tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.comments2023-05-23T00:42:35.564-07:00Shauna's SpotShauna Grangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17741241448253259318noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-14344077717050632172013-06-19T11:43:23.657-07:002013-06-19T11:43:23.657-07:00Absolutely AWESOME! I love that you are doing thi...Absolutely AWESOME! I love that you are doing this! It's more beautiful than what I pictured in my head. Thank you Shauna!! Keep em comin PLEASE!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13931730849504613168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-91280809838447558432013-06-19T10:47:38.064-07:002013-06-19T10:47:38.064-07:00Test.Test.Shauna Grangerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741241448253259318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-8176060060886234092013-06-18T16:20:31.596-07:002013-06-18T16:20:31.596-07:00Spirit is the final book in the Elemental Series -...Spirit is the final book in the Elemental Series - but it is not the last book I'll put out :)Shauna Grangerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741241448253259318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-70890556366226043182013-06-18T15:52:43.202-07:002013-06-18T15:52:43.202-07:00is this the last book?is this the last book?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-77039207041171047962013-06-16T01:34:52.835-07:002013-06-16T01:34:52.835-07:00I сοuldn’t resist commenting. Eхceptionаlly well w...I сοuldn’t resist commenting. Eхceptionаlly well writtеn!<br /><br /><br />Heгe is my sіte losing weight after 50 (<a href="http://med-mar.ru/wiki/%D0%A3%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA:CarmenHol" rel="nofollow">http://med-mar.ru</a>)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-71731709741873336862013-06-06T11:44:15.900-07:002013-06-06T11:44:15.900-07:00I still really like this query, I just have a coup...I still really like this query, I just have a couple of nitpicks. First, in the 2nd para, there should be a comma after "Just days before," otherwise it seems like half the sentence is missing. And like last time I read this, I'm still confused about the former and future lover. Does this mean the vampire? Or could her future one be Roane? This is just confusing and I'd find a way to reword, or just cut it out. What about something like this for the closing sentence: "Mattie must find Roane and bring him home before the Lord and Lady lose their patience-- and Mattie loses her life." Although that sort of disconnects the two things, but something like that! <br /><br />I think I have the same nitpicks that I mentioned during QueryKombat, so I'm not going to mention them again. The only thing I will say, I don't mean to sound harsh, but your opening line doesn't grab me and it's awkward. Semi-colons are best used sparingly and it's a red flag to see one in the very 1st sentence. And the two "I almosts" just don't read smoothly. Just my opnion, obvs, but it's not a great first line and we all know how important first lines are!!!<br />Melanie Stanfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00065112319140571241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-14091736977654587392013-06-05T18:58:35.553-07:002013-06-05T18:58:35.553-07:00Thank you Shauna!!! These photos helped me feel l...Thank you Shauna!!! These photos helped me feel like I was really in the story! Love you! Your fan always!!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13931730849504613168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-5440592708039187022013-06-04T18:17:01.723-07:002013-06-04T18:17:01.723-07:00Query:
First paragraph is stronger than the secon...Query:<br /><br />First paragraph is stronger than the second two. Love the humor of her sharing the same can of tuna as her cat.<br /><br />I actually find the last two paragraphs of the query a bit confusing. I had to reread a few times to get a few of the sentences. Perhaps too much detail is included, which makes the query: 1) confusing and 2) seem a bit like a synopsis.<br /><br />250<br /><br />OPENING THE CUPBOARD I DISCOVERED I was almost out of vervain. IN FACT, I was almost out of a lot of my stores. Have to go visit Ronnie soon, but my tab'S GETTING OUT OF HAND AND I DON'T WANT TO MAKE THINGS WORSE.<br /><br />TURNING AWAY FROM the cupboard, I decided against starting the potion I was going to make. IF I didn’t do it right it would blow up in my face--and I had just waxed my eyebrows SO I wanted to keep them.<br /><br />HAHA--LOVE THAT<br />like the second paragraph<br /><br />third paragraph could use a little tightening, especially since this is the first page<br /><br />I see Jamie got here first and has some good ideas as well--good luck--this sounds like an interesting read!black cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10127989090380559376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-243886528705870642013-06-04T10:21:14.483-07:002013-06-04T10:21:14.483-07:00I really like the story but this sounds like a kid...I really like the story but this sounds like a kidnapping story with a magical twist. Is there anything else in your story that sets it apart from others like it?<br /><br />I have some questions in your query.<br /><br />In the second sentence of your query who is they? Mattie and? <br /><br />At the end of the second paragraph you say the vampire she once loved. Does she still have feelings for him? If so that’s important to mention because otherwise I don’t see why they would try to coerce her into helping with a guy she doesn’t even care about.<br /><br />I would ditch the question at the end of the query agents don’t usually like those. Instead consider turning it into one clear statement that lays out the stakes clearly. Although you’ve done that pretty well in the query.<br /><br />In the 250: <br />If you use italics, it’s assumed that its internal thoughts so you don’t need to specify that she thought. <br /><br />Some of the sentences especially in the first paragraph are a bit choppy and don’t seem to be broken out correctly. Especially with the last two sentences in the first paragraph.<br /><br />I like what you are setting up in first paragraph with her being low on supplies but after that I’m not convinced you are starting your story in the right spot. The rest seems like she is going about her day just worried about her circumstances. Instead of rehashing so much move on to what comes next.<br /><br />I think your voice could use some work. You have some good lines in there like “if I didn’t do it right it would blow up in my face” that give us some idea of her character but overall I think some tightening in your writing and using some stronger verbs instead of a lot of to be verbs will help punch up your first 250. <br /><br />You also have a lot of telling instead of showing. She tells us she's out of supplies but it would be more compelling to show that her cupboard is bare and that she can't find anything she needs. You are sort of there with her closing the cupboard but I think you can play that up with empty bottles and bare shelves. Also you can add things like her eying the cats tuna when her stomach gurgles. Things like that are much more compelling than just saying to the cat we are going to be sharing tuna.<br /><br />I think you've got a good start here and with some polish your work will really shine.<br /><br />I wish you luck as you move forward with your manuscript.<br />:)Jamie Krakoverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16808802721340647047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-70940826732110297222013-04-30T15:35:01.642-07:002013-04-30T15:35:01.642-07:00The links to buy each book are listed beside the c...The links to buy each book are listed beside the covers, just click on them to be taken to the site you like to buy your books from.Shauna Grangerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741241448253259318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-7003636878218594972013-04-30T14:17:50.257-07:002013-04-30T14:17:50.257-07:00Is the fifth book also on koboIs the fifth book also on koboAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-38971050391982503202013-04-29T11:55:21.229-07:002013-04-29T11:55:21.229-07:00Thank you all! I'm sending you all creepy inte...Thank you all! I'm sending you all creepy internet hugs!Shauna Grangerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741241448253259318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-70450948755696405992013-04-13T13:29:26.163-07:002013-04-13T13:29:26.163-07:00Hey Shauna, this series is soooooo good!!! You sho...Hey Shauna, this series is soooooo good!!! You should totally have the books made into a movie! It would make the twilight books look like nothing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-57240204716293339562013-04-12T15:34:52.001-07:002013-04-12T15:34:52.001-07:00Hey I love the series and I was wondering when and...Hey I love the series and I was wondering when and where can I get the 5th book?????? <3Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-40748490287172129072013-04-11T18:46:25.698-07:002013-04-11T18:46:25.698-07:00I can't wait for the fifth book! I loved them ...I can't wait for the fifth book! I loved them all so much!!!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-34230324122104234422013-03-26T16:40:21.548-07:002013-03-26T16:40:21.548-07:00Very striking. Keep wondering what she's think...Very striking. Keep wondering what she's thinking. Joylene Nowell Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04497637513532136615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-25376130444785478822013-03-25T13:44:49.730-07:002013-03-25T13:44:49.730-07:00Adriana has the best cover luck!Adriana has the best cover luck!Jocelyn Rishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18141176507423961390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-47484027498968590432013-03-25T06:23:02.294-07:002013-03-25T06:23:02.294-07:00Looks fabuloso! :D TY!!Looks fabuloso! :D TY!!Adriana Ryanhttp://www.adrianaryan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-21017930753450730812013-02-28T10:01:51.814-08:002013-02-28T10:01:51.814-08:00You hit the nail on the head. It can be so hard to...You hit the nail on the head. It can be so hard to shut off the "create" mode of the writing brain and shift to "reflect" or "cool down" or "edit" mode. I like your idea of going away after finishing the draft -- preferably somewhere with no Internet access or where you are forced to pay attention to something else for a time. Like going out to see a movie, or running a marathon :)David Jón Fullerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13214464940911202724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-45642593654731939182013-02-16T08:09:51.049-08:002013-02-16T08:09:51.049-08:00Great comments everyone! And yes, Damien, REWARDS!...Great comments everyone! And yes, Damien, REWARDS! I do reward myself, especially on epic word count days but when I finish a book, I make sure I've planned something big. When I had a day job, if I met my word count all week I got to take the weekends off, if I didn't, then I didn't. Shauna Grangerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741241448253259318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-60545939709749728872013-02-16T07:55:37.931-08:002013-02-16T07:55:37.931-08:00This post is so on line with my thinking that it i...This post is so on line with my thinking that it is though I wrote it. I teach writing at a small university and I stress all of your points - writing, reasonable word count (not time count), etc. I would only add one thing that has been successful for me and students: give yourself a reward for achieving your goals. Whether it's a couple beers or a movie, reward thyself! Also, if you don't reach your goal you have to be strict and not allow your reward. It's been helpful. <br /><br />Great post. Damienhttp://damiengaleone.com/blog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-89999162108818042732013-02-15T23:38:46.823-08:002013-02-15T23:38:46.823-08:00It is in point of fact a niсe anԁ usеful piece of ...It is in point of fact a niсe anԁ usеful piece of infо.<br />I am glad that you ѕimply ѕhared this hеlρful info with us.<br />Please keep us infоrmed liκe thіs. Thank you for ѕhaгing.<br /><br /><br />Hеre is my webpage: <a href="http://www.brinkjewelry.com/" rel="nofollow">tension set ring</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-49344526629597440622013-02-15T10:16:43.813-08:002013-02-15T10:16:43.813-08:00Hey, I love the elemental series and can't wai...Hey, I love the elemental series and can't wait for the fifth one. Oh my god cannot believe the ending in Fire, I'm still in shock and really can't wait to see how it all works out in the end. Please finish spirit soon I really can't wait. <br />One word describes this series: Amazing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-84671850587992805332013-02-13T08:05:11.958-08:002013-02-13T08:05:11.958-08:00"But writer’s block is just another excuse no..."But writer’s block is just another excuse not to write."<br /><br />I . LOVE. THIS. It can't be said enough. Nobody asks electricians if they get "electrician's block" or surgeons if they get "doctor's block." Writers are only different in that when they make a mistake on the first draft, nobody's actual house burns down or actual body dies.<br />I think what writer's block really is is the writer's inner critic whispering, "whatever you think of, it isn't good enough." It's the job of every writer to tell that voice to shut up and just write. <br />And, I do think planning and plotting help with this, not because it's a better way to get ideas, but because it can help you evaluate whether those ideas are really good before you start your draft. I've pantsed enough drafts to become fed up with how slow the process is, compared to knocking out ideas in outline form and finding plot holes, lack of character motivation, and stretches where not enough is happening. And I still feel free to change things as I go, because hey, inspiration may strike!David Jón Fullerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13214464940911202724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409845218887537222.post-72743328254633388162013-01-10T14:28:28.724-08:002013-01-10T14:28:28.724-08:00Oh thank goodness Spirit is coming out in a few mo...Oh thank goodness Spirit is coming out in a few months! You left us with a ginormous cliff hanger! :p Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com