Book Release (not mine)

I'm a few days late posting up about a book I've been anxiously awaiting being released this week. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare hit the shelves Tuesday.  It's the second installment of The Infernal Devices series (the prequel to The Mortal Instruments series).  And it pains me to say that even though I have physically seen it sitting on the store shelf, I have not acquired my own copy yet.  My family members have banned me from making any purchases for myself this close to Christmas, so I suppose I'll just have to be patient--not my strong point.  But for those of you without mean relatives, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

A Bit About Titles

Earlier in the year, I attended and event where Author Chris Grabenstein brought up a very interesting point regarding book titles.  When coming up with a title for a book, it's obviously important to have one that it's relevant in some nature to your subject matter.  However, when you have a series, your goal should be not only that, but for the titles of your books to also have some relevance to one another as well.  Sounds obvious enough, right?  Here are a few examples off the top of my head:  His own series that boasts titles such as Tilt a Whirl, Mad Mouse, Whack a Mole, Mind Scrambler, etc.  Another example would be Uglies, Pretties, Specials, Extras, by Scott Westerfeld.  

Here lies my pickle:  When I started writing, I did it with 3 separate ideas, for 3 stand alone books, all with nice titles in mind already.  Well as my characters and stories have developed, I've plotted to connect all 3 stories in what I think is a very interesting way.  But those darn titles I had in mind?  Don't have a darn connection in the least bit with one another!  So I'm back to kicking around ideas in my spare time.  Good thing nothing is final until you're dead...and I think even then there is room for negotiation.  

Just something to think about.

Currently Reading

Well, I suppose this is really more a was reading update since I actually finished this book before I even posted that I had started it.  So, I was reading The Death Cure, by James Dashner.  A very good ending to a very good trilogy. Unless my brain has taken temporary leave, which is always a likely possibility with me, then I've already suggested this page turning series, but if not, allow me to take this opportunity to suggest it again.  Happy reading!

Happy (Late) Book Release Day!

I can't believe I forgot to share this yesterday.  (Oh wait, yes I can believe that actually.)  Another book I've been anxiously awaiting came out yesterday.  Silence, by Becca Fitzpatrick.  It's the 3rd in her Hush, Hush series.  I'm currently in the middle of my current read, but can't wait to get my hands on this one and jump back into the story again.  I'm in need of a Patch fix!

Think Pink

As you probably already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  So, in honor of that, I have given my blog a little makeover for the month.  Visit http://ww5.komen.org/ to learn more about what YOU can do to make a difference and to locate a Race for the Cure event near you.

The Best Lines

Just wanted to share a random thought--something to kick around in your head when you have nothing better to do.  A fellow author mentioned a topic to me that was discussed in one of her writer's groups:  Who has the best lines?  Is it your protagonist?  It should be.  He/she should always have the best lines.  But many times, people tend to "give them away" to a witty side kick or villain.  So who has the best lines in your story?  It's certainly something I'm going to think about as my character continues to lead me down his path of growth.

Outlines

As I sit here working on a rough outline for some upcoming chapters, I'm going over some notes I took at a recent conference I attended during a seminar that focused on plot development.  (And I am also noticing how incredibly sloppy my own handwriting is when I am scribbling furiously.)  Just thought I'd take a second to pass along a few general pointers I picked up.

*  Don't be afraid to change your outline as the story develops.  As you write, your story may progress in a direction different from what you'd initially planned, but that fits better.  Don't feel committed to what you initially laid out.
*  Have highs and lows that steadily build.  Have an "absolute low" point just before your climax.
*  Plan some "quiet" chapters without a lot of action.  These chapters are ideal for character development.  Give the reader aspects to contemplate during "down" time where they aren't caught up in the action.
*  Have a good general idea of several major conflicts that you want to take place and build your story out from there versus writing start to finish of the book.
*  Don't be afraid to skip around while writing--write what you feel most drawn to on any given day, not just "what comes next" or "where you left off."

Hope that provides someone with some insight.  I feel a little more organized and focused now.  Off to be productive now.