Coming March 23, 2015 ...

A-Z Challenge Theme Reveal

How I Found the Write Path Blog Fest Announcement

To celebrate her third blogiversary  in May, the awesomely talented Carrie Butler wants to do something different—something to pay it forward—but she needs our your help.

It involves a blogfest, new writers, and pretend time travel. Intrigued yet?

She wants to compile a free e-book for writers who are just starting on their road to publication, using advice from the most brilliant, up-and-coming voices in the industry: you guys!

Here’s what it would involve:

THE PROMPT:

Please write a letter/note to yourself when you first started writing toward publication. The only thing Carrie asks is that you keep it under 800 words, including as many (or as few) of these elements as you like:

 - A lesson you learned the hard way

 - Something you didn’t expect about the industry (positive/negative)

 - A writing-related resource you could never do without now

 - One thing you’d change about your journey

 - One thing you’re glad you did

 - Your number one tip for pursuing publication

 - Anything else you feel is worth passing on

INFORMATION: - The name you wish to be credited as - The title (if any) you wish to follow your name, i.e. author of the series - One major link where people can find you, i.e. website, blog, Twitter, etc. 

PLEASE INCLUDE: - Whether or not you give Carrie permission to use your entry in the e-book compilation. Don’t feel bad if you don’t want in. We’d still love to read what you have to say!

Please note: Carrie won’t be editing the entries, other than to proofread for misspellings or duplicate words. Try to have it pub-ready when you post it. :)

Anticipated FAQs 

Q: Do I have to be published in order to participate?

A: It may be easier to answer the questions if you’ve been published (either independently or traditionally), but it’s certainly not a requirement. We’re just looking for friends with experience navigating the authorial waters. You do not have to be published.

Q: Do I need a blog to participate?

A: No, you do not need a blog to participate. Feel free to e-mail me your letter directly or post it via a social media like Facebook or Google+.

Q: How will the book be available?

A: Carrie will format it in PDF, MOBI, and EPUB, and then Carrie will make those files available for us all to share. If you guys want, Carrie could also make it a free EPUB on Smashwords, and then distribute it to a few other retailers that accept free titles.

Q: When should I post my letter?

A: Anytime during the week of May 19th!

Q: What can I do in the meantime?

A: Kindly spread the word! You can do this by posting, utilizing your social media channels, rocking the button in your sidebar with a link to this post, etc. Also, Carrie would really appreciate it if you used the link-up on her blog to sign up. It will help her compile everyone's posts the week of May 19th. She would hate to miss anyone!

The Official Release of THE FAERIE PRINCE, the Favorite Fairytale Prince Blog Fest, and a Giveaway!

Last week, I told you about the awesome new author service Rachel Morgan had started up called Morgan Media. 

Well, Rachel is having a busy time recently, as she's also releasing a new book, the second in the Creepy Hollow series, The Faerie Prince. It features one of my favorite paranormal creatures - fae! I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Before I hand you over to Rachel to tell us all about  The Faerie Prince and the giveaway she's hosting in honor of it's release, I'm also taking part in Rachel's Favorite Fairytale Prince Blog Fest

Tell everyone who your fave fairy tale prince/hero is and why (any day between May 30th and June 2nd, although May 30th would be best).

Everyone who knows me knows I'm not one for following the rules, so instead of picking a fairy tale prince, I've picked a video game prince, because video games are like fairy tales, right? And this video game series has produced some spin-off novels and comics, so that counts, right?!

Besides, who can resist the bastard prince from Bioware's Dragon Age: Origins - Alistair Theirin? I mean, look at this face:

Alistair is one of the companions and romanceable characters in Dragon Age: Origins. 

The bastard child of former King Maric Theirin, who was hidden away by the King's advisers to save the honor of Queen Rowan, Alistair is one of the new Grey Warden recruits - an ancient organization of warriors of exceptional ability dedicated to fighting darkspawn throughout the land - that your character encounters and eventually travels with. 

When most of the army fighting the darkspawn are killed, your character and Alistair find themselves as the two remaining Wardens, and the only hope of ending the Blight.

Alistair takes his responsibility to end the Blight seriously and will stand by your character to see this done, even if your character acts in a way he disapproves of. 

As the game progresses, it's revealed who Alistair's real parents were, and that now his half-brother King Cailan is dead, he is next in line for the throne. 

Why did I choose Alistair as my favorite fairy tale prince?

Well, aside from the fact Alistair

loves cheese, he is so utterly adorable and innocent. Raised away from the royal court, until his conscription into the Grey Wardens, Alistair was trained to be a Templar (the organisation that polices mages), and has little experience of the real world or romance. That doesn't stop him from being a loyal, playful, compassionate companion to your character. He is able to overlook their differences - if you've picked a different race or mage as your player character - and comes to value them as a friend (and eventual lover if you're female and wish to pursue a romance with him). 

Even when life is against him, like seeing the man who raised him - Arl Amon - fall sick or having his long-lost half-sister Goldanna turn her back on him because she's bitter about the life she was given, Alistair doesn't give up, and continues to fight by your characters side, even taking on the role of King if that's the path you choose for him.

As a romantic partner, Alistair is sweet and innocent, explaining his sexual experience by saying "Have you ever licked a lamp post in winter?"and later on after presenting your character with a rose says, "I thought maybe I could say something. Tell you what a rare and wonderful thing you are to find amidst all this … darkness."

Cute, right? That's why Alistair is my favorite 'fairy tale' prince. 

Now that I've finished fangirling,I'll hand you over to Rachel, to fill us in on her latest release ...

It's release day for The Faerie Prince, the second novel in the Creepy Hollow series! Woohoo! If you're keen to read it, you cans find it at the following places online:

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Apple iBookstore

CreateSpace (print)

Guardian trainee Violet Fairdale is just weeks away from one of the most important occasions of her life: graduation. After messing up big time by bringing a human into the fae realm, Vi needs to step up her game and forget about Nate if she hopes to graduate as the top guardian of her year. Everything would be fine if she wasn’t forced to partner with Ryn, her ex-friend, ex-enemy, current ‘sort of friend’. They might be trying to patch up their relationship, but does she really want to spend a week undercover with him for their final assignment? On top of that, the possibly insane Unseelie Prince is still on the loose, free to ‘collect’ as many specially talented faeries as he can find—and Vi is still at the top of his list. Add in faerie queens, enchanted storms, complicated not-just-friends feelings, and a murder within the Guild itself, and graduation is about to become the least of Vi’s problems.

In celebration, The Faerie Guardian is on sale for a limited time!

**GIVEAWAY**

There will be a giveaway running from now until the end of the blog tour (Sun 9 June). A giveaway where FOUR people could win something! The prizes are a signed copy of The Faerie Prince (or The Faerie Guardian, should the winner prefer that), an Amazon gift card, a mini book pendant and necklace, and a Creepy Hollow pin badge. Check out the pic below!
Giveaway is open internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WHAT IF? Fairytale Madness BlogFest!

I'm here today with the WHAT IF? Fairytale Madness BlogFest!

hosted by Cassie Mae, Mark Koopmans, Leigh Covingtion and Morgan Shamy. 

Here's what they have to say about the BlogFest:

Have you noticed that by changing one detail; one event, one character trait, one thought...you can completely alter the rest of the story?

For this bloghop we are exploring "What If?"
Not only do we want it to be fun, but it will hopefully be a fun writing exercise and make for some great reading during the hop!

To enter:

Think of your favorite "well known" fairytale and ask "What If…!"

Then, pick one of these four categories:

· Best Plot Twist

· Best Love Story

· Best Tragedy

· Best Comic Relief

Finally, write a scene(s) illustrating a new detail of the fabled fairytale that changes our perspective. 

The prizes on offer are: Save the Cat by Blake Snyder (Leigh) A FULL manuscript critique (Morgan),  A $25 Amazon Gift Card (Cassie Mae) and A $25 Hawaiian care package (Mark).

For the full list of participants, and to hop around to the other blogs and read their entire, see here.  

For my entry I've chosen to go with the category Best Love Story and I'm doing a modern re-telling of the Beauty and the Beast story, where the Beast is a figurative monster, not a literal one.

Sorry it's longer than 300 words. I hope you won't hold that against me. 

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 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.

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 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. 

First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest - Part Two

I'm finally catching up on everything – after some hectic personal life business – and am back with part two of Danielle B and Jackie's First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest.

First of all, I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who commented on part one. The feedback was really encouraging, and I'm thrilled to hear so many of you enjoyed the fight scene between Nick and Rainie. 

Secondly, I wanted everyone to know, I will try to get around to as many blogs as possible, and catch up on all the posts - including today's kiss scenes - as soon as possible.  

A lot of people mentioned how delicious Rainie's cupcakes sounded. Sadly I can't had real cupcakes out to you all – I would if I could – but I hope some virtual ones will be an acceptable substitute.

For my first kiss scene, I am again focusing on Nick and Rainie from my WiP, Perfect Ten, and some of you may remember an almost kiss I posted between the two a few months ago.

I'm sure you're all eager to get onto the real thing though, so here it is …

A-Z Blogging Challenge: One Week To Go!

As it's just under a week until the A-Z Blogging Challenge, I thought I'd get prepared by planning on what I'm going to post, and suprised myself with easily coming up with things for about 20 of the letters of the top of my head. The other five I eventually filled, with things relevant to the story that just hadn't been named yet.

And of course, I had to make a pretty graphic to house my posting schedule. Hopefully the titles of the posts will whet your appitites for what's to come.