In case you're new to the blog I thought I should mention straight off that I name a lot of my blogs for the song I'm listening to at the moment I post. Mostly because I've used up all my creativity writing the blog and I'm all tapped out. I know, I know, what kind of a writer am I that I run out of clever and witty things to say? Eh, probably not a very good one, but you can be the judge of that. I'll leave a link so y'all know exactly what I'm playing. Here >>Earthquake Weather- Matt Nathanson
It's one week until the release of Tectonic! Holy crap! How exciting is that?! I'm pretty excited, let me tell you. September 15 will be the one year mark for launching Learn to Fly and I'll be preparing the fourth in a series that was never supposed to be a series. If I think about it too much, I'll completely weird myself out.
Next week will begin a whole huge week of giveaways, a blog tour, interviews, and anything else I can throw in to make sure I'm good and overwhelmed. So watch for that. I'll be posting exclusive photos from the shoot I did with +Laura Gibson as photographer and Miles Logan as the model, along with an interview with Miles (who is completely fantastic, by the way and you can like his page here!). A release day party on Facebook filled with guest appearances from brilliant authors like Bria Quinlan, Laura Gibson, Nicole Flockton, and Jennifer Pitkin. Join the event here!
Oh! I also have a "fan group" as it were on Facebook. The Double Blind Study Buddies is a place I post exclusive things. Like release date info, behind the scenes pictures/conversations/issues, and bonus material from the books. Please jump on over and join us!
A lot of you ask about the timeline for the release date for the rest of the DBS series. I created a page on the blog that I'll keep as up-to-date as possible so that you can check there for a list of what I'm working on.
As always, I am thankful for you. Those who read, comment, email me. Every time I hear from one of you it makes my day brighter. Keep rockn' and play your music loud!
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
TEASER #2 for Tectonic (DBS#3)
Here's this weeks teaser! 17 more days!
“How did you know I was here?”
Greta asked, wondering if maybe Shane hadn't totally dicked out and
perhaps sent her a ride home.
Brady backed out of the drive and
turned down the street before answering.
“I saw you leave with Brookings last
night. Got up this morning, you still weren't home, so I followed a
hunch.”
“You drove all the way out here on a
hunch?” Greta asked, incredulous.
“Pretty much. You were hitting it
pretty hard last night. I knew you'd need a rescue.” He glanced
over at her at a stoplight. “Shane bail this morning?”
Greta pressed her fingertips to her
forehead. “Yes.” She knew humiliation should be coloring her
face but it wasn't. She couldn't even be properly embarrassed.
“That sucks.” He turned his
attention back to the road and Greta knew he had more to say. Then
he said it. “You sure about this with him?”
“No.” Greta rolled her eyes at
herself. “He's so hot and cold, it's hard to get a read on him.
One minute, we're besties. The next...” She let her voice trail
off as her hand gestured to Brady who finished the thought.
“He ditches you without cab fare.”
“This is why my mom always told me to
hide a twenty in my bra when I went out. It was a shoe for Miranda,
but since I have a tendency to take my shoes off and leave them
places, she recommended my bra. 'Cause everyone knows that sucker is
staying on.” She leaned her head against the glass of the window,
ignoring Brady's shoulders shaking in silent laughter. “Do I ever
listen? No. The answer is always, no.”
Brady reached over to pat her knee with
a grin. “Buck up, camper. The day has just begun and I'm taking
you for breakfast.”
“Ugh. Food sounds like a very bad
idea.” Greta pressed a hand to her wobbly stomach. Brady ignored
her comment and kept driving.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
TEASER #1 for Tectonic (DBS #3)
Tectonic releases August 28!
Pre-order links:
B&N- http://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/tectonic-heidi-hutchinson/1120034043?ean=2940046073157
iTunes-
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tectonic/id904721792?mt=11...
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/462894
“Shane.” Greta came around the
island so she was standing next to him. He swiveled to face her more
directly. “You can trust me. Really.” Her eyes held no
deception. Not a drop.
“You scare me,” he admitted
seriously. She didn't laugh or even crack a smile. Another slow
blink as she looked at the center of his chest. “You must know how
much you look like her.” He couldn't stop himself from saying it.
That brought her eyes back to his and he marveled at the blue. So
different from Lucy.
“I'm not her. And I have no
intention of trying to be her,” Greta whispered roughly.
Pre-order links:
B&N- http://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/tectonic-heidi-hutchinson/1120034043?ean=2940046073157
iTunes-
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tectonic/id904721792?mt=11...
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/462894
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Cover Reveal for Author Caitie Quinn!!
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Friday, July 4, 2014
How Weight Lifting Changed My Life (and Made Me a Better Writer)
If you've been following me for even a short period of time I'm positive you've heard me talking about working out. It's probably even annoyed you on more than one occasion. In fact, you're probably annoyed with me right now just from the title of this blog.
About a year and half ago, I was 220 pounds, miserable, and in pain. I hated myself, hated how I felt and hated how helpless it all seemed. To make a long story short, I had lots of reasons that I was afraid I was getting ready to die unless something changed. So I signed up for an online coaching program (Scott Colby, Abs Expert; look him up. If you visit his page you'll have access to even more of my before and after photos). Changed my life.
During the 9 week program I did things I had no idea I was capable of doing. Scott not only raised the bar of expectation on me, he had no doubt that I could and would do it. The other women in the group were an invaluable source of encouragement and motivation every single day. Somewhere in the middle of it all, I wrote what you now know as Learn to Fly.
I've never really been proud of myself. I have a secret list of reasons for why I suck. My husband, my sister, some truly awesome friends will tell me that those reasons are stupid and I need to burn the list. They're probably right, but the list in my head remains. At the very top is the fact that I don't finish anything. Ever. I start a project, I get super ambitious, I make all the plans ever. And then I get discouraged, or tired, or, I don't know, bloated; then I give up on the plan. Shortly after that, I give up on life (not literally, this isn't that kind of a blog).
But Scott didn't allow me to give up. Neither did the other ladies in the group.
Here's a small, but important, fact about me. I don't make friends with women easily. I believe myself to be fairly unlikable, awkward, and generally no fun. I didn't want to interact with these people. I wanted to hide in my corner on the internet and sulk all alone. But Scott requires online participation in the group. And I am so glad he does.
I have met the most incredible women. We're scattered throughout the world, from all different ages, walks, and backgrounds. I have never felt more empowered or more seen than I did with these women. I can't imagine not having them in my lives for the rest of forever.
I have never, ever, felt what I did when I finished the 9 weeks. It was hard. And I honestly did the best I can. I learned so much about who I am and what I'm capable of that I actually felt proud of myself.
Not only did I re-write Learn to Fly two more times, I decided to become an indie author. Crazy, right? What the heck was going through my head? Well, mostly that failing isn't the worst thing. Not trying is the worst thing.
I haven't stopped working out. I lift heavy weights regularly (at the moment, I wish it was a bit more often). I sweat, I try, I fail, I try again.
This has transferred into my writing. Not being afraid to fail, and in fact embracing the failure, has made me more capable of succeeding. I can do this. Even if it takes me forever, it doesn't feel impossible. It feels... like winning. Because giving up and not trying is the worst feeling ever and I refuse to go back.
One of my favorite things to tell my writer's group is Squats For Thoughts. I think more clearly, I'm more creative, inspired, and motivated when I'm working out hard. For me, the two will probably always be connected. I doubt I'll be able to do one without the other now.
And with the people I've met and the lessons I've learned on the journey, I wouldn't want it any other way.
About a year and half ago, I was 220 pounds, miserable, and in pain. I hated myself, hated how I felt and hated how helpless it all seemed. To make a long story short, I had lots of reasons that I was afraid I was getting ready to die unless something changed. So I signed up for an online coaching program (Scott Colby, Abs Expert; look him up. If you visit his page you'll have access to even more of my before and after photos). Changed my life.
During the 9 week program I did things I had no idea I was capable of doing. Scott not only raised the bar of expectation on me, he had no doubt that I could and would do it. The other women in the group were an invaluable source of encouragement and motivation every single day. Somewhere in the middle of it all, I wrote what you now know as Learn to Fly.
I've never really been proud of myself. I have a secret list of reasons for why I suck. My husband, my sister, some truly awesome friends will tell me that those reasons are stupid and I need to burn the list. They're probably right, but the list in my head remains. At the very top is the fact that I don't finish anything. Ever. I start a project, I get super ambitious, I make all the plans ever. And then I get discouraged, or tired, or, I don't know, bloated; then I give up on the plan. Shortly after that, I give up on life (not literally, this isn't that kind of a blog).
But Scott didn't allow me to give up. Neither did the other ladies in the group.
Here's a small, but important, fact about me. I don't make friends with women easily. I believe myself to be fairly unlikable, awkward, and generally no fun. I didn't want to interact with these people. I wanted to hide in my corner on the internet and sulk all alone. But Scott requires online participation in the group. And I am so glad he does.
I have met the most incredible women. We're scattered throughout the world, from all different ages, walks, and backgrounds. I have never felt more empowered or more seen than I did with these women. I can't imagine not having them in my lives for the rest of forever.
I have never, ever, felt what I did when I finished the 9 weeks. It was hard. And I honestly did the best I can. I learned so much about who I am and what I'm capable of that I actually felt proud of myself.
Not only did I re-write Learn to Fly two more times, I decided to become an indie author. Crazy, right? What the heck was going through my head? Well, mostly that failing isn't the worst thing. Not trying is the worst thing.
I haven't stopped working out. I lift heavy weights regularly (at the moment, I wish it was a bit more often). I sweat, I try, I fail, I try again.
 |
| actual progress photo of my back I really need to take some new ones. |
This has transferred into my writing. Not being afraid to fail, and in fact embracing the failure, has made me more capable of succeeding. I can do this. Even if it takes me forever, it doesn't feel impossible. It feels... like winning. Because giving up and not trying is the worst feeling ever and I refuse to go back.
One of my favorite things to tell my writer's group is Squats For Thoughts. I think more clearly, I'm more creative, inspired, and motivated when I'm working out hard. For me, the two will probably always be connected. I doubt I'll be able to do one without the other now.
And with the people I've met and the lessons I've learned on the journey, I wouldn't want it any other way.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
The Beauty in Criticism
I'm listening to 311 and a ginormous thunderstorm at the same time. It's beautiful.
I normally avoid 311 at night because it amps me up but I was feeling a need. (If you don't know who 311 is, you need to stop reading this blog right now and listen to their music. This is the current track I'm on: Strong All Along)
Anyway, back to why I sat down to write this blog in the first place.
I'm working on the revisions for book 3 of the DBS series (which has been retitled to Tectonic. You'll understand when you read it.) and I'm still getting notes back from my betas.
I love my betas. All of them. I love that they're not afraid to tell me the truth. They're honest and thorough and I will be forever grateful.
When I was in high school, I had a Theater Coach who spent two weeks teaching us what it meant to "critique" each other. Giving constructive criticism and also receiving it. No one does anything perfect. Ever. It was our assignment to look for things our peers needed to work on and then tell them in a helpful way. We also had to be able to listen when it was our turn to hear feedback. Sometimes it was easy stuff like projection or enunciation. Some things were harder to talk about and way harder to hear. Like, character believability ("I'm sorry, I didn't believe you were alive.")
I feel like those two weeks were some of the most beneficial of my life. Not only do I strive to give the best feedback I can to the couple of authors that I beta, but I appreciate receiving it so much more.
Let's be honest, it's hard to hear that your work is less than ideal. We take it personally, we immediately get defensive and start coming up with excuses, reasons, and justifications for why they, the reader, misread/misunderstood our intentions. Sometimes we attack back. We talk down to their observations, rendering their opinion worthless. Argue our points until they've fallen silent and finally back the hell off of our masterpiece.
But you know what happens when you do that? You get dishonest answers. People are afraid to tell you what they really think because they're afraid of how you'll respond. And there you are, stuck with a mediocre, half-finished piece of crap that no one wants to read because you have a reputation for being "unreceptive."
May I never be called that by my betas.
I need them. Like you wouldn't believe. Do they always tell me things I like to hear? Um, no. When I get the notification that I have a new message from one of my betas, I take a deep breath before I open it. Then I read it four times before responding. Sometimes I have to talk about it out loud with Cap to sort of help me see what they're saying. They never cease to amaze me. Always, always, always seeing things I never saw, receiving things I didn't intend, and showing me the glaringly huge flaws that I have no choice but to fix.
I don't want them to blow smoke up my skirt. That won't help me. That won't help the story. Sure, it feels awesome to have them looooove the story, and tell me how great it is, and that I'm brilliant. Who doesn't want to hear that? But I have to have both sides. The good and the bad.
I'm not a great writer and I know it. But I'm really hoping that if I keep going, if I keep listening, if I stay "receptive," I might just get passed this side of sucking.
Which brings me back to 311. Positivity. Get some. Because your rough draft is not good. Neither is your second draft. If people are willing to tell you that, be thankful. Stay upbeat, stay on course. You have a story in your heart that needs to be told, they're trying to help you tell it so that it comes out as beautifully as you know it's supposed to be.
"Don't be afraid, whatever you got—show,
flaunt your personality let 'em know..."- 311
I normally avoid 311 at night because it amps me up but I was feeling a need. (If you don't know who 311 is, you need to stop reading this blog right now and listen to their music. This is the current track I'm on: Strong All Along)
Anyway, back to why I sat down to write this blog in the first place.
I'm working on the revisions for book 3 of the DBS series (which has been retitled to Tectonic. You'll understand when you read it.) and I'm still getting notes back from my betas.
I love my betas. All of them. I love that they're not afraid to tell me the truth. They're honest and thorough and I will be forever grateful.
When I was in high school, I had a Theater Coach who spent two weeks teaching us what it meant to "critique" each other. Giving constructive criticism and also receiving it. No one does anything perfect. Ever. It was our assignment to look for things our peers needed to work on and then tell them in a helpful way. We also had to be able to listen when it was our turn to hear feedback. Sometimes it was easy stuff like projection or enunciation. Some things were harder to talk about and way harder to hear. Like, character believability ("I'm sorry, I didn't believe you were alive.")
I feel like those two weeks were some of the most beneficial of my life. Not only do I strive to give the best feedback I can to the couple of authors that I beta, but I appreciate receiving it so much more.
Let's be honest, it's hard to hear that your work is less than ideal. We take it personally, we immediately get defensive and start coming up with excuses, reasons, and justifications for why they, the reader, misread/misunderstood our intentions. Sometimes we attack back. We talk down to their observations, rendering their opinion worthless. Argue our points until they've fallen silent and finally back the hell off of our masterpiece.
But you know what happens when you do that? You get dishonest answers. People are afraid to tell you what they really think because they're afraid of how you'll respond. And there you are, stuck with a mediocre, half-finished piece of crap that no one wants to read because you have a reputation for being "unreceptive."
May I never be called that by my betas.
I need them. Like you wouldn't believe. Do they always tell me things I like to hear? Um, no. When I get the notification that I have a new message from one of my betas, I take a deep breath before I open it. Then I read it four times before responding. Sometimes I have to talk about it out loud with Cap to sort of help me see what they're saying. They never cease to amaze me. Always, always, always seeing things I never saw, receiving things I didn't intend, and showing me the glaringly huge flaws that I have no choice but to fix.
I don't want them to blow smoke up my skirt. That won't help me. That won't help the story. Sure, it feels awesome to have them looooove the story, and tell me how great it is, and that I'm brilliant. Who doesn't want to hear that? But I have to have both sides. The good and the bad.
I'm not a great writer and I know it. But I'm really hoping that if I keep going, if I keep listening, if I stay "receptive," I might just get passed this side of sucking.
Which brings me back to 311. Positivity. Get some. Because your rough draft is not good. Neither is your second draft. If people are willing to tell you that, be thankful. Stay upbeat, stay on course. You have a story in your heart that needs to be told, they're trying to help you tell it so that it comes out as beautifully as you know it's supposed to be.
"Don't be afraid, whatever you got—show,
flaunt your personality let 'em know..."- 311
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Midnight Diatribe: Taste the Bitter
I'm not sure I'm an idiot.
I mean, I know that obviously there are a few people who assume I am.
But I think they might be wrong.
Maybe.
I also don't think I'm the smartest person in the room. In any room ever. If I am in a room with only myself and my sister's cat, I'd bet that the cat is smarter than I am.
I have a high school education and I like to read a lot. If I want to know more about something, I learn about it. Researching is still cool, right? I have more than a few years experience in a pizza restaurant, telling teenagers (and the occasional person older than me) what to do. None of this leads me to believe that I'm going to go down in history as a great thinker.
But guess what? Still doesn't make me an idiot.
In fact, I have this theory that if we treated those around us with the kind of respect that suggest we assume they're intelligent and of worth, they would rise to the occasion. I don't see anything wrong with assuming the group or individual I am speaking to, not only understands me, but probably has something to offer to the conversation. Something I haven't thought of yet. Something new I can learn.
So I really, really hate it when people treat me like less then they are. Not my sister's cat. I've come to expect that from Kitty, we have an understanding. I don't enter her personal space and she lets me live.
Every time I get ignored and made to feel less than I am, I try to learn from it. I try to make sure I take the next person who comes at me seriously. I don't ignore them. I would hate to make someone else feel like they were less than they are.
People are important. They should be treated that way.
I mean, I know that obviously there are a few people who assume I am.
But I think they might be wrong.
Maybe.
I also don't think I'm the smartest person in the room. In any room ever. If I am in a room with only myself and my sister's cat, I'd bet that the cat is smarter than I am.
 |
| This is Kitty. She is regal |
I have a high school education and I like to read a lot. If I want to know more about something, I learn about it. Researching is still cool, right? I have more than a few years experience in a pizza restaurant, telling teenagers (and the occasional person older than me) what to do. None of this leads me to believe that I'm going to go down in history as a great thinker.
 |
| This is me. I am not regal. |
But guess what? Still doesn't make me an idiot.
In fact, I have this theory that if we treated those around us with the kind of respect that suggest we assume they're intelligent and of worth, they would rise to the occasion. I don't see anything wrong with assuming the group or individual I am speaking to, not only understands me, but probably has something to offer to the conversation. Something I haven't thought of yet. Something new I can learn.
So I really, really hate it when people treat me like less then they are. Not my sister's cat. I've come to expect that from Kitty, we have an understanding. I don't enter her personal space and she lets me live.
Every time I get ignored and made to feel less than I am, I try to learn from it. I try to make sure I take the next person who comes at me seriously. I don't ignore them. I would hate to make someone else feel like they were less than they are.
People are important. They should be treated that way.
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