Guest Post - "Sixteen" Book Playlist by Emily Rachelle

 

Hey folks! Today I'm pleased to have a guest post from an author friend of mine, Emily Rachelle.
She has a new book out, called "Sixteen", and this is her music playlist for it!
A little description on Sixteen.

Nicole "Nikki" Johnson has never gotten along with her mother, so when she meets a great new guy, it's no surprise that Matt's age is all her mom sees. Just because he's twenty-four and she's sixteen doesn't mean he's a creeper! Thankfully, Nikki's dad allows Nikki and Matt to be together and see how things work out. Their relationship is fantastic and Nikki is on cloud nine...

Until the Fourth of July picnic, when things go too far. Now a very changed Nikki has to make choices that will affect her every relationship - with Matt, her parents, her best friend, and most importantly, God.

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I haven't read this book yet, but the premise sounds interesting! You can buy it to read for yourself on Smashwords or Amazon.

Now, without further adieu, here's the playlist! Songs selected specifically for this book.
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(Collected and arranged/notes by Emily Rachelle)
 

Unwritten - Natasha Bedingfield - This is Nikki’s theme song.

 

Won’t Stop - OneRepublic - I think of this sort of as Matt’s theme song, although it’s mostly about when he and Nikki met.
 

Today Was a Fairytale - Taylor Swift - This song reminds me of their first date, but also their budding relationship as a whole. It’s very sweet and first-love-y. Nikki and Matt’s Song #1.
 

Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis - I’m not a huge fan of this song by itself, but it really fits the conflict between Nikki and her parents when it comes to her relationship with Matt.
 

She’s In Love With the Boy - Trisha Yearwood - Self-explanatory title. ;)
 

Sparks Fly - Taylor Swift - Nikki and Matt’s Song #2.
 

It’s Your Life - Francesca Battistelli - Near the climax of the book, Nikki has to make some major decisions and changes in her life. This song spotlights that scene.
 

Say Goodbye - Mandisa - One of two songs I chose for the “turning point” of the book.
 

Only Grace - Matthew West - Second “turning point” song.
 

Two Heartbeats - Lenka - Beautiful song. That’s all I’m saying.
 

Sunshine - Lucas Grabeel - I have a lot of songs about Nikki (she is the main character) and thought this was a perfect song to focus on Matt’s view of her and their story.

 

Ho Hey - The Lumineers - This song doesn’t fit exactly with my book, but I chose it because the general feel matches one of my favorite scenes in the book.
 

When You Love Someone - Bethany Dillon - Another song about Matt and Nikki’s relationship, from Nikki’s perspective.
 

You’re Still the One - Shania Twain - Nikki totally picked this song. I can’t stand it. But I let her keep it in here.
 

I Won’t Give Up - Jayesslee - Matt and Nikki’s Song #3.
 

There Goes My Life - Kenny Chesney - For the modern-day scenes in the book, Matt either takes a backseat or isn’t even present. So I wanted to close with a song that kept in mind he’s still a crucial part of both Nikki/Nicole’s and Claire’s lives, and basically sums up the book from his point of view. This was the first song I put on the playlist, actually. Of all the songs on this playlist, this one is my favorite, the best one for Matt, and the one that best matches the story as a whole.

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Visit Emily's blog to enter a giveaway in which you can enter to win...

First prize: $10 Kindle Gift Card + Sixteen Ebook

Second prize: $5 Kindle Gift Card + Sixteen Ebook

Third prize: Saving Mars pin + Sixteen Ebook



 

{Character Interviews } Amanda Wikoff's Zenon

 

| suggested music track of the day: "Vows" by Jeff Johnson & Brian Dunning |

 

Well folks, I know I skipped last week's WriterlyWednesday post, which you'll have to forgive me for; but during this time of year I'm sure y'all will be able to empathize with me when I say these three words. MY, TIME FLIES!

Also, the schedule keeps getting crazier and crazier. I think this is just natural for December.

 

Anyhoo! Time for another character interview. Today we have one from Amanda Wikoff.

 

Handing it over to Amanda now, so give her and her charrie a warm welcome!

 

__

 

I’m interviewing Zenon, my MMC from my NaNoNovel. He really has no idea what’s going on as he’s not the detail oriented one. Lyssia listened to the instructions; Zenon not so much. ;)

 

What’s one cool thing about the world you come from?

Well, I’ve not really had anything to compare it to. It’s not special to anyone here anymore but I’m not really sure what it’s like where you’re from so I’ll just say it. Some people have powers; some would call it magic, though that term is frowned upon. Our people fear these powers and our history shows a good reason to; though I’m positive it could be used for good were it not outlawed. It seems as if only Lyssia still has the ability to do magic but we have been told there is another.

 

What does your bedroom look like?

My ceiling is the stars and my walls the air around me. I could have a home with brick walls and a stifling ceiling but I prefer to sleep under the canopy of the sky. It’s much more romantic that way, don’t you think?

 

Describe your personality.

My personality? I guess the best way to say it is that I like to be independent, though it gets me in trouble more often than not.

 

Describe your physical appearance.

Blonde hair, blue eyes. Not too different from the little Avanreili boys I’ve met. Most of the time our hair turns dark when we come of age but mine’s still the same old blonde it’s always been. I’ve got a pointy nose and my hair is unruly in the kindest of terms.

 

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

I’ve never heard those words before but I’ve just been informed of their meanings. I’d suppose that I’m an ext—no! It’s the other one. Definitely the other one, though I can’t remember what the word is. Where do you get those words anyway?

 

Do you approve of how your author treats you?

I suppose it’s alright though I do wish she wouldn’t harm my loved ones so much. I’d rather have all her wrath focused on me. That’d be far less painful than seeing everyone else hurt.

 

Do you have any physical or mental abnormalities/illnesses?  

I’m sure Eliza wouldn’t hesitate to tell you that I do but nothing has been medically proven or anything.

 

What do you think about right before falling asleep at night?

That’s a good question and the honest answer is I don’t remember. You know when you get an idea before falling asleep and when you wake up you can’t remember what it was? It’s quite like that I suppose. Though if I had to guess I would probably say I think about what the next day will hold.

 

You’re bored, and all you have is a blank piece of paper and pencil. What happens?

I’d sketch some inanimate object. It’d be the very first thing I saw and absolutely no thought would go into it. It would come out entirely better than anything I’ve ever put effort into and I would be left wondering how that happens.

 

Most prized possession?

My friends? I’d give anything to keep them safe, so I suppose they’re what I value above all else.

 

Hobbies?

Hunting is the hobby that’s been forced upon me. I don’t ever want to do it but when I get out there it’s actually quite relaxing.

 

One little known fact about yourself?

Let’s see… Something not many people know, correct? Oh! How about the fact that I belong to a race of people who despise me? I’m not actually Avanreili, though that’s where my father is from. My mother is Penthmessain, a race we didn’t know existed till not too long ago, and we just happen to be at war with them. But that’s a long story that we shouldn’t get into.

 

What’s something you really like about yourself?

That’s an odd question. I don’t generally think about my virtues. I guess my favorite thing about myself is that I can be independent, though it’s also one of my largest faults.

 

Do you have any special skills, talents or abilities?

Actually I’m quite inadequate. So inadequate in fact that I’m not sure how I’ve survived on my own this long. It must be the good Lord’s doing ‘cause it certainly isn’t my own.”

 

Would you go skydiving if you could? 

I assume you mean cliff jumping. That’s like diving into the sky. I think I would, if I could work up the courage. Lyssia went once and she said it was terrifying but I think it’d be exhilarating.

 

--

 

Check out Zenon's author's blog, here!

 

And...if you have a character you'd like interviewed, shoot me a note in the comments! Have a blessed Wednesday, y'all!

 

Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl Blog Tour & Book Review

(All images provided by Lydia Howe)

 

Hola amigos! Today we have something different! A guest post from Lydia Howe, author of Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl! And later, I'll be doing a review of her book!

 

First off, here's a little background info to get you acquainted with both book and author.

 

About the Book:

 

Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl: Traveling with her parents brings Lydia, daughter of explorer and singer Buddy Davis, plenty of adventure and mystery - from hidden clues in bookstores to cave paintings deep underground. 

About the Author: Whether she’s building life-sized models of dinosaurs with her adopted family, trying her hand at cooking at a private retreat, or living in a barn, author Aidyl Ewoh (aka Lydia Howe) seems to have adventures follow her wherever she goes. Check out her book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl and find out more about her at her Blog, Facebook, and Twitter. 

 

 

Now, on with the guest post! *hands post over to Lydia*

_____

 

Answer to the last True or False Question:  False. I actually don't mind bats at all. ;) 

 

Why Creation? 

 

Hey, y’all! I want to tell you all a little about my book, and why I wrote it. You see, I’m extremely interested in Christian apologetics - which is kinda funny for me to say, because although it’s so true, I don’t think most people would guess that about me unless I brought up the subject first. Which I do, whenever I can. ;)

 

One thing I’ve learned about creation is that the ‘little things’ are so important because they lead up to the bigger issues. To some, the whole idea of how we got here doesn't seem like a big deal, I mean, at least we're here, right? And does a person have to believe in a literal six-day creation to be a Christian? No, they don't.

 

 So why does all of this even matter, you might ask? Well, lots of people - including Christians - believe in evolution and millions of years. God could have used evolution, right? Of course! He’s God, after all. But the point is that God told us in the Bible how He created the world, and evolution was not His tool. When we start taking man’s word and putting it above God’s Word, we are ultimately undermining what He says by saying that man knows better. It is so, so important to trust God’s word over man’s, after all, God has always been there and He's perfect. 

 

 And that, my friends, brings me to my book. Another thing I've learned is that many people have no idea how to deal with this stuff. I wanted to write a kids book about creation so they would have a fun and entertaining way to learn answers for the problems that stump many Christians. The answers are out there, peoples! The publisher for my book, Answers in Genesis, is one of my very favorite sites, they do an amazing job of researching the science behind all this.

 

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15 

 

There are so many amazing proofs for a literal-six-day creation, it’s mind boggling! I could share a dozen proofs with you right now, but in an effort to save space, I’ll just send y’all to Answers in Genesis and of course you can get my book, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl! ;) So why don't you check it out and let me know what y'all think! :)

 

 

To get the answer to the True or False question and find out more about my

adopted parents, Check out this blog tomorrow! 

To find out how you can get entered into a cool giveaway just by leaving a comment or sharing this post with others, click here!

 

 

Okay, it's me Leah again. I was sent a copy of this book, and closing up today's post, I'm going to give a review of CSotP!

Note: Since this is a little different than my typical fiction reviews, I'm going to write it a little differently, and use some different catagories. 

Anyway, let's get to it!

 

Plot:

This is a youth fiction piece, but it almost seems like nonfiction. It feels so real! It has two different plots. One, is Buddy Davis and two of his friends/partners and a caving adventure of theirs. This was quite fascinating, and towards the end in particular I was intrigued to find out what happened next!

The other of the two plots was Lydia and her family trying to solve a bookstore mystery. I enjoyed this one because it reminded me a little of my own siblings and I and our mysteries we try to solve sometimes. Only, this one had some amazing findings/results...and ours are usually more on the less than extraordinary side. xP

 

Genre:

This particular read actually reminded me of the reports I used to write for my family members. I like CSotP because it implements scientific fact and Creation into it, making it both informative and fun. 

 

Age Range/Targeted Audience:

With the simple, easy to read sentence structures and style of this book, I'd say it's a read best for kids/older kids and those in their early teens. My targeted age range? 9-13, roughly. I usually will go through heavier reads and prefer a heftier vocab use, but simplicity is still good, especially if the book is aimed at a younger audience., which this one is.

 

Setting:

Part of this book is set in a cave. How much more thrilling/fascinating can that get? The descriptions were bright and vivid, and I could almost feel the cold cave water and damp underground air.

 

Overall:

I enjoyed this book! It's a small volume, so a quick and easy read. It was really cool getting to learn more about the Davis family, and Lydia's life being their adopted daughter. Lydia has a straight-forward, bright writing style.  I would certainly recommend this book. Especially since it's produced by one of my favorite organizations, Answers in Genesis. For all you Creation Science loving people, you should check this out! Got some younger siblings interested in Creation Science/caves/adventure and mystery? This would be perfect for them! It even has a few charming illustrations.

Find the link to purchase it above!

 

Well that's it for today! Make sure you check out Lydia's blog and of course, Cave Secrets of the Pterodactyl!

{Character Interviews} Hannah Stewart's Lucian

 

Hey y'all! Guess what we have starting today? Interviews with awesome fictional characters!

A number of my writing friends will be contributing weekly (every Wednesday) with answers to some questions which were asked of their characters!

Eventually, I might even do an interview of...*overly dramatic drum roll* my own characters. If they let me, which is highly doubtful.

 

But anyway! Today, I'm pleased to introduce to you Lucian, a character from Hannah Stewart's book "Outspoken." He's one of my personal favorites from this volume!

 

Soooo let's give him a warm welcome, and move on with the interview!

 

What’s one cool thing about the world you come from?

Well, I was going to say the mountainous districts, but my author
kindly informed me of the different connotations of the word "cool" in
your culture. The world I come from really isn't all that different
from yours, if a few thousand years behind. Medieval, I believe you
would call it. Perhaps you would call the Woods of Escaine a "cool"
feature of my world... the forest itself is a couple thousand years
old, with trees so large that the rogue knight Escaine and his band of
robbers were able to set up their camp inside them - they burnt out
what we call "holes" from the cores of the trunks, and turned them
into little houses. No one ever found them... at least, not until Finn
discovered the secret decades after the campsite had been abandoned.

 

What does your bedroom look like?

Usually, a dry patch of dirt or bed of grass with the stars overhead
will suffice. I've never had my own. My family was too poor when I was
little, not that I could remember it well enough to describe it now.
After that, it was whatever corner I could sequester away. Now Finn
has offered me one of the holes to myself, but I've been too busy
helping him to take him up on it.

Describe your personality.

That's a... difficult question. If I were in a joking mood, I'd have
to call myself the quiet type. I guess what I can say about myself is
that I care about my family and my friends. I'm a nobody... no one
important, no one special. I'm just a carpet to be walked over,
treated however the passing fads deem appropriate. But my family - by
blood or by loyalty - they mean everything to me. And anyone that
hurts them will have me to deal with.

 

Describe your physical appearance.
Appearance? Like I said, I'm nothing special. Average height, average
weight, average build. I have my father's red hair and beard with my
mother's curl. My cheekbones, I've been told, are my most striking
aspect. My eyes can't decide who's they are, sometimes they're blue
like my mother's, sometimes green, like my father's. Nothing
outstanding to reference, nothing at all.

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Years ago, I may have considered myself an extrovert, the head of the
pack. But every thing's changed since then. My circumstances make it
hard to be anything but an introvert, really, and I've accepted that.
Grown to like it. The horses are my companions now, and along with my
few friends, I have all I need.
Do you approve of how your author treats you?

I won't pretend not to be bitter about certain things, but who
wouldn't be? I can't really blame her though. Like she says, the story
has to come first, and I know it pains her to hurt us. I just have to
trust that whatever point she intends to make will be worth the
heartache.

 

What would you do if you needed to make dinner but the kitchen was inaccessible?

That's a... strange question. I'd do what I suppose any reasonable man
would do: build a fire and cook dinner in the open air. It most
definitely wouldn't be the first time.

Do you have any physical or mental abnormalities/illnesses?

As you may have picked up on from my author having to transcribe for
me, I have no voice of my own. My tongue was cut out when I was first
enslaved by Lord Sadach - I was ten, and mouthed off to him. He
thought I'd make a great servant, if I wasn't so spirited, and there's
more than one way to break a man. Since then, my nasty tendency of
becoming a heroic fool when the innocent are in trouble has left me
with more scars than flesh on my back.

What do you think about right before falling asleep at night?

Any number of things really. The things I regret, the people I've lost
- they tend to make appearances. A lot of appearances... But, these
days, I've been so busy. Now, it tends to be whatever I'm most anxious
about, be it a battle to come or bad news to deliver.

 



You’re bored, and all you have is a blank piece of paper and pencil.
What happens?

Most likely, I remain bored. I only recently learned how to write, and
it's still difficult. But, being away so often now, it wouldn't be
surprising if I wrote a letter for Caillte and Pip, or a report for
Finn.

Most prized possession?

I don't exactly have a lot of possessions, and though most people
would consider him one, I can't call what I would esteem my most
prized and object. Elisha, my horse. He's carried me through
atrocities no man should ever see, and remained by my side as a
friend, companion, and brother in arms.
Hobbies?

I don't have time for hobbies. But, when time does present itself, I
usually spend it in the stables or striking up a tune on my mandolin.

One little known fact about yourself?

Little known fact? Oh, I don't know... I guess not many people know
that, when I was young, before Muintir burned to the ground and I was
taken captive, I was an fairly accomplished dancer. My parents, as I
came to find out later, had both held positions in the royal palace
years before. They were favorites of the previous royal family. They
knew how to dance like the upper class, and thought it wise to teach
me. Mother said it would help me overcome my social position later in
life, and I suppose it has in ways.
What’s something you really like about yourself?

There's not much to like, but if forced to chose something, I guess it
would be my loyalty to those I love. It gets me in trouble, but I
deserve trouble. They don't.

Do you have any special skills, talents or abilities?

I train horses. My father taught me how, and I was good enough to
please Lord Sadach. I'm also very strong with the sword, and I can
play the mandolin, as I said before.
Would you go skydiving if you could?

My author informs me that skydiving is a modern sport in your world...
I don't see the appeal in leaping out of a giant hunk of metal hurling
through the sky, but I wouldn't be opposed to trying it if beckoned.
Stranger things have happened. 

 -

{Visit Lucian's author Hannah here.}

 

Join me next week for another interview with a fascinating book character you're sure to love!

Guest Post: Literary Magazines in 5 Steps {WriterlyWednesday}

 

{today's guest post is brought to you by Ciara Hope of Forward Your Goal}

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My New Year Resolution for 2012 was to receive ten rejection letters from literary magazines.

 

This may seem backward, but from what I’d heard about the competitiveness of the literary market, it seemed both realistic and doable. For years I’d heard professional writers speak on the value of perseverance when submitting your work out into the world, some suggesting that writers get a list of fifty markets for a single piece, and that they should expect to get turned down at least as many times.

 

For the longest time, I let these facts discourage me from submitting. I figured I’d spend more time honing my craft on my own, getting together some quality pieces, and worry about publishing when I felt ready.

 

The truth is, no matter what you’re trying to get published, whether a novel, short stories, or poetry, literary magazines are the ideal place to practice your craft and get publishing credentials. The kind that stand out on a query letter and scream, “hey, I know what I’m doing, and I love writing too much to let a couple rejections discourage me.”

 

I wish I’d known years ago all I do now about submitting to literary magazines, so here I’m sharing what I’ve learned in the past year:

 

1.      Go to Duotrope.com. Starting next year, you’ll have to pay for an account, but it’s well worth it. Use the search function to find publications that fit the genre, style, even the specific topic of your piece.

 

2.      Go to the publication’s website and read some of their material. Most have samples available for free online, but some might require you to buy a copy.

 

What are you looking for? Assess the style, tone, length, and topics the editors seem to favor and compare it to your own. Are the stories funny? Grim? Disjointed, or omniscient? The more you read, the better you can tell the difference between editor’s tastes.

 

3.      Read the guidelines, and follow them. Most publications will have a submission guide on their website. It will give info like word count, format, page numbering, etc., as well as whether you should submit by mail, email, or online.

 

4.      Submit. The worst thing that happens is you get a form rejection. Even those are pretty encouraging, saying things like “it wasn’t right for us,” or “we didn’t have enough room.” The lines are corny, but it does soften the blow. And anyway, if you persevere and keep submitting, you may…

 

5.      Get accepted. In the process of colleting ten rejection letters, I received my first acceptance, way sooner than I thought it would come. It’s important to stay realistic and not have an unattainable timeframe for your goals, but dreaming is still allowed. And when a victory comes, don’t hesitate to celebrate, share your joy, and then get right back to writing and submitting.

=

 

Ciara Hope is a writer and blogger at Forward Your Goal. If you have a goal, literary or otherwise, check out her blog at http://forwardyourgoal.blogspot.com/.