tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25000449831598773072024-03-11T00:46:30.338-07:00Tammy TheriaultTammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-91841272992737508192023-11-17T14:25:00.000-08:002023-11-17T14:25:52.116-08:00Finally Breaking Ground<p> Last year, I wrote how I was finally finding my way in romcom. At the time my camping YA was doing pretty good out in the query trenches. I'd spoken to an agent who was new-ish, as she wasn't so much new to the industry but new to taking on her own clients. I was one of the first queries sent to her the day she opened. She read the book in a matter of days and we were on a phone call and I was doing an R&R, a simple one really, and then another call and then... she left that agency, went to another, and her content request was absolutely opposite of what I was writing. Wa-wa-waaaaaa.</p><p>Oh the suckville!! I started to do the doubts. All the doubts. But, I also started to see that adult romcoms were fairing way better than YA. A lot of agents were complaining about low teen book sales. I told my writer friends that though it was tempting to want to write to the niche that was booming, I wouldn't fake it. Unless an idea came to me that was that crack in the sky.</p><p>The next day - crack in the sky while brushing my teeth. Then I couldn't stop thinking about it. Then I couldn't stop writing it. It came out like blood pouring from a bullet wound. Hmmm... bad analogy, but anyways, you get the point. I sent it out and for the first time in forever (now that song will be stuck in your head, right?) I was getting instant full requests. I've currently had over a dozen and it feels fantastic to finally feel seen. I know this doesn't mean I'll land an agent - I'm not that naive - but I do know that I've hit something in my writing journey and it smells like progress. And I'm all for the progress!</p><p><br /></p>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-70680476573558414612022-09-30T00:35:00.011-07:002022-10-17T20:42:29.447-07:00Finding Your Niche<p> When I first started writing to be published, I wrote this book that really couldn't be pinned down to one genre. Now, looking back, I still can't quite figure it out. Maybe it's contemporary, or magical realism, or suspense magical realism...I mean it was a little out there with what it could do. I ended up moving on to chicklit, then young adult fantasy, and finally young adult romcom.</p><p>How did I get from one end of the stick to the other? I write what's filling my head with story, I guess. But what I do know is I feel like I'm in my wheelhouse when writing romcoms. And I think when my writing was more practiced in YA fantasy, though I loved the creativity through world building and magic, the voice was teetering between wanting to be humorous but not doing it so my writing was taken more serious. I even found myself trying to write like other YA fantasy writers that were doing more purple and literary proses. It was like I was trying to fake it almost? </p><p>On my second fantasy, I even stopped to just get away from it and began a random YA romcom. I never finished it, but it did help me to lighten up the fantasy with humor. However, it just wasn't quite there yet for me personally. Like that was fun in all but...</p><p>Once that story idea for a camping road trip came to mind, and it was very clearly YA romcom, I was able to just be...me. I was able to add more of my personality into it than before. </p><p>It may have taken a few years and a few tries to find my footing, but I'm grateful for it. I've seen plenty of writers start somewhere and end elsewhere. Finding your niche is progress. Don't give up if you feel you haven't found yours. It'll come to ya! The most important thing to do is to keep story telling until you get there or maybe you'll put your feet in several genres successfully!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-86789561362350400822021-10-04T14:08:00.006-07:002022-10-17T20:43:58.023-07:00Read So You Can WriteDuring the summer, I drafted a novel in two months. It was my first young adult contemporary romance. I had the itch for a story that brought me to tears during a walk when it came to fruitation. Any free-ish moment I had, I was at the coffee shop for an hour at a time trying to get it down. I was stoked with how it turned out, given how fast it went. Then, I took a two week break and decided to fill down time with hoarded reading time before edits.<div><br /></div><div>I've been an avid reader since my childhood. For the past several years, I dived heavily into YA fantasy, because that was what I was writing at the time. Another genre would be my second or bedside table read. This summer, I spent more time finding my comp titles, so I veered toward writers in the contemporary genre. I was thankful for that opportunity because I found some new authors/books to love. In general, I do read just about everything and two books at a time. One in a genre I'm writing, one in another, for the most part.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the thing is, I was asked how I can even find time to read. However, I posed a question back to the person and said how do you fill your day? They answered with various hobbies, about three of them. My answer to them was when they are busy with their hobbies, I read. When I'm done with work, dinner, a walk, family time, etc.--I read. I read before I go to bed while in bed. I read when I have downtime at work. I read when I'm waiting in my car when I rarely need to. I read when I want to relax and everyone is off doing something else. I read after church to chill. I read when I'm going through emotions and need to escape. I read because that is my hobby, and the one thing I keep coming back to.</div><div><br /></div><div>Part of my reading, is also part of knowing what I like in writing, research really. What I'd like to aspire to be, what worked and didn't work for me in a book, what writerly tricks, familiar tropes, prose styles are still workable. It's studying and learning. It's familiarizing yourself in a work you want to do and commit time to. If I were an artist, or aspiring artist, I would look at other people's art. I would want to go to galleries, look them up online, see their videos of how they did it, and what I'd like to try myself. If I were a singer, or aspiring singer, I would listen to other's songs. I would go to concerts, look up artists, watch their videos, and test my vocal range and style because of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're going to be a writer, read so you can write. </div><div><br /></div><div>Love your guts, </div><div>-Tammy-</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's what I've read this year so far in fiction. Yes, I read non-fiction as well. (5 writing craft books, 1 self-help, 1 memoir) If you've read any of them listed below, or wondered how they are, let me know! </div><div><br /></div><div>ALL THE STARS AND TEETH by Adalyn Grace</div><div>FABLE by Adrienne Young</div><div>NAMESAKE by Adrienne Young</div><div>TIDES by Adrienne Young</div><div>THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE by V.E. Schwab</div><div>MIDNIGHT SUN by Stephenie Meyer</div><div>FURIA by Yamile Said Mendez</div><div>CEMETERY BOYS by Aiden Thomas</div><div>LOVE ME AGAIN, COWBOY by Torsha Baker</div><div>THE POET X by Elizabeth Acevedo</div><div>CLAP WHEN YOU LAND by Elizabeth Acevedo</div><div>WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON by John Green</div><div>PAPERTOWNS by John Green</div><div>LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green</div><div>A PHO LOVE STORY by Loan Le</div><div>THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY by Jenny Han</div><div>WHEN SUMMER ENDS by Jessica Pennington</div><div>AGAIN, AGAIN by E. Lockhart</div><div>SUNKISSED by Kasie West</div><div>BONE GAP by Laura Ruby</div><div>IN THE WILD LIGHT by Jeff Zentner</div><div>SIXTEENTH SUMMER by Michelle Dalton</div><div>MORE HAPPY THAN NOT by Adam Silvera</div><div>HISTORY IS ALL YOU LEFT ME by Adam Silvera</div><div>LOVE AND GELATO by Jenna Evans Welch</div><div>SOMEONE LIKE YOU by Sarah Dessen</div><div>THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER by Sarah Dessen</div><div>RANDOM ACTS OF MURDER: A MURPHY'S LAW MYSTERY by Terry Deighton</div><div>ELEANOR & PARK by Rainbow Rowell</div><div>THE SHADOWS BETWEEN US by Tricia Levenseller</div><div>BEYOND THE MAPPED STARS by Rosalyn Eves</div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-77263814886614940522021-02-11T07:00:00.003-08:002022-10-17T20:44:07.423-07:00Finding Your True Voice<p>If ya'll remember, back in 2017, I eagerly drafted a Viking fantasy in 3 months. It had sisters, believing in oneself, a side order of romance... and then months later, I redrafted the entire book. Yeah. I did that. And suddenly, the theme and direction began to change. I felt the microscope of the writing community and what publishers were currently publishing coming down to a few subjects/themes. I became overwhelmed with this incessant need to write to that. If I didn't then my book wasn't good enough. And without actively wanting to, I let my book be for them. That's how freaking tight the grasp was.</p><p>Those are the lies we tell ourselves - that it's not a story if it doesn't fit the current xyz. Um, hello, those change frequently. New trends happen because we make them happen.</p><p>I'd several requests for the book, came close, never made it. </p><p>However, it taught me more than I asked for, and for that? I'm grateful. I learned to not write for some idea going around. I learned that I needed to be behind it's every word 100% with <i>my</i> words, not ones stuffed down my throat. I made a mistake to myself. I moved on, vowing never again. I'm better for it. Although...there is <i>one </i>side character asking for a redo and to power up to main character.</p><p>That is finding your true voice - your writing. YOUR writing.</p><p>It's not a secret. It's not a formula. It's your words, in your order, with no influence of mass media or anyone else filling your head. It's your character in your way because that's how <i>you </i>see them, not how you think they'll sell by changing the true image that came to you. It's your message, or no message. Your theme, or no theme. It's how you see the story in your head if you never knew what was trending in the moment. It's what brings you back to telling the story because you are steering the wheel. It's your jargon. It's your twist on sentences and paragraphs and chapters and all their structures. </p><p>It's you on the gosh dang page. Not them. Just write what you see, and tell it how you'd tell it. In your own gosh dang words.</p><p>Love your guts,</p><p>-Tammy -</p><p>P.S. What about you? What are you writing, listening to, watching on TV? What has 2021 looked like for you?? </p>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-71854749911402342332020-05-28T06:00:00.004-07:002022-10-17T20:44:15.470-07:00A Surprise SubplotI would be silly to not talk about what's happened since Covid-19 came around. A lot of my work in the healthcare field was affected. However, the changes allowed me to reflect and realize how I have full control of my workload. Full freaking control. Yet, guilt riddled me to do everything I could to appease others regardless of that fact. Which in turn, made me let that control seep from my fingers like sand in an open hand. And not once did I notice I had done that to myself until quarantine forced me to step back. Once that hit me, I closed my fist, vowing to never let that happen again. P.S. the guilt never really goes away right off the bat. That'll take a little more time...<br />
<br />
In the meantime of all that, my full manuscript is still with people in the industry. A fresh full manuscript request (that excites the crap outta me) came into my email the other week. I'm still editing my Orphans of Dark, but HOLY CRAP, something majorly crazy happened. I was near the end, NEAR THE END, and I just needed to do a few more scenes and then the book would be over. BUT NO!! I couldn't fall asleep, was thinking about my book, and a "what if" came to mind, and then of course I stayed up to answer it. A secondary character, the one in the next scene the MC was going to talk to that would be the "saving grace", was the wrong gender.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEvjqYyRUowxSEktBxtFI-PpKt-zzSuTHECxgKLv8z7OL1KSVBcRTowsSy19UDFKpQenIOMTbfexmdoWJougSR6fxLB3V9fzFDD8DB5dSHQ6guohp9VJpkMEX3KTJInpmc50Sk4uR5qg/s1600/OIPLSACAIEH.jpg" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
WHAT??? YEAH... and by changing the gender, this whole world came to view. A whole romantic subplot that holy hell had to happen. I didn't sleep good that night, took a walk listening to moody music the next day, and it all continued to pour out in my head. All the freakin' emotions behind their story, their backstory, all of it!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEvjqYyRUowxSEktBxtFI-PpKt-zzSuTHECxgKLv8z7OL1KSVBcRTowsSy19UDFKpQenIOMTbfexmdoWJougSR6fxLB3V9fzFDD8DB5dSHQ6guohp9VJpkMEX3KTJInpmc50Sk4uR5qg/s1600/OIPLSACAIEH.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> <br />
I went back to my laptop that day but couldn't write. I didn't have enough no matter how much I wrote about the person on paper. So, just 10k shy of being done, I began to edit my book and edit that subplot in. I'm going hella slow. Molasses has nothing on <b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
me. Literally, I'm on chapter 2. Not kidding. My mind is so occupied with things, like reading two books at the same time, church things, home schooling things, being a bum things, I'm not jelling with writing time like I should.<br /><br />
BUT, this next week, I'm penciling in the commitments. Actually, I haven't but saying it here means I have to -- Jedi mind trick. And besides, I was getting on my youngest to just sit and put his fingers to the keyboard, and his essay would come faster than not doing it. After saying that, I was like dang, walking contradiction much??<br />
<br />
<i>How is everyone doing out there?? What are you reading, writing, watching, doing??</i><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-70956530862430297182020-02-17T00:22:00.002-08:002022-10-17T20:44:27.358-07:002020: A Year of Doing<div>
I know it's been awhile since I've come on here, but various things have fallen between the couch cracks in the last few months. For me, life in 2019 was maybe one of the hardest (personally) that I've had to endure. I experienced more tears in that year than while giving birth to my four kids - combined. I kept my face brave, endured it with my family and support of friends who knew how things were going, and kept prayers going on a daily. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year, I thought as January was looking up, would be different. However, I'm not so sure. Everything just stings from 2019 still and I feel like I need a ton of daily affirmations just to get through the days. My husband's hugs are the best and he doesn't even know it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I will say, and I<i> never</i> thought I'd say this, I found a soft jazz instrumental music station on YouTube for one of my clients at work, and holy hell, it has been my own life changer. The comments have stated how the music helped several through depression or anxiety. I found my mood calmer when listening to it, too. I'm not a jazz listener. I've tried. I can do vocal jazz. But instrumental? My ears say no.<i> This</i> soft jazz though, like big time elevator music, has stabilized me every time it's on. When I'm cooking, working, studying, whatever I'm doing. My youth group even said they found it very relaxing and chill. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Aside from all that, in my writing path to publishing, I'm awaiting some agents with partials/fulls with big crossed fingers. It's a shame this is taking so long, but requests for more came right before the holidays, so I imagine agents have a lot of catching up to do. And normally, I try to keep this all quiet and hush-hush. But honestly, I'd rather be transparent about it and find solidarity in others doing the same or having been there done that. In the end, it'll all be worth the wait. Right? Right???</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Luckily, I also have 70k words drafted in my YA dark fantasy, and my goal is to finish it before the summer at close to 80-95k. Finished meaning off to betas after my own edits. I know it would've been done by now if work and personal stress hadn't gotten the best of me. So, if my Viking fantasy doesn't pan out like I hope, I'll have another to query this year. My comedic Kpop romance went to the side for now, but will be continued once the dark fantasy is off with betas. Gotta have something to do in the meantime, right?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: red;">One word to summarize 2019?</span></i> (suckfest, that's mine)</div>
<div>
<span style="color: red;"><i>A book and/or movie you loved in 2019?</i> </span></div>
<div>
(A Song for the Stars by Ilima Todd, Sadie by Courtney Summers; movie...not so much)</div>
<div>
<i><span style="color: red;">Any word for 2020 to motivate you?</span></i> (convinced; various predicators say this is my year; why argue??)</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div></div>
<div>
</div>
Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-25871637454259059432019-09-26T14:35:00.005-07:002022-10-17T20:44:35.880-07:00Querying and Writing and Writing Some More...I noticed that I haven't blogged in about ten months. And generally have spaced out my posts by several months. Remember that time when you tried to do it several times a week or at minimum once a week and some days were better traffic days than others, and some times to publish them were better than others? Yeah, me too...<br />
<br />
As of summer, I've been in query mode for my Viking fantasy. Will it ever take off? I don't know. I've had some promising requests, and am looking forward to finding out the end result, but like I've been told time and time again in the book writing/publishing world, time is not on your side, be patient.<br /><br />
Have you met me?? Patience is my nemesis. But, I will say, I'm getting better at it.<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
In the meantime, I'm drafting two books. The first is a YA dark fantasy that I conceptualized almost two years ago. I hit a wall with it about a quarter way in, something feeling off. I realized I needed to invest more into the secondary characters because they were the back bone of the story. Sometimes taking your concerns to another writer friend so they can offer advice is just what you need. I ended up spending the following days journaling all about each of the main/secondary characters and the dark clouds parted and the sunshine shined. Now, I can't wait to continue the story! This story has islands, anti-heroes, missions, love, and humor.<br />
<div>
<br />
I'm also working on a YA contemporary. This one was more of a surprise. It's comedic (right up my alley), and came about when I watched my daughter at a choir concert. There's a lot more to it than that, but I literally was watching something unravel before my eyes and a story idea hit, and it hit hard. I've enjoyed working on it because it's quicker writing when you're not trying to worldbuild as much. This story has k-pop, first loves, mental illness, YouTube-ing, and lots of humor.<br />
<br />
Oddly, both are male POV's. And oddly, I'm LOVING WRITING THEM.<br />
<br />
OKAY, that is all! Hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather, getting cozy in their sweaters and pumpkin spice - apple spice aromas.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><i>What are your plans for the remainder of the year? What've you been working on? </i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: red;"><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><div style="color: black;">Love your guts,</div><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><div style="color: black;">-Tammy-</div></span></div>
Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-3768781164072294502019-01-23T06:00:00.002-08:002022-10-17T20:44:45.082-07:00Why You Shouldn't Quit Your Day JobLast year, I had a ton of moments where I'd be barfing to a friend about how sick and dog gone tired I was of working this job I work when all I want is to be able to write books. To have the time to even get the chance. To not drive away and do xyz, but stay home and xyz all over my manuscripts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It came to a head a couple months ago. I was in tears and literally melting about this very thing to one of my writing besties. It was Marco Polo so she couldn't do anything but watch me cry. I've had these moments several times since. It drives me nuts. It gets me no where. It doesn't motivate me to work faster. Working faster means turning in crap, and I'm not doing that. Sometimes though, venting was helpful in and of itself. Just to get the words out I hold in constantly. Constantly!<br />
<br />
It's hard to see friends and acquaintances boom boom boom book after book, getting to do the very thing I just pray to. I get infuriated when I can finally sneak in some writing, because I shouldn't have to. Or at least, I don't want to. I want time in the day when I'm not exhausted from work, family, cooking, chores, exercise, etc etc etc. (And please, don't remind me to not glorify publishing. I know, and have read, about many who've had crap deals. Susan Dennard goes into this with great length. I get it. I do. But, I still want it.)<br />
<br />
So why do I say don't quit your day job? Well, several years ago, I won an interview with Greenhouse Literary agent, Sarah Davies. Her advice was that very thing. Her reason was she wanted to see that all the eggs weren't in a basket of "publishing dream." It showed financial logic.<br />
<br />
The week I had my first real meltdown, I was at work the next day and saw an interview by Harry Connick Jr of the Shark Tank's, Daymond John. He said the exact same thing. In fact, he was working at a fast food restuarant when he'd had the idea of FUBU. BUT, he didn't give up what allowed him to financially live. He said he did FUBU at night and fast food by day. He worked harder and harder, allowing the percentages of time spent with one to slowly become more than the other. FUBU took off, and allowed him to financially thrive. THAT was the moment he stopped working fast food.<br />
<br />
There are moments in my life when I pray all my hard work will pay off. That I can reach my goal. That I can slowly, and assuredly, begin to also make the switch between jobs and follow my heart deeper and deeper into my writing journey. Scratch that, my writing career.<br />
<br />
Months ago, I did a very brave thing. I entered my 1st chapter (which I knew had problems but I needed enlightment) to a podcast. I was shocked and teary when I heard the highs and lows of the chapter, which is the point of the segment. Ultimately, I rehashed my first 2 chapters with the advice given in mind and BOOM. Everything made sense once again. I'm on chapter 8 now and hoping to be done and able to query by the end of summer. The podcast set me back several months worth, but it also set me forward in my writerly knowledge. And that I'm forever grateful for.<br />
<br />
I hope my words today have been helpful. I thank all of you for being there with me and always encouraging me in my Viking story and never sending me any shade. I hope to one day put you in my acknowledgements. And yes, I probably just jinxed myself, now! :)~<div><br /></div><div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>
<br />
<br /></div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-31734251412566613562018-11-12T03:30:00.003-08:002021-02-11T12:45:24.983-08:00Ageism in WritingIt's interesting how I had these ugly feelings about my age (late thirties) and suddenly I see this Insta-story by Mary E. Pearson, author of several YA fantasy books, including the most recent DANCE OF THIEVES. She talked openly and honestly about the stigma and how her first book wasn't published until she was already 45. Mary is 63 and still going strong, still writing and staying undefined by her age. (P.S. Her skin is flawless and looks crazy young!)<br />
<br />Another author I looked up was JK Rowling, who was 32 when her 1st book published, and 42 when the series was done. Keep in mind it took several rewrites when she conceptualized/drafted the first book at 25. At 53, she still writes strong, especially in her Adult pen name, Robert Galbraith.<br />
<br />
However, several new, upcoming, or even authors with books really charting those charts, are all...young. 20s, Early 30s. I'll flip to the end of finished books to see author photos and its like looking at kids and I feel ancient! And dang, you probably are young in my eyes, too, and I'm NOT preaching to the choir!<br />
<br />
Personally, I wonder as an unpublished author if what I'm doing in trying to be published is too late in life. Yeah, we hear there is no age limit, but is that really true? Do you ever wonder if an agent looks at your age and thinks well, we can pump out at least this many books before they croak?<br />
<br />
I often wonder what MY excuse is for not "noveling" sooner. Yeah, I made that word legit. Spread that. Growing up and into my high school years, it was always poetry, lyrics, and novel "attempts." After H.S. and an amazing creative writing class my senior year, I went for a "real novel this time." Lost it, and ... life went crazy in a vague nutshell. It wasn't until I moved to this little island in 2006 that I wanted to write about its history and remembered - Hey! I used to love writing!!!<br />
<br />
Slowly, and after a few newspaper articles, I regained that passion and around 2012/2013 tried to rewrite that story in H.S. I lost. It's buried on my laptop, now. Where it should be. But what a learning process!! Then I got pissed and wrote a WF about being a pissed off writer with life issues. HAHAHA! Jokes on me, it didn't get published and I realized I'm not a WF writer.<br />
<br />
So what is my excuse for taking this all the way into my 30's to start noveling?? Stupidity? The dark ages in my life? I don't know. But, I suppose it's better than waiting until my 98th birthday, with my last breath saying, "So, I have this idea for a Viking..." *croaks*<br />
<br />
Here's my last tidbit about ageism in writing...if you can think it, you can write it. There is no golden age, formula, maturity. You are the only one stopping you or allowing others to. Screw that! Show them what you're twerking with. See? I'm hip. I'm young. :)~<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/maryepearson/">*click to see Mary E. Pearson's insta-story on ageism here*</a><br />
<br />
<i>Tell me your thoughts! If you're under 40, don't you dare! Kidding!!!!!</i><div><div><br /></div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>
<br /></div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-8293553315561856932018-10-22T05:00:00.005-07:002022-10-17T20:44:58.379-07:00Honing Your CraftA few years ago when I first heard that phrase, I really hated it. I thought it was the stupidest expression ever. It wasn't that I didn't understand what it meant, it just sounded silly, ridiculous. Hone your craft? Craft for me means glitter, glue, and popsicle sticks. So was I supposed to sharpen and shape my...popsicle stick hut??<br />I never correlated writing with being a "craft". And some people say that writing isn't a "hobby" and how dare we say that! Well, technically, working on crafts is a hobby, so why ISN'T writing ok to say is a hobby if we're saying it's a craft? Who cares, quite frankly? That's how I see it. Call it whatever the heck you want!! But whatever you call it, find out how you can "hone" it. *cringes*<br />
<br />
Lately, I decided to take my Viking story and give it a major honing. I honed the crap out of it. I even removed several scenes and replaced the beginning storyline, effecting other scenes. A lot was rewritten, and I was drafting my already finished book all over again. I decided what must stay and what must go and what just simply had to be new. It took me all summer and into the beginnings of fall to finish. I didn't get to give it the time I wanted with accepting more hours at work, and giving my kids a summer that I was present for as much as possible. And, seriously, some days I didn't want to look at it.<br />
<br />
When I was done, I wondered if the storyline even made sense. If I left threads out. If I had just a scatter of yarn balls and cats playing in there. I outlined each chapter and the scenes. To my surprise (and tears) everything was accounted for!<br /><br />Next, I began adding in emotional and interior thoughts, while cleaning spots, too. But, when I went back a few chapters to correct something, I found my beginning was too strong and the rest like rubber. Literally, I was like "eff my life!". Now, I'm back to the beginning chapters, weeding out all the crap left and right. I'm finding the story hidden beneath the over use of fertilizer.<br />
<br />
I could sit here and be really, really mad that I had to go back. I'm not though. I'm happy that by working on it and reading books along the way, I am sculpting my clay. I am glittering my paper. I am sticker-ing my scrapbook. I am honing my craft. I am practicing even if on the same piece of work.<br />
<br />
If a craft example isn't your thing, how about: The only way to master a 3-pointer in basketball is to keep shooting over and over and over. Same ball. Same hoop. And sometimes, the same spot. Adjust your hands. Adjust your footing. Adjust your strength. Soon - swish.<br />
<br />
<i>What about you? How long did it take until you found your niche in something? What helped you figure out what you were doing wrong or gave you the boost you needed in the right direction?</i><br />
<br /><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>
<br />Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-6697575241837761832018-03-27T03:30:00.002-07:002022-10-17T20:45:09.579-07:00Viking Book UpdateHey everyone! It's been a month since I've come on here and talked about what's going on progress wise with DAUGHTERS OF ASH. In my last post I shared about my book, I explained that I was waiting back on edits from my CP. Well, I got them back. For only 6 chapters.<br />
<br />
Long story really short, I needed to do some finer tuning, and after a brainstorming session with my CP for something else in the book, I revealed some of the unread plot and the decision was made to redo the plot's direction.<br />
<br />
Can you imagine? You create this book and stand behind it through thick and thin to realize the plot is going in the wrong direction. At least I have a saving grace in this, I only need to technically massively rethink the beginning to midpoint of the book. The rest is more edits and occasional rewrites. Everything before that is new chapters, new characters, combined chapters, and lots and lots of editing.<br />
<br />
Here's the cool part - you'd think I'd be upset about it. And initially I was. However, once I got going on it, I was having all the fun. It felt right. All of it. Now, I'm half way done!<br />
<br />
I want to share a book with you that seriously rocked every being of my core before I partook of the editing bread. It's called SELF-EDITING FOR THE FICTION WRITER. And as much as I want to keep this as my little secret, I can't. And I haven't been. It literally rocked my writing perspective. I followed that glorious bible of editing genius-ness with two other suggested editing books by my CP you will see on my left side-bar, but they were just repeating the same things this one did.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you're going into edits at any stage of your writing, read this book. Eat this book, in fact. Devour every word. I ended up writing pages and pages of meticulous highlighted notes from all my highlights IN the book. Ha! Plus, I'm doing a lesson on one of the points in my writing group today!</span></div>
<br />
Wish me luck through these edits. I seriously need all the cheering I can get!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Question: Have you ever completed a book, thought you were nearly done to find your plot just wasn't working in the right direction after all??</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
<b><u>BOOKS READ:</u></b> The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (a human girl finding her way in a fae world of crooked reigning) On Writing by Stephen King (half memoir, half editing tips)<br />
<br />
<b><u>READING:</u></b> Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor (magic in Nigeria), The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman (a boy spy protecting a baby), Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott (editing book)<br />
<br />
<b><u>MOVIES WATCHED:</u></b> The Saratov Approach (True story of 2 missionaries kidnapped, beaten, and held for ransom in 1998 during a Russian mission) I cried...so much.Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-81771967687532238212018-02-13T23:50:00.003-08:002021-02-11T12:46:42.121-08:00Cover Reveal: FIGHTING FATE by Shaila PatelHappy Valentine's Day!!! Guess what? I, and a few others, have the honor of revealing the cover for Shaila Patel's 2nd book in the Joining of Souls series. And here it is!!! Also below is even a little excerpt and rafflecopter. Who doesn't love free things?? Enjoy! Make tons of love on this glorious day (safely and preferably with your...soul mate...see what I did there?)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC1bBNYL3Y30UhfY2x6j4Whn6kTd5tz9J_ccfR_lw2AankQ5lho8_AkeWAamEag9JcujiOujULN2f7IvpNAWzKHHl79aADOACgDyv2xWwLtR2fE06_IAYhQm-oHQ_3ze6j-7UbVKhXd4/s1600/Shaila_Patel_3x4.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPPuzAhYDye8Q3YVgxUXoLhBO9ui54l9YIX7HAPiNP5VTLy9Fk2Yvrc5xGxkA00gqEgftwduvYlwi2MAOlSB30IqGsUaPG7AKw4KYnHqZaQM2N32piKpaDfoirOzdK3j1Bc25uB-POFk/s1600/FightingFate_Ebook-Amazon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPPuzAhYDye8Q3YVgxUXoLhBO9ui54l9YIX7HAPiNP5VTLy9Fk2Yvrc5xGxkA00gqEgftwduvYlwi2MAOlSB30IqGsUaPG7AKw4KYnHqZaQM2N32piKpaDfoirOzdK3j1Bc25uB-POFk/s320/FightingFate_Ebook-Amazon.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC1bBNYL3Y30UhfY2x6j4Whn6kTd5tz9J_ccfR_lw2AankQ5lho8_AkeWAamEag9JcujiOujULN2f7IvpNAWzKHHl79aADOACgDyv2xWwLtR2fE06_IAYhQm-oHQ_3ze6j-7UbVKhXd4/s1600/Shaila_Patel_3x4.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>SOULMATED: FIGHTING FATE - EXCERPT</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Joining of Souls Book 2)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Under the cover of her porch, I returned her bag to her. We moved apart. With the<br />
connection broken, she let out a shuddering sob. The pain of separating from her hit me square in<br />
the chest. I wanted to hold and comfort her, but I was already making a dog’s dinner of this just<br />
by being here. This would set her back—set us both back.<br />
She turned away from me. Her hand shot up to her mouth, and her shoulders shook. I<br />
instinctively stepped forward, but all I could do was curl my fingers into my palms to keep from<br />
touching her.<br />
“I miss you so much, Liam,” she said, the words choked out between hoarse cries. “I’m<br />
sorry. I know I’m not supposed to be weak.” She slapped away her tears and turned to face me.<br />
A bolt of lightning cracked nearby. I couldn’t stay. The tingling was pulling us together like it<br />
was some sort of magnetic current.<br />
“You’re not weak. I miss you too, Lucky.”<br />
Her eyes grew cold in an instant. The fury of the sandstorm I sensed from her made me<br />
gasp, and I stumbled back. “Jaysus, Lucky.” We were crossing interpretations again. I was<br />
reading her emotions as air metaphors instead.<br />
She barreled toward me, her hands balled up, apparently unaware of the effect her anger<br />
had on me. “You have no right to miss me. You left me!” She beat her fists against my chest, and<br />
I had to grab her by the wrists to stop her.<br />
“Are you thinkin’ this has been easy for me?”<br />
She wriggled free from my grip. “Whose fault is that?” she yelled above a roll of thunder.<br />
I didn’t want her to see the pain on my face, so I turned away, holding myself up on the white,<br />
wooden railing. The whirlpool of her anguish surrounded me, making my head ache.<br />
I took a deep breath and lowered my voice. “Lucky, I broke my promises to you. For that,<br />
I’m truly sorry. But I had little enough choice. None of that changes my feelings for you.”<br />
“I’m not The One, so it’s time to move on. Is that it? Regardless of how you feel? Of how<br />
I feel?” Her voice cracked. “You’re a coward.”<br />
I heard her fumbling for her keys. She’d be inside soon, and I’d rather be fighting with<br />
her on the porch than be without her.<br />
“So where next, hmm?” she asked. “North Dakota? Vermont? Ooo, I know. You should<br />
go to India. You could play this game for the rest of your life!”<br />
I turned to face her. Her sarcasm was brutal, but I deserved all that and more.<br />
She tried to unlock her door, but the keys slipped from her grip. She stooped to pick them<br />
up, but her fingers were shaking so badly, she dropped them again.<br />
“Dammit!” She crouched a second time and sucked back another sob.<br />
I swept down and set my hands over hers to steady them. Taking the keys, I unlocked the<br />
door, followed her inside, and bundled her in a blanket from off the sofa. Lucky didn’t protest.<br />
We stood there, dripping water on her mum’s carpet, staring into each other’s eyes. Grabbing<br />
fistfuls of the covering around her neck, I gently rocked her, tugging her closer, fighting the<br />
craving to kiss her. My breaths came out fast and shallow, and only clinging to the material with<br />
both hands kept me from sneaking a touch of her soft skin. If I didn’t leave now, I’d stay because<br />
I didn’t have an ounce of the strength she had. Maybe I was the coward she’d accused me of<br />
being.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>PRE-ORDER HERE: http://www.books2read.com/FightingFate</b><span style="color: #0b0919; font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #001002; font-family: "calibri";"></span><b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #001002; font-family: "calibri";">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #001002; font-family: "calibri";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">FIGHTING FATE Summary</span></span></b></span></div>
<span style="color: #001002; font-family: "calibri";">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #001002; font-family: "calibri";">E<span style="color: black;">mpath
Liam Whelan is determined to protect Laxshmi "Lucky" Kapadia, the
girl he loves, at all costs--even if it means breaking her heart to keep her
alive. Stopping the joining cold means Liam's life is in danger from the Soul
Seekers and the ruthless Minister Gagliardi who now has designs on Lucky. Liam
has no choice but to find the strength to fight his desires, fight the joining,
and fight fate.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #001002; font-family: "calibri";">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">After
the unthinkable happened, Lucky's "hallucinations" have been working
double-time. Heartbroken and plagued by doubts, she meets a man who gives her a
mind-blowing explanation for her predicament. Her apparent savior provides her
with an escape from her hell: run away with him or return to her drab existence
and watch Liam move on with her heart in his hands. All Lucky ever craved was
to be in control of her own fate, but when her only choices fight against her
heart, can she find the strength to battle for what she wants?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.shailapatelauthor.com/"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Website</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"> | </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2btIJLK"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Facebook</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"> | </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2aVbeiR"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Twitter</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"> | </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2btID6X"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Instagram</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"> | </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2biBDeH"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Pinterest</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"> | </span><span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2btJp3S"><span style="margin: 0px;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><u> | </u></span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/spBkBub"><span style="margin: 0px;">BookBub</span></a></span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<span style="color: #007600;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">SOULMATED Summary (Book One)</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">Irish
royal empath Liam Whelan is being forced by his family to search for his empath
soul mate, and finds Laxshmi Kapadia instead. The problem? She's not an empath.
Now he has to decide just what he'll sacrifice to be with her.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/2fizUVr"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Amazon</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> | </span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/2i4BNnk"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">B&N</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> | </span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/2ivGstBD"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Book
Depository</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> | </span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/2jhlIgN"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Books-a-Million</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">| </span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/4SMoGP"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Google
Play</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> | </span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/SoulMated"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">iBooks</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> | </span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/2k8tDxO"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Indiebound</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> | </span></span><a href="http://bit.ly/4SMoKo"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Kobo</span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #b00000;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #007600;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #b00000;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #007600;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">Shaila Patel, a member of RWA and SCBWI, is a pharmacist by training, a medical office manager by day, and a writer by night. Her debut #ownvoices novel, </span><a href="http://bit.ly/2btJp3S"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">SOULMATED</span></i></a><span style="color: black;">, won the 2015 Chanticleer Book Reviews Paranormal Awards for Young Adult. The sequel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FIGHTING FATE</i>, releases April 2018.</span></div>
</span></span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7koaNzXBuxRu5BWCn6E-qH9s5IL4xVfLzJD7ZFrdDm5ueuBAjNFDhpDIU3qFpqAHBvA-BiPNFx-B7Jb9flUiygutbZVB0s1tv-mZUqqBBXAcWYZekkLjslCHYqJNzF6nZm2nKuhDNvjk/s1600/Shaila_Patel_3x4.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7koaNzXBuxRu5BWCn6E-qH9s5IL4xVfLzJD7ZFrdDm5ueuBAjNFDhpDIU3qFpqAHBvA-BiPNFx-B7Jb9flUiygutbZVB0s1tv-mZUqqBBXAcWYZekkLjslCHYqJNzF6nZm2nKuhDNvjk/s1600/Shaila_Patel_3x4.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7koaNzXBuxRu5BWCn6E-qH9s5IL4xVfLzJD7ZFrdDm5ueuBAjNFDhpDIU3qFpqAHBvA-BiPNFx-B7Jb9flUiygutbZVB0s1tv-mZUqqBBXAcWYZekkLjslCHYqJNzF6nZm2nKuhDNvjk/s200/Shaila_Patel_3x4.5.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="133" /></a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</span><div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<a class="rcptr" href="<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d4f3fc4510/&source=gmail&ust=1518679028246000&usg=AFQjCNFKHa7tLKX1FOpX_0UH6DL3iEOhMA" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d4f3fc4510/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.rafflecopter.<wbr></wbr>com/rafl/display/d4f3fc4510/</span></a>" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="d4f3fc4510" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_cvmkwht9">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
<div>
<script src="<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js&source=gmail&ust=1518679028246000&usg=AFQjCNFxetmk0AK9a-kPGk-QtwbBhWb89Q" href="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://widget-prime.<wbr></wbr>rafflecopter.com/launch.js</span></a>"></<wbr></wbr>script></div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="color: #0563c1;"></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>
Love your guts,
-Tammy-Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-49763800991997879422018-02-12T03:00:00.004-08:002021-02-11T12:47:28.540-08:00When Your Story Gives You LemonsYou know the phrase when life hands you lemons, make lemonade, right? Well, I have yet to make lemonade. I am more in the process of somehow squirting the juice in my eyes!! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
How you ask? If you have been following my writing journey with my YA Vikings book, you would know I'm currently on a 3rd round of edits. (1st round was on my own after drafting, and the other right before Pitch Wars from beta suggestions.)<br />
<br />
Right when I was 3/4 done with this round of edits and seeing the end coming near, my CP and I talked about the changes and a suggestion was made to change to only 1POV from 3POV. I really had to sit on that and let it permeate. The next day I tried it for 2 chapters. It was fast, straight talking, gutless writing. The heroine was way fiercer than my heroine now. Romance was already in the story and not coming later in the story. I liked it, she loved it. I started re-plotting on paper and then...another CP read it and said it just wasn't as good as the original. That it was ok in comparison.<br />
<br />
Oye vey...<br />
<br />
When the chips fall and you can't figure out which ones to pick up and save, what do you do? Who do you listen to? Everyone says yourself, but sometimes you can't even think straight or have faith in your decision that what you choose is saleable.<br />
<br />
Oye double vey...<br />
<br />
I was told to let the Vikings story sit with my 2nd CP so she can read it through and see what will help, and get it back to me in a couple weeks. But something kept me from doing that. I couldn't stop trying to fix it! In my head. In my brainstorming. Just not on paper anymore. And if you know me, I have no patience whatsoever.<br />
<br />
That weekend, I stepped back because I felt literally sick from all the emotions (loads of shameless crying) I had gone through thinking about what to do. I did lots of prayer, tons of service, and I received my answer: <b>THIS story has value. The original held that value and human virtues I wanted teens and tweens to remember and hold true and on to.</b> The "newer, faster" version was just a mock of something I was trying because it proved successful for another - make the heroine balls to the walls. Which is great, but wasn't my initial idea or intentions.<br />
<br />
So was I being fake rewriting it that way? Maybe. I don't know.<br />
<br />
I decided to write out all my scenes, and began to notice what could be taken away, or what I was noticing didn't quite work, or just fleeting ideas. I mentioned them to my 2nd CP to be aware of while reading it over. Then, I really did let it go.<br />
<br />
I stopped squirting my eyes with lemon juices!!<br />
<br />
I took her advice, one I couldn't do at the time with my head such a mushy mess, and began thinking about my other MS - ORPHANS OF DARK. (Always try to work on new stuff when others are away at weightloss camp.) ORPHANS OF DARK is a dark fantasy genderswap retelling of Cinderella meets Six of Crows/Suicide Squad. I had actually began storyboarding and 1st chapter drafting this premise during Pitch Wars last September. I was reading through Mentors wants and I kept seeing a common theme. And then it sparked an idea, and I've loved it ever since.<br />
<br />
When I get my Vikings novel back, I hope we can make lemonade. Lots and lots of lemonade. And I hope to pass tons of it around to all my friends! <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Question:</span></b><br /><i>
1. Have you ever written a novel only to fixate TOO much on what could be wrong when you should really just step away and let another figure it out?<br /></i>
<br />
<b><u>Reading:</u></b> SOULMATED by Shaila Patel, CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare<b></b><br />
<b><u>Read:</u></b> (I haven't read so much because of all that lemon squirting) A FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS by Julie C. Dao, the evil queen's story in an Asian retelling, THIS SAVAGE SONG by Victoria Schwab, a human and monster take down the bad guy<br />
<b><u>Movie:</u></b> SUPERMAN:HOMECOMING, I started it half-way because I was so busy, but I loved what I saw!<br />
<br />
Love your guts,<div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-4325558545023533922018-01-22T03:30:00.001-08:002021-02-11T12:48:48.286-08:00A Year in the MakingLast year on January 19th, I began typing the first chapter of my YA Viking Fantasy and called the book THE KING OF DAUGHTERS. The book was conceptualized from this photo sent to me by my sister, laughing about how this was just like us growing up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">After 3 months of drafting, it was done and edits began, then beta notes and more edits. I geared up for pitchwars, the online writing contest. I wanted to see it's potential. And I was surprised I got a few requests, even though it didn't make it in. It gave me enough to know this was something. Then, I received several requests from agents, but nothing stuck. Then came the writer's retreat where I met Jennifer Nielsen who volunteered to read my query, synopsis, and 1st chapter. She gave me incredible advice when I was at the point of really not knowing what more I could do.</span></div>
<br />
Jennifer's advice forced me to cut cut cut and snip snip snip, and away I went for 2.5 months (sadly because of the holidays I couldn't go any faster). I have redone the beginning a few times. I have redone chapters, cut any purple prose I didn't notice before, tightened my writing, made my villain better, and my POV's stronger. And I couldn't have done it without my new CP who was at the same retreat and offered her help in my new goal. My friend, and ANWA buddy, Ann Acton, has been the marsh to my mallow.<br />
<br />
On January 19th of this year, I finished my newest round of edits, and sent the remaining chapters to my CP.The name even changed a few times, ending with DAUGHTERS OF ASH, which is super relevant to the story. And I am excited! I know we have much to do, and possibly even areas to consider deleting, especially once she found out there are Valkyries in the story. Haha! But I don't know what the future will hold for this book. I don't know if it will ever get published, as I'm solely looking for traditional publishing at this time, but I'm going to keep fighting for my words to be out there and keep positive.<br /><br />
<b><u>READING:</u></b> THE LAST NAMSARA by Kristen Ciccarelli, SOULMATED by Shaila Patel, and almost done with A FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS by Julie C. Dao<br />
<br />
<b><u>FINISHED READING</u></b><b><u>:</u></b> CITY OF SAINTS AND THIEVES by Natalie C. Anderson, a Congo refugee on the hunt for her mother's murderer. I read a lot, I like a lot of books, but there are a select few I will just stay up all night for...this was one of them. READ THIS BOOK!!!<div><br /></div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-<u><b><br /></b></u>
</div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-11967234956262759742018-01-08T03:00:00.003-08:002022-10-17T20:45:29.461-07:00Characters that Speak, Not the AuthorAs I've worked on my editing rounds from my YA Viking book, I am in the heads of three of the older sisters, as it is told in 3 points of view. Recently, my CP pointed out something to me that I had not even REALIZED I was doing - not speaking from my character's view.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsnTzVxeIELs9rfm0pnea4IT8bwBAu_ErTh6QNFhj0VlPy4HyIo8xDLwJPzpOmLOcVgIePM_o-Lq02gvp-EqkEm0iBd87Oc6YGet6Bxcj6JgvryY1VNTWvUolfCGBMe5GO7pSX6fZsBs/s1600/13.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>For instance, there were a few times when I was writing as the author, as if I was in heaven and showing the angels what was happening, rather than them looking at it from the character's <br /><br />
perspective. I wondered then how many times throughout the book I had done this. It's easy not to catch because you will likely get so caught up in the story you don't see it or realize you're even doing it. You really have to proactively search for it. But IT IS THERE! Like a snake in the grass - oh my gosh it is there!!<br />
<br />
Maybe this is hard to understand what exactly I mean, but maybe a few "for instances" will be helpful.<br />
<br />
<b>The author's head:</b> The land was green and rich, lively and serene with birds flying wildly.<br />
<b>The character's head</b>: Lush and lively land covered the earth for miles, more than Amy could imagine or had ever seen. The birds flew wild, much like the ones in her dreams, making her heart pulse with excitement.<br />
<br />
<b>The author's head</b>: He wore a beaded necklace, sneakers, and board shorts like a surfer or a skater.<br />
<b>The character's head</b>: His beaded necklace, sneakers, and board shorts made Amy swoon. There was nothing more than a skater slash surfer look that teased her senses, and blushed her cheeks quick.<br />
<br />
The most important part of extracting and re-writing these areas, is to really think like the character. See it from their eyes and emotions. We normally see things and pin it to something else in our past, or judge it in some way. It is human nature, and if your character has any human or humanistic qualities, ensure they do the same! It definitely makes them relatable to the reader!<br />
<br /><b><u><span style="color: #660000;">READS THIS WEEK:</span></u></b> AND I DARKEN by Kiersten White, a series opener with the premise of what Vlad the Impaler would be like if female. The story is very gritty and I enjoyed it! LGBTQ friendly. THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas, a standalone turned movie, with the premise of social/racial injustice. Other than the amount of cussing (which is part of the reason I put it down and then later gave it a 2nd chance), it really does speak out and speak up. <br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="color: #20124d;">READING NOW:</span></u></b> A NIGHT DIVIDED by Jennifer Nielsen, LONG WAY DOWN by Jason Reynolds. I have a couple library and home books to figure out which to start first as I generally read 2-3 books at a time. It's a toss up between SOULMATED, THE LAST NAMASARA, and CITY OF SAINTS AND THIEVES.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><u><b>MOVIES WATCHED: </b></u></span><span style="color: black;">KING ARTHUR</span> - it was really good, and I loved how they did the talking while showing it already being done. You will have to see the movie to understand what I mean.THE SHACK - my heart cried a million times over just like when I read the book.<br />
<br /><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>
<br />Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-6757895509044195762018-01-01T03:30:00.001-08:002021-02-11T12:50:12.499-08:002018 - the Year of the Warrior2017 was a crazy, emotional year for me. On January 19th, I began writing a YA Viking fantasy, finishing it in March at 120k words. I was very proud of how quick I had written a book I'd felt so passionate about. Characters came out of the woodwork. Magic I had never attempted before, began to be written. Romance. All sorts of ... things I had never tried to write, were being written. With prayers and faith, I was steadfast in the work. By the end of the year, after not making it in to Pitch Wars after 4 requests for manuscripts from mentors, and after a few agent rejections, a few requests that ended in rejections, and an amazing writer retreat where I met Jennifer Nielsen and got personal sage advice on my query and 1st chapter pages - I began the journey again.<br />
<br />
At the end of October, I went back to my book after a few weeks break and rewrote my beginning pages with a new scene (3x now as of a week ago). I rewrote my 4th chapter beginning. I rewrote or cut or shortened the heck out of many words, sentences, and paragraphs. I revamped. And I am still revamping. But this time, something really hit me.<br />
<br />
The girls I am writing, the six daughters of a Warrior King, are just that - WARRIORS.<br />
<br />
Maybe they are shy, stubborn, earthy, bossy, tomboy-like, but one thing I do know is I am putting them through hell AND high water and they are turning into warriors before my very eyes, and by my very hands. And not just in the sense of fighters, but in the sense of so much more. They honor their family, their people, their Norse gods. They stand for what they know is true and right. They attempt what shouldn't be attempted - crumbling a honored patriarchy system.<br />
<br />
Through them, I am discovering how I need to warrior-up and take things more head on. How I need to say no and be okay with saying no when all I really want to do is say no. How I need to take time for myself doing things that keep my faith strong. How I need to foster the relationships in my life that make me feel good about myself. How I need to worry less about silly things and more about important things. How I need to make this book my biotch and get it exactly where I feel it belongs - on a shelf in a bookstore being stared at by a girl looking for something to escape her reality for just a moment. Or a few hundred pages :)<br />
<br />
That is why this year I am making it the YEAR OF THE WARRIOR. It will be my word. I will be my reminder. It will be my mantra.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><i>What about you? If you could define this new beginning to one word, what would it be? </i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Love your guts,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">-Tammy-</div>
<br />Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-38343147408044842182017-10-20T03:30:00.001-07:002021-02-11T12:50:47.674-08:00MARKED BEAUTY Tour Stop by S.A. Larsen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAbGoWuLqfzl9PSKGV869_WFYuZoe1LO9wKLcFMZPXRvLysbK1kdvy16tUP0FJL_zm-OLwtmaJL49T9mvXjoo5JbuVdC3gSSWyqqD9hvq1BRHYzjif8goVTUvgH3e6Btdsczh3ddqt2s/s1600/MarkedBeautyTourbanner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAbGoWuLqfzl9PSKGV869_WFYuZoe1LO9wKLcFMZPXRvLysbK1kdvy16tUP0FJL_zm-OLwtmaJL49T9mvXjoo5JbuVdC3gSSWyqqD9hvq1BRHYzjif8goVTUvgH3e6Btdsczh3ddqt2s/s320/MarkedBeautyTourbanner.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course when your blogging buddy from years ago has a book release, you jump on board and you dig deep. You find out what got her from one book idea to the next. Especially for Sheri's newest novel - MARKED BEAUTY<br />
<br />
<strong><em>1. Sheri, how did the concept for the story begin? Was it inspired by something?</em></strong><br />
It started out with the notion of a tumultuous romance between two young adult characters. I am a major sap for the push and pull of a good romance. But I didn't want it to be merely he-saw-her/she-saw-him and the chase. I wanted to show more resistance from both characters, internal ponderings that left room for each to grow. To accomplish that I needed a tumulus that would force the couple to snub each other, yet draw them together at the same time. That's how the story gave birth to ancient Rifters and the Lynceus people, and put Ana on the opposite because of her empath abilities. I guess you could say the star-crossed attraction between Ana and Viktor partially was inspired by the feelings I always get from reading Pride and Prejudice.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>2. I really liked the opposition, the almost resilience to give into the attraction. You really root for them to fall in love. What did you find most difficult to write when creating Anastasia and Viktor?</em></strong><br />
Expanding on my answer to your first question, I'd say it was in establishing the balance of tension and conflict between Ana and Viktor without isolating one or the other, or irritating the reader too much. A character can only complain or resist for so long before they become annoying. But I had to push those boundaries to force both characters to take a risk they normally wouldn't. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>3. I thought it was well-done! It always hard to please both the writer and reader. So, what was the easiest thing for you to write in this story?</em></strong><br />
Ooh, this is a give and take question. I have an equal affection for developing characters and for world building. With all the Celtic and druid research I did, creating the story world was a blast. But I think the easiest ingredient of the story to write was Viktor. He has a similar heart to Mr. Darcy of Pride and Prejudice. The deeper into the story I wrote him the more comfortable I became with him.<br />
<br />
<strong><em>4. You wrote him with a natural affection. And I like the comparison to Mr. Darcy! For those who've never read MARKED BEAUTY, tell them some things to expect.</em></strong><br />
a. Mystery & danger<br />
b. Dark romance<br />
c. Friendship & family<br />
d. Conflict from an eerie character or two<br />
e. Amped up tension<br />
f. Intriguing elements from Celtic mythology and astrology<br />
g. Bits of humor<br />
<br />
<strong><em>5. Yes! All of that! What comparison titles would you give MARKED BEAUTY?</em></strong><br />
It's been likened to Holly Black's <em>Tithe</em> series and Amy Plum's <em>Die for Me</em> trilogy. I also think fans of L.J. Smith's <em>Dark Visions</em> would enjoy <em>Marked Beauty</em> because it has a similar dark quality about it. And even though I'm playing more on Celtic mythology, astrology, and the history of the Druids, Meg Cabot's <em>Abandon</em> has a parallel feel with its mythological edge.<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Thank you so much to Sheri AKA S.A Larsen for stopping by and sharing her newest YA release - MARKED BEAUTY - and letting us pick that beautiful brain of hers!! I read the book in less than a few days. It left you wanting to see what would happen between two unlikely love interests, and yet, take the world by storm. When they were together, I had a little Bella/Edward feeling - which I love! Five stars!</strong></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em><span style="color: red;">**BE SURE TO ENTER THE RAFFLES BELOW!!**</span></em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Title: Marked Beauty<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUx5vDnsOPZdKW6nFrTaoFU8MZPsZHN3-oN3jZ8V9WWd40sGYxwZLGd3VCcNUwdQLAmh4dW16igT-1bw9Fb0B7m6Um55Y4bG5Ffeqse6N6xP5kHt5h0CBeCUBBduWoAEXZtUvfpMu1Ws/s1600/Marked+Beauty+Cover.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="340" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUx5vDnsOPZdKW6nFrTaoFU8MZPsZHN3-oN3jZ8V9WWd40sGYxwZLGd3VCcNUwdQLAmh4dW16igT-1bw9Fb0B7m6Um55Y4bG5Ffeqse6N6xP5kHt5h0CBeCUBBduWoAEXZtUvfpMu1Ws/s200/Marked+Beauty+Cover.png" width="125" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;">
<i><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Author: S.A. Larsen<o:p></o:p></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<i><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Publisher: Ellysian Press<o:p></o:p></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
<i><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Release Date: October 2017<o:p></o:p></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Uncovering hidden
secrets can sometimes kill you . . . or worse, steal your soul.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Viktor Castle also has a secret. He’s tasked with protecting
humanity yet cursed by an ancient evil to destroy it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">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.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cK9GVIgprGOQBRkAYxhGRUyQQDPZXr4xFQd505YHkeKDiBqeBxwoVNu2F-iSDGWVaWnj5dZItDnLyk6YRLzirHAXCFbT1PNzuA4usax4d0iBS5NNWaYohJXqNhKTolSCGsWydKqANYM/s1600/S.A.+Larsen+Author+image+1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1450" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7cK9GVIgprGOQBRkAYxhGRUyQQDPZXr4xFQd505YHkeKDiBqeBxwoVNu2F-iSDGWVaWnj5dZItDnLyk6YRLzirHAXCFbT1PNzuA4usax4d0iBS5NNWaYohJXqNhKTolSCGsWydKqANYM/s200/S.A.+Larsen+Author+image+1.jpg" width="181" /></a><span face=""calibri" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
<a href="https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/marked-beauty/9781941637432-item.html?ikwid=Marked+Beauty+by+S.A.+Larsen&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Chapters</span></a>
| <a href="http://a.co/eKVQjk1"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Amazon</span></a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/marked-beauty-sa-larsen/1126825235?ean=2940154468029"><span style="color: #0563c1;">B&N</span></a>
| <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/marked-beauty"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Kobo</span></a> | <a href="https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/marked-beauty/id1262552456?mt=11"><span style="color: #0563c1;">iBooks</span></a> <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span face=""calibri" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35114147-marked-beauty"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35114147-marked-beauty</span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span face=""calibri" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">S.A. LARSEN is the
author of the award-winning novel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">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 style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gears of Brass </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">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 </span></span><a href="http://www.salarsenbooks.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">www.salarsenbooks.com</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SALarsen.Author/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">Facebook</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;"> | </span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/SA_Larsen"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">Twitter</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;"> | </span></span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sa.larsen/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">Instagram</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;"> | </span></span><a href="http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">Blog</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;"> | </span></span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/SALarsen"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: x-small;">Goodreads</span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong><u>Blog Tour Giveaway: </u></strong></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">One (1)
winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card (INT)</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="a013e60750" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a013e60750/" id="rcwidget_mc6aaqj9" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Release Party Giveaway:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What better way to
celebrate a book birthday then by a giveaway! There are many ways to enter,
which you'll find below. You can win an iTunes, Amazon, or Starbucks gift card,
an authentic Vera Bradley Little Crossbody in Cobalt Tile, an assortment of bookish
swag, and even a KINDLE Fire HD 7"! The giveaway runs from release day,
October 17, 2017 to December 5, 2017. Winners will be announced via social
media December 7, 2017. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*No purchase
necessary to win* <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, if you have
read Marked Beauty or purchase it and read you can earn extra entries by
posting a review on any major online retail bookstore and Goodreads! All the
information you'll need is in the form below.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">BUT there's more...</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FOR WRITERS! </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Writers who enter
can WIN a first five pages critique!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="a013e60748" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a013e60748/" id="rcwidget_wz2zqwfx" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<div><br /></div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-37651086712799044792017-09-11T03:00:00.005-07:002022-10-17T20:46:02.688-07:00Time Doesn't Heal All WoundsLast month, I did a very public thing. I know a lot of people who would steer clear of public endeavors because, quite honestly, they're so...public. I did Pitch Wars. If you haven't heard of it, <a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/pitch-wars/">click here</a>. It's an annual writing contest and a great way to meet new writer friends.<br />
<br />
Anyways, so, I did this public twitter thing, and well, even though I had several requests from mentors I submitted to wanting my full manuscript, I sadly didn't make it in. There are some facts to this that make it less of a blow. The amount of submissions was crazy. I can't remember, nor find the tweet, but I think it was over 3k. The good thing is I don't have to wait 2 months while I edit with a mentor to submit to agents. There are some highs and lows. Pros and Cons. <br />
<br />After I found out I wasn't selected, I melted (while at work) internally but kept my brave face on (because I was working). When I got home, I was a water falling down into the sewer. However, by the next day, I made my agent wishlist, researching the crap out of them for a good match, and then the following day queried a small group of them.<br />
<br />
I was hopeful. I had this "if the mentors liked me enough to see my work, maybe these agents will too!" attitude. But then, crickets. Ok, I will admit it has only been like a week, but still. Crickets. And ok, I admit some warned it can take up to 2 months to hear back from them, but still...crickets. Yet, I DID receive a request for a full the next day...that was NOT a cricket.<br />
<br />
Surely I would get that phone call or email or something the next day, right? Surely! Who doesn't like surely?? I didn't. I still haven't. I'm waiting. Time is passing. I got one rejection (albeit from a very high end agent) with a personal email and not electronic which was nice. <br />
<br />
Now, I sit and wonder many things to myself. Is my book worth the heartache? (yes) Is it worthy to be published? (yes) Was it divinely inspired? (yes) Is this waiting reflecting on my self-worth? (yes) Am I looking at published authors with green envious eyes? (oh, yes) Am I internally kicking to do events like my published friends? (hell, yes) Did I arrogantly believe so much in my book I wanted to sing about it from the rooftops, but didn't get into Pitch Wars, and got only one agent request from Pitch Mad, and have not heard from agents queried other than 2, and now I feel like God mailed me some humble pie? (yes...)<br /><br />Does time heal all wounds? (no)<br />
<br />
In fact, as time goes on when you're querying, and you're not seeing your hardwork be fruitful like you believe it so can be, it's a little crushing. Ok, A LOT of crushing. It makes you wonder and ponder and doubt this whole writer stuff. But, like I've heard a million times over, the real writers are the ones that DON'T GIVE UP.<br />
<br />
Will I give up? (no) Will I continue on? (yes) Am I writing another book? (yes) Have I even started plotting book2 of my Viking book? (yes) Am I praying every night to hear from the agent with my full manuscript? (hell to the yes!) Did the humble pie taste good? (no) But did I learn that forced humble pie isn't fun? (yes...)<br />
<br />
Good luck out there everyone! No one said it would be easy - only worth it! What has the waiting room of querying looked like for you?<br />
<br />** A SPECIAL thank you to all our men and women serving our country, be it firemen, police officers to our military **<div><br /></div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-<br /></div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-76832755555689342832017-06-27T03:00:00.001-07:002021-02-11T12:52:36.443-08:00Crystal Liechty: A Comic Strip is BornAs a mom of four kids under the age of 13, I'm super excited to show off Crystal Liechty's newest endeavor - a comic strip called <strong>PLEASE DON'T CALL CHILD SERVICES. </strong>If you've seen her on Facebook posting all the funnies about her kiddos, you'll be ecstatic too see it in print!! Here's a little about Crystal, her family, and what started her new career!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjlkN9TGq-ZdhWsIE_u6GG_pdy-C0xGx-Tr3Zxjw9CyKhkAvgXXHM48GGfbfcjFA1OB6lDsSIeuq7ZmTjJ5Nx7_abyYLNkUsG_HdLYLhXidp-mUNzSzXvxxnGThF_EM6Jl9TfV2GCjWE/s1600/ChildServices_WebtoonHeader01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="1200" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjlkN9TGq-ZdhWsIE_u6GG_pdy-C0xGx-Tr3Zxjw9CyKhkAvgXXHM48GGfbfcjFA1OB6lDsSIeuq7ZmTjJ5Nx7_abyYLNkUsG_HdLYLhXidp-mUNzSzXvxxnGThF_EM6Jl9TfV2GCjWE/s640/ChildServices_WebtoonHeader01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Hey Crystal! Tell me a little about your family:</em></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I imported my husband, Scott from Washington. We're going on 15 years of marriage. Then I've got three kids: Griffin, 10; AJ (short for Allison Jane), 7; and Hazel, 4. <span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>Fun facts about each of us:</u><br /> Scott almost went pro as a golfer. He played in college but ended up quitting because of a non-supportive girlfriend who didn't think it was a real career. Lucky for me, though, because I probably wouldn't have met him if he'd gone that route. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Griff is the youngest member of the Utah Parkour Intermediate team. The next youngest is 13 so it's quite a feat. In his words, "Parkour is life." He also</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyGaDKEwxUJfG8WGlkAIIvKbpnILl2Lw40XKmUv3rI4_xiKXs5zEukmOG8SUks4EPgyWVAXxbORc7Ol_Vk7cTmOf3M92YVa6dt50MAoaOBTSMXuRcJU4a5CxnH9Ztbbdb7n05hhD4YYo/s1600/12347608_10153769711133497_1737187361119708579_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="960" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyGaDKEwxUJfG8WGlkAIIvKbpnILl2Lw40XKmUv3rI4_xiKXs5zEukmOG8SUks4EPgyWVAXxbORc7Ol_Vk7cTmOf3M92YVa6dt50MAoaOBTSMXuRcJU4a5CxnH9Ztbbdb7n05hhD4YYo/s320/12347608_10153769711133497_1737187361119708579_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
breakdances and plays the saxophone. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I call AJ my "sunshine" and I mean it. The girl is a breath of fresh air - always giggling and smiling. She's been in dance for over a year and loves to choreograph her own dances and make up her own songs. And she can eat any of us under the table. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hazel is my wild child but deep down, she really is a sweetheart. She reminds me a lot of Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. She doesn't mean to cause as much trouble as she does; she's so fierce but her tiny body doesn't know how to handle it. Just today, she got in trouble for kicking Griffin and she said to me, so forlornly, "AJ and Griff are good at being nice but I'm not. I'm made different from them. I don't know how to be good." I cuddled her and told her a little secret -- that when AJ and Griff were her age, they hit and kicked, too. But then they learned that was not okay and stopped doing it and she would, too. She didn't look convinced.<span></span></span><br />
<br />
<strong><em>Your kids and hubs sound like fun! Tell me who you think has the most laughable comments: </em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">You know what? I actually think my 7 year old daughter, AJ is the funniest. I mean, she nonstop cracks me up! But she’s in the comic the least so far because it’s not what she says as much as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how</i> she says it and I haven’t figured out how to translate that to writing yet. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hazel gets a lot of play because what she says is just so outlandish for a four year old. And she’s been like that since day one. She started talking early and she’s such an imp that I can pretty much pick any moment of the day and find some sort of fodder for the comic.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81hk3eHaD4JryzA40w0L9c9LwO2Xq83iZH_W3pzLRPNYr7sJbFQr3-oMiP3ZbswQ1Qi6priVVPaHWhkdcp7iRt7POsJtlY0AC8pWKqf2REGnHn2dnSug2SvQpiICaTMnKh21DUbQHmqs/s1600/Comic06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81hk3eHaD4JryzA40w0L9c9LwO2Xq83iZH_W3pzLRPNYr7sJbFQr3-oMiP3ZbswQ1Qi6priVVPaHWhkdcp7iRt7POsJtlY0AC8pWKqf2REGnHn2dnSug2SvQpiICaTMnKh21DUbQHmqs/s640/Comic06.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Too cute! Who do you think is the wisest?</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Me. Just kidding. Of the kids, it’d have to be Griff, hands down. Part of that comes from him being so self-aware and so eager to make sense of the world around him. He's the kind of kid where you teach him one thing, and he figures out a hundred. Then you get situations where we’re arguing using logical fallacies like here:</span></span><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>A fast learner! So, tell me how the comic strip idea transpired and got rolling.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">For awhile, I'd been getting great feedback from my Facebook posts about the kids. People loved the posts and would often share them and say things like I should have my own reality show or I should write a book, etc. So I'd been considering for awhile how I could translate these funny stories into an art form that's more solid than a simple Facebook post. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Then I happened to be chatting with a longtime friend, Steven Heumann about creative endeavors and such. He'd worked for me when I was a managing editor for a newspaper. He did a monthly comic strip. That's when it hit me -- the kids could be a comic! </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">I threw the idea at Steven, half-joking and he loved it. So I gathered up some my favorite past posts on the kids and sent them to him. I have to give him credit -- he's brilliant and totally gets my sense of humor so I don't have to do much other than give him the details. From there, he knows exactly how to execute it. It's been less than two months since I first suggested the idea. I can't believe how fast it's all come together!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42UtwguywhjW-rcg-lfXYHOBV5BbraA2y-wI3C3sxym1n3vS-OJDzWJdSYcDZVBA9ixlyMmArLpSKjQ-GGQw-3KyFPGhCKqzdLAc0yhAc7ciNIUrBwhcAEi_A_CfNor5BLdksoAa8oKM/s1600/Comic08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1600" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42UtwguywhjW-rcg-lfXYHOBV5BbraA2y-wI3C3sxym1n3vS-OJDzWJdSYcDZVBA9ixlyMmArLpSKjQ-GGQw-3KyFPGhCKqzdLAc0yhAc7ciNIUrBwhcAEi_A_CfNor5BLdksoAa8oKM/s320/Comic08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><em>It has been fast! Tell me how your kids feel about it.</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">They <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">love </i>it. They’re all a bunch of hams. Seriously, anyone who’s been to my house can tell you they spend the whole time competing with each other to see who can show off the most. Griffin got a few sample comics from Steven last week and he's been carrying them around with him everywhere, reading them over and over again. AJ's only complaint is that she's not in there more. Hazel already thinks she's famous.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>I'm so glad! Where can the viewers see more of your hilarious comics?</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">We will update the comic every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/unexceptionalmom/) or on my blog (http://unexceptionalmom.blogspot.com/).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>COMIC
BLURB:<o:p></o:p></u></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please Don't Call
Child Services </span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">is an autobiographical comic that details my true adventures
homeschooling three precocious and slightly profane children. Every strip is
based on real things they've said or done (because if I didn’t laugh about it,
I’d have to cry).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>BIO:<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zX5YxPUtAgT8N870BGXH0bQnOls60K9YJ9RuX4J9tK0oOFAOZyA_YM9noRkGK0DFSpZTp7em5yoH-NVMXB-FlHsV98H4yiQaS0bUEmS5OAFPrKbM6uGAXF-1tUNsY4qo3YiaYFNyZ3A/s1600/11032554_10153495546828497_2737202258733615908_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zX5YxPUtAgT8N870BGXH0bQnOls60K9YJ9RuX4J9tK0oOFAOZyA_YM9noRkGK0DFSpZTp7em5yoH-NVMXB-FlHsV98H4yiQaS0bUEmS5OAFPrKbM6uGAXF-1tUNsY4qo3YiaYFNyZ3A/s200/11032554_10153495546828497_2737202258733615908_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Crystal Liechty is the mastermind behind the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Please Don’t Call Child
Services</span></em> webtoon, which details the always funny and often
inappropriate hijinx involved in homeschooling three mischievous children. If
you’ve been to college lately, you might have seen one of her essays in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Elements of Arguments</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>textbook (Macmillan Press). When not
homeschooling or torturing college students with argumentative essays, Crystal
can be found watching Korean dramas, teaching herself Kpop dances or in general
working as an unofficial ambassador for South Korean culture. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Love your guts,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">-Tammy-</span></div>
</div>
Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-22340163483012179992017-04-19T03:30:00.000-07:002017-04-19T03:30:10.869-07:00Kristin Smith Book Release: FORGOTTEN<div style="margin: 0px auto 15px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/" target="_blank">
<img alt="" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/03/ForgottenBlitzBanner-1.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div>
<em></em><br />
<em>Welcome back, Kristin!! Kristin's book FORGOTTEN released yesterday!! WOOT WOOT and major congrats!! It's definitely not easy to write a book, and to have it published is an even bigger feat in itself! Plus, it's currently marked down with the 1st book in the series, CATALYST! And, there's a giveaway at the bottom of the blog post. too! What a steal! </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>So, dare we ask what FORGOTTEN is all about?? Let's find out...</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/04/Forgotten.jpg" style="display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;" />
<br />
<strong>Forgotten</strong><br />
<strong>Kristin Smith</strong><br />
(The Deception Game #2)<br />
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing<br />
Publication date: April 18th 2017<br />
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult<br />
<blockquote>
<span id="freeText10268269790292491311">The epic tale of Sienna Preston continues in this second installment of the exhilarating Deception Game series.</span></blockquote>
Seventeen-year-old Sienna is no stranger to heartache and loss. But this time, it’s different; someone―or something―has tampered with a loved one’s memories, and she’s determined to get answers.<br />
<blockquote>
The trail leads her to the glittering skyscrapers and modern luxuries of Rubex, the Capital of Pacifica, where she infiltrates the government’s Agency for Intelligence and Genetics. But answers are not always easy to come by, especially when her own memories may have been altered. Luckily, Zane Ryder is there to help her put the pieces back together, his devotion and concern muddying the waters between friendship and something more.</blockquote>
When Sienna gets too close to uncovering dark Agency secrets, she’s framed for the murder of a prominent government official, sending her on the run. Sienna’s heart may be torn about who she loves, but none of that really matters anymore―because the only thing that awaits her now is a death sentence.<br />
<div style="font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32789311-forgotten?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Deception-Game-Kristin-Smith/dp/1634222377/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forgotten-kristin-smith/1124998679?ean=9781634222372" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> / <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/forgotten/id1168862495?mt=11" target="_blank">iBooks</a> / <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/forgotten-64" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/04/2-book-banner-SALE.jpg" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 115%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
Grab book 1 for only 99¢!<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-Deception-Game-Kristin-Smith/dp/1634229983/">Amazon</a> / <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/catalyst-kristin-smith/1123761371?ean=9781634229982">Barnes & Noble</a> / <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/catalyst/id1125905023?mt=11">iBooks</a> / <a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/catalyst-62">Kobo</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
—</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>EXCERPT:</strong></div>
<br />
Zane parks his Aria on the lake side of the dam, and we both climb out.<br />
<br />
“Bring back memories?” Zane asks with a wry grin.<br />
<br />
“How you thought I was trying to kill myself? Again?” I laugh. “I don’t know why you thought I was so suicidal.”<br />
<br />
Zane shrugs. “Maybe I didn’t. Maybe I just wanted an excuse to rescue you.”<br />
<br />
My heart trips over itself. “Zane,” I say softly, “you can’t keep saying things like that.”<br />
<br />
He moves around the side of the car. “Why not?” When he takes my hand in his, the warmth of his fingers heats up my whole body.<br />
<br />
“This isn’t a good idea,” I mutter, but I make no move to extract my hand from his.<br />
<br />
He looks down at me, then at our entwined fingers. “But what if it is? What if it’s the best idea in the whole damn world?”<br />
<br />
“Because—because you’re engaged. To someone else.”<br />
<br />
“But I don’t want to be,” he says, his voice low. He takes a step closer until he’s so close that I could wrap my arm around his back if I wanted to.<br />
<br />
“Zane,” I warn, but the warning gets caught in my throat. He’s giving me that look. The same one he gave me before he kissed me that first time on the couch in his house.<br />
<br />
“What?” he whispers.<br />
<br />
“Please, don’t—” But he’s already leaning down, his eyes focused on my mouth. My breath comes out shaky as his fingers slip from mine and his hands touch my waist, gently bringing me closer. Before I can stop myself, our lips meet, and a thousand nerve endings converge to a single spot. His lips are fire and warmth and need. And that single spark ignites an already-smoldering flame.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/04/Love.png" style="height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<img alt="" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/11/Kristin.jpg" style="display: inline-block; float: left; margin: 0px 15px 15px 0px;" />
<br />
<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<b>Author Bio:</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
Kristin Smith writes young adult contemporary and science fiction novels. When she’s not writing, you can find her dreaming about the beach, beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five incredibly loud but extremely cute boys. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to chocolate, you can visit her at kristinsmithbooks.com.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.kristinsmithbooks.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15184285.Kristin_Smith" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KristinSmithAuthor/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/SwordsStilettos" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>GIVEAWAY!</strong><br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d04251231741" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251231741/" id="rcwidget_t8yz8pzg" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="XBTBanner1" src="http://www.xpressobooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2016/03/XBTBanner1.png" style="height: auto; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 80%;" /></a></div>
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000; min-height: 15.0px}
span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
</style><br /></div>
Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-82768013581371767242017-04-12T03:00:00.001-07:002021-02-11T12:54:23.928-08:00Guest Post by Kristin Smith: Love Triangles - Do They Work?
<em><span style="color: black;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: black;">The LOVELY and BODACIOUS Kristin Smith has stopped by to give a little 4-1-1 on Love Triangles. The big question is - DO THEY WORK??? Let's find out what she has to say about all the love triangles in the literary world!</span></em><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I know there's quite a bit of controversy about "The Love Triangle", a trope that is often seen in YA books. So the question I pose for you is, do love triangles in YA books work?<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let's first take a look at some bestselling YA books that have a love triangle.</b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>1) Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: Bella with Edward and Jacob</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I know there are many naysayers who didn't like the whole Twilight saga, but I'm sorry, this love triangle was EPIC! Fans of the book were divided on their love for Edward versus their love for Jacob. And some people were downright MAD when Bella chose Edward. (I was NOT one of those, by the way.) Did this love triangle get people invested in the book? Did people want to know who Bella would choose? Absolutely! In my opinion, this love triangle was a huge success!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
2) <b>Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Catniss with Gale and Peeta</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
I think this love triangle was a little more subtle. The book starts out with Catniss having "hidden" feelings for Gale, but she spends the rest of the book with Peeta either preparing for the games or in the throes of the game. As a reader, it was hard for me to connect with the idea of Catniss and Gale being together because I hardly saw them together during the book. I know there were some Gale fans out there, but in my mind, it was Peeta. It was always going to be Peeta, even though Catniss spent 80% of the books only "pretending" to be in love with him.<br />
<br />
Did this love triangle work? I would say yes. It created just enough tension that left the readers wanting more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Selection by Kiera Cass: America with Aspen and Maxon</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Okay, so this one was a little frustrating for me. I didn't see anything good that would come from America ending up with Aspen. At the beginning of the book, she claims he's her one true love, but then she falls so quickly for Maxon. And, hello, Maxon is a PRINCE! And with America by his side, they could better their country together. Every time America snuck off to do something romantic with Aspen, I felt a little uneasy. I wanted to shout at her, "Get back to your room! You don't want Maxon to catch you kissing Aspen!"<br />
<br />
Did this love triangle work? Well, I devoured the entire series in the space of 3 days, so even though I didn't AGREE with some of America's decisions, I would give a half-hearted yes. I loved the series; now whether or not the love triangle added to that love, I really can't say.<br />
<br />
Now, I've shared with you a few of my favorite book series, and they ALL have a love triangle. The last one is from my own book (and you'll have to be the one to decide whether or not this love triangle works). :)<br />
<br />
<b>Catalyst by Kristin Smith: Sienna with Trey and Zane</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsYgkagWTAN055aCssO6PryfjmLz3U9iAkX6LrBUqNR3mM3GvlXv177zL-IfCJhDRMK2jn8C0evl4Svrhzw2l9IJ7AMKQ-q2vGi06mIPke31JC454orhocy2XlDL1vTIQTeh8tqs4VRb_/s1600/CATALYST+COVER+%2528Use+This+One%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsYgkagWTAN055aCssO6PryfjmLz3U9iAkX6LrBUqNR3mM3GvlXv177zL-IfCJhDRMK2jn8C0evl4Svrhzw2l9IJ7AMKQ-q2vGi06mIPke31JC454orhocy2XlDL1vTIQTeh8tqs4VRb_/s400/CATALYST+COVER+%2528Use+This+One%2529.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Basically, amidst all the craziness in her life, Sienna develops feelings for a genetically modified poster boy (who is completely off-limits because he's been engaged since birth to his perfect genetic match). But when she joins the extremist group, the Fringe, their young leader (who's too hot to be bad) takes an interest in her. There's tension, conflicted feelings, and some pretty awesome kissing scenes. But you'll have to be the judge of whether this love triangle "works".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<br />
So to sum it up, if we're deciding whether or not a love triangle works based on the success of the book, then I say with a resounding YES that love triangles WORK! Our main goal as an author is to entice readers to want to read our books. And if a love triangle is executed well, I think it can add tension and dynamics to the story. I personally don't mind a good love triangle, and I will gladly read a book that has one.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What are YOUR thoughts? Do love triangles work?</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU70cJ1YJeZGecMdFj1icLHqPAeDNiM215yAgDbKYcVaRUZ2DPg5ooipRPGNyTCL4z62yPCZbuYyDLBp_Lf5o8CCz0sQudAlhmQw9txSN-dUES-WLgnEc3Z-imANkXJOHppJK2tY74e8AT/s1600/http---signatures.mylivesignature.com-54493-96-D359BF15DD488482A9FEDC70DC4EE947.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU70cJ1YJeZGecMdFj1icLHqPAeDNiM215yAgDbKYcVaRUZ2DPg5ooipRPGNyTCL4z62yPCZbuYyDLBp_Lf5o8CCz0sQudAlhmQw9txSN-dUES-WLgnEc3Z-imANkXJOHppJK2tY74e8AT/s1600/http---signatures.mylivesignature.com-54493-96-D359BF15DD488482A9FEDC70DC4EE947.png" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIFoOOa0_PqrJxFFyhi75u9lcAYrdMS63PzTQF6m3L27ZQMUJuM_INpZOm6Z2j8FkzXXhPZhEM_8mxf0_sA2orffiC3Eq7fqm237zL2OODiVRwiJLYqHS5NT6LpCeQNHemYxAexOOWYOd/s1600/Kristin+Pic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMIFoOOa0_PqrJxFFyhi75u9lcAYrdMS63PzTQF6m3L27ZQMUJuM_INpZOm6Z2j8FkzXXhPZhEM_8mxf0_sA2orffiC3Eq7fqm237zL2OODiVRwiJLYqHS5NT6LpCeQNHemYxAexOOWYOd/s320/Kristin+Pic.jpg" width="213" /></a>About the Author:<br />
<br />
Kristin Smith is the author of the young adult novel <i>Catalyst</i> and its sequel, <i>Forgotten</i>. When she’s not writing, you can find her dreaming about the beach, beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five sons. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to chocolate, you can visit her at <a href="http://kristinsmithbooks.com/">kristinsmithbooks.com</a>.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000}
span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
span.s2 {font: 12.0px Helvetica; font-kerning: none}
span.s3 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none}
</style><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: black;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: black;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: black;">Thanks so much for stopping by, Kristin!! Don't forget to buy your copy of CATALYST and see for yourself how you like her version of a love triangle! </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-Deception-Game-Kristin-Smith/dp/1634229983/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1491971099&sr=1-2&keywords=catalyst"><span style="color: blue;">*click here to redirect to Amazon!*</span></a> </em><em><span style="color: black;">Next week, come back to see Kristin talk about her new release, FORGOTTEN!! </span></em><br />
<em></em> </div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU70cJ1YJeZGecMdFj1icLHqPAeDNiM215yAgDbKYcVaRUZ2DPg5ooipRPGNyTCL4z62yPCZbuYyDLBp_Lf5o8CCz0sQudAlhmQw9txSN-dUES-WLgnEc3Z-imANkXJOHppJK2tY74e8AT/s1600/http---signatures.mylivesignature.com-54493-96-D359BF15DD488482A9FEDC70DC4EE947.png" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU70cJ1YJeZGecMdFj1icLHqPAeDNiM215yAgDbKYcVaRUZ2DPg5ooipRPGNyTCL4z62yPCZbuYyDLBp_Lf5o8CCz0sQudAlhmQw9txSN-dUES-WLgnEc3Z-imANkXJOHppJK2tY74e8AT/s1600/http---signatures.mylivesignature.com-54493-96-D359BF15DD488482A9FEDC70DC4EE947.png" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-TC_42b7OF_0%2FVPfLFuvcd3I%2FAAAAAAAAAps%2FRMXoEaRwxxA%2Fs1600%2Fhttp---signatures.mylivesignature.com-54493-96-D359BF15DD488482A9FEDC70DC4EE947.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU70cJ1YJeZGecMdFj1icLHqPAeDNiM215yAgDbKYcVaRUZ2DPg5ooipRPGNyTCL4z62yPCZbuYyDLBp_Lf5o8CCz0sQudAlhmQw9txSN-dUES-WLgnEc3Z-imANkXJOHppJK2tY74e8AT/s1600/http---signatures.mylivesignature.com-54493-96-D359BF15DD488482A9FEDC70DC4EE947.png" -->Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-74069633683289464762017-04-03T03:00:00.002-07:002021-02-11T12:54:51.284-08:00Wimpy Protagonists No MoreHave you ever read back lines from your main character, your protagonist, and thought: W<em>ow, he/she is kinda...wimpy.</em> For shame! But they can't be wimpy! Well, mine can't be wimpy. NOOOooooooo... (deep breaths).<br />
<br />
I had this same experience happen with the oldest sister in my YA fantasy. She <em>was</em> supposed to (wo)man up, but after reading her back, she wussied up. And that is NOT cool. In fact, her younger sister was more brute than she. What the what?? Nah. Some changes had to be made!<br />
<br />
The good thing is, the fix was easy. Truly. And fixing <em>your</em> wimpy character into a more (wo)manly character is easy, too. Here are some quick tricks to get your character to re-establish their role of cajones holder.<br />
<br />
1.<span style="color: #990000;"> <strong><u>Paralanguage</u></strong></span> - stop making them timid, make them have a "straight spine". Look for descriptive words with their paralanguage and tweak them to say more profound/regal things. <br />
<br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #351c75;">2. Language</span></u></strong> - simply put, try not to make them "ask" so much as "demand". The character should tell people what to do, rather then ask if they're willing to do it. I made this change in one line, and the difference was astounding. (caution: not everything is a demand because that's just...rude. 😉 )<br />
<br />
3. <strong><u><span style="color: #b45f06;">Move with a Purpose</span></u></strong> - make sure you're character is creating some of the problems rather than all the problems happening around them and they just seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. If their creating some of the problems then they're showing their unwilling to settle for mediocrity. <br />
<br />
4. <strong><u><span style="color: purple;">React with Purpose</span></u></strong> - BUT if there is going to be problems happening, because there always needs to be, then make sure they react headstrong and not cower. The old phrase "move with a purpose" is very relevant here. <br />
<br />
5. <strong><u><span style="color: #38761d;">Think and React</span></u></strong> - sometimes strong characters need a moment to show vulnerability before they react strong. This shows a very human side we all have, and the reader relates to. Once that second-guessing part happens, return to react with a purpose. That will show a super strength of going beyond our own doubts and striving to prove even our own selves wrong.<br />
<br />
BOOM. There you have it!! Do you feel like you can get your protagonist's cajones back in place now? Good! The best part of revisiting some of the wimpy stuff and revising back to headstrong, was that I didn't keep reverting back to those wimpier lines. And don't think your character needs to be gun-ho every single second. Make sure to dash and sprinkle plenty of those "I am human" moments where weakness creeps in every so often. Well, good luck out there, and keep on writing!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>~~LIST OF THE WEEK~~</strong></span></div>
<br />
<strong><u>READ:</u></strong> Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (murder creates havoc amongst 3 kingdoms), Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill (girl on risky adventure to figure out her father's murderer), Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman (camp fire tales of Norse gods/goddesses lives)<br />
<strong><u>STILL READING:</u></strong> A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge (ARC), and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas<br />
MOVIES: Trolls (cute but not that cute) and Beauty and the Beast (Great but not as brilliant as everyone built it up to be)<br />
<strong><u>WORD COUNT ON YA BOOK:</u></strong> 59,403 (that non-round number is murder!!)<br />
<strong><u>WHAT IS DRIVING ME CRAZY:</u></strong> new book idea I can't start<br />
<strong><u>WHY NOT START:</u></strong> because I know I won't stop, and I need to finish <em>this</em> one first!<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">QUESTIONS TO THE READER:</span></strong><br />
1. What is a wimpy characteristic you find yourself accidentally giving your protagonist?<br />
2. What is one "wimpy" trait of your own?<br />
3. Am I wimpy??<br />
<br /><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-8906887512143279842017-03-13T03:30:00.001-07:002021-02-11T12:55:30.361-08:00My Book AestheticsLast week, I told you how I was currently working on a YA Viking fantasy. I also said I would make a collage of book aesthetics to show you more about the world I've created. I would LOVE to show you only one, but there is so many little things going on, it's so hard to narrow it!<br />
<br />
I'm currently near, if not on, the half way point. I'm breaking my book into three parts, and have started the 2nd part. Just when I think I know where I am going, I sit back and stare off and BAM...new idea hits. And it always happens when I brain fart how to get from point A to B. Suddenly there is some weird Z thrown in the middle making it all the more interesting. Those moments are the best! <br />
<br />
Enough of my blabbing. Without further adieu...here are some of my book aesthetics. For more, you can go to my pinterest page! The link is on the left side bar. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8W14Haz88Vu4mvQr0YVo1pS28YKSB8hHMwNziyoInuG-zj71_WSlPMfHYcpAKuW_NntB1IunLITHNKPvREvh48w5XRtGwMM9v3OKY7GxERikyXxRP2mWoB3SO89euhq-j8n65rnFHSA/s1600/20170312_221732.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8W14Haz88Vu4mvQr0YVo1pS28YKSB8hHMwNziyoInuG-zj71_WSlPMfHYcpAKuW_NntB1IunLITHNKPvREvh48w5XRtGwMM9v3OKY7GxERikyXxRP2mWoB3SO89euhq-j8n65rnFHSA/s640/20170312_221732.png" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this story is big on sisterhood and family, some pics are "backstory"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-o47xt9g-U1cBtcou5Yiqghv7EPVKRut3vgb0YxhyJbnp4SREBSSdfYnPy0f7JVSpGcEHUt7NheBtW0cI0lgnnYRKhaDi8hQMCeRpNk0FhzWRrbYWqiMz02vGKooXOslBuMQ45AZ06A/s1600/1489382333433.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-o47xt9g-U1cBtcou5Yiqghv7EPVKRut3vgb0YxhyJbnp4SREBSSdfYnPy0f7JVSpGcEHUt7NheBtW0cI0lgnnYRKhaDi8hQMCeRpNk0FhzWRrbYWqiMz02vGKooXOslBuMQ45AZ06A/s640/1489382333433.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these blow my mind. omg. I want someone to make them for me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbSEOSRPpox55jVJzdwJa3XbMGhR4fr7xqKYtFrupYaYzMD8fXFtfrBDAiR85t5idKoZ0-CuMJsyga1fCyGG2SplJF-cK0qrBW5cXMgOznCkTRg7DtuyheE4L5HxAA-lCcwgO6knIG38/s1600/1489382361600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbSEOSRPpox55jVJzdwJa3XbMGhR4fr7xqKYtFrupYaYzMD8fXFtfrBDAiR85t5idKoZ0-CuMJsyga1fCyGG2SplJF-cK0qrBW5cXMgOznCkTRg7DtuyheE4L5HxAA-lCcwgO6knIG38/s640/1489382361600.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">each of the kingdoms are very specific in structure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVgnpv6vw0LS9gRrFxXfx_yrYmOlTGsxYgDguQDpTWdRipzcxvl6gZ13mgoZ6DgUGfRMIx63ShqfwtQdm4hGWvGY30qaIDkISPdSX0xubgZuM5yI8doX7CQf7zt_OoW8yawo6FMWJ_w8/s1600/1489382384789.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVgnpv6vw0LS9gRrFxXfx_yrYmOlTGsxYgDguQDpTWdRipzcxvl6gZ13mgoZ6DgUGfRMIx63ShqfwtQdm4hGWvGY30qaIDkISPdSX0xubgZuM5yI8doX7CQf7zt_OoW8yawo6FMWJ_w8/s640/1489382384789.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">these are just teasers... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">**<u>LIST FOR THE WEEK</u>**</span></strong></div>
<br />
<strong><u>Read:</u></strong> COURT OF FIVES by Kate Elliot (a sister's love for the Fives game is put off to save family) and THREE DARK CROWNS by Kandare Blake (triplets raised separately and groomed to kill one another for the crown)<br />
<strong><u>Reading: </u></strong>FALLING KINGDOMS by Morgan Rhodes, A FACE LIKE GLASS (Arc copy) by Frances Hardinge, THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J. Maas<br />
<strong><u>Movies: </u></strong>For International Women's Day I watched LITTLE WOMEN, and even though I've seen it years ago...I don't remember choking up this much!<br />
<strong><u>Newest Buy: </u></strong>A Simply Fit Board, and a 3/4 motorcycle helmet from Harley Davidson!<br />
<strong><u>What I'm anxious for: </u></strong>Getting back on my Harley and riding in the wind!!<br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: magenta;">Questions for the Reader:</span></em><br />
1. Can you tell my book has some dark tones to it?<br />
2. Reading any good books lately?<br />
3. Ever seen Little Women the movie?<div><br /></div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-<br />
<br />
</div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-91013084907633120622017-03-06T03:00:00.003-08:002021-02-11T12:55:57.125-08:00March Madness UnderstatementMy gosh how time has flown by! I realized I hadn't posted since January. January! But I have very valid reasons. Very valid. Here they are:<br />
<br />
1. I've been writing for hours on end. (Ok, that's not true, but it sure feels like it!)<br />
2. Reading frenzy - I started reading more YA books to gear my arsenal (WHY??? Just wait...I'm getting there later! Calm yourself!)<br />
3. Tomorrow my mental break ends - what does THAT look like? Well...NOT writing for hours on end and adjusting back to being an "adult". (Ew...I know.)<br />
4. My first Writers Conference!!<br />
<br />I've worked hard on my new YA Viking fantasy draft scoring a word count so far of 41k since I started it on Jan 19th. And everything God said He would help me with, He has and beyond. When inspiration hits, and you go google said inspiration to find that what you're thinking about is actual fact (flowers, names, etc) it's like AHHHHHHH...(*cue angels singing*) Needless to say, I did have to go back through the 9 chapters written and do a tense change and create more detail/world building. (Thank you to Shallee McArthur - she is amazing for pointing it out early!) NEXT WEEK - I promise to make a book collage of some very dark and interesting inspirations!<br />
<br />
Which brings me to #2! I wanted to be further inspired with amazing fantasy worlds so I didn't miss a beat. And that's pretty much summing up #2. <br />
<br />
#3 - This just means I won't have my mornings anymore to sleep in (did I say that?), and work on my book at my leisure. I'll be back to my old title: NIGHT WRITER. I think I need like theme music for that. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">While on my #1, I found out through FB there was a writer's conference for SCBWI in Seattle! I looked over the itinerary and the sessions weren't what I was looking for. But then, another thing came up: Seattle Writer's Workshop! Basically a 1-day conference and the session choices were AMAZING and PERFECT to what I'm looking for!! I signed and am awaiting May!! </span></div>
<br />
<em><strong>Usually I close with a list of things, but I'm in a rush to get back to my WIP. Here is a QUICK list of books/movies/things I have done since last time!</strong></em><br />
<strong><u>Read:</u></strong> Jennie Bennett's SNOWFLAKES AND KISSES, Bernard Cornwells THE LAST KINGDOM, Elizabeth LaBan's THE RESTAURANT CRITIC'S WIFE, Carrie Butler's AS WE KNOW IT (Awesome books!)<br />
<strong><u>Reading:</u></strong> Sarah J. Maas THRONE OF GLASS, Kate Elliott COURT OF FIVES, Kendare Blake THREE DARK CROWNS<br />
<strong><u>Movies:</u></strong> Labyrinth (David Bowe's tight-crotch pants were distracting, even my oldest was saying how he was tired of seeing "it"), Stork (cute!)<br />
<strong><u>Things:</u></strong> hikes to cold beaches, parents vs. kids volleyball at elementary (I'm super competitive and rolled my eyes at timid mom's barely hitting the ball. HIT IT, DANG YOU!), cleaned out never-will-read books, and never-will-wear purses (you're welcome thrift stores)<div><br /></div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-</div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2500044983159877307.post-52985446278404607232016-10-31T03:00:00.001-07:002021-02-11T12:56:29.805-08:00The Writers Retreat That Saved MeIn September, through the good word of a writer friend, Michelle Wilson, I joined ANWA (American Night Writers Association). In so doing, the following month was their annual Pacific Northwest Region's Writers Retreat. I came at a stellar time, right? I signed up, paid my dues, and had butterflies. This being my first writer anything with several authors/writers.<br />But, upon the nerves was the expectation you get as the new kid in class. And that's exactly what happened on my first day there. <br />
<br />
I sat alone, reading, waiting for the keynote speaker. But registration was for 2hrs, and I showed up on time. What was I thinking? Luckily, charming author, Leah Berry, introduced herself and we got to chatting. Then as she was called away, dead air again. Awhile after, I spotted Michelle Wilson, chatting just for a few before the keynote speaker was announced. Alas, let's get started!!<br />
<br />
BUT...<br />
<br />
That crappy part, those initial minutes gone by speaking to no one while others caught up on seeing each other from prior years or whatever, really stuck out to me. Or when I fumbled over what my novel was about when asked, ate at me. I KNOW the story inside and out, so where was my head?? I felt like a dunce and a wannabe. Sure I can blame nerves, but those nerves are my own, so it's all coming from ME!<br />
<br />
I went home (I live 10mins from the retreat, so I opted to commute rather than stay over night) with not only a pounding headache, but heartache. Even though we had a fun game getting to know others before the first day was over, I didn't want to come back. <br />
<br />
I did NOT want to come back, and I didn't NOT want to be a writer anymore. I was over it. I can't explain why I was so hormonal about it. But I was, doing the whole <em>screw everyone and screw this, I've had it!</em> pity party. What was wrong with me?? In a few hours, years and years of writing was over?? REALLY?? <br />
<br />
Yes! That's how lowly I felt about being a writer!<br />
<br />
The next morning, I drudged out of bed, got dressed unwillingly, and forced myself to go back. I even was late because of said force, walking in during the non-fiction panel questioning, and took a seat. Slowly, I started to feel myself be a writer again. I went to several workshops, thinking I wouldn't have the mentality to learn, but they proved me wrong. And I welcomed it. I also welcomed the new friendships I was making as well. <br />No other time after that first night, was I left alone, and it was so heartwarming. So heartwarming! The next day, we had our final keynote speech. Jordan McCollum did an amazing keynote speech each day, but her final one had me in tears. <br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
She said <span style="color: #cc0000;"><u>the adversary will put thoughts in our head to not use our God given talents, like writing</u></span>. She said it happened to her when deciding if writing was the right path, and recognized <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">it wasn't God telling her to stop writing, but Satan.</span></u> I never thought all those moments I doubted my abilities/decisions could be from him. ALL THOSE MOMENTS for years! Including...the first day of the retreat.<br />
<br />
Now I know it was Satan that didn't want me to go back, putting fear, self-doubt, and ineptness all over and in me. I was literally planning on staying home that day, but decided to go because I paid for it. And boy did I ever! I regained my confidence as a writer, made new friends, and learned tricks of the trade.<br />
<br />
The writers retreat saved me as a writer. And I'm forever thankful for it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>~~{{LIST OF THE WEEK}}~~</strong></span></div>
<br />
<strong><em><u>Books read: </u></em></strong>Cold Betrayal by J.A. Jance (Detective work into unlocking a cruel polygamous family), I Like You Just Fine When You're Not Around by Ann Wertz Garvin (therapist loses self in family dynamics, triangle love, and a new job), The Beautiful Balance by Michelle Wilson (finding your balance through God's lessons) ***** stars to each!<br />
<strong><em><u>Reading: </u></em></strong>Shoe Addicts Anonymous by Beth Harbison, The Restaurant Critic's Wife by Elizabeth LaBan, and Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall:<br />
<strong><em><u>Movies I watched: </u></em></strong>Alice Through The Looking Glass (not a lot of good reviews, but I LOVED it!!) and Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (I laughed NON-STOP)<br />
<strong><em><u>What I'm doing tonight: </u></em></strong>eating all the candy my kids get trick or treating. (duh!!)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong><em><u>Questions to the Reader:</u></em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">1. Have you ever been to a writer's retreat?</span><br />
2. Do you often feel your talent shouldn't be used, too?<br />
3. Promise never to give up??? (I'll hunt you down if you say no)<div><br /></div><div>Love your guts,</div><div><br /></div><div>-Tammy-<br />
</div>Tammy Theriaulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13128574900510175415noreply@blogger.com24