Camp NaNoWriMo

Well, guys. I'm at it again. Doing Camp NaNo. Most likely, I'm behind. And most likely, I'm not happy about it. I wouldn't know, since I wrote this post right before midnight on the 30th. I'm just guessing, because I know my future self so well. We're a lot alike.

Most likely I'm sitting on my computer, looking at Facebook as you read this. If not, I'm probably on Pinterest. Hiding. From my story and all of the scary parts that just terrify me.

Yeah, writers get scared too. Big shock, I know. I mean, somewhere amidst the brutal murders and insane plot twists, we have to get afraid of something. I know I do.

Here are a few things I become afraid of while writing a story.

1. That it ends up boring. I'm sure every writer is scared of this while working on the first draft. Unless they're very popular and can do no wrong in the eyes of their readers (Must be nice). But, really though. It's pretty scary. Say you start out with this awesome plot line and everything's going great, until you decide to read over it to gather your inspiration up a bit. Bad decision. Turns out, you find yourself skipping over parts because you can't stand how boring it is. And then you realize -gasp- that if YOU find it boring, so will your readers! 
2. My characters. This may sound silly to you. But I'm serious. I'm afraid of my characters. Do you know what I go through with them? DO YOU? Every. Single. Day. They make me mad. They do things in the stories that I didn't plan for, and then they cause everything to become wild and crazy and then my story messes up and I feel like I ruined it. So, yes, I'm afraid of them.
3. I'm scared of how it will be received. This is, after all, a story that will be read and handled by the public. It will be criticized and dragged through the dirt. And that scares me. I work so hard on these things. But it's not even the critiquing that scares me. It's the fact that I write about so many difficult topics that people want pushed under the rug, so to speak. I mean, who really wants to read about bullying and self-harmers? Who wants to read about a girl who tried to be perfect, but could never quite measure up? Really, I'm afraid it'll all be for nothing in the end. 
4. I'm afraid of how the book will affect me. It seems funny, right? But it's not. When I write about something like this . . . it hurts and it never lets you forget about what you learned to write this book. It never lets go of you, and I think that . . . writing a book like this can change your life, the way you look at life, and the way you respect things around you. But will it be for better, or for worse?

So, while I go drown my fears with Pinterest and Facebook and (hopefully) chocolate, you just think about what you fear about your story, and share it (if you want) in the comments. If you don't want to, then don't. It's not like I can do anything about it.


Now, I'm going to go before I fall asleep on the keyboard. Yeah, I'm THAT tired. Happy April! And Happy Camp NaNo (for those of you doing it)! And . . . . may the odds be ever in your favor. 


God bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV

Fashion Tag!

The fashion tag . . . . I was tagged by Leah from Apassionata. Thanks Leah!

1) How would you describe your style?

Modest and casual. I'm just the kind of girl that doesn't even care what I'm wearing, as long as it matches and fits my comfort zone.

2) What are your wardrobe staples?

  The awkward moment when you don't know what this means. . . And Google doesn't have the answer. Thankfully I have a best friend . . . who doesn't know either . . . but her mother does. So, I'm just going to say: Maxi skirts and heeled boots. I can't live without those. 

3) Most expensive item you own?

Most likely, it's under $12. If I bought it. I refuse to pay more than $12 for one dress, or even $8 for a shirt, so . . . yeah. Pretty sure it's a lovely purple dress that I wear every time I get the chance.

4) Most wanted item?

 

At this moment . . . something light and pretty, with a colorful pattern. Maybe a skirt or dress. 

 
5) Favorite Designer?

 

O.o I . . . don't know. Um . . . I don't have one. 

 

 
6) How much do you spend on clothing?

 

 Annually? Around $100-$150. Individually? I'm picky about prices. If a dress is over $12, I'll refuse to buy it, unless I absolutely love it. I never buy a shirt over $8, no matter what. I can find cheaper, just as cute things elsewhere. Skirts can't go over $10. This is how I got 15 items for just over $50 once. Well, actually, nearly every time I shop.

7) Favorite places to shop?

 

Ross', Goodwill's, and thrift shops. 

 

8) Favorite fragrance? 

 

I like lavender and lemon scented things. I don't have a particular fragrance that I like, though.  

 

9) Favorite way to have your hair?

 

I love trying to braid my hair. I'm not very good at it yet, but I'm working on it. I normally just leave my hair down and not brush it for days, because I'm so awesome (AKA, lazy). 

 

10) What is your go-to outfit when you have no idea what to wear?

Jean skirt and random shirt. 

11) Most prized possession?

 

My books. Oh, you meant clothes? Uh . . . . my heeled boots. I love them. I've had them for about two years now, and they're great. They go all the way up to my knee, so the help with modesty. Not to mention they were my first pair of boots, ever. 

 

 

Now I have to TAG people. O_O Which means I have to beg someone who wants to do it. Um . . . . 

Anyone who wants to do it! 

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE I COULD THINK OF, BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WANTS TO DO IT. ;~;

 

Blog Promotion!

So, I just wanted to tell you darling, sweet, beautiful, ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC people that I have another blog. I co-blog it with a few other girls. If you know me on Facebook, you've probably heard of it. If not, well then, today is going to be a good day for you! It's called . . . .

A Pinch of Classy

Now, this is one awesome blog. And we're planning on having a giveaway very, very soon. Just how soon? Well, I'm not saying. I'm just going to say that if you are the kind, sweet, supporting people that I just KNOW you are, you'll go follow it. *sweet smile*

Okay, so I'll stop trying to flatter y'all into following. And I'll list reasons why you should follow it.

1. I'm on it.
2. It's amazing.
3. There aren't many other places where you can find classy, modest outfit ideas and posts.
4. I'm on it.
5. The other girls are all amazing, and their posts are so much fun, no matter what they write about.
6. You are missing out on a lot.
7. I'm on it.
8. We're having giveaways soon. 
9. Everyone who follows it, loves it.
10. And the most important reason of all . . . . I'm on it.

We would be so delighted to have y'all there. And we have a vlog! I'm going to try to post the first video on Thursday, hopefully. M'kay? So go over there and follow the blog, then subscribe to the vlog, please. I'll give you cookies! (::) (::) (::) (::) (::) <----- Yummy cookies!

I should probably give you the links, huh? Well, fine, if you're going to be picky about it . . . .

Click HERE to check out the blog!
Click HERE to check out the vlog!

Now, go check it out. You have no excuse. To quote the Once-ler from The Lorax movie, "Well, you're already back, so clearly, you missed me. A little. . . . Right?" See, you wouldn't be reading this if you didn't miss my posts, so go to the other blog and click the little follow button. You'll get to see me every Thursday. ;D

March Characters In Costume: Character Accessories

So, I have been putting this post off. But I needed to get it in while it was still March, so here it is!

I'm using Natia from my WIP Changing Time. What is something she never leaves HQ without?

That was easy for me. Her Viper Knife. Now, the Viper Knife is something I made up. So I had to draw up the stuff. Keep in mind this is ME drawing. And I took the pictures with a terrible camera. So, here is her Viper Knife.

Basically, it's a knife that looks like fangs. It has razors that snag flesh. Once it snags flesh, it releases snake venom that kills in seconds, if the stab didn't.

Natia never leaves anywhere without it. Her friend/enemy, Marcus, made it for her. He's obviously a genius.

Here's the main post, if you want to see anyone else's character post.

Blog Tour: Ten Questions

This writers' blog hop simply asks ten questions about your current story, and then you tag five other writer-blogger friends to participate next week. Emily over at Emily Rachelle Writes tagged me. Thanks Emily! I was stumbling a bit over which story I should use today. I've done something like this before with The Girl Who Couldn't Cry. So I was stuck between using Changing Time, which I hope to have the first draft completed before April, and Battle Scars, a story I'm starting in April. I've decided I'll go ahead and just use Battle Scars.


1: What is the working title of your book?
Battle Scars, as of right now.


2: Where did the idea come from for the book?
Well, there was a lot of stuff about cutting and bullying going around on the internet around that time, and I realized there was a lot of need for people to understand what words and actions can do to other people, even if they're harmless to you.


3: What genre does your book come under?
Contemporary young adult, but I also plan on having a guardian angel who comes around regularly. So that may add a different genre to it, too.

4: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I hadn't really thought about it much, yet. I've barely started any writing. After searching for a bit, I think Anna Sophia Robb would be perfect for Brittany. She's the closest to my imagination's picture of Brittany.

 

Emma Roberts, who will be playing on the new TV show Delirium (based off the book), would be semi-perfect for Maryann, Brittany's best friend. She's a bit too pretty, but maybe if they would tone down the airbrush and makeup, she's be better.

 

 Aaron Johnson would be perfect for my guardian angel, Skylar. His eyes are perfect, really. He looks pretty normal, until you meet his eyes, and then you know there's just something different about him. He's an angel.

Hayley Erin would be a good match for Meghan, the school outcast that Brittany tries to befriend. Her hair would have to be died either a bright, punk red or pink for most of the movie. Later on it could be returned to Meghan's natural color, which is either blonde or brown, I haven't figured it out yet.

These are all the characters I have so far. Not many, but I'm sure there will be plenty that will find a way to sneak in. 

5: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? 

 I have two different ones. "A regretful high school senior attempts to right a wrong she made by befriending the school outcast, with a little help from her guardian angel." or "A history-crazy student befriends a bullied classmate and learns that not all wars take place on battlegrounds, but sometimes in our hearts and minds." Neither are very good. 

6: Is your book self-published, published by an independent publisher, or represented by an agency?

It's not even written yet . . . . But I hope it'll be represented by an agency, once I do finish it. 

7: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

I start writing in April. I'm hoping I can finish the first draft in a month, and then leave it be for a couple weeks before coming back to revise and edit. 

8: What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I don't really know . . . I suppose you could look at Sarah Dessen, take away the romance . . . and maybe it'd be similar.  I haven't read anything too much like this, though. 

9: Who or what inspired you to write this book?

 A lot of different things. People who are bullied and self-harm because they think it'll ease the pain, and my own experience with bullies. The internet's misunderstanding of the whole thing, and the way they joke about it. Just . . . a lot of things. I felt like I needed to put it into words to help people understand that bullying and self-harming and all of that isn't a joke. And that things you say can hurt people.

10: What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Mmm, well there's a guardian angel, who happens to be very funny (at least, in my head, he is). There's my "almost-perfect" Brittany, whose life needs to be shaken up a little. We have Meghan, who has red/pink hair and over-sized earphones, with sarcasm as her first language. And it's just going to be a lot of fun, with its . . . depressing moments. 

If you'd like to see more about Battle Scars, check out my pinterest board HERE. 

Now I need to tag someone. Rikki, from Writer Mom. Bethany from My Savior My King. Pastor George from George's Shorts. Kendra from Writers and Readers Alike. I don't have anyone else to tag, though. :/ Anyway, hope you enjoyed!

Go Teen Writers Book Tour

So, I promised two of my favorite people would be on my blog this week. And yes they are! ^_^ Welcome, Jill Williamson and Stephanie Morrill. Now I'm going to get lost so you can enjoy their awesomeness.

Procrastination is a problem for a lot of writers. We’re artists, and we like to move when the muse prompts us, yes? Here’s a list of what we’ve found helpful for getting ourselves to write on the days we don’t feel like it:

Stephanie’s solutions

1. I learned that my muse likes to show up AFTER I’ve written a couple hundred words. No joke. I’ll feel completely unmotivated to write, but if I make myself do a hundred or two hundred words, I find I can go for another thousand, easy. Try telling yourself that all you have to do is write for the next fifteen minutes solid. At the end of fifteen minutes you can check email or write your blog post, but you have to write at least fifteen minutes. Hopefully like me, you’ll find at the end of that fifteen minutes you’re ready to go for another hour.

2. I had kids! Seriously, this kicked my procrastination habit because I just didn’t have a choice. If I wanted to write, it had to be now when my darling 4 month old had deigned to take a nap. You’ve probably found that with school too. You’ll think you’re going to get so much done during summer vacation … only to find the time fritters itself away, and that you can get just as much done over spring break since it’s a much more condensed time window.

3. I reward myself. In the pre-kid days, I would tell myself, “If I can write 3,000 words before eight-o-clock, then I can watch Veronica Mars.” This works great if you don’t have a DVR.

4. I try to give grace. Some days I mess around more than I should, or I don’t prioritize my time well, so I end up spending twice as long in Photoshop working on website updates, so I didn’t get my chapter written. I can get really down on myself when that happens, but the good things I usually work twice as hard the next day.

Jill’s solutions:

1. Whether or not I have a deadline, I set one. Then I divide my word count by the amount of work days until the deadline, which gives me a word count goal to strive for each day.
2. I plot out my story in advance because it gives me a To Do list of scenes to follow that will get me to the end of the story in a logical way. I also keep my notes and any reference books I’m using beside the computer so that I have everything I’ll need at hand.
3. When I’m stuck, I skip ahead to a scene that’s easier to write. This way I don’t waste my computer time, and I get my daily word count in. I can brainstorm my way through the tough scene later when I’m driving or cleaning or lying in bed.
4. I don’t try to be perfect. My first drafts are terrible, but I know that there will be time to edit later on.
5. I have to get rid of distractions. I try to check my email at the start of each workday, then I close it. Facebook too. If I don’t, I’ll “reward myself” with little visits throughout the day, and those visits are BIG trouble. I also tend to make excuses to get up from the computer that involve an endless sampling of snacks and beverages. So it’s best for me to get a few snacks and fill my water bottle before I start my day. If the phone or doorbell rings during my work hours, I usually don’t answer. I know some writers who like to go sit at Starbucks or the library to get away from the distractions of home when they write. If this helps you, do it. Whatever it takes to get the job done.

We'd love to hear if you have creative ways to bust procrastination!

Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson have written a combined two dozen speculative and contemporary novels for teens. They also blog obsessively at www.goteenwriters.com. When not writing or blogging, they can be found at the teen table at writer's conferences or wherever chocolate is being given away. Come hang out with Stephanie at www.stephaniemorrill.com and Jill at www.jillwilliamson.com.

(Katelyn is now back)

And guess what? They've written a book together! To help teen writers figure out how to turn the first draft nightmare into something you're able to publish. 

And the best part? They've offered a free download of the book! Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now, I'd like to thank Jill and Stephanie for agreeing to come on my blog and posting this great post. And also for giving away a download of their book. It's always fun to have guest bloggers, especially when they're people I admire. 

You'll have until midnight April 1st to enter the giveaway. Please include your email in your comment. The winner will be contacted by email, unless I'm friends with you on Facebook and it's easier to just message you.


That's all for now!

Playlist Fiction: Part Three

Edit: Okay, so this was supposed to be posted a few days ago, but you can thank Blogger. It decided it didn't want to post it, even though I had it scheduled. And when I tried to post it, it just gave me some error thing. But here it is now, and Blogger seems to be working with me for now. ***end of edit***

Today we're talking about Jennifer Murgia and her book, "Between These Lines." I just LOVE the title. I'm not sure why, but it appeals to me so much. 

 About the book: I haven't finished it yet, but what I have read is lovely. I'm really enjoying it and the style. It's a great book, so far. I'll post the synopsis after April 1st.

About the author:

Jennifer Murgia is the author of Young Adult Fantasy novels ANGEL STAR, LEMNISCATE and the prequel novella THE BLISS (Lands Atlantic Publishing).

She is the co-founder and coordinator for YAFest—an annual teen book festival in Easton, PA, and a Next Generation Indie Award Nominee. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, two children and a very spoiled cat.

Visit her website at www.jennifermurgia.com

You can connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Now you've met the first three authors! We'll meet the others soon. But, before then, I'll share a few things that the street team made for the books. There will be picture edits, videos, and more. Keep checking in!

God bless!
Galatians 6:9 KJV