Exposed, Volume II.
!!!
Stay Tuned
November 12, 2016
November 06, 2016
NaNoWriMo...of sorts
Morning!
'Tis that time of year again, and once again I'm half-heartedly participating. I'm kind of the person on the sidelines, cheering on the real runners, but also diving at my own laptop when I can.
I will know I've truly become dedicated when I can really participate in NaNoWriMo, and complete the 50,000 word count.
In the meantime, I am going to remind myself to not take my Broken Bloodlines series so seriously, and to have fun with it. I'm doing much reshaping of the characters and storyline, and I think I'm getting it closer to what it needs to be.
KR
'Tis that time of year again, and once again I'm half-heartedly participating. I'm kind of the person on the sidelines, cheering on the real runners, but also diving at my own laptop when I can.
I will know I've truly become dedicated when I can really participate in NaNoWriMo, and complete the 50,000 word count.
In the meantime, I am going to remind myself to not take my Broken Bloodlines series so seriously, and to have fun with it. I'm doing much reshaping of the characters and storyline, and I think I'm getting it closer to what it needs to be.
KR
October 25, 2016
October 22, 2016
My Prediction About Kim Kardashian
Don't give me shit about writing this post, guys. Because you're in this post, reading it right now so you must have been interested enough.
Anyways, here's my prediction about Kim Kardashian: As most know, since she was traumatically awoken by robbers in her Paris hotel a few weeks ago, she has been almost non-existent on social media. For good reason, no one faults her for that.
My husband and I disagree on the outcome of that incident- he thinks that Kim will forever be a hermit, and no one will ever see her again. He thinks she's permanently damaged.
Myself, on the other hand, think that yes, she will definitely take her time getting back to it. Maybe several years, maybe a decade.
However, Kim K. will come back. It will be a different Kim K., for sure, but she will resurface when she's ready. And I'm very interested to see what that new Kim K. is like.
Anyways, here's my prediction about Kim Kardashian: As most know, since she was traumatically awoken by robbers in her Paris hotel a few weeks ago, she has been almost non-existent on social media. For good reason, no one faults her for that.
My husband and I disagree on the outcome of that incident- he thinks that Kim will forever be a hermit, and no one will ever see her again. He thinks she's permanently damaged.
Myself, on the other hand, think that yes, she will definitely take her time getting back to it. Maybe several years, maybe a decade.
However, Kim K. will come back. It will be a different Kim K., for sure, but she will resurface when she's ready. And I'm very interested to see what that new Kim K. is like.
October 13, 2016
One of my Hurdles
Good Evening,
I am forcing myself to write tonight. And because I can't quite focus enough to make progress on either articles or novels, I blog.
I have had no writing creativity/energy this week. And I know its because I put in a writing marathon last weekend.
This is one of my writing hurdles- I am still incapable of keeping writing marathons going. After a tremendous word count binge, I dry up for a week. And like, bone dry. To the point where I want to Netflix & Chill only.
To my credit, the week before and all weekend I was crushing the word counts & assignments. Got em all done.
Maybe this is just my natural cycle. Maybe I can't change this. Or maybe I just need to make more effort.
KR
I am forcing myself to write tonight. And because I can't quite focus enough to make progress on either articles or novels, I blog.
I have had no writing creativity/energy this week. And I know its because I put in a writing marathon last weekend.
This is one of my writing hurdles- I am still incapable of keeping writing marathons going. After a tremendous word count binge, I dry up for a week. And like, bone dry. To the point where I want to Netflix & Chill only.
To my credit, the week before and all weekend I was crushing the word counts & assignments. Got em all done.
Maybe this is just my natural cycle. Maybe I can't change this. Or maybe I just need to make more effort.
KR
October 08, 2016
This Post Turned Into a Rant about Pumpkin Spice. Oops.
GOOD MORNING!!
Ah, a blissful calm Saturday of writing and listening to music and loving my kitties. I've got a erotica ghostwriting gig to finish and I just started the first of two delicious French press coffees, with the perfect amount of coconut creamer and sugar. (Blogger, you need to install an emoticon effect. I could really use at least three tongue-licking-chops-faces right now. Make it happen.)
I haven't been working on either Broken Bloodlines or The Underbelly Series. Poor things, are just withering in the cloud. But I imagine that I will soon surge back into it. The fall always brings out the Better Writer in me. The guilt that chases me around all spring and summer when I'm inside writing and not OUTSIDE ENJOYING THE WEATHER finally recedes, and my page count increases as the temperature drops outside.
I would imagine a lot of you are like that, also. I love the fall, its an amazing season. The only thing that I wish would drop out of our society's orbit, is that damned pumpkin spice nonsense. The drinks, the baked goods, the lip glosses (dear god)....pumpkin flavored beer?? What the hell is wrong with people? I feel like those fall-flavor suckers are just drinking and eating the shit because its a yearly fad. They don't even like any of it.
Okay, I'm done ranting. Back to writing.
KR
Ah, a blissful calm Saturday of writing and listening to music and loving my kitties. I've got a erotica ghostwriting gig to finish and I just started the first of two delicious French press coffees, with the perfect amount of coconut creamer and sugar. (Blogger, you need to install an emoticon effect. I could really use at least three tongue-licking-chops-faces right now. Make it happen.)
I haven't been working on either Broken Bloodlines or The Underbelly Series. Poor things, are just withering in the cloud. But I imagine that I will soon surge back into it. The fall always brings out the Better Writer in me. The guilt that chases me around all spring and summer when I'm inside writing and not OUTSIDE ENJOYING THE WEATHER finally recedes, and my page count increases as the temperature drops outside.
I would imagine a lot of you are like that, also. I love the fall, its an amazing season. The only thing that I wish would drop out of our society's orbit, is that damned pumpkin spice nonsense. The drinks, the baked goods, the lip glosses (dear god)....pumpkin flavored beer?? What the hell is wrong with people? I feel like those fall-flavor suckers are just drinking and eating the shit because its a yearly fad. They don't even like any of it.
Okay, I'm done ranting. Back to writing.
KR
October 06, 2016
Bugaloo Boo
Hey there,
I apologize for the blogging falling off. I've jumped back on the freelance article/story writing and am having pretty good success. Both in this life and my real life ;)
KR
I apologize for the blogging falling off. I've jumped back on the freelance article/story writing and am having pretty good success. Both in this life and my real life ;)
KR
September 24, 2016
Coffee Bean Bugaloo
My husband and I are coffee snobs. We only like the finest whole beans (usually either Starbucks or my fav, Peets) and we grind them ourselves.
On the weekends, we switch from the regular coffee brew we use during the week (quick and easy for those blurry-eyed mornings) to our French press. I keep two different containers in the freezer- one finely ground for the coffeemaker, and one a little coarser ground for the French press.
I love French press coffee. It's like every bit of coffee deliciousness gets pulled out of every little bean- the coffee is so strong, and husky. And the way I make it- it is not for the faint of heart. You must be a true coffee lover in order to withstand my brew.
My cat, however, is not a fan of our coffee brewing systems. Saturday mornings are our cuddle time and he's all curled up on my lap and snoring away by the time the coffee has finished steeping. Then I unceremoniously dump him aside in my eagerness for the hot drink waiting for me.
Are you also a coffee snob? What is your coffee ritual and routine?
KR
On the weekends, we switch from the regular coffee brew we use during the week (quick and easy for those blurry-eyed mornings) to our French press. I keep two different containers in the freezer- one finely ground for the coffeemaker, and one a little coarser ground for the French press.
I love French press coffee. It's like every bit of coffee deliciousness gets pulled out of every little bean- the coffee is so strong, and husky. And the way I make it- it is not for the faint of heart. You must be a true coffee lover in order to withstand my brew.
My cat, however, is not a fan of our coffee brewing systems. Saturday mornings are our cuddle time and he's all curled up on my lap and snoring away by the time the coffee has finished steeping. Then I unceremoniously dump him aside in my eagerness for the hot drink waiting for me.
Are you also a coffee snob? What is your coffee ritual and routine?
KR
September 20, 2016
Quarter Pounder with Cheese
Good morning!
Miraculously, I dragged my ass out of bed an hour early, and got Chapter 9 started in Broken Bloodlines, Book 2.
Yup, that's right. Changed manuscripts again. I'll be honest- I'm a little intimidated by Underbelly at the moment. I have a shit ton of description to do, and well, you know how that sends me running. I really must get over that- I see it in my head, I just have trouble slowing down the images to get them on paper. I need to make Kore as cool and unique as possible- and I haven't found that yet. If I take a break, (like I'm doing) it will come to me.
Okay, time to make sandwiches.
Thanks for stopping,
KR
Miraculously, I dragged my ass out of bed an hour early, and got Chapter 9 started in Broken Bloodlines, Book 2.
Yup, that's right. Changed manuscripts again. I'll be honest- I'm a little intimidated by Underbelly at the moment. I have a shit ton of description to do, and well, you know how that sends me running. I really must get over that- I see it in my head, I just have trouble slowing down the images to get them on paper. I need to make Kore as cool and unique as possible- and I haven't found that yet. If I take a break, (like I'm doing) it will come to me.
Okay, time to make sandwiches.
Thanks for stopping,
KR
September 10, 2016
Why Ghouls and Goblins?
My husband asked me the other day, why I love paranormal/fantasy creatures and stories so much.
Cuz they're cool, DUH.
I love the paranormal/fantasy world because there are so many possibilities! There are so many different skills and types of creatures and bad-ass-ness that you can create within it! I love the freedom of it- you're not held back by gravity, or mortality, if you don't want to be.
And Power-- there's so much power within the paranormal/fantasy realm.
My love for that type of world is why I mostly play fantasy or RPG videogames. I've never been a huge COD or BO player because that's life as we know it. War, human violence, etc. Eck. No thanks.
What's your favorite genre and why?
@KellyRwrites
Insta: kellyrwrites
Happy Saturday!
KR
Cuz they're cool, DUH.
I love the paranormal/fantasy world because there are so many possibilities! There are so many different skills and types of creatures and bad-ass-ness that you can create within it! I love the freedom of it- you're not held back by gravity, or mortality, if you don't want to be.
And Power-- there's so much power within the paranormal/fantasy realm.
My love for that type of world is why I mostly play fantasy or RPG videogames. I've never been a huge COD or BO player because that's life as we know it. War, human violence, etc. Eck. No thanks.
What's your favorite genre and why?
@KellyRwrites
Insta: kellyrwrites
Happy Saturday!
KR
September 07, 2016
Broken Bloodlines Re-Launch
B.B.1 :The Awakening is going back up on Amazon! I've had so many requests from fans, and I'm over here like, you guys know how I like my revisions, LOL.
In honor of B.B.1 relaunch, I am posting the first chapter of B.B.2:The Rising!
Enjoy!!
KR
In honor of B.B.1 relaunch, I am posting the first chapter of B.B.2:The Rising!
Enjoy!!
KR
Chapter 1: Atrocious Acts
She needed blood. She needed ancient blood, a kind of blood that would really put her over the edge.
Arcon’s blood power had worn off only a few minutes after she had finished drinking from him. His body was now a pile of scattered ashes, as his body had ignited after she had beheaded him. It didn’t surprise her, although she hadn’t anticipated the intense flu-like feeling that came over her. She had made it to her bed, had pulled herself up to its impressive height with the last of her strength. Now she was nestled deep within a cocoon of charcoal gray pillows and blankets.
Kaellina’s energy was on its last reserves, and she was nauseous. The bedroom, with its dark gray and black interior, swam around her.
She was defenseless right now. In a very short period of time, she had killed her own Master- Erazem, who had been a 600 year old Vampyre- and Arcon, her sister Calissa’s Master and Kraynu’s Second in Command. Not a bad night of hunting and rearranging the Bloodline hierarchy.
Killing Erazem himself had been surprisingly quick. But the rest of his coven...that had taken time and a lot of energy. His coven had been fiercely loyal to their Master and had fought hard against her. But once she had taken control of the Jen-Yu, it was much easier to clean up the place.
Kaellina coughed hard, a wracking cough that left her holding her sides in pain. When it passed, she took several deep breaths and looked at her Echo. Bella, a black panther, was curled up in a miserable ball at the foot of the bed.
“Bella, we can beat this. You know we can. I know we can.” Bella opened one of her iridescent yellow eyes and stared at Kaellina.
Still, there was the matter of the inconvenient way that Erazem had passed-right before she had destroyed him, he had swallowed one of Calissa’s hairs. Such an odd, maddening thing- how did he even get ahold of one them? One strand of hair that would act as the transport for his soul to take residence inside of Calissa’s head.
And while it was hilarious to think of him bugging the shit out of her sister, it was not good for war tactics. Erazem had fed on Kaellina, thus tying them intricately together, in such a way that Erazem would always have a bead on her, a personal GPS on her location and activities. Hell, she was pretty sure he was powerful enough to tap into her visual and auditory capabilities, so he could see out of her eyes, and hear what she was hearing.
Unless Callisa hadn’t survived her Master being killed...The next instant, Kaellina threw out that idea. Kaellina was still alive- if she had survived (so far) Calissa had as well. She wondered how Calissa was feeling; she had killed her sister’s Master, Arcon, about six hours ago. She sincerely hoped that Calissa felt ten times worse than she did.
She picked up her head to look out at the mammalian bodies that were spread out all around her bedroom. She had taken over Erazem’s 150-member Jen-Yu pack, immortal silver jaguars that were blood bound to a Master. It had been easier than she had thought, and once Erazem’s own pack turned on him…..
An idea popped into Kaellina’s head. But she didn’t know if it would work. It was a dangerous, formidable idea. Seeing it through would violate one of the most sacred rules of the True. But if it did work…..
“Ken-yalla” She spoke the ancient name, and the biggest of the giant cats got slowly to his feet. He threaded his way among the bodies over to the bed, where he jumped up next to Kaellina.
She instructed him to lay down on his side next to her, facing away. She lined their bodies up, and the smell of his blood reached her nostrils. It smelled like paradise- rich, meaty. She could feel his heart beating- which even weakened by the power loss of the last couple of days still beat with incredible energy- energy that Kaellina desperately needed at the moment.
With her two hands holding down his head and upper body, she threw a leg over the rest of his body. Ken-yalla started to raise his head at this strange procedure but she shoved it back down. Then she bared her fangs, letting them drop to their full length, and stabbed into the muscular neck.
Ken-yalla jumped and squirmed underneath her, alarmed at this unprecedented behavior. Kaellina tightened her hold as the the delicious fluid burst into her mouth. She tightened her grip on his head and flexed the muscles in her leg, letting the concentrated weight help keep his body still. She felt tendons snap under her teeth and it only made her nestle deeper into the jaguar’s neck. Ken-yalla let out a shriek of pain, followed by another. He thrashed underneath her, but her desperation for what was in his veins helped her overpower the beast.
Oh! Ken-yalla’s ancient blood sprayed into her mouth, and it was delicious. She had never tasted blood this delicious, this layered. Her eyes closed in ecstasy.
She felt her powers returning, the insurmountable energy returning. Her limbs were waking up, her muscles plumping up.
Finally, she pulled out of Ken-yalla, and tilted her head back to crow triumphantly at the ceiling. Dark gold dripped from her fangs, and she pushed Ken-yalla’s limp body off the bed.
Kaellina sat up in bed, and reveled in the power rush she was experiencing.
Bella was looking better already- she was sitting alert on the bed, her ebony coat shiny once again. The rest of the Jen-yu had gotten to their feet as well, regarding Kaellina who had just killed their pack master.
Without taking her eyes off of the one-hundred and forty-nine Jen-Yu that were staring at her, Kaellina slid out of bed and stood before them.
“Bow before your new Master!” she barked at them. There was a moment before anything moved, then one by one, all the Jen-yu stretched out their front limbs before Kaellina.
“Let’s go take care of Nashel. We’ll raze that town to the fucking ground.”
September 03, 2016
Trips Into Nothingness
Ah, Saturday morning. A morning with hours alone, the TV on mute showing some black and white gangster film, and I have dubstep blasting in my ears. Hubby is off securing the grocery list with which to entertain my in-laws when they arrive later today. I have a whole house to clean.
That kind of situation is exactly what I needed to make me want to write again! It's so bad, I'm such a procrastinator. You fill my day up with activity, and it snaps me right out of a mini writers block and back in writer mode! *grin*
I will make some progress on Chapter 20, right now before I start to clean.Things are really starting to heat up in Underbelly Book 1 and that's what threw me off- perhaps I will always need to take a break before the big climax build. (After all, you must be well-rested before a climax....)
Morning is always my best writing time. Also, who the fuck wants to clean their house right when they get up? That's not happening.
Ok, munchkins. I hope everyone has a great relaxing weekend. Unofficially the end of summer, and I'm all ready for it.
KR
That kind of situation is exactly what I needed to make me want to write again! It's so bad, I'm such a procrastinator. You fill my day up with activity, and it snaps me right out of a mini writers block and back in writer mode! *grin*
I will make some progress on Chapter 20, right now before I start to clean.Things are really starting to heat up in Underbelly Book 1 and that's what threw me off- perhaps I will always need to take a break before the big climax build. (After all, you must be well-rested before a climax....)
Morning is always my best writing time. Also, who the fuck wants to clean their house right when they get up? That's not happening.
Ok, munchkins. I hope everyone has a great relaxing weekend. Unofficially the end of summer, and I'm all ready for it.
KR
August 24, 2016
Short Love
My Dear Readers,
I am taking a VERY SHORT (okay, pun intended) break from Underbelly, to work on short stories. I just finished one that I actually started um, six years ago? LOL. Better late than never, right? And no, I cannot share it with you. It's a horror piece, and I think it's pretty decent.
Thanks for stopping by.
KR
I am taking a VERY SHORT (okay, pun intended) break from Underbelly, to work on short stories. I just finished one that I actually started um, six years ago? LOL. Better late than never, right? And no, I cannot share it with you. It's a horror piece, and I think it's pretty decent.
Thanks for stopping by.
KR
August 22, 2016
The Words We Wield
Dear Readers,
You can tell how deep into a novel I am, by how often I blog. See, right now I should be working on Chapter 20 but Chapter 20 involves a LOT of backstory, and description. The backstory isn't so hard, but description.....WHY am I so bad at description? I see it in my head, and just have trouble translating it onto paper. Why is that? It's infuriating, I get so impatient and just write trash. (And not like trash-on-its-way-to-becoming-good-writing, I mean trash.)
Okay, Okay, I'm going to try to get words down.
Thanks for stopping by,
KR
You can tell how deep into a novel I am, by how often I blog. See, right now I should be working on Chapter 20 but Chapter 20 involves a LOT of backstory, and description. The backstory isn't so hard, but description.....WHY am I so bad at description? I see it in my head, and just have trouble translating it onto paper. Why is that? It's infuriating, I get so impatient and just write trash. (And not like trash-on-its-way-to-becoming-good-writing, I mean trash.)
Okay, Okay, I'm going to try to get words down.
Thanks for stopping by,
KR
August 19, 2016
Crunch Time
August 19th.
Expected release date of Underbelly Series Book 1: Demons Dead December 26th, 2016.
CRUNCH TIME!
I get in about 1K words a day. Today I went off topic & worked a bit on short stories, I admit. We all know, however, that switching up the work can be a good thing. And I'm being a good little writer, -on a Friday night, sitting up here in my writing cave, with my laptop going and my notebook with my longhand scrawls in it beside me.
I'm just procrastinating a tiny bit by writing this blog post. But see, this post is important, because I need to update my readers on my progress.
I can reason my way out of anything.
Happy Friday evening!
KR
Expected release date of Underbelly Series Book 1: Demons Dead December 26th, 2016.
CRUNCH TIME!
I get in about 1K words a day. Today I went off topic & worked a bit on short stories, I admit. We all know, however, that switching up the work can be a good thing. And I'm being a good little writer, -on a Friday night, sitting up here in my writing cave, with my laptop going and my notebook with my longhand scrawls in it beside me.
I'm just procrastinating a tiny bit by writing this blog post. But see, this post is important, because I need to update my readers on my progress.
I can reason my way out of anything.
Happy Friday evening!
KR
August 16, 2016
Older Notice
It's funny how your priorities change as you age; and how national/worldwide events stick more.
I'm watching the Olympics tonight, and just marveling at the the physical prowess being displayed. Utterly amazing. I feel happy for any country that gets winners, I don't hate. I love the displays of nationalism,and get sad over the devastating losses that occur. There have been some gruesome injuries as well, which is heartbreaking.
Having said that, I don't remember anything from the 2012 Olympics. Or the 2008. Definitely none of the ones before.
And I feel ashamed over that. Like, why wasn't I paying attention? Recording it somehow?
And looking back over my twenties, I feel like I failed to record so much. So many important events, milestones, holidays, etc. (I did, however, cut out our local paper's announcement of Barack Obama's win in 2008 and pasted it to the inside of that year's diary. Fo Sho.)
But that's part of being in your twenties, I've concluded. You're selfish. You're stuck in your small universe, most of which is taken up by whatever relationship drama you're experiencing. You're still putting up with shit that will no longer fly in your thirties (thank god!) You're not reaching out to estranged or distant relatives, making sure they're doing well.
You can bet you're doing that in your thirties, tho.
Just some late night thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by,
KR
I'm watching the Olympics tonight, and just marveling at the the physical prowess being displayed. Utterly amazing. I feel happy for any country that gets winners, I don't hate. I love the displays of nationalism,and get sad over the devastating losses that occur. There have been some gruesome injuries as well, which is heartbreaking.
Having said that, I don't remember anything from the 2012 Olympics. Or the 2008. Definitely none of the ones before.
And I feel ashamed over that. Like, why wasn't I paying attention? Recording it somehow?
And looking back over my twenties, I feel like I failed to record so much. So many important events, milestones, holidays, etc. (I did, however, cut out our local paper's announcement of Barack Obama's win in 2008 and pasted it to the inside of that year's diary. Fo Sho.)
But that's part of being in your twenties, I've concluded. You're selfish. You're stuck in your small universe, most of which is taken up by whatever relationship drama you're experiencing. You're still putting up with shit that will no longer fly in your thirties (thank god!) You're not reaching out to estranged or distant relatives, making sure they're doing well.
You can bet you're doing that in your thirties, tho.
Just some late night thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by,
KR
August 15, 2016
Have I Made Any Progress?
Help me, dear readers. I'm stuck in a hole of self-doubt.
Today I am wondering- have I made any progress on being a "normal productive adult"?
It's been three years since I left my former life, and I've had moderate success at leaving that hot mess behind and being an adult.
Bpphhhttttt!
Up until recently I really thought I had made major progress. But now I'm being chased by the self-doubt monster and I'm thinking, "Am I irrevocably damaged?"
Did I spend too much time in the underbelly of society, running wild? Can I still be successfully acclimated into the business world? Or am I always going to struggle with self-doubt and anxiety?
I guess I'm wondering if because I didn't have the building blocks of adulting established early on, I am always going to be struggling to catch up. Did I spend too much time seeing things through a haze of smoke and fog to ever be able to fully clear it? Am I broken?
I feel like no one gets my sense of humor. I feel like I fail miserably as an adult. And its funny- all I wanted when I was 18, was to be 30, and to be living a sensible, adult life. Man, if I could only have looked ahead and seen what a crock of shit it is, haha.
I was lucky to be able to escape, but it is not easy. That industry is so very different on so many levels from the real world, that it's a roller coaster of acclimation that a lot of former dancers fail at. I will not fail, but I've got to find my niche. That's the struggle.
Ok, I'll stop whining and get to writing.
KR
Today I am wondering- have I made any progress on being a "normal productive adult"?
It's been three years since I left my former life, and I've had moderate success at leaving that hot mess behind and being an adult.
Bpphhhttttt!
Up until recently I really thought I had made major progress. But now I'm being chased by the self-doubt monster and I'm thinking, "Am I irrevocably damaged?"
Did I spend too much time in the underbelly of society, running wild? Can I still be successfully acclimated into the business world? Or am I always going to struggle with self-doubt and anxiety?
I guess I'm wondering if because I didn't have the building blocks of adulting established early on, I am always going to be struggling to catch up. Did I spend too much time seeing things through a haze of smoke and fog to ever be able to fully clear it? Am I broken?
I feel like no one gets my sense of humor. I feel like I fail miserably as an adult. And its funny- all I wanted when I was 18, was to be 30, and to be living a sensible, adult life. Man, if I could only have looked ahead and seen what a crock of shit it is, haha.
I was lucky to be able to escape, but it is not easy. That industry is so very different on so many levels from the real world, that it's a roller coaster of acclimation that a lot of former dancers fail at. I will not fail, but I've got to find my niche. That's the struggle.
Ok, I'll stop whining and get to writing.
KR
August 10, 2016
Tactic Infatuation
Sometimes it's just the weight of the book.
Sometimes it's the impeccable binding.
Quite often, it is the smell. I love to bury my nose it its center crack and breathe in deeply *giggle*. But seriously, I love that smell. The book smell. You know it.
Sometimes it's the impeccable binding.
Quite often, it is the smell. I love to bury my nose it its center crack and breathe in deeply *giggle*. But seriously, I love that smell. The book smell. You know it.
August 09, 2016
Untitled as of Yet
Don't blame me for
My windswept atrocities;
To live and die
By the random order of things
Is a certain freedom.
To defy order and logic
Is to find it in glory.
*Coming Soon* EXP2
KR
My windswept atrocities;
To live and die
By the random order of things
Is a certain freedom.
To defy order and logic
Is to find it in glory.
*Coming Soon* EXP2
KR
August 08, 2016
Manic Monday
Another Monday, another one feeling cheated out of the weekend.
I'm quite melancholy today, I'm missing everything from my former life. Cursing all the time I wasted when I could have gotten my writing career off the ground, so I wouldn't be dragging my ass to this stupid day job.
I know, I know, suck it up and stop whining. But I rarely whine on here anymore so I feel like I've earned it.
I promised my readers Underbelly Book 1 by December, which is a tight schedule. Means I have to finish the first draft by like, tomorrow, in order to have enough time to revise and get it set by December.
I think my annual summer is-ending-panic is starting to kick in also. The summer is waning, and my vegetables will be ready to harvest soon.
Ugh. Monday, please pass quickly.
I'm quite melancholy today, I'm missing everything from my former life. Cursing all the time I wasted when I could have gotten my writing career off the ground, so I wouldn't be dragging my ass to this stupid day job.
I know, I know, suck it up and stop whining. But I rarely whine on here anymore so I feel like I've earned it.
I promised my readers Underbelly Book 1 by December, which is a tight schedule. Means I have to finish the first draft by like, tomorrow, in order to have enough time to revise and get it set by December.
I think my annual summer is-ending-panic is starting to kick in also. The summer is waning, and my vegetables will be ready to harvest soon.
Ugh. Monday, please pass quickly.
August 06, 2016
July 31, 2016
Go Bold
How many of you are like me, and your writing life is in large part a secret?
I don't talk about it much, I never talk about it to work personnel. I rarely discuss my writing with my husband, or even family.
Most of that is from fear of criticism. And to make it worse, it's only the last six months or so that I've really been trying to network and connect with people.
I don't like the spotlight. Which is strange, considering my former lifestyle. However, it was a small club in a medium city. And when the stage did get packed, I did feel self-conscious.
I want to be more of a puppeteer-send a fantastic book out into the world and watch people enjoy it from afar (while collecting royalty checks, of course.)
I have given up on my writing several times. Swore it off, convinced that I will never make anything of it. Too much of the motivation was from the drive to make money off of it. Man, that was a mistake. Honestly, it's only been within the last two years that I've turned from that motivation to a pure inner motivation.
I'm working on being bold with my writing- demanding time for it and making good use of that time (i.e. staying off my phone.)
I eat, sleep and dream about it, my heart thrums for it. I can't get over it, so I might as well get on with it.
Hope you're all growing as writers (and people!) too.
#GoBold
KR
p.s. This post was in part motivated by the Harry Potter & J.K. Rowling's birthdays and the release of the Cursed Child- I was thinking back to when I first discovered those books and just how amazed I was by the world within. #JKRowlingWentBold
I don't talk about it much, I never talk about it to work personnel. I rarely discuss my writing with my husband, or even family.
Most of that is from fear of criticism. And to make it worse, it's only the last six months or so that I've really been trying to network and connect with people.
I don't like the spotlight. Which is strange, considering my former lifestyle. However, it was a small club in a medium city. And when the stage did get packed, I did feel self-conscious.
I want to be more of a puppeteer-send a fantastic book out into the world and watch people enjoy it from afar (while collecting royalty checks, of course.)
I have given up on my writing several times. Swore it off, convinced that I will never make anything of it. Too much of the motivation was from the drive to make money off of it. Man, that was a mistake. Honestly, it's only been within the last two years that I've turned from that motivation to a pure inner motivation.
I'm working on being bold with my writing- demanding time for it and making good use of that time (i.e. staying off my phone.)
I eat, sleep and dream about it, my heart thrums for it. I can't get over it, so I might as well get on with it.
Hope you're all growing as writers (and people!) too.
#GoBold
KR
p.s. This post was in part motivated by the Harry Potter & J.K. Rowling's birthdays and the release of the Cursed Child- I was thinking back to when I first discovered those books and just how amazed I was by the world within. #JKRowlingWentBold
July 26, 2016
Word Whore
One quick entry before I a) eat dinner and b) Dive into Valiant Ambition by Nathaniel Philbrick.
( I'm usually not much for non-fiction reading, and especially not war recounts, but something about this book strikes me right so I'm going to give it a chance.)
I've been doing world building research. If I'm honest, I'm really diving into now, despite being fourteen chapters into the hot mess. (Do other authors do this? Am I right on schedule for this?)
World-building is so much fun! Creating a whole new place the way you want it (ok, we all know it's how the story wants it) and making characters, and "filling them out"--personality, wardrobe, special powers, dislikes, etc.
I have a LOT of world-building to do.
Other than that, I will be reading. While scrolling through my Instagram feed the other day, I kept seeing people reading, people reading, people reading. I have not done much writing this summer, at all. Well, I'm always listening to audiobooks to and from work, but I haven't read a physical book is a little while.
So that's what I'll be doing tonight. Catch you on the flipside.
KR
( I'm usually not much for non-fiction reading, and especially not war recounts, but something about this book strikes me right so I'm going to give it a chance.)
I've been doing world building research. If I'm honest, I'm really diving into now, despite being fourteen chapters into the hot mess. (Do other authors do this? Am I right on schedule for this?)
World-building is so much fun! Creating a whole new place the way you want it (ok, we all know it's how the story wants it) and making characters, and "filling them out"--personality, wardrobe, special powers, dislikes, etc.
I have a LOT of world-building to do.
Other than that, I will be reading. While scrolling through my Instagram feed the other day, I kept seeing people reading, people reading, people reading. I have not done much writing this summer, at all. Well, I'm always listening to audiobooks to and from work, but I haven't read a physical book is a little while.
So that's what I'll be doing tonight. Catch you on the flipside.
KR
July 23, 2016
Middle Slog
Working with moderate motivation today. However, I have hit the dreaded middle of the book, where I still have the plot road mapped, but it feels like the characters are moving through thick mud. When I manage to crank out a measly 500 words, it feels like a marathon.
What do I do when I need a serious dose of motivation? I go Author Blog hunting. My twitter (@kellyrwrites) is a great tool for finding them! \
I miss sitting in Barnes & Nobles, where I used to spend my Friday nights, once upon a time. I get so annoyed when I can't find a table next to a wall outlet though.
Ah, that brought back some memories. Another life, really not THAT long ago, but long enough to feel like a lifetime ago.
I can't even imagine what it's like to be like, eighty years old. How many lifetimes it must feel like you lived through. How many memories you've built up, how much tragedy witnessed, how much joy experienced.
I guess it's a night of waxing memorabilia, eh?
K
What do I do when I need a serious dose of motivation? I go Author Blog hunting. My twitter (@kellyrwrites) is a great tool for finding them! \
I miss sitting in Barnes & Nobles, where I used to spend my Friday nights, once upon a time. I get so annoyed when I can't find a table next to a wall outlet though.
Ah, that brought back some memories. Another life, really not THAT long ago, but long enough to feel like a lifetime ago.
I can't even imagine what it's like to be like, eighty years old. How many lifetimes it must feel like you lived through. How many memories you've built up, how much tragedy witnessed, how much joy experienced.
I guess it's a night of waxing memorabilia, eh?
K
July 16, 2016
Sneak Peak!
Chapter 1
In the semi-darkness, Maura stared down at the slumbering babies. Although they were snuffling and making occasional whiny noises in that innocent newborn baby way, Maura knew better. One of them would grow up to become a monster. They would both grow up to be killers.
I should just suffocate them both now, Maura thought briefly. Save everyone the trouble and heartache.
The moment passed, and Maura backed out of the nursery and silently shut the door. She turned and went back down the carpeted hallway.
She stood and watched the parents from the shadows. They were busy fixing dinner in the kitchen while their new charges slept for a few hours. There was a Dening hen stuffed to the wings on the island in the middle of the kitchen and Greg was busy tying up the bird’s wings. Malia was putting together a salad, and Maura was sure it was with vegetables they pulled from the garden in their backyard.
Greg and Malia moved around each other and the kitchen like old pros. Watching them from the shadows, Maura marveled. Their dinner making dance was so smooth, she felt a sharp pang of guilt, then pity. She had come here to murder the newborn twins, and she just couldn’t do it.
But not doing the job meant that these two people would suffer horribly. Along with a lot of other people.
Maura crept past the kitchen doorway, and let herself out of the back door.
July 13, 2016
July 08, 2016
Soft Dawn
Morning. It's a nice, peaceful morning. I've had smooch sessions with both of my fur babies, and they're now sprawled out at my feet.
I've received some questions about my writing schedule and writing studio.It's such a funny commonality with writers- we always want to know about other writers' habits, how they get their books written, where they do the writing at, what their studio looks like, etc. I am no exception- I fucking LOVE that shit.
During the week, I get up around 4:45 AM (okay, I'm giving myself too much credit here- I set my alarm for 4:45. The snooze button gets puts to work once or twice :D ) I immediately hit the coffee machine Go! button and while it's brewing I cuddle my fur babies.
I set my laptop on my dining room table and open up the sliding glass door curtains. The house is still shrouded in a half-light around that time, and it probably sounds strange, but I love the dawn low light- to me, it feels like a magical half-an-hour or so.
On the weekends, I usually get some writing done in the morning sitting on the couch (again, with the requisite cat on my lap). If I'm in the groove, I might get as much as three hours done.
As much as I've fought it over the years, the morning is my best time for writing. It's not seven pm when my brain is shot after work.
*sigh* And speaking of work.....
KR
I've received some questions about my writing schedule and writing studio.It's such a funny commonality with writers- we always want to know about other writers' habits, how they get their books written, where they do the writing at, what their studio looks like, etc. I am no exception- I fucking LOVE that shit.
During the week, I get up around 4:45 AM (okay, I'm giving myself too much credit here- I set my alarm for 4:45. The snooze button gets puts to work once or twice :D ) I immediately hit the coffee machine Go! button and while it's brewing I cuddle my fur babies.
I set my laptop on my dining room table and open up the sliding glass door curtains. The house is still shrouded in a half-light around that time, and it probably sounds strange, but I love the dawn low light- to me, it feels like a magical half-an-hour or so.
On the weekends, I usually get some writing done in the morning sitting on the couch (again, with the requisite cat on my lap). If I'm in the groove, I might get as much as three hours done.
As much as I've fought it over the years, the morning is my best time for writing. It's not seven pm when my brain is shot after work.
*sigh* And speaking of work.....
KR
July 05, 2016
It's Okay to Rest
I think I am finally learning how to relax. Maybe.
In the least, I am coming up with much more realistic to-do lists for after work. Before this revelation, I would have a list like this:
1. Do Laundry.
2. Transplant three tomato plants.
3. Water all the plants.
4. Finish Chapter 13
And then I come home after a busy, full Monday, and I look at the list and just laugh and laugh and laugh...
Nowadays, I recognize that I'm going to only get 2 out of the 4 done. And that's even a maybe depending on how much alcohol is consumed in the process.
Tonight, I got 2 things done. And I'm satisfied with that.
There's always tomorrow.
KR
In the least, I am coming up with much more realistic to-do lists for after work. Before this revelation, I would have a list like this:
1. Do Laundry.
2. Transplant three tomato plants.
3. Water all the plants.
4. Finish Chapter 13
And then I come home after a busy, full Monday, and I look at the list and just laugh and laugh and laugh...
Nowadays, I recognize that I'm going to only get 2 out of the 4 done. And that's even a maybe depending on how much alcohol is consumed in the process.
Tonight, I got 2 things done. And I'm satisfied with that.
There's always tomorrow.
KR
July 04, 2016
Literary Obligation
Today I am reflecting on Elie Wiesel's death.
What a life.
My earliest knowledge of him came in sixth grade, where Night was standard reading within the extensive Holocaust literature section of the agenda.
I had a morbid fascination with the Holocaust, especially the concentration camps. I found it unbelievable that people would do that to other people. My sixth grade mind didn't understand why the persecuted didn't just band together and overthrow the bad people.
Thinking about Wiesel and his legacy- written and otherwise- makes me question my own writing legacy. It makes the paranormal genre feel too frivolous and wasteful.
Granted, Night was written after horrific events that Wiesel lived through- it wasn't like he had been pondering how to produce a meaningful work that would touch millions of people. He needed to write Night, and his experiences were horrendously unique.
Before I piss off countless authors, let me clarify- the world absolutely needs fiction, in all of its many genres. Humans need to be able to immerse themselves in other worlds, meet strange people, go on wonderful journeys that they can't experience in real life. It lends color, perspective, and imagination to the world we live in, a world that is often very dark and awful.
However, with the knowledge of how words can spawn needed revolutions and desperately sought massive change, are we obligated to "fill a humanitarian quota"? Especially for those of us that dabble in the "frivolous genres" (this is my own personal opinion, not trying to piss anyone off. But compare Night to say, a paranormal romance- see what I'm driving at?)
Should we be satisfied at filling our genre, and hoping that our readers get enough out of our work to make it worthwhile? Or should we challenge ourselves to intersperse our normal writing with more meaningful work and cast a wider net of influence?
I am not trying to say that genre writing is easier, not at all. It still takes an incredible amount of discipline and planning and teeth gritting as heavier fiction or non-fiction. It's still sit-butt-in-chair-writing. Absolutely.
This post in large part is just me trying to organize my own feelings about it. I remember how my sixth grade teacher gave us very good, very in-depth questions to answer about Night. I don't remember any of those questions except for one- the one question that focused on the title of the book. I think it was something along the lines of, 'What do you think is the significance of the book's title? Why did Wiesel name this book, with this subject matter, Night?'
If the title of your book can be the cause of a 250 word essay, you're on the right path.
I'm interested in my readers' opinions on this subject. Please leave me comments, and if this post really got on anyone's nerves, understand I mean no malice. I myself write in the paranormal genre, and this post is just a reflection of my inner struggle about the importance of the genre.
KR
What a life.
My earliest knowledge of him came in sixth grade, where Night was standard reading within the extensive Holocaust literature section of the agenda.
I had a morbid fascination with the Holocaust, especially the concentration camps. I found it unbelievable that people would do that to other people. My sixth grade mind didn't understand why the persecuted didn't just band together and overthrow the bad people.
Thinking about Wiesel and his legacy- written and otherwise- makes me question my own writing legacy. It makes the paranormal genre feel too frivolous and wasteful.
Granted, Night was written after horrific events that Wiesel lived through- it wasn't like he had been pondering how to produce a meaningful work that would touch millions of people. He needed to write Night, and his experiences were horrendously unique.
Before I piss off countless authors, let me clarify- the world absolutely needs fiction, in all of its many genres. Humans need to be able to immerse themselves in other worlds, meet strange people, go on wonderful journeys that they can't experience in real life. It lends color, perspective, and imagination to the world we live in, a world that is often very dark and awful.
However, with the knowledge of how words can spawn needed revolutions and desperately sought massive change, are we obligated to "fill a humanitarian quota"? Especially for those of us that dabble in the "frivolous genres" (this is my own personal opinion, not trying to piss anyone off. But compare Night to say, a paranormal romance- see what I'm driving at?)
Should we be satisfied at filling our genre, and hoping that our readers get enough out of our work to make it worthwhile? Or should we challenge ourselves to intersperse our normal writing with more meaningful work and cast a wider net of influence?
I am not trying to say that genre writing is easier, not at all. It still takes an incredible amount of discipline and planning and teeth gritting as heavier fiction or non-fiction. It's still sit-butt-in-chair-writing. Absolutely.
This post in large part is just me trying to organize my own feelings about it. I remember how my sixth grade teacher gave us very good, very in-depth questions to answer about Night. I don't remember any of those questions except for one- the one question that focused on the title of the book. I think it was something along the lines of, 'What do you think is the significance of the book's title? Why did Wiesel name this book, with this subject matter, Night?'
If the title of your book can be the cause of a 250 word essay, you're on the right path.
I'm interested in my readers' opinions on this subject. Please leave me comments, and if this post really got on anyone's nerves, understand I mean no malice. I myself write in the paranormal genre, and this post is just a reflection of my inner struggle about the importance of the genre.
KR
July 02, 2016
Embrace Technology
Happy Saturday!
Today, I wanted to touch on embracing the different tech platforms that are available to writers.
If you're anything like me, you get your writing station all set up, and the writing goes well for a few days, and then one day, you are just not feeling it. This happens to me, and what I try is to switch up how and where I get my writing done.
Most early weekday mornings, I'm at the dining room table, on my laptop. I have my coffee mug filled and more often than not, a slumbering kitty on my lap. I tune up my Pandora, put on my headphones and (most) mornings can crank out at least 500 words before I have to start getting ready for work. (And while 500 a day is not a lot, by the end of the weekday, that's 2500 words. Remember to put things in perspective!)
But then the weekend swings around, and I sleep in a bit later. I'm more in the mood to chill on the couch (again, with the standard feline trapping me) and my phone becomes my writing tablet. I use the Blogger app to update this site, and Google Drive app to get some more words down for The Underbelly Series.
The message I'm trying to get across for those that get bored by their writing setup (and consequently, feel guilty by lack of writing progress)- don't be afraid to embrace different types of technology to get the writing done. Also, don't be afraid to move your writing studio around as well. It is often a godsend to switch up your scene- it can spark new ideas and get the ball rolling once again. Be fluid, and you'll be rewarded with more frequent bursts of inspiration.
KR
Today, I wanted to touch on embracing the different tech platforms that are available to writers.
If you're anything like me, you get your writing station all set up, and the writing goes well for a few days, and then one day, you are just not feeling it. This happens to me, and what I try is to switch up how and where I get my writing done.
Most early weekday mornings, I'm at the dining room table, on my laptop. I have my coffee mug filled and more often than not, a slumbering kitty on my lap. I tune up my Pandora, put on my headphones and (most) mornings can crank out at least 500 words before I have to start getting ready for work. (And while 500 a day is not a lot, by the end of the weekday, that's 2500 words. Remember to put things in perspective!)
But then the weekend swings around, and I sleep in a bit later. I'm more in the mood to chill on the couch (again, with the standard feline trapping me) and my phone becomes my writing tablet. I use the Blogger app to update this site, and Google Drive app to get some more words down for The Underbelly Series.
The message I'm trying to get across for those that get bored by their writing setup (and consequently, feel guilty by lack of writing progress)- don't be afraid to embrace different types of technology to get the writing done. Also, don't be afraid to move your writing studio around as well. It is often a godsend to switch up your scene- it can spark new ideas and get the ball rolling once again. Be fluid, and you'll be rewarded with more frequent bursts of inspiration.
KR
June 27, 2016
Monday Itchies
Good morning.
Another weekend has flown by, and in just a few precious hours I must once again engage with other human beings.
I slept terribly. It's been super windy out, and all those weird whines and whistles houses do during such weather kept waking me up.
I'm also on here instead of Google Drive because I'm stalling. I'm not sure how I want Chapter 12 to start. I know what needs to happen within it, but I'm still trying to come up with the best, most powerful and telling opening. It's the first big chapter for a new character, so I also have to make sure his personality is developed correctly.
The image of a bowling alley keeps coming back to me.....hmm, might have to explore this.
KR
Another weekend has flown by, and in just a few precious hours I must once again engage with other human beings.
I slept terribly. It's been super windy out, and all those weird whines and whistles houses do during such weather kept waking me up.
I'm also on here instead of Google Drive because I'm stalling. I'm not sure how I want Chapter 12 to start. I know what needs to happen within it, but I'm still trying to come up with the best, most powerful and telling opening. It's the first big chapter for a new character, so I also have to make sure his personality is developed correctly.
The image of a bowling alley keeps coming back to me.....hmm, might have to explore this.
KR
June 21, 2016
Writing Files: Staying Organized
Some people have asked how I organize my writing, especially when penning a full-length (or lengthy) novel.
I use both old-school methods and electronic.
For the old school method, I always have a thick notebook that is for the novel ONLY. Nothing else. (Okay, once in a while I have to scribble some kind of note in there when I'm desperate for paper, but I try not to.) I usually use a five subject notebook, that way I can use the different sections for things like character profiles, chapter outline, and Things-That-Need-To-Happen (that is what I call it!).
Recently, for The Underbelly Series, I grabbed an 11X17 size piece of paper to create a diagram- one side has the city, St. Clair, in the middle and connected by lines are all the characters- the "good" guys on the left side and the bad crew on the right. I have at least one character that is riding the rails and working for both sides, so this type of diagram lets me see how everyone in the story is connected.
Electronically, I use Google Drive to write it all up. I use separate documents for chapter outline, character profiles and plot points. Then I make each chapter a separate document as well. My character profiles are color coordinated- good guys one color, bad guys another color, and then those that work for both sides a third color.
The Underbelly Series is the most organized story that I have ever put together. I'm now of the mindset that I can't have too many documents about it, or too many notes- as long as it stays organized. You don't want to clutter the whole shebang up so much that it's impossible to work on it.
KR
I use both old-school methods and electronic.
For the old school method, I always have a thick notebook that is for the novel ONLY. Nothing else. (Okay, once in a while I have to scribble some kind of note in there when I'm desperate for paper, but I try not to.) I usually use a five subject notebook, that way I can use the different sections for things like character profiles, chapter outline, and Things-That-Need-To-Happen (that is what I call it!).
Recently, for The Underbelly Series, I grabbed an 11X17 size piece of paper to create a diagram- one side has the city, St. Clair, in the middle and connected by lines are all the characters- the "good" guys on the left side and the bad crew on the right. I have at least one character that is riding the rails and working for both sides, so this type of diagram lets me see how everyone in the story is connected.
Electronically, I use Google Drive to write it all up. I use separate documents for chapter outline, character profiles and plot points. Then I make each chapter a separate document as well. My character profiles are color coordinated- good guys one color, bad guys another color, and then those that work for both sides a third color.
The Underbelly Series is the most organized story that I have ever put together. I'm now of the mindset that I can't have too many documents about it, or too many notes- as long as it stays organized. You don't want to clutter the whole shebang up so much that it's impossible to work on it.
KR
June 14, 2016
Morning Demons
Good morning, readers.
Today I managed to wake up early, enough to get a tad bit of writing done. I love the early morning- I love the quiet, the half-light, the calm before the day begins. However, my love of sleep often outweighs my love of writing.
I'm trying to change that.
I would love to be the type that bounces out of bed the minute the alarm goes off, but alas, it's a daily struggle. Occasionally, when I'm in a super good writing spot, my eagerness to keep the story going will help me not hit the snooze button...again,and again.....but for the most part, my brain tells me to F*** off.
I'm trying to figure out my sleep rhythm, and I suspect that I need to set my alarm even earlier- it seems like any later than 5 a.m., and it's near impossible for me to get out of bed. However, I'm going to have to get my mind used to seeing a '4' and not automatically thinking, No way man.
The other side of that quarter is going to bed early enough. This time of year, when it's light until past nine, going to bed at a reasonable hour is a whole 'nuther difficult factor in this.
I'm really just stalling with this blog post. It's easier to bitch about my sleep schedule than work on Chapter 11. I finished Chapter 10 last night and Chapter 11 requires a good portion of backstory and description. Backstory is easier than description, for me.
(Besides waking early, description is definitely my biggest writing challenge. I'm much more eager to write action scenes, than to describe what my characters are seeing.)
KR
Today I managed to wake up early, enough to get a tad bit of writing done. I love the early morning- I love the quiet, the half-light, the calm before the day begins. However, my love of sleep often outweighs my love of writing.
I'm trying to change that.
I would love to be the type that bounces out of bed the minute the alarm goes off, but alas, it's a daily struggle. Occasionally, when I'm in a super good writing spot, my eagerness to keep the story going will help me not hit the snooze button...again,and again.....but for the most part, my brain tells me to F*** off.
I'm trying to figure out my sleep rhythm, and I suspect that I need to set my alarm even earlier- it seems like any later than 5 a.m., and it's near impossible for me to get out of bed. However, I'm going to have to get my mind used to seeing a '4' and not automatically thinking, No way man.
The other side of that quarter is going to bed early enough. This time of year, when it's light until past nine, going to bed at a reasonable hour is a whole 'nuther difficult factor in this.
I'm really just stalling with this blog post. It's easier to bitch about my sleep schedule than work on Chapter 11. I finished Chapter 10 last night and Chapter 11 requires a good portion of backstory and description. Backstory is easier than description, for me.
(Besides waking early, description is definitely my biggest writing challenge. I'm much more eager to write action scenes, than to describe what my characters are seeing.)
KR
June 11, 2016
A Writing Confession
Another Saturday morning. Another writing morning cranked to the side because of a sleeping feline on my lap. *sigh* I don't really mind though, my fur babies are my life and I wouldn't trade the sweet little face that's slumbering only a couple inches away.
Okay, how is the book going? I need to confess something.
I am no longer working on Broken Bloodlines. Yes, I have given up on it once more. I had made a decent dent in the editing but there are still some big holes to fix, and....I don't know, I just lost my motivation with it. Those that have been reading my blog long enough know that the B.B. series is my albatross. The perfect plot is always just out of reach. This is a story that I have been trying to finish-really finish- since 2005. Someday, someday...it will get finished, and not just "I am impatient and I'm going to throw it up on Amazon just to feel better" finished, haha. This first book is such a mess because I had no writing plan back then- I was just writing scenes as they came to me, and tried to make it cohesive. (It's not cohesive.)
Fast forward 2016- these days I'm much more organized with my world building. I have separate documents for character sketches, plot outlines, things-that-need-to-happen graphs. etc. I have also shifted to a different paranormal camp, one that is infinitely more exciting. The Underbelly Series is a story line that I started fall of 2015, when I was miserable in my job and needed an escape. (Okay, so I'm always looking for an escape, but whatever. )
This story has been talking to me since day 1, and the characters are so bad ass. I still have an end date for book 1 December 2016. And I'm holding myself to that.
I am currently working through Chapter 10; there's a character who has committed a heinous act- well, actually it was done 22 years previously, but it had just been discovered. And the demon king is not happy.
I thank you all for your patience. As much as I wanted to be an accomplished writer by this age, I didn't have the self-discipline that I needed to get there. It's roughly ten years later, and I've still got a ways to go but I'm in a much better place to make it happen.
FAITH.
KR
Okay, how is the book going? I need to confess something.
I am no longer working on Broken Bloodlines. Yes, I have given up on it once more. I had made a decent dent in the editing but there are still some big holes to fix, and....I don't know, I just lost my motivation with it. Those that have been reading my blog long enough know that the B.B. series is my albatross. The perfect plot is always just out of reach. This is a story that I have been trying to finish-really finish- since 2005. Someday, someday...it will get finished, and not just "I am impatient and I'm going to throw it up on Amazon just to feel better" finished, haha. This first book is such a mess because I had no writing plan back then- I was just writing scenes as they came to me, and tried to make it cohesive. (It's not cohesive.)
Fast forward 2016- these days I'm much more organized with my world building. I have separate documents for character sketches, plot outlines, things-that-need-to-happen graphs. etc. I have also shifted to a different paranormal camp, one that is infinitely more exciting. The Underbelly Series is a story line that I started fall of 2015, when I was miserable in my job and needed an escape. (Okay, so I'm always looking for an escape, but whatever. )
This story has been talking to me since day 1, and the characters are so bad ass. I still have an end date for book 1 December 2016. And I'm holding myself to that.
I am currently working through Chapter 10; there's a character who has committed a heinous act- well, actually it was done 22 years previously, but it had just been discovered. And the demon king is not happy.
I thank you all for your patience. As much as I wanted to be an accomplished writer by this age, I didn't have the self-discipline that I needed to get there. It's roughly ten years later, and I've still got a ways to go but I'm in a much better place to make it happen.
FAITH.
KR
June 04, 2016
To Build an Empire....
Happy Saturday morning dear readers!
I'm currently writing on the couch with my torso twisted all funny, due to the feline that has draped himself all over my lap. Thus my laptop has been placed to my left, so I have to twist in order to give my fingers correct placement on the keyboard. Lazy kitties.
This is a quick post as I have a special library gig to go to soon. However, I wanted to put a little blurb up about how I'm branching out.
You see, I am very much an introvert, and can easily morph into a total hermit.
When it comes to writing, I am really making an effort to be more involved- through online discussion, book reviews, writing communities, etc. I have signed up to be a Reader's Hollow book reviewer, which I'm really excited about. (See button--->)
It's a great site, full of awesome writers and readers and reviewers. Amazing titles come through, and it was hard to decide on which book to review.
And as always, I'm always open to new writers that are looking for an interview and exposure- email me! kellyraine1818@gmail.com and we'll get that set up.
We all have to work together in this!
Have a great weekend,
KR
I'm currently writing on the couch with my torso twisted all funny, due to the feline that has draped himself all over my lap. Thus my laptop has been placed to my left, so I have to twist in order to give my fingers correct placement on the keyboard. Lazy kitties.
This is a quick post as I have a special library gig to go to soon. However, I wanted to put a little blurb up about how I'm branching out.
You see, I am very much an introvert, and can easily morph into a total hermit.
When it comes to writing, I am really making an effort to be more involved- through online discussion, book reviews, writing communities, etc. I have signed up to be a Reader's Hollow book reviewer, which I'm really excited about. (See button--->)
It's a great site, full of awesome writers and readers and reviewers. Amazing titles come through, and it was hard to decide on which book to review.
And as always, I'm always open to new writers that are looking for an interview and exposure- email me! kellyraine1818@gmail.com and we'll get that set up.
We all have to work together in this!
Have a great weekend,
KR
May 23, 2016
Genre-Hopping Fool
I want to write in a lot of different genres. I want to get published in several different ones. My first love will always be paranormal, and I think in the nearest future there will be more romance added in.
I would also love to make a crime/suspense series, and if TV rights come along, then hey.
I love the idea of a kids' series that involves a haunted house. Remember The Three Investigators? One of the best kids' series EVER. Their little clubhouse/office underneath the pile of cars? Ah!
Yes, I have strong series tendencies. Probably because I love stumbling across an awesome series, and you start the first book, knowing there are three, four, five more to go. That's one of life's best surprises.
I'm sure a pretty good autobiography will come out of me someday also ;) Don't worry, I know you're interested.
I would also love to make a crime/suspense series, and if TV rights come along, then hey.
I love the idea of a kids' series that involves a haunted house. Remember The Three Investigators? One of the best kids' series EVER. Their little clubhouse/office underneath the pile of cars? Ah!
Yes, I have strong series tendencies. Probably because I love stumbling across an awesome series, and you start the first book, knowing there are three, four, five more to go. That's one of life's best surprises.
I'm sure a pretty good autobiography will come out of me someday also ;) Don't worry, I know you're interested.
May 13, 2016
Too Much Noise
Hello there, Friday night.
There's something magical about Friday night, between daylight and sunset. That half-light time, especially on warm nights, is so childhood summer to me.
I got B.B.1 manuscript back from my editor and am continuing edits alongside her notations. It's amazing what one line of suggestion can do to my motivation and imagination, har har.
We're supposed to have crappy weather this weekend, which I am actually welcoming-if it's not warm and sunny outside, I won't feel so much pressure to be outside, in the garden. I can curl up on the couch with this laptop and get the full edit done so you guys can once again enjoy the Morgin story.
Have a great one,
KR
There's something magical about Friday night, between daylight and sunset. That half-light time, especially on warm nights, is so childhood summer to me.
I got B.B.1 manuscript back from my editor and am continuing edits alongside her notations. It's amazing what one line of suggestion can do to my motivation and imagination, har har.
We're supposed to have crappy weather this weekend, which I am actually welcoming-if it's not warm and sunny outside, I won't feel so much pressure to be outside, in the garden. I can curl up on the couch with this laptop and get the full edit done so you guys can once again enjoy the Morgin story.
Have a great one,
KR
May 06, 2016
Near Seclusion
For you can be in seclusion, even if you maintain a full-time job.
I think about these "lonely" years. Years without any personal female companionship, nor friends to hang with.
This is adulthood. This is responsible. This is sensible. This is safe.
And there are so very many perks to this lifestyle.
Sometimes I am lonely.
But it passes within about an hour.
In the end, I am a hermit.
I just want to write.
KR
I think about these "lonely" years. Years without any personal female companionship, nor friends to hang with.
This is adulthood. This is responsible. This is sensible. This is safe.
And there are so very many perks to this lifestyle.
Sometimes I am lonely.
But it passes within about an hour.
In the end, I am a hermit.
I just want to write.
KR
May 05, 2016
UnPlugging Holes or Something Like That
Currently, my cat is crashing through the house, making mad dashes from room to room. How does one smallish animal make so much noise? You guys should hear the racket in here right now.
Anyway, I'm sort of stuck. I'm trying to plan out a very important scene, a very revealing scene, and I'm a little lost.
Queue the questions.
When I'm stuck on a scene, I start asking myself questions. Basic ones to start, just to get the ball rolling. Who's in involved with this scene? What is the conflict?
Sometimes I start at the end, and work my way forward. Sometimes, I start in the beginning, jump to the back, jump to the middle, etc. Working purely on scene description helps stimulate the action ideas.
If I'm really stuck, I will start planning out the next chapter. Sometimes I plan out the next five chapters, mull on those parts of the plot, and then try to go back to the "hole".
But plug I must. I must get rid of these stuck parts, I must make it work, Get words down, sometimes by just throwing words down and hoping that out of the mess I will be able to keep a couple of sentences.
Happy writing,
KR
Anyway, I'm sort of stuck. I'm trying to plan out a very important scene, a very revealing scene, and I'm a little lost.
Queue the questions.
When I'm stuck on a scene, I start asking myself questions. Basic ones to start, just to get the ball rolling. Who's in involved with this scene? What is the conflict?
Sometimes I start at the end, and work my way forward. Sometimes, I start in the beginning, jump to the back, jump to the middle, etc. Working purely on scene description helps stimulate the action ideas.
If I'm really stuck, I will start planning out the next chapter. Sometimes I plan out the next five chapters, mull on those parts of the plot, and then try to go back to the "hole".
But plug I must. I must get rid of these stuck parts, I must make it work, Get words down, sometimes by just throwing words down and hoping that out of the mess I will be able to keep a couple of sentences.
Happy writing,
KR
May 01, 2016
Rainy Day Writing
The weather was super crappy today, so I took advantage and got a big chunk of B.B. Book 2 done; things are heating up and I need to plan out a BIG battle scene. A battle scene, I suspect, that will leave a secondary character out of commission. Still not positive whether I am going to go through with the nix, but it's a good possibility.
I follow a lot of romance & paranormal romance authors on Twitter, and something in my heart warms in those genres. I think I have a romance writer inside of me, whether regular human romance or romance where people are morphing into other things all the time.
While I am currently married to the B.B. series, someday I will have definitely have to explore down that sulty alleyway.
There's also at least two other stories that need to be worked on.
Ah, the freedom! The freedom to make up special powers, new creatures, crazy characters.
If only there was more time.
KR
I follow a lot of romance & paranormal romance authors on Twitter, and something in my heart warms in those genres. I think I have a romance writer inside of me, whether regular human romance or romance where people are morphing into other things all the time.
While I am currently married to the B.B. series, someday I will have definitely have to explore down that sulty alleyway.
There's also at least two other stories that need to be worked on.
Ah, the freedom! The freedom to make up special powers, new creatures, crazy characters.
If only there was more time.
KR
April 21, 2016
Doves
There just aren't words.
I heard the news at work, and held it together until I got in my car and listened to the voicemail of condolence from my mom.
I knew there was something funky about today. I was melancholy from the get-go, but didn't know why.
I have so many memories associated with him and his music. Many nights listening to his lyrics while in high school, and just wondering what the hell they meant. His #1 hits was the second CD I ever bought. I remember looking up the lyrics to 'Let's Go Crazy' and being totally flabbergasted that the line was, "Let's look 4 the purple banana till they put us in the truck".
Then years later....So many sets, so many steps, so many twirls and lap dances while his music pounded loud as fuck and the older men appreciated the music.
R.I.P. you sexy beast.
I heard the news at work, and held it together until I got in my car and listened to the voicemail of condolence from my mom.
I knew there was something funky about today. I was melancholy from the get-go, but didn't know why.
I have so many memories associated with him and his music. Many nights listening to his lyrics while in high school, and just wondering what the hell they meant. His #1 hits was the second CD I ever bought. I remember looking up the lyrics to 'Let's Go Crazy' and being totally flabbergasted that the line was, "Let's look 4 the purple banana till they put us in the truck".
Then years later....So many sets, so many steps, so many twirls and lap dances while his music pounded loud as fuck and the older men appreciated the music.
R.I.P. you sexy beast.
April 18, 2016
A Different Journey
This second book in the Broken Bloodlines series, is a much different journey than the first book was.
Book 1: The Awakening was widely comprised of dream-like scenes that would pop into my head. Vivid, colorful and emotionally charged, I had to put them in the story. Incongruities with the rest of the plot?? Ah, don't worry about it. I'll make it work.
And eighty percent of my "weaving" did work, and was interesting. The other strange, analogous 20% was at least interesting, ha ha.
I don't think I've had any of those vivid scenes for this second book. I've had to really think my way through each chapter, but they've been coming easy enough so far **knock on wood**. And yes, some chapters came easier than others, but I've already put in far more work so far in this second book, than I did for most of the first.
I'm going to take some of that and apply it to the topic, "How I've Grown As a Writer."
KR
Book 1: The Awakening was widely comprised of dream-like scenes that would pop into my head. Vivid, colorful and emotionally charged, I had to put them in the story. Incongruities with the rest of the plot?? Ah, don't worry about it. I'll make it work.
And eighty percent of my "weaving" did work, and was interesting. The other strange, analogous 20% was at least interesting, ha ha.
I don't think I've had any of those vivid scenes for this second book. I've had to really think my way through each chapter, but they've been coming easy enough so far **knock on wood**. And yes, some chapters came easier than others, but I've already put in far more work so far in this second book, than I did for most of the first.
I'm going to take some of that and apply it to the topic, "How I've Grown As a Writer."
KR
April 16, 2016
Gummi Bears
Dearest Reader,
It is spring.
Yes, we might still get a snowstorm yet, but it is spring.
Saturday night is always bittersweet- you think, this time tomorrow night is the end of the weekend. A stupid thought, but I know I'm not alone in it.
I sat out on the porch for a while today, soaking in the sun and writing with my laptop, trying to get the ancient blood bags to cooperate with one of my main characters. They eventually saw his reasoning and relented, but it wasn't an easy journey.
Currently, my mouth is full of gummi bears- like, I've got about fifteen of them suckers crammed in their. I have an obsession with the said squishy bundles of high fructose corn syrup- they make me so happy.
Hope y'all are having a great weekend!
Keep reading,
K
April 12, 2016
Hiatus
I'm sure you've noticed, dear Reader, that The Awakening has been pulled off of Amazon's virtual shelving. I pulled it b/c I found an editor who is going to "jazz it up" before its re-release.
There will also be a new cover!
Stay tuned!
K
There will also be a new cover!
Stay tuned!
K
April 09, 2016
Sneak Peek: Exposed II
Chemistry
Impatient for end result
The difference between a teaspoon
And a gulf of indifference
Rock hard crust and heavy insides
Let it build just for it to sink
And a fight ensues
With animal anger
And what's does it all mean anyway
Between best friends in space
I'm supposed to explain it later
When no one remembers
Don't push me away
When I'm just trying to help
Get you out of this tunnel
Let me lead you to the exit.
March 28, 2016
Scare Me
I wish our news sources weren't based around fear mongering. I wish that sensationalism wasn't such a solid ingredient in the way we receive news. There's enough horrible shit that happens every day, why must they splash it all around?
I'm particularly bothered by replayed 911 tapes. Why must that go on? Haven't the ones involved suffered enough by whatever the situation was that prompted that 911 call? It's always the worst tragedies that get a 911 replay.
I don't know about you, but after a long day at work, I want to get caught up with what's happened during the day, but not with all the bad emotions pushed into it.
Just report the facts, please.
KR
I'm particularly bothered by replayed 911 tapes. Why must that go on? Haven't the ones involved suffered enough by whatever the situation was that prompted that 911 call? It's always the worst tragedies that get a 911 replay.
I don't know about you, but after a long day at work, I want to get caught up with what's happened during the day, but not with all the bad emotions pushed into it.
Just report the facts, please.
KR
March 27, 2016
Wild Child
My father recently said to my husband: "Hold onto her as long as you can- she's a wild one."
At first it just seemed like an off-hand humorous remark to him, but now that I stop and think of what my life so far must look like to my father, (the parts that he's aware of, at least) I'm sure he wholeheartedly meant it. Working on farms and thoroughly loving playing in cowshit throughout high school, marrying the wrong guy at 18, dancing for strange men at 19, divorced at 27, getting married again at 29.
I feel like I'm going to turn into the crabby old woman who just doesn't give a shit about what anyone thinks- I'm going to throw caution and self-preservation to the wind and just let the world have me. I'm going to wear wild outfits that darken to blacks as I age, and you'll see me in the park at dusk, feeding the pigeons. And once senility takes hold, I'm sure the clothes will start coming back off and I'll constantly be cited for indecency by the local law enforcement.
K
At first it just seemed like an off-hand humorous remark to him, but now that I stop and think of what my life so far must look like to my father, (the parts that he's aware of, at least) I'm sure he wholeheartedly meant it. Working on farms and thoroughly loving playing in cowshit throughout high school, marrying the wrong guy at 18, dancing for strange men at 19, divorced at 27, getting married again at 29.
I feel like I'm going to turn into the crabby old woman who just doesn't give a shit about what anyone thinks- I'm going to throw caution and self-preservation to the wind and just let the world have me. I'm going to wear wild outfits that darken to blacks as I age, and you'll see me in the park at dusk, feeding the pigeons. And once senility takes hold, I'm sure the clothes will start coming back off and I'll constantly be cited for indecency by the local law enforcement.
K
March 19, 2016
Listening to Crazy
I've been working steadily on Book 2 of the Broken Bloodlines series, and that old excitement is creeping back up on me. Characters are floating around in my brain, and the writing has been fairly easy so much. They are all talking to me, letting me know what needs to happen. I'm a more mature writer at this point, working on Book 2. How many years ago was Book 1 started? Gosh, I believe it has been more than a decade. Oh man, I shouldn't have done the math just then. Damn.
I've been listening to audiobooks steadily since about October, and I've got to tell you, I am totally smitten. Having that auditory stream going through my head all week driving back and forth from work has really helped me with description in my writing. I always struggled with slowing down enough to expand a scene to make it a clear picture for the reader. I hear the story much more clearer in my own head.
KR
March 05, 2016
Decade-adence
I have quite a pile of poems collected for Exposed II, I expect it's release around fall.....
It's going to be quite a different collection- whereas Exposed I was all raunch, and sex and misbehaving, Exposed II is coming a decade later and the author is a much different, refined person. Is refined the correct word? Warped? Mature? (Sometimes.) So for those of you that are familiar with the first collection, don't expect the same thing of short filthy lines.This second batch is darker, more life-oriented as opposed to bedroom romp.
The only thing that is consistent, I would say, is the strong imagery.
I believe that strong imagery in poetry is a must-have, no matter what you're subject matter. Imagery is one of the main life forces of poetry.
Stay tuned....
It's going to be quite a different collection- whereas Exposed I was all raunch, and sex and misbehaving, Exposed II is coming a decade later and the author is a much different, refined person. Is refined the correct word? Warped? Mature? (Sometimes.) So for those of you that are familiar with the first collection, don't expect the same thing of short filthy lines.This second batch is darker, more life-oriented as opposed to bedroom romp.
The only thing that is consistent, I would say, is the strong imagery.
I believe that strong imagery in poetry is a must-have, no matter what you're subject matter. Imagery is one of the main life forces of poetry.
Stay tuned....
March 03, 2016
Exposed II
Wild Child
By: Kelly Raine
Lying like a bitch in heat
That's chained at the neck
It tugs, it tugs,
Busy day helps bury temptation
And confusion knocks at my ribs
Rock about like a cradle
Of misfit toys
Maybe this is all wrong
An illusion of good fortune
And progress of the middle class
But ends at a dead end
A different kind of fog
Wrapped around the brass pole
And the mirrors will reveal
the existence of all that you've worked for
And how you no longer belong
With these co-eds
And their university of stagnation
Stare at yourself
And decide what you can live with
And what is smoke and
Nothingness.
February 18, 2016
The Awakening by Kelly Raine
The characters won't lay down and die. Some days I wish they would but they don't. So Kaellina and Calissa's story continues in the second book, The Rising. Kaellina is coming into her necromancer powers, which is going to send Nashel into a tailspin. Can Calissa find a way to defeat her evil twin?
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