Writing

Merry in Manhattan - Part 4

Are you ready to read the end of Lane and Chris’ holiday story?

It’s been so much fun to write this, and I’m really glad I jumped back into short fiction. I love my novels and they are my passion. But, working on something shorter is a nice break and it gives a great sense of accomplishment. (Especially since a novel can take several months or even years to complete!) I can’t promise that I’m going to post flash fiction on a regular basis, but I do want to do more. I wonder if this is the right platform for it though. I love having it on my blog because then I have a “main hub” for everything and people don’t have to click around to different websites. Yet, I also know that people don’t usually go to blogs to read fiction online. So, maybe Wattpad or something is a better option? I’m not sure yet.

Anyway.

Enjoy!

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“Terrance is there?” Mom asked Christmas morning during our video chat.

I looked over my shoulder to the bedroom door, as though Terrance was going to pop his head in at any moment. He’d (thankfully) slept on the couch all night. I’d been tempted to throw him out, but it was late and cold outside. I wasn’t that heartless. “Yeah, he just showed up last night. Did he tell you anything?”

She shook her head. “Never said a word to me. Although you have been flaunting that new guy of yours online the last few weeks. Maybe it finally made him get his head out of his ass.”

“Mom!”

She looked at me innocently. “All of those pictures you don’t consider flaunting?”

“I wasn’t… he’s just a…” Friend? Co-worker? Guy I kissed last night? Great. This was far more complicated now than it was supposed it to be. “We weren’t flaunting.”

Well… maybe we were a little.

“I need him to leave though!”

Mom only shrugged. “It’s your apartment, do what you want. I need to go to my Christmas massage. Have a great day sweetie and I’ll talk to you later.”

“Merry Christmas, Mom,” I said far too glumly than was appropriate for the day.

“Merry Christmas.”

The moment we ended the chat I heard Terrance talking to someone out in the living room. Was he calling home to wish them a merry Christmas? Oh no. Oh no oh no oh no oh no. I hurried out of my room to find Terrance waving and closing the door and Chris walking away.

I shoved past him and ran out to the hallway. Chris was already stepping onto the elevator.

“Babe! What are you doing?” Terrance called after me.

But it was too late. The elevator door shut before I could get to it. He didn’t even look over his shoulder at the sound of me calling after him. I bounded down the steps in the faint hope I’d beat him downstairs. There was no such luck. When I got down to the bottom floor Chris was already driving off in a cab.

***

Lucy’s jaw dropped as I told the story. It was that weird time between Christmas and New Year where no one truly knew what day it was. When Lucy saw that I didn’t join Chris at the Kwanzaa party, she’s called me right away since Chris didn’t give her any explanation as to why I wasn’t there. If he wasn’t going to talk about it, apparently she’d be sure I was.

I should have been more concerned about her apparent lack of respect for his privacy but… in all honesty, it felt good to be sharing the whole thing with someone. I confessed how it all was a ruse and we’d had a deal where I would save him from Alexis and in return I’d get his office. I even told her about ice skating after her party and how it seemed like things were changing between us.

“So… what happened with Terrance?” Lucy asked before returning to her tea.

“Apparently he told Chris we’d gotten back together. I threw him out of the apartment the second he told me. He claims that he thought we could ‘work it out.’” I played with my new key chain and twisted it around my fingers.

Lucy scoffed. “Ugh. Men. And what about Chris?”

“I’ve tried talking to him. Calls, texts, even emails. He won’t reply to anything.”

Lucy leaned back in the chair and considered me for a moment. “Chris… he seems like nothing bothers him, but it’s not true. He had a pretty bad break up a few years ago, and everything with his family… it takes awhile for him to trust someone. He totally should hear you out and not believe that Terrance guy and I’m absolutely going to give him a piece of my mind. But, I’m not totally surprised.”

I stuck the key chain back in my pocket and looked out the window of the cafe where we were sitting. Everything was still decked out in it’s holiday splendor, but now that Christmas was over there was a sort of gray tint to everything. “So what do I do?”

“Do you like him?”

As much as I hated to admit it, I really did, and told her so.

“Then show up New Years Eve. I’ll send you the details. Amanda and I will take care of the rest.”

***

The party was at Chris’ penthouse - because of course it was. Even though we’d spent nearly every day together the last few weeks, this was the first I’d been to his place. It was… huge. It was like a house and it made my head hurt to think of how much rent must be.

Amanda met me at the door and took my coat and showed me around, introducing me to everyone I didn’t know yet. For a brief moment I saw Chris in the kitchen chatting with Levi. Our eyes met and for a second I thought he was excited to see me. A smile played on his lips, but then he lowered his head and with a pat on Levi’s shoulder, exited the room.

I threw my hands in the air. “He shouldn’t even be mad at me! I should be mad at him for ignoring me!”

And I was mad. Clearly he didn’t like me as much as I thought he did or else he would have given me a chance to explain. This whole thing was ridiculous.

Amanda handed me a drink. “He’s not mad at you. He’s just… being Chris.”

I took the drink and took a sip. “That’s what Lucy said too. Trust issues.”

“I mean, he’s being an idiot, and his avoiding you has gone on way too long,” Amanda agreed. “Just… it’ll work out. You’ll see.”

“If you say so-”

“AHHHHH I’M HERE!”

My blood curdled at the sound.

Alexis. She burst into the penthouse with arms raised and heels clacking along the floor. Even I cringed when she walked into a room now and my first instinct was to check on Chris. But no, he had to fend for himself this time. With a roll of my eyes I walked as far away from her as possible because if I knew one thing, I knew she’d go right for Chris. If I was away from her, I was away from him.

The party went on, and Lucy and Amanda made sure I enjoyed myself. We drank and danced and I even flirted with a guy or two. It would be fine. I could make friends and do this on my own. Without Chris.

Alexis shrieked from the patio and everyone turned to look. She burst back into the room and scampered toward me. She grasped my arm and pulled me toward the patio. “Oh my god Lane, you have to help me! My necklace fell off!”

“Alexis, were you even wearing a necklace?”

“Not anymore!” She dragged me outside and I rubbed my arms. Damn, it was freezing out there. “Look down there!” Alexis demanded.

Twinkle lights were strung along the railing and more hung on the bricks walls to illuminate the space. But even then, I had no idea how we were going to see a piece of jewelry. I grabbed my phone and turned on the flashlight and I crouched on the ground to search “Alexis, are you sure you dropped it?”

“What’s going on?” Chris appeared at the porch doorway and stepped out.

Alexis grasped his shoulders and spun him around. “I lost my necklace! I’m so glad you came out here to help! You and Lane look out here, I’ll go back inside.”

“Wait - but-”

She rushed inside and shut the door. He grasped the handle and pulled but it wouldn’t budge. She’d locked it. From inside Lucy and Amanda merely smiled and waved and silently toasted me with their champagne glasses. Of course. There was no necklace.

“She didn’t loose anything did she?” Chris asked.

“I don’t think so.” I sat on my heels and looked up at him. Well… yet another time when I really shouldn’t have been wearing a skirt. Chris chuckled at the sight and extended a hand which I gratefully accepted to stand back again. “I think this is their way of making us talk.”

Chris smiled and didn’t let go of my hand once I was on my feet again. “Yeah… I guess so. I wasn’t sure if you were going to come.”

“Lucy told me to.”

“Right.” He looked down at our linked hands. “Look … I’m sorry I didn’t call you back.”

“Or text… or email…”

He chuckled humorlessly. “Yeah… at first it was because I was mad. But then I was embarrassed. Then I figured it was for the best.”

“Why for the best?”

He sighed and looked anywhere but at my face. “Because if you are back with him, then why should I bother? And if you aren’t, you shouldn’t be with someone who wouldn’t even hear you out."

I shifted so I met his eyes and he had no choice but to look at me. “Chris. Terrance came thinking it was going to be some great grand gesture. He was jealous of you. Our plan worked a little too well I guess. He must have seen how much I liked you.”

He raised his brows. “You do?”

I groaned. “Don’t make me say it again. Your head is going to grow too big.”

He genuinely smiled for the first time all night. “You know, I’d been trying to find a way to ask you out for months.”

I pulled my head back a bit. “You what?”

He shrugged. “The whole scheme was Levi’s idea.” He gestured toward the window where Levi waved.

“Did Lucy and Amanda know?”

He shook his head.

“And Alexis?”

“Who even knows about her.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. All this time, and I had no idea.

Men.

Chris stroked my hair and wrapped his arms around me. Which was nice not just because it was him, but also I was freeing. “I’m sorry.”

“You already said that.”

“Oh.”

Not able to resist anymore I rose to my tiptoes and kissed him.

“Lane, it’s not even midnight yet-”

“Oh shush and kiss me already.”

Holidays in the city. Definitely better than my small town.


If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy:

Meet the Family Part 1

Meet the Family Part 2

An Unexpected Christmas Eve

Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee.

Merry in Manhattan - Part 3

Welcome back! It’s part 3 of my December Flash Fiction Friday series. It’s a tad longer than the others but… I think for good reason. I hope you’ve been enjoying reading it as I have been writing it. In case you’re behind, you can read Part 1 Here and Part 2 Here. Then tune in next week for the final part!

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“I’m so glad you came, Lane!” One of Chris’ friends, Lucy, grabbed my coat out of her back bedroom and handed it to me. It was Christmas Eve and she’d hosted a get together for their friend group. It was a surprisingly fun and relaxed gathering. It as the first time I’d seen Chris not in a suit, but a sweater and blue jeans.

Expensive designer blue jeans and sweater that would never be in my budget- but still.

“I’m glad too,” I said as I pulled my coat on. It was starting to snow and Chris said we had one more place to go and I needed to stay warm. “This was really fun.”

And it was. Chris and I had been having a great time over the last few weeks. Cocktail parties, dinner, going to the theater, and even a charity sponsored “Yule Ball” where everyone dressed like they were in Harry Potter. But this was the best party by far with his group of friends. It was the first time I actually felt a bit at home in New York. They’d played games, drank (a lot), had a big dinner, and exchanged gifts. Chris even got me a small silver star shaped keychain engraved with the year. A reminder of my first Christmas in New York, he’d said.

Lucy grasped my shoulder as we made our way to the foyer where Chris was finishing a conversation with Lucy’s partner, Amanda. “Please tell me you’re coming to Levi’s Kwanza dinner on Friday. You’re seriously the best date Chris has brought to our parties in a long time."

“I wouldn’t miss it,” I promised, and not just because I was already planning the layout of my new office. While each event we’d gone to there had been a couple of familiar faces with each crowd. Chris had a lot of friends, but there was a circle of about five which were in regular rotation in his solar system. They’d welcomed me with open arms and it was fun to get to know them. Who knew that the high class businessman had such a great found family? I was going to miss them once New Years was past.

“And he must really like you if that gift is any indicator,” Lucy went on.

I clasped the keychain in my pocket. “What do you mean?”

“Girl, did you see where it was from?”

I pulled it out and examined the back.

Tiffany & Co.

It took everything in me to not let my jaw drop. “Oh… wow.”

Lucy shrugged. “Not bad for only dating a couple of weeks if you ask me, and he never gives the girls he brings over gifts.”

Chris’ smile widened when I appeared at the door and he held out his hand for me to clasp. Pretending to be his girlfriend was becoming scarily easy to do. After saying out goodbyes we headed out into the cold and then into the car he’d called for.

“So, where to next?” I asked.

Chris wagged his eyebrows. “You’ll see.”

We stopped all the way down in the Battery and he led me to an ice rink.

“What, did one of your fancy friends rent it out for a big Christmas Eve party for the night?” I asked.

Chris shrugged. “Nope. I just thought it would be fun. I know you mentioned wanting to go ice skating once, and this place is bigger than the rink at the Rockefeller and you get a view of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty.”

I turned and looked around me and he was right. The view was fantastic. “So… no friends or people we need to avoid?”

“Other than the usual muggers? No. We don’t need to avoid anyone.” Which earned him a laugh from me. I hadn’t had that particular New York experience yet and hoped I could avoid it all together. However, I’d heard it was bound to happen at some point if you lived there long enough.

Come to think of it, when I thought about avoiding people, Alexis hadn’t been at the other party that night either. We hadn’t needed to avoid her at all that day. Which was… odd.

Chris paid for our admission and skate rental and we spent the remainder of the evening skating among the others who’d gathered at the rink and enjoyed the peaceful snowfall. It had been awhile since I’d been on skates so it took me a bit to get used to it again, and Chris held my arm while I caught my balance. Then… he never let go of my hands, even when it wasn’t needed. We talked and laughed like old friends.

Months ago, I never would have guessed I’d have such a great holiday season in New York without my family and with Chris no less. I loved how inclusive it all was and how all of his friends were so different from one another but yet… not so different after all. Each event we attended was the perfect blend of a modern edge along with Christmas cheesiness. I missed my family of course, but there was a different sort of magic and comfort to seeing how other people celebrated and spending it on my own. I wasn’t ever alone, Chris and his friends were there. But, it was still just me walking in each time feeling like the new kid in school until one day… magically… I wasn’t. For the first time, I could really see myself living there and building a life. I wasn’t sure what it would look like once Chris’ and my agreement was over, but I could start to imagine.

Now New Years Eve was only a week away. I always mourned the ending of the holidays, but there was something else about this one ending that particularly made me sad.

“So, what are your plans for tomorrow?” I asked as we returned our skates at closing. “Some big fancy celebration with your posh family I’m assuming?”

Chris shrugged and put his arm around my shoulders. “Not so much. I’ll probably sleep in, maybe go see a movie.”

I stopped in my tracks. “Wait… you don’t have anything going on tomorrow? What about your family?”

“You met my family. Levi, Lucy, Amanda…” He opened his phone and got to work on arranging a ride for us to go home.

“And your parents? Siblings? Grandparents?”

Chris shook his head as he wrapped up getting our transportation. “Haven’t seen my dad since I was a kid, my mom is off with… who knows who this year… no siblings, grandparents died after college, haven’t talked to anyone else in years.”

“Chris…”

He waved away my pity. “Trust me, it’s for the best. I’ve been spending the holidays with my friends ever since I moved here and I don’t want it any other way. They’re the best ones I’ve ever had. If you ever met my family, you’d understand.”

The car arrived and we climbed in. I relished the warmth of the vehicle but I couldn’t tell if I was numb from the cold or Chris’ declaration about his family life. Yet, he did genuinely seem happy. Especially tonight at the party and even ice skating. I fingered the keychain in my pocket and I realized he and I were still holding hands.

“Thank you for the gift,” I eventually said. “You really didn’t have to do that.”

“I didn’t want you to feel left out while we exchanged,” he answered as though it was nothing at all.

“I didn’t get you anything.”

He shook his head and ran his thumb against my hand. “Don’t worry about it.”

We chatted the rest of the ride until we got to my apartment. The car waited while Chris walked me to my door. It was something he always did at the end of each night. “You know, you did get me something,” he said.

I stopped searching for my keys and looked up at him. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you helped me avoid Alexis.”

“Not a gift - a deal.”

Chris chuckled. “Right. But… this month has been fun. Every Christmas in New York is the best but, this year was different. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun going to all of those things as I have with you. So, thanks. This might be one of the best Christmases ever.”

I was stunned for a moment. I hadn’t been imagining things that we were having a great time. He’d liked it too. Who knew? “It’s been one of my best too,” I admitted. Wow, he was standing really close.

Chris smiled. “Good.”

“Good.”

I was surprised when his lips met mine, but it wasn’t unwelcome. I wasn’t sure who went in for the kiss first, him or me. Not that I cared. We may have been cold and tired, but I hadn’t been kissed like that in… well, ever. We’d exchanged kisses on the cheek or temple through the month for a good show, but never this. Not even when I kissed Terrance did I feel so warm and light.

“Well, that was a pretty great gift,” Chris said when we broke apart.

I laughed. “Yeah, it was.”

We stood there in front of my building for a few comfortable and quiet moments. “Do you want to do something tomorrow morning?” I asked.

“Lane, you don’t have to do that. I told you, I’m fine-”

“I’m just saying that I don’t have plans either. You can sleep in as long as you want but maybe we can have a Christmas brunch and see a movie or something like you said” I said. I ran my fingers through his, not wanting to let go. “It would be nice to do something… just us. You did the skating, I’ll do this.”

Chris looked down at our hands then at my face. “Sure, that sounds great.”

“Great.”

“I’ll give you a call in the morning then.”

“Okay.”

He kissed me one more time before I searched for my keys again and let myself in. I watched from the window as the car drove away and leaned against the glass.

Oh. My. God.

Did that actually just happen? Was I actually glad it happened?

Yes, I was.

Marveling at the turn of events I unwrapped my scarf and unbuttoned my coat and threw them in the closet. I’d barely changed into pajamas and gotten some sleepy time tea started when there was a buzz at the door. I wrapped a robe around myself and opened it. I gasped and took a step back.

“Terrance?”

He removed his knit hat, one I’d gotten for him the year before, getting snow all over the floor and his brown hair was ruffled. A small carry on size suitcase was at his feet. “Hey Lane. Merry Christmas.”


Next week is the conclusion! I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy:

Meet the Family Part 1

Meet the Family Part 2

An Unexpected Christmas Eve

Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee.

Self Care for NaNoWriMo

It’s been a slightly rough start for NaNoWriMo this year.

With the exception of Sunday night, I’ve hit all of my word count goals - but at the bare minimum and after a lot of procrastination and dragging of my feet. Leading up to November as I was preparing and bouncing back after PitchWars, I was excited to dive back into this book. I’ve learned I like the revision/rewriting stage because you finally start to see your hot mess of a book become something pretty and shiny that you imagined it to be.

I saw VE Schwab speak at a local book store at the start of October and I loved how she talked about the writing process. When you get a new book idea, it’s this pretty shiny perfect sphere. Then, once you start to write you’re essentially throwing that sphere as far away as possible and as you write you’re making your way to wherever you threw it. The problem is, when you’re at the start of that journey you can’t see what the sphere actually looked like any more. Then, as you continue to write and revise, you slowly make your way to the sphere and you start to see what it looks like again.

I was excited to get closer to my sphere again.

Yet, each time I sit down at my computer with my notes and preparation, my mind panics and blanks. When I do eventually get the words on the page, I’m not satisfied in the least other than hitting that word count and being glad I don’t have to write any more for the day. This then makes me even more frustrated and confused. I love this book, this story, and these characters. I was so excited to get back into it. What happened?

It all culminated Sunday evening. I’d been coming down with a cold, I’d had a rough day at work, then had to go to an event right after which was great - but also left me feeling tired and drained, and on top of it all the crimson wave had to hit me that afternoon. I started my day around 5:30am and finally arrived home at 7pm. I tried to open up my Scrivener project but as I looked at the blank screen I couldn’t will myself to put any words on it.

But, it was only the 4th day of NaNoWriMo. This is the time when I’m supposed to be pumped up and ready to go! I couldn’t be burned out yet!

Friends told me it was okay to skip a day and reminded me that I essentially did my own NaNoWriMo in August in preparation for PitchWars. Then, someone on Twitter shared about how taking care of yourself is more important than hitting your daily word count goal sometimes.

If you’re not taking care of you, NaNoWriMo isn’t going to be a great experience. You won’t like or be proud of the work you’ve done. You’ll just be tired and burnt out at the end of November. No one wants that.

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Take a Break

I took the night off from writing on Sunday. I got into my PJs, watched TV, and read a book instead. I went to bed with a clearer head and feeling much more relaxed. I even fell asleep almost the moment my head hit the pillow which rarely happens.

It’s going to be a pain to have to catch up on that word count because I know this week is going to be another busy one for me. Yet, when I got up on Monday morning and was drinking my coffee and heading out to work, the ideas started to flow again.

“What if I did this…”

“What if in this scene this happened…” “

I could do this in today’s chapter to prepare for something else in a later chapter…”

 

Do Something Completely Different

Most of the time on my commute to work I listen to podcasts. Usually writing and publishing based podcasts. Instead, the last couple of days, I listened to music. Your mind can’t be on writing 24/7. Sometimes you need to sit in your car and belt along with some show tunes. (Or whatever music it is that you listen to.) You can turn on the TV and watch an old favorite or start a new one. You’re allowed. It’s okay.

 

Write in Short Spurts

A friend of mine who is doing NaNoWriMo for the first time this year texted me a picture of her coffee and laptop and talked about how she was so excited to get to writing! As a mom of two kids (both still in diapers) and watching a third kid during the day, she doesn’t have the time to sit for hours on hours to work on her book. Instead, she said that she’s keeping her laptop open and whenever she has a couple of minutes she jots down some words.

Your writing doesn’t all have to be done after you’ve spent long hours at a coffee shop with inspiration pouring out of you. Not many of us have the time or energy for that. Instead, take a few minutes here and there. It’ll make it easier to turn off your brain when you need to, and if you leave off at a spot where you’re excited to go on, it’ll motivate you to write that next time you have a short time slot.

 

Get A Writing Support Group

It can be other people who write, others who are participating in NaNoWriMo, or simply those who support you in your endeavor. There’s moments you need someone to give you permission to take a break, to give you a pep talk, and listen to you whine and complain about your words. (Or lack thereof.) Writing doesn’t always have to be a solitary act!

 

Sleep

Here in the US, NaNoWriMo falls in the middle of autumn and we’re on our way to winter. Which means it’s cold and flu season. What helps to ward that off? Sleep. If you’re not getting the rest you need, you’ll be more likely to get sick, and when you’re sick you’re not going to feel like writing. Beyond that, when you’re well rested your ideas are going to flow more and you’ll get more done.

 

Remind Yourself Why You’re Doing This

In the midst of all of the frenzy of updating your word count, participating in word sprints, and trying to figure out your next plot point, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget why you decided to do this in the first place.

Make an inspiration board of all of the things you love about your book and why you made this goal. Keep a motivational quote by your computer or wherever it is you write to help you keep going. Be like Rachel Berry in Glee when she put a star in front of her treadmill to remind herself of what she was doing all of this hard work for.

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You can do this my friends, and so can I! Take a break if you need to. Find a distraction. Then it’s time to get back to work.


Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee.

Pitch Wars Boost My Bio

Well, hello there! It is Pitch Wars season and I am excited! (Ready? Not so much. But the excitement is there!) Not sure what Pitch Wars is? Click here to find out more! It's basically The Voice for writers and it's amazing. 

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I participated in Pitch Wars for the first time last year and submitted my urban fantasy novel, Guardians of the City. It didn't go anywhere, but it was such an awesome experience! I connected with already established authors (one of them I'm now part of her "brigade" on Facebook and months after Pitch Wars another author DM'd me on Twitter to help give me feedback on my first chapter and some other writing/publishing advice) and other aspiring authors like myself. 

I'm currently working on another project and want to submit it this year! To be completely honest - I'm not sure if it's going to be ready in time. It's highly doubtful it will be. However, I am working my tail off to have it done by the end of August and I'm doing everything I can to prepare and connect with the Pitch Wars community. Which is why for the first time I'm participating in Boost my Bio! (You can learn more about that by clicking here. It is 100% optional for Pitch Wars Participants!)

 

About My Book

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Title: White Rose

Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling

Summary:  I've nick-named this project my "fairy tale mash-up" because it is a blend of six fairy tales with four different points of view. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has always been my favorite, and I've written a few different versions of her tale. But, there's also another story called Snow White and Rose Red. A different Snow White, and this one is about sisters. I wondered, "what if they were the same Snow White?" Then, one by one, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Beauty and the Beast all found their way in as well. 

Princesses Eira and Rose may be almost as opposite as can be, but they are also as close as two sisters can get. Eira, the poised and elegant heir to the throne, as well as the goddess Luana's Chosen. Then Rose, the wild and temperamental girl with a deformed ankle who dreams of being in the royal guard.  When their father is poisoned and left in a sleeping death spell, they find themselves on the run for their lives from the queen and on a quest to find the cure. 

What to Expect: Magic and interaction with the deities. (Including magic tattoos!) Classic fairy tale elements. Dragons. Wolves. Talking bears. Adventure. Women who kick ass - but aren't always killers. Relationships between siblings, children to parents and grandparents, friends, and romance. (A LOT of romance.)

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About Me

My name is Emily, I'm a proud Hufflepuff in my early 30s in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, graduated from Concordia University Chicago, work at a hotel, dog mom, actual fairy godmother, Starbucks addict, and 9/10 times NaNoWriMo winner. You'll usually find me reading, playing my ukulele, binge watching something on Netflix, or belting out show tunes/pretending I can rap along with the Hamilton cast. If you give me any combination of coffee, chocolate, and nachos, I'll be your BFF. I'm also on a constant mission to find the perfect budget friendly lipstick. 

You can see my "official" head shot in my About Me page but... it's also 2 years old and I've changed my hair since then. So... here's a recent selfie.

You can see my "official" head shot in my About Me page but... it's also 2 years old and I've changed my hair since then. So... here's a recent selfie.

Favorite Books (Some of Them):

  • The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling
  • The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick
  • The Chicagoland Vampires Series by Chloe Neill
  • The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas
  • The Nevernight Chronicles by Jay Kristoff
  • Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
  • Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope
  • The Queen's Rising by Rebecca Ross
  • An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
  • A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
  • The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
  • The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
  • Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin LaFevers

Favorite TV Shows:

  • Boy Meets World
  • Friends
  • Glee
  • How I Met Your Mother (not the finale)
  • Reign
  • Vampire Diaries
  • Doctor Who
  • Sherlock
  • Gilmore Girls
  • Queer Eye
  • Firefly
  • The Tudors

Favorite Movies:

  • Anything Disney
  • Mama Mia!
  • 10 Things I Hate About You
  • Clueless
  • Letters to Juliet
  • The Princess Diaries
  • Mirror, Mirror
  • Rent
  • Wonder Woman
  • Love, Simon
  • When Harry Met Sally
  • Love Actually

 

I can't wait to see everyone else's Boost Your Bio posts and to get to know you all! 


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Finding the Perfect Critique Partners, Beta Readers, and Sensitivity Readers

For days, weeks, months, maybe even years you slave away at your writing project. Agonizing over the plot, developing the characters, and starting into space trying to think of the exact perfect word. Your manuscript has been washed with blood, sweat, and tears. But it is finally complete. 

You think "Yes! Now I can query to literary agents or slap on a cover and self-publish my book! It's all over!"

WRONG.

Please, do not submit your manuscript over to agents or self-publish it just yet. Because as much as you wish it were true, your first draft is not going to be brilliant. Even your second draft won't be a masterpiece. It's not because you're not a good writer - it's simply because that's now how it works.

What you need next are critique partners, beta readers, and sensitivity readers.

As in, you need other people to read your work and give feedback. I know, it sounds terrifying. But, wouldn't you rather get the feedback now from friends, fellow writers, and trusted readers, rather than when you submit to a literary agent or publisher and they give it to you?

There's this image of writers where they are these solitary creatures living in drafty European apartments by themselves typing away by candlelight (on a typewriter of course because there's no electricity), with an overgrown beard, and only the pigeons or a charming squirrel to keep them company. Now, there might be some famous writers who lived that way.

But let's be real - not all of us are Emily Dickenson or Henry David Thoreau. So get that lone writer image out of your head right now. You need other people.

Yes, the writing itself is (usually) a solitary endeavor. Only you can write your book. But, that's the only part of the process that is. 

Your critique partners and beta readers are your cheer squad. The people who have your back. The ones who can dish out the tough love. When you're in "the depths" and wonder why you started writing in the first place, they pull you back up and remind you how awesome you are. Most importantly, they help you to clean up and polish your manuscript as much as you can so when the time comes for you to submit to editors, agents, and publishers, you're confident in the work you created.

While I come from this at a novel writing perspective, I think having people like this in your life is important no matter what sort of writing you do. Non-fiction, blogging, short stories, etc. 

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Critique Partners (CPs)

A Critique Partner is a fellow writer or group of writers where you share your work, give each other feedback, and offer support during the writing and publishing process.

I have two "permanent" CPs where we have an almost constant messaging thread going and we are always sending each other chapters and scenes, brainstorming our novels, encouraging each other when we're down, and also talk about what's going on in our lives too. (It's a perk of having CPs who are also friends you've had for several years.) We're each others sounding boards, givers of tough love, and writing support group. Basically, I could rave and gush about how awesome our little writing group is for pages and pages. They're basically my life line when I feel like I should give up on this whole endeavor. 

These two CPs see my work as I'm drafting, as well as after. One of my last manuscripts they saw multiple drafts. They are the ones who hear my ideas and see any of my work before any one else. Other than my family - maybe. 

It can be hard to find the perfect CP. I kind of lucked into my writing group because they were people I've known for a long time. One of them approached me a few years ago because she was starting to take her writing more seriously and knew I wrote novels as well, and was like "we should read each others books and help one another out." A year or two later she suggested we added another girl to our group, and it's been that way ever since. 

But, not everyone is that fortunate. I know I've had to go through a lot of trial and error with other CPs and not everyone you exchange pages with is going to be a good fit.

What to look for in a CP? It all depends on what you need, your style, your schedule, and your genre.

You need to have at least one CP who writes in your genre. Not that people who don't write other genres can't be helpful to you. They absolutely are and it's important to have people who work with other genres to read your book too because you can learn from them! But, you still need someone who writes and reads what you write because they're going to understand the nuances of that genre. My CPs both write fantasy, but they aren't familiar with urban fantasy, so when I was writing that genre, I went out and found another CP or two so I could have their feedback as well. 

Find other people who fit your schedule. Some people are part of dedicated writing groups who meet at a regular time each week or month. Which is awesome! My work schedule though? It would be nearly impossible for me to do this. Even though one of my CPs lives in the same area as I do, the other one does not. So, we have an ongoing chat online and share our manuscripts via Google Docs. Usually, we don't have time limits on when we need certain things done and can be flexible. If you are on a time limit, be sure you communicate with your CPs about this.

Find CPs where you enjoy reading their work as well. The key word is partner. Having a CP isn't a one way street. You need to give them feedback and support as well. You need to have CPs where you feel like you can enjoy reading their work and give the feedback they need. If you find that you don't like their writing style or don't think you're a good fit for feedback, then you need to have that conversation with them. If you don't, you're doing both them and yourself a disservice. Usually, it's a good idea to swap a chapter or two with a potential CP to test out and see if you're a good match before you get too deep into one another's manuscripts. 

As to how many CPs to have? It all depends on what you want and need. I don't think it's a good idea to have more than 2-4 because you don't want too many cooks in the kitchen. But, that's just me.

 

Beta Readers

A beta reader is someone who reads your manuscript to give you their thoughts and feedback. 

Beta readers are different from CPs for a few reasons. 

  • They don't necessarily need to be fellow writers. They can be, and I think there is great value in having another writer or two act as a beta reader. But, it is also important to have beta readers who simply enjoy reading. Particularly those who like to read books in your genre. Ideally, you'll have a mix of both. 
  • You don't have to be their beta reader back. You can, and I think there's value in that as well. But, it's not necessary. It all depends on your relationship with your beta reader(s). 
  • The purpose of a CP is to give you feedback and critique as a writer. How I see it, CPs can do more line edits, tough love, technical feedback, and digging really deep into the book. While beta readers give you feedback and critique as a reader. How the story flows as a whole. 

What to look for in a beta reader? Like with CPs, it all depends on your schedule, style, and needs. 

Someone who reads in your genre. Yes, you can have beta readers who don't read your genre. But, if you write science fiction and your beta reader reads almost exclusively historical, they're probably not going to enjoy your novel or give the feedback you need. There are exceptions of course. Recently, a friend of mine wrote a book of poetry which had an overarching story line and asked if I could give her my thoughts. I know NOTHING about poetry, but she said she wanted more of my thoughts on the narrative vs. the words themselves. So, I was able to read and give her my feedback. 

Someone who isn't a writer. As I said before, you can absolutely have people who are fellow writers as a beta reader and I think you should. But, you need to have at least one person who does not write and can come at it with a strictly reading perspective. If you plan on publishing, a majority of your audience will have zero interest in having a writing career of their own. Therefore, you need the viewpoint of someone in the same mindset. 

Someone who fits your schedule. If you are on deadline, find readers who are willing to stick to that deadline. (But also be reasonable. If you wrote a 500 page book, don't expect them to give you all their thoughts by the end of the week.) If you want to meet someone in person to talk about their thoughts, find people nearby. Or if you're okay with sharing online, you can poke around to find people who don't live in your area. 

How many? As many as you like and need. Like CPs, I would avoid having too many because too many voices can be overwhelming and make you more confused. But be sure to have a variety of people. 

 

Sensitivity Readers

A sensitivity reader is someone who identifies with a marginalized group and reads your manuscript to identify any representation issues. 

This. Is. So. Important.

It's not about being politically correct or not offending people or censoring your freedom of speech. It's about being sure you are being respectful and inclusive to people who are different than you.

An article with the Huffington Post states,

Sensitivity readers say to the author, “We exist too, and we ought to exist on our terms.”

Basically, if you have a book which has characters who are somewhere on the LGBT+ spectrum and you are not, find someone who is to read your book. If you identify as one race, but you have characters who are of a different race, have people who are that race read your book. 

Heck, even if you do identify in a marginalized group, have others in that group read your book as well. When I wrote my flash fiction piece, The Living Porcelain Dollit was about the disability I have. But, I still wanted to be sure I was being respectful and handled the representation well. So, I reached out to a friend of mine who also has a divisibility to take a look in case there was anything I missed. 

Your sensitivity readers can act as your CPs and beta readers as well. So, don't feel like you need to find a separate third group of people. Or, you can have someone look at your book specifically and only for sensitivity reading as well. It's up to you. Just be sure you have multiple because each person is going to come from a different point of view and will have something else to offer. 

 

Where to Find Them

This is the tricky part. But you have a few options.

People in Real Life

  • I was lucky and had a couple of friends from college who were writers and they make up my writing group. They have introduced me to other writers. In fact, in a few weeks we're going to have a small writing retreat and I'll be able to make more writing friends.
  • Check out your local library and book stores. Many times they'll have writing groups who meet there and are welcoming new members!
  • Take a writing class. It might cost money and time, but it's a great way to know that the people you're meeting are just as serious about writing as you are!
  • Go to a writing conference. This is another one that has a price tag and you might need to do research to find the best conferences for you. But, they're great places to network!

The Internet

 

Sending off your manuscript to have someone pour over and read is completely terrifying. I know. You've worked hard on your manuscript and put pieces of yourself into it. Having others read it and give feedback can be difficult. But, it's totally worth it.

You want your work to be the best it can possibly be, and these readers will help you get there. You deserve to have an awesome novel!

Finding the perfect fits for these readers is also hard. You need to be patient and willing to do the leg work to find the best people for the feedback you need. I've had a lot of flops when it comes to this, but it's worth it once you find the right people. And you might need different people for different manuscripts. That's okay!

How have you found your Critique Partners, Beta Readers, and Sensitivity Readers? What tips do you have for others to network? What other questions do you have about connecting with other writers?


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Social Media for Writers 101

My name is Emily, and I am a social media addict.

(Everyone in the social media addict support group:  "Hi, Emily.")

Real talk, I've been all over social media since it first started. I pimped out my MySpace and added cool music and thought carefully over who my "top friends" were. When I graduated high school, my friends and I were obsessed with the site Xanga and posted long blogs about our SUPER DEEP EARTH SHATTERING FEELINGS nearly every single day. When my university hopped on the Facebook train (because back then it was only for colleges and they had to join the network - yes, I'm old) I was a goner. I tweet, text, book, gram, pin, share, like, love, stream, you name it I've probably at least dabbled in it at some point. Heck, I have so many friends I've met via the Internet, sometimes I forget who I met "in real life" and who I've met "virtually."

So, when my other writer friends come to me and say that social media intimidates them I'm always slightly confused and have to remind myself that not everyone is the addict I am. (Which, frankly, is probably much healthier.) If you haven't used social media a whole lot, particularly not outside of sharing your friends and family, it can be a big scary place. Here are some of my pointers for getting started.

*This post may contain affliate links.

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A couple of disclaimers before we get started:

  • You can use these types of tips I'll be sharing even if you aren't a writer. Since I am a writer, that is the angle I am approaching it from. Feel free to adjust them to however you use social media.
  • When I first started blogging, it was a whole different world, and I ended up stumbling across a website called 20 Something Bloggers (which no longer exists... rest in peace my old friend) and that was a huge element of how I was able to connect with others on the Internet, and that was when I was simply writing a personal blog. I'm still figuring out my place in the blogging and writing communities in this "new world" and am along for the ride right with you. It's a whole new ball game out there!
  • You do not need social media to be a published author. Do I need to say it louder for the people in the back? YOU DO NOT NEED SOCIAL MEDIA TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. Do I personally find it to be a great tool and resource? For sure! However, when I read blogs or listen to podcasts or see what agents think, they say that if you don't have a social media presence it will not make or break their choice to offer representation. If you have it, that's great and they'll check it out. If you don't? It's fine. If they love your book they'll ask for representation regardless of how big your platform is.
  • Speaking of... don't let social media take away from your writing. Trust me, I fall down the "I should take a break and check my Twitter mentions or be sure I post to my Instagram story" hole far too easily. Ultimately, I could have the best Instagram feed in the world and have thousands of followers, but if my book is poorly written, none of that will matter to an agent. Make writing your number one priority!
  • My word is not law. If something I say isn't working for you, don't do it. There are a ton of different approaches. This is simply how I go about it.
 

Why Do I Want Social Media?

That's probably the first thing which may come to mind, especially when I say that you don't need it to be published. No, you don't have to be on social media to be published. But I find it as a great tool to connect with other writers and to get to know the publishing community.

I have a weird work schedule, so that makes it difficult for me to join local writing groups and meet people "in real life." So, the Internet is where I turn. It can be difficult to find good, reliable, writing friends. Particularly if you're looking for Critique Partners and Beta Readers. However, if you're willing to be patient, you can make some awesome friends and get great advice. I have one friend I've known for several years because of blogging and Twitter, and she's taught me almost everything I know about how to query literary agents. Having a group of writing friends is so important because they can give feedback, encourage you when you're down, and are there along your side during the journey. Not that friends who don't write can't do that as well, but it's essential to have other writers who know exactly how it is when you have writers block or have another rejection in your email to go to. Or to cheer you on when you accomplish something that only another writer will understand. 

You might be in a situation where you also don't have access to other writers in your area, or you feel like you don't fit in with the people around you, or you just want to expand your horizons and learn more about the writing and publishing community. Social media is great for that!

You also can learn a lot about editors and agents via social media. There are a ton of agents and editors who don't use social media, but there are also a ton who do. Example:  sometimes I lurk around #MSWL (manuscript wish list) to get an idea of what agents are looking for in their submissions and see if any of them would be a good fit for me and my work. Also, their conversations with one another are fun and fascinating because it's like an inside look into the publishing world. 

 

Pick One Platform

There are a ton of social media platforms out there and it can be tempting to try ALL OF THE THINGS! But, that also adds to the intimidation. Find one platform you like to get started. Enjoy taking photos? Instagram is a great choice for you. Don't want to spend all of your time writing long blog posts yet? Twitter might be a good option. Already spend a lot of time catching up with people you know on Facebook? Start a page or a group. You can add more later, but focus on one to get started and really nurture that community and get comfortable with it before moving on. Even people who I consider "Internet famous" who have a ton of different social media accounts have one favorite. They focus on it the most and you can tell that's really where their community thrives.

I'm basically everywhere, but lately Instagram has been my sweet spot and I'm working on building up that platform more. Twitter is next, but I also have been on there for quite some time and have a decent community already. My Facebook page is by far my weakest. 

 

What To Talk About and when

This is probably one of the biggest things I hear people share when they say they're scared of social media. "What do I talk about??? My life is so boring!"

My answer? Whatever you want.

Seriously. What do you find interesting? Share about it! What do you like on other people's social media platforms? What would be your take on it? 

And honestly, you'd be surprised at how something mundane can be turned into something appealing on social media. I LOVE the Instagram stories which are just about what people are up to that day and sharing real life. Funny stories about their kids, getting caught in a rain storm, enjoying their morning coffee, etc. Some of my most popular posts on Instagram lately have been my coffee cup next to my computer keyboard. That's it!

Obviously, if you want to connect to other writers, talk about writing. What are you working on? What struggles do you have? What are your weekly/monthly/daily goals? What music are you listening to so you can get inspired?

Some people have the theory of keeping to a theme for your social media and stick to that theme. There is definitely merit in that because when people go to your page/profile/account they know what to expect. But, I say it's okay to not completely keep with a "niche." I tried to have a personal/writing Instagram and a separate one for books (Bookstagram) but found I couldn't keep up with it so I switched to combining them. So far, it's been fine. If I do a Social Media 201, I can go more into detail about themes, niches, and the like. 

The only suggestion I have is to be sure you are comfortable with whatever you're sharing. If there's something you don't want people to know - don't share it. If there is something you think could hurt someone, yourself, or could jeopardize your career - don't share it.

Some people are hesitant to talk about things such as politics, religion, etc. Personally, I think it's totally okay to talk about these things on your social media as along as you're respectful and don't attack people who disagree with you. Just bear in mind, some of your opinions might turn certain people away. It's up to you if that's something you want to put out there or not. 

Be kind, courteous, and polite. That's all. 

As for when and how often to post - I say stay consistent. But, that means something different for each platform. The Instagram algorithm can be quite picky and tough to beat. The key is to be consistent, but also don't post too often. (If you post multiple times a day on your Instagram feed, your photos get lost in the shuffle. So, if you post pictures multiple times a day, keep it on your story, not your feed.) For Twitter, multiple times a day is fine. Twitter threads are becoming more and more popular, and I say it's totally okay to tweet as much as you like. Observe how often the people you follow tweet, and if it seems like you're going overload or people aren't responding, take a step back. On Facebook, if you're running a page or a group I say post once or twice a day. Pinterest, pin as often as you like! This might be another thing I can do in a social media 201 post where I can go more in depth with how algoritms work, scheduling posts, etc. 

 

Hashtags Are Your Friend

To get connected to the writing community, using hashtags is one of the easiest ways to find out who else is out there. Some of them take the form of chats (particularly on Twitter) but others are there as a way to let others know they are part of the writing community. Search a few hashtags and check out who is on there, like their photos and tweets, and follow who you think will be interesting. 

On Instagram, I have no problems when people add a bunch of hashtags at the end of their posts. It's a great way to network and get your pictures out there! When I add hashtags, I put space between my actual caption and my hashtags so they don't make things over crowded by adding emojis or ellipses. Here's what one of my captions looks like:

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You also can add your hashtags as your first comment to your Instagram post if you don't want it in your caption.

For Twitter, since you have a character limit I'd only add one or two hashtags to your tweet which you find most relevant to what you're talking about. 

What not to do:  one of my personal pet peeves is when someone uses a hashtag but it has nothing to do with their post/tweet/photo. If someone uses #amwriting, I expect their photo or post to be about writing. But when I see that they're just talking about what they ate that day? Instant turn off. If I wanted to know about food, I'd search food hashtags. 

Here are some hashtags to get you started. (At least with connecting with other writers.) What I do, is I have a note saved on my phone with the hashtags I like to use, and then copy and paste the relevant ones into my post. That way I'm not sitting there wondering "which one was that again..." Or, I sometimes rotate which ones I use because the Instagram algorithm will note if a user uses a certain hashtag a lot and could consider it spam. 

  • #authorsofinstagram
  • #writersfollowwriters (great for follow loops!)
  • #womenwriters
  • #womenwhowrite
  • #writinginspiration
  • #novelwriter
  • #novelwriting
  • the genre you are writing (ex. #fantasy #ya #historicalfiction, etc.)
  • #amwriting
  • #amwriting[insert your genre here]
  • #amquerying
  • #amediting
  • #amrevising
  • #writersofinstagram
  • #writersofig
  • #writerscommunity
  • #authorlife

 

What's great is that on Instagram, you can now follow hashtags and add them to your profile. It's a great way to be found and to discover new creators! I chose a couple of my favorites and follow those. 

 

Join a Chat, Weekly Event, or Group

I'll be the first to admit, I'm terrible at keeping up with these. I have friends who host these awesome weekly chats on Twitter and I forget them every time.  Or I'm part of Facebook groups that are super active and I always forget to check out their boards and comment on posts. Why is this? I'm not sure. Probably because I'm a terrible person. Or I need to start marking them in my calendar. But, when I have participated, they've been great!

On Twitter, a lot of people host chats (marked by a hashtag). You can follow the hashtag through the chat to see what people are talking about and you can reply to them. Usually they are starting at a certain time on a recurring day of the week. Most I've seen have a host and they start with intros so people can share who they are, then they share questions pertaining to the topic. Those participating (typically) "quote tweet" the question and share their answers, and people comment back. It's a great way to get to know people, talk through some writing topics, and brainstorm. 

Some Twitter chats I've found:

  • #writestuff hosted by @PenPaperPad (she's and awesome indie writer and one of my friends I met online!) every Tuesday
  • #AdultFicWri hosted by @ElusiveStory- this one is unique because it's week long. She posts the question on Monday and then you have all week to share your answer/reply and comment on others responses
  • #writerspatch hosted by @PatchworkNerd every Sunday
  • #ThursdayAesthetic (also done on Instagram) every Thursday hosted by @LiterarilyJess. This one is a bit unique where she'll announce a theme on Saturday and you create an aesthetic board for your novel. Even if you don't make one yourself, it's just fun to see what others come up with! Also, she says that the themes are 100% optional. 

With Facebook the focus is on groups. People can post questions, brainstorm, etc. Sometimes, they can get really spamy and writers end up just sharing all of their links so you can buy their books, and that can get annoying. But there are a lot of groups which keep that to a minimum and is all about the community. Many times they'll have a weekly thread for self-promotion so you can share those things, but keep it contained to one thread. 

Here's a couple of the groups I'm a member of (but need to be a better participant in!):

 

Interact With People

This is really what it all comes down to. Interaction! I know, it can be super scary at times, so don't feel pressured to start talking to people you don't know if you aren't comfortable! But, the best way to make friends is to reach out and be a friend. 

Start small. Follow some people who's posts look interesting and like their tweets and photos. If you have a thought, comment. Some of my closest friends I've made online all started because we commented on each others blog posts or tweets and began conversation that way. When someone likes or comments on your content, check them out and if you like what they've created, comment and like back. Reply when people comment on your profile. Sometimes you hit it off, sometimes you don't. Both are okay!

Eventually, if you are comfortable, direct message someone. Another one of my good friendships started like this. We'd commented on each others YouTube channels and followed one another on Twitter and interacted a bit. When I was reading a book I knew she had read and needed to share my feelings, I sent her a direct message on Twitter and we talked about my thoughts on the book as I read - we've basically had a non-stop direct message thread since then. It's been at least 2 or 3 years. 

What not to do:  do not comment on people's profiles/pictures/tweets/etc with "follow me and I'll follow you back." No one is obligated to follow anyoneWhen someone comments that on my content, it is an instant turn off and I will not follow them. I might check out their profile and like one or two things if I find them interesting, but if as a whole I don't think their content is something I'll enjoy, I won't follow them. The only time I feel "obligated" to follow back is if I'm participating in a follow loop. But, in time, if I notice that people from that loop I don't enjoy their content, I unfollow. If someone decides to not follow you back, don't take it personally.

If there is a person who is being rude, harassing you, or simply makes you feel uncomfortable, don't be shy about using that block button. It's there for a reason. Your social media is your Internet home. If someone walked into your home that mistreated you and you didn't want them around, you'd ask them to leave, right? It's the same on social media. 

As fun and important as it is to interact though - don't stress about numbers. Focus more on making real connections and friendships!

 

I hope that helps to get you started if you're brand new to the writing social media scene! As I said previously, it's a new world compared to when I first started on social media and I'm still working on finding my place in the writing community as well. We can figure it out together! 

The short of it?

  • You don't need social media to be published.
  • Don't post, follow, comment, or like anything or anyone you aren't comfortable with.
  • Be kind, polite, and professional! (Remember, these could be your friends and/or colleagues someday!)
  • Interact with other people.

That's it!

What tips do you have for people who are new to social media? If you're new, what advice would you like someone to give you?


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Death's Child

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It was so cold.

The young man clutched his frozen fingers into the icy ground and tried to pull himself up. With a groan, he collapsed into the snow again. His leaf and leather made clothing was soaked through and he couldn't find his fur-lined jacket anywhere. 

They always said Kutlaus was a benevolent father to his children, but the moment he fell into the ice filled stream, the young man knew the god who ruled the forest had turned his back on him. Or perhaps he had turned his back upon the god long ago. Who knew anymore?

But he wasn't going to let Kutlaus ignore him. He'd find his own way, frozen stream or no. He clawed his way up to the surface, breaking the ice as he went. He got himself up onto the shore. There was no need for Kutlaus to protect him. He could save himself if needed.

If only he could find dry clothing. 

Or a fire.

Anything to rid himself of the never ending cold.  How long had he been lying there now? A few minutes? An hour. He couldn't tell anymore. 

Perhaps it was Luana, the night and winter goddess, he should be cursing instead. Or all of them for that matter.

"Cursing all of us, are you, Rafe?" a light honeyesque, female voice said. 

A chill ran up Rafe's spine at the words, one entirely different from the water freezing into icicles in his hair. 

He gathered the strength to look up and saw before him, a black lace robe floating about her person, covering every bit of her, including her face, save for her pale as death bare feet. Everything around them stilled, as though the forest itself was holding it's breath.  She took silent steps toward him and knelt at his side, pushing aside the hood of her robe to reveal a ghost white face with haunting, unblinking, black eyes with black streaks running down her face like permanent streams of tears.

"Stula," he breathed.

Her black lips smirked. "You evaded me in the stream. I was to escort you from there."

"Save... myself..." he muttered, teeth chattering. 

Stula tilted her head to the side, considering him. "So young, yet so strong to escape your fate in the water," she mused. "Well, young Rafe, what would you like to do?"

Rafe stared at her. "What would I like to do?"

"Your heart is growing weaker as we speak. Your body cannot gather heat, and you have minutes, if that, left of your short little life. Once it is through, I can escort you to the next life, the one others have only wondered about but never seen. Or, you are strong. I can use someone strong to do my bidding. Find others like you who try to avoid my arrival," she explained calmly.

"Serve the goddess of death?" Rafe asked.

"And change and maturity," she said. "But yes, death."

"What do I get?"

"Immortality in this world, a new life, strength, magic, freedom when I do not need you."

Rafe shivered, then nodded his head once. 

That was all Stula needed. She placed a hand upon his chest a new blast of cold seared through him. He cried out as her magic pierced his body. Upon his arm, a black image of a skeleton's hand holding a rose etched into his skin and he groaned from the wound. When it was completed, a black glow hovered around it, then sank into his body. 

Stula stepped back and smiled. 

Rafe no longer felt the cold, but then, something cracked from inside of him. He cried out. It happened again, then again, then again, until he was writhing and screaming in pain. He didn't know how long it lasted, but once it was through, he found he now stood upon four legs, and a warm fur coat covered his body.

The clouds above parted and the bright full moon shone through the darkness. The pain subsided, and something else stirred within his chest. A calling.

"You'll get used to the transformation, and will be able to call upon it as you wish," Stula said. She opened her arms as though in invitation. 

From his mouth came a long, loud, howl, and he felt free.

And he was hungry. 


I wanted to write this piece for last month's flash fiction, but it never came to me! This character, Rafe, from my current work in progress has been swirling about in my head but I haven't been able to see him clearly until recently. This was fun for me to dig into his back story a bit, and to reveal one of the deities for this world's religion I hadn't explored much yet. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Also, if you're buying some books - check out this offer (and others) from Barnes and Noble, good May 9-15, 2018! (Yes, it's an affiliated link. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!)

Take 10% Off Your Order with code YESWAY

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My Not-So-Glamorous Writing Life

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"So... what else do you do other than read and write?" my friend asked me with a laugh.

I laughed along with her. "Nothing!"

Over the weekend I had a rare night out with some friends. It was ladies night at her jewelry store and we got to peruse and try on jewelry we would never be able to afford. We looked through their book of charms to see if there were any that matched my interests and hobbies. Of course, the first things that came to mind where books and writing. It was hard for me to think of other things I enjoy and do that could be portrayed in a charm.

Now, I do have more interests than books. I love my dog, coffee, theatre, etc. But most of the time, all I do once I get home from work is read and write. Then on my days off, beyond my day-to-day errands, I spend it reading and writing. I don't even get out to go write at a coffee shop or something often these days.

Quite frankly, the life of someone aspiring to be a published author isn't all that glamorous or exciting. In fact, I've been told that even when you are published, life isn't glamorous or exciting. I was listening to Mindy McGinnis' podcast, Writer Writer Pants on Fire, one day, and she shared about the day she got her agent. (Or maybe it was when her book sold, I can't remember which.) She said that she got the phone call and she was so excited!

Then she had to go change her cat's litter box.

So glamorous and exciting, right?

I peruse Instagram everyday, and I see other bloggers and writers showing off their photos. They're traveling! Going to coffee shops! Finding the cutest little boutique! Eating ice cream in the sunshine! Showing off their new book covers! Life! Is! So! Great!

My life looks nothing like this. 

Now, I'm fully aware that these photos are staged and intentionally made in a way to showcase the highlights. Most of these people's day to day isn't like this at all. But I take a look around and I think "I don't even have something I can manipulate into a pretty picture to make you think my life is super Instagram and blog-worthy."

I mean, there's only so many ways I can take a photo of my keyboard and coffee mug. 

As much as we like to aspire to the dream of being a super glamourous writer who takes their laptops to adorable coffee shops, typing away with grand and beautiful ideas, gasp-worthy plot points, dreaming up swoony love scenes, and heart-wrenching moments to make you cry and the perfect writing music is playing in the background, this just isn't how it is. 

My writing routine mainly consists of this:

  • Staring at my computer screen
  • Searching Spotify because I can't decide what music I'm in the mood for
  • Staring at the pictures on my wall
  • Typing a few words then deleting them, writing words, deleting them again, etc.
  • Pacing my bedroom until I can get inspiration or the one word I'm searching for comes to me
  • Flipping through my notebook cause I can't remember what I named a certain kingdom 
  • Scrolling through Pinterest because I just CAN'T write until I have the perfect model to inspire me for a character
  • Searching the kitchen for a snack
  • Replying to messages from my writing group
  • Telling my dog to get off my lap so I can type
  • Getting a couple of paragraphs done
  • Repeat

So, when people ask me how the book is going, or what's new in my life... I'm at a loss for words. The book is going well, but I don't necessarily have anything to show for it right now. If I ever do, it's going to be several months. Maybe even years. As for what's new in my life, not a whole lot because supposedly my book is going well. When it's going well, that basically means I'm in my writing hole and don't emerge from it often. 

Even if going well is me staring at the computer screen.

Earlier this year I was talking with a group of friends from church about my "work, go home, write, read, go to sleep, do it all again the next day" routine, it felt like one or two people kind of pitied me. 

Which, I can see that. It is pretty boring, and I guess I can say that I'm in a "life rut."

But at the same time, I also know this is how it goes when it comes to completing a novel. It takes a long time, and it's not super exciting. Yes, I want to go out more. I want to see my friends more often. I want "adventure in the great wide somewhere" as Belle would sing. Part of who I am is getting out and being around people. The whole "I really am an extrovert" thing. 

On the other hand, I'm learning to accept that this process isn't going to look exciting. Most of the time, it's going to appear to be pretty boring. That's just how it is.

Which, I struggle with sometimes. There are days I don't mind, and there are days where it does bother me. I'm not sure what the answer is though. 

What about you? Do you find that you get stuck in a routine and unsure of how to get out of it? What aspects of your life do you find really boring? What do you think would surprise people about your day-to-day routine?


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April Goals

Happy April! 

Supposedly it's officially spring now in Chicago. Which... spring is always slightly random for us. We had the coldest Easter Sunday in 20 years last year, but it's been sunny and should be warming up soonish. 

We'll see what "soonish" actually turns out to be.

But, at least it appears as though the worst of winter is behind us. Even just having the sun out more often while it's still cold gives hope that spring is coming and gives me a tad more motivation to reach some of those goals I made back in January. Starting resolutions in the middle of winter is a terrible idea, because all I want to do is curl up in bed with a book and binge Netflix TV shows. 

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April also means Camp NaNoWriMo is starting! It's like the little sister to National Novel Writing Month where people get to work on their writing projects. There are a few differences though.

  1. During National Novel Writing Month in November, the big goal is 50,000 words. During Camp, you get to set your own goal.
  2. You have the option to be put into a "cabin" of other writers where you have a little chat going and can encourage one another in your goals.
  3. You don't have to necessarily be working on a novel during Camp. 

I don't regularly participate in Camp NaNoWriMo the way I do the big event in November. It all depends on what I'm working on and what's going on in my life. This year, I decided that I'm going to casually participate since it could be the kick in the rear I need to get some major headway in my novel done. 

What will I be working on? Glad you asked.

I'm officially stepping back from Vampire Snow White (Bleeding Heart.) I love that book and the characters, but the writers block I've had with it has been some of the most intense I've ever experienced. After talking over with my writing group, I think it's time to take a break from it for the time being. At first I didn't want to switch projects and push through it, because if you keep on switching around what you're working on, nothing will ever get done. But, I think this is for the best. I love this book, but I don't think I have the tools or mindset to tackle it yet. In the future I will, but not right now.

Which means I'm going back to the novel I originally was working on before Bleeding Heart took over, and that's what I nick-name my "fairy tale mash-up" (White Rose)

White Rose is going to be more of an adult epic or high fantasy novel that I think would have young adult appeal. (Think A Court of Thorns and Roses. While, technically it is marketed as  YA, NONE of the characters are teenagers after the first book and has a lot of content that I don't see as being YA. I see my book as being something similar.) The main focus is combining the two fairy tales of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" with "Snow White and Rose Red" where we see the story of two sisters, Eira and Rose. There's a bunch of other fairy tales I want to reference though, which makes it really fun.

I'm pretty excited about this book because since it's not a urban fantasy, all of it will take place in a different fantasy world and I'm enjoying building it up. 

My overall word count goal is to write 25,000 words. I already had 14,000 words written in this novel. So, by the end of April I should have roughly 40,000 words done. This makes for a little over 800 words a day. Which is not bad at all.

I'm not going to stress myself out about word count though. As long as I'm making regular progress each day, I'm going to be happy. I also will not be joining a cabin. I have a good core group of writing friends and other connections I've made, and they aren't all participating in Camp. It's just easier and more helpful to go to them when I need support. 

It's going to be a fun month writing-wise and I'm excited!

I have one other goal I want to work on this month too. That's building up my email list. A few days ago I posted on social media that if I were to add an incentive for people to join my email list, which would be the best:

  • Original fiction
  • Writing help freebies

Some people said they'd want original fiction, but the majority asked for writing help freebies, to my surprise! So, that's something I'd like to work on. It'd be great to have some sort of free worksheet or workbook or something for people who sign up for the email list. I'm not sure how to do it yet, or what it will entail, but it's definitely on my goals for April. 

If anyone has experience making the PDFs for their subscribers (writing or otherwise) please let me know, because I have no idea where to even begin!

 

What are some of your goals for April? Anyone else participating in Camp NaNoWriMo?


Like what you read? Consider buying me a coffee. This simply helps me to offset costs (ex. paying for my website domain) so I can continue to create quality and professional content - along with you receiving my lifelong love and appreciation!