Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Mythology behind the creation of Madison’s world

by Cherie Colyer

Madison’s story takes place in modern day, but since there is a supernatural element there was still a world that had to be created and rules that had to be followed for the reader to believe the impossible is possible.

World building is one of my favorite parts of writing fantasy. It’s like being handed a magic wand and being told I can make anything I desire come true. All I have to do to make it true is want it bad enough. The possibilities are endless. I suppose it’s like giving an artist a blank canvass and a palette of paint and telling him to go at it or letting a teenager loose in their favorite store and saying the sky’s the limit.

To create a fantasy world that others will believe in, the unknown must fit flawlessly into everyday life. Forces that are beyond our understanding have to be able to blend in with the scenery.

This is where a lot of the research I talked about in my previous guest post comes in handy. I started by understanding what is believed to be true from legends and myths and built on these ideas by putting my own spin on them. Hopefully what I’ve ended up with is a story that will entertain and leave the reader wanting more.


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Embrace Launch Party Guest Posts!

Embrace Launch Party Posts!
Kim Winters, Kat's Eye Journal          
           
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Embrace
a novel by Cherie Colyer

Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve. 

Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him. 

Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own. 

Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover. 

AUTHOR INFO

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Prizes: To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Cherie is giving away an eCopy of EMBRACE and 5-Embrace Hemp Bracelets today. There are three ways to win:

1) Leave a comment here or at any of the Party Posts.
2) Tweet about the Virtual Party or any of the Party Posts with tag #EMBRACEnovels
Example: 
Nothing could have prepared her for what she’s about to discover. #EMBRACEnovels @CherieColyer #YA avail NOW www.cheriecolyer.blogspot.com
Example: 
Celebrate the launch of EMBRACE by @CherieColyer #EMBRACEnovels #paranormal #YA avail NOW http://www.cheriecolyer.blogspot.com/
3) Facebook (tag Cherie Colyer, author) about the Virtual Party.
Example: 
Celebrate the launch of teen paranormal thriller/romance novel EMBRACE by Cherie Colyer, author and enter for a chance to win Embrace prizes! http://www.cheriecolyer.blogspot.com

Do all three and you will have three times the chances to win! Leave a comment at each stop of the tour for a chance to win the Grand Prize.

If you haven’t already, remember to stop back by Cherie’s blog or click here to fill out the form to ensure your entry is counted.

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Posted by Katie Sparks at 9:21 AM 5 comments

Saturday, December 17, 2011

MeeGenius PB Contest in Naperville Newspaper!

Good News!  The Naperville Sun newspaper published an article about my picture book submissions being accepted into this year's MeeGenius New Author Contest!  If you're local, please check out page 33, or click the link below to read the entire story:

Naperville Sun Times Story

Tomorrow is the last day to vote for my picture books in the MeeGenius New Author Contest!  If you haven't voted yet (some are saying they somehow voted twice!), please follow the links below and vote! 

Weed'em and Reap! Story

The Double Trouble Twins Story

Thank you to everyone who supported me in my writing journey thus far to getting published!  It means so much to me to know that I have so many fans rooting me for me and encouraging me to reach my dream. 

Best,
Katie
Posted by Katie Sparks at 4:11 PM 1 comments

Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Power of Social Media

"You're on Twitter? I'd never join that site."

"Facebook is getting out of hand."

These are all common responses I hear when I tell friends and family about my social media activities. So, here's why I have chosen to join the social media craze:

I joined Facebook back in college (when it was originally thefacebook.com) and connected with high school friends and summer camp colleagues.  It was great to continue frienships that may have slipped since we weren't all in the same city together.  What's great about this website is not only the connections you can make but the networking opportunities it provides.  Now you can "Like" a company's webpage and follow all of their updates simply from the News Feed.  This is incredibly interesting information to have access to when only just years ago the only access people had were company websites that may or may not have been updated regularly. (and certianly not with daily updates).  According to Facebook.com, there are more than 800 million (yes MILLION) users and a startling 50% of active users log on each day.  Excitingly enough, I even had the chance to interview Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook, about the early stages of the site for my school newspaper back in college. 

For me, Twitter is different. I use it to connect with my field of interest: publishing.  I thoroughly enjoy spending hours a week scrolling through various updates from the experts on the current state of the publishing market, the pros and cons of the digital revolution and, of course, learning more about the agents and editors and what types of stories they are looking for -- just in case I have one to share with them.  If you're new to the Twitter-sphere, just know it can get overwhelming . Many people tweet everything from drinking coffee in the morning to brushing their teeth at night, while others are more conservative with what they post.  However, you can tailor your Twitter account to however you want it. If one to were to hack into my account, you'd be crazy not to see how up-to-date I am on the publishing industry. I love engaging in Twitter parties, reading about upcoming book tours, and gauging everyone's opinion on the lastest publishing industry announcement.  (Guilty admission: I may follow a favorite celebrity or two ...!)

I think if social media works for you, join!  Some join for the mere act of conversing with current friends and family, connecting with long lost friends from grade school or a plethora of other reasons.  Should you decide to join, feel free to add or follow me!

So what social media tools do you use? What have you found to be successful?
Posted by Katie Sparks at 10:17 AM 1 comments

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Picture Book Contest -- Please Vote!

It seems only fitting that when I received the exciting news that two of my picture books were accepted in the 2011 MeeGenius New Author Contest last week, it was also Picture Book Month!  I am elated to be able to share my passion and my hard work with other avid readers and writers in the online community, but especially to children who read picture books to escape, brighten their day or laugh. 

http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/weedem-and-reap-by-katie-sparks

My twin brother and me -- covered in powder!
Please help me vote for my picture books! The winner will earn the opportunity to see their story come to life online and digitally, as well as receive $1,500 and a publishing contract!  Who wouldn't see that as a dream come true?! 

http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/the-double-trouble-twins-by-katie-sparks

Feel free to share the links with friends, family and co-workers. Thank you for all of your support!
Posted by Katie Sparks at 10:28 PM 0 comments
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