Goals of 2019

Happy 2019, my elflings! It’s…it’s…2019. That feels so weird to type out. But I’m trying to embrace it, because it’s A NEW YEAR. Which means new goals and dreams and hopes and adventures and I’M EXCITED.

I do hope your Christmas and New Year’s was lovely. I am back from my little holiday break, and excited to be here because, though my break was fantastic and muuuch needed, I’VE MISSED YOU ALL. A LOT.

Being as how it’s (somehow) a new year, that means GOALS. My favorite. #nerd I’m going to do like I did last year and list out all my goals for 2019 because nothing like the pressure of accountability to get me into gear. Woot, woot!

Funnily enough, a whole lot of my goals for this year are the same as they were last year. Some because, well, I didn’t achieve them last year. *COOOUGH* But a lot of them are because I did achieve them last year (miracle of miracles!) and want to keep the good habits I picked up.

So let’s get started!

 

GOALS OF 2019

 

EDIT BURNING THORNS

Eheheheh. So this has been on my list of goals for the past…3 years now? Because I just keep editing and editing and editiiiiing. BUT. I feel like this next edit may be the last it needs before it’s *gulp* ready for querying. It’s gone through so many changes, and is like one billion times better from it’s first draft thanks to my AMAZIIIING beta-readers. And…and I think it truly is almost ready.

I don’t think this next edit will be nearly as intense and time consuming as last year’s. But LOLZ. I really shouldn’t say these things, because the universe does so love to prove me wrong. So WE’LL SEE. But I’m quite excited to dive back into my beloved story again. I haven’t touched it since September and I MISS IT. I’ve been working on it so long, it’s become my comfort place, if that makes sense. My home. And I’m ready to return! Plus, last year I discovered that I actually really, really like editing, of all things. o.o So for once I’m not terrified of the idea. Huzzah! (Miracles really do happen.)

 

QUERY AT LEAST THREE
LITERARY AGENTS

Brb while I go hide in panic for 3 million years.

Ahem, so yes. I WANT THIS TO HAPPEN. The fact that I haven’t queried yet is just SHAMEFUL. I’ve been meaning to for yeeeears. But, at last, I think I have a book almost properly ready for it. Plus I did quite a bit of research on query letters last year, and I have a copy of the 2018 Christian Publishers Market Guide to go through, which should help a LOT. So…I think I’m ready. I’msonotready.

I’m setting a goal of at least three because I work best with very specific goals. My original goal was to try to research some agents and hopefully query to them later this year. But then I realized with something that vague, I’d never get up the nerve to do it. But I’m stubborn and when I set something specific like this, I usually try my hardest to DO it. So yep. 3 agents it is (at least, but I may try more). #halp

 

SUBMIT FLASH FICTION AND ARTICLES TO MAGAZINES, CONTEST, ETC.

If I’m going to be querying I need a “resume” of sorts. I’ve been meaning to do this for actual YEARS. And this is gonna be the year. I’M DETERMINED.

I’ll hopefully be trying to write some flash fiction for Havok (which just launched it’s new website last week, by the way!), and I have a list of some other magazines to look into. BUT I’m aaaalways looking for more, so if you have suggestions PLEASE SHARE! I’m so new to this. Any help would make me love you forever. (JK, I already love all of you! <3)

 

SWITCH BLOG OVER TO WORDPRESS

Um, so hi, yes. I feel like this is coming out of the blue but, honestly? I’ve been wanting to do this for years (do you see a pattern of procrastination here? *cough*). Blogger was a great platform to start out with when I was a little baby blogger, but it is time to switch to something more advanced and professional looking. I mean, sheesh, come March I’ll be blogging for EIGHT YEARS. o.o Like…it’s time for something more serious and permanent. Past time!

SO YES. I’d really like to do this. The idea has TERRIFIED me, which is why I haven’t done it yet. But I was looking around at step-by-step guides the other day and, though it looks like it’ll be time-consuming, it does look doable. Maybe? Hopefully? I’msoscared. So I’m gonna try!

I don’t know when. I was thiiinking maybe in March or April? My blogiversary is in March, so it’d be cool to do it after being here for 8 years. But WHO KNOWS. Knowing my procrastinating ways it may not even happen. Eheh. But I wanted to give you guys a heads up so you don’t freak out when suddenly everything has changed over here. If I do it, I hope to get a domain name too. So yeah. Serious changes may indeed be coming. BUT DON’T WORRY. When the time comes, I’ll let you guys know it’s about to happen. *nods*

 

ATTEND REALM MAKERS

YES. This is probably happening again this year and AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED.

It’s absolutely not set in stone because money and life and health and blah. But it’s definitely looking promising! I especially want to go this year because it’s at the same location as last year, and having that familiar setting will be way less overwhelming and easier on my body and mind since I’ll know what to expect, how much walking I’ll be doing, etc. So yeah, I’m really hoping it’ll work, because it’ll be sooo much easier having a location I’m now familiar with.

 

READ MORE

This is always my goal, and it never seems to happen. *shakes head* I average 30 books a year, which is just pathetic. I really, really want to make more time for reading this year.

And to go under this category, I hope to read at least a couple of nonfiction writer help books. As well as read lots of fairytales. It’s been ages since I’ve read some fairytales, and I miss them! Plus, I have reeeeasons for needing to read all the fairytales again but that’s a secret for right now. *griiins*

I’m also hoping to read at least one popular series this year that like everyone in the world has read but I haven’t. A couple of years ago I read through the Percy Jackson series, and last year (it feels weird referring to 2018 as last year o.o) I read Harry Potter (FINALLY!!!), and I want to keep up this streak. It’s just shameful that I haven’t read certain series. I’m thinking this year I might do A Series of Unfortunate Events. I did read the first 2, but that was years ago! So I want to read them altogether now. Mainly because my sister is obsessed with the Netflix series and says I HAVE to watch it. But being the good bookworm I am, I want to read the series first. But we’ll see! I’m very much a mood reader and try to make reading fun and stress free and not some obligation, so I like to leave my reading goals pretty loose and carefree. Otherwise it feels like a chore and that’s the last thing I want reading to be!

I also may totally steal Tracey's idea and read one book of Bryan Davis’ Dragons in Our Midst/Oracles of Fire/Children of the Bard books a month, because there’s exactly twelve. I’ve been wanting to reread them (and I actually never did read the last two of the Children of the Bard series! O__O), and this seems like a fantastic plan! Plus, I never reread anymore and I MISS IT.

 

PARTICIPATE IN NANOWRIMO

I mean, this is a given. And this year will be my TENTH NaNo. In a row. O_O So like, I have to participate!

 

EXERCISE ALMOST DAILY

I got in a fairly good routine of exercising for about 30 minutes most days last year, and I definitely want to keep this up! Or…restart, because NaNo and the holidays sort of killed the routine. Whoops. And I’m feeling it too. I spend so much time at the computer, my muscles get really sore. It’s definitely time to get up a routine again!

 

UNPLUG MORE

This was a big goal for last year and did I accomplish it? NOPE. Well, okay, I do feel like I did make more of an effort to not work every single second of the day. But I still got a lot of burnout that probably could have been easily avoided if my workaholic mind would just CHILL.

This year I reeeally want to make more of an effort to give myself some rest and allow recharging time. I’ve been feeling a serious decrease in creativity for like…a year now, and I think it’s due to not taking the time to refill that creative tank and REST.

My hope is to “clock out” by 8 every night. And actually stick to it! Because I always have intentions of doing something like this, but, again, my workaholic self usually just ignores the idea of self-care. But maaaaybe this year will be the year I for reals take care of myself mentally and physically. One can hope. XD

 

BE BRAVE

I usually try to choose one word to focus on for each year. Last year was INTENTIONAL, to be intentional about chasing my dreams and  using my time. And, for like the first time (*COUGH*), I stuck to that word for most of the year. I don’t want to quit. I want to continue being intentional in every minute of this precious life I’ve been giving.

And so the word for this year is an add-on, if you will, to last year’s word.

BRAVE.

That’s my hope for this year. Because with intentionality, you have to have a bit of bravery. The biggest reason I hadn’t seriously edited most of my books yet? I was scared of editing. The reason I haven’t queried anything? It terrifies me. The reason I’ve yet to submit anything to a magazines? It’s SCARY.

Fear has brought my dreams to a screeching halt. And I’m tired of that.

Last year I stumped the fear a little bit and edited Burning Thorns as well as pitched it to a couple of agents at Realm Makers. And I want to keep pounding at it until it’s gone completely.

Being a writer is SCARY, guys. Being a creative in any form is one of the most emotionally invested jobs on this earth. We’re literally handing our hearts to people to poke and prod and critique. But if God has called you to be a creative, I can think of nothing more tragic than letting fear keep us away from that calling.

So this year I want to be BRAVE. To intentionally use my passion for stories for God’s glory, and stop letting fear drag me back from my dreams.

And there we are! My hopes for 2019. All pretty scary goals, which is precisely why I strongly feel like brave is the exact word I need for this year. It’s going to take a lot of bravery and determination to achieve these. But I grew a lot lost year, and formed some good habits. And I feel like I’m now ready to put everything I learned last year into practice. We’ll see how it goes! *nervous laughter*

Whatever happens this year, I do hope to use my time wisely and soak up the moments. We have a whole new year to start over, to stretch for those dreams, to see God’s fresh mercies every morning. So let’s tackle 2019 with joy and excitement. It’s gonna be a good one, guys, I’m feeling it!

HAPPY 2019!!!

 

 

TALK WITH ME!

Who’s in complete and utter shock it’s 2019??? *raises hand* I can’t get used to it! How was your Christmas? Are you excited it’s a new year? What’s your biggest goal for 2019? I’d LOVE to hear about it! And I truly hope this year will be a blessing to each of you. You’re all in my prayers! <3 I can’t wait to tackle another year with all my dear internet peeps!

2018 Recap - A Look Back at My Highlights and Goals

 

Am I the only one who’s in shock that Christmas is NEXT WEEK? And thennn we’ll be zooming straight to the end of 2018. THE END OF 2018??? HOW.

Since the year has apparently decided to just go and be nearly over without our permission, that means it’s time for a big ol’ 2018 recap! I’m doing this a little early because I’ve decided after today I’m going on a little hiatus until after New Year’s so I can properly enjoy Christmas and New Year’s. After writing a 129k book in 36 days and keeping up with the blog while I was at it I’m, well, tired. Just a smidge. XD But I’m also excited about CHRISTMAS. So yeah, I think it’ll be nice to have a break for just a few weeks. Thus this’ll be my last post for 2018. *LE GASP* I seriously can’t believe this year is almost over.

2018 RECAP

I have to say, 2018 was a wonderful year. So many blessings came my way in both 2017 and 2018, and I’m utterly grateful to God because the previous years were pretty hard ones. Obviously, this was not a perfect year by any stretch of the imagination. I mean, DUH. There is no such thing as a “perfect” year. Two really hard things that happened was my beloved dog, Navi, had to be put down and one of my dearest friends moved many states away (making that the 3rd friend I’ve had that had to move *sniff, sniff*). But this is also the year I broke fully out of a writer’s rut I had fallen into and got to go to REALM MAKERS, which was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever experienced.

Realm Makers was definitely The Big Highlight of 2018. But there were a million other little blessings and joys to be found each day that added up to a beautiful year. I really felt myself changing and growing for the better this year. I am most certainly not who I wish to be (I don’t think we ever reach that point though), but I’m really thanking God for all He brought me through and taught me this year. What exactly all these things are…it’s hard to put into words. I’d really like to sit down and try sometime though. Between Realm Makers and a few other circumstances and just spending a lot of time pondering life in general this year, there’s so much running through my head and shaping me. Perhaps next year I’ll have it all untangled enough to share in some blog posts with you. But for now I’ll say, 2018 was a year of growth in the best way possible, and I’m excited to dive into 2019 and see what’s in store.

But before I get ahead of myself, let’s look back at 2018! At the beginning of the year I posted my goals for 2018. I thought it’d be fun to revisit them now and see how far I got.

A LOOK BACK
AT 2018’S GOALS

 

EDIT BURNING THORNS

Achieved: YES!

This one was a big SUCCESS!!! One of the things I’m most pleased with for the year. I did a big ol’ revision of BT and am so very happy with how the story is shaping up. It’s gone through so many edits, and will have another one soon (thanks to all the FANTASTIC suggestions I’m getting from my beta-readers. Love you guuuys! <3). But I really feel like this last revision got it so much closer to what it needs to be.

This was my main focus for the whole first half of 2018 and, though many headaches came with it, the overall process was actually a joy. I’m learning I actually like editing, and seeing this story shape up is delightful. It’s my most edited story I’ve EVER had, and it’s proving to me that editing does not have to be this big, scary thing to avoid (like I used to *cough, cough*). There’s such a satisfaction with it!

Doing this set of revisions for BT was my #1 goal for 2018, and I’m beyond happy I managed it.

 

ATTEND REALM MAKERS

Achieved: Yesss!

THIS HAPPENED TOOOOO!!! And just… *clutches heart* I’m still reeling from the utter amazingness of it all. Meeting some of you in person, talking with real life actual authors and having them sign my copies of their books, getting so much knowledge on the writing life from the professionals, pitching my book to literary agents for the first time EVER (o___o), and just being completely and totally encouraged in this crazy life of writing I’ve chosen was invaluable. Though it happened way back in July, I’m still filled up with all I gained there. It was an experience like no other and I can’t thank God enough for making a way for me to go. I felt His hand in all of it, and whenever I think of it, it just makes me want to cry happy tears over how much He cares about my writing journey. He really does care about every single aspect of our lives, guys. We have a good God!

This was definitely, definitely the highlight of 2018!

 

With so many of my amazing peeps at RM. <3

It also took up an exuberant amount of my time as I prepped for it, did immense amounts of research, made business cards and one-sheets and learned everything I could about writers conferences and the people I’d be pitching my book to and just yeah wow. I spent a good two months alone just prepping for the conference. But it was all worth it!

Okay, I need to stop blabbering since I already did a big Realm Makers recap post after the event! You guys don’t need to hear about it all again. XD

 

RESEARCH LITERARY AGENTS

Achieved: Yes? No? Sorta?

Erm…eheh. I didn’t do this one as much as I should have. Though, like I said, I researched the two agents I pitched to at Realm Makers, and learned a lot more about agents and what I’m looking for via that. I also purchased a publishing market guide and though I haven’t looked through it much, just having it is definitely a start to finding agents to query to! So I guess you can say I kind of half did this one but…need to get more serious about it.

 

WORK ON A QUERY LETTER

Achieved: Ish? But not really…

This is kind of another one I sooort of did but not really? I put together a proposal for someone I was pitching to at RM, which required a one page query-type letter. So I did a boat-load of researching on query letters, and threw one together buuut I don’t think it’s very good. I need to work on that more. But, again, I did some research and feel a bit more prepared anyway. It’s just a matter of sitting down and doing it.

 

EXERCISE

Achieved: For the most part?

I actually almost sort of kept up with this one! *LE GASP* Not perfectly, but I stuck with a routine waaaay more than I have in a long, long while, so I’ll take it. I could always do more though…

 

READ MORE

Achieved: Not…much

Mmmm… I didn’t read as much as I would have liked. Life kept getting in the way. Blah. Though I do feel like I made more of an effort to use free time to read this year than I have in a while. I tried!

Alsoooo, I’ve (almost) achieved something that I should have done yeeeears ago: I’VE READ THE HARRY POTTER BOOKS. Yeah, for the first time. o.o (Technically I’m still reading the finale, so no spoilers!) This has been a huge highlight of the year. Why have I never read these fantastic books before??? I’m in love.

If anyone’s wondering, Hermione, Fred and George, Luna, and Neville are my favorites (I also really like Remus and…well okay all of them!), I’m absolutely a Hufflepuff (yes, I took the official test on Pottermore, but I already knew I was before taking the test XD), and I thiiiink my favorite book is The Prisoner of Azkaban but UGH. I don’t know! They’re all so good! Also I haven’t watched the movies yet. I want to read the books first, and then do a big movie marathon and I’M EXCITED.

(Yeah, I’ve become a total Potterhead and I don’t foresee myself every clawing out. So hello! Looks like I’ve joined the rest of society. XD)

 

PARTICIPATE IN NANOWRIMO

Achieved: OH YEAH!

Bwahahaha! I think we all know the answer to this since I haven’t stopped talking about it for like two months! But yes, my 9th NaNo was a success!

 

UNPLUG MORE

Achieved: *hides in shame*

*cricket, cricket* Errrr… Between editing BT, prepping for Realm Makers, and NaNoWriMo, I had a lot of stuff to do on the computer this year. Sooo yeah, I don’t think I unplugged all that much.

ALTHOUGH. I do feel like I did a little better forcing myself to turn the computer off at night and go read or something. Not always (and certainly not during NaNo lolz), but I did try. I feel like I’m on the edge of creating good habits, even if I haven’t quite reached them yet. XD

 

ORGANIZE MY TIME

Achieved: A little!

I feel like I did do better this year keeping up with things and staying organized. Not perfect in any form or fashion, but I got into the habit of making to-do lists every single day which helped me stay on track, and I set out certain tasks for each day (such as Thursdays I write my blog posts for next Monday, Tuesdays I stock up on book pictures for Instagram for the week, etc., etc.). These things helped a lot.

My organization skills could still use a mountain-sized load of work buuuut I did try! That counts for something, right?

 

BE INTENTIONAL

Achieved: Yes, actually!

That was my word for 2018: Intentional. Because, no matter how good my intentions may be, I’m the wooorst about never following through. This year I wanted to change that. I wanted to work on being more organized, work on reaching my goals of being published, work on doing hard things instead of taking the comfortable route. Did I do that this year? I think I did.

I really put effort into editing Burning Thorns, I saved up to go to Realm Makers, I got up the nerve to pitch my novel, I tried my best to stick to my 2018 goals. And, honestly, this is the first time I can remember where I kept to my goals. Because usually they all fizzle out by March. Eheh.

There was so, so much more I could have done. I failed many, many, maaany times. But I did try to stay intentional, to keep stretching out of my comfort zone, and I feel all the better for it.

There’s still so much I want to do and accomplish and keep reaching for, but I feel like I’m getting closer to my dreams. That I’m actually doing something about them instead of just talking about them. My greatest hope for next year is that I’ll keep stretching and stretching. This year good habits were made, and I learned a lot. Hopefully I can apply it all and go even further in 2019.

And that was 2018. I feel like there’s so, so much more I could say about it, but to sum it up, it was a full year and a good year. Habits were formed, new experiences were had, things were accomplished, and blessings abounded even in the hard times. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for 2019.

Until then, I hope you all have the most amazing Christmas and a very, very happy new year! See you all in 2019! Aaahhhhh!!!!!

 

TALK WITH ME!

I want to know ALL THE THINGS. How was your 2018? What were some highlights? Did you discover any good books? What was your favorite thing about this year? And what are you most excited about come the new year? Tell me everything!

Thank you all so, so, sooo much for constantly being an encouragement to me. YOU GUYS are one of my greatest blessings and made this year an utter delight. I’m so grateful for all of you, and do hope the coming year will be a beautiful one for you each. <3

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Burning Thorns: Snippets + A Call for Beta-Readers [Closed]

Happy October!!! Am I the only one in shock it’s already October? Because like…WUT??? But, at the same time, I’M SO EXCITED. The last three months of the year are my faaaave. Between the weather cooling down, NaNoWriMo approaching, and holidays upon us, there is so much excitement to be had during October/November/December.

I am in fact getting geared up to start doing some serious NaNo plotting, and will be talking about all that soon (seriously, get ready, it’s getting that time of year where all the talk around here is NaNo #sorrynotsorry). BUT, I’m also still doing some finishing touches to the very thing I’ve been pouring basically all my time and energy into this year. You guessed it…

BURNING THORNS.

I feel like at the point you all groan at the mention of that story, since I’ve been talking about it for literally years now. Buuut hopefully you’re not too tired of it??? Because today I’ve got an exciting announcement (which you all already know what is if you read the title of this post and paid attention to the giant banner above but we’re pretending that’s not there for dramatic effect).

*drumroll*

I’m looking for beta-readers!!!

After doing a major edit to it earlier this year, and then some more polishing and tweaks just this last month, I am officially ready for others to look at it!

Buuut before I throw a sign-up form at you, you may want some info to see if you’re interested in investing your precious time into it. Annnd I’m also sharing SNIPPETS. Because it’s been a while, and I always tend to share snippets after I’ve finished a draft.

 

BURNING THORNS INFO

. . . BLURB . . .

The Dragon’s shadow is spreading, and only a terrible sacrifice can stop it.

Since childhood, Rose has shivered at the tales of a beast known as the Dragon—he who cursed the once beautiful fae world into a land of shadows. But when her sisters’ betrayal sends her fleeing from a slave trader, Rose escapes to the one place no one would dare follow: the Forest, home of these fae.

The stories quickly prove to be far more than myths when Rose is attacked by a horde of dark fae. Thanks to a young masked man, she finds a safe haven inside his enchanted castle surrounded by roses, where candles light themselves, food magically appears in the dining hall, and a kind elven woman is mysteriously trapped in the mirrors.

But who is this quiet man who shrouds himself in robes and masks and lives in such a strange place?

Rose is determined to seek answers and bring joy back to the lonely castle. But her hope of finding a new home has blinded her to the shadows growing under the man’s mask and the truth of the Forest’s curse. And only an unthinkable sacrifice can end it all.

Wordcount: 113,500 words (but don’t worry it’s a standalone, with potential for sequels about other characters, but this story it still totally complete on its own)

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Beauty and the Beast retelling

Content: Being a Beauty and the Beast retelling, there’s some romance, but it’s actually not super heavy. Most of the story is more focused on the characters trying to stay alive and break curses and not be eaten by creepy fae and fun stuff like that. With that said, it is rather dark, and there’s sooorta magic in it. There’s not exactly a magical system, but the fae do have otherworldly powers, so if magic is not your thing, you may not like this, which is perfectly fine. But other than a touch of magic and dark creepiness and normal fantasy violence (some blood, sword fights, evil beasts terrorizing people, etc.), it’s all clean.

 

SNIPPETS

You can find the Pinterest Board HERE for more visuals.

“Bare feet pattered just behind him, and only a few seconds of silence followed before she spoke again.

“What is he like?”

“Who?”

“The beast that haunts the Forest.”

Muscles tensing, he ducked his head deeper into the hood. “What do the humans these days say about him?”

“That the Forest wasn’t always this way. It used to be a happy and bright place, but not long ago a terrible creature took reign over it and spread his shadow, tainting it. The fae fed off his shadow and became the dark, wicked things they are now. Some call the beast a”—her words halted before she whispered the name—“dragon.”

He clenched and unclenched his fingers. “They’re not far from the mark.”

 

“He was so pale against his black clothing. Pale hair, pale skin—what little was visible past the half mask. His curly, shaggy hair dropped over his eyes down to the nape of his neck. To her surprise, he hardly appeared much older than her. Really, he could almost be handsome if not for the strange mask covering half his features.

“Why do you wear it?”

His body tensed. The gloved hand resting by his plate curled into a fist. “Wear what?”

“The mask, the gloves. Everything. Why do you cover yourself like that?”

Like daggers, his eyes shot toward her, freezing her in place. They were an unnatural green. Bright and sharp.

She swallowed. Why couldn’t she just be quiet for more than half a moment?

For one heartbeat, his pupils changed shapes—two long dark slits piercing into her very being. But the sight was so fleeting she wondered if she imagined it.

 

“The boy’s lips slanted to one side as he eyed Marigold up and down. “Today is proving to be very interesting. Girls are popping up every which-away. Who are you, then?”

Marigold quieted her wheezing breaths and stilled under his probing gaze, eyes narrowed. “Marigold,” she answered cautiously. “Who do you think you are?”

“At last, someone is gracious enough to ask. You sister here seemed to have forgotten proper formalities.” He shoved himself from the branch and bowed, one hand spread wide behind his back. “Lark at your service, m’lady.” Once straightened, he pressed two fingers on a branch. Slowly, he raised his hand, and a small crimson flower ascended underneath, as if he were pulling it up from the bark itself. He plucked up the tiny thing and stretched his hand through the branches and thorns toward Marigold. “It’s a pleasure,” he said, every tooth showing in a too-big grin.

Marigold’s cheeks burned as bright as the red petals, her eyes twice their original size. She tentatively reached for the proffered gift. “How did you do that? And— Wait a moment! How did you know we’re sisters?”

“Natural talent,” he said, as if that explained everything.

 

“The Dragon tore through the Forest. Clawed past bushes and trees, hurtled up inclines, pounced over rocks and ruins. He did not know where he was running to, or why he was running at all, but he could not stop. Could not face the destruction behind him.

Perhaps that was it. Fear. Fear of what he was becoming…had become.

Murderer.

 

“Cacophonic shrieks exploded from the darkness. Rose snagged Father’s arm, clinging to his sleeve. A heavy thump snapped her attention to the window where dark, leathery faces and black eyes peered at her from the outside. The dark fae crawled along the windows, their grotesque shadows dancing across the floor and walls. Winged beasts hurled into the panes over and over. Talons screeched along the glass. Fairies with tattered wings and fingernails mutated to pointed claws, nymphs with shadows wisping around their emaciated forms, sprites who seemed to pull the darkness around their bodies instead of illuminate light. So many creatures consumed in darkness.

And then their whispers came, and Rose’s blood turned cold.

“She is ours.”

“Give her to us.”

“Ours. Ours!”

 

“With new resolve coursing through her bloodstream and energizing her from the inside out, Rose backed away from the door. “I’m going to make everything right, Dragon.”

“Rose…” His voice wavered with fear. “What are you planning on doing?”

“I’m going to find Lystraea.” What she did after that needn’t be voiced, not yet. “Although…I don’t actually know the way home.”

A pause, and then, “Head straight north from the castle, it’ll take you to the Forest border into Cantrelle.” Was that amusement in his tone?

She couldn’t help smiling. “Will you escort me there?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t.”

“Please, Dragon. Why won’t you come out?”

“I don’t want to put you in danger.”

 

“Have you come to kill us, girlie?” a nymph hissed.

The Dragon’s smile fell away. He crouched low, snarling. Rose’s back was to him, making it impossible to see her expression, but her shoulders rose and fell with heavy breaths. The fae shifted, murder gleaming in their eyes. The Dragon dug his boots into the earth. A deadly silence filled the air.

“No.” That single word, spoken so softly yet with such assuredness, snapped away all the tension. “No,” Rose repeated, louder now, straightening her shoulders, standing a little taller. “Enough with the killing. Enough fighting and murdering and darkness—it has to end.” She held up the dagger, stirring the creatures again, but then she hurled the weapon away, where it disappeared in the shadow of the Forest. “I am not here to harm you. I want to help. But you have to help as well.”

 

“No matter what she did, the darkness always won. Where was the light? Where was hope?

“Stop!” she cried again, but her own sob and the dark fae’s shrieks drowned out her futile plea. The agonized screams of the men had stopped, and when the dark fae parted, her defenders’ bodies lay dead at her feet. She threw a hand over her mouth, the tears spilling over her fingers. “No…”

The dark fae turned to her, hunger oozing from their eyes.

With shuddering breaths, she pulled her hand down, bated her tears, and looked to each of them. “Take me. Just do it. Finish this.”

Erm, yes, there’s lots of drama. Just how I like my stories. Bwahahaha. Though there is some lighthearted moments and a touch of snark (namely from a certain Lark *cough, cough*) in between the feels.

 

BETA-READING INFO

Okey doke, to the technical stuff now that I’ve given you a taste of what you’re signing up for.

As mentioned, Burning Thorns is a project I’ve been working on for a long, long time. It’s on its 3rd (4th-ish?) draft. I did in fact have a group of beta-readers for it a couple of years back, and have since incorporated all their amazing suggestions and have done a ton of work on it since. But because I’ve done quite a few changes, I would absolutely love for it to be swept over once more by a group of eyes that aren’t mine. I need some fresh brains on this thing! (That sounded creepy…) BUT if you already beta-read it and want to do it again PLEASE DO. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! And would be totally honored. But nooo pressure on anybody, former beta-readers or not. These days I very, very rarely take on beta-reading projects myself. I just can’t seem to find the time. I know it’s quite an undertaking, so only sign-up if you really want to. Okay? Okay!

I will actually prooobably be querying this project while you guys are reading it, which may be weird. But, like I said, it’s gone through many edits and beta-readers before, I feel mostly ready to start (fiiinally) searching for a literary agent with it. But still, I’d love to have some people look at this newest draft and gather opinions!

 

TYPES OF CRITIQUES
I’M LOOKING FOR 

• Typo Sweeps: I’m the #TypoQueen over here, and though I’ve combed through it multiple times, I would not be the least bit surprised if I’ve missed a few.

 

• Grammatical Errors: Guys, I still get proper uses of lay and lie confused, IT’S BAD. So yeah, if you’re good at grammar, I NEED YOU.

 

• Line Editing: Sentence structures off? Wording choices weird? Paragraphs strangely placed? You noticed I used the word “just” 347 times? I want ALL suggestions!

 

• Major Thoughts: Gaping plot holes, awkward character arcs, unbelievability factors, literally ANYTHING you find wrong with the story, I want to hear about it!

 

• Minor Thoughts: A chapter that feels unemotional, a paragraph that should be cut and changed, some dialogue that seems out of characters, all those little things.

 

• ANYTHING: Basically, I love any and all thoughts, so let ‘em loose!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This does NOT mean every single beta-reader has to do ALL these things. If just one of these are your specialty, I’d love to have you! Basically what I’m saying is I’m looking for all things in my beta-readers. Finding typos aids me just as much as pointing out plot holes. It’s ALL helpful in making my story the best it can be. But I do ask for honest input. Trust me, I live off critiques. I crave them. How else can I write a good story after all? You will not hurt my feelings. It helps me so, so much when my readers are honest with me. So my one requirement is DON’T HOLD BACK. If you see something off, TELL ME!

 

MANUSCRIPT FORMAT

The first time I had beta-readers, I sent the book in a Google Docs file that everyone could access and make notes on. I absolutely loved that system, because each person could see the other’s notes and bounce off them (plus we just had a lot of fun chatting there and making inside jokes!). I’d love to do that again. Though Google Docs can get laggy when it’s filled up with lots of comments, so I've split the story up into 5 separate Google Docs to avoid that problem.

With that said, if you don’t like Google Docs, or get distracted with other people’s notes, I can send you the manuscript by itself via a separate Google Docs or PDF or another way (like a .doc file?). It’ll be completely up to you! I’m perfectly fine with whatever you’re most comfortable with.

 

DEADLINE

I’d love to have everyone’s notes back by January 7th, 2019. BUT, I absolutely understand people’s lives are crazy (especially this time of year). So if you can’t manage that, it’s perfectly okay. That’s more a loose deadline since I’ll probably be ready to do more work on the story by the new year. (How are we already talking about 2019???) But, again, if your life gets too hectic and you can’t make that deadline, it’s fine! Just me let me. ^_^

 

SIGN-UP SHEET

Alrighty. With all that out of the way, here’s the sign-up sheet! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send me an email (just click the little green envelope in the top right corner of the blog) or ask in the comments.

 

EDIT: Oh my gracious, guys. You blew. me. away. Within just a day I had over 20 people sign up!!! I guess I should have put a cap on how many I’d take. I just did not expect to get this kind of response. I LOVE YOU GUYS AND FEEL SO BLESS AND HONORED!!! I’m closing the form now since I’ve gotten so many people. I don’t want to completely overwhelm myself here. Haha. But if you were just dyyyying to beta-read or you had asked me to beta-read before and I totally forgot to add your name and/or contact you, shoot me an email! Otherwise, I’m not taking anymore on. But just, YOU GUYS. I can’t even begin to express my thanks. Your enthusiasm for my story makes it all worth it. I just…I can’t. LOVE YOU ALL! <333

Again, there is nooo pressure to be a beta-reader. I know it’s a huge commitment. But for any who did sign up just… THANK YOOOUUU!!!!!

It means the world to me that you’re interested in my story and want to help make it the best it can be. You guys are helping my dreams come true, and there aren’t enough words to properly express my thanks.

I will hopefully be contacting everyone who signed up within a week or two and sending out the manuscript!

 

Another huge thanks to all who signed up! Feel free to leave questions in the comments! Also, I know this wasn’t much of a blog post, more like shameless self promo. *sheepish grin* But I DO have something super fun in the works for next week, so stayed tuned!