Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Four, Twelve Eleven

 

I'm here with the final day of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.

Thank everyone who commented on Wednesday's post, and good luck to all those who entered the giveaway. As a reminder, it will run from 1^st August until 29^th August.

Aug 3: Reflection post: Share your experience from this blogfest. What are the next steps you want to take with your blog?

I signed up for the Buccaneer Blogfest for a few reasons; to make new friends in the blogosphere, to read new posts and gain new insights into writing and blogging, and also to raise my blogging profile and gain more interest in my writing.

I feel like I've accomplished all this and so much more. I've met so many excellent people, and forged deeper connections with people I already followed. I've broadened my horizons both in terms of blogging content and who I visit, and also what I read. I've received some really encouraging feedback and support on my work.

Some highlights for me where both my interview of Pineapple Lightning's Brighton Luke (Pineapple) and Utsav Mukherjee (Lightning) and Aldrea Alien's interview of me over at Thardrandian Thoughts. As well as sharing some of Sibylline Nights with you all, and the feedback I got from it. 

I can't thank you all enough for the support you've given me this last month. Everyone who has stopped by my blog and commented, I really appreciate the interest you've shown in me. And thank you to Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young for doing such a superb job hosting this wonderful event.

Going forwards, I am going to continue blogging (probably less now this fest is over, about once a week, once NaNo is over), and carry on working on both Sibylline Nights, and my new project, my Camp NaNo 2012 novel. 

I hope I continue to get to know the new friends I've made through their blogs, and I wish everyone success in their future endeavours.

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Four, Day Eleven - GIVEAWAY

 

 I'm back again with day eleven of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.

Before I get started, first I'd like to thank everyone who commented on Monday's post. The continued support and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.

Aug 1: Host a giveaway using Rafflecopter or a similar tool.

Today's is another post I've been waiting for. Back in May I reached 100 followers, but for various reason didn't host a giveaway. I felt terrible about it, and have been waiting for a good opportunity to give something back to all those who've supported me. Then this prompt in the blog fest came along, and I thought it was perfect.

I've only (properly) been blogging for eight months, but in that time I've made some wonderful friends, learnt a heck of a lot about blogging, writing, publishing and a whole heap of related things, and have received some amazing support and encouragement for my current writing projects.

I feel so grateful to have gotten to know so many people, and have them interested in my writing. I also feel blessed for all the advice and shared experience I've been given.

I love you guys. ♥♥♥♥♥

To show you all exactly how much I love you, and appreciate the continued support, I'm hosting a raffle in which you could win a £15 (or equivalent in your currency) Amazon Voucher, and there are multiple ways you can enter, including commenting on this post, liking my Facebook page, and following me on Twitter.

 
The giveaway will run from today (1^st August) until 29^th August.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to everyone who enters, and once again, thank you.

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Four, Day Ten

I'm back again with day nine of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.

Final Countdown (July 30 – August 3) 

This week is the Final Countdown (is anyone else now humming the Europe song?). The end of the blogfest, where we talk about our experiences, host a give away and share our thoughts on Social Media.

July 30 - Social Media: Share your feelings and opinions about social media and it's relation to writing and reading.

  

I love social media, I think it's an excellent way for people of similar interests to connect. For a writer, it's an excellent way of building a support network, exchanging experiences and sharing advice.

I've made so many friends through blogging, and then connected with them on Facebook, Twitter and other sites like Goodreads. These platforms help you get a better understanding of what your online friends are like as people, while also informing you about their work and what they're currently up to.

Social media is also a great marketing tool, and I've seen so many authors doing blog tours, or hosting giveaway for when they get X amount of followers/ likes.

There's also the fun aspect of social media, with sites like Pinterest and Polyvore. I've seen so many inspiration things on both those sites. It's a great way to get motivated by looking at your friends pins and seeing what inspires them.

If you're interested, I can be found at these social media platforms: Facebook | Facebook Page | Twitter | Good Reads | Pinterest | Polyvore

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Three, Day Nine

 

I'm back again with day nine of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.

Before I get started, first I'd like to thank everyone who commented on Wednesday's post. The continued support and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.

   

Reading: July 27 - Recommend or review a book of choice. Tell the interwebz why you love it!

 

  

I've been waiting for this, because I've so excited to talk about Kiersten White's Paranormalcy series, the third instalment of which was released on July 24th in the US and will be out on August 2nd in the UK.

Before I read the Paranormalcy series I, wrongly, assumed that all paranormal romances were like Twilight, and lacked compelling characters or substance. Kiersten White proved me wrong. The Paranormalcy series is what paranormal romances should be like.

Evie, the protagonist, is compelling. She's independent, while still vulnerable. Sassy, while still caring, and full of life. Her teen voice, which could have become annoying, is actually hilarious and one of the aspects that really drew me in to the series. I love how she says "bleep" instead of swearing.

The boys … oh the boys are something else. While there is a triangle, of sorts, it isn't contrived. Evie isn't flip-flopping between the two in an annoying manner. Her love interest, Lend, is an exceptional typical guy. I won't reveal what his deal is, but he manages to couple the paranormal with the normal. He goes to college, he has lab work to do, they talk about prom. While her ex, Reth, is the bad boy you love to hate, and you know if you just scratch the surface there's a lot of depth and mystery there.

Coupling the normal with paranormal is actually a huge part of the series, and while Evie slays vamps, she still has to go to class and do her homework. Along with the fantastical elements, there's something really releatable about a story of a girl who just wants to fit in, find her place in the world and have a normal life. I think we've all been in that position.

The "monsters" are thrilling, and it's clear Kiersten White knows her stuff. My particular favourites are the vampires, who aren't glamorous, dazzling creatures of the night, but in fact walking corpses under their Glamours. 

Each book is full of twists and turns, and the endings were never obvious, while still been successfully set up for. They left you guessing what happened next, and wanting more, while still offering a sense of completion.

All these reasons, a many more – fantastic supporting characters, a fully realized thought out world (including the concept of the International Paranormal Containment Agency) – are why the Paranormalcy series is one of my favourite young adult urban fantasy series.
 

You can buy the books here: Paranormalcy | Supernaturally | Endlessly

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Three, Day Eight

 

I'm back again with day eight of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young. 

Before I get started, first I'd like to thank everyone who commented on Monday's post and those who checked out my post over at Arlee Bird's blog Tossing It Out. The continued support and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.

Reading - July 25: Favorite authors and why?

Oh goodness me this is an extremely difficult questions. There are so many authors I love and admire, for so many different reasons.  

Okay, here is a list of the authors who for one reason or another have impacted my life, and why (in no particular order):

J K Rowling - The Harry Potter series was what got me back into reading and writing as a late teen, and helped me through some really tough times. I also admire Rowling's humble beginnings, charitable work and how she interacts with fans. 

Anne Rice - The rich history and character backstories Rice injects into her books greatly inspire my writing, and I hope one day I can create depth like she does. I also love the relationship she has with fans on social media sites.

George RR Martin - GRRM exemplifies how to write compelling, multidimensional characters who aren't outright good or evil, but shades of grey. He also has a good relationship with fans, seems like a very friendly person and does a lot of conversions/ tours. 

Patrick Rothfuss - Another great fantasy writer who brings intricate plots and deep characters. And, once again, has a strong bond with fans through his blog. Plus, Rothfuss seems like a total fanboy when talking about video games and TV shows, and that amuses me greatly. 

Kiersten White - A new addition to my list of favourite writers, and someone whose work I'll be talking about more for Friday's post (Recommend or review a book of choice). Once again, White shows something about compelling, relatable characters, in her writing. And, like the other authors on my list, she has a good fan relationship. White doesn't seem locked away in an ivory tower like a lot of writers, she seems approachable and fun. As I said in my interview with Aldrea Alien over at ThardrandianThoughts, with a lot of the writers mentioned above, I'd be starstruck and ramble incontinently. But with White, I feel like she's someone I could have a good old girlie chat with. 

So, what makes an author a favourite of mine is someone who's work has inspired me or taught me something about writing, and who has a good relationship with their fans.

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Three, Day Seven

 

I'm back again with day seven of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young. 

Before I get started, first I'd like to thank everyone who commented on Friday'spost. The continued support and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated.

This week, the blog fest is dedicated to what we're reading, our favourite books/ authors, and any recommendation we have. 

Reading - July 23: What are you reading? What books are on your shelf?

What am I currently reading? Game On by Kyra Lennon, which was released this past Friday. For details of where to buy it, see here. I was honoured to be a critique partner for Kyra, and have read Game On at least 50 times. Every time I catch something new, or am surprised by something, and I still love the story. As far as contemporary romances go, it's one of the best I've read.  

What books are on my shelf? I have a large collection of fantasy, threaded through with a smattering of romance and horror/ supernatural. I've got books ranging from YA to erotica, and even a few comics and graphic novels throw in too. 

Since getting a tablet computer, and installing the Kindle app, I'm also building a collection of ebooks, again mostly fantasy, with a sprinkling of romance.

For a look at what books I've read you can check out my Goodreads Profile.

And ... if you haven't had enough of me yet, and want to read my thoughts on the ebook industry, I'm over at Arlee Bird's blog Tossing It Out today, debating "Are Ebooks the way of the Future?"

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Two, Day Six

I'm back again with day six of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young. 

Before I get started, first I'd like to thank everyone who commented on Wednesday's post. The continued support of Sibylline Nights is both greatly appreciated and very flattering. I'm pleased to hear everyone enjoyed my "hangers" and character interview.

Work in Progress - July 20: Share your light bulb moment with us. How did you come up with the idea for your WIP? 

I didn't really have one "Eureka!" moment when the idea flooded my mind. I've always been interested in magic, fantasy and witches. My early childhood stories all involved girls with magical powers.

I've also been heavily by things like Xmen, the Craft, Charmed, video games and the many wonderful fantasy books I read.

When I (again) started thinking about writing original fiction in 2009, the idea of three sisters with magical abilities came to mind. Back then it didn't have much of a plot, just that triplets had been separated at birth, and at eighteen  - along with meeting their grandmother - were reunited. 

It was in 2011, when I started work on the story for NaNoWriMo, that proper ideas came, and the worldbuilding - including the PID, the Orphic Plane and backstory - began to develop. 

Since then it's been a roller-coaster, and I feel like every time I edit and work on a scene/ chapter, I'm adding more details, and discovering new things.

Interview with the Witches

I'm back with day five of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.

But before I get to that, first I'd like to thank everyone who commented on Monday's post, the response to my "hookers" for the first three chapters of Sibylline Nights was fantastic. I'm glad you all enjoyed the 'juicy" arse Maggie was hearing about, and I hope you enjoy the hangers from each chapter too.

Speaking of hangers, before I get onto today's Buccaneer Blogfest post, I'm here to finish off the Hookers and Hangers! Bloghop!, hosted by the wonderful ladies over at Falling For Fiction.

Last sentence from Maggie's opening chapter: She didn't have chance to dwell on it, as she slipped out of consciousness once more. (for a longer look at Maggie's opening chapter see here.)

Last sentence from Nola's opening chapter: They'd lock her up and throw away the key. (for a longer look at Nola's opening chapter see here.)

Last sentence from Esmee's opening chapter: That's when Esmee knew she was making the right choice, especially if it meant Jamie was no longer at risk. (for a longer look at Esmee's opening chapter see here.)

You can find the full list of Hookers and Hangers bloghop participants here.

Work in Progress - July 18: Character interview.

Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing my Sibylline Nights protagonists Esmee, Maggie and Nola.

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week Two, Day Four And Hookers & Hangers bloghop

 

I'm back again with day four of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.

First, I'd like to say thank you for all the comments on Friday's entry. The positive response to not only my interview of Pineapple Lightning's Brighton Luke (Pineapple) and Utsav Mukherjee (Lightning), but also Aldrea Alien's interview of me over at Thardrandian Thoughts was overwhelming. Thanks for the continued support.  

Week Two: Work in Progress -- July 16 – 20

This week the blogfest is all about your current work in progress, and I'm so excited to share some more information from my New Adult Contemporary Fantasy, Sibylline Nights with you all. The response I've gotten for Sibylline Nights so far has been really encouraging, and I hope you all continue to enjoy the little snippets I share with you. 

July 16: First paragraph of novel or WIP

I will be combining today's (and Wednesday's) post(s) with my entries for the Hookers and Hangers! Bloghop! being hosted by the wonderful ladies over at Falling For Fiction. 

Here's what the ladies from FFF have to say about the hop:

We all know how important the first and last lines are in every chapter. This blogfest will hopefully get your HOOKERS and HANGERS polished making it impossible for readers to put down your book and leaving them begging for more!

On July 16th, post the first sentence from each chapter.

On July 18th, post the last sentence from each chapter.

Post as many as you like!

We will be judging everyone’s first three HOOKERS and first three HANGERS. We’ll each pick two winners (MOST ENTICING HOOKER and MOST IMPOSSIBLE HANGER) making a total of ten winners! Winners will receive a 10 page (double spaced) critique and a Friday Spotlight on FFF!

Of course, my novel is a little different in that I have three protagonists, so I'm sharing the first line from the opening chapters for triplets Maggie, Nola and Esmee. 

First sentence from Maggie's opening chapter: "Look at that arse; that's one juicy arse!" (for a longer look at Maggie's opening chapter see here.)

First sentence from Nola's opening chapter: 'You look prettier with your clothes off,' Jerry had said, his palm sweaty as he had handed over a brown envelope containing notes. (for a longer look at Nola's opening chapter see here.) 

First sentence from Esmee's opening chapter: "She's out there again," Lauren called to Esmee. (for a longer look at Esmee's opening chapter see here.) 

You can find the full list of BuccaneerBlogfest participants here.

You can find the full list of Hookers and Hangers bloghop participants here.

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week One, Day Three

 

I'm back again with day three of the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.

First, I'd like to say thank you for all the comments on Wednesday's entry. It was lovely to read everyone's reasons for getting into blogging, and inspiring to know that many of you, like me, have found the writing blogging community so warm, welcoming and supportive.

I probably don't say this enough, so I'll say it again now, a huge thank you to everyone who supports and encourages my writing. I couldn't keep going without you guys. ♥♥♥♥♥

Okay, enough lovin' on with the fest.

(July 13) Interview the person signed up below you on the linky and post that interview.

Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Brighton Luke (Pineapple) and Utsav Mukherjee (Lightning) of Pineapple Lightning. 

For those of you wondering, I'm being interviewed by the lovely Aldrea Alien over at Thardrandian Thoughts. Thanks for having me Aldrea, and posing such wonderful questions!

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week One, Day Two

 

I'm back (again) with day two of  the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young. Thanks ladies, you're doing a fantastic job hosting.

First, I'd like to say thank you for all the comments on Monday's entry. It's really nice getting to know so many new people. I've read some great blogs over the last few days, connected with some interesting people, and I can't wait to get to know more of you as the fest progresses.

Additional thanks to everyone who commented on Tuesday's entry, either wishing me luck in the NA Pitch contest, or to comment on my flashfiction. The support is much appreciated.

Okay, on with today's post.

(July 11) Why you did you start blogging? What are your goals for your blog?

In November 2010 I took part in NaNoWriMo for the first time, and started this blog as a way of sharing my experiences while doing the challenge. In January this year, I decided to take my writing more seriously, with the hope of publication, and treat writing as a job. That's when I re-branded my blog (from Clare's Adventures in NaNoWriMo to Clare Dugmore Writes), and started taking part in fests, contests and the like.

My aim is to connect and make friends, with other writers in all stages of the writing/ publication process. I want to form a support network where I can come, to exchange advice, support and general experience of the writing process.In addition to that, I want to also make friend with the people I share experiences with. It amazes me how someone can live on the opposite side of the world from you, and you can still have so much in common, or how you can come from completely different walks of life, and still find something to connect with. I love making new friends, and some of my best friends I've made online. I hope to make more through this blog, and fest. 

Buccaneer Blogfest: Week One, Day One

Today kicks off the month long Buccaneer Blogfest hosted by Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young.
Here's a quick reminder of the rules, for those of you who don't know.

1)Add your blog link to the linky below
2) Throughout the fest, visit the other blogs as much as you can and comment.
3) Post on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the prompt of the day
4) Re-post the Linky & Buccaneer banner on your own blog to show your pirate pride and promote the blog fest
5) Finally…Have Fun!  

Week one is introduction week, and I'm starting off with the day one prompt, an Introduction: Tell us a little bit about you and your blog. Post the sign up linky for this blogfest in your post. Include your other social media links so we can follow.

  

Buccaneer Blogfest and Short Story Advice

Are you all going to shake your heads and think I'm setting myself up for another headache if I say I've signed up for another blogfest. (especially after I failed with the writing contest). I can't help it, I'm addicted to fests!

This one sounds excellent, actually, and a great way to meet new people.

Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Young are hosting the Buccaneer Blogfest.

The blogfest will run from July 9th to August 3rd, with three prompts per week. If you have to miss posts, don't make that a reason not to sign up, a few missed posts are fine. If you're not a writer or don't have a current novel or WIP, alternate prompts will be available for week #2. This is an outline, more detailed instructions for the prompts for each day will be made available the weekend before each week.

Also, you are welcome to adjust the dates +/- a day or so if you have other commitments.

How do I participate?
1)Add your blog link to the linky below
2) Throughout the fest, visit the other blogs as much as you can and comment.
3) Post on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the prompt of the day
4) Re-post the Linky & Buccaneer banner on your own blog to show your pirate pride and promote the blog fest
5) Finally…Have Fun!  

1. Intro Week (July 9 – 13)
a.(July 9) Introduction: Tell us a little bit about you and your blog. Post the sign up linky for this blogfest in your post. Include your other social media links so we can follow.
b. (July 11) Why you did you start blogging? What are your goals for your blog?
c. (July 13) Interview the person signed up below you on the linky and post that interview. *During this first week, you are strongly encouraged to go around and follow the other participants in the blogfest - both their blogs and other social media.  

2. Work in Progress (July 16 – 20)
a. (July 16) First paragraph of novel or WIP
b. (July 18) Character interview
c. (July 20) Share your light bulb moment with us. How did you come up with the idea for your WIP?  
 3. Reading (July 23 – 27)
a. (July 23) What are you reading? What books are on your shelf?
b. (July 25) Favorite authors and why?
c. (July 27) Recommend or review a book of choice. Tell the interwebz why you love it!

4. Final Countdown (July 30 – August 3)
a. (July 30) Social Media: Share your feelings and opinions about social media and it's relation to writing and reading.
b. (Aug 1) Host a giveaway using Rafflecopter or a similar tool. If you don't have anything you'd like to giveaway, we'd be happy to let you post the Rafflecopter form for a CQ sponsored giveaway.
c. (Aug 3) Reflection post: Share your experience from this blogfest. What are the next steps you want to take with your blog?

Sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it? I've just signed up and think it will be an excellent way to meet new people and share a bit more about my writing. Wanna sign up too? Here's the linky: http://www.linkytools.com/basic_link_entry_form.aspx?id=151369

Short Story Writing Advice Wanted 

After my failure to writing an entry for the short story contest, I've been thinking a lot about short stories.  Writing short stories for contests and anthologies is something I really want to do, the problem is, I am rubbish at telling a short story. Any "one-shots" or smaller pieces I've written have all been about 10,000 words. I just can't help myself.

 I know how to structure a novel, and make sure I'm including enough plot development, character development, and world building. I don't know how to do that when I'm limited to a certain amount of words that are usually less than 10k.

So, those who you who regularly write short stories for contests and anthologies, do you have any tips for me? Do you know some good websites when I can research the semantics of writing a short story.

Any help, advice and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 New Facebook Account 

On a final note before I head off, in addition to my Facebook Page, over the weekend I created a 'writing' Facebook account. Feel free to "friend" me over there on my new account.

Okay, I've probably taken up enough of your time now, so I will leave things here, and get started on some writing. I have characters in my head begging for attention! ^_^