I FINISHED MY MS! (TLOM)

Okay, so I’ve spent the last 4 months working my tail off on my YA Fantasy/Horror.  Phew. This weekend, I finally typed the end (yay). Although, I found a few logic flaws I had to sit down and try and rethink, luckily my hubby let me bounce some things off of him.

Now, I’ll be going back through to edit, apply crits from my critique partners, and rewrite some sections where the plot needs to change based on some things I had come up in later chapters.  I’ll also be concentrating on adding some more details with the setting, and making sure to up the creep factor (woohoo). LOL.

I’m hoping to have everything cleaned up and off for betas in the next month or so.  Then, after that, it’ll be put in the hands of Agent Lady.  Since this story is darker, I’m hoping it does well on submission (ahhh).

This story was somewhat out of my comfort zone. The fantasy elements, I had no problem with, but the horror elements took more thought and even though I’m finished, I know I’ll need to add a few more of them in when I do edits.

But, I loved the challenge of writing something outside my norm, it really tested me. Luckily, my FAB crit partners kept me on track and honest.  I know a few of them received emails from me asking questions about several scenes or trying to make sure that everything I had planned was going to work out. 

But yeah, it’s nice to write “The End!”

Now, I’ll be working on edits, while waiting to hear back from my editor on TFGF.  So much stuff (LOL). Already trying to wrap my mind around my next project (another dark story–well, at least if I get the research done).

 

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YAFF MUSE: LETTING GO

Welcome again to YAFF Muse: blog rounds. The ladies of YA Fiction Fanatics have come together for YAFF Muse. To have a little fun, explore different styles of writing and to give you some kick-butt shorts to read. Enjoy!

A strong hand shook me awake, and I glanced up to see my sister leaning over me.  “Kendall, listen, you’ve got to get out of here, now.”

Her bright blue eyes pierced mine as she tugged me out of bed.

“Shit.  What’s your problem?”  I glanced at my alarm clock.  “It’s two in the morning, Paige.”

My older sister knelt next to me.  “If you don’t leave, they’re going to kill you.”

Blonde hair cascaded into my face as I let her pull me to my feet.  “Who’s going to kill me?”

“Listen, the Federation stopped here earlier.  I heard them talking to Mom about you.”

My throat went dry.  The Federation.  Crap.  They’d been trying to recruit me since I was thirteen.  But my being underage had kept them from touching me, from using me in their games.

But now, at seventeen, I was legal. 

Paige jerked my duffel bag out from underneath my bed and shoved some of my clothes in it.  Then she turned to her dresser and pulled a wad of bills from her purse.

“What did Mom say?”  I met her gaze as she shoved the money into my hand.

“I told them they could have you, if they promised to leave your sisters alone.”  Mom flicked on our bedroom light.  She refused to meet my eye.  “It was either I send one of you, or lose all of you.”

Two grizzled men pushed past my screaming sister and gripped hold of my arm, dragging me toward the door.

“Stop.  Please!”  They covered my mouth with a gag and tied my hands behind my back.

People taken to the Federation, never came back.  At least not alive.  What had mother done? 

Tears burned my eyes as I watched Paige’s grief stricken face disappear from sight.  Then everything went black.

***

I struggled to open my eyes as my arms brushed against the coolstone walls behind me.  But when my lids fluttered opened, I noticed I was in a tunnel. 

Tiny red lights flickered along the ceiling and I knew the cameras watched my every move, broadcasting it for the sick fucks who bet on people like me making it through the Labyrinth.

High pitched alarms blared in the distance.  The games had begun.  Too bad they didn’t know who the hell they were messing with.  With a smile, I wiped the make-up from my neck.  My tattoo blazed in the darkness.  Flames licked at my fingertips as my magic shot forth.  I rushed forward where a shower of bullets came at me from a lone sniper in the corner.

I rolled to the ground, creating a shield around myself.  The ammunition fell to the floor in front of me. 

“My turn.”  Heat licked at my body as I thrust fiery orbs at the gunman.  He screamed as his flesh burnt on contact.  I wrinkled my nose against the scent of his charcoaled body.

“Shut down the Labyrinth,” a frightened voice came over the intercom.

I laughed.  “Too late.  The Federation is going down.  You really should do better background checks before you recruit people.”

Smoke filled the Labyrinth as I went path by path, taking out the workers who’d aided in killing people for fun.  All so they could place bets and watch our fear on TV.  Tonight, they’d get their fill.

When I came to the end of the maze, I kicked opened the door.  A helicopter loomed overhead, its spotlight focused on me.  “I don’t even think so.”

With a flick of my finger, I sent a fireball right for the gas tank.  I dove to the side as it exploded mid air, in a shower of hot metal and body parts.  I slipped into the shadows and raced towardNickletreePark. 

There, I found Paige waiting for me, a slow smile upon her lips.  “I knew you’d do it.”

I hugged her tight.  “Did you make the bets?”

“Oh yeah.  The monies already in the account.”

“And Mom?”

“Taken care of.  She’ll never betray us again.”  Paige grabbed my hand and jerked me to our getaway car. 

At last, we were free.  Free of our mother who’d sold us for various things over the years.  But most of all free from the Federation.  Never again would I have to hide my powers or be afraid of the dark.  No.  I was the one to be feared.   

Thanks for coming by. Please be sure to drop by my fellow YAFFers blogs and don’t forget to leave a comment.

Traci Kenworth

Vanessa Barger

Joey

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PHEW!!! It’s September?

Okay, so life has been out of control busy (ahh). Football started back up for my son 2 weeks ago, next week he has his first game.  And soccer gets under way next week as well, along with school.  So things in the Purdy house will be chaotic. My days will start 5:45 am, when I get up to go to work, and I won’t see my house until 8:30 pm.

My current WIP TLOM (hehehe—yep a hidden codename—so love them), is going really well. I’m close to ½ way through writing it (the YA Fantasy/Horror). I’m hoping to squeeze in a little writing time this weekend since I’ve been limited to my lunch hours at work.  I’m getting to some awesome scenes that I can’t wait to see how they play out.

OMG, and the other day on my way home from work I got these vivid images for another new story.  And then a brilliant title flashed in my mind.  *Gasps for air* and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. To and from work, my mind pours over characters, plots, details. So, I ended up blurbing it. And get this, it’s another darker story (YA Horror). This coming from a girl who normally writes the light, funny, YA stories.  Not sure what’s bringing on the dark, but I’m totally geeked about both stories.  However, new idea won’t be touched until I finish TLOM. 

Let’s see, I’m currently reading Graceling by Kristen Cashore and am TOTALLY LOVING IT.  And I’ve got Bloodlines by Richelle Mead waiting in the wings (just got it this week).  I keep seeing a bunch of awesome YA books I want to pick up, but will have to wait until my birthday in October (come on October, so can’t wait).

Oh and last weekend, I went to a Detroit Lions football game with my brother, dad, and nephew and had a total blast. We played the Patriots and totally spanked them (oh yeah).  I didn’t have my voice for most of the week do to all the cheering/yelling etc.

I hope everyone has a FABULOUS Labor Day weekend. I’ll be spending mine school clothes shopping at the mall.  The kidlets already have a list of what stores they want to visit.  And I’m noticing that they’re the more expensive stores (see this is what I get with my kids getting older).

But it’s fun going with them.

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I’M MELTING…And other Summer Heat Related Topics…

I feel kind of like the Wicked Witch of the West—“I’m melting…” Or better said, it feels like I’ve been sitting in a sauna in the bowels of Hell this week.  So let’s see.  Heat.  Check.  No Sleep.  Check.  Cranky.  Double Check.  LOL.

Actually, my kids have been spending lots of time in the pool.  The only place to really get any kind of relief.  That and water gun fights (totally fun).  I get to sit in my air conditioned office at work, but I’d much rather be home, hanging with my family and animals—sweating.  In August we’re planning to head to the beach for vacation.  One week of relaxation (writing, swimming, no internet, campfires, fishing—totally fun).  Can’t wait.

I’ve gotten a chance to read some more GREAT books:  The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han (totally awesome book—YA/Contemp), The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson (can’t recommend this one enough—it comes out in September and you MUST BUY IT), I also read, City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare (really good follow up in the TMI series—get to see more Simon (yay)), and I also just finished Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (YA Contemp—very cute and fun).

After several weeks of writer’s block, I decided to set the YA Thriller aside and step back to my YA Fantasy root.  The YA Thriller wasn’t calling to me, and my writing was so forced and horrible (eek).  But then, I got this really awesome title for a story stuck in my head, then a blurb followed. And then, I spent 2 weeks jotting down notes, making outlines, and well day dreaming about my story.  Soooo…I’m now starting chapter 5 of said new story (which we will call TLOM).  I’m so excited about it.  The characters.  The setting.  The storyline.  It’s a YA Fantasy with some horror/creepy elements.  And I’ve got some pretty cool plot twists that I hope work out.  Anyway, I’ve been averaging a chapter a day in my excitement (woohoo). Hoping to keep the pace up so I can finish it quickly.

I’ve had to change up some notes thanks to a secondary character who decided to show up.  Seriously, he’s taking over the plotline, making me rewrite my notes/outline.  Because he wouldn’t settle for just a quick cameo. Nooooo, he wants to butt in and share the spotlight with my MC.  But I’m having so much fun writing.  It’s been a while since I’ve felt this kind of connection with one of my stories. 

Well, I suppose I ought to get back to work! STAY COOL!!!

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I’m Being Interviewed on Traci’s Blog today–and e-copy of Staking Shadows Up For GRABS!!

Hey everyone! Today, I’m being interviewed by the Lovely Traci Kenworth. If you get the chance, drop in and say hi. Oh, and there’s an ecopy of Staking Shadows up for grabs for one lucky commenter!

((HUGS))–hope to see you there! Would love the company.

Link:  Traci’s Blog

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HAPPY RELEASE DAY! AND CONTEST…AKA STAKING SHADOWS IS FINALLY OUT!

THE WINNERS OF STAKING SHADOWS EBOOK ARE:

KRISTEN LYNN THETFORD and ANGELA ACKERMAN

Congrats ladies…will email them over shortly!

 

Yay, Staking Shadows is now available in ebook form through Noble Young Adult

It should also be available soon on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and All Romance eBooks. Will update with links when it becomes available.

To celebrate the release of Staking Shadows, I’m giving away a free ebook to 2 commenters.  All you have to do is leave a comment and you’re entered.  Make sure to leave an email address in case you win.

I’ll draw the winners on July 5, 2011.

Blurb:

Summer “Sun” McKellar was twelve when her world was shattered by the appearance of the “soul-suckers,” a god-like hybrid with a vapid hunger for human souls. Within mere days entire towns were wiped out. But Summer was one of the lucky ones, or at least she managed to escape with her life—what was left of it.

Now, five years later, Summer is one of only a handful of survivors left on Earth. A place where night dominates and humans are harvested for their souls. By daylight Summer is the leader of a small band of survivors, while at dusk she becomes a hunter, with only one goal in mind; to take back her world one dead soul-sucker at a time. This routine serves her well until an enemy patrolman named Raven saves her life. He causes complications she never dreamt possible, making her rethink her strategy. For their chance encounter and the danger that surrounds it will ultimately force them to choose between loyalty to their own kinds or the forbidden…

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YAFF MUSE: I DREAM OF DANCING

Welcome again to YAFF Muse: blog rounds. The ladies of YA Fiction Fanatics have come together for YAFF Muse. To have a little fun, explore different styles of writing and to give you some kick-butt shorts to read.  Enjoy!

 

 

Photo credit: Kakisky from Morguefile.com

Tiny dancers swayed across the dance floor, their multi-colored tutus gave me a headache. Already I felt the ballet moms’ eyes burning into the back of my head. They probably thought I was a perv. I mean, I was the only guy sitting in the dance studio. My balls itched, but I didn’t dare scratch them. Otherwise, they really might think I was playing with myself.

Classical music echoed across the room and I groaned. Why in the hell did I tell Katie Nigel I’d give her a ride home from dance today?

Because she has a nice rack.

“Okay girls, now move your hips like this,” Katie said.

My eyes bulged as they trailed up her long legs to her pelvis. Shit. I shifted in my chair, dropping my coat in my lap to hide the bulge.

Okay, breathe Damien. You’ve seen chicks dance before.

“All right. That’s it ladies. We’ll see you next Tuesday.” Katie smiled, swiping a strand of loose dark hair from her face.

High-pitched little girl voices echoed as they scurried out to their moms to put on their coats and tennis shoes.

Katie came out last and made beeline for me. “Damien, hey, I hate to be a pain, but do you think you could stick around for another fifteen minutes? I so need to practice my routine.”

I’d eat dog crap if she asked. My lips twitched. “Yeah. Take as long as you need.”

She held out her hand to me. “Want to watch?”

She had no idea.

I let her lead me into the mirrored room, my combat boots heavy on the wooden floor. Katie grabbed a chair from the corner and set it up at the center of the room.

“So why aren’t there any guys hanging around here?” I ran a hand through my blonde hair.

“Because we eat them up.” She rolled her eyes. “Trust me, all guys are the same. They hate dancing and gymnastics. You know if it doesn’t have a football or baseball in it…”

I shrugged. “I don’t mind ballet.” Especially if it meant watching Katie.

 

Katie smiled then dimmed the lights. Music with a heavy drumbeat pulsed in the air. She spun around me, her leg gliding over my head as she kicked up and out. My heart thudded as if it might burst through my skin. Her movements were almost ritualistic, the way they kept time with each beat.

She bent backward then twisted to face me once more. Her finger traced my cheek. God, if she didn’t stop, I’d have to make a quick trip to the bathroom.

Her lips turned up at the corners as if she read my thoughts. “See, you’re all the same.”

“What?’

“I know what you’re thinking, Damien. Trust me. I know that look. You would follow me anywhere. Do anything I say. All for the chance to be with me.” Katie stopped moving. “The thing is, you don’t stand a chance. Because in the end, you’ll end up just like the rest of them.”

The rest of who?

Then the lighting changed and I saw the bones lining the walls of the room. The stench of spoiled meat made me gag. I tried to stand, but strong hands held me in my chair. Katie laughed, deep and throaty. Then her jaw unhinged, and rows upon rows of teeth gleamed like butcher knives.

I screamed, but no sound came out as she lunged forward. My flesh tore from my body, as she ripped into me. Warm liquid poured into my eyes. My blood.

“Damien, come on, get up. You’re going to be late for school.”

With a howl, I fell from my bed. Sweat drenched me.

“Mom?”

She stood with her arms crossed. “I’ve been calling your name for the last ten minutes.”

It was just a dream. Relief flooded me.

“Listen, Mrs. Nigel and I are supposed to go to a purse party tonight. Do you think you can give her daughter Katie a ride home from dance class?”

I went still. “No. Absolutely not.”

Mom frowned. “You don’t have to be rude.”

“I’m not. I’ve got plans.”

“Since when?”

Since my effed up dream of being eaten alive by her. “I promised Matt I’d teach him some new guitar chords.”

“Fine. I’ll tell her no.” Mom stormed from my room.

She’d probably be pissed at me for the rest of the day. But I didn’t care. I threw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. After I grabbed my book bag, I headed out the door to my blazer.

I pulled onto the main road then sped up in order to avoid getting stuck behind the school bus. As I turned ontoMonroe Avenue, I spotted Katie. She glanced at me, a smile forming on her lips. I jerked my head around and stared straight ahead. No way in hell would I ever look at her tits again. As a matter of fact, I considered talking to Mom tonight about transferring schools.

For a moment, I thought I heard her laugh.

“It was just a dream,” I whispered. Wasn’t it?

Thanks for coming by. Please be sure to drop by my fellow YAFFers blogs and don’t forget to leave a comment.

Miranda Buchanan

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