJye6mKVXmgWMbb-TG0QdXNl_-4nAPVV9AJrpe_qR_irlMq0zDYcomkNoWA2-TpWeMVNyYxL189-bBO_XouNSM1rsKVWRfptPISQT2I_RhMxizcGJtby1oGBefLXJmQuds6hvx6GlECE/s640/wsrd+read+now+promo+image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When Smoke Rains Down is available in paperback and e-book TODAY!</div>
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In the aftermath of an explosion and Homecoming battle, Julia tries to form some semblance of a routine: work, study, visit her brother. Unable to confide in anyone about her double life of being both human and angel, and fearful she'll bring death and destruction to those she loves, she pulls away from her family and best friend.<br />
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When demons once again start to show up at every turn, seemingly bringing about her brother's deepening depression, she demands her sword from Nicholas. Ever the stern Guardian Angel, he forbids her from using it. Isolated, she takes protecting her brother into her own hands. <br />
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Thrust into a dark world of conspiring demons, Julia is in more danger than she ever imagined possible. To stop evil from spreading and overtaking those she loves, she’ll have to seek out the one person she mistrusts most. <br />
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<i>Enter a complex world where humans, demons, and angels collide, all battling to rule the Earth. </i><b>For readers who enjoy young adult paranormal romance and dark fantasy. Fans of <i>City of Bones</i>, <i>Hush Hush</i>, <i>Unearthly</i>, <i>Halo</i>, and <i>Hidden Wings</i> will be captivated by this unique take on angels and demons.</b> <br />
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<b>When Smoke Rains Down is Book Two in the Kingdom Come series. Book Three, the final installment, will be out Summer 2017.</b> <br />
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<b>“An AMAZING sequel that leaves me DYING for the next one!”</b> ~ early reader of When Smoke Rains Down</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071DH3FFK/ref=series_rw_dp_sw">ORDER YOUR COPY!</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34902957-when-smoke-rains-down">ADD IT ON GOODREADS!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCYi-iZKVsbDcru1Qs_hfC58V3KN-vEdV8AWCJkyWHZgoEHJSkQL3EUmlV5cbQ49r3h0tE10n16SQpwVT2ra2osYC1d1RO5dbjIjzVk_m3RpyvbnAAm3U0Ei4_nHN9M-yIP59_e6qQ20I/s1600/author+bio+pic+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCYi-iZKVsbDcru1Qs_hfC58V3KN-vEdV8AWCJkyWHZgoEHJSkQL3EUmlV5cbQ49r3h0tE10n16SQpwVT2ra2osYC1d1RO5dbjIjzVk_m3RpyvbnAAm3U0Ei4_nHN9M-yIP59_e6qQ20I/s200/author+bio+pic+.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR</div>
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Cecelia Earl graduated with a degree in education and has been teaching ever since. She’s a wife, a mom of three boys, and an owner of a magical laundry pile that never stops growing. She lives near enough to Green Bay, WI that her refrigerator is always stocked with cheese, and the first colors her children learned were green and gold. She’s a teacher by day, a mom always, and a writer in her sleep, but that’s okay because being an author is a dream come true. She writes angel books for young and youngish adults. If you feel young, she writes for you—whether or not you feel particularly angelic. <br />
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Receive forthcoming book updates, access to giveaways, and exclusive bonus content if you're on Cecelia's email newsletter list. Sign up <a href="http://eepurl.com/cdvvIj">HERE</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0e7c6a8f5/?">ENTER THE BOOK RELEASE DAY RAFFELCOPTER GIVEAWAY!</a></div>
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When Smoke Rains Down Excerpt<br />
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Chapter One<br />
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The smoke clears. A quick scan of the room proves no customers are disturbed, and this disturbs me even more than having to douse flames already this morning. Apparently, they're all so accustomed to Travis's daily mishaps it no longer fazes anyone. It's like everything's the same… except the part about me being part-angel.<br />
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"Unplug the toaster, Travis," I tell him. "We don't need the place to burn down a second time."<br />
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His eyes fly up to meet mine, and his face reddens. "Oh, yup, got it." He yanks the toaster cord from the wall. He dares to handle the no-longer-inflamed pieces of bread with two fingers, tossing one after another into a trashcan. <br />
<br />
I sigh, hand him a pair of tongs, and clap him on the shoulder. "Save us from paying for your employee medical bills for burnt fingers, please."<br />
<br />
I hoist a tray up on my shoulder, steadying the mugs and plates, and notice the empty mugs in front of the customers at the counter. I pivot to grab a jug of regular coffee and pour, filling one mug after another. <br />
<br />
"Julia, let me do that. You're going to drop your tray."<br />
<br />
As if. "I've got it, Trav."<br />
<br />
"Really, that's a heavy load on your shoulder."<br />
<br />
"Nope. Thanks, though." <br />
<br />
And that's when two customers walk in wearing masks. I realize it's Halloween, but at their entrance, my wings threaten to emerge and my nerves go on high alert. I'm pretty sure they're not here for the coffee.<br />
<br />
Then, between their smiles distorting into fang-filled grins, and trying to keep my wings from flying out and knocking down every dish and appliance nearby, I jolt, and the tray and pot of coffee all go crashing down. I've still not figured out the trying-to-stay-a-transparent-human-angel thing, and I don't trust Nicholas's promise that it'll just happen on its own, but now I've disturbed the customers.<br />
Customers seated comfortably at our newly remodeled granite counter top upon newly purchased metal-backed swivel chairs jump up, shrieking. Probably burnt by scalding coffee.<br />
<br />
The entire place is in disarray.<br />
<br />
And the demonic-clad Halloween duo have disappeared. They weren't wearing masks; they were real demons. To the other non-angel customers, they appeared to be just two men like any other that came in for coffee or a meal. If only humans knew the invisible danger that lurks around them.<br />
<br />
"Julia, I told you I'd help." Travis is now shaking his head at me disapprovingly. At me. And not the other way around.<br />
<br />
Mom comes rushing in from the kitchen in the back, faster than I'd like to see her move only weeks after her release from the hospital. "What happened? Travis, what did you do?"<br />
<br />
He throws his hands up innocently. "Nothing. It wasn't me. It was her." He points at me. "She was trying to handle a full tray and pour coffee at the same time."<br />
<br />
"Julia, you're not an island. It's okay to accept help." She looks around at the counter and floor, now covered in coffee and shattered glass. "In fact, you have to start accepting help. Don't try to do everything yourself all the time. It'll only end in disaster. Clearly."<br />
<br />
I sigh. There's no use explaining I would've handled everything fine had demons not come in to taunt and threaten me.<br />
<br />
For weeks, there'd been no sign of any angel or demon drama, but little by little in the past couple of days, I've started getting glimpses of that other world again. And my back pain has been acting up.<br />
It's like it's all starting to happen again. <br />
<br />
And Nicholas won't let me have access to my sword. <br />
<br />
"Go back and finish making the food, Mom." I grab rags and start mopping up the mess, starting with the customers. "I've got this."<br />
<br />
"Let Travis help you, for crying out loud." She tightens her lips, but heads back to her stove.<br />
<br />
"Is everyone okay?" I check over the customers waiting to return to their soon-to-be-dry chairs. "Steve? Monica?"<br />
<br />
"We're fine. Just got spooked," Monica says. She's in her thirties and recently moved into town with her kids after being hired by none other than Mr. Luca Star. He's started up some new business and now employs half the town. And that's in addition to the business in which he offered me a job.<br />
And when I turned him down, he showed up at my high school dance looking less like a businessman and more like… the devil.<br />
<br />
While I mop up the coffee, Travis collects the glass pieces. It doesn't take long to get the place back in order. Perfectly toasted bread is served and coffee is poured into unbroken mugs.<br />
<br />
"On the house, everyone. I'm really sorry about the disturbance."<br />
<br />
All is right with the world again, but I can't stop looking over my shoulder for warped faces and tar-dripping fangs every chance I get.<br />
<br />
I know trouble can't be far away, not with my wings twinging and the stone in my necklace blazing with heat.<br />
<br />
It's only a matter of time before everything goes awry again.<br />
<br />
Only this time, I will be ready.<br />
<br />
And nobody but the demons will be hurt.</div>
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<br />erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-2762480519155627372017-05-30T23:05:00.002-05:002017-05-30T23:07:03.727-05:00When Smoke Rains Down– An Excerpt From My Favorite Chapter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="excerpt2" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1266" data-mce-src="https://ceceliaearl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/excerpt2.jpg?w=2040" data-wpmedia-src="https://ceceliaearl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/excerpt2.jpg" height="332" src="https://ceceliaearl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/excerpt2.jpg?w=2040" width="640" /></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Book Two in my Kingdom Come trilogy will be released TOMORROW! I'm nervous and excited to have it out in the world. I'd never written a sequel before, and the writing process had all sorts of scary factors. Namely, I didn't want to disappoint readers. I worried I'd forget about something they might want to read more about from Book One, or that I'd take the story in a direction they wouldn't like, or do something with a character they wouldn't approve of. But, it's done now... so nothing left to do, but wait and find out.</div>
<br />
Here's an excerpt from When Smoke Rains Down.<br />
<br />
My Favorite Chapter<br />
<br />
Nicholas is doing pull-ups from a low-hanging tree branch and doesn't acknowledge my arrival, so I follow suit. I squat and leap up to grab a branch. I'm getting stronger. He used to have to hoist me up to reach. I've also doubled the amount I can do before taking a break to do lunges and squats.<br />
"Sprints," he calls out when I've finished all the sets of arm and leg workouts.<br />
<br />
I race back and forth between two of the tallest tree trunks while he times me. It's apparent why I've been eating so much and obvious how much strength I've gained. Yet the stony expression on his face remains. This workout will make me ache for days.<br />
<br />
When finally I'm dripping with sweat and fatigued, he walks over to me.<br />
<br />
"Time for your lesson." Then he walks to the center of the clearing without waiting for a response.<br />
I allow myself two seconds to close my eyes and take a deep breath.<br />
<br />
"Now, Angel."<br />
<br />
I push out my wings and push up off the ground and glide over to him, lowering myself gently behind him. He turns and narrows his eyes. I put my wings away, proud of myself even if he's not. Flying had been rocky at best the first few times I'd tried it. I'd had no control and crashed into more than a few branches—and one bird. Poor thing.<br />
<br />
"Summon the bow and arrow we worked with last time," he orders.<br />
<br />
Bow, I think. Nothing happens. I reach my hand out into the air. Bow. A spear materializes in my closed fist. I growl. "It's all I ever get!"<br />
<br />
"Calm down. Try again."<br />
<br />
I let go of the spear and it disintegrates. "Bow," I yell. The spear is back in my fist.<br />
<br />
He sighs. "The spear is the lowest of the weapons. You have to work your way up."<br />
<br />
"I know this," I say through gritted teeth. "Spear, bow, rope, chains…" I don't bother to mention my sword. I've stopped asking for it.<br />
<br />
I try to calm down. Spear, I think. I get the spear I've pictured. One that's longer and narrower than the one I'd been conjuring up. I let it go and take a deep breath through my nose. Bow. The same short, thick spear materializes.<br />
<br />
Nicholas reaches into the air and pulls a bow and arrow from it with ease. He hands them to me. "Show me how to set the arrow and aim for the target."<br />
<br />
Nicholas had explained the reason the demons had overrun the hospital was most likely because of Noah, either because they're after him, or after something he has. He wants me to be ready the next time I'm faced with a hoard of demons on my own. He wants me to be able to get rid of demons from a distance by sending an arrow across a space, and though I can't summon the bow and arrow, my aim is pretty good.<br />
<br />
"Bullseye," I say after striking the center of the target three times in a row.<br />
<br />
"Pride will get you nowhere," he says, retrieving the arrows and returning them to me.<br />
<br />
Rather than aim the arrow at the target, I aim it at a knot in a tree and strike its center.<br />
<br />
"Julia, focus," he shouts, his voice stern and reprimanding. I can't stand the annoyance that flares to life in his eyes when I don't just do as he tells me. He's so bossy and controlling. More than once, I've nearly rammed him alongside his head with a metal object. After half an hour more, he relaxes. "Better. Now…"<br />
<br />
He doesn't get a chance to finish his command, because Michael has entered the clearing. Twice before he's come to oversee either my progress or Nicholas's training technique. I'm not sure which. Nicholas is that much tenser when he's around, like he's trying to prove himself or something.<br />
And sure enough, he straightens and his shoulders go rigid. I guess he's been loosening up around me, because the difference in his personality is laughable. His face is all hard angles and his hands move at lightning speed. He won't look me in the eyes.<br />
<br />
I summon a spear and defend myself as Nicholas comes at me. We continue lunging at one another and defending jabs until Michael leaves with a nod and a "Good work."<br />
<br />
Nicholas gets up off the ground where he pinned me and brushes off his clothes.<br />
<br />
"Wouldn't it serve you better to cool it when he's here? Let me win and pin you or something?"<br />
<br />
He looks up from buttoning his overshirt. "No."<br />
<br />
"Well, I mean if you want to look like this almighty trainer, then wouldn't it benefit you to make it look like I'm able to fight well?"<br />
<br />
He strolls over to me where I'm still standing holding my weapon. "No. If you want to overpower me, then you have to earn it. Do it authentically. I don't play games to win. Or lose."<br />
<br />
I nod, chewing on my cheek, and then he adds, surprising me, "You are able to fight well."<br />
<br />
I'm almost touched by the compliment, so touched that I lunge forward, kick Nicholas's feet out from under him, and land on top of him. I push the long metal rod across his throat and pin him to the ground.<br />
<br />
"Thanks," I say.<br />
<br />
He looks at me and whips me around, pinning me with the edge of a blade to my throat. "You made that too easy. Stay on the offensive and pay attention."<br />
<br />
He lays the dagger down in the dirt and holds himself above me with his palms on the ground, looking at me. His breath is on my face, and suddenly it's a gazillion times hotter and harder to breathe. He's so beautiful to look at when he's not scolding me and bossing me around. I realize how very much I needed to hear that compliment come from him, how very much I wanted to make him proud of me. He runs his tongue over his bottom lip. I take in a sharp breath. His eyes are on mine a moment longer before he pushes up off the ground and jumps to his feet.<br />
<br />
"We're done for today."<br />
<br />
Once again, he strides off, leaving me to show myself out.<br />
<br />
"Sword," I demand of the air around me. A bow and arrow appear in my fists. "Gah!" I shout at the trees.<br />
<br />
I let the weapons drop into the shimmering dirt and stomp off through the trees.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-63414136543810707342017-05-20T08:37:00.002-05:002017-05-20T08:37:29.415-05:00Win a copy of When Smoke Rains Down!<div id="goodreadsGiveawayWidget236649">
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by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15972302.Cecelia_Earl" style="text-decoration: none;">Cecelia Earl</a></h4>
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Giveaway ends May 28, 2017.
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erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-34060454561465948522017-05-20T08:31:00.004-05:002017-05-20T08:35:14.214-05:00#MARKED BEAUTY by S.A. Larsen, Digital Cover Reveal Information<img alt="MBCoverRevealBanner" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1252 aligncenter" data-mce-src="https://ceceliaearl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/mbcoverrevealbanner.jpg?w=1200" data-wpmedia-src="https://ceceliaearl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/mbcoverrevealbanner.jpg" height="237" src="https://ceceliaearl.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/mbcoverrevealbanner.jpg?w=1200" width="600" /><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>MARKED BEAUTY by S.A. Larsen, Digital Cover Reveal Information</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Title: </b>Marked Beauty<br />
<b>Author: </b>S.A. Larsen<br />
<b>Publisher: </b>Ellysian Press<br />
<b>Release Date: </b>October 2017<br />
<br />
<i>Uncovering hidden secrets can sometimes kill you . . . or worse, steal your soul.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Anastasia Tate has a secret. She can feel the emotions of others through their life energy auras. Not a welcome gift for a teenager. Especially when a sinister presence begins stalking her.<br />
Viktor Castle also has a secret. He’s tasked with protecting humanity yet cursed by an ancient evil to destroy it.<br />
<br />
After Viktor saves Ana’s life, her abilities grow stronger. Drawn together, she senses Viktor has answers to lifelong questions. Only he shuns her at every turn, knowing he has saved her only to put her in more danger.<br />
<br />
As Ana struggles with her attraction to Viktor, he tries everything to bury his unexpected feelings for her. But they must find a middle ground. For only together can they combat the dark forces threatening both their lives . . . and their souls.<br />
<br />
<a data-mce-href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35114147-marked-beauty" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35114147-marked-beauty">ADD to GOODREADS</a><br />
<br />
<b>About the Author</b><br />
S.A. LARSEN is the author of the award-winning novel <i>Motley Education</i>, the first book in a fantasy-adventure series for middle grade readers. Her work has appeared in numerous local publications and young adult anthologies <i>Gears of Brass </i>and <i>Under A Brass Moon</i> by Curiosity Quills Press. Marked Beauty is her debut young adult novel. Find her in the land of snowy winters and the occasional Eh’ya with her husband of over twenty-five years, four children, a playful pooch, and three kittens. Visit her cyber home anytime at <a data-mce-href="http://www.salarsenbooks.com/" href="http://www.salarsenbooks.com/">www.salarsenbooks.com</a>.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Giveaway</b><br />
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<br />
This is a <b>#hashtag</b> giveaway, where two lucky winners will receive a <b>FREE eBook of Marked Beauty upon its release.</b><br />
<br />
To participate:<br />
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<li>Share one of the premade images via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Or write up a blog post using one of the images.</li>
<li>Include <b>#MarkedBeauty</b> in your description.</li>
<li>Optional for extra entry: include <i><a data-mce-href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35114147-marked-beauty" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35114147-marked-beauty">Add to Goodreads</a></i> (with link) in your description.</li>
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<b>***</b>Posts MUST contain the hashtag #MarkedBeauty for entry into the giveaway or we won’t be able to find you.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Pre-made tweets (you add the image)</b><br />
<br />
"A lust 4 life energy. An ancient curse. One soul's journey thru death 2 find the cure." #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0<br />
<br />
"Uncovering some secrets can kill you, or worse ... steal your soul." #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit<br />
<br />
An ancient race. A timid girl. And a journey to the in-between. #MarkedBeauty #CoverReveal http://bit.ly/2qdE0q0 #YAlit<br />
<br />
The giveaway begins May 17<sup>th</sup> and will be open until May 23<sup>rd</sup>. Winners will be announced May 24<sup>th</sup> via social media.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-65785738839298571582017-05-05T05:49:00.002-05:002017-05-05T05:49:58.937-05:00Special Pre-Launch Book SaleHi,<br />
When Ash Rains Down is FREE on Amazon today and tomorrow and When Smoke Rains Down is available for the special pre-order price of $0.99. The price will go up after release on May 31, so grab your copy today!<br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-65955860445746537382017-05-03T06:49:00.001-05:002017-05-03T06:56:41.729-05:00#IWSG What do angels, universities, and diseases all have in common?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Purpose:</i></b><i> To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Posting:</i></b><i> The first Wednesday of every month is officially </i><b><i>Insecure Writer’s Support Group</i></b><i> day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!</i><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Remember, the question is optional! </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>May 3 Question: </i></b></span></span><span style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 18pt;"><i>What is the weirdest/coolest thing you ever had to research for your story?</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG will be </i><a href="http://nancygideon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>Nancy Gideon,</i></span></a><i> </i><a href="http://www.tamaranarayan.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>Tamara Narayan,</i></span></a><i> Liesbet @ </i><a href="http://www.roamingabout.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>Roaming About,</i></span></a><i> </i><a href="http://www.writer-in-transit.co.za/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>Michelle Wallace,</i></span></a><i> and </i><a href="http://featherstoneauthor.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;"><i>Feather Stone!</i></span></a></span> </div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup>It's May and that means I have only one month left of school!!! I have the first grade teacher May crabbies. That means I'm impatient and tired of reminding the kids to walk and be quiet in the halls. And I'm most tired of reminding them "Kleenex, not fingers."</div>
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What do angels, universities, and diseases all have in common? I've researched them for the young adult stories I've written. My characters are often 17-18 and considering which college to attend, so I've researched universities that specialize in music (which an editor told me was cliché) and the surgical field, mainly organ transplant surgery. For NaNoWriMo 2015 I wrote 'my grief book' and included a lot of details from my own journey through losing my mom, but didn't want to write about her specific illness, so I researched an alternative. Most recently I researched the nine choirs of angels for my contemporary fantasy novel. In addition to using the information in the story, I created a quiz for readers, <a href="https://www.qzzr.com/c/quiz/290511/what-kind-of-angel-would-you-be">What kind of angel would you be?</a> and most recently created a page for my author website about the types of angels in my story and about the characters who play them. <a href="https://ceceliaearl.wordpress.com/angels/">That page is here if you're interested in reading it.</a></div>
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I'm sure today will hold many, many interesting answers to read about! And now that book two (out May 31) is with my editors' team of beta readers, I actually have time to come around and visit more of you! I know, promises, promises. You'll believe it when you see it! Sorry for being so MIA. </div>
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Christy<br />
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P.S. I just have one word for you: Vellum. I'm madly in love with Vellum. I recently purchased (for $1 per hour) mac in a cloud so that I could download Vellum and use it to format my e-books. I couldn't love it more! Only a month or two before Vellum comes out for formatting paperbacks! I CAN'T WAIT! (Need it now!) <br />
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So, if you've yet to try it or have been on the fence... DO IT! You won't regret it.</div>
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erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-22641336143330943562017-04-25T07:17:00.000-05:002017-05-03T07:42:37.991-05:00Cover Reveal: When Smoke Rains Down<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"><img alt="zyz kindle fire" class=" wp-image-1201 aligncenter" height="625" src="https://ceceliaearl.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/zyz-kindle-fire.jpg" width="391" /></span>
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Available May 31, 2017</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DH3FFK">Pre-order Your E-Book Copy Today!</a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">In the aftermath of an explosion and Homecoming battle, Julia tries to form some semblance of a routine: work, study, visit her brother. Unable to confide in anyone about her double life of being both human and angel, and fearful she'll bring death and destruction to those she loves, she pulls away from her family and best friend.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"> </span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">When demons once again start to show up at every turn, seemingly bringing about her brother's deepening depression, she demands her sword from Nicholas. Ever the stern Guardian Angel, he forbids her from using it. Isolated, she takes protecting her brother into her own hands. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"> </span>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Thrust into a dark world of conspiring demons, Julia is in more danger than she ever imagined possible. To stop evil from spreading and overtaking those she loves, she’ll have to seek out the one person she mistrusts most.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"> </span>
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<strong><em><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">Enter a complex world where humans, demons, and angels collide, all battling to rule the Earth.</span></em><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></strong><strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">For readers who enjoy young adult paranormal romance and dark fantasy. Fans of <em>City of Bones</em>, <em>Hush Hush</em>, <em>Unearthly</em>, <em>Halo</em>, and <em>Hidden Wings</em> will be captivated by this unique take on angels and demons. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></strong>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"><em>When Smoke Rains Down</em> is Book Two in the Kingdom Come series. Book Three, the final installment, will be out Summer 2017.</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"><strong>“An AMAZING sequel that leaves me DYING for the next one!”</strong> ~ early reader of <em>When Smoke Rains Down</em></span>
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mAnScNYg_E8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-61130209501570635202017-04-05T06:39:00.001-05:002017-04-05T06:40:40.679-05:00#IWSG April...It's always the same complaint from me....<span style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm seriously like a broken record on these days. I always end up blaming time for everything. Looks like I'm not giving advice, but I'll take some!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html"><span style="background-color: white;">Learn more about #IWSG and join the fun!</span></a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The IWSG posts the first Wednesday of each month. We answer an optional question or share insecurities, successes and advice. It's a blog hop. Click the image above to find the other participating blogs.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>April 5 Question: </b>Have you taken advantage of the annual A to Z Challenge in terms of marketing, networking, publicity for your book? What were the results?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The awesome co-hosts for the April 5 posting of the IWSG will be <a href="http://writing.chrisvotey.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Christopher D. Votey,</span></a> <a href="http://madelinemora-summonte.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Madeline Mora-Summonte,</span></a> <a href="http://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Fundy Blue,</span></a> and <a href="http://writewithfey.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b0bc3;">Chrys Fey!</span></a></span> </div>
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Years ago, Erica and I participated in the A to Z Challenge, but then we fell off the face of the blogosphere and I'm just recently trying to bring us back. I hope Erica joins me again some day!!! Erica, I miss you! At the time, we had nothing to promote, but man, we loved getting to know everyone!<br />
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<b>So...no. But I look forward to learning more about how this all works!</b> <br />
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Is it too late to join in this year? I think that it would do me wonders to blog every day and to do so in terms of my series. The creative look into my world and characters would be a ton of fun. Even if it's too late, maybe I'll try to catch up anyway for the fun of it! I think I have a little fear of blogging. What do I say? Who will care? What should my topic be? So...the A to Z challenge kind of takes care of that part for me. It would help me conquer my fear and help me establish a blogging routine.<br />
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It would also help me with reaching another goal. One of my biggest goals right now that keeps getting put on the back burner is making and maintaining connections. I need to establish a routine that adds time in my schedule every day for blogging and visiting other blogs. Huge question: How much time do you spend doing these things each day?<br />
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The way I handle my to-do list is that I go full force with the top item until it is complete, then move onto the next in the same way. Meaning, I don't know how to make time each day for other priorities. If I have a manuscript due, then that's ALL I work on until it's done. I can't critique for others, blog, visit blogs, read novels for enjoyment, etc. I can only focus on one thing (for the most part) at a time. Mainly, I think this is because I only have short amounts of time outside of work and parenting to devote to my writing and publishing life. I just turned a manuscript into my editor, so the next priority was getting my third quarter report cards finished (due today). Though, I did take a night to read a book I'd begun forever ago. Next up: critiquing for critique partners who worked hard to get feedback to me before my deadline. After I spend the next 3-5 days critiquing, my editor will have my ms back and I'll work on revisions for the next round of edits. While that's being critiqued, I'll need to finalize my cover and work on getting it up for sale. I can only focus on one thing per day. Advice for me?<br />
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Anyways, one of these months I'll post something informative and helpful! But this was not the month.<br />
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<b>Tell me, please, how much time each day/week do you devote to writing blog posts and visiting other blogs?</b><br />
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Have a wonderful month. It's finally starting to warm up here in Wisconsin. It's always a refreshing time of year. I'm looking forward to summer and it's only two months away!<br />
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Christy<br />
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<br />erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-51852087145070136732017-03-28T09:06:00.000-05:002017-03-28T09:06:32.447-05:00Ten YA Fantasy Spring Break ReadsI'm a teacher on spring break this week. My "final" revisions and edits on <em>When Smoke Rains Down</em> (out this May!) were due to my editor yesterday. I didn't make my deadline. She gave me a one week extension. So now I have this week to finish fleshing out some additional chapters and readingthe story through to make sure I'm happy with how it flows, to make sure my characters are consistent, and to add in sensory and setting details. I wouldn't be as far as I am without my gracious critique partners who read and provided feedback quickly for me. I went through each section of my manuscript 4-5 times in the past two days to incorporate all their suggestions and tidy up the messy parts. I even skipped sleeping.<br />
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In addition to finishing those revisions and hanging out with my three kiddos (and maybe taking a nap!), I plan to catch up on some VERY overdue reading. My spring break reading list includes these fantasy titles. As I finish them, I will come back and let you know my thoughts! <br />
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(I'm being overly ambitious, as I tend to be in all that I do, but what I don't read this week, I'll read over the course of the next few months. In addition to several other titles on my TBR list. Some I've added to <a data-mce-href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/58243344?utm_campaign=mybooksnav&utm_content=mybooks_cta&utm_medium=web&utm_source=homepage" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/58243344?utm_campaign=mybooksnav&utm_content=mybooks_cta&utm_medium=web&utm_source=homepage">my pen name's Goodreads shelf </a> if you want to see what else I'm looking forward to reading soon!)<br />
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What books are on your TBR for this spring and upcoming summer?<br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-82990335072270862532017-03-01T06:10:00.000-06:002017-03-01T06:10:36.864-06:00#IWSG Post: Be a Writing Pack Rat <div class="separator" style="background-color: #f4f2f8; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
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<b>Purpose:</b> To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!</div>
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<br /><b>Posting:</b> The first Wednesday of every month is officially <b>Insecure Writer’s Support Group</b> day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!</div>
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Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.<br /><br /><b>Remember, the question is optional! </b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: cyan; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>March 1 Question: </b>Have you ever pulled out a really old story and reworked it? Did it work out?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>My Post:</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I haven't, and by really old I'm thinking years and years. Since I've only been writing since 2010 (which, I guess, DOES feel like a really long time) it seems hard to say something I've written is really old. I did write two novels after the one I "pulled back out" to publish two months ago, so may be that counts? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">And when I'm "done" with the series I'm publishing, I look forward to going back to the other two contemporary young adult manuscripts. They really do need a reworking, one way more than the other. I miss those characters and the writing style I used in them. Hopefully that will work out, too. My plan as of right now is to query them to small publishers, but it seems that more and more are now requiring agents, so I may have to take that route first. We shall see. It may be a while.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Like I tell my first grade students, never throw any writing away. Even if it's not exactly what we're trying to write (I have a student who's struggling to make the switch from our personal narrative unit to our non-fiction text unit) and even if it's not the text you're choosing to publish, KEEP IT. You may choose to go back to it and revise and edit it for publication later!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">My very first manuscript (that I will never, never go back to) had a million different beginnings and I'm quite certain that I saved every. single. one of them. Anytime I cut a scene or rework a chapter, I always save the old version somewhere.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I'm GREAT at saving, not so great at being organized about it. My documents folder (and kitchen counter) is a MESS!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So...the lesson here: Save everything. Be organized about it right away, because you WON'T really go back later to clean it up. And you never know when an old muse will come calling. You may want to dust off that ol' ms and spruce it up. It may end up being the most successful piece you've ever written! OR you'll have great outtakes to give away to your readers for free. :)</span></div>
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The awesome co-hosts for the March 1 posting of the IWSG will be <a href="http://www.tamaranarayan.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Tamara Narayan,</a> <a href="http://patsy-collins.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Patsy Collins,</a> <a href="http://mjfifield.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">M.J. Fifield,</a> and <a href="http://nchristopherson.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Nicohle Christopherson!</a></div>
erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-66153960455596692017-01-31T23:43:00.002-06:002017-02-01T13:25:36.661-06:00#IWSG Just keep writing (and reading...if you can!) and #WIN an #Amazon #GiftCard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi!<br />
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Every first Wednesday of a new month, a group of writers takes time blog about their fears and insecurities without fear of being judged or ridiculed.<br />
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In fact, we write about our innermost doubts to join our peers in shared worries and struggles, because we've found that we all suffer from the same concerns, weaknesses, and nerve-wracking experiences.<br />
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And we've also learned that many have overcome these same insecurities, so we can blog about our successes and triumphs, too. Many blog to share encouragement and advice, because writers are the most generous, helpful group of people you'll ever meet.<br />
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We all want to see each other succeed and don't want anyone to have to reinvent the wheel. If there's one thing writers all need more of, it's time, so when one person has spent countless hours learning something new, the writer will share it with everyone else to save them time! <br />
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Sound amazing? It is. And we have the generous <a href="http://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a> to thank for all of this camaraderie.<br />
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Need more encouragement and writing buds? Find the IWSG on Twitter: @IWSG and #IWSG<br />
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Each Month we blog about our doubts or accomplishments OR we can write about an optional monthly questions. This month's question is:<br />
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<b style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">February 1 Question: </b><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">How has being a writer changed your experience as a reader?</span><br />
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I still feel like a newbie posting on these Wednesdays, but this month I'm co-hosting, so I look forward to meeting MANY more of you than I have in the past few months! My response to this month's question is: Man, I've heard writers talk about this a lot. And I have to say, writing has changed my experience as a reader to some extent.<br />
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I've always had a harder time getting into novels. I usually give a book until the fiftieth page to suck me in. In some ways, writing has made this WORSE. It's much harder for me to lose myself in a character and her world because I'm paying attention to the WRITING. I'll reread the first sentence multiple times, and then the first page. I'll consider the premise, the hook, the first pages, the characterization, the goal, obstacle, antagonist...basically I'm trying to reverse outline the dang beginning. Talk about ruining a good thing! BUT if the book is good enough, I do eventually let go and enjoy the story. That being said, I am constantly aware of phrases I adore and want to save as quotes or strategies the author uses to develop her characters. Before writing, I'm quite certain I read a book cover to cover and didn't think twice about any of those things.<br />
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Also. I think I'm more aware of authors. Before writing, I chose a book based on the cover and title and maybe the blurb and first few pages, but NOW I choose based on author, and genre, of course. I also read a variety of fiction now. Years ago I stuck mostly to adult mystery/thriller series, though I threw in the occasional literary fiction, romance novel, and historical novel...whatever Oprah had been recommending at the time. I didn't venture away from the same ol' same ol' much at all.<br />
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For the MOST part though, I'm still a reader, and I'm a writer, and I enjoy the two in different and distinct ways. Unfortunately, the writing takes up a lot of my reading time. I feel scolded when authors tell me how much I should be reading when I'm not, but honestly, during the school year, I have to choose. I either spend a couple of hours reading or I spend a couple of hours writing. And when I have a writing schedule and deadlines I'm holding myself to, well then, there isn't much of a choice. Which, I suppose, is why I devour three books in a week during spring break and the first week of summer. I just can't make it happen even though I KNOW it's important to read a lot to be a better writer. I know, okay?<br />
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(Adding this in now that the day is half over...I DO take my Kindle to bed with me every night and fall asleep after reading a page or two of fiction, but that just doesn't feel much like reading to me since it's not long enough to get into the book or enjoy it (even when it's an amazing story...I'm just TIRED). I also read for critique partners when I make time for it, especially when they have deadlines, so I DO read their fiction as well.)<br />
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<b><i>How much time do you dedicate to reading and writing per week? How do you make time for both? I'd love to hear how you make it work. Share any advice you have in the comments. And I'll be by to visit you when I'm done teaching today!</i></b><br />
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But before you comment and take off...<br />
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<b>Today I'm also being featured at the extraordinarily talented author <a href="http://crystalcollier.blogspot.com/2017/02/angels-wars-and-why-do-you-do-what-you.html">Crystal Collier's blog</a> talking about my pen name's new release. Visit her to discern two truths and a lie about yours truly. </b><br />
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<b>Last week YA Bound Book Tours hosted a blog tour for my new release and in honor of the tour and my book, I'm giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card! And you're in luck because there are still 11 days to enter! </b><br />
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<a href="https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9e540ef9318/"><b><span style="font-size: large;">ENTER TO WIN A $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD HERE! </span></b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Good luck!</span></b></div>
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<i><b>When you leave here, be sure to visit this month's co-hosts as well as all the other bloggers listed on the hop! </b></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">The awesome co-hosts for the February 1 posting of the IWSG are </span><a href="http://sylmion.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: #f4f2f8; color: #3e62b4; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Misha Gericke,</a><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://musingsonfantasia.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: #f4f2f8; color: #3e62b4; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">LK Hill,</a><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"></span><a href="http://www.junetakey.com/posts/category/blog-life-happens/" style="background-color: #f4f2f8; color: #3e62b4; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Juneta Key,</a><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://lynneawest.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: #f4f2f8; color: #3e62b4; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Christy</a><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"> (<i>that's me!</i>) and </span><a href="https://cluculzwriter.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: #f4f2f8; color: #3e62b4; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Joylene Buter!</a><br />
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And also welcome new IWSG Admin <a href="http://hmgardner.blogspot.com/">Heather Gardner</a> today!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background: transparent; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: blue;"><br /></span></span></a></span></div>
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And... one more tiny thing! (Now that I've written it, it turned really long....Bear with me. It's such HAPPY news!)<br />
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I have one really wonderful writerly thing to share. I teach in a PK-8th grade school, and even though I chose a pen name to be all secretive, word got out that I released my first YA novel, and ever since I've been showered with happiness because of it. Parents and their daughters stop me in the car line (while I put their children in the cars at the end of the school day to send them home) to tell me they LOVED my book and that they got nothing accomplished over the weekend because they couldn't stop reading, or that their mom is reading it now because they enjoyed it so much, or that they wrapped it and gifted it to a friend. And THEN I walk down the hall and see middle schoolers reading my book, and when they see me they're so excited.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Here's the really, really happy part, so if you skipped the rest READ THIS--->>>)</span></b> BUT THE BEST THING happened the other day when an eighth grade boy who's struggled with behavior and motivation in school since kindergarten approached me to ask about my book and to tell me that he wants to be an author. He told me he wrote a short story that wasn't very good. AND I THOUGHT OF ALL OF US! And I swatted at the air and said "Every writer writes stories that aren't very good at first. I've been writing for six years. Keep writing." And his eyes lit up and he said, "Okay." So I told him to write that night and over the weekend and pledged to get a few chapters of my own done. And since then he's stopped me to tell me that he started a new story. <i>And he's so excited about it.</i> And we've been holding each other accountable for at least fifteen minutes of writing each night. YOU GUYS. I'm tearing up right now just sharing how happy it made me to find a student writing buddy that I can share my love of writing with, and I'm so overjoyed that <i>he </i>is so excited about writing, too. <b>Writing is such a PASSION, and once we take hold of it and it takes hold of us, we can never let it go, no matter what the world tells us. And THAT'S what this group is all about.</b><br />
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<b>KEEP WRITING.</b><br />
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Thanks so much for visiting with me today!<br />
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Christy<br />
<br />erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-82259246858062307962017-01-10T06:45:00.001-06:002017-01-10T06:52:05.408-06:00Guess what?!?!? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wrote a book, and now it's published! You can, like, buy it and read it and everything! AND PEOPLE ACTUALLY ARE! And if you're curious, or love angel books, you can too!<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0MKSDW/">Amazon</a></div>
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99 cents </div>
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Free with Kindle Unlimited</div>
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$8.99 paperback</div>
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<a href="https://www.createspace.com/6648303">Createspace</a></div>
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$8.99 paperback</div>
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So...this month I'm making a few rounds to chat about, gasp, myself and my writing and MY BOOK! If you're interested in learning more about my writing process or behind-the-scenes information about When Ash Rains Down, visit these two lovely ladies who invited me to their blogs this month!<br />
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<b><a href="https://dianeburton.blogspot.com/2017/01/meet-author-cecelia-earl.html">Author Diane Burton</a> interviewed me...find out just how badly I messed up my first manuscript and what my go-to genre is (isn't it paranormal...??)!</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://waterytart23.blogspot.com/2017/01/an-interview-with-christy-aka-cecelia.html">Author Hart Johnson</a> interviewed me...find out how I successfully, or un-successfully?, balance out how much faith I put into my non-Christian genre books AND MORE, like who inspired my characters, is Shady Creek, WI a real place? and what's NEXT in my series?</b><br />
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<b>The week of January 23 there will be a BLOG TOUR hosted through <a href="http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/">Ya Bound Book Tours</a>.</b> You won't want to miss it. There will be fun content shared through blogs you may not have seen before, plus, and this is the scary part...reviews. And while some have reviewed my book already on Goodreads and Amazon, some are holding out for that week.<br />
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Oh, and I know how it is with book blogging and reading and writing, mostly you'll want to hop around to the blogs that day because...<br />
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<b>I'll be giving away a $25 gift card for Amazon!</b> </div>
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Yeah, I thought you might like to know about that. I'll post again that week so you don't forget to enter and win, because I'd love to give that to one of my friends!!!</div>
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So, if you have time today or this week, please visit Diane or Hart and leave them a comment, and I won't forget to remind you to enter the giveaway in two weeks!</div>
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Happy reading and writing!</div>
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Christy (ahem, Cecelia)</div>
<br />erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-13792887258643219102017-01-04T06:48:00.000-06:002017-01-04T06:48:01.553-06:00#IWSG (on my birthday!) My Constant Battle...<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f4f2f8; clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<u>My Constant Battle with the Clock</u></div>
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<u>and All That I Must Learn</u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's super hard to believe that it's already time for another IWSG post. I'm not sure what happened between Halloween and now, but Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's flew by in half a flash. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my biggest insecurities right now is lack of time. All writers, all people, have that same problem, I know, and for the most part I think I handle my time well. I prioritize my mental to-do list, get the most important items checked off and make my way down the list without getting overwhelmed too often. But as a writer, there's always so much more to do, and with a full-time job, three kids, other family, and a house to take care of, I'm struggling to keep up with what I see other writers accomplishing. There's always so much more to learn, and the thing that's blowing my mind is that I'm adding to that list every day, which means, what I thought I had to learn yesterday increases ten-fold each and every day, so even when I cross items to research and accomplish off that list, it only continues to grow...never, ever does it diminish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best I can do, that we can all do, is to keep making those lists, to continue learning, to continue growing, and to continue giving all that we undertake our all. I can only do so much each day, and I think I'm managing to balance work, family, and writing. I do hope to get more miles in this year. Running has fallen by the wayside a little bit and my body is unhappy for it. I recently joined a 500 mile group, so the goal is to run 500 miles this year. Once the weather got frigid (I live in Wisconsin) my quick, daily, 2-mile outdoor runs took a hike. And, since running is where I do my best scene, character, and dialogue brainstorming, figuring out how to get back into a daily running schedule will help me in two areas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Another major insecurity is waiting to find out how readers enjoy my first book. Today is my 40th birthday and the official release day of my pen name's young adult paranormal novel. Waiting for sales and reviews is both exciting and worrisome. Then, there's also the deadlines to complete the next books in the series!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm contemplating gifting myself a day or two off in the next month or so! And now that I'm sitting here scrambling to write this post for you, I'm wishing I'd gifted myself a day off on my birthday! (But, as a teacher, that often means more work...sub plans...and I wasn't feeling up to it!) Soon!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'd ask for tips on how to balance life and writing, but I think I most need to set and stick to a schedule and stay off the internet during those set writing times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Set. A. Schedule.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stick...to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This will work for all the balls I juggle each and every day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now...to do it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The question for today: </span><b style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">January 4 Question: </b><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">What writing rule do you wish you’d never heard?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't think I can name one. I'm glad I've learned all that I have, and if I've unlearned any along the way, then that was a learning point also. I'm interested to hear what the rest of you said for this though!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have a wonderful month writing friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Christy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you're new to IWSG, the details about it are below:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Purpose:</b> To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="background-color: #f4f2f8;">Posting:</b><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8;"> The first Wednesday of every month is officially </span><b style="background-color: #f4f2f8;">Insecure Writer’s Support Group</b><span style="background-color: #f4f2f8;"> day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!</span><b style="background-color: white;"> Be sure to link to <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html">this </a>page and display the badge in your post.</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Every month, we announce an optional question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The awesome co-hosts for the January 4 posting of the IWSG are <a href="https://lilicasplace.wordpress.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Eva @ Lillicasplace,</a> <a href="http://crystalcollier.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Crystal Collier,</a> <a href="http://queendsheena.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sheena-kay Graham,</a> <a href="http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chemist Ken,</a> <a href="http://lgkeltner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">LG Keltner,</a> and <a href="http://hmgardner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Heather Gardner!</a></i></span></span></div>
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erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-84456688973090514802016-12-07T07:10:00.000-06:002016-12-07T07:10:13.396-06:00#IWSG heading over the hill...and my writing plan, even in my old age (wink)<div class="separator" style="background-color: #f4f2f8; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL9XvoURVrtY8wxm0ksIPUAWzYRcpKaVJWoy2weQk5AIfudhX33n0ZFc61qDfz0f4BFWr0Vv2FLLWTG3fzxm-PuDTmemVjVXqoPLcaEOR5Ytul18KvWrSuRLJIRe32Vqnqa8GvO5u8PQ/s1600/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #3e62b4; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL9XvoURVrtY8wxm0ksIPUAWzYRcpKaVJWoy2weQk5AIfudhX33n0ZFc61qDfz0f4BFWr0Vv2FLLWTG3fzxm-PuDTmemVjVXqoPLcaEOR5Ytul18KvWrSuRLJIRe32Vqnqa8GvO5u8PQ/s320/Insecure+Writers+Support+Group+Badge.jpg" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid transparent; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Purpose:</b> To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><b>Posting:</b> The first Wednesday of every month is officially <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html"><b>Insecure Writer’s Support Group</b> </a>day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And we’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The awesome co-hosts for the December 7 posting of the IWSG will be</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://jenniferswritingrevolution.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jennifer Hawes,</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://jenchandlerwashere.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jen Chandler,</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://nickwilford.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Nick Wilford,</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.junetakey.com/posts/category/blog-life-happens/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Juneta Key,</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.jhmoncrieff.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">JH Moncrieff,</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Diane Burton,</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="http://mjfifield.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3e62b4; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MJ Fifield!</a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">December 7 Question: In terms of your writing career, where do you see yourself five years from now, and what’s your plan to get there?</b></div>
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In less than a month, I'll be 40. It's a hard birthday for me, not because of my age, really, but because I used to only celebrate my birthday because my mom wanted me to. She'd ask to have my husband, boys, and my over for dinner, or make sure to pester me enough that we'd set a going-out-to-eat dinner date. And she'd always make sure to get me cake and gifts. </div>
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After my mom died in March 2015, I dreaded my 2016 birthday. So, the thought of celebrating my 40th next month, in 2017, is less fun, even though my cousins and friends are excited about it. Love them. </div>
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So, I decided to release my first book on that day, so that I'd have something to look forward to. I figured I could wake up thinking, I'm a published author, instead of, I'm forty. And also, I figured celebrating could be more for that than for my birthday. 😉 I was really thinking ahead.</div>
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Now that that book is out/about out (cuz who knew clicking "Approve Proof" meant "Publish and Send out to the World?") my plan for this upcoming year is to publish at least two more books and one novella in its (Kingdom Come) series. I'd also planned to work on publishing or querying two contemporary titles (The book that's out is paranormal.), but now I'm thinking I'd like to begin another trilogy, a prequel trilogy, in the Kingdom Come series. So, I'm certain I'll be spending 2017-2018 on making a name as an author and working to make this series successful. Beyond that, I do have my contemporary novels that I need to either release or query, and the decision to be made if I release them myself is whether or not to release them under my current pen name, or another name since they'll be a different genre...unless I spice them up with some angels!</div>
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<b>So..the plan. Write. Write. Write. Market. Research. Love every step of the way. Repeat. </b></div>
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I've got to run because I started this post late and it's time for work. Otherwise I'm sure I'd have written more.</div>
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My plan seems kind of flimsy so I'll have to put together a better one. Don't tell Susan Kaye Quinn about my lack of a plan! I'm just setting myself up for failure! Eek! Research plan part one: visit you all to get better plan ideas!!!</div>
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Christy</div>
erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-21528067850997982012016-12-04T05:00:00.000-06:002016-12-06T22:53:11.125-06:00Squeee!!! It's FINALLY Cover Reveal Day for WHEN ASH RAINS DOWN!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here it is! The cover I've been waiting to share with you for a very, very long time. </div>
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Scroll down to see the full paperback cover, to take an angel quiz (Just what kind of angel would YOU be?), to view a brand new book trailer, and to learn how to WIN free books and swag!</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">When Ash Rains Down</span></div>
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by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15972302.Cecelia_Earl">Cecelia Earl</a></div>
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Genre: YA Paranormal</div>
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Release date: January 4th 2017</div>
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Summary:</div>
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Being crowned homecoming queen and enduring a week at the center of her classmates' attention is eighteen-year-old Julia White’s worst nightmare—even with Cole, her long-time crush, as her date. But when Julia is attacked by a green-blooded demon that vanishes in a plume of smoke, she comes face to face with what real nightmares look like—in the flesh, and all of the homecoming stuff hardly matters anymore.</div>
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As a frightening wave of crime infiltrates her small Wisconsin town, Julia tries to avoid Nicholas, a brooding, infuriating relative of Cole’s, who insists she’s the reason behind the corruption. He claims the culprits are demons who are after powers that only she—a human-angel hybrid—possesses. It’s unbelievable, of course, until he takes her to a hidden battlefield where warrior angels train to fight soul-siphoning demons—and her own angelic wings unfold.</div>
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When angels and demons draw battle lines, endangering everyone in their way, Julia has to find a way to protect them all, including herself. Because as it turns out, she’s the devil's most powerful weapon against the angels, and he’ll stop at nothing to claim her. </div>
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The final battle between Heaven and Hell has begun.</div>
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<i>When Ash Rains Down</i> is the first book in debut author Cecelia Earl’s Kingdom Come series.</div>
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The paperback format <strike>will be available soon</strike> IS AVAILABLE on Amazon for $8.99!</div>
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There's still time to order it and get it in time for Christmas!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pre-Order the Kindle version today</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: inherit;">on </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0MKSDW" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: xx-large; font-style: inherit;">Amazon</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: inherit;"> for just 99 cents! </span><br />
<span style="font-style: inherit;">It will be delivered to your device on my birthday, January 4, 2017!!</span><br />
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Here's a new cover reveal trailer for When Ash Rains Down!<br />
An alternate version will be shown during the Facebook Cover Reveal Event today!<br />
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<span style="border: none; font-style: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>About the Author</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: start;">Cecelia Earl graduated with a degree in education and has been teaching ever since. She’s a wife, a mom of three boys, and an owner of a magical laundry pile that never stops growing. </span><span id="m_-2754587055656190310yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478742437480_12379" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: start;">She lives near enough to Green Bay, WI that her refrigerator is always stocked with cheese, and the first colors her children learned were green and gold. </span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: start;">She’s a teacher by day, a mom always, and a writer in her sleep, but that’s okay because being an author is a dream come true. She writes angel books for young and youngish adults. If you feel young, she writes for you—whether or not you feel particularly angelic. </span></span></div>
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<span style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://ceceliaearl.wordpress.com/"><img alt=" photo iconwebsite-32x32_zps1f477f69.png" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhr6SXtsjyafjt9oDteopnHJz4X2otRsaMqfz7EQLqdUqLc6HhDsXkbFyxAbC-etMEgqASdlEXiHEPt6P8IgXcVJEd1SX56ji67iNcptg2BjKdMguxArhETFO4ecl-QVIL1BlYL3_m9F_75cw-6GD7Svkie3JYUO56bLLHQJsiA-V822pGY5R9gijq6N16ca1_sUvyDzNH3ih6NKtc8nXhjgi7zFT-DlScY=s0-d" style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 570px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15972302.Cecelia_Earl"><img alt=" photo icongoodreads32_zps60f83491.png" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg2zY3wSzZPvt6nJPCHb-BhlEwrgitsvXURgXsDQPq1q7acd93sF2STRvR3I_JPyhRFYry3TPo9ZtOXGNnyktf0x5RZ5Xs2EHXH8_u0YP0l7JfUdrxzLUpfxqDNbi9qsGUB_jCT3-f5_RrQOyXUB2oHIF-WhRG09mh3KnWR2AlaOPEPbqZO8gJLTpvvPjjmXotNUr2rFWrUw0DFt79I5q5lAqSU6x58aQ=s0-d" style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 570px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/authorcecelia/" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo icontwitter-32x32_zpsae13e2b2.png" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEj7lfVoRyJvsHewgltuEdwDpSiy02VQCT-qk5EYWOlrFB38zLXw2V73A-AJ02Bt-lE9xOFo6BoazlnP3vYDY2RxXZ2rsCyJ8khZ4yFN5boPNBTQh4XMsGP0NbczUYVHeKhtERXjf7UUIUSAnApcQqnYbANZDT6IVmoKi2Jj4y6rJbU8u7-w88uIQJ-QOkUzdDQvS3G-aF68syJ4SudjOqO-3xvl7dzR-eh0=s0-d" style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 570px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorcecelia/"><img alt=" photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjDxralVo7RJbXR47WFpew_4SSfVs5K2ETs4pP0NpYFAAaZERQXCoaZUSZLbtA1XXxWXWeJeLShBPppSAvS48Y3209ZYNvp3ITtffCnM0__uOPlTwFdlnQihiopHX8meD-WYXRmF25kC9Uskcv2Xro_FK0-U4yjpglvA2btc7OsxcnkqUF9ZG10sUCuBHmcRs8KKeoBwt4RhC-7Hk4GgjoK2PXESw3vYnoJ6A=s0-d" style="border: none; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 570px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1761722414081370/">Cecelia Earl on Facebook</a> any time on December 4 to celebrate the cover reveal for When Ash Rains Down!</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">*exclusive meet the character posts<br />*giveaways of When Ash Rains Down advanced reader copies (paperback and e-book)<br />*novel excerpts and teasers<br />*When Ash Rains Down swag giveaway<br />*favorite paranormal book giveaways</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">*meet the author fact vs fiction trivia game</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">*guest author posts </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">*an angel quiz</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">*writing and publishing tips<br />*giveaway of professional writing and publishing books</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/" style="border: none; color: #2101fb; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvymr5Q4ENiicjqTQFsxLl8ewFcTipBjGuBTSHMZpDT4KMMJd0sD5JYTATFpNyRH7UBaucwNZWH3CF_Pi9HJvqZAFOdDCrvkKR2r8s7Os8oPKybY00Pje2aWxzPRtJxUc7nW_72VnpFI/s1600/YA+Bounk+Tour+Button.png" style="border: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-width: 570px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></a></div>
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There are nine types of angels, some appear in Cecelia's Kingdom Come series. </div>
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If you were an angel, which kind would you most likely be? </div>
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A warrior? A leader? An educator? A miracle-worker, guardian, or one in charge of nature and the elements? </div>
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Find out by answering five simple questions! Take this quiz and share your results in the comments and online!</div>
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erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-54236116258378207482016-11-22T06:38:00.001-06:002016-11-22T06:56:09.246-06:00Author Promotion on Facebook--Spots Available!Hi all!<br />
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Welp. NaNoWriMo will have to be in December for me. I haven't started. BUT I have been very, very busy with other book-related projects, so I have a good reason for zero wordage. Really. The words will get written!<br />
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I've been completing final edits for When Ash Rains Down for my pen name, Cecelia Earl.<br />
I've created a fun quiz for my Cover Reveal event on Facebook.<br />
I've created some Meet the Character posts for the same event.<br />
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<b>Aaaaaaannndd...I've started lining up some writing, author, and blogger friends to post during my Facebook Cover Reveal Event! I'd love it if you joined me too. </b> <b>I have open slots!!!! Say yes! It'll be fun. I promise!!</b><br />
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It's December 4. A Sunday. All day, but the author promotions are scheduled for 4-9 PM CST. I know it's the weekend after Thanksgiving and weeks before Christmas and you might still have to shop and clean and host family. I understand. But also, know this:<br />
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<b>All you'd need to write is a short Facebook post, like a paragraph, about something writing, blogging, reading, publishing, design-related...or write something fun for readers! And pop on the Facebook event page during your time slot and post it to the Discussion wall. That's it! </b><b>If you want to hang around for 15-30 minutes in case anyone comments, you can, but you don't have to! I'll be there. </b><br />
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<b>What can your post be about? You can write about your favorite vacation spot (maybe it influenced the setting in your novel) or your favorite music (maybe your novel has a playlist) or your favorite food (characters sometimes eat, right?) or anything at all to entertain. I'm not looking for any one age group or genre because many of my family, friends, and colleagues will be popping in at the event and their reading preferences are varied. I want them to discover you all and enjoy you and your writing as much as I do!</b><br />
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I'll create a banner/ad for you, like these. And on the day of the reveal, around the time of your post, I'll post an image of your book(s) with descriptions and maybe some reviews from Amazon or Goodreads with linkage.<br />
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<b>So...let me know if you'd be interested in posting during a 15-minute or 30-minute time slot between 4 and 9 PM CST on Sunday, December 4 (Or any time, really. I'll be posting all day 5 AM through midnight!). Email me nc_hintz@yahoo.com OR reply in the comments OR message me on Facebook OR Twitter. (@ericaandchristy OR @authorcecelia)</b><br />
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Here are some of the Facebook posts I've made for some authors so far, </div>
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examples of some topics and how I'd share your post time with readers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cZhuuokHmxvTxnilMU5-dlW6hg-t2VMxUZJOdbQlHiqCf-uVogX1R0puZmsQid5ra1lgJG2mGQM0opcH_hY_Q9Gethecz11tTGuTW5LbRGTAbW9B-Um3ymRS6kcxW8zCHVuRMiQkvMJK/s1600/cover+reveal+alexia+schedule+use.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cZhuuokHmxvTxnilMU5-dlW6hg-t2VMxUZJOdbQlHiqCf-uVogX1R0puZmsQid5ra1lgJG2mGQM0opcH_hY_Q9Gethecz11tTGuTW5LbRGTAbW9B-Um3ymRS6kcxW8zCHVuRMiQkvMJK/s640/cover+reveal+alexia+schedule+use.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtLQJnDEcgRdua1QhRd3sOO7XgTbpHjNaNYvdvHplutWsc6X4STAjTnkiICMgwQb3AWLbZ4i4SVPhE9QFHV3i9H03oy9sWq1zXH5dFMb_Vxy9i0avcRUsvHiFRx29H-9KDTVt8FsP24sg/s1600/cover+reveal+grace+schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtLQJnDEcgRdua1QhRd3sOO7XgTbpHjNaNYvdvHplutWsc6X4STAjTnkiICMgwQb3AWLbZ4i4SVPhE9QFHV3i9H03oy9sWq1zXH5dFMb_Vxy9i0avcRUsvHiFRx29H-9KDTVt8FsP24sg/s640/cover+reveal+grace+schedule.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIAiNmxex4iQxvmET4nvyhlauKA5lwfp09aLra1St3M1QpqznfHzzmETHbQhlgeGYipUsjqf5ijyI1s04kccjC690JLqzboKfR18ZWXEjf46M4jzZDpzxubkCSABmxloonwGqyFSoAzkQ/s1600/cover+reveal+melissa+schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIAiNmxex4iQxvmET4nvyhlauKA5lwfp09aLra1St3M1QpqznfHzzmETHbQhlgeGYipUsjqf5ijyI1s04kccjC690JLqzboKfR18ZWXEjf46M4jzZDpzxubkCSABmxloonwGqyFSoAzkQ/s640/cover+reveal+melissa+schedule.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the deal with the Cover Reveal event.</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1761722414081370/">Link if you want to check it out.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qvzp6wy6j38-LjNJwT2lLaIPxzLjX5iarL5as9rwqbU73E02dl7dvvbjFvuFaU6QadIViOT4Esf9RtEI3t9N-_YZ3NrSUoPwlOYSl77WUKdUZaFfKfqNBPNGElPkY2ztX2jkGQ6mB-9w/s1600/Canvasimage_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qvzp6wy6j38-LjNJwT2lLaIPxzLjX5iarL5as9rwqbU73E02dl7dvvbjFvuFaU6QadIViOT4Esf9RtEI3t9N-_YZ3NrSUoPwlOYSl77WUKdUZaFfKfqNBPNGElPkY2ztX2jkGQ6mB-9w/s640/Canvasimage_jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the schedule for the day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVOG43gFm5LP6uenW03-GkzUFWqrBv7u9464gTr15rdNGZffmX8be8_J5drO24ynzer1YXV5DmtAiuq6Pjv5YX0bLRda44EvZKgAu6JxC6A9Zuks3Js8iLY089EEay501LtSL8yLFKddm/s1600/cover+reveal+schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVOG43gFm5LP6uenW03-GkzUFWqrBv7u9464gTr15rdNGZffmX8be8_J5drO24ynzer1YXV5DmtAiuq6Pjv5YX0bLRda44EvZKgAu6JxC6A9Zuks3Js8iLY089EEay501LtSL8yLFKddm/s640/cover+reveal+schedule.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In addition to mugs, bookmarks, and giveaways of When Ash Rains Down, </div>
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I'll be giving away favorite paranormal/angel books </div>
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to those in attendance and especially those who interact during the posts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHN5RwMI9ht4aPMHtvLslpX1Y1-L7U3Xu1VKPGa2tU1SEvf3PGQGOugvtHGidilftjv_7rhRVTcwJ6xfWuVh55kH_48Wrn71s9h31vaE1iLTm2z4XjMt08XWhNWH1kx60KoXkXV2b25Vk/s1600/cover+reveal+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHN5RwMI9ht4aPMHtvLslpX1Y1-L7U3Xu1VKPGa2tU1SEvf3PGQGOugvtHGidilftjv_7rhRVTcwJ6xfWuVh55kH_48Wrn71s9h31vaE1iLTm2z4XjMt08XWhNWH1kx60KoXkXV2b25Vk/s640/cover+reveal+giveaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks all. Happy Thanksgiving (if you're in the US) and Happy Week to all!<br />
Christyerica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-89558907978389605022016-11-14T07:04:00.000-06:002016-11-22T12:32:26.151-06:00Here's how to receive an advanced reader e-copy!<div style="color: #3d596d; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
Advanced reader e-copies of <em>When Ash Rains Down</em> are now available to all my newsletter subscribers! As soon as you sign up with your email address, you'll receive a confirmation email that includes the link to the ARC! </div>
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<a data-mce-href="http://eepurl.com/cdvvIj" href="http://eepurl.com/cdvvIj" style="color: #00aadc;">Sign up for my newsletter here! </a></div>
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<em>When Ash Rains Down</em> is a paranormal novel for young adults. It will be available exclusively through Amazon on January 4, 2017. I'll be revealing my cover on December 4 with an <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1761722414081370/" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1761722414081370/" style="color: #00aadc;">all-day Facebook event</a>. YA Bound Book Tours is also hosting my reveal, so if you'd like to participate in the fun, you can sign up at their site <a data-mce-href="http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/2016/11/cover-reveal-sign-up-when-ash-rains.html" href="http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/2016/11/cover-reveal-sign-up-when-ash-rains.html" style="color: #00aadc;">here</a>!</div>
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<em>Being crowned homecoming queen and enduring a week at the center of her classmates' attention is eighteen-year-old Julia White’s worst nightmare—even with Cole, her long-time crush, as her date. But when Julia is attacked by a green-blooded demon that vanishes in a plume of smoke, she comes face to face with what real nightmares look like—in the flesh, and all of the homecoming stuff hardly matters anymore.</em><br />
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<em>As a frightening wave of crime infiltrates her small Wisconsin town, Julia tries to avoid Nicholas, a brooding, infuriating relative of Cole’s, who insists she’s the reason behind the corruption. He claims the culprits are demons who are after powers that only she—a human-angel hybrid—possesses. It’s unbelievable, of course, until he takes her to a hidden battlefield where warrior angels train to fight soul-siphoning demons—and her own angelic wings unfold.</em><br />
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<em>When angels and demons draw battle lines, endangering everyone in their way, Julia has to find a way to protect them all, including herself. Because as it turns out, she’s the devil's most powerful weapon against the angels, and he’ll stop at nothing to claim her. </em><br />
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<em>The final battle between Heaven and Hell has begun.</em></div>
erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3804696485095159380.post-35063310855458881922016-11-11T05:00:00.000-06:002016-11-11T06:00:43.675-06:00It's RELEASE DAY for A.A. Chamberlynn's HUNTRESS FOUND!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's release day for Alexia Chamberlynn's HUNTRESS FOUND! </div>
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I am so in love with this cover and am loving the story just as much. </div>
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In fact, I recently got so lost in the pages I didn't get as far as I needed to on my final edits <i>and </i>I ended up putting off getting report cards done (I'm a first grade teacher) until waaaaaay too late in the evening, but it was the BEST kind of getting lost and the BEST way to procrastinate!</div>
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And now you can get lost in this new story too! And, what perfect timing...IT'S THE WEEKEND! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDfFI48Fv48zC6fB9XfJReRydA_9babNj4F944oy8NRa97SHXNMFRM8MNE4xawxocsRGV3H9ic7kx5oprE_lZiHEGFKT-PllogjuZLGArgrfADmB5YLV12mS528ftyvTwPNi-29Zvu3rb/s1600/HuntressFound_CVR_MED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDfFI48Fv48zC6fB9XfJReRydA_9babNj4F944oy8NRa97SHXNMFRM8MNE4xawxocsRGV3H9ic7kx5oprE_lZiHEGFKT-PllogjuZLGArgrfADmB5YLV12mS528ftyvTwPNi-29Zvu3rb/s320/HuntressFound_CVR_MED.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Huntress Found is the first book in A.A. Chamberlynn's Timekeeper's War series. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It's a </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">New Adult </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Contemporary
Fantasy, Mythology Mashup with Sci-Fi and Steampunk--</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">and it's ONLY 99 CENTS!!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">From the author of the bestselling Zyan Star fantasy
series comes a new world of magic...<br />
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Evryn’s got mad skills at playing hide and seek. She can find lost children,
hack the most secure databases, pretty much anything. Except for the one thing
she desires most: the knowledge of who her parents are, why they abandoned her,
and what her special talent means about who and what she really is.<br />
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So, when a guy named Seeker appears quite literally out of nowhere, claiming to
know about her past and offering her a job, Evryn can’t say yes fast enough.
Even if it does mean following him to another realm. As in, mind-blowingly, not
Earth. Apparently she’s part of an elite clan of Hunters descending from
Artemis who can find just about anything in all of time and space. As the last
of Artemis’ direct lineage, Evryn is her clan’s best shot at finding a lost
city before rival clans do.<br />
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Not just any city, but the flying, realm-hopping city of Skye. Aboard Skye is
the Artifex, a magical device with the power to create or destroy worlds.
Everyone wants the device, and with Evryn’s super-powered lineage, it means
everyone wants her, too. It’s hard to decide who she can trust, even within her
own clan. After she discovers a strange, alluring connection to the Artifex,
she’s not even sure she can trust herself. Worse yet, the only person who may
be able to help her is the Timekeeper, the sadistic ancient being who created
the Artifex. An interdimensional war is brewing, and Evryn is right at the
epicenter of it all. <br />
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Let the hunt begin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Links<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32599548-huntress-found">Goodreads Link</a> </span><a href="http://ie%3Dutf8%26qid%3D1478460894%26sr%3D8-1%26keywords%3Dhuntress+found/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amazon Link</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/huntress-found-aa-chamberlynn/1124865805?ean=2940153783994" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Barnes and Noble Link</a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/huntress-found/id1166103278?mt=11" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">iTunes Link</a> <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/huntress-found" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Kobo</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Alexia’s
Social Media Links</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.alexiachamberlynn.com/">website</a> </span><a href="http://alexiachamberlynn.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">blog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aachamberlynn" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">twitter</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/aachamberlynn/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">pinterest</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/AA-Chamberlynn-Fantasy-Writer/123550081009990" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">facebook</a> <u style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aachamberlynn/">instagram</a></u></div>
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<a href="http://amazon.com/author/aachamberlynn" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">amazon</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/aachamberlynn" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">goodreads</a><br />
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<a href="http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/2016/11/cover-reveal-sign-up-when-ash-rains.html"><span style="font-size: large;">I ALMOST FORGOT TO TELL YOU! IN HONOR OF THIS RELEASE AND HER BIRTHDAY, ALEXIA IS GIVING AWAY A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD! GO TO HER BLOG TO ENTER!</span></a><br />
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So, go and spend your weekend reading and then come back and tell me what you thought of <i>Huntress Found</i>! </div>
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Have you gotten so lost in a good story lately that you didn't get the work done you were supposed to be doing? I'd love to hear about the story and your incomplete work. Share in the comments!</div>
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Christy</div>
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erica and christyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13074820593371226159noreply@blogger.com3