Planning a Story: Part 2

And we're back with more pre-writing advice!

After making a web, I start outlining. Here's what an outline might look like:

Chapter title

1. Event number one

2. Event number two

3. Event number three

Chapter title

1. Event number one

2. Event number two

I continue doing this for every chapter until I've outlined the entire book. And that's it. Voila! An outline!

What's your outlining method?

Planning a Story: Part 1

Today we are going to talk about the first step of writing: planning. For some people, this doesn't mean very much. Some writers do very little planning for their novels. They just jump straight in. I, however, do not. Everyone has their own writing process but here is mine.

I start off by making a web of sorts, like the one in the picture above. I write down everything I know about the story, connecting the ideas with arrows. I've found that as I write these things down, I think of more details to add to it. 

And that's it as far as the web goes. For more planning info, check back here tomorrow.

How do you plan your stories?

Editing Process: Waiting for Readers

So, you're down with your draft. You've got a few friends looking at the manuscript even. Now what?

Well, there's not a whole lot to do but wait. However, I TOTALLY understand that sometimes you just can't seem to stop thinking about writing. Here are some things you can do while you wait for your readers to send you their comments:

1. Read the manuscript...just make sure you don't add or change anything until you here back from your readers.

2. Record the manuscript. This not only keeps you busy, but it can help you figure out what sounds good and sounds awkward.

3. Find a good book to read...distract yourself with other authors' writing.

4. Find a hobby to keep yourself busy with.

Lots of love, all! And please feel free to share and comment.

Quote of the Week

I love this quote...like a lot. I mean I am nowhere near perfect, I'm a complete maniac, and I don't believe in normal people. With that in mind, today I'm going to pull apart this quote.
"Imperfection is beauty"
No one, absolutely no one, is perfect. So why does everyone think that beauty equals absolute perfection? Beauty is unique.
Take, for example, Rhiannon from Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy. She looks like no one else. But she hates it. Her whole life, she just wishes she looked normal. What she needs to learn is that beauty is different. Imperfections, differences, are what make us beautiful.
"Madness is genius"
Think about it. The most brilliant, creative people in the world were absolutely insane. Writer and artists are always crazy. In order to have a good idea, whether you're a writer or an artist or a scientist, you have to be able to think differently from most people. And that typically means madness in the eyes of most people.
                                                             "And it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely                                                                    boring"
                                                               I don't believe in normal people. What defines normal? It depends                                                                on who you ask. Normal means something to every single person.                                                                And to be 'normal', what most people consider normal, is to be                                                                    absolutely boring.
                                                               I hope this has been at least a little inspiring. Be unique.

Writing Fights

Even though it seems ironic for me to be writing about fight scenes, I'm doing it any way. 

I've struggled with writing good, intense fights from the very beginning. If you do too, maybe what I've been doing will help you out as well.

Problems with Fight Scenes and How to Solve them:

Problem #1: I don't know about you, but one of my biggest issues with fights is that I've never been in an actual fight. How the heck am I supposed to write something so intense when I have no idea how it feels?

Solution #1: There a couple of things you can do. The big thing for me was to live through others in order to experience fights. Since I was writing a sword fight, I looked up scenes from Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride, along with other movies that had sword fight scenes. I also looked up scenes from favorite books for inspiration and to see how they kept things moving. Even though it doesn't have any sword fights, Divergent was a great source to see how to keep any fight moving. 

Problem #2: My second issue was that I didn't know how to keep the fight going. Things always seemed too rushed and it made it move too quickly for most readers. 

Solution #2: Again, Divergent was amazing for this. I read scenes, analyzing how the author would keep the fight going long enough. Here's what I discovered: Keep a scene flowing with more moves when they fight, imagery as the fight goes on, and the character's reactions and thoughts throughout the fight. Another thing I did was take it piece by piece. Since I needed to slow it down, I needed to slow down the writing process. I wrote a page or even less a night, picking up where I left off the following night. I'm still not finished but I am much happier with how the fight is going.

Okay! So I hope this was at least semi-helpful. Let me know if you have any other suggestions or other comments.

Thanks all!

Unleash Your Creativity

"I wish I could write a book..."
"I wish I was creative enough to write a book..."
"I wish I was creative..."
I hear these kind of things all the time. People are always telling me they wished they were more creative than they were. Honestly, I don't understand. Creativity can come naturally but it doesn't always. Just because you weren't born creative does not mean you can't be creative. Creativity is a choice.
Of course, if it doesn't come naturally, you can't just sit around and expect that to change. Here are some ways to boost (unleash) your creativity:
1. Read a book.
2. Go for a walk.
3. Take a break.
4. Listen to music.
5. Exercise
6. Take a nap.
7. Paint or draw.
8. Do something with your friends.
9. Make something.

When Should I Send in my Manuscript?

So, you've written a novel. It's been polished a few times and you really like it. Now what?
Now, my dears, it's time to find an agent or a publisher. I know, I know, you're freaking out, right? I know it seems kind of scary, especially if you aren't sure your writing is ready for rejection or acceptance. I'm guessing you're worried about these kinds of things:
What if it gets rejected?
What if they say yes but I don't think it's right yet?
What if I lose my chance because I sent in the manuscript to soon?
I get it. I was worried about the same kinds of things. But I was lucky enough to get an extra push from my mom (LOVE YOU MOM!). If she hadn't sent it in, I probably wouldn't be published still. Point being, I understand your fears. They were mine. But you can't let that take control. There will come a day when your story is ready. It could even be today. But YOU need to be ready, too. And that's what this post is all about: figuring out if it's time or not.
How to know if your manuscript is ready:
1. You're happy with it.
So, yes, we all have those days where we just hate every word. But, for the most part, do you genuinely love it? If so, it might be time to consider checking out agents and publishers.
2. You're considering publishing.
So, if you find yourself wondering if someone would pick your work up, then maybe you're getting close. You may very well find your thoughts straying to publishing because it's time to move on to that step.
And now a few points on your worries:
1. What if it's rejected?
If it's rejected, it's rejected. It's as simple as that. I know, easier said than done. I'm sure rejection letters can't be easy to deal with. But have faith in yourself and your writing. Your chance will come.
2. What if they say yes but I don't think it's right yet?
Okay, here's the thing. The moment it's picked up doesn't mean you are done and it's published as is. I went through four or five more revisions with the publisher before publication was finished. Point being, there's still time to fix the things you don't like.
Of course, you've got to remember that NO STORY is perfect. That's impossible.
3. What if I lose my chance because I sent the manuscript too soon?
This is a silly thing to fear. How are you ever going to know that? If you live in fear of sending it in too soon, you may never send it to anyone. You're going to have to take a leap and hope for the best. If it's ready, it's ready. And there are so many publishing options. I don't know how you can really "lose your chance" so to speak. Besides, what if you send it too late? You never know what the future holds. Just trust it'll happen when the time is right and jump.

So I hope this has been helpful. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask!

Understanding the Writer's Mind

Odd.
Insane.
Eccentric.
Chances are, if you know a writer, they've been accused of these kind of things. I know I have. And a lot of the time your writer has probably taken these things as compliments. Again, I certainly find it more of a compliment than an insult when people tell me I'm crazy. But for the everyday person, this makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. And that's why we're here.
Today, I'm going to try to help your average Joe understand what makes the writer tick and how to deal with their sometimes bizarre behavior. Okay, so let's get started!
1. Writers are hardly ever completely in reality.
Whether we're talking about poets or novelists or anything in between, writers are constantly dealing with their stories. Being a novelist, I'm always at least one foot in the story world. When your writer stops paying attention to your conversation, it's probably because they've stepped further into the story. For the writer, reality is just plain old boring. They'd much rather deal with the imaginary worlds than every day life.
If a writer happens to get this far away look or stops paying any attention to the world around them, leave them alone. Their mind is elsewhere.
2. They do in fact talk back to the voices in their heads.
So, yeah, a lot of people claim to have little voices in their heads. But most of us don't actually talk back to them. Writers do. I don't know what normal people's voices are but a writer's inner voices are probably their characters or something. Mine are and, yes, I do talk back to them. Sometimes, arguing with those little voices are all the writer needs to be inspired. So, if a writer mentions an argument they had with the voices, it's OK. Don't be concerned.
3. Ideas may be dangerous.
I don't know how other writers react to getting ideas but, for me, they really are dangerous. I usually scream "epiphany" at the top of my lungs before grabbing something to write on and write with. I imagine other writers scramble for pen and paper just like I do. It may seem like a wild frenzied thing to do but there's some logic behind it. If an idea doesn't get written down immediately, it could be forgotten.
So, if a writer starts scrambling for paper and pen, do not be alarmed. Once the idea is down, they'll be fine.
4. Writers write.
Chances are, if you know a writer, you've worried about their eating, sleep, and social habits. They forget to eat, forget to sleep, and completely forget about friends and family. That's the thing about writing. Writers get into their stories and its hard to pull them out. If it's dinnertime and they're writing, it might not be a bad idea to leave a snack for them and leave them to their work. I know as for me, I just forget that I do in fact have to eat. As far as sleep goes, you may have to remind them that they do need to sleep. And socially? Writers typically aren't all that social. They get caught up in the story world, where their characters take them on adventures. Sometimes, we need to be reminded to have real life adventures.
5. Talking about writing.
One thing that you should never worry about is what a writer means, particularly if they mention how sad they are to kill someone. No worries, they aren't feeling murderous, at least not to anyone outside the pages of a book. And another thing: if you happen to see their browsing history, do not freak out on them. It's all research. They aren't planning to assassinate you or anything. No worries.
So that's basically it. The thing is writers are crazy, absolutely. But that goes with the job. They have to have voices to inspire them, and reality will sometimes be less real than the story world. But, chances are, they have a heck of an adventure every day.

Tales from the Bayou: Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy, A YA Novel, by Brit...

Tales from the Bayou: Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy, A YA Novel, by Brit...:   Today on the Bayou, I'd like to welcome Brittany Oldroyd with her exciting new young adult read. It's a story of dragons and le...

Fresh Start

So today we're going to start fresh with my blogs. This blog is going to be all about writing. I'll post advice, videos, links, and memes all about writing. It's to be used as a resource for other writers. If you're looking for information on me and Segolia, you should head straight over to my other blog: http://segoliablog.wordpress.com/. That is the official Segolia blog and will have information and fun stuff regarding the book(s).

What's a Writer?

Tip of the week:
If you write, say you're a writer. It seems like a lot writers don't feel like they write enough to be called a "writer." If you write a sentence a day you're still a writer. If you say you're a writer, you'll become a writer.

Q and A, #2

So we're back today for a Q & A. Today I'm going to answer the question I get in literally every book talk, especially with the fifth graders. ;) So, that question is this:
Q. Are they going to make it into a movie?
A. I would love if someone decided that Segolia would make a good movie. I certainly think it would make a great movie. However, its only been out for a month and half, even if it does feel like much longer than that. Point being, they don't make movies after books that have only been out for a few weeks. Time is key here. Well, that and the need for a huge fan base. We might get there someday but right now, it's just a book. Of course, if they did make a movie, I would definitely want to be somewhat involved. I'm a strong believer that the author has to be a little involved, but be willing to understand that there are limitations. Movies from books are someone's take on it so it'll never be identical. Right now, let's be content to have an awesome story to read. ;)

What do you want to know for today's How-To?

So does anyone have anything they want to hear about as far as writing tips go? I plan to share a little advice later on in the day. :)

Welcome Casey Bond and her book Winter Shadows!

Casey Bond lives in Milton, West Virginia with her husband and two beautiful daughters. When she isn't writing young adult books, she is reading them. She is surrounded by loving family and wonderful, crazy friends. She is active in her community and Church and still supports her alma mater, Marshall University. Go Herd! You can visit her website and blog  at http://caseybond.tateauthor.com, find her on Facebook, Pinterest and Goodreads.com.

Winter Shadows is a coming of age story following Claire, a young lady struggling to find her place in the world after losing her mother to cancer. After the American government declares a pandemic and forces residents into quarantine encampments, Claire and her father, along with other members of their Church and community, go into hiding in a cave system in rural West Virginia. While coping with the losses of her mother, home, friends, sense of safety and normalcy, Claire begins to pick up the pieces of her past, finding a new normal despite the darkness surrounding her.

While adjusting to a new environment, and the group of people she finds herself surrounded by, Claire is faced with several important decisions that will influence the path her life will take. Who can she trust? Who should she love? How can she survive? Forced to choose between Ethan's steadfast, mature love and the love of mysterious and dangerous Colin who appears. Claire learns the difference between infatuation and love. She becomes self-reliant and strong. Despite her newfound confidence, and the isolation in which she resides, evil is able to find her. While fighting against it, she reestablishes her faith in God and opens her heart to the possibility of love.

Winter Shadows is a coming of age story following Claire, a young lady struggling to find her place in the world after losing her mother to cancer. After the American government declares a pandemic and forces residents into quarantine encampments, Claire and her father, along with other members of their Church and community, go into hiding in a cave system in rural West Virginia. While coping with the losses of her mother, home, friends, sense of safety and normalcy, Claire begins to pick up the pieces of her past, finding a new normal despite the darkness surrounding her.

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781627467575 

Thought for the day: Let's be kinder

Those of you who have read Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy know about Edgeshifter. Throughout her life, she is known for being kind, compassionate, and selfless. Which is how she gets her title, Edgeshifter the Lightwanderer. She walks in the light, as it's been put.

There is a good reason for having a character like Edgeshifter. She is willing to stand up for what she believes, even if she stands alone. She's selfless, always putting others before her self. The world could do with more Edgeshifters.

That's not to say that we all need to go around hurting ourselves for the sake of others. That's not what I mean. No, what I'm saying is that we could all work on being kinder, to our families, friends, strangers.

Let's all work on that this week. When someone's in need, don't stand aside. When we are hurt, let us turn the other cheek. Because you never know what'll come from your actions.

Kindness works miracles.

Segolia Saturday: What's next?

It's Segolia Saturday and today I'll be discussing what I'll be doing now that Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy is out.

So those of you who have finished book one know how it ends. I won't spoil it for those who haven't read that far yet but I know it's driving people crazy. I know because it's driving me crazy too and I know what happens next. I'm anxious for everyone to be able to read it. I have written the second one, Segolia 2: Age of the Shadow (title still in the works, by the way). But here's the problem: Because Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy has only been out for just over a month, I can't publish the second one yet (unfortunately). The other problem is with the publisher. I've sold only a few books on their website (which doesn't look very promising for a sequel). But if you really want to get that second one out, there are a few things we can do to get it moving:
1. We need to get more reviews out there! I know, I know, I nag and nag about the reviews. But I have only five and I'm going to need a lot more to get people's attention. Goodreads, Amazon, you name it. We've got to get reviews there.
2. Tell people about Segolia! Seems easy enough, right? Book success is all about word of mouth. If no one's heard of it, how can they possibly read it? So, share my fan page, my book trailer (now on YouTube), this blog, your copy of the book, anything. We need to spread the word or book 2 will never hit the shelves (my biggest fear).
3. Read the book. This one is pretty dang obvious. But the thing is a lot people haven't yet (not pointing fingers by the way). But if people don't read it, then I can't build the fan base that I need. And without fans, no sequel.
So based on these things, I hope you're not freaking out and thinking there will never be a sequel. There WILL. I'm determined to see this through, as determined as I was to write the first one, despite a truck fire and all those other problems. But we can certainly speed up the process through spreading the word and getting people interested. Every author starts where I am now but with your help, that can change. I need fans that live and breathe Segolia the same way they breathe Divergent and Harry Potter. That is the key to success. I can write well, I can do all kinds of signings, but I need the help of the people to see this through.

In the meantime, I will keep editing Segolia 2 in hopes that interest will pick up. Hopefully soon. I want to get this thing out there. It's quite the book. ;)
Thanks!

TRIED, Excerpt

She knew she was dreaming.

Tatyana was somewhere she had never expected to be again. The only explanation was that she was dreaming, possibly remembering. Tatyana was at a fashion show, not only that but everything about this one was vaguely familiar. Then, Tatyana remembered. The fashion show in Chicago, where she’d been kidnapped by Glass’s men.

No, no, no. Not this. Any memory but this. Tatyana couldn’t relive this night. But she knew she was. The show was already ending. Soon, her captor would show up.

Tatyana started running, losing the black heels in the process. She wasn’t going down easy now. She couldn’t relive this night. She just couldn’t.

But the dream wasn’t going to let her run away from the past. After a few minutes of running, Tatyana stopped cold. It was him. The man that had kidnapped her so Glass and Pelletier could turn her into Subject Two, as they’d called her. Tatyana tried to run from him, but her speed in her dream, in this memory, was not superhuman yet. He grabbed her, dragging her into an alleyway.

Tatyana screamed.

Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy book trailer

Q and A #1

So, today I'm going to answer one of the questions asked at reading at Bookmans on August 12th.
The question asked was how long did it take you to write Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy?

And the answer....
I started writing Segolia when I was in ninth grade (in high school) but I had a few problems along the road. The major one was about a year or two after I started, I lost EVERYTHING in a truck fire and had to start from scratch. About a year later I finished. All in all, the whole process took about three years. And boy am I glad to be as fast as I am now. I went from three years for a rough draft to one week, depending on the story, of course.

*So if you have questions like the one answered today, ask them in a comment. I'm always happy to answer.

Update: August 13, 2013

Sometimes I really am amazed by how blessed I am. I know people say that all the time, but really, I have some much more than I feel I deserve most of the time.
Today someone told me they loved my book and wanted me to sign it. I was surprised. I always am when someone tells me they loved the novel. I mean, I love it too but its hard to believe I could write something people like and want more of.
And then, I learned that I'll be going to my sister's class for a reading on Friday. I've been dreaming of doing that kind of thing for a long time, long before I even started writing.
I'm just amazed by how I've affected people. I guess it just goes to show that if you're passionate and do what you love and put all your heart into it, it'll show. People notice when you love something as much as I love writing.
My suggestion to you would be this: No matter what happens, no matter what you love, do it with your whole heart.

Pop Quiz, #1 Answers

So here are the answers from the quiz earlier today. Here's a quick refresher on what the questions were:

1. Which people does Rhiannon belong to?
2. Which of the dragons partnered to the Guardians has black scales?
3. How do Alistair and Edgeshifter know each other?
4. Who is Aretha?
5. What is the name of the enchantress's eagle?


And here are the answers:

1. Naiads
2. Echosong
3. She was imprisoned in Idari the same time he was visiting at the palace.
4. The dryad who leads the Guardians to the Enchanters' Palace
5. Windrunner

So now you know. ;)

Pop Quiz! #1

This is the first of many Segolia quizzes. See if you can get it all right! I'll post answers tonight.

1. Which people does Rhiannon belong to?
2. Which of the dragons partnered to the Guardians has black scales?
3. How do Alistair and Edgeshifter know each other?
4. Who is Aretha?
5. What is the name of the enchantress's eagle?

POETRY OF THE WEEK: The Most Powerful Kind of Magic

So every Tuesday, I'm posting a poem either I wrote or someone else wrote, along with my interpretation. Today, its one of mine. I wrote this poem during English class last year. As you read it, keep in mind that it is a story, a sustained metaphor.
My question to you would be what do you think it means? Because it does mean something. Try to figure out what and comment your thoughts! :)


The Most Powerful Kind of Magic
by Brittany Oldroyd

In this land of great magic,

There was once a tower

Built to hide a beautiful princess.

She was guarded day and night by a dragon.

It is said that only one day at midnight

Can she be saved by a brave knight.

 

Day and night, our young maiden dreams of her knight,

Of the day he will come with the magic

That will set her free. She knows midnight

Will be her time. She has never stepped outside her tower,

For she knows the dangers outside with the dragon.

But how she dreams of the day he will come for his princess.

 

The hero has heard of the beautiful princess

That can only be saved by a brave and noble knight.

For her, he longs to slay the cruel and selfish dragon.

With courage to match the creature’s magic,

He wants to run into the princess’s prison: the tower

And set her free with the spell called midnight.

 

The wait comes to an end as it looms over them: midnight

And he steps up to fight for the heart of his princess.

He fights the beast watching the tower.

He falters, fearing a monster so willing to lock up a heart, but proves himself a knight.

With a giant swing, he destroys the creature’s dark magic

And there it lays a pile of dust, no longer a fearsome dragon.

 

He runs inside to greet her, no longer plagued by a dragon.

The time has come as it arrives at last: midnight.

The spell is broken with the most powerful kind of magic.

She has waited for this moment for so long. The princess

Knows she has found all she wanted when her knight

Comes. Lips touch and together they leave the tower.

 

It stands there even still as a long-forgotten memory. The tower

They left behind. He takes her hand as they pass the remains of the greedy dragon.

A dragon who tried to hide what must be. The knight

Saw the light and was willing to do anything for her when midnight

Came. It took so long, but the knight and the princess

Know their love, what the dragon hid away, was the most powerful kind of magic.

 

 

 

When Things Go Wrong...

Sometimes things don't go like you expect them too. That's life. So just shrug it off and keep going. Life has just as many plot twists as any story.

Monday Morning Manuscript Mayhem!

Long title, right?
From now on, on Monday morning, I am giving my readers the chance to vote on what I write that week! Thus the name, Monday Morning Manuscript Mayhem ;)
Here are this week's options:
1. The Infection, book 2
    Book one introduced us to a brand new world of vampires, where they fight to protect humans and don't believe in love. But Irina and Logan's story is just getting started. They've got a lot to prove before its over...

2. The Invincible Project, book 3, TRIED
    Kate, also known as Kat, the crime-fighting, half-leopard heroine of Chicago, was a normal girl until she was kidnapped and experimented on. Now, she's out in the city with a vow to stop the corruption and end the chaos that plagues Chicago.

3. Segolia 2: Age of the Shadow (edits)
    I've written the rough draft but it is FAR from ready for publishing. Vote for Segolia 2 if you're ready to see where the story will lead Nissa, Rylan, and the rest of the Guardians.

4. 2112
    What if music didn't exist? Well, its the year 2112 and no one has even heard of music. Until now. Alyssa Rose finds out about it when she's sent a mysterious message from the past. And as she struggles with the terrible events that led to its destruction, Alyssa will have to bring back what was once lost.

5. Blue
    This is the story of a girl with a secret. Orphaned, alone, mysterious, she has been hiding most of her life. She has lips the color of the Caribbean. Yes, they're blue. But soon, while falling for the introspective writer next door, she discovers that there is a reason behind it. And that reason will lead her to a world she couldn't have ever imagined.

Signing and Reading tomorrow!

Hey guys!!! SO EXCITED! :) My book signing is tomorrow at Bookmans in Flagstaff at 5:30! I'll be there along with a few other authors. Also, get a great discount on Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy. I'll be selling them for HALF the publisher's price!

Reader of the week!

READER OF THE WEEK
Every Friday I'll post one review for Segolia, spotlighting the reviewer! Today's spotlighted reader...KAILAN! Thanks for the five stars! :)

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was well written and very entertaining! I could hardly put it down and I cannot wait for the second one."-Kailan

Me either, Kailan. Hopefully, the sequel will be published soon.

TAINTED excerpt (sequel to TRAPPED)

None of the trilogy are published but this is what I've been working on. Here's a small excerpt of what's going on in TAINTED:

"I glared at him. I faces were just inches apart. Anger practically radiated off my body, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he could feel it.

Then, he punched me in the gut. I doubled over in pain, coughing. He’d hit me hard. He chuckled. Then, he hit me again, this time in the throat and then the jaw. I coughed again, this time hacking up a little blood. Each punch seemed to be backed up with more and more force. Either he was getting stronger or I was getting weaker. Or maybe both.

“So how about that offer?” he asked.

I said nothing, spitting and hissing at him.

“I’m going to take that as a no,” he chuckled.

He leaned the chair back even further. Then, of course, he leaned forward and kissed me hard. I struggled against the chair, wishing I could jerk away. Ugh. I could feel the bile in my mouth. This was so wrong.

“Got anything to say?” he said, lips moving over mine. Ugh, this was so gross. I just wanted to brush my teeth. Like now. I groaned but he ignored me. I had to get out of there. Fast.

Okay, I just had to think this through. I know, hard to do when you’ve got a psychopath kissing you, but somehow I’d manage. This room was completely metal. But as I looked around him-don’t ask me how I did- I saw that he’d left the door ajar, thinking I wouldn’t escape. I smiled, despite the fact that he was still kissing me. Perfect.

I lashed out, kicking him in the gut. Surprised by the attack, he grunted, stumbling back a few steps and dropping the chair. It struck the ground hard. Unfortunately, it didn’t break like I’d hoped it would. Before he could grab me, I rolled over, wrists still tied to the chair. I was glad my legs hadn’t been tied down. Hunched over because of the chair, I stood. Then, I threw myself to the ground, landing on my side.

       The chair splintered, the arm I landed on snapping. The tie broke. Quickly, I reached over, clawing at the other tie, cutting my other arm free. Then I stood. "
Okay! Keep watching for more posts about what I'm working on! :)

Possible Book Tour

OKAY: so right now I am gathering up possible venues to call for more signings. Schools in Arizona until mid-September, possibly schools in Utah, possibly schools in Idaho, restaurants, stores, bookstores, etc. If you've got ANYWHERE you want one. Let me know and either me or my publisher will make the contact. (As long as its plausible and not too far). Lets create a tour for Segolia! ;)

Pop Quiz! Who said it?

Which character in Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy said this:
"You leave me no choice. You have felt small doses of pain from my poisons. This will be very different."

As always feel free to share. If you have no idea who said this because you haven't read the book, check it out!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1625107064/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dpd_GwW0rb11P0K52
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-62510-706-0

New Story

YAY!!!!!! Just finished writing my latest story! :) The idea behind it was what if vampires were the good guys? In this story, vampires don't drink blood. They exist purely to protect humans from the fiery emotion sucking parasites known as fireshadowers. The other idea behind it is this: vampires are forbidden to love and aren't supposed to be capable of it. But what happens when young vampiress Irina Mondragon falls for human heartbreaker Logan Sammons?
If you want to know more, comment and I'll share more info, possibly a sneak peak!

How to: Find Inspiration

This is something I searched for, no, hungered for before I came up with the story of Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy. There are a few ways to get inspired to write something you'll love and stick with.
1. Write what you love.
Kind of obvious, I know, but very true. I mean, how are you going to write a fantasy if you only read calculus text books (i.e. Dad). So, if you like science-fiction, write it. I read pretty much everything, so I find myself jumping around but mainly fantasy.
2. Don't be afraid to play.
Fear when it comes to writing is silly. Just write what you think sounds fun. If it doesn't work, then oh well, you can try something else.
3. Dreams and thoughts.
When I learned Twilight came from a dream, I'd been desperately trying to find something. But my dreams didn't work. Sometimes dreams don't make good stories. But if it works out, great! Most of my inspiration becomes from thoughts and "what if" questions. Sometimes that's all you need.

Okay, thanks, guys, and don't forget to comment! And if you still want to hear about my latest idea, comment that you do.

What's Up: Get a sneak peek at something new!

I think calling it "neglect" sounds bad, but that's essentially what it is. :) Essentially, I am so caught up in writing right now that I pretty much forget the important things, like eating every once in awhile or getting a decent amount of sleeps. Writers! Have you felt this? Where your brain is so caught up in the story that you don't realize you haven't eaten all day or you need to sleep? Please tell me I'm not the only one! :) It's pretty bad right now, with this new story I'm working on. Still haven't thought up a great title, for now it's called Irina's Heart. If you want to know what it's about and see a little bit of it, comment! If enough people comment, I'll post all about Irina's Heart tomorrow!

Keep Calm and...

Let's make a new keep calm meme for Segolia together!
Comment with your ideas!
KEEP CALM AND...

How To: Make your characters REAL

Making characters seem real can be really difficult, especially for new writers. But there are some things that all writers can do, new or experienced that'll make their lives easier.
The idea behind a real character is that the reader can feel for them. Readers need to sympathize with the hero, hate the villain's guts (or possibly be confused by their actions), and hope the romance lasts or ends. Readers are in for a ride, and it's your job to give it to them.
The trick behind doing that is making your characters as real to you as your best friends are. You will most likely know more about them than your readers, at least at first. Don't try to reveal everything about your characters all at once. It just overwhelms the reader and they can't remember it all.
Characters also need to be fallible. No one is perfect, not even your favorite character. Their faults only add to them, and readers love them even more as they sympathize.
Example:
Edgeshifter is a good person, and we love her. She always does the right thing, even if it hurts her. We sympathize with her as she struggles and we hope for the best for her sake.
It also helps when we add little quirks and habits that bring the characters to life and make them more memorable.
Example:
Edgeshifter is nicknamed "Edge" by friends and family. She is white-scaled and has piercing blue eyes. These are little things that don't really affect her personality but fit right in with it.
Questions on how else you can make characters come to life? Write a comment! I love feedback.

Book Signing

Whew (not sure if that's a word but it works)! Things have been crazy! I've been running around like a mad woman, as I like to say. Point being, I haven't had the chance to update my blog in quite some time. Not even on my AWESOME book signing.
I sold 11 books and gave away a TON of push cards. If you couldn't come, we missed you and hope to see you next time. Here are some pictures to see what you missed:

Hope to see you next time! I'll be having a signing at Flagstaff's Bookman's bookstore. If you don't live around there, let me know where I should have a signing! I love to hear from fans!
Love ya!
Brittany <3

Facebook Fan Page

Follow me on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/SegoliabyBrittanyOldroyd
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Brittany-Oldroyd/184439745057495

Mailing List

Wondering what happens after Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy? Want to know about the next signing? Just want to be in the know? Join my mailing list. Comment with your email and I'll add you!

Happy Independence Day!

"I didn't fight to destroy the enemy. I fought to protect my people. To protect my family." -Deepclaw, Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy.
Happy fourth of July everyone! And let's remember why we celebrate this holiday! :)

How to: Explode a Moment

BOOM!
Ha, just kidding. That's not what it means to explode a moment, although you could definitely use an explosion as a scene to explode in a moment. Exploding a moment means you take a scene and go into extreme detail and zoom in on it. Typically, these are intense or dramatic scenes. For example:

Zandra swallowed hard, nodding. “She’s still on the gurney. Follow me.” Zandra led them down the hall and into a single room.

Even though he’d known what he’d see when he stepped inside, Zane still felt so broken at seeing the limp body on the gurney. Her eyes were closed, her head lolled to one side, and her face looked almost peaceful. She’d stayed calm to the very last breath. She’d been so brave.

Zane went to the bedside, numb. He glanced back at the others, sure they were feeling the same way. Zandra was staring at the ground, tears running down her cheeks. Then, Tatyana turned away. “I’ll be outside.” She left the room, standing just outside it. Jay followed her. Zane turned his attention back to the body.

He lifted her face, cradling it to his chest. Last time, the woman he loved died, he’d never been given the chance to say goodbye. This time he could. And he wasn’t sure if that was a blessing or a curse.

This scene is dramatic and scene seems to drag on.
Thanks for reading!

Amazon Reviews for Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy

GWR says, "I enjoyed Segolia it was well written and a fun story to follow. I like the style how it was writen from the perspective of the different prespectives. It is great for pre teen to adults."

R. Brinkerhoff says, "I really enjoyed reading this book, even though I don't typically read very much in the juvenile fiction fantasy genre! The author's use of multiple first person narrative was so interesting, and satisfying...I liked being able to experience what each of the main characters was thinking and feeling individually. The author was able to accomplish this while keeping a steady and pleasing flow to the story line. So impressive that the author is a recent High School graduate! I enjoyed the fact that this book is a "clean read", and that it contains elements of romance, suspense, action and adventure. I think that both adults and youth would enjoy reading this book!"

S. Draper says, "It is so refreshing to find a great book that is uplifting, creative, and entertaining without all the unnecessary foul language or suggestive material that many books have these days. The characters were easy to connect to and I loved the way the chapters were set up. I found this to be a wonderful read! My teenage daughter is reading it next, and I know she will love it. I highly reccommend this book!"

Susie Smith Book fan says, "This is a great book. Very interesting and a fun read. I love that it is something that even my preteens can enjoy as well as my older teens. Thanks"


THANK YOU ALL!!!!

Day 0: It's Here!

http://www.amazon.com/Segolia-Daughter-Prophecy-Brittany-Oldroyd/dp/1625107064/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372782326&sr=1-1&keywords=Segolia
BONUS! Reviewers of Segolia get a free short story! The Story of Me is a behind the scenes look of how Segolia came to be! Not available to anyone but reviewers!

Day 1: Keep Calm

Keep Calm...One more day.

Day 2: Author Fact

The author of Segolia (me) screams epiphany at the top of her lungs at random moments whenever she has a new story idea, or an idea to add to an old story.

Day 3: Segolia Random Fact

Fact: Originally, Segolia was going to begin hundreds of years after the prophecy had been fulfilled.

Day 4: Heroism

One word: Nissa.

Day 5: Segolia Quote

"There are things that I've done that they don't like. That's just how it goes. You cannot always please the world. Don't worry about them." -Edgeshifter

Day 6: Random Segolia Fact

Fact: Segolia has been a work in progress for four years. By the time I had fifty pages written, it was all lost in a truck fire/explosion.

Day 7: Quote

"What if life could have meaning again?" -Rylan

Day 8: Meaning of a name

Random fact for ya: The name, Nissa, means "friendly elf."

Day 9: Random fact

Sorry its taken so long to get this up. Computer problems...
Random fact: Stormblast was originally going to be a female dragon.

To My Fellow Writers: Something to Keep in Mind

“Your readers want to become somebody else for a few hours, to live in an exciting life, to find true love, to face down unimaginable terrors, to solve impossible puzzles, to feel a lightning jolt of adrenaline.” –Writing Fiction for Dummies

Just something to keep in mind while writing.

Fan-made trailer for Segolia

This is a trailer made by my cousin on Segolia. Awesome, right?

Day 10: Who's Who?

Having a hard time keeping track of everyone in the world of Segolia? Have no fear! Here's a basic outline of how everyone's connected:
Families:
1. Alistair and Serenity are married
Children: Nissa
2. Stefan and Elaine are married
Children: Rylan
3. ? and ? are married
Children: Edgeshifter and Deepclaw
4. Stormblast and ? are married
Children: Venomsting and Echosong
5. Hevar and ? are married
Children: Fireheart
6. ? and ?
Children: Reva and her brother
Romances:
1. Nissa and Rylan
2. Serenity and Alistair
3. Edgeshifter and Youngseeker

Let me know if I missed anything or if you need an explanation anywhere! :)

Day 11: Meaningful Quote

"You have a kind and bold heart. Follow it, and you will never go astray." -the enchantress

Day 12: Pronuniciation Guide

Okay. So this isn't in the book but I didn't feel it necessary as most people are saying the names right. But if you feel like you're butchering the names or just curious, here they are!
First, the places:
Segolia (Seh-goal-ee-uh)
Idari (Eye-dahr-ee)
Tresed (Treh-sehd)
Broen (Bro-ehn)
Lissinau (Liss-i-now)
Draconia (Drah-cone-ee-uh)
Awaida Pond (Uh-wade-uh Pond)
Giarda Isle (Gee-ar-tha Isle)-G sound NOT J sound for Gee
Okay and now the people:
Alistair (Al-ih-stair)
Nissa (Nih-suh)
Rylan (Like Ryan but with an "l")
Stefan (Stef-awn)
Reva (Ray-vuh)
Rhiannon (Ree-on-nun)
Shahira (Shuh-hear-uh)
Aretha (Uh-reeth-uh)
Fendrel (Fehn-drel)

I think I got all the ones that are a little tricky...If there's a name not named and you want to know how to say it, comment on this post.

Day 13: Announcement!!!!

I will be having my first book signing on July 12 at 5-9 pm at BTO Flagstaff Yogurt, Waffles, and Coffee! If you can come, come on down!

Day 14: Sneak Peek

"Who are you?" I said, wishing my voice didn't sound quite so weak.
"Can you not guess?" asked the shadow. He was just a black form of a man, cloaked in darkness.
I didn't answer, and the shadow man took a step closer. I took a step back but found myself trapped between a wall and the man.
"Stay away from me," I warned.
"No," the man said simply. Then, he lunged forward, reaching for me.
Instinctively, I screamed.

Day 15: Discussion Questions

Whether you've read, are reading, or plan to read Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy, here are some discussion questions for you. They could be used for families, classrooms, book clubs, whatever you want.

1. If you could meet any character in Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy, which one would you want to meet and why?
2. Edgeshifter healed a young elven soldier, which is the cause of her exile. Was this the right thing to do? Why or why not?
3. Why do you think Alistair helps Edgeshifter the first time she was imprisoned in Idari?
4. How has Nissa changed since the beginning of the book? Has she become a hero for Segolia?
5. In the maze, Nissa and Edgeshifter get separated and Nissa is forced to make a difficult decision. She allows herself to get caught to protect the staff. Do you think this was a good decision? What would have happened if she hadn’t run?
6. Rhiannon hates her skin color, though others think it’s beautiful. Do things like that happen in the real world?
7. Fireheart never gave up on her dream of being a warrior, despite what others thought about it. How can we learn from her example?
8. Fendrel lost his eyesight a few years ago. Why do you think bad things happen to good people?
9. If Edgeshifter had agreed to help Stormblast kidnap Nissa, what would have happened?
10. Deepclaw, in the beginning, was convinced that the fighting would continue forever. Do you think he was right? Why or why not?
11. If you were Rylan, would you have pushed Nissa out of the way of Stormblast’s lightning, fully knowing you could potentially die?
12. If you had the opportunity to become a Guardian, would you? Why or why not?
13. The enchantress said that Nissa’s power comes from her good heart. Is that like the real world? Do we hold power based on our hearts?
14. Do you think the elves and dragons could have chosen to stop fighting on their own? Why or why not?
15. What is the symbolism of having six Guardians and six dragon partners?
16. What are some common themes in Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy?
17. Each Guardian and each dragon partner have a message that we can learn from. For example, Rhiannon’s is that it doesn’t matter what you look like, everyone is beautiful. Can you name some others?

Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy

A LAND SURROUNDED BY WAR AND TRAGEDY.

TWO RACES LOCKED IN COMBAT.

A PROPHECY OF PROMISED PEACE.

 

When seventeen year old Nissa leaves at her father's insistence, she believes the trip to Idari will be a short one. But when she meets a young dragon exile, Edgeshifter, her life is thrown into chaos. Along with danger and mystery, Edgeshifter brings word of a legend as old as time itself. Nissa is forced into an adventure she isn't sure she wants. With only Edgeshifter and her heart to guide her, Nissa must embark on a journey full of destiny, danger, and legend. Her quest will require her to prevail over the shadows covering the land and save both the elves and dragons from ultimate destruction.

Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy is the story of a young princess's journey to become a true hero and follow her heart.

The Countdown Begins

So, Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy will be released 15 days from tomorrow. In light of that, every day, as part of a countdown, I'll post something specifically related to Segolia, whether that's a random fact about Segolia or its creation, a quote, a picture of a character, etc. On July 2, the release date, I'll be posting a short story, telling my story and journey to become an author and how it's just like Nissa's journey.
So, keep reading. Plenty of surprises in store.

How to Use Flashbacks

These are my notes from my 11th grade English class. There are a few different ways to use flashbacks in a story:

1.       Recollection: Most common technique; Using back story in fiction to weave bits and pieces of recollection throughout the narrative as they become relevant. Keep it short. Be consistent throughout the story.

2.       Full scenes: extended recollections with dialogue and action. Long and detailed. Separated from story.

3.       Italicized inserts: short italicized inserts. Occasionally, a direct address

4.       Letters and journals: character might write or read a letter to import (personal) historical info. Sometimes in italics.

5.       Dreams: can feel forced, not as natural. Use carefully and seldom.

6.       Frames: “story within a story.” Entire story is a flashback.

*Integrate small bits of back story early on if possible

*Trigger memories with five senses and emotions

*Transition to flashback with subtle phrase

*Transition out of flashback with actions, or other phrases- be subtle

Story World Template

This is really good for fantasy writers, as you have to create an entire world:

Geography:
I typically make a map of the land for this one.
Cultural Groups and Races:
What races are in your story? What groups of people?
Example: In Segolia, there are the elves of Segolia, the elves of Broen, the desert people, naiads, dryads, dragons, etc.
Plants:
Are there any unusual plants in your story world?
Example: dryad trees in Segolia
Animals:
Are there any animalistic creatures in your story?
History:
What history of your story world is important to the story?
Example: the history of the war between dragons and elves in Segolia
Political structures:
I go through each cultural group's political structure. So I write a paragraph about dragon politics, Broenian elf politics, Segolian elf politics, etc.
Economic Structure:
Again, I go through each cultural group. I write a paragraph for each group's economic structure, like if they use money and how they earn their keep and what jobs are available, etc.
Example: Dragons do have jobs, assigned by the dragon leader, but they have no use for money.
Social Structure:
Go through each cultural group, going through their society. What are accepted truths of society? What kind if ceremonies, educations, etc. are part of a race's society?
Example: Dragons have a coming of age ceremony.
Foods and Drinks:
What kinds of things do the groups eat? For example, dragons eat large game, whereas an elf might eat similarly to a human.
Languages:
What languages and dialects do the people speak?
Entertainment:
What does each cultural group do for fun?4
Sexual Roles:
In each cultural group/race, what are the different roles between man and woman?
Example: Elven women are expected to stay home, away from war and politics. Men make all decisions and fight.

All this information may never appear in the story but the more you know the better.

Bad Writing Day? 7 Things to Do to Get Writing

You're stuck again. The words just won't come, right? You want to write that scene but can't get it out on paper.
We all have those days when we just struggle with every word. Some days will just be slow and some parts will just be a struggle. But there are things you can do to get the writing juices flowing again.
1. Go for a walk.
Sometimes, a little fresh air can make all the difference. Go on a walk down the street, go for a run, just get moving. Sometimes, that's all you need.
2. Read a book.
After writing for awhile, your mind might just be on overload. Take a break and pick up a good book. Letting your mind take it easy may inspire you.
3. Listen to music.
Music can be inspiring. If your stuck on a particular scene, try listening to music that fits the tone of the scene. It could make a huge difference. If that fails, just listening to music and relaxing can clear your mind.
4. Struggle through it.
Easier said than done, right? But if you have to meet a deadline or just want to get through it, you can just push yourself through the scene. If you have to, just sloppily write it out. You can always fix it later. Sometimes, getting it out on paper makes a big difference.
5. Relax.
Take a bath, take a nap, eat something, socialize. If you've been writing for awhile, you might be getting a little distracted. Attention might grow short. If you need a break, take one!
6. Pacing.
Sometimes we see this on the movies. Someone pacing as they plan. This is my personal remedy for blocks. Sometimes, just focusing your energy on walking back and forth while you think can make a difference.
7. Talk to someone.
Another thing you can do is just talk to someone about what you're having a hard time. I usually tell my sister what the problem is. Most of the time, I get an idea when I'm explaining the problem.
So that's it. Next time your stuck, give these a try. Different remedies work for different people. You never really know what'll work until you give it a try!

The Adventure Begins...

"A land surrounded by war and tragedy. Two races locked in combat. A prophecy of promised peace."

The adventure begins July 2, 2013. Order your copy now.

Segolia Release Date

One more month to go. Segolia comes out July 2, 2013. Book signings will quickly follow. Spread the word! Don't want to wait that long? Order online from tatepublishing.com/bookstore. :)

Memorial Day: Remember

From the eyes of a warrior:
"I stood on the Plains, watching the battle that never seemed to end. Day after day, we fought the elves. Day after day, I watched elf and dragon fall. I'd seen enough to understand that it would never end. It couldn't ever end. No one could stop this madness." -Deepclaw, Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy
Remember those who serve our country.

Segolia Donation

I will donate 20% of net proceeds of my book, Segolia, to the victims of the Oklahoma tornado.

Sacrifice's Hero

Sacrifice is the mark of a true hero. Edgeshifter wears this mark as she makes decisions that lead her to walk the loneliest path. Do you think she should have or should she have gone with the flow, like everyone else?

Party Animal

Anyone ever take the color personality test? They separate you be colors based on your personality and who you think you are. Its supposed to be super accurate. According to it, I am a yellow. Which means I'm a party animal who loves to be the center of attention. Hmm..surprisingly true. ;)

Party Animal

Anyone ever take the color personality test? They separate you be colors based on your personality and who you think you are. Its supposed to be super accurate. According to it, I am a yellow. Which means I'm a party animal who loves to be the center of attention. Hmm..surprisingly true. ;)

How-to: Character Profile

Character profiles help writers create real characters. Here's how I do mine:Name
Age
Biography (Family, friends, what brought the character where they are now, etc.)
Height
Weight/Body type (Are they skinny or heavy, lean or just slender)
Face Type (heart, oval, round, square)
Complexion
Eyes (color and shape)
Hair
Clothing style
Speaking style (fast, quiet, loud, careful, etc.)
General demeanor
Career
Prejudices
Best Qualities
Worst Qualities
Hobbies
Talents
What they see (when they look at the world do they see violence or hope, etc.)
Perceives the world as something... (change, save, end, etc.)
Setting
How do they react to a new environment?
Introspection (what they need to realize, whether they do or not)
Confidence (high, low, too high)
What do they hear? (rumors, gossip, compliments, etc.)
What they really think/say when alone?
Pet phrases and slang
Liar? (yes, no, about what)
Silence (do they like it, how do they deal with it)
Reaching for what in life
Goal
Heart's desire
It'd be nice to have...
They need...
Where they're going through story
Wants...
Action willing to take to get what they want
Obstacles
Overcomes obstacles by...
Stands with/for...
Believes...
Fights for...
Will die for...
3 Wishes
3 Fears
Flaws
3 Heroic qualities (even the bad guy has some!)

This template may seem like overkill but the more you know about a character the better. They become real to you and to your readers!!! Feel free to use!

A beautiful World

Sometimes, the thing we wanted isn't what we needed. I thought I was where I was supposed to be, but I wasn't. But I am now. I feel free, like I'm flying, but solid as a mountain. It's beautiful.

Where do I belong?

In the story. Reality is hard to face. It's too real. I can't be me there. I don't know how. But in that other world, I make the rules. No one can approve or disapprove. It's all me. It's easier to face, easier to be myself there. 

In the real world, I am liked, ignored, loved. Its much simpler in the story world. No one does anything to me. There aren't any complicated emotions with the people  create. We understand each other completely.

That's the world I belong in.

Moving Forward

So, today I got the final copy of my novel. with luck, its re Aaron ready for print.

Segolia Saturday!

"The road you must follow will not e an easy one...Your losses will be much greater than others. You will be defeated, but you cannot give up. Many will need your strength." -Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy

lie vs lay

Standing Alone
I fought so hard
Against their rules and ways
They never let down their guard
I fought for a thousand days
But I tire so very easily, so fast
They are without number
I cannot last
Against those that are not humbler
And I have to ask you now
Do you feel like you can win even still?
Do you feel like you can bow?
Are you feeling like they cannot kill?
Because I’m not now

a challenge for my fellow writers

Prom Pizza

Pizza for
prom
I
didn't even
know
silly I know now
i said yes!

Help My Poem

The Ocean

Some people just dip their feet in one step at a time
Not wanting to get sucked into the depths of the sea
Some dive right in
Thinking they have nothing to fear
But as for me, I stand on the shore
Waiting for the ocean to come to me

It‘s like waiting for a rainstorm
There‘s not really a way to tell
When its coming to you

PLEASE THIS POEM NEEDS HELP

Now that i have your attention. give me feedback on what i can do with this mess of metaphors

I See

Impact
Brilliance flashes
Like a firework sparking across my eyes
More beautiful than a rose garden
More dramatic than anything I can think of
Brighter than a thousand suns
I have never seen
As I do now
How can someone be blind
And not know it?

Connections

I've been thinking a lot about the themes of my novel lately. I never realized how deeply the story is connected to the real world. Yes, it's a fantasy, not at all realistic. But the story shows that people can change. Forgiveness is a huge part of Segolia. I think it's something we all need to remember. It's never too late to be forgiven. There is no mistake to great. We can always find peace of mind.

Hero

"Even if you fight, you have managed to preserve lives that others would destroy."
- Edgeshifter, Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy
Now that's a true hero. Who is your hero?

Ask Away

I said this last week, but I'm going to repeat myself now.
If you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them. Obviously, I'm not going to give away any story endings but other than that, ask away!

Just What I Need

She stands hesitantly, watching her surroundings that seems to put her in the background. Her dark hair is pulled back in a pony tail, rushed by the morning lateness. Her eyes are far away, as if she's staring into some distant world that only she can see...

Yeah. That girl is me, and the thing is I do stare off into another world. Whenever life gets hard, I disappear into that other world. It may not always be happier, but its a place full of magic and mystery. Just what I need.

Why?

When I was writing my novel, I got the funniest responses. If they make a movie, I want in. When you' 're rich and famous, don't forget me. The best one was always why?That simple question was asked with horror. Like, why would you do something like that? I mean, based on their response, you'd think I'd killed somebody.
I would always laugh and shrug. I wrote because I enjoyed it.
But I never realized how much that simple desire would affect other people. Now that it's getting published, other writers come and let me know that I have rekindled their desire to write. I didn't know that would happen. It makes me feel like I have great purpose, that I can not only entertain readers, but inspire them.
Yes, you can achieve greatness. It's not just for the rich and famous. It's for the dreamers.
So for those horror- struck people, that's why. I love write, it's my passion. But I love to inspire too. What else could I want?

An Author

So, if you haven' t seen this yet, this is the picture to be on the back of the novel, with my author' s bio.

Shattered

"The glass is scattered across the floor like broken dreams and the pieces of wishes long forgotten. The water pools on the floor, almost daring me to slip on it. The glass is threatening to slice open my skin if I try to clean up the mess. That’s not what’s so tragic about the whole thing though. The tragedy is the wilting flowers dying on the floor. The tragedy is knowing that the flowers, the best part of the arrangement, will die. And all it takes is the slip of a finger.
I’ve decided life is just like that vase of flowers. It can be beautiful, full of life and color. But, when that finger slips, it all comes crashing down. The pieces of the vase seem too broken to possibly be able to put it back together. And then there’s the tragedy of it all. The flowers are left on the floor, surrounded by the glittering pieces of glass. But soon they will wither and die. That’s what makes it so tragic. When the vase is smashed, there’s nothing left. Everything that was once in the vase dies."

This is opening paragraph from a new story about an alcoholic overcoming his addiction after his world is shattered by the death of his girlfriend. A death he caused while driving under the influence.

"Let your hearts rejoice"

I was reading my scriptures the other day when I came upon this phrase. "Let your hearts rejoice." I think it's something we should all remember. I think sometimes, we try to find the bad, like we just want to have something to complain about. I wonder if we just want others sympathy. but the thing is why do we need someone's sympathy? I think we should try to more often be happy. Focus on what you have.
Me, for example. I really have no right to complain about anything. I have healthy body. I'm beautiful in my own way. My biggest dream is coming true and I'm not even out of high school yet. I can write and have been blessed with determination.
I can't even complain about my flaws. Like my clumsiness. It is good for a laugh and it adds some personality.
So, I have no right to be ungrateful. From now on, I am going to let my heart rejoice.

Meaning of life and a life of meaning

“You can’t give up yet. What if this could change everything for you? What if life could have meaning again?” - Rylan, Segolia: Daughter of Prophecy

 And really, that's what counts. If you don't try, you will probably never know the path you missed. A meaningful life is about taking chances and never giving up.
And there you go for Segolia Saturday. That was a quote from my own novel
 Thanks!

questions, anyone?

So, I was thinking about it, and I figure this could be fun.
From now on, every Friday, I will answer any questions anyone might have. About writing, about nonconfidential information about Segolia, whatever you want to know.
So, ask away!

I Am Me

Whenever people look at me, they see something. Strangers see a random teenager, studious, quiet, one to stay in the background. My family sees the girl obsessed with writing and reading. My friends see a clumsy but strange girl who loves to have fun and laugh. I always am labeled by something, by someone. But really, who has the right to say who I am?
I am whatever I want to be. I am a writer. I am a clutz. I am a student. I am a girlfriend. I am a daughter and a sister. I am me.

Unstoppable

For my fellow writers, this post is for you.
When I decided to write a novel, I was only 13 or 14. I wasn't all that serious about it. I just thought it might be fun. I never could have guessed how far it would go. I'm still not sure how successful it will be in the world.
I've been thinking a lot about it and I realized something. I may not remember the exact moment I decided to write a novel, but I remember the moment I became serious about it. It was the fall of my freshman year in high school. In English, we were reading a story in which a character wanted to be a novelist but had given up. I realized that I really didn't want that to be me. How sad would it be to have such a wonderful dream and give up on it?
And that was the moment it all changed. Something changed within me, and I couldn't go back to thinking about writing a novel every once in a great while. I knew that no matter what it took, I WOULD finish a novel. And I did.
From that moment on, I was so determined to do it that nothing could stand in my way, not writer's block, not even a truck fire that would destroy all I had written. I was unstoppable.

Welcome to 2013

Happy New Year's Day!
So. starting off today, I am starting fresh with the blog and giving it a new look. Along with posting scenes and poetry, I will start posting videos and pictures. Since my novel will be coming out in a few months time, I am going to start a countdown of sorts. Every saturday, in something called, "Segolia Saturday" I will post a quotation every day from the novel. On the Saturday before the novel is released, I will post a scene.
With all these new changes, I hope you enjoy "The Writer Within." Thanks!