NaNo!

Tomorrow is the big day. At midnight the clock starts it's countdown. All NaNoWriMo participants have 720 hours to write 50,000 words. That' just 1667 words per day. Less than two 1hr1k's per day for Twitter Folks who like to get together and take an hour to write 1,000 words. And if you equate 1 page of writing to 250 words (usually my average), then you need to write only 7 pages per day in November to meet your goal.

If you need two days off each week to run errands and chill you can complete the NaNo 50K Challenge by writing 2273 words per day. And if you like a real challenge, write your 50K on the weekends. Since there are 4 weekends in November that gives you 8 days to write. That means you need to write a mere 6250 words per day, and you've won.

No matter how you add, subtract, multiply and divide, writing 50,000 words in 30 days is an accomplish-able feat if you add a smidge of BICHOK to your life. Happy NaNo 2011!

Continuing my earlier post on NaNoWriMo preparedness, we’re going to catch up with Mr. Brook’s tips for successfully making it through the whirlwind that is National Novel Writing Month.

Larry Brooks, author of DARKNESS BOUND and THE SEMINAR, is The Storyfixer.

If you’re going to participate in NaNoWriMo and you’re still wondering how you’re going to tackle it all, or if you’re just looking for tips, Storyfix.com is the NaNo resource. You still have plenty of time to prepare for NaNo ~ as long as you quit lagging and move your tuckus!

Let’s get to it:

#15 – Stuck? Try This and Move Forward. Larry shows us how watching and breaking down the scenes in a movie can help fuel our imaginations and pull us over the creative hump.

#16 – Consider an “Arena” Story. Larry explains how we can use the time, place or culture of a story as it’s main component.

#17 – Learn From Others Who Have Been Down This Road. Larry invites us to leave comments in order to share our own stories, tips, and advice on how to prepare, plot, or structure our novels. Some really great stuff here.

#18 – Don’t Confuse “Quirks” with Characterization. Larry urges us to go below the surface of our characters and really bring them to full color reality.

#19 – Center Yourself Within The Big Picture. Two of them, actually. Take a step back and really look at your concept. Do you know the ins and outs? Do you understand exactly what it’s going to take to turn it into a page turner?

#20 – To Edit or Not To Edit…. Know the difference not only between the right and wrong times to edit, but the right and wrong ways to edit! Yes, there are differences!

#21 – Still Struggling With Your Concept? First, know exactly what a concept is ~ it’s not just an idea. Next, Larry offers a fantastic approach to get our creative drives in gear.

#22 – Stare Down Your Limiting Beliefs. You cannot write well if your pride or ego are in the way. Get rid of those limiting beliefs ~ Larry explains how.

#23 – Harness The Power of Resentment. It’s what separates the good from the great. Dig deep into your character and harness their motivation. Let them come alive on the page with visceral emotion.

#24 – Sharpen Your Hook. Whether it’s with your prologue or first chapter, grab your reader by the throat right from the beginning. But don’t squeeze…

#25 – A Strategy for Introducing Your Hero. Larry offers awesome insight in the myriad ways to introduce your hero/ine. And no, it doesn’t have to be on page one. On a side note, have you read his books? I’m just starting on BAIT AND SWITCH, and WOW. I’ve been thinking about the characters all day!

#26 – The Panster’s Solution to Story Planning. This is a “NoNoWriMo.” Here, Larry explains that it’s a definite no-no to sit down and write without a plan, but it is also unrealistic to think you need to have every single scene laid out and planned to the last detail before writing. Great tips and advice here!

#27 – How To Optimize Your Scenes. Larry shows us how we writers can ‘study and master’ the skills of story planning and scene writing.

#28 – Don’t Allow the Parts or the Process to Smother the Whole. Larry reminds us not to lose sight of our goal. He encourages us to keep moving forward, and to be realistic in terms of ‘storytelling sensibility.’ We cannot become so stuck in our own heads that we over-think these tips and wind up in a twisted, knotted mess. We need to take a deep breath, remember what we’ve learned thus far, don’t stress about what we don’t (it is, afterall, in the links), and stay focused on the end game.

#29 – 6 Tools to Rescue – or Beef Up – Your Beat Sheet. The title says it all. Larry gives excellent tips on how to maximize our planning process. Whether you’re plotting or pantsing, the beat sheet is a malleable, must-know tool that will help us achieve success not only in NaNo, but at any point in our careers.

Ok, we’re ‘coming down the home stretch’ as Larry says. T minus 2 days and counting to the big kick off. Puns intended J

2 days…that’s still plenty of time to get some planning done! We can do this!

So talk to me. Will you participate in National Novel Writing Month ~ why or why not? Are you a plotter or a pantser? How is that working for you? What are your methods of planning for NaNo?

My NKotWB Friends! I wanted to let you know that I will be taking a hiatus from this wonderful blog. With family, day job, and writing demands, I've needed to make some tough decisions in order to find time to meet them all. See you soon!

Kate Wood

Thanks so much, Lynn, for having me on your blog. I am really excited to be here and to share my major squeal about my debut release, DARK FUTURE.

When Lynn invited me on she asked me to share a bit about my experience with writing for Avon Impulse. So, what the heck, here it goes.

Avon Impulse is Avon’s new digital-first imprint. When I signed with them the imprint had only launched one book, and there wasn’t a history of authors I could question. So, yes I was a bit unnerved, but heck this was HarperCollins, not some new fly-by-night publisher I’d never heard of. One of the biggest selling points was that the same editors that edited Avon’s print-first books and worked with best-selling authors like Eloisa James (total name drop there, and in case you missed it, I’ll do it again…Eloisa James) would be working on the Impulse novels. To me that was a big plus.

DARK FUTURE had been a hard sell. It’s too romance to be slotted for traditional sci-fi and too sci-fi to be a straight paranormal romance. But Esi Sogah, my editor, seemed to really like my voice and believed in the book. In the end, that was the selling point—a great editor is worth their weight in gold.

The fellow Impulse authors all rallied together and helped each other out through our book launches. I love my cover and couldn’t have picked a better title myself. I’m so glad that for my first time out on the dance floor I was partnered with such a stable and wonderful publisher. It has been a joy to work with them.

Okay, you say, that’s great, but you want the dirt. You want the nitty-gritty. You want to know what happens behind the closed doors at those RWA national publisher parties. Fine…I’ll tell you, BUT you have got to promise to keep it a secret. J

So here I am, the ink barely dried on the contract and still waiting for the email that said… “oops, a mistake has been made,” when I get an envelope addressed to KC Klein. I tell my husband I’m sure that Avon has hand-written the “oops there has been a terrible mistake” part instead.

Well, it was an invitation to a cocktail party hosted by HarperCollins in freaking New York Times Square! Super Squeal! I was so excited. Well, the excitement lasted until I realized my trusted and faithful roomies would be going to their own publisher parties, and I’d have to traverse this new landscape on my own. All I can say is, there’s no deodorant on earth that could’ve saved me. The color black is my friend.

There were a few stomach churning moments like when I showed up at the door and my name was NOT on the list. For one blinding moment, I thought this was where they were going to give me the “oops, a mistake has been made” speech. To my disbelief they allowed me in, and after a loving text from my roommate that went something along the lines of “Get you’re a** out of the bathroom stall and go mingle!” I had a great time. I met some very sweet authors (waving madly to Anne Mallory) and even spotted Eloisa from afar (yeah, she is seriously as cool as she looks). By the end of the night (and a few glasses of champagne), I even got comfortable enough to pose for this picture.

So, my next goal is to get invited to another Avon party, actually meet Eloisa James, rub shoulders with Kathleen Ash, and tell Anne Mallory that I read and loved her book. Now, to win a free copy of my debut novel, DARK FUTURE, all you have to do is be honest and tell me if you think I could make it as a romance cover model.

KC - Thanks for stopping by New Kids and bring along Fabio. Good luck with Dark Future. Can't wait to read it. Lynn

Here's a taste of.....DARK FUTURE

Awakened in the middle of the night by a future version of herself, Kris Davenport is given a mission: go forward in time to save the world—and His life. Of course, her future self doesn't tell her who he is, just sends her into an abyss and straight into an alien invasion.

He turns out to be ConRad Smith, the callous, untrusting Commander of Earth’s army and the world’s last defense. There’s only one way to know for sure if this strange woman is an alien spy—slice her throat. Except, he didn’t anticipate the heat he would feel as he interrogates the hot-tempered, warm-blooded woman. For a man whose sole focus has been survival, she's more temptation than he can handle. But a world on the brink of destruction leaves no room for love…and time is running out.

KC Klein is the author of Dark Future, a sexy futuristic time-travel. She became serious about writing three years ago and was as surprised as anyone when her stories took a turn toward dark and snarky. Today, she divides her time between taking care of her family and driving in circles around Arizona, too busy creating stories in her head to pay attention to mere road signs. KC would love a visit at kckleinbooks.com.

I haven't forgotten about Jane Doe's story just like I didn't quite forget that I was supposed to blog today. I'm just a little late. I'm not the best at writing synopses, but I'll give it a go. Actually this will probably look like something from my notebook. So, it's not going to be complete and it's not going to be in proper format.

First, let's find a working title. Speed-dating Serial Killer? Too long for my taste. To Catch a Killer? No. Jane Doe's Catch? Hmmm, maybe. The Detective's Killer Date? Still not working for me. (I know, I know. Find the title later, right? Well, there is something in my brain that refuses me access to the story until I come up with a decent working title.) A Date to Die For? Okay, so nothing is working for me so, I'm going for Jane Doe.

Jane Doe opens with Detective Jane Doe in a speed-dating scene, a world she never knew existed until four women, all with ties to a particular dating organization, disappear. The only real clue she has about her perp is that he likes women short in stature, straight brown hair and green eyes. Women just like her.

1-Her first date puts her on edge. The guy is a obvious creep. Is it enough to make him suspect? Second, date only wants to discuss the missing girls and she pretends cluelessness but keeps her ears open for incriminating words and keeping her eyes on the first date. Third date she relaxes a little as he's her partner. The fourth looks like her dream guy and has the manners of her dream guy, but her attention is drawn by a local newspaper reporter (cliche?)

At this point, even I have no idea which man will be her hero and which is the serial killer, but since I intend it being a romantic suspense it is something I'd like to find out before I begin writing, but more than likely I won't discover the identity of the hero until after the first scene is written. But since I don't know write now I can only write scene ideas for my heroine. As for the villain, who knows, but it'll be a character introduced in the first scene.

2-Briefing at department. Interaction with co-workers. A strange call on her cell-phone puts her on edge.

3-Followed home, frantic scene tries to lose the car. Makes it home removes her jacket, her revolver and badge, feeds the cat (dont' all female det. have a cat?) There's a knock on the door.

4-It's the reporter. (Still don't know if he's the hero or the villain) He asks her to the coffee shop on the corner. She's hesitant, but knows he might have useful information. Asks him to wait out in the hall as she grabs her stuff. They talk. Share coffee. He's about to tell her something imperative to the case when the glass breaks and he's shot. (cliche? maybe)

5-At hospital, lead detective and her partner grill her about her connection with the reporter. Reporter flesh wound but refuses to divulge information to her and the others. Threaten to arrest him for withholding evidence. A woman shows up to take the reporter home. She looks similar to the women who have disappeared. Her partner makes note of it and makes Jane wonder.

6-As she's returning home there is a cryptic, threatening message. She's sure the reporter couldn't have done this since he was with her the whole time. She's scared to be alone but won't admit it to herself and she goes to the station under the guise of looking over the case.

7-A body shows up, first missing female. Her partner says something that makes her not trust him.

8-She contacts the reporter and meets with him. At this point I'm beginning to believe the reporter is my hero. Still not sure who the villain is. He still won't tell her the information he'd been about to reveal but does mention the woman who picked him up is his sister. She tells him about the message. She receives another strange phone call.

9- Now, I'm quite positive reporter is hero. He offers to take her and his sister to a safe place, since she feels she's being stalked and a little scared she wants to take him up on his offer, but knows she needs to go back to the speed-dating.

10-another speed-dating scene much like the first. This time she has reason to suspect a different man and decides to further her acquaintance with him. They agree to a date the next night.

11-reporter is furious that she's taking a risk (I'm realizing that they have known each other in a working relationship for a few years so there is camaraderie and this case has made him care for her and her for him knowing that he's protective) They argue he tries to get her to agree she'll let him stand by, but before she can his sister calls. Jane tells him to go and not to worry about her she can take care of herself.

12-date is uneventful have her watchful sees scratches on his wrists, but not enough evidence to bring him in at the end her car won't start. She knows her partner is close by but doesn't want to risk blowing cover. Her date offers her a ride, she'll call a cab, but he insists and she sees the scratches again and knows her partner will follow.  (is she acting stupid? careless? Will she do whatever it takes to capture the guy now that a body has been found?) She receives an urgent call from the reporter and has her date drop her off at the coffee shop and gives him a good explanation.

13-She waits for the reporter, he shows up and slips her a thumb drive in the guise of holding her hand. They talk apologize and then his sister calls frantic. Jane offers to go with but he tells her to go home and trust no one. She watches his car as it peels away.

14-Jane walks next door to her apartment building and is confronted by her date. He looks crazed and grabs a hold of her wrist for ending their date for another guy. Confronts her on playing games etc she tries to pull from him but he drags her to his car. Undercover detectives pull up and rescue her, (was she wired, watched?) They arrest the man for attempting to kidnap her.

15-After filling out report she goes home removes her gear and feeds the cat, she's relieved that it's over. She plugs in the thumb drive and goes to make coffee. A knock at the door. and her phone rings at the same time She's expecting the reporter with news of his sister and opens the door without looking and answers the phone at the same time. Her partner's at the door, reporter is on the phone. He looks haggard like he's been in a fight. His eyes are red and irritated. (pepper spray?) At that moment she hears her partner's voice coming from her laptop she glances toward her computer and back to him, a sinister smile on his face. (You knew it'd be him all along, didn't you?) She drops the phone.

16.-He takes her to a remote place and chains her up with a few other women. he talks to her like he's working a case, like his mind is all there and how she should have known all along especially since he'd had a thing for her type (find good motive behind his mental break) He tells her how no one will find her or the other women, explains he didn't kill the first, how was he to have known she'd die on him. She'd just be another victim of the speed-dating.

17-Reporter calls police and tells them where they can find the women. Tells them he also has evidence that Jane's partner is the perp and he believes he has Jane. He races to the location, ends up helping rescue Jane (not sure how, though) tells her how his sister had been attacked and she was too scared to involve the police because she'd seen a badge and didn't know who to trust and how the perp had harassed her. Jane's partner is arrested and they all live happily ever after.

Now, all I need to do is flesh it out a bit, add in the romance, and since I'm an inspirational writer, the faith part. Since I'd most likely write this targeting Love Inspired Suspense and the lower side of their wordcount is 55,000, which is 3300 words give or take a chapter I could feasibly have a book completed in one month with NaNoWriMo. All I'd have to do is use my numbers as guidelines for scenes and/or chapters.

Next week will I'll give you some snack ideas and clues on how to reach your 50,000 wordcount.

Happy Tuesday,

Christina Renee

As most of you are aware, NaNoWriMo is right around the corner. I stumbled across storyfix.com whilst perusing my good friend, Gene Lempp’s blog treasures one day…and I’m SO glad I did!

Larry Brooks, author of DARKNESS BOUND and BAIT AND SWITCH, is The Storyfixer.

Recently, he’s been writing posts specifically for NaNoWriMo, and I wanted to share what he’s posted so far with you. So here we go:

#1 – Nail Your NaNoWriMo. Larry kicks off his series telling us that while the name of the game in November is to write and finish our novel, we can begin to develop it in October – start early, be ahead of the game. In this first NaNoWriMo tip, Larry says, Know What You Are Planning ~ imagine that story inside of you inside and out, frontward and backward, and side to side. Visualize all of the angles, visualize the different arcs, characters, plot points. Really immerse yourself in it.

#2 – Keep Your Character Close To Home. Larry says by casting yourself in the lead role, you will develop a character full of visceral emotion and hardy responses.

#3 – Vet and Fertilize Your Story “Idea.” In this tip, Larry explains the differences between “winning” and “succeeding,” as well as “idea” and “story concept.” ~ Differences every writer should know.

#4 – Tell Your Story In Context To…Something. Larry offers tools to enlighten and empower…priceless.

#5 – Don’t Forget To Fall In Love. Use NaNoWriMo to your advantage. Don’t just sit at the computer and “see what happens,” take the concept that speaks to you, that you dream about, that you see in the back of your mind every day, and write that story. Live it, breathe it. Put 200% into it. Fall in love with it.

#6 – Filling Out The Big Picture. Before you can write your story, you must be sure to have three key elements in place. Larry outlines each of these categories in easy to understand language that’ll have you sittin’ up and takin’ notes. So get to it.

#7 – The Most Important Moment In Your Story. Your first plot point. Larry gives advice and tools on how to get it right, even during NaNoWriMo.

#8 – Why and How Your First 12 to 15 Scenes Are Different. Because the First Plot Point is so important and so pivotal to your novel, Larry goes into it further here. He also gives great information for more in-depth study.

#9 – Take A Hike. During the planning stages, it’s easy to become confused and feel adrift. Larry says to take some time to verbally work through these moments with a partner who will quietly listen to you. This can literally be a hike, or as is my case, you can work through it on the elliptical at the gym. He also gives a fantastic bonus tip – you gotta see this.

#10 – Specifics On How To Plan Your Story. Larry dissects and defines each level of story planning: The Visionary Level, The Architectural Level, and The Construction Level. Keys to NaNoWriMo success!

#11 – Cast Your Story With Familiar Faces. Here’s a tip that I not only practice myself, but I’ve also heard about recently from another peer. Using a color photo of an actor as a visual aide is very helpful in adding depth and edge to your character’s personality.

#12 – May The “Forces” Be With You. Here, Larry breaks down five powerful forces, or physics, behind the core competences of writing.

#13 – Begin To Write It Down. Wait just a minute! No cheating here…it ain’t November 1^st yet, kiddies… Larry explains in detail just exactly what the heck a beat sheet is, finally.

#14 – Surrender To The Process. The halfway-point pep talk. Definitely need this right now. All of this prep work is a lot to take in, a lot to process, and a lot to manage. Whew!

So there you have it…we’re not finished, not by a long shot, but this is a fantastic start to planning for NaNoWriMo. I encourage all of you to subscribe to Storyfix.com immediately so you don’t miss out on the upcoming posts (which you need to head over there right after you finish this to get today’s post!) but if you don’t – for what reason I can’t imagine – I will post a follow-up to this one in two weeks…just in time for Day 1 of NaNoWriMo.

So talk to me. What do you think about Larry Brook’s approach to novel planning? Are you prepared for NaNoWriMo? What do you do differently? Are you going to participate in NaNoWriMo? Why, or why not?

I had another post all written and scheduled for today, then I realized, that New Voices announced their top 21 today (without me). So my post is moot.

Instead, I want to discuss the wandering muse. Or Writing Fairy as Deb discussed earlier this week.

I found my muse in the oddest places this month.

I took a few hours off work to visit the Monet exhibit at the art museum. Walking though the museum, waiting for my ticketed time, I found myself in the Asian section. There, on top of a very large podium was a Goddess sculpture.

As I stood there and watched, an idea for a middle grade/young YA story seeped into my brain. “What if,” my muse whispered. “Then what would happen?”

Before I knew it, I was furiously scribbling note about the plot and my character and my goddess statue.

Then as I was sitting in the main exhibition hall, relaxing and watching Monet’s three panel study of water lilies, another whisper. “What about the artist as a young man? His love affair with his benefactor’s wife? What if…”

The muse had attacked again. Now, I was into pages of a character description. Both of my paint wielding hero, and the strong, organized art instructor who falls in love with the man.

Fast forward a day later, and future characters were hanging out on Antique Row in my little town, just waiting for the muse to introduce us. As we walked away, my muse whispered, “Wouldn’t he be an excellent character for your book?”

Now I have lots of ideas and little time. I need to find that muse a job so I can write while she pays the rent.

When have you been surprised by an idea hitting you right out of the blue? Do you believe in a muse?

Lynn

Twenty-one days until NaNo. Are you counting down?

I want to talk a little about running with the idea you have banging in your head. What? You don't have one. Seriously?

All right, I start there. I came across a book on my Kindle called 1,001 Writing Prompts to Ignite Your Creative Spark by Heather R. Wallace. (I'd use the little Amazon thingy but for some reason it's not wanting to work for me). Anyway, I'm not one for using a whole lot of prompts as I tend to have plenty of ideas roaming around in my head, but that's not to say there aren't good writing prompt books and websites out there.

Ex: I watched as the air shimmered and crackled for a moment and then there was a person, in long flowing robes, standing in front of me.

After three months he knew the cat hated him but it came as quite a shock to find out the dog felt the same.

The conversation ran the gamut from the erratic to the erotic.

Even if you prove me wrong I will never agree with you.

There was nothing he could do to escape me. Not with this lipstick and that bag. Oh and the tazer.

You'll find a link on his sidebar that will take you to his Writing Prompts Generator, but hey, why don't I save you a click or two and just give you the link. The cool generator is in a box. Hit the refresh button and it'll give you a new prompt.


Let's take one of these and go with it.

The hum of conversation ran the gamut from the erratic to the erotic, but Jane Doe supposed that was the nature of this whole speed-dating thing. Not that she was here to make a connection, at least not of the romantic nature. No, romance was the furthest from her mind. She had a serial killer to bait and catch.

You see where I'm going? Of course, being the romance writer I am Jane Doe will find love.

Okay, go find your story ideas. If you'd like feel free to share in the comments. If you've got one of those top-secret-never-been-done-before-ideas, then just leave a comment letting me know you have one.

Next week, I'll take Jane Doe's story and write a loose synopsis so, we'll have something to work with when NaNoWriMo Day 1 arrives.

Happy Tuesday,

Christina Renee

Once again, the New Kids would like to welcome guest author Kimber An, who was our first Debut Author spotlight last year! She's got another book coming out and we would love it if you would check out what's new with Kimber An!

SERIES VS TRILOGY

People often wonder what the difference is between a series and a trilogy. Do you know the difference? Let me help.

A trilogy is a story line that takes three books to tell the story. Nora Roberts has written a few of these. THE CIRCLE TRILOGY and THE SIGN OF SEVEN are two of my favorites.

A series are a set of book that have a common thread but can stand alone. As in my three books, I have three brothers who get their own book. Their stories do not involve each other but you do see a mention of the brothers in all of the books. They are the common thread.  You can read them in any order.

Now it is also my understanding that you can have a set of books that tell a story from start to finish and you must read them in order to understand and they are more than  three books. Think of Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series. There are seven books written so far.

I have heard of "series romance" or also called category romance, but I am unsure of what this means. If anyone can give a definition of this term, it would be appreciated.

I hope I was able to break down this confusing question for you and helped to make your writing a little easier!

Please forgive me for my tardiness today. The kids were out of school yesterday. So, in my mind it's still only Monday.

As Julie stated yesterday, NaNo will begin in a few short weeks. For those of you who don't know what NaNo is all about just click here. I've participated for several years. Two of my manuscripts are products from my NaNo stint. Since I'm in the middle of revisions and finishing up a story I had intended for a NaNo project two years ago I didn't think I'd participate this year. But, there is something addicting, in a masochistic sort of way, about producing 50,000 words in 30 days.

Sounds a bit intimidating, doesn't it? Well, I'm not going to lie to you, after several years of participating I still find it intimidating. Have you ever heard the term vomiting on the page? That's what NaNo is all about.

Your success may very well depend on your preparations. And the time to start is now.

Do you have a story idea that has been itching to get on paper? This is the time to start plotting. You can even write a loose synopsis.

Stop at Julie's post and let her know you'll be participating, and then come back here and let me know if you'd like help brainstorming. Next week, I'll talk more about NaNo, maybe even a little bit of brainstorming. AND there might even be a few surprises in store between now and the end of November. Just keep watching for updates.


Happy Tuesday,

Christina Renee

Just a short note and reminder to all my writer friends:

We are just 4 weeks away from NaNoWriMo 2011. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) starts on November 1st. I have participated the last two years and plan to participate this year too. In 2009, I completed my 50K novel in the 30 days allotted, but last year I only made it to 10K. This year, I have another Contemporary Romance planned with the hopes of completing the 50K challenge.

Is anyone else gearing up for this year's NaNoWriMo?

It seems that Bronchitis has infiltrated my home. Seriously, we're droppin' like flies over here...

Since it’s very difficult to write while coughing up a lung, I thought it might be best to simply offer some really great info about some pretty important peeps.

Seriously, if you don’t already know these guys, get to know them. Become their new bff…

Bob Mayer is an expert when it comes to publishing, especially self-publishing. Check out his website…and while you’re there, check out his Warrior Writer’s program. Sign up for some classes, get some books, get educated.

Kristen Lamb is the Social Media Maven. She can teach you everything you need to know to connect, build your author platform, and conduct yourself out there in the big bad world of social media. First things first, get her book "We Are Not Alone - The Writer's Guide To Social Media," and when you're done with that one, get "Are You There Blog? It's Me, Writer?" Both are must haves.

Tiffany Lawson Inman a.k.a. Naked Editor is an expert on craft. She’ll tell you exactly what you need to know to develop real characters, engrossing and entertaining stories, and meaty plots. Daughter of the incredible Margie Lawson, Tiffany uses her background in theatre, and innate editing abilities to help her students create tangible stories that touch readers on an emotional level. If you’re interested in writing that kind of story, I suggest you check her out and stick to her like glue.

Alright, that’s all I have for you. I need medication badly…and some more dark chocolate. Well, I guess I can catch up on my Grey’s Anatomy now…

~ Kate ~