Wednesday, July 24, 2013

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.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

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!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Keep Calm and...

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

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

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.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

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

Saturday, July 6, 2013

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!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

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! :)

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

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!!!!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013