With the release of my second book next month, I've been reflecting a lot on my publishing journey. I remember the painful rejections from agents, the late nights I spent perfecting my query letter, the lunch hours spent in my car writing down scenes as they struck me. The maddening feeling of "Am I crazy for putting so much energy into this? What if I'm no good? Is this going to be something I'll be embarrassed about in ten years?"
We all fight our doubts. We all let ourselves get in our own way. I did. I even had people telling me I would never make it. That I was wasting my time.
But I had other people too. I had the writing community, and without them, without you, I wouldn't have made it. I know that with every fiber in my body. Soldiers fighting a war in the trenches always became close, like brothers. They looked out for one another, they were loyal to each other, and they truly cared.
That's how it is in the query trenches. You won't stay there forever. Like soldiers, you'll suffer injuries. But it will be in the form of rejection, and it will maul your pride instead of your physical body. The scars will either make you stronger or make you quit. I remember the soldiers in the query trenches with me. And it seemed like when one of us got an agent, the rest of us did. I fought with Mindy McGinnis, AG Howard, Valerie Cole, Heather Rebel, and many more. I got an agent. They all got agents. What are the chances of that? Do you see the pattern here?
We were there for each other. And we made it out of the trenches together.
So if you're an aspiring writer, don't keep to yourself. Give and receive. Get involved. Learn your craft, teach your craft. Share information and doubts and worries and excitement and encouragement.
Get each other out of the trenches.
You can do it.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
OF TRITON PRE-ORDER BONUS CONTENT!
There are many reasons you should pre-order the hardcover of OF TRITON (unless you never need to know what happens after that horrible cliffhanger in OF POSEIDON, but whatevs, right?). But now the shiz just got real.
Because there is EXCLUSIVE bonus content you'll get if you do pre-order OF TRITON or purchase it between the dates of May 28th through June 2nd 2013.
1.) You'll get the first chapter of OF TRITON right-freaking-now. It will not be available anywhere else until the date of release. You know you want to read it. And yes, you will love-hate me when you do.
2.) You'll get a bonus scene from OF POSEIDON, told by Toraf's point of view. (Remember that part where Toraf does something to Emma on the beach in front of the twins? Well this is the scene right AFTER that scene, with all the feels Toraf has about it.! Insert squeal here.) This will also not be available anywhere else. (Hence, it's EXCLUSIVE).
So, to get all this fantabulous content, you must email me proof of your pre-order, which could be a picture, scan, or email confirmation of your purchase receipt. Send the email to oftritonbonuscontent@gmail.com.
We'll respond with a PDF designed especially for this content. It's purdy. And the words are good, too. :)
It's that easy.
Because there is EXCLUSIVE bonus content you'll get if you do pre-order OF TRITON or purchase it between the dates of May 28th through June 2nd 2013.
1.) You'll get the first chapter of OF TRITON right-freaking-now. It will not be available anywhere else until the date of release. You know you want to read it. And yes, you will love-hate me when you do.
2.) You'll get a bonus scene from OF POSEIDON, told by Toraf's point of view. (Remember that part where Toraf does something to Emma on the beach in front of the twins? Well this is the scene right AFTER that scene, with all the feels Toraf has about it.! Insert squeal here.) This will also not be available anywhere else. (Hence, it's EXCLUSIVE).
So, to get all this fantabulous content, you must email me proof of your pre-order, which could be a picture, scan, or email confirmation of your purchase receipt. Send the email to oftritonbonuscontent@gmail.com.
We'll respond with a PDF designed especially for this content. It's purdy. And the words are good, too. :)
It's that easy.
OF TRITON BOOK TRAILER CONTEST
Yes, thaaaaaa's right.
You guys blew me away with your entries for the Of Triton bookmark contest. (Truly. Madly. Deeply.)
Soooo I've decided to hold a contest for creating the book trailer for Of Triton. Now, since book trailers involve a bigger time investment than designing a book mark, I've decided to offer prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. If you're an aspiring writer, you'll be interested in these prizes. If you're a reader, you'll be interested in these prizes.
If you're both, you're super duper interested.
FIRST PLACE:
A FULL manuscript critique from my agent, the magnificent-in-every-way Lucy Carson of The Friedrich Agency.
AND
A $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble.
AND
You get to name a major character in OF NEPTUNE, the third and final installment in the Syrena Legacy series.
SECOND PLACE:
A 50 page manuscript critique from my agent, the magnificent-in-every-way Lucy Carson.
AND
A $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble.
AND
A signed (and/or personalized) copy of OF TRITON.
THIRD PLACE:
A query letter critique from my agent, the magnificent-in-every-way Lucy Carson.
AND
A $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble
Here are the rules:
1.) You have to use the blurb for OF TRITON to create the trailer. As in, you get no extra spoilers. I'm not saying you HAVE to include a single word from the blurb (but it's a good idea), I'm just saying that's all you have to go on. And remember, the goal is to make the viewer want to read the book right-freaking-now.
2.) The trailer should be at least 30 seconds long. (This is a suggestion, not a strict rule.)
3.) By entering, you agree that you have access/rights to all content used in the trailer. As in, some dude's not coming after for me for using his music/images when I post the crap out of this book trailer. And post the crap out of it, I will.
4.) By entering, you agree that I can post it wherever the fancy strikes me. I'm going to be bragging about this, rest assured. If you're one of those shy artist types, this contest is not for you. You also NEED to include your information in the credits. GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT, peoples! Show the world the shiz you can do!
5.) The contest is open to US/Canada residents only. For legal reasons only, I promise. I LOVE my international fans. Sorry. :(
6.) When your entry is complete, email it to byannabanks (at) gmail (dot) com as an attachement. You are not officially entered if I do not respond to your email indicating I've received it! Feel free to harass me until I acknowledge receipt. Seriously.
7.) Have fun. Because if you don't, and you stress out about it, then you'll hate me, and possibly Galen, and I couldn't stand for that. Mkay?
UPDATE: DEADLINE IS APRIL 30th!
You guys blew me away with your entries for the Of Triton bookmark contest. (Truly. Madly. Deeply.)
Soooo I've decided to hold a contest for creating the book trailer for Of Triton. Now, since book trailers involve a bigger time investment than designing a book mark, I've decided to offer prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. If you're an aspiring writer, you'll be interested in these prizes. If you're a reader, you'll be interested in these prizes.
If you're both, you're super duper interested.
FIRST PLACE:
A FULL manuscript critique from my agent, the magnificent-in-every-way Lucy Carson of The Friedrich Agency.
AND
A $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble.
AND
You get to name a major character in OF NEPTUNE, the third and final installment in the Syrena Legacy series.
SECOND PLACE:
A 50 page manuscript critique from my agent, the magnificent-in-every-way Lucy Carson.
AND
A $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble.
AND
A signed (and/or personalized) copy of OF TRITON.
THIRD PLACE:
A query letter critique from my agent, the magnificent-in-every-way Lucy Carson.
AND
A $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble
Here are the rules:
1.) You have to use the blurb for OF TRITON to create the trailer. As in, you get no extra spoilers. I'm not saying you HAVE to include a single word from the blurb (but it's a good idea), I'm just saying that's all you have to go on. And remember, the goal is to make the viewer want to read the book right-freaking-now.
2.) The trailer should be at least 30 seconds long. (This is a suggestion, not a strict rule.)
3.) By entering, you agree that you have access/rights to all content used in the trailer. As in, some dude's not coming after for me for using his music/images when I post the crap out of this book trailer. And post the crap out of it, I will.
4.) By entering, you agree that I can post it wherever the fancy strikes me. I'm going to be bragging about this, rest assured. If you're one of those shy artist types, this contest is not for you. You also NEED to include your information in the credits. GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT, peoples! Show the world the shiz you can do!
5.) The contest is open to US/Canada residents only. For legal reasons only, I promise. I LOVE my international fans. Sorry. :(
6.) When your entry is complete, email it to byannabanks (at) gmail (dot) com as an attachement. You are not officially entered if I do not respond to your email indicating I've received it! Feel free to harass me until I acknowledge receipt. Seriously.
7.) Have fun. Because if you don't, and you stress out about it, then you'll hate me, and possibly Galen, and I couldn't stand for that. Mkay?
UPDATE: DEADLINE IS APRIL 30th!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Bookmark Contest Winner
Guys. We have a winner. (We've HAD a winner, but Blogger is the devil and ate my winner post!). Thanks to all who voted, entered, and help spread the word about the contest. I can't tell you how awesome it is for my official OF TRITON bookmark to be completely fan-created. Not to mention by a book blogger--and book bloggers are among my most favoritest of people. :)
Freaking fantabulous! (<----sorry blurted.="" br="" i="">
Now, without further ado, the winner is........(you're imagining a drum roll right now, aren't you?):
ENTRY #3!!!
Some of you may know the person behind the creator, but for those who don't, I've asked her to introduce herself. She's a bit camera shy, but please give a virtual high five to Kazhy! (And check out her website, which is majorly classy).
I'm Kazhy, a college student by day and a book blogger, well, all the time! I'm more confident with my bookmark design than with my blog, but if you'd like to check it out, it's here! You can also find me on Twitter. I was really surprised to find out that a lot of people liked my design, considering I only used GIMP to make it. Thanks to everyone who voted! :D
Freaking fantabulous! (<----sorry blurted.="" br="" i="">
Now, without further ado, the winner is........(you're imagining a drum roll right now, aren't you?):
ENTRY #3!!!
Some of you may know the person behind the creator, but for those who don't, I've asked her to introduce herself. She's a bit camera shy, but please give a virtual high five to Kazhy! (And check out her website, which is majorly classy).
I'm Kazhy, a college student by day and a book blogger, well, all the time! I'm more confident with my bookmark design than with my blog, but if you'd like to check it out, it's here! You can also find me on Twitter. I was really surprised to find out that a lot of people liked my design, considering I only used GIMP to make it. Thanks to everyone who voted! :D
Monday, February 18, 2013
RAVENS-AN EXCERPT AND GIVEAWAY!
I'm elated to the infinite degree to be hosting this giveaway of RAVENS by Kaylie Austen. She's a very talented author pal of mine, and I'm stoooopid excited to read this YA debut. I know the dark and twisted mind that is Kaylie's and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need someone to hold me while I read it...
That said, you can (and should) connect with her on her blog, Twitter, and Facebook.
Without further ado, here is the magnificence of RAVENS!
Blurb (World Castle Publishing January 2013):
What are Ravens, and are they as the world wants us to believe—sinister and without human qualities? When abruptly taken from their world, select humans are transformed into creatures of the night with penetrating eyes and uncanny abilities that most believe are a threat to mankind. Stripped from their mundane and ordinary lives, these creatures have no choice but to stalk the night and fight back in order to survive.
Giveaway:
I'm giving away not one but TWO signed copies of RAVENS. To enter, leave a comment below and tell me why you want to read this book so very much badly. Be convincing. Make me feel it. Make me want to overnight the book to you, mkay? Because that's how you're gonna win this giveaway.
So...On your mark...Get set...Wait for it...Wait...I said wait...GO!
That said, you can (and should) connect with her on her blog, Twitter, and Facebook.
Without further ado, here is the magnificence of RAVENS!
Blurb (World Castle Publishing January 2013):
What are Ravens, and are they as the world wants us to believe—sinister and without human qualities? When abruptly taken from their world, select humans are transformed into creatures of the night with penetrating eyes and uncanny abilities that most believe are a threat to mankind. Stripped from their mundane and ordinary lives, these creatures have no choice but to stalk the night and fight back in order to survive.
One such Raven is eighteen-year-old Liam, who uses his telepathy to communicate with Kendra in order to lure her into the transformation. It proves to be a double-edged gambit that turns into a tumultuous journey. Racing against time to save her sister, whom she believed to be dead, Kendra falls through a portal and into a parallel world where humans hunt her. She becomes a Raven with ill-controlled powers, trapped in a torrid affair with Liam, and desperately struggles to find a grip on her new reality.
Sounds intense huh? Huh??? *nudges shoulder* As a special treat, I've got an excerpt for your reading pleasure!
Excerpt:
The first few times Kendra dreamt of Liam, he was a blurry ghost haunting her sleep. After the first year, he sat with her, talked to her, and consoled her.
“What’s wrong with your eyes?” she’d asked.
His gaze met hers until she looked away first. The intensity of those unnatural orbs sent chills down her spine. The colors were all wrong and made Liam seem dangerous, inhuman.
“Our eyes change here.”
“Where’s there?”
He shrugged. “Another world.”
“Like…the afterworld?”
He laughed. “I’m not dead!”
“Of course you are,” she muttered.
Liam disappeared when she awoke, and every so often returned to continue the conversation.
“Is Julie with you?” Kendra inquired with a bitter ache in her chest.
“Yeah.”
“What happened?”
“You really want to know?”
“Who killed you?”
He laughed. “I’m not dead!”
“Of course you are,” she muttered.
Liam hadn’t visited in a while, but the anniversary fast approached, which meant he’d pop up again.
Giveaway:
I'm giving away not one but TWO signed copies of RAVENS. To enter, leave a comment below and tell me why you want to read this book so very much badly. Be convincing. Make me feel it. Make me want to overnight the book to you, mkay? Because that's how you're gonna win this giveaway.
So...On your mark...Get set...Wait for it...Wait...I said wait...GO!
Monday, February 11, 2013
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE!
Okay, so I'm pretty sure I've mentioned in passing that you guys suck in the best possible way. You've made picking the winner for my bookmark contest haaaaaard. So many great (and by great, I mean fan-flipping-tastic) entries. There were well over a hundred entries. I was almost in tears trying to pick a winner. This was supposed to be fun. If not for you, then AT LEAST for me, right? Right??
Shame. On. You.
So now I'm putting the ball in your court (cliche alert! Ew). Now you must suffer with indecision. Bite your lip bloody and raw. Drink wine from the bottle with said bloody/raw lip.
However, I have made it a tidly bit easier for you. I've narrowed the contest down to the top six entries. Instead of hundreds of entries, you just have to choose between six. Easy, yes? (Insert maniacal laugh here, then the gulping sound of drinking more wine, followed by an unladylike hiccup).
Here are the rules:
1.) Vote in the comment section. (For example: Entry one. Another example: Entry two. See how it works?) I don't feel like messing with one of those poll widget things. This also gives you a chance to give praise to the finalists.
2.) If you leave a negative comment about any entries, your vote will not count, your comment will be deleted, I will secretly consider you a bad person and possibly a poor sport, other people will know that you're a jerk, and your mother will be utterly and irretrievably ashamed of you and what you have let yourself become.
3.) You may vote only once. (Because duh).
4.) All votes must be in by midnight on February 15th. Any votes posted in the comments after that deadline will not be counted. I am not responsible for what time zone you're in. I don't even know what time zone I'm in, so good luck with that.
ENTRY ONE
ENTRY THREE
ENTRY FOUR
ENTRY FIVE
ENTRY SIX
Shame. On. You.
So now I'm putting the ball in your court (cliche alert! Ew). Now you must suffer with indecision. Bite your lip bloody and raw. Drink wine from the bottle with said bloody/raw lip.
However, I have made it a tidly bit easier for you. I've narrowed the contest down to the top six entries. Instead of hundreds of entries, you just have to choose between six. Easy, yes? (Insert maniacal laugh here, then the gulping sound of drinking more wine, followed by an unladylike hiccup).
Here are the rules:
1.) Vote in the comment section. (For example: Entry one. Another example: Entry two. See how it works?) I don't feel like messing with one of those poll widget things. This also gives you a chance to give praise to the finalists.
2.) If you leave a negative comment about any entries, your vote will not count, your comment will be deleted, I will secretly consider you a bad person and possibly a poor sport, other people will know that you're a jerk, and your mother will be utterly and irretrievably ashamed of you and what you have let yourself become.
3.) You may vote only once. (Because duh).
4.) All votes must be in by midnight on February 15th. Any votes posted in the comments after that deadline will not be counted. I am not responsible for what time zone you're in. I don't even know what time zone I'm in, so good luck with that.
ENTRY ONE
ENTRY TWO
ENTRY THREE
ENTRY FOUR
ENTRY FIVE
ENTRY SIX
Monday, February 4, 2013
BOOKMARK WINNER---HALP ME!
You guys suck, and I mean that in the best possible way. You are all so talented that I actually couldn't decide on a winner for the OF TRITON bookmark contest. That said, I need your help. Pwease.
I've got it narrowed down to my favorites, but I was wondering if you could help me decide who THE winner is? Would you be willing to vote? Would you be willing to give of yourself in that way?
In a few days, I'm going to post the top 5 choices I've made. I want you to vote for your favorite in the comment section. I do NOT want any nasty or ugly or demeaning comments about the entries I've selected. I simply want your vote. If you make a derrogatory comment, I'll delete it faster than I'd pop a zit, and then I'll secretly think of you as a bad person, and probably never have tea with you and your vote will CERTAINLY not count at all. So you just think about that.
I'm going to be contacting the top 5 finalists in the next few days to make sure it's alright to publicly flaunt their skillful swagger on my blog. After I've received the go-ahead, I'll post the images. You will be impressed. It will be difficult for you to choose. And then you will know my agony.
Stay tuned for updates on this contest.
I can't even tell you how overwhelmed I was with the huge response to this contest. There were literally hundreds of entries. And most of them, honest to God, were mind-blowing.
So, you guys really do suck. In a good way. :)
I've got it narrowed down to my favorites, but I was wondering if you could help me decide who THE winner is? Would you be willing to vote? Would you be willing to give of yourself in that way?
In a few days, I'm going to post the top 5 choices I've made. I want you to vote for your favorite in the comment section. I do NOT want any nasty or ugly or demeaning comments about the entries I've selected. I simply want your vote. If you make a derrogatory comment, I'll delete it faster than I'd pop a zit, and then I'll secretly think of you as a bad person, and probably never have tea with you and your vote will CERTAINLY not count at all. So you just think about that.
I'm going to be contacting the top 5 finalists in the next few days to make sure it's alright to publicly flaunt their skillful swagger on my blog. After I've received the go-ahead, I'll post the images. You will be impressed. It will be difficult for you to choose. And then you will know my agony.
Stay tuned for updates on this contest.
I can't even tell you how overwhelmed I was with the huge response to this contest. There were literally hundreds of entries. And most of them, honest to God, were mind-blowing.
So, you guys really do suck. In a good way. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
