Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle

Please help me welcome P.T. Michelle to my blog today! Make sure you stick around and leave a comment, because P.T. has a fabulous giveaway to share!

Trusting Your Gut

Three years ago, after a few NY publishing houses had seen my YA/New Adult crossover series BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS, my agent said that I should shelve it and work on something new. "But, but,” my inner-self said. “I love this story. I believe it can find an audience.” And so I embarked on the crazy journey of Indie publishing BKoD. And wow, readers liked it! They really, really liked Ethan and Nara’s story. I went on to release a lot more books. I have really enjoyed all aspects of Indie publishing, the main one being: Control. I love that! So the moral of this very brief story is…trust your gut. If you believe you can succeed, then get out there and work hard. It can happen! :)

In celebration of the release of the latest book in my BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS series, I’m giving away an eBook copy of LUCID (Book 2 in either ePub or mobi format) to a winner. I hope you’ll like my PTMichelleAuthor page and also, also be sure to let me know what you like about reading YA/New Adult books in the comments below. A winner will be chosen on Monday evening at 6pm EST. :)

 FYI, you can currently get BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS (Book 1) and ETHAN (prequel) FREE on all outlets, so grab them up. :) AMAZON link to P.T. Michelle’s books. 

And here are a couple of teasers from the BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS series!

 
P.T. Michelle's Bio About P.T. MICHELLE P.T. Michelle is the author of the young adult series BRIGHTEST KIND OF DARKNESS. She keeps a spiral notepad with her at all times, even on her nightstand. When P.T. isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading or taking pictures of landscapes, sunsets and anything beautiful or odd in nature.

  LINKS:
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You Have Pacing Issues, My Friend.

Rebecca Ethington is taking over Finding Bliss today as part of her Kiss of Fire Blog Tour.

I asked her to write about her tips for pacing a novel. And, man she delivered!

So, you've got a wonderful idea for a great story and you are going to write it down. So you sit down, you write and before you know it you are done. Book over, the end. But, what happened? And how and when and why and with who. Did your readers get to know your characters; did they love them, could they keep track of where they were and who was talking? 

Did your story have good build up and keep your readers engaged? 

No? Maybe? You’re not sure?

You have pacing issues, my friend.

Pacing ultimately begins with the plot of your story. Plot is more than story; it’s the meat, the actual step by step road map of your story. Plot is the in-depth, the long term and the hidden bits of story that make up your amazing novel. Does your plot have lots of conflict, and good development? Without both your pacing is going to suffer. A lot of action goes by too quick, too much inner monologue and not much conflict tends to be slower. So where do you want to be? Somewhere in the middle. You want to manage your readers with your pacing. Give them a break with slower bits, and hold them on the edge of their seats with the rest. 

But finding the sweet spot right in the middle can be tricky.

In case you don’t know my literary background begins in dark theatres and padlocked notebooks hidden under my bed. The first thing I openly sent out into the world was a co-written script about a bunch of kids who get trapped in a cave only to be systematically murdered. Which means that theatre scripts are where I get most of my pacing experience from, so most of my personal tips are going to bleed over from that. 

Some of my personal little tricks (Bring on the theatre baby!)

• Mood – You are sitting in a darkened theatre and the lights begin to dim, the music melds into the low whisper of wind, and a lone woman steps onto the stage. In the theatre mood is set with lighting, music, and ultimately with dialog. The same can be done in writing; lots of emotional descriptions and a detailed set of the scene automatically sets a mellow mood and in turn slows the pace. The same is true for faster paced scenes, brighter lights, powerful music, quick paced dialog creates an intense mood the drags your reader or audience forward. The mood of your writing dictates your pacing. By making the mood clear for each scene as well for your entire novel from the beginning you are able to set a strong expectation of pacing, and prepare you reader for what is to come.

• Cliff hangers – I LOVE cliff hangers, I also HATE cliffhangers. I write a lot of them, but I think every good story teller does, they are crucial for keeping your reader engaged and building a solid plot. Cliffhangers are one of the best ways to speed up pacing, they draw the reader forward from one chapter to another, from one paragraph forward. Fights, trauma, new information; they all lead to different levels of tension and pacing. In theatre the most common cliffhanger is the one placed right before intermission – the climax.  

• Jump cuts – A quick scene change from one place to another is another way to help improve pacing. This is a common technique on stage, and easy to follow as actors appear on different sides of the stage, or on different set levels. In written literature it is also a very effective technique – as long as you readers can follow. If it only creates confusion, it will actually have the opposite effect and slow the pacing down. 

• Rapid Fire! A great example of rapid fire pacing is the final fight in Harry Potter. Chapters upon chapters of fight in the battle of Hogwarts. You are moving from one section of the castle to another, different battles, death, from one character group to another. It draws you in, and keeps you there as the pacing keeps its level high. Those are the books that keep you up late at night.Now, obviously you can’t have a novel that’s quick paced the entire time. The pacing needs to fit the setting of the scene, let the love scenes move slower, the fights move quickly. 

 Thanks so much Laura for having me, and for hosting the tour!

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For the Love of World Building

As of today, I'm just  about halfway through edits on my novel, The Forgotten Ones. I want to say thank you to all of my readers for your patience with me as I bumble through the publishing process. 

And, thank you for sticking with me even though my blogging has been sort of irregular the past couple of months. 

Today I'm welcoming Teal Haviland who will be talking about one of my favorite subjects - World Building!

When asked to write this guest post about world building several thoughts rushed into my mind. All clamored for my attention, wanting it to be focused on them. 

Two won out—how honored I was to have been asked to write my first guest post by a blogger (Thank you, Laura!!!), and the one that really staked claim on my consciousness . . . I don’t know enough about world building myself, yet, to write a blog post. After shooing away my insecurities, however, I see I do. I also realized I love it

Any writer of fiction creates a world for the reader to escape into, but the worlds of fantasy writers—whether it’s urban, high, epic, or any of the other classifications of fantasy—create worlds which send our imaginations on a journey of magic and myth, rich with fantastical discoveries. 

It’s true I am still learning my craft (and I hope to always be learning) but I have information to offer those who are attempting to write their first book, hopefully helping them a bit along the way as others have helped me.

So . . . what do I know about world building? This guest post proved to me I know more than I can fit into my word limit if I don’t want it to read like a textbook excerpt, but there are two things I’ll share that condenses everything I have learned down into key points:

•  Everything that happens in the story being written is creating its world; from the clothing worn, food eaten, magic used, hierarchy, weapons, landscape, rituals, people, animals, fantastical creatures, language . . . everything. It’s what I enjoy most about fantasy—the limitless possibilities of the characters, stories, and worlds.

• The writer must know the rules of the world being created and stick to them. This is the one piece of advice I have heard and read continually. It’s like the sacred rule of world building. I think if it’s broken, the offender gets thrown into another fantasy writer’s version of Hell. Depending on the writer, that could be good or bad. I don’t plan on discovering which. 

I chose to write in a genre known for its opinionated, picky, and sometimes finicky fans, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am not just a writer of fantasy; I am one of those fans. I have always loved fantasy of all kinds, and the reason I chose the genre that holds the best, but most particular, readers can be explained in one word—escapism.

Anytime I thought about how great it would be to write a book one day, I never questioned the genre I would try to make my mark in. It only makes sense to retreat into writing my own stories just as much as I have always escaped into others’.

To me, the best part of world building is being the creator of a story that is mine. As the author, I call the shots. I decide what makes the world work and what can destroy it, who has power and who wants it, who has the ability to use magic and whose heart has been blackened because of its use, who succeeds and who fails, who finds love and who loses it . . . every tiny detail. 

I can be as simple or intricate with my creation as I decide suits the story and characters—as long as I follow the rules I dream up.

 I’m the boss (bwahahahahaaaaa). Oops . . . did I type that? Oh well, I do intend on taking over the world, so I need to practice my sinister laugh. 

The writer’s imagination is the heart of the world that’s built, the words are its foundation, and the story as a whole is the structure which houses its soul. Fantasy is created from wonder . . . just as it creates wonder in those who read it.

World building . . . what’s not to love?

What do you like best about World Building?

To Journal, or Not to Journal—Now, THAT is the Writer’s Dilemma

Happy Humpday! 

Today's guest blogger is Danielle Bannister, author of Pulled and it's sequel Pulled Back.

Every English class I have ever taken (Elementary through Master's) has either encouraged or required that each student keep a journal.  And for years, I have kept one, because I'm a good student that way. However, not once in all of those years of using a journal, have I enjoyed it.  

Still, I kept writing a journal every year because those teacher's kept insisting that it was the best way to clear away the cobwebs in my brain, so that when I actually DID sit down to write, I would be free to do so without my subconscious mucking things up.  

So, it has always been with great reluctance, that every year, I would begin one of these horrid things thinking this time I would find the 'journaling zen' that I had so often read about.  Alas, each journal fell by the wayside after a few short months.  The time had come to ask myself why?

The answer, was more logical than I could have hoped.  As a writer, I just couldn't see the point of journaling.  Perhaps it was because I knew I was writing something that no one would ever read (and why would I bother writing if no one was ever going to read it???)  Perhaps I found it boring rehash the monotonous diatribes of the day gone by.  Journaling, to me, felt like a colossal waste of time. (gasp!  I said it out loud!) (Goes and hides in a corner afraid someone will come and remove her coveted 'writer' cup for such a risque thing to say)


                                           



Wait!  Before you steal my cup...I have something else to say!!!!  

My opinion of journaling changed on, January 1, 2013, when I cracked open THIS baby.




Not so fast, you say.  You've been lured into the new journal trap before.  It's wonderful bliss until you get so bored you want to stab your eyes out with the pen.  Good point.  But not only did I change the type of journal I normally buy (usually it's just a cheapo one 'cause I know I'll never finish it), but I also changed WHAT I write in it.  And that, as they say, has made all the difference.

Instead of regurgitating my day that I don't really want to recall, instead I'm putting my journaling time to good use.  I'm writing a novel in it!  (shut the front door!)  Yes, you heard me correctly.  I am HAND WRITTING a new adult novel inside those 300 lined pages.  When I finish with the journal, I will have finish my first draft of a new novel.  THAT is a writing exercise I can get behind!

So far in the few days I've had the journal, I've already gotten 6 chapters down!  Now instead of journaling being a chore, it's something that gets my creative juices flowing.  Therefore, if journaling isn't working for you and your writing, either ditch it, WITHOUT GUILT, or, change the way you use your journal. (Tweet this) Maybe it isn't a novel.  Maybe it's a place to jot down story ideas.  Maybe you write one short story a day, just for writing practice, maybe you draw the scenes of locations in your book. Whatever.  It's yours to use however YOU need it to work (or not work).  Don't listen to others (even me) about what will be the best for you as a writer.  No one can answer that but you.

That said, I'll leave you the best advise I've ever gotten as an author:  “Write on!”  

Indeed.

                                   

I'd love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on Journaling? Or Free-writing in general?

The Matter of Covers

Today we have a guest post on Book Covers by Sedona Venez, who just released her novel, Infinity.

 I certainly am a firm believer in having a beautiful package for all your hardwork

Tight Knit #Giveaway by Allie Brennan

Thanks so much Laura for letting me steal your blog for a day! 

When I decided to commit to this writing game, everyone thought I was crazy. And I mean everyone... Including me.   But here I am a few years later with a shiny copy of my debut novel, TIGHT KNIT. 

Most people still think I'm crazy, but what I think is crazy is the amazing response I'm getting to a story that is so close to my heart.   

To show my appreciation I am traveling the blogs of a few of my biggest supporters, cheerleaders, reality-check-givers and midnight email responders to give away my book!

5 Tips For Building Buzz For Your Book

Susan Kaye Quinn is a former rocket scientist and engineer, but now writes middle grade and young adult novels because she loves writing even more than shiny tech gadgets.

I'm honored to feature Susan today as well as participate in the cover reveal for Free Souls, the third book in her Mindjack trilogy.

3 Ninja Editing Tips

Today is Thursday, you say. Why are you posting on a Thursday? Well, gentle readers - when you read this gem of a post by Novel Girl Rebecca Berto you'll understand why!

Rebecca just published her first book last week. Precise is a prequel novella taking place in the world of her upcoming debut Pulling Me Under.

How to Market your Book if You're Not a Marketer

This is my first time ever as a Blog Tour Host for Heather of SupaGurl Book Tours! I'm kind of excited about being a Host, because I love having authors on here, for spreading the love, but for what I learn too! As a Tour Stop, I just pick a date and everything is arranged for me. For the future, I'm contemplating a tour of my own, so hopefully this experience will also give me some insight into that.

Anyway, I'm sure you've heard of her- today's guest is the amazing Nancy Straight. She is on tour promoting her book Blood Debt, which I hope you'll check out!

5 Areas of Publishing Every Indie Should Adopt

In my writing journey, I've been VERY fortunate in learning and working with some extremely wise and talented individuals. Today, one of my mentors ~Erin Reel~ is here to remind us, since we're taking the reigns on our publishing journey, we're responsible for the quality-control of our books!

The Un-sexy Side of Self-Publishing

I met Victoria Smith on the Twitter Chat #NALitChat. It's put on each week by NA Alley and although I can't always make it, it's always fun to meet with other writers that are excited by the emerging New Adult genre. Victoria released her first NA novel The Crimson Hunt last week.

Self-Publishing on Wattpad

Have you heard the buzz about Wattpad? I saw an article on IndieReader a few months ago by Brittany Geragotelis on her experience publishing her writing on Wattpad and eventually signing for a three book deal with Simon & Schuster. It was a great article, especially for those who have hopes for eventually going the traditional route. Welcome to Finding Bliss, Brittany!

Getting Your Book in Front of Readers

As you probably know, I'm a huge fan of Laura Pepper Wu of 30 Day Books. She featured today's guest a few weeks ago on BOTH of her blogs, so naturally my ears perked up. Jenny Ladner Brenner must be one to watch! 

And, now since Laura was gracious enough to introduce us, I am proud to present Jenny, author of The Dinner Party, to you!

Harness the Power of Words

In April, I took part in a fun challenge put on by Robert Lee Brewer to help build a writer's platform.

It turned out being so much more than I expected as I met some wonderful friends, one being today's guest Julia Tomiak. Julia does a fun weekly challenge on her blog that I encourage you to check out-- The Word Nerd Workout!

Six Questions with PJ Young

It's Saturday, and you know what that means- Time for Six Questions!

Today's esteemed guest is the lovely PJ Young. PJ, author of the YA novel To Be Honest is here to share some gems that you're sure to love.

Welcome to Finding Bliss, PJ!

Why Bad Reviews Don't Scare Me

In the spirit of Halloween week, Young Adult author Nikki Jefford is here to tackle a subject that frightens many a writer: Bad Reviews.

Understanding Metadata for Authors

So many of us here in the social media world are scrambling to figure things out, sometimes it can be downright overwhelming. Well, here's my go-to lady who knows her stuff about Relationship Marketing and the Self-Publishing world-at-large. 
Rachel Thompson has published two of her own best-selling indie titles and is a Social Media Consultant that makes this whole publishing thing look like hop-scotch. Welcome to Finding Bliss Rachel!

The Importance of a Great Website

Laura Pepper Wu is co-founder of 30 Day Books, a book studio that provides marketing tools and resources for authors. 

Not to mention a fabulous friend and inspiration to yours truly.

Make Your Own #NaNoWriMo Survival Kit

Who's doing NaNoWriMo this year? I've never done it, but friends I know have let me know they'll be doing it for their seventh and ninth year! Amazing!

And since it's right around the corner, I've recruited someone who knows NaNo! Warm Welcome to Rochelle Melander, The Write Now Coach!

Are Self-Published Books the New Query Letter?

Erin Kern is the author of the Trouble Series of romance novels. Like many of my writer friends, she began by querying agents and ended up going on her own after several rejections. I hope you're as inspired by her story as I am, especially if your dream is to eventually sign with a large publishing house.