My Writing Process Blog Tour

Good Monday Morning, folks! Today I'm participating in the My Writing Process blog tour. I was tagged by our own Dorothy Dreyer who resides here at We Do Write, and also here. Thank you, Dorothy!

For those who don't remember from Dorothy's post last week, the My Writing Process blog tour works like this: I have four questions I must answer about my writing process, then I nominate three blogger/authors to join the tour. They will answer the same four questions one to two weeks later. Sounds like fun, right?

I thought so. Anyway, here are my answers to the questions:

What am I working on?

I just finished the line edits for my first published novel, CALL ME GRIM, (a YA paranormal due to release November 2014, and whose cover will be revealed April 11th ... Eeeeek!). I am currently working my butt off to complete the sequel to that novel, titled DEATH BECOMES ME, and I'm pretty sure it wants to kill me. I also have another novel I'm writing, a YA thriller, that's waiting patiently for me to have the time to get back to it.

How does my work differ from others in its genre?

Tough question. My novels are paranormal, so I guess there's nothing special there. But I like to delve pretty deep into the characters. There are lots of little, hidden places to explore inside every character and I really enjoy finding those places and shining a light on them.

Why do I write what I do?

I've always been a sucker for an exciting story with paranormal elements. Perhaps it was my early (I mean, like, ten years old early) love of Stephen King and Dean Koontz. And then I started reading YA and I was hooked. I can't imagine writing in any other genre.

How does my writing process work?

Well, it often starts with a nugget of an idea, usually something small. For CALL ME GRIM, the idea was "What if Death wanted to quit his job?". I though that was a pretty interesting question to ask, so I built on that idea. I usually get a few scenes in my head, almost always including the ending, and then I sit down and start writing. I write in chronological order and during the first stages of the process I'd definitely call myself a pantser.

After I get a few chapters done and I start to get to know my characters, then I plot. Half of the fun of writing for me is figuring out how I'm going to get from A to B and how my characters are going to handle all the crap I throw at them. Yes, I'm a bit sadistic.

Now, I get to tag three more fabulous authors to take the torch and carry on. I hereby nominate ...

Kate Brauning
www.katebrauning.com

Kate is the author of HOW WE FALL, a YA contemporary coming in November from Merit Press at F&W Books. She writes YA contemporary and speculative suspense, and she is represented by Carlie Webber at CK Webber Associates. She is an editor with Month9Books, and a compulsive traveler, cake-baker, and music lover. You can visit her online at www.katebrauning.com or on Twitter at @KateBrauning.

Jen McConnel
http://www.jenmcconnel.com
http://jennifermcconnel.wordpress.com/

Jen McConnel is the author of DAUGHTER  OF CHAOS, a YA paranormal available now! She first began writing poetry as a child. A Michigander by birth, she now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she also holds a MS in Library Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.  When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches college writing composition and yoga. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.

Christine Fonseca
http://christinefonseca.com
http://christinefonseca.blogspot.com

Critically acclaimed nonfiction and YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find their voice in the world. Drawing on her expertise as an educational psychologist, her nonfiction titles address issues of emotional intensity, resiliency and giftedness. In fiction, she explores the darker aspects of humanity and delivers gothic thrillers that take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Her YA thriller, COLLIDE, will be released April 29th.

Release Party: Challenging Destiny by Cherie Colyer

Challenging Destiny by Cherie Colyer is now available on Kindle and to celebrate Cherie’s throwing a party and giving away fun prizes!

CHALLENGING DESTINY

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Kindle Release Date: March 27, 2014

Worldwide Release Date: July 11, 2014

Logan Ragsdale and his younger sister, Ariana, have been marked, chosen to be unwilling participants in a war between angels and demons.

Logan can sense something's not quite right. Like an unexpected chill on a summer's day, he can feel the unseen closing in. He's had these feelings before and, each time, someone close to him died. He's afraid this time it might just be Ariana.

Logan's fears are soon confirmed when he discovers their new friends aren't human, but rather representatives from Heaven and Hell sent to Earth to ensure he and Ariana accept their roles in an ancient prophecy. Demons want Logan to open the gates of Hell. Ariana has the power to stop them, but if she chooses to side with Heaven to spare the lives of thousands of innocent people, she'll damn her brother for eternity.

Together, they must derail the biblical event if they hope to save themselves and the future of mankind...but what price are they willing to pay to keep the other safe?

Challenging Destiny on Kindle today!

Kindle US | Kindle UK

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About the author:

Cherie Colyer is the author of YA paranormal thriller/romance, EMBRACE and HOLD TIGHT from Omnific Publishing. Her latest novel, CHALLENGING DESTINY will be available this spring from The Wild Rose Press, Black Rose Imprint. Check out her website and blog for news on her books and bonus material. Follow Cherie on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Goodreads to get the latest updates on her books.

Cover Reveal: Fingers in the Mist by O'Dell Hutchison

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Fingers in the Mist by O’Dell Hutchison

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Sixteen-year-old Caitlyn Foster never believed in the legend of the Redeemers. That was before the trees started to whisper her name. Before a murder of crows attacked the town. Before she and her family came home to find a bloody handprint on their front door, marking one of them as a sacrifice. As Caitlyn’s friends are ripped from their homes, she knows it’s only a matter of time before the Redeemers come for her. Caitlyn has the power to stop the terror, but she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to sacrifice herself to save those she loves.

Fingers in the Mist by O’Dell Hutchison
Publisher: Month9Books

O’Dell was born in a small rural town in Idaho. There were no Redeemers living there (that he knows of). After attending college in the Pacific Northwest, he found his way to the Houston area. By day, he is a Business Systems Analyst and at night you can either find him sitting at home, dreaming of random super powers he wishes he had, or directing plays and musicals at various theaters around Houston.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Five Things I Wish I Knew About Publishing Before I Was Published, by Jen McConnel

Happy Friday! I don't know about you, but it's been one heck of a week for me! Luckily, our pub sister, Jen McConnel, whose YA novel DAUGHTER OF CHAOS is out now, has stopped by to tell us a few things she wished she knew before she was published. But first, here's a little bit about DAUGHTER OF CHAOS.

Title: Daughter of Chaos (Red Magic #1)

Publication Date: March 25, 2014

Publisher: Month9Books

Author: Jen McConnel

There comes a time in every witch’s life when she must choose her path. Darlena’s friends have already chosen, so why is it so hard for her to make up her mind? Now, Darlena is out of time. Under pressure from Hecate, the Queen of all witches, Darlena makes a rash decision to choose Red magic, a path no witch in her right mind would dare take. As a Red witch, she will be responsible for chaos and mayhem, drawing her deep into darkness. Will the power of Red magic prove too much for Darlena, or will she learn to control it before it’s too late?

Five Things I Wish I Knew About Publishing Before I Was Published

The path to publication is different for every author, even for every book, and I’ve realized that no amount of preparation beforehand can eliminate all the bumps and surprises in the road. Conferences help, the writing community is a boon, but ultimately, at the end of the day, each author is on her own personal path, and she has to make her own mistakes and learn her own lessons along the way. So, in the spirit of sharing, here are five things I wish I knew about publishing before taking this amazing plunge!

1. There is no “one size fits all” model.

Not every book will be a good fit at a large house, and not every book will work out in the self-pub or indie market. There’s no one right way to pursue publication, but sometimes it can feel like published authors are indisputable gurus. Let me tell you right now; I can only speak for my own career, and each of my books requires something slightly different. Make the choices you want to make for your work based on as many factors as you can consider, but ultimately, it’s your choice. Your publishing career might not resemble anybody else’s, and that’s totally okay. In fact, it’s more than okay: it’s one of the most amazing things about being a writer.

2. Your book will not be right for everyone.

Gasp, shock, I know, but even when we may intellectually acknowledge that our books won’t appeal to every single person on the planet, that doesn’t mean we don’t still sort of hope they will. But remember; you aren’t writing for every person on the planet. You’re writing for you, and maybe the girl who cuts or the boy who believes in magic. Tell the story you need to tell, and try not to worry about who will love it or hate it.

3. Finding a publisher isn’t when your work ends; it’s when a new type of work begins.

You sold your book: congratulations! Celebrate, relax, but then get back to work. After you’ve sold your book, your work will shift from writing and revising. You’ll keep writing (I hope!), but you’ll also start thinking about things like publicity, social media, bookstore signings, and school visits. It’s a whole different kind of work, and one that may feel jarring after years of puttering along, writing stories alone and critiquing them with your betas and CPs. Don’t resent the changes; you sold a book! But be warned, your writing life will look very different post book sale than it did before.

4. The books you’ve heard about are only the tip of the publishing iceberg.

As a reader, I used to think I was up on current books, but since tumbling into the world of writing, I’ve realized that there are so many more books out there than I was keeping up with. It’s amazing and intimidating at the same time; there’s something for everyone, true, but there’s also the gnawing fear that people might not find your book. You can help get your book in front of readers; just think outside the box when it comes to helping people hear about your wonderful book baby!

5. Publishing advice doesn’t always keep up with the industry.

I love attending conferences, reading blogs, and stalking the careers of my favorite authors, but the publishing industry is changing rapidly. Advice that was sound ten years ago may be out-dated now. How can you decide which advice to take and which to leave? Follow your heart and your own path. Read everything you can, ask questions, and plug into the professional writing community, but at the end of the day, you have to make the best choice for your book. No one else but you can do that!

Thanks so much for inviting me to guest post today, and for hosting my tour! Happy writing and reading, y’all!

About Jen McConnel

Jen McConnel first began writing poetry as a child. A Michigander by birth, she now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. A graduate of Western Michigan University, she also holds a MS in Library Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.  When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches college writing composition and yoga. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.  Visit http://www.jenmcconnel.com  to learn more.

Connect With Jen

| Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook | Blog | Website |

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Cover Reveal: The Wild Hunt by Ron C Nieto

It feels like the week for cover reveals. So why not add another one to the list. Today we're taking part in the cover reveal for THE WILD HUNT by Ron C. Nieto. If you like faeries, check this one out.

The Wild Hunt by Ron C. Nieto
(Faerie Sworn #1)
Publication date: June 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Magic still lingers in the mist-covered corners of the world, wherever the Old Ways are remembered. However, as civilization and reason scoff at the Fair Folk, the paths to power have been forgotten by all but a few.

Lily Boyd was meant to become a faerie doctor, a warden of humans and a keeper of balance, until disbelief and pragmatism led her away from the hidden world and into a mundane life. But truth has a way to be Heard and she will be forced to face it if she wants to save her family.

Armed with nothing but her childhood memories and protected by a debt of gratitude she doesn’t understand, Lily must decide who to trust while she navigates a world that is darker and more twisted than she is prepared for.

And should she make the wrong choice, should she mistake friend and foe… the eternal balance between the Faerie Courts may shatter, and then there will be more than Lily’s life on the line.

AUTHOR BIO

Ron C. Nieto is a fantasy and romance author who has been writing in her secluded fortress for the longest time. Recently, she had a talk with her cat and decided that she should share her creations, because it was selfish to hoard them all for herself. If you would like to know more about her, please visit her website.

Cover Reveal: Shades of Avalon by Carol Oates

Today we're taking part in the cover reveal for SHADES OF AVALON (Shades Book Two) by Carol Oates. Take a look!

Shades of Avalon

Ben Pryor grew up as an average kid in Camden, Maine, unaware of the supernatural storm brewing in his Celtic blood. However, at nineteen, as the last born in the royal line of the beings that once ruled Atlantis, Ben has eagerly embraced his newfound abilities and birthright.

When Caleb, his sister’s mate, goes missing under suspicious circumstances, the prime suspect is the last remaining member of the overthrown corrupt Guardian Council.

With the discovery that an old acquaintance has been keeping secrets and the future Ben was so sure of shifting before his eyes, the situation becomes more complicated, the ransom for Caleb too high.

In the sequel to Shades of Atlantis, Ben will delve deeper than he ever imagined into the magical old ways of the Guardians, the secrets of Excalibur, and the truth behind the legend of King Arthur.

Book one in the series, Shades of Atlantis, also got a makeover!

Since the death of their parents, Triona Pryor and her brother, Ben, have lived with their aunt and uncle in Camden, Maine. Now in her senior year of high school, Triona loves her family and friends, but she has always felt that she didn't quite fit in...in Camden, or anywhere else.

Enter Caleb Wallace, the devilishly handsome man who has recently moved to Triona's small town.

While their attraction to each other is instantaneous, it also proves to be dangerous...and deadly. When tragedy strikes, Triona flees to London for solace and to start her life anew. It's there she discovers from an unlikely source that her family has been keeping secrets from her - secrets about not only her birthright, but her ultimate destiny as well.

Armed with this knowledge, Triona finds herself thrown into a whole new world and into a battle to save the lives of everyone she loves.

  

Author Bio:
Carol Oates came into the world on Christmas morning, in an elevator. Raised just across the street from the childhood home of Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, it was only a matter of time before Carol’s love of all things supernatural would emerge.
She began experimenting with fiction at school and keeps the notebook containing her first unpublished novel in her desk drawer. Over three decades later, all her stories still begin life scrawled on paper.
When not writing, Carol can be found exploring history with her son. Luckily, he shares her love of old buildings, castles, and tombs.

Cover Reveal: Collide by Christine Fonseca

We're pleased to take part in the cover reveal for COLLIDE by Christine Fonseca. Take a look at all the pretty!

Collide by Christine Fonseca
Publication date: April 29th 2014
Genres: Thriller, Young Adult

Synopsis:
The most dangerous secrets are the ones that kill.

When a surprising mental breakdown draws too much attention from a secret government group call the Order, 17-year-old Dakota discovers that her so-called boring life isn’t so boring after all. Between the lies, secrets and assassins out to kill her family, Dakota discovers there’s more to paranormal activity than ghosts and cheap mind tricks. Now she must uncover the truth before a new breed of terrorism takes everything away – including her life.

AUTHOR BIO
Critically acclaimed nonfiction and YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find their voice in the world. Drawing on her expertise as an educational psychologist, her nonfiction titles address issues of emotional intensity, resiliency and giftedness. In fiction, she explores the darker aspects of humanity and delivers gothic thrillers that take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. In life, she teaches her own children to embrace their unique talents and find their voice by being a force of positive change in the world.
When she’s not writing or developing programs to support children with exceptional needs, she can be found spending time with her family, sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite coffee house or playing around on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about Christine Fonseca or her books, visit her website – http://christinefonseca.com or her blog http://christinefonseca.blogspot.com.

Book Tour Excerpt: Stepping off a Cliff by Doug Dillon

Title:  Stepping Off A Cliff

Author:  Doug Dillon

The St. Augustine Trilogy: Book II

Length:  321 Pages

Genre: YA Paranormal

Released:  Nov. 29, 2013

Amazon | Goodreads

BLURB

An otherworldly, evil and dangerous force infests America’s oldest and most haunted city, St. Augustine, Florida. Everyone living there, or visiting, is at risk in ways too horrible to imagine.

Standing between this invader and the people of St. Augustine are teenagers Jeff and Carla, the mysterious Native American shaman, Lobo, and Lyle, the homeless guy.

In their quest to save themselves and all the inhabitants of this ancient Florida city, Jeff and Carla uncover lost parts of St. Augustine history, push past the limits of space and time, and come face-to-face with what they come to realize are the true walking dead.

EXCERPT

“You don’t ever have to be captured by what flows through your mind ever again like you are right now. You are not a slave to your thinking and emotions unless you allow it. You know this because of what you experienced with your ancestor back in December. Just focus on that sign in the store beyond the traffic and you’ll see what I mean.”

When Lobo mentioned being a slave to what my mind creates, I didn’t like that. No way, I told myself. Even though I knew he had to be creating those weird images in my mind somehow, it was hard to tear my attention away from the weirdness rolling by in front of me.

After trying and failing three or four times to read that sign, I got very frustrated and wished strongly I could just stop the flow of traffic so I could do as Lobo asked.

Right as I had that thought, the wording Lobo wanted me to concentrate on in the store window across the street finally snapped into focus. And instantly, the parade of strangeness passing in front of me evaporated, bringing back the usual cars, trucks and motorcycles.

And as I recognized each letter on that sign, the traffic in front of me slowed more and more. A few seconds later, I was able to read the words to Lobo. “Lottery Tickets inside!”

Book Trailer by Book
Dragon Designs

About the Author

A former award-winning educator, Doug writes about things paranormal and historical. His interest in the paranormal comes from personal experiences as detailed in the nonfiction adult book he and wife wrote titled, AN EXPLOSION OF BEING: AN AMERICAN FAMILY'S JOURNEY INTO THE PSYCHIC. Out of those events and extensive historical research, he created SLIDING BENEATH THE SURFACE for young adults, Book I of the St. Augustine Trilogy. Doug set his trilogy in the oldest and most haunted city in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida not only for those reasons, but also because it's his favorite place to visit. Books II and III of the trilogy are on the way.

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