Merry Christmas and Blog Tour Schedule

                                                                    (source)

I'll see you next year for my cover reveal blog tour

Carlos Jan 2
Jadie Jones Jan 3 (interview)

Madeline Jane Jan 3

Laura Diamond Jan 4

Vicki Orians Jan 5 (interview and excerpt)

Mike Coppola Jan 6

Claire Hennessy Jan 7 (interview)

Crystal Collier Jan 7 (ARC giveaway)

Mundie Moms
Cheree Smith Jan 9

What NaNoWriMo taught me

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was very calm, and not what I’m used to because I come from a very large Italian family *insert comical thoughts here*. This year we didn't travel, so it was just my family and one large turkey (who we gave thanks too, and are still eating).

November is also the time to write like a maniac, drowning yourself in coffee, and letting the house go to total chaos in a marathon to midnight on November 30th. Yeah, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is kind of like that. I love every second of it!

I haven’t done my usual NaNo events, like interviews (click here to read past ones), or insane writing dares this year. Why isn't there more time in the day? Just saying.

Anyways, I’m close to my 50,000 NaNoWrimo word win. I need to write 1,000 words a day until the end. Does blogging count? Hmmm. I might be on to something if it does.

What did I learn from NaNoWrimo that I forgot since last year….     

1. Lock your inner editor in the closet. She will do nothing, but get in the way, nagging at you. She is evil.

2. Just keep writing and don’t look back.

3. Don’t bother editing. It can be done later.

    4. Set a goal for yourself and try to adhere to that goal.

    5. Use social media-like Facebook and Cityville-as a reward for completing your word goal.

    6. It’s a great way to connect with other local writers.

    7. You have a first draft of a novel. Yay!

    8. You never know what your characters will tell you about themselves.

What’s in store for your novel after November? Well, I joke to everyone and say “Yeah, it takes me only a month to write, but a year to edit.”

Did you NaNoWriMo this year? If so, how are you doing.

The Raven--Halloween Flash Fiction--And Offer

Happy Halloween everyone! This is my favorite holiday, and the reason why I wrote, Deadly Kisses. So, I thought I'd write a flash fiction piece to give you a little tease about my upcoming book. I hope you enjoy it, and may you get much candy this Halloween night (cue the spooky music).

  (source)

The Raven

The raven caws from a bare tree. Its sound echoes, sending eerie vibes into the wind, and through the forest. It then takes to the air, seeing movement below. Death creeps into its nostrils, and its belly rumbles.

Its black wings stretch, circling, soaring in the air, in the shimmery silver light of the full moon. It gets lower and lower. Finding its target, the voice of the raven gets louder, screeching with vocals of that of a cat in heat.

Its keen eye follows the movement, and the Grim Reaper runs faster towards a cemetery with scattered gravestones and a crypt.

Its wings flap until it picks up another current of air, lifting the bird higher into the sky again.

The Grim Reaper stops, looking up. He pulls down his hood off his head. Moonlight gleams over him. A wicked grin spreads across his face as he puckers his lips and blows.

The frigid air emitted by the Grim Reaper clashes with the cooler air, sending the raven off of his course, and making him off balance.

The Grim Reaper screams, “Tell your master I won’t be taken, and I’m certainly not your meal.”

The moonlight shines off his scythe, blinding the raven. 

By the time the raven can see again, it’s alone in the lonely forest with only the rustle of leaves, and a craving for meat. 

Because I love Halloween so much, and I'm so grateful for the support of other bloggers and my wonderful publisher, WiDo publishing, I'd like to send you a bookmark if you want one for, Deadly Kisses. This offer will expire at midnight, October 31, 2012.

Just email me your mailing address with bookmark in the subject please. kerricuev(at)gmail(dot)com

"looking at you" writer challenge!

Tag, I'm it! The "look" challenge was sent to me by Jadie Jones. Thanks Jadie! This was eye opening.

The rules: find out how many times the word "look" appears in your manuscript or work-in-progress. Then, post your favorite three paragraphs with the word "look" in it. Tag 5 other writers and let them know they were tagged.

I'm going to do a search on my work-in-progress, Kiss from the Grave, to see how often I use the word "look." I have a feeling the number will be staggering and every character will be looking somewhere. Yikes! This should be interesting, so here it goes.

My WIP is currently 30,000 words, and in those words some form of "look" is used 100 times. Ok, not as bad as I thought it would be for a first draft. But if you figure an average young adult story is 60,000 words, my "look" count could be as high as 200. Yikes!

Here are some passages (and keep in mind this is a really rough WIP--meaning not edited)

1.      Ivar snapped his head around, looking at her. Bee’s black hair was held in a low ponytail and her hood was draped over her head. She clasped onto our scythe as it was her lifeline, staring back at Ivar.

2.    “I looked forward to destroying Ivar, but first I would tear him with my scythe and make sure he had a bigger gash than me, and then I would slam him on his face.” Anger boiled within me. Darkness swirled and Bee was slamming her soul into my mind trying to suppress it down. The ice that pierced into my chest spread through my veins. It spread as waves covered a beach taking the sand with it. Ivar controlled me and I wanted it to end. End it I would.

3. Above ground the first nor’easter of the season was barreling down over the state.   Wind whipped the snow around into white out conditions. The only cars on the road were that of Grim Reapers. Even the cemetery looked to be a white wasteland except for Bee who stuck out like a black dot on a white paper.

Hmm, after assessing my "looks" I had a talk with my characters. I told them to stop looking around, and just get rid of the bad ancient grim reapers who is bothering everyone, and get on with the happy ever after! Yeah, I told them. *grins*

Now, I'm tagging some of you to "look"

Crystal Collier

Claire Hennessy

Ben Spendlove

Jess

Cheree Smith

        

Multitasking, um not so much!

The good news is that my book sounds, well, like a real book! That's been thanks to some fantastic editors at Wido Publishing. I'm really excited (and also nervous and scared out of my wits) for it to be released into the world for everyone to enjoy. As soon as I get a release date from Wido, you'll be the first to know (I'm crossing my fingers it's soon).

The bad news is that before this whole editing thing, I thought I was a master at multitasking. Writing, housework, soccer, supper, pets--No problem! How hard would editing be while writing book two, and keeping up on menial household chores.

It's been like running around like a crazy chicken! But, I'm loving every second of editing though.

So, I've been having to set priorities and manage my time more wisely. Here's a list I came up with in no particular order.

Editing

Feeding the children and tending the farm

Blog on a regular schedule

keeping the coffee pot full and the house stocked with chocolate

Watching Glee, Grimm, and the new show, Revolution

Writing book two of the Deadly Kisses series

Finishing up some summer reading

Going away on a birthday weekend getaway

Starting a new story

Claiming a space for an office-I currently use my dining room table as my writing space. I've hinted to my hubby that I need my very own office because every writer needs their own space, and then I wouldn't see things that need to be done around the house. I could hide away to blog and write, completing all my goals! Hmm, maybe he'll read this post *grins* Should I start planning?

 What are your current priorities? And do you think having your own writing space keeps you on track with your writing goals?

Dog Days of Summer--Bloghop

Jeremy Bates, is hosting this fine event which will be full of good company, barbecues, and fun! So hop around, and join the blog party.

Today's topic is What is your favorite activity thus far.

There is one summer activity I do enjoy, and I can only do it when the time is right. Going too soon can be disappointing, and too late is for the birds.

It isn't an expensive activity, and anyone can do it. Wearing something nice isn't required, but I recommend bug spray and a hat.

In New England from mid-July to mid-August is the best time for BLUEBERRY PICKING!

I like finding wild blueberries. The berries are smaller than ones that you find in the supermarket, but they're taste is the BEST! As a canning and preserving fanatic, I pick as much as I can. I know, I'm doing a good job when my fingers turn blue, and my kids call me a smurf.

I make blueberry cheesecake, and blueberry pies. But the bulk of the berries get turned into a delicious jam that I can for the winter and Christmas gifts.

CLICK HERE for my recipe from an earlier post and ENJOY!

In the Background of a Writers Life-How to Write-Inspiration-

So you want to write, and you Googled "how to write," or "writing tips," and numerous articles popped up about the craft. If you read each one you'll notice a common theme, that each article is different. Which leads me too...

Learning to write isn't linear. It can't be solved in a simple equation with a solution.

When I first started to write, I had this image that there was a method that would get me easily from point A to point B. I read every blog I could, every "how to" article, and have tried many ways to organize my stories (outlines, bubble charts, box charts, software, post-its, etc.). I'll admit that all the buzz in my head about what I should, or shouldn't be doing, drove me crazy. After many years, I've come to realize, like our stories, we're all unique how we write and plot. We all have our own style, pizzazz, and spark that makes our writing, well, US and ONE OF A KIND!

There is no right or wrong way, which makes writing the most versatile job on the planet!

What works for one writer doesn't necessarily work for another. Some of us are organized, being meticulous as we go along. Others write total word vomit, rewriting ten plus drafts. Some like a chart to see their plot laid out, while others chart in their heads.

So, go ahead and experiment as to what works best for you and your story.

What have you been experimenting with, or what works best for you?

Book Review--A Mystic Romance

Hey all!

I hope you're not like me and slacking on your summer reading list *looks down in shame.* I'm out of the loop as to what new books are even coming out. It's time for me to get with the program.

My friend, Nancy, has just published her book and asked for reviewers. I like her writing style, so I offered, and reading, A Mystic Romance, was a good start to my summer reading list.

Book: A Mystic Romance
Author: Nancy Cavanaugh
Website: http://amysticromance.weebly.com/
Amazon link
Rating: 3.5/5 stars






My Review

Jenna has had it with her cheating boyfriend. Breaking up with him was the best thing she did, but her small act of vengeance lands her in hot water. Leaving New York City, to start over, would have to be on hold, until she could get herself out of trouble with the law, and her ex. She's looking to mend her broken heart and start all over again in Mystic, Connecticut.

This was a fun summer read, capturing the readers interest right away. It's not your typical romance story, where you meet the love interest within the first few chapters. The main character, Jenna, is dealing with a break up. The story progresses through her ordeal, getting her romance towards the end of the book. A Mystic Romance, was a quick read with a twisty ending.

Tell me what is on your summer reading list, so I can add it to mine :)

Another round of edits have gone back to the editor (who has the patience of a saint), and now I've been playing with my camera. It's perfect timing, as the flowers are blooming and smelling all pretty. The lake has been as still as glass, and beauty is everywhere. If you haven't taken a vacation yet, feel free to have a vacation on me, to New Hampshire, as I see it. Enjoy!

This flower is so darn neat!

This was cool how the clouds reflected right off the water.

Anyone have exciting plans this summer? I need to work on my summer reading list.

Author Kindness

Hello Bloggerville! Well,  it has been a busy month. I haven't had the time to blog, but I miss you all.  I've been busy on my farm and with edits for, Deadly Kisses. The edits have been killer, but I've been trying to imagine the light at the end of the tunnel. The light seems far off and dim, but I might get a release date soon, so that's encouraging.

My only hangouts have been Facebook. During one of my Facebook surfing sessions, Elana Johnson, author of Possession asked if anyone's local library needed a copy of her book.

HECK YES!

And my small town library wants to send their many thanks. Possession now sits proudly on the shelves of their young adult section with a squeaky new card slot inside (yes, we still use a card catalog).

SO, THANK YOU ELANA FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

Also, I finally have my author website up and running. It's still in its infancy, but check it out and let me know what you think.

www.kerricuevasbooks.com

Blog ya later,

Kerri

Happy Mother's Day

Building an Author Website

The time has come to have an author website! It still sounds really weird, having a website about me and my book. Weird, but totally cool at the same time. Ya know?  But I'm really excited about this task. At first I didn't think I would be able to create it myself, but with some research, a creative hubby, and looking at other author websites, I've decided to give it a go.

Here's what I did, to begin to make this website happen.

Web Hosting and Website Builders
I've decided to go with Weebly. It's free, but with a small fee, you can have your own domain name. It's as easy to use as blogger, and creates a professional look. It provides good hosting with email support should problems arise. It seems great for what I want to do.

Choose Layout and then a Theme
I chose a lavender background that will have pictures on the side.  I wanted the website to showcase things around New Hampshire as a theme.

Original Artwork
This is what scared me the most. It turned out to be fun. Creating digital art was easy peasy, and you can do it too. Seriously, you can! I went on my Android phone, using an app called PicSay Pro. It was a couple of bucks, and my kids can even use it. They put devil horns on my picture, and then put in word bubbles that say "clean your room." Did I tell you, I live with comedians?

Anyways, deviled horn pictures aside...

 Here's a couple of things my hubby and I came up with. The first picture is the original, and the second one is the transformed masterpiece.
                                                                                                                                                               

I took this picture at the Cathedral of the Pines in New Hampshire.

    A tree in my backyard.

 A funny little statue I had in my garden.

I even created one of the pictures while in Boston at a Red Sox game. Luckily, I didn't miss Big Papi's two home runs. Go Sox!

Now that I have a website layout, a theme, and pictures, all I have to do is add the content. I hope to put it live in a couple of weeks, and I'll keep you updated on any tips or tricks I learn along the way.

I'd love to read comments about your websites Bloggerville.

Lost on the Farm

You know Spring is here when I get lost with farm chores, disappearing from Bloggerville. So much to do and not enough time in the day. Fences need to be fixed, soil in the garden needs to be tilled, and baby animals need to be oogled and cuddled.

Even last years buck waits for me to bring him treats. Welcome to the farm of spoiled creatures!

I also have been busy hatching and tending to Silkie chickens. Yup, very lost, but fear not I shall have useful things to say about writing soon. Enjoy the pictures and may it bring some Spring your way.

The Year of the Dragon! The Adventure Starts Here

Do you remember reading choose your own adventure stories as a kid? I LOVED them!  Well, we have, the Choose Your Own Adventure Bloghop. It all started with Rachel Harrie's Platform Building Campaign. The Campaigner's in my group went on an expedition to find the Abominable snowman (Yeti? The Abominable Snowman Expedition). It was such a success, that we did it again, going on a high sea adventure (Ahoy! Sea Serpent?!?).

We're back to bring you, The Year of the Dragon. Nine writers have joined together. We each wrote a piece to the adventure that will send you around Bloggerville. As you follow through the adventure please follow, and leave a comment for these fantastic writers. A special thank you goes out to Crystal and Claire for their support in getting this dragon to take flight!

Meet the fantastic writers of The Year of the Dragon: Choose Your Own Adventure Bloghop

Crystal Collier

Claire Hennessy

Diana Nelson

Aun-Juli

J.C. Martin

Cheryl Reifsnyder

Katharina Gerlach

Saba

Welcome to your adventure, but watch out what flies in the sky.

The Year of the Dragon

You are gazing at distant clouds when the sun becomes shadowed by a dark mass. The clouds darken to grey and you look over your head, expecting to see a passing airplane. You see a dark spec in the sky getting larger, descending downward. As it moves closer sunshine surrounds it, and you shield your eyes. The dark shadow takes the form of a large winged bird. You’re no bird expert, but the largest bird it could be is an eagle—except eagles don’t live in your neighborhood.

You rub your eyes that are watering from looking at the sun. As the bird’s wings go up and down you hear the whoosh of air. It is no eagle. You squint. Red shimmers off the bird’s body.

Clouds cover the sun dulling the day. You can see the bird better now. It looks like a giant red blob dropping from the sky. And. It. Is. No Bird! It is something you have only read about in books. It’s a dragon! Its muscular body has thin wings that spanned over eight feet wide. Its scales are a brilliant red, glittering like sun bathing on snow. And its tail! It sails behind him like a giant propeller. It makes you watch in awe, when you should be running.

Two large paws the size of truck tires are coming at you with outstretched talons. The dragon could easily pick you up. Your heart beats frantic against your rib cage. Your fight or flight instinct kicks in and you swallow hard, realizing this could be the end.

Do you:  Duck!

or

Do you:  Stand there gawping like an idiot!

Run Like the Devil Away from the Effeminate Beast!

You run like the devil away from the effeminate beast!

 “Pleathe will you help me?” The dragon has a tear trickling down its scaly face. The California sun beams on it, making it glow as it slides over his red skin.

    You almost feel sorry for the beast until it starts running toward you, squashing a bonsai tree.  The ground shakes and leaves from other nearby trees shower to the ground.

     You back away and when you do, smoke comes out of its nostrils. It seeps out like fog rolling over water, surrounding you and the dragon. The Japanese tea garden and the building are blocked out of your view from the dragon’s smoke.

    “I can’t help you. Go away!” You back up more, but it only upsets the dragon.

    “I don’th wanth to hurth you. I just want you to talth to my frienths for me.”  He says.
    Your insides vibrate from his booming steps and you turn and run.

     He follows. “Won’th you pleathe stop.”

    You find your way out of the circle of smoke and see the high arched bridge where you could escape. You run with all your might, with the dragon following. He wouldn’t give up.
You pump your arms, attempting to go faster.

    “Waith. Don’th go.”

     You make it to the bridge. You have to keep up your pace if you want to outrun the dragon. You clench your jaw and take long strides once your feet hit the stone of the bridge, ignoring the burn in your thighs.

     Halfway over the bridge, a hot wind blows your hair around.

    The dragon is flapping his wings, hovering in the air. “Fineth be that way. I’ll fineth another humanth to talk to my frienths for me! Humph!”  He snubs his head to the side and proceeds to fly away, leaving you breathless and flabbergasted.

    You collapse on the ground, clutching your stomach. A swooshing sound alerts you the dragon is still above you.

Do you: Do you shout for the dragon to come back

or

Do you:  Do you run out of the Japanese Tea Garden and take cover at the Bison Pavilion

Dragon Bloghop

Come back next Thursday to read another choose your own adventure!

Click here to read past adventures.

Sunshine Award

Kathleen Doyle has given me the Sunshine Award. Isn't it such a pretty award?  It reminds me that Spring is just around the corner. Thanks so much Kathleen!

The rules for this award are as follows:
-Thank the person who nominated you
-Write a blog post about it with the answers to the questions
-Nominate 10 other bloggers and let them know


Favorite Color: Blue, purple, and black


Favorite Animal: Cats, Polar Bears, and Elephants


Favorite Number: 3


Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink: Coffee


Facebook or Twitter: Facebook


My Passions: Crocheting, Sewing, my Farm, and of course writing!


Getting or Giving Presents: Giving


Favorite Pattern: no clue


Favorite Flower: Sunflowers 

                                               (source)


I'm nominating the wonderful ladies who are behind the scenes right now writing the Choose Your Own Adventure Bloghop. It's going to be a stellar March!
Diana Nelson
Lucille
Of Thoughts and Words
Claire
J.C. Martin
Cheryl
Katharina
Aun-Juli
Mel Corbett
Crystal Collier
Carly Tuma

Ouija Board--First Campaigner Challenge (of the 4th Campaign)

I'm so excited that Rachael Harrie's First Campaigner Challenge has started. Click on Rachael's name to see other participants and for more information on what the Campaign is about. Here is the challenge.

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count. 

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:

• end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)

• include the word "orange" in the story

• write in the same genre you normally write

• make your story 200 words exactly!

My flash fiction story is exactly 200 words, in my genre, includes the word orange, starts with shadows crept across the wall, and ends with everything faded.  I hope you like it.

***Thank you for voting! Ouija Board came in 6th place! I'm glad you enjoyed it!***

       Ouija Board

             Shadows crept across the wall, and the flame of the candle flickered orange in the darkness. I looked up at Julie because, I know, I wasn’t moving anything. The movable indicator inched toward hello, stopping over it. The clear plastic magnified the word.

             Julie’s hand shook, and she pulled it away, sucking in a breath of air. “I swear, I’m not moving it! Let’s do something else instead.”

             My nerves quivered, but I wanted to continue. “It’s harmless. Come on, the game is made by Hasbro. Let’s ask a question.”

             “I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Julie sighed and put her hands at the edge of the indicator, with mine resting gently on the other side.

            I concentrated, “Tell us who you are.”

            It was still, so I concentrated more. I opened my mind and took deep breaths. “Tell us who you are!”

            Julie sat straight, looking over her shoulder. “Did you see that? I thought I saw a shadow.”

            The indicator began to move—I—N—G—R—I—D.

            Julie pulled her hand away, but I left mine. 

            Goose bumps prickled my arm. “Who are you, Ingrid?”

            I—AM—GOING—TO—BE—YOU

           Everything faded.

Question Tag

Thanks Daniel for tagging me in the Writers' Platform-Building Campaign question tag game. Here are my answers.

1. If you had one week left to live, what would you do?
Eat whatever I want--chocolate, go to the zoo, and spend every second with my family.

2.What quote inspires you?
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."
                                                      ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

3. What movie scene inspires you?
I'm not really a movie guru, so I wouldn't say any specific scene inspires me. I do imitate Star Wars where Luke and Vader meet and Vader says "Luke...I. Am. Your father," *insert breath sounds*

4. What comedy do you end up watching again and again as the years go by?
Harold and Kumar, and I'll be adding The Hangover to my list--total FUNNY!

5. Do you think love can last forever?
Ask me in 50 years.

6. What fictional character could you trade lives with if you could?
Alice from Twilight. She's got a great sense of fashion! I might be lacking in this department. Or Hermione Granger from Harry Potter.

7. What historical character would you marry if you had to choose someone?
I like historical romances with cowboys and Indians. I would choose the Indian. In the story they are always strong, resourceful, and protective of their woman. Damn, I just hit 10 on the dweeb scale.

8. Which do you prefer coffee, hot cocoa, soda, vegetable juice, or water?
Coffee with hot cocoa coming in second.

9. How long would it take you to drive to the beach from where you live?
3 hours

10. What are you currently reading?
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

11. If you choose an answer to this question at random, what is the chance you will be correct
a. 25%
b.50%
c. 60%
d. 20%  D my luck isn't so good

Vicki also tagged me, and here are her questions.

1.What two characters would you like to see battle each other?
Darth Vader and Edward from Twilight. OMG--that would be awesome! Just sayin'.

2. Who is your greatest inspiration?
My Dad is inspiring. He has been gradually losing his hearing and eyesight, and he still lives life to the fullest and does everything he puts his mind to.

3. If you could change places with any book character, who would it be and why?
Clary from the Mortal Instruments Series. She is one tough chick :)

4. Sum up your current WIP in one sentence.
In book two of Deadly Kisses, Aiden, has the devil breathing down his back while trying to save his girlfriend from The Slumber of Death.

5. Are you a plot-driven writer or a character-driven writer?
I say this goes hand in hand. The plot and characters are both important to a GREAT story. For me the characters come to life first, and then everything else falls into place.

6. What is your biggest fear?
That there will be a ban on chocolate and I'll become an illegal chocolate hoarder.

7. When you walk into a book store where do you go first?
The picture book section and then slowly make my way to the YA section.

8. Cats or dogs?
CATS!!!!  I have 5 little fluffers!

9. You've just been placed in the Witness Protection Program what's your alias?
Lola Bagolia who works as a bouncer at a club...um, yeah--I don't write fiction or anything. LOL!

10. Would you rather live in outer space or under the sea? Why?
Ok, this question made me want to sing "Under the Sea," from the little mermaid. Since I think flounder is pretty cool, I would rather live under the sea.

11. If you HAD to lose one of your senses which one would you choose to live without?
This was a hard one. Since I HAVE to choose, I'm going with taste *sniffle, sniffle*  bye bye yummy chocolate.

Here are Elise's questions

1.Dessert or main dish?
Dessert

2. Coffee or tea?
Coffee  

3. Biggest pet peeve.
People who don't use directional lights when making a turn. Arg!

4. Who inspires you?
Other young adult writers who take me to far and fantastical places in a story.

5. If you could speak a (another) foreign language which would it be?
French

6. Star Wars or Star Trek?
As you can tell from the answers above, Star Wars.

7. The best gift you ever received.
My three children.

8. If you could go back and relive your high school years, would you?
Heck no!!!

9. A book you wish Hollywood had left alone.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini.

10. Strangest thing you've ever written a note (e.g., random pieces of paper, your hand...etc)
Don't recall anything, but hubby would say my random honey-to-do-list

11.PC or MAC?
PC (this is like asking Droid or iPhone lol).

                                                      (Source)

Here are some Campaigners from my paranormal group that I tagged. Since many of you have already been tagged feel free to pass, or snag one of the three sets of questions above to answer, so we can get to know you better. Come back and leave me your link, so I can read your answers. Thnaks so much Daniel, Vicki, and Elise for thinking me. You guys rock!

Alison Miller
I am HR Sinclair
Megan
Elise Fallson
Yelena Casale
Eileen Wiedbrauk

In the Background of a Writers Life--Inner Demons

I wanted to be a writer since I was in third grade, but it never occured to me that I should be a writer until many, many, many, years later.

When I began writing in secret. I repeated to myself over and over, that I would never consider myself a writer until I became published.

 But that was a lie! 

I considered myself a writer, when I found confidence within myself and knew I was a writer. That confidence streamed out into my story, making my writing better--stronger.  I pushed down my inner writing demons. Of course they come out once in a while, but I reminded myself that I will do this! I will accomplish my goals that I set for myself! I will make my own destiny!

I let the secret out about my writing. Still, my family didn't take me seriously until my book went under contract see the details here. I continued to write on, and it paid off. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is write like you know what you're doing, even when you don't, and never give up on your dreams.

My Inner Demons included
Comparing my writing to others
fear of failing
fear of success
Giving up as others around you aquire agents
stressing over "the wait"
wanting to hurl while writing a synopsis
writing a query letter

What are your inner writing demons and how do you cope with them?

                                                                          (source)
Also
In the Background of a Writers Life--On Blogging

Fourth Writers' Platform-Building Campaign

Rachel Harrie's Fourth Platform-Building Campaign has begun. This is a great way to build your blog and find more great blogs to follow. To sign up, click on Rachael's name. It will run until March 17, 2012


Also, there are still more slots for the Third Choose Your Own Adventure Bloghop. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Happy Writing everyone!

Adventurers Wanted! Sign-Ups for the bloghop begin

Are you looking for an adventure? You've come to the right blog. Sign-ups for the Choose Your Own Adventure Bloghop begins and will run until we get 15-20 bloggers.


In celebration of Chinese New Year and the year of the dragon, our theme will involve a mighty dragon.

You must be a follower of this blog to join, be able to write a small piece to the adventure, and use Google Docs. You must be available the night before it goes live to give the other writers your permanent URL, and lastly go crazy and have fun.  It will go live sometime in March, and there will be a vote as to the specific date the bloghop will take place.


This is a great way to connect and get to know other bloggers. The last two bloghops were awesomely fun and I've made great bloggy friends. Looking forward to the next adventure!


To see what a Choose Your Own Adventure Bloghop is CLICK HERE.


To sign up to be a stop on the adventure, use the linky tool below. I'll send out e-mails when we have enough Adventurers.

Giveaway Winner!

Congrats Kathleen Doyle, random.org has deemed you the lucky winner of Delirium by Lauren Oliver!

Thank you to everyone who entered. Don't forget to mark your calendars for January 23th when the sign-ups begin for the 3rd Choose Your Own Adventure Bloghop!

~~~Have a lovely weekend~~~

Book Giveaway: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

As promised, I'm having a book giveaway in celebration of the new year and finding a home for my book, Deadly Kisses!

I have a hardcover of Delirium by Lauren Oliver! 

Yay! 

Rules:

Must be a follower of my blog.

Must leave a comment in the comment section with your e-mail address like so emailaddy(at)yaddayadda(dot)com

A number will be chosen at random to decide which awesome sauce follower will win.

The contest will end Thursday January 19th at midnight EST, and a winner will be announced Friday.

Easy peasy!

Good luck everyone!

~Kerri

Welcome 2012

Hello Bloggerville and welcome to 2012!

This years forecast calls for clear skies and lots of writing.

I throw resolutions out the window and go with things I know, without a doubt, that I'll accomplish. 

I hope to make new blogging friends, join more bloghops, and have more giveaways.

So, what about you?

Sign-ups for the third Choose Your Own Adventure Bloghop will begin Monday January 23rd.

Why January 23rd? Because it's the start of Chinese New Year--the year of the dragon! To celebrate, our bloghop will be about a mighty dragon. I look forward to collaborating with you lovely writers who want to join me.