I guess I had it coming. I wrote basically an entire book this past year, if you count the pieces of other books I started putting together. And I should have anticipated the block, the lack of voices shouting in my head to get out. To most people that sounds peaceful but to me it's downright eerie. It's happened before. It'll happen again. I just hope it doesn't take as long this time around to feel rejuvenated and fresh and ready to work on another story. I've finished Fielder's Choice. I looked through it many times and I feel as though I have put all I have into Mallory and Denny's struggle to find each other. It's no wonder I feel as though picking up a pen is the most monumental task I will ever accomplish.
Every writer faces it, whether you are crunched for a deadline or just have no idea how to start. I want to write, I truly do but every time I try, it feels wrong somehow, that what I've written will not do these characters justice. I'm just trying to get from point A to point B but there are ten other letters standing in the way and they don't connect. It's a strange feeling to have the voices, the ideas silent. Maybe I can work out some of the garbage here while everything is simmering inside. Maybe this will move things around enough that I can squeeze on through and find point B. Maybe I just have to out wait my brain.
As far as sales of Saving Tate, I couldn't be more ecstatic. March has been my best-selling month so far with 19 sales as of today. That puts my overall sales total at 39 if I can remember correctly. It's incredibly humbling to know that that many people are reading my words. I hope with the release of Fielder's Choice that both will exceed my expectations. And maybe someday, I'll be able to walk into an actual store and see my book sitting on the shelf with the likes of Nora Roberts and Susan Mallery, Rachel Gibson and Victoria Dahl. Heck, maybe someday those women will read my books. That'd be mind-blowing; to have the people who line my bookshelves read the words that I wrote after falling in love with characters they created.
It's been a crazy year so far, and as the winter that wasn't fades into spring in my little corner of the world, I hope that the craziness continues because without it, the world is just a blank piece of paper. It's up to us to write the story.
My Little Bookshelf: Like most of you know I am a re-reader. Sad but true. I've recently been going back through all of Karen Rose's books which are all amazing. A lot of mystery and suspense mixed with romance and you have yourself a winning combination. Also, I have started reading Cheryl Holt's novels again. Her not-quite-so-prim and proper historical novels will force you to the edge of your comfort level then shove you over, which you end up not minding. So my advice when reading Ms. Holt's work: spread your arms and enjoy the ride down. :-) I came across Nina Pierce while searching for free ebooks online. She has a trilogy, of which I've read the first two and third is waiting on my nook, and they are excellent. I definitely recommend Blind her with Bliss and Deceive her with Desire. My next read will be Lora Leigh's Midnight Sins. Can't wait.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Anticipation
I can say now that I have published a book that the hard part isn't writing the story. It's actually in wondering who is reading your words. I've now reached twenty-four sales which may not seem like a lot to most people but to me, who wasn't ever sure I'd get my books published, twenty-four is astronomical. But I wish I knew who was buying my book. And I wish I knew what they thought.
When I first asked my sister to read Saving Tate, I was afraid that I had become too attached to the characters, that I thought and felt things about them only because they came from my head. I was afraid that what I thought was a good piece of writing was actually average or even bad. But when my sister begged me for the next chapters, one right after the other, when she would call me names for making her cry, when she would laugh out loud at a witty piece of dialogue, I knew it wasn't just me. I knew that at least one other person had seen what I had seen in those characters and in those hundreds of pages of words that I pounded out into my laptop. That every painstaking minute of editing and rewriting and doodling was going to be worth it.
And now, twenty-four other people have read my words. Twenty-four people have given some no-name author from the Midwest a chance to captivate their minds and steal their hearts with words that she created. And I want nothing more than to thank those twenty-four people for helping my dream come true. I invite more of you to read about Tate and Cam in Saving Tate and for those of you anxiously awaiting book two, Fielder's Choice, I thank you for your patience and interest in the next of the Carlyles to find true love.
So goodnight, from my little corner of the world to yours, and may all your dreams come true too.
My Little Bookshelf: I finally got Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb and devoured it. I love every single book in that series. I also read Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey. It was a nice, sweet read and the first in a series about the Kowalski family. I'll make sure to get the next books in that series. And I just read Forbidden Pleasure by Lora Leigh. I l ove all her books and they are a little edgier than your typical romance but that just means the love is stronger, at least in my opinion.
When I first asked my sister to read Saving Tate, I was afraid that I had become too attached to the characters, that I thought and felt things about them only because they came from my head. I was afraid that what I thought was a good piece of writing was actually average or even bad. But when my sister begged me for the next chapters, one right after the other, when she would call me names for making her cry, when she would laugh out loud at a witty piece of dialogue, I knew it wasn't just me. I knew that at least one other person had seen what I had seen in those characters and in those hundreds of pages of words that I pounded out into my laptop. That every painstaking minute of editing and rewriting and doodling was going to be worth it.
And now, twenty-four other people have read my words. Twenty-four people have given some no-name author from the Midwest a chance to captivate their minds and steal their hearts with words that she created. And I want nothing more than to thank those twenty-four people for helping my dream come true. I invite more of you to read about Tate and Cam in Saving Tate and for those of you anxiously awaiting book two, Fielder's Choice, I thank you for your patience and interest in the next of the Carlyles to find true love.
So goodnight, from my little corner of the world to yours, and may all your dreams come true too.
My Little Bookshelf: I finally got Celebrity in Death by J.D. Robb and devoured it. I love every single book in that series. I also read Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey. It was a nice, sweet read and the first in a series about the Kowalski family. I'll make sure to get the next books in that series. And I just read Forbidden Pleasure by Lora Leigh. I l ove all her books and they are a little edgier than your typical romance but that just means the love is stronger, at least in my opinion.
Monday, February 27, 2012
The world...it is a'changing
I grew up in a household where we said 'please' and 'thank you,' where my parents were (and still are) addressed as 'sir and ma'am,' and where dinner at the table together was our norm. Now that my family has turned into the exception rather than the rule, I wonder if it has helped or hindered me in this world we find ourselves living in.
Maybe I'm too kind-hearted for this world, a place where my feelings get hurt in response to a situation that has nothing to do with me except for one person involved. But I can't help that I want to be with this person on one of the most important days of her life. I can't help that it hurts that she didn't ask me to be there. And I again know that it's not about me but still. I hate hurting other people's feelings and find myself more sensitive in situations where I'm the one being hurt.
I try to make everyone else happy before myself, which is a nice sentiment but at some point I have to come first. I have to follow my dreams and search for my happy ending. I have to live the life I know I was destined to live. I write my own happy endings in my books in the hopes that someday, it'll be reality. I write to tell people how I'm really feeling inside because it's easier for me to express myself through words. I write so I know how I'm feeling about a particular subject or event, to discover my views or opinions, to say the things I only wish I could say out loud.
The world I live in makes me tired. I live in a world where people settle because they are afraid something better won't come along. I live in a world where people are treated with so little respect that I feel sad for the coming generations. I live in a world where not too many real-life happy endings exist. So I dream. And I write. And someday somebody is going to read my words and my dream will come true. But until then, I'll be here, in my little corner of this world, dreaming and writing.
My Little Bookshelf: I just read the entire Fatal series by Marie Force, starting with Fatal Affair. I always love a series with the same main couple in each title. Definitely a good read. I'm finishing up What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. And I can't wait to get the next J.D. Robb title, Celebrity in Death. This series is also a must-read. And re-read for those of you like me. :-)
Maybe I'm too kind-hearted for this world, a place where my feelings get hurt in response to a situation that has nothing to do with me except for one person involved. But I can't help that I want to be with this person on one of the most important days of her life. I can't help that it hurts that she didn't ask me to be there. And I again know that it's not about me but still. I hate hurting other people's feelings and find myself more sensitive in situations where I'm the one being hurt.
I try to make everyone else happy before myself, which is a nice sentiment but at some point I have to come first. I have to follow my dreams and search for my happy ending. I have to live the life I know I was destined to live. I write my own happy endings in my books in the hopes that someday, it'll be reality. I write to tell people how I'm really feeling inside because it's easier for me to express myself through words. I write so I know how I'm feeling about a particular subject or event, to discover my views or opinions, to say the things I only wish I could say out loud.
The world I live in makes me tired. I live in a world where people settle because they are afraid something better won't come along. I live in a world where people are treated with so little respect that I feel sad for the coming generations. I live in a world where not too many real-life happy endings exist. So I dream. And I write. And someday somebody is going to read my words and my dream will come true. But until then, I'll be here, in my little corner of this world, dreaming and writing.
My Little Bookshelf: I just read the entire Fatal series by Marie Force, starting with Fatal Affair. I always love a series with the same main couple in each title. Definitely a good read. I'm finishing up What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. And I can't wait to get the next J.D. Robb title, Celebrity in Death. This series is also a must-read. And re-read for those of you like me. :-)
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Is there such a thing as too many books?
Hello all. I'm sitting here on a beautiful Saturday in February, trying to organize my massive amount of books better by using a book organizer program on my computer. And with that previous statement, I have to ask: Is there such a thing as too many books?
I think not, as long as you have the space for them. Most of my books are in Rubbermaid tubs that slide under my bed or stack against the wall. I feel sad for my little books in their homes but I have tried my hardest to cut down the number of books I own. I've started using the library and I also have my nook which saves a lot of room. But I love the feel of books in my hands and the smell of the pages; the physical act of turning a page to find out what will happen next makes holding the book in my hand so worth it.
There is just something special about knowing that within the covers of a book lies a magical adventure, a fight for survival, an undying love, or laughter for all ages.
With the emergence of the digital readers, I know people are concerned that print books will fade into extinction. I, however, will always be in line for my favorite author's next book. Because I know that within the cover of that next book, I'll meet new friends and uncover new secrets that I can literally carry with me forever.
So, that's all for now as I dig out from under my stacks of adventures and romances and mysteries. Who knows what the next set of pages will bring us. From my little corner of the world, may your pages always be filled with happy endings.
My Little Bookshelf: For those of you who have been living under the same rock I have, I suggest you crawl out and read The Hunger Games trilogy. So amazing! I cannot wait for the movie to come out. Also, my sister found a nice little tale called Wife by Wednesday by Catherine Bybee. It's an ebook but it was a sweet and humorous romance that I loved. I am now in the process of revisiting the Hell's Eight novels by Sarah McCarty since the newest one Shadow's Stand was released. These books are awesome and the heroes are mouthwatering.
I think not, as long as you have the space for them. Most of my books are in Rubbermaid tubs that slide under my bed or stack against the wall. I feel sad for my little books in their homes but I have tried my hardest to cut down the number of books I own. I've started using the library and I also have my nook which saves a lot of room. But I love the feel of books in my hands and the smell of the pages; the physical act of turning a page to find out what will happen next makes holding the book in my hand so worth it.
There is just something special about knowing that within the covers of a book lies a magical adventure, a fight for survival, an undying love, or laughter for all ages.
With the emergence of the digital readers, I know people are concerned that print books will fade into extinction. I, however, will always be in line for my favorite author's next book. Because I know that within the cover of that next book, I'll meet new friends and uncover new secrets that I can literally carry with me forever.
So, that's all for now as I dig out from under my stacks of adventures and romances and mysteries. Who knows what the next set of pages will bring us. From my little corner of the world, may your pages always be filled with happy endings.
My Little Bookshelf: For those of you who have been living under the same rock I have, I suggest you crawl out and read The Hunger Games trilogy. So amazing! I cannot wait for the movie to come out. Also, my sister found a nice little tale called Wife by Wednesday by Catherine Bybee. It's an ebook but it was a sweet and humorous romance that I loved. I am now in the process of revisiting the Hell's Eight novels by Sarah McCarty since the newest one Shadow's Stand was released. These books are awesome and the heroes are mouthwatering.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Beginnings and endings
I always feel a little sad when I finish writing a book. You spend so much time with these people that you know them intimately, that you feel they are a part of your life. But when I finish writing a couple's story, I know that I'll miss them being there on my computer screen every day.
This is why I like writing my Carolina Carlyle series. I not only get to create a new story for every book but I get to check in on the people I've already met. My sister told me the other day while she was proofreading my second book in the series that she feels like these characters are her friends; that she should be able to call them up and go hang out somewhere. And that's what I want: believable characters that you can't help but fall in love with, cheer for, with whom you can laugh and cry.
As hard as beginnings are to write, endings are that much harder. Not because you don't know where the story is going to end up, although sometimes that is the case, but because of the amount of time and energy you've invested in these characters. A little piece of your heart stays with them but they are eternal. On paper, these people last forever. So you can visit anytime you want, just stop in and take quick peek. You can also watch them grow through the stories that follow.
After I finished writing my very first book, Dead in Her Tracks (the first chapter is available on this blog in a previous post), I cried. I cried because I had accomplished my goal of writing a book; I cried because my characters got their happy ending; I cried because I didn't know what to do next.
With the Carolina Carlyle series, I have five more next times in which we can all check in with those crazy Carlyle kids. After finishing book two, Mallory and Denny's story, I decided the title I'd been using for the last year wasn't going to work. After you read their story, you'll understand why I had to change the title from Touch 'em All to Fielder's Choice.
I'm working on a few more pieces to Fielder's Choice and waiting for my oh-so-talented brother to help me create the cover and then I will put the book on sale. I would like to once again thank everyone who has helped make my dreams of being an author come true by purchasing a copy of Saving Tate. I hope that you fall in love with the Carlyles like I have and that you can't wait to read about Mallory and Denny.
My Little Bookshelf: I have just finished reading the High Heels Mystery series by Gemma Halliday. These are quirky, funny, sweet books that I literally couldn't put down. No joke...read all six books in seven days. Right now I'm reading Maid for Love by Marie Force. All of these books are available as ebooks from the Barnes and Noble website.
So here I sit, under my warm blanket waiting for the snow to start falling in my little corner of the world. Nothing I like more than to look out the window and feel like I live in a snow globe. Good night and sweet dreams.
This is why I like writing my Carolina Carlyle series. I not only get to create a new story for every book but I get to check in on the people I've already met. My sister told me the other day while she was proofreading my second book in the series that she feels like these characters are her friends; that she should be able to call them up and go hang out somewhere. And that's what I want: believable characters that you can't help but fall in love with, cheer for, with whom you can laugh and cry.
As hard as beginnings are to write, endings are that much harder. Not because you don't know where the story is going to end up, although sometimes that is the case, but because of the amount of time and energy you've invested in these characters. A little piece of your heart stays with them but they are eternal. On paper, these people last forever. So you can visit anytime you want, just stop in and take quick peek. You can also watch them grow through the stories that follow.
After I finished writing my very first book, Dead in Her Tracks (the first chapter is available on this blog in a previous post), I cried. I cried because I had accomplished my goal of writing a book; I cried because my characters got their happy ending; I cried because I didn't know what to do next.
With the Carolina Carlyle series, I have five more next times in which we can all check in with those crazy Carlyle kids. After finishing book two, Mallory and Denny's story, I decided the title I'd been using for the last year wasn't going to work. After you read their story, you'll understand why I had to change the title from Touch 'em All to Fielder's Choice.
I'm working on a few more pieces to Fielder's Choice and waiting for my oh-so-talented brother to help me create the cover and then I will put the book on sale. I would like to once again thank everyone who has helped make my dreams of being an author come true by purchasing a copy of Saving Tate. I hope that you fall in love with the Carlyles like I have and that you can't wait to read about Mallory and Denny.
My Little Bookshelf: I have just finished reading the High Heels Mystery series by Gemma Halliday. These are quirky, funny, sweet books that I literally couldn't put down. No joke...read all six books in seven days. Right now I'm reading Maid for Love by Marie Force. All of these books are available as ebooks from the Barnes and Noble website.
So here I sit, under my warm blanket waiting for the snow to start falling in my little corner of the world. Nothing I like more than to look out the window and feel like I live in a snow globe. Good night and sweet dreams.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Eight and counting...
Hey all from my little corner. Since my book has been published I've been hard at work on book two in the Carolina Carlyles series, Touch 'em All. I'm also have a Super Saturday Flash Sale on book one, Saving Tate. For today only, it will be on sale for $.99. So hurry to Barnes and Noble.com and purchase the first book in the Carolina Carlyles series. My goal is to sell at least 12 books. I appreciate the help in reaching that goal. Also, anyone who has purchased Saving Tate to leave a review. Thanks all and I'll see you all from my little corner of the world soon.
Friday, December 30, 2011
I Did It
Wow, fellow bloggers, it has been a long time since I've had a break to sit down and write. Between my two jobs and taking time to work on my own writing, it's been a crazy few months. Now as I sit here a few days before a new year, I can finally say I have accomplished one of my biggest goals. In the next few days my first book, Saving Tate, will be available as an ebook on the Barnes and Noble website. I'd been contemplating getting it ready for self-publishing as an ebook but the idea really took hold when for Christmas this year Santa brought me my very own NookColor! And then it snowballed but only in my head because it's still 50 degrees in the good old Midwest. No white Christmas for us.
With my sister's help with the cover and editing my writing, I submitted my book today and it will be available in the next 24-72 hours for sale. Saving Tate is the first in the six-book Carolina Carlyles series. As I reread Saving Tate the past few months, I found myself laughing and crying but I was afraid I was too close to the characters so I asked my sister to read it for me. It was when she asked me in the middle of the night for the next chapter that I realized that maybe my dream didn't have to just be a dream, that maybe I could really make this happen. Hopefully others will fall in love with the Carlyle family like my sister and I have. The second book, Touch 'em All, is still being written and when I have an idea for release date I'll definitely let you know.
So, to those of you who have bought Saving Tate and are connecting with me that way, thank you so much and welcome to my little corner of the world. Happy New Year to everyone and I'll be back soon.
My Little Bookshelf: I'm about to start reading Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis, third in her Lucky Harbor Series. Also, I read an ebook titled Bridleton by Becky Barker which I definitely recommend. I've got a list of all her books now so I'll start working on those. And finally, book 12 in the Rough Rider Series by Lorelei James, Cowboy Casanova, has taken residence in my Nook for my reading enjoyment.
With my sister's help with the cover and editing my writing, I submitted my book today and it will be available in the next 24-72 hours for sale. Saving Tate is the first in the six-book Carolina Carlyles series. As I reread Saving Tate the past few months, I found myself laughing and crying but I was afraid I was too close to the characters so I asked my sister to read it for me. It was when she asked me in the middle of the night for the next chapter that I realized that maybe my dream didn't have to just be a dream, that maybe I could really make this happen. Hopefully others will fall in love with the Carlyle family like my sister and I have. The second book, Touch 'em All, is still being written and when I have an idea for release date I'll definitely let you know.
So, to those of you who have bought Saving Tate and are connecting with me that way, thank you so much and welcome to my little corner of the world. Happy New Year to everyone and I'll be back soon.
My Little Bookshelf: I'm about to start reading Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis, third in her Lucky Harbor Series. Also, I read an ebook titled Bridleton by Becky Barker which I definitely recommend. I've got a list of all her books now so I'll start working on those. And finally, book 12 in the Rough Rider Series by Lorelei James, Cowboy Casanova, has taken residence in my Nook for my reading enjoyment.
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