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Wednesday Word: On Darker Topics

9/27/2017

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When I was little I never cried when I watched movies, or read books. I still felt things, and I was affected, but never enough to bring me to tears. Now, I cry over everything. Books, movies, TV shows, I’ve even cried watching youtube videos. This didn’t make sense to me at first, but as we grow older, we become more emotionally mature, and have a deeper sense of empathy, and things affect us more. And this does actually affect my writing.

In general, I like to keep my stories light, but they do go to some very dark places, in particular, in The Mansion’s Family, and Acapella Angels. I have to really tell myself to tone it down sometimes. People said The Mansion’s Twins is a family friendly book, I’d like to keep my whole series that way, and that’s honestly more about pleasing the parents than the kids.

I really enjoyed darker things as a kid. Maybe because adults wanted to shield me from it. Maybe because I didn’t experience a lot of it. But I think it was because it was fantasy to me. And I think most kids are this way.

I read the Hunger Games a couple years ago, and honestly, it was too much for me. I liked it, I definitely see it’s value, but it was too dark, too real, and the whole time I was reading it, I was thinking, “where was this when I was sixteen?” That’s the age I would have loved it.

When something is pure fantasy, no matter how dark it is, it’s fun. I remember listening to two different sad songs, and I don’t remember what they were, but one of them was about missing someone who had died. It reminded me of some of my characters, and I loved it, I wanted to listen to it all the time, and it never really made me that sad. On the other hand was a song about a couple struggling with a long distance relationship, thinking they’d might break up or something. I just couldn’t deal with it. It was way too sad for me. I realized this was kind of weird. Death is a lot sadder than just distance, or breaking up with someone. But at that point in my life, I had no experience with death. I’d never lost anyone close to me. But I knew what it was like to be in a relationship, and be apart from someone I loved, and even though we didn’t break up over it, that song still hit me hard, because it was something real to me.

I think it’s really easy, when we feel something affecting us so profoundly, to think it’s going to be that much worse for kids. They’re younger, they’re smaller than we are, so we think these big dark things are going to be too much for them. But they’re not as fragile as we think. A kid can be super nice, and gentle, and empathic, but still see a dark world as fantasy and enjoy it. They still have a long way to go as far as emotional development, even if they seem “sensitive” to you. Of course, everyone is different, and I’m not sure how weird I was as a child.

​Anyway… I wanted to put this ramble out there because I feel like most people don’t share this perspective, and rambling weird views are what Wednesdays are all about!

Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
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Tuesday Tips: Writer or Author?

9/26/2017

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Are you a writer or an author? Okay, this is going to be more of a silly post than actual writing tips, and in no way measure how ready you are to publish. This is the difference (as I see it) between non-writers, writers, and authors.
 
Before writing the book
Not a writer: I want to write a book, because bucket list!
Writer: I have some ideas for books…
Author: Hm, maybe I could turn all this stuff I’ve written down into a book!
 
“You need to consider your audience”
Not a writer: I can write something everyone will like!
Writer: I write for myself.
Author: I write for myself while considering an audience. If I didn't write for myself I'd be working without passion and never finish anything, but I know I have to keep an audience in mind along the way if I want my books to sell.

Our feelings on our work
Not a writer: I’ve just started and I’m so good at this!
Writer: The first draft is always bad, but at least I know I'm getting better.
Author: The first draft is always bad, but I'm overall good, right? Or am I? Ugh, I’m terrible. No, this scene’s great! But this one is awful, what was I thinking? *continues alternating every other day*

“I don’t think this is for me.”
Not a writer: Yeah it is, you just have to get to the good part!
Writer: Oh… *tries not to look devastated* Um, can you tell me why?
Author: No, and I told you 600 times I write for young adult girls. You’re an old man. No, I don’t think your sexist because you don’t like it, please stop talking and give it back.
 
Finding time to read

Not a writer: Who has time to read books? I’m already really good!
Writer: I try to read often, sometimes it’s hard but I know it’s important. My other writer friends say they eat books for breakfast. Literally.
Author: I eat books for breakfast. Figuratively. 
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
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Monday Music: Poema - Clean Getaway

9/25/2017

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Another song that emotionally capture book one Eva, even though it's doesn't quite work literally.
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
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Acapella Angels: Bonus Scenes

9/21/2017

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Finished Acapella Angels and The Mansion's Family, and looking for more Crossworlds? You've come to the right place! Haven't finished both books just yet? Don't read on, there are spoilers ahead!

Read More
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Wednesday Word: Daydreams of a Hopeless Lost Girl

9/20/2017

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This might be a little inspired by Jenna Marbles “Thoughts from a Bathtub” videos. I've got a lot of random thoughts in my head, but none of them are long enough to make a full blog post out of. So, here are some snippets from my brain:
 
It’s funny how when someone calls you sensitive, it’s meant to make you feel weak. But if someone has a “sensitive nose” it means they have a strong sense of smell. “Sensitive ears” means good hearing. Think about that next time someone calls you sensitive.
 
The difference between fantasy and science fiction is the difference between another planet and another world.
 
Whenever I feel nostalgic, and it’s more painful than it is fun, I just think about how someday, these days will be “the good old days.” Right now will be “a long time ago.” Twenty-seven years will be the young me. You’ll miss today someday. Live in the moment.
 
Why do we always say “busy bee”? Was there ever a lazy bee? That sounds like it could be a children’s book.

I went to the coast and stared at the ocean, because the universe makes more sense if you stare at it long enough. I realized that if the ocean could say one thing and one thing only, it would be "Anything is possible."

​The way we talk about love is so weird. One on hand, we’re told it’s the most important thing in the world, it creates happiness, and once we find it, we should fight for it, because with it we’re unstoppable. On the other hand, “Do you really want to give up (whatever) for just a guy/girl?”
 
It’s funny how there are so many types of dreams. Daydreams. Night dreams. Life dreams. Personally, I try to maximize the use of all three. Maybe that’s why I’m so weird. Happy Wednesday!

 
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
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Tuesday Tips: What's Weird in a Weird World

9/19/2017

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Imagine this: you’re reading a fantasy book, something involving magic, unicorns, fairies, etc… Things keep happening that would be considered out of the ordinary in this world, but are everyday occurrences over there. Then something else happens. Something that’s not all that crazy at first glance, but just something different. Yet everyone reacts like it’s insane. And you wonder, what's considered weird in a world that's already so bizarre?
 
I think the weirdest book I've ever read is Abarat. The whole series just kept getting weirder. There's so much weird, I could no longer tell what was supposed to be weird. Oh, the apocalypse is coming? How do you even know that with how strange things are everyday?

You want an enchanting fantasy world, and you want an exciting plot. So how do you keep your everyday world captivating, yet separate what's a crazy big deal?
 
  1. Establish what’s normal. How does magic usually work? Are there witches and wizards? Does everyone have magic? Do people use wands, or other magical objects? What sorts of magic objects are common? For example, ordinary magic in Crossworlds goes like this: There are twelve gifts. Everyone has magic, and almost everyone has a gift. Some gifts are more common than others, and some people can have more than one or none at all.
  2. Establish what’s rare. This might be much easier than saying what’s normal in a fantasy world. What creatures or objects haven’t been seen for centuries? What sort of powers are highly advanced/unusual? For example: Model making is so rare a gift it's almost mythical. Also, twins are incredibly rare. 
  3. See through the eyes of the reader. It’s easier to keep an eye on this sort of thing if there’s a character in your story who’s unfamiliar with your magical world. Someone from our world who just got there. With Ellie and Savannah entering the magical world with no knowledge of it, it was easier to introduce the world to the reader. However, we can't always do that. Sometimes you want to start your story inside the magical world. Just try to keep your reader in mind as you do so. You could even try a writing exercise where someone new does enter the world, and your other characters are teaching them about it. You'll learn new things about your world, and your characters. 
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
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Monday Music: Kelly Clarkson - Because of You

9/18/2017

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Bit of a throwback here, but this song always reminded me of book one Eva. It's not a perfect match, but the general feel of the song matches well with her own feelings.
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
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Wednesday Word: That Weird Thing I Wrote at Midnight

9/13/2017

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It's been a while since I've shared some of my writing, and this is going to be exactly what the title suggests. I was just having weird, dark thoughts one night, at got up at midnight to write this. So, take that for what it is. I don't know if this is beautiful or just something weird I wrote at midnight.
​

​When I first faded from this earth, you took my hands to tell me I was not alone. As I closed my eyes a final time, I held on to that warmth, and flowed into you. I flowed into your blood, to settle into your heart, my new home. I am the voice you hear as you try to sleep, whispering gently to you that you’re not alone, that I’m still here, still with you. Yet sometimes, I feel you so restless, so angry, that I could be shouting in your ears and you would not hear me. But I’m still here.
There came a day you met with another friend, and as you embraced him, I saw, I felt his pain. I slipped from your skin into his, to bring him comfort and warmth. I gave strength to his muscles, confidence to his voice. I saw him through what he needed, knowing all the while you wished me back. Cold and empty, like you’d never see my face again. But I’m still here.
He passed me back to you, and you carried me again. Warm again, safe again, and knowing that the empty times would pass. I have to keep moving, vessel to vessel, love to love. But I’ll always return to you. Soon, that faith will keep you warm even when I’m away.
Because I will be here till the day all my loves pass. And when all of them have found vessels of their own, I will move on to whatever comes next. Until then, I am yours, but not yours alone.
But you are never alone. My dear, remember:
Strength breeds strength.
Love breeds love.
Pass me along.
Pass me along.
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
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Tuesday Tips: Help Out Other Authors

9/12/2017

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​Before publishing, you might hear how "competitive" this career path is. After all, there are too many books out there for any one person to read in their lifetime, and more are being published every day. You've been told you need to make your book stand out above the others. It can be easy to feel like other authors are your competition. So, why should you help them?

As independent authors, we're all in it together. We learn from the mistakes and the success of other authors. We can share our stories (both books and personal) with each other. And just between you and me, it's wonderful to have people to complain to who understand your struggles. 

When you help other authors, they help you to. When everyone helps promote each other, indie authors get more exposure.
Most people think mainstream is the best or only option. People aren't always open-minded about reading self-published books. They don't always realize that the big, popular authors were once average, "hopeless dreamers" with nothing but a blank page and a full head. When all of us support each other, we open up people's minds to trying our books. Once they try them, they'll realize we're just as worthy of the "Author" title as traditionally published authors.

So, how do you help other authors?

Read other people's work.
Give honest (but kind!) feedback. If you don't like the book, don't publicly post a negative review. Instead, contact the author privately and make your suggestions.
If you did like their work, review it all over the place. Amazon. Goodreads. Your blog.
Like their author page, and tell them you're a fan. I promise you, it will make their whole day!
Promote the work you love. Share, share, share all over social media. Post their book links. Post your review. Post about what you're reading next.
Basically, any support you would like, give it to another author. 

I think we can all agree that the world would be a better place if everyone read more books. There's really no competition. S
upporting each other helps create a better world, where not only is your book on everyone’s reading list, everyone’s reading list gets longer and longer. Help out other authors, and everybody wins.
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
Also, this is the last day to get The Mansion's Twins FREE! Dawn's Acapella is FREE always!
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Monday Music: Yael Naim - New Soul

9/11/2017

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Sometimes, I need opposite sex covers of things and can't find one that fits perfectly. But how do I know Nathaniel's singing voice doesn't actually sound like this? Actually, this song works for everyone storm-created. ​
Mansion's Twins
Mansion's Family
Dawn's Acapella
Acapella Angels
Also, The Mansion's Twins is FREE today! And Dawn's Acapella is FREE always!
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