Surviving a Writing Funk - Take Two

Once upon a time there was a girl who wanted to write a great novel for teens. She wrote and wrote and wrote, sometimes forgetting to eat, or do the laundry, or take care of her children. Finally, once her fingers were ready to fall off, the girl finished her novel. “Next task,” she thought, “is to get it published.” 

The girl googled and researched about getting books published. She learned about editing, beta readers and agents. And she discovered the art of the query letter. After four months of querying, she also discovered that she was not ready. And neither was the story. So she wrote another one. And another. And another. In the meantime, she got a few publishing credits under her belt in a different genre. She learned about pacing, character development, and plot. She went to writing conferences, joined crit groups and built her online platform. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, she had something worth publishing—something she was willing to query. So she did. And she revised. Re-queried. Partials were requested. As were fulls. She got her hopes up. And then came the rejections. More revisions happened. More fulls went out. And, sadly, more rejections came in.

“Great writing, but not for me,” most of the rejections said.

The girl was sad—disheartened and discouraged. She slipped into a slump. She began to question why she was working so hard for this. Her spouse questioned it too . . . as did her children. Her slump turned into a slide, right into a huge pool of yuck! What was she to do? Quit? Regroup? Take a break?

Her new writerly friends all weighed in with their advice—great, wonderful, awesome advice. But the girl continued to struggle and slid deeper into despair. 

During this same time, the girl faced many tribulation in her life. And many triumphs. And finally, after many months, an offer came her way to publish her book. And many others.

Her dreams had come true.

So why was she still sad? Why had the funk not gone away? Why? Why? Why?

The above story likely sounds familiar. Every writer I know has faced a series of angsty moments and periods of time in the writerly funk.

For me, despite the successes, I still find myself swimming through my doldrums from time to time, usually because I haven't taken time to refill my creative well. I become creatively bankrupt and although I am still writing, still publishing, it is with great cost as my creative energies drain me to my core.

So what do I do? How do I pull myself out of this type of despair and refill my well? How do I find the joy and energy I once had with writing?

I've made a list of some of the things I have had to learn to do of late in order to claw my way out of my writerly funk....again...

• Remember why I write - For me, this is an important first step, focusing on the reasons I write. Nowhere in this exploration do I ask myself if I "can" write, simply WHY I write in the first place.
• Write – I recently started writing, journally, every morning by hand. There is a magic in these pages as I spill my angst and whatevers through the pen and onto the page. Within a page or so I find myself refocused, dedicated in a way that is different. None of this morning writing is about a story I am working on - it is more a morning meditative practice that just sharpens the saw, so to speak, and focuses my mind.
• Create space for my dreams – I am busy, often so busy that every moment is filled with something "to do", some action I need to take. With a life that is filled, no PACKED, the way mine has been over the past several years, it is no wonder that I struggle with creative energy as often as I do. I have not allowed for down time; I have not given myself the space I need for creation to happen. This was a hard thing for me to change, and it is change that is coming much more slowly than I would like. But, I am in the process of clearing out the "things" and activities in my life that are not in alignment with my dreams and goals, and creating the space I need for dreams and miracles to unfold.
• Welcome inspiration - There was a time when writing was the most inspiring aspect of my day - I wrote as I dreamed, wrote throughout the day, and couldn't wait to write at night. Over the past few years, the joy from writing had faded, becoming something I "had" to do. Although still inspired by the written word, I had lost the creative mojo somehow. I forgot to take time away, to refill the well with inspiration - music, images, nature. So now I remember to take myself on dates and find the joy that I forgot.
• Focus on the positives – There are plenty of things to get frustrated with in this business. The key, I think, is to find the POSITIVE things. Like the growth you've made as a writer. Or the connections you’ve made with other writers facing the same struggles. 
• Face your fears – Writing is an interesting thing. It has the power to unlock some of your deepest darkest yuck that lurks inside, or maybe that’s just me. Regardless, pursuing your dreams in this business will require you to face some of your doubts and fears sooner or later – so you might as well be prepared. I think the only way through the scary stuff is to walk through it. You have lots of supporters to help you on this path. Grab their hands, close your eyes, and move forward – no matter how hard it feels at times.  

·

Over the past few weeks, I have made a conscious effort to recover the creative energy I lost, to refill the well and find the joy I have had in being a creative person. I am not fully free from the funk yet, but I am well on my way to establishing a life style that nurtures, rather than depletes  my creative self. 

But enough about me. What do you do when the writerly funk hits?

Christine Fonseca is a critically acclaimed author of edgy YA fiction, psychological thrillers and non-fiction self-help books. Her upcoming releases include DOMINUS, the final installment in the Requiem Series, and the highly anticipated GIRL GUIDE, a self-help book for teen girls. When she is not writing a book or working to develop programs for children with emotional and behavioral needs, she can be found hanging out at her favorite coffee house, drinking Skinny Vanilla Lattes. 

Writing a One-page Synopsis...Yes, it CAN be done!

I'm unusual amongst my writerly friends - you see, I LIKE writing the synopsis. In fact, I typically write a synopsis after my "zero" draft to help me find the plot holes and start the revision process. 

I know, I know - I am strange. But then, I warned you, right? What's even more strange? I like crafting SHORT synopses - ones that average 2 pages or less, no matter how long the novel.

Before you call the insane asylum, how about I share my tricks for writing them...trust me, follow these guidelines and you, too, may use the synopsis as a way of highlighting your story and finding the plot holes.

I am a dying hard believer in the structure used in screenwriting. This structure can be found in books like Save the Cat and others. Regardless of which of these basic structures you use, all stories can really be broken down into stages and turning points (or "beats" to use the lingo from Save the Cat). Nailing down these major stages and turns that transition from one stage to another gives a novel the structure it needs to effectively tell a story. And going through this process gives a writer a tool to see what may or may not be lacking within the story.

Here is a quick run down of the basic stages and turns - the terms are not really important, but what happens within each section and transition is:

• Opening set up - The MC is introduced in the "normal world".
• Catalyst  - This first turn introduces the problem or event that causes a change in the MC and his world.
• Reaction or new scenario - A new scenario occurs for the MC as a direct result of the choice the MC makes regarding the catalyst
• Mini Crisis - This is typically the end of the first part of a three-act plan structure and is typically an event that occurs and changes everything, resulting in a new goal for the MC
• Edge of Adventure - also called "Fun and Games" in Save the Cat lingo - In this sec tion, the MC begins working towards his new goal. It carries in it the "promise of the premice" of the story. Subplots are typically woven into this section of the story
• Point of no return - Typically the half-way mark of the story, this is the turn in which the MC experiences a false victory or defeat and can't ever turn back on his journey
• Complications - Stakes are raised as the "bad guys" close in and the MCs resolve is increasingly tested
• Despair - All is lost for the MC as it seems he will never achieve his goals
• Dark Night of the Soul - The MC falls into a depression, believing there is no hope
• Transformation  - This turns marks the end of the second act in the three-act structure and represents the "ah-ha" moment for the MC, as he figures out a way to face the final obstacles to his goal
• Climax - The MC faces the final obstacle standing between him and his goal
• Resolution - The final outcome of the final confrontation.

This type of structure has worked for me with plot-driven stories like Lacrimosa, my YA Gothic Romance, and character-driven stories like Transcend, my YA psychological thriller.

With this structure, you can easily craft a short synopsis by going through your story and writing a sentence or two for each of the stages and turns. Then link it all into paragraphs and before you know it, you have a basic synopsis to help guide your revisions, or to polish and use. 

What do you think? Not so bad, right??? For more information on synopsis writing, check out Jane Friedman's classic post and her links at the end. 

Christine Fonseca is a critically acclaimed author of edgy YA fiction, psychological thrillers and non-fiction self-help books. Her upcoming releases include DOMINUS, the final installment in the Requiem Series, and the highly anticipated GIRL GUIDE, a self-help book for teen girls. When she is not writing a book or working to develop programs for children with emotional and behavioral needs, she can be found hanging out at her favorite coffee house, drinking Skinny Vanilla Lattes. 

Surviving NaNo...one word at a time

Okay, let me start by saying that Judith and I did NOT plan out our posts. But, as it is November...and we are both doing NaNoWriMo, I guess it is no surprise that we both decided to post on the same topic.

This post, however, is a 5-point survival guide:

• Stock the fridge with leftovers so the kids and spouse can survive without you! Then make certain everyone knows you are writing a novel...yes, and entire NOVEL...in November.
• Outline if you want; but only, No one cares if this draft is a train wreck of epic proportions. That's for December and beyond. You need to only care about wordage!
• ABSOLUTELY NO EDITING. Just saying. Oh! And certainly NO DELETING. Seriously!!!
• Find writerly buds. This is so much more fun with friends!
• Set daily goals. If you miss then, adjust. And keep adjusting to stay on track

There you are, my tricks for finishing. The only thing left is to sign up. And if you do, I'm ChristineF. Buddy me.

PS - I am actually NOT starting NaNo until this weekend. Right now I am knee deep in edits. 

The Crossroads Tour

From small to big-gun presses, debut novels to bestsellers, the Crossroads Blog Tour is offering unprecedented (and free!) access to amazing YA authors. This October, thirteen paranormal writers will embark on an exciting blog tour that will hook readers up with great reads and cool SWAG. Three authors in the group are also with Indie E: Judith Graves, Dawn Dalton, and Christine Fonseca.

Here’s the official roster:

  

Judith Graves – Leap Books – Under My Skin, Second Skin, Skin of My Teeth, Killer’s Instinct

Joy Preble – Sourcebooks – Dreaming Anastasia, Haunted, Anastasia Forever. Soho Press (forthcoming May 2013) – The Sweet Dead Life

Stacey Kade – Hyperion – The Ghost and the Goth, Queen of the Dead, Body & Soul

Amanda Ashby – Speak – You Had Me at Halo, Zombie Queen of Newbury High, Fairy Bad Day, Demonosity

Lucienne Diver – Flux – Vamped, Revamped, Fangtasic, Fangtabulous

Kiki Hamilton – Teen / Macmillian – The Faerie Ring, The Torn Wing

Jackie Morse Kessler – Harcourt Graphia – Hunger, Rage, Loss

Christine Fonseca – Compass Press – Transcend, Libera Me

Carrie Harris – Delacorte Books for Young Readers -Taste In Boys, Bad Hair Day

Dawn Dalton – Leap Books - SPIRITED Anthology, Killer’s Instinct

Leanna Renee Hieber- Sourcebooks – Darker Still (Magic Most Foul, #1), The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart (Magic Most Foul, #2)

Ty Drago- Sourcebooks – The Undertakers: Rise of the Corpses, The Undertakers: Queen of the Dead

Janet Fox – Speak – Faithful, Forgiven, Sirens

HOW THE TOUR WORKS

Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page:http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.

The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

Follow the tour on Twitter And Facebook 

The Music And The Muse

Every writer I know uses music as part of their creative process, either when they write, edit, develop characters, etc. For me, music plays a central role in the entire process from inspiration to completion. But the type of music I listen to is dependent on where I am in the process of creating the story: my fav tunes for outlining and my fav soundtrack music for writing.

As a music minor in college (I played a viola for 20+ years), I gotten use to music serving as a direct link to my emotions. In writing, the soundtrack music I use helps provide a visceral reaction. It’s like a movie – the dialog is important…but the music MAKES the scene. If you have any doubts on this, try watching a high tension scene without the music. It’s a very different experience. I use music to help set tone, pacing, tension and emotion within the various scenes, substituting words for the emotions I feel listening to the music.

One great example of the importance of music in my writing came while revising one of my manuscripts a few years ago. I had decided to completely change the opening 2 chapters. But, I was having a hard time conceptualizing exactly how I wanted the scene to play out; its rhythm.

That is, until I found the PERFECT piece of music.

This music had the exact cadences I was looking for in the scene. My challenge was to take the music and find words that could do the same thing. I listened to the music over and over for about a week before everything unfolded for me. When I sat to actually write it, I was shocked at the ease with which the storyline wrote itself. Granted, it still needed structural edits, but the content is basically intact.

Since that time, I’ve come to use music as an active part of the writing process, relying on it to put me into the appropriate emotional place prior to setting words on the page. It’s now a never-ending dance between words and music; one I hope my readers enjoy.

How do you use music with your writing or creative process?

Some of my favorite soundtracks or composers to use:

· Anything by Hans Zimmer (Batman Begins, Dark Knight, The Last Samurai)
· Music from almost any epic film works well for my climatic scenes
· Harold Kloser (The Day After Tomorrow)
· Harry Gregson-Williams (The Chronicles of Narnia, Kingdom of Heaven)
· Music from creepy scenes in movies is often good for darker moments in my stories…

So, how do you use music in your writing? I would love to hear from you!

~Christine Fonseca, author of acclaimed non-fiction and the popular paranormal Requiem series. 

Silent T's Book Blog reviews Lacrimosa

Kaitlyn from Silent T's Book Blog recently read and reviewed Lacrimosa by Christine Fonseca and it received Kaitlyn's highest rating!

*****

Here is a bit of the review:

"The story of Lacrimosa is about sacrifice and how much of yourself your willing to lay on the table. Being able to see through both eyes, you the reader was able to see that love was the biggest sacrifice and how much that love can impact all around you."~Kaitlyn of Silent T's Book Blog.

To read the complete review and check out more of Kaitlyn's reviews, click here. Congratulations Christine on a fabulous review!

Nomi's Paranormal Palace reviews Lacrimosa

Congratulations to Christine Fonseca on a glowing five star review of her YA paranormal novel Lacrimosa (published by Compass Press) from up and coming Australian reviewer Naomi, of Nomi's Paranormal Palace. Here is a taste of the review:

"The book is beautifully written, in both Nesy and Aydan’s perspectives. There is so much emotion in the story and I just couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait to see where we will go next. Bring on the next book, Libera Me!"~ Naomi of Nomi's Paranormal Palace. 

 

To read the full review and meet Naomi, click here. 

You can find Lacrimosa on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, and more. The hardback is a special edition with a special cover that is still available at major retailers. The paperback edition has this haunting cover:

Four IE Members Books have gone FREE

Four of the Indie Elite members currently have novellas that have gone free on Amazon and Barnes and Noble! Grab them up quick because you never know how long Amazon or Barnes and Noble will keep them free!

Born of Fire by Heather McCorkle is FREE on Amazon (hopefully it will go free on Barnes and Noble soon, we'll keep you updated). Here is a bit about it:

The story of the night Aiden was born has never been told, until now. Fleeing the Hunter's, Kevan and Shannon O'Reilly find their way to Spruce Knoll Colorado, assuming they'll be safe in America. Their unborn son is special, even for a druid, or channeler as the American's like to call their kind. But why the Hunter's, people who are sworn to keep their kind safe, are after them is a mystery. All they know is that if they don't outrun them they'll be killed.

Trouble has followed them to Spruce Knoll and just when it seems it may be too late, they discover why.

Dies Irae by Christine Fonseca is FREE on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Here is a bit about it:

Some sacrifices should never be made—even for love.

Mikayel lives by one rule—obey the orders of the angelic Council at all costs. That is, until he and his friends, Azza and Demi, are sent to Earth. Assigned as Watchers while they await their decision of which angelic order to serve, the three assume the bodies of teenagers and experience life as human.

The sensations are overwhelming as the angels experience a host of human emotions—rage, terror, love—and come ever closer to breaking one of the unbreakable rules—never fall in love.

But being human isn’t the only problem facing the three angels. Unbeknownst to the Council, demonic activity is on the rise, threatening to break a tenuous peace that has existed for a millennia; a peace Azza seems bent on destroying.

Caught in a struggle for power with unseen demonic forces and Azza, and fighting against his rising emotional attachment to Demi, Mikayel must now decide how much he is willing to sacrifice for his new found love—a decision that could reignite an ancient war and will threaten the only thing that matters to the angels, the survival of humanity.


Mea Culpa by Christine Fonseca is FREE on Amazon (hopefully it will go free on Barnes and Noble soon, we'll keep you updated). Here is a bit about it:

Everything has a price, especially duty. And love.

Azza's attacks are always deadly...ALWAYS. But that was before Nesy. And before Mikayel and Zane. Now, death has a new enemy. But, what's the cost for saving a life?

MEA CULPA follows one angel's quest to save his best friend. This novella is a bridge between Christine's first full-length novel, Lacrimosa, and her second full-length novel, Libera Me (releasing soon).




Seaweed by Elle Strauss is free on Amazon. Here is a bit about it:


Dori Seward can’t wait to get out of Eastcove, a sleepy fishing village on the border of New Brunswick and Maine. She bides her time by hanging out with friends, attending swim club, and holding her biggest competition, Colby–who wants more than just friendship, at arm’s length.

Then Tor Riley comes to town and he has everything Dori dreams of in a boyfriend–looks, athleticism and mystery.

But Tor also has a tantalizing secret and Dori is determined to find out what it is. The truth is crazier than her wildest imaginations and more dangerous, too. Dori has new enemies, and they will do anything to get to her.

Her life, her dreams and her love for Tor are all weighing in the balance. Will Dori risk it all in order to have it all?

Both Promise (the first full-length novel in the Soul Saver series) and Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella by Kristie Cook, have gone free on Amazon! Here is a bit about them both:


Prequel to the award-winning, best-selling Soul Savers Series by Kristie Cook. "Kristie Cook did it again! Immerse yourselves in the Amadis history, rich with deception, suspense, and oh the passion." - Brenda Pandos, Author of The Talisman Series *** A father who reveals his truth. Twins who take different paths—one light, one dark. Angels who have plans for them both And Demons who do as well. So the Earthly battle for souls ignites… A tale that is over 2,000 years old, this is the story of the Amadis beginnings.

When Alexis Ames is attacked by creatures that can't be real, she decides it's time she learns who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their family's secrets closely. After meeting the inhumanly attractive, multi-talented Tristan Knight, however, Alexis retreats behind her façade of normalcy...until she discovers he's not exactly normal either. Then their secrets begin to unravel.
Their union brings hope and promise to her family's secret society, the Angels' army, and to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy - Satan's minions and Tristan's creators. After all, Alexis and Tristan are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.

Now stretch out those clicking fingers, go download, and get ready for some fantastic free reads!

Transcend Masquerade Blogfest

The Indie Elite is thrilled to be participating in the Transcend Masquerade Blogfest celebrating the upcoming release of Christine Fonseca's fabulous new novel, Transcend. The publisher, Compass Press is calling it The Phantom of the Opera meets Black Swan. Speaking from personal experience (yay for beta readers!), we've got to tell you, this is one mind-blowingly amazing novel. And so is the cover. Before we get to it though, for the masquerade we have to tell you a secret about the Indie Elite.

Our secret: We're about to begin guest posts on the publishing industry and all things writing related right here on the Indie Elite by Indie Elite members. Get ready for some fantastic insight into the publishing world!

Christine is doing an epic giveaway that you'll want to get in on so be sure to click on her name to go to her blog and enter after you finishing reading! You can add Transcend to your Goodreads lists here.

Now a bit about Transcend:

All seventeen-year-old composer Ien Montgomery desires is to find his muse - someone to ease the burdens of his family's rigid expectations and the recent death of his older brother. When he meets a beautiful violin-prodigy, Kiera McDougal, his music takes on new life. With her, he imagines a future outside of his parents” control. That is, until a horrible accident tears them apart.

Sent to die in a sanatorium, Ien’s obsession for Kiera grows unbearable. Tortured by thoughts he can’t escape and the truth of his monstrous disfigurement, he flees, desperate to exact revenge on the people that ruined his life – his parents. But, vengeance is empty. Betrayed by those closest to him, Ien discovers that the price for his happiness may just be his sanity.

Set against the backdrop of late 19th century New York and inspired by Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera, TRANSCEND combines the tragedy of Shakespeare’s Hamlet with the psychological suspense of Black Swan.

Prepare yourself, ready, okay, here's the cover:

Happy Book Birthday Mea Culpa

Today Compass Press is releasing Christine Fonseca's latest novella in the Requiem series, Mea Culpa, for FREE on Smashwords. This novella is a bridge between the first full-length novel, Lacrimosa, and it's sequel, Libera Me which is due out later this year. You can download Mea Culpa on Smashwords in all digital formats (Nook, Kindle, and more). They will be listing it directly with Amazon and Barnes and Noble as well but it takes them a bit longer to list a book as free so if you'd like a free copy, they are asking that you please go to Smashwords. Also, to celebrate, for a limited time, they're also offering Christine's first novella,~the one that launched the series~Dies Irae for free on Smashwords as well.

Here is a bit about Mea Culpa:

Everything has a price, especially duty. And love.

Azza's attacks are always deadly...ALWAYS. But that was before Nesy. And before Mikayel and Zane. Now, death has a new enemy. But, what's the cost for saving a life?

MEA CULPA follows one angel's quest to save his best friend.

Don't forget, Dies Irae is only available for free for a limited time so hurry and get your digital copies of both Mea Culpa and Dies Irae from Smashwords. We at the Indie Elite will be downloading our free copies, spreading the word, reviewing, liking, and all of the above. I mean how could you not? Just look at that picture of Zane. Okay no licking the screen...

Live Chat with Christine Fonseca & Heather McCorkle

A live author chat with the Indie Elite's own Christine Fonseca and Heather McCorkle is happening tonight, April 17th at 5pm Pacific Time, right here on the Indie Elite site! To participate all you have to do is log in below (NO ACCOUNT REQUIRED) to chat. They'll be chatting about their novels, publishing, editing, writing, you name it! And they'll be giving away books and swag throughout the chat.

Coming Soon~Mea Culpa by Christine Fonseca

This June Christine Fonseca (via Compass Press) is bringing us a new short novella in the Requiem series, Mea Culpa. It is a behind the scenes story the comes between her debut full-length novel, Lacrimosa, and it's sequel Libera Me (due out this fall). Here is a bit about it (SPOILER warning! If you haven't read Lacrimosa yet, this blurb contains spoilers):

Everything has a price; and the cost of Nesy’s life may be higher than anyone expected. 

Nesy’s wounds should have been fatal. Fortunately, Mikayel knew something the rest of the Council didn’t—how to counteract Azza’s attack. But it’s Zane that must carry out the task. Will he have the strength to confront something even more frightening than Azza to save Nesy? And will he be able to shoulder the cost?

Christine's books on Amazon and B&N. 

Stellar Review of Christine Fonseca's Lacrimosa

Congratulations to Christine Fonseca on a stellar review for her debut novel, Lacrimosa. It's from Tiffany of Escaping One Book at a Time. Here is just a taste of it:

"Okay I seriously hate to start a review like this but OMG!!! Seriously this book blew me away!! I was amazed at the amount of emotion there was and yet it didn't take away from the story. I am still (4 days later) having issues getting past just writing sentence after sentence of wow! I went into this book with fairly high expectations. That is not typical of me at all but high expectations and all this book blew me out of the water. Yes, you have your Angels that are here to vanquish the evil, and yes evil is HOT but nothing will prepare you for the ride that you will go one in this book. The is so much love, pain and action that you wont want to stop." ~Tiffanny M. 


To read the rest of this in-depth review click here. 

Live Author Chat Coming Soon

A live author chat with the Indie Elite's own Christine Fonseca and Heather McCorkle is coming on Tuesday April 17th at 5pm Pacific Time, right here on the Indie Elite site! To participate all you have to do is click on the chat button above and log in (no worries, NO ACCOUNT REQUIRED) to chat. They'll be chatting about their novels, publishing, editing, writing, you name it! And they'll be giving away books and swag throughout the chat. Hope to see you here Tuesday the 17th!

Biggest Fan Nook Giveaway

Two of the Indie Elite, Christine Fonseca and Heather McCorkle, are doing a fantastic giveaway geared specifically toward their fans that you won't want to miss. You can win great books or even a Nook Simple Touch. Here are the details:

Be a fan and read and review any of the following books:
DIES IRAE                                                                                                LACRIMOSA

                                                       
THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL 
(Compass Press version)                                                                               BORN OF FIRE



CHANNELER'S CHOICE                                                                      BORN OF FIRE & DIES IRAE                                                              (Special Compass Press Print Edition)



Get Points for any of the following:+1 for a review of each title on your blog (past or present)
+1 for a review of each title on Goodreads
+3 for a review of each title on Amazon
+3 for a review of each title on B&N
+2 for a review of each title on any other retail site

The ladies only ask two things, that you please review after you read, and that your are honest. They're not looking for gushing reviews here (though those are wonderful and will of course count) and they're thrilled at three and four stars as well as five. Anything below three stars is a pretty universal sign that you didn't like the novel and those reviews will not count toward your points. The winner doesn't have to be a follower of their blogs but of course we'd love it if you were because we like to connect with our fans.

There will be second and third place winners as well, both of which include signed copies of our books and bookish swag. Keep track of the fun on twitter with the hashtag #YAFAN To enter the contest click HERE.