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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

100 Word Wednesday: The Flames

Hurry! Time is running out to win fairy tale ebooks or a $5 Amazon gift card. Click to enter.

100 Word Wednesday: The best day of the week!!

I changed a word in the prompt. (sorry) This is based on my book THE AFTERLIFE OF LIZZIE MONROE.
Today's prompt: I stared at the flames that had...


Shane stared at the flames that had grown into a roaring blaze.  He thought he should feel something. Remorse? Regret? It was a church after all. An old church. A closed church, but a church none-the-less. People had gotten saved there. People had gotten married there.

And therein was the rub.

Years ago, two people were joined in matrimony in that church. One was a person he loved. One he hated.

His parents.

The fire roared.

Burning the horrible place that had ruined his life.

He turned to leave when he heard it.

A scream.

But it had been empty.

~*~*~*~

Here are the other blogs. Click to read some more awesome 100 word stories! Happy Wednesday!!!!!

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com
Alison Woods (Peering Into. . .): http://alisonmillerwoods.wordpress.com/
Jessica Winn, The Distracted Writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Five Tips for Naming Your Character: Writer Tip of the Week

Click to enter to win free ebooks or a $5 Amazon gift card in the Fairy Tale Fortnight Giveaway blog hop!

Photo
 


I'm very excited to start something on this blog called: Writer Tip of the Week. *squee*

I always love going to other sites and reading their tips. It has helped me so much over the years, but I have never felt qualified to offer any sort of advice to another writer... in blog form anyway.

A few weeks ago, I released my seventh book--- my Seventh Book! I'm as shocked as you since I'd  put my first one out 2 years ago. And I got to thinking, in that time, I actually have learned a lot that I feel I am qualified to tell people about.

That's where Writer Tip of the Week comes in.

Let's get right to it.

*A name either clicks or it doesn't. If it doesn't, keep trying until it does.


Naming characters is hard. Sometimes, it is harder than naming your own kids (am I the only one who has felt like that?) I have three daughters, but I have over fifty characters in all of my books combined. That's a lot of names.

Sometimes you can write an entire book and at the end, change the leads name. I've done that twice now. Glad I did it both times. The names I had chosen were nice names, pretty names, but something about them didn't *fit*.

For example, in my book, CROSSING THE DEEP, the main character's name was Ruth. For about five drafts, she was Ruth. But it just didn't fit. I went through about thirty others (along with my poor sister) until I decided on Rachel. Once I heard the name, it fit.

Actually, funny story, Rachel was one of the first names I thought of for her, but I didn't want to use it (long story). In the end, my character was a Rachel-- she just was.
 1) Look online for baby names-- especially if you are writing from a different decade or era

          I've just finished my first regency/fairy tale book (yay!). One of the first things I had to do was pick names for my characters so I googled "Popular Baby Names-- 1800s". There are sites that tell you these things. Use them. It is fun to look back at how names have evolved over the years.

          Writing a book set in the 90s? I bet you could get by with Kelly... or Heather... or Kristin ;)

          I'll post a list of baby name sites at the bottom of this post.

 
2) Is the name I like similar to another book character?

           Thankfully, I had a character named Tobias in The Deception of Devin Miller before I'd ever heard about Divergent. It is an awesome name. Can you still use it? Of course! You can't copyright a person's name, but you have to consider if your audience thinks you are out and out stealing the name. Have a character named Four-- people might start going hmmmmmmmm...

 


3) Famous Faces

          So, the perfect name for your character is 'Brad Pitt'. Probably not a good idea unless you are going for some sort of irony. Even then, I still wouldn't recommend it.

 
4) Deulaia Eanntuarntaiee

        IE, make sure your character's name is easy to read or at least sound out for the next 200 pages. Or at least give some sort of phonetic spelling somewhere in the book. If it is a sci-fi book, you can get away with more.

 
5) Does the first name flow with the last name

        Try it out. Does it work together? I've changed a few character names in my time because I didn't like how the two sounded together.

 
BONUS: Does it fit the character?

        You know your character better than anybody. Does the name you chose for him/her fit the character? IE does it fit how they act. Of course, we all know we aren't our names. My mother could have named me Gertrude as easily as she named me Kelly. Books have a little bit more leeway in that department. A writer, especially after the end of the first draft, knows the character and knows if the name fits. That is a great time to do a gut check-- does the name fit? Do you feel comfortable with it? Can you see ___________ as your character?

 I don't know about you, but I feel an uneasiness if I have name that doesn't fit. And when I finally find one that "fits", I'm calm. Leave a comment below and tell me if you are the same way. (I hope so...)

 ON A SIDE NOTE: One last important tip on names after I've given you six rules for naming your character... Do you really care if your character doesn't abide by any naming "rule"?
If, in your heart of hearts, you want to name your regency princess Tiffany, go for it... you'll probably be called out on it-- but in the end it is your book. You have to decide what's right for you... and (if you are trying to get an agent) what will turn him/her off completely.

 Do you have any character naming stories? Which names have you changed? Leave a comment and let me know.

 ~Kelly Martin
{Kelly is the writer of seven published novels, the mommy to three girls, and the wife of one handsome man. When she isn't writing, she is plotting-- books, not revenge... because that would be wrong. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest. It's never boring.}

(Find this post helpful? Share on facebook, twitter (#writertips), tumblr, and pinterest. Thank you <3)


 SITES FOR BABY NAMES:
Baby Names.com
Baby Center
Social Security Popular Baby Names (you can search by decade or state as well :) )
 
If you are feeling adventurous: 
 



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

100 Word Wednesday-- The Fairy Tale Life

I'm giving away 2 fairy tale ebooks and a $5 Amazon gift card for Fairy Tale Fortnight! Head over and enter. Click here!

Hi guys :)

Today is my favorite day of the week: 100 Word Wednesday!! (an entire story-- beginning-- middle-- and end in 100 words! Since I'm doing Fairy Tale Fortnight for the next 2 weeks, I made my story into a fairy tale :)

Hope you enjoy. Please leave a comment at the end and let me know <3

~Kelly

PROMPT: Would you like fries with that?
 

Emma traced invisible swirls on the table, bored out of her mind. While she waited, her mind drifted. When would he get here? When would he sweep her off her feet?

Charming. Prince Charming was on his way and all she had to do was wait... and hope... and be ready for true love to strike her heart upon seeing him for the first time.

The clock ticked slowly on the wall. Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. She drummed her fingers and sighed.

The door opened.

In he walked.

A smile.

An order.

She gulped. "Would you like fries with that?"
 
~*~*
Check out the other blogs who do 100 word Wednesday:

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com
Kelly Martin, Author: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com
Alison Woods (Peering Into. . .): http://alisonmillerwoods.wordpress.com/
Jessica Winn, The Distracted Writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/
R.K. Grow: http://www.rkgtheauthor.com/



Fairy Tale Hop

Happy Release day to J.L. Salter

 
Hi guys :) I'm so excited for this novella :) The author, J.L. Salter, named his main character after my middle daughter after she picked his number to win a prize at a facebook party! She's so excited to be in a book and I can't wait to read it.
 
~Kelly
Photo: She only bet to save her place in line, but he wagered himself into her heart. Coming tomorrow by J. L. Salter (author of A New Guy in Town) 
 
Don’t Bet On It
 
By J.L. Salter
 
A short novella
Astraea Press
15,871 net words
 
Hook:
            Chloe only bargained to save her place in the Super Sale line, but Brett wagered his way into her heart.
 
 
Blurb:
            Chloe Watson wants to keep her place in line for the Electronics Super Sale, but really needs a restroom break. Will that handsome jogger be willing to stand still for fifteen minutes… for a $10 fee?
            Brett Hardy agrees, but bets it will take her much longer to return — if Chloe wins, she owes him nothing… but if Brett wins, she has to accept his invitation to dinner. How long could the lines be at the ladies room?
            Chloe’s best friend thinks she’s crazy to agree to dine with a stranger – on a wager – and imagines only worst case scenarios.
            It turns out Brett has even more surprises up his sleeve — and if a bet won’t work, maybe a bribe will.
            Perhaps Chloe can be tricked by wagers and bribes, but she can’t understand why Brett resorts to gimmicks instead of just asking her out.
            Of course, if he did ask, she’d probably have to say "don't bet on it."
 
Get yours on Amazon or Barnes and Noble (It'll be on BN soon) :)

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Fairy Tale Fortnight-- Giveaway

I am beyond excited to be a part of Fairy Tale Fortnight (I even have a post on their blog... SQUEE!! Let me fangirl a moment. Of course I'll let you know when it is posted). 

Fairy Tale Hop


I'm also a part of the "I am a reader" blog hop giveaway to celebrate 2 weeks of fairy tale greatness! I'm giving away kindle ebook copies of Chandra Hahn's UnEnchanted and Fariest (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale Series)... and a $5 Amazon gift card to buy your own book (maybe even a fairy tale) (Please Visit Chandra's Amazon page by clicking here. :) You might find your new favorite fairy tale :) )



Have I mentioned how much I love fairy tales? If not, you will hear it a lot in the next 2 weeks. ;) I'm writing my first regency fairy tale at the moment and loving it!! Through the next few weeks, I'll post some snippets of it. (can't wait!)

For now, enter the rafflecopter, hop over to the other participating blogs and do the same, and enjoy 2 weeks of fairy tale bliss! 

Be sure to leave comments. I always love to hear from readers :)

~Kelly-- Maybe not the fairest in all the land, but definitely living her happily ever after... (most days ;) I ain't gonna lie lol)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Congratulations to Deborah D.!!

She won the ebook copy of Hindsight: Out of the Blue!! Congratulations Deborah! I already sent it via Kindle. Let me know if you didn't get it.

And thank you all for entering!!

Starting tomorrow, I'm having another blog hop. The Fairy Tale Fortnight! SO excited for it!!! Be sure to check back and enter.

~Kelly



Tuesday, April 15, 2014

100 Word Wednesday-- The Horoscope

Hi guys! It's 100 word Wednesday again! Basically the goal is to tell a 100 word story (beginning, middle, and end). It is my favorite thing to do :)

Also, be sure to enter to win a $5 Amazon gift card to celebrate the release of HINDSIGHT: OUT OF THE BLUE!! CLICK HERE to enter :)

This week's prompt...

"Today's Horoscope: Your prized possession will end up in someone else's hands"
 
I hit the x on top of the page and shut my laptop. I should know better than to read those stupid things. So vague and wrong. And even if they are right, they are right be default.
I don't believe in them... but I always read them. Curiosity, I suppose.

I sigh and stand as Mr. Manning--who seems to have better things to do--hands me the final set of papers.
It's gone.

Forclosed.

Just like that. My house is not mine.
Guess it was right.


Check out the other blogs participating in 100 Word Wednesday!!

Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com
Alison Woods (Peering Into. . .): http://alisonmillerwoods.wordpress.com/
Jessica Winn, the distracted writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/
R.K. Grow: http://www.rkgtheauthor.com/

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Hindsight Release GIVEAWAY!

Hindsight: Out of the Blue (#1)I'm so excited!! My seventh book just came out Friday.

My.

Seventh.

Book.

Back in October 2012, my first book came out. Wow! I'm so excited and honored that you guys like them so well.

To celebrate the early release of Hindsight: Out of the Blue, I'm giving away a $5 Amazon gift card!! Enter the rafflecopter.... good luck... and I hope you consider reading and reviewing Out of the Blue! Only 99 cents!

~Kelly

 a Rafflecopter giveaway



Start at the beginning...

You want to know how it all began.

How I fell for her?  How I started to love...?

You want to know how I met Oliver Weston. How I grew to hate him? Why I did what I did?

You want to know how it all began?

Because every story has a beginning, doesn't it?

Even mine.

Especially mine.

I loved her. I still do.

And I hated him. Still do.

So this is it. The start. My 'in the beginning'.

This is how an average guy from Oklahoma ended up here... talking to you.

It all started innocently enough. I needed a place to live. Jordan needed a roommate.

It hit me out of the blue.

I only wish it had ended differently.

 But we will get to that later.

Start at the beginning... are you sure you are ready?

{99 cents}

 
 

Saturday, April 12, 2014

It's out... It's out... It's out, it's out, it's OUT!! (Hindsight: Out of the Blue is on Amazon!)

Finally!! *squee*-- Only 99 cents!!


Start at the beginning...

You want to know how it all began.

How I fell for her?  How I started to love...?

You want to know how I met Oliver Weston. How I grew to hate him? Why I did what I did?

You want to know how it all began?

Because every story has a beginning, doesn't it?

Even mine.

Especially mine.

I loved her. I still do.

And I hated him. Still do.

So this is it. The start. My 'in the beginning'.

This is how an average guy from Oklahoma ended up here... talking to you.

It all started innocently enough. I needed a place to live. Jordan needed a roommate.

It hit me out of the blue.

I only wish it had ended differently.

 But we will get to that later.

Start at the beginning... are you sure you are ready?



 

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Teen Issues w/ author S. Elle Cameron

I'm very happy to have S. Elle Cameron here today, talking about her debut novel, A TRAGIC HEART. Also, she has some advice for teens on dealing with some of the issues you may be facing.
 
~Kelly
 
Here's S. Elle,
 
            So before we get into anything too deep, I should probably introduce myself. I am a new author who goes by the name S. Elle Cameron and I specialize in life and music. How does one specialize in life, you ask? Simply just by living it (and documenting it). I’ve been through the wringer and dealt with almost every teen issue imaginable…even the really ugly ‘we shouldn’t talk about that’ stuff. I’m only 22, so I still consider myself to be inexperienced but I also know that I am wiser than I was even a few short years ago. Today, I’m going to touch base on some teen issues that many of you are currently going through or have gone through. Hold onto your seats because the ride may get bumpy…
            Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt victimized by yourself. Now, be honest, not every issue we deal with someone else is to blame. What I’ve learned is that majority of the time we’re down and complaining about how no one understands us, we’re the ones kicking ourselves. Sure, there are always the bullies and the naysayers (we’ll get into that later on) but ultimately, the first step in learning how to get out of your situation is to stop condemning yourself. Stop changing for other people and stop thinking that you are worth less than everyone around you (just to be clear, I am still going through this myself…it’s a struggling process). By not believing in yourself you are becoming a victim of yourself. We’re already going to fall victim to so many other things and people in life, so why not do ourselves a favor and cut ties with who we believe we are and start to become who we truly are?
            Okay, so now that we all agree that we are both the bully and the victim, let’s move on and get into something deeper…loneliness. This is probably the biggest teen issue out there…possibly even bigger than addiction or mental illness because loneliness is the stem of all things evil. The belief that we’re alone is what drives us to do the things that we do. I’ll start off with saying, you’re not alone! Even if you have no friends or family, you’re still not alone. There are always options out there that don’t involve anything drastic. I remember when I was in middle school and high school and how empty I always felt. All I wanted was to be as happy as everyone else seemed. I had a few friends but even they seemed different from me (because they actually were). By the time I made it to 11th grade they were no longer my friends and I was all alone again. This sparked up what my psychiatrist called depression and anxiety (yup, I had a shrink too…told you it was bad). Now, I was lonely and the freak on medication with an ugly secret…if only back then I knew there was nothing wrong with having a mental illness. If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have been so depressed and I probably would have been further in life than I am now. I’m here to tell you that it actually does get better and it’s not just something these celebrities say for a cheesy campaign to prevent suicide. High school seems like the end of the world but then there’s college that thankfully gives you a brand new world.
Mental Illness and being a teenager: sometimes it seems impossible. I know this isn’t an issue that every teen deals with but a good number of teens must live with it and many are even unaware that are a victim of mental illness. Have you ever found yourself over-thinking almost everything? Are your mood swings a bit more severe than the average teen? Is it hard for you to get out of bed in the morning because you constantly feel empty? Sometimes these are signs that you may suffer from a mental illness. One of the biggest ones: do you have frequent or constant thoughts of harming yourself or others? These are serious questions that should be taken into account because they can provide an answer as to why you are feeling left out or different from everyone else around you. For me, I knew there was something different about me for a long time before the doctor told me that I needed medication to balance out my mood swings. If you suspect that you may suffer from a mental illness or you already know you do and you need someone to talk to you can always contact the Crisis Call Center at 800-273-8255. They’re available 24 hours, 7 days a week. If you’re having thoughts about harming yourself you should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. They are also available 24/7.
            Bullying is another issue that teens have to deal with more than ever before. Even I didn’t have it as bad as many of you do now. The amount of access people are given to one another is broader than ever and this is a major problem. Recently, cyber bullying is a major problem in the teen world. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is making it possible for those jerks at school to harass you on a larger scale. NEVER LET THIS INTIMIDATE YOU! I know that it’s easier said than done but playing the “I’m strong” role really makes a difference. Pretend to be strong even if you’re not. Not allowing them to know that they’re getting to you is probably the best tactic (besides telling an adult, of course). Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and show them that their words/actions can’t harm you or your future. Remembering that you’re better than they are is the true key to making it through. You have so much more life ahead of you and before you know it those bullies will be somewhere lonely and washed up while you’re making your dreams happen (take it from me…I’ve already been through it).
            The last teen issue I will touch base on for today is the concept of adults (parents, guardians, teachers, etc.) not understanding you. Adults don’t understand probably because it’s been a while since they gone through what you’re going through or they never had to go through it at all. The good news is that there is bound to be an adult that will listen and understand; you just have to try and find them by speaking out. Another thing to take into account is that times have changed drastically since the adults in your lives were young. It’s hard to understand something when things are so different from what you’re used to. This doesn’t give them the right to write your situation off as not that serious but it is something teens should always remember. Also remember that most of them aren’t trying to be cruel, they’re just doing things the way they think is best…we all have our faults.
            Although there are many issues that teens and young adults must deal with on a daily basis, I will be here all day trying to go through them all. I do, however, touch on many of these issues in my debut novel A Tragic Heart. It’s a fiction novel that was derived from many of my personal experiences as a teenager and early adult. I wrote it with the hope that it will teach people that none of us are alone and that sometimes saying something saves a life!
 
 
You can find A TRAGIC HEART on Amazon.
You can fid S. Ella Cameron here:
Author's Blog: http://sellecameron.blogspot.com/
Website: www.sellecameron.com

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

100 Word Wednesday: That's what happens when you follow your heart...

Hi guys! It's Wednesday which means Won-Hundred Word Wednesday! An entire story-- start to finish-- in 100 words! My favorite things to write!

As always, after you read mine, please check out the other fine authors who participate in this every week. It is always very cool to see all the creative ways everyone takes the prompt.

Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think of this weeks' story ;)

~Kelly

Without further ado...
Today's prompt:
That's what happens when you follow your heart...

 
This is the day I have been waiting for since-- well, forever seems like.
After all the weeks of planning, wondering how it would turn out- I finally know.
It'll be over soon.
I'm dressed in white.
The cold floor chills my bare toes. Or maybe it is because I know what's coming?
The doors open. Bright light floods in.
He motions. I lay down.
It'll only take a second.
Thankfully, I don't feel the pain. Just tiredness.
"That's what happens when you follow your heart," he whispers, showing what had once been in my chest.
Funny. It still beats.
 
Be sure to check out the other participating blogs.... and if you like what you see, please 'follow' this blog. The button is on the top right corner. Thank you so much!
Wendy Knight, Author: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com
Kelly Martin, Author: www.kellymartinbooks.blogspot.com
Alison Woods (Peering Into. . .): http://alisonmillerwoods.wordpress.com/
Jessica Winn, the distracted writer:http://thedistractedwriter.com/
R.K. Grow: http://www.rkgtheauthor.com/
 

 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Looking for a few good blogs.... ;) (Book Tour for Hindsight: Out of the Blue)

Hi guys!

I'm looking for bloggers who can host Hindsight: Out of the Blue (YA) on their blog either April 29th, 30th, May 1st or 2nd. If you are interested, please fill out the form :)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SwY4UXQSHYdWgxT03E1jeiS1WR5yjLgJjVMZn20konE/viewform


I would so appreciate it!

Thank you :)

~Kelly

Hey guys <3  I'm looking for bloggers or writers w/blogs who can host Hindsight: Out of the Blue on either April 29th (release day), 30th, May 1st or 2nd. If you are interested, please fill out the form It is a clean YA novella-- loosely (very loosely) based on Sherlock (But I'd never admit it ;)  ) If you can help, I'd appreciate it. It's also the first book in a series.

Thank you guys so much!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SwY4UXQSHYdWgxT03E1jeiS1WR5yjLgJjVMZn20konE/viewform
COMES OUT APRIL 29th!

Here's the back cover.


Start at the beginning...

You want to know how it all began.

How I feel for her?  How I started to love...?

You want to know how I met Oliver Weston. How I grew to hate him? Why I did what I did?

You want to know how it all began?

Because every story has a beginning, doesn't it?

Even mine.

Especially mine.

I loved her. I still do.

And I hated him. Still do.

So this is it. The start. My 'in the beginning'.

This is how an average guy from Oklahoma ended up here... talking to you.

It all started innocently enough. I needed a place to live. J needed a roommate.
It hit me out of the blue.

I only wish it had ended differently.
 But we will get to that later. For now, I need to talk about J.