tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51025844520475984772024-02-19T09:54:31.702-06:00The Enchanted WriterInspiration. Ideas. Insights. Andrea Teagan's journey to fuel the creative fire, and free the writer within.Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-88856201085317085522014-01-07T21:35:00.000-06:002014-01-07T21:35:59.110-06:00Submission Call for Inaccurate Realities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnjH6RXCRQE5DO23hHb34LjlVeoYbWDu5_7vZMrggsLcbTD7a4I_thF5st20b2vBunmBkW7BzEJbOFD8FoKDO2wliBiaRjIUft346HXmeTVL5hkNXGKiZPeKJVh_PuzFNMFxdtyEdgteE/s1600/278821bd89a04e8e9766b70e37730d92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnjH6RXCRQE5DO23hHb34LjlVeoYbWDu5_7vZMrggsLcbTD7a4I_thF5st20b2vBunmBkW7BzEJbOFD8FoKDO2wliBiaRjIUft346HXmeTVL5hkNXGKiZPeKJVh_PuzFNMFxdtyEdgteE/s1600/278821bd89a04e8e9766b70e37730d92.jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a></div>
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Have you ever noticed that there isn't a lot out there for YA short stories? After some searching I found a literary magazine for young adults called <a href="http://inaccuraterealities.com/" target="_blank">Inaccurate Realities</a>. They felt the lack of YA short-fiction and decided to do something about it, YEAH! Inaccurate Realities accepts speculative fiction in all its forms. Science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, horror, dystopian, steampunk,
cyberpunk, alternate history and everything in between. Their first issue is on <i>fear</i>, and their second is on <i>time travel</i>. You can check them out <a href="http://inaccuraterealities.com/issues/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Submissions</b><br />
Inaccurate Realities has some exciting calls for subjects like Magic, Superpowers, and Monsters. They are looking for short fiction between 2,000-5,000 words. You can find more details on their <a href="http://inaccuraterealities.com/submissions/" target="_blank">Submissions Page</a>. So grab your papers and your pencils and get ready for some inspiration! They even included Pinterest boards for each of the calls to get the mojo flowing.<br />
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Excitement!<br />
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<br />Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-48928709956982122522012-10-30T11:39:00.005-05:002012-10-30T11:42:47.519-05:00Interview with Public Relations Counselor Nicole Singer from Write Me a World<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvsBQ1ZB3pDo5kqz2SWB-ao4YCe8ChLYoDUl4nDu9cN2G3Qlxajb38qpOn8rXEIO59NQTVqCo1nlSKqjoQ933GYjFesaMWShue3W4bqiHRYbiHzuuPte0y8Z8c3FmcUeto0N0WXFgpfD0/s1600/NS-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvsBQ1ZB3pDo5kqz2SWB-ao4YCe8ChLYoDUl4nDu9cN2G3Qlxajb38qpOn8rXEIO59NQTVqCo1nlSKqjoQ933GYjFesaMWShue3W4bqiHRYbiHzuuPte0y8Z8c3FmcUeto0N0WXFgpfD0/s320/NS-1.JPG" width="244" /></a>
Today I'm interviewing Nicole Singer from <a href="http://nicole-singer.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-halloween-story-treat-for-you.html" target="_blank">Write Me a World</a> regarding her job as a public relations counselor. This is an rewarding and creative field for those who are interested in jobs for English Majors and Writers.<br />
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<em>Wow!</em> Nicole is currently offering her ebook of short stories for <strong><u>FREE</u></strong> through the middle of next week (Nov. 7 2012 to be exact). Thanks Nicole. See her <a href="http://nicole-singer.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-halloween-story-treat-for-you.html" target="_blank">blog</a> for details.<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Thank you for the chance to interview you, Nicole. I'm interested in learning more about what you do. Can you tell me what is your job title? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I'm a public
relations counselor </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">for a small public relations agency.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
What are your job duties? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">One
of the nice things about being a small agency is that I get to work in a lot of
different areas. The vast, vast majority of what I do is writing (of all
kinds). I also do media relations, crisis communications, help design
brochures, websites, etc., and act as a project manager for our clients.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
In what ways are you using your writing and creative skills? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">SO many awesome ways! One of the most
creative projects we did was a year-long comic strip for a hospital system. We
wrote each episode and worked with the illustrator to design the characters and
how they interact. We also just wrapped up an animated video, which we wrote
the script for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We’ve done quite a few
brochures as well, which are always fun to develop. My favorite was a brochure
we did for a local school – the writing and photos worked so well together.
That’s part of what I like most about my job. I get to take someone’s ideas,
put it into words and then see it come to life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Some of the coolest
stories I’ve written have been for our client newsletters and magazines. The people
I interview are so amazing. They’re average folks who have overcome some
incredible challenges, and those are the days I really, really love my job.
These people are so grateful that someone is willing to tell their story!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Creativity is key
because 1) we work so closely with designers and have to make sure our words
match their vision and vice versa, and 2) we write for so many different
audiences, we have to be masters of all styles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
Do you have an English degree, and if so, what ways has it helped your
job/career? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Technically,
no, I have a Public Relations degree, but English and writing were a huge part
of it! I’ve also been able to use my interest in writing and publishing on
behalf of my clients on more than one occasion – whether I’m helping them
launch their own books, or steering someone away from a pesky vanity publisher
(I swapped emails with Victoria Strauss on this one – very cool!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
What do you love about your job?<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I love the variety and
the fact that I play a role in all different aspects of a project. Writing,
strategy and creative. I also truly love telling people’s stories. Every
individual or company comes to PR with a story to tell, and they’re not quite
sure how. I get to help them tell it!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
That sounds great. So, what would you say are the challenges of the job?<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Edits. Haha! I never
worry about getting critiqued on my own writing, because I’ve built up such a
buffer working in PR. Our client teams often include multiple people, and they
usually have multiple opinions about what’s important and how something should
be written. Without fail, everything we write gets changed multiple times
before we send it out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Working in PR provides a
great perspective, because it teaches you to listen to the client edits and
then balance that with what you know the client is actually trying to accomplish
through the writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">PR can also be quite
intense. We pretty much live on deadlines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
Would you say it is difficult to get into? <br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Not necessarily, but
it does take a lot of commitment to move up. The industry is always looking for
great writers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
Do you have any tips for those who are interested in working in public
relations?<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Learn to use commas.
Seriously. I review the resumes for our job and internship applicants, and this
is the biggest gap we see. I’d also say learn to be invisible when you write.
If you do PR correctly, you don’t get any credit – your client does. It’s also
important to try out different writing styles for different audiences.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br />
Is there anything else you would like add?<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">PR is a great
industry! I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and I knew I wanted a “day job”
that let me do that, too. I tell stories every day at work, I get to partner
with some really amazing creative people, and it’s something new all the time.
I love how it stretches me, and I think it’s a great complement to my own
personal writing pursuits.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<strong>This is great information. Thank you for your time, Nicole!</strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Thanks so much for
having me, Andrea! These are great questions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><strong>You can find Nicole Singer and her work, <em>Running in the Dark</em> at the links below:</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://nicole-singer.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">Write Me A World</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Running-in-the-Dark-ebook/dp/B009XNFYM4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1351361871&sr=8-4&keywords=running+in+the+dark#_"><span style="color: blue;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Running
in the Dark</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-Available
on Kindle</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/248900"><span style="color: blue;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Running in the Dark</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-Available at Smashwords</span></span></a></span>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-30272544940149664632012-10-20T16:57:00.001-05:002012-10-20T16:59:02.494-05:00Resurrection Blogfest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDOl8ZTgthKtdrHezYEvgl8nRRrvvSGy6f7k7Z992r5mz8MXOPM-oJYFxJCpFW6GR2BvKeNVbquLbCUDrafbMxYoIKSHOS984M4VimAoZrSb56L7DLX5VpIh2eyKsIDja2tOiREpY1goz/s1600/1stAnnualBlogfestBadge3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDOl8ZTgthKtdrHezYEvgl8nRRrvvSGy6f7k7Z992r5mz8MXOPM-oJYFxJCpFW6GR2BvKeNVbquLbCUDrafbMxYoIKSHOS984M4VimAoZrSb56L7DLX5VpIh2eyKsIDja2tOiREpY1goz/s1600/1stAnnualBlogfestBadge3.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mina Lobo from <a href="http://minalobo.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-blogfest-is-announced.html" target="_blank"><i>Some Dark Romantic</i></a> is hosting the <b>Resurrection Blogfest</b> on <u>November 7th.</u></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In this blogfest you will re-post a piece from your first year of blogging (one which didn't
get enough TLC or that you think deserves a second look). </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There will be prizes for1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://minalobo.blogspot.com/2012/09/a-blogfest-is-announced.html" rel="" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn more and sign up.</div>
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<b>Congratulations to Mina in celebration of her first year of blogging!</b></div>
Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-35235253486398352302012-10-15T16:14:00.000-05:002014-01-07T20:44:09.741-06:00What Can You Do With An English Degree Pt 2Welcome to part two of the series on what you can do with an English degree. You can read part one <a href="http://www.theenchantedwriter.com/2012/10/what-you-can-do-with-english-degree-pt-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>: <br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Reporting</span></b><br />
Are you unafraid to ask questions and be bold? Reporters are naturally curious, active listeners and good at telling stories. As a reporter it is important to
give the correct information which may require some research. <br />
<b>What they don't tell you: </b><br />
Newspapers run 24 hours a day, chances are that you'll start out working a graveyard shift.<br />
<b>How you can stand out from the crowd:</b> <br />
Get experience through your school's
newspaper, or through a local small newspaper. Learn the business,
diversify your topics - if you enjoy writing food columns, try sports as well. Also work on improving your editing skills.<br />
<br />
You can also try
Magazines. Start small by submitting to a niche or trade magazines. Have a
scrap-booking hobby, love snowboarding, or cooking? Try writing about
those. There is a magazine for everything. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Technical Writing</span></b><br />
Can you take something that is technical or complex and rewrite it to make it easier to understand? Technical Writers are highly sought after for software, pharmacy, robotics manufacturing, medicine, science and other fields. Plus they make a nice salary. <br />
<b>What they don't tell you:</b><br />
You will need to be more than just a good writer, most employers want you to show your expertise in the field as well. You will be constantly learning all of the new developments in the field you work in (which may be a good thing if you are interested in the field.)<br />
<b>How you can stand out from the crowd:</b> <br />
Get a minor in a computer science, science, or other field depending on which one you want to write for. Even taking a few classes in the field, and a technical writing class will help. See if you can volunteer to write some technical or training documents at your current job to get experience.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Freelance Writer</span><br />
</b> As a freelance writer you can be your own boss, which means working by your own schedule and writing in your pajamas, woo hoo.<br />
<b>What
they don't tell you:</b> <br />
You can quickly get cabin fever, income doesn't come in nice stable intervals so it can
be very feast or famine. You are also on your own as far as health insurance.<br />
<b>How you can stand out from the crowd:</b> <br />
Build up your reputation first. Network with other freelancers who might be able to recommend
you to an employer when they are overloaded with work. Also, make sure that you go through the right channels
when asking for work.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Do you know of any other career fields for English majors and writers? What are your thoughts?</b></span></div>
Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-11978814230956593592012-10-08T14:04:00.004-05:002014-01-07T20:44:22.032-06:00What You Can Do With An English Degree Pt 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgdFeuakQF-OxKEltOoAJ-niBXpzU4XiqJlpnZzUoMyRrkP_xlox3E34H6Z1hOyDFdfD8SUCS8t8CRHvtzXNs5frTZa5nLihy6DE7LtU03_YcCcjttAY-EzjkIqbsYFc1fZqSBKwivR67/s1600/career.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgdFeuakQF-OxKEltOoAJ-niBXpzU4XiqJlpnZzUoMyRrkP_xlox3E34H6Z1hOyDFdfD8SUCS8t8CRHvtzXNs5frTZa5nLihy6DE7LtU03_YcCcjttAY-EzjkIqbsYFc1fZqSBKwivR67/s320/career.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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What do you want to be when you grow up?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I discovered a passion for writing I decided to major in English - Creative Writing. But what can a person do with such a degree that could put food on the table? I researched what kind of jobs want you to have an English degree and discovered that you can actually do a lot! In fact, even if you don't have a degree in English there are a lot of marketable skills that a writer could showcase to a potential employer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First things first. There are websites and books out there that will tell you that you can be this or be that with an English degree. But, they don't tell you the downsides to those jobs. Some can be very highly competitive to get into, may require a lot more training or experience than just a bachelor's degree, or are demanding, time-consuming jobs. My bubble burst when I researched my dream job of becoming a college professor. However, there was a lot of positive things I found out as well. I think being aware of the difficulties of a career early on is better than finding out later when your dreams are smashed into little bits, plus it can give you a better chance of being successful in getting into the field if you already know what is expected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will try to give you the inside scoop on the jobs I researched for an English major, I'm sure I haven't even covered the tip of the iceburg so if you know of any other jobs, please feel free to share. In the end there is only one way to find out if a job is truly right for you - do it! And if you really do want to become an novelist, a college professor, or a librarian don't let anyone or anything stop you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<u><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>College Teaching</b></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I think this would be an awesome job, you get to teach what you love to college students. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Requirements:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MA or MFA, and a PHD to teach upper level classes and be eligible for tenure track positions.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What they don't tell you:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a difficult position it get into. It is not uncommon for hundreds of applicants to apply for one tenure track or full-time teaching position. There are many people out there who are teaching as an adjunct at serveral schools at once, making barely enough money to survive. Teaching at the college level means research, publishing, and other requirements to stay ahead in the field. There will also be a lot of English 101 classes to teach in which students are only there because it's required. </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to stand out from the crowd:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Publish, publish, publish, the more the better. Try to gain as much experience teaching as you can, espeically before you graduate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>High School Teaching</u></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of us have had a special teacher that has really made a difference in our lives. You could be that special teacher.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Requirements: </b>Usually a teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What they don't tell you:</b> A lot of teachers quit in the first 3 years. There is usually a very high student to teacher ratio, big classes can be hard to manage, and difficult to teach considering the different learning levels of the students. It is hard work, you are usually coming in early, staying late, grading papers, and you will need to continue your education to keep your certification up. Teachers do more than teach, they supervise lunch rooms, become hall monitors, and coaches when needed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How you can stand out from the crowd:</b> It's a good idea to gain teaching experience by substitute teaching, tutoring, or becoming a paraprofessional. Being knowledgable in your topic helps, but having a real passion for helping students is what it is all about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<b><u><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Higher Education Jobs</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the more relaxed environment of working for non-profit, there seems to be more camaraderie and less stress. Colleges and other non-profit organizations need writers for their publications, media relations, marketing, grant writing, and alumni associations.Colleges also need people to handle the administrative side of things such as processing, advising, and managing their writing center. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Requirements:</b> Usually a bachelor's degree, although some processing and administrative assistant jobs don't require one.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What they don't tell you:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In higher education the bigger the degree the better, but that doesn't always mean you'll get a promotion. They still want you to have experience as well. Also, the pay for these kind of jobs will be less, sometimes a lot less than the for-profit sector.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How you can stand out from the crowd:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apply for organizations that are in tune with your beliefs and what you care about. Working in higher education means helping students. Once you get your foot in the door, volunteer to take on more responsibilities and work you want to do. Showing initiative will get you noticed, and give you experience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<u><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Novelist</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ahh, my ultimate dream job. So dreamy I dare not even dream it. Could you imagine making a living through your writing?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Requirements:</b> Talent, and productivity. I'm not sure if having a degree would help that much.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What
they don't tell you:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b>It can be very difficult to get published as most people are aware. But even once you are published it
doesn't mean you will be making a lot of money. Also, publishing one book doesn't automatically mean it will be easier to publish the next. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are effectively working for yourself which has it's upsides (like working in your pajamas), and it's downsides (like income fluctuation and no health benefits). </span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How you can stand out from the crowd:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be an
easy person to work with, listen to constructive criticism, turn in polished work, and finish your work by the deadline. And no matter what, keep writing.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other Careers:</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.theenchantedwriter.com/2012/10/what-can-you-do-with-english-degree-pt-2.html" target="_blank">Pt 2: News, Technical Writing, Freelance Writer</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do you work in any of these fields, or have an interest in them? What are your thoughts?</b></span></div>
<br />Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-33509789938992921212012-09-05T13:35:00.003-05:002012-09-05T13:51:27.702-05:00Inner Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8msdOfm564vovAsnFQ2dSXh8bP2Kk1AcDoBkQkG9eH1fqgrMixdD6-wfEm8qVzoDULc543cbPjeH2d8tNZgXXopuTkiX3wGtXqgQg62-RwM_Tjofl3uT_oi-ndzjc7nD-fDeBg8UG_2Ds/s1600/journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8msdOfm564vovAsnFQ2dSXh8bP2Kk1AcDoBkQkG9eH1fqgrMixdD6-wfEm8qVzoDULc543cbPjeH2d8tNZgXXopuTkiX3wGtXqgQg62-RwM_Tjofl3uT_oi-ndzjc7nD-fDeBg8UG_2Ds/s320/journey.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So it looks like my break from blogging has turned into more
than that, it has become a spiritual journey of sorts. I’ve done a lot of
thinking and I’ve decided to focus on finishing my bachelor’s degree in English
– Creative Writing. Woo hoo! I know my major must be a real shocker for you ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
realized that what I really want to do is become a teacher. The funny thing is that I’ve known this for a
while now but told myself that I couldn’t, that it would take too much work, it was too competitive, etc. But then I realised that there will always be a need for someone to help others with writing and literature, so I am following my heart. I was able to work past my fears and I’m going full speed ahead (ok, maybe
55 mph..but still it’s something).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because of school I don’t know when I will be back
into the full swing of blogging again, I will make more posts but I don't know how often that will be. In the meantime please feel free to email me. I also wanted to thank all of the wonderful people I’ve met through this blogging experience; you have helped, encouraged, and inspired me so much. This is such an amazing community of writers. You guys are awesome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take care and happy writing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-62207127452479012292012-08-06T13:47:00.002-05:002012-08-06T13:51:22.887-05:00The Writing Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_oSaLhtAU-zQhFu-har-2kdKjmtia9ijdjuA9nPql6s4T27sDTAHX9TN8aZNLf-rARz7O_EVI2x1bPyHQrMMVlW7KJaoI1rngfJYHNxEfbJcqMV4YZyAy8gTh7B8Z-kboMm7navpRYGK/s1600/arrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" kda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_oSaLhtAU-zQhFu-har-2kdKjmtia9ijdjuA9nPql6s4T27sDTAHX9TN8aZNLf-rARz7O_EVI2x1bPyHQrMMVlW7KJaoI1rngfJYHNxEfbJcqMV4YZyAy8gTh7B8Z-kboMm7navpRYGK/s320/arrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's a time when your bones ache and your fingers just won't move</div>
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The pen sits there on the paper and you just don't know what to do</div>
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The keyboard is collecting dust for days on end</div>
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That's how you know you've got it bad my friend</div>
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You've got the writing blues, the writing blues, when you've lost the muse, you've got the writing blues...</div>
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The writing spirit has been so fickle lately, every now and then I get inspired and scribble some things down and then its gone again. Ahh well. There is nothing wrong with having a break (as long as I don't give up!). It's time to fill the creative well, and there is nothing wrong with that. "Sometimes the arrow has to draw back to fly ahead." I'll be reading over Falcon Prince this month and try to get into editing mode, and I'll be posting some fun writing exercises to try. Yeah!</div>
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I know the muse will come again someday, and my writing blues will go away.</div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-2782442111258340172012-07-28T11:32:00.000-05:002012-10-07T16:59:54.402-05:00New Design<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCazAbwhxGks8bQITmVfDJx-6Fv-dtNx47dzVrH4IjR19O1CfuAhZZPUt-XRQeJEZwZWLcRtf0hm-nI7PzTpbHq6WHZYpu98eK_vzd0dQ0H1u1Zby3e9_CAYr995sVznli45lyGAh5OZh4/s1600/chillin_by_sebreg-d4gdhg3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCazAbwhxGks8bQITmVfDJx-6Fv-dtNx47dzVrH4IjR19O1CfuAhZZPUt-XRQeJEZwZWLcRtf0hm-nI7PzTpbHq6WHZYpu98eK_vzd0dQ0H1u1Zby3e9_CAYr995sVznli45lyGAh5OZh4/s320/chillin_by_sebreg-d4gdhg3.jpg" width="243" /></a>Hey Guys,<br />
<br />
It's good to be back and with a new web design too! <br />
<br />
I needed a break after writing a book in a month and some time to try to figure out a few things, like what should I do with my life? When and how should I go back to school? Etc. Still working on those but at least I'm making progress.<br />
<br />
I have decided to take more classes, and try to work on bettering myself inside and out. I realize that I can't spend as much time blogging so I have been thinking about the direction I want take this blog. I still want it to be about writing inspiration and ideas, but maybe focus on a some things more than others? I would love some feedback from you if you have a moment.<br />
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<b>As a reader what kinds of things do you enjoy most, find the most helpful, or want more of? </b></div>
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li>writing exercises</li>
<li>inspiration</li>
<li>amusing ideas</li>
<li>book reviews</li>
<li>humor</li>
<li>step-by-step guides</li>
<li>personal accounts</li>
<li>quotes</li>
<li>writing prompts</li>
<li>humor</li>
<li>current blog and writing events</li>
<li>others? </li>
</ul>
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<b>Thanks for your help!</b></div>
<br />
<br />Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-8112387573591539632012-07-23T08:19:00.001-05:002012-07-23T08:22:30.091-05:00Under Construction<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqERnpzqC16JGmVKdHk9J2lKe9704MvDGyU3jZrY70qxStUjBeC4LIJZwBeZh6e1hHIwGRLSJcv5KlNvhU_VvGemhKRS1H_sRmKR0PJXRrEyBdJzAns4flMbs6WwGqluhFjCnEHO9Irvx0/s1600/designsbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqERnpzqC16JGmVKdHk9J2lKe9704MvDGyU3jZrY70qxStUjBeC4LIJZwBeZh6e1hHIwGRLSJcv5KlNvhU_VvGemhKRS1H_sRmKR0PJXRrEyBdJzAns4flMbs6WwGqluhFjCnEHO9Irvx0/s1600/designsbutton.jpg" /></a>Hi Everyone,</div>
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The Enchanted Writer is now under construction with Lori Lawson from <a href="http://www.imaginationblogdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Imagination Designs</a>. Soon this website will rise from its cocoon and flutter into the air like a beautiful butterfly.</div>
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Since I am taking on a heavy load with work, school, and finishing my A+ certification things will probably be a little more low-key at The Enchanted Writer. I am hoping to keep a schedule of 1-2 posts per week. </div>
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I am looking forward to catching up with everyone's blogs and revealing my new blog soon. <br />
<br />
Take care!<br />
<br />
Andrea<br />
<br />Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-88232245088987839582012-07-01T20:20:00.000-05:002012-07-01T20:28:44.668-05:00200 Followers, Thanks Everyone!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqRxi-bnmHnfraI_Gccz0K11eZiX2edHa2xvQWP4oe1dhgZdyX6oC8Q5IzipJXhc-F8EdEvcqPYarFpuKp9k2qRYOpvS7gbF3mDikzxv5HfQRttHhrHdQyIStUybsDHJD0q3EbtYZXcPq/s1600/you've+been+inked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqRxi-bnmHnfraI_Gccz0K11eZiX2edHa2xvQWP4oe1dhgZdyX6oC8Q5IzipJXhc-F8EdEvcqPYarFpuKp9k2qRYOpvS7gbF3mDikzxv5HfQRttHhrHdQyIStUybsDHJD0q3EbtYZXcPq/s320/you've+been+inked.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Ink in the Book</b> is my 200th follower, and she is throwing a party. I am so thrilled! Check it out <a href="http://inkinthebook.blogspot.com/2012/06/youve-been-inked-award_30.html?showComment=1341190492874#c8435099771222973893">here</a>.<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://lauren-ritz.blogspot.com/">Lauren </a>for giving me the Book-in-a-Month Award </div>
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<a href="http://warpednerdiversity.blogspot.com/">L.G. Keltner</a> for awarding me the Versatile Blogger Award </div>
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<a href="http://strandsofpattern.blogspot.com/">Jeff Hargett </a>for honoring me with the Booker Award. </div>
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<a href="http://michaelpiercebooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Michael Pierce</a> for passing on the 7x7 Award</div>
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and<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><a href="http://www.lifeisgood-forever21.blogspot.com/">Alyssa</a> for giving me the Stylish Blogger Award.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I appreciate all of the wonderful support. Thank you so much. I will try to pass them on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> I also want to thank everyone for following. I didn't know what would happen a few months ago when I started this blog, I never expected to have 200 followers. I am eternally grateful to the community of writers in the blogosphere, and to all of the new friends I have met. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You guys are awesome! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E4IAZcFqQZMgAjg6q1DA1uDC7ow8JRviUEAE4Wlz9qlZEg1dEs6p_d_6JJVh1Q9a-WW2bIhq8y_LX74EU1N5GLoA5q_1qQ6tgmKu5t1YmAFmrTFJlbztv4K9PorMRY6wtJOcaa_X3t26/s1600/200+followers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3E4IAZcFqQZMgAjg6q1DA1uDC7ow8JRviUEAE4Wlz9qlZEg1dEs6p_d_6JJVh1Q9a-WW2bIhq8y_LX74EU1N5GLoA5q_1qQ6tgmKu5t1YmAFmrTFJlbztv4K9PorMRY6wtJOcaa_X3t26/s320/200+followers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-41402227428398052852012-06-30T02:30:00.000-05:002012-06-30T02:30:03.850-05:00How We Met Bloghop<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp933dXm-EZLL4p9tlG-aDioU-nTq44B4gw6PynXWaomdMdKekPWAlfIwmXORtesJj3eRTMQkuA2ShkXM10lGRLRbvDRr04UQSPwv2l4dlgHdOjILOkg92XQEF6AU6TiCaCd9X5BUs75m3/s1600/BlogHop+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp933dXm-EZLL4p9tlG-aDioU-nTq44B4gw6PynXWaomdMdKekPWAlfIwmXORtesJj3eRTMQkuA2ShkXM10lGRLRbvDRr04UQSPwv2l4dlgHdOjILOkg92XQEF6AU6TiCaCd9X5BUs75m3/s200/BlogHop+copy.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://melindadozier.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-we-met-blog-hop.html">Melinda Dozier</a> is hosting the How We Met Blog Hop today. Melinda would like us to share a story of how you met your significant other, be it your husband, boyfriend or partner, in 150 words or less and post a picture that was taken around the time you met (sorry I don't have any). Stop by her site to read the other entries, or to sign up and add your own. </div>
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Happy Anniversary, Melinda!</div>
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<b> - How We Met -</b></div>
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It was a moonlit night and an intrepid group of adventurers
were seeking a champion to help them assault the zealots of The Scarlet Monastery. A powerful warrior named Siegfried offered his aid. He was a broad-shouldered Tauren with hair that
covered him like a lion’s mane. Keena, a
Tauren druidess was curious why such a powerful warrior would offer his
help when he would clearly gain no benefit, could such a chivalrous hero really
exist? Siegfried was equally curious about her as she was of him. Something about her voice enchanted him. They began to talk to each as they slaughtered the enemies of the monastery. Corpses piled as they
joked and got to know each other. After the zealots were vanquished, Siegfried
asked her out on a quest, just the two of them, and she accepted. </div>
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That is how I met my wonderful husband on World of Warcraft. </div>
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</div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-20263587969847574912012-06-26T02:00:00.000-05:002012-06-26T02:00:17.090-05:00Book in a Month Pt 20: BIAM Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks to all of my new blogging friends, this has been an amazing journey. I never cease to feel so much awe at how encouraging everyone has been. I have really enjoyed getting to know other writers, it is so awesome considering 6 months ago I only showed my writing to a couple of people. Thank you so much. <u>I couldn't have done this without you. </u><br />
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I want to thank all of those who have been with me through the whole Book in a Month challenge. There are too many people to list. Special thanks to the peeps who have personally reached out to cheer me on. Triple rainbows to you, my friends! <br />
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I made a page for the BIAM Recap <a href="http://www.theenchantedwriter.com/p/write-book-in-month.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>The Book in a Month Dare:</b><br />
Now it's your turn. I propose a dare, for anyone out there who is brave and willing. Would you try writing a Book in a Month? If you have done this, in the process of it, or are thinking about it, let me know!Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-87075371753765484912012-06-25T04:00:00.000-05:002012-06-25T04:00:08.391-05:00Book in a Month Pt 19: Finishing a Book in a Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">"Celebrate every writing success and never lose your sense of wonder about each opportunity."</span></b></div>
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<i>Wishing on Daisies</i> is finished!! (the rough draft anyways)</div>
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Yeah! Woo Hoo! Alright. 20,000 words in 30 days.</div>
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My hope for writing a book in a month was to see if I could actually do it, and yayzers I did!<br />
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The weirdest thing about writing the ending is that I realized the story doesn't need a mermaid in it at all. It has plenty of emotional impact without it. I even found a few ways to include some daisies at the beginning and the end to tie-in with the title. Ahh, what stories can put you through!<br />
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Even though this month was the busiest for me in a
long time I was able to write as much as I
have ever written before. I wrote on my lunch breaks at work, on weeknights (the hardest), and on weekends. I think making it happen, making it
a priority helps. <u>Accountability is key.</u> Saying I was going to do this on my blog put the fire under my butt, and having friends who were supportive really helped too. Special thanks to Laura from <a href="http://strangerthanwriting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stranger than Writing</a> for always checking in on me.<br />
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So, there you have it. A book in a month. I hope that this project has been inspirational, if you are thinking of trying to write a Book in a Month I'd say go for it. Try it!<br />
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Where do I go from here? I made a few notes, and got my manuscript in good enough shape for the next stage. The Rewrite.. dun dun dun...for now, though I'm shelving it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Thanks to everyone for your support! </span><span style="font-size: small;">Stay Tuned for the Recap.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-9391097933891003852012-06-24T08:42:00.002-05:002012-06-24T09:14:56.078-05:00Book in a Month Pt 18: Writing Dialogue<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUVs0MlNlh2AiYfjIzcgTURTcA1MhX6KfBZJLke8ZrIIJZrC0EDCAaSJ812wFZ297z4aUw6IbqHri-3MkRGDotfsD10E4SGyA97ZDD5Rd3nuI62Vpc_3574nYrudFB0aZ6ZJVLpv9wuYd/s1600/writingdialogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUVs0MlNlh2AiYfjIzcgTURTcA1MhX6KfBZJLke8ZrIIJZrC0EDCAaSJ812wFZ297z4aUw6IbqHri-3MkRGDotfsD10E4SGyA97ZDD5Rd3nuI62Vpc_3574nYrudFB0aZ6ZJVLpv9wuYd/s320/writingdialogue.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
"Hey, there is one subject you haven't talked about yet."<br />
"Which one is th-"<br />
"The one you've been avoiding!"<br />
"You're right," I whisper, unable to meet the piercing gaze of my accuser.<br />
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As you can see from my attempt at dialogue, why I have been avoiding the subject. Nevertheless, dialogue is vitally important to creating a story. I've done a little research, and here is what I've found.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Dialogue should be used for two things:</b><br />
1. Revealing more about a character.<br />
2. Moving the plot forward.<br />
Ideally it will do both of these things!<br />
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Great dialogue mimics real life conversation but with all of the boring parts taken out.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Include descriptions:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>The character's voice.</li>
<li>Mannerisms.</li>
<li>Nonverbal communication.</li>
<li>What the character is doing while they are talking.</li>
<li>What is going on in the setting around them. </li>
</ul>
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<b>Reveal character through dialogue:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>What does the character's voice sound like, what is their vocabulary?</li>
<li>Do they speak in short sentences, are they normally quiet or talkative?</li>
<li>Do they use slang? </li>
<li>Are they a stickler for correct grammar?</li>
<li>How do they show their emotions?</li>
<li>What is their posture?</li>
<li>What is their facial expression?</li>
<li>How are they responding physically?</li>
<li>Do they use their hands to gesture when they talk? </li>
</ul>
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Does each character sound different? Could you tell who spoke the words even if you didn't see the name? <br />
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<b>A few more tips:</b><br />
Include conflict/tension in dialogue as much as possible, or something that will lead up to conflict. <br />
Read books with great dialogue and study them. <br />
Avoid, the "floating heads in space." <br />
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"Recite your dialogue out loud. It sounds different than in your head." - Michael Pierce</div>
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<b>Links: </b></div>
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Holly Lisle: <a href="http://hollylisle.com/dialogue-workshop/" target="_blank">Dialogue Workshop </a></div>
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Writing World: <a href="http://www.writing-world.com/fiction/dialogue.shtml" target="_blank">Punctuating Dialogue</a></div>
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Creative Writing Now: <a href="http://www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-dialogue.html" target="_blank">How to Write Dialogue that Works</a></div>
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The Write Blog: <a href="http://thewriteenvironment.blogspot.com/2009/06/secret-of-writing-great-dialogue.html" target="_blank">The Secrets of Writing Great Dialogue</a><br />
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<b>Wishing on Daisies Progress: Rough Draft is Finished! </b><br />
Finished Status: 20,139 <span style="color: #674ea7;">words</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Complete. </span><br />
More posts on this to follow! I have been slow to get back with everyone and post awards, but this should start to get better in about a week.</div>
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<b style="color: #351c75;">Do you have any tips for dialogue? Your thoughts are most appreciated.</b></div>
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<b style="color: #351c75;"> </b> <b style="color: #351c75;">If you have a post about dialogue I would love to read and share it.</b></div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-36970601125846180032012-06-21T09:58:00.002-05:002012-06-21T10:26:24.223-05:00My So Called Teenage Life Blog Hop<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0PGGeJ3iO-15Pm9GtNgGt-a1c8_6vIBEi9Fk6eqw63CV64ZVpuTOG2sDFo4fArQOw37rQdaxOdQQN_EDtRu4p6OxdU1Gke98R3CjbBzlzuK90iiuOdAv-a9yTENENDPOwSImELD_KHTz/s1600/socalled" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0PGGeJ3iO-15Pm9GtNgGt-a1c8_6vIBEi9Fk6eqw63CV64ZVpuTOG2sDFo4fArQOw37rQdaxOdQQN_EDtRu4p6OxdU1Gke98R3CjbBzlzuK90iiuOdAv-a9yTENENDPOwSImELD_KHTz/s1600/socalled" /></a>Thank you to <a href="http://alsonnichsen.blogspot.com/" title="site">Amy Sonnichsen</a> and <a href="http://christaramblesandwrites.blogspot.com/" title="site">Christa Desir</a> for hosting the <strong>My So Called Teenage Life Blog Hop</strong>. In this blog hop we are supposed to post our journal entries or bad poetry from our teenage years. BTW, I love the TV series, My So Called Life :)</div>
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Below is an excerpt taken from my diary: I will keep the names anonymous but everything else is the same. It is from my sophmore year of high school when I first fell in love. I lived in duplex with my grandfather, and my aunt and cousins Nathan and Steve lived in the other side. Ryan - the guy I had a major crush on was a friend with Nathan and lived in the same neighborhood. I also joined the swim team. That year has been a major inpsiration for my current WiP, <em>Wishing on Daisies</em>.<br />
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<strong>Sep 7 </strong><br />
School started last week. I really feel like I have no friends, but it's getting better. The more I talk to people the better things become. I can think of almost all my classes were I can talk to someone. I now sit with Nathan's friends at lunch (they just play dungeons and dragons and stuff).<br />
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Oh, one guy I used to know from 6th grade has excel home room and lunch with me. Since I talked with him he follows me to class and kind of acts <em>real</em> interested. I would like him as a friend but I don't want him to try anything. I kind of have my heart set on Ryan. I've been doing a lot of thinking about him lately. Even though I still don't feel good enough for him I can't keep being impervious to the cute things he does. Like last year he followed me to the mail box, and lately he's been always compliementing me, walking with me to the car and stuff. He opens the door for me. How can I be so indifferent? It's driving me nuts. I think (I know) I have a crush. I don't know what to do. Should I jump? Should I still remain indifferent? I must let him know somehow but I dont want to be let down or teased by other people. Why does he llike me? I hate having a crush because I long for him to stop by and visit. I even leave the window open all the time to hear if he's coming. I look for his bike or car at our house, and I walk by his house sometimes to see if he's there. <br />
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Once he came up stairs to say, "hi." I loved that (though I still acted as a friend). Now the next time I'm going to react with the same interest as he does to me. I talk to him a lot and show him subtle signs but now I'm going to be more prominent. Let's hope I don't act giddy, or stupid.<br />
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<strong>Did you have a high school crush?</strong></div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-53707959445744051582012-06-20T03:00:00.000-05:002012-06-20T08:29:57.172-05:00Interview with Michael Pierce, Author of Provex City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorx86OA1KOo31fSebYm0sNW8lzDR-EujCfpvEpnsNVo2zFYgBrQQIhsddEdvNAAh10DsfxZuJNrHgE9MdsTWz857FOEgZPZ9oGY5F00E-Kxq1e-KHivaEedu4BqdjoFMfe9L29QFLYuYx/s1600/michaelp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorx86OA1KOo31fSebYm0sNW8lzDR-EujCfpvEpnsNVo2zFYgBrQQIhsddEdvNAAh10DsfxZuJNrHgE9MdsTWz857FOEgZPZ9oGY5F00E-Kxq1e-KHivaEedu4BqdjoFMfe9L29QFLYuYx/s1600/michaelp.jpg" /></a>Today I get to interview Michael Pierce, who recently published the young adult fantasy novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Provex-Lorne-Family-Series-ebook/dp/B007HHO0K0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339127842&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><i>Provex City</i></a>.<b> </b><br />
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<b>A little about Provex City:</b><br />
"Fifteen-year-old Oliver Grain begins his school year fighting off bullies, learning about the boy who committed suicide in his room, and trying to understand why his history teacher, Mr. Gordon, has taken such a personal interest in him. <br />
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Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe you can make bullies simply disappear? Do you believe you can walk through walls? <br />
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Mr. Gordon tells Oliver: "When you truly believe anything is possible, you will be able to open doors where there were only walls." And one of those doors leads Oliver to Provex City, which puts him in far greater danger than he can possibly fathom."<b> </b><br />
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<b>The Interview:</b><br />
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<strong>Could you tell us more about Provex City?</strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">Provex City went through several large revisions before it became what’s available now. It started off as a story called Patrick’s Ghost. I wrote a few chapters, outlined the book, and then scrapped it all. Patrick become Oliver. Mr. Gordon stayed the same, but he was originally a dual character, the mentor and the villain. In this new version, it was titled Shroud Lifted before it became Provex City. I like the title now, but I originally changed titles so I could submit to the same agents again, hoping they wouldn’t notice that it was the same book. Haha. </span><br />
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<strong>It is a wild ride of a hero's journey for Oliver, involving different planes of existence and developing his powers. What were your inspirations for the story?</strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8wsT13PGe4suuvbGFXTgubR6rhQx-5NBqeUzg7XDYWFs2snTDfSsjS7cvKVEauQ_r9jFwyOO_LIrleLKE3pRRnLwjYC2aky97Hhi3x2GW6FThDPwck_3s2ic_ssL81ucccP5Gza1R04l/s1600/provex+city+cover+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8wsT13PGe4suuvbGFXTgubR6rhQx-5NBqeUzg7XDYWFs2snTDfSsjS7cvKVEauQ_r9jFwyOO_LIrleLKE3pRRnLwjYC2aky97Hhi3x2GW6FThDPwck_3s2ic_ssL81ucccP5Gza1R04l/s1600/provex+city+cover+final.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #1f497d;">I was inspired by Harry Potter and a number of self-help books, which helped me find direction in my life. </span><br />
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<strong>A lot of characters have secrets, or are more than what they appear. Can you tell us more about how your characters developed?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">Provex City is all about Oliver finding himself, and the rest of the series is about him fulfilling his destiny. I tried to create characters with different insecurities and flaws, and have them act true to themselves—but allowing the readers to be privileged to the “whys” one at a time (some reveals in this book and others saved for further into the series). I want as many of my characters as possible to be significant and have some role to play in the big picture. </span><br />
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<strong>The book contains a lot of philosophy which Mr. Gordon teaches Oliver. Positive messages such believing anything is possible, focusing on what you want, and overcoming doubt. What was the inspiration for these positive messages?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">I’m a big fan of Anthony Robbins and Wayne Dyer. They’ve given me so much inspiration and motivation over the past few years. These are messages I think are important to share and important for myself. I thought this positive thinking and possible human potential would make for an interesting “seemingly” magical system. Though Mr. Gordon will say that it is <i>not</i> magic.</span><br />
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<strong>Can you tell us a little more about yourself, and your other hobbies/interests?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">I am a coffee addict, a newbie to the glazing industry, a very amateur musician, an unworthy husband to my soul mate, and lucky father of an amazing five month old. Most of my spare time disappeared with the birth of my daughter. Now, when I’m not enjoying my brief daily family time and not in the office, I’m writing and blogging. I love my family and I love my writing, so I can’t complain.</span><br />
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<strong>What is the biggest challenge you faced when writing Provex City and how did you overcome it?</strong><span style="color: #1f497d;"> Every next challenge <i>was</i> the biggest challenge. When I set out to write Provex City, I had never attempted a novel before. And I hadn’t written a short story in about five years. So I had a lot of warming up and catching up to do. I learned so much in the process of writing and editing. I cut over 20,000 words of Provex City. Then came the challenge of submitting to agents, writing queries, and perfecting a synopsis. And when I decided to self-publish instead of waiting for an agent, a whole new adventure began.</span><br />
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<strong>How long did it take you to write and finish?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">I go through spurts of being really productive and then slow periods. Provex City took me about a year to write. I edited for a couple of months before starting to submit to agents. But while I was submitting, I continued to edit. I didn’t arrive to a draft similar to what’s available now for about another year. </span><br />
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<strong>Do you have any tips for writing in the YA genre? Specifically creating an authentic YA voice?</strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">I worked in coffee shops for about twelve years, spending a lot of time with high school and college students. I would advise being careful with slang unless you’re specifically trying to create authenticity for a specific time or region. Different regions of the US have different slang. It can get distracting and take away from the storytelling. And speaking of voice, recite your dialogue out loud. It sounds different than in your head. </span><br />
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<strong>Provex City was riveting, do you have any tips for creating page turners?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">I kept what interested me and cut parts that I found myself skimming through to get to more exciting scenes. I like cliffhanger chapter endings, which caught my attention in the Harry Potter books. I don’t want a chapter to be nicely resolved so you have a clean place to stop. I want my readers to get to the end of a chapter and be like “Crap! Now what’s gonna happen?” </span><br />
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<strong>Why did you decide to self-publish?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">I got tired of waiting for my perfect agent. I figured there was more than one way to get a desired result. I have multiple role models with publishing success stemming from self-publishing.</span><br />
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<strong>Do you have any advice for people considering self publishing?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">Don’t take any sale for granted. You have to appreciate each “one” before you can appreciate each “million.” It starts with one.</span><br />
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<strong>On your blog you said, "Provex City is as much my journey as it is Oliver’s." Can you explain?</strong><span style="color: #1f497d;"> Oliver is searching for his destiny, and so am I. Oliver is tested and learns what he can handle and what he’s capable of. I feel the same way, from writing my first novel to taking it to the marketplace myself, I’m discovering what I’m made of. Oliver can’t quit (I won’t let him) and neither can I.</span><br />
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<strong>So many writers struggle between pursuing practical careers vs. pursuing their writing dreams, do you have any advice?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;">Since I’m still in a practical career to support myself and help support my family, no, I don’t really have any advice. All I can say, and what I’m trying to live by every day is: Don’t give up on your passion! There are so many people living practical, without passion, just waiting for the next weekend. I want to look forward to every day, not just two days out of the week. </span><br />
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<strong>Do you have any other tips for emerging writers?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #1f497d;"> If you love it, then do it! If not, then don’t. Because it’s not easy, but it’s not supposed to be. It’s supposed to be something you love doing no matter what. Don’t be the next “someone else;” be the first you. Write something you’d like to read (it doesn’t matter if it’s something you know about or not…you can learn). If you really want to write, then write. Don’t quit. If you don’t quit, then it’s impossible to fail. </span><br />
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<em>You can find Provex City on Amazon by clicking on the link below.</em><br />
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<b>Links:</b><br />
<b>Provex City (Kindle Version) on Amazon:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Provex-Lorne-Family-Series-ebook/dp/B007HHO0K0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339127842&sr=8-2">http://www.amazon.com/Provex-Lorne-Family-Series-ebook/dp/B007HHO0K0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339127842&sr=8-2</a><br />
<strong>Provex City (Print Version) on Amazon</strong>: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Provex-City-Lorne-Family-Series/dp/1470121204/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1340198876&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=provex+city">http://www.amazon.com/Provex-City-Lorne-Family-Series/dp/1470121204/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1340198876&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=provex+city</a><br />
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<b>Michael Pierce's Blog:</b> <a href="http://www.michaelpiercebooks.blogspot.com/">http://www.michaelpiercebooks.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<b>Michael Pierce's Website:</b> <a href="http://www.michaelpiercebooks.com/" target="_blank">http://www.michaelpiercebooks.com/</a><b> </b><br />
<b>Michael on Goodreads:</b> <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/michaelpiercebooks">http://www.goodreads.com/michaelpiercebooks</a><b> </b><br />
<b>Michael on Twitter:</b> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/MrPierceBooks">http://www.twitter.com/MrPierceBooks</a><br />
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<br />Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-72983792654960681882012-06-18T20:00:00.000-05:002012-06-18T20:32:14.934-05:00Fabulous Blog Ribbon Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcxP7pXTG40PAS7KcC_hEICyydNA5YZZwV56nVw13UoWJttyqOc_KuEYcL-g-HJk7QM5H9Nicr5v950S3Vuo6LqoE86KFLEjoO6BiAWeG72xbn2pvynbL-jfq0dq3_MyqMuYO5HIAsFPs/s1600/Fabulous+Blog+Ribbon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcxP7pXTG40PAS7KcC_hEICyydNA5YZZwV56nVw13UoWJttyqOc_KuEYcL-g-HJk7QM5H9Nicr5v950S3Vuo6LqoE86KFLEjoO6BiAWeG72xbn2pvynbL-jfq0dq3_MyqMuYO5HIAsFPs/s1600/Fabulous+Blog+Ribbon2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 26px;">L.G Keltner from <a href="http://lgkeltner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Writing Off The Edg</a>e</span><span style="line-height: 26px;"> has passed on this fabulous award. Thanks L.G!! Check out her awesome blog when you get a chance. </span><br />
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1. Post the rules on your blog.</div>
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2. Name five of your most fabulous moments, either in real
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3. Name five things you love.</div>
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4. Name five things you hate.</div>
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5. Pass the ribbon on to five other bloggers. (Leave them a
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Okay. Here we go!</div>
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<b>5 Most Fabulous Moments</b></div>
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1. Marrying my husband. </div>
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2. Anytime a group of people have sung happy birthday to me.</div>
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3. Watching a meteor shower.</div>
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4. Finishing my first novel (rough draft) before my 30th birthday.</div>
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5. The first time I had flour-less chocolate cake.</div>
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<b>5 Things I Love</b></div>
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1. Eating a Wendy's Vanilla Frosty.</div>
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2. Robot dancing.</div>
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3. My friends.</div>
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4. Making up songs and singing them.</div>
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5. Books that are so good I can't put them down.</div>
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<b>5 Things I Hate</b></div>
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1. Mean People.</div>
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2. Scratched CDs.</div>
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3. Anyone who gets on their cell phone in the movie theater.</div>
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4. Being too hot in the summertime.</div>
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5. When animals are abandoned or mistreated.</div>
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<b>Now to pass this award on...</b></div>
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1. Heather @ <a href="http://randominteruptions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Random Interruptions</a></div>
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2. James Anderson @ <a href="http://jamesandersonbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">James Anderson's Blog</a></div>
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3. Kyra Lennon @ <a href="http://kyralennon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Write Here, Write Now</a></div>
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4. Lauren @ <a href="http://lauren-ritz.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Eclectic</a></div>
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5. Rachel @ <a href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Writing on the Wall </a></div>
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<b>Wishing on Daisies Progress: 8 days left</b><br />
Current Progress: 17083 <span style="color: #674ea7;">words</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 - Complete. </span><br />
Chapter 10- Still in Progress</div>
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Only 2 chapters left to go. Yeah!<br />
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A big thanks to <a href="http://jackiefelger.blogspot.com/2012/06/first-fightfirst-kiss-winners-and.html?showComment=1340031352844#c3204968076278357126" target="_blank">Jackie at Bouquet of Books</a> and <a href="http://danibertrand.blogspot.com/2012/06/first-fightfirst-kiss-winners.html?showComment=1340031562233#c580798299054263288" target="_blank">Dani at Entertaining Interests</a> for hosting the First Fight/First Kiss blogfest. Jackie honored me with a First Kiss Scene Honorable Mention badge. Woot!<br />
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<br /></div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-57247824750558643692012-06-17T16:41:00.002-05:002012-06-18T20:29:42.275-05:00Book in a Month Pt 17: Getting Through The Muddy Middle<br />
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For those of you who are working away on a novel and hit a big wall (like me), I just want to say that it is normal and you can get through it. Just keep writing, you can always go back and fix things later. Keep going. You can do it!<br />
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<b>Muddy Middles</b><br />
Even though novels have a beginning, middle and end, most of the novel is going to be the middle. I wonder why it is always the most difficult? The place where I get stuck? Jim Butcher calls it <a href="http://jimbutcher.livejournal.com/" target="_blank">The Big Swampy Middle</a>, but I like to call it The Blubbery Fat Roll between the beginning and the ending.<br />
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If the appetizer gets our mouths watering, and the dessert is the sweet and satisfying finish to look forward to, how can I turn the main course into something special?<br />
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Let's take a look at the 3 Act structure of stories.<br />
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<b>Act 1</b><br />
Introduce the the protagonist and the antagonist.<br />
Present the setting and story world.<br />
Establish the tone and mood of the story.<br />
Hook the reader to keep reading.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Act 2</b><br />
The "Trials and Tribulations" stage.<br />
Character relationships develop and deepen.<br />
The stakes are raised making the final confrontation more meaningful. <br />
Set up for the final confrontation between protagonist and antagonist.<br />
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<b>Action 3</b><br />
The final battle/confrontation.<br />
Tie up any loose ends.<br />
Give a satisfying ending.<br />
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<b>The goals of Act 2</b><br />
Connect the beginning of the story to the climax and ending.<br />
Make the climax more meaningful by raising the stakes. <br />
Keep the reader reading, and make them wonder what will happen next. <br />
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<b>What is the best way to keep reader's reading?</b> </div>
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Make things worse for your protagonist.</div>
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What?! No! I love my protagonist.. they already have this big meanie trying to ruin their goals, why would I make it worse?</div>
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It makes the protagonist face their weaknesses and fears, and grow through their struggle.</div>
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Wow, that's a lot like what I go through when I try to WRITE the middle. </div>
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<b>Ideas for making your protagonist hurt:</b><br />
Strengthen the opposition.<br />
Crush their spirit.<br />
Get them get lost. <br />
Jeopardize their professional pursuits, or have them get fired.<br />
Make them face something in their personal life that they must deal with.<br />
Have them get hurt physically.<br />
Test them so they must face their greatest weaknesses/fears. <br />
Build the conflict, by making the obstacles more difficult.<br />
Have an unexpected enemy show up to cause some havoc.<br />
Have a friendly character turn out to be an enemy.<br />
Add a ticking clock. <br />
Make them face something that will change their way of thinking. <b> </b><br />
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<b>Other (less torturous) ways to make it interesting:</b><br />
Add a subplot, such as romance, or a relationship conflict.<br />
Plan a big event to take place in the middle of the story.<br />
Have an action scene take place. <br />
Add a new character that will be relevant to the story ending.<br />
Have an enemy character become become friends with the protagonist.<br />
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<b>Raising the Stakes</b><br />
Could the protagonist's failure mean drastic consequences?<br />
Could the task be made greater/bigger, seemingly more impossible?<br />
Could the protagonist be faced with a major dilemma?<br />
Could the protagonist be made to face their greatest weaknesses/fears?<br />
Could the conflict be enlarged so more than just the main character is affected, perhaps their loved one, the town or the world?<br />
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<b>Links:</b><br />
<a href="http://jimbutcher.livejournal.com/" target="_blank">Jim Butcher's Live Journal</a> is a cornucopia of writing genius.<br />
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<b>Wishing on Daisies Progress: 9 days left</b><br />
Current Progress: 14391 <span style="color: #674ea7;">words</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7- Complete. </span><br />
Chapter 8- Still in Progress<br />
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<b><span style="color: black;">Do you have any struggles when writing the Muddle Middle? How do you get through them?</span></b></div>
<br />Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-21067670452201557932012-06-15T17:52:00.001-05:002012-06-24T18:43:49.939-05:00Book in a Month Pt 16: Breaking Through Writer's Block<br />
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For the last 3 days I haven't written. But that is about to change.<br />
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I'm calling this block, <i>The Great Wall</i>. Not the one in China, the one in my brain. This tends to happen when things pile up and I feel overwhelmed. All of the little writing blocks build up in my mind and create a giant flaming wall of doom.<br />
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<b>Building Bricks of The Great Wall:</b><br />
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<li>I'm too tired.</li>
<li>I've gotten pretty far already, I can take a break.</li>
<li>I'm not sure about some major aspects of my story.</li>
<li>I'm not sure if I even like my story, do I?</li>
<li>My story has changed a lot from the plot line, I don't know what to do.</li>
<li>Finishing a book in a month is crazy.</li>
<li>My writing is really awful, I should stop.</li>
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So, here is the thing. I've got to find a way to climb over this wall and make it to the finish line. The only sure way to get over a writing block is to bust through it by writing (even if you don't feel like it). Here is what I am going to do:<br />
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<b>Write. Now.</b><br />
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I'm not going to go back and look at anything, I am going to look forward and keep writing. I am going to write today and tomorrow Laura from <a href="http://strangerthanwriting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stranger than Writing</a> is going to do word wars with me.<br />
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<b>Have Fun with Word Wars</b><br />
When 2 or more people write at the same time for a certain amount of time (like 20 minutes) and at the end they see who has written the most. I will be doing this tomorrow, yeah!<br />
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<b>Hold Myself Accountable</b><br />
I started Book in a Month on this blog to compel myself to finish my rough draft. If I don't finish, that would be kind of embarrassing.<br />
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I also want to see for myself if I can really do it, and it will help me to hone my writing practice.<br />
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<b>Remember Why </b><br />
The thing is, I really DO want to finish this rough draft. I would like to say to myself that a book really can be written in a month, and to help others who want to accomplish this same goal. Keeping this in mind will help me soldier on.<b> </b><br />
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<b>I CAN DO IT!!!! (and so, can you!!)</b><br />
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Results: 1409 words<br />
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<b>Wishing on Daisies Progress: 11 days left</b><br />
Current Progress: 11790 <span style="color: #674ea7;">words</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6- Complete. </span><br />
Chapter 7- Still in Progress<br />
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<b>So, how do you break through those Writing Blocks?</b></div>
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Lastly, please check out this awesome blog, <a href="http://nobuteacher.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">To Teach and Learn</a> by Nobu, he is a teacher in Bhutan who wants to be a writer and possibly teach creative writing. How cool is that?<br />
<br />Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-263390063633673602012-06-14T02:30:00.000-05:002012-06-14T08:39:19.138-05:00The First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest Pt 2<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<b>The First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest Pt 2</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoiuOjMUHahiiHoU9al0idfSea3QBNbifEoPJRxx0b3y1uhjF_gwwZWRjQCdM7TsHxjR14W8Fxml0cUHX55AAT0oM_1cwyV-YZfr9stNiu3NnK7_IMzOuyzTAdu7a_tLKR0arVAYv1wnp/s1600/firstfight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoiuOjMUHahiiHoU9al0idfSea3QBNbifEoPJRxx0b3y1uhjF_gwwZWRjQCdM7TsHxjR14W8Fxml0cUHX55AAT0oM_1cwyV-YZfr9stNiu3NnK7_IMzOuyzTAdu7a_tLKR0arVAYv1wnp/s1600/firstfight.jpg" /></a>The First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest is hosted by Jackie @ <a href="http://jackiefelger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bouquet of Books</a>. Feel free to check out her website to join in and read the other entries!</div>
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Post 1 will be on Tuesday, June 12 - Share your 1st FIGHT scene on your blog... lovers spat, a banter back and forth, a battle scene, a classic fist fight, etc. It can be physical or verbal, fists or magic. Whatever you want.</div>
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Post 2 will be on Thursday, June 14 - Share your 1st KISS scene on your blog. It can be a peck on the cheek or a full fledge kissing session. Whatever you want to share.</div>
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<b>From The Falcon Prince</b><br />
<b>This is one of my favorite scenes, explaining Arman and Kaitlyn's connection. Not the first kiss, but close to it. I hope you enjoy it!</b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He looked down at Kaitlyn who was now asleep in his arms. It had been nearly a decade since he last saw her. Memories of that night flooded into his mind. </span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He had fallen from the sky, snapping branches as he went. When he collided with the ground he felt his bones break with the impact. Blood spurted from of his wounds. Cyrus was out of his grasp now, and the pain of regret filled him. He would die before he could revenge his sister’s death. </span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arman’s breath came in gasps; he tried to will himself up but couldn’t move. He only hoped he would die soon, before a wandering animal made him into their next meal. His eyes gazed up at the sky and he saw the moon, full and high above the trees. He had never thought much about the moon before, now it would be the last thing he saw before leaving this earth. </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">A moon-lit angel appeared above him, with long hair and sparkling eyes. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">She was his namisad, his soul-mate, he knew with every fiber of his being. There were stories told that if one did not meet their soul-mate in their life, they would wait for them on the other side and return to guide them to the celestial realm. His soul-mate bent down and gently touched his broken wings. She caressed his bloody chest. He no longer felt any pain, only incredible peace. Arman closed his eyes and let the feeling wash over him. He didn’t have to fight anymore; he was going with his soul-mate to the afterlife. A surge of lightning made his body quake, and he felt as light as air. It was the merge, when his soul-wind bound with hers. Soon they would be going together. Soon he would be free.</span></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She screamed.</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A tidal wave of pain rocked his body. Instinctively he lashed out. His body felt heavy again. In confusion he opened his eyes. She was standing away from him, holding her hand against her chest. Blood trickled down her arm. She was no angel. She was a young woman, a human woman.</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He knew that he was healed now. But everything was wrong. This wasn’t what was supposed to happen. He let out a piercing screech and flew away from her. </span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did she? What had she done? A soul-joining could not do that.</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He flew up high above her and she started to run, taking off past the trees. From a distance, he followed her back to a campsite. He had to know who she was and why she did this. He watched her from the upper branches of pine. She was just an ordinary teenage girl, probably eighteen or so, a little younger than he was. She sat at the campfire next to her father. Trembling, her frightened eyes would look up from the fire to scan the woods at every sound. She must have been as shaken as he was. The back of her hand had a long scratch that she mindlessly rubbed with her fingers. He regretted that he hurt her. For hours he tried to figure out how she was able to heal him, and how she was able to become his namisad. But no answers came.</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sky People were forbidden to soul-merge with humans. And while he never cared much for conventions, his life would be far too dangerous for her. For whatever reason he had been given a second chance, and he would use it to see the fall of Cyrus. He couldn’t bring a young human woman into this, even if she was his namisad. She would live a better life with her kind. It was best if he flew away and the farther from her the better. He left then, taking off into the moonlight to begin his new life. He vowed to never see her again, a vow that he has broken many times over the years. Whenever he flew near the city, he always checked on her from a distance.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now he was carrying her to his home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was no longer a young woman with wide eyes and a thin body. She had the lush, full figured body of a woman. Thick, strong hips and delicious thighs. Her beauty ignited a desire in him that he hadn’t felt in years. Strands of light hair broke free from her ponytail and chaotically framed her face. He imagined kissing her lips, her throat, her collarbone. He wanted to untie her pony tail, running his fingers through her hair and watch it cascade over silken skin. He wanted to kiss her deeply, passionately. Desire burned within him. No, she definitely wasn’t a young woman anymore.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Arman pushed back his longing with a stern grimace. He could not give into temptation. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not now.</span></span></div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-30899681707698852382012-06-12T02:00:00.000-05:002012-06-13T14:27:19.118-05:00First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest Pt 1<div class="post hentry" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCgRa99PZCl84qm2Nh8mpxvkgcrX5bDP1lIvgSzDrceHVOTpXj67-5jMG18hqHCluR1_Y89CL6SaYi_-PsTFV4w1PlL-3YL9nf6M8SDM7I07Zdt0SlDXeE4FOGOLGrb5kOHN0ZRPqcUtq/s1600/firstfight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCgRa99PZCl84qm2Nh8mpxvkgcrX5bDP1lIvgSzDrceHVOTpXj67-5jMG18hqHCluR1_Y89CL6SaYi_-PsTFV4w1PlL-3YL9nf6M8SDM7I07Zdt0SlDXeE4FOGOLGrb5kOHN0ZRPqcUtq/s200/firstfight.jpg" width="186" /></a> <a href="http://jackiefelger.blogspot.com/2012/04/u-is-for-unveiling.html" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5102584452047598477" name="5481199387292916018"></a><br />
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<b>The First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest </b></div>
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The First Fight/First Kiss Blogfest is hosted by Jackie @ <a href="http://jackiefelger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bouquet of Books</a>. Feel free to check out her website to join in and read the other entries!</div>
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Post 1 will be on Tuesday, June 12 - Share your 1st FIGHT scene on your blog... lovers spat, a banter back and forth, a battle scene, a classic fist fight, etc. It can be physical or verbal, fists or magic. Whatever you want.</div>
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Post 2 will be on Thursday, June 14 - Share your 1st KISS scene on your blog. It can be a peck on the cheek or a full fledge kissing session. Whatever you want to share.</div>
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<b>Arman and Kaitlyn's First Fight<br />From The Falcon Prince</b></div>
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She struggled to free herself from his arms but he held on. Kaitlyn grunted in frustration. “Let go of me!”</div>
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Arman’s face became cold ice. He was angry at his own lack of self-control, at almost kissing her. Impervious to her thrashing and wriggling he pressed her closer to his chest.</div>
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“Not until I get you safe.” Arman commanded. He had a way of intimidating others with his presence. Most would not dare to argue with him.<br />
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She started punching his shoulders with her fists. Her cheeks turned red. “If you had just let me go earlier, I’d be safe at home right now.”<br />
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Arman raised a quizzical eyebrow. “You mean violated by those grackles and then taken to be a slave for Cyrus.”<br />
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“Yes. I mean no. Let me down!”<br />
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Kaitlyn was a fighter and this charmed and delighted him. Arman’s face relaxed from its stony expression. A slight smile pulled at the edges of his mouth. “When I know for certain that you are safe I’ll take you back home.”<br />
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She was gasping for breath from her struggle. “Promise me,” she said while her silver-blue eyes searched his. They reminded him of a deep river on a cloudy day, and glimmered with spirit and intelligence. No doubt she was trying to figure out a way to escape, but whatever she tried he would outwit and protect her.<br />
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“I guarantee it.” <br />
<br /></div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-5426047740143783872012-06-11T23:06:00.000-05:002012-06-17T16:42:20.369-05:00Liebster Award<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Sohvcv1HudO2vhrfOEGSGKf4PpBbYE2RB9JfjFP9v82HfkGGDR43Cd5SULClYlDH5-D44LRki2vexU_KnQlcODed4ZgHc_OstrX0RuY03SB8EsbU8dT7V_XOSMSRGyDoklaDhxRzTDq/s1600/award1%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Sohvcv1HudO2vhrfOEGSGKf4PpBbYE2RB9JfjFP9v82HfkGGDR43Cd5SULClYlDH5-D44LRki2vexU_KnQlcODed4ZgHc_OstrX0RuY03SB8EsbU8dT7V_XOSMSRGyDoklaDhxRzTDq/s1600/award1%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://jamesandersonbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">James Anderson</a> has honored me with the Leibster Blog Award. He is a great guy, techie and writer. Check out his awesome blog.<span class="st"> </span><br />
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<b><span class="st">The 'rules' of the award are the following:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Link back to the blogger who presented the award to you.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Copy and paste the blog award on your blog. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Present the Liebster Blog Award to<b> 5</b> blogs of <b>200 followers or less</b>. (I went overboard)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Let them know they have been chosen by leaving a comment at their blog. </span></li>
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<b><u>I am passing this award on to these awesome bloggers:</u> </b><br />
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<b>Kaye Draper </b>from <a href="http://kayedraper-writeme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Write Me</a> is great blogger and aspiring author, if you love the quirky and fantastic, then you would love her blog. </div>
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<b>Rena</b> from<a href="http://drfaeriegodmother.blogspot.com/2012/06/dropping-ball-but-not-chair.html" target="_blank"> Doctor Faerie Godmother</a> is a mad scientist writer that will not only have you laughing but also inspire you to write.<br />
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<b>Danielle B</b>. from <a href="http://danibertrand.blogspot.com/2012/06/blogfest-tomorrow-and-true-blood-season.html" target="_blank">Entertaining Interests</a> writes the world's greatest Zombie Fiction. She also is very funny, and not afraid to tell you like it is. Gotta love this lady.</div>
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<b>Julie </b>from <a href="http://blueberrry-dreams.blogspot.com/2012/06/be-grateful.html" target="_blank">Blueberry Dreams.</a> I always look forward to reading another post from Julie. She has a beautiful spirit, and her posts are always inspiring and heartfelt. </div>
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<b> <a href="http://juliedeguia-writer.blogspot.com/2012/06/never-surrender-blogfest.html" target="_blank">Julie DeGuia</a></b> writes children's books and kick-butt blog posts too. Join her on the writing adventure because she's a really nice person.<b> </b></div>
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<b>Sophie </b>from <a href="http://sophieswritingadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sophie's Writing Adventure </a>enjoys writing YA and children's lit, and is currently tackling NanoWrimo like a champ. Let's cheer her on!<b> </b></div>
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<b>Jaq xx </b>from <a href="http://sjp-title.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Title by Jaq</a> is mysterious and alluring. Jaq creates art with words. Read her blog and you will never be the same again. </div>
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<b> Aldrea</b> <b>Alien </b>from <a href="http://thardrandia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thardrandian Thoughts</a>. Creator of cool characters, cool art, and a cool verse'. You must see to believe.</div>
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<b>Von L Cid</b> from <a href="http://vonlcid.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Growing Writer.</a> He's working hard to make the writing dream come true and finding inspiration on the way.<b> </b><br />
<b>Jessica Roach Ferguson </b>from <a href="http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Praise, Prayers, and Observation</a>s a southern writer with the sweetest heart. Don't miss her blog. </div>
<b>Robin</b> from <a href="http://robin-hall-writes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Robin Writes</a> is pure sunshine, if you go to her blog your spirits will be instantly lifted. Try it.</div>
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<b>Sheila </b>from<a href="http://shielawrites.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Writings, Workouts, and Were Jaguars</a> writes about were-jaguars so that automatically makes her awesome, but she also writes about other awesome things too<b>.</b><br />
<b> Paige Lollie</b> from <a href="http://thedreamwords.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Dream Worlds</a> is finding herself on this crazy journey called writing. I just wanna give her a big high-five for following her dreams.</div>
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<b>Linda McLaren</b> from <a href="http://lindamclaren.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Write Escape</a> writes and illustrates. Look no further for a dose of inspiration.</div>
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<b>Insomniac #4 </b>from the <a href="http://pedestrianwriter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Pedestrian Write</a>r writes with wit and style about the ups and downs of being a writer.</div>
<b> Amandini</b> from <a href="http://absofragginlutely.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Abbso-fraggin-lutey</a>. Because she is totally made of win.<b> </b><br />
<b> Laura </b>from <a href="http://strangerthanwriting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Stranger than Fiction</a>. Because she's my sista' from over the sea.<b> </b><br />
<b> Mina Lobo </b>from <a href="http://minalobo.blogspot.com/?zx=60db91f9fadbeaf7" target="_blank">Some Dark Romantic</a>. Because she is one damn cool chick.<br />
<b> Jackie</b> from <a href="http://jackiefelger.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bouquet of Books</a>. Because she has a big heart.<br />
<a href="http://christinerains-writer.blogspot.com/2012/06/teaser-tuesday-with-blood-bound.html" target="_blank">Christine Raines.</a> Because she is all-around 100% awesome.<br />
<a href="http://www.julianahaygert.com/2012/row80-and-nts-check-in-0610/" target="_blank">Juliana Haygert</a>. Because she is a writing whirlwind of inspiration. <br />
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Also, thank you to <a href="http://michellegregory.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Michelle Gregory</a>. I just received a signed copy of her book, Eldala. Thanks Michelle! You too can get a <b>free copy</b> of Eldala from her blog, if you hurry! (only a few are left). </div>
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<b>Wishing on Daisies</b><br />
Current Progress: <span style="color: #0b5394;">11,548 words,</span> <span style="color: #674ea7;">15 days left</span><br />
Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6- Complete. <br />
Chapter 7 - in Progress</div>
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</div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-61313786058632989392012-06-10T15:07:00.001-05:002012-06-24T18:45:42.315-05:00Book in a Month Pt 15: Creating a Setting<br />
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When choosing a setting for my novel I usually pick a place I have lived before (So I won't have to do as much research) hehe. But I have always been fond of places that I would love to write about someday, like New Orleans. There is so much to think about when writing fiction, plot, characters, etc. that setting seems to take a back seat for me. But I am beginning to realize just how important it is.<br />
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The setting makes the story world feel real to a reader, it engages their imagination and enhances the mood of the story.<br />
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<b>Location, Location, Location</b><br />
Here are the basics for creating a setting:<br />
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<li>Where is the setting? </li>
<li>What year is it?</li>
<li>What time of year is it? </li>
<li>What time of day is it? </li>
<li>What is the weather like?</li>
<li>What is the architecture and/or the geography?</li>
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<b>Setting the Stage </b><br />
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<li>The setting creates the ambiance of the scene and sets the mood</li>
<li>The setting supports and enhances the plot </li>
<li>Setting can be used to create metaphors for the story</li>
<li>The location's unique characteristics can be highlighted. How is this place interesting?</li>
<li>Are there specific places that scenes could take place that would enhance the story? </li>
<li>How do the characters interact with the setting?</li>
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<b>It's All In The Details </b><br />
I've learned that the setting helps to immerse the reader so it feels like they are actually in the story world. Details are important. It is better to say an 83' Toyota Tacoma than "the vehicle." Be as specific as you can. Also, try to include action verbs in describing the setting, and provide enough sprinkling of detail throughout so the reader knows where the characters are.<br />
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<b>The 5 Senses</b><br />
Another way to enhance the story setting is to include the five senses.<br />
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<li>sight</li>
<li>touch</li>
<li>smell</li>
<li>sound</li>
<li>taste </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xA0O38foB8HtzitFTJwfR30rcjARgYYvwdzE0rjuF5feh40Va9IXJJTXd00reaVbqn6vpoHUWOh2xW7Y1sUGqTJ6nUOEJnV0TsuQVbgal-rc9WidK4js2iwR5Q8MZaGuEI8jsI43Z-Wk/s1600/choosingasetting.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xA0O38foB8HtzitFTJwfR30rcjARgYYvwdzE0rjuF5feh40Va9IXJJTXd00reaVbqn6vpoHUWOh2xW7Y1sUGqTJ6nUOEJnV0TsuQVbgal-rc9WidK4js2iwR5Q8MZaGuEI8jsI43Z-Wk/s200/choosingasetting.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-Scene-Crafting-Powerful-Story/dp/1582974799/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339356309&sr=8-1&keywords=make+a+scene" target="_blank">Make a Scene by Jordan Rosenfeld</a><br />
This is a fantastic resource for writers. <span id="freeTextContainer14117965164710745524">It explains the fundamentals of strong scene construction and other useful fiction-writing techniques such as character development, setting description, and </span>plot.<br />
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<b>Wishing on Daisies Progress: 16 days left</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Current Progress: 10381 <span style="color: #674ea7;">words</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - Complete. </span></div>
Chapter 6 - Still in Progress<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What do you think about setting? Are there any techniques that you use? </b></span></div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-40188312203500120252012-06-09T13:24:00.002-05:002012-06-10T15:14:48.681-05:00Book in a Month Pt 14: Choosing a POV<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxguxATCEt9Vc5zVCQxv6Qla4uSWsjEkdw_BUQ3oa3X84E_zILTFULCUcc2sfp5V6co-jqvi1v7q64QOym6KbIv5yeyN8YxYG7lGGXyj9i2A0KWqW31UAtBfgq_hvloBKSA3tdi8komEGi/s1600/choosing+a+pov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxguxATCEt9Vc5zVCQxv6Qla4uSWsjEkdw_BUQ3oa3X84E_zILTFULCUcc2sfp5V6co-jqvi1v7q64QOym6KbIv5yeyN8YxYG7lGGXyj9i2A0KWqW31UAtBfgq_hvloBKSA3tdi8komEGi/s320/choosing+a+pov.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Choosing POV or "Point of View" </b></div>
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<b>POV Struggles</b></div>
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<i>Wishing on Daisies</i> is written in 1st person, but now I am wondering if it should be 3rd person limited. At some point during the writing process I always seem to have a struggle with POV. Did I choose the correct one? Should I change it? I have heard other writers struggle with the same issues. Dealing with this uncertainty can create frustration that sucks up valuable writing time. Here is the information I have gathered on the most popular POVs to help you decide which one would be best for your story.<br />
<br />
<b>Why so Tense?</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Present tense has more immediacy but can be prone to drawing the reader out of the story if something doesn't sound right. </li>
<li>Past tense is more common but lacks the sense of immediate "in the moment" feeling of action.</li>
</ul>
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<b>1<sup>st</sup> Person: </b><br />
<b>Especially good for:</b> YA novels<b> </b></div>
<ul>
<li>Emotionally engaging, and very intimate.</li>
<li>The story takes place from the main character's POV, <i>everything </i>that happens is from their personal perspective.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Cons: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>If the main character didn't experience it then it can't be in the story (unless it happened behind the scenes.)</li>
<li>It is important that the main character is likeable, since the reader
will be in their head the whole time.</li>
<li>The story will be about one character, so it will not be as intimate with getting to know the other characters.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Examples</b>:<b> 1st Person Present Tense: </b></div>
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"No. This cannot be. Never. I enter the water defiantly and swim back to the underwater ridge. I dive and search. There must be others alive yet. I will save them." - From Sirena by Don na Jo Napoli<br />
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<b>1st Person Past Tense</b><br />
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"I'm
Beth," I finally squeaked out.</div>
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"Hey,
Beth"-he pointed his enormous hand at the duo, and I wondered how he could
pick his nose with fingers that large"-From The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger</div>
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<b>3<sup>rd</sup> Person Limited: </b><br />
<b>Especially good for:</b> romance novels, suspense novels<b><br /></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Can be as intimate as 1st but you can switch the POV from heroine to the
hero’s perspective, or even the villain's.</li>
<li>The author can write in their own language as opposed to the characters, and describe what happens them with less of a filter of personality.</li>
<li>Sometimes a bit of distance is a good thing for the reader to enjoy the story, where first person drags them through the story with one character's perspective. </li>
<li>If a reader disagrees with a character’s decisions or
personality, there is a little more space so they don’t feel stuck in the
character’s head. </li>
</ul>
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<b>Cons: </b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Each character will think differently and that needs to show. </li>
<li>It may be easy to "head pop" between character POVs.</li>
<li>It is more distanced compared to 1st person.</li>
<li>It is best to try to use only one POV per scene.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Example: 3rd Person Limited </b></div>
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"He left his lights on. Going
without backup into an isolated area after dark, he felt a familiar prickle
between his shoulder blades. Sweat slid down his spine.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Get over it. Your on World's End. Nothing
ever happens here.</i></div>
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Which was about
all he could hand now.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nothing.</i></div>
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He crossed the strip of trees,
thankful this particular stretch of beach wasn't all slippery rock, and stepped
silently onto the sand." -From Sea Witch by Virginia Kantra</div>
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<b>3<sup>rd</sup> Person Omniscient: </b><br />
<b>Especially good for: </b>Epic novels involving the struggles of many
characters, or characters in different places<br />
<ul>
<li>It can go between different character perspectives.</li>
<li>It gives the story a sense of vastness and grandeur.</li>
<li>The author can go wild with descriptions and narration of their own, giving their own thoughts and perspectives on what happens in the story.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Cons: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>This POV is the most distanced from the characters, and the less intimate.</li>
<li>Too much POV switching can pull the reader out of the story, or confuse them.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Example:</b><b> 3rd Person Omniscient </b>
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“The sacrifice is not of your body,”
he explained. His voice was cold in the darkness. “I is…of my humanity.”</div>
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Then the knife lowered, and she
found her voice. And scream-his name, protest of her love, a hundred supplications…but
it was too late, by that point. Had been too late, since true night fell.</div>
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There was
no one listening.” - From Black Sun Rising by C.S. Friedman<br />
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<b>So How Do I Choose?</b><br />
Although it shouldn't be the only deciding factor, consider what the most common POV is in the genre you are writing for. Pull out some of your favorite books from that genre and see what POV they are. However, it is also important to choose POV based the needs of the story.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>If you want to stick with one character, emphasizing their views, feelings, thoughts and voice and what they alone experience, consider 1st person.</li>
<li>If you want the feel and emotion of first but with a little more distance or with more flexibility to to add a second character's POV consider 3rd person limited. </li>
<li>If you want multiple character POVs, in multiple locations to provide a grander scope consider 3rd person omniscient.</li>
</ul>
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You can always test the waters. Write a scene in one POV then try in another and see which one you like better. What is your gut feeling?<br />
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<b> I am no expert on POV, so your input would be greatly appreciated! How do you choose
POV?</b></div>
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<b>Wishing on Daisies Progress</b></div>
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<b>Current Progress: <span style="color: #674ea7;">8568 words</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chapter 1, 2, 3, 4 - Complete. </span></b></div>
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<b>Chapter 5 - Still in Progress</b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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</div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102584452047598477.post-7233989805812928472012-06-07T11:22:00.000-05:002012-06-10T15:14:27.261-05:00Book in a Month Pt 13: Finding Time to Write<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdT6shfAJRDCCpj6i7mvCQUz0nUZcDM9_mVX0fuNp8IAemNYp4uyYPzXXiXQQvyk2VNeR04i-to1frQ0wspyWmdTMBkh3I80_FjgpM81qdmIwnRIAGJmeEgBkXKyM-G3TogonHhoAMdeD/s1600/time1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdT6shfAJRDCCpj6i7mvCQUz0nUZcDM9_mVX0fuNp8IAemNYp4uyYPzXXiXQQvyk2VNeR04i-to1frQ0wspyWmdTMBkh3I80_FjgpM81qdmIwnRIAGJmeEgBkXKyM-G3TogonHhoAMdeD/s320/time1.jpg" width="254" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Make Notes:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While I am writing a rough draft, things always seem come up that I never planned on. Usually new ideas, inconsistences, or changes that pop up in the middle of writing. When this happens, I’ve been making a quick note of the change in a notes section that I keep with a copy of my outline. I’ve found that this saves a lot of time. It is much easier for me to go forward with a change than to have to go back to make it retroactive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Carving Time:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another thing which has been a challenge is finding the time to write. There is only so much time in the day so I have had to make some sacrifices. I spend less time checking out other blogs, emailing and internet surfing. Poo! I also spend less time watching shows, and I have been making quick meals at home. Also, my dirty dishes have been pileing up lately…I better get to those soon before my room mates get angry! Hehe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Using Time Nuggets:</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I try to work on the story during my lunch at work, and late at night before bed. I'll think about my story when I first wake up and during my commute, or while waiting in line at the store. I try to plan to write for a half hour before doing something else like watching a show. These smaller chunks of writing time really add up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Try To Write Everyday</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have been trying to write at least once every day. By making this a daily goal, I have been writing a lot more. Also, by posting my progress on my blog I feel accountable to write because I don't want to say that I havn't made any progress. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>How and when do you find time to write?</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Wishing on Daisies Progress</b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Current Progress: <span style="color: #674ea7;">6393 words</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chapter 1, 2, 3 - Complete. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span></div>
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<b>Chapter 4 - Still in Progress</b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>Andrea Teaganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02050710871603076745noreply@blogger.com16