Kpop Thursday has been interrupted by HALLOWEEN!

I'm sure you already know, but it's HALLOWEEN. One of my favorite holidays!! YIPEEE. And to help celebrate, I have my Twitter avatar changed to Jack the Pumpkin King, and I'm seriously posting quotes from the movie all day today, if I can. MUWAHAHA.

So, without further ado, here is today's song...

Hope you enjoyed!! :D THIS IS HALLOWEEN.

-Madison xoxo

Teaser Tuesday #1 - The Hurricane (The Storm Saga #2)

Ok, ladies and gents. The first official teaser from THE HURRICANE (The Storm Saga #2) is right below all these words. WOAH, WAIT. DON'T SCROLL PAST ALL THIS IMPORTANT INFO I'M ABOUT TO SAY. Haha, gotcha. Go ahead, have a look. ;)

^ this is you. :p

(teasers are from the first phase of editing, please no comments on the grammar, etc. Thank you!!)

"I frowned. I’d been frowning a lot lately. I touched my cheeks, thinking that if I kept it up, I’d start to actually look my age. "

I thought I would post a nice, gentle one to start us off. I hope you enjoyed.  ^.^ I have many more left to share with you all!!

-Madison xoxo

To Dust by Amy Lauren's Tour Stop! - Guest Post

I am very glad to have Amy Lauren's on the blog today!!

Containing four previously-published and three brand-new short stories, To Dust is a YA anthology of urban and contemporary fantasy.

To Dust  (click for bonus material)
The Maliche are devouring Imber’s world, and the only tool she has to stop them is a magic box. Shame the only ones who can work the magic are the terrifying fae in their forest home…

Certified
Anna is a Raiser, able to raise from the dead anyone she doesn’t know. So what can she do when her best friend murders her boyfriend? Everyday Weirdness, 5 July 2010.

Not Fantasy
Beth knows that the fairy world exists; her best friends are a pink tortoise and a talking pen, after all. Her creative writing professor strongly disagrees – perhaps too strongly, Beth thinks, when strange cracks start appearing in his office.

Shoe  (click for bonus material)
Would you take home the pair-less shoe? AlienSkin Magazine, December 2009.

The Chaos Shark
When Ellie finds a strange-looking shark trapped in a tide pool, she realises the legends about Chaos sharks might be true. If not, her whole family is about to die…

The Wasporcist
Everyone thinks she’s mad when she complains about the noise – but Lily knows the buzzing in her ears is more than her imagination. Time to call the Wasporcist…

Sea Foam and Blood (click for bonus material)
Terminally-ill Adelaide finds an unexpected cure in the Pegasus myth come to life. Moon Drenched Fables, June 2009 (Best in Issue).

I asked Amy to write about her daily writing habits! And here's the guest post:

Hi there! First of all a big thank you to Madison for hosting me on her blog today. *cookies* all round! 

So, Madison asked me recently about my daily writing habits. I have to confess, I laughed to myself when I read her question, not because it’s a silly one, but because I am utterly dismal at having a writing ‘habit’ at all! :D Sadly, I work full time and also have a family (including Small Boy, who is less demanding than your average nearly-two-year-old, but really, that’s not hard, ha), so writing gets smooshed in wherever I can make time for it – and at the moment, it isn’t as regular as I’d like. 

See, for the last three years, I had trouble with writing. I’d sit down to try to write something, and nothing would come. Or I’d plan out my week and allot time to writing, and the time would arrive and other really unavoidable commitments would creep in, or work would have been so frantic that I had no brain left over, or I’d be sick, or or or or or. 

Really, though, what the problem was was this: It wasn’t the right time to write. Now, I firmly believe that things happen for a reason and that if something you’re trying to do isn’t working, then sometimes it’s because the timing isn’t right, and I think there was an element of that at play here. But also, one of the really big reasons it wasn’t time to write for me was because I’d forgotten how to have fun with writing. It had become a mess of daily schedules broken and word counts missed, and all in all it was just another way for me to feel like a failure. Which was awful, because I knew that somewhere along the way I’d loved writing, and I hated that it had come to be a slave master. 

So that’s when I quit writing. Yup, really truly. In fact, you can read the post announcing it right here. I quit writing, I shut up my blog, and I wandered away to do other things with my life, kind of hoping that I’d come back to it one day, but not really knowing at all. And for about eight months, I didn’t write at all.

But then the bug wormed its way back into my life, if a bug worming isn’t a mixed metaphor :D I scrawled notes on scrap paper, emailed myself a cool sentence I’d thought of. I caught myself daydreaming about stories I’d used to work on; a friend challenged me to write to daily prompts. One of those prompts turned into a short story that ended up being published (details here), and although it took months, slowly I started to write again. And it was fun.

So to answer Madison’s question, I don’t have a daily writing habit. I still have to squish it in around life and work and family and boring things like eating and sleeping (though, let’s be honest, I love eating, and when I’m not a stressnut, I have the most awesome dreams that often end up as the basis for stories, so y’know, sleep = win). I still come home brain dead more nights than not, and my calendar, on which I get a stamp every time I write 1000 words, has more blank squares than not. But when I write, I write, and I get the stories done one word at a time – and I have fun doing it. 

And that’s the most important thing in the end: your daily habit is whatever you need to do to make sure that you’re writing new words, and that you’re having fun doing it. So: go out and buy yourself a cheap calendar, and give yourself stars and stickers when you reach your goals – and celebrate the fact that you’ve moved one step forward, even if you can’t make time to step every day. 

Here are some links on where to find Amy online! 

Find Amy: Website Twitter Facebook Goodreads Find To Dust: Website Goodreads Smashwords (all e-formats) Free TO DUST bookmarks with special QR discount code

-Madison xoxo

Kpop Thursday #7

Today I have Miss A with Bad Girl, Good Girl!

I used to be obsessed with them...like I knew the dance and stuff. ;P #WeirdFactsAboutMadison

Have a great Thursday!!

-Madison xoxo

To Prologue, or not to Prologue, that is the question - A Writing Truth

I have heard many things about readers and prologues. Some say that they're boring and annoying, and why the heck are they even there? Some say that they're helpful, that it makes the story more exciting since you know how it all came to be.

Sometimes, readers like prologues, but they don't like how long they are. Some say that they're too short.

So the question here is...to prologue, or not to prologue?

I like to write prologues, it makes me understand my characters better, and to see how far they have come since then. But I don't like reading them, not really. Especially those really long ones in classics. I don't want to read it, since it's usually boring, and I just want to get to the story.

BUT, the one thing that's important when writing a prologue is not to put important information that a reader would miss if they didn't read it. A prologue is just to inform the reader of how the characters got there. Not to throw a much of information that they'll miss if they just skip right over it. They're just there for the readers that want to know more.

So if you're trying to figure out if you want to write a prologue to your book, just think of these steps:

1. How long should you make it? Long, short? In between?

2. What should I have in it? Is this really necessary? Do I need one?

3. Make sure not to put important facts in there, it's just there for those who want it.

---

There are some easy steps on why or how you should write a prologue. If you want an example, you can read the prologue of THE STORM here. :)

-Madison xoxo

Sign ups for the Two Rings #4 title and cover reveal!

The title says it all! The form is below! Sign up away! ^.^

 

-Madison xoxo

I got tagged!

Someone tagged me in this blog post, and wanted me to answer these questions. I'll just answer, I won't tag anyone, but I love answering questions. :)

Questions:

1. What in your opinion do you think YA (or fiction in general) needs more of?

YA needs more suspense, action, magic, almost anything. And in the process, just minus out most of the romance in my opinion. I love romance, I write it. But the fact that most of the YA books I read now has some sort of sex scene in it...just drives me up the wall. Us teens don't go and sleep around you know, at least not any teens I know. (plus myself) sorry for the mini rant, but that's my opinion.

2. What is something you would absolutely love to see a book about? (Be specific if possible!)

Hm, this is a hard question. I say more fiction about pirates. Mostly teens, since I love pirates so much!

3. How many non-American authors can you name? (List them!)

Do Canadians count? I know of Chloe Jacobs and Amy Laurens! 

4. How many non-American YA authors can you name? (List them!)

^^
5. What are books that have made you sob and/or cry out loud?

I have cried over Julie Kagawa's IRON QUEEN, and another book that I can't remember the title too...I almost prayed for her, since I felt so strongly about the character!

6. What is your favourite book from childhood?

I would say the Doctor Suss books!

7. What do you like to do that has absolutely nothing to do with reading, writing, or anything of the like?

I love to play video games,  I love to draw, I love hanging out with my friends! And babysitting.

8. What does diversity mean to you?

Being yourself.

9. How would you describe your style of clothing?

Trying to go with the trends, but trends don't like me. :P

10. What is your goal in life? (It could be at the moment or overall).

To become a Best Selling Author, and have lots of readers who beg me for teasers and art work, and stuff. I also want to get married and have kids. :)


Thanks for tagging me @alyssasherlockwrites! :)

-Madison xoxoxo

Kpop Thursday #6!

Happy Thursday! I have KARA with STEP today! I have the video with the English subtitles if you want them, it's actually a very inspirational song. I didn't post it here, because since it's copied, it sounds different than the original, which is below:

This is one of my favorite songs. It really makes you feel happy for some reason. I hope you enjoyed. ^.^

-Madison xoxo

Piracy is bad. THE END.

In Tea Time today, we walked a little about piracy, A.K.A stealing. And one of the fine ladies gave a great example: "You can't just go to Walmart and say you want that TV, and steal it." EXACTLY. It's stealing, authors need their money, it also hurts them.

I know books are expensive. Believe me, I know. I wish I could buy allll the books, but I can't. Because I have no money, OR I'm trying to save for a car. *cough cough* and coming from a family where money is spent very wisely, when I go to a bookstore, I usually kind of cringe at the prices. BUT, I understand WHY they are so expensive.

1. Authors work long and hard on their books. They think up the plot, they write it, they edit it, they do all this work. And to just have someone go onto a stealing sight with their book, and just take it makes them sad. They worked hard on their books, and they want to make profit from it. They also want people to read it, but that doesn't mean steal it. Go to a library, request the book if it's not in the system. And libraries are FREE. (aside from those fines you get when you don't return your books on time...)

2. If you steal that book, you take away from a book store's profit, an editor's profit. A PUBLISHERS profit.

Look guys, look at how many people you're hurting by just stealing a book. ^^^^. :/

I am done with my mini rant, and I want to let everyone know that I understand why some of you may steal, but there are lots of ways to get a book for free. I promise!!

-Madison xoxo

What happens when you write five books in a row without taking a break...

The title says it all. I love to write, it's my passion, but sometimes...very few mind you...I just have to take a break because I might go crazy, or I won't get anything else done. Such as editing.

WHICH, is what I am starting TODAY. WHOOP WHOOP. I have to edit THE HURRICANE, Two Rings #4, Felix's Novella, The Storm Saga #3, Mystery Novel and NaNo Novella. (that was my prep)

So yeah...I have lots of editing to do. BUT, it's good, considering the way I edit, I usually go through a book, fix spelling and that's all. Then I set it down, and wait a month or so to pick it back up again. Gives me a new perspective. But NOW, I'll just be able to jump from book to book. (hopefully). I'll be editing THE HURRICANE and Two Rings #4 first. Then I'll start on Felix's Novella, The Storm Saga #3. Then after that, Mystery Novel and NaNo Novella.

WHEW. I am very excited for you all to read them, especially Mystery Novel!!

So...off I go. Wish me luck!! *sets up editing music* OH, and suspect a reveal of the final cover and title of Two Rings #4 soon! Probably...like...this Friday maybe...

-Madison xoxo

To Dust by Amy Laurens Cover Reveal!

Today, I have the cover of To Dust by Amy Laurens to share with all of you!!

Containing four previously-published and three brand-new short stories, To Dust is a YA anthology featuring mostly fantasy and speculative fiction.

To Dust
The maliche are devouring Imber’s world, and the only tool she has to stop them is a magic box. Shame the only ones who can work the magic are the terrifying fae in their forest home…

Certified
Anna is a Raiser, able to raise from the dead anyone she doesn’t know. So what can she do when her best friend murders her boyfriend? Everyday Weirdness, 5 July 2010.

Interchange
When the man sitting next to her on the bus begins to cry, Ella is horrified. What can be wrong? TeenAge Magazine, September 2009.

Not Fantasy
Beth knows that the fairy world exists; her best friends are a pink tortoise and a talking pen, after all. Her creative writing professor strongly disagrees – perhaps too strongly, Beth thinks, when strange cracks start appearing in his office.

Shoe
Would you take home the pair-less shoe? AlienSkin Magazine, December 2009.

The Wasporcist
Everyone thinks she’s mad when she complains about the noise – but Lily knows the buzzing in her ears is more than her imagination. Time to call the Wasporcist…

Sea Foam and Blood
Terminally-ill Adelaide finds an unexpected cure in the Pegasus myth come to life. Moon Drenched Fables, June 2009 (Best in Issue).

I love the cover! It's so pretty!! I'm excited to read this!

Find Amy: website Twitter Facebook Goodreads Find To Dust: Website Goodreads

-Madison xoxo

Cover Reveal: Waves of Love by Danielle Sibarium!

I love this series, and I'm sad to see it end, but I will sruvive! (hopefully) now view the cover!!

Jenna knew Reece would break her heart, when he did Tyler stepped in to pick up the pieces.

As she’s ready to take the next step with Tyler, Jenna finds herself face to face with Reece. Lies and secrets are discovered from the two boys she trusted the most. And now it’s more than just her heart on the line, it’s her life as well. 

Torn between two amazing guys Jenna’s certain of only one thing, this is the most important decision of her life. One almost destroyed her. The other brought her back to life. The time has come to choose. Can Jenna move forward with Tyler or will she be stuck in the past with Reece?

The new look for the covers is pretty awesome!

And check out the teasers from WAVES OF LOVE here. Annnnd, there's a giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Monday everyone!

-Madison xoxo

Kpop Thursday #5!

Today for Kpop Thursday, I have BIG BANG (not Big Bang Theory) with their song, FANTASTIC BABY. The music video is completely weird, and the song doesn't make any sense, but it's catchy so why  not?

Happy Thursday! :) Have any favorite kpop bands or videos? Send me one! madisonlouisesbooks@hotmail.com, make sure to put in the subject line: Kpop Thursday so I know you're not spam. ;)

-Madison xoxo

Book Fair!

The book far went great!! I got to sit next to amazing authors! Debi Hartfield and Kenneth Sewell! Check out Ken's website, and Debi's books here.

Friends came to see me. I made over 100$'s in selling THE STORM, THUNDER & LIGHTNING and SHADOW FUTURE! I bought myself some books as well to read. And I can't wait to read them!

I didn't take many pictures, but I did take a picture of my table! I had a name plate and everything. ^.^

Isn't that an awesome pink type writer behind it too? The whole place was full of awesome historical things! Afterwards, I went to the library and got books, because yeah, I need more books.

I even signed all my books in my special pink pen. :D

Now I am relaxing, and watching Doctor Who. It was a great day! And I'm ending it with the Doctor. OH! And I'm going to cosplay as a Dalek for the PopCon, such as this one:

It's gonna be awesome!!

-Madison xoxo 

Kpop Thursday #4!

Happy Thursday yet again! Today I have Girls' Generation back with Oh!

Enjoy! ^.^

I hope you're having a great Thursday! Friday is just tomorrow!!

-Madison xoxo

Being Original is hard these days - A Writing Truth

Being Original is hard these days - A Writing Truth

Ok, I just had to write this. I'm not bashing anyone, or making other writers and authors seem unoriginal, but let's just face it. Nothing is very original anymore. Just think about it, how long have vampires been written about? From Dracula to Twilight and so forth. The story is done differently every single time of course, new characters, new plot, new setting, new age, new year. And it's never original. Someone a long time ago created vampires, and now they're still being used. Which is an honor of course! But just as the Bible says 'There is nothing new under the sun'. Just think about the Hunger Games, people say 'Oh my gosh, it's so original!" when it's really not. In Greek history, and even the Bible, people are put into arenas to please people, to watch the poor people fight to the death. Just for enjoyment of the audience.

Now let's jump out of the creature area, and think plot ideas. How many times have you read a book like this: "Girl is young, girl turns a certain age, girl has new found powers, girl finds guy, girl and guy fall in love'. I can't even count how many times I've read something like that, and it drives me up the wall. Don't get me wrong, I love all the stories like this! Their predictable, and they make me feel like I know what I'm going to read it, and it makes the read more enjoyable. All authors and writer's do it. Even if it's not so obvious from the beginning, if you're a big reader, you'll start to notice how it's not that much different from 'said other story'. I even see it in video games. It's like people can't make up new plot ideas, which is hard I know, not everything sells, and something totally out there is so not going to get published.

For me, when I write, I try my very hardest to make up new plot ideas and creatures. My OverShadowers for intense, they're mine. All my mine. Copyrighted. I created them, they're a new creature. I don't feel comfortable writing about vampires, or faeries or werewolves, because it feels like I'm taking someone elses work. Now, if someone wrote about OverShadowers now, I would be very ticked. But when I die, and someone writes a book about the Undimmed and the OverShadowers, in a different setting, and plot, that would be pretty cool. I'll be like the new vampire creator. Even with the Storm Saga, I made them as different as I possibly could, controlling all those elements isn't new, but the way I made it made it some what new to a point that people might think it's new. But it's not not. I wanted them to be seen as somewhat new, something new and refreshing.

Nothing is ever original anymore, and it's not bad, it's not good. But I'm just saying that we should try just a little bit harder to make things more original, surprise readers and watchers and players. Make them on the edge of their seat for what's going to happen, make them skip to the last page, or fast forward or dive behind a couch. Don't write like the authors in the past have, or even now.  Make you're own writing style, mix it up! Make them feel like they're reading something new. Something that's never been done before, or dared to be done.

-Madison xoxo