tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92161482597098535912024-03-13T01:07:45.647-07:00Random Musings and Other Literary Tid-BitsYou can't get a cup of [herbal] tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me. -- C.S. LewisNatasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-27877151341929622252013-09-04T10:20:00.002-07:002013-09-04T10:33:59.591-07:00Wednesday's--Getting Over the Hump--Writer's Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's Hump Daaaaaay!!</div>
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It's Wednesday.<br />
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Hump Day.<br />
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And I've decided to post what I've learned over the last year about sharing one's work, one's <i>baby</i>, if you will, with other people--you know, critique partners, beta readers, your mom, your sister-in-law, the milkman, and the like.<br />
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It's a "hump" that's taken me a while to understand, scale, and eventually get over. What pray tell am I talking about, you ask? I'm talking about getting constructive and usable feedback from people you let read<i> and</i> critique your manuscript. This post mostly applies to Beta Readers and the first draft, but don't stop reading, it has relevance to every reader at every step of the critique process.<br />
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When I started writing my first novel a few years back, I was terrified to share my work with anyone, and I mean, ANYONE. Eventually, I got over that "hump" and asked my sister-in-law (an avid YA reader) to read my very first completed ms. She called me right away and let me know how much she was enjoying it, which is always nice, but I wanted details.<br />
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<i>Why did she like or dislike the main characters? </i><i>Where were any plots holes? etc. etc.</i><br />
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You know, the dig deep down, nitty-gritty of it all.<br />
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In the end, the main feedback I received from her mostly concerned pacing. One might assume a first draft would be too slow in the pacing department, however, she pointed out the contrary--each chapter was too<i> fast</i>. She wanted my characters to spend more time in each scene. This piece of information was priceless! I never would have seen this on my own. One problem: it's hard to go back after writing 80,000 words and figure out specifically where to add more details, especially for a new writer.<br />
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This feedback, while invaluable, barely scratched the surface.<br />
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Now that I'm working on my second ms, I've decided not to wait until it's completely finished to get someone or someones to critique it and submit feedback--I feel it's easier <i>for me</i> to make changes along the way (but to be clear, I'm not talking about line edits here--those should be saved until the end, in my opinion). Again, I've asked a slew of people, including two different CP's, and my best beta reader, my sister-in-law, to read my WIP (work-in-progress) and submit feedback. However, I've learned from my previous mistakes and instead of just throwing my work at them and waiting with bated breath at my computer for them to toss something, <i>anything</i> back, I've asked for<i> specific</i> feedback this time.<br />
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<u>Here is the feedback I requested:</u><br />
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1) Are the characters likable/dislikable and/or believable? Can you relate to them? Why?<br />
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2) Does the story flow? How's pacing? Where should it pick up or slow down?<br />
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3) Are there any plot holes so far? And where?<br />
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4) Is the setting developed enough?<br />
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5) Does the first page engage you to keep reading? At what
point (chapter/page) would you or did you put it down??<br />
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6) Does the dialogue work? Sound YA?<br />
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7) Specific Likes/Dislikes/Questions/Comments<br />
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8) And I saved the the most important one for last: VOICE<br />
(Why? For me, it's the hardest to get right)<br />
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Don't get me wrong, I am open to ANY and ALL feedback of my work, and happily welcome it with open arms. Each ms I write is different, and so what I request of my readers each time will be different, but I think it is important to ask SPECIFIC questions in order to get the most useful feedback possible.<br />
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<i>And you'll know exactly what to do with it.</i><br />
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Or course, always remember it is the writer's prerogative if her or she even wants to apply the suggestions to his or her work.<br />
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While I understand there is a difference between a beta reader and a critique partner, it's still important to know what to ask your readers. Most writers save line edits (spelling, grammar, typos) for their CP's, and big picture items for their Betas, but that doesn't mean a writer can't request clear-cut advice, as outlined above, if that's in the arrangement you've made together. If not, ask, and I'm sure your reader will oblige.<br />
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Do you ask your readers (CP's, Beta's etc.) for certain feedback or do you let them take the reigns? Or, maybe you're like me and it's a combination of both?<br />
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Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-210831287695171202013-09-02T23:50:00.001-07:002013-09-02T23:50:05.124-07:002000 Words<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81CDlaiX-OOXl0Yp_9Udv_e-HOgnhQRGHNzuLrqeYCL4uhcXaIAxDkl6-g_TwzuoXMJJ-pCA_A1kFVxpxDJj-8G0qG19kE-v3sNecqxbYjXDEyeo4TGe9FYHVBijZEUzaIW7FX_5NDCiN/s1600/goals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81CDlaiX-OOXl0Yp_9Udv_e-HOgnhQRGHNzuLrqeYCL4uhcXaIAxDkl6-g_TwzuoXMJJ-pCA_A1kFVxpxDJj-8G0qG19kE-v3sNecqxbYjXDEyeo4TGe9FYHVBijZEUzaIW7FX_5NDCiN/s1600/goals.jpg" /></a>I'm back from my writing hibernation, I <i>really</i> am this time, and I've decided to make it a goal to set a goal.<br />
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A writing goal.<br />
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Yes, I am one of<i> those</i> people who makes a list for their lists.<br />
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But I digress.<br />
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First, I figured I should have a goal of setting a goal. Apparently, using my "free time" to write isn't working for me, as I haven't written a lick in months. Apparently, "free time" doesn't visit my house very often--however, my 40-hour-a-week job, homework for two college courses, cooking three meals a day, mopping up spilled cereal milk, sweeping up crumbled gold fish crackers, and taxiing three children to school, basketball, dance, and a job makes a daily appearance.<br />
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I <i>need</i> to set a goal to write.<br />
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In the beginning, I thought writing 2000 words-a-day was a realistic goal. Really? Going from zero words-a-day to 2000 is realistic? I tried it one day, made it to 1000 words after sitting in front of my computer for hours, and realized I'd never be able to put off everything like that--day after day.<br />
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I need a <i>realistic</i> goal.<br />
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1000 words-a-day wasn't a terrible goal. I actually made it to 1000 words pretty quickly, it was the next 1000 that tripped me up. Maybe I really could achieve 1000 words? Maybe that was a realistic goal, after all?<br />
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So, I reassessed my goal.<br />
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I tried it again. This time with the goal of 1000 words for the day. And guess what? I did it. I wrote 1000 words that day.<br />
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Hooray!<br />
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Now, I have a goal to write 1000 words each day. Will I beat myself up if I don't achieve that goal? Probably. But once I do, I will reassess my goal once more, and set a new one. I just need to have a goal of setting a goal. If I do that, I will always write. Even if my goal is only ten words-a-day.<br />
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Do you set goals for writing? How do you decide what that goal should be? Does it ever change or do you stand firm? Feel free to share so we can learn from each other!<br />
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<br />Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-40394934115584865922013-01-08T13:02:00.000-08:002013-01-08T13:09:03.664-08:00One Word Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, as you can see...I'm back from hibernation!</div>
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This is me...</div>
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In November, I started NaNoWriMo (write a novel in a month), but one-fourth of the way through, had to stop; my husband lost his job of twenty years...and I needed to get myself a job, and quick. Not exactly what I thought I'd be doing right before the holidays. In addition to not writing, I also stopped blogging. Luckily, I just finished two English Literature classes and the fall quarter at CSUB. Sure, I would love to be a full time writer who makes a living selling best-sellers, but right now, that's not happening. Although, I do currently have three full submissions out.</div>
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So maybe soon?</div>
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When I saw <i>Ink in the Book's</i> blog post about her <a href="http://inkinthebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-word-year.html">"One Word Year"</a> I thought, hmmm, with so many changes going on in my life right now, I think I need a word for this upcoming year, too.</div>
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At first, I considered: </div>
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<b>ANEW</b></div>
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Because it means "again," and I <i>really </i>wanted a do-over this year. Like: let's try this again and start anew.</div>
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But then, I decided on this word, instead:</div>
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<b>INSPIRE</b></div>
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Yep,<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>inspire</i></span> is my "one word" for this year...and here's why:</div>
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1) It's a verb--and my college English professors will kill me for saying this--but that also means it's an action word. </div>
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2) It goes both ways--meaning you can GIVE it and RECEIVE it. I love that.</div>
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3) It sums up exactly what I want for my writing. I want to stir emotions and put forth a creative effort that inspires others. </div>
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Now, it has only been two months, but in that short time my husband found a new, less stressful job, I started working as a Behavior Respite Therapist with children who have autism (which I absolutely LOVE), and I started writing my WIP, again. Oh, and yesterday I started an online college course at CSUB. So...everything is falling back into place.</div>
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I guess the morale to my story is...if you don't like the way things are going...be INSPIRED to change it for the better!</div>
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Good luck to all in the New Year and I hope you find <i>inspiration</i> in everything around you.</div>
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What's your "one word" for this year?</div>
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<br />Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-33950157023933081672012-11-14T12:31:00.001-08:002012-11-14T13:35:15.833-08:00Wildest Moments Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjPN8Keght9iVA1HOVgnpF5RcJvcVJnm7iKbLpdWaN5nJcBSZgC5YSJG68gcHxrafHT4mHpT2lBTqGG3Wsl9oVMLB4q6HE7dTNlNWLJ-ruknZnT-PKtOumso8MqK-J11xlbCOMzx9g3jy/s1600/wildest+moments.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjPN8Keght9iVA1HOVgnpF5RcJvcVJnm7iKbLpdWaN5nJcBSZgC5YSJG68gcHxrafHT4mHpT2lBTqGG3Wsl9oVMLB4q6HE7dTNlNWLJ-ruknZnT-PKtOumso8MqK-J11xlbCOMzx9g3jy/s320/wildest+moments.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To celebrate the release of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wildes-Meadow-Darkness-Falls-ebook/dp/B00A1VXA5A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352312058&sr=8-1&keywords=wilde%27s+meadow">Wilde's Meadow</a>, Book 3 in the Darkness Falls trilogy, I am participating in the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3C!--%20start%20LinkyTools%20script%20--%3E%3Cscript%20src=%22http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=169367%22%20type=%22text/javascript%22%20%3E%3C/script%3E%3C!--%20end%20LinkyTools%20script%20--%3E">Wildest Moments Blog Hop</a>. You can visit the author--the lovely Krystal Wade at her website <a href="http://krystal-wade.com/">here</a>.<br />
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So, here are the deets: </div>
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Blog your wildest moment--something wild, life-changing, inspirational, fun, or heart-pumping.</div>
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If you know me well, you might say I should consider writing about my "Mildest Moments," instead. Yes, I'm a list-maker, long-term goal planner, and all-around don't run with scissors kind of gal. I don't drink, smoke, and I've never done drugs in my life. Of course, that doesn't mean I don't know how to have fun: you should see me at 2:00 in the morning when I get the giggles from lack of sleep. Now, in my teen years I did some things that would be considered "wild," however, by today's standards, I'm starting to think...hmmm...probably not so much. Certainly, anything I did wasn't "life-changing." Wow, now I sound <i>really</i> boring--even to myself. Needless to say, it was difficult for me to pin-point a wildest moment worthy of this blogfest.<br />
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But, don't despair.<br />
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I dug deep down into my past, and pulled out something that one would consider pretty darn wild, if I do say so myself. And I do. Let's go back a few years, circa 1993, if you will. By all means, my late eighties perm was wild, maybe even in a <i>"girl on the hood of a car in a Whitesnake video"</i> kind of way.<br />
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The 80's rock!<br />
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Sorry, just had to say it.<br />
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Okay, I promise, I do have a point to all of this seemingly pointless drivel. But, I'd rather just show you.<br />
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Yep, that's me at 20-years-old holding a snake--my snake. A Red-tailed Boa, to be exact. In fact, I didn't own just one...no, no, no, I owned two! My husband and I were newlyweds, <i>ahem</i>, almost twenty years ago. Apparently, the first thing you do when you're married is rush out and buy two snakes. One for each of you. You know, so your pet can wrap around your waist, and you can walk around town, and such, with free hands.</div>
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Some people will simply look at the picture of a snake and get the creepy-crawlies. Apparently, I don't possess this mechanism. Snakes don't bother me. As you can see. Now, if it was the bad perm giving you the willies, then you're in luck. Here is a more recent photo of me and the beloved creature I call friend:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSh5G4KI6F-F637Ui2TuWCR4p2XwyqCpnplNg-3bgzIHElahCC8aZ1QCRKasFznEDfpqz4ROeUiBQYn-eIgFzpBTEfqtUd4G9yJMQKU969BWnDmd-qVd4a_hA30HU9Lj35HN3xO8VQ0Ha/s1600/Natasha+Hawkins-Bio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSh5G4KI6F-F637Ui2TuWCR4p2XwyqCpnplNg-3bgzIHElahCC8aZ1QCRKasFznEDfpqz4ROeUiBQYn-eIgFzpBTEfqtUd4G9yJMQKU969BWnDmd-qVd4a_hA30HU9Lj35HN3xO8VQ0Ha/s320/Natasha+Hawkins-Bio.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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No, I don't own this snake, or any snake for that matter (not anymore). I did have a Sulcata tortoise named Sheldon, up until about a month ago...I think he ran away...or a hawk got him. I'm hoping for the former.<br />
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<br />Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-59449251699879480782012-10-31T10:00:00.002-07:002012-11-01T10:09:04.210-07:00No News is Good News?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
IS IT TRUE??</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b3Yio3HHBD9ZAJnVq_Da9C9gA9sKRsQARRRV5N1yCY938haA04OSrIVV6baHsotARjGha_efh1D9DIo2ZnpBm0wFTeZEUe2RIOPZmNtH8bwIDfeuD1X183tGzadirFvZ45VDH0ZRaET7/s1600/no_news_is_good_news-797343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b3Yio3HHBD9ZAJnVq_Da9C9gA9sKRsQARRRV5N1yCY938haA04OSrIVV6baHsotARjGha_efh1D9DIo2ZnpBm0wFTeZEUe2RIOPZmNtH8bwIDfeuD1X183tGzadirFvZ45VDH0ZRaET7/s320/no_news_is_good_news-797343.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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I sure hope so. Last week I participated in two online contests: The Hook, Line, and Sinker contest. My entry is <a href="http://katelliswrites.blogspot.com/2012/10/ya-entry-2-ignite.html?spref=bl">here</a>. And, the Spooktacular Pitch Extravaganza. My entry is <a href="http://thiswritersworldplotbunnies.blogspot.com/2012/10/spooktacular-pitch-31-ignite.html">here</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My stats:</span></div>
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2 Full Requests</div>
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3 Partials</div>
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and</div>
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1 very nice comment about my writing from a well-known agent</div>
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After the contest, I queried one of the judges that participated, but didn't request anything from me at the time and ended up with a partial request from her.</div>
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<i>Here's the problem: </i>I haven't heard back, yet. But, no news is good news. Right?</div>
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I'm<i> not</i> convinced. No news could mean a few different things: </div>
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<b>1) The agents haven't read my ms yet. </b>(According to twitter three other contestants have already been signed.) </div>
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<b>2) The agents are reading my ms, loving it, and taking meticulous notes.</b> (This can be very time consuming. Hey, a girl can dream.)</div>
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<b>3) The agents started reading my ms. Hated it. Stopped. </b>(They just haven't had a chance to break the news.)</div>
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This is the first time I've had REQUESTS to see more of my work, and submitted something beyond the required query etc. to an agent. I don't have a clue about what kind of response time to expect.</div>
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<i>Fellow writers, unite! </i></div>
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Tell me of your experiences submitting requested material to agents. How long did you wait for a response? Did it come right away? And was that <i>good</i> or <i>bad</i>? Did it take days, weeks, or months? And what was the outcome?</div>
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In the meantime, I'm crossing my fingers and toes that I'll hear from an agent, he or she will want to rep me, and I will be able to yell, "Extra, extra, read all about it!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFma3W5X6owqp9AoUjNnMlz8AISGS0oNwL-0cQ8poXw4OT39mycaR_xAUsAwVV160O6JZwr9vlhUVxbpN_8iVEsSEf_SD1ZfgAbCbrrJsQ9OOs8aebq6fOu6UhyEiQN1JbskXUrjZypeUZ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFma3W5X6owqp9AoUjNnMlz8AISGS0oNwL-0cQ8poXw4OT39mycaR_xAUsAwVV160O6JZwr9vlhUVxbpN_8iVEsSEf_SD1ZfgAbCbrrJsQ9OOs8aebq6fOu6UhyEiQN1JbskXUrjZypeUZ/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-73939866589053833582012-10-22T06:53:00.000-07:002012-10-22T07:25:15.601-07:00Writer TherapyI'm participating in the <a href="http://www.writertherapy.com/blog/2012/10/03/blog-hop/">Writer Therapy blog hop</a> hosted by none other than: Writer Therapy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOQi1u_9E4vHrMVqYbN76tDuQOaTNp_wNArX2SgEiKrR9j45HA5Yl_1np_jVB51NgVuV5CKoc96i5CBKqkEKBc25enXihmHKvwn74zcGOhnGOvnVltfEomKenFNAYcmczoYN7HLj-qTr-/s1600/bloghop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEOQi1u_9E4vHrMVqYbN76tDuQOaTNp_wNArX2SgEiKrR9j45HA5Yl_1np_jVB51NgVuV5CKoc96i5CBKqkEKBc25enXihmHKvwn74zcGOhnGOvnVltfEomKenFNAYcmczoYN7HLj-qTr-/s320/bloghop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ht79yn38eVgxxW_AmaUTcfVxSYTeHYTAwHLfBhbgKOofO2YDLqaTxe5urZQygGZfEzWVPzKmIvQWnK_HwE-CmtTmM8tOMBirv9atLecydxCW38swgbnzY0r5WAA_EToQ58aZB6T4jvDA/s1600/coke+zero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ht79yn38eVgxxW_AmaUTcfVxSYTeHYTAwHLfBhbgKOofO2YDLqaTxe5urZQygGZfEzWVPzKmIvQWnK_HwE-CmtTmM8tOMBirv9atLecydxCW38swgbnzY0r5WAA_EToQ58aZB6T4jvDA/s1600/coke+zero.jpg" /></a></div>
My writing therapy consists of ample doses of Coke Zero.<br />
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One-hundred times better than Diet Coke--any day! Somehow, it's a comfort sitting next to my keyboard. =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qL_9U4r0k7Fbdw5qMr4COFwt0cJrQ7Ps3lvx1ytPXKNpw7LSrh06VibGWeCtHZKq1dNT88Weh7E3KC37zRw-vFfXoM6ojXhxprMX9OnO0C2JqOpIl6Rl6s8_S5oiHqhVSK5TdDZg1Beq/s1600/2+cellos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qL_9U4r0k7Fbdw5qMr4COFwt0cJrQ7Ps3lvx1ytPXKNpw7LSrh06VibGWeCtHZKq1dNT88Weh7E3KC37zRw-vFfXoM6ojXhxprMX9OnO0C2JqOpIl6Rl6s8_S5oiHqhVSK5TdDZg1Beq/s1600/2+cellos.jpg" /></a></div>
While listening to the "2 Cellos" station on Pandora.<br />
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If you haven't heard them play Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson...you don't know what you're missing.<br />
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And, if all else fails...I go run on the treadmill or take a shower. I get my best ideas in one of these two environments. ha ha<br />
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What is your writing therapy??Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-41870068804324266512012-10-22T06:23:00.001-07:002012-10-25T07:53:47.057-07:00Hook, Line, and Sinker contest: YA entry #2 - IGNITE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
UPDATE: The HLandS contest is officially over. </div>
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Here are my stats:</div>
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1 Full Request</div>
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2 Partial Requests</div>
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1 Very nice comment about my writing from a well-known agent</div>
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Good morning! Aren't Monday's grand?? They are when you make it into round 3 of the Hook, Line, and Sinker Contest. Please check out my entry. <a href="http://katelliswrites.blogspot.com/2012/10/ya-entry-2-ignite.html?spref=bl">Kat Ellis writes: YA entry #2 - IGNITE</a>: Name: Natasha Hawkins Title: IGNITE Genre: YA Urban Fantasy Word count: 65,000 Hook: Branded with PTSD after her grandma’s murder...<br />
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Only agents can comment over at Kat Ellis Writes, but you can hop on back here and leave a comment, if so inclined! =)Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-65404222708245842102012-10-20T11:11:00.001-07:002012-10-31T09:16:13.801-07:00Spook Pitch entry #31<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
UPDATE: </div>
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The Spook Pitch contest is over.</div>
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Stats: I WON a<b> full </b>ms request!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week I entered in the Spook Pitch contest hosted by the lovely <a href="http://thiswritersworldplotbunnies.blogspot.com/">Jamie Corrigan</a>. Agents Brittany Booker and Jordy Albert will be "egging and tee-peeing" aka requesting manuscripts. Please blog-hop on over and check out my pitch and first 250 words <a href="http://thiswritersworldplotbunnies.blogspot.com/2012/10/spooktacular-pitch-31-ignite.html">here</a> (I'm #31 -- IGNITE). Only the agents can leave comments over on Jamie's blog, but feel free to hop on back and leave a comment for me here. </span></div>
Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-10125475310740468562012-10-15T07:30:00.002-07:002012-11-12T19:08:05.309-08:00First Page - Haunted Writing Clinic and Contest<b>UPDATE:</b><br />
<b>I WON A PARTIAL REQUEST FROM CURIOSITY QUILLS IN THE HAUNTED WRITING CONTEST! YAY!</b><br />
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Thanks to all that have stopped by to comment on my first page. I have revised based on the feedback I've received from my fellow minions, as well as my super villain, Krystal Wade. Her critique was invaluable, to say the least. Thanks! Here's the revision...do your worst! =)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">REVISION #1:</span></b><br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Leg-over-leg, I climb the railings that keep
visitors from falling over the edge of the pier and clutch the wooden beam
behind me. There’s no false sense of security now—only my white-knuckled grip,
and a blanket of black ocean thirty feet below, taunting me: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here
lies Alison Summers. Devoted daughter. Sister. Dog-lover. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One slip and that will be chiseled into
the headstone above my eternal resting place. That is, if someone finds my body.
Not that I expect a superhero to swoop down and save me, but an easier way out of
this nightmare would be nice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cool breeze picks up the smell of
fish. It should remind me of the summers my family vacationed here, but instead,
I’m left with the urge to gag. All my inner organs tense like they’re pounding violently
against each other. At first, La Paz Beach was a logical place to run, but now at
the dead end of this pier there’s no time to consider a better plan. They are
hot on my heels. <i>But who are they? </i>My head whips toward the sound of heavy
footfalls. But the dense fog makes seeing my hand in front of my face nearly
impossible, let alone those who trail me. All I see are two streams of lights zigzagging
through the thick mist. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9216148259709853591" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My foot slips. I adjust my position on
the damp ledge and grab the beam tighter. Sand plummets into the white-capped
waves beneath me. A tingle creeps down my spine as I consider a crazy thought. <i>As a competitive swimmer, I can easily
out-swim anyone. </i>I release one hand—just one—and a gasp escapes my
trembling lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i>“Don’t jump.”</i> The words are barely a
whisper in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“I have to,” I return. My reply is
useless. At well past midnight, the pier is deserted—except for my pursuers. The
stillness of this place strangles me. I don’t want to jump. No. But, the
alternative . . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Either way, my seventeenth birthday will
be surrounded by death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m going out <i>my</i> way.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">***As a side note--Krystal had suggested I add more details about the pursuers. I didn't do that in the first page, however, that comes on page 2***</span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
I am participating in a Haunted Writing Clinic and Contest hosted by Curiosity Quills, if you would like to join click <a href="http://krystal-wade.com/haunted-writing-clinic-and-contest/">here</a>. But, you don't have to join in order to leave a comment on my blog. Also, I have revised my <a href="http://greeneyesandfreckles.blogspot.com/2012/10/query-for-ignite.html#links">QUERY</a> if you would like to check it out. Any feedback/critiques/comments/questions/compliments on either are welcome.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieRv4-rL198P2yzeKIsFUJZTmRqbmDuvXceCRfufO4vyh-oL3mI0Uk-ssfTInUVDcUf6Oi7DPBOE_obKh8YfPjXlqYONzon1_vx1S1xRWK2fRNz8p1pwnWjpVlfVoMdIWwVI_d4KfRnYL/s1600/HauntedContestLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieRv4-rL198P2yzeKIsFUJZTmRqbmDuvXceCRfufO4vyh-oL3mI0Uk-ssfTInUVDcUf6Oi7DPBOE_obKh8YfPjXlqYONzon1_vx1S1xRWK2fRNz8p1pwnWjpVlfVoMdIWwVI_d4KfRnYL/s1600/HauntedContestLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Here is the first page of my YA Urban Fantasy (w/romantic elements) -- IGNITE:</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leg-over-leg, I cross the hand railings that
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behind me. There’s no false sense of security now—only a blanket of black ocean
thirty feet below taunting me: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here
lies Alison Summers. Devoted daughter. Sister. Dog-lover. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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each other. At first, La Paz Beach was a logical place to run, but now at the
dead end of this pier there’s no time to consider a better plan. They are hot
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If that’s the case, I’m going out <i>my</i> way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<br />
<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=163401" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-85868171789175376232012-10-15T07:26:00.000-07:002012-10-15T12:54:38.328-07:00Query for IGNITE<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I have revised my query...once again! I've received a lot of feedback from other writers on different blogs/contests etc. on my old query and this is what I've come up with. Let me know what you think...</div>
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Query for IGNITE:</div>
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Competitive swimmer Alison Summers should be back home in
Nevada celebrating her seventeenth birthday at the pool with her best friend—not
running from her grandma’s killers. But no one, including her family,
believes Ali’s story anyway. Not once the autopsy determines the cause of death is
cancer, not murder, and she’s branded with PTSD. No
one except WitWatch—a top-secret and experimental branch of the Witness
Protection Program operated by agents with supernatural abilities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, Ali’s not crazy, and she’ll prove it. To expose the
killers, she must trust a fire-wielding Watcher with a classified past. Only
Agent William Reed is keeping deeper secrets: like his ability to transfer
thoughts into her mind. Following an attack by discharged Watchers, Will mysteriously
disappears leaving her doubting his alliance. Discovering she's been injected with a supernatural antigen, Ali uses her ability to manipulate water and tracks down Will
and a link to who killed her Gram. But that’s not all she finds: a rouge
Watcher with an antibody to eliminate supernatural powers has resurfaced. And
Ali’s next on his to-cure list. Now, Ali needs to decide if the world is better
off with or without her kind. But either choice may lead to losing someone she
loves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Written from the point-of-view of an unreliable narrator, IGNITE
is a 65,000 word YA Urban Fantasy with romantic and suspenseful twists that
will appeal to readers who enjoyed Kelly Armstrong’s DARKEST POWERS trilogy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-14072223383708281612012-10-10T11:49:00.000-07:002012-10-10T12:24:36.715-07:00WATER COOLER WEDNESDAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD01pkXJ9IPVSxh6tmBdMplav4pHk8o76GKXaULDjCRwmRAXR8FWct0JoLsDavytwF_AKav2Tt9rFkBCr8XuYlvVgoLSooWRt_qSVFbdIR-bWnzZDdRtdh0ot1R8E5BfXIECeidm6xovm/s1600/tiger's+destiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD01pkXJ9IPVSxh6tmBdMplav4pHk8o76GKXaULDjCRwmRAXR8FWct0JoLsDavytwF_AKav2Tt9rFkBCr8XuYlvVgoLSooWRt_qSVFbdIR-bWnzZDdRtdh0ot1R8E5BfXIECeidm6xovm/s320/tiger's+destiny.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">For "Water Cooler Wednesday" I like to talk about things that are going on in my world that have to do with writing or reading...OR just fun stuff that other writers can relate to and might like to discuss.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Today, I am talking about a scene from <i>Tiger's Destiny </i>by Colleen Houck. The synopsis is below in case you're not familiar with the book, however, you don't have to be in order to understand/relate to/or comment on my topic today.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Synopsis from the back of the book:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With three of the goddess Durga's quests behind them, only one prophecy now stands in the way of Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan breaking the tiger's curse. But the trio's greatest challenge awaits them: A life-endangering pursuit in search of Durga's final gift, the Rope of Fire, on the Andaman Islands in Bay of Bengal. It's a race against time--the evil sorcerer Lokesh--in this eagerly anticipated fourth volume in the bestselling <i>Tiger's Curse</i> series, which pits good against evil, tests the bonds of love and loyalty, and finally reveals the tigers' true destinies once and for all.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">First off, I have NOT finished reading this book, nor am I going to do a review of it here and now--wouldn't make sense, anyway. Nevertheless, despite not really <i>loving</i> this book as much as I would like, last night I read a short scene that I thought was blog-worthy. So, gather round the virtual water cooler and let's discuss...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Okay, I'll admit it. I'm one of <i>those people</i> (at least, I hope there are others) that sometimes might skim ahead a teeny-weeny bit to get to the "good stuff." You know, the lovey-dovey parts. Yeah, that's me. If a story is, let's say, dragging out the action or just narrating page-after-page of boring, I mean, interesting scenery etc. I <i>might </i>gloss over it just a tiny little bit and hope for some love-interest action. Needless to say, that's what I was doing last night when I came upon a very swoon-worthy part. You might think there was kissing or something of the like going on, but no: it was simply a note left by Kishan, one of Kelsey's (the MC) love interests. Now, you should probably know that Kelsey loves two brothers, Ren and Kishan, AND really loves Ren more, but she is with Kishan instead. (That's a long story for another time.) Anyway, Kishan leaves her a note after Kelsey storms off and has a fit when she sees Ren cozying up with another woman. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">With no further ado, here is what a part of the note said:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><i>Last week, I instructed your guards to bring you to me the instant you asked for me, but you never came. I love you, Kelsey. I wish I knew what we were fighting about.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Now, you're probably thinking <i>really</i>, that's it? That's swoon-worthy to you? Well, yes. Yes, it is. I even let out an audible,<i> ahhhh</i>. I re-read that passage 3 times. And, my heart broke all 3 times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">So, it's your turn. Do you ever skip ahead in books? Do you anxiously wait for the "love" scenes? Have you read a swoon-worthy scene recently that you have been waiting to share with somebody? Anybody? Well, here's your chance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Leave a comment at the water cooler and talk amongst yourselves....</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-17643617518909810452012-10-08T09:10:00.000-07:002012-10-08T09:23:51.864-07:00EXPRESS YOURSELF #2: Movies/Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA_YBX_OX8Sd_OH0t9zHQNT_jO0L-KPqCr-W6oN5Urx6vPqYZcTORnrmmElnrp3TdG0ZzPB-1kPjdjo8bW5SmWZit42RIe_5dxF1KfTnkkhpzLEPSmnOmfxkI-VSqmu0rQLp99Es1Uxcm/s1600/IT+by+stephen+king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA_YBX_OX8Sd_OH0t9zHQNT_jO0L-KPqCr-W6oN5Urx6vPqYZcTORnrmmElnrp3TdG0ZzPB-1kPjdjo8bW5SmWZit42RIe_5dxF1KfTnkkhpzLEPSmnOmfxkI-VSqmu0rQLp99Es1Uxcm/s1600/IT+by+stephen+king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA_YBX_OX8Sd_OH0t9zHQNT_jO0L-KPqCr-W6oN5Urx6vPqYZcTORnrmmElnrp3TdG0ZzPB-1kPjdjo8bW5SmWZit42RIe_5dxF1KfTnkkhpzLEPSmnOmfxkI-VSqmu0rQLp99Es1Uxcm/s1600/IT+by+stephen+king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><b><i>List 5 books/movies that cause the hair to stand on the back of your neck:</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA_YBX_OX8Sd_OH0t9zHQNT_jO0L-KPqCr-W6oN5Urx6vPqYZcTORnrmmElnrp3TdG0ZzPB-1kPjdjo8bW5SmWZit42RIe_5dxF1KfTnkkhpzLEPSmnOmfxkI-VSqmu0rQLp99Es1Uxcm/s1600/IT+by+stephen+king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKA_YBX_OX8Sd_OH0t9zHQNT_jO0L-KPqCr-W6oN5Urx6vPqYZcTORnrmmElnrp3TdG0ZzPB-1kPjdjo8bW5SmWZit42RIe_5dxF1KfTnkkhpzLEPSmnOmfxkI-VSqmu0rQLp99Es1Uxcm/s1600/IT+by+stephen+king.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>1) IT - Stephen King</b><br />
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This absolutely had to be #1 on my list. I read this book over 20 years ago while in high school, and I have never looked at a clown the same since. I couldn't watch the movie because the book was scary enough on its own. Even though the shape-shifting "IT" could turn into any form that would induce fear into its victim, IT preferred to be Pennywise the Clown. Thanks Stephen King, you ruined all future birthdays for my children. In fact, when my grandma brought a clown cake to my daughter's first birthday, well, let's just say that thing never saw the light of day!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYtIBIUcthXnFQb6ic2mvySO6zIPcVRTMrg86-VgFYDPOujJsNUJm4ut-TnDiOM8mZ4lbbEUyRMZOJCR-dwvZpi1-pZfrG9G_BontLCjHMgarOGvHexNOdpNC-cYllzCDv51FwTxMcwWv/s1600/talking+tins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYtIBIUcthXnFQb6ic2mvySO6zIPcVRTMrg86-VgFYDPOujJsNUJm4ut-TnDiOM8mZ4lbbEUyRMZOJCR-dwvZpi1-pZfrG9G_BontLCjHMgarOGvHexNOdpNC-cYllzCDv51FwTxMcwWv/s1600/talking+tins.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>2) The Living Doll - Twilight Zone</b><br />
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"Talking Tina" is the reason I hate dolls. You will NOT find a doll in my house. (Of course, my kids are teens now) But, even when my girls were younger, "baby dolls" were meticulously picked out by little ol' me. I don't need some creepy doll saying, "My name is Talking Tina and I'm going to kill you." No thanks!<br />
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<b>3) And All Through the House - Tales From the Crypt</b><br />
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As you have probably noticed, most of my list is old, lots of stuff from the 70's and 80's. I guess that shows my age too. Those were very formidable years for me and most of these TV/movies/books have had some influence on my adult life. This is no exception. Yes, even Santa Clause can traumatize us. When a woman kills her husband on Christmas Eve--in order to get the insurance money--a killer dressed in a Santa suit makes his way to her house. At the very end, her daughter is holding "Santa's" hand and says, "Look mommy, Santa's here!" The door was locked, so I let him in." Then it cuts to black. Nice, huh?<br />
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<b>4) The Tale-Tell Heart - Edgar Allan Poe</b><br />
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Okay, first off, I LOVE Edgar Allan Poe. He's one of my fav's. Anything eerie is right up my alley, so of course, so is Poe. In this story, a man says he's NOT crazy, but has a perfect plan to kill an old man. Sure, you're not crazy at all. So, he stalks this old man for days and then finally decides to do it. He kills the man and cuts off all his limbs and buries him beneath the floor boards of his own home. Eww! Well, the police come and the man convinces them everything is okay. That is, until the man starts hearing a loud pounding. A low thump, thump, thump. He says, "I admit the deed!--tear up the planks! here, here!--It is the beating of his hideous heart!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKll_JwKrfsZTOf4yZ49LJ41Ygnfrsp-2kEb7aUsmB_HtrDOWSeJfwGrMo7q_X2DPsZ10g0tMjjP_8GwGpX7ivtTDhDv3Eh_UZ5qs-6kgV9W7lxDbTQbDlxo9gn8nKrzVYa8UhQBj0pQB5/s1600/carrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKll_JwKrfsZTOf4yZ49LJ41Ygnfrsp-2kEb7aUsmB_HtrDOWSeJfwGrMo7q_X2DPsZ10g0tMjjP_8GwGpX7ivtTDhDv3Eh_UZ5qs-6kgV9W7lxDbTQbDlxo9gn8nKrzVYa8UhQBj0pQB5/s1600/carrie.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5) Carrie - Stephen King</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, I never read Stephen King's paranormal horror book, only saw the movie. And boy, after seeing the movie version I'm pretty sure I could never read the book. Shy Carrie is tormented by her classmates, but is somehow voted as Prom queen. When she goes up to get her crown, a bucket of pig's blood is dump all over her. Gross! Carrie loses it and uses her "powers" to burn the place down. When she goes home, her mother stabs her to death thinking she is possessed by the devil. Later, as Sue, the only survivor of the Prom places a flower on Carrie's grave, a bloody hand grabs her wrist. Let me tell you something, you can never get that visual out of your head</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">.</span></span>Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-5046195411849939102012-10-05T07:36:00.003-07:002012-10-08T09:23:13.411-07:00Express Yourself! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZKK59jzFS1tqFK5mMt8H45-4Vi9Cui-7u4cIIByL1BJhHflVSUm94uSCaSa8xjL5mbmQoIuWOZZ75rphc5ArIYZAjgZJQ3oEU2EzsQ2_hTpEe2xSI46wAL1KgaxtzRLAkEH3UySinn0/s1600/ExpressYourselfBlack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiZKK59jzFS1tqFK5mMt8H45-4Vi9Cui-7u4cIIByL1BJhHflVSUm94uSCaSa8xjL5mbmQoIuWOZZ75rphc5ArIYZAjgZJQ3oEU2EzsQ2_hTpEe2xSI46wAL1KgaxtzRLAkEH3UySinn0/s1600/ExpressYourselfBlack.png" /></a></div>
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This month I am participating in a fun blog hop meme called...you guessed it...Express Yourself. I am excited to do this and also get to know other bloggers in the writing community. To see how a fellow writer's mind works is always fascinating stuff, for sure! I will be leaving my answer to this week's question in this post below.<br />
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If you would like to participate go and <a href="http://danibertrand.blogspot.com/p/express-yourself-meme.html">(Express yourself here)</a>. I look forward to getting to know you, too.<br />
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Here are the memes for the month of October:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu2IHGVYQzezRjvpUMA2GJxdhDvPh7STWWMUGeByQhuQvCk02L3l0mxmZd98mhDylR8Xz_-937sbyMBcq3dpIPUajB0ku5tOx7zYRuTKDrUwmhdtzlv5B7B6mDPchz-O-QMVWVZsa2njG/s1600/OctGadget1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu2IHGVYQzezRjvpUMA2GJxdhDvPh7STWWMUGeByQhuQvCk02L3l0mxmZd98mhDylR8Xz_-937sbyMBcq3dpIPUajB0ku5tOx7zYRuTKDrUwmhdtzlv5B7B6mDPchz-O-QMVWVZsa2njG/s320/OctGadget1.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i>Pick a name in your current WIP; what was your process of acquiring it:</i></div>
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My current WIP is very new--I've only recently started writing it. However, I can't seem to begin writing a new ms without a name for my MC. So, I usually start there and name him/her right away. Now, I recently changed the last name of the MC of my current ms--it just wasn't working for me, even though she (Alison) had that last name for years, basically. So, I changed her last name from Montgomery to Summers. Which suits her much better. But, I really liked the name Montgomery: 1) Because it has been a part of "me" for so long. 2) It's the last name of one of my favorite authors, L.M. Montgomery (of Anne of Green Gables fame). </div>
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Well, it got me to thinking about the name Montgomery. And I thought...that's the kind of name parents sometimes give as a first name when they have that SAME last name (Why do they do that? I don't know). But, it's always fascinated me when people are named Robert Robertson or Robin Robins. I know for women this sometimes happens by marriage, but I think it's way more interesting when it's an actual given name. Hence, the name of mc from my WIP became:</div>
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Montgomery Montgomery. </div>
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Of course, he'll want to go by Monty, for short. </div>
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Now you know a little about how my brain works. What are some methods you use to name your characters? Go ahead--express yourself!</div>
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<br />Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-65522073434170185772012-10-01T17:29:00.002-07:002012-10-01T21:47:06.945-07:00Get Your Pitch On Workshop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJ92BiUJje1QpYCdQMmtfqQkQI9dXvBLKFwSqzrWQv9CVTyZXqXN4pcoTMCj33VJi2uM-rzROmJhCmxuire_u9VtTqYjZZSkdoKitOWJ_RjU_RxXK58ssmmagRJs3ckQsmpXE8hLtTvE4/s1600/getyourpitchon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJ92BiUJje1QpYCdQMmtfqQkQI9dXvBLKFwSqzrWQv9CVTyZXqXN4pcoTMCj33VJi2uM-rzROmJhCmxuire_u9VtTqYjZZSkdoKitOWJ_RjU_RxXK58ssmmagRJs3ckQsmpXE8hLtTvE4/s1600/getyourpitchon.png" /></a></div>
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I'm excited to be participating in the Get Your Pitch On workshop. Right now my Pitch is being critiqued over at <a href="http://whimsicalquestsofacuriousmind.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/get-your-pitch-on-ignite.html#links">Whimsical Quests of a Curious Mind: Get Your Pitch On-Ignite</a>.<br />
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Please head on over and check it. Be sure and leave a comment too! I appreciate all feedback.<br />
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If <i>you</i> would like to participate there's still time to be in the workshop and fine tune your Pitch. There's even a chance to win a 10-page critique!Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-3751706995643313642012-09-29T20:47:00.001-07:002012-09-29T20:49:25.242-07:001st Page Critique Contest--Last Call<div style="text-align: left;">
Writer's Therapy is hosting a first page contest...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Grand Prize for 3 talented winners</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">Query critique from agent Sara Crowe, Harvey Klinger</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">Query critique from agent Molly Ker Hawn, The Bent Agency</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">1st Chapter critique from Nicole Resciniti, The Seymour Agency</span><br />
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Head on over and enter here:</div>
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http://www.writertherapy.com/blog/2012/09/10/first-page-contest/Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-91715268356792587912012-09-27T11:53:00.001-07:002012-09-28T13:59:20.959-07:00Query CritiqueTwo weeks ago I volunteered to have my query for IGNITE critiqued over at <a href="http://oasisforya.blogspot.com/">Oasis for YA</a>. Four of the Oasis ladies were gracious enough to take the time to offer up their suggestions. Check it on here: <a href="http://oasisforya.blogspot.com/2012/09/whoseywhatsit-thursday-our-critiques.html">Whoseywhatsit Thursday: Our Critiques</a><br />
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Here is the revised query based on the feedback I received from the Oasis Sisters...<br />
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Competitive swimmer Alison Summers should be back home in
Nevada celebrating her seventeenth birthday at the pool with her best friend
and not running from her grandmother’s killers. But no one, including her
family, believes Ali’s story, anyway. Not once the autopsy determines the cause
of death is cancer and she’s branded with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. No
one except WitWatch—a top-secret and experimental branch of the Witness
Protection Program operated by agents with supernatural abilities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, she’s not crazy, and she’ll prove it. To expose the
killers, Ali must trust a fire-wielding Watcher with a classified past. Only
Agent William Reed is keeping deeper secrets: like his ability to transfer thoughts
into other minds. Following an attack by a discharged sect of Watchers, Will mysteriously
disappears leaving her doubting his alliance. When Ali learns she possesses his
matching element, Water, her new ability helps track down Will and a link to
who killed her Gram. But that’s not all she finds: a rouge Watcher with an
antibody to eliminate supernatural powers has resurfaced. And Ali’s next on his
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without her kind. But either choice may lead to losing someone she loves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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IGNITE is a 72,000 word YA paranormal novel with romantic elements
and suspenseful twists that will appeal to readers who enjoyed Kelly
Armstrong’s DARKEST POWERS trilogy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-10592429379566153242012-09-25T07:59:00.002-07:002012-09-25T09:37:48.393-07:00Tuesday's Thought...You know you're a writer when. . .<br />
<br />
You know you're a writer when you own more books than shoes.<br />
<br />
Your turn.Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-21570934186342449782012-09-19T09:19:00.005-07:002012-09-28T12:46:39.926-07:00Know When To Hold 'Em, Know When To Fold 'EmAfter receiving four very nice rejection letters from four very nice agents just this week alone, I've decided to take a closer look at the project I've been submitting for the last month.<br />
<br />
First off, the title. While I personally love the title, EVENING STAR, because I know the true, symbolic meaning behind why I picked it. Others do not. (The real "evening star" is not actually a star at all, but the planet Venus. Hmmm...something disguised as something it's not?) Well, as much as I like it, that title just doesn't connect with my query and convey the message needed to catch the eye of agents or readers. So, that was the first thing to go. Now, I have retitled it IGNITE, (which was the original title of the first chapter). One word titles seem to be the trend lately, as far as I can tell. And, as my novel has supernatural elements involving fire, this suits it quite well.<br />
<br />
Secondly, the genre. It appears YA Paranormal Romance is a dead genre. Who knew? Well, maybe I did, a little. But, it's what I love to read, so naturally it's what I love to write. Gosh darn it, we should all be able to write what we love, right? A bunch of heads nod in agreement. Well, that might be the case, but it might not get you published either. And the whole point of this writing thing is to get published. So, what's a girl to do? Answer: write what will get published. Of course, it took me five LONG years to complete my current novel and while I have another WIP brewing at the moment (I've written some pages), I'm having a hard time kicking the "love-of-my-life" to the curb. Again, so what's a girl to do? Answer: change the genre.<br />
<br />
I happened upon a book called, BURN TO BURN by Jenny Han, which was of all things....a YA Contemporary Paranormal novel. I had no idea those two genres were even allowed to coexist. But I should have. When writing my own novel, I struggled between how contemporary it was (I really tried hard to have regular teens with everyday struggles), BUT how there were also those that had supernatural abilities. Alas, I see now that my genre can be Contemporary Paranormal without having to make any BIG changes, (and that's not a "dead" genre). But, it doesn't stop there. No, there's more. YA thriller is a hot genre right now. Not that I wanted to jump on that bandwagon, but originally, my story was about a girl and her Watcher/Guardian angel friends tracking down the leader of a rebel Watcher (think Fallen angel) who was after her and her dead grandmother for their abilities. But, I decided to take the "angel" element out of the story because angels seem to be SOOO two seconds ago (according to the feedback I've received), and instead someone (human) murders her grandmother and then my MC tries to find the killer. Hence, the addition of the thriller element to the genre.<br />
<br />
So, did I hold 'em or fold 'em? Neither really. I'm not going to trunk the novel until things look up OR completely give up on it. Nope. I've decided to take what I love--love it even more--and then send it out into the cruel, cruel world again. If it comes back wounded, <i>again</i>, I will bandage it up and THEN decide whether to hold 'em or fold 'em . . . or even walk away or RUN!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpTUeeUGivQWDczJgsfKa-25Gtgpc32RR5R2FFPF1MlJtkuFfRVU_KY6YWPX5E1J9Y4UmXi3-Lfw8nCOpVZF2H9NSefNl0xFF9shyphenhyphenPHfx2JWNP0NwjWHiGJSV3cQMWr2n5GzNm5sBaxEE/s1600/cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpTUeeUGivQWDczJgsfKa-25Gtgpc32RR5R2FFPF1MlJtkuFfRVU_KY6YWPX5E1J9Y4UmXi3-Lfw8nCOpVZF2H9NSefNl0xFF9shyphenhyphenPHfx2JWNP0NwjWHiGJSV3cQMWr2n5GzNm5sBaxEE/s1600/cards.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Have you had any similar experiences when you weren't sure if you should hold 'em or fold 'em? What did you do??<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-20131396224420550982012-09-13T22:42:00.001-07:002012-09-13T22:42:26.322-07:0050-Page Critique Opportunity!!<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Ru is treating everyone to a chance to win a 50 page critique from her. Go </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://andthenshewaslikeblahblahblah.blogspot.com/2012/09/want-critique.html" style="color: #6b2738; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> for more info. She will announce the winners Friday, 12PM MST so you'd better hurry on over! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
http://andthenshewaslikeblahblahblah.blogspot.comNatasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-38348139404284328572012-09-13T11:57:00.002-07:002012-09-13T16:15:39.414-07:00Pimp my Pitch...Log line, tagline, hook--whatever you want to call it. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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In preparation for Miss Snark's First Victim contest, (<a href="http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2012/09/our-third-annual-bakers-dozen-agent.html">Our Third Annual Baker's Dozen Agent Auction: Schedule and Facts!</a>), and GUTGAA (<a href="http://deanabarnhart.blogspot.com/2012/07/sign-up-time-for-gearing-up-to-get.html">Sign Up Time for the Gearing Up to Get an Agent Blogfest/Pitch Contest</a>), I am posting my pitch for my followers (and even those just stopping by) to review. I welcome all constructive advice. =)</div>
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Impulsive seventeen-year-old Abigail Montgomery is
determined to trust her assigned Watcher—a fire-wielding angel with an arsonist past, but when the leader of a rebel-sect--exiled to Outer Darkness--wreaks havoc against those who keep him bound, that trust is put to the ultimate test.<br />
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Please feel free to critique/offer feedback/rip-to-shreds/or even rave in the comment section. Thanks!!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-62756880185692565142012-09-10T10:34:00.000-07:002012-09-28T12:48:49.648-07:00Ice cream solves everything, really.I've always wanted to be a writer. I mean, I've also wanted to be a dolphin training at Sea World, a nurse, and a kindergarden teacher. But, I've ALWAYS wanted to be a writer--a full-fledged author acknowledged by her peers and beloved by her readers. In third grade I wrote and illustrated my very first book, JAKE THE SNAKE, with rave reviews: I won first place at my elementary school for the lower grades, K-3. My book went on to compete at the district level. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. However, like countless others that entered, it didn't win. Needless to say, I was devastated. I distinctly remember the car ride home: sitting in the passenger's seat picking at the grey vinyl on the door handle while my dad tried to figure out what to say to the teary-eyed mess I'd become. A man of few words-a trip to the local Dairy Queen was the solution. Ice cream solves everything, really. So, now that I've written my first "Big girl" novel, I won't cry or struggle to find the right words as those query letter rejections keep piling up. Instead, I'll just go grab a pint of Ben and Jerry's Heath Bar Crunch...because ice cream solves everything, really.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB17csksqMR-5XrmNzRu-ROzeZlq8M8yWDelV1lokwHSp47Q9ca6I5Ox1F9dLUN3MzievoFSMHJlg2SUy2bsF7Sb47xF47i4880RI1lLyCQVpnp3oMZg2IWUciJqUtBY9vMrTCz8SuF-K/s1600/ice+cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB17csksqMR-5XrmNzRu-ROzeZlq8M8yWDelV1lokwHSp47Q9ca6I5Ox1F9dLUN3MzievoFSMHJlg2SUy2bsF7Sb47xF47i4880RI1lLyCQVpnp3oMZg2IWUciJqUtBY9vMrTCz8SuF-K/s1600/ice+cream.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-11363487926765677932012-09-06T11:16:00.000-07:002012-09-28T12:50:31.961-07:00Thought for the day...If you have 50 empty, white hangers in your closet it might be time to stop writing and start a load of laundry.<br />
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<br />Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9216148259709853591.post-45616229053013399082012-08-29T12:38:00.001-07:002012-09-14T16:29:22.150-07:00Avoid 'em like the plague...Oh, the dreaded cliche. I've been known to succumb to a few of these in my writing at times. As the self-proclaimed queen of one-liners, it's often hard to resist. Who doesn't love a good one-for-all and all-for-one? I know I do. In high school, my best friend was in awe of my uncanny ability to recall the latest t.v. commercial jingle word-for-word, tune included (of course, it wasn't often actually IN tune). And, I can still remember my Sophomore English teacher warning me, in almost unreadable scribbled red handwriting, of the dangers of using cliches in my essays. Yes, but how else was I supposed to describe my character's <i>shock</i> if I'm not allowed to say: "It was like smacking into a brick wall?" Hmmm??? Fast forward a few years. I've learned to suppress my cliche urges, at least as much as an addict can, but sometimes I fall off the wagon (hee-hee, see what I did there.) I've read on various Internet sites (and we all know the Internet is king) that it's okay for a character to use it in dialog, because that's how people talk sometimes. And so, I've used this advice to my advantage. Jackson, a brooding Watcher in my YA paranormal novel, IGNITE, has been known to quip a few on occasion. So, my question is: Do you use cliches in your dialog? Or, would you not touch them with a ten-foot pole? Leave a comment and let's discuss. But, if you can't take the heat...get out of the kitchen!Natasha Hawkinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09535719481335251794noreply@blogger.com3