A tentattive title

Hello folks. I'm happy to say that I've been able to work on my novel today and I've picked a tentative title for it. I think I'll call it Black and White because it's the tale of two girls; one girl who's very dark natured and a little crazy and the other is down to earth and real. What do you guys think? Let me know.
I'm going to get back to work :)
Later.

A contest at Bloody Bookaholic and other stuff

Hey all, Sorry it's been so long since my last post but I've been busy with essays, midterms AND finals! University is crazy... I'm busy all the time! I haven't been able to begin revisions on my book yet but my last final is tomorrow so after it's finished, I'm going to get cracking! I'm going to try a new process of revision that will help sort out what needs to be clarified and what needs to be tossed. I actually saw it on Rachel Vincent's blog and it's a tactic she uses to begin her books. She maps out the story using post it notes and puts up every possibility the story has on this board. I think it might actually work for me so I'm going to try it out and make my book as great as it can possibly be.
On another note, there's a fantastic contest going on at bloody bookaholic with tons of great prizes. If you're a broke student like me and christmas has killed your bank account, it would be nice to win a few books, wouldn't it? Just click here and it will take you to the contest.

Till next time! If I don't post before christmas, Merry Christmas!

Celebration time!!!!

Last night I stayed up really late and finally finished my novel! I'm so excited and want to get polishing the manuscript right away. Hopefully I'll have time for that soon.... SO, here is the final word count and chapter count and what not, though it isn't set in stone:
Word count: 56 666
Chapter count: 30
Not as many words as I was hoping, but the important thing is that the story is there and complete! I'm still having issues picking a title, though... I'll let you know if I come up with anything,
Ah, it feels good to finish a project :)

My life in University involves essays, essays, reading and, Oh ya, essays...

Well... I still haven't finished my book, which is really depressing considering I had planned to finish it at the end of August before school began. I'm in my third month of University and things are speeding up, leaving me breathless and with no time to do anything but homework. I recently had an essay handed back to me and my TA said, "Your writing reads like you're talking to an old friend. Stop it." I had to laugh out loud... I find it so difficult to separate myself from my writing in professional essays. When I do, the writing feels boring and sluggish. I really don't like conforming in my writing, but if I want to get a good grade, I'll have to. Lets just say that I'll be happy when Christmas holidays roll around. I plan on sitting around, finishing my book, writing a few shorts and eating Christmas cookies. Oh ya, and candy canes, too. Hopefully I can read a couple good books, too.
On another note, I'd like to congratulate my dad, who has broken into the publishing world by writing articles. I'm very proud to say that I take after him as a writer :) . Good job Pops!
Till next time!

Contest at That Chick That Reads: win Hush Hush and Demon Princess

This contest ends really soon, so enter, guys!
link here: http://thatchickthatreads.blogspot.com/2009/10/demon-princesshush-hush-giveaway.html

One Chapter left to write and a small excerpt...

It's driving me crazy not being able to write the last chapter of my book! I've been trying to squeeze a bit of writing in here and there, but right after midterms were finished, I was hit with a whole bunch of essays! University is hard work... now that I'm working on all these essays, I'm falling behind in my readings, which stinks big time :S . So even though I don't have time to do much of anything, let alone write a full post for you guys, I thought I'd give you a teeny tiny excerpt from my novel. It's rough and not final by any means, but let me know what you think. Enjoy!

*

Sleeping with Derrick, killing him, and then trying to kill Ali... all for nothing. What had she gained? Certainly not Dan. Ali had him wrapped around her little finger, as far as she knew. And what had she lost? Everything. Her popularity, her dignity, her friends, and now her Father.
After June had told him everything, he had gotten up and left the room without a word or a backward glance at her. She remembered feeling shaky and drained, wanting only to curl up in a ball and pretend nothing had happened. He had come back, about a half hour later and sat across from her, still avoiding her eyes.
"Why did you do it?" he asked in a low voice, staring at the coffee table between them.
The real answer seemed so stupid. To get Dan Walker to be her boyfriend? No, she couldn't say that. "I did it for you." June whispered instead, which was not a lie. It was all for him and his damn reputation.
Without warning, Mr. Adams jumped to his feet and grabbed one side of the coffee table with both hands then tossed it aside in a fit of rage. June gasped, startled at the crashing sound, but held very still, as though any quick movements would make her Father attack her. He hovered in front of her, and she could feel the rage flowing off him like sweat. You didn't do it for me, you slut. Why did you do it?"
"I just wanted you to be happy with me for once." June had wailed, anger disappearing in a second and replaced immediately by inadequacy and despair. "If everything had gone the way I wanted, then I would be your perfect daughter with the perfect boyfriend and the perfect life!" He seemed to be shocked into silence, his eyes bulged and his mouth gaped. She got to her feet and took advantage of his silence and continued, anger returning like an old friend.

*

Win Hush Hush at Library Lounge Lizard!

I want this book so bad! I've been entering contests like crazy again -sighs- sad but true. Enter here: http://www.libraryloungelizard.com/2009/10/win-signed-copy-of-hush-hush.html

Sweet contest at Bloody Bookaholic!

Win Werewolves and Vampires (two seperate books). Yes, I too am entering the contest. I'm too broke to buy books :(

here's the link: http://bloodybookaholic.blogspot.com/2009/10/ultimate-giveaway-for-fans-of-fangs.html

A note about my book and a contest with tons of books to win...

I know I haven't posted anything in a long time, I've been crazy busy. As for an update on my book, I wrote the rest of chapter 28 and it has a surprising turn of events. This will be my second last chapter, I believe, and I wish I had more time to write it. As it is, I barely have time to sleep, let alone write. It sucks. Writing is my stress reliever (well, that and going to the gym), yet I can't even find time for it! I could make time, but then my studies would probably be seriously neglected. I have midterms coming up now too, which scares the living hell out of me. I can sum my life up in three words: study, study, STUDY! I don't know who came up with this idea that university students party all the time, because I certainly don't have time for stuff like that.
Anyway, enough ranting. There's a fantastic contest going on at the Library Lounge Lizard that I think you guys should take a look at (well, I think its more aimed at girls, but whatever). Here's the link, just copy and paste: http://www.libraryloungelizard.com/2009/09/contest-time-awesome-nancy-holder.html

This blog is giving away books autographed by the author, Nancy Holder. God I hope I win... I can't afford anything!!
Till next time!

Balancing life and Writing... not going so well right now

So, its been a while, but I do have a good excuse. I just started university and I've been crazy busy with the move and adjusting to life on my own. I've had zero time to sit down and write my blog, let alone my book (which I was supposed to be done by now...). I am immensely disappointed that I didn't make my deadline, but life got in the way, and that happens. I need to get over it and finish it. I'm so close! I'm writing a court scene in which Ali faces off with June and there's a surprising turn of events that even caught me off guard.
I hope you guys are getting more writing done than I am...
Till next time:) .

Win Hush Hush at Katie's Book Blog

Copy and paste this URL: http://katiesbookblog-katie.blogspot.com/2009/08/hush-hush-contest.html to win Hush Hush. It's a great looking book and I'm hoping to win :). My luck has been very good lately, I've won three contests this summer! I hope my readers have won some excellent goodies too!
Till next time...

Inspired by others

I have a huge list of authors that I am completely in love with. My top favorites right now are Maria V Snyder, Rachel Vincent, Erin Mccarthy, and recently I've gotten into Marian Keyes. I love the stories they weave and I aspire to write like them. Not exactly like them, of course. I have my own unique voice and my own stories to tell, but I love their books so much that I can't help but think,"Damn it, why didn't I think of that?!" I love their characters. Some of them are so dear to me, that I wish that they were real.

I am very pleased to say that I recently got an autographed copy of Maria V Snyder's Fire Study. I was so excited! I couldn't believe that Maria would take the time to write a message for me. Sometimes I forget that my favorite writers are people, not God's or Muses...

Anyways, till tomorrow. :)

Great new contest at Princess Bookie

The winner will receive all these books!

1. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC
2. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC
3. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC
5. Troy High by Shana Norris ARC
6. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC
7. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC
8. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
9. Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)
10. a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)
11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)
12. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
13. Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC
14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS. It will be shipped to on or around Sept 1st (whenever they ship it)
AND a book of your choice (under $15.00 please and it can be a preorder as long as it comes out in September-so many good books get released)

So make your way over to Princess Bookie's blog! URL is: http://cutelittlecindy.blogspot.com/2009/08/another-contest_12.html

A goal reached

Today, I finally reached my goal of 50,000 words, and I am so proud of myself. I was pumped when I reached 30,000, but 50,000? I know that I've harped on a lot about word count, but I want to have a decent-sized book to send out. My original goal was 100,000, and though I know I'm not finished the story, I know my book won't be that long. I don't want to stretch it so much that there is a bunch of unnecessary junk in it. I just want the story to be the story it's supposed to be. I'm guessing it will be around 70,000 when it's completely finished, which I think is pretty good for a first time author.
I'm also happy to announce that I know (finally and completely) how my story will end. Of course, I can't tell you, but I believe it is a very good ending. I'm also contemplating what to call it and am coming up with nothing... how do you name your work? I'd like to hear how other people title their stuff, as I'm drawing a blank... in fact, I've been calling it 'Ali', after the main character. Calling it this has made me wonder whether I should make this book into a series. I would like to tell Bridget's story, though I'm not sure what I would say. She's one of my favorite characters, and I would just hate to say goodbye to her. Your opinions?
Happy writing and reading.

Great Contests!

Enter to win a prophecy pack here: http://purplg8r-somanybooks.blogspot.com/2009/08/prophecy-of-sisters-win-prophecy-prize.html

and 'Sea Glass' by Maria V Snyder here: http://katiesbookblog-katie.blogspot.com/2009/07/maria-v-snyder-interview-contest.html?showComment=1249571471643#c9077157242877782022

Both are great blogs to follow, too.

You'll have to copy and paste the URL's.

My second bookshelf...

I just thought I would show you my second bookshelf that holds some of my favorites. I love bookshelves... there's nothing happier than a shelf covered in books.
The roses are from my love....

I apologize to my poor neglected readers...

It's been a while, I know. Sorry, but I have been so incredibly busy! I'm getting ready to leave home (woo hoo) and move in with two of my best friends and my sister! Also, I've been working, trying to finish that book of mine. I'm only on Chapter 26, but I really like the way chapter 25 turned out. It was very sexy.
Speaking of sexy....
Do you ever write a sexy scene and worry about your family members reading it (namely mom, dad, or the grandparents)? I just feel SO UNCOMFORTABLE at the thought of sharing love scenes with them... it makes me want to take a pen name, just so I can avoid sharing the love scenes with them... Almost as bad is when I write a sexy scene at work and my boss comes and stands behind me. I immediately close it and bring up Solitare, but I have to wonder, "how much did she see?!" I can't give up on the scenes, though. Some of them are SO good and essential to the plot. So I guess I'll have to blush and stutter an explanation to my family about the love scene, perhaps even getting "The Talk" again...-shudders-
Till tomorrow!
Or the day after... maybe next week...

Blood, sweat and soul...

I can't tell you how many times I've sent out this one short story of mine and had it come back with that dreaded pink slip... countless times... I cried the last time. I felt like such a failure... I've been writing for years, years, and still have had nothing real published. I was thinking, I'm 19 years old. Why the hell haven't I been published yet? you know what my mom said? You're 19! You're so young; too young to feel like a failure! I know she's right, but I can't help but feel like my writing sucks. What if I really do suck? What if I'm like one of those people who pour their blood, sweat, and soul into something and it turns out that they're horrible at it?! Like on Canadian Idol... some people think they can sing and they really can't... Dear God, What if I'm one of them?!
I know I'm ranting... I got yet another rejection slip yesterday for that same story of mine, the story I've rewritten twelve or more times and doesn't seem good enough for a magazine. I have been told its good, and not just by my family and friends. I've been told it's reminiscent of R.L. Stine (which made me quite proud, I was a huge fan of him when I was younger), but right now I'm doubting myself so much, especially with this novel I'm trying to write. It feels so... average. So not worth reading. I think after I finally (if ever) finish it, I'll put it aside for a few months and come back to it. Once I go over it, I can decide if it's worth continuing, I guess.
-sighs-
Anyone want to join my pity party?

Being a poor planner causes big problems...

-sighs-
So. Whenever I start a new novel, it all begins with an idea. I see this scene in my head and if it's interesting enough, I open up a new project on Ywriter and write it down.
I love beginnings.
Writing the beginning is no problem for me. It's fun, creative, and I usually write for a long time because I just don't want to stop. The middle is definitely harder, but the end...
You see, when I start a new book, I don't really think about the end until I get there. I write in the moment; therefor I do no planning, and it's becoming a big problem.
I've started many, many books, gotten to the middle and then quit because I don't know how to end it. These stories are poorly written, and I filled them with unnecessary junk that I popped in there with no rhyme or reason because I didn't plan.
So, I've decided that I need to do an outline for every project; plot the basic beginning, middle and end. Hopefully this will help me out...
How do you plot out your stories?

An excerpt...

I thought I would show you a small piece of the first chapter in my novel. I love it because it has a few of my favorite characters and foreshadows future events. Can you see what will happen? Enjoy :) feedback is awesome, also.

*

"So..." Danny began. "When are you going to admit that you're in love with Charlie?"
Ali halted in her tracks. "I am not in love with Charlie!"
"Yes you are."
"No I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
"No, I'm not."
"You are -"
"Would you stop? I don't love Charlie. Love is a very strong word."
Danny paused, eyeing her for a second before he replied. "And three years is a long time to keep that quiet, don't you think?"
Ali sighed. "Is it that obvious?"
"It's obvious to everyone but Charlie." Danny replied. He took her waist and pushed her into a slow walk.
"Damn it..." Ali muttered. "Look, even if it is love, it doesn't matter. Charlie's with Bridget and he's happy -"
"But you're miserable."
"Only most of the time..." They walked in silence until they found a bench to sit down on.
"Do you want my advice?" Danny asked.
"Always." Ali replied.
"Find yourself another man."
Ali rolled her eyes. "I would if I could, believe me, I've tried. Maybe I should just tell him..."
"You could, I guess... but Bridget would kill you."
Ali shuddered at the thought of Bridget's wrath. "You're right, she would kill me. Besides," Ali leaned forwards and kissed him on the cheek."You're the only man for me!"
Danny started to laugh but choked it back when a tall girl in skimpy stilettos and a skirt to match strolled up, closely followed by a group of girls dressed just like her.
"June." Ali and Danny said in horror.
June Adams was the mayor's daughter and the school's "It" girl. She only wore designer clothes and shoes and acted like she was a princess, or something. Her nose was always in the air and she always bragged about how wealthy she was or how much better than everyone else she was. Ali had disliked her since the day they met and wondered why Danny had dated her to begin with. He'd taken her on two or three dates and ended it, after which June had thrown a bowl of boiling soup at his retreating head. June seemed to think that he belonged to her now.
"How's it going, handsome?" she said when she reached them, bending over a little so her cleavage popped out. She completely ignored Ali, not even glancing in her direction. her minions followed her actions and had eyes only for Danny.
"Good." Danny replied in a monotone voice.
"Good. I'm having a party Saturday night at my house, are you interested? There will be free booze for you only." She smoothed her very short and very straight hair with perfectly manicured fingernails.
Ali rolled her eyes. Even though Danny had dumped June, she didn't seem to want to let him go. Ali suspected that June only wanted him for his popular status in the school. In the few dates that they'd had, Danny said that she'd been very controlling and bitchy, with a furious temper. No guy had ever dumped her before (probably out of fear) and she didn't want the break up to hurt her reputation. June's solution was to pursue Danny until he gave up became her boyfriend. Unfortunately, June was very persistent and it was obvious that Dan was very tired of her.
"Sorry I have plans." Danny muttered, avoiding June's eyes.
"Plans?" June paused and finally looked over at Ali, taking her in as a threat."plans with her?"
"Actually, yes. June, you know Ali?"
"Unfortunately..." June bristled in anger and the group of girls tittered like birds.
"What's up, June?" Ali regarded her with a cold eye. June was a cold-hearted bitch and Ali wanted June to lose for once in her life. Ali leaned back on the bench and reached over to take Danny's hand.
June's face turned bright red and her eyes narrowed, She was nearly spitting with rage. "You - you - you're together?"
"What's the matter June? Afraid of a little competition?" Ali took pleasure in teasing June. "You might as well give up, Danny's mine now." Ali gave Danny a sexy smile and batted her eyes at him. She didn't notice his jaw drop a little as she looked back at June.
"Lets go." June snapped at her followers and they obeyed immediately. She turned on her heel and strode off, taking her flock of mindless followers with her.
"She'll get you back you know." Danny gave her hand a squeeze.
"What else could she possibly do to me? Talk behind my back? Tell me I'm nothing but a lowly peasant?" She laughed as they watched June storm off in her flock of followers.

*

Back to the grind!

For the first time in my life, I'm happy to go to work on a Monday. For the first time in three weeks, I am FINALLY free to write. I've been to three Grads, countless grad parties, BBQ's, and been busy registering for University. I've been going crazy these past weeks, not getting any work done and worrying about my new looming deadline. I felt guilty enough extending my deadline the first time, but will I have to do it again? I sure hope not.
To be perfectly honest, I don't think this book will make it to 100 000 words. Right now, it's at about 50 000 and I'm almost wrapping it up. I still have the final climax to do, but after that, I have a few simple things to resolve and then I'm done my second draft.
...did I use the right word there? Climax? :S not sure, but it sounds naughty.
Back to work!

Busy, busy, busy, and an extended deadline...

These past two weeks have been so crazy for me, I haven't had time to sit down and write, so unfortunately, I'm forced to extend my deadline... I'm not very happy about that, but that's life for you. I'm going to try and write today, but things at work are getting busier, my love is graduating this Friday, there's a grad BBQ on Saturday and Father's Day on Sunday... jeez. Oh, and registration for my classes in university is on the 22nd. So is my friend's grad. Then I have to go to ANOTHER grad on the 26th! I think after these next two weeks, I'll have been to enough grads to have my fill for a lifetime...
As for my word count, I've realized that doing too much can burn you out. I know some people can do 2000 words a day, no problem, but it's not for me... I felt so pressured, like if I didn't reach that word count, I would fail! So I think I'll shoot for 1000 a day until this book is finished. I'm still not really sure how I'm going to finish it... with a death, perhaps?

When Life gets in the way

Unfortunately my word count has been neglected these past two days... I've been picking classes for university for myself and today I have to make up my sister's timetable too, so I doubt I'll get much done today either. I'm worried I won't get much writing done in the fall, when I'll be struggling through hours of coursework. I'm freaking out, actually... I wasn't good at doing homework in high school, how will I do in university?!
This is every writer's struggle, though, isn't it? Everyone must find the time, or make the time so we can write that book, that short story or that magazine article.

We'll find out how I'll do...

How I waste my weekends...

Like the good procrastinator I am, I find a hundred other things to do before I sit down to write. I watch t.v. and attempt to work out and sometimes I even manage to clean my room and do my laundry. Usually I'm only home on Saturdays, so everything that needs to be done has to be done in one day. The last thing I can get to is my writing! In fact, I'm least productive on weekends. I figure, since I can write at work, why should I write on the weekend? But as this deadline looms, I realize that I can't put my book on the back burner, I should be writing every day, trying to meet my daily word count.
I'm happy to report that I've reached 40 000 words today :) and I'm shooting to write 3000 words rather than 2000. I've been falling behind and I need to catch up!

How do you waste your weekends?

The things I have to do before I can sit down to write...

As I've mentioned in the 'About Me' section, I tend to do most of my writing at work. Before I can even start, there's a bunch of stuff that I try to do so I can spend my time writing. Unfortunately, by the time I'm finished, I'm tired of looking at a computer screen and I'm, well... tired. I do a lot of data entry at my job, and though I have come to despise spreadsheets, it has to get done. I'm putting off all that work right now... which I know I shouldn't because my writing takes a hit. After doing all these spreadsheets, I find I'm less likely to have a productive writing day than when I don't do them. So should I write first and do my work later? I'm not to sure of this because I don't think my work would get done...
I'm seriously considering extending my deadline... lately reaching that daily word count goal is getting harder and harder, especially since I believe I'm nearing the end of the book and am trying to wrap it up nicely, I find problems that sometimes takes hours of thinking (just thinking, no writing) to fix! I think I'll do what I can until the due date but I'm doubting myself a bit here...
Till tomorrow.

A Writer should love to read...

I just thought I would show you one of my three very full bookshelves.... My room is very small so I think it's a great feat that I was able fit so many books into one tiny room.
As for writing today... it's not going so well. I'm just not really in the mood. I know what needs to be written but that spark of creativity remains elusive so far. Maybe I'll have more luck after lunch when I've been fed...

Worries of a Writer

I don't know about other writers, but I always worry about my work being mediocre. When I write a scene, I think, 'Is this exciting enough? Will this bore my readers? Is it good enough?' And sometimes, because of my insecurities, I end up scrapping whole projects because I don't think that its good enough (which sometimes is a heartbreaking process because I can really fall in love with an idea). I can't even tell you how many times I've written the book I'm working on now, or the many, many different ways it was written. I don't think any one would even recognize it...
So do I worry about my current project not being good enough? Every day. But as I go back and read previous chapters, I realize that it's funny and romantic, and I'm sure lots of people would read it...
I can't wait to see the finished project! :)

A great idea...

I'm on chapter 13 and approximately half way through my book when an idea struck me. Why not have little scenes or chapters showing my anti-hero's thoughts? It would help clarify to my readers why she acts the way she does, and add a little more meat to my story. What do you think?

Bad day for writing or anything else...

Do you ever have those days where nothing seems to go the way you want it to? You want to wake up and write 2000 words but instead you write 500 and it all pretty much goes downhill from there? I've been sitting here, twiddling my thumbs and wondering why my characters won't do anything but make out... Not only that, but I'm wondering about what needs to happen next... I don't have any idea yet. This story is heading in a direction I'm not feeling very sure of just yet, but I'm hoping - no, not hoping, praying - that it works out. I want to finish one of my novels for once...
I'm thinking I should have stayed in bed today...

My first official blog :)

So, I've never done this before, so bare with me folks...
I've decided to start writing a blog so I can share my experiences as a young Canadian writer who's yet to make her name in the world. I will eventually, I hope...
Currently I'm working on a novel for teens, which is about love, feuds, and how people who have power can bend the law to suit their needs. I love my main character, Ali, who is a stubborn, sarcastic and determined girl who fights for what's right (or what she thinks is right). I love to hate my anti-hero, June. She is one horrible person. When you read about her, you'll love to hate her too...
I've been working on this book for... about a year, maybe longer. I started out writing in a notebook with a pen, but then copying that onto the computer was hell, so I was SO happy to get a laptop for Christmas. I've restarted this story numerous times (which killed me one time, and made me excited another time) and I don't think I'll need to restart again. I quite like the way it's turning out...
My goal is to have 100 000 words by July 5th, therefor the first (official) draft should be done by then. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who procrastinate. Horribly. I have written 29, 344 words as of 1:43, which leaves 70,656 words left with 1910 words to write per day... I have 37 days and frankly... I'm a little worried about my deadline and whether I'll make it or not. I'm also worried that I'm worried about word count when I SHOULD be focused on the words that go into the story...
I hope you'll follow me on my novel adventure. :)