writing-in-third-person blues

To preface, I just wanna say I love reading both 1st and 3rd point of views equally, if it's done well. As I reader, I don't discriminate. This post, however, is dedicated to all my fellow authors/ writers/ storytellers who may have had trouble writing in 3rd person.

Showing more than one POV was extremely important to me when I decided to write my Keeper series—and I don't regret it one bit. It wouldn't be the same if it were written solely within Kennedy's head, at least I think so ;) The problem is that writing in 3rd is extremely unnatural for me, sometimes leading to screaming, raging temper tantrums where I feel like pulling my hair out!!!

Venting officially over.

Let's get to what this is really about: Methods that HELP 

I've discovered a few tricks that work for me, and I'd like to talk about them because a.) I love to list things and b.) These few simple tricks have helped shape my stories, making me a better writer because of it. Now what works for one won't for everyone, but my hope is that by sharing my experience, other aspiring writers won't have to go through the same frustrating challenges I faced (because I'm awesome that way). 

1.  Envision The Emotions Attached to Your Scene. 

• Before you ever write a single word, decide whose head you're in. Make it fun, like you're holding a contest and you're characters are the contestants. Choose your winner based on who gives off the loudest, rawest emotions. Their prize: They control the scene. 

2. Choose Your Words Carefully. 

• Even within the inner monologue, people don't sound alike. Sentences, dialogue and phrases should all be structured differently based on the character. Keep a journal or side document of the styles you use for each character. 

3. Write Your Scene

• And then write it again. Unless you feel like you nailed it with little angel wings all aflutter inside your heart, write it again. This time, from someone else’s perspective. Then compare the two POVs. Which one shows the information you want to show? Which character do you relate to better?—>This is a big one. Readers will lose interest if they can’t relate in some way. One way I know a scene was done well is if I find myself holding my breath. If you’re feeling the emotions right along with the character, chances are, you’re readers will too.

*Mini-tip*

Sometimes writing in first person 

and then rewriting in third helps 

with getting inside your character's head.

For those of you that write, I hope this helps! 

Quote of the day: “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”–Vince Lombardi

Teaser for TK2

Hi Friends! 

I decided to surprise you all with a teaser for TK2. Horrible abbreviation--I know. But if you've read my blog in the past, you know how I am with titles. (I'm currently debating between two different ones I like and as usual I'm being extremely indecisive.) 

I don't have a release date yet to give you guys yet. I'm still in the process of finishing it. But I'm hoping to release the final version sometime in May. Please excuse any errors. This excerpt hasn't seen an editor yet. Hope you enjoy :)

Kennedy's body froze in its crouched position, unable to move a muscle. Seriously, what kind of keeper was she, if she couldn’t manage a simple eavesdropping without getting busted?

To add to her mortification, Phoenix opened the door, looked around, and then down. His wide-eyed gaze roamed over her, and not in the well lookie what we have here sort of way. It was more of the No way am I seeing this sort of way.

Kennedy squeezed her eyes shut, praying that this wasn’t happening, that she’d never been caught and Phoenix wasn’t standing there staring at her in shock.

For a second it was so quiet, she thought maybe it was all her imagination, and maybe she wasn’t a complete idiot. They never caught her because she never spied on them in the first place. No one could be so stupid. Or so lame.

She opened her eyes. Dammit if he wasn’t still there, leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded loosely over his chest. He stared at her curiously, probably making a mental list of about a million different ways he could incinerate her. Knowing him, there was a handy lighter in his pocket, too, just itching to make an appearance.

Never mind. She was a complete idiot.

Before he had the chance to figure out whether or not to burn her to death, she casually stood up and brushed herself off. Keeping her head held high was difficult when all she wanted to do was look at the floor in shame. Meeting Phoenix’s gaze was out of the question. She could only imagine him piercing her with those pitch black eyes, and it would undoubtedly be her breaking point.

Walking straight into the office might have avoided more embarrassment, but he blocked her entrance. He wasn’t letting her get away so easily.

 “I think the professor wants to see me.” She forced each word out, and still it sounded no higher than a squeaky whisper.

He leaned towards her, pausing by her ear. “I should be angry with you.” Scents of warm things, like burning cedar and sunshine, took over her senses. His hushed voice sent tingles soaring across her neck. It was insane that even now she could be so attracted to him when that was probably the last thing on his mind. “You knew this meeting was private.”

He had mentioned that. Which was so stupid of him, really, because it only made her want know why it was private.

His words, however, implied he wasn’t angry, and they gave her the courage to finally look him in the eye. “You’re not mad?”

“No.”

“Why not?” She couldn’t have stuck her foot farther in her mouth. Why, oh why, couldn’t she have dropped it at no?

Oh yeah. Because she was a complete idiot.

“I’m leaving in the morning, and I don’t have time to be angry with you, not when all I want to do is spend the rest of today kissing every curve of this incredible mouth.” He held a finger to her lips, and her heart leaped against her chest.

Hmm. She was sorta happy she hadn’t dropped it now.

And then his words rammed into her like a bowling ball to the chest. “Wait, you're leaving tomorrow?”

He looked up at the ceiling and then back at her, and she could see that he didn’t want to tell her this. 

Totally Unrelated News...

Hey Friends!

So today's post is going to be part of the "randomness" listed in the blurb above. This has nothing to do with anything really--I was just excited about it and wanted to share.

Sooooo...I recently came across an image of a fruit baby on pintrest. It was adorable, and my brother's baby shower was coming up so I knew I had to recreate this thing. Now I'm not usually the arts and crafty type (apart from writing) but lately I've been feeling like a budding Martha Stewart. That sounds nice and all, but it's not a good thing. Half my projects turn to crap. This one may be an exception though. I'm pretty proud. It turned out cute, right?------>

For those of you wondering, the head was the hardest part. I think in the pintrest version, they use a whole cantaloupe. But I ended up slicing it in half because I found that worked better for me.



Quote of the day:

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."
- Albert Einstein

New Giveaway!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Twelfth Keeper

by Belle Malory

Giveaway ends April 25, 2013.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

The Twelfth Keeper Release!

Hi Friends!

The Twelfth Keeper has been released! And a few days early, because I just did NOT want to wait any longer. I hope you all enjoy the book! And as a sorta celabratory surprise--I'm posting a teaser below...


Available on Amazon HERE!
(Print version available soon)









Teaser from The Twelfth Keeper:

Kennedy dazedly made her way through the narrow hallway. She was so distracted and wrapped up in her own head she didn’t notice that someone was coming from the opposite direction.

Phoenix was a few feet ahead. Black eyes met hers as they closed in on each other. Her pace slowed involuntarily, invisible shackles tied to her feet. It was like this every time he was near; her whole body shut down in his presence. What was it about him that was so…alluring?

She stopped, waiting for Phoenix to make his way around her. Except he didn’t. He stopped directly in front of her.

Kennedy politely stepped aside, giving him plenty of room to go around. Head lowered, she waited with her back against the wall. He would disappear soon and she would be able to breathe again.

His feet moved. But his legs only turned, repositioning. She looked up to see he was right there facing her.

Again.

Only a breath away.

Kennedy couldn’t bring herself to look away. The sharp lines of his face, softened by full, perfectly sculpted lips, so uniquely handsome. The way his straight nose suggested superiority, yet was offset by hints of dimples at the corners of his mouth. If he were to smile, it would be devastating.

Wait. Why was he just standing there—staring?

His eyes roamed over her as if he had every right to look. Granted, she was doing the same thing, but only because he wasn’t moving. And the way he was looking at her—Kennedy felt like she was being devoured.

Why wasn’t he leaving?

She wanted to ask him, but the words were lodged in her throat. She supposed she could walk away, squeeze through the small space between them and hightail it down the hall.

But she didn’t move. Couldn’t move was more like it.

A wavy tendril of hair had fallen across her forehead. Phoenix reached for the strand, pulling his hand back at first, like he was afraid to touch her. A moment passed, and he reached for it again, tucking it behind her ear.

Kennedy held her breath.

His warm fingertips lingered there, on the side of her face, slowly brushing over her cheek. Roaming down the curve of her neck.

Her heart hammered against her chest. Pounding to get out. Breathing was difficult. Very difficult.

Being this close to Phoenix terrified her. His touch sent tingles down her spine, paralyzing her with fear. Yet, at the same time...it thrilled her.

She closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the wall. Trying to will the air back into her lungs.

She should walk away.

Nothing about this situation was making any sense. Normal people didn’t fawn over complete strangers in empty hallways. Phoenix Jorgensen wasn’t exactly a normal person, but still.

Even with her eyes closed Kennedy felt him coming closer. His warm breath next to her ear, sending a wave of shivers through her body. He hovered, right beside her face, their lips were almost touching.

If he would come just a tiny bit closer, maybe it could be as intoxicating as her dream.

Kennedy swayed forward, then abruptly opened her eyes.

Nothing but air. 

Excerpt from Twelfth Keeper

Hello Friends!

Hope your holidays were amazing. This year my wonderful fiancé gave me a kindle fire, which I've been wanting since it came out. It's my new best friend and I <3 it. Seriously, I bet he's regretting giving it to me since I spend so much time on the thing. Lol.

Anyway, I have an EXCERPT for you guys!!! I'm so excited to share it, and you can find above or by clicking HERE. I also made up a fancy youtube playlist to go with it. Hope you enjoy!

The Twelfth Keeper will be released January 26, 2013!!!

Quote of the day:

"I have found that if you love life, life will love you back" 
- Arthur Rubinstein