From the Ashes Kindle Release!

Okay, everyone! Today is the day! The Kindle edition of From the Ashes is LIVE!!! So you can officially buy it on Kindle now!!!

From the Ashes is a lot about overcoming your fears, and fighting for what you believe in. So that's why I chose the prompt:

"Tell us about a time when you or your character was thrown into a trial by fire situation. What biggest fears did you or your character have to face? What sort of situation would test you to the fullest?"

So I'm only sixteen, and I'll be up front with all of you guys. I haven't experienced a lot in my life yet, so I know I haven't been tested to the fullest.

But, the greatest test I've endured so far was definitely writing this book and taking it this far. Seriously, I sacrificed everything for this story. My grades, ice skating, spending time with friends…so I'm really glad to finally be officially done with my first book!

When I first started writing the story in December of 2010, I had no idea what I was getting into. And if someone had told me that I was going to get it published within the next two years, I definitely wouldn't have believed them.

But, I couldn't have come this far without all of the amazing people I've known and who've helped me through! You guys are awesome!

Oh, and you can add my book on Goodreads now!

To visit other people who participated in the blogfest, here's the linky list:

Have you faced your biggest fears? What sort of trials have you or your characters endured? Please share!

Have a wonderful Friday!!

–Jess

Knights of MicroFiction Announcement

Okay, I know things have been a little confusing for our MicroFiction buddies, with the A-Z Challenge in April and all, but just so you know, we've decided to keep it going.  The only thing is... we have new details.

For example, instead of holding it on the last Monday of every month (because that started to confuse us!) we decided it would be on the 15th of every month.  And, we're not going to have a linky list, so if you want to join in the fun, post your link in the comments and visit a few others who have posted.

Kathy and I are still figuring out some things, but I promise that as soon as we're clear on everything, we'll let you know.

Sorry for the confusion!

If you posted for it on Monday, thank you for your support!  Unfortunately, we um... sorta... kinda... forgot that it was the last Monday and didn't think to warn people.

Anyway, I'd just like to thank McKenzie for posting on Monday, so please go check out her post and say hi.

(For more info, check out the Knights of MicroFiction page.)

So, once again, my apologies and I hope you decide to join in on THE 15TH of June :)

--Jess

Something Inspiring

I saw something really awesome a few days ago.

I should have taken a picture of it.

But of course, I didn't.  I mean, I just don't think of those sorts of things while I'm experiencing it.

I was in the library, and all of a sudden, I stumble across the book Across the Universe by Beth Revis.    Yeah, yeah, I know.  It's a pretty big hit (I ♥ LOVE  ♥  LOVE  ♥  LOVE  ♥  THAT BOOK!), so I shouldn't be surprised to find it in the library.

The cool thing about it was that I follow her blog!  Okay, a lot of us probably do (those of you that don't, I suggest you do it).  But, it's just inspiring, seeing another blogger with their book in a library!  The thought that someone like us has books in local libraries... it's just totally cool.

And to think that all of us could will one day have our books in libraries... that's even cooler.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

--Jess

P.S.
If you haven't read Across the Universe, you should.  I didn't write a review for it, but I have to say it's one of my favorites!

J is for Joy

J is for Joy

The stars are singing.

It’s a song too quiet to hear, but just knowing makes a difference. The sun shines through the clouds. I can’t see it, but I feel the rays on my skin.

Raindrops fall, like seeds of hope.

And I smile.

For the first time, I know that everything will be okay.

***

I'm sorry, guys. I just have a really hard time writing, well... happy things. I guess that's why the end of books are the hardest for me to write. Luckily book 1 of The Trials is only book 1 so it didn't have to end that happy.

Anyway, I'm really joyful today because yesterday, I hit 85,000 words in book 2, currently titled Light of the Dark! So yeah, I'm really really excited!! Maybe it's because it's a sequel, but writing this book has been a lot easier than writing book 1. It took me 10 months to write the first one. (I'm talking first draft.)

I started this book in November. (November!) And six months later, I'm almost done. That's like a four month improvement!

Now, as for the song. I don't usually listen to Jordin Sparks. I really only listen to European music. People like Within Temptation, Epica, Krypteria, After Forever... you know.

But.

I really like this song. Mostly because it sort of reminds me of writing. I guess it could be for anything, really, but it means more to me because that's what it reminded me of. So, give it up for One Step At A Time by Jordin Sparks.

Because, writing can be frustrating sometimes. But we've got to keep pushing on, even if we're not exactly sure where we're going.

Have a Joyful day! And happy writing!!

--Jess

P.S.

My sister's middle name is Joy, so go check out her blog. She's also participating in the A to Z Challenge!

Knights of Microfiction Day!

Yeah, you guys know what that means! Today, is the last Monday of the month, so get ready for another round of Micro-Fiction. Today's prompt is:

In 250 words or less:

Use at least one of the following adjectives: delicate, repulsive, hostile

And at least one of the following nouns: New York City, My 16th Birthday (yes, this would be referring to you), and Kilts

For the words you don't use (unless you use them all), you can just use them as inspiration.

Now I like to write Microfiction (or flash fiction... same thing) to inspire me for my current WiP or to get new story ideas.

This one, I wrote for my current WiP, which happens to be the sequel to The Trials. I changed the names, just for the sake of it, and the situation is a little different, but anyway. Here goes nothing!

***

“So, you’re okay?” Lea asks.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I manage.

But we both know that’s a lie. I’m not sure why she looks surprised. It’s not like we’re allowed to stand up and say something’s wrong. You either follow the rules or die. Even if following the rules means marrying someone they choose for you.

“I thought they only selected people over eighteen,” she says.

I know she’s trying to comfort me, but it’s not working.

“Apparently not,” I shoot back, taking a bite of the mushy salad before me. It’s not entirely repulsive, but the flavor is dull and sedated. Or maybe it’s because, since I got the message on my silverscreen that I was to be married in five days, I’ve been feeling so completely numb.

“What’s his name?”

“Aarin,” I choke.

Because all I can think of is Travis. He’s the one I should be with.

I lean closer to Lea and whisper, “They said it was going to be perfect, here. And we believed them. They promised.”

Lea shakes her head in worry. “Careful what you say. They might be listening. But you’re right. I’m sorry, Satine, but I should be going.”

I nod.

“Happy sixteenth birthday,” she says sarcastically. “Nice present they got you.”

I’m not the type to cry, but I feel the tears welling in my eyes. I struggle to hold them in because it’s supposed to be happy here. It’s supposed to be perfect.

But the universe was made from imperfection.

***

So there you have it!

And, this song seemed to fit pretty well with the theme, (and I love this song) so I thought it would be nice to share it.

And don't forget to sign up on the linky list if you want to join in on the fun! On Wednesday, Kathy and I will choose a winner and host them on our blog on Friday! Just post before Tuesday night :)

Have a great day!

--Jess

Page 77, Line 7

Today, I got tagged by Lyla over at Lyla Writes in the Lucky 7 Meme!

The rules:

1. Go to page 77 of your current MS
2. Go to line 7
3. Copy down the next 7 lines as they're written-- no cheating!
4. Tag 7 other writers
5. Let them know!

Okay, so I'm using an excerpt from my first novel (the only one that's currently finished), The Trials. So here I go:

***

Seth runs his fingers through his sandy-blond hair.  "I'm assuming there'll be more traps.  It's the reason they wanted us to come together.  This is the final test."

"Hey, check this out."  Liam examines a skeleton on the side of the trail.

"Don't touch it, Liam.  That's got to be a trap," I warn.

"Are you sure?" He jabs his finger at it.

"Stop!"

"Calm down, I didn't touch it!" he laughs.  "I was just kidding."


***

So that's what's on page 77 of The Trials, lol :)

The seven lucky writers I'm tagging are:

1. Madeline Jane at Capricious Existence
2. Jessica Salyer at Just Following a Dream
3. T. Z. Wallace at One Year Until Book Launch
4. McKenzie McCann at The Ubiquitous Perspective
5. Fairbetty at Fairbetty's World
6. Rena at Doctor Faerie Godmother
7. Alyssa at Life is Good

Have fun!!

--Jess

Cool Random Things

Currently Listening to: Ravenheart by Xandria

Alright guys, looks like my mom beat me to showing you a few pictures of our cruise. I hate to be repetitive, but for those of you that don't follow her, I hope you enjoy :)

(I spy a teenie tiny cruise ship in the distance...)

Okay, so I think that was when we were docked at St. Martin. We went on a tour there. It's really cool because half of the island is Dutch and the other half if French.

(There's me riding a horse for the first time!)

Not only did we get to ride horses across the beach, they actually took us into the ocean!!

Yes, that's a sea lion, and yes he kissed me! Lol, that was really fun.

(This guy lost his tail...)

(I spy an iguana!)

(Me and Alyss braving cool water)

So yeah, those are the highlights of the vacation!

I'm also really proud of myself because I got a ton of reading done. I'm a slow reader anyway, and with the distraction of writing, I don't get much chance to do it. But I'm really excited because I finished two really awesome books and started another one! All of them were awesome :)

So I read:

By the lovely Talli Roland

By the awesome Beth Revis

And I started:

By the one and only Jessica Therrien

All of these books were/are totally awesome and I suggest you check them out if you haven't already!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!!

--Jess

No, I Usually Don't Post Twice In One Day, But...

Today is an exception. Mostly because I've got a ton of stuff going on this week. I'll talk more about that later, though :)

Anyway, I accidentally (well, not quite accidentally) signed up for the Get Fired Up Blogfest hosted by Melissa Sugar. And the deadline for that blogfest is Wednesday. I hadn't quite thought about how busy I already am this week but I really wanted to do this. Well, at least try.

So, that's why I'm posting twice today.

The point of the Get Fired Up Blogfest is to help other awesome writers who don't have as many followers get more followers.

Anyway, for the first part of this blogfest, I'd just like to say that the following people are awesome. So please check out their blogs and follow them!

Fairbetty at Fairbetty's World
       Rena at Dr. Faerie Godmother
          T.Z. Wallace at One Year to Book Launch
                  Alyssa at Life is Good
                       Aldera Alien at Thardrandian Thoughts

These guys are super cool and I think you'd love them! I'll do more with this on Wednesday, but for now just go give them some support! Thanks :)

--Jess

(P.S.) Still trying to win the popular vote for the First Challenge of the Campaign so if you'd like to read my entry you can go HERE. And then go HERE to vote (if you like it. I'm entry #19)

Character Blogfest!

Hey guys! The other day, I entered this really cool blogfest hosted by Cassie Mae and Angela Cothran. It's all about characters!!

I've always had trouble writing new characters. Well, the main one isn't too hard, but it's the supporting characters that always turn out flat. So this blogfest is here to helps us show off our characters, and maybe learn something about them in the process.

Days to Post:

February 6th - Monday: Characters on the couch: Have one of your characters answer the following questions (to make this work to your benefit, choose a character who is the hardest for you to write :) Max 250 words (Not including the questions—only the answers). 

1. What is your biggest vulnerability? Do others know this or is it a secret?
2. What do people believe about you that is false?
3. What would your best friend say is your fatal flaw? Why?
4. What would the same friend say is your one redeeming quality? Why?
5. What do you want most? What will you do to get it? 

February 8th - Wednesday - Dialogue Introduction: Have two characters introduce each other using only dialogue—no backstory, no internalization, just dialogue between the two. Max 250 words.

February 10th - Friday - Emotion Flash Fiction: Emotion is the engine of a story. Pick an emotion and in a flash fiction piece of 250 words MAKE us feel it! We want to connect with your character. This will be a challenge in 250 words.

There will be two winners for each day. Go check out Cassie's or Angie's blog to enter!! It's going to be lots of fun!!

Have a great day!

--Jess