Where I'm at in the publishing process, pt. 3

I thought it might be fun to do some documenting of my publishing experience.  Now that it has been three weeks since I signed my contract with Limitless Publishing some fun things are in the works!

Let's recap:

Sept. 10 - received a partial request from Limitless
Sept. 14 - received a full manuscript request from Limitless
Sept. 20 - received an offer of a contract to publish Chasing Forever
Sept. 24 - received contract
Sept. 28 - signed contract and became part of the Limitless Publishing Team
Oct. 1 - received a cover questionnaire, book blurb sample request and synopsis request
Oct. 6 - a new title has been given—Raining Down Rules
Oct. 9 - pre-edits come in and I've been assigned an editor
Oct. 12 -sent back my pre-edits
Oct. 14 received my book release date!!!

Every publishing house has their standards for formatting a novel, and for the most part, I'm sure they are all fairly similar.  That being said, since I've never published a book before I was a little nervous about the pre-edits.  But they came in and, even though I did have a few things to change, it wasn't terribly scary—PHEW!  So here is some stuff I learned:

Double spaces after . ? ! are OUT.  Seriously?  Like when did this happen?  My thumbs are constantly tapping twice on the space bar and I CANNOT STOP IT!  In case you haven't noticed, even my blog posts are riddled with double spaces.  It is ingrained in my brain and my fingers type on autopilot.  I. Must. Resist.

Em Dashes—now I know how to make them!  I kind of felt stupid when I learned the keystrokes to do them, but now I know and will never forget.  On a Mac (which is what I'm currently using) it's SHIFT+OPTION+- and you magically get —.  For the PC you type the word--and then type the next word.

Alright does not equal all right.  So, apparently alright isn't grammatically correct, it's all right.  Check!

There are more than one type of "quotes".  As in smart (curly) quotes vs. straight quotes.  See example below.  What I want to know is how in the heck my novel had both types in it?!?!   Anyhow, they've all been corrected.

"That's a 'magic' sock." wrong (straight quotes)

“That’s a ‘magic’ sock.” right (smart quotes)

Get rid of filler words or over used phrases.  Writing is different than just plain talking.  When we talk we use filler words to help us make our point to to emphasize something.  In writing, we really don't need to do that.  So here are a few words and phrases to search for in your novels or to avoid altogether unless they are absolutely necessary (in dialogue sometimes it's okay):

that
get
just
really
feel

very
actually
make their way
began to / started to
for the most part
just then

There are others out there and check out these links for more, here, here & here.  Search through your novel to find these words/phrases and see if the sentence can work without it and if so, DELETE it.  Or, find another more appropriate word to use in its place.  (Did you notice how my words above sorta look like the bottle from I Dream of Jeannie?)

I was also assigned an editor for my novel which is really exciting.  She's scheduled my book to begin edits on December 9th and have them back to me by December 15th.  So in other words, I have to wait almost 2 months until I begin my real edits.

Patience grasshopper.

Now, one last thing.  Get ready for this...

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Raining Down Rules will be released to the world and I couldn't be happier!!

It's that time of year again...

What time is that, you ask?  Well...NaNoWriMo of course! What is Nano again?

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. 

On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30.

Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought about writing a novel.

You win NaNoWriMo by writing 50,000 words of your novel between November 1 and November 30. (Or during Camp NaNoWriMo, just reaching your personal word-count goal.) There’s no limit on how many people can win! Just be sure that you’ve defined a novel on our site, and that you validate your novel’s word count at the end of the month.

Every year, we have several generous sponsors that offer participant and winner goodies. Check out the NaNoWriMo prizes here, and Camp NaNoWriMo prizes here!

All programs for National Novel Writing Month, Camp NaNoWriMo, and the Young Writers Program are free. However, we run on donations, and we do ask ably-financed participants to contribute something towards hosting and administrative costs. Because we’re a nonprofit, the donation is tax-deductible!

So - will you be joining all the thousands of Nanowrimo's in writing a 50,000 word novel this November?  If so, add me as a writing buddy: kristielee. 

Book Review: My Strongest Weakness

From author Brighton Walsh comes another fast-paced, sexy new adult romance novella set in the '90s where two people can't be so wrong for each other.  Nothing says opposites attract like an All-American college football star and a grunge-loving film student.

MY STRONGEST WEAKNESS is the first novella in this '90s PLAYLIST anthology and trust me, you won't be disappointed.  A great opener for the remaining five novellas, you'll be pulled into Tia and Mason's story from the start.

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Book Blurb:

She's the last thing he needs, but she's the only thing he wants...as long as it's behind closed doors.

It was supposed to be a one-time thing. No one would find out; no one would have to know. And then once turned into twice, and twice turned into several times a week, and now pierced, punk-loving, rebellious Tia Lanning is banging Mason Brooks, the big man on campus and Mr. All American.

But banging him isn't the problem. Falling for him is. Especially when he's content to let her remain his dirty little secret.

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Review:

4 / 5 stars


Sex: Yep.  Scenes are steamy with full description.

Language: MY STRONGEST WEAKNESS loses a quarter star for me because of the use of the *F* word more than 3-4 times.  Personally, I'm just not a fan of it and feel it's overused.

Violence: Nope.

Drugs/Alcohol: Yep, frat parties=alcohol.

Nudity: Surprisingly there really isn't any even with all the sex.

What I Loved:  I love underdog stories, and I really felt like Tia was the underdog here.  Even though she is strong in her own right, when she is with Mason it makes her question everything she's ever thought she knew about love. 

Why Only 4 Stars?  As I mentioned above, MY STRONGEST WEAKNESS lost a quarter star due to language. Another quarter star was lost due the abrupt ending.  I realize this was a novella, a short story really, and it has to end somewhere, but I really wanted more.  The remaining half star was lost because Mason and Tia's story was hard to relate to even though I went to college in the late 90s.  I am just not sure a guy like Mason and a girl like Tia would ever wind up together as they do in this story.  But then again, their story works because when they're together, their chemistry is hot.

What I want more of: I wanted a real HEA (happily ever after), not just a ending sex scene.

Who Would Like This? I think MY STRONGEST WEAKNESS is appropriate for anyone 17 and older who likes to read romance or stories about college life.  But be forewarned, the sex scenes are pretty explicit and detailed (not to mention steamy).

I am a child of the '80s and '90s, I even went to college in the '90s (albeit the late '90s), but I went nonetheless.  I remember frat parties, heck I was even in a sorority.  So to say that I was feeling a bit nostalgic is an understatement.  I felt as though I was right there with Tia as she went to her first frat party, however the frats at the college I went to weren't nearly as clean as Zeta Alpha Tau.

Mason's world of cheerleaders and sorority girls doesn't mesh with Tia's film lovers and grunge aficionados, but when they get together their chemistry is explosive.  Pushed together through their joint Econ class, they find each other unable to resist the other.

When their feelings begin to take over their primal urges, both are confused and afraid what it might mean for their reputations with their friends and family.  Mason's in line to become the next president of his fraternity and a girl who looks like Tia isn't someone who mixes with with Zeta Alpha Tau, not to mention his wealthy parents.

Brighton's prior New Adult novels are pretty amazing and you can be sure to have tons of stomach drops and twinges behind your ears with all the emotions you'll feel.  MY STRONGEST WEAKNESS follows suit with all those feels and make you want to break out your old Discman if you still have one.

Where I'm at in the publishing process, pt. 2

 I thought it might be fun to do some documenting of my publishing experience.  Now that it has been two weeks since I signed my contract with Limitless Publishing some fun things are in the works!

Let's recap:

Sept. 10 - received a partial request from Limitless
Sept. 14 - received a full manuscript request from Limitless
Sept. 20 - received an offer of a contract to publish Chasing Forever
Sept. 24 - received contract
Sept. 28 - signed contract and became part of the Limitless Publishing Team
Oct. 1 - received a cover questionnaire, book blurb sample request and synopsis request
Oct. 6 - a new title has been given!

So here we are, Oct. 9th and folks, a change in your novel's title during publishing is inevitable and mine is no exception.  Remember the list from last week?

1. Seeking Forever
2. Finding Forever
3. Grasping Eternity
4. Chasing Eternity
5. Rules of the Heart
6. Searching for Forever
7. Beautiful Forever
8. Raining Down Rules
9. A Chance At Forever
10. The Beat of My Heart

Well, which one did you like?  The publisher and I both agreed and have decided upon one of the ten listed above ^^^.  Here is where I'd love to insert a drum roll, with sound effects of course.
.
..
...
....
.....
....
...
..
.
..
...
....
.....
....
...
..
.

I think it's a perfect title as the novel takes place in the Spring—hence the rain—and Jemma has her set of rules she's created to protect herself, yet she finds them crumbling around her—so the rain is bringing down the rules.  I'm super excited to see my cover when it's ready and even more excited to reveal it to all of you.

Let the game of patience begin...well, at least let it continue!

PS - use #RDRNovel on Twitter for sneak peaks and updates of Raining Down Rules.

Some ramblings on writing

When I first started writing about six years ago, I'm not going to lie—my writing was pretty atrocious.  I head-jumped, wasn't really aware of the proper format regarding speaking patterns and dialogue tags.  Let's not even talk about constantly switching between past or present tense.  Yeesh!  But you know what?  Every project I wrote—whether I finished it or not—got better.  So, my friends, I want to tell you a few things I've learned along the way.

1. You're writing will never get better unless you keep practicing.  Seriously.  The more you write, the more you learn the craft.  You can't expect to go to the Olympics and perform a triple lutz in an ice skating routine of you've never stepped on the ice and fallen on your bum at least once, right?  The same is true in writing.  Whether you're writing your first novel or your tenth, just the practice of writing alone will help you grow as a writer.
   
2. Just like practicing writing, reading in your preferred genre will help you grow in leaps and bounds.  Truly.  Let's say you've chosen to write an epic fantasy novel that includes dragons, faeries, water nymphs and an army of lightening riders who battle to save the kingdom of Valetross before it can be conquered by the evil army of the un-dead King of Scorchio—but all you read is contemporary romance.  Okay, so romance can be in almost every YA+ book, but it has it's time and place.  The more you read fantasy similar to what you are righting, the more your story will follow certain expected patterns.  You'll also learn what is acceptable in terms of novel length, character arcs, etc.
   
3. Get involved on Twitter and other social media outlets.  For Reals.  About six months ago I started actually using Twitter.  I'd been a member since September 2010, but never used it because I didn't understand how it worked.  Since becoming active on Twitter, I've not only secured a publishing contract for my first novel, but I've made some great online friends, learned even more about writing, found links on the internet to help build my craft and learned about so many FREE contests run by writers, agents and/or publishers.
   
4. Writing doesn't have to happen every single day.  Many people will tell you that in order to complete a novel, you must write every day.  I have found that nearly impossible.  If you're a writer who can push out a novel every 30-60 days, I applaud you—you have a gift!  I say write when inspiration hits.  Find a time you feel most productive and write then, you're writing will be better for it.  If you force yourself to sit and write when you're not feeling inspired, the writing will most likely show it.  It will feel flat and can lean toward the boring and not essential side of writing.  That's okay for word count, but when it comes down to it, word count isn't all that matters.

So now, I am off to read through an ARC for a review and then, maybe if inspiration hits, I'll do some writing of my own.

Book Review: A Shot of Reckless

From author duo, Maddie Paige, comes a story about learning to trust in love when you have every reason to doubt it.  A new adult novel with friends you'll want to have and a steamy romance you won't forget, Roxy and Lake will win you over.

A SHOT OF RECKLESS is the debut novel for writing duo Maddie Paige who bonded over books, shirtless boys and Step Up movies. One lives for her coffee while the other prefers hot chocolate. Both lovers of romance, they tag teamed a manuscript over late nights at Steak 'n Shake. They live in Atlanta, GA.

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Book Blurb:

Art major, Roxy Thompson, is a ball of fun—but she's also careful to keep her walls intact when it comes to men. She likes relationships just like her coffee: light and sweet. After having her heart shattered once before, she’s determined not to ever feel that broken again.

College senior, Lake Foster, is just tempting enough to make Roxy rethink her rules of engagement. Suddenly, high-dollar shots and a no-strings night out aren't enough anymore. But Lake isn't looking for long-term. His future is set, and in four months, he intends to graduate and leave Georgia—and everything in it—behind. Luckily, short-term fun is Roxy’s specialty, and Lake can’t resist what he promises will be a fleeting taste.

Will Roxy and Lake really walk away when their time is up? They only have one shot to find out.

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Review:

4.5 / 5 stars


Sex: Yep.  Scenes range from fade to black to steamy with full description.

Language: A SHOT OF RECKLESS loses a quarter star for me because of the use of the *F* word more than 3-4 times.  Personally, I'm just not a fan of it and feel it's overused.

Violence: There isn't any violence that we the reader actually gets to read, but it's implied through Roxy's BFF's boyfriend.

Drugs/Alcohol: Yep, though no drugs, only legal age drinking.

Nudity: Umm, the main characters have sex numerous times, so yes.  There is nudity.

What I Loved:  I felt like I was part of the gang in Roxy and Lake's story.  The characters were real, likeable and gave you the sense that you could be hanging out with them.  I loved that the secondary characters, Taylor & Dylan both had their own sets of problems making them more than one dimensional.  I loved how Lake and Roxy's romance was intended to be a one-time thing, but their connection was deep and neither one wanted to admit what they were feeling for each other.   I felt Roxy's character showed a lot of growth in the novel especially when dealing with her parents and her BFF.  I love that Lake was a very caring individual who wants to help others including his BFF.

Why Only 4.5 Stars?  As I mentioned above, A SHOT OF RECKLESS lost a quarter star due to language.  The other quarter was lost because even though I truly loved this novel, I did find parts of the story slightly predictable.

What I want more of: I want to read Dylan's love story and Taylor's falling in love stories, and let's not forget about ever-cheerful Abigail - they all have to get their Happily Ever Afters, right?

Who Would Like This? I think A SHOT OF RECKLESS is appropriate for anyone 17 and older who likes to read romance or stories about college life.  But be forewarned, the sex scenes are pretty explicit and detailed (not to mention steamy) - so if you're not up for that, skip over those parts and read anyway!

>>>>SPOILER ZONE—DO NOT read past this if you don't want to know what happens in the book!<<<<

Alright, so let's get one thing straight—HOLY HOT Roxy and Lake painting sex scene...I'm not gonna lie, I was like, WHAAA??  There was something totally UMMM, and yet so very beautiful about the scene.  It showcased Roxy's vurnerability and Lake's care and concern for her.  It was magical.

Roxy's gallery showing - I knew, just KNEW Lake wasn't going to make it.  I mean you've got to have dips and valley's in a novel and this one I saw coming from a mile away.  What I didn't see what Roxy's car accident and how her friends treated her after it happened.  I mean come on!  Let the girl talk!

Let's not forget about Taylor and her schmuck of a boyfriend.  How can we not be proud of her for finally standing up for herself and breaking it off with him?  Her character goes from meek to even more meek as the story progresses so good for her for deciding to live for herself for a change.

And Dylan...props to her for going to Lake for help when she knew she needed it.  I want to know how she gets along in California without her best friend, Lake.  They've been BFFs for so long, how will she learn to cope without him?

Now, as far as Lake turning down Stanford...well, let's just say you can't get much of a happily ever after if he were to go, now could you?

>>>>A SHOT OF RECKLESS will be a smashing success, thank you for letting me review your book baby!<<<<

Where I'm At in the Publishing Process

I thought it might be fun to do some documenting of my publishing experience.  Now that it has been one week since I signed my contract with Limitless Publishing some fun things are in the works!

Let's recap:

Sept. 10 - received a partial request from Limitless
Sept. 14 - received a full manuscript request from Limitless
Sept. 20 - received an offer of a contract to publish Chasing Forever
Sept. 24 - received contract
Sept. 28 - signed contract and became part of the Limitless Publishing Team
Oct. 1 - received a cover questionnaire, book blurb sample request and synopsis request

So here we are, Oct. 2nd and I have returned the cover questionnaire, blurb sample and synopsis all of which will either go into helping the designers create my cover and will help with creating the actual back of the book blurb.  I have also submitted ten different title ideas for the novel (since the title will be changing - as it does so much in this industry).  Here are the titles I sent over:

1. Seeking Forever
2. Finding Forever
3. Grasping Eternity
4. Chasing Eternity
5. Rules of the Heart
6. Searching for Forever
7. Beautiful Forever
8. Raining Down Rules
9. A Chance At Forever
10. The Beat of My Heart

Now, who really knows if any of these will make the final cut, but they were options I felt applied to Jemma, Jordan and Vic's story.

Next week just may bring some pre-edits for my novel, we'll just have to wait and see - but plan on getting weekly status updates as they come!!