Archive for March, 2011

March 31st, 2011

Crits for Water

by Holly Dodson
Crits for Water is being hosted by Kat Brauer from March 31st – June 31st

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The idea is that for every $1 you donate to Crits for Water, Kat will critique 250 words from your MS.

She has also got some special guest critiquers (which work on a different scale for donations).  You can see the list HERE, but some of the names included are Susan Dennard, Joanna Volpe, Sara Kendall, The Rejectionist, and many more!

Charity: Water is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing clean water to the estimated 1 billion people on earth who do not have access to it, and all donations go directly to the field.  A super worthy cause, wouldn’t you say?

This is a huge opportunity for you to make a difference in someone’s life, and still benefit from it!

Categorycritiques, Writing | CommentNo Comments »

March 30th, 2011

The WIAWAB Blogfest

by Holly Dodson
You know that Samurai with Blue Lipstick you see running about here and there?  Well, in her supreme awesomeness, she is hosting the most amazing blogfest today that I am proud to take part in. May I present the:
When I Actually Write A Book, You Will Be Acknowledged Blogfest.

Or, WIAWAB Acknowledgements Blogfest.

March 30 write an acknowledgement blurb for 12 people, with 12 reasons. But not just ANY twelve people:
  • 3 people you know IRL.
  • 3 people you know online.
  • 1 person who has died.
  • 1 person you never met.
  • 1 person you met once.
  • 1 couple (so, 2 people).
  • 1 author. 

I’m going to be serious with mine, because I’m in a serious mood.  :)   So, fair warning.

Acknowledgements:

There are so many people to thank, even so early in my writing journey.  I’d like to start by thanking my sister.  Not only is she my shoulder to lean on, but she has been there since I put the first word to the page of my first novel, never wavering in her dedication to cheering me on.

My son, who is my ever-present inspiration.  Any time I feel like giving up, I look at him and find the strength to keep going.  I don’t want to tell him he can do anything, I want to show him.

I’d also like to thank my brother, Robby.  Even though he’s no longer with us, he has inspired me more than words can ever express.  It’s through the sorrow of losing him that I found the thing that makes me happiest.  I miss him every day.

An extreme amount of thanks and love goes out to my critique partner and beta readers, Susan, Erinn, Alicia, and Katherine.  You guys are amazing.  I’m so lucky that I get to call you all my friends.  Without you there to run to when I’m having a freakout moment, I don’t know what I’d do.  And, let’s face it, my writing would suck without you too.

To JK Rowling, thank you for showing me that even though I may be struggling now, it doesn’t mean I can’t go for my dreams.

Jessica Sinsheimer, the first literary agent I ever met in real life, thank you for being so kind and encouraging.  At the beginning of my journey, (which is where I was at the time) I really needed that.

Thanks to my mom and step-dad for listening to me constantly ramble about all things literary, even though they had no idea what any of it meant.  And thanks to my (other) brother for always remembering to ask how the writing is coming.  It means more than you know.

Categoryacknowledgements, blogfest, Writing | CommentNo Comments »

March 29th, 2011

Book Recommendations – Two for One!

by Holly Dodson

Well, since I didn’t give you a recommendation last week, and I’ve got another post planned for this Thursday, you get a double recommendation today! Yay!

Up first, You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

You Wish 

Blurb from Goodreads: “Kayla McHenry’s sweet sixteen sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla’s secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin’ do. Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year’s supply of gumballs arrives. A boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of the same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla’s wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride . . . but they MUST STOP. Because when she was fifteen? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her. And Ben is her best friend’s boyfriend.”



Pure. Awesome.


Let me tell you, if you are looking for a book that demonstrates the perfect character arc, this is it.  It’s quick, it’s funny, and it’s just plain fun to read.  Kayla is a great MC, and you really can’t help but feel sorry for her.  Especially when gumballs keep falling out of her pockets.  ;)


Definitely a must!

 

Second, we have Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (2nd book in the Hex Hall series)

 
Blurb from Goodreads: “Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?”
 
If you enjoyed Hex Hall, you’ll love the second installment.  
 
Sophie is back, and this time, she’s faced with even more danger than the terrifying Alice.  The Eye is out to get her, she’s stuck in the Council’s headquarters in London with her dad and two very creepy demons, and best of all, Archer keeps showing up.
 
I’m going to warn you, though.  CLIFFHANGER OF EPIC PROPORTIONS.  Just so you know.  lol  Now…when does the third book come out???  ;)  

Categorybooks, READ IT NOW | CommentNo Comments »

March 28th, 2011

Playlists of Awesome

by Holly Dodson

So, I was adding to my playlist for writing this weekend.  I’ve come to enjoy writing to these happy, peppy girl songs.  I don’t know how else to describe them, but anyway, I found a song as I was browsing itunes that made me think, “Um, was this written for HAPPILY NEVER AFTER?”

I was giddy when I found it, so of course I have to share with you.

 

“Heroes & Thieves” by Vanessa Carlton

 

Categoryinspiration, music, Writing | CommentNo Comments »

March 25th, 2011

Flash Fiction Friday #3: No, really…it’s me.

by Holly Dodson

http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1256705590/paperhangoverbutton.PNGIt’s that time again!  My buddies over at Paper Hangover and I are doing another Flash Fiction Friday.

Here’s the gist. Each week, one of us we’ll give you some kind of writing prompt–it won’t always be stories, just something to get those creative juices flowing. If you want to participate, just leave your link in the comments and we’ll stop by and see your work. Easy, right??

This week’s topic:

“In 300 words or less, write a story that begins with “It’s not you, it’s me…”
“It’s not you, it’s me, Teddy.  I just can’t go on like this.”  I run my hand through the wild tangle of curls I call hair.  “People are talking, Teddy.  There are whispers, and I don’t think I can handle it.”
I pause at turn to look at him sitting there on my bed.
“You understand, don’t you?  I’ve got to take this chance to make my mark on the world.  Go places I’ve never been.  Make new friends.  And there’s just….”  I sigh.  “There’s just not room for you in that life.”
I step toward the bed and lift my teddy bear into my arms, hugging him with all the strength I have.  “This is goodbye.  I hope you can forgive me.”
Well, that was a short one today!  Hope you enjoyed it.  :)    Also, don’t forget to enter my Blogoversary Giveaway!!

CategoryFlash Fiction Friday, Writing | CommentNo Comments »

March 24th, 2011

Blogoversary Celebration!

by Holly Dodson

Today, lovelies, my blog turns one!  Naturally, to celebrate the occasion, I want to give YOU a few gifts.

I’ve got THREE prizes to give away.

One winner will get a $15 gift certificate to the online book retailer of their choice!

Another winner will receive a preorder of WHERE SHE WENT by Gayle Foreman!

And a final winner will receive a preorder of SUPERNATURALLY by Kiersten White!

Preorders will get a choice of ebook or hard copy.  *Update*  Thanks to Claire for cluing me in on the Book Depository, the contest is open internationally!  Everyone can enter!

To enter?  Submit this form!  Extra points for tweeting/blogging, but it’s not required at all.  You must, however, be a follower to enter.  Because this is meant as a thank you to the people have stuck with me over the last year, and the ones that will into the future.  :)   Muah!  You guys are the best blog buddies ever!

Contest closes at midnight on April 1.  Ha.  How’s that for an April fools day?  I’ll announce the winners on April 4th.  Good luck!

 

Categorybooks, contest | CommentNo Comments »

March 23rd, 2011

Road Trip Wednesday

by Holly Dodson


Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YAHighway posts a weekly writing- or reading-related question and we answer the prompt on our own blogs.

This Week’s Topic:
Which book character would you like most as a next door neighbor?
 

Well, right now I’m reading DEMONGLASS by Rachel Hawkins…and I don’t think I want any sassy prodigium to move in next door.  I don’t like the idea of bringing the whole world of magic down on my head.  Yikes.

It might be entertaining to have Kayla from YOU WISH by Mandy Hubbard next door.  I mean, then you get to watch her battle her dolls-come-to-life, a life-sized pink pony, and ridiculous amounts of gumballs.  Yes, that would make for quite a show.

What about you?  What character would you like to live next door?

Categorybooks, RTW, YAHighway | CommentNo Comments »

March 22nd, 2011

Poll Time!

by Holly Dodson

Ha, I’m in the mood for a little fun.  And I’ve got much work to do, so easy is good.

I want your opinions once again, fellow blog buddies.  The last poll on my MS title was super successful, so I have come again to ask your thoughts.

Poll 1:


Poll 2:


I can’t wait to see your answers! :) Feel free to discuss in the comments…

Categoryjust for fun, polls, Writing | CommentNo Comments »

March 21st, 2011

Writing Slumps

by Holly Dodson

I’m in a rut.  A writing rut.  And I don’t like it here.

It’s not the ideas — I’ve got plenty of those.  Plots?  Check.  Awesome characters?  Check.  Words?  Nada.

*cry*

It happens to all of us, I know.  You sit there and stare at that document willing words to come to you.  Any words, really, even if they’re crap.  But none show up.

And I’m sure it’s caused by something different for everyone.  Stress, being busy, being upset, life…you know, normal everyday things.

It hurts, doesn’t it?  It’s physically painful to sit there and stare at the screen and have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO WRITE.  I mean, what kind of freaking life would that be — a wordless one?  It’d be sad…no, worse than sad.  It’d be plain old awful.

But then we all know that with time, and a refusal to give up, the words will return.  They’ll flow again if we just hang on.  Keep staring at that screen, keep developing those voices in our heads.  (No matter how crazy it makes us sound.)

Anybody with me?  What do you do to get out of a slump other than power through it in the most (im)patient way possible?

Don’t worry…I’ll keep staring at the blank page until the words come.  This isn’t defeat, it’s war.  ;)

CategoryWriting | CommentNo Comments »

March 18th, 2011

Flash Fiction Friday #2

by Holly Dodson

http://a0.twimg.com/profile_images/1256705590/paperhangoverbutton.PNG

Each week, Paper Hangover gives some kind of writing prompt–something to get those creative juices flowing. If you want to participate, just leave your link in the comments over there so we can all read what you write.

This week’s prompt is:

In 300 words or less, write a story beginning with the cliche, “Another one bites the dust.”

I’m working on dialogue this week:

“Another one bites the dust,” I whisper into my cell phone.

My sister’s voice sounds distant on the other end of the phone, like she’s not really paying attention.  “That’s great, Sis.  How’d you do it?”

I roll my head to the right to brace the phone between my face and shoulder so I can wash my hands in the sink.  “It wasn’t easy.  I had to chase the little devil all through the park.”  Grimy suds drop into the sink as I attempt to scrub my hands clean.

“Did he try hiding in the tree like last time?”

I sigh.  “Yes.  Of course.  And, you know, I’m really not as limber as I used to be.  It is not as easy to climb a tree as it looks.”

My sister’s laugh booms through the phone.  “You tried to climb up after him?  That’s priceless.”

“Ha.  Yeah, I put on quite a show for the other moms.  At least they had enough class not to laugh at me.”  My sister bursts out laughing, and I have to pull the phone away from my ear with a wet hand before my eardrum explodes.  “Thanks, Sis.”

“But kiddo is sleeping now?” she giggles.

“Yeah, out like a light.”

CategoryFlash Fiction Friday, Paper Hangover, Writing | Comment3 Comments »

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