Separating the Editor from the Writer

Writer: creator of the story and designer of the plot and characters
Editor: number one critique and the voice of reason

Ah, the editor. That wonderful voice that says you can't do this, do this instead. As writers, we sometimes create stories that are less than...amazing because of a lack of editing. Which is fine, really. In order to make good fiction, you've got to take some risks. But you also need someone (whether that person is you or someone else) to tell you when it's time to be sensible.
Today, in the light of this matter, we are going to talk about how to separate the creative writer and the sensible editor in all of us.
In my mind, there is no better way to do this than give a couple of lists. One for the drafting stage, one for the editing stage. During drafting stage are rules for writing without letting the editor barge in. During editing stage are rules for editing.
Well, here we go:

Stay Back Editors!: Rules for Drafting
1. Do NOT edit as you go. Write straight through without a backward glance at what you've already written. No fixing grammar, plot, characters, anything until the draft is complete. This ensures that you don't get lost in your editing before the story is done.
2. Repeat after me: It's not perfect and that's okay. Who ever heard of a perfect draft? Heck, who ever heard of a perfect book? Writing is not about perfection, it's about truth. And to find that truth you are going to have to experiment a little.
3. Be cautious about sharing your work at this stage. Now, I am not saying you can't show anyone and it must be locked down tight. Trust me, I know the troubles of a writer's secrets. What I am saying is that you should be careful who you show. Some may critique the writing you are just beginning to have confidence in it. Even if they are trying to help, sometimes you need to get through the draft before any kind of editing (self or otherwise) is done.

Listen to Me: Rules for Editing
1. Look at your writing with a critical eye. It can be helpful to look at your writing as the reader would. If you were reading this book, would you be confused? Would you find it enjoyable? These are crucial questions at this stage.
2. Split the editing process up. This is a long, often times, strenuous stage. It's best to do several revisions, with several different kinds of editing (such as plot, characters, setting, voice, grammar, etc.).
3. Don't get overwhelmed. Easier said than done, I know. Sometimes, while editing, it may seem that you have far too much work to do. Don't get discouraged! Writing is a process and an adventure. Often times, opinion overrides fact. Be critical but not overly so. You have something to bring to the world of books, don't you forget that!

Alright! So those are my two pieces on writing and editing. Tune back in tomorrow for my plan from prewriting to publishing in Ideas to Print: My Plan on the Road from Prewriting to Publication.

Thanks guys! Leave a comment below!

A Call to the Writers

Writing is lonely.
We spend hours upon hours locked up in offices and bedrooms and basements, writing words we hope will somehow mean something. It's a lot of work and it's not the kind of work that is going to make you a lot of friends. You'll miss out on a lot of opportunities to meet new people and mingle, etc, etc.
So why do we do it?
Writing is a duty.
It has been said that the job of the writer is to reveal the faults of mankind, give them a reason and a way to change.
That's some pretty deep stuff. We, as writers, are charged with the duty that doesn't make friends. Either you don't have time for a social life, or your writing doesn't make you any friends.
It's a brave work. We are charged to show the world what is wrong with it. A great many people don't want to know that.
A great many people believe writing is only entertainment. And, while it does entertain often, that is not it's true purpose.
And so, dear followers, darling writers, you must be brave and be bold. You must write what you believe. You must write the hard truth. And above all else, you must not be afraid to stay true to the story you are telling.
Many writers think it is all just entertainment. That the point is to give readers a "good ride". To you, I say no. Because writing  has never been about joy rides. Because stories have never been about the fun.
We write to discover the truth. We write to reveal the truth. We write because we have something to give the world.
Do not compromise your story with your fear of others' reactions.
This is my call to you.

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?

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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! ;)

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!

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!

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.

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!