What's in a name?

I thought I would take some time to talk about my character's names and why I chose the ones I did.  I think the only name that was not deliberately chosen was Izzy's..... I am pretty sure her name was conjured up from the hundreds of cans of Izze soda I down.

Sorry, got off track... so to the names.  Let's start with the characters from the first book, shall we?

Kennan O'Malley-  Kennan means "Ancient" or "Descendant of the Fair One."  I really wanted him to have a strong Celtic name.  Plus, well, Ancient really is quite fitting. 

Ian-  Ian means "God is Gracious."  Which, when we encounter Ian in the first book, he is exactly what Izzy needs at the time.  He lifts her spirits and helps her to cope with her new life.

Izzy- Izzy means "God is My Oath" so even though her name was chosen by happenstance, it still has a really symbolic meaning.  Her character's entire future depends on her relationship with God (or the gods if you are talking to Kennan).

Molly- Molly means "Of the Sea" or "Bitter."  Her name was a bit of a hard one for me to accept.  But there are things in her life that have caused her to become quite bitter so I found that it was fitting.  Plus, she is a tiny blonde.  Molly just seemed to suit her.

Xavier- Xavier means "The New House."  Which I found fitting considering he abandoned his calling in order to form a new group. 

Isadora-  Isadora means "Gift of Isis."  Isis was worshipped in both Ancient Egypt as well as Ancient Greece as the goddess of nature and magic.  She is also depicted as a mother figure.  As the head of the Council, she is required to take care of the entirety of the Seers.

Now...... on to book 2.  These characters will be appearing in "See How She Fights."

Conall-  Conall means "Strong Wolf" or "High and Mighty."  Let's just say there is much to be learned about Conall still.  Stay tuned!

Aberto-  Aberto is an Italian name that means "noble."  Much like Conall, you will have to read book 2 to find out more about him.  (He is the symbol-smith by the by.)

Breanan-  I will be honest....I totally just pulled this one out of my hat.  I don't even know if this is a real name.  (Well, it is now.) 

And... those are the major players.  As you read, you may be able to pick up traits that originated from their names.  Hope you enjoyed this little snippet of information!

xoxo,
Michelle

Ripping off the Bandaid.

First, I should preface this blog post by saying that this is in no way a call to arms.  I don't want anyone to ever embroil themselves in arguments with any of my readers.  I really just needed to purge this from my system.  I will never ever respond to negative reviews and I ask that you, as my readers, not do it either.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion and theirs is just as valid as the ones that make me happy.  So no going on a manhunt.


Alright, to the point of this post. 


The day I hit the publish button on my book See How She Runs was the most terrifying day of my life.  I put something that amounts to a bit of my soul out into the world to be weighed and judged.  I knew going into this that there would be people that did not like my book, that I eventually would get a negative review. 

Well, it has finally happened and it hurt far worse than I thought it would.  Mostly, because in my mind, if they don't like the book that means they don't like part of me.  Now, I know this is illogical.  I know it is ridiculous, but the emotive parts of me refuse to see reason.  So how did I cope?  How did I pull myself up and put my big girl panties on?

I did so with the help of some fellow indie authors and wonderful supporters that reminded me everyone's opinion is different.  Everyone has different tastes.  As Belinda told me last night, I can choose to let their negativity eat away at my self-confidence or I can brush it off for what it is, one person's opinion, and keep moving forward. 

I felt very much like Izzy in that moment.  I had a choice.  I could allow this to change the way I write, or to ultimately keep me from doing something I love, or I could move forward.  I choose the latter. 

I know that this will not be the last negative review I receive.   I know that my book is not for everyone, and I am okay with that.  This experience has taught me that I need to separate myself from the reviews and look at them objectively.  I have learned quite a bit from reviews I have received so far, things that I plan to implement in the next book.  I am not adverse to criticism.  It is important if I ever plan to grow.  (It does not follow that it is not at least a bit painful, though).

The point of this post?  Well, honestly I just needed to purge this from my system.  I needed to get this icky feeling out and move forward.  It won't be the last time I am swept up in the angst that comes with throwing myself out there to the wolves.... but I learned very quickly last night that I am abundantly blessed with support from amazing friends.  I can make it through anything with them by my side. 

My advice, if you are an author getting ready to publish, surround yourself with a support system. 
When you get windswept and battered by the waves of negativity, you will need it!  I know my friends propped me up last night.  They made me laugh, they made me remember my worth.  They made me remember the people that have loved the book. 

Have no fears, I am fine this morning.  I have dusted myself off and I am ready to get back to editing See How She Fights.  Thanks for stopping by to hear me ramble!  <3

xoxo,
Michelle

Book Trailer #2

So..... I decided to make a second.... EVEN BETTER.... book trailer for See How She Fights.  I think I am finally starting to get the hang of this!

xoxo,
Michelle

Contest and Book Trailer

So, I am going to multi-purpose this post real quick-like.  First, here is the book trailer for book 2 in the Chronicles of Izzy.  "See How She Fights."  I did it last night quite late so forgive any mess-ups.... plus, let's be honest, I am technologically challenged.... so I think I did pretty well all things considered.  :)  I may make another one closer to the book release now that I better know what I am doing!  I am rambling..... so here is the trailer!

The second order of business..... and I am sure this one is far more exciting for ya'll, is a contest to become a character in the third Chronicles of Izzy novel.  "See How She Falls" will be released next summer..... and here is your chance to be a part of the story! 

How do you enter?  Well, I am so glad you asked.  All you have to do is post a comment in the comments section.  It could be about your favorite pair of socks for all I care.... just comment.  Then on July 30 I will draw a winner using Random.Org.  In addition to becoming a character in the third book, you will also win an ARC copy of the second novel "See How She Fights" before it is released.  What are you waiting for?  Get to commenting people!

xoxo,
Michelle

See How She Fights

For all of you that are patiently awaiting the release of my second novel "See How She Fights," I have some news for you.  Well, more of an update about the progress.  I have made it to 60,000 words and I can honestly say I am in love with this story.  I loved Izzy's first story as I wrote it, but now I have a new favorite. 

In the first book, I had to spend a great deal of time setting up the world and the story.   I felt like I would never get to the action.  Well, book two drops you straight into the mix.  From the first page, Izzy is set on the course of a journey she never could have expected. 

If you liked the action in the first book, you will absolutely love the second one.  Izzy is faced with new responsibilities, a mystery that may be the end of her, and dealing with people that won't be straight with her.  As her world gets flipped on her ear once more, she is forced to make some very hard choices. 

I absolutely can't wait until this book is ready for the presses.  I am just so proud of it.  I can't even begin to tell you guys.  So, as a treat to both you and me, I decided to share a little excerpt from what I am currently writing.  Just keep in mind that this has not been edited at all.  (not even a little bit)  It is subject to change during the editing process.  I hope you enjoy this look into Izzy's new adventure!

To set up the scene, this is an interaction between Izzy and a Guardian named Conall.  Conall is Isadora's son and he happens to wear an eye patch.  Yeah, I think that is all you need to know about this.  :)

           “The man I am supposed to trust most in the world is keeping things from me.  My future is never going to be my own again.  Someone is murdering seers. It is just the usual.”  I sniffled as I hastily attempted to dry up the evidence of my pity party.

           “So what are you going to do about it?”  He asked in his rich brogue as he lifted the brow over his good eye.
           “I have no idea.  But wallowing seems like a good plan for now.”  I said lowering my head into my hands.  I was shocked by the sudden presence of a warm hand resting against my back.  I looked back up to find Conall staring at me thoughtfully.  “Um, what are you doing?”
          “Trying to comfort you.”  He smiled devilishly.  He was dangerous for so many reasons.  None of which I was interested in.  I might have been mad at Kennan but it didn’t change how I felt.
          “Um, do you think you could stop?” 
          “Your every wish is my command.”
          “How did you lose your eye?”  I blurted hoping to change the subject.
          “You are not at all how you are supposed to be.”  He laughed.
          “No, I suppose not.  But if you wouldn’t mind telling me, I could really use the distraction.” 
            “It is really rude to just ask someone how they lost a part of their body.  You know that right?”  I could tell by his tone I had not offended him.  From everything I could tell it would take a lot more than that to do the trick.



I hope you enjoyed your first look at "See How She Fights."

xoxo,
Michelle

P.S. This is the schedule of upcoming Izzy books!

Things are Happening.

So, announcements first.  I decided to do a week long sale of the book.  Woo Hooo!!!!!!   So, if you have not bought it yet, make sure to get it while it is cheap!  The sale only lasts for the week.  Don't miss out.

Let's see, oh yes, my release party.  Can we just stop for a moment and discuss how much I love my readers?  Or even my future readers?  I had more fun that night than I have had in a very long time.  I laughed so hard I cried at times.  It was amazing and I honestly cannot thank ya'll enough for coming out and being a part of it.   I can't wait for the next one! 

Hmmmmm, what else....  Oh, the reviews are coming in and I can't thank everyone enough for taking the time to post a review on Goodreads, Amazon, and B&N.  Reviews help more than you know.  Whether good or bad, they help me to understand the needs of the readers better.  On top of the reviews, I really appreciate all of the personal messages people have sent me telling me how much they love the book.  It has only been out for like a week now and almost a hundred copies have been sold.  I am just beyond excited by this.  I can't even begin to express how humbling and amazing this whole process has been.  I am floored at the response my book has received.  I never in a million years expected so many people to love it.  So thank you for reading it, for taking the time to write me, and for just being the best readers in the ENTIRE world.  I love you people!

Other stuff that is happening:  I am currently trying to get my book ready to be available in print form.  Enough people asked me for a physical copy that I decided it was a worthwhile investment.  So, look for more news on that soon. 

Lastly, I announced the release of my next book See How She Fights which I have written over 59,000 words on.  I should have it finished and ready for editing soon.

I think that is all that is new and exciting in my world.  I have just been busy pounding the keys trying to get this story finished and ready for editing before our big move back to the South. 

xoxo,
Michelle

Risky Business

Two nights ago I uploaded my very first novel.  I did so with great trepidation.  There is no certainty that people will love it, there is no guarantee that it will provide the intended message, and there is no way of knowing if it will do well.  Typically, I am not a risk taker.  I am more of a "don't rock the boat" sort of a gal.  Publishing this book was a HUGE step into risk territory for me. 

Even as I sit here typing up this blog post my palms are sweaty.  They have been this way for the past two weeks.  Ever since my book cover art arrived and I realized that this is really real.  It is actually happening.  The husband is gone right now for training and I told him that he should be glad he is not around.  My hands have resembled a dead fish for the past two weeks.  Cold and damp.  In other words disgusting.  Aside from the gross fish hands, I have had trouble sleeping.  This is so outside of my comfort zone I don't really know how to adjust properly.  If it weren't for my amazing friends and the support they have given me, I surely would have gone mad by now. 

I am getting a bit tangent-y so let me get to the point of this whole post.  Even though this experience has terrified me every single step of the way, I now know for sure that it was totally worth it.  My book far surpassed my first day sales goals of 10 books.... In fact it has quadrupled my goal in the past few days.  I am beside myself with excitement.  I never in a million years could have expected forty people to read the words I wrote.  I can't even begin to describe how terrifying and exciting that is. 

So if there is something you are putting off, something that might be risky, remember this:  Without great risk there can be no great reward.  If we don't step outside of our comfort zones every once in a while we can never expect to live a life that is anything but ordinary.  Personally, I am going to choose the extraordinary.  I hope you will join me. 

xoxo,
Michelle