Ten Must Haves When Writing 

Ten things? Only ten?

Let me preface this post with a disclaimer. These are things I think are important. You might not. Though how anybody writes without a beverage of choice nearby, is beyond me. But, to each his own.  By-the-way, that was not the first thing.

From personal experience, because I didn't have them with my first book, critique partners and beta readers are fundamental for every writer at every stage of your writing. I’m convinced I’d have had much less rewriting with my first novel had I had critique partners.

A writing schedule is important too. How many hours a day or days a week can you commit to writing?

And, do you make sure to get that word count in before tootling over to Facebook or Twitter, which brings up my fourth thing; a time limit for marketing and social  media. Both will suck you dry, and what you really want to be doing is writing.

Though Pinterest is so much fun...

Okay, let’s switch to practical for a few minutes. A good chair. I’m only saying that because I've been sitting too long today and my tushy is getting sore. I know some of you write curled up on the couch or in an armchair or on the floor, but this gal needs her desk and computer which means an office chair. Oops, just slipped in a couple more and you didn't even notice.
Sly, huh? *Wink*

In my case, I need good blinds I can close because my writing desk is right in front of a window.  I have a fabulous view of my backyard, and I love watching the bird visiting my feeders, but the window faces west which means afternoon sun. And...my neighbor parades around naked in front of his upstairs windows all hours of the day.  Let’s just say, he does not inspire me to write romance, so, whoosh down goes the blind.
What am I up to? Seven?

I need sticky notes. At any given time, there are several plastered on the edges of my computer screen— I only have eight up right now. That’s a slow day for me. I jot notes to myself constantly while writing. I have my writing Bible, character questionnaires and several references books within arm’s reach too. My favorite is The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.

Shoot, I just went over the allotted ten.  Well, I’ll count critique partners and beta readers as one, so I’m good.  Just out of curiosity, what can’t you write without?

Book Blurb:

Amidst murder and betrayal, destiny and hearts collide when scandal forces a nobleman and a  gypsy to marry in this Regency Romance.

Half Romani, half English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.

When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.

At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie breech the chasm separating them. Peril lurks though. Ian’s the last in his line, and his stepmother intends to dispose of the newlyweds so her daughter can inherit his estate. Only by trusting each other can they overcome scandal and murderous betrayal.

Book Excerpt:

Verdict:

About the Author

“Why I LOVE the Young Adult Genre”

Guest post by bestselling author, Sherry Soule

Today bestselling author, Sherry Soule has some exciting news to share with us! All the previously published books in the Spellbound series have been rewritten and republished with more epic romance and suspenseful thrills. The new versions also include exclusive bonus material and brand new scenes. Even additional scenes from charming, bad-boy, Trent Donovan’s point-of-view! To help promote the new editions, she is doing this awesome book promo to share the update with fellow booklovers.

Hi everybody, I’m author, Sherry Soule—waving from the SF Bay Area, where it can get pretty foggy just like in Fallen Oaks. I can’t believe that winter and the holidays are right around the corner. Thanks for letting me visit today, it’s an honor to be a guest here and meet other fellow booklovers.

Since I was a child, I recognized that books were a way to travel to other places and have remarkable adventures. Even though I am older (you’re NEVER too old to read young adult novels, IMHO) than the average teen reader, I’ve always loved reading Young Adult literature.

I think I love reading YA Lit because I think that most novels in this genre are fast-paced and thrilling, and the stories are written in a style that is engrossing, with story-driven or character-driven plotlines. I also love that there are so many books created into a series nowadays, so that you can continue to have additional adventures with your favorite characters.

Could my love of YA Lit be simply because I’m still stuck at age sixteen, just a teenager-at-heart in disguise?

Could be. And like many of you, I’ve read hundreds of YA books and I can actually say that I enjoyed them all. Some I genuinely loved and these books became like good friends that I didn’t want to part with, so they adorn my bookshelves and wait patiently to be reread again one day. Other novels were simply read and then disregarded with a contented smile.

And you know what? I am NEVER embarrassed to buy YA novels (although I buy most of my books online through Amazon) in bookstores, or carry them around with me. I love the genre and always have and always will.

Of course, I realize that we all have diverse tastes in literature. Most of you will have varied genres that you love to read, and probably some of my favorite books are simply your forgotten reads. That is what makes the world of YA Lit, and reading as a whole, so dang fascinating. Each one of us will enjoy different types of characters, plots, and of course, a writer’s voice, the way only they can tell a story.

Personally, I like to read and write darker, edgier young adult novels. As you can probably tell if you’d read my books, I tend to write dark, tormented heroines, too. I love the angst of a female teen protagonist trying to come to terms with some dark secret or horrific event in her past, and usually, she ends up facing this fear, vulnerability, or threat, with a handsome, strong hottie by her side. Oh!—and I love to create an evil villain that is unquestionably devious, but complex. My antiheroes always possess some redeeming features, and because of these factors, I think it makes them much more interesting villains.

My heroines are typically intelligent, snarky, and full of fight. Like my girl, Shiloh Ravenwolf in the Spellbound series. You gotta admire Shiloh’s spunk and determination. When I grow up, I wanna just like her. Or a vampire. Or a ninja. Hmmm, not sure which…

Anyhoo, thank you so for letting me chat about my love of young adult literature. I hope you enjoyed this post. Now go feed your mind and read a book! Preferably mine. :-D

Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:

Deadly Witchcraft. Ghostly Threats. Doomed Romance.

They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Fallen Oaks. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.

When sixteen-year-old Shiloh Trudell takes a summer job at Craven Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes enchanted by his charms.

Finally, Shiloh’s met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent is immersed in the cunning deception that surrounds the mysterious Craven Manor. So much so that he may lose sight of what is truly important to him. And she can’t decide whether she wants to shake him or kiss him. Yet neither one of them can deny the immediate, passionate connection growing between them.

But underlying everything is the fear that Trent may be the next victim on a supernatural hit list, and Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him…

With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, Shiloh will finally begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist and decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.

BUY BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN (book 1):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

First of all, I’d like to say thank you for hosting me on your blog on August 20. I appreciate the opportunity.

Writing a book is simple, right? You learn about writing fiction, you apply the concepts of characterization, plot, subplot, tension, and resolution, and develop it into a novel. Of course it takes practice to perfect, and time to write, but is it really that hard?

Then, after you’ve written the book, you just send it out to publishers or self-publish. Readers will read it and give you rave reviews, or publishers will get into a bidding war over it. It’s so simple.

Except that it’s not.

Writers pour their hearts and emotions into their novels, and when it comes time to present it to the world, it’s like revealing your deepest cares to everyone. What if people don’t like it? What if no one reads it?

Those are the fears many writers encounter, and that’s why it’s so important to develop a thick skin and simply keep on writing. This is easier said than done, because it’s hard not to take a bad review personally.

One thing to remember is that not everyone likes the same thing. For example, some people want a story to begin with action, others want a story that develops slowly with a plenty of detail and world building. Some people like broccoli and other people don’t. There’s no need to take it personally when people have differing tastes in food, and there’s also no reason to take it personally if someone doesn’t appreciate your writing style.

Which leads me to the second worry, what if no one reads it? If you write the best book you can write, have it professionally edited, and find your niche, you’ll more than likely find readers. People that enjoy your writing will talk about it, and word of mouth will lead more readers to your books. Meanwhile, get started on your next book, so as not to disappoint your readers and fans.

Listen to your readers, and respect them by giving them outstanding stories, ones that will keep them wanting to come back for more. Just write and write well. Give your readers the best book you can, and they’ll get the word out for you.

What are you planning to write next?

Shades of the Future is now available in print and digital formats. When Mariah Davis finds a pair of sunglasses that allow her to see the future, what will she do? Can she change her future to make it better? Mariah discovers that seeing into the future might not always be a good thing.


BLURB:


BUY LINKS: Amazon – Barnes and Noble - Smashwords - Turquoise Morning Press 

My next novel is Untellable and it will be released in February 2013. Here’s a short blurb:


               Local volunteer firefighter Colton Moraine is always up for a challenge and Aspen is just what he needs to liven up his small town summer. Through driving lessons, picnics, and romantic kisses under the fireworks, the two fall in love. Aspen fatalistically knows their summer romance will end if Colton finds out her history. But not telling him tortures her, making her feel like a fraud.

               When her father is granted parole, she can no longer keep her dark secret. She has to make a life changing decision. Will she continue to run and hide, or fight for the love she’s discovered with Colton in Honey Creek?

Book Excerpt: (Shades of the Future)

Billy Jolie graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Mass Communications. He lives in the Tampa Bay area.

Follow him on Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads

Thanks so much for having me here today at Journey With Books on this stop for Blood Betrayed's book tour. It's great to be here! 

These days, authors have the choice to try traditional publishing through NY or epubs, or indie publishing on their own. My Sons of Navarus series is indie published. I chose to go indie with this series mainly because NY doesn't seem convinced that vampires are interesting anymore, unless they're from a big author. I disagreed and published on my own. This isn't the first time I'd gone indie, though.  I have had one book, my first entitled Stolen Destiny, published traditionally. For that, I went through Siren Publishing. Since then, however, I've published all my books myself, including a sequel to Stolen Destiny entitled Destiny Redeemed, three novellas that make up the Victorian Erotic Romance Trilogy, and the Sons books, Blood Avenged and Blood Betrayed. For me at this time, indie is just the way to go. 

This isn't to say traditional publishing doesn't have some benefits. I must hire professionals to help with a number of tasks, especially my editing and cover art, and I wouldn't have to do that if I didn't go indie. For some authors, those two issues alone are reason enough to choose the traditional publishing route. Professionals cost money, and sometimes they can cost a lot of money. 

On the other hand, indie beats traditional publishing hands down when it comes to royalties. As an indie, I make 70% royalties on my books $2.99 and up.  That's a lot more than traditional publishers offer.  

However, for me, what tips the scales in favor of indie every time is the freedom I have to pursue the topics I love and the way I love to present them.  I'm in charge of everything, from the way the book is presented to the cover art to distribution. It's a huge responsibility, but it's very gratifying to know I handle the presentation of my work. 

The Indie Revolution, as some are calling this change in publishing, has exploded recently and it's all very exciting, but when it comes right down to it, the choice to go indie is one that means a lot of work.  For me, though, it was the only logical choice to make with my Sons of Navarus series. Will it always be the only way I publish? I don't know. But for now, I'm a very proud indie author. 

Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: Gabrielle Bisset (May 20, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0984724370
ISBN-13: 978-0984724376



Book Blurb:

"Solenne, can you find a woman who doesn't smell like she's been deep fried in animal fat tonight?"


Closing the door to the refrigerator, Solenne turned to see Saint standing at the kitchen's center island. Shirtless. Again. 


"Saint, do you own any shirts or do you need me to pick some up for you?"


Smirking, he raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Have we become a prude?"


Pushing past him, she sat down at the table and popped a grape into her mouth. "Don't you concern yourself with me, but dial back the Cro-Magnon act, can you?"


Leaning against the counter, Saint propped himself up on his elbows and rolled his eyes. "And the girl from last night?"


Solenne secretly enjoyed the thought of him repelled by Marie for any reason. Maybe he didn't drink from her. That would explain why he was being such an ass. Maybe he didn't sleep with her either. 


"Marie seemed perfectly fine to me," she said casually as she picked grapes off the vine. "Maybe you just weren't her type. Maybe she has more refined tastes in men."


"Yeah, that sounds right. A woman who smells like a French fry has refined tastes. Just find me a woman who smells like a woman should."


You'll be lucky if I bring you one at all.


Saint strolled past her after issuing his order as if he were the king of the castle. God, he was infuriating!  If she'd ever met a man who could push her buttons more than Saint, she couldn't remember him. Wouldn't have wanted to remember him, at any rate. 


It still amazed her how different he and his brother were. Teagan was smooth and so much fun to be around. And Saint? Always the darker, more sullen brother, he'd transformed into a shell of the man she'd met a hundred years ago, more detached and alone than anything else now. 


But behind his gruff exterior—behind the defensiveness—that vulnerable soul she'd known then must still exist. At least she hoped it did. 


It did no good to think about that now, though. She had a job to do, and at the moment that meant finding a human female to provide him with what he needed. 


Even if it felt like she was betraying everything she held dear in her heart the whole time she was doing it. 


Gabrielle Bisset spends her days teaching college students American and European history, but by night she's an erotic romance author.  Her first book, Stolen Destiny, was released by Siren Publishing in June 2011, and since then she's released the novellas of The Victorian Erotic Romance Trilogy--Vampire Dreams, Love's Master, and Masquerade--in addition to Destiny Redeemed.  In December 2011, she released Blood Avenged, the first book in the Sons of Navarus series about eight vampires who must protect their world against an enemy that travels among their kind.  Blood Betrayed is the second book in the series. She lives in Pennsylvania with her teenage son and a herd of pets. 


Links:
Website:  Gabrielle Bisset Romance  http://www.gabriellebisset.com/
Blog:  http://gbisset.blogspot.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002481284652&sk=info
Sons of Navarus Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SonsOfNavarusSeries
Facebook Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gabrielle-Bisset/135134056553049
Twitter:  @gabriellebisset  https://twitter.com/#!/gabriellebisset
Email: gabriellebisset@gmail.com