Chantele Sedgwick on Being a Writing Mom

When Brooke asked me to do a guest post on her blog, I got all nervous. I'm not that interesting. :) But then she told me what the topic was, and I relaxed a bit. She basically asked me a question. How am I able to write with three little kids and one on the way? To be honest, it's not easy. But writing at any stage in life isn't easy. If you love writing enough though, you can set a schedule for yourself no matter how busy you are.

For example, I can't write at all during the day, since I have little ones running around. They are my top priorities, so I do all of my writing when they go to bed. I allow myself to write for a few hours until I'm too tired to think anymore. Some nights are pretty late, but lately, since I'm pregnant I find myself falling asleep at the computer pretty early. That will change in about 5-6 months though. I also never write on the weekends. I have to spend some time with the hubby so he doesn't feel ignored! The weekends are our "date nights". Just time spent together and me not worrying about writing. :) As for what my kids think of my writing, well, I have a 7, 5 and 2 year old, so they don't really understand yet. I write young adult, so they aren't old enough to read my books, but they do know mom likes to write books. In a few years I think they'll understand a little better. And hopefully I'll have more time to write without any toddlers running around! (Ha!)

So, what I'm trying to say, is no matter what stage in life you're in, you can make time to write. It doesn't matter if you have an hour or if you have three. If you're able to work on your writing for even a few minutes, that's saying something. Set smaller goals at first and then once you accomplish those, aim a little higher. You'll be surprised how much time you'll be able to spend writing instead of doing other things. :)

Find Chantele At: Blog | Facebook | Twitter

About Chantele Sedgwick: I have three little kids, a hubby of almost 9 years and we live in Utah with a perfect view of the mountains. And the canal behind our house.

I love to read. Anything YA, I'm there. I'm not a huge fan of classics. I know. Don't yell at me. I also love writing. Young adult fiction is where my muse is found. Mostly fantasy. You know. Urban, paranormal and classic. But I do love me some dystopian and contemporary as well.

A Picture Painted These Words

As part of last year's New Year's Resolution to become better at critiquing, I joined Unicorn Bell. I am fairly active there, submitting and critiquing pieces. Now, I am participating in their first blogfest.

The idea is to use a picture for inspiration. Go here to see the ten possible choices. The one I chose is below with my story.

SHOW ME YOUR FANGS

Perhaps disobeying her mother was a mistake, but she never regretted it. Especially not this time.

Never go to the park.

She swayed lazily in the swing, her foot scraping the ground. The playground was deserted. Not unusual. Neither was the sound of rusty chains creaking, the wind fancied itself a child, but it caused her to glance at the swing beside her anyway.

If you ever see him, run.

Resting in the arch of worn leather was a giant spider. Not the size-of-your-big-toe giant. Larger-than-your-head giant. Her foot came down flat, ceasing her endless motion. She blinked, slow, deliberate.

Spider coloring gone, he sat watching her. His black hair fell over a couple of his eight eyes, red ringing each pupil. He had an arm laced around the swing’s chain, eight fingers laced through it.

Don’t speak to strangers.

“Tell me, are your spidey senses tingling?” She started to swing again.

When he blinked, his eyelids moved in a wave of motion. “You aren’t frightened?”

“Well,” she leaned toward him, her swing bumping his, “show me your fangs.”

---to be continued

Mark Murata - Use All Five Senses

Use all five senses when telling a story. I use my piece of flash fiction for the First Campaigner contest as an example (though you can understand my descriptions without reading it).

Sight is normally assumed to be used for almost any description, since that’s how we get the majority of our sensory input. I had spikes and fangs protruding from the shadow of a creature, which gives added detail. Also, leather armor on the elbows and knees of a man and woman allows the reader to visualize them.

Many make the mistake of only adding visual details. I added the sense of hearing by a man rasping as he speaks, and there’s even a death rattle, for those familiar with the concept.

I would have added what the aerosol in the story smells like, but I was challenged to put the word “orange” in, so it ended up as a visual detail—orange as a smell would be too sweet for the scene.

I kind of cheat when it comes to the sense of touch by having the main character claw at his buckle and hammer at some latches. I do not say what these objects feel like, but it gives the impression that they’re hard.

The sense of taste is the most difficult. If the person is not eating, I improvise. The air might taste bitter, or a woman might catch a bit of her hair in her mouth, the taste reflecting the environment. Or there is the concept of a bitter taste in the mouth or the taste of gall. But if those are too cliché, I readily substitute any internal sensation (which, when you think about it, is the overall category that taste falls in). In this case, the man rasps when he speaks (which covers both hearing and internal sensation) and his muscles jitter. Internal sensations include internal temperature (as compared to external, which counts as touch), sense of balance, all sorts of stomach and muscle sensations, sensations inside the head or jaw, etc.

The usual advice is to hit all five senses in the first two pages of a novel, then to hit them all again every five pages or so, though I’ve noticed successful writers don’t have to do it that frequently. It takes some practice so it doesn’t sound like you’re just going down a list, but it makes the story more vivid.

Find Mark At: Blog

About Mark Murata: I'm an aspiring writer of fantasy and science fiction. I tend to walk inside malls or go running outside for exercise. And yes, that's a picture of Dr. McCoy on my T-shirt. So far, I've had a short story published in the Star Trek Strange New Worlds V anthology. I keep on submitting novel manuscripts to agents and editors, in hope of getting published.

Kate Coursey on Drawing from Life Experience

One of the first pieces of writing advice I ever received was, “Write what you know.” To some extent, I think this is true. Your thoughts and emotions in real life should always inform your writing. However, I’ve heard this advice used multiple times as a reason why teenagers, with their lack of so-called life experience, can’t write publishable material.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that life experience varies from person to person, and not necessarily based on age. In 2010 I spent the summer in Africa, and I guarantee you that many of those Kenyan children have more life experience than your average American adult. They take care of younger siblings, tend farms, haul water several miles each day, and endure starvation during dry years. They cope with physical pain in ways we can’t imagine. And when it comes down to it, only memoir writers truly adhere to the rule “write what you know.” For us fiction-writers, some of it has to come from the imagination. It’s the intersection between imagination and reality that makes a truly fantastic book.

Take Suzanne Collins, one of our generation’s most popular writers. I enjoyed Hunger Games as much as the next person. Now, did Suzanne actually experience a fight to the death broadcasted on national television in a dystopian North America? Doubtful. But I’m sure she drew from her own life experiences when she wrote about Katniss’s emotions and fears. In a sense, I think the “write what you know” rule is fatally flawed. Most of us don’t have interesting enough lives to write only what we know. It’s the bits and pieces, the most basic human emotions, that really make a story come to life.

Brooke asked me to write a post about being a young author. In addressing other teenaged writers, I say this: don’t let “lack of life experience” hold you back. Life experience is measured not necessarily in years, but in how you’ve utilized your time. I know many writers are solitary, introspective people, but every once in a while it’s necessary to break out of your shell. Do something crazy. Have an adventure. Go on a trip, or try a new sport, or have a conversation about a hot-button issue with someone who disagrees. If you’re Christian, find someone who’s Buddhist or Wiccan and ask them to talk about their faith (perhaps even consider attending a session of worship). Older writers possess an inherent advantage in that they’ve had more time to experience the world. In order to make up for this, you must be attentive and curious and active in your search for knowledge. Try to look at the world from different perspectives.

There is no reason why a young author can’t write something publishable. Just remember that all fiction authors draw from their imaginations as well as real-life experiences, and therefore you should seek out new ways to broaden your mind.

Find Kate At: Blog | Twitter

About Kate Coursey: I'm a 19-year-old YA Fantasy writer from Salt Lake City, Utah. I am represented by Edward Necarsulmer IV of McIntosh & Otis.

I'm addicted to soy chai lattes and frozen yogurt and calorie-laden Mexican food. My goal is to streak on all six continents (there's no way I'm going to Antarctica...way too cold). So far I've got North America and Africa under my belt...four more to go.

Kaylie Austen on Writing Different Genres

Thanks for having me, Brooke. As many have noticed, I write in several genres. While many authors stick to one genre, one age group, I like to tackle different ones. I’m fond of so many different things that I can’t imagine sticking to just one. Maybe, in the corner of my mind, I believe if I stick with YA fantasy, all of my stories will sound the same, or become boring, predictable. My writing really reflects my literary tastes, and it bounces from YA fantasy to the occasional adult contemporary.

Sci-fi and fantasy are my bread and butter, hands down. I’m a diehard graphic novel lover, and every variation thereof. I’ve taken quantum physics, genetics, and astro-biology classes, and weaving those bits and facts to create a viable civilization in or from outer space is a passion. But, fantasy doesn’t have scientific limits. You can do whatever you want with fantasy, whether it’s urban, epic, high, or dark. My characters can have inexplicable powers, and live in a world within our own without too much explaining and hard facts. It’s a fun genre, and it really tests the imagination.

Aside from the genres mentioned above, I’ve tried my hand at mystery because most of my co-workers enjoy mysteries. I took on this challenge with Hellhound. It was very difficult to write for me, to fill in the gaps and cut off loose ends while holding onto consistency. I don’t foresee another mystery in my future. It’s too much work!

In the end, my imagination is all over the place. My muse creates characters, plots, and sets the genre. I just try to corral it long enough to make sense of the storylines

Find Kayle At: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

About Kaylie Austen: I was born during a monsoon in an Indian village that lacked a doctor and a hospital but had many nesting cobras nearby. That’s the most fascinating thing about me. Other than that, I’m a true Texan, and yes, I bleed orange (Longhorns!). Currently, I reside in the Pacific Northwest with my husband. My novels include YA fantasy, YA sci-fi, and paranormal romance/mystery.

I’ve been writing since the age of ten, and completed two novels before high school graduation. I love to learn, my life is rich with culture, and I’m an undercover nerd.

Zombie Love #2 (Wanted: Dead or Undead by Angela Scott)

Today I am showcasing one of two books that have just been released this month. They are very different, but they do have one thing in common. The Undead. -dun dun dun-

Wanted: Dead or Undead -- YA Western Zombie Romance

Goodreads | Amazon

Trace Monroe doesn’t believe in luck. He never has. But when a fiery-headed cowgirl saunters through the saloon doors, wielding shotguns and a know-how for killing the living dead, he believes he just may be the luckiest man alive.

Trace wants to join "Red’s" posse, but she prefers to work alone—less messy that way. To become her traveling companion, Trace has to agree to her terms: no names, no questions, and if he gets bit, he can’t beg for mercy when she severs his brain stem. He agrees, knowing only that Red is the sharpest shooter he’s ever encountered. The fact she’s stunning hasn’t escaped his attention either.

What he doesn’t know, is that Red has a very good reason to be on top of her game. She not only has the answer for how they can all outlive the plague taking over the wild, wild west, she is the answer.

And, not only is Angela giving away some awesome zombie swag over at her blog, she has also agreed to give away a free copy of Wanted: Dead or Undead right here. To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. Extra entries can be earned by a) posting comments on the other posts related to this month's theme on my blog or b) posting, tweeting, or in any way sharing Wanted: Dead or Undead. If you share, be sure to leave accurate links. Everyone, be sure I have your email address.

Bonus Question: I know you wrote this book in response to a challenge to step outside your comfort zone. But why zombies? And why the west?

Angela: Why zombies and why the west? I say, why the heck not? Just kidding. I think because zombies and cowboys in a wild west setting was so far from anything I had ever written, I latched onto the idea and wondered if someone like myself--Utah mother of three--could pull it off. My critique group had issued the challenge, and I ran with it. I had always called myself a YA Contemporary Author. All my work, up that point, had a contemporary feel to it. No werewolves. No vampires. No magic. Just teens living life and dealing with their various struggles. Writing a book about cowboys and zombies pushed me out of my comfort zone in a big way. Not only did I write about zombies, but I also wrote this book in 3rd person and from the POV of a male for several of the chapters. I'd never done any of those things before. Was I successful? I hope so. All I know is that I've never had so much fun writing a book in all my life.


Find Angela At: Blog | Facebook | Twitter 
About Angela Scott: For the most part, I write contemporary Young Adult novels. However, through a writing exercise that spiraled out of control, I found myself writing about zombies terrorizing the Wild Wild West—and loving it. I live on the benches of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with two lovely children, one teenager, and a very patient husband. I graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. degree in English, not because of my love for the written word, but because it was the only major that didn’t require math. I can’t spell, and grammar is my arch nemesis. But they gave me the degree, and there are no take backs.

Zombie Love #1 (My Zombie Dog by Charmaine Clancy)

Today I am showcasing one of two books that have just been released this month. They are very different, but they do have one thing in common. The Undead. -dun dun dun-

My Zombie Dog -- MG Horror

Amazon | Goodreads

Zane had the worst birthday ever. He spent it arguing with his Mum and burying a dead dog. Things just get worse. The next day Zane wakes to find the dog in his room, covered in dirt and… wagging its tail.

This is not Zane’s idea of the perfect dog. It’s shaggy, smells undead and bites people. And why do its victims all turn sluggish and keep asking for brains?

Can Zane find the solution to save his neighbourhood from a zombie plague?

This is a cool zombie story for children and young teens. It's funny, a little creepy without ever getting too scary, and the tone is perfect for its target market. Zane is a likeable narrator, and poor little Fossil is endearing, even as she decomposes. Charmaine Clancy writes well and is definitely a natural born storyteller. (And how perfect is that cover?)

-Paula Weston, author of Shadows (taken from Goodreads)

Charmaine is also hosting a majorly awesome, majorly generous giveaway of either a Kindle Fire (United States only) or a Kindle 3G. To enter you must a) buy a copy of My Zombie Dog for $2.99 or b) blog about My Zombie Dog (this includes reviews and interviews of Charmaine) or the giveaway. Bonus points are given for tweeting. Giveaway ends March 31st. Remember, you must fill out the entry form at the above link to be in the running.

Bonus Question: What inspired you to make your initial zombie an animal instead of a person?

Charmaine: The zombie creature in My Zombie Dog was inspired by... my zombie dog. No really. We had this little dog that would go totally whacko without warning and lunge and attack everything. This dog got into so many fights with much bigger dogs and during the attacks it would flop down and act dead. I thought it was many times. Then it would 'rise' again a few minutes later. This is the real 'Fossil,' who now lives with my mother where she is rewarded for keeping terrorists away from the front door. We still have our other two dogs, and they still suffer nightmares about the zombie dog.

Find Charmaine At: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ 
About Charmaine Clancy: Aussie writer Charmaine Clancy loves to create characters for mystery, fantasy and adventure. All her stories are fictional, except maybe MY ZOMBIE DOG (some say to this day you can hear her dog softly moan the plea 'braaaains').