I have recently signed a contract with the Pink Petal family! http://pinkpetalbooks.com/home.php I love how they believe in their authors and help build them up. My first piece to be released is “Wingless,” a novella. While everything is subject to change this early in the game, I know they will turn out a quality product.
*Sigh.* Guess this means I need to step up my blog posts 🙂 Stay tuned, friends!
Filed under Fiction, Flow of Life, Paranormal Fiction, The Writing World
Here are some lines that snagged me the moment I read them:
“I’d seen wielder things than a haunted shoe, but not many.” STORM BORN by Richelle Mead
My thoughts- I gotta see what this haunted shoe does. And what else could be weirder?
“I stiffened at the red and blue lights behind me, because there was no way I could explain what was in the back of my truck.” HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE by Jeaniene Frost
My thoughts- Okay, I have to know what’s in the truck.
“Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any worse, I saw the dead guy standing next to my locker.” MARKED; HOUSE OF NIGHT, by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
My thoughts- What’s she gonna do? He obviously want’s something from her… Kiss him or kill him?
I actually haven’t read the last one, but I’m about to 🙂
Filed under Flow of Life
I read a few great books this last year. Well, actually, more than a few. About 50. Some were fantastic page-turners, while others were pretty good. But I almost always follow a series. And if I like a book, but it’s stand-alone, I’ll search out the author to see what else they have. It’s true, I am a book addict. Books are a form of entertainment, but they also play a huge role in my writing career. I love it when you can mix business with pleasure XD
Filed under Flow of Life
I love author websites, especially if they are pumped full of deleted scenes from the books I love. I stalk those websites. I read every little bit the editors cut. I just finished another 6-book series, and I still want more. After this I will be picking through the website in hopes I’ll find wonderful little tidbits of the characters I fell in love with. And if she has another series (which I’ve heard she does) then I might invest it reading that one as well.
One thing that bummed me out was when my friends got me hooked on a romance writer who had her glory days in the 80’s and 90’s. She has a minimal website. Just background info. I have a feeling she probably doesn’t have much interaction with it. As a fan, I wanted to ask a question, but there was no email or thread for her works. No comment section. No out-takes. Nothing.
I am a reader. I am a fan. And I want more. I hope one day this author will be willing to post some deleted scenes. It keeps readers like me, 20 years after the book was released, still feeling connected.
Filed under Fiction, Flow of Life, The Writing World
I was in the store the other day and passed by the book aisle, as I often do. On the front of the shelf I saw a book with the most awful title I has ever seen. I won’t tell you what it is, let’s just say I balked at it. My disgust was so great I had to know who published it. I was shocked to see it was a house that is huge, and known for their great titles. I was floored. But all that didn’t kill me as much as when I realized the book was written by my second favorite author in the whole world!
I threw it in my cart because of the author, but was embarrassed as I paid for it.
With me, I usually pick up a book based on the title and cover. But, this was my one forgiveness due to the awesomeness of the author. So if you fear the hand of the publisher messing up the title of your book, don’t worry. Your fans will have faith in you. I did, and I loved the book enough to buy another in the series. Its title is even worse than the first… But I know it will be awesome.
Filed under Fiction, Flow of Life, The Writing World
Tomorrow I’m teaching a quick class on characterization at the Jewett House for the Idaho Writer’s League. It’s something I’ve had to learn and build on top of by taking classes myself. But the most helpful thing to me was learing it through writing. I’ve written two full novels, two shorts, and several partials that I’ve set aside or am currently working on.
I highly encourage all writers out there to read books on writing, but taking classes on writing can be helpful in its own way. The feedback that other writers give you can be helpful. Of course there’s always that one person that can be overly picky or critical, so I give you my blessing to ignore them. But, without the help of critique partners, I wouldn’t already be on my third novel. If you tend to hear the same suggestion over and over I suggest you look into considering their advice. Remember, every publisher is looking for something a little different from the last. Keep pushing and learning!
Filed under Fiction, Flow of Life, Non-Fiction Paranormal, The Writing World
Tag lines, what are they?
“I don’t want to,” he said.
“Well, too bad,” she chirped
“You can’t make me,” he groaned.
“I’ll sit on your face if you don’t,” she laughed.
“I hate you,” he sneered.
“Yeah, but you love me, too,” she pouted.
See the pattern? I did this on my first manuscript years ago. I hang my head for the poor agent that waded through that first draft and pointed it out. So what’s the protocol for tag lines? One per page is preferred. Two is okay from time to time. Three is pushing it. And anything more is just tripping up your pacing.
When you have a conversation between two people you can usually follow who is speaking. One good way to point out who is talking is have them perform an action.
“I don’t want to.” Jimmy turned his back on her.
“Well, too bad.” Sarah held up the needle and tested the plunger. A clear liquid spurted out and dribbled down the side.
His face drained of blood as he watched. “You can’t make me.”
“I’ll sit on your face if you don’t.” She giggled with memories of playing football with him as children. He was mortified she could wrestle him down and crush his face with her bony butt.
Hopefully this helps those of you getting started writing. Good Luck!
Filed under Flow of Life
Somebody asked me this recently, so I figured I’d do a quick post on it. I chose the name Veiled Wings for my blog for two reasons – One, because I’d like to think that we all have a pair of wings on our back that describes who we are. Some have downy soft feathery wings, some have black leathery wings, some are translucent like a dragonfly and others may be colorful like a butterfly. Beyond that they may be very large or very small. They may be tattered and broken or scarred but healed. What do your wings look like? Mine are very scarred, but I’d like to think they get bigger and stronger every day.
Reason two – Some how, in some way, all my paranormal characters have wings, end up getting wings, or can fly. I don’t know how this happens, but it does. I love flying, and my characters are an extension of me sometimes. All I have to say is I hope they’re handing out wings on the other side when I get there 🙂
Filed under Flow of Life
The view from my desk is nothing special. It is placed in the corner and the computer is almost overwhelmed with stacks of papers, drawings, old manuscripts and bills. It’s rather pathetic. I’d much rather be sitting outside, writing in the sun. But the weather hasn’t been very accommodating lately.
Just to the left of my desk is a window. And if I look up I have a view of a tree nestled right against the house. Through its sparse branches I see a wooden fence met by green grass. And beyond that? Rooftops. Yeah, boring.
Three days ago I found myself looking at bird feeders. I bought a simple brown one and hung it in the tree. Today, while I waited for my computer to boot up, I twisted the blinds covering the window. To my joy there was a bird at the new feeder. Before I knew it the tree was bustling with finches, robins, and sparrows.
Is it distracting? Somewhat. But I find that my mind needs to take a break from it’s editing process much more often than the creative one of writing. These little guys are giving me just that. I’ve brought life and action to my empty tree with a simple, cheap bird feeder. What simple little thing could you add that will bring spice to your life, or manuscript? Perhaps a new haircut or purse? Or on the fiction side how about a wardrobe malfunction, or a jealous best friend? It’s something small that could lead to something bigger. Happy Monday all!
Filed under Flow of Life, The Writing World
I do often feel absent-minded, but the title refers to my absence to the blog. One week ago my beloved computer caught a virus. Well, 34 of them, in one click. It took awhile to get her put back together, but she’s up and running like a champ again!
So I wanted to say sorry for the absence. I may not be a daily blogger, but I try to get at least one out a week. So what have I accomplished without the use of a computer for an entire week? I’ve been writing low-tech. A new short story spin-off has come to me recently. My poor little purse notebook is almost full. Which means I have stuff that needs to be transferred over.
I also did a little gardening. And when I say a “little” I mean it. Six pansies. That’s it. Maybe more later, when it stops snowing.
And I’ve been madly crafting little mini top hats. I originally wanted to make one for my up-coming Sakura Con trip, so I started experimenting. before I knew it I had requests! Which always brings joy to an artist XD Though I’ve finished three, I’ve yet to finish my own. And I only have two days left. Guess I better get on it!
I hope during your absences from the world you are productive!
Filed under Flow of Life
Gargoyle
WINGLESS
First in the Shadow Fan Series
Keeper of the Shrine (second in the Shadow Fan Series)
Shadow Fan Series #3
#4 in the Shadow Fan Series
#5 Shadow Fan Series
Spirit Tracks is $.99 on Amazon right now!
Shelley Martin Fiction 