tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45656498010443383752024-03-12T18:27:38.511-04:00Melissa Westbeliever in the make-believe (aka AUTHOR)Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-51702598261261283612017-07-18T20:00:00.000-04:002017-07-19T17:39:21.157-04:00Pitch Wars 2017 Wishlist! Hi! How are you? Excited? Nervous? Hating your MS? Loving your MS? Yep, I get it. Been there, have the wrinkles to prove it. But that's what retinoids are for, and besides--<span id="goog_1141748710"></span><br />
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Wait, let me back up and do this introduction thing properly. And, you know, by "properly" I mean <i>Hart of Dixie</i> style.<br />
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So, you're probably wondering who I am and why I think I'm a rockstar, when I'm just a brand new little newbie mentor. Well, here's the thing--I'm not really one of those "I think I'm a rockstar" kind of people, so we won't be going there. Sorry. BUT I can tell you who I am. Here goes.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-size: 19px;">OFFICIAL, PRETTY BIO:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">USA TODAY bestselling author Melissa West is the
author of more than fifteen novels, each set in the South and ready to steal a
reader’s heart with Southern charm, sweet tea, and a whole mess of gossip. Her
novels have received high praise and recognition from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">RT Book Reviews</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Seventeen
Magazine</i>, Fresh Fiction, and Harlequin Junkie, among others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14pt;">When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her
family in Georgia.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 14pt;">THE TRUTH:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I'm a semi-sassy, over-opinionated, fully Southern mom of two sweet girls and a wonderful man who still makes me swoon. My family is full-on insane (not kidding), so it's easy for me to come up with all kinds of stories in various genres. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 14pt;">Speaking of genres. I'm driven beyond measure, so I write across lots of different genres and categories--YA, NA, and adult, sci-fi to </span><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">contemporary. The two common threads in all that fun are romance and the South. Every book I've written is a romance on some level and every book that I've written is set in the South. Well, one is set on another planet, but technicalities. It was the southern point of that planet, so...okay, that's not true, but still. Onward.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">I read far more than I write, though I write fast and often. Lately, I'm particularly drawn to romance of all kinds, women's fiction, and my favorite: stories that combine the two. Coffee is my best friend (again, not kidding), and you can often find me with a cup beside my laptop while I multi-task away on one of three projects at any given time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">*Whew* That was exhausting. I hate talking about myself! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">LET'S TALK WISHLIST:</span></div>
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If your book is <span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>set anywhere near the south</b></span>, I want it. If your book is set in a <span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>small town</b></span>, I want it.<br />
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Like I said, I'm 100% Southern, and I understand the quirks of the South in a very real way. Likewise, I'm from a small, very family-oriented (*ahem* gossipy) town, so I get small town. Lived it, have written it. If your book is a <span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>romance</b></span> or has strong romantic elements, I so, so want it. Just hand it over, and let's get started!<br />
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Southern + small town + romance = a very giddy me!<br />
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I adore women's fiction, but prefer family or friend-centered stories full of heart. If you have a book that combines romance and WF (think Susan Wiggs, Kristan Higgins, etc), then I am so your lady!<br />
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For a more detailed list of things I like, see below:<br />
<ul>
<li>HEAs are best for me or HFN. </li>
<li>Small town romances of any kind</li>
<li>Romance including any heat level (see note below about erotica)</li>
<li>Strong women -- it's okay if finding that strength is part of the story/character arc.</li>
<li>Beta, slightly alpha heroes. I like strong heroes, but I don't like jerks. </li>
<li>Sports romance</li>
<li>rom-com </li>
<li>Banter and great dialogue (seriously, hand it over now if you nail good banter!)</li>
<li>Towns/settings that feel like family or a character within the story</li>
<li>WF with heart</li>
<li>WF or romance with inspirational themes</li>
<li>WF that explores all the complexities of women and their relationships (romantic, friendship, family, work, etc.)</li>
<li>NA romance</li>
<li>Diversity of any kind within the above preferences--yes, please!</li>
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<span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">NOT FOR ME:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Now there are things that are really not my thing. </span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Either I don't feel I'm the right person to get said type of book to where it needs to be... or I really just don't...enjoy such stories. I'm sorry! It's me, not you, but for my sanity, please consider this list when submitting to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Here's a brief list of things that won't work for me:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Literary fiction </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Erotica</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Historical</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">BDSM</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">No Cheating</span></span></li>
<li>No over-the-top, abusive-type alphas. If your H likes to trash your h every second he gets, then I'm definitely not the mentor for you. I prefer strong Hs who are still good guys at heart. </li>
<li>Issue books that are really hate books. If your novel is intended to tell X, Y, Z why her race, religion, political opinion, etc is wrong and you hate her, then please don't send it to me. I'm a lover, not a hater, so we'd only end up arguing, which is no fun for anyone!</li>
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<span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">MY STYLE AND EXPERIENCE:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "times";">My writing style is more storytelling than fluffy writing, with a strong focus on voice and story structure. I have written some 20 novels (fifteen-ish already published with 3 different publishers) with 6 more contracted to release in the next few years. That means I understand how to craft a novel, how to structure a novel, and how to interpret an editorial letter. In addition, I also work part time for a printer (FT for more than a decade) in the publishing field, where my job requires me to have a keen eye and an editorial mind in order to approve print jobs for major corporations. What does the combo of these two things mean? I know what good writing and good storytelling looks like, and I know how to edit a book into shiny, </span><span style="font-family: "times";">glow-y shape. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Yay for shiny manuscripts! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-size: 19px;">MY STRENGTHS:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Dialogue -- Y'all, I LOVE dialogue. Especially good dialogue. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Plotting</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Structure</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Characterization</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Building realistic conflict </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px;">Creating reader sympathy</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px;">Emotion</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19px;">I hate odd numbers so this is here solely because I'm neurotic. </span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">THE PLAN: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">The plan is very likely to change based upon a thousand different situations, including but not limited to your manuscript, our first conversation, how much work I feel your manuscript needs, the moon and its phase and whether or not I've had wine.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Kidding. Sort of. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Truthfully, I'm excited to<span style="font-family: "times";"> walk this road with you to get you and your manuscript into pub-ready shape. I say "you" as well as "your manuscript" because a lot of this industry is coming to terms with your voice and style and learning and learning and learning some more. Dealing with the ups and downs of publishing in a healthy way is very important, so I will be encouraging and supportive (always)...even when I'm telling you your favorite scene needs to be cut. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "times";">I will read your manuscript several times, give you an editorial letter with a look at big picture things--plot, pacing, conflict, character, etc. Then as we get deeper into the process, I'll work with you on line edits and copy edits (because I can't NOT copyedit--yes, I see the double negative, but it's necessary, so...). Finally, we will talk agents, and I will help you craft an amazing query letter (mine received a 90% request rate and numerous offers of rep, so I've got this!). </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "times";">I plan to make the journey fun. It should be fun! You're working on a book. It's work, sure, but it damn well should be fun work. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-family: "\22 times\22 "; font-size: 19px;">WHAT I EXPECT:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">There's no crying in </span></span><strike style="font-family: times; font-size: 19px;">baseball</strike><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;"> publishing. I can 100% promise you that we are going to make changes to your MS. They are going to be hard for you. They are going to make you drop your head onto your desk and ask yourself why you are doing this. You are going to want to hug your MS to your chest and refuse to do the work. BUT it is all going to be worth it. It is going to be SO worth it. Writing is revising, and there has never been a book </span></span><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">published</span></span><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;"> that did not require revision upon revision upon revision. So, buckle up, and don't let the stress of it get the better of you. I'm here for you!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">You are strong. You finished a manuscript! Do you have any idea how hard that is? How few people <i>actually</i> do it? </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">Give yourself the pat on the back you deserve, then get ready to rip that thing apart, because it will need it. I'm sorry, but it will. I haven't even met you yet, haven't read a word of your work, and I still know it will need it. We all need it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Having said all that scary stuff, I'm not going to just get you through this thing, drop you at the door, wave goodbye, and head on my way. This is a friendship. I want you to feel comfortable asking me whatever, whenever. I will absolutely listen with a sensitive ear when you think your work sucks (we ALL have those moments) or you get agent/editor rejections. They sting! And I will be there. I will also be there with every single success--because those are going to happen, too. You just watch! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Also, and this is important, this is your book. It's not my book. So while I expect you to work hard to beat your MS into pretty shape, it's still your book. I respect the hell out of that fact. I say no to my editors all the time, but it took me a long time to get there, to realize that my name is on the book, no one else's. I have to believe that every word, scene, etc represents me. Same for you. It's your story. My goal is to help you make it better, not to recreate it.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">I believe in you, and I don't even know you yet! But that's who I am and how I will be with this process. Nice, supportive, so very fun, but tough, too. What can I say? I'm a Southern mama! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: white; font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">WHAT YOU'RE HERE FOR--SCAVENGER WORD! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: "times"; font-size: x-large;">OFTEN</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="background-color: white;">(I thought about mixing this into the looooong post, but then, I didn't want you to be freaking out trying to find it, so here it is. Easy peasy lemon </span>squeezy...or however it goes.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">For info on how to submit, check out <a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/pitch-wars/" target="_blank">Brenda Drake</a>'s site, and to see what other mentors are seeking, get clicking below: </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">And that's it. So </span></span><span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;">if you are ready to get busy, then you know what you need to do!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/qSSP8XPKaSNMI/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/qSSP8XPKaSNMI/giphy.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">XOXO,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times";"><span style="font-size: 19px;">Melissa</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 5302px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 5302px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 5302px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 193px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 5302px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-31141972761306445992017-07-13T10:38:00.000-04:002017-07-13T11:14:29.714-04:00Thinkin' Thursday -- All Things ParentThinkin' Thursday -- On all things PARENT<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I tend to fall for the Facebook posts about "motherhood" or "being a mom" or "things not to do as a mom" or "reasons this type of mom is ruining things for the rest of us." Thoughtfully, I read through these posts, and inevitably, I close the post/article/torture device with a feeling of inadequacy, or worse, in tears.<br />
<br />
As a mom of two, who works, who all-too-often forgets one of a hundred things during the school year, and who does not have a calendar chock full of daily activities for my children during the summer so they aren't bored, I want to share something with you, something vital for your sanity (and your wine budget):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxbH8aXCsaY/WWd-mxVgymI/AAAAAAAAAw4/ILEYyAexpdMUAfifNNcktR6sL_XAE_B8ACLcBGAs/s1600/Let.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xxbH8aXCsaY/WWd-mxVgymI/AAAAAAAAAw4/ILEYyAexpdMUAfifNNcktR6sL_XAE_B8ACLcBGAs/s320/Let.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a common quote that's circulated about life, but I think it applies to parenting. Want to know why? Because most of us are working our asses off to do the parenting thing. We are trying so very hard to juggle all that comes with that title in a Pinterest world, where success is measured not by how well your children are doing in school, how happy he/she/it (yes, I said it, because some of them are its), but by the organic label on your kids' snacks, how crafty your Valentines are, and whether or not your children are dressed head to toe in Matilda Jane or some other label.<br />
<br />
*deep breath*<br />
<br />
Okay, that didn't help, because I'm still going to say this: NONE OF THAT MATTERS.<br />
<br />
I do the organic thing for my family and have for a long, long time, so I'm not going to suggest that organic isn't important. But what's more important? Balancing healthy food with fun foods. My kids eat plenty of cake and ice cream and Starbursts--goodness, the Starbursts.<br />
<br />
I'm also not going to argue that crafting with your children isn't important, because I love doing craft with my kids. But here's the thing: you aren't in competition with the rest of the moms every single holiday. And on that same note, if you love putting your children in expensive, cute clothes, go for it! But don't do it when your children hate them just to keep up with someone else. For the record, 50-75% of my kids' clothes come from Target, so, yeah.<br />
<br />
And about summer and that insane calendar, I'm here to tell you something else: IT'S OKAY IF KIDS ARE BORED.<br />
<br />
There, I said it. Kids need to learn to imagine and create and build little worlds that only they can see. That isn't going to happen if we throw them into some activity every second of every day for all of summer, because didn't you know that Carrie's kids are in X camp and Sarah's kids are in Y camp?<br />
<br />
So when you're feeling like you don't measure up and you're failing at all things MOM or DAD, just remember that if you are hugging your kids every day, telling them you love them, and offering support and appropriate boundaries, YOU ARE A STELLAR PARENT. You are succeeding at being the best version of you, which is enough.<br />
<br />
Today, tomorrow, forever--it's enough.<br />
<br />
<br />Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-64309215206992522152017-06-15T08:59:00.001-04:002017-06-15T08:59:55.216-04:00It's been a while!<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">How goes life? Mine? Well, since the last time I posted here, I have
published lots of books, explored a few different genres, and in general, found
my voice as an author. Great stuff! </span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">But since it's been a while, it makes sense to reintroduce myself to
you. Or, give you a 2017 version of Melissa West. *cue smile*</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">My formal bio is this: </span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">USA TODAY bestselling author Melissa West is the author of
more than fifteen novels, each set in the South and ready to steal a reader’s
heart with Southern charm, sweet tea, and a whole mess of gossip. Her novels
have received high praise and recognition from <i>RT Book Reviews</i>, <i>Seventeen
Magazine</i>, Fresh Fiction, and Harlequin Junkie, among others. </span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family
in Georgia.</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">What do you think? Does that sound pro-ish? </span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">But my unofficial, less formal bio goes more like this: </span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Wrangler of 2 little ones, coffee-drinker, WINE drinker,
Pinterest-addict, lover of all things humorous. Pro-kindness. Pro-honesty.
Pro-late nights reading until I fall asleep with the book in my hand. Oh...and
author. </span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">So,
as I dive back into this thing, I'll probably post a mix of things--book
talk, current projects, and secret projects. Inspiration. Frustrations or
hurdles I face. Recipes. Southern talk galore. And a mix of stuff that's all,
well, me and my life. Sound good? Great! </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-246206660778653392015-10-29T09:33:00.000-04:002015-10-29T09:33:56.110-04:00NA Scavenger Hunt with exclusive content from Jen McConnel. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-umLGznq5nuk/VjIemNWYElI/AAAAAAAAAto/Nb2Y5Ty5fLo/s1600/NewASH%2BBanner%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-umLGznq5nuk/VjIemNWYElI/AAAAAAAAAto/Nb2Y5Ty5fLo/s640/NewASH%2BBanner%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you’d like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to <a href="http://newadultscavengerhunt.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #ca4d11; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">the New Adult Scavenger Hunt page</a>.</div>
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<b>***THE SCAVENGER HUNT***</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nk991CkOJlE/VjIev--4sRI/AAAAAAAAAtw/DGVmtkOpBLI/s1600/Team%2BGreen%2BF2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nk991CkOJlE/VjIev--4sRI/AAAAAAAAAtw/DGVmtkOpBLI/s320/Team%2BGreen%2BF2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><b>Directions:</b> Below, you’ll notice that I’ve listed my lucky book number. Collect the lucky book numbers of all the authors on </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Team GREEN</span><span style="color: #333333;">, and then add them up (don’t worry, you can use a calculator!).</span></div>
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<b>Entry Form:</b> Once you’ve added up all the numbers, make sure <a href="http://newadultscavengerhunt.com/enter-here/">you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize</a>. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.</div>
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<b>Rules:</b> Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by <strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">November 2nd</strong>, at noon Eastern Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLPJOCz994U/VjIe4VIwVjI/AAAAAAAAAt4/Rt_Hjs6D8QY/s1600/Team%2BGreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLPJOCz994U/VjIe4VIwVjI/AAAAAAAAAt4/Rt_Hjs6D8QY/s320/Team%2BGreen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; color: #993300; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">LET THE HUNT BEGIN!</span></h3>
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<b>***MEET JEN MCCONNEL, AUTHOR OF WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON***</b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REZapDoY7oU/VjIcr82VikI/AAAAAAAAAtc/Zgs4A94GEUM/s1600/Jen-McConnel-0034-200x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REZapDoY7oU/VjIcr82VikI/AAAAAAAAAtc/Zgs4A94GEUM/s1600/Jen-McConnel-0034-200x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Jen McConnel</strong> is an award winning author. She writes Young Adult and New Adult fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. When she isn’t writing, she can be found on her yoga mat, teaching, or wandering off on another adventure. She grew up in mid-Michigan, attending Western Michigan University, and now lives with her family in North Carolina. She holds a MS in Library Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and she is currently working on her MFA in Children’s Literature at Hollins University.</div>
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Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Connect With Jen</strong></div>
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| <a href="https://twitter.com/Jen_McConnel" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6451403.Jen_McConnel" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Goodreads</a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jenmcconnel/" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Pinterest</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jenmcconnelauthor" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Facebook</a> | <a href="http://jennifermcconnel.wordpress.com/" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Blog</a> |</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">***WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON***</strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1fPfB9BoFg/VjIfYap68YI/AAAAAAAAAuA/F5VH_LgZK3Y/s1600/WhatHappensinLondon_FC_RGB300-2-196x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1fPfB9BoFg/VjIfYap68YI/AAAAAAAAAuA/F5VH_LgZK3Y/s400/WhatHappensinLondon_FC_RGB300-2-196x300.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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Sarah landed in London, just hoping to leave her home behind and escape her family. But she didn’t plan on falling headfirst into Carson’s arms.</div>
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Get ready for a summer of self-discovery and romance in the first of the New Adult novella series, Adventures Abroad!</div>
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Praise for What Happens in London:</div>
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“Travel through London with Sarah, you’ll squee, laugh and swoon at her adventures, I know I did!”- Lisa Burstein, author of Sneaking Candy</div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Purchase</strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.bloomsbury.com/us/what-happens-in-london-9781619637894/" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Bloomsbury</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Happens-London-Adventures-Abroad-ebook/dp/B00ZCYYOYC" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-happens-in-london-jen-mcconnel/1121998743?ean=9781619637894" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">B&N</a> | <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/what-happens-in-london-3" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">Kobo</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/what-happens-in-london/id1002234949" style="border: 0px; color: #840a2b; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">iBooks</a></div>
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<strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">***EXCLUSIVE CONTENT***</strong></div>
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Deleted Scene from WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The guard led us to a patch of bright green grass
dominated by a round glass sculpture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
paused there, and she cleared her throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“This is the spot of execution for Nan Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and
others you’ve no doubt heard of in your history books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This monument was built to honor their
memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a moment here if you
like; we’ll meet at that chapel over there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I studied the glass sculpture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It listed the names of the people who had
been executed on this spot, and there was a poem written around the side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Here jeweled names were broken,” I read
aloud, my voice catching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How
sad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew a little bit about history,
and I’d always been horrified by the king who killed his wives. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I bet he and my dad would get along
great—words can be as sharp as an ax.</i> With a shiver, I reached for Carson’s
hand. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not a
proud moment of our history, that’s for sure.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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We stood there in silence for a moment, and then
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holding onto his warmth and strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: maroon; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To enter, you need to know that my lucky book number is</span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: navy;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;">7</span><span style="color: navy;">.</span></strong></span></span></h3>
<div style="color: #333333;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: navy; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong></span></span><br />
<div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #333333;">Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on </span><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Team GREEN</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"> and you’ll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!</span></strong><strong style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></strong></strong></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</strong></span></span>
<br />
<div style="border: 0px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>***CONTINUE THE HUNT***</b></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><br /></b></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author, <a href="https://joypenny.wordpress.com/">JOY PENNY</a>!</strong></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #38761d;">GOOD LUCK!!</span></strong></span></strong></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</strong></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4565649801044338375" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4565649801044338375" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-68171570043426374192015-01-01T15:51:00.002-05:002015-01-01T15:51:17.972-05:00See you later, 2014!<div class="MsoNormal">
If 2014 was about learning, 2015 is about focus<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started out in publishing writing what I wanted to write.
I wrote fast paced, action-packed stories full of heart and readers responded
well. I didn’t hit a list or sell a million copies or anything, but GRAVITY and
HOVER did hit #1 in teen sci-fi on Amazon, which with series like the Hunger
Games and Divergent in the world, this was no easy feat! So, I saw some
successes. The problem was that I didn’t really know what I was doing. Ha! I
wrote with no knowledge of what worked or didn’t. I made mistakes, but I also
learned from them. Win!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 then became my year of learning. Learning how I write,
and what I do best. I now know my strengths are voice, dialogue, and emotion. I
tested myself, which is good. But I also made a decision to try to write the
way others write in 2014, and that title ended up being my worst selling book. Le
sigh. Still learning! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I now know I’m not a smexy scene writer. Sure, I write
romance and there is plenty of romance in my stories, but I can’t start with
the smexy. And I refuse to write simply for what sells. Again, back to my
strengths—emotion, heart. I love writing contemporary romance with Southern
settings, because I’m Southern and I love all the crazy quirks of the South In
fact, all my stories are set in the south—even GRAVITY. Bet you didn’t know
that! :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I now know I write good fast paced, action-action stories.
And I love them! So I wrote another YA sci-fi, but this time I decided to
infuse a heavy helping of the romance I love. The heart! And now that I know
what I’m doing, know how to structure a story, the writing just flowed. It
became fun again! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, for 2015, I’ve decided to do a few things
differently—learn from my 2014 successes and mistakes. I’m going to write what
I write and not worry about what anyone else is doing. This is the only way the
story will resonate, and it’s the only way I will truly enjoy what I’m doing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wrote 4-5 books in 2014. For 2015, I’m again slated to
write 4-5, but this time, I feel 100% confident in what I’m doing and what I’m
putting out there. I’m excited! And I even managed to add in a passion project
that I love so very much. Look for that title in October 2015 from Bliss. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that’s me. 2015=Focusing on what I do and being okay with
how I do it. I’m anticipating a wonderful year, and hope the very same for you!
I feel so very blessed to be able to do what I love, and that is all thanks to
you! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you for walking with me through this crazy world
called writing. It’s a heck of a lot more fun with all you beside me. :)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></div>
Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-69213798162217760282014-12-01T11:22:00.001-05:002014-12-01T11:22:32.904-05:00Release Day: FRENCH KISSED by Chanel Cleeton!
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<span style="font-family: "Trajan Pro 3"; font-size: 20pt;">FRENCH KISSED by Chanel Cleeton<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trajan Pro"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trajan Pro"; font-size: 12pt;">December 1, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trajan Pro"; font-size: 12pt;">International School Book 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trajan Pro"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "ヒラギノ角ゴ Pro W3"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">New Adult
Contemporary Romance </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trajan Pro 3"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></u></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: "Trajan Pro 3"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">BOOK SUMMARY:</span></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: "Trajan Pro 3"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">On the surface, Fleur Marceaux has it all. If only the facade
matched reality. With one year left at the International School in London,
Fleur’s struggling to graduate, her love life is a mess, and she can’t stop
thinking about Max, her ex-boyfriend’s best friend. But all that pales compared
to the blackmailer determined to destroy her. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">There’s a social hierarchy at the International School and
Max Tucker is outside the velvet ropes. After watching Fleur break his friend’s
heart, Max knows to stay away from trouble, despite the crush he’s had on her
since freshman year. But when they’re partnered on a project, Max learns
there’s more to Fleur than meets the eye, and she just might be worth the wild
ride. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The more time they spend together, the further Max falls. And
when a kiss awakens a passion Fleur never imagined, she’s unable to resist Max,
who she had thought was all wrong for her but might be the only thing that’s
right. But will he stand by her when her secrets are revealed? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Don’t miss the final book in the
International School series. This New Adult romance is recommended for readers
17 and up.</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Excerpt:</u></strong></span></div>
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<span lang="">Max sat at a small table surrounded by books. He stared at me as I approached, his lips pursed together, his eyes full of something I couldn’t read but that looked nothing like lust. Where the freshman boys had looked at me like I was a piece of cake they wanted to eat, Max looked at me like I was something he didn’t order and wanted to send back. <br />
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He started at my feet of all places, at my shoes, his gaze traveling up one article of clothing at a time. He didn’t look hungry, didn’t look interested, he just looked as if I were a puzzle he was trying to figure out, and I stood there as if presenting myself for his approval. And I wasn’t. I totally wasn’t. I didn’t want him to like me, didn’t want him to want me, certainly didn’t want <i>him</i>,<i> </i>and yet, even as I repeated the words to myself over and over again in my head like a song on repeat, my body heard a different tune. <br />
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So while I stood there telling myself I didn’t care, that it didn’t matter that I’d spent an hour trying for perfect, for sexy, for irresistible and he was looking at me like he’d already passed, my nipples were tightening, a familiar heat settling low in my stomach. The pull of arousal at the sight of him shocked my system to the core.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Buy it: </span></u></strong></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><a href="http://amzn.to/ZH8BeL">Amazon</a> + <a href="http://bit.ly/1vlkljJ">Barnes & Noble</a> + <a href="http://bit.ly/1x2UaLu">iBooks</a> </span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;">Add it:</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22858376-french-kissed">Goodreads</a></span></div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">About Chanel:</span></u></strong></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Originally a Florida girl, CHANEL CLEETON
moved to London where she received a bachelor’s degree from Richmond, The
American International University in London and a master’s degree from the
London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel fell in love with
London and planned to stay there forever, until fate intervened on a Caribbean
cruise and a fighter pilot with smooth dance moves swept her off her feet. Now,
a happily ever after later, Chanel is living her next adventure in Asia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Law school made Chanel realize she’d rather
spend her days writing sexy stories than in a courtroom, and she hasn’t looked
back since. An avid reader and hopeless romantic, she’s happiest curled up with
a book. She has a weakness for handbags, her three pups, and her fighter pilot
husband. </span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She is the author of I SEE LONDON and
LONDON FALLING, published by Harlequin HQN, the upcoming FRENCH KISSED, and
FLIRTING WITH SCANDAL, the first book in a new three-book series to be released
by Penguin/Berkley in 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Trajan Pro 3"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">AUTHOR LINKS:</span></u></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Trajan Pro 3"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></u></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Trajan Pro 3"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></u></b> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trajan Pro 3"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.chanelcleeton.com/">Website</a> + <a href="http://www.facebook.com/authorchanelcleeton">Facebook</a> + <a href="http://www.twitter.com/chanelcleeton">Twitter</a> + <a href="http://www.chanelcleeton.com/mailing-list/">Newsletter</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.chanelcleeton.com/"></a></div>
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Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-19616455480754307942014-10-20T10:09:00.000-04:002014-10-20T10:09:42.594-04:00Authors: where is your honor?
<br />
I've been thinking about writing this post for a while now, and the events
of this weekend have frustrated me enough that I feel it's time. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
There has been a lot of author related behavior that has given me pause.
Lashing out at reviewers, mocking the writing preferences of other authors, and
the list goes on and on. But nothing has made me as angry and disappointed as
the three events that have occurred lately. A well-known reviewer and supporter
of the industry is sued and authors laugh? A mega author makes light of
downloading child pornography? An author freaks out over a bad review and
stalks the reviewer and authors revere this behavior? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
So I ask you: where is your honor? Where is your decency? Where is your
stamp that says I'm an author and I will act appropriately? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Authors are a small group compared to many other industries, and one that
automatically receives respect from the public. I tell people I have a master's degree,
and they nod. I tell them I've been in business for ten years, and they nod. I
tell them I'm an author, and suddenly their expressions change. They're
impressed. They're interested. That level of respect deserves to be protected
and cherished. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
There are thousands who dream of being writers, who would never dare
disrespect the title. To the authors out there acting like fools, hiding behind
their creativity and mild celebrity, I'm ashamed of you. I'm ashamed of the bad
name you are giving to the rest of us. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I have been writing for about three years now, and this December, I will
have five books published, four more releasing in 2015. I have a day job and a
family, and I still work myself to the bone for this title. I respect it and
the people involved (including bloggers) that much. And so should you.<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">It's time we, as authors, are humbled. We are given an
amazing opportunity to share our stories with the masses—stop taking it for
granted. Appreciate that you can call yourself an author. I do.</span>Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-20133891992681972572014-08-10T13:58:00.001-04:002014-08-10T14:03:20.534-04:00UPSIDE DOWN by Lia Riley!! Happy Sunday! Today, I am super excited to participate in the blog tour for UPSIDE DOWN by the amazing Lia Riley. I had the opportunity to read the book early, and seriously, guys, I cannot recommend this book enough! <br />
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<strong>Excerpt of the book:</strong> <br />
<br />
<span lang="">"A few meters more, you’re almost there."<br />
<br />
It’s like we’re at the end of some old-school adventure tale, one where the heroes are stoic even as the blizzard rages, avalanches fall, and death hovers like a benevolent ghost.<br />
<br />
Well, Bran is the hero.<br />
<br />
I’m like one of the minor sidekicks who goes down during some important turning point. My death might even inspire the hero on his journey or teach him a valuable lesson. But at this point in the flick, the minor sidekick should be well and truly dead. Not white-knuckling a column of dolerite rock, thighs gripping the stone like it’s the world’s best lover.<br />
<br />
"That’s it, Talia," Bran’s voice is encouraging. "You’re holding tight, that’s great. Now, I’m going to need you to release your left hand and reach up a few inches to grab the next hold."<br />
<br />
I grit my teeth. The way he talks, you’d think I’m scaling Everest. Or at least Kilimanjaro. Instead—<br />
<br />
"’Scuse, us, we’ll be by in a tic. That’s the way, Andy, right around the lady."<br />
<br />
I’m the lady. Andy is a kid who doesn’t look a day over seven who scrambles past me in a flurry of Spider-Man shoes and gap-toothed smiles. His parents bring up the rear, smiling up at their wild monkey child with obvious pride.<br />
<br />
And they aren’t the first group to pass me.<br />
<br />
Five Swedish women, a couple, and a guy who looked to be in his mid-seventies have also shot past me during the course of the last quarter hour.<br />
<br />
The top is so close I can taste it. Bran is being nothing but encouraging, but below me is a twenty-foot drop. Not enough to kill me, unless I fall with some sort of suicidal intent, but enough to make me feel incredibly uneasy about the boulder field.<br />
<br />
Bran eases toward me. "Talia, take my hand."<br />
<br />
"Can’t let go."<br />
<br />
"Talia."<br />
<br />
"No." This is it; this is the reason. Bran isn’t going to admit it here, while I’m bordering on a panic attack on a trail being conquered by elementary school children and senior citizens, but there’s no doubt this is A REASON to lose interest in me. I’m giving him a big capital-lettered reason, but I can’t stop. I physically can’t let go.<br />
<br />
"Talia. Take a deep breath."<br />
<br />
"Breath taken."<br />
<br />
"Another."<br />
<br />
"Okay."<br />
<br />
"Give me your hand, no bullshit. I want your fingers in mine. You’ll be safe. I’m going to keep you safe. I need you to trust me."<br />
<br />
Somehow I do it. I give him my fingers. He assists me up. We’re doing this together. My head clears the boulder and I can see the steel marker that identifies the summit ahead. Holy shit, he’s right. I’m going to reach the top.<br />
<br />
A few more steps, easy now, and we’re there. The kid in the Spider-Man shoes munches a Vegemite sandwich. I want to scoop him up in a smooshy squeeze. Except his parents would likely object, so I switch gears to give Bran a long and passionate kiss.<br />
<br />
"I knew you’d get here," he says.<br />
<br />
"I didn’t."<br />
<br />
He turns me to see the view, his hands tight around my waist. "Your place is here, Captain, in the sun," he whispers in my ear. "Don’t ever forget that."<br />
<br />
</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij6-5KOzQKY/U-evOOuWgNI/AAAAAAAAArw/j3rDcHRj05k/s1600/Riley_UpsideDown_ebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij6-5KOzQKY/U-evOOuWgNI/AAAAAAAAArw/j3rDcHRj05k/s1600/Riley_UpsideDown_ebook.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Buy me!! </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div>
<b>UPSIDE DOWN by Lia Riley (August 5, 2014; Forever E-Book;
$3.99)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<strong>If You Never Get Lost, You'll Never Be
Found</strong><br />
<br />
Natalia Stolfi is saying good-bye to the past-and turning
her life upside down with a trip to Australia. Everything is going to plan until
she meets a brooding surfer with hypnotic green eyes.<br />
<br />
Bran Lockhart is
having the worst year on record. Yet no amount of disappointment could blind him
to the pretty California girl who gets past all his defenses. He's never wanted
anyone the way he wants Talia. But when Bran gets a stark reminder of why he
stopped believing in love, he and Talia must decide if what they have is once in
a lifetime . . . of if they were meant to live a world apart.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<b>Buy Links:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/upside-down-lia-riley/1118069185?ean=9781455585717" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/upside-down/id771232851?mt=11" target="_blank">iBooks</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/upside-down-11" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Upside-Down/Riley-Lia/Q408565865?id=5918874153434" target="_blank">BAM!</a></div>
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<a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Lia_Riley_Upside_Down?id=6WDiAgAAQBAJ" target="_blank">Google Play</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Upside-Down-Off-Map-Riley-ebook/dp/B00H25FLWS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392359538&sr=8-1&keywords=upside+down+lia+riley" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyvGOwmOVts/U-evSYDoZXI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Yx6Scw8k4VY/s1600/Lia+Riley_Photo+Credit+Kitti+Homme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyvGOwmOVts/U-evSYDoZXI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Yx6Scw8k4VY/s1600/Lia+Riley_Photo+Credit+Kitti+Homme.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<strong>About Lia: </strong></div>
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</div>
<div>
After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, LIA RILEY scoured the
world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of
direction. When not torturing heroes (because c'mon, who doesn't love a good
tortured hero?), Lia herds unruly chickens, camps, beach combs, daydreams about
as-of-yet unwritten books, wades through a mile-high TBR pile and schemes yet
another trip. She and her family live mostly in Northern California.</div>
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<div>
<b>Social Media Links:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.liariley.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorliariley" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/liarileywrites" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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<a href="http://offthemapliariley.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7366597.Lia_Riley" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Enter to win awesome stuff!</strong><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26635c78" target="_blank">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26635c78</a>/</div>
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<br />Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-30792204196524955922014-07-15T08:23:00.000-04:002014-07-15T08:23:58.682-04:00PIECES OF OLIVIA releases today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y64SpCEcmhk/UyAV1w6q_JI/AAAAAAAAApw/WyGtV0wpp8I/s1600/Pieces_Olivia_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y64SpCEcmhk/UyAV1w6q_JI/AAAAAAAAApw/WyGtV0wpp8I/s1600/Pieces_Olivia_1.jpg" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">50% of my earnings for the first week of release goes to the charity, CASA! </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1qbqWg0"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> - </span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pieces-of-olivia-melissa-west/1118902942?ean=9780698165762"><span style="font-size: large;">Barnes and Noble</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> - </span><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/pieces-of-olivia/id840638773?mt=11"><span style="font-size: large;">iBooks</span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;">Add it on </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18827239"><span style="font-size: large;">Goodreads</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">!</span></div>
Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-32385679542799203482014-05-22T23:29:00.000-04:002014-05-22T23:29:24.983-04:00Another amazing blurb for PIECES OF OLIVIA! I am super thrilled to share yet another amazing quote that PIECES OF OLIVIA has received, this time from NYT Bestseller, Monica Murphy!! I am just beyond right now. As I've mentioned here before, this book is super special to me. It's set in the South, includes an eclectic mix of characters, and is full of emotion. I love it to the core, and I am so thrilled that authors I love are not only enjoying the book, but willing to put their name along side it.<br />
<br />
Big hugs to Monica for this amazing blurb!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Sabon LT W01 Roman', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pieces of Olivia </em>is both heartbreaking and hopeful, with the perfect amount of angst and sexiness. </span></strong><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Sabon LT W01 Roman', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 20px;">A must read!”</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Sabon LT W01 Roman', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">—</span><strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Sabon LT W01 Roman', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 20px;">Monica Murphy, <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">New York Times </em>Bestselling Author</strong></div>
<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Sabon LT W01 Roman', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></strong>
<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Sabon LT W01 Roman', 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Find out more about Monica's books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monica-Murphy/e/B00AVPYIGG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1400815345&sr=8-2-ent">here</a>! And you can pre-order PIECES OF OLIVIA on any of the major retail sites including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Olivia-Charleston-Haven-1-ebook/dp/B00IXX4IYU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1400815528&sr=8-5&keywords=melissa+west">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pieces-of-olivia-melissa-west/1118902942?ean=9780698165762">Barnes & Noble</a>, and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/pieces-of-olivia/id840638773?mt=11">iBooks</a>. Look for its release on July 15th from Penguin/InterMix. </strong>Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-74915248108010396532014-04-30T15:49:00.000-04:002014-04-30T15:53:48.943-04:00PIECES OF OLIVIA cover quote!So on Saturday, my editor sent me an email with the subject:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Jay Crownover cover quote for PIECES OF OLIVIA</i></div>
<br />
I was coming home from seeing the <em>Lion King</em> with my family and immediately squealed like a little girl. I opened the email to find the loveliest comments imaginable from Jay and then a cover quote that rocked my world! I am a huge, huge Jay Crownover fan and feel blessed beyond measure that she took the time out of her busy schedule to read PIECES OF OLIVIA and then provide a cover quote.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Jay!<br />
<br />
This is what she had to say:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Pieces of Olivia is touching, witty, endearing, complicated and full of all the things a reader wants in a great New Adult read. Olivia and Preston are going to tug on readers heartstrings in all the best ways<i>."</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;">Jay Crownover, <i>New York Times</i> Bestselling Author</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: left;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eeeeep! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can read the description and pre-order PIECES OF OLIVIA on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Olivia-Charleston-Haven-1-ebook/dp/B00IXX4IYU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398887420&sr=8-1&keywords=pieces+of+olivia">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pieces-of-olivia-melissa-west/1118902942?ean=9780698165762">Barnes</a> & Noble, or <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/pieces-of-olivia/id840638773?mt=11">iBooks</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Add it to your TBR on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18827239-pieces-of-olivia">Goodreads</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And if you didn't know, NASH by Jay has Crownover has just released! You can find it at any major retailer, including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nash-Marked-Novel-Jay-Crownover-ebook/dp/B00FOPTO3A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398887611&sr=8-1&keywords=nash">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nash-jay-crownover/1117053731?ean=9780062333032">Barnes & Noble,</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nash/id722138713?mt=11">iBooks.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />To celebrate and say THANKS to Jay, I'm giving away a digital copy of NASH (or BETTER WHEN HE'S BAD)!<br />
<br />
Enter below! <br />
<br />
<a a539b9="" class="rafl" display="" href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" id="rc-8a539b9" rafl="" www.rafflecopter.com="">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a539b9/</a>" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</span></div>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script><br />Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-26910966449263203812014-04-10T08:02:00.000-04:002014-04-10T08:02:15.034-04:00COVER REVEAL: Make it Count by Megan Erickson!Today I wanted to show off the amazing cover for Megan Erickson's June NA, MAKE IT COUNT. I was able to read an advanced copy of the book and it is SO GOOD! Now, want to see the amazing cover?<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbvceUV0RNU/U0aGRL4nl8I/AAAAAAAAArc/Lbu_RHUS_1M/s1600/MakeItCount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbvceUV0RNU/U0aGRL4nl8I/AAAAAAAAArc/Lbu_RHUS_1M/s1600/MakeItCount.jpg" height="640" width="396" /></a></div>
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Description: </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Kat Caruso wishes her brain had a return policy, or at least a complaint hot-line. The defective organ is constantly distracted, terrible at statistics, and absolutely flooded with inappropriate thoughts about her boyfriend’s gorgeous best friend, Alec…who just so happens to be her brand new math tutor. </span></div>
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Who knew nerd was so hot?</em><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Kat usually goes through tutors like she does boyfriends—both always seem to bail when they realize how hopeless she is. It’s safer for her heart to keep everyone at arm’s reach. But Alec is always </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">stepping just a little too close.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Alec Stone should not be fantasizing about Kat. She’s adorable, unbelievably witty, and completely off limits. He’d never stab his best friend in the back…</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">But when secrets are revealed, the lines of loyalty are blurred. To make it count, Alec must learn messy human emotions can’t be solved like a trigonometry function. And Kat has to trust Alec may be the first guy to want her for who she is, and not in spite of it.</span></div>
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Links:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arvo; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-It-Count-Bowler-University-ebook/dp/B00I2PH6AW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397131138&sr=8-1&keywords=megan+erickson">Amazon</a> ~ <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/make-it-count-megan-erickson/1118915758?ean=9780062353399">Barnes and Noble</a> ~ <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20705734-make-it-count?from_search=true">Goodreads</a></span></div>
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Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-55645859878630907652014-03-12T04:22:00.000-04:002014-03-13T08:29:50.102-04:00PIECES OF OLIVIA Cover Reveal + Excerpt + Giveaway!I am so excited to finally be able to reveal the amazing cover for PIECES OF OLIVIA, my NA debut coming from Penguin/InterMix. I hope you like it!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>COVER TIME! </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y64SpCEcmhk/UyAV1w6q_JI/AAAAAAAAAps/j223P5YxM7c/s1600/Pieces_Olivia_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y64SpCEcmhk/UyAV1w6q_JI/AAAAAAAAAps/j223P5YxM7c/s1600/Pieces_Olivia_1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Olivia Warren used to be a normal girl with a bright future. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">But on one fated night, everything changed.</span></b></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Hiding the scars of her past up her sleeves, Olivia transfers her enrollment from Columbia University to The College of Charleston, determined to pursue her own dreams for the first time in her life.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">She intends to allow herself a bit of alone time to heal... that is, until she meets Preston.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Preston is best friends with her roommate, completely hot, and off-limits. But the chemistry between them is instantaneous—and as the pair begins to spend more time with one another, their feelings for each other build into something undeniable, something powerful enough to heal Olivia’s deepest scars.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Olivia tries to put her own past behind her and trust Preston, but she discovers that his past might be more present than she ever bargained for…</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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<b>Pre-Order it: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Olivia-Charleston-Haven-1-ebook/dp/B00IXX4IYU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394611820&sr=8-2&keywords=pieces+of+olivia+melissa+west">Amazon</a> (The rest of the buy links should go live soon!)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Add it: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18827239-pieces-of-olivia">Goodreads</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">EXCERPT TIME! </span></b></div>
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His eyes swept over my face, and I
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his eyes never leaving mine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I’m not going to kiss you,” I whispered.
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“I didn’t ask.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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He tucked my hair behind my ear and
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I swallowed, feeling the walls
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My breath caught, the fight in me
diminishing with each spoken word. What was I so afraid of? I reached out,
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how often I’d dreamt of touching his hair, and then his mouth was on mine, and
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Preston laid me back on the sofa,
his body warm and inviting. My fingers gripped his hair, pulling him closer,
and he left my lips, kissing a trail down my chin to my neck. A soft moan of
pleasure escaped my lips, and he thrust his hips against mine in answer to my
ache. Our bodies moved together, our clothes the only thing keeping us from
taking this further. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I tugged his chin up so his lips
were back on mine, the kiss growing to a frenzy of passion. His hand slid under
the edge of my shirt, gliding over my stomach, before finding my breast. He
groaned with pleasure, and I reached down to take his shirt off, eager to touch
his impeccably toned chest and stomach. Preston slipped his shirt off and
gripped mine, his intentions clear, when reality yanked me from pleasure and
threw me into a sea of painful thoughts. I remembered my scars, Preston’s
expression when he’d gotten a glimpse of them through my shirt at the pier. I
shook my head, feeling myself tumbling deeper into sadness and farther from the
moment. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
Preston glanced down at me. “We can
stop.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“No.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“Olivia, you don’t have to—”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
I bit my lip, forcing myself to
push away the fear and sadness and guilt that riddled my mind and peered back
at him. “I don’t want to take my shirt off.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“Okay,” he whispered. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“And I don’t want you judging that
I don’t want to take my shirt off.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
“Okay,” he repeated. I felt his
heart beat against my chest, fast and sure and strong. A part of me wanted to
disappear, embarrassed and ashamed that I’d yet again shown Preston Riggs just how
crazy I was deep inside. But another part, a greater part, felt a surge of
happiness that he’d stayed. He knew that I was broken and scarred and more than
a little crazy, yet still, he didn’t run. He stayed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
_______________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">GIVEAWAY TIME!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">*Add a pre-order of COLLIDE to this giveaway!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">* Open Internationally!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a539b8/" id="rc-8a539b8" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-3179095775026386442014-02-18T08:20:00.004-05:002014-02-18T08:20:52.887-05:00Dealing with StressHi there! It's been a while. :) I have literally been writing for what feels like forever this year, which is both fun...and stressful. I have back-to-back deadlines through summer really, which means I finish one book and have to immediately begin the next in order to keep the pace. This sort of schedule is both thrilling and scary for me. I write best when on deadline. Somehow if there is nothing telling me to put the words down, I tend to procrastinate. Horrible to admit, but the truth all the same.<br />
<br />
I thought I was dealing with the stress fairly well, until two weeks ago I started noticing a pain in my chest that radiated to my right arm. I shook it off, took a few deep breaths, but the damn pain wouldn't go away. I grew frustrated, until I realized that the pain was due to stress. I work (a pretty stressful job). I have two kids under five (pretty stressful stuff), and I have five-ish books releasing this year. AHHH!<br />
<br />
So what did I do? What do I suggest you do? I took a few days off. I had been working/writing 7 days a week since early November without a break. I felt guilty if I went out with my family. I felt guilty if I watched TV. It was horrible. So I decided no more of that. I only write at night, and I tend to write 500-5,000 words a day, but if I feel the words aren't coming, the stress is rising, then I close down my Mac and either pull out my Kindle or turn on the TV. I suggest you do the same.<br />
<br />
Take breaks.<br />
<br />
Have fun.<br />
<br />
Live your life outside of writing.<br />
<br />
Because these things are going to HELP you write a better a story, not HURT you. Trust your body. Love yourself. :)<br />
<br />
~ MelissaMelissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-9171284755133850552014-01-01T10:07:00.001-05:002014-01-01T10:07:37.136-05:00Hello 2014! Let's talk about 2013 and why YOU are going to be better.Today is January 1st. Happy New Year! One year ago today, I had a world of hope in front of me. I was driven. I had just released GRAVITY and was working feverishly on HOVER. I was also twenty-four hours away from delivering my second child, Lainey.<br />
<br />
GRAVITY had released pretty well and was fairly well liked. She had her readers, people who "got" the book and then those that hated it. So is this business. At the time, 9 months pregnant and emotional, I took the hate part very hard. Now, I understand that the "hate" is just part of it. We are all human, and in such, have differing opinions on books. It is only natural and is truly a wonderful thing.<br />
<br />
So, I went into 2013 on edge, scared as I wrote HOVER, trying desperately to write the book I thought my readers wanted to read.<br />
<br />
And then I delivered my daughter, and everything in my life changed. The delivery went well, but three hours later, I began to have complication after complication. I was bleeding internally. My kidneys had shut down. My doctor later told me that I was less than an hour from dying. Less than an hour. I was taken into a five hour long emergency surgery through the night. They were unable to stop the bleeding for a long time and eventually I had a hysterectomy. Every member of my surgical team stayed through the night and the next morning, checking on me continuously. Technicians came by to thank me for living. It was a life changing experience.<br />
<br />
I have almost no memory of that first day with my daughter, which saddens me greatly, but otherwise, I feel thankful to be here, writing to you now.<br />
<br />
I came home from the hospital a week later and almost immediately dove back into HOVER. I deleted the entire MS and began with a blank document. I turned in the book less than a month later. It was no longer a book about war. It was a book about people and life and how not everything is black and white. I was proud of the book. I ended up doing another semi rewrite during edits to get the story closer to what I wanted, and then we released it into the world.<br />
<br />
I refused to look at a single review for at least a week, but then readers began tweeting me. Bloggers who had given GRAVITY three stars were giving HOVER five. I couldn't believe the change. This little book, written when I was literally at my worst, was liked, even loved by many. HOVER ended up selling more in its first week than GRAVITY did in her first month, which is just unbelievable in every way.<br />
<br />
Now, I am gearing up to finish COLLIDE and it has been a much slower process. I want it to be perfect, but I understand now that there is no perfect--not to everyone. It is intense and emotional, but I will tell you that I love this book. And I hope you will, too.<br />
<br />
In between all of this, I changed agents, I wrote two other novels--both New Adult--and I secured three more book deals, equalling five more books. I went from a year ago having one book out in 2013, to five releasing in 2014. In short, I am blessed in every way. I love my family. I love my friends. I love my readers. I am full of silly love for everyone.<br />
<br />
Welcome, 2014, I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. :)<br />
<br />
~ MelissaMelissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-69248016071301843822013-12-09T10:04:00.000-05:002013-12-09T10:15:30.433-05:0012 days of Kickass posts: Cindi Madsen!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Holidays!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Join us in celebrating Entangled Teen’s 12 Days of Kickass Event!
We are joining together to share some exclusive content with
you all! There will be 2 teams, The Smartass Team, who will post a good or swoon
worthy deleted scene or an excerpt, and The Badass Team, who will post a
villainous deleted scene or excerpt. And the cool part is we’ll be posting on
each other’s blogs! The party starts on December 2<sup>nd</sup> and goes all
the way to December 13<sup>th</sup>! We will wrap up the event with our monthly
twitter party on December 13<sup>th</sup> 9 PM EST/6 PM PST as well! Each day
will have 2 posts from us along with an EPIC giveaway!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how do I join in you ask? It’s easy just follow along with
the tour and find the hidden word (it will be highlighted) in each post and
fill out the Rafflecopter form! What can I win you ask? You can win one of 2
Kindles (valued at $69) and we’re giving away 5 sets of 5 Entangled Teen Print
Books US Only, and 10 Entangled Teen eBooks International! Also we will be
giving away more books and Amazon and Barnes & Noble Gift Cards during the
twitter party! That means 2 people will win a kindle, 5 people will win 5 of
our amazing print titles, and 10 people will win eBooks!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Today I am hosting the amazing Cindi Madsen! </o:p><br />
<o:p><br /></o:p>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jL3ETWXIOp8/UqXXZREg2WI/AAAAAAAAApE/UFQ3orMDBQ4/s1600/Cindi-Madsen-Official-Author-Photo-300x200.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jL3ETWXIOp8/UqXXZREg2WI/AAAAAAAAApE/UFQ3orMDBQ4/s1600/Cindi-Madsen-Official-Author-Photo-300x200.jpeg" /></a></div>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-size: 11.5pt;">About Cindi:</b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> Cindi Madsen sits at her
computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love
with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it,
she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find
a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly,
colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer
lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado where summer is most
definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.</span><br />
<o:p>
</o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://cindimadsen.com/"><b><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">Website</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> | </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://cindimadsen.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">Blog</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> | </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/CindiMadsen"><b><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">Twitter</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> | </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CindiMadsenBooks"><b><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">Facebook</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> | </span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1029223.Cindi_Madsen"><b><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">Goodreads</span></b></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Cindi writes adult and YA, but for today, she's offering an excerpt from one of her YA novels, ALL THE BROKEN PIECES.</o:p><br />
<o:p><br /></o:p>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWhVdkjMwfk/UqXX6OMlUUI/AAAAAAAAApM/f0eJhil2_ws/s1600/EntTeen-00017(cover-500x750).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LWhVdkjMwfk/UqXX6OMlUUI/AAAAAAAAApM/f0eJhil2_ws/s320/EntTeen-00017(cover-500x750).jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425135-all-the-broken-pieces"><b><i><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">All the Broken
Pieces</span></i></b></a></span><b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></i></b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">by<b> </b></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://madsen/"><b><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">Cindi Madsen</span></b></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Publisher:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> Entangled Teen<br />
<b>Release Date: </b>December 11, 2012<br />
<b>Format: </b>eARC<br />
<b>Source: </b>Publisher<br />
<b>Genre: </b>YA, mystery, contemporary romance<br />
<b>Buy:</b> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-Broken-Pieces-Cindi-Madsen/dp/1620611295/"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">Amazon</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> | </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=nit1gM/IL1o&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%2Fw%2Fall-the-broken-pieces-cindi-madsen%2F1110678798%3Fean%3D9781620611296"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">B&N</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> | </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781620611296?aff=bookandlatte"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;">Indiebound</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> | </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.5pt;"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=nit1gM/IL1o&subid=&offerid=146261.1&type=10&tmpid=3909&RD_PARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fus%2Fbook%2Fall-the-broken-pieces%2Fid584211719%3Fmt%3D11">iTunes</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What if your life wasn’t your own?</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Liv comes out of a coma with no memory of her
past and two distinct, warring voices inside her head. Nothing, not even her
reflection, seems familiar. As she stumbles through her junior year, the voices
get louder, insisting she please the popular group while simultaneously
despising them. But when Liv starts hanging around with Spencer, whose own
mysterious past also has him on the fringe, life feels complete for the first
time in, well, as long as she can remember.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Liv knows the details of the car accident that
put her in the coma, but as the voices invade her dreams, and her dreams start
feeling like memories, she and Spencer seek out answers. Yet the deeper they
dig, the less things make sense. Can Liv rebuild the pieces of her broken past,
when it means questioning not just who she is, but <i>what</i> she
is? </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
Sounds amazing, right? Now for the excerpt!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"> _____________________</span><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> The more the guys drank, the more adventurous they got. They
started challenging each other to do stupid things. Only they thought they were
hilarious. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> <i>Of all the
“firsts” I’ve checked off, this one has been the least fun.</i></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Every so often Clay would turn and shoot her a smile, and it was
nice; it just wasn’t what she wanted. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Liv pulled out
her phone and looked at the time. “I better get going. I don’t want to be late
for curfew.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clay slid his arm
off her shoulders and took her hand. “Okay, let’s get you home.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> He couldn’t even
walk in a straight line, and she realized they had a problem. “Aren’t you too
drunk to drive?”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> “I’m fine.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> The image of a
rain-soaked windshield and hazy headlights coming at her flickered in her mind.
The feeling of being completely out of control engulfed her. The screech of
metal against metal echoed through her ears. <i>No, no, no. Do </i>not<i> get
in the car with him. </i></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> She yanked her
hand from his and took a step back. Hysterical emotions she didn’t fully
understand overwhelmed her. “You’re too drunk. I’m not getting in the car if
you’re driving.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> “Fine. I’ll let
you drive.” He dug his keys out of his pocket and extended them to her. <i> </i></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“I don’t know how.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> “Don’t worry.
I’ll help you.” He swayed and then steadied himself on her.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Liv heard
footsteps and turned around to see Spencer coming. “What’s going on?” he asked.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> “I need to go
home, but Clay’s too drunk to drive.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> “I’ll take you,”
Spencer said.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clay tightened
his arm around her waist. “No way. I’m taking her home.” </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“You don’t want to get hurt, do
you?” Spencer’s jaw was set, fists clenched by his sides. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Is he threatening Clay?</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> “And you don’t
want Liv to get hurt, either. Right? That’s why <i>I’m</i> going to drive her
home.” Spencer held out his hand. “Come on, Liv.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> She almost took
his hand—she really wanted to—but her conscience wouldn’t let her leave Clay
like this. “What if he tries to drive himself home and something happens?”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Spencer glanced
from her to Clay and made a sort of half-sigh, </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">half-groan </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">noise. “Give me your keys, Armstrong.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clay glowered at
him for a moment, then handed him the keys. “Fine.” He pulled her toward his
car and opened the back door. “You can watch us cuddle in the backseat.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Liv stepped out
of Clay’s grasp. “I’m going to sit up front with Spencer. I’m not sure I want
this night to end with me being puked on.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Clay fell into
the seat, a hurt look on his face.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Spencer shoved
the door closed and shot her a sidelong glance. “Funny, I’d think you’d be
extremely sure about not wanting to be puked on.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> “Very funny.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">He held the passenger door open for
her, waited for her to get in, and then walked around the front of Clay’s car.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Liv wanted to hug
him—of course, she always wanted to hug him, but tonight, even more than usual.
With him behind the wheel, she felt safe again.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Hey, Hale,” Clay said from the
backseat as they pulled onto the road, “remember that night we got wasted and
woke up with cactus all over? There were those two hot chicks there, too. That
was a really good party.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Spencer looked over at her, then
back at the road. His voice was quiet when he spoke. “Yeah. The reason I know
he’s a jerk is because I used to be just like him. Bet you’re rethinking my
friendship now.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“You’re not a jerk,” she said.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“What did you think about me when we
first met?”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Well, your words said mean, but
your actions said nice. So yes, I thought you were rude at first. But then I
got to know you, and I don’t buy the jerk thing.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“That’s because you don’t know the
whole story.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“So tell me.” Liv kept her eyes
trained on him. “Just tell me already.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> His gaze remained
on the road and his mouth set in a straight line.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> With every second
that passed, it became clearer and clearer that he wasn’t going to answer. “You
know what? It doesn’t matter to me. Because I know who you are now. You’re the
guy who made sure I was safe tonight, even though I didn’t ask you to. That’s
what matters to me.” She reached over and squeezed his hand.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> He moved his hand
from under hers and she thought he was pulling away, like he always did.
Instead, he twisted it so their palms were together, and he laced his fingers
with hers.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> Heat ran up her
arm; her heart raced. Worried the slightest movement or wrong word would cause
him to pull away, she held her breath and stayed perfectly still.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Spencer’s solemn expression relaxed.
Calm replaced the storm. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> When Clay
groaned, Liv jumped. She’d forgotten he was even in the car with her and
Spencer. “Dude, I’m so going to ralph if you don’t stop taking those turns so fast.”</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Great. Now Spencer’s going to pull
away.</span></i><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">She braced for it, telling herself
not to let it hurt her feelings. But Spencer gave her half a smile and squeezed
her hand.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
_____________________</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Haven’t read today’s other post? Stop by <a href="http://cindimadsen.blogspot.com/">Cindi’s blog</a> and
check out my deleted scene (Hint, hint: It's from GRAVITY!).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Giveaway Details:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 Kindles (valued at $69) US ONLY<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5 sets of 5 Entangled Teen Print Books US Only<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10 Entangled Teen eBooks International!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(no purchase necessary) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rafflecopter Code:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554233/" id="rc-1cb554233" rel="nofollow">a
Rafflecopter giveaway</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rafflecopter link:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MWNiNTU0OTUyMGNlZDFiOGJmOTc5ZmExZmRmZDJmOjIzMw==/">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MWNiNTU0OTUyMGNlZDFiOGJmOTc5ZmExZmRmZDJmOjIzMw==/</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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And here’s the post schedule so you can follow along each
day!<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/2/2013 <a href="http://kendrachighley.com/blog/">Kendra Highley</a> will host Rachel Harris with
a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/2/2013 <a href="http://www.rachelharriswrites.com/blog">Rachel Harris</a> will host
Kendra Highley with a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/3/2013 <a href="http://chrisbwritin.blogspot.com/">Christine O’Neil</a> will host Vivi
Barnes with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/3/2013 <a href="http://vivibarnes.com/category/blog/">Vivi Barnes</a> will host Christine
O’Neil with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/4/2013 <a href="http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/">Karri Thompson</a> will host Danielle Ellison
with a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/4/2013 <a href="http://www.danielleellison.com/blog/">Danielle Ellison</a> will host Karri Thompson with
a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/5/2013 <a href="http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/">Princess Sophie</a> will host Cecily
White with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/5/2013 <a href="http://thececilyfiles.tumblr.com/">Cecily White</a> will host Princess
Sophie with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/6/2013 <a href="http://jolenesbeenwriting.blogspot.com/">Jolene Perry</a> will host Lea
Nolan with a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/6/2013 <a href="http://www.leanolan.com/">Lea Nolan</a> will host Jolene Perry with a
Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/7/2013 <a href="http://www.victoriascottya.com/blog/">Victoria Scott</a> will host Sara
Hantz with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/7/2013 <a href="http://sarahantz.com/blog/">Sara Hantz</a> will host Victoria Scott with
a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/8/2013 <a href="http://www.kelley-york.com/">Kelley York</a> will host Tiffany Truitt
with a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/8/2013 <a href="http://tiffanytruitt.wordpress.com/">Tiffany Truitt</a> will host Kelley York
with a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/9/2013 <a href="http://m-b-west.blogspot.com/">Melissa West</a> will host Cindi Madsen
with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/9/2013 <a href="http://cindimadsen.blogspot.com/">Cindi Madsen</a> will host Melissa West
with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/10/2013 <a href="http://rebekahlpurdy.wordpress.com/">Rebekah Purdy</a> will host Shea
Berkley with a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/10/2013 <a href="http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/">Shea Berkley</a> will host Rebekah
Purdy with a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/11/2013 <a href="http://lisabursteinauthor.wordpress.com/">Lisa Burstein </a> will host Jus Accardo with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/11/2013 <a href="http://www.jusaccardo.com/category/blog/">Jus Accardo</a> will host Lisa
Burstein with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/12/2013 <a href="http://reneecollinsauthor.com/blog/">Renee Collins</a> will host Tracy
Clark with a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/12/2013 <a href="http://www.tracyclark.org/Blog.html">Tracy Clark</a> will host Renee
Collins with a Smartass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/13/2013 <a href="http://chloejacobsworld.tumblr.com/">Chloe Jacobs</a> will host Brooklyn
Skye with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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12/13/2013 <a href="http://brooklynskye.wordpress.com/">Brooklyn Skye</a> will host Chloe
Jacobs with a Badass post.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re super excited to share all of these awesome posts with
you. Make sure to follow along on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag
#12DaysOfKickass!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-51825524514145080772013-11-18T17:12:00.000-05:002013-11-18T17:19:30.536-05:00I have news! I have news!!I have been holding in this news for what feels like forever, and finally, I can shout it from the rooftops!!<br />
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From Publishers Marketplace:<br />
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<tr valign="top"><td class="v11u" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 16px;"><span style="background-color: yellow;">Melissa West's PIECES OF OLIVIA, about a college freshman who survived a fire that killed all her friends, and meets an unlikely fisherman who heals her deepest scars <nobr>--</nobr> and opens her heart, to <a class="dealmaker" href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?id=27244" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #6666cc; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Laura Fazio</a> at <a class="dealmaker" href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?id=22492" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #6666cc; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Intermix</a>, in a nice deal, in a two-book deal, for publication in Summer 2014, by <a class="dealmaker" href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?id=21410" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #6666cc; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Nicole Resciniti</a> at <a class="dealmaker" href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/dealmakers/detail.cgi?id=4884" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #6666cc; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">The Seymour Agency</a>.</span></td></tr>
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To tell you a little more about <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18827239-pieces-of-olivia">PIECES OF OLIVIA</a>, it is set in Charleston, SC and has a strong focus on setting, characters, and really pulling those heartstrings. You will laugh, you may tear up, but in the end, I think--I hope--you will find yourself as attached to these characters as I am! </div>
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This project was originally titled BROKEN WINTER, and it has been my pet project for half a year now. It has seen hesitation and doubt. It has heard the dreaded, "This won't sell," but my super agent, Nicole Resciniti, felt differently. She read BW and immediately loved it. We spent a few weeks perfecting the synopsis, and then went out on submission. Within a week, we had multiple offers, but I spoke to the amazing Laura Fazio at Penguin on the phone and just loved her and her vision for this project. </div>
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We have since spoken numerous times, including re-titling the project to PIECES OF OLIVIA and developing cover ideas. The utter coolness that Penguin's creative team has in store for my book gives me chills. I cannot wait to see the final cover and to share <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18827239-pieces-of-olivia">PIECES OF OLIVIA</a> with each of you!</div>
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So this wouldn't be a party without gifts, right? Ya'll know me too well. Enter below for a chance to win a $25 Amazon, Book Depository, OR Barnes & Noble giftcard. It's your choice. All you have to do is add PIECES OF OLIVIA to your TBR and give me a quick tweet. That's it! :) </div>
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Now, I'm off to go celebrate! You can add PIECES OF OLIVIA to your TBR by clicking <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18827239-pieces-of-olivia">here</a>. :)<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a539b7/" id="rc-8a539b7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-20709056719690444762013-10-21T17:02:00.001-04:002013-10-21T17:04:09.784-04:00OVER THE EDGE with excitement!I am very excited to share that I am diving into the New Adult market. I have two books coming out with Entangled Embrace in 2014...and perhaps some additional news to share in the coming weeks. Lots of fun for sure, so to celebrate I'd like to offer a fun giveaway. <br />
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This is how this will work: add <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18698371-over-the-edge">OVER THE EDGE</a> to your TBR on Goodreads and tweet and/or mention it on Facebook and you are entered to win a signed copy of GRAVITY and HOVER. Already have both books? Well, I love you now, don't I! No problem, I will give you a $10 Amazon Giftcard. Sound fun? Yay! <br />
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To tell you a little bit about OtE, it is set against a New York City backdrop and surrounds the falling for the boss trope. It is seriously intense and romantic and at times juicy. In short, I think ya'll are going to love it! <br />
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So go enter and help me spread the word! :)<br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><a a539b5="" class="rafl" display="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" id="rc-8a539b5" rafl="" www.rafflecopter.com="">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a539b5/</a>" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway<br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><br />Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-82049491626105570742013-10-03T11:45:00.000-04:002013-10-03T11:45:10.638-04:00YA Scavenger Hunt: Fall 2013! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FljPmShIhi0/UkyiRzRjdTI/AAAAAAAAAns/nY25z2kcPC0/s1600/scavenger+hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FljPmShIhi0/UkyiRzRjdTI/AAAAAAAAAns/nY25z2kcPC0/s320/scavenger+hunt.jpg" width="320" /></a>Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This tri-annual event was first organized by author <a href="http://www.tigerscursebook.com/"><span style="color: #2288bb;">Colleen Houck</span></a> as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors...and a chance to win some awesome prizes! At this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize--one lucky winner will receive <b>one signed book from each author on the hunt in my team</b>!<b> </b>But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DXhQZDCm68/UkyiS0Yj-zI/AAAAAAAAAn4/0u9z3JOsowE/s1600/Team+Gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_DXhQZDCm68/UkyiS0Yj-zI/AAAAAAAAAn4/0u9z3JOsowE/s200/Team+Gold.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong>Go to the </strong><a href="http://yascavengerhunt.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #2288bb;"><strong>YA Scavenger Hunt</strong></span></a><strong> page to find out all about the hunt. </strong>There are THREE contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter one or all! I am a part of the <span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><strong>GOLD TEAM</strong></span></span>--but there is also a red team and a blue team for a chance to win a whole different set of signed books!<br />
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If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to<a href="http://yascavengerhunt.blogspot.com/p/stuck.html"><span style="color: #2288bb;"> the YA Scavenger Hunt homepage</span></a>. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;">SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE</span></b></div>
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<b>Directions:</b> Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number. Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the <span style="color: #bf9000;">gold team</span>, and then add them up (don't worry, you can use a calculator!). </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><b>Entry Form:</b> Once you've added up all the numbers, <a href="http://yascavengerhunt.blogspot.com/p/enter-here.html"><span style="color: #2288bb;">make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize</span></a>. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.</div>
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<b>Rules:</b> Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by <b><span style="color: #bf9000;">October 6th</span></b>, at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVDIZhtzatA/Ukykv6InyMI/AAAAAAAAAoA/3o38_HQIclA/s1600/Lea+Nolan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVDIZhtzatA/Ukykv6InyMI/AAAAAAAAAoA/3o38_HQIclA/s320/Lea+Nolan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today, I am hosting<strong> </strong><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><strong>Lea Nolan</strong></span> </span>for the YA Scavenger Hunt! <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Lea writes the kinds of stories she sought as a teen—smart paranormals with bright heroines, crazy-hot heroes, diabolical plot twists, plus a dose of magic, a draft of romance, and a sprinkle of history. She holds degrees in history and women’s studies concentrating in public policy and has spent nearly twenty years as a health policy analyst and researcher. She lives in Maryland with her heroically supportive husband and three clever children. You can learn more about Lea at <a href="http://www.leanolan.com/">www.leanolan.com</a> or chat her up at @Lea_Nolan.</span></span></div>
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Find out more information by checking out <a href="http://www.leanolan.com/">Lea's website</a> or find out more about her book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Allure-The-Hoodoo-Apprentice-2/dp/1622660226/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379373419&sr=8-1&keywords=lea+nolan+allure">here</a>! </div>
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<b><span style="color: #bf9000;">EXCLUSIVE CONTENT</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Book Descriptions:</span></strong> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: black;">Emma Guthrie races to learn the hoodoo magic needed to break The Beaumont Curse before her marked boyfriend Cooper's sixteenth birthday. But deep in the South Carolina Lowcountry, dark, mysterious forces encroach, conspiring to separate Emma and Cooper forever. When Cooper starts to change, turning cold and indifferent, Emma discovers that both his heart and body are marked for possession by competing but equally powerful adversaries. Desperate to save him, Emma and her twin brother, Jack, risk their lives to uncover the source of the black magic that has allured Cooper and holds him in its grip. Faced with the horror of a soul-eating boohag, Emma and Jack must fight to resist its fiendish power to free Cooper long enough to join their strengths and face it together, before it destroys them all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><br /><span style="color: #bf9000;"><strong>Exclusive Content:</strong></span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span lang=""><span style="color: black;">My book, <b>Allure</b>, the second installment in The Hoodoo Apprentice series features three teens who use Gullah hoodoo magic to battle an ancient-soul sucking curse and a hideous monster that will stop at nothing to consume its prey. </span><br />
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</span><span style="color: black;">Hoodoo magic is an African American folk healing and magical art, not to be confused with <i>voodoo</i>, which is a religion. Hoodoo originated among enslaved Africans in the South Carolina and Georgia lowcountry and is largely based on African traditions, but has also been influenced by Native American, European and other practices.</span><br />
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</span><span style="color: black;">In <b>Allure</b>, Emma Guthrie uses many hoodoo spells to protect her twin brother Jack, and their best friend (and Emma’s boyfriend), Cooper Beaumont. She’s also called upon to break some of the jinxes laid by her enemies. To give you an idea of the kind of hoodoo charms Emma confronts, I thought I’d share a few with you today. These come directly from one of my favorite spell books,</span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-000-Spells-Judika-Illes/dp/0061711233/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380755530&sr=8-1&keywords=encyclopedia+of+5000+spells">Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells by Judika Illes.</a></span><u><span style="color: blue;"><span lang=""></span></span></u><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gambler’s Hand: High John’s Snake Charm</span></span></span></b></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Wrap a freshly shed snakeskin around a rattlesnake root and a High John the Conqueror root, then place it in a conjure bag along with seven tonka beans for good fortune</span>.</span><br />
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</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">To make your wish for love a reality, clean and dry a whole, unbroken wishbone, then decorate it with red or gold glitter glue. Make a braid from a few strands of your hair and tie it to the wishbone. Place the wishbone and braid into a red mojo bag with an Adam and Eve root, then sprinkle a love drawing powder over the items</span><br />
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</span></span></span></b><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hollow the bottom of a black, blue or red candle, then stuff it with a combination of five, seven, or nine different botanicals, then burn the loaded candle. Botanicals that offer an aura of protection include: betony, black cohosh, cactus, calamus, fig leaf, five-finger grass, garlic, hyssop, lavender, mugwort, peppermint, rose, rue, Saint John’s Wort, snake root, stinging nettles, wormwood, and yarrow.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: black;">
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope you enjoyed this introduction to hoodoo magic. Though these spells seem simple, may people believe in their power and rely on them to offer protection or grant their most fervent desires. For more information about hoodoo magic and more examples of spells, I highly recommend that you check out the Lucky Mojo Curio Company’s website at </span><a href="http://www.luckymojo.com/"><u><span lang=""><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.luckymojo.com</span></span></u></a><span lang=""><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> It’s owner, Catherine Yronwode, has painstakingly recorded the history of hoodoo, collected oral histories of spells, and is a well respected manufacturer of authentic charms.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">So what do you think? If you were headed to Vegas, would you carry a Gambler’s Hand into the casino for extra luck? Or would you prefer to go it alone and hope Lady Luck joins your on her own? </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">~Lea</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><span style="color: #bf9000;">______________________________________</span></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>Wow! I am completely amazed by hoodoo magic and can't wait to read ALLURE. Now, don't forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a ton of signed books by me, <span style="color: #bf9000;">Melissa West</span>, the amazing Lea Nolan, and more! To enter, you need to know that my favorite number is <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>2</b></span><span style="color: magenta;">.</span> Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the <span style="color: #bf9000;">gold team</span> and you'll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #bf9000;">CONTINUE THE HUNT</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To keep going on your quest for the hunt, you need to check out the next author,
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<br />
But while you're here, leave a comment below and <b>enter to win a signed copy of HOVER!</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a539b4/" id="rc-8a539b4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div>
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></div>
<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for stopping by! Enjoy the hunt!<br />
<br />
:) Melissa </div>
</div>
Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-67374991449186330492013-09-04T21:46:00.001-04:002013-09-04T21:46:11.063-04:00Writing schedules for those without time. We've talked quite a bit about schedules for busy, working moms who also (crazily) attempt to throw in writing. There are lots of options that can help when it comes to finding time to write, but what do you do when you need a schedule in order to hit a deadline?<br />
<br />
I am in that very situation right now. I tend to be a very organic writer. There are days that 5K + words is nothing. Other days I struggle to put 300 words on the page. I typically close my Air on those days, because I know even if I pull together a thousand words, they will all suck. But now I find myself in a situation where I need to keep myself on track in order to hit a few deadlines. Basically, I need to complete two books before January.<br />
<br />
Yikes! you say.<br />
<br />
I know.<br />
<br />
There are some that have it worse, certainly, but with juggling two kids (one of which is an infant) and a day job, I find it necessary to set a schedule. So this is what I am looking at:<br />
<br />
Book 1:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>25% complete </li>
<li>Word count goal: 70K</li>
<li>Schedule: M-F 2,000 words a day, Sun 3-5K</li>
</ul>
<div>
By this schedule, I should have this novel complete by the first or middle of October. Not bad. If I keep to the schedule. ;o)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Book 2: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Practically from scratch. </li>
<li>Word count goal: 90K</li>
<li>Schedule: M-F 2,000 words a day, Sun 3-5K </li>
<li>Begin the middle of October</li>
</ul>
<div>
By this schedule, this novel will take roughly two months to write and then I want to spend another month revising. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What about you? Do you write to a schedule? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-64981949229485613112013-08-09T23:14:00.001-04:002013-08-09T23:42:21.689-04:00Have faith in your work. I have come to the most unsettling realization that I am apologetic about my work. I see a positive five star review and I'm thrilled, but deep down those never feel real. Then I read a one or two star and I nod along to the review. "Yes, it IS choppy." "Yes, I should have had Ari do X or Y or Z." "Yes, damn, I wish I could have fixed that."<br />
<br />
See, I hate one and two star reviews, but it's not because they make me mad. They make me sad for the reader. I hate that I didn't produce something that he or she enjoyed. I hate that they feel their time was wasted. But I can't control whether or not that person enjoys my books. See, I am not one of those writers that ever wants to lash out at a reviewer, good or bad, because I tend to think my books are still unfinished. And the truth is, they are.<br />
<br />
We are put on extreme deadlines in publishing. This means that I may have two weeks to edit something that should take two months. I may have hours to review copyedits, when I need days. The entire process is so intense that when I finally click send to my editor I close my eyes and I never allow myself to look at the book again.<br />
<br />
But that stops now.<br />
<br />
I am fortunate to be published, but the truth is, I am still learning. Yes, I said it. I am still learning. And if you're a writer, it's okay that you say it, too. I am sickly jealous of those that do it perfectly the first time, but that isn't me. Sorry. BUT I have learned (see I used that word again) that with each book I get better. The plotting is better. The characters are better. The writing is better. And I hope I forever feel that I need to learn. It keeps me grounded.<br />
<br />
Last week my publisher put the title "Bestselling" before GRAVITY, and my publicist said from now on I could put "Bestselling Author" before my name. So what does that mean exactly? It means that while I am still learning, there are people out there enjoying my books. MY books. So, for them, I am going to stop apologizing for my work. I am going to be proud and have faith in myself. And I hope you will read this and find the will to have faith in yourself, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
Writerly love your way,<br />
<br />
MelissaMelissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-8232025197026414072013-08-02T18:09:00.000-04:002013-08-02T18:09:21.231-04:00Join The R.E.S. SpiesI have realized that I could really use some help getting word out about my series, but I didn't want to just ask people to join a group where we only talk about me and my books. I want a community environment, where we discuss books that we love, talk about upcoming releases, get excited about reading. I adore all things YA sci-fi and fantasy, so it made sense to make the group centered around that. For this reason, I created The R.E.S. spies. <br />
<br />
Description: <br />
<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: large;">R</span>EADERS who <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>E</strong></span>NJOY <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>S</strong></span>CI-FI and fantasy = The R.E.S Spies! A group created for fans of Melissa West that have a passion for YA sci-fi and fantasy. Members will receive THE TAKING SERIES related prizes, as well as various opportunities for other YA sci-fi and fantasy novels, giftcards, and other fun giveaways. YA sci-fi and fantasy discussion, recommendations, and etc. are all welcome. If you love sci-fi and fantasy, you will love being a member of The R.E.S. Spies! </span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent"></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">Doesn't this sound fun? So basically, join my group and let's get started talking about books. The only thing I ask is that you help me during release times spread the word. AND if you love a book coming out, we can spread the word on that one too. Fun times. </span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent"></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">The membership window is only open through this weekend. If you would like to join pop by the site: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/TheRESspies/">https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/TheRESspies/</a>. To celebrate the group, I will be doing a drawing of group members and the winner will receive a signed copy of GRAVITY and a signed copy of HOVER. </span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent"></span></span><br />
<span class="messageBody"><span class="userContent">~ Melissa </span></span><br />
<br />
Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-81931103479312698182013-07-15T14:03:00.001-04:002013-07-15T14:04:23.820-04:00Writing is ______.I thought it might be fun to talk about what writing is to us individually. <br />
<br />
For me, it changes daily. There are days that I would complete the sentence with something like <em>hard</em> or <em>lonely</em> or <em>gut-wrenching</em>. LOL! But there are also days that it's <em>exciting</em> and <em>fun</em> and <em>uplifting</em>. <br />
<br />
So tell me, what is writing for you today? And for all of you that fill that blank with something negative, remember, we have all been there--often. <br />
<br />
Hugs,<br />
<br />
Melissa Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-34179023157984211502013-07-12T09:20:00.000-04:002013-07-12T09:20:08.139-04:00HOVER eARC giveaway! To celebrate HOVER's release in just a few weeks, I am offering up an eARC! This book was a blast to write, and I can't wait to share it with all of you. :)<br />
<br />
For the giveaway, this is all you have to do: <br />
<br />
<a a539b3="" class="rafl" display="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="" id="rc-8a539b3" rafl="" www.rafflecopter.com="">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8a539b3/</a>" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway<br />
<br /><script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4565649801044338375.post-36240957432596412472013-06-07T09:34:00.000-04:002013-06-07T09:34:53.245-04:00Writing when there is NO time to write
I’ve talked a bit on Twitter about my busy life and how I
find time to write. I’ve decided to start blogging about writing when there is
no time to write. Sound fun? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
First, let me explain why I consider myself “busy.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Right now I am the most exhausted I have ever been in my
life. I have a five year old and a five month old. I have a full time day job.
And I write. In addition to all of that, I had a fair of amount of
complications with my 5 month old, and to avoid getting into the details, I
will just say that I can no longer have children. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
In the five months since I had my daughter and the two
surgeries that occurred just after, I have written nearly 100,000 words. I have
completed the second book in my series, HOVER. I have nearly completed a
separate project, currently titled BROKEN WINTER. And I have begun another
project that I will call YA historical sci-fi (it’s a mouthful, right?). <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Again, I do not claim to be the busiest, but I think we can
all agree that is a fair amount of words for so much on my plate. So, how did I
do this? I’ll tell you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<ol>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>COMMIT RIGHT NOW TO DO SOMETHING EVERY DAY</strong>.
There are days that <i>something </i>involves research. There are days that <i>something
</i>involves plotting or character sketches. Whatever that s<i>omething </i>is,
commit to it every day until you type THE END. </div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>WHEN YOU SIT DOWN TO WRITE, WRITE</strong>. I cannot possibly
write at the same time every day. My days are too hectic for that. But when I
do sit down to write, even if I only have ten minutes, I do nothing else. I
think about nothing else. I focus all of my energy for that small amount of
time on writing. I tend to write 300-500 words per 15-minute period. So if I
have four 15-minute slots in my day, then I’ve written 2,000 words. Not bad! </div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>DROP THE GUILT</strong>. For a long time I refused to write
when my kids were awake. I felt like if they were around, they needed my
undivided attention all the time. That’s ridiculous. Should you write for an
hour while your kid sits in front of the TV? Hell no. But slipping in 10
minutes while he/she is having breakfast? No problem. Typing out 100 words on
your phone while your little one is going potty and refuses to let you be there
because she needs “privacy?” Absolutely! Drop the guilt. When you are playing
with your kids, give them your full attention. They deserve that! But never
feel guilty for writing in those slivers of time when they are doing other
things. It’s okay. You are still a good parent. I promise. </div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>NEVER STOP AT THE END OF A CHAPTER OR SCENE</strong>. Begin
the next scene, even if it is only a line or a few bullet points detailing what
will happen next. This will save you loads of time. </div>
</li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong>DON'T SWEAT THE WORDS</strong>. If it helps you to reread what
you wrote before and edit as you go, fine. But if it slows you down and you
spend those precious 15 minutes analyzing whether it’s okay to use “was” twice
in one paragraph, then please for your sanity keep moving forward. You can fix
it later. </div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Now, I promise—well I half promise—to try to come here a few
times a week with ways I found time to write, how many words I cranked out, and
general support. I hope you’ll join me! <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b>Hugs,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Melissa </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></b>Melissa Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02966291275720561057noreply@blogger.com3