Michael Knost Writing Workshop

Hi ya'll!!!
 On July 25, 2015 I was able to attend my very first writing workshop. It was lots of fun and very informative. I really enjoyed being there.
The workshop was Plot, Dialogue, and Point of View, Description, and Believable Characters. It was hosted by Bram Stoker Award Winning horror author Michael Knost. He is the author of "The Return Of The Mothman."

Today I want to share with you some of the things Mr. Knost talked about at the workshop. This will be a four-part blog post to talk about the different points in the workshop. I hope they will be as helpful to you as they have been me.

PLOT:

Plot = Story

Conflict + Action + Resolution = Story

Conflict - the fuel that will run your story

You can reveal who your character is by how they react to conflict.

Want + Obstacle + Action = Conflict

Your main character has to have a want or goal. They have to be determined and driven enough to get what they want.

Obstacle - something that stands between your character and the want. It's usually the villain.

Action - A direct attack or defense against the obstacle.
Story action has to do something to solve the action.

Resolution -
 You need your story to resolve the conflict. Do it in a way that will satisfy your readers.
To know how to end a story, you must know how to begin one.

Don't be afraid to kill off characters!

You can make your reader feel and experience the story as your main character is experiencing it.

Your story should be full of little conflicts that are solved by the end, or resolved enough to satisfy the reader.

Here is something to remember (and I just love this!):

LOCK

L -Lead: The main character

O - Objective: A want or goal

C - Conflict

K - Knockout: Somebody gets knocked out. Either the main character or the conflict


That's it for this time around. I hope you'll join us next time for more about the workshop. Enjoy these tips and as always Later Days!!!!!




  

Writing Tips and Advice

Hey ya'll! 

Today on the blog we're going to be talking about writing tips and advice. I love getting advice from other writers on how to improve my own writing. We all need to keep working on improving our craft. So, today I will be sharing with you some of the advice and tips that I have been given. These are things that have helped (and continue to help) me grow as a writer. I hope you find them helpful and can use them as well!


Keep a daily journal

Try some writing prompts

Join a writer's group (online or local)

Make a schedule and follow it!

Find friends who can help sharpen your skills

Show your work to others, listen to their critiques, and submit

Get some beta readers

Tell stories you want to read. Don't feel too bound by grammar or structure...that can come later, but first just get your story out.

Read A lot

And if you can write everyday!


I really hope ya'll enjoyed today's blog. Remember if you want to be a good writer...practice makes perfect!!! I'm ending with a little piece of my own writing advice.


Don't ever give up on anything you want. Set your goals and work toward them. No matter what happens in life get back on your feet and never let anything hold you down.

And as always...KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!!!

New Teaser Push for Sex, Love, and Combat Boots Anthology

#99cents Sex, Love and Combat Boots is live!  This patriotic anthology is TEN FULL LENGTH military romances by Rebecca Brooke, Marissa Dobson, MJ Fields, Jennifer Foor, Kimberly Knight, Bayli Lane, Kristen Hope Mazzola, Sarah O’Rourke, Alexis Noelle, and Sophie Monroe!  All profits will benefit Heels for Combat Boots, so check it out today at http://amzn.to/1HBUyKm

Great stories from amazing authors. All proceeds benefit Heels for Combat Boots, which helps servicemen/women with PTSD and TBI. Get yours now!!!

Born Special by Rhea B. Woodruff

Today we are featuring the latest book by Rhea B. Woodruff, Born Special. This book about  her incredible journey is on sale for  99 cents on Kindle for the next week starting June 15,2015.

When Rhea Woodruff was born, her doctors were concerned. After some testing, they concluded she would probably never walk or talk. As time progressed, Rhea proved them wrong, but the full scope of her developmental delays were clearly evident. Despite her disability, Rhea remained determined to overcome the obstacles in her life, and she has developed into a kind, caring, and capable individual. All she ever wanted was to find love and be treated like everyone else. After much heartache and many disappointments, her dreams of becoming a wife, mother, and author are now a reality. Rhea hopes readers will find inspiration in her candid chronicle of rebounding from adversity. Born Special proves that the toughest challenges in life can be overcome. By sharing the outcome of her personal struggles, Rhea has succeeded in delivering the message that you should never give up on your dreams.

About the author:

Name: Rhea Woodruff
Hometown: Belle Chasse, Louisiana

Born in 1973, Rhea Woodruff was raised in a military family. As a result, she and her family moved every four years. Along the way, she met a number of special people, and had many incredible experiences, both good and bad. As a result of her severe learning disability, she has worked harder than most people to fit in and to do a good job; and as a result she has accomplished much in her life. Rhea loves to write. Her dream has been to become a published author; and with the publication of her first book, Growing Up Special, her dream became reality. "Don't give up on your dreams," says Rhea. "They will come true if you don't give up on them." Rhea lives in New Orleans area and plans to enjoy being an author for the first time while working on her next book.

Book Trailer:

https://youtu.be/4WWCjoQkhM8

Get your copy today!!

http://www.amazon.com/Born-Special-Rhea-Woodruff-ebook/dp/B00LALIN9I/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr&qid

Taken By Desire Blog Tour

Title: Taken by Desire

Series: Demonic Desires, Book 1

Author: Valerie Twombly

Release Date: May 18, 2015

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis:

Greydon has two important missions: Find his brothers and rescue his 

people. His duty becomes complicated when he's forced to beg a 

human to save his life.

Aimee Jarvis always considered her bookstore a detour to bigger 

things. Little did she realize her next stop would be the intriguing 

world of a demon prince. Yet, she finds the dangerous Greydon 

alluring.

While their attraction continues to burn, they both deny what their 

hearts already know. It will take the mystery of an ancient civilization 

and a shocking discovery for them to admit their desire.

An Excerpt:

Greydon and Fang checked the perimeter of the compound to be sure 

there was no trouble. Greydon didn’t trust Zolar, even if it was impossible for 

the god to enter. It would only be a matter of time before the god succeeded 

in finding a way in.

“So, how do you feel knowing that Aimee is part demon?” Fang asked.

Greydon shrugged. “How am I supposed to feel?”

The demon protector snorted. “You have the fucking hots for her. Why 

won’t you simply admit it?”

Greydon stopped outside the front door to the palace. “Just like you to 

speak what’s on your mind.”

“Will you deny it?” Fang raised a brow.

Greydon laughed. “No, I guess I’m not.”

“Well that’s good because her scent is all over you. So, what are you 

going to do about it, or have you already?”

“I don’t know.” He opened the door, crossed the threshold with Fang 

on his heels and immediately sensed Aimee’s restlessness. He was driven to 

find her. “Fang, I have something I need to do.”

“Of course you do.” The demon walked in the other direction, laughing 

to himself.

“I’m glad he finds this humorous,” Greydon mumbled under his breath 

as he followed both Aimee’s scent and the pull his tie had to her. 

Seconds later, he found himself standing in the doorway of the 

expansive library, staring at her as she stood in front of the fire. The black 

yoga pants formed to every inch of her lean body and the pink tee allowed her 

midriff to peek out.

“You look far away.”

She jerked and spun to face him. “I didn’t hear you. I wasn’t tired so 

thought I’d come in here.”

He walked into the room and made himself comfortable on the couch in 

front of the fireplace. “Something bothering you?”

She rubbed her arms as if cold, but he knew better. She was anxious 

about something. He could smell it. “I’ve been thinking. I want to help you, but 

I’m not sure how. Maybe you can guide me in the right direction?”

He cocked his head and stared at her, then patted the seat next to him. 

“Come sit and we can discuss it.” 

She plopped down beside him and stared straight into his eyes. “I want 

to get one thing straight. I know you think that your attraction to me is from 

the blood bond, and maybe it is. However, I’m attracted to you as well and I 

have no bond to blame. I liked the kiss, and well, I hope you’re not 

discouraged from doing it again.”

At a loss for words, he figured the best place to start was with her 

request to help. "Okay, let's deal with one thing at a time. I think you might be 

a big help in deciphering our society. We're taught when we are very small 

about this world and what happened here. However, there are many gaps. 

You studied ancient languages and have a love for old books."

She nodded. "I think I know where you might be going with this. You 

want me to do some digging around here to see what I can learn?"

"Would you mind?" he asked, watching her eyes light up and a big smile 

spread across her lips. He realized he liked seeing her happy.

"Absolutely! I would be honored. I have to admit, it would also give me 

a chance to learn more about my supposed heritage.”

"I guess you probably have a lot of questions. I know I sure as hell do. In 

the morning, Fang and I plan to go back to the compound where you were 

held, and see if we can locate the others."

Aimee stared off into the flames. "I'm sure by now they know I'm 

gone." Her pleading gaze came back to meet his. "You have to save the other 

humans there too. God only knows what they've done to them."

The need to provide comfort coursed through him so he brushed his 

thumb down her cheek, desiring the intimate contact. “I’ll do my best, but you 

have to understand. My people, and especially my brothers, come first. After 

that I will not hesitate to save who I can.”

“Of course I understand, and I wouldn’t expect any less.” She leaned 

into his palm and desire darkened her hazel eyes.

He couldn’t stand it anymore, so he leaned in and brushed his lips 

across hers. He wanted more, and even though she’d admitted being 

attracted to him, he still held back. However, it took him by surprise when she 

placed her palms on his chest and pushed him back into the couch. Her lips 

never broke contact with his and when he could go no further, she wrapped 

her arms around his neck. Her tongue pressed and he opened, allowing her to 

sweep in and taste him. She positioned herself between his spread legs and 

the next thing he knew, she was grinding against his swollen erection.

She laced her fingers in his hair as her tongue continued to plunder his 

mouth. Never before had he given control to a woman. He wondered why, 

since he was loving every second of it. 

He slid his hands down her back and cupped her ass, digging his fingers 

into the firm flesh. She moaned into their kiss and pressed harder against him. 

Heat radiated between her thighs and caused his shaft to ache. He needed 

both his cock and his fangs buried deep inside her, but damn he had to stop 

this and quickly.

Taken purchase links

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | ARe

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00VKY6PI6

iBooks: http://apple.co/1GFb8Hp

B&N: http://bit.ly/1GFbei3

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1GFbfCD

ARE: http://bit.ly/1GFbgGG

Also Available for Pre-Order: Shades of Desire, including Spanish Nights.

99 cents for a limited time; includes 10 full novels.

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | ARe | Barnes & Noble | Google

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00VQYVU1M

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shades-of-desire/id983263845?mt=11 

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/shades-of-desire-2 

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shadesofdesire-1777727-

166.html

B&N: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121700462?ean=2940152217230 

Google:https://play.google.com/store/books/details/J_A_Coffey_Shades_Of_Desire?

id=parkBwAAQBAJ&hl=en

About the Author:

As a child, Valerie would often get into trouble 

for peeking at her mother’s favorite TV show, 

Dark Shadows. She can still hear her mother 

saying. “It will give you nightmares.” She was 

right of course, but that did not stop Valerie from 

watching. As an adult, her love of the fanged 

creatures never waned. She would watch any 

vampire movie she could find.

Being a true romantic, Valerie was thrilled when she discovered the genre of paranormal 

romance. Her first read was one of Lara Adrian’s, Midnight Breed Series and from there she 

was hooked.

Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is 

not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles 

her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL. 

Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal 

Romance Writers.

Connect with Valerie:

http://www.valerietwombly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/FangedFantasy

https://twitter.com/fangedfantasy

http://www.goodreads.com/vtwombly

https://plus.google.com/u/0/103302643701358257457/posts

http://www.pinterest.com/vtwombly/

https://www.tsu.co/vtwombly

Book Trailers:

Eternal Flame, Guardians #1  http://youtu.be/qkQkcFT-6Q0

Fatal Desire, Guardians #2 http://youtu.be/WN4jAlcYhnM

Primal Hunger, Guardians #3 http://youtu.be/TlyH1gVkTgQ

A Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b6938c4230/

Get yours today!!!!

Lucky Chance by Marissa Dobson

Lucky Chance

Series: Marine for You Book One

Author: Marissa Dobson

Release Date: May 19, 2015

Styx has a mission. He’s chasing after a woman who’s on the run from a vindictive Alpha. His skills as an assassin will aid him in finding her, and then he can get her somewhere safe.

Mira’s intentions have been exposed: she’s a secret supporter of the Alaskan Tigers. Now she has to run for her life. She never thought wanting a better future for shifters would cost her so much. She has lost her clan and her family, but her decisions have brought her someone she wasn’t expecting—her mate.

Styx believes he’s undeserving of a mate, and is having difficulty coming to terms with his former life as an assassin. No matter how much he’s done for the Alaskan Tigers, he doesn’t believe his mate would be able to overlook his past. Choices. Life is full of them, and those choices are what bring two mates together. It could also be what tears them apart.

Buy Links

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VJJDMLU

iBooks – https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lucky-chance/id982273819?mt=11

All Romance Ebooks – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-luckychance-1774281-149.html

Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/lucky-chance

Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/532304

About Marissa Dobson…

Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Marissa Dobson now resides about an hour from Washington, D.C. She’s a lady who likes to keep busy, and is always busy doing something. With two different college degrees, she believes you are never done learning.

Being the first daughter to an avid reader, this gave her the advantage of learning to read at a young age. Since learning to read she has always had her nose in a book. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that she started writing down the stories she came up with.

Marissa is blessed with a wonderful supportive husband, Thomas. He’s her other half and allows her to stay home and pursue her writing. He puts up with all her quirks and listens to her brainstorm in the middle of the night.

Her writing buddies Cameron (a cocker spaniel) and Dawne (a beagle mix) are always around to listen to her bounce ideas off them. They might not be able to answer, but they are helpful in their own ways.

She love to hear from readers, send her an email at marissa@marissadobson.com or visit her online at http://www.marissadobson.com.

Go check out Marissa on Social Media and say HI!

Website – www.marissadobson.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/AuthorMarissaDobson

Twitter – www.twitter.com/MarissaMDobson

TSU – https://www.tsu.co/MarissaDobson

Pintrest – https://www.pinterest.com/marissadobson/

Sign up for her Newsletter – http://bit.ly/1BIuZQ6

#MiliaryRomance #OneClick #MarissaDobson #Marines #MarineforYou

So Much Writing, So Little Time!

How in the world do writers find the time to actually write? Or maybe the better question is how do we find time for anything else? That's a question I have been asking myself a lot lately. Every free minute I've had has been spent either writing, editing, or doing research for writing projects.

 The life of a writer is time-consuming. At times it lets us be creative and makes us happy, while other times we get frustrated and miserable. Yet we still seem to keep ourselves busy with writing.
I am currently revising some things in my novel with the help of my beta readers. It's taking a lot of my time, but I am loving every second of it. I am also writing another novel (that will be part of a series), working on several short stories, and poetry for two future anthologies I'm planning, and two other short stories for other projects.

 With all of these different projects going on at once I haven't had much time for my other passion, reading. I've gotten around to it when I can, but only a couple hours in the last week or so. Hopefully my writing life will settle down a little soon and I can curl up with a good book.
Until then I plan to continue doing what I love...WRITING!!!
 Maybe if inspiration wasn't all around us, we wouldn't have so much to write about? Then again, how can we not write with so much happening everywhere we look?For now, I'll just keep moving forward with my writing and have the time of my life. (Even if it means I get nothing else done ;) )