Writing Inspiration

Hi all! How are you doing this Friday? It's the last Friday in July!! Augh! Where did all the time go?!
I have a "Month in Review" post planned, but It'll go up on Monday. Since I'm doing the post for both June and July.
And...because I had that post planned for Monday, I realized I had nothing planned for today.
So.
I thought I'd do a random post about things that have inspired me in my writing/editing of my novel lately.
Because...who knows? Maybe it'll inspire you, too. And if not, hopefully you'll just enjoy the pictures and songs. ;)

And...two amazing songs that I love listening to when I'm working on this certain story. Love them to the point where I got the piano book and I can now play them on the piano. (I wouldn't advise watching the movie they are from, though! It's...PG-13 for a reason.)

And then the hymn that plays a huge part in the book. From the beginning all the way to the end. I love listening to it on repeat over and over again. Because...well, because it's so sad. And sweet. And just overall a really great song. ;) 

As you all can probably tell, this is from my WWII novel. I took the end of last week/beginning of this week to go through and edit it once more before I sent it off to my editor. Now that I'm not doing anything with it, I'm having fun going and finding pictures that fit different scenes while I nervously excitedly await her feedback.
And...I also sent it off to two alpha readers. Because I really want a couple more sets of eyes going over it before I sent it to beta readers. (Yes, I know alpha and beta readers are technically the same thing...but A comes before B. So there.)
Anyway, that's how that is going. I'm really excited to be working on this book . . . can you tell, by any chance? ;)

How has your week been? How is your writing going? I hope your weekend is amazing!

Beautiful people ~July—Lieutenant Erich Essler

Hi all!! I'm back with the Beautiful People post for July! 

This time, I decided to use my villain from A Question of Honor, Lieutenant Erich Essler. Because these were just the perfect questions for him. And also because of the fact that answering any of these about David would have given away the entire book.
And because Erich is just such a complicated character. I mean, he's bad and evil and horrid, but at the same time... *hugs character* *gets shoved away and threatened* Yeah... see what I mean? :P 

He hates his author. She hates him at times. We're even.

Anyway, join me in taking a trip back to May 1940, just as advancing German infantry breaks past the maginot line in France, and let's get to know one of the many German officers a little better. 

1. Do they want to get married and/or have children? Why or why not?
I think I can safely say Erich has never thought of it. He doesn't have time to think about it, with his unit invading France and all that.

2. What is their weapon of choice? (It doesn’t necessarily have to be a physical weapon.)
Erich's weapon of choice would be the Luger Pistol that he carries in his gun belt. Standard German issue until 1942, it's what has been assigned to all officers in the Wehrmacht. 

3. What’s the nicest thing they’ve done for someone else, and why did they do it?
Uhh, Erich? Nice? I mean, he can be, but... Probably the nicest thing he's done happened before WWII started, when he would take his younger sister out with him for romps around Vienna. And he did it just because he enjoyed spending time with her. :)

4. Have they ever been physically violent with someone, and what instigated it?
Yeah, a few times. And, well, he's the villain. A Lieutenant in the Wehrmacht and all that.  So...he gets physically violent a few times. And it's normally been because the person he's with has been insubordinate. Well, at least in his eyes.

5. Are they a rule-follower or a rebel?
He's a interesting mix of both. He generally is a rule-follower, but if he sees an opportunity to go above and beyond what he was ordered, he'll take it. Even if it means bending a few regulations in the process.

6. Are they organized or messy?
Meticulously organized. Guys, don't even think of touching his papers. Of his equipment. Or anything else under his sphere of influence, including the people under him.

7. What makes them feel loved, and who was the last person to make them feel that way?
Someone who genuinely truly cares to listen to what he thinks because they truly value his opinion. And... that would have been his mother, in the fall of 1938.

8. What do they eat for breakfast?
Whatever the kitchen staff makes. Eggs, sausage, gravy, coffee. Only the best for the German people. I mean, after all, they are the master race. (Erich's words, not mine!)

9. Have they ever lost someone close to them? What happened?
Umm, this question can't be answered due to possible spoilers. I'll let you wonder. ;)

10. What’s their treat of choice? (Or, if not food, how else do they reward themselves?)
Erich doesn't really reward himself. On rare occasions he'll allow himself to feel pleased with how something turned out, but that's about the extent of it. He still feels he's never quite good enough, despite everything he's accomplished for the Reich. (This guy has a really sad backstory. *sniffs* My poor, horrible, villain.)

And.. that's all for today! I hope your week is coming along splendidly, and I'll see you on Friday!

The Silent Blade blog-tour wrap up and giveaway winner!

Hey everyone! Welcome to the final day of the tour, and the giveaway announcement! :D And since I'm quite sure you all are waiting for the winner, I'll announce that first. 

The winner for A copy of The Silent Blade $5 Amazon gift cards is. . .Jessica! (I love your name, by the way! ;))

I just sent an email your way!

Ahh, okay. Now to get on with the rest of the post . . .
I ended up with 18 blogs participating in the blog tour. Which I was not expecting at all! You  guys are awesome! :) Here are a list of them all, in case you missed any of the posts. :)

The Bubblegum Ballerina

Counting your Blessings One by One

 Lakeside Publications

Renewed by Grace

 Through the Wardrobe

Rebekah’s Remarks

The Left-Handed Typist

Rebekah Ashleigh

With a Joyful Noise

The Road of a Writer

Prairie Gal Cookin’

A Great God and Good Cocoa 

Reading in June

A Purpose and a Promise

  Reveries

Elisha Press

Looking Through my Lens

Stories by Firefly

A huge thank you to each and every one of you who participated! I couldn't have done it without you! :) 

And to everyone else who helped in the publication in anyway by answering my questions, beta-reading, or in any other way, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Also, I want to say a special thank you to Deborah C., my wonderful editor! She played a huge role in the publishing of this book. In some ways, I think she did more than me. Thank you so much, Deborah!!

And...that wraps up the blog-tour for The Silent Blade! Thank you all so much for helping me get the word out about my new book!

God bless, and have an amazing week! 

The Silent Blade blog tour--Day 4

Hi again! *waves* We're back for another day of the blog tour!

 

Be sure and check out these amazing blogs that are posting today! :D

Kellyn Roth at Reveries--Review, Interview

Jason McIntire at Elisha Press--Interview

Natasha H. at Looking Through my Lens --Review

Faith P. at Stories by Firefly --Review, Interview

Also...the kindle is available today! So if you've been waiting for it...;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
I hope your weekend it off to a great start! I know mine is! ^_^ I'll see y'all on Monday for the blog tour wrap-up and giveaway winner!! Have a blessed day!

The Silent Blade blog tour--Day 3—PUBLICATION DAY!

IT'S HERE!!!

The Silent Blade is published! It is now available for sale on Amazon and Createspace. Wow. I have a book on Amazon. It may take a while for that fact to sink in. ;)

Dromiskin, Ireland. 925 A.D.

 Eira has no greater desire than to see her life returned to what it once was—before her older brother Kevin's sudden disappearance four years earlier. But the simple life she hoped for seems unattainable; on the contrary, her life is about to get all the more complicated. 

When she suddenly finds herself and Willem, her twin brother, taken captive by someone who claims to be Kevin’s enemy, things go from bad to worse. It soon becomes clear that she and Willem are to become bait in a trap set for Kevin, and Eira knows she must try to warn him. But how, when she herself is a captive? 

As mysteries of the past are unveiled, and loyalties are revealed, Eira realizes how precious her friends truly are. And when mortal danger threatens those nearest to her, will she be able to trust God with the lives of her friends and family?

*Just as a note, the paperback is available today, and the kindle will be tomorrow. The kindle was scheduled to release today, but I ran into problems and the date had to be bumped to tomorrow. So sorry about that!

And...here are all the amazing bloggers who are posting today! Go and check out their awesome posts!!

Blessings Counter at Counting your Blessings One by One --Review

Rebekah Ashleigh at Rebekah Ashleigh --Spotlight

Amanda Tero at  With a Joyful Noise --Review, Interview, Spotlight

Deborah O’Carroll at The Road of a Writer –Review, Spotlight

Kaitlyn K. at Prairie Gal Cookin’ --Review, Spotlight

Bethany R. at A Great God and Good Cocoa --Review, Spotlight

Deborah C. at Reading in June --Spotlight, Review

Emily at A Purpose and a Promise --Spotlight, Review

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And before I can forget, have an amazing weekend!! I will probably spend the day doing nothing. Or maybe just writing for fun. Commenting on blogs. Emailing. Pinterest, perhaps? Yes, all amazing ways to celebrate. ^_^
See ya tomorrow for the last line of of amazing blogs!

The Silent Blade Blog Tour--Day 2

 Welcome back for day #2 of the blog tour!

 

The lovely bloggers posting today are...

Lydia Dyslin at Through the Wardrobe --Review

Rebekah Eddy at Rebekah’s Remarks --Review, Interview

Abigayle Allison at The Left-Handed Typist --Review, Spotlight

 Be sure to head over and check out their blogs! :)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I shall see y'all tomorrow for... PUBLICATION DAY!!! :D  (It's tomorrow. *takes a deep breath* TOMORROW!!!)

The Silent Blade blog tour--Day 1

*Gasps* It's here! The first day of the blog tour!

Some very amazing bloggers have volunteered to be a part of my first-ever blog tour. Thank you so much; you guys are so awesome! Here are the bloggers who are posting today! Be sure to go and check out their awesome blogs. :)

Mikayla H.at The Bubblegum Ballerina --Review

Blessings Counter at Counting your Blessings One by One --Author Interview

Ivy Rose at  Lakeside Publications --Review, Spotlight

Mallory Beth at Renewed by Grace --Review

Here's the giveaway that will be open until the end of the blog tour!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



And... here's a complete list of all the bloggers who are a part of the blog tour and the days they'll be posting. :) 

Wednesday, July 20th

Mikayla H.at The Bubblegum Ballerina --Review

Blessings Counter at Counting your Blessings One by One --Author Interview

Ivy Rose at  Lakeside Publications --Review, Spotlight

Mallory Beth at Renewed by Grace --Review

Thursday, July 21st

Lydia Dyslin at Through the Wardrobe --Review

Rebekah Eddy at Rebekah’s Remarks --Review, Interview

Abigayle Allison at The Left-Handed Typist --Review, Spotlight

Friday, July 22nd (Publication Day!!)

Blessings Counter at Counting your Blessings One by One --Review

Rebekah Ashleigh at Rebekah Ashleigh --Spotlight

Amanda Tero at  With a Joyful Noise --Review, Interview, Spotlight

Deborah O’Carroll at The Road of a Writer –Review, Spotlight

Kaitlyn K. at Prairie Gal Cookin’ --Review, Spotlight

Bethany R. at A Great God and Good Cocoa --Review, Spotlight

Deborah C. at Reading in June --Spotlight, Review

Emily at A Purpose and a Promise --Spotlight, Review

Saturday, July 23rd

Kellyn Roth at Reveries--Review, Interview

Jason McIntire at Elisha Press--Interview

Natasha H. at Looking Through my Lens --Review

Faith P. at Stories by Firefly --Review, Interview

Monday, July 25th

Jesseca Wheaton at Whimsical Writings --Blog Tour wrap-up post

I'll see y'all tomorrow for day #2 of the blog tour!! :D Have a wonderful Wednesday!

A Novel Idea 7/12/2016

Hey all! So... technically this post should have gone up yesterday, but I wasn't planning on doing it until one of my dear blogging friends, Faith, did it on her blog. (You really need to go and check out her post. It's awesome and amazing and sad all at the same time. Trust me, her story will make you both laugh and cry, and you'll never be the same after you're finished.)

Anyway...I'm a day late. But I really, really wanted to do this link-up. So here goes!

The Prompt for this week, or rather last week, was...

This week, make a collage with pictures that describe one of your characters. You can use pictures of your character or pictures that describe him/her (or both!). Have fun with this – don’t overthink it! Hopefully it’ll be a nice break from actually writing and help you learn more about your character at the same time!

For this time I decided to use characters from A Question of Honor, my WWII WIP. I had a ton of fun going through the many character pictures I had, as well as finding new ones for these collages. I hope you enjoy them. :D And I added some snippets of the story beneath each picture. Just because I wanted to. And there were no rules prohibiting it. ;)

Gil (and Lily) Wilson

“Are all you Americans like that?”

Both David and Gil turned toward the voice. One of the British pilots stood off to the side, leaning casually against the side of the dispersal hut.

“No, not all of us,” David assured him. “Just Gil. He’s rather crazy.”

Gil nodded in agreement. “That’s why I’m here. No one else back in the states except David could put up with me.”

David (And Elaine) Sullivan

The radio clicked off, and David gave a frustrated sigh. “Gil, will you never learn?” But of course not. Gil was Gil. Daring, dangerous, and annoying. And of course, as Gil’s friend, he would follow. God, please knock some sense into Gil’s head before he gets us both killed.

Gil and David

“The royal air force? Now I’ve heard just about everything. Two pilots from America give up their citizenship and life back home to help a small country in the fight against the Nazis. Well, I know one thing. You’ll both be put to good use in London.” The station master handed Gil their tickets.

Gil took them, giving one to David, and they both went and took a seat in the waiting room.

“What do you think of England so far?” Gil asked as they sat.

David shrugged. “I haven't seen enough of it. But boy am I happy to be on solid ground! There is a reason I’m not a sailor.”

Gil chuckled. “Yeah, give me the skies any day.”

“Train for London departing now.”

“Well ain't that nice?" Gil glanced up. We get all comfortable and now we gotta get up again.”

David grinned as he stood and lightly cuffed him on the shoulder. “Don’t let them hear you talking like that. You’re giving them a bad first impression.”

“Since when have I ever cared about those?”

"Good point." David shook his head with a smile as he grabbed his bag, which lay on the seat beside him, and hurried out to the train.

I hope you enjoyed the look at my wonderful, precious characters! (Yes, they are wonderful and precious. Shh, no arguments.)

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the first day of the blog tour for The Silent Blade! Only three more days till it's published! Well, till the paperback is published. I ended up running into some problems with the kindle publication, and it won't be released until the 23rd. *sad face*
But anyway! I hope your week is going well so far! See ya tomorrow! :)

One week///Life

Hello all!! How has your week been? I hope it's been awesome! Mine has been...crazy? Yeah, that a good word. I think I forgotten a couple cups of coffee somewhere along the line this week. I mean, it's the only explanation I have. Then again, I do suppose sleep might help? I mean, it's clinically proven to help keep you alert, right? I should really try it sometime.
Okay, okay, I'll drop the sarcasm. ;P I have gotten sleep this week, through it sure doesn't feel like it. Monday was the only day I had "free", though it wasn't really free because I had to catch up on mowing our yard and our neighbor's yard. Tuesday I worked at church, Wednesday I worked at my actual job, and then yesterday, today and tomorrow, I'm at a parent practicum for a homeschool group working in the nursery from 8:15am-5:30pm.
And somewhere in there I've been trying to find time to do all the last-minute stuff that's been pilling up for the publication of The Silent Blade. (Which is only a week away, people! How did that happen?!)
So yes. I am looking forward to next Friday. When I shall be at my grandparents house, doing nothing. Absolutely nothing. Well, there will be a few things I will need to work on, but for the most part I shall be relaxing from the crazy past few weeks!
Which reminds me,..I decided to combine my June and July wrap up posts, just because the end of June and the beginning of July was so busy. ('Cause I'm sure you all were dying to know why my June one isn't up yet...)
Despite the business this week, I was able to finish the last read-through of The Silent Blade. My editing notebook currently looks like this. 

Yes, the picture was purposely taken at an angle so you can't read my messy handwriting. ;P 

Thankfully there's not a ton that will need changed, just a lot of little things like extra spaces, double periods, etc. And I'm sooo happy to get the final read through done!!! Nothing like having a physical copy that you can tote around with you to correct on lunch breaks. It's awesome. ;) 

So. There you have it. That is what life has looked like lately around here. Along with the most amazing sunrises, working on travel plans for later this year, and accidentally getting in the path of an incoming jet plane at the airport where I work. (Don't ask.)

It's been crazy busy, and yes, a little stressful, but I'm so blessed. Even in all the craziness of life, God is good, my family is amazing, and friends are awesome. And while I am glad that we aren't this busy all the time, I wouldn't trade it for a thing!

Also... only one week till The Silent Blade releases!! (Did I already mention that?) I don't think I'm ready for the release date to be only a week away, but... It's coming anyway, so...yeah. 

I hope you all have an amazing weekend! Have you been busy this summer? I hope you weekend is amazing! 

The Old River Road blog tour—author interview and review

Hey guys! So, guess what amazing, wonderful book releases today??? Well, if you read the title you probably already know... The Old River Road by Ivy Rose! I was privileged to be a beta reader and I can't wait to get a paperback copy! And it releases today!! I'm sooo  excited for Ivy! ^_^

Meet Ivy Rose and her debut novel, The Old River Road. This book is the first in a series of a yet-to-be-determined number of books based on the lives of the author’s ancestors. Written in a style similar to that of Janette Oke and Laura Ingalls Wilder, this is a story you won’t want to miss!

1885

When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was near perfect. The journey before them as newlyweds in the great city of Chicago was promising and exciting. But a frightening disease soon takes William in its grip, forcing them to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. But pioneering doesn’t prove to be easy, with miles between neighbors instead of fences. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.

This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.

Available now in paperback and ebook on Amazon

Add on Goodreads

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~~My Review~~

 This is a sweet, lovely, simple story that takes place back in the 1800s. I was privileged to be a beta reader for this wonderful story, and I absolutely loved it!

The depth of the characters was amazing! I felt like I got to know each and every one personally. The fact that this was based on a true story made it all the more enchanting! These things really happened. These people lived. I loved that! Ivy has done a great job bringing their story to life. 

Also, I loved the faith that is woven throughout the book. It's never preachy, it's just such a part of their lives that it can't help but shine through. The characters aren't perfect, they go through struggles and hardships, but they rely on the Lord as their strength. 

And the romance is also so sweet! Since I had never read anything by the author before, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I shouldn't have worried! It was very God-honoring and just overall so sweet! ^_^ 

So yes, the whole book is just so beautiful! I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone who enjoys reading about the 1800s era. :) 

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~~Author interview~~

Which character did you most enjoy writing in TORR?

My favorite character would have to be Esther. She is kind of a mash-up of a good friend and one of my brothers. 

Where is your favorite place to write?

In my room, at my desk, with a big mug of coffee at my side. :)

Is there anyway being the oldest in your family has affected your writing?

* hides face * I tend to be more of a leader than a follower, hence, my characters can sometimes be overbearing/bossy/authoritative. I didn’t understand that when I started writing, and wondered why none of my characters got along. :) Now that I understand the problem a little better, I’ve been able to expound upon my own natural tendencies and allow my characters to be different than me. 

Has writing, in any way, strengthened your relationship with God?

More than anything, it’s taught me the power of prayer. I feel like I grew a lot spiritually over the course of this project.

Any writing tips you've learned along the way? :)

Writing is hard. It takes time. It can be frustrating. If you are truly passionate about writing, you will make time in your day for it and force yourself to do it. It’s not always easy, but well worth the effort. 

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~~About the Author~~

Ivy Rose is an 18 year old history lover and literary enthusiast. Aside from writing, she enjoys being outdoors, chocolate, travelling, reading, and ATVing (preferably if there is mud involved). She resides with her family of 9 on the banks of the Long Lake in eastern Washington.

You can connect with Ivy via her blog, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

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~~The Giveaway~~

The Old River Road Prize Pack


International Prize

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~Blog Tour Schedule~

Friday, July 8^th (release day!)

Emily  — Review, Spotlight

Jesseca Wheaton — Review, Interview

Saturday, July 9^th

Olivia K. Fisher  — Interview, Spotlight

Faith Blum  — Review, Interview, Spotlight

Hannah E.  — Review, Interview

Monday, July 11^th

Faith Potts  – Review

Rebecca Morgan  — Review, Interview

Tuesday, July 12^th

Abigayle Ellison  — Review, Spotlight

Kenzi Knapp  – Review, Interview

Hosanna Emily  — Review, Interview

Wednesday, July 13^th

Blessing Counter  — Interview

Victoria Minks  — Review, Spotlight

Thursday, July 14^th

Deborah C.  — Review, Spotlight

Anna S. Brie  — Review

Leona G. — Review, Interview

Friday, July 15^th

Hope Ann — Review, Interview

Amanda Tero — Review, Interview

Anika Joy – Review, Interview