Adrianna Davis

This week (November 21st - 28th), we will be featuring Author Adrianna Davis and her book Discovering Fire!

Discovering Fire

Sapphire Marie Baker has a secret. One that is tearing her apart. She needs to get it out, but is worried about being shunned by her friends and family. Can she find the strength to discover who she is? Or will the secret kill her?

Published by TitanInKorp.

Adrianna Davis is from Buffalo, NY, but considers Arkansas to be her home. She is a 22 year old author who loves writing and her family more than anything. She is the author of Discovering Fire and The Journey Series. Be here to keep up to date with her latest goings on.  

For more information on her, please click her name above to be directed to her facebook author page! 

Distractions

Okay, okay, I will admit that Prince Lestat by Anne Rice has had me distracted for the past few days, so I'm now writing this post with advice about them (although I will probably ignore my own advice and carry on reading).

- DO NOT WATCH ANYTHING WHILE YOU'RE WRITING - Now we know Facebook and Youtube are covered in funny cat videos, but DO NOT WATCH THEM! Turn Facebook off. Make sure your television is off too (and if not, make sure you're at least turned away from it, but I would say turn it off).

- CLOSE ALL OTHER WINDOWS - There's no need to be on Facebook or YouTube or Twitter or Fanfiction.net or anything other than the book you're working on (unless you do what I do and use you tube for music)

- DO NOT ANSWER THE PHONE - With this being said, answer it if it's an emergency, but other than that, no. Put it away. Don't worry about the gossip, it'll still be there after you've written 1,000 words if not more.

Personally, I put on music without words, something that will set a mood. By all means, YouTube has "emotional" mixes that can go on for up to 10 hours (and if you have that much time to write, I am HIGHLY impressed and say YOU ROCK)!

Distractions happen everywhere, but don't let it stop you from finishing your book! Don't take me as a role model either because that's exactly what I do!!

Critics and How to Take Them

So, the hardest part about being a writer is dealing with the critics. Now, I'll state my age here. I'm 21 and most of what I write is Young Adult Fantasy and whatnot and well, what I face is a lot of critics. People see my age and the number one comment I get, especially for my love of the English and Latin language and putting things into complicated wordings, is "why do you write Young Adult books? You could do so much better."

Yeah, maybe I could pull out a novel that has a similar technique to Anne Rice (not that it would be of any comparison to hers, just throwing something out there), but let's face it. Sometimes books like that are hard to read for most people.

I'm 21. I read both YA and adult novels of all things and my favorite books range far and wide in both aspects. A lot of authors face this problem of the critics, but honestly, it doesn't matter. The critics don't matter. You can listen to what they say and maybe even take it into consideration, but let's face it. The only person you have to make happy with your writing is YOU. Granted, I would aim to get some fans and make them happy with you're writing. You wouldn't want to piss everyone off!

Happy writing!

NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo is a tradition in which an author sells their soul in the month of November. Okay, well, it doesn't just have to be November as there are NaNoWriMo camps in what... April and June, I believe. Anyway, the goal is to write an entire novel in just one month. As much as it sounds impossible, it is very much possible.

The thing is to just sit down and write. In October, you're supposed to plan as much as you can (if you do planning as a writer) so the next month, you're all ready to write it all out. Now, as easy as it sounds to write an entire book in a day, you sadly have to write about what, 1,500 words everyday and there seems to be no room for writer's block. You're not supposed to worry about grammar and that's when the grammar nazi in me cringes.

To Prepare in October:

The main thing you want to do in October is prepare. This would mean that you get your basic plot, and your Main Character and side characters names and quite possibly personalities (I wait until the character shows me their personality, but to each their own). I'd come up with the basic outline and names of towns so I wouldn't get caught up writing about them and think of all my main scenes and their descriptions.

All in all, NaNoWriMo is a learning experience. You either sit and are dedicated or you don't and the goal isn't met. I envy the people who can sit and on day 16, their novel is complete. That is not something I personally can do, but still! Congratulate them.

If you're participating in April for Camp NaNoWriMo, good luck!

Inspiration

Inspiration is something that can come from anything around you. Slow down or, as the saying goes, "slow down and smell the roses". That's exactly what needs to be done here.

As far as beginning, you want a unique story idea. Now, let's face it. This is hard to come by. This is hard to do. Why? So many books and movies have been written, combining so many ideas. That's when people sit there and say "It's kinda like a cross between this, and this, and this..." And maybe they're right. Maybe the inspiration for that book they're talking about was all of those things! That's not necessarily a bad thing.

My personal advice, read EVERYTHING. My inspiration comes from other books or movies that I watch. I can get a book idea by taking something from a movie and twisting it around and adding my own things in there and I know others do the same. MAKE IT YOUR OWN!

Honestly, when I write, I try to watch movies that are in the same genre to try to get some inspiration. That or I have a tab open on youtube and I'm searching for emotional music, something that goes along with the scene I'm writing (I'm a music major anyway, don't judge)! You want to do anything and everything you can to come up with something that you love. Don't write for anyone else. Write for you!

The Importance of Rejection Letters

I sent in a short story to a literary magazine and January and heard back from them less than a week ago. Actually, I had completely forgotten about submitting to them so when I was told that no, they didn't want to publish my work, I didn't really feel bad about it. However, this is not always the case with writers and sometimes a rejection can be absolutely devastating to an up-and-coming author.

Many people only have their friends and family read their work, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The 'bad thing' is that these people often are overly nice in order to spare the writer's feelings, not understanding how detrimental it can be later. Say the young writer named Jane gives a story to her friend Rose. Upon Jane's request, Rose reads it with the purpose of providing feedback. While the piece isn't necessarily bad, Rose feels that it is too forced in areas and doesn't have a real connection with the main character in Jane's story. Instead of telling Jane this, which will help her improve the story in question as well as any future stories, Rose says she had no comments on the story so far and wanted to see more about it. This may seem like a little white lie common to tell a good friend, over time it accumulates and can lead to poor writing and extremely negative reactions to receiving criticism.

There was a story posted very recently about a woman who received a very harsh one-star review on her book and instead of shrugging it off, the author commented on all of the woman's reviews, stalked her social media pages, and actually pretended to be someone taking a census-type survey so she could get the woman's address and confront her face-to-face. These are the kinds of situations that can come from not giving writers proper feedback.

This is where rejection letters come in. I have seen many-a-writer consider giving up the passion all together because they got six rejection letters in a row. While it can be a deterrent to a young author to be told. "No," so many times, it shouldn't be enough to put you off entirely. However, due to flowery, "Oh it's so good!" comments from close family and friends, they are not used to hearing negative stuff about their work.

A rejection letter doesn't even mean that the story is bad, per say. Look at the Harry Potter series, which is widely regarded as one of the best series of all time. It was rejected many times before publication but JK Rowling persevered on until she got that ever-so-important, "YES! WE WANT YOUR BOOK!"

Too many authors strive for that, fail, and give up. Even though it is important to give very honest feedback rather than sugar coating, it is also important to be given a negative response to an inquiry every once in awhile. Why? Because it pushes you to better your work so the next letter with be the one every author has been waiting for.

The Importance of Writing Rituals

Everyone has a ritual, whether they realize it or not. Some people have candy or coffee within arms reach, others have to be listening to a very specific song/genre/artist of music. No matter what you do, these rituals are very important and help define you as an author.

I once met an author who set aside a very specific set of scenes to write each day and would plan the scenes to the last detail before actually writing them. She joined a creative writing workshop at the local community college and they gave random prompts and a very specific amount of time in which to complete the prompts before the end of each meeting, which was to her detriment. Whenever she sat down and planned something out her writing was spectacular, but when she was given 10 minutes and a two sentence prompt her writing was less than enjoyable. This wasn't something she was proud of, considering the comments many people in her workshop made while reviewing what she wrote in class - which was all they were allowed to workshop in this particular class. She would have preferred to discuss what was written in class over what she did in her free time.

If you have a writing ritual, follow it! Just because I am a pantser and the author above is a planner doesn't mean planning will work well for me and pantsing will be effective for her, which is evident through past events.

If you write in the nude while standing on your head and reciting the alphabet backwards, then by all means you do right by yourself. Don't let anyone tell you that your writing rituals make you a bad writer because, chances are, they are what helps you be a great one.

Book Cover Advice

So you finally finished writing that novel, right? It's all edited and you think it's ready to go. The only thing you're missing is a BOOK COVER!

Now, trust me, there are plenty of people out there who could "make" you a book cover, but let's face it - not all of them should. There are people who will take advantage of you and create something that you don't necessarily like or something that isn't legible. There are people out there who are unprofessional or overly expensive, but let's talk about everything YOU need to know about book covers.

FIRST - DESIGN:

You want something that stands out, but don't compromise what YOU have in mind due to the limitations of an artist. Your image that you have is embedded in your mind for a reason. However, it might need a little tweaking and every artist will incorporate a little of themselves into the cover. Personally, I tend to lean towards something colorful.

For example:

Here is a premade cover available at Hearts on Fire Editing. I love the colors that are present and how the woman stands. It's a unique design and while it is a stock image, the effects that were placed on it adds just a little something to the image.

Another Example:

This is only the ebook cover for Shadows of Pandora by Gwen Selix, but it's gorgeous and not all that "bright" and colorful per say. It's dark and adds a bit of mystery all while keeping the image that the author had in mind. Kate Marie Robbins designed the cover for Pure Ice Publishing and worked closely with the author. It works well with the story line as well.

You want to find something that isn't necessarily simple, but you don't want to overdo it. Too many things going on with the cover won't attract people. It will in fact turn them away from it, reducing your sales.

Second - Size:

Now, the sizing isn't that important for an ebook cover, but for print, you do want someone who knows what they're doing. Sizing is important. If you want a 5.5 x 8.5 book (the size that I personally use), you don't want a cover artist who will give you a 4 x 6 or something like that. This is where photoshop comes in handy. Cover artists can manipulate the image to be the correct size that is needed for you. IF PUBLISHING THROUGH CREATESPACE - REMEMBER TO TELL YOUR COVER ARTIST THAT YOUR WORDS NEED TO BE 0.5" AWAY FROM THE EDGES OR CREATESPACE WILL NOT ACCEPT IT. That is something important to remember.

Now, when you meet a cover artist - remember to ask them what system they use for photo editing. If it's something other than photoshop, I would be weary of using them, to be honest. This isn't because
 of skill. This is because to be a paperback, you need to edit the resolution (or the dots per inch) and there aren't many things that do this other than photoshop. The Resolution (or DPI) is what will keep your image from coming out printed with pixelated.

Third - Personality:

As far as designers go, you want someone who will talk to you and take your input. Now, if you give them free reign over something, you should expect something that is very much like them. Maybe you want something soft and sweet, but the cover designer you've hired is more into something hard. That doesn't mean there can't be a middle compromise in it all. There can be things that are soft with a slight edginess to it. There are covers that are soft with edginess to them.

This is something I can't think of an example of off the top of my head, but once I do, I will post it.


Forth - Fonts

The fonts and their placement play a MAJOR factor in a cover. Say your cover is something with a sweet and innocent kind of image with a big, bold, font smack in the middle of the image. Of course you don't want it covering your model to the point where it's taking away from the image. Instead, you want something that would compliment the model, showing her (or him) off. Listen to your advice from your cover artist. They have usually been doing the business for many years or have learned something from someone else, but overall, follow your gut.

Colors of the font can be a hard thing to figure out. Did you get a cover where the font is hard to read? There are different effects you can apply to the image to smooth it out or darken/lighten it, but work and experiment with different colors to see if there is one that is more legible than the others.

Here's an example from Hearts on Fire Editing:

Now, the artist started off in a purple font, thinking it would compliment the image, but it's a little hard to read as it goes across the model. No matter where you place it, it gets a little difficult to read, but playing with font colors, this was what she came up with as a final:

Now, while the green is still a little difficult to read, it's better than the purple. Also, from experience, the green font will be easier to read once it's printed versus the purple. It also compliments the image, giving the image a different viewpoint than the purple. While the purple complimented the background, drawing the attention to the landscape, the green compliments the model, bringing out the yellows in her collar.

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Now, the cover design is all you. If you don't like where something is going, SCRATCH IT and start again. The cover artists are there to service YOU, not the other way around.Find something that you can afford and go from there. Take a deep breath. It's just one more obstacle in the way of you publishing your book. You are closer to being there than you were a month ago. Take this knowledge and talk about it! Don't be afraid to say you don't like something! This is something YOU are putting YOUR name on (and something your cover designer is putting their name on as the design for the image goes to them in your copyright page).

There is more advice on book covers that can continue this, but it will be made at a later day!

Cameo Renae - ARV-3

Recommendations

Featuring Cameo Renae - click on the book titles for links to Amazon.com :)

ARV-3

The After Light Saga Book One

A nuclear fallout wiped out every living thing on the planet, except for a few thousand of us who took shelter in underground bunkers across the globe. Now, after thirteen long years, we were finally able to return to the topside to begin to rebuild.

We thought we were alone. We were never more wrong.

Before the fallout, scientists had worked on creating an anti-radiation vaccine (ARV). The first two attempts failed, but despite the incomplete tests and results, the government approved and distributed the third serum to the masses in an effort to aid those who had no shelter.

It worked, keeping those who remained on the topside alive, but it also altered and mutated them. This new and infectious threat had completely outnumbered us. Now, we not only had to rebuild our planet. We would have to fight for it.

My name is Abigail Park. I'm seventeen, and this is my story.

Because of recent reviews stating editing issues, ARV-3 has been re-edited and revised. The new copy has been uploaded, and is better than ever!!!

****Now being made into a short-film by Timid Monster.**** 

The beginning of the end. The Apocalypse.

 Sanctum

The After Light Saga Book Two

The Arvy threat worsens each day. They continue to destroy the hives vital fuel resources, leaving us with one option--evacuate to the largest government bunker, located in South Dakota.

The injured hive members are moved as first priority, but a disastrous event occurs on the way to our drop-off zone. We find ourselves in a ghost town, surrounded by spiteful, revenge-filled Arvies. Chaos ensues and our death toll rises. Just when we think the end has come, unsuspected help arrives. We are rescued and brought to an underground bunker.

They call it Sanctum.

With no way of reaching outside help, we must depend on each other to reach our pick-up zone, thirty miles away. If we don't make it in time, we will be left for dead.

Time is ticking.

My name is Abigail Park. I am a survivor.

The Iron King - Book Review

So, I've recently started a new series, something that I've been working on reading in my spare time by +Julie Kagawa and it's absolutely amazing. Let me tell you a little about book one.

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis:

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny--one she could never have imagined...

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school...or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth-- that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face...and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

My Review:

Now, don't let the synopsis confuse you. The Iron King is written in first person and moves rather fast. From beginning to end, I was left with questions that pressed me to read more and more until it was finished. Once I did finish it, I was thankful that I have also bought book two and continued on immediately. It was definitely worth it to buy and read this book and you meet so many interesting and creative people that you fall in love immediately. I have fallen in love with this series.

Sentences Beginning with "I"

When I personally write in first person a lot, but there's one issue that we seem to run into, right? How many times can you begin a sentence with "I"? Too many.

I took a deep breath and sighed before I crossed my arms. I was giving in and I knew it. I wanted nothing more than to run away and forget all about it, but I couldn't. I was a prisoner here. 

Now, every sentence there begins with "I", but can't we change that? Can't we also make it sound more interesting? Let's try.

The wind whistled as it pulled my hair, making my sigh all but inaudible. My arms became tangled as I folded them over my chest. I was giving in. My greatest desire was to run away and forget about it. No longer did I want to be a prisoner here.

Okay, so my writing is a tad bit formal, but you get the gist. You can reword things. Don't start every sentence with "I" and it will capture the reader's attention better! Just ignore the fact that that example sucked! :P 

Looking for Perfection

When you're writing, or at least when I write, I always look for perfection. That sound has to be described perfectly, that sight - everything has to be perfect. Grammar, spelling, sights, sounds, descriptions, looks - everything has to be perfect.

But that's not the truth.It doesn't HAVE to be that way. The thing is, that's what editors are for. Focusing on the perfection while you're writing is something that ultimately takes your attention away from the plot and makes it lack a certain something. It will mean that you would have more editing coming your way when it is finally that time.

Take your time, slow down (unless you have a deadline, in that case, the pressure is on! Anyway, yes. Take your time, forget about the grammar, remember your details, and, this one is important, remember why you write. 

Remembering Details

So, when you're writing or thinking about a plot, most authors don't think about one important thing that can help a reader realy get involved in the story and help YOU on your word count.

One Word...

Are you ready?

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Details


Details are important for many reasons. One, yes. It gets the reader involved. I feel more and can imagine more when more details are given. It might be insignificant to you, but describe the main character's dress and shoes! Describe all the rooms they move into, but don't stop there.

Use your five senses!

Sight: Describe clothes, facial features, body movements, is that piece of paper blowing in the slight breeze?
Sound: Is there a hum of a fan? Is the TV on in the background? Is someone talking? Is someone laughing in the background that reminds your character of a witch's cackle?
Touch: Did you character absentmindedly run their hand against something? Smooth or rough? Did they kiss someone? DESCRIBE IT!
Smell: What does the food around them smell like? Are they in the city with foul odors? Or is there an air freshener around? Is something burning?
Taste: What did the kiss taste like? What was your character eating?

All of these are important for a reader and more important for you. Trust me, IT MATTERS!

Author Bree Vanderland - Amor Vincit Omnia Sneak Peek

Author Bree Vanderland was tagged to go to page SEVEN of her current WIP, start on line SEVEN and post the next SEVEN lines. Here are her results:

This is from Amor Vincit Omnia (Love Conquers All):

“Father,” I dipped into a curtsey and rose up, standing straight with my head held high. I was the princess. I was the one that would inherit the throne. I was the one that would one day take over and rule the Winter Court. But I didn’t want any of it.

“Please, leave us.” My mother was the one that spoke now, her voice was quiet and soft, the complete opposite of my father, but still someone who came across as intimidating. Those who were on either side of the carpet left the room in silence. The only sound were heels of many women clicking on the tiled floor.

Turning Dreams into Books

Okay, so let's all admit that we have some weird dreams, am I right? Well, some actually could be used for unique book ideas! Crazy, I know, but there's a process you can go through to get that crazy dream into the beginning of a plot for a book.

Let's take my dream for last night for example since I'll never have time to write it. I was homeless in a weird world where there were beings that took after animals (I think an episode of Grey's Anatomy came into that play though). It was like a combination of Monsters Vs. Aliens, The Iron Prophecy series, and some final Fantasy thing but anyway... I was homeless, but then I was captured and forced to work in the Queen's garden with other weird creatures, not that I was a weir creature. I was human. There was one way to win your freedom though and that was a dance challenge that took place every month. The prince and a hedgehog helped me learn and soon enough, I was dressed and ready to take the challenge. 

Well, when the Queen said I'm nothing, the prince stood and said he loved me and wanted to marry me. The Queen was furious and wanted to kill me, but then the princess came in and was dressed in some futuristic outfit with a silver mask (I honestly have no idea where this came from) and said she was going to war with the Queen. Everyone had to chose sides. The only downside was that the Princess didnt want the weird animal creatures to live. The Prince didn't choose a side. He wanted to run with me. We tried, but ultimately ended up on the Princess' ship which was also futuristic. There were a lot of sensors and yeah, that's when I woke up.

I'll face that it's a strange dream and well, it's missing a LOT of a plot, but we can figure it out. 

First, I would say my name is important. Why am I homeless? Where did the weird talking animal things come from? Mutations? Chemical? How did I get captured (because how wasn't in my dream or at least, I don't remember how)?

Dreams can be turned into book ideas, but let's face it - a lot of times, we will be faced with more questions than answers. This doesn't mean that it's impossible. I've turned dreams into books before. You can too!

Interview with Bree Vanderland

We've also conducted an interview with Author Bree (Brianna) Vanderland and here are her answers. Again, we have two different sets of questions, the second set being crazy and optional! Here are her answers!

1.       What does your writing process look like?

It’s honestly a mess! I have something to eat, something to drink, me in my pajamas! Not really a sight that anyone wants to see.

2.       Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower)?

I don’t know how to answer this. I honestly don’t think I do, do I? I don’t think I do and I certainly don’t write in the shower!

3.       What book do you wish you could have written?

This is a difficult one. I’m not sure. I’m jealous of these bestseller authors and their success even though one of my books hit the bestsellers list, but they’re doing so well and GAH! I wouldn’t say I wished I wrote any of their books.

4.       Just as your books inspire authors, what authors have inspired you to write?

Cameo Renae was a GREAT help in everything. When I startedgetting serious about writing and publishing, she helped by giving me a LOT of advice and helping me reach my goals.

5.       If you could cast your characters in the Hollywood adaptation of your book, who would play your characters?

This is another hard question. I think Michelle Trechenburg would be a good idea to play Lily from Dark Crown. I’ve alwayys admired her since Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I would be happy to have her.

6.       How important are names to you in your books? Do you choose the names based on liking the way it sounds or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing resources you recommend?

I choose names that I like. For my upcoming books, my main character’s name is Kaylin and another important character is Viessa. I like names that are unique and stand out.

7.       What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

If I can help give advice to just one person, then I feel like I’ve done my job. Shatter Me has reached #1 on Amazon in it’s category though, so that really helps too!

8.       Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Let’s see… I’m… that old… and in ten years, I’ll be this old and I think I could be… Anywhere I want to be. Why should I put a limitation on it or even try to guess where I’ll be.

9.       Were you already a great writer? Have you always like to write?

I like to consider myself a GOOD writer, but at the same time, I feel like there’s always room for improvement.  I have always loved to write something whether it be grocery lists or homework assignment, but as a musician, we’re told one thing in all of our classes – there’s always room for improvement.

10.   What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?

My advice to all writers is to never give up. There will always be people who will try to bring down your success, but don’t let them. There’s no need to have those negative in your life, no matter how painful it is to leave those people behind.

11.   If you didn't like writing books, what would you do for a living?

I would bake! I love baking and I would do it all day every day if I could. I bake around the holidays, cakes, and cupcakes, and cookies… hang on… I need a cookie.

12.   Are you a plotter or a pantster?

Honestly, I’m a pantster… I don’t plan much, I just write. I know the beginning and the ending and everything else that happens is the character’s choice. I listen to them and I write everything.

13.   Do you read your reviews? Do you respond to them, good or bad? Do you have any advice on how to deal with the bad?

I do read all of my reviews as I like to know what people like and what they don’t like. As far as the reviews, no, I don’t respond to any of them unless they’re people in my street team who post them in the group I have. As far as dealing with bad reviews, take into consideration what they said, what they didn’t like, and leave it be. I read about the one author who practically stalked a blogger because she gave her a bad review and that’s way too much. Just know that you can’t please everyone.

14.   What is your best marketing tip?

SHARE YOUR BOOK – EVERYWHERE! I would contact a local newspaper as many of them are interested in interviewing a local author. Also, look at different review pages on Facebook. They would read, review, and more than likely do an author interview or an author takeover.

15.   What is your least favorite part of the publishing / writing process?

Editing my own damn work. I can edit other people’s pieces, but I can’t edit my own and it’s frustrating.

16.   Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?

Honestly, I don’t know. I feel like I would be up to writing much of anything, but I would have to try. Like, all of my books so far are Fantasy or Romance or Anti-bullying stances. I would love to expand, but a little at a time.

17.   Do you have a favorite conference to attend? What is it?

Currently I haven’t been to any, although I wish I had the time and money to go. I keep hearing about UtopYA and I feel like that would be my favorite since literally ALL of my favorite authors go! So jealous over here!

18.   Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

My anti-bullying stories are always hard for me to write. They always have something that is near and dear to my heart. Many of them leave me crying by the end of them.

19.   How many books have you published if any?

I have quite a few out on amazon and B&N.com.  I think with Drowning Destiny now on preorder, I have eight out!

20.   What are you working on now? What is your next project?

My current project is to get Drowning Destiny edited for the release on December 7^th. I have started a new book and so far, it’s still in the beginning stages. It’s title is AmorVincit Omnia (Latin for Love Conquers All) and it is a Fantasy Romance of elves! I’m excited about this and hopefully everyone else is too!

Crazy Author Interview Questions (Optional)

1.      Do you write naked?

No, I don’t write naked! I am usually in my pajamas!

2.      What is your biggest failure?

My biggest failure? Would getting a C in Statistics count? I try my best at everything I do and to me, that isn’t a failure no matter the outcome.

3.      What is the biggest lie you've ever told?

Do we really have to get into this? I know they’re crazy questions, but that is a crazy personal question!

4.      Have you ever been in trouble with the police?

Only if you count my car accidents!

5.      Have you ever gotten into a bar fight?

No. I’m a non-adventerous person!

6.      Characters often find themselves in situations they aren't sure they can get themselves out of. When was the last time you found yourself in a situation that was hard to get out of and what did you do?

I think the last major situation I was involved in was someone harassing me online, trying to bring me down. For awhile I let them, but one day you realize that enough is enough and you can’t put yourself through that anymore. I know that’s crazy and something so simple, but it still takes a lot out of you.

7.      Do you drink? Smoke? 

Occasionally I drink, but I NEVER smoke. My lungs are bad enough without adding to them.

8.      What is your biggest fear?

Spiders. I hate spiders. That and losing the ones I love the most.

9.      What do you want your tombstone to say?

I’d rather not think about this. Hopefully I’m far away frm death and don’t have to think about it anytime soon!

10.  If you had a superpower, what would it be?

The ability to type and read super fast. Then I would put out all the books that I have stored in my brain!

11.  If you were a super hero, what would your name be? What costume would you wear?

How about Super Bree? I like that idea! I would wear pajamas, messy hair, and the “yesterday’s makeup” kind of look only because I’d be too lazy!

12.  What literary character is most like you?

If I’m being honest, I would say Hermione Granger. While I was in school, that’s most of what I thought about, but out of school, after high school, I grew and realized that there are more important things than school. There are people out there scared to wake up that morning because they’re being bullied and there are people that are starving.

13.  What secret talents do you have?

I can do complicated math in my head. I’m a musician and… hmm… I know how to fix cars thanks to my dad who is a mechanic. Do those count?

14.  Where is one place you want to visit that you haven't been before?

Italy! I would love to go to Italy and see the sights and GAH! I want to go!

15.  If you were an animal in a zoo, what would you be?

A cute penguin. I don’t know. I like penguins. They’ll rule the world one day!

16.  What is something you want to accomplish before you die?

I would like to accomplish… everything before I die! I don’t know! My hard work and dedication will give me something and whatever I get, I know it will be the thing I deserve.

17.  If you could have any accents from anywhere in the world, what would you choose?

An Australian accent!

18.  Do you have any scars? What are they from?

I have a few tattoos, those count as scars, right? I have one in between my knuckles of my pointer finger and middle finger on my right hand from an overn burn. I have a scar on my upper left arm from a cat who scratched me rather deeply.

19.  What were you like as a child? Your favorite toy?

As a child, I believe I was shy. I loved to read though and books were my toys!

20.  Do you dream? Do you have any recurring dreams/nightmares?

I do have dreams and honestly, I can’t remember all of them. Some of them are good and I wake up and I feel happy or for ones that weren’t so happy, I wake up scared with my heart beating in my chest. I don’t mind the ones that I do remember though. They help me come up with new book ideas! 

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