Life Changing Decisions: Not Always Good for the Muse...

But other times they can open up a world of possibilities. Possibilities you never would have ever dreamed could really exist - at least not for you.

As is easily seen from my last post, I've been a little absent from the world lately. Splitting up and divorcing and moving will do that. It's a definite muse distracter. I'll keep the personal details to myself. But it's helped me become a stronger, braver person. Actually, a certain special someone helped me come to this conclusion, and I'll never be the same again. I can never go back to the old me. The old me is dead and I won't settle for less than what I deserve. It's butterflies or nothing, or in Amberlyn's case, dragons. =)

Not only that but I have a new perspective on myself as person and my life. I can't rely on others to make things happen. It has to be me, and I have my successful hardhat on now. I'm ready to kick-butt and rock n roll the entire way to Happyville. I have a little girl who depends on me. I have me who depends on me, and I refuse to let either one down - especially my lovebug.

Point: don't be afraid to let go of the rail and take the plunge. Plunge, by all means. Then get your ass back up, dust yourself off, and make a new you. Don't settle and be strong. No one else can do it for you. No one else can take care if you. You're in charge of your life and your heart - guard them, live well, but always continue to love.

~Katie S. Taylor

Stay Tuned for More

Over the next few weeks, I'll be interviewing different writers about the works and the journey to get them where they are now. Personally, I'm psyched to have this opportunity. It helps get their name out there and gives everyone a chance to discover them, and I'm all about helping other writers out. Do unto others and all that jazz =).

I'll probably do two a week. Once I get the schedule lined up a bit better, I'll let everyone know so you can stay updated. If you're a writer and interested, feel free to drop me a line.

Now, about my recent endeavors. Still waiting to hear something back about Dancing Demons. I'm about to send a few  more queries out, see if I get any bites. In the meantime, I'm working on a YA dystopian fantasy titled DEADLOCKED. I had started it a couple years ago, but for one reason or another let it dwindle away. Then I forgot about it. One night I dreamt about it out of the blue, and to make a short story even shorter, decided to pop it open and start on again.

Must say, I have a pretty good feeling about it too. I'm almost to the half-way mark, so I'm pretty pumped. As I mentioned in another post, I'm trying a new writing style. So far it's working fabulously! Instead of getting every detail the first go around, I'm more focused on getting the actual story down. It's increasing my productivity and speed. Not to mention, I'm not falling victim to writer's block as much. Always a great day when writer's block isn't involved! For anyone who hasn't suffered writer's block, it's the devil. Period.

But I'm off to do some more writing before the hubby gets home. The Soul Eaters have just attacked, and Helena has a choice to make. Save Maddy, or find the person who could save the world. It's a toughie!!

Until next time =)

Katie

A Special Interview with Sabrina from Quest of the Hart by Mary Waibel

Hello all, I've been lucky enough to score an interview with Sabrina, from Mary Waibel's Quest of the Hart. She's a fiesty one! Hope you enjoy! And be sure to visit Mary Waibel's blog - lots of great stuff over there.

Now, onto to the interview!

 

 

Me: I've made my way to the Stygian Swamp, home to Grizzelda, the witch, and her daughter Sabrina. (Sabrina steps outside with a basket slung over her arm.) Sabrina! Do you have a few minutes to talk?

 

Sabrina: As long as I can keep working while we talk.

 

Me: Wonderful. So, what are you doing?

S: (She cuts some flowers from the garden and lays them in the basket.) Gathering plants for making potions and spells.

 

(The door to the cottage opens and an old woman shuffles out.)

 

Grizzelda: I apologize for my daughter's lack of hospitality. Please, come in and enjoy a cup of tea with us.

 

Me: Thank you, but I need to get back to the castle soon. And, Sabrina was fine; I was enjoying the beauty of your garden.

 

G: What brings you to our home?

 

Me: I was wandering, looking for people to talk to about Prince Devlin and Princess Kaylee.

 

S: Ah, the pretty, girly-girl. (She rolls her eyes.)  Prince Devlin could do so much better than that weakling. He needs a strong woman at his side, not someone who looks like they need protecting from their own shadow.

 

G: Sabrina! You know better than to judge people by their looks. Princess Kaylee is much stronger than you give her credit for. Just you wait.

 

S: (She snorts.) I'll believe that when I see it. Are you certain you don't want some tea?

 

Me: Unfortunately I have some other people I need to see. Maybe another time?

 

G: Time is the key. Time and love. Yes, that is the answer.

 

S: But what was the question?

 

G: You will know when the princess comes.

 

Me: And we'll know when we read Quest of the Hart!

Blog Tour - Quest of the Hart

 

A reverse Sleeping Beauty tale where the princess goes on the quest to save the prince.

 

Princess Kaylee has never had to fight for anything. Her entire life has been arranged, even her marriage. But when Prince Devlin falls under an enchantment, she finds she is willing to do anything to save him, even if it means fighting a dragon.

 

Devlin's own sister, Princess Arabella, is behind the deadly plot. She wants the throne and will use any means necessary to gain it. Her perfect plan unravels, leaving Devlin caught in a magical sleep that is slowly spreading through the kingdom of Breniera. All Arabella needs to finish her spell and claim the crown is a drop of Kaylee's blood, but obtaining the single drop is proving more difficult than expected.

 

To save her betrothed, Kaylee embarks on a quest to find an ancient sword and gather a drop of dragon's blood, while trying to stay out of Arabella's traps. But Arabella's traps aren't the only danger. Time is everything. For once the last inhabitant of the kingdom falls asleep, the spell will be sealed, and not even true love's kiss will break it.

And here's a mini excerpt to tease you!

Arabella’s fingers trembled on the hilt of the dagger as desire for the animal swept through her. He was perfect, not a point out of place or a blemish on his coat. She gazed longingly at him, until a sound from Kaylee brought her back to the task at hand.

 

Shaking her head to clear it, she watched Kaylee speak to the creature. Did she honestly expect him to answer? Arabella stopped her snort before it gave away her presence. There would be no better chance than this.

 

Holding the dagger before her, she lined up Kaylee with the tip of the blade. It had to be a perfect throw, as she would not get another chance. She dipped the blade forward once, twice, thrice, then let it fly through the air with a flick of her wrist. The blade spun, end over end, sailing forward. Arabella held her breath, watching, praying her aim was true.

 

The dagger flew on target, but just before it buried itself in Kaylee’s back, the princess moved, and the dagger embedded itself into the chest of the hart.

~FIN


Quest of the Hart is a definite MUST NOT MISS. It's heartfelt and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Mary Waibel weaves a truly magical tale you'll want to read over and over again, and has created characters you will fall in love with. It's hard to get on my favorites list, but QotH has earned it rightful place on that spot. A charming tale for all ages. =)

Now a bit about the author!

 

Mary lives with her husband, son and two cats. When she isn't twisting fairytales, she enjoys reading, playing games, watching hockey, and camping. Her debut novel, Quest of the Hart, will be available from MuseItUp Publishing April 19, 2013. Charmed Memories, a companion novel, will be available from MuseItUp Publishing in August 2013

 

You can find Mary Waibel at:

http://marywaibel.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/authormarywaibel

@mewtweety14 (twitter)

 

Buy Link (Quest):

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=620&category_id=6&manufacturer_id=292&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

 

Book Trailers (Quest):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5SvEAbFQtE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d-ohY2CEVo

Don't miss the chance to win a free copy of Quest of the Hart!!

A New Approach

I've decided to use a new approach for writing. Before in the recent past, I was very meticulous with details and all that good jazz. I had to get everything down, even the slightest facial expression. Things that would get omitted out in the final draft (not all, but a good bit of it). I did this partly because if I read over it while writing and the details and everything weren't there, if the writing wasn't done to the T, then it wasn't good. Discouragement would follow, and no one likes that. Even knowing it was a first draft and most of it would change, I still wrote this way. And it would take forever.

Recently, I've come to the realization I don't need to have every minuscule detail the first draft around. Actually, I don't need every minuscule detail period. Now, I have a soft spot for detail - I think it can really set the mood if done right - but how much does one really need? Especially on first go around.

Now as I write my first drafts, I'm getting the story down. Get the story down, the main story, then go back and polish it up. Add the finer touches. Show it a little TLC. Granted this new approach will be difficult at times because if I read over it before the draft is finished, I'll be like "really, I'm bothering myself with this piece of crap?" But I just have to remember it's a first draft. First drafts are allowed to be the epitome of suckiness. It's the final draft that matters.

I'm off for tonight. Be sure to check back in the 24th - I have something special in store. =)

~Katie

About to Start Querying - Yikes!

It's terrifying, really. Especially without any Prozac and Vistaril in my system, =). Not as terrifying as when I thought I would my little girl when I was giving birth, but pretty terrifying, nonetheless.

But I'm going through with it. I've worked hard to get where I am with DD, and it deserves for me to see it through. I'm not waiting any longer so life can knock me back down and get me sidetracked. I'm doing this more me. For my little girl and husband, so they have something they can be proud of me for. Mainly my little girl. She's my whole world. Heart & soul.

Am and Kaleb deserve it too. They deserve a chance to get out there and share their story. But we'll see what happens. Cross your fingers, say a prayer. =). I'll keep you posted!

KS

Lemon after Lemon - How About Some Strawberries!

Life has an uncanny way of screwing things up. No worries, this isn't a coming back rant moaning my woes to the world. More of an apology for completely disappearing. Not my intention. One crappy thing happened, and it seemed after the landslide followed.

I'm putting faith in the Big Guy Above that the streak of sourness is soon to be over. Quite frankly, I need faith. I'm at a point in my life where it's of the utmost importance.

I did manage to finish the first draft of Dancing Demons - whoot! Downside, I haven't been able to finish its revisions. Baby is all better now - she had the flu - and now I'm working on despoiling her a bit so she's not so literally attached to my hip. She eight months and I'm starting to worry I'm spoiling her too much. It's easy to do, though.

Anyway, hopefully this is the first in many more posts to come. I'm going to try to post at least once a week. I won't promise more.

More about writing and the ups-and-downs of life and how to get past it soon to come!!

Thanks to everyone who has followed the blog and hasn't un-followed because of my absence. You guys are the best =)

KS.