Friday's Reflection

Based on the poll I created on my sidebar, I have found that 58% of you would like to see more personal posts. So this year, I will post "Friday's Reflection" in which I will recapture and reflect on my past week. However, I will only post this once every two weeks.

Feel free to participate! I am hoping that this will be a way to not only share a glimpse of my life with you, but to get to know more of you as well.

Here's how you can participate:

• Post a "Friday's Reflection" on your blog on Fridays
• Include the picture below
• Link back to my blog
• Paste your post's link in the comments below, and I will be sure to add it to this post!
• Use any of the questions I have below, or come up with your own! =) 

This Week...

• It snowed for the first time in three years =)
• I visited my cousins and grandparents
• Celebrated my sister's 28th birthday
• Worked from my favorite coffee shop

This week's scripture:

"Look at the new thing I am going to do.
    It is already happening. Don’t you see it?
I will make a road in the desert
    and rivers in the dry land."

~Isaiah 43:19

This week's quote:

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.
The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

~Thomas Edison

Currently...

Reading:

ღ "Atonement Child" by Francine Rivers

ღ "The Prime Way Program" by Caroline George

Watching:

ღ American Idol
ღ Impractical Jokers

Sipping:

ღ Eight o'clock French press coffee

Listening To:

ღ The playlist I made for the sequel to Purple Moon
ღ Kari Jobe worship music

Taking Pictures Of:

I made this collage for my sister's birthday. =)

Update:

I am preparing to go on a Purple Moon Blog Tour: Special Edition! It will launch in March. You certainly won't want to miss it!

➙ If you would like to host a stop, please email me. (Also: Everyone who hosts a stop will receive a surprise!)➙ Throughout the blog tour, I will be answering the questions that you send in. I will do this through interview format, video format, or I will write a full-length post based on your question. Feel free to start sending them! They don't have to be related to Purple Moon. Any kind of question will do. =)

Author Interview + Giveaway: Christian Fiction Author, Alicia Willis

Alicia A. Willis is a homeschool graduate and avid historian. When not writing or doing endless historical research, she enjoys being a church pianist, teaching music, singing, and playing volleyball. Her other passions include working in her church and spreading the love of Jesus Christ. She also manages a monthly e-newsletter entitled "Little Corners". To visit her at her website or sign up to receive her newsletter, navigate over to thecomradesofhonorseries.weebly.com.
➙  Personal Blog

➙ Writing Blog

➙ Facebook

➙ Goodreads

➙ Google+

♡ ♡  ♡

Thanks for being here today, Alicia! Would you mind sharing a little of your publishing journey with us?

I first started writing when I was quite young - around eleven years old. It was when I turned twelve that I felt certain God was calling me to be an author. One thing led to another, and I completed three novels by age fourteen. Of course, they required a great deal of work, and the Lord did not lead me to publish until I was twenty. But, when He led, He also provided. He brought me to my wonderful consultant, Mark van Deman, and I was published within three months. I am still praising the Lord for leading me to CrossBooks and my wonderful publishing team.

I think it's awesome that you decided not to wait to publish your books. What inspired you to write your first one?

I would say the definite lack of historically-accurate medieval books was my inspiration. At a young girl searching for fresh titles, I was frustrated by my inability to find age-appropriate, historical reading matter. They were either too violent, too romantic, or filled with fantasy and sorcery. Finally, I decided on simply writing my own. The Comrades of Honor Series was born!

You know, writers are often told to write the kind of book that you would like to read. What do you hope readers will take away from your novels?

I hope they will come away with a new love for history. I also hope, in some small way, they will be blessed and inspired. Of course, nothing makes me happier than when readers tell me they were on the edge of their seat with excitement!

What are your current projects? And do you hope to continue writing?

My current WIP is a historical-fiction slash YA fiction about the Alamo. Entitled (guess what?) Remembering the Alamo, it weaves two stories together, telling the tale of a 21st century youth group and an Alamo defender named Silas Edwards. It releases, Lord willing, on February 23, 2014 - the day the Battle of the Alamo began!

Yes, I definitely hope to continue writing. I have many more historical-fiction plots rattling around in my mind! But I am also open to the Lord leading me to accomplishing less writing, if it be His will. I feel called to the ministry and understand that I may not always have the time for writing that I do now. 

Writing definitely involves a lot of time--which is yet another reason why I don't think teens and young adults should wait to pursue it. =)

Speaking of, do you have any advice for young, aspiring authors?

Eat more chocolate. And exercise. Because sitting around for hours on end in front of a screen and nibbling chocolate does horrors for the author waistline.

Seriously, though, always write for His glory. Pray and allow the Lord to lead you. Don't be in so much of a hurry to publish that you haven't given your manuscript your best and don't put it off so long that you are denying the world of the special story God has given you.

Great advice, Alicia. I can especially relate to the whole chocolate-and-no-excercise part. =) Thanks for stopping by!


♡  ♡  ♡
Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

♡  ♡  ♡  ✎ Do you have any questions for Alicia? If you have read any of her books, what did you think of them? I am at Alicia's blog today also. Head over there and enter for your chance to win a free ebook of PURPLE MOON! =)

Monday's Minute Challenge

What is Monday's Minute Challenge?

A quick writing challenge (and contest) to help get your creative juices flowing for the new week.

Rules & Prizes:

1. Only the writing prompt entries--not the journal prompts--will be entered into the contest.
2. If there are over 5 entries, the panel of judges will select a 2nd and 1st place. However, if there is under 5 entries, the panel of judges will select only one winner.
3. The 2nd place winner will receive a badge for their blog, and the 1st place winner will receive a badge, as well as a free ebook of my YA novel, PURPLE MOON.
4. The winner will be chosen based on the judges's preferences, as well as the following questions: Does this entry capture my attention immediately? Does it make me want to continue reading? Is the writing clear? They will also take into consideration the writer's voice and style--not necessarily technical issues, such as grammar, punctuation, etc. 
5. The same person cannot win first place two weeks in a row. 
6. If the winner has already read PURPLE MOON, the ebook will be rewarded to the second place winner.
7. This is only for fun and to stretch your writing muscles--not necessarily to be taken too seriously. =)

Last Week's Winner(s)...

Since there were 5 entries for the writing prompt category, there will only be two winners (see the rules above). 

Just so you know, the judge panel had a very difficult time making their decisions this week. Thanks to all who participated! The entries that the judges thought was the most intriguing (based on rule #4) is ... 

Second place winner: 

“I never thought I’d find you here.” “Well, sir, that makes two of us.” Isaac snorts at my curt reply and sits down beside the prison gate. Through the bars, I can almost trace Lord Velnias’ insignia embroidered on the back his tunic. “Why are you down here?” I ask, “Velnias denies visitors for every prisoner.” “My lord’s rule applies to murderers, thieves, and debtors. I recall you are neither these nor their alternative.” Isaac reaches into his pocket and pulls out a loaf of bread. He breaks it in half and shares it with me. I finger the flaking crust and breathe its heavenly scent before carefully tearing off a large chunk. “If my suspicions are correct on where you acquired this bread, you might be my neighbor in this rotting hell.” Isaac ignores my quip and continues to eat his piece in silence. I do the same and try to block the clang of steel against steel. Velnias’ soldiers have been sparring and preforming drills all afternoon. “Will you watch the battle like everyone else?” I ask Isaac. He turns and looks me in the eye, “Yes, but I’m bringing a…friend.” I turn towards the small cell window and bring my knees to my chest. Guilt builds like a sandstorm and starts to bury my insides. I’ll never be able to undo what I already told Velnias. I’m a traitor. I’m a traitor. I’m a- The obnoxious squeal of rusting iron drowns out my remorse. I feel something land at my feet and look towards the front of my cell. Isaac is fastening a burlap cloak and positioning its hood so his face is obscured. A key dangles from the rope around his waist. “Put yours on quickly and follow me,” he says, “We have to leave before Chef Bastian realizes Lord Velnias do not chill his best wine in a cellar, off the prison.”

Congratulations, Angela! Send me an email at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com so I can have your badge sent to you. =)

First place winner: 

"I never thought I would find you here."I whipped around at his voice, keeping my hands hidden behind my back, fingers gripping desperately to the coiled rope. A sharp wind tugged at my long braid and lace skirts. "I thought you were afraid of heights?" he stated knowingly, stepping closer. In response I retreated back, flinching when I bumped into the cold metal rail. It was the only thing between me and the twelve-story drop from the tower to the foggy tangle of branches below. I tried to smooth my breath, begged my shaking legs to steady. I was terrified of heights. My whole being rebelled against where I was, what I was planning to do.But sometimes you have to face a fear in order to escape something even more dangerous….

Congratulations, Joni! You should receive an email from me today with your prizes. If you don't hear from me, feel free to send me an email. =)

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!

How to Submit:

You may submit your challenge response in the comments section below. (If you would like to make it even more challenging, set a timer for 60 seconds and see how much writing you can get done in that amount of time.) Your response should range between 1 - 3 paragraphs.

You can also post your challenge response on your blog, and then create your own challenge for your readers! However, make sure that you link back to this post and use the image above. If you are participating on your blog, be sure to submit your link in the comments and I will add it to the list of participants at the end of this post.

Today's Challenge Is...

Choose at least one:

• Journal topic: If all of your fears were gone just for one day, what would you do within that 24-hour period?
• Writing prompt contest: Every minute that passed was one minute closer to my worst nightmare.

Participants: 

Are you participating on your blog? If so, make sure that you have linked to this blog, and included the above picture. Submit your post's link and I will be sure to add it to this list!

• TW Wright
• Elisabeth Sullivan
• Julia
• Mary B

How to Capture (and Keep) Your Reader's Attention

Pin It!

When it comes to writing, crafting characters has always been my forte; developing the plot, on the other hand, is a different story (no pun intended). When I wrote the first draft of Purple Moon, I realized that it was lacking in plot development. This is yet another reason why I decided to postpone its release date: so I could strengthen the plot a bit more.

Now that I am writing the sequel to Purple Moon, I am experiencing same difficulties I did when I wrote the first book. It is especially difficult since this series is character-driven. This will be my third full-length YA novel I have written, and I have found that I always seem to get the most frustrated at this point: writing the first draft--when I want the book to grab the reader's attention, include the right plot threads, and keep readers flipping the pages to find out what happens next.

The simplest way to do this, I have found, is by studying the plots of other books (and movies).

When I read Divergent by Veronica Roth this past summer, I was captured--from start to finish. As I zipped through the story, I tried to take mental notes as to why I was so intrigued. I wanted to figure out the author's secrets, how she was able to capture my attention so well. Here are some of the techniques I have discovered:

     ➙ Grab the reader from the start. 

When I began reading Divergent, there was no way I could put the book down. The author incorporated conflict, as well as a life-changing decision that the protagonist was faced with, and I was eager to continue reading to find out what would happen. The protagonist's voice was also unique. This made me feel as though I were watching a movie rather than reading a book.

     ➙ Create likable characters that people can relate with. 

Tris, the protagonist in Divergent, is very likable. I am sure that many of us (especially teenagers) can see parts of ourselves in her. She does not consider herself to be brave. She wrestles with a life-altering decision (something every teenager has to deal with). Yet despite the fact that she considers herself to be average and weak, we discover that she is actually full of strength. These are the kind of characters that your readers will enjoy: heroic, strong, yet imperfect characters who face some of the same challenges that they do.

     ➙ Craft your plot so that readers are itching to find out what will happen. 

You can do this by ending your chapters with a cliff-hanger, incorporating much conflict, and having unanswered questions throughout the book--questions that can only be answered near the end of the story. The questions that ran through my mind as I read Divergent were: What choices will she make? Will she make it through the conflict that is constantly being thrown at her? Will she end up with the guy? Will she reach her goal?

     ➙ Include much conflict. 

There should always be something at stake for your protagonist. Brainstorm ways that would cause much trouble for your protagonist, and then make it worse. And even worse. That way, your reader will think it is impossible for your protagonist to make it out of the mess. One of my favorite ways to do this is through the ticking time bomb effect, which is especially useful in suspense novels.

     ➙ Create a chill-factor. 

This is a concept that I made up--as far as I know--and one that I hope to accomplish in all of my books. You know that feeling when you're reading a book and suddenly, near the end and/or cliff-hanger, the protagonist discovers something or accomplishes something that leaves you with goosebumps? These chill-factors are never just randomly thrown in. Instead, they are foreshadowed at the beginning, and throughout, the entire novel. (I would give an example of one, but I'd rather not give away any spoilers.) This is the moment when things begin to come together for the protagonist. This is the moment that might leave the reader in tears and have them closing your book satisfied and completely in awe of your story.

♡ ♡ ♡ 

Most importantly, write the novel that is in your heart. If you sit down to write with the sole purpose of creating a page-turning book, you might capture your readers' attention, but you won't capture their hearts. Don't be so determined to follow every single technique. Instead, allow the story to reveal itself, while keeping these techniques in mind as you write and/or outline.


     ✎ Are there any techniques that I failed to mention? Are you more of a plot-driven or character-driven novelist?

In case your wondering about Friday's Reflection: I have decided to only post it every other week. That way I can post more writing/faith-related posts. =) However, feel free to post it on your blog!

Also, there is a giveaway for PURPLE MOON that ends tonight! Click here to enter this giveaway on Goodreads. 

photo credit: susivinh via photopin cc

How to Make the Most of Your Free Time

We don’t usually think of free time as wasted time. We work hard in school, so free time is supposed to be time when we are free to do whatever we want! Or is it?

We only have 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

If you spend four hours every day surfing the web or watching television, how many hours a year have you wasted? {Continue reading at More to Be}

Monday's Minute Challenge

What is Monday's Minute Challenge?

A quick writing challenge (and contest) to help get your creative juices flowing for the new week.

Rules & Prizes:

1. Only the writing prompt entries--not the journal prompts--will be entered into the contest.
2. If there are over 5 entries, the panel of judges will select a 2nd and 1st place. However, if there is under 5 entries, the panel of judges will select only one winner.
3. The 2nd place winner will receive a badge for their blog, and the 1st place winner will receive a badge, as well as a free ebook of my YA novel, PURPLE MOON.
4. The winner will be chosen based on the judges's preferences, as well as the following questions: Does this entry capture my attention immediately? Does it make me want to continue reading? Is the writing clear? They will also take into consideration the writer's voice and style--not necessarily technical issues, such as grammar, punctuation, etc. 
5. The same person cannot win first place two weeks in a row. 
6. If the winner has already read PURPLE MOON, the ebook will be rewarded to the second place winner.
7. This is only for fun and to stretch your writing muscles--not necessarily to be taken too seriously. =)

Last Week's Winner(s)...

Since there were only 3 entries for the writing prompt category, there will only be one winner (see the rules above). The entry that the judges thought was the most intriguing (based on rule #4) is ... 

I could not believe who the new kid at school was. He slid his hood off and his familiar green eyes scanned the cafeteria. As he noticed me, his lips curled into a smirk. I couldn't believe this was happening. The boy that had stalked me all summer was here. The boy that I'd thought I'd finally gotten rid of.

My feet seemed to freeze in the cafeteria; I tried to break free, but I couldn't move. I frowned and averted my eyes from him. Pinching my lower arm, I hoped this was all a dream. But as the boy started walking toward me, my stomach churned and my vision turned black. 

Congratulations, Jillian! Please leave your email address in the comments (or email me) and I will be sure to have your prizes sent to you ASAP. =)

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!

How to Submit:

You may submit your challenge response in the comments section below. (If you would like to make it even more challenging, set a timer for 60 seconds and see how much writing you can get done in that amount of time.) Your response should range between 1 - 3 paragraphs.

You can also post your challenge response on your blog, and then create your own challenge for your readers! However, make sure that you link back to this post and use the image above. If you are participating on your blog, be sure to submit your link in the comments and I will add it to the list of participants at the end of this post.

Today's Challenge Is...

Choose at least one:

• Write about this quote and what your interpretation of it is: “The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.” ~Author unknown
• Finish this: "I never thought I would find you here."

Participants: 

Are you participating on your blog? If so, make sure that you have linked to this blog, and included the above picture. Submit your post's link and I will be sure to add it to this list!

• TW Wright
• Mary B

Friday's Reflection

Based on the poll I created on my sidebar, I have found that 58% of you would like to see more personal posts. So this year, I will post "Friday's Reflection" in which I will recapture and reflect on my past week.

Feel free to participate! I am hoping that this will be a way to not only share a glimpse of my life with you, but to get to know more of you as well.

Here's how you can participate:

• Post a "Friday's Reflection" on your blog on Fridays
• Include the picture below
• Link back to my blog
• Paste your post's link in the comments below, and I will be sure to add it to this post!
• Use any of the questions I have below, or come up with your own! =) 

This Week...

• I babysat my cousins
• School started back
• I added over 6,000 words to the sequel of Purple Moon, as well as a couple of articles for More to Be and Whole Magazine
• I bought a new coffee iPhone cover for my phone. =)
• Purple Moon is currently free on Kindle! Today only.

This week's scripture:

“If we claim that we experience a shared life with him
and continue to stumble around in the dark,

we’re obviously lying through our teeth—

we’re not living what we claim.”
~1 John 1:7

This week's quote:

“How disappointing would it be get to heaven 

and find out God created life to be enjoyed 

while all we did was worry?”
~Donald Miller

Currently...

Reading:

ღ "Insurgent: by Veronica Roth

ღ "Atonement Child" by Francine Rivers

ღ "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott

ღ "My Journey to Heaven" by Marvin J. Besteman
ღ "Confessions of a Public Speaker" by Scott Berkun

Watching:

ღ American Idol
ღ Blackfish

Sipping:

ღ Eight o'clock French press coffee

ღ Green tea

Eating:

ღ This recipe I found online on how to make gluten-free ramen. =)

Listening To:

ღ Mumford & Son's Pandora station
ღ Kari Jobe

Working On:

ღ The second draft of the sequel to Purple Moon
ღ School
ღ Articles

Taking Pictures Of:

Instagram: @tessaemily

Guest Post: Tips for Time Management by Sarah Holman

Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of four published books and counting. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined. Check out her blog here. 

~ ~ ~ 

As I write this, I feel very guilty. You see, Tessa asked me to write a guest post for her a few weeks ago and I am just now getting this to her. I know deadlines are important for writers but I have a hard time meeting them. I set them for myself and then something gets in the way. This year of 2014, I am going to do something about it. I have a new schedule and it is already helping me to meet my time goals. So next time Tessa asks me to write a guest post, maybe it will only take me two weeks to get back to her. Here are some of the tips I have learned about managing my time.

    ➙ Limit the amount you take on.

 Whether it is book reviews, writing projects, or guest posts, sometimes you have to say no. If you take on too much, you will do nothing well.

    ➙ Make Priorities.

Sit down with a list of your obligations and prioritize them. Your job might be first, the second might time to write, and so on. You might even want to this sheet to your bulletin board so that you can be reminded of what is important.

    ➙ Make a Schedule.

Your schedule should have in it time for all you major priorities. In mine I have half an hour that is devoted to nothing but answering emails. I also have five hours every day where I am writing or editing in my book exclusively.

    ➙ Push through even when you don’t feel great.

As I write this, I am not feeling very motivated. All I really feel like doing is curling up with a good book. However, especially if you want to be a writer, you have to push through you apathy and get things done.

    ➙ Leave time for fun.

Although you need to push through and get work done sometimes, don’t for get to leave time for relaxing. It is important to have some time to relax in order to recharge from all that working.

    ➙ Pray for strength and guidance.

As Christians, we need to make sure that we are praying every day for the strength to do what we need to and the guidance to know when we are supposed to replace our plans with God’s.

There you have it. My helpful hints that I have been learning on how to manage your time. 

    ✎ Do you have any helpful hints for time management?