Category Archives: Random Ramblings

Countdown to Dawn: Clueless to Twihard

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It took New Moon reaching theaters before I would finally admit to being a Twi-Mom. To mark the release of the last film of the saga, I’m sharing my journey from Clueless to Twihard.

So where did it start for me? Back in 2008, I was playing around with Flair in Facebook. You remember that? It was (still is) that FB app where you collect and share virtual buttons to put on your virtual cork board. Anyway, I was doing a search for some of my fave things and I searched Continue reading →

California Dreamin’

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After I write this, I’ll start packing for a business trip to San Diego. I’ve done quite a bit of traveling over the US, but somehow I’ve never been to California. I’m really looking forward to it. Which means, there are TWO things that I’m really looking forward to this week and both happen to be based in California.

The first, being my trip of course. The second is the release of Shadow Slayer (Shadow Series #2) by California author Laura A.H. Elliott. I loved the first book in the series, 13 on Halloween (btw, it’s now free on Amazon).

And Laura rocks, not only as an author, but as a person. She’s so much fun and it shows in her writing. See what I mean with this special excerpt from Shadow Slayer. Enjoy!

***

I turn another corner in the labyrinth. Every leaf, every twig, and the grass changes colors. Unnatural colors. I startle at a huge rustle beside me and bite my nails.

Two disembodied arms stick out of the bush next to me. My heart beats hard against my chest. I try to wriggle out of his grip but whoeveritis clamps down on my arms making it hard for me to get any leverage.

“AAAAAHhhhhh!” I scream, writhing back and forth. I fight to free my arms but he’s already wrestled them to my sides. I can’t move. He lifts me a few inches off the ground. I kick and stare at my useless hands and spot the long nails with black nail polish that begin to dig into my skin. There’s a tattoo on each finger. All the same. Stars, I think.

“I want to suck your blood!” he says laughing, lowering me to the ground. As soon as my feet get a little traction I kick and try to run away.

“Ouch! Drew, control your woman!” One of the guys says, a familiar voice. A football player steps Continue reading →

It’s All English, Ain’t It?

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british vs american grammar and spellingSeveral months ago, I helped a fellow indie author with some final proofreading on her novel. When I opened her draft, I was shocked. I couldn’t believe all the spelling and grammar errors from an author that had been listed in at least one of Amazon’s top lists. Then, I realized she had not lost her mind, she’s British.

As an American author, I knew that there were some differences between American English and English across the Pond. However, I was blissfully ignorant to the extent of those differences. I write this today in the hope of helping other American indie authors find their way when writing for British audiences. I am not an expert on the subject, but here are some things that I’ve noticed along the way. Please research local style guides before making your final edits.

Don’t forget the U

We’ll start off with an easy one. Most Americans realize that several words Continue reading →

YA Randomness: Off to College

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I leaned in to wedge the dry erase board directly between my video gaming chair and the suitcase grandma gave me for graduation. All had to be readjusted before I could close the trunk. Maybe that’s why I didn’t hear Josie come up behind me.

“Boo,” she giggled. Messy blond strands fluttered across her red punch-stained face. Being the awesome big sister that I am, I faked a startled jump and hit my head on the top of the trunk for real.

The thud made her eyes go wide. “You kay, Sissy?”

“I’m okay,” I said, rubbing my head. “All ready to head off to college.”

Over the last few weeks, many had attempted to Continue reading →