Writerly Things...11/27/15

Writerly Things...11/27/15
Traci Kenworth

So, I'm up to 5 pages a day on my main WIP. I try and write another page on my second WIP, research a future WIP, and write a page on a short story. Sometimes, things come up and I have to give up all but the main wipe activity but that's life. I try and focus on my main WIP all the time to keep it fresh in my mind. So when I'm doing other activities, I'm thinking on it. It's my understanding that a lot of writers work this way.

I don't tend to write fast, although I used to. I've slowed down over the past years as I've concentrated on learning more of my craft. They say reading is very important and I try to have several books I'm reading at the same time. I take a book with me everywhere I go. It helps to fill in the gaps and time lapses at the doctor's offices. Someday, I'd like to have a Kindle to take with me.

At the moment, I'm writing in the fantasy and horror genre, YA. I've always liked fantasy and continue far and large in the genre. Some of my favorites are Tolkien's LOTR, The Hobbit, and Silmarillion, more recent, Phillip Pullman's His Dark Materials and The Harry Potter books. I love to read Rebekah L. Purdy's works, including The Winter People books 1 & 2 (can't wait for the third). In horror, I like Stephen King's work (I'm currently reading Revival), Dean Koontz's work, Brian Lumley, Ramsey Campbell, Tanith Lee, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro and more. Some favorite YA's include The Hunger Games, Twilight, the Mortal Instruments books, and Christoper Pike's books. I'm trying to read out of my genre more as well. There're SO many books and SO little time!! But I intend to continue to push the reading.

What are some of your favorite books you recommend? Short stories? What is the greatest lesson you've learned when it comes to your writing?

Photo by pippalou at morguefile.

Reading Links...11/25/15

Reading Links…11/25/15

Traci Kenworth

Fantasy/Dystopian/UF/Paranormal/SF:

1.      http://www.brenda-drake.com/2015/11/the-ghost-chronicles-by-marlo-berliner-release-day/

2.      https://kneadforbooks.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/book-feature-cruel-beauty-by-rosamund-hodge/

3.      http://www.brenda-drake.com/2015/11/pre-order-thief-of-lies-receive-free-gifts-enter-to-win-the-grand-prize-pack/

4.      http://lynnvroman.com/2015/11/20/summer-break-blues-by-j-a-campbell-cover-reveal/

5.      https://jennykellerford.wordpress.com/2015/11/20/m9b-friday-reveal-cover-reveal-the-requiem-red-by-brynn-chapman-with-giveaway-m9bfridayreveals/

6.      http://www.thewriterdiaries.com/2015/11/who-to-watch-for-writers-celebrate.html

7.      http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/2015/11/collision-release-day-emma-l-adams.html

8.      http://writeonsisters.com/book-reviews/what-were-reading-shadowshaper/

MG/YA:

1.      https://jennykellerford.wordpress.com/2015/11/15/firsts-a-fantastic-novel-about-breaking-the-double-standards-of-teen-sexuality/

2.      http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2015/11/new-release-giveaway-plus-author.html

3.      http://adventuresinwriterland.blogspot.com/2015/11/cover-reveal-inflict-muse-2-by-cora.html

4.      https://rebekahlpurdy.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/happy-book-birthday-abby-and-the-cute-one-the-5th-backstage-pass-book-by-erin-butler-is-out-today/

5.      https://kneadforbooks.wordpress.com/2015/11/18/traitor-angels-anne-blankman/

Horror:

1.      http://horrornovelreviews.com/2015/11/15/win-chad-lutzkes-night-as-a-catalyst-in-audio-book-now/

2.      http://horrornovelreviews.com/2015/11/15/fiction-helen-mihajlovic-the-childs-revenge/

3.      http://horrornovelreviews.com/2015/11/15/john-connolly-a-song-of-shadows-review/

4.      http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/book-review-three-moments-of-an-explosion-stories-by-china-mieville/

5.      http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/look-out-for-slade-house-by-david-mitchell-and-slaughter-beach-by-benedict-jones/

6.      http://horrornovelreviews.com/2015/11/16/tom-waltz-silent-hill-omnibus-vol-2-review/

7.      http://www.parajunkee.com/2015/11/16/monster-monday-teen-vamps/

8.      http://horrornovelreviews.com/2015/11/17/jason-blum-the-blumhouse-book-of-nightmares-the-haunted-city-review/

9.      http://horrornovelreviews.com/2015/11/18/matt-drabble-asylum-ii-13-more-tales-of-terror-review/

10.  http://horrornovelreviews.com/2015/11/18/paul-tobin-juan-ferreyra-colder-the-bad-seed-review/

Mysteries/Thrillers:

1.      https://margotkinberg.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/in-the-spotlight-michael-redhillinger-ash-wolfes-the-calling/

2.      http://litworldinterviews.com/2015/11/16/just-add-water-jinx-schwartz/

3.      http://litworldinterviews.com/2015/11/20/book-review-close-up-on-murder/

4.      http://lizlovesbooks.com/lizlovesbooks/new-release-spotlight-the-silent-room-by-mari-hannah/

5.      http://lizlovesbooks.com/lizlovesbooks/new-release-spotlight-the-silent-dead-by-claire-mcgowan/

Short Stories/Anthologies/Novellas:

Indie:

Craft:

Photo by AcrylicArtist at morguefile.com.

Writing Links in the 3s and 5...9/21/15

Photo by pippalou at morguefile.

Writing Links in the 3s and 5…9/21/15

Traci Kenworth

Fantasy/Dystopian/UF/Paranormal/SF:

1.      https://fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/dont-be-hatin-on-prologues/

2.      http://unicornbell.blogspot.com/2015/09/stay-true-to-your-characters-voice_17.html

3.      http://unicornbell.blogspot.com/2015/09/mistakes-in-submissions-continued-time.html

MG/YA:

1.      http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2015/09/good-days-two-years-ago/

2.      http://juliemusil.blogspot.com/2015/09/writing-its-like-tennis.html

3.      http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2015/09/virtues-pencil/

Horror:

1.      http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/category/podcast/

2.      http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2015/09/15/dear-any-kind-of-published-author-write-as-much-as-you-want/

3.      http://horrornovelreviews.com/2015/09/15/enter-the-halloween-returns-contest-for-some-cash-a-promotional-spotlight-and-more/

Mysteries/Thrillers:

1.      https://writeitforward.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/respect/

2.      https://killzoneblog.com/2015/09/hidden-rooms-in-the-basement.html

3.      http://www.suecoletta.com/police-and-fed-terminology-for-crime-writers/

Short Stories/Anthologies/Novellas:

1.      https://coldhandboyack.wordpress.com/2015/09/17/amazing-sci-fi-shorts-by-nicholas-c-rossis-free/

2.      http://www.magicalwords.net/melissa-gilbert/probably-improbable-and-genre/

3.      https://litworldinterviews.wordpress.com/2015/09/14/jeanne-bannon-todays-the-day-launch/

Craft:

1.      http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/paragraph-mistakes/

2.      https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2015/09/16/is-perfectionism-killing-your-writing-career/

3.      http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/09/pain-brain-why-rejection-hurts-and-what.html

4.      http://writeonsisters.com/writers-life/disaster-tips-for-authors/

5.      http://unicornbell.blogspot.com/2015/09/pet-phrasespet-wordspet-actions.html

Book Talk…9/11/15

Traci Kenworth

1.      Summer Marked by Rebekah L. Purdy. Entangled 2015, Sept. Netgalley. Salome’s world changes forever when she is forced to go to Summer to evade the Winter Queen. With Gareth as her guard, attacks are frequent on them. They reach Faerie and are united with Nevin once again, after a sword that has been missing for centuries chooses Salome to wield it. Not long after their arrival, a golden tattoo marking her as Queen of Summer mysteriously appears. When Salome’s life is held in the balance by a former best friend, can Gareth and Nevin do what it takes to rescue her? Another Fabulous read!! I loved the magic, seeing what it was like on the dark side so to speak, and the characters involved. Gareth and Salome are still a mega-hot couple. I anxiously await the final book in the trilogy!!

TWP Sale!!

My lovely crit partner is having a sale on her book!!

http://www.amazon.com/Winter-People-Entangled-Teen-ebook/dp/B00H0V1UEC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1441025573&sr=8-7&keywords=rebekah+purdy

Writing Links...6/1/15

Photo by jeanneg at morguefile.

Writing Links…6/1/15

Traci Kenworth

Fantasy/Dystopian/UF/Paranormal/SF:

1.      http://www.magicalwords.net/misty-massey/its-con-time/

2.      http://unicornbell.blogspot.com/2015/05/random-generators-and-writing-prompts.html

3.      http://www.davidfarland.com/writing_tips/?a=504

4.      http://www.magicalwords.net/gail-martin/when-magic-is-the-problem/

5.      https://fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com/2015/05/26/outlining-with-note-cards-part-1-a-work-in-progress-for-my-work-in-progress/

MG/YA/NA:

1.      http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2015/05/five-books-to-giveaway-plus-new-yalit.html

2.      http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2015/05/some-thoughts-on-how-to-become-better.html

3.      http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2015/05/interview-and-chance-to-submit-to-agent.html

4.      http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2015/05/indie-spotlight-annie-bloom-books-portland/

5.      http://middlegrademafia.com/2015/05/29/the-writers-block-an-interview-with-dan-gemeinhart/

6.      http://middlegrademafia.com/2015/05/27/guest-post-by-kat-hawthorne/

7.      http://juliemusil.blogspot.com/2015/05/when-words-arent-enough.html

8.      http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2015/05/megan-shepherd-author-of-cage-on-not.html

9.      http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2015/05/cherie-priest-author-of-i-am-princess-x.html

Short Stories/Anthologies/Novellas:

Horror:

1.      http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/tih-045-carousel-written-and-narrated-by-lisa-l-hannett/

2.      http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/5-must-read-horror-articles-25-may-2015/

3.      http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/news-round-up-week-ending-22-may/

4.      http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2015/05/26/how-mad-max-fury-road-turns-your-writing-advice-into-roadkill/

5.      http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/2015/05/mostly-wordless-wednesday-turtle-rock.html

Mysteries/Thrillers:

1.      https://margotkinberg.wordpress.com/2015/05/24/and-who-was-wrong-and-who-was-right-it-didnt-matter-in-the-thick-of-the-fight/

2.      https://killzoneblog.com/2015/05/internet-fame-doesnt-always-help-book-sales.html

3.      https://killzoneblog.com/2015/05/how-to-build-a-solid-writers-platform.html

4.      https://killzoneblog.com/2015/05/how-to-build-up-mystery-lessons-from-an-indictment.html

5.      https://margotkinberg.wordpress.com/2015/05/29/ill-be-watching-you/

6.      http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2015/05/where-do-you-get-ideas.html

7.      https://margotkinberg.wordpress.com/2015/05/26/someone-has-altered-the-rules/

8.      https://killzoneblog.com/2015/05/is-our-writing-culture-in-mortal-danger-part-iii.html

Craft:

1.      http://ingridsundberg.com/2015/05/25/writing-advice-from-30-ya-authors/

2.      https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/choosing-a-genre-anatomy-of-a-best-selling-story-part-7/

3.      http://carlywatters.com/2015/05/25/why-you-cant-quit-your-day-job-yet/

4.      http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/05/what-makes-best-story.html

5.      http://www.magicalwords.net/melissa-gilbert/contractions-and-possessives/

6.      http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2015/05/5-rules-for-getting-your-query-read.html

7.      http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2015/05/indie-publishing-right-now.html

8.      http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/story-descriptions/

9.      http://www.parajunkee.com/2015/05/28/5-free-blogging-resources-to-perfect-your-perfect-post/

10.  https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2015/05/28/how-to-manage-scenes-in-a-novel-structure-part-8/

11.  http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/05/writers-keep-on-keepin-on.html

12.  http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2015/05/getting-unstuck-pure-craft.html

13.  http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/word-count-woe-what-should-you-do-with-your-very-long-manuscript/

14.  http://writershelpingwriters.net/2015/05/emotional-wounds-entry-victimization-via-identity-theft/

15.  http://janefriedman.com/2015/05/29/book-writing-dream/

16.  http://bookshopblog.com/2012/06/28/bsp/

17.  http://writershelpingwriters.net/2015/05/the-connection-between-emotional-wounds-and-basic-needs/

18.  http://blog.janicehardy.com/2015/05/why-every-writer-should-watch-mama.html

19.  http://janefriedman.com/2015/05/27/self-publishing-literary-fiction/

20.  http://www.thewriterdiaries.com/2015/05/tuesday-topic-inspirational-quotes.html

21.  http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2015/05/5-ways-to-get-early-feedback-on-your-book-idea-or-manuscript/

22.  http://writeonsisters.com/writers-life/5-writers-life-hacks-you-need-now/

23.  http://shirley-mclain.net/2015/05/31/how-to-finally-finish-your-writings/

24.  http://writeonsisters.com/writing-craft/do-your-characters-have-character/

25.  http://writeonsisters.com/writing-craft/test-that-scene-is-it-essential-or-filler/

Book Talk

Book Talk:

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Harry finds himself under attack by dementors along with his cousin, Dudley. Quick thinking saves him but it also spells trouble by the Ministry for using magic in a Muggle zone. When he is pulled into an ancient trial by Cornelius Fudge and other judges, he fights to remain at Hogwarts and not be stripped of his wand. He returns to school only to find that no one believes either himself or Dumbledore about what happened to Cedric and the reemergence of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. There’s also a new Inquisitor who has it out for Harry and his “lies.” This was a tense read!! I didn’t think it could get any better, but it has!! I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. Once again, I’m not sure which character I love more!! Neville really came to the front in this and as always Hermoine and Ron. Harry lives up to his prophecy. I spent most of the book hating Umbridge and I’m pleased with the turn out. Dumbledore also shone in this and dare I say it? Snape did as well. J.K. Rowling really, truly did an exemplary job with this world!!

Mia and the Bad Boy by Lisa Burstein, Entangled, A Backstage Pass Novel, releases 5/19/15. I received an advanced copy for review. OH MY GOSH, this was AWESOME!! Mia Reyes is an ordinary girl who meets bad boy, Ryder Brooks one of the five Seconds to Juliet boy band members and finds her world turned upside down. She has been kept supervised her whole life and only gets the gig as Ryder’s secret tutor because her mother works for the band’s manager. From the start, it’s hate-at-first-sight, lol but that quickly dissolves to love as they try and keep everyone guessing as to their true relationship (Ryder has told the band members she’s his girlfriend.). Soon, their first date is public fodder and private sensational. As the two grow closer, a secret Ryder has worked his whole life to protect is leaked and Mia comes under suspicion. Lisa Burnstein is definitely a writer to watch!!

The Winter People by Rebekah L. Purdy, released in 2014. Fantasy. I have to admit, I’m in Rebekah’s corner as she’s my critique partner and a good friend, but people, let me tell you this: this book is MAJORLY AWESOME. I’ve been struggling with a death in my family and this book not only helped me through the difficulty of this but gave me hope again when I’d lost my way. I say that because I was at such a low point and reading TWP helped me to find joy in life again. I’d read previous versions as her crit partner but this finished version I LOVE. Salome is afraid of the winter ever since she had an accident when still a child. She was saved from drowning in her Grandmother’s pond by someone a tad magical in her memories. The years have gone by and Salome is almost 18, an age that leads to a quick death in her family history. Forced to take care of her Grandma’s place while she and her Grandpa are away, Salome meets Nevin who seems vaguely familiar. Things are starting to look up for her at school, she’s caught her longtime crush’s attention and a new guy has started work at the local café. Soon, all hell breaks loose as a creature tries to kill Salome. Whatever it is, it’s clear it’s magical and the three new guys in her life are involved somehow. But magic is often hard to see the truth behind and it will take everything in her to not only believe in fairytales but to find a way to break the curse somehow.

Cover Reveal: Summer Marked by Rebekah L. Purdy

Summer Marked (The Winter People #2)

by Rebekah L. Purdy

Release Date: 08/04/15

Entangled Teen

305 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Fresh off a break-up with her boyfriend, Kadie’s glad to be home from college for Thanksgiving. All she needs is a rebound guy, a box of chocolates, and some girl time with her best friend, Salome. Problem is, Salome isn't returning her calls, and her family won't say where she is. Feeling sorry for herself, Kadie ends up at Club Blade, a place filled with pumping music, dangerous guys, and promises of a good time. However, when midnight strikes, Kadie’s fun turns into a nightmare as she’s ripped from the human world into Faerie by a vengeful Winter Prince named Etienne. For the first time in her life, she realizes the monsters Salome always spoke of are real, and they’ll stop at nothing to destroy her friend.

Salome thought the winter curse was behind her. But winter has left its mark. Not just on her, but on the whole summer court. The Kingdom of Summer is falling apart, and Nevin is hanging onto his throne by a thread. With war on his doorstep, he has no choice but to send Gareth into enemy territory, which means Salome will be left alone—vulnerable in a world she doesn't understand. A place where beauty is deadly and humans are pawns in the macabre games the Fae play. Both Kadie and Salome will have to call on all their strength to survive in a world where humans aren’t meant to be. With death and enemies all around them, it’ll be a miracle if they can survive.

Add to Goodreads

Link to Book One (The Winter People):

Goodreads

About the Author

Rebekah Purdy grew up in Michigan, where she spent many late nights armed with a good book and a flashlight. When not hiding at her computer and getting lost in her stories, she enjoys reading, singing, soccer, swimming, football, camping, playing video games and hanging out with her kids. She loves the unexplainable like Bigfoot, the Dogman, and the Loch Ness Monster (lots of good story material)! She admits to still having all the books she bought throughout her childhood and teen years, and she may or may not have an obsession with anything chocolate…

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

Cover Reveal Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours