Why I Wrote About Bullying by Tahlia Newland

On the blog today I have a Guest Post by Tahlia Newland author of You Can’t Shatter Me, a new young adult novella with an inspiring and empowering message for solving bullying. I figured after yesterday's discussion on bullying it would be see the alternatives to how authors deal with bullying.

Tahlia writes magical realism and contemporary fantasy for young adults & adults, and in her post today, she explains why she wrote on a bullying theme.


I didn’t start out to write about bullying specifically, but I did want to write something that used analogies to show ways to deal with emotions and issues in a teenager’s life. As well as having a teenage daughter, I’m a casual (substitute) teacher in a local high school and I see the kinds of emotional stuff that kids have to deal with on a day to day basis.

Often they have no skills to help them negotiate their minefield of emotions, and they suffer a lot more than they need to. All they need are a few tricks to help them see things in perspective and their issues become a lot easier to handle. I’ve used the analogies in the book (eg seeing your life as a movie) very successfully with teens, so I wanted to share them with a wider number of people.

Initially, I planned to write a series of short stories about the same people, but as soon as I took my main character into a school setting, a bully appeared and shoved a fat boy against the wall.

Carly, the female lead, decided she had to do something to stop it, but when she stepped in, the bully turned on her. He kept coming back in the following stories and so bullying became the thread that eventually turned the stories into a novella.

I guess the theme came out because I’m very aware that it’s one of the main issues that kids face today. It affects everyone, either as the one doing the bullying, the one being bullied or as a bystander. I can’t stand seeing people being cruel to others, so if there is anything I can do to stop it, I will. I hope this book will encourage bystanders to do their best to stop bullying whenever they see it and also to give both victims and bullies a way to handle the situation in a positive way.

The book follows Carly and her boyfriend’s struggle to deal with a bully, and her triumph shows not only kids but also adults a way that they too can triumph in a similar situation.

Although it’s fiction with a magical touch, it offers real solutions to a real problem. It’s the emotional intelligence approach to life—Emotional Intelligence was a term first used by Daniel Goldman in his book of the same name—and I wanted to write a story that showed people actually using this approach because it makes for happier, healthier and emotionally intelligent people.

These ideas are not only for teens; they’re for everyone, because even adults have to deal with bullies, maybe a boss, a spouse, a coach and so on. I wrote about it because it’s something that impacts negatively on a lot of lives and people are looking for solutions.






Title: You Can’t Shatter Me
Author: Tahlia Newland
Publisher: Catapult Press, June 2012
Genre: Young adult magical realism


Synopsis
Sixteen year old Carly wants to write her own life and cast herself as a superhero, but the story gets out of control when she stands up to a bully and he turns on her. His increasing harassment forces her to deal with flying hooks, giant thistles, deadly dragons and a suffocating closet. Dylan, a karate-trained nerd who supports her stand against the bully, turns out to be a secret admirer, and while he struggles to control his inner caveman, Carly searches for her own way to stop the bully.  An old hippie shows her an inner magic that’s supposed to make her invincible, but will Carly learn to use it before Dylan risks all in a violent confrontation?

This heart-warming story will inspire and empower teens and adults alike. As well as providing real solutions for the bullying issue, the unique magical realism style provides an exciting and unusual fantasy element.

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Author Bio
Tahlia is an avid reader, an extremely casual high school teacher, an occasional mask-maker and has studied philosophy & meditation for many years. After scripting and performing in Visual Theatre shows for 20 years, she is now a bone-fide expatriate of the performing arts. She lives in an Australian rainforest, is married with a teenage daughter and loves cats, but she doesn’t have one because they eat native birds.

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When an Orgy is Absolutely Recommended! Sex Giveaway!

MeShack Takeover!

Don't forget to enter the Sex Giveaway at the end of the post!!



For those of you poor ladies out there who don’t know who I am:

• Hello, I am the Were-cheetah of your dreams.
• God of Sensuality!
• Reaper of Multiple Orgasms!
• Stimulator of feminine flesh and other soft things needing stimulating!
• Many also know me as the lead singer of Mahogany Groove!
• While others remember me from the books Fire Baptized and Caged View (my author made me say that).

Trey Songs TRYING to be MeShack!

But none of that really matters, because at the end of the night when I spread your soft thighs, venturing down to taunt and tease your treasures. . .you will all call me god. . .like all of the others before you.

And I will. . .

*MeShack stops talking.

Sorry. I’m back.

The fantasy floozies were wielding knives and baring their teeth at me. Apparently, I went too far off topic.

*MeShack clears his throat.

So today I am here to talk about when Orgies are absolutely recommended.

Why do I capitalize Orgy?

Well I’ve been involved in many so I can argue that a Big O is definitely required.

*MeShack laughs to himself!

I’ll be here all night ladies!

Okay, seriously.

In my supernatural caged city called Santeria, many Shapeshifters live there. I’m talking Were-dogs, Were-wolves, Were-tigers, Were-lions, etc. . .even and I hate to admit this. . . even Were-rats.

Although Humans like to lump all of the Shapeshifters together in one species group, we are very different creatures. In my unbiased opinion, Were-dogs and Were-wolves are mangy little creatures that should be shot.

While any Shapeshifter from the Were-cat family is Totally Awesome!

However, I can’t deny that all Shapeshifters have one thing in common, SEASON!

Ace definetly knew about the Season!

Season is like a second puberty phase for Shapeshifters.

Poor guy understands the Season!

It‘s when the beasts inside of us begin their puberty, causing hormones to bounce inside of our human forms. In other words, we are horny as hell! 

A Shapeshifter’s Season usually lasts for seven to ten years. Once the Season is complete the Shapeshifter searches for his or her mate.

I’ve discovered from personal experience that a Shapeshifter should NEVER commit to someone when they are in their Season. It’s pretty much impossible to stay faithful. However, if you must commit to the love of your life. . .PLEASE make sure your lover doesn’t have the ability to control and create fire. I made that mistake and was sent to the burn unit many times. Shout out to supernatural burnologist, Dr. Mason!

My best advice, to all Shapeshifters and those who are in love with them, is WAIT until after that person’s Season ends!

I recommend Orgies for three reasons. One, no emotional connections, just in and out, and then see you later!





Two, lots of variety.



Three, for some reason I have found the food at Shapeshifter Orgy events to be scrumptious. If you want to try an orgy, definitely try a Shapeshifter one.

So that’s it boys and girls! Its time for me to go. . .I've got an Orgy starting at 8 and I can't be late!

FYI, I am currently in my Season for all you interested in making me purr. Please enter the Sex giveaway below! As you see there are TEN possible winners!

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The Bad Reputation of Self-published Books! Editing Services Giveaway

You ever picked up a self-published book and the story was good, but the editing was bad?

And I'm not talking Michael Jackson BAD!




You STILL want to finish the book!

The characters are well-developed!

The world building is amazing!

But DAMN IT.....  at times you are missing out on the story because of wrongly placed punctuation, misspelling, etc



Of course this is not to say that traditionally published books don't have errors. I find problems in almost all books I read, but sadly I must admit there are more grammar problems with self-published books.

So I've gathered three of my editors together to discuss common editing mistakes and ways to correct them. 

The three editors are:
 Susan Gottfried from West of Mars Editing 
 Lea-Ellen Borg from Night Owl Editing Services 
 Melissa, Executive Editor of There for You Editing Services.

Additionally, WEST OF MARS Editing will be giving away a FREE 30 page edit of a manuscript to any lucky winner of our giveaway! All you have to do is enter the rafflecopter below to win the free editing!!! (Note: Manuscript must be 12 font and double spaced)






Susan, what is a common mistake that would put a book on the Poorly Edited List?

It’s funny that you ask this question because as I’m answering this question, I am reading a book for a professional review that I’d consider badly edited. The book shows no understanding of how to use a semi-colon, and commas are missing, which leads to frequent misunderstandings of what the author is trying to convey. It slows down and frustrates the reading experience.

One thing I rarely pick on but is evident in this book, as well, is poor plotting. The book reads more like a list of things that happen. The characters are not focused on their quest, and they are not even trying to make progress toward accomplishing it. They even complain about that lack of progress!

Susan, what is one way writers can fix the poor plotting problem? 

Working from a strong outline—even if the outline was made after the first draft—would have helped alleviate this meandering plot.

About the Editor:

I offer content editing, line editing, proofreading. Descriptions of what each entails are available on my editing page, along with my rates. I also am willing to work as a coach or mentor, with details worked out on a case-by-case basis. 

 

Links: homepage: http://westofmars.com

editing page: http://westofmars.com/susans-editing-services

Genres: http://westofmars.com/susans-editing-services/genres/

e-mail: Susan@WestofMars.com

Lea-Ellen, what is a common mistake that would put a book on the Poorly Edited List?

When readers comment on self-published books being 'poorly edited', in most cases they haven't been edited by a professional editor at all before being published. This is the biggest common mistake that would put a book on the 'poorly edited list'.

Additional common mistakes are due to: incorrect spelling of words, incorrect word usage, syntax errors, too many repeated words, using the characters names too much in scenes, point of view errors, incorrect punctuation, and incorrect tenses of words.

Lea-Ellen, what is the best way for writers to fix these common mistakes? 

The best way is to hire a qualified book editor.

The use of beta readers for the story before it goes to an editor is also helpful in providing authors with feedback as well as having beta readers go over the manuscript after the editor is finished with it and before the book is published.

About the Editor:
I provide Full-service editing with a Style Guide for your manuscript. This includes: grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, sentence structure, repetition, consistency, anomalies, word usage, plot holes and paragraph spacing and visual layout; chapter page breaks; correct font and alignment; correct tense. If a contract is desired by either party, I will draw up an agreement laying out what’s expected on both sides and how payment will be structured.

My website  http://nightowlinil.wordpress.com/ .

Email: borg_66@hotmail.com

Melissa, what are common mistakes that would put books on the Poorly Edited List and how can writers fix this?

There are 3 common mistakes in self-published books.

The first is spacing. The standard, during typewriter days, was two spaces at the end of each sentence. Now, thanks to Word and it's self-adjusting spacing, the standard is only one space. A lot of self-pubbed, unedited books have either two spaces or random spaces throughout the book. If a gap between your period, comma, or question mark looks a little wide to you double check, using your arrow keys, how many spaces are there.

The second is the proper use of commas and capitalization in character speaking. For instance the sentence: "I love you," he said. I commonly see people write it as: "I love you." He said, which is incorrect. The other common mistake in speaking is: "Do you love me?" He asked. Again, the H should not be capitalized because it is still technically the same sentence.

The final most common mistake is the use of there, their or they're, along with were, we're or where. It is really hard to give a best way to fix this, except to maybe suggest a notecard by your computer with the meaning of each. Then take the context of the sentence to decide which is best.

About the Editor:

My name is Melissa, the Owner and Executive Editor of There for You Editing Services. We offer high quality editing with affordable pricing. At this time the only genre's I do not except are erotica and zombies. Odd, I know, but zombies truly scare me.

You can find me at: www.facebook.com/thereforyou.editing. Here you will be able to see a few covers of some of the books I've edited. Or I can always be contacted via email at: thereforyou.melissa@gmail.com

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Advice from Fantasy Book Cover Artist RENU SHARMA & Fantasy Art Giveaway!! by Kenya Wright

Hello Fellow Floozies!!

Today we have talented Fantasy Book Cover Artist, Renu Sharma talking about designing covers! To celebrate her lovely work we will be giving away one of our favorite prints!

That's right! The lucky winner of this giveaway will recieve a 9 X 12 inch print of Demise of an Angel. A smaller photo of this print is below:

Demise of an Angel

 Let's start with the interview!

What is your advice to authors who make their own book covers or up and coming book cover artists?A few things to keep in mind while designing your own cover:

• If you aren't very good with the software, avoid cutting different pictures & pasting them together. Chances are, the images won't be blended in well & the cover will look of very poor quality. Instead, try using one whole stock image.

Wind of Somberness

• Make sure the fonts are readable in thumbnail. Try using fonts that are clear & not very cliched.

Impossible Love

• Less is more. Try not to have your designs cluttered. Keep them minimal.

Ink

Heaven and Hell

• If you don't have an experience in designing, I suggest that you hire a professional to do your cover. While some indie authors do great covers, most scream home made. Show your design to people and ask for honest feedback. If the most feedback you get is negative, hire a professional.

Are you self-taught artist or did you go to art school?

I am a self taught artist.

Magical Mermaid

How did you become a Book Cover Artist?

It started a couple of years back when an Italian author found my work on facebook & bought one of my artworks for a book cover. After a few months, another author contacted me & told me about author forums where I could post my work. I did the same & got one work after another. Word of mouth did the rest.

Death Dealer

Are you a big reader? 

To be very honest, I had lost my touch with reading a long time ago. I got too busy with my job & art that I hardly got any time for reading. But then I started receiving books from authors I have done covers for and am loving those. I love fantasy & books about life.

She'll Suck You Dry

Your  cover work is very detailed. What is your process when making a book cover for an author?

 For commissions, the first thing I do is ask the authors for as much information as possible about the book & the main character who is to go on the cover. Then I do a search for stock images & give options. Once the stock is selected, I create the book cover in photoshop & send a draft. Most of the times authors like it in the first go so that's about the process. If not, whatever tweaks & revisions are required. 

City of Lost Angels

FireFlies

What do you see yourself doing in five years?

Honestly, I am someone who lives one day at a time. But I know art is my life & this is what I am going to be doing. I see myself having done a LOT of book covers & CD covers by then. What I most look forward to about the future is having improved & grown big time and becoming a way better artist than what I am now.

Renu Sharma is a digital and traditional artist, born and raised in Delhi NCR, India. She discovered her passion for drawing in 2006 and that is when she began her journey as a self taught artist. With time, her passion grew stronger and she started exploring other art forms including digital art. The variety of her artworks from charcoal drawings to digital paintings is what brings her the clients and admirers across the globe. Renu's artworks mostly portray dark tales and emotions. Her traditional artworks include drawings using media like charcoal, graphite, pastels as well as paintings using acrylics and/or watercolors. She also creates digital paintings and digital photo-manipulations. Her art is majorly inspired by music which is usually dark and gothic, also by day to day experiences which move her in some way or the other.

Contact Renu Sharma

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheDarkRayne
Artist website: thedarkrayne.deviantart.com

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Book-Writing Vacation Giveaway

(Disclaimer: Fantasy Floozie-Kenya Wright just learned how to put gifs in her posts. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, or really old like Hugh Hefner old, Please talk to your doctor before reading this post!!)

Both Floozies are in desperate need of vacations from WRITING!

We are at that point in the editing stage where we just want to CRAP on our manuscripts.

I know what you’re thinking.

“Did she say crap on her manuscript????”

I SURE DID!

Personally, I’ve had the sequel The Burning Bush go through three editors. I corrected the spotted errors, plot holes, and severe over use of (sigh, roll her eyes, comb her fingers through her dreadlocks, etc).

Arggghhhh! I hate REVISIONS!!

 


Then as if I didn’t have enough going on (three kids, work, law school, an over-sexed husband, three cats that like to rest on my forehead when I’m asleep, etc) I used the little time I had to write a vampire romance.

I now have the flu.

My husband has forbid me to write, edit, or go near any of my books.

IT’s BOOK VACATION TIME BABY!!!!

 

So for the next week, I will be doing what I love….. READING!!!!!

 

And I’m dragging Fantasy Floozie Alicia Brewster with me. No more editing her book Echo! She's joining me whether she likes it or not!

So I figured to myself, I said, “Self! Why not drag everybody?!”

I considered the question as I sighed, rolled my eyes, and combed my fingers through my dreadlocks!

“Yes, Self! I will invite them all!” I said. "And we shall party like we never partied before!"

So here we are, the Fantasy Floozies are giving away books.  These books are either ones we've used for prior writing vacations or books for our current vacation.

There will be SIX winners! Each winner will recieve ONE ebook from our prior or current Vacation Books List. 

If you are reading this from goodreads then press on this link -->  TWO FANTASY FLOOZIES !

IF you are already at the blog, then just enter the rafflecopter below. Comment at the end of this post for what book you would like to win. You can pick a book from any of our past vacation books or current!

 The giveaway will end Monday night at 11:59pm!

Fantasy Floozie- Alicia Brewsters's VACATION BOOKS:

PAST VACATION BOOKS

CURRENT VACATION BOOK:



Fantasy Floozie- Kenya Wright's Book Writing Vacation

PAST VACATION BOOKS

CURRENT VACATION BOOKS:

 Thanks all of you for joining us in the fun!!!

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