Category: Writing

Writing, You Will Never Be Him

So What’s This Book About?

KLScollective

Trying to get people amped-up about a book that’s not out yet by an author who’s never published a book before is quite the task.

Simply putting the title out publicly a few months ago was terrifying, and now I’m moving on to the cover blurb.

I’ve written dozens of variations, shared with two critique groups, and stared at it on the computer screen for hours. I still don’t think it perfect and probably never will, but I have to have one.

So without further ado, here is my current in the works blurb:

You Will Never Be Him
When Chelsea Thames’ family moves the summer before her senior year, her life is turned upside down. No more small town living, no more quiet social life, no more Roger. In an effort to move on from all she’s ever known, Chelsea creates a whole new persona with one goal: survive high school. Her plan unfolds surprisingly well as she scores Garrett Murphy, star football player, as a rebound boyfriend and takes the school by storm. She thinks she has it all figured out until her heart gets pulled in yet another direction, and life becomes an impossible balancing act between her new image and her true self.

Let me know what you think!

  • If you enjoy young adult novels would this be a book you would open?
  • If you are one of my beta readers and know the story, does this sum it up well?

 

Writing

On The Hunt…

KLScollective

…for the perfect book cover!


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For some (I’m putting myself in this category) writing a novel is the easiest part of the process. I honestly shocked myself at how fast I spit out 50,000 words.

This being my first attempt at a novel, I know my view could change, but for now I have to say the writing is by far easier than editing, figuring out blurbs, drafting query letters, and deciding on a cover.

I have scrolled through hundreds of pre-made covers. Several times I thought at first glance YES THIS IS IT, only to realize no he wouldn’t wear shoes like that or her hair isn’t quite long enough.

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but let’s be honest, we all do.

I would love to know what your favorite site(s) are for pre-made (or custom on a budget) cover design!

Personal, Writing

June Updates

KLScollective

I’m somehow always caught off guard when I realize time is flying by. Trying to get into a new summer break routine has been impossible with everything going on. I’m trying to take one day at a time and trust that a semi-set schedule will eventually unfold.

In the mean time, here’s the latest on all my endeavors:

  • The Pin Cushion: My apprenticeship is in full swing. July will be even more intense as I work to check off all the piercings needed. Kimberly and I have set my ending date for the middle of August which I know will be here before I know it. I was also promoted to shop manager which was an unexpected and extremely exciting surprise. I am so thankful I found this incredible team to work for!
  • You Will Never Be Him: I think this may the first time I’ve shared the full title of the novel I’m working on! My manuscript is currently with my editor (ah!) and so far feedback has been great. Being my first experience writing, I have to say I am super nervous for whats to come next.
  •  Personal Life: the kids and I actually managed to get away for a mini “vacation”, I surprised my husband with a belated birthday party, and one of my best friends is getting married this week.
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  • In other news: I haven’t been able to work on my website at all….I haven’t been able to blog at all….I have fallen off the workout wagon (again!)….I have gotten horribly lazy with my cooking and food choices….*sigh*

Clearly I still have lots to work on, but life is still heading in the right direction. Hopefully it won’t be another month before you hear from me again.

Personal, Writing

13 Reasons Why

KLScollective


One week ago, 13 Reasons Why was released on Netflix. In that time (less than actually because we didn’t start watching until Sunday) I have watched the entire series, purchased the novel, and read entire said novel.

Why does this hold any significance in my life? 

A) I don’t read. Literally I can count on one hand the number of books I’ve read since graduating highs school (The Hunger Games trilogy and Redeeming Love if you’re curious).

B) The reason I was introduced to this story is very exciting (to me at least).

It all started 2 months ago at my writing critique group. A couple of the other members mentioned that the excerpt I brought reminded them of the style and voice author Jay Asher used in 13 Reasons Why. I asked them to jot the title down in the margins of my paper for reference later.

My plan when I began my first attempt at a novel, and joined the group, was to finish draft one before attempting my hardest to get into reading for leisure. I wanted to see if I felt I measured up to the books out there.  I didn’t want to read anything before my first draft was complete to avoid outside influence on my writing.

Soon after that meeting I heard the title again, this time announcing the Netflix series. I knew I’d be watching as soon as it came out! In the middle of the first episode my husband pauses the show and says, “Is it just me or does this remind you of your book?”.

I can tell you, my young adult novel has nothing in common with 13 Reasons Why, except that it deals with teenage relationships. Yet, I could sense exactly what my husband was referencing.

Half way through the series I was too hooked to only watch the show. I HAD to find out how Jay Asher wrote such an incredible piece of work. I began reading the novel on Tuesday, which was fun and challenging since the series and novel are quite different in regards to time line.

After finishing both, all I can say is wow.

I know it has been controversial, but I imagine this book has saved lives. There are always two sides to every story and even more opinions, but my view is, it is an incredible piece of work I could only dream of coming close to.

The fact that someone even remotely compared my story to this piece is flattering, intimidating, terrifying, mystifying, and passion igniting.

Mr. Asher, if ever I become a published author, your name will be on my list of thank you letters to write.

((edit 3 months later to add: I know there are many negative stories out there about the impact this book and series have had. I’m sorry for the pain anyone has endured, but it does not change my view. Had this come out a year earlier I can’t tell you what my opinion would be since I was in the throws of my biggest battle with depression at that time. Please know I do not compliment this show out of naivety. For my writing journey and in my personal life it has been a source of inspiration.))