Podcasts and Youtube

There are some great podcasts out there to help inspire authors.

Self Publishing Podcast
Author Strong
Rocking Self Publishing
A Writer's Life
The Creative Penn
Author's of Passion

There are a lot, but these are some of my top ones, I also talked about this in my YouTube video where I discussed resources for Indie and beginning authors.




Podcasts can give you so much information. You can listen to ways other authors write, the way they write faster, and how they promote.

Just hearing how others are doing it can give you some great inspiration.

These are easy to listen to while you clean, write, read, depending on how good of a multi-tasker you are.


There are some YouTubers out there as well such as Jenna Moreci and PT Hylton which will help you if you have time to stop and watch some videos or just have them on in the background, because you don't really have to watch them.

Thanks for writing,

Emily

What Gives you Inspiration?

There are so many things that inspire my writing. Things I read, things I watch, things I hear, and things I do.

It's great if you can get inspiration just from your surroundings, but reading is always going to be the best way. If you aren't reading at least a little bit, you are not going to improve as a writer. Read everything. Read out of your genre, read magazine articles, read non-fiction. Fill your brain with good writing and your writing will improve.

Make a goal for yourself right now to set aside some reading time daily. You won't regret it!! You'd be surprised the ideas that come to you when you're doing something else.

Why Yellow Jackets Can't Find the Hole Excerpt and Trailer

Blurb:

The Yellow Jackets are a group of young men in their early twenties who have taken a vow of sexual purity. But making a vow and keeping a vow is two different things. Each of them struggle in one way or the other to remain sexually unscathed. Bryant, one of the Jackets, has moved off campus from the all-boys school and finds himself neighbors to a very tantalizing beauty. Only this girl is much more than she seems, and unbeknownst to Bryant, she makes it her mission in life to take his virginity. Bryant and his roommates, in the meantime, are slowly discovering that all of their fellow Yellow Jackets have secrets. Not to mention that there’s a spy in their midst—one who is doing everything he possibly can to expose the fact that the Yellow Jackets are not as ‘pure’ as they all seem.

Excerpt:

Buy Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Yellow-Jackets-Cant-Find-Hole-ebook/dp/B00KPM5ZFI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1401707789&sr=8-3&keywords=emily+walker

Find me!!

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/authorewalker
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Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/emilywalkerfans
Google + - https://plus.google.com/u/0/+EmilyWalkerauthor/posts
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1. 
   

LaQuette Interviews her Main Character from My Beginning

Interview with Dr. Genesis Lawrence

from

My Beginning

Hello everyone,

My name is LaQuette and I am the author of the novel, My Beginning.  I wanted to give the principle character in my novel, Genesis Lawrence, the opportunity to come out, and meet some of you good folk today.  So without further ado, readers of the Writer’s Inspiration, please help me welcome the very beautiful and talented, Dr. Genesis Lawrence.

Genesis: (Sitting in her large high-backed leather chair in her office, she smiles and tips her head slightly while closing her eyes) Wow, thanks LaQuette, I don’t ever recall being introduced in such a way.  I feel like a celebrity.

LaQuette: Maybe that’s because you are a celebrity?  I’ve seen those photos of you and Drew on all those tabloid shows.

Genesis: They’re after Drew, I just happen to be there.

LaQuette: I don’t think that’s entirely true, Dr. Lawrence.  I’d be hard pressed to find someone who isn’t familiar with the head of physical therapy at Trinity Rehab.

Genesis: (She shakes her head and rolls her eyes while letting a soft giggle escape her lips) I think your writer’s mind is just making me sound pretty as usual.

LaQuette: Possibly, but not likely.  Alright, so the book has been out for a little while now.  People now know a great deal of personal information about you.  Some of your deepest and darkest secrets are out in the world for everyone to read at their leisure.  How do you feel about that?

Genesis: (She looks down again, a habit she has when she’s not the most comfortable with the topic at hand) Exposed.  I’m not really one for living my life in the public.  For years I’ve let my business partner Faith handle all of the publicity for the center because I really tried my hardest not to be seen.

LaQuette: Why was that?

Genesis: Because for a long time I felt as if people stared at me too long they would see past the very careful picture I painted of the confident medical professional.

LaQuette: Are you not confident in your abilities to practice your medical skills?

Genesis: Absolutely, but people often assume that if I am strong in one area of my life, then I’m strong in all areas of my life.  If people saw just how flawed I was, I was afraid it would compromise their opinion of the professional me. 

LaQuette: Has that happened?  Has your business suffered since the book came out, and all your personal skeletons came crashing down around you?

Genesis: (She shakes her head and smiles) So far, so good.  People apparently understand what it’s like to come from a semi-psychotic family.  Who knew?

LaQuette: How are things with your family since the release of the book?

Genesis: For some, things are really good, and getting better all the time.  For others, not so much.

LaQuette: Care to elaborate?

Genesis: No.

LaQuette: How are things with Charlotte?

Genesis: Not up for discussion.

LaQuette: I think the readership deserves to know what happened after the last page of the book.

Genesis: I think the readership, and the author need to mind their damn business.

LaQuette: Alright then, moving right along.  Can we at least talk about Drew?

Genesis: (A smile climbs her face, her eyes widen and her cheeks turn the tiniest hint of rose under her mocha skin) What about Drew?

LaQuette: I see he’s still putting a smile on your face.

Genesis: It’s his specialty, it really is.

LaQuette: What does Drew do for you that no other person has ever done for you?

Genesis: That’s easy, he doesn’t think I need to be fixed.  Flawed and all, I’m perfect to him, just the way I am.  You can’t buy that kind of love.

LaQuette: He didn’t always embrace your flaws.  Like the fact that your inability to trust left him in a very precarious and dangerous position.  How did that impact your relationship?  How did you get past it, and how are you currently working on it?

Genesis: I nearly cost Drew his life because I didn’t take five seconds to think with my heart instead of my head.  It’s something I’m not certain I will ever forgive myself for.  It wasn’t easy, but Drew forgave me.  That’s the wonderful thing about him.  As soon as he decided that marrying me was more important than holding on to his anger, and keeping us apart, he wholeheartedly jumped back into our love.  I don’t know that I’m capable of that kind of forgiveness.  I only hope I’m worthy of it.

LaQuette: What’s your idea of a good marriage? Do you think that’ll happen in your life?

Genesis: (She runs her fingers over the heavy-looking diamond ring resting on her marriage finger) This (she says pointing to the ring), says I do.  I wouldn’t have accepted it from Drew if I didn’t believe we would be happy.  As for what makes a good marriage, the need to put your partner’s needs before your own.  Drew taught me that, Drew gives me that, and for the rest of my life, I’ll give him that in return.

LaQuette: That’s new, I guess the R&B sensation didn’t skimp when it came to your ring, did he?

Genesis: Not in the least.

LaQuette: Amazing, it’s such a huge leap from where you started on the first page of my book.  You’ve grown.

Genesis: You wrote me that way, I don’t really get why you’re surprised (she shrugs her shoulders).

LaQuette: I don’t remember you having this much attitude.  I think you’ve been hanging around True too long.

Genesis: Possibly, we have been around each other since birth. 

LaQuette: How is True?

Genesis: At the moment, as far as I know she’s fine.  I think she’s back in New York dealing with some family stuff.  Her cousin Heart was injured on the job.

LaQuette: Sounds like True, always taking care of everyone.  But let’s get back to you for a moment.  Let’s talk about your upbringing.  You are a PK, a preacher’s kid.  You were raised in a Baptist church with very conservative values.  How has that affected your relationship with Drew?  Did you ever feel conflicted about engaging in pre-marital sex with him, and living with him now before the two of you are married?

Genesis: Not for one single, solitary minute.  My belief and faith in God is a strong part of who I am.  But I’m done with allowing any man, church, anything to keep me from receiving the love I deserve.  I spent a huge chunk of my life having people in my father’s church tell me why I was always wrong.  Those very people abused me, tried to destroy me.  Never again.  Drew.  Is.  Love.  I’m not particularly concerned with anyone else’s opinion, I’m never giving him or us up.

LaQuette: I don’t think I’ve ever seen you more certain or determined about anything.  I don’t think you could have made that statement a year ago and meant it.

Genesis: A lot can change in a year.

LaQuette: If you had the opportunity to spend a day with any person, living or dead, who would you choose?

Genesis: Angela (she almost whispers on a shaky voice), Drew’s mom.  For a long time, she was the… (she takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly)…yeah, it would be Angela.

LaQuette: I must tell you, it’s so wonderful to see you walking down this path.  When I wrote the story, I knew you could end up here if you only let someone in.

Genesis: What path is that?

LaQuette: Happiness.  Before, you always seemed so stuck.  You didn’t want to go backward, but you couldn’t find the momentum to move forward either.  It’s good to see you moving, moving toward a future of your own creation. 

Genesis: Strange thing about that, I didn’t even realize how stuck I was.  It wasn’t until I wanted something more than I wanted to be afraid that I felt I could move.  God I love that man.

LaQuette: I think it’s pretty obvious how you feel about life right now, or at least life right now with Drew, so I won’t ask you what life is like for you.  However, my last question for you is this: if there were anything you could change about your life, about any part of your life, past present or future, what would it be?

Genesis: (That bright smile begins to curve her lips again) Not a damn thing!

BLURB

Genesis Lawrence left her home and family in Brooklyn, New York ten years ago and never looked back. When you've spent your entire life protecting yourself from the ones that are supposed to love you, running to the other side of the country seems like the best idea ever. Emotionally bankrupt, she begins rebuilding her life after failed familial connections and a broken marriage leave her too raw to ever believe happiness exists for her. Work as a Physical Therapist in her rehab clinic is all she knows and all she wants.   Drew Marrack has spent the last year of his life trying to end the soul-searing pain of losing his mother by any means necessary, even if that means ending him—literally. After a tragic accident and a resulting disability that devastates the tattered remnants of his world, only one name can give him a brand-new start: Genesis.   Pain, heartache, secrets, and tragedy from the past bring them together, and then fight to tear them apart. Is new love strong enough to give them the fresh beginning they both need, or is this simply the beginning of their end?

AUTHOR BIO

A native of Brooklyn, New York, LaQuette spends her time catering to her three distinct personalities: Wife, Mother, and Healthcare Provider. Writing: her escape from the everyday, has always been a friend and comforter. She loves writing and devouring romance novels. Although she possesses a Masters degree in English Lit, she'd forego Shakespeare any day to read something hot, lusty, and romantic.

LINKS

Website: http://www.LaQuetteLikes.com

Facebook.com/LaQuetteTheAuthor

Twitter: @LaQuetteLikes

Goodreads.com/LaQuette

Tumblr: http://laquettetheauthor.tumblr.com

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Make Like Elsa and Let it Go

Dear Fellow Indie Author, You are smart, creative, talented, and brave. If you weren't then you wouldn't have the courage to write your novels. You wouldn't put your thoughts and words down for the world to see. You need to remember this when you start to feel down, and you start to feel bullied. Why would you as brave and smart as you are let them take you down?


 

You know who you are and what you are capable of. You know that you are brave and what other people say about you shouldn't matter. Those people are immature, insecure, cowards hiding behind their computers starting hate blogs and spreading trash because it's more fun than their mundane lives. Causing you pain gives them pleasure for what ever sick reason. It's time to rise past the trash talking, it isn't going to bother you anymore. It's time to rise above the haters, they can't get to you at all!

 

It is time for you to rise above and build your own staircase of success. You are talented, if you don't think so ask the next person you see if they have written a book. We aren't all amazing wordsmiths, we all need help, we all need editors, and we all need each other. You aren't perfect, there is always room to learn and grow as a writer. We don't do this for their approval, we do it because we love it, and it's something that gives us joy.

It's time to build up your walls, and toughen up your skin. If you give up you will never know if you could have been successful. Everyone starts somewhere, and trust me, everyone has haters.

LET IT GO

Write for you and do what you love. Ignore the bullies, and the critics, and GoodReads, and the reviewers and all the haters and just do you. You are getting people talking, people are noticing, and you're managing to piss some people off.

These are all good things.

LET IT GO


I support you 100%

<3Emily

Guest Post From Elaine Calloway!!

Don’t Forget the Details in Your Setting

By Elaine Burroughs

There are various quotes about details that have been modified over the years, but I think James McBride said it best: “As a journalist, the details always tell the story.”

How true. Details matter, whether you’re a writer trying to incorporate senses (sight, smell, touch, sound) into your manuscript, or whether you’re trying to tell a friend about a movie they should see. The details are what make the subject come alive.

In many ways, details are the difference between telling and showing. Consider the following examples and which ones offer more information for your audience.

Telling: She was tired.

Showing: Kayla let out a long yawn before turning off the light.

Don’t you “see” more in the showing sentence above?

Let’s try another one, just to get your taste buds going!

Telling: Lunch looks good.

Showing: Alex folded the rice into the mound of crawfish etouffee on his plate, and the sizzling spices teased his nostrils.  

With showing (or giving details) the reader can picture the scene easier. It lets each person envision something specific, versus saying “she was tired” which doesn’t offer much visual, audible, or sensory detail.

So remember that as you’re writing that manuscript or describing a TV show, book, or movie to a friend…details count, so be sure to use them!

Book Blurb:

EARTHBOUND, Book 3, Elemental Clan Series

Some say history repeats itself, but for Terran, an Earth Elemental, history has returned and slapped him in the face. Along the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, the Acobi Fallen Angels have decided to go underground–literally. They are resurrecting an old legend, shanghaiing innocent people into slavery. Underage girls are trapped and kept in holding cells, ready to be sold into the sex trade. Terran must stop the Acobi and keep the public away from the Shanghai tunnels, all while keeping his supernatural powers hidden.

Kelly Habersham, overachieving real estate developer, has finally convinced her father and brothers to give her the Portland condo project, which would require extensive construction near the tunnels. Determined to impress her father and make a name for herself in the family business, she is not about to let a Save-the-Earth guy get in her way.

Terran and Kelly must work together and come to a truce--or they may be the next shanghai victims.

Social Media Links:

Website www.elainecalloway.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorelainecalloway

Twitter www.twitter.com/writerscanvas

Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/elainecalloway/

 

 

 

BLURB:

Some say history repeats itself, but for Terran, an Earth Elemental, history has returned and slapped him in the face. Along the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, the Acobi Fallen Angels have decided to go underground–literally. They are resurrecting an old legend, shanghaiing innocent people into slavery. Underage girls are trapped and kept in holding cells, ready to be sold into the sex trade. Terran must stop the Acobi and keep the public away from the Shanghai tunnels, all while keeping his supernatural powers hidden.

Kelly Habersham, overachieving real estate developer, has finally convinced her father and brothers to give her the Portland condo project, which would require extensive construction near the tunnels. Determined to impress her father and make a name for herself in the family business, she is not about to let a Save-the-Earth guy get in her way.

Terran and Kelly must work together and come to a truce--or they may be the next shanghai victims.

Elaine Calloway

Crafting Stories of the Living, the Dead, and the Eerie In Between.

Elaine Calloway grew up in New Orleans with a love of cemeteries, gothic architecture, and all things paranormal. She is currently writing The Elemental Clan Series, a good vs. evil set of tales involving Elementals and Fallen Angels. For more information and to connect with Elaine online, visit her website at http://www.elainecalloway.com.

GIVEAWAY!!

ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN EBOOK OR A PAPERBACK FROM ELAINE!!

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The Bottom of the Kindle - One

I often buy books when they are free or .99 cents. I sometimes can't resist a one click especially when it is free, or on sale and I know it is going to be a good read. The problem is when I do this I have books that sit on my Kindle for a long time without getting read. I have been trying to read for thirty minutes at least everyday, so I thought before I one click and get more piled up on my e-reader I will start at the bottom and work my way up. Early in my writing career I snatched up a lot of freebies without paying attention to quality, covers, and all that stuff. So I bring you the bottom of the Kindle series, this is where we dive into those poor souls that have been collected. The first one in the pile, I am not skipping any is Rose Pressey's How to Date a Werewolf. You can see the info about it below, and after I read it you will see my Goodreads review embed below. If at anytime I have do not finishes I will note that on the post as well. 

Book One in the Bottom of the Kindle Series

Romance can be a hairy business--especially when you're a werewolf.

As the owner of Get a Mate Dating Service, Rylie is more than happy to step in and lend a hand to lonely lycanthropic hearts all over town. No matter how hopeless Rylie might be in finding her own soul mate, she has a knack for helping others find theirs.

Convinced that she is stuck with a family curse, Rylie is positive she will never find her true love. But when drool-worthy Jack Chandler shows up at her door, Rylie wonders if maybe the curse is finally broken.

But Rylie's life is about to become complicated courtesy of the after-dark crowd. When she begins receiving strange notes and harassment from a jilted client, events careen out of control.

2/23 - I haven't gotten very far in the book, but I am a little intrigued. I am about to read a little in it before I fall asleep. I started it 8 days ago, so that's not really good. Let's hope I get into it tonight!!