The Golden Vanguard

Tags

Chelsea Lemire, entertainment, life, living the dream, Matt Gannon, news, psychology, The Golden Vanguard, weekly column, Writing

Allow me to tell you a little story…

Over a year ago I started adding authors on Facebook. Somehow or another I added a man by the name of Matt Gannon. He had a group on Facebook, one I joined readily and enjoyed meeting new authors. Out of this group I’ve met several people whom I refer to as my ‘online’ family. They are there to encourage me and support me through this crazy little dream I’m chasing.

Matt took a step away from Facebook awhile back and sadly, I lost contact with him. Having no other means to contact him, I simply let it go.

Imagine my surprise when I awoke one morning a few weeks ago, to a comment here on one of my blogs from Matt. He told me about a site that him and his girlfriend Chelsea Lemire had started and asked if I wanted to write for it.

Um… HELL YEA!

So this is yet another step in the direction of doing what I love…

Check it out if you are so inclined…

The Golden Vanguard

The Devil’s Apprentice – The Soundtrack

Tags

Music, Playlists, Soundtracks, Writing

So I have decided to make a soundtrack. I didn’t do this for the first book but I may go back and touch on it at a later date. For now I’m focused on the second novel, The Devil’s Apprentice, so that is what I’ll be making the soundtrack for. Included are the links to the videos on YouTube, just click the song titles!

Innocence by Halestorm (Devrynne’s Theme)

This story is very much centered around Devrynne having a new, shiny toy to play with and the chaos that corrupts her life because of that toy. The lyrics alone scream of Devrynne:

I’ve been here too many times before, and your tears don’t mean a thing, I only come when you scream… I told you child don’t follow me home, you’re just too perfect for my hands to hold… If you choose to stay you’ll throw it all away and I just want to take your Innocence.

You Stupid Girl by Framing Hanley (Liam’s Theme)

If Innocence is Devrynne’s theme, then this song is Liam’s. If you read the previous blog, and once you read the book, you may understand why I can totally see Alex Pettyfer, perhaps drunk off his ass in some shit-hole bar, jamming to this song.

Pain by Three Days Grace (Sebastian’s Theme)

We all know Sebastian, but I’m not sure everyone understands him. No worries my faithful readers, you aren’t supposed to just yet. *grins* But for some much asked for insight, this song fits him to a tee.

Almost Told You I Love You by Papa Roach (Luc’s Theme)

Since I started off doing themes for this list, when I got to Luc’s theme, I got stuck. The only song that came to mind was Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO. While I can totally see Raoul Bova in my head, smoking a cigarette, looking like a total cocky ass to that song, I think this one fits better.

Black Betty by Spiderbait (Ava’s Theme)

For those of you that have asked, and I’ve been rather hush on the details, Ava is very much related to my best friend Rayva. While I don’t have Ava’s story completely laid out in my head, and there is still a lot about her that I learn as I write these books, Black Betty will forever be the song I associate most with Rayva, so therefore it was only fitting that I set it as Ava’s theme.

Those are the main character’s themes, these next ones are just songs that I think tie very heavily with the book and this story in particular. Certain songs, like song 6, are songs that would be background music for the scenes as they play out, at least they are in my head.

Requiem For a Dream

There are so many versions of this song, I prefer the one above, the more orchestra-sounding over the techno/trance mixes I’ve heard. I chose this because every story needs that song that is filler music, so to speak. The song that play when something dramatic is happening, a story arc of some sort, etc. This song would be it.

Rev 22:20 by Puscifer

Let’s be honest here for a minute, no vampire story would be complete without this song. Especially when your main vampire is a female. This song makes me think of Devrynne almost every time I hear it. I can picture her walking down a long marble staircase, death written on her lips.

Curly Sue by Takida

I love, love, LOVE this song. I think there are so many character connections that relate to this song, mainly I would pick it for Devrynne and Liam’s song. Don’t say it, I know my hopeless romantic side is showing. *winks*

Seven Devils by Florence + The Machine

This song I feel, is so fitting for so much of Devrynne’s story, especially in this book. I would love to tell you all why, but don’t want to spoil it for you.

This Is War by 30 Seconds to Mars

Without getting into details, this song not only encompasses several key parts of the book, but would also be the underlying theme for the ending, leading way into the finale with book 3, The Devil’s Downfall. (FYI – this video selected for this is specifically for my older sister <3)

Well there you have it, my soundtrack for the book. If you think I’m missing something more fitting, please let me know, I would love to hear what the readers think!

Casting Call : The Devil’s Apprentice

Tags

Actors, Casting, The Devil's Angel, The Devil's Apprentice, Writing

Once again the time is upon me…

As I get ready to publish my second novel, The Devil’s Apprentice, it’s about time for a cast list. Now this is an idea that I did for the first one, and had a lot of fun doing it so we’re going to try again.

Just to give you some insight, when I started writing the Devrynne Kaine series, the only definite in my head was who would be the face for Devrynne and Luc. The players have changed slightly since I started writing, and now I just write a story, and then after the writing is done, I see who most closely resembles what I have written.

We will start with the return characters from the first novel, The Devil’s Angel, and then I’ll introduce the newbies!

Devrynne Kaine

Devrynne has always been Kate Winslet when I write her. Think of the red hair from her Titanic days, and she fits very well into the role. There was a photo of her that kind of started the whole character to begin with.

Lucifer/Luc

When I see Luc, this is the image I see. Granted in the books, I’ve written him in multiple forms, but when he is typically appearing to Devrynne, this is the form he would be in.

Ava Accalia

Ava will always be Jessica Alba. I’ve tried to picture someone else as her and it never works! She is spunky and beautiful, yet can be timid and shy.

Sebastian Monroe

The character Sebastian started off as a mix of people, all related to my best friend Dean. Dean, just so you know, is actually co-writing the third book in this series, The Devil’s Downfall. Anyway, when the main character that comprises Sebastian’s personality was written, his face was more Jensen Ackles than anyone. However, when I decided to write the stories into books, Colin Farrell quickly won out.

And those are the main returning characters, here are the newbies.

Nicholas Caelum

When I started writing Nic’s part, who I originally had in mind was Johnny Depp. As his character progressed, I realized that I see him younger, and more unassuming, not as tortured as Depp looks to me. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was actually mentioned by my younger sis, and once she brought him up I couldn’t believe how well he fit.

Timaeus

Timaeus was in the first book, in bits. He has a much bigger role in this one and you will learn more about his heritage, his history with Greek gods, and let’s face it, Cam Gigandet is stunning. I have been chastised for this choice by someone who has read both books. I was told this character isn’t allowed to be hot because of his role in both books so far. Sorry!

Xavier Dorne

Xavier Dorne is Timaeus’ maker. As, I said you learn a lot about Timaeus in this book, as well as his maker and handler. And you thought Timaeus was a baddie all by himself, without any influence? *grins*

Conrad Gauthier

Look out folks, there’s a new badass in town! Luc kind of stole the spotlight in the first book… it was to be expected. Now he’s got some competition. Conrad is a character that was not in the original outline of the book. Had a conversation with two friends of mine, both of which asked to be in the book. Donovon had a lot of influence on character because of the way he writes, and Darnell picked out some personality things, and asked to be the villain, and now I can’t imagine the book without this very important character in it. He has been one of my favorite additions to write so far.

And last but not least, our main girl cannot have a story without a guy spinning her world upside down… those of you who have read the first book, already know who I’m about to introduce…

Liam Taylor

Liam is the adopted nephew of Sebastian, shows up in Devrynne’s life to make it a living hell pretty much. He is antagonistic and someone she can’t seem to shake. This character started off as Ben Mckenzie but the more he changed and I started to develop him for the books, he became Alex Pettyfer.

So there you have it, the main players for this book, or who I see anyway.

Those of you who have read the first, The Devil’s Angel, do the returning characters fit with what you had pictured?

Reachable Goals, Unattainable Dreams

Tags

dreams, goals, movie trailers, movies, Writing

The hardest part for me as a writer has been to distinguish between these two very real factors.

I know what they say, no dream is unattainable… okay then, what about unrealistic?

I have preached from my blog, from Twitter, and to anyone who will listen is that you should make sure you’re in this business for the right reasons. I write because it is truly what I love. To tell a story, to have those moments when someone has read something I’ve written and then they have that shock and awe moment in a scene… I LOVE THAT!

Do I write with the promise of a 6-figure book deal, movie people buying my stories, to be the next JK Rowling? No. I write without any of that because I’m a realist. I have no limitations because I write for me.

Now that is not saying that I don’t have the same dreams every writer has. I’m not some hypocrite that is going to sit here and tell you that oh no I will never sell my books. *coughs*BS*coughs*

I would gladly sign with a publisher, sign over the rights for a movie etc., for the right amount, the right feeling about it. I would like to think that I’m a bit solid on the movie thing because if they casted Kristen Stewart or Christina Ricci in the movie of my main stories, I think I would gag. I would like to think no amount of money would keep me from backing down on that big belief of mine. But I’m not so naïve to say I would have the spine if it was the right price.

That being said I haven’t really queried any agents/publishers.

You can say what you want, it isn’t out of fear of rejection. It is fear of selling the rights to a story that isn’t completed yet. The Devrynne Kaine series is 3 books at least. There could be two or three side books for other characters within the books, but the main story is three books. I want to tell it how  I want it told without someone telling me that it has to be changed and make the story something I don’t want it.

So for now, I am content to finish it. If the contracts and deals roll in after, great. If not, I’m still okay with that.

That isn’t saying I don’t think of it… even as far as hearing a song that I would think would be great for a movie trailer *grins*

 

Wow Mom Was Right…

Tags

Advice, Learning, Mom, Moms, Mothers, Opinion, Practice, Writing

 

As a woman, I can tell you, the last thing we want to hear is that our mother (parents in general) is right about anything they have ever told us. I listened to my parents for years tell me that I would understand when I had kids. Well I have two daughters, and yes as sad as it is, I get it.

I’m realizing now, same thing over my writing.

I remember being 10 years old, frustrated as I sat in the living room removing stitches from a cross-stitch project I’d decided to do that I’d messed up. My mother, calm woman that she was most of the time, very simply told me… “Practice Makes Perfect”

It was more than likely a phrase her mom or grandmother had told her and now she was saying it to me. It was the first time I’d attempted anything like this, it was a piece I was doing for summer camp because I was tired of the stupid girls at my camp getting 1^st place prizes for gluing together two popsicle sticks and calling it art. I was going to win that summer and that was all there was to it.

My mother had picked out the piece I was working on, some bible verse with apples and stuff on it. It wasn’t overly detailed but never having read a cross-stitch pattern made it like Greek to me. I finished it but not without some bloodshed and tears. Won the 1st place plaque and ribbon too!

Now as an adult, I realize I tell my daughters on a regular basis to practice things. I’ve heard numerous agents, publishers, editors and authors all say that practice is the key to successful stories. I of course, being the bull-headed Leo that I am, turned my nose up at this notion.

Well as I push through the writing of the 1^st draft of my third novel, I can tell you, with much bittersweet joy, that by the third time around of writing a book, I’m getting better at it.

Now this could very well be in my head, but for this blog’s sake, I will say nope, that practice has worked. I may not be up to perfect yet, but damnit, I’m still getting there. It is becoming easier to piece together a story, to read a line or even a chapter and instead of just thinking it is terrible or great, actually knowing that it is… and even better, knowing how to make it great if it isn’t.

So here’s a toast to more practice… and to at some point (hopefully) achieving perfection.

Out With The Old… In With The New…

Tags

2012, New Things, New Year

So we are about 45 minutes away from it being 2012 here, and I’m suddenly reflecting on what 2011 has meant to me, what I’ve learned, dealt with and overcome.

It has been a crazy year of ups and downs, both personally and professionally. I finished my second novel but made the realization that I wish I would have been a bit more patient with releasing the first. These are things that I was warned about, but like most things in my life, I have a problem with authority and people giving me advice. I’ve learned and have even pushed back the release of the second novel because of it.

After 3 and a half long years of busting myself for my job, I was finally given a permanent full-time spot. A month later I was offered a position on a new team and it has been the best move I’ve made professionally. 

I’ve learned that people enter your life for a reason or a season and no, it’s not just some silly saying. Those people that you used to think mattered, may not always matter to you and it’s okay to let them go.

I’ve learned that there are also people in your life that you would rather die than ever leave behind, it is okay to be totally selfish about them as well.

So here is to new things and new discoveries… 2011 kicked my ass at times, but 2012 is promising to be better than the last.

Christmas Promotion!

Tags

Amazon, books, charities, Christmas, Ian Somerhalder, IS Foundation, Joseph Morgan, Positive Women, Promotion, The Vampire Diaries, TVD

Want to read about vampires while helping out your favorite TV Vampire’s charities?

Those of you that know anything about me know that I have a very strong appreciation for the television show The Vampire Diaries on CW. If you are a fan of the show, you know what strong personalities Ian Somerhalder and Joseph Morgan play. What you may not know is that they are both involved in a charity that is very near and dear to their hearts.

Ian Somerhalder who plays Damon Salvatore, started a group called IS Foundation to help educate and work with people for projects that positively impact the planet. You can read more about his foundation here.

Joseph Morgan who plays Niklaus or Klaus depending on which one you like best, has become involved in a group called Positive Women. They are working with communities in Swaziland to develop and meet the needs of the poorest communities who are struggling with poverty in a way most of us can never even imagine. Read more about them here.

So if you would like to help out your favorite TV vamps, here’s one way you can. Below are the links for the different ways you can order your copy of my debut novel, The Devil’s Angel. Click the link and order a copy either in print or electronically for use on your e-reader (Nook, Kindle, etc.) at any time from December 1^st until December 31^st and I will donate half of the royalties to Ian and Joseph’s charities!!!

You can Purchase The Devil’s Angel from the following websites:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Tantrums and Setbacks

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Authors, books, Facebook, Fiction, ranting, tantrums, Twitter, writer, Writing

Okay so I haven’t been writing blogs, I haven’t been tweeting from my author page, and I haven’t been posting a lot from my facebook page either. There are reasons and excuses for all of it, but none of them really add up to much more than a good ol’ fashioned temper tantrum. A tantrum that leads off from a personal standpoint that very few things are going how I want right now.

What I’m realizing is that all my personal stuff is flowing into my writing, and I don’t like that. I’ve recently finished the first draft of the second book I’ve written, and while I should be excited over that, I’m not because I know the task of editing ahead of me, and I also am not ready to purchase the cover art yet.

There is also that epic moment that I feel should have happened when I finished book 2 that I had when I finished book 1 and I didn’t have it. You know what I’m talking about, that moment where you burst into tears at your accomplishment, realizing that you’ve done the impossible… No, just me then? Okay moving on… *awkward*

HAHA!

Anywho… I have watched fan pages, added them, shared them, promoted them, all for other authors… some of the authors I know, some I don’t. The ones I don’t I promote simply because I know what it’s like to want to get your name out there, that giddiness you feel over seeing your page likes go up… I know what it’s like to struggle to get noticed.

However, do I need to tweet every single day, shove it down everyone’s throat that my book is available for sale, that I’m looking for beta readers for the second, and that I think I’m the total hot shit right now? I get very annoyed with the practice of what I feel is being ignored. Sure I get added to a lot of #FF or #WW on Twitter… I have over 600 followers there… of which I talk to maybe 4 of them. Is this my fault? Is it theirs? I’m not exactly sure, but I feel like Twitter is a numbers game. I’m a number, not an author. I’m a follower, not a writer. It’s why I’ve started re-thinking the way I do things. I thought at the beginning of publishing that I should have two separate Twitter feeds… one as an author and one for my fangirl craziness with my sisters. Now I’m realizing that my author feed is boring… it’s all business and it’s not really me at all. I feel that my author handle is a shady car salesman in contrast to the real me. It is exactly why I’m not in sales, because I’m not pushy, I’m a push over. End of story. *grins*

So I guess that would be my question to you… what do you feel it takes to get noticed, to get people to respond to you on Twitter/Facebook etc?

The Devil’s Apprentice

Tags

cover design, Demons, Fiction, Horror, Marcus Ranum, New release, Novel, Regina Wamba, The Devil's Angel, Vampires, Writing

“Lucifer has failed to keep his subjects fearful of him, mainly because he has fallen to the whim of a woman.” –Conrad Gauthier

It has only been a year since vampire Devrynne Kaine was released from her imprisonment by the Order of Ancients for crimes against her sire, and she has been very careful to stay off of their radar. She has been following Lucifer’s commands to the letter and has been content in getting back to her life in Vegas as owner of a casino.  But now Liam Taylor, a distant relative of a childhood friend shows up on her doorstep claiming loyalty and undying devotion to only her.

Things are never as they seem…

Devrynne may be naïve about a lot of things, but even she has her paranoid moments and she doesn’t trust that Liam is being completely honest with her. She realizes the irony as she is ordered to train Liam, to break and mold him into something Lucifer can use, having been broken by her maker when she was first sired, but now she has set in motion an ancient prophecy that could bring on the end of Lucifer’s reign in Hell.

The teacher becomes the student…

Now Devrynne is thrown into a world of unknown, having to deal with situations that she thought were unattainable to her. Forced to choose between old friends and new allies, the faithful assistant Nicholas and first-born vampire Conrad Gauthier, the best friend Sebastian or the new fledgling Liam, someone is lying to her and playing a dangerous game with her life. No longer sure of who she can count on and who is setting her up for the biggest fall of her life, she must decide whether or not she can trust…

The Devil’s Apprentice

*** Picture is provided by Marcus Ranum www.ranum.com ***

*** Cover design by Regina Wamba www.maeidesign.com ***

 

Can You Really Plagiarize Yourself?!

Tags

comedy, friday funnies, irony, plagiarism, Writing

I am sharing this because I find it is quite comedic.

I use a website that gives a free analysis of my writing. Is it like having a professional editor? No, not really. But it does allow me to catch some key grammar errors that applications like Word seem to miss in their “spellchecks”. It helps build a vocabulary and tells me which phases are too cliché to be using in whichever type of document I’ve selected it to analyze.

The neatest feature of this though is a plagiarism detector which I have been thrilled with so far. It grades on a percentage and the lower your percentage is the more likely it is that you’ve plagiarized. It will even reference links to websites where they feel you’ve done this plagiarism from.

The irony of this is that I was proofing a synopsis of my second novel it returned a 92% authentic but only because it detected plagiarism and then it quickly showed the site where it felt I’d plagiarized from…

 

The site just so happens to be my old blog site that no longer lets me post things to it. So in essence I’ve plagiarized myself… is that even possible? =)