Good Memorial Monday morning, world!
Today's blog will be brief, but extremely informative. :)
June is turning out to be a busy month for yours truly. Why? Well, I am going to have several AMAZING authors stopping by the blog this month AND my own blog tour has kicked off, so I'm gonna be all over the place! LOL.
June's Guests:
June 1 - Tasha Nicole
June 7 - Cate Masters
June 10 - Misha Crews
June 14 - Patti Hultstrand
June 22 - Lorrie Struiff
June 30 - Lilly Oak/Hedge Witchery Books
As you can see, we have some incredible guests coming up this month! I really hope you all show these incredible authors the support they all deserve! :)
My Blog Tour Spots:
June 5 - http://myimmortalstories.blogspot.com
June 7 - http://margaret-paranormalromanceauthor.blogspot.com
June 10 - http://hotgossiphotreviews.blogspot.com
June 15 - http://tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com
June 16 - http://dollycas.blogspot.com
June 18 - http://mommyreadstoomuch.blogspot.com
June 21 - www.trishsilver.com
June 23 - http://consciousdiscussions.blogspot.com
June 25 - http://authorsbyauthors.blogspot.com
June 29 - http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
Busy, busy, busy! Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial Day, and I look forward to seeing you all around this month! :)
Happy reading!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
On Writing and Construction
On occasion, people come to me for writing tips of ask how to write a book, etc. I'm flattered. I am no John Steinbeck, but I'll gladly offer what little knowledge and experience I have.
Here is my basic "rule" for writing:
Writing a book is like building a house.
Strange analogy? Perhaps. Or, perhaps not. ;)
Let me explain.
You see, first you need your foundation. Now, everyone approaches this differently. Some people will actually write out outlines. That works. That's a fine foundation. For me, the foundation is knowing the basic story. That works too. There's no right or wrong way to do this, but you cannot go into a project without your foundation laid out in some fashion.
Secondly, you build you structure. This is the actual writing process. You write the story. From a word count of 0 to 60,000, this is you putting up all of the framing, the walls, the roof, etc. Just like you don't build a house in a day, you certainly don't write a book in a day. You have to be sure everything is level, that it is structurally sound, etc. You have to make sure that the structure itself is strong, or in this case that the story itself is strong.
Lastly, there come the details. I often compare editing and tuning to painting or putting in the fixtures of the home. Now personally, I will occasionally edit while I write. Then I edit some more, and I edit more. My publisher will tell you that I am very much a perfectionist and I will edit till the cows come home. But I do so to make sure that I didn't miss a spot while I painted. I want to be sure everything shines and looks good. Would you buy a house if the work was done half-assed? I know I wouldn't. Nor would I want to read a book that isn't completely polished. Editing is all the fine tuning to make your book spectacular. Just like the choices in countertops and wall colors, your editing choices can add tremendous value to your book. So, think about it carefully. The more effort you put in, the better quality your finished product will be! :)
So, that's my lesson, y'all. Albeit brief and generalized, at least this hopefully will give you some guidance as you read and write your way through this world. :)
Happy reading!
Here is my basic "rule" for writing:
Writing a book is like building a house.
Strange analogy? Perhaps. Or, perhaps not. ;)
Let me explain.
You see, first you need your foundation. Now, everyone approaches this differently. Some people will actually write out outlines. That works. That's a fine foundation. For me, the foundation is knowing the basic story. That works too. There's no right or wrong way to do this, but you cannot go into a project without your foundation laid out in some fashion.
Secondly, you build you structure. This is the actual writing process. You write the story. From a word count of 0 to 60,000, this is you putting up all of the framing, the walls, the roof, etc. Just like you don't build a house in a day, you certainly don't write a book in a day. You have to be sure everything is level, that it is structurally sound, etc. You have to make sure that the structure itself is strong, or in this case that the story itself is strong.
Lastly, there come the details. I often compare editing and tuning to painting or putting in the fixtures of the home. Now personally, I will occasionally edit while I write. Then I edit some more, and I edit more. My publisher will tell you that I am very much a perfectionist and I will edit till the cows come home. But I do so to make sure that I didn't miss a spot while I painted. I want to be sure everything shines and looks good. Would you buy a house if the work was done half-assed? I know I wouldn't. Nor would I want to read a book that isn't completely polished. Editing is all the fine tuning to make your book spectacular. Just like the choices in countertops and wall colors, your editing choices can add tremendous value to your book. So, think about it carefully. The more effort you put in, the better quality your finished product will be! :)
So, that's my lesson, y'all. Albeit brief and generalized, at least this hopefully will give you some guidance as you read and write your way through this world. :)
Happy reading!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Monday News
Good Monday morning, world!
Today's news is light, but still important nonetheless.
This week, I will have TWO guests for y'all. On Thursday, we have Ya Ya. And on Friday, Katie Salidas will be here! These are fantastic authors that I have met through the APA (now VBT) tour & I am honored to have them on here.
As well, I begin my own APA/VBT tour this week! Woo hoo! :) Starting on Thursday (the 27th) and I'm going through to the end of July. I'll keep you all posted on my various stops!
That's it for now. No pictures or anything grand today. Busy day ahead. :) BUT, I can promise you an interesting blog on Wednesday that will definitely have pictures, in addition to our two guests. So stay tuned! :)
Happy reading! :)
Today's news is light, but still important nonetheless.
This week, I will have TWO guests for y'all. On Thursday, we have Ya Ya. And on Friday, Katie Salidas will be here! These are fantastic authors that I have met through the APA (now VBT) tour & I am honored to have them on here.
As well, I begin my own APA/VBT tour this week! Woo hoo! :) Starting on Thursday (the 27th) and I'm going through to the end of July. I'll keep you all posted on my various stops!
That's it for now. No pictures or anything grand today. Busy day ahead. :) BUT, I can promise you an interesting blog on Wednesday that will definitely have pictures, in addition to our two guests. So stay tuned! :)
Happy reading! :)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Character Interview: Sandy
Here is a VERY late good morning to you all!
Today's character interview is Sandy, from Unbreakable Hostage.
Good morning, Sandy!
Good morning. Thanks for having me here.
Sandy, why don't you tell us the nature of your relationship with Lareina.
Lareina and I have known each other for years. We teach at the same high school. Or, actually, we did. She doesn't teach there any more. Anyway, I came on a year after her. She heard me say something in Spanish in the teacher's lounge, and she laughed at me and corrected my accent. We've been fast friends ever since. We've been roommates for a few years, too. The cost of living in L. A. is ridiculous, so we'll gladly save money any which way we can. It's been a good set up for us.
You were the one who called the police when Lareina went missing. What was that like?
Extremely nerve-wracking. I knew I called early by police standards, but I just knew something had to be wrong. Especially when her parents hadn't heard from her either. So I called Marcus. I never imagined I'd have to do something like that. It's really quite scary having to call the police.
Tell us about your experiences with Marc.
He's an incredible man. He's strong, he's handsome. He genuinely cares. You don't meet a man like that very often.
Does that mean that you're ok with how everything turned out?
Well, it is what it is. Life is full of changes, and that includes people changing. I'm thrilled that Lareina is home. That's all that matters.
Alright, let's end this on a more positive note. What do you think is one thing that no one knows about you, but they'd be interested or surprised to find out?
That I was basically raised by my Hispanic neighbors, that's why I decided to teach Spanish. As much as the Oliveira's teach me, Spanish has been an integral part of my life and I do speak it well. Even if I am a white girl, as Lareina likes to tease.
That is really interesting, Sandy. Thank you so much for joining us today.
Happy weekend reading! :)
Today's character interview is Sandy, from Unbreakable Hostage.
Good morning, Sandy!
Good morning. Thanks for having me here.
Sandy, why don't you tell us the nature of your relationship with Lareina.
Lareina and I have known each other for years. We teach at the same high school. Or, actually, we did. She doesn't teach there any more. Anyway, I came on a year after her. She heard me say something in Spanish in the teacher's lounge, and she laughed at me and corrected my accent. We've been fast friends ever since. We've been roommates for a few years, too. The cost of living in L. A. is ridiculous, so we'll gladly save money any which way we can. It's been a good set up for us.
You were the one who called the police when Lareina went missing. What was that like?
Extremely nerve-wracking. I knew I called early by police standards, but I just knew something had to be wrong. Especially when her parents hadn't heard from her either. So I called Marcus. I never imagined I'd have to do something like that. It's really quite scary having to call the police.
Tell us about your experiences with Marc.
He's an incredible man. He's strong, he's handsome. He genuinely cares. You don't meet a man like that very often.
Does that mean that you're ok with how everything turned out?
Well, it is what it is. Life is full of changes, and that includes people changing. I'm thrilled that Lareina is home. That's all that matters.
Alright, let's end this on a more positive note. What do you think is one thing that no one knows about you, but they'd be interested or surprised to find out?
That I was basically raised by my Hispanic neighbors, that's why I decided to teach Spanish. As much as the Oliveira's teach me, Spanish has been an integral part of my life and I do speak it well. Even if I am a white girl, as Lareina likes to tease.
That is really interesting, Sandy. Thank you so much for joining us today.
Happy weekend reading! :)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Creative Blog Award
A very EARLY good morning to all of you! Happy Wednesday! :)
So, my dear friend and cohort, Chelle Cordero has nominated ALL of the VHP authors for the Creative Blog Award. Thus, I am forced to participate today. LOL.
Since Ms. Cordero is using hers as a contest, I shall do the same. Whomever is able to pick out the incorrect statement will have their name placed in a hat. All of the correct guessers' names will be in the hat and one will be chosen AT RANDOM to win a personally signed copy of Unbreakable Hostage by yours truly. The deadline will be tonight at 11:59 Pacific. So y'all have plenty of time to decide and then e-mail me your answers! Remember, my e-mail is leharvey77@gmail.com Send those answers in! :)
So, without further ado, my seven lines are as follows (remember, 6 are true, only 1 is false):
1) In Unbreakable Hostage, X really does equal two.
2) Loving Her is set in Pittsburgh, PA.
3) Should Unbreakable Hostage ever become a movie, I want Jason Statham to play Marc.
4) Maria, Donna and Katie from Loving Her are all based on people I know.
5) Unbreakable Hostage takes place in Los Anglese and Fresno/Yosemite, CA.
6) Imperfect is an entire life's story.
7) Lareina from Unbreakable Hostage is a Boricua, like me. ;)
Ok, guys. There ya go! Have fun & don't forget to e-mail me the answers! leharvey77@gmail.com I'll be waiting!
I now pass along the torch to my new, but very dear friend, Mr. Lloyd Kaneko! ;) Have fun with this one, Lloyd! :)
Happy Wednesday reading! :)
So, my dear friend and cohort, Chelle Cordero has nominated ALL of the VHP authors for the Creative Blog Award. Thus, I am forced to participate today. LOL.
Since Ms. Cordero is using hers as a contest, I shall do the same. Whomever is able to pick out the incorrect statement will have their name placed in a hat. All of the correct guessers' names will be in the hat and one will be chosen AT RANDOM to win a personally signed copy of Unbreakable Hostage by yours truly. The deadline will be tonight at 11:59 Pacific. So y'all have plenty of time to decide and then e-mail me your answers! Remember, my e-mail is leharvey77@gmail.com Send those answers in! :)
So, without further ado, my seven lines are as follows (remember, 6 are true, only 1 is false):
1) In Unbreakable Hostage, X really does equal two.
2) Loving Her is set in Pittsburgh, PA.
3) Should Unbreakable Hostage ever become a movie, I want Jason Statham to play Marc.
4) Maria, Donna and Katie from Loving Her are all based on people I know.
5) Unbreakable Hostage takes place in Los Anglese and Fresno/Yosemite, CA.
6) Imperfect is an entire life's story.
7) Lareina from Unbreakable Hostage is a Boricua, like me. ;)
Ok, guys. There ya go! Have fun & don't forget to e-mail me the answers! leharvey77@gmail.com I'll be waiting!
I now pass along the torch to my new, but very dear friend, Mr. Lloyd Kaneko! ;) Have fun with this one, Lloyd! :)
Happy Wednesday reading! :)
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