Infamous Love Triangle - A Vlog

My thoughts on the infamous love triangle. Originally posted to my YouTube channel. Sorry for the rushed nature of it. I do plan on doing a follow up.

Love triangles are tricky things to write well, and I really do applaud those who pull it off. I don't mind reading them so long as they are done well. It's just I simply have no wish to write one. (Watch me end up eating my words when one of my characters gets a wild hair up their bums!). I write to escape reality. It's my way of escaping the harsh realities of life. Writing is my playground, and on my playground I only want to relax and have fun :) Love triangles have the opposite effect for me, personally. :/.

As mentioned in the video, my own love life is a right mess. So while I might not necessarily write happily ever afters for my characters; rest assure they'll still be madly in love throughout the hell they go through. More or less, lol. Again, just wait until one of my characters makes me eat my words. The jerks.

I'm cutting this short tonight. Until next time!

Katie S. Taylor

Decisions, DARKLING, & Dolls

(This was originally posted to my Tumblr account.)

I still haven’t decided if I want to keep my blogspot blog, create a wordpress blog, or just use Tumblr & Twitter for everything. I don’t exactly keep up with my blog right now; life and actually writing my novels get in the way. I do have followers at my blog (through my other google+ account, found via the other blog posts), though, as opposed to [Tumblr]. Not important except if someone is interested in knowing more about my main novel I’m writing, DARKLING.

It’s an YA Fantasy set in 21st century America (I guess it could be considered, possibly, Urban Fantasy just without fairies, vampires, werewolves, and the like). DARKLING has an array of new monsters, a scarred chick who can run in high heels, creepy bad guys, and the slightly geeky-techno-nerd-with-a penchant-for-trouble-ex-boyfriend.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the classics and that’s what DARKLING (then titled Hunted / Devour / Dancing Demons ) originally revolved around. It’s a bittersweet realization to know that those earlier version were, in fact, cliche and cookie-cutter. I always knew something was missing, that those versions just didn't add up. Whether this version will add up to lit agents and publishing houses standards, I'm not sure. Guess we'll see when the time is right. However, I'm happy with what those versions have evolved into, which is DARKLING 

It’s essentially a completely different story but with the same CORE. Yeah, that wouldn’t make much sense to me either if I’d read that. The plot, story-line, and even characters (to a degree) have changed. I can’t say too much without giving it away, and once I finish all the revisions and edits I WILL either traditionally publish or go the indie route.

What I can say is Amberlyn (the protag) has worked hard to make this story into what is it, and has never given up getting me to tell it. The least I can do is never give up on her, finally get the first part of her story out there, and the entire thing finished. (Meaning there’s a planned total of four novels for Amberlyn’s OVER ALL character and story arc). I’m excited & so is she :).

Something else I’m excited over… Amberlyn in doll form! No, I’m not actually sculpting a doll. Don’t get too excited. I had planned too, once I eventually honed the sculpting skill (yeah, I’m adventurous like that, whoo), BUT I saw the Doll Chateau Christina head and… I won’t say fell in love because I’m not in love with Amberlyn, but Doll Chateau Christina is almost a dead ringer for what I envisioned Amberlyn looking as. Makes it difficult if I ever do decide to sculpt my own Amberlyn, BUT impulse got the better of me. Soo… wait for it…

…

…

I now have a Doll Chateau Christina head on layaway with Mint on Card! (wait until she has a face-up to look like Amberlyn!) They’re so awesome they even do custom face-ups if you order through them, which I’m getting for my DC Christina head to make her Amberlyn.

Pretty awesome in my book. Not to mention their customer service is superb. I’ll definitely go through them for my other dolly purchases unless they don’t sell the brand I’m after (like Resinsouls). I’ll start rambling if I’m not careful about how awesome they’ve been so far, but I’ll save that for when I actually get my Christina head in. This post is already long enough. But seriously they’re awesome. I haven’t decided on a permanent body for her yet, but when I do it’s Mint on Card I’m going through. (until I can decide which body I want to invest that kind of money in, I might just get a Mirodoll body. They’re cheapest and I can also use it for any other floating heads I purchase in the future,) All that for later though, when I actually have doll head Amberlyn aka DC Christina head in possession.

But I think I’ve rambled on enough today. Until next time!

~ Katie S. Taylor

WORTH THE EFFORT - Ella's Story COVER REVEAL, by Kai Strand

Cover Reveal for WORTH THE EFFORT: ELLA’S STORY

Hi everyone! My name is Kai Strand. I’m visiting Katie’s blog today to share the cover of my upcoming young adult contemporary romance novella, out next month. I’m super excited. After you read the blurb and excerpt, and see the great cover, I hope you will become excited too. Thanks for reading!

About the book:

Ella Jones is a coward. There is a teen boy living in the alley behind her work and she is terrified of him.

Desperate to leave behind the stereotypical and judgmental world she was raised in, Ella forces herself to make a true connection with seventeen-year-old Ayden Worth. As their friendship grows Ayden’s quiet, gentle ways teach her true courage.

But there’s more to Ayden’s story than Ella knows. When their worlds collide in the most unexpected place, Ella feels betrayed. Will she find the courage to learn who Ayden really is, or will she determine he’s not worth the effort?

Excerpt:

My heart accelerated to a terrifying pace as my unwanted visitor stepped into the light—rumpled, dirty clothing, shaggy hair, head down, concentrating on the ground. As he approached, I still couldn’t move. I don’t know if it was some misplaced politeness—that I didn’t want to cause him embarrassment by showing my petrifying fear of him—or if I was afraid my fleeing would kick start a predator instinct inciting him to give chase. I’m still bothered by the fact that I couldn’t make myself run away.

Available May 6, 2014

Add Worth the Effort: Ella's Story on Goodreads. Subscribe to my newsletter.

Excerpt junkies will find a different snippet to read on each of these sites:

Once Upon A Book

Bookscape Reviews

Paty Jager

Mary Waibel

Love is a Mystery 

Ashelyn Drake

About the author:

When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and short stories for the younger ones, Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.

Celebrate the Milestones!

Today's post is less of a mood-downer. No worries. Actually I'm quite pleased with myself. I'm down to 89K in Dancing Demons. Not a big deal to some, but considering the original draft started out at 180K, and I NEVER thought I'd be able to lower it to a decent word count, it's a great milestone for me. I feel like it has a better chance at reaching readers too, because let's face it, anything over 100K is scary in the YA universe, and I can completely understand why.

With each revision, my writing gets tighter and the overall story has improved as well. I'm actually quite grateful for any rejections I received on it in the past. Comparing this version to the old drafts, I shudder to think of it in the hands of readers. So to any CP's who read the old version, I'm so sorry.

My characters have developed even more - namely Kaleb. His background was always a bit of a mystery, but he's finally whispered his secrets to me. And I gotta say, I'm pumped. He's one kick-butt dude, if I do say so myself. He's definitely not a white knight or prince charming. Then again, Dancing Demons isn't exactly a fairy-tale.

I just wonder how Amberlyn will react when everything comes to the light.

Until next time!

Depression Vs. Writing, and Why She's My Saving Grace

Depression is a never-ending war constantly waging inside you. Sure, some days are better than others, letting the battle-weary soldiers rest, but it's always there. It never truly goes away. 

A lot of people who haven't suffered from depression thinks it's merely feeling sad. Ha - if only it were that simple. 

Yes, that's part of it, but it's also so much more than that. It's a sadness so profound that it actually leaves you numb. So numb you have no will to do anything, you want to cry - maybe eventually you even do - but for the most part you are only stuck. Trapped in a cage of flesh, lost in a sea of emotion - melancholy, worthlessness, even anger, and so many others - storming through you like a juggernaut. You're good at hiding it from others, so no one knows. But you just feel so... Everything encapsulated together... 

Numb.

Hopelessness. 

The fear and sorrowful knowing you mean so little to those around you. Maybe it's true, maybe it isn't, but to you it's the truest thing in the universe. And maybe you feel that way because of how strongly you feel for others, knowing it's always unrequited. You wonder what the point is? 

Is there a point? 

Or is it just to live one miserable day after the next, hoping the sun breaks past the dismal dark? 

Except it never does. 

You're just stuck. Forcing yourself to smile and play a game you don't want to, keeping up the facade so those that matter don't realize how screwed up you really are. 

My little girl saves me from the edge. She's the greatest blessing I have, and if not for her, honestly, I don't think I'd be here typing this. She gives my world color where there's so many black and grey, and I could cry at how much I love her. God's granted me a beautiful gift, and I'm not a saint - far from it - but I intend to thank him for it every day. No matter how hopeless it seems because with her and His sheltering grace, through the numbness I feel the smallest prick of hope. And it's enough to carry me through. 

Granted, it doesn't bode well for my writing. Sometimes, especially the horrible days, it's hard to muster up the will to even look at my work. What's the point? I'm just wasting time writing it, aren't I? It's never going to go anywhere - right? The negativity one feels while in the throes of depression is truly astounding. 

Sometimes it's a battle to type that first word. That second word. Maybe I get the third word typed before I sigh and lean back, stare up at the ceiling. Just sit there. Wondering. Contemplating. Would anyone REALLY care...?

I hear her laugh, I hear her shout my name - "Mommy, Mommy!"

The darkness ebbs away, and I look at her. Warmth spears the numbness and chases it away, and my heart swells with love so magnificent... 

She smiles and I smile back - a real smile. She's my saving grace, and I want her to be proud of me. I want to be the best I can for her. So I write some more, and then a little bit more after that, and for a moment, the darkness edges away. 

I'm okay.

God is with me, and I can beat this. One battle at a time. For her. 

 

Dancing Demons Pg 99 Excerpt

DANCING DEMONS, Pg. 99

Disclaimer: Image does not belong to me. Unsure of artist.

             I spin, eyes wide as they land on a shadowed figure. Hooded in some kind of dark-colored jacket with equally as dark gloves covering his hands. Tall. Svelte. Still. The figure, male from the lack of swell and curve, doesn’t move. Doesn’t look up. My breath sounds short and rattled, even to myself.

“Who – who are you?”

A horrible silence hammers away at my ears. No shrieking wind, no awful calls from the dreadful forest. Only a much more harrowing quiet that leaves me terrified. Where’s the monster that always craves my death and makes me writhe in agony as it rips me apart?

Violent trembles quake through my small frame, hard enough that when I take a step toward the hooded figure, my balance is unstable. Undergrowth, fallen branches, and rocks pierce my bare feet, cutting through the fragile flesh with searing heat. I curse the sharp pain, the stale night, and the thick mist that covers the forest floor like a razor-laced woolen blanket. Still, I keep going.

Suddenly, the figure turns, walking into the forest without the loud crunch of desiccated leaves, snapping twigs, or blind feet.

“Hey! Hey, wait!” I shout, hurrying to catch up and reach the mysterious figure. Rocks, undergrowth, and branches forgotten – all but running, and still I only catch the briefest glimpse of a silhouette, as the figure walks through the obsidian woods, the silver vapor closing around him.

It frightens me. I run forward, calling after him. The whispers and chitter-chatter come alive, sharp and piercing through the night’s silence. I run harder. My heart pounds and my skin burns hot. Sweat beads my flesh despite the chill silver swirling around, pressing against me like small, razor fine diamonds. Threatening, but never breaking the skin.

 © Copyright 2014 Katie S. Taylor

Yup, Definitely Need a Helmet for Life

So, forget everything I said in my last post. Life sucks. Enough said. I'll save the big sob story of why I've been MIA. Psychos, divorce, and having to move does that. But I'm finally ready to start the new chapter of my life. No expectations. Just writing and trying to be the best person I can be. I'm not worried about love and romance - quite frankly, it hates me. Just being an awesome mom and working on my writing.

As far as the writing goes, I've rewritten the beginning of DD again. I like it tons better. I've also changed the mythology of the creatures and all that good jazz. Bye, bye vampires. You are now merely minor characters. Something bigger and better has taken your place. Sending it off for the first round of feedback. Critique partners = awesome. Making mental note to get more. MIA-ness kind of jilts those sort of things.

So no promises of what will come. Just know that I'm writing, working on being happy, and most importantly being a mom. I'll update when I can. Until then!

KS

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 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

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.

Do What Your MS Needs - Not What You Want It To Do

Because sometimes what you want isn't good for its health. 

I rewrote chapter 1 of Dancing Demons.  After the feedback I received, I needed to.  There wasn't any way around it, and if you want your MS to succeed, you have to put it first. Do what it needs, even if it isn't what you originally wanted.  Instead of Amberlyn having a flashback of the party (and only the first half of it at that), I actually wrote the party and hospital scene out and ended it with Ava's cryptic message over Kaleb.  Hopefully that way I can set up Amberlyn's growing suspicion better.  Now, I'm just waiting to see if the changes really did help, and go from there. 

If they didn't, I'm going to have to do some serious brainstorming with the trusty CP's and find out what worked and what didn't.  Even if it does work, I'll still have to play with the ending.  It's too weak.  As I wrote it, I knew it was a first draft so I didn't keep slaving away at it.  I let it end, now I'm letting it sit for a bit, so hopefully when I do go back to it I have a better grasp and can write a kick-ass ending for it.  So now I'm just waiting.

As I do, I'm going to keep writing as my outline dictates.  There's been another murder and Amberlyn has to contend with Riggs one more time.  Fun, fun! At least for me; not so much for Amberlyn =).  Oh, the things we put our characters through (*insert evil laugh*).  Heh.

Katie S. Pendergrass

The Next Big Thing Blog Hop - DANCING DEMONS. Check it!

I've been chosen, by the wonderful T.C. McKee for The Next Big Thing Blog Hop.  Seriously, you should check her out - go, now (or wait until after you read this, =}) . 

So, without further ado, welcome to the freaky and fantastical world of Amberlyn Winters and one very hunky Kaleb Dantes. ;P

THE NEXT BIG THING

1. What is the working title of your book?
Dancing Demons

2. Where did the idea come from?
Imagination =).  I wanted to write something where the damsel didn't want rescued by the knight and could take care of herself.

3. What genre does your WIP fall under?
Either YA or New Adult Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Mystery

4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Oo, it was some close calls, but I think these are the best choices.  Drum roll, please!
 
Amberlyn Winters - Allison Miller

Kaleb Dantes - Henry Cavill

Special Agent Riggs - Clark Gregg

Colin - Paul Bettany

Noah Lowell - Tyler Blackburn

Micah Hollis - Taylor Kitsch

Lindsey Hollis - Jessica Lowndes

Ava Harbinger - Aubrey Anderson Emmons

Sebastian - Dijmon Hounsou

Felix - Jonathan Rhys Meyers

My main characters and important minors - yeah, I got carried away *blushes.*

5. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Oo, that's a toughie.  Let me think...

Protecting the people I love from the Nosferatu has been my lifelong goal, one that is even more important to me now when one more person is taken away, and the one person I thought I could trust most in the world may just want me as dead as I want the monsters. (A big thank you to Mary for this one!)

There's nothing I loathe more than the Nosferatu, so when they take one more person from me, I'm determined to stop them this time - no matter the risk, no matter the cost - because if I don't, more people will die, and the guy I was falling for might just be behind it; all I know is nothing is as it seems, and the person I thought I could trust, he might just want me dead.

6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
When I know, you'll know.  Promise.

7. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
The very, very, very first draft - I'll say 3 or 4 months.  I've revised and rewritten it a couple different times, though.  Trying to get it perfect.

8. What other books would you compare this story to within its genre?
Ehh... I hate this question.  Um, I would say as far as the UF and Paranormal thing goes - Anita Blake by Laurell K. Hamilton (before it was riddled with raunchy sex) but minus the language; or the Sookie Stackhouse series.  Without the sex.  Perhaps even the Victoria Gardella books by Colleen Gleason (minus the Regency, enter the modern).  YA - maybe THE VAMPIRE ACADEMY by Richelle Mead, or DEMON KISSED by H.M. Ward

9. Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Girl power.

10. What else about your book might pique reader's interest?
There's new mythology - a new twist to something old.  Let's just say that.  Also, the main character - you won't see her falling down and needing caught; she'll catch herself.  Woman power - hear her roar.  Also, the characters are flawed - not sugar and sweetness.  There's time, like in real life, you won't like them.  That they come across as real arses or supreme witches, and make you think "What's wrong with her/him - ugh."  Then, other times, you'll love them.

Now, on to tag more awesome people: 

Christina Rice 
Erica Hart
Randi Lee
Troy Jackson
Jadie Jones
K.E. Skedgell


Also, check out these other awesome writer's who've also been tagged (and who happen to follow me; it could be you ;P):
Mary Waibel
T.C. McKee
Crystal Collier

~Katie S. Pendergrass

Ack - I'm Having A Name Delimma!

I can't decide what I want the creepy special agent's name to be.  Originally, it was Riggs, but I'm so 'ugh' over it.  It just seems too filler-name to me - like I just randomly picked it so I wouldn't have to bother to look for another, better name.  Slowly, it's annoyed me more and more, and now I just can't stand it.  It's not strong enough for me.  He's a creep, but he needs a stronger name.  I really like Rothenberg, but my problem with that is he's Southern!  How many Southerners do you know with the surname Rothenberg?!

Me?

None.

So I thought about Radcliff(e).  It's okay, but I still really like Rothenberg for the name.  However, it just doesn't seem to fit with Riggs' accent, and that's how I hear his voice.  So there's no changing that.  He's old southern to the bone, with his y'alls, and gals, and all that good jazz.

But what is a name, really?  How important is it to the story?

My personal opinion: EXTREMELY.

If I don't have the right name, I can't go on.  That's why I'm so picky with the name game (also why it was so hard to name my little lovebug - it had to be perfect).  *Sigh* The things a writer puts him or herself through.  Some times I wonder why I do, but then I remember...

I <3 it. =)

Until next time!

KSP

Ugh, I'm finally done with Chp 11 -

- And what a relief it is.  That sucker was one tough puppy to tame!  Not because I didn't have a direction, I did.  Rather... Oh, hell, I don't know why it was so difficult.  I think because I had worked on it for so long, and had such a difficult time getting the beginning right, that I just simply grew bored and wanted to move on to something else in the story.  I grew very restless, frustrated even.  Anyone know what I'm talking about here? 

Granted, I'm still not happy with the way it turned out; however, at least now I can go on with the story.  At least I have something down that I can go by.  When I finish the first draft, that's when I'll worry about how bad it sucks.  But, at least Amberlyn has finally discovered the skinny on Kaleb from Micah - sorta.  Seems, everything Micah has found thus far has only given her more questions to answer.  Before more people are killed.  And boy, is she feeling the crunch. 

At least I got the gist of that down.  Now, someone else just needs to die, the creepy agent to hound Am, then she can go out on  her "strictly friend date" with Noah.  Wonder what shady characters they'll  meet while out! =).  I can't wait to write it. 

I'm off!  Until later,

K.S.P.

1st Person or 3rd Person POV - Which is Better?

Or does it even really matter?

It's a debate I'm currently wrestling with.  I'm half-way through with writing the first draft rewrite of DD, and after some feedback, am debating whether to change the POV.  Now, the original version of DD was written in 1st person.  However, when I finally decided to rewrite the entire thing after another long debate (seems a popular thing, aye?), I decided to change it to 3rd.  The sole reason: if I make it past the first book and can write more in the series, than I'll want to write from other POV's (mainly my main male lead - Kaleb).

But, as my wonderful CP pointed out, she thinks it would read better in 1st.  Even though it's in 3rd, she hears it in 1st.  So, I ask again: does it really matter?

To a point, I think so.  Neither one is better over the other, but depending on the story - and your characters and story will let you know - one does work better over the other.  So what I'm thinking is doing a few chapters in 1st person, let the CP read then, then decide which works better for DD.

Now, as far as reading goes, I used to be incredibly fond of 1st person thanks to Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Books. After that, it was all I wanted to read.  Now, though, I don't really have a preference other than I want a good story with good characters and a good plot. If I can get that, I'm happy. =).

KSP 

It's a Whole New Cherry to Pop

The first post is always the hardest - just like writing your first chapter.  It's the getting started that sucks, and I know a bit about getting started now more than ever.  Every thing's changed in my life - and for once, it's for the better.  I have a wonderful husband, a beautiful daughter, wonderful pets, and my anxiety is back under control.  Life is good, and hopefully just continues to get better.  Crossing my fingers here, =). 

My current WIP is titled DANCING DEMONS.  I'm about half-way finished with the first rewrite draft - whoo! Really want to do something with Aliens next - just have to think up a brilliant plot. Anyway, this is just the first post so it doesn't look so bare here!  More will come soon!

Katie S. Pendergrass