Some say I'm a dreamer....

I was seven years old and reading short stories out of a journal to my class. It was clear that my imagination was leaps and bounds matured over my peers due to the nature of my stories. I fabricated a story about an alcoholic husband who beat his wife, but never in my short life had I ever witnessed such a thing. I just thought it made for good conflict. I was seven, let's not forget.

Fast forward a few years and poetry became my art. I had so many journals with countless poems, it was a wonder I could keep up with them all. A few were even published through contests held by my school. It was pretty clear I had a calling.

Throughout that whole time, reading was like a drug. Except it did the opposite from most drugs; it fueled my imagination and desire to become what I'd been working toward. I didn't fully begin to embrace this truth until much later in life. Having children, a divorce, a crazy ex and life in shambles had me turning to my old friend; books! 

Finally, I decided to give it a go. I wanted to see if I could do it. I needed to see if I could do it. Mostly just to prove to myself that I was worth something. I needed to show that I wasn't just a bum whose life was down the toilet; I had something inside that no one could take away. So I started and didn't stop. I put my pen to paper or my hands to a keyboard and didn't stop. 

A series was born that day - Legacy of Secrets. It may not be the best or the brightest, but it's still mine. I have a love-hate relationship with it, but mostly because I wasn't sure how to continue at times. Fiery Secrets took me about a year to finish, just because nothing felt right. This next book is flowing freely, but that usually means I'm going to have a harder time keeping within the requirements. The last book - Shattered Secrets - I've not even begun, but I already know it will be epic. Why? Because it has to be.

Legacy of Secrets will see its end in 2016. I will complete the saga that has been told and then retold several times over the last eight years. It will always be my first, being as how I popped my publishing cherry with it, but it will by far be the last. There's more to come in 2016. You'll have more to read, whether you like it or not. 

Here's to a brand new year with brand new dreams...

The Nitty Gritty of Self-Publishing (as told by me)

Photo courtesy of John O'Nolan

There's been a lot of talk lately about indie authors who decide to pull their work and call it quits. Boy, have I been there! Some days, I still think it would be so much easier to act as if this entire endeavor was an elaborate dream and I've just now woken up. The bottom line is that you have to love what you do more than you hate the details! 

Writing is the fun part (most of the time) and the part most of us are the best at. Granted, there are some people who are good at all of it, but most aren't. After the manuscript is written, you have to pass it off to your editor (which you should have) and for formatting if you don't normally do your own. Then, beta readers or the like to look for issues missed in editing rounds one and two. Lastly, you run through the editing yet another time while compiling the suggestions from the beta readers and editor and look for continuity. You get covers made depending on how you're releasing your title. You pick a platform and click submit and there you go! 

Obviously, there are a few parts that seem simple that really take forever, but you get the idea. Not to mention the money coming out of pocket to pay the service providers, unless you just have really awesome friends. In that case, I may need to make friends with these people :D

So you clicked submit. Now what? The short answer: market yourself. Ha! Easier said than done, unfortunately. Unless you already have a network of bloggers, writers, readers, etc., you may find yourself overwhelmed. Marketing is the part most of us suck at. But it's not really our fault! Some social media networks are requiring money in order to reach an audience. Pages I follow on Facebook are starting to move their business elsewhere because no one sees their updates anymore. A lot of people want to move to Google+, but aren't sure how it works and Twitter is so spammy it makes my eyes cross. Yet, most established indie authors will tell you to have the following:

Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook Page
Wattpad
Google+
Tumblr
(Insert other social media here)

Still, all of these things can be instrumental to garnishing exposure, but most authors can't keep up with it all on their own and many don't feel it's worth the trouble now that it's harder to connect. I mean, really? Who has that kind of time? A writer should be writing, not pushing refresh on their News Feed every five seconds in hopes that someone retweets or shares their story. That's what we'd all like you to think, but sadly that is exactly what most of us do. We get so wrapped up in spamming seemingly pointless social media that we forget to actually write! Craziness!

If you have money, you can hire a personal assistant who is versed in social media, but this person will handle your business. I mean, all of your business. You'd basically be leaving your livelihood in the hands of someone you don't know so you can actually do the thing that creates your livelihood. (Ouch, my head hurts). Chances are, if you're writing, you don't have enough money to pay someone else's salary. If you do, I think I'd like to make friends with you, too! 

Think about this, also. How many indie or self-published authors are out there? I think it's more feasible to ask how many aren't out there. These authors, including myself, have to break through the din to have our voices heard. That also means we have to believe in our work and that it's as good or better than the mainstream books. Dog eat dog, my friends. 

Listen, there is no single secret. Not really. I've been writing my whole life. I've been published since 2010 and I'm as starved as starving can get! I've wanted to quit. I've told myself that publishing isn't worth the headache if I don't see the returns, but I'm 100% full of crap. Publishing is worth every second. My blood, sweat, tears and screams go into the stories I'm sharing with the world and, although the crowd is small, they're inviting me into their imaginations for a few days or weeks of entertainment and then back again with open arms. I may not be the best writer, but I believe in my stories and characters to a fault. My passion is inked on those pages and it shows.

So for all of those who are looking to quit, ask yourself why you started writing in the first place. Did you want to become famous? Did you want to tell a story? Did you think "what the hell" and crossed it off your bucket-list? Do you even enjoy writing? 

Get back to basics. Figure out what you want, first! Find the joy in what was once your great love. If the butterflies and goosebumps are gone, you may need to break up for a while, see other people, find new fish and what not. But if at the end of the day, you find inspiration from a typo before auto-correct has the chance to change it, there's something bigger going on there (true story). Take a step back. The world is most certainly your oyster. 

 'Til next time!
Lisa 
xoxoxo

NaNoWriMo, here I come!

Many authors participate in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) which takes place the month of November every year. The general idea is that you have 30 days to write 50,000 words, which is the standard size of a novel. Some people write more, which I tend to be one of those people, but as long as the work is 50,000 words or more, you're in business!

I tried to participate last year, but being newly engaged ended up slamming the door on NaNoWriMo for me (our wedding was 9/20/14!) since I was more concerned with wedding planning. That's left me with a book that's not quite 50% finished and the indecision of whether to use NaNoWriMo to finish it or to complete a different project altogether. I mean, there are so many!

Fiery Secrets is starting to come along nicely, but I'm still some time away from finishing. It will be finished this year, but I'm not sure if it's right for NaNoWriMo. I've worked hard on making sure this book is just right, I'm not sure I want to take that chance of feeling rushed to keep the NaNoWriMo deadline. At the same time, I need to just shut up and do it already!

Then, I think about some of the other story ideas I've had:

Fern Flower- A Fantasy/Adventure novel about the quest for the flower that could save the lives of many in the wake of a plague.

Romancing the Shrew- Contemporary Romance about a less than graceful single mom testing her chances at love

Ancient Blood- A Paranormal Fantasy about vampires and humans uniting in a war against The Underworld

Ruination- Sci-fi/Fantasy novel about a dystopian Earth, ravaged by a zombie-like pandemic and the non-surface dwellers who find themselves in the middle of something more dangerous than the disease itself 

I literally have countless other story ideas, these are just a few of the more developed. I also have Chasers, which is a serial story on Wattpad, in case you've missed it :)

You see my dilemma? So many stories just begging to be written! I can't make up my mind. What do you guys want to read next? Which stories should indefinitely be put on the back burner? Should I just stop writing altogether? 

Any thoughts?.....at all??? 


Lisa
xoxoxo

Bookstore

For anyone who has not visited my website in the last 24 hours, I now have a bookstore! It is currently in the testing phase, so there may be kinks that need working out, but it is running! If you don't have the link, click here and you'll be taken to my website. 

Tonight, I am finishing up some non-LoS related work before I jump back into working on Fiery Secrets. I've promised some impatient friends that I would do my best to finish it before the end of the month and I am going to do my best to keep that promise. It has dragged on for much too long and, despite my doubts, I'm going to write this story as if it were my last. Next after Fiery Secrets will be a novella about another secondary character before I embark on the last book of the series. 

In between, however, I will be releasing snippets of other works on Wattpad & Bookrix, so be sure to keep up with those. I am going to do my best to blog better. I have no earthly idea who reads my blog or what they even want to read, by dammit I'm gonna try! 

Gotta go write some stuff now. See you folks on the flip side! (Yeah, I'm a 90's kid. So what, wanna fight about it? [Family Guy reference]) :p


xoxoxo
Lisa

How do you know it's time to stop?

I've been struggling this year to come up with something...anything. Each time I think I might be able to sit down and write, I can't seem to keep my own attention long enough to get anything done. I have no idea what's wrong with me, but is this a sign that I just need to stop writing?

Of course my heart screams at the thought, but what else am I to do? I know I'm not a great writer. Good writer, maybe. Perhaps I am just at a turning point with this whole endeavor. Maybe the spark has left me for the time being. Whatever it is, I just want it to go away and let me dive back into my fantasies and whimsical worlds that exist inside my head. 

I don't think this is writer's block. If it were truly writer's block, I wouldn't have any ideas swirling inside my mind; waiting to be released. No, this is something else. The last book I wrote was good. I don't mean good by only my own thoughts, I mean good from those who've read it and flooded my inbox with "OMG" emails and "I want more!!" comments. I have inevitably set myself up for failure!

How can I make the next book better than the last? How can I keep the story going for two more novels, knowing exactly how I want it to end, and not have the books drag on forever and hold absolutely zero interest from my readers? How?!

I am stuck...plain and simple. I have no good answers for these questions. Instead, I've been staring at the same boring words I've written for a story that is supposed to be exciting and suspenseful. Love, war, betrayal, redemption and duty molded together and topped with a pretty little bow. How the hell am I supposed to make it all happen and not feel like every word is complete and utter crap-ola?

Any suggestions?


xoxoxo
Lisa

Questions they always ask...

So I've been thinking a lot lately about how fans approach authors (something of which I am guilty) and how it sometimes seems cliche. I don't mean that they aren't truly fans or don't appreciate the work of said author, but I always see the same questions:

How can I get started writing? 
How do I get published?
What do you recommend for someone starting out writing?

These are all very good questions, but I find myself answering them in a way I believe anyone should answer:

You just start. If it's something calling to you, just sit down and do it. 
There are so many places online to publish, but don't fall for sites asking you to pay.
Again, just do it. If you're passionate about it, you will find it comes easy.

I don't know if I'm just lacking inspiration from outside influences or if I truly don't understand how there are people who don't know the answers. I suppose, for those who are very new, they are searching for some advice to see if they are on the right path. I can understand that, but I also grew up with the mindset that I could do anything I put my mind to, no matter what it is. Although something may seem impossible, I am the only one who can conquer those fears and accomplish my goals. 

Maybe that's what writing has done for me- allowed me to actually be myself and that "better person" I aimed for. Nothing I write is perfect, nor will it ever be, and I honestly would rather it not. I want my true inner voice to come through, even if I've spelled something wrong or used a word in the wrong context. I'm human and I make mistakes and I'm alright with that.

Bottom line- writing is something that comes from within. No one else can tell you how to write or even how you should write. What pours onto the paper (or screen) is what is inside your head and you should be proud of it and its imperfections. Not sure how to get started? Just write something down. It doesn't matter what it is, just write it down. Even if it's a mess of jumbled words, do it. Eventually, you'll get used to writing things down that pop into your head and it will be easier to do and more words (and even sentences!) will follow. Don't be afraid to experiment and do what feels comfortable to you. 

Writing evolves, just as you and I do. No two people I've encountered write in the same voice and you shouldn't want to either. Let your writing speak to who you are and what that inner voice tells you to say. The only recommendation I've ever known any writer to give to one who aspires to write is simply DO IT.

Good luck and may the force be with you! (Nerd, I know)


xoxoxoxo
Lisa

New Year, New Things

2014 is about to start and I'm chomping at the bit to get my show on the road. There are so many untapped resources out there for me, one of which is blogging. I've not been really good about blogging this year because I've been beyond busy with things outside of my writing world. I haven't had too much time to devote to blogging or writing much in general, but I'm hoping that will change in the new year.

I'm working on a new business/marketing plan for 2014 and all of the things I need to do to get back in the saddle. Among them is finishing my series, but I'm sure you all have heard enough about that! I will be embarking on several other projects, as well as a possible collaboration if I can muster up the courage to trust someone else with a piece of my soul, as much of my writing is just that. Needless to say, I plan to be busy with a little bit of everything, including writing this upcoming year.

Over the next two weeks, I will have some free time and I will be (hopefully) posting some more information and possibly getting in on some blog rolling action. I have to do my research and find some good blogs to help me get started. Eventually, I will be looking into a Street Team and building up my swag packs for awesome giveaways, including work that isn't mine. I want to branch out to as many arenas as possible, without stretching myself too thin. I do have a family to look after!

Well folks, that is the short version of my outlook for 2014. I hope to see you all and many new faces over the next twelve months. Anyone else have exciting stuff going on in 2014?


xoxoxoxo
Lisa

Wow it's been a while...

So I didn't realize until now just how long it has been since my last post. I've been super busy with a new position at my day job, the kiddos starting school, taking care of a new puppy and trying not to lose my mind! Ultimately, I've been letting life get in  the way of my writing responsibilities and I'm slowly bringing myself back in to the correct mindset. I hope you all can forgive me!

Anyway, I'm still hoping to have Fiery Secrets completed before Thanksgiving and I'm working out a plan to help with that. If it means writing every weekend for the next two months, then that's what I plan to do! Rest assured, I will come out of the dark and back into my writing universe very very soon.

Keep an eye out for more blogs and posts. I'll be setting up some stories and what not within the next few days. Until next time!

XOXOXO

Title says what?

So I've come to the conclusion that I need to get my ass in gear. I have set a deadline for my next book to come out in the Fall and I've been only writing here and there. It's not that I don't know what to write, it's that I've not felt up to writing. Does that ever happen to anyone? I watch and support my wonderful author friends in their careers as they inch closer to their dreams, which I sit and scroll thinking, "man, I should probably be doing that right now". Instead, I poke around online and let my mind wander elsewhere. So, here's what I'm going to do!

Throughout the month of August I'm going to set myself a word limit and workload that I will stick to come hell or high water. Deadline means money and I definitely don't want to lose any of that! So, anyone have any ideas on any neat apps or websites that can help me out? Share the love folks!


xoxoxo
Lisa

Lazy Sunday

I don't know if you're like me at all, but I hate doing much on Sundays. I prefer to use Sundays as a lazy day to help re-charge me for the rest of the week. Between work, school, kids and writing I tend to get a bit jaded. So, instead of doing anything other than laundry, I've been online most of the day poking around or playing games. It's now after 6pm and I've decided to do some writing. 

The problem is that lately I've been conflicted between writing more on the serial Chasers or jumping into Fiery Secrets. I tend to lean towards the latter, mostly because I have a fall deadline. Still, some of the story just hasn't struck me yet. I think part of that is because I've not fully immersed myself in the possibilities. As I ramble on about it, it seems that Fiery Secrets is the logical choice. 

Also, I will be releasing a box set of the current books in the series very soon. I've run a few giveaways on my Fanpage, but the edited version hasn't been revealed as of yet. So, I will be sure to post links once it goes live. Here's a picture of the cover so you know what to look out for. ;)

What day is it???

After several days of moving into the new house, I ended up losing track of time- sort of. All of my days have run together like one long, very tiresome day. Tonight, I am getting back into the swing of things which is actually proving harder than I thought. 

Prior to moving, I had no real schedule or means of time management. That made it very hard to work my day job, take care of the kiddos, go to school and write. Luckily, I have a very supportive boyfriend and he will do whatever he can to make sure I can stay on track with my goals. That's what it's all about, anyway.

So tonight, I think I will write for a while and then do some more house related stuff. I still plan to have to revamped Cursed Secrets released my the end of May. Since I'm close to being finished, I don't think that will be a problem. Who knows? Maybe this weekend will prove to be the most effective.

Toodles, folks!

xoxoxoxo

Lazy News

I don't know about you all, but I haven't been doing much of anything lately. I think I might be getting some type of sinus bug, so I will be heading to Kroger tomorrow for some much needed medication. Due to feeling weird, I haven't gotten much done. I'm bummed by that, but I also didn't mind it at the same time. I don't have many lazy days with my schedule anymore!

But, I do have a few new things coming up that I wanted to let you guys know about, so here it goes!

Indie Author Network (IAN)
- Contests running through 12/15 for some swag prizes, free pdf book copies (Binding Secrets is included and it's signed!), and more!

Paranormal Book Club
- Votes for the "Best of 2012" going on through the end of the month! Vote for your favorites already listed, or add those you think should be in the running. 

Yezall's Serials
- Good friend and author buddy of mine, Yezall Strongheart, is offering free serial reads on her website. It doesn't hurt to check them out!

New Tumblr Blog
- I've set up a new blog roll on Tumblr for inspirational photos, music, quotes and so on as it pertains to my writing journey. Follow me to join in the fun!

New Cover Release
- I'll be releasing the new covers for Soul Covenant and Fiery Secrets before the end of the month. Char and I are working on the finishing touches for the Soul Covenant cover and once it's done I'll be dropping it for all to see!

Soul Covenant Release
- I'm in the middle of writing this one right now, but I'm shooting for the end of the month. Everything is on track and we're editing as we go so it shouldn't take any time at all. This will be a completely different experience for everyone and I'm completely stoked!

Love During Death Release
- My good friend and author buddy Rachel A Olson will be releasing another book in January 2013 that she co-authored with Jessica Humphrey. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to beta for her, but I've heard good things so far and can't wait to snatch this up! I'm in the middle of reading The Seventh Layer right now and I know I won't be disappointed. :)


I think that's just about all of the news I have tonight. It's after 11:00 pm where I am and I have to be up for work at 7:00 am. If tonight is anything like last night, sleeping should be fun! (NOT)

Good night folks!

P.S.- We decorated our Christmas tree last night. What do you guys think?

 

Bit & Pieces & A Sample!

So for the billionth time, I'm trying to write this blog post. I have probably erased and rewritten this about five times now, trying to figure out what exactly I want to say. It's so funny how I can write for three or four hours straight without so much as a hiccup, but writing a blog takes days. But I digress.

I've been toying with a few ideas in my head, mostly some dreams that I've realized could make pretty good stories. I think I might start posting some bits and pieces in between major writing on LoS. It seems once I started writing, I haven't been able to stop! Of course, that's not a bad thing. I'd rather have too many ideas than not enough. Also, I'll be debuting the cover for Fiery Secrets and Soul Covenant soon which I'm super excited about.

Speaking of Soul Covenant, I promised a preview like last week and unfortunately I had been too busy to deliver. So, I've decided that now is better than never. This is the first draft, a very rough one, so please be gentle!

Turkey Day...What's Next?

So here I sit, at 9:37 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day with a full belly and sleepy lids. The children are tucked in, but most likely not sleeping (I don't care as long as they're being quiet). I desperately want to sleep, but I can't help thinking there could be better, more productive things to do with my time off. Granted, it's only a four day weekend, but if I was motivated- key words- then I might be able to do a lot of the things I've been saying needed to get done. Alas, here I sit...you know the story.

Since it's technically a holiday vacation, I've been debating on writing or reading. I probably should read, but it almost feels like work that my brain is desperately screaming not to do. Writing would give me a head start on more than just one project, which could be a great thing, but also a lot of work. I guess I'm one of those people who has to have something to do. I never imagined myself to be a workaholic before, but publishing a few books and gaining some pretty awesome fans kind of pushes you. 

I guess I got my answer! Thanks for listening (reading)! See you guys in a few days and I hope your holiday is plentiful and fun!

xoxoxoxo

Binding Secrets Release Delayed!!!! ***UPDATE***

As you all know, we were shooting for an October 31st release, but we've run into some technical issues that may not be resolved in time for Wednesday. Ahhhh!!!  

If the issues are not resolved by Friday 11/2, then we will release Tuesday 11/6!!!

I apologize to those who are waiting for the release and hope you all can stay with me! We've been working diligently to get any and all issues resolved, but some things are just unavoidable sometimes. I'll keep you all posted as soon as the book is available. Remember, you can always check the status on Twitter, Facebook or My Website.

Sorry guys!! :(

Shameless Me - Indie Author Network {Guest Post!!}

Shameless Me - Indie Author Network
I hate tooting my own horn -stop laughing, it's true!- but sometimes you just gotta do it!! The sequel to the bestselling Cursed Secrets is set for release next week on Halloween. There are some parts being finished up as editing and formatting are completed and I'm confident we'll meet our deadline. As a means of sharing some information about the book, I've posted the trailer below and some Teaser Quotes. If any of you follow me on my Facebook Fanpage, you might have already seen these.

Also, as a pre-release celebration, my books are free on Amazon this Saturday 10/27 only!!!! You can read Cursed Secrets and Fire & Ice: A Legacy of Secrets Novella absolutely free. Woohoo! And that's not all! Currently, I'm running a giveaway from Goodreads for a chance to win a 2nd edition print of Cursed Secrets. It includes the new cover and some bonus material. If you'd like to enter, follow the link below. 

Click above to read more!!!!

I'm baaaacckkk!!! - Indie Author Network {Guest Post}

I'm baaaacckkk!!! - Indie Author Network
Hello, hello again! Lisa Logue here for the week with lots of news, good times and some giveaways!! To get us started, here's some news about what I've been up to and what to expect...

Long time no see!!

I hope everyone's been enjoying our wonderful panel of authors, writers and promoters as they strive to bring you the best of the best in information and entertainment. Some things pertain to real life problems, while others are geared more towards those of writers. Either way, you're getting top notch information!

For those of you who don't know, I have been working diligently to finish the second full length installment to Legacy of Secrets, Binding Secrets. It is the next step in Lia's journey to self-realization and empowerment, and in fighting the evil that lies beneath everyone's noses. I've had a great time writing this one, although the process has taken longer than expected. As with any great thing, part of it is always a struggle. I can only hope that the story reflects that.

Click to read more!!!

Drowning in books and Michael Jackson

As most of you know, I've been working feverishly to finish up Binding Secrets for its Halloween release and busting tail to make sure there aren't any loose ends. In the mean time, I've been gearing up for what I hope to be a great Halloween with the kiddos this year. The boyfriend and I have decided to dress up as Roman people and we're pretty into Halloween so hopefully we can give it a good go. I'll definitely post some pics of our family outing that we're planning so you all can see the craziness.

Speaking of Halloween and costumes, my five year old son is obsessed with Michael Jackson. When I say obsessed, I mean this kid lives and breaths MJ and constantly sings Thriller and Bad. Last night, he and his brother were singing Smooth Criminal so loud, it was ridiculous. Of course, I can't help but sing right along considering the songs are from when I was a kid. I remember singing with my sister on our karaoke machine and trying to mimic MJ's classic vocal "oh's" and "he-he's". It's equally as entertaining to watch my five year old bust out the moonwalk (or something close to it) and other classic moves. I can't help but laugh at his quirkiness. 

On another note, my children are book reading machines. Between a school book fair, Scholastic books from the classroom and Books-A-Million, I've spent A LOT of money on books over the last few weeks. Not to mention a neighborhood boy gave them about ten other books. I'll need to find us a sturdy bookshelf! While my books are primary on my Nook or Kindle App, I did keep some of my favorites in print simply because I couldn't part with them. Some books just mean that much to me (yes, I know I'm a nerd!). 

Well, I'll be heading to do some more work on Binding Secrets. I'm on a very tight schedule and need to get it done for you guys. Talk to you soon!!!

 

Face Palm...

Again, I've been a bum and forgotten to write my blog that I, yet again, promised at a certain time. One of these days I'll learn to schedule things a bit better so they don't overlap. (I'm really bad about that!) 

So, here I am at 1:22 AM trying to find the right scene to include. There have been so many "deleted scenes" it's almost impossible to pick one that is polished enough to post without being embarrassed! Most of my scenes are extremely rough, as I write things down before I forget, and I hate to put unedited work out there. However, sometimes you just gotta do whatchya gotta do!

So here's a deleted scene. I'm not sure which book it was from or what changed to make me exclude it. When the characters talk, I listen...

Another day...another 500 words

It seems every time I sit down to write, something stops me dead in my tracks. Tonight, I had a lot of things to do for the kiddos so everything else took second place to that. One thing I pride myself on is that even if I'm busy, I'm still a mommy first and that's my most important job. Next is, of course, my regular job than my writing and school probably tie. But I digress.

A measly 500 words was all I managed to pump out thus far. I'm about to lay down and do some hand writing to see what I can come up with. The only bad part is I have about two weeks to finish this book and some parts that haven't been configured yet. Woohoo! I'm starting to sweat!

I'll be posting my progress throughout the process of finishing Binding Secrets in hopes that you all might share some of my enthusiasm. Check back tomorrow for something completely different. A DELETED SCENE!!! 

TTFN- Lisa <3