tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89296240829142219572024-03-06T06:15:51.036+11:00K. A. LastThe ramblings of an indie author on the road to self-publishing.K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-91788043630047351752022-12-15T09:28:00.000+11:002022-12-15T09:28:24.975+11:002022 Wrap up and plans for 2023<p>This is the time of year when I write a wrap up blog post to
reflect on what I've achieved over the past year.</p><p>To be honest, the
thought of analysing my achievements (or rather non-achievements) is a
little depressing, but here's how it went ...<strong><br /></strong></p><p><strong>PUBLISHING</strong></p>
<p>Publishing wise, I didn't do a great deal. <em><span class="ml-rte-link-wrapper" data-redactor-span="true"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7QJQTKS" target="_blank">Beneath the Waves of the Neversea</a></span></em> is the only title I released this year as part of the <em>Realm of Darkness</em>
boxset. I had planned to have the next two books in the Wonder in
Neverland series out by now, but I stumbled due to a few hurdles this
year.</p>
<p>But! I did hit the USA Today bestseller list with all the amazing
authors on the ROD set, which was something I never thought I'd be able
to do during my career. So tick! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://booklist.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2013/06/21/realm-of-darkness/2444877/isbn/B09P1V9WV9/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9l7iSUpa5QzSjD2Refkm9t0clrJ8Qr1zCxNeJoCwFp5GnAlI0IOUvTk3Rc8oqmxR-oBrEdUEHfc5Rc5rwts_knDcTy6HTchEoEmn-V4tkGiMtZa1RBzG2ayc3sb69a-EEE8B4MKvSnA6NMSvTMioINPW2E8P5oyNUeXxHvgtZ2GM9inmgGNSbtVmniA/w400-h400/USA_Today4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p><strong>WRITING</strong></p>
<p><em><span class="ml-rte-link-wrapper" data-redactor-span="true"><a href="https://books2read.com/edgeofmadness/" target="_blank">The Edge of Madness</a></span></em>
is in its final proofing stages and is up for pre-order. I'm hoping to be able to
release it by February 2023 once the ROD boxset comes out of KU and I can
release <em>Beneath the Waves of the Neversea</em> with it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kalastbooks.com.au/p/beneath-waves-of-neversea.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpyUWqLSfEEHkmCz8ciVqwGtI8MNO0zrTXk2xSZOwM7lkStJjynUlc4s1hchZwQ_iKW0pmIrTqhuWiCvNfe50hdwGdMxiHKc90nip9w4KIOrSdpvtFfbX16goI2Pk_KWyAUFbTuViJu8K8wzrsxDzgc7O7xxNuhIosWtBNABggPfkaVJGy5nSCOZDeQ/w200-h320/BtWofN_Cover_front_FINAL.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://www.kalastbooks.com.au/p/the-edge-of-madness.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3B5imPiezW_sHONOkIOilUzkYwfrPmqyP1kZsnx9qgrZM4ejMNyaFSG1rYt20s0dCv4IeaxOpFj_6sX670UUV0-cVdivfvWRXmOvXFOWJaUxWMpC_VTqOondyDr9XWqywPl9QspZKpcmOSH8WpZgX17cWZmHo0T2gGYtZvIUihN8v9rFcSrZfXe_4Q/w200-h320/TEoM_Cover_FRONT.jpg" width="200" /></a> <br /></p>
<p>If you subscribe to my newsletter, last month I told you about an exciting 'thing' that will be
happening in 2023. I hope to be able to tell you about that in my
January newsletter, so if you haven't already signed up, you can <a href="https://www.subscribepage.com/KALast" target="_blank">do that here</a>.<br /></p>
<p><strong>BOOK EVENTS</strong></p>
<p>I attended my first in-person event, <span class="ml-rte-link-wrapper" data-redactor-span="true"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BookBoyfriendEvent" target="_blank">Newcastle Book Boyfriend</a></span>, since before Covid times, which was scary, and daunting, and stressful, but it was a really fun day.</p>
<p><b>READING</b></p><p>I usually set my goal at 52 books for the year. So far I have managed 50, so I'm confident I'll make it as I have a couple I know I'll finish before December 31. If you want to see what I rated some of these, have a look <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/31084408" target="_blank">on my Goodreads</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ1ROnUTvOUp-ItLzyhNozKkCrySoZ5B1RzLIpTs4duJikEYgvKA9ewvQBwbyj5DK2qEjtsPqVhpuO34dQxsvfKV4aNaMtttQeur9NELogW0ysdGwtvhESfAMfRcLyVk5o3GS7nlKYEyW0DFF6EtL67xOoxmkX9QAfhYTGQJEHlJGrCXQNFchjrI20A/s1271/BooksRead2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1271" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZ1ROnUTvOUp-ItLzyhNozKkCrySoZ5B1RzLIpTs4duJikEYgvKA9ewvQBwbyj5DK2qEjtsPqVhpuO34dQxsvfKV4aNaMtttQeur9NELogW0ysdGwtvhESfAMfRcLyVk5o3GS7nlKYEyW0DFF6EtL67xOoxmkX9QAfhYTGQJEHlJGrCXQNFchjrI20A/w640-h514/BooksRead2022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>PLANS FOR 2023</b><br /></p><p>In terms of writing and publishing, I plan to publish the first three books in the Wonder in Neverland series. So that includes:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Beneath the Waves of the Neversea </i><br /></li><li><i>The Edge of Madness</i></li><li>Book three (I'm still trying decide on the final title for this)</li></ul><p>I also plan to write book four in the series, <i>The Heart of Wonderland</i>.</p><p>Other writing goals include the exciting 'thing' I mentioned before.</p><p>In other aspects of my personal life, I want to spend more time outdoors with my family, and more time working on projects that make my heart happy. I'm an avid crafter, and I love creating. There are many sewing, macrame, jewellery, and other projects on my to do list, as well as a few photo books I'd love to tackle.</p><p>Thank you for your continued support. I hope you have a happy and safe festive season, and that 2023 brings you much joy.</p><p>K. A. xxx<br /></p>K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-58580473664913826062021-12-15T14:13:00.000+11:002021-12-15T14:13:03.429+11:002021 Wrap Up and Plans for 2022<p>The past couple of years have not been easy, and the state of the world has thrown many obstacles and distractions at us. Still, when I look back over what I’ve achieved in 2021, I realise that I haven’t just sat around feeling sorry for myself. I may not have done as much writing and publishing as I have in previous years, but I’m still proud of the progress I’ve made.<br /><br />Let’s take a look at my year …<br /><br /><b>Published titles</b><br />I released the two short fairy tales I previously had in boxsets. <i>Dance of Wishes</i> came out in January and <i>Winter Flame</i> was released in February. There are now five titles in my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085C2N47C" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a> series, and it is my best performing series to date.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7bEClcrWsb-j90L5T7luvlH0KIY_QX7DOsRYry-WnoNDF-D92KCqC7ZUR_zfqxRbWeWRxqkP4IpiMnlxq8hVzIRzDW8ezsL5rh7TIoDWj35Nx0nvf60R47kfi8hx-hFFR9IRyiofJfvpldI930uNpRA0_Kv3H7DF8l5MErhNbbkZBvQfETMqq8kMoAw=w200-h320" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfEwl3WoBK_hXElveXpGmDFSL0dTcCfRKV_ZCFJ0gB_GvMqbp-OS0_AucQJpOEeiRlr2adnOK0hmbLZ2nPpdEEC1qlYRAzOgvbS4atY6Zvjxir1_boRNI4lVQp6mlRQ3IMuZKW6XVUy100kVZgU4ydQ1FGluzGYlfbEDOodO11jXZ634mbktgDr9yPzQ=s320" width="200" /></p><p>I also released another short fairy tale in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953062156" target="_blank">Summer Solstice Shenanigans</a> boxset. This was an amazing experience, and I learned so much from the amazing authors I had the opportunity to work with.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN1BS3No75G-UVr380Fp4mmfRs5GRcvyXd06w7J0KTYbCD1rk_na9bFDshcQIpiHe93e8LnQxE37tWUm4inh68IDpzgIc5fog2bea77WvHagCry5qVgKcECEvP3nkHo3cOSCvDnvHemifRmyAjMcA5vF501AEYkofy2evx7HoZbVn1U8SAf6t-kDj6sg=s320" width="213" /><br /><br /><b>Other writing</b><br />I plodded away at writing my Wonderland/Neverland series, but sadly I haven’t managed to get it to publication stage just yet. This is because I have joined an amazing group of authors in the <a href="https://books2read.com/realmofdarknessset/" target="_blank">Realm of Darkness boxset</a>, and I plan to release the series next year to tie in with the story I will have in the set. There will be plenty of news for this to come in 2022.<br /><br /><b>Other writing related projects</b><br />I redesigned the covers for my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085C2N47C" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a> fairy tale series, and I absolutely love how they turned out. The paperbacks look amazing!<br /></p><br /><div><div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoJ5k-mKovjO6EjhOUrnJVKsyXsmE9DINuQbODAje_qbj1Y1pp5NkWPAhItRLGaVw8wyoKmDMhOClrWrAX-f68a-VpDN-gSZI7ShHS4DaSLX1TNJNjh6Qf92n_0At6UJQFBbLT7ll1_dEAysTZRlN2RVhBtwSSBqiK5iMYNkgJ0yqjWo4LXpxH6Nt_JQ=w200-h320" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvzz0gNn4iOpnwYE6lrtxjVN3JurNjMD0jTVdghpz_gmBOzbewvxYTr4tOFiZZVk6r5VZUJJU9pJgcEzzUQV5aUdxsgXjJ8gjJpPUvr5LHuKbrlUJXBgDj5DYqkwbYScMp6EhPYfToEjCW1LnY-bH30azTmFsHe-L8qoDfQp0HZqckkRmcRrOF6POMEQ=w200-h320" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCWLsu7KzLqI9AquFf2eVIIfdpxfBHVNFEqsTp0_vytcBQBaLiNL8vxI-KSLCT4j59k0bJ8POi3lrc8dwW9dDQPwMpNwDQHtwPAMCHLa1EB42J3FWSI0Pm0Tqm6M3LZFWpaL351orhgPb3MlqhVswi2tMmM6u9_6sczreYLJpzJa_dYW_UQZUOFwdoeg=w200-h320" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7bEClcrWsb-j90L5T7luvlH0KIY_QX7DOsRYry-WnoNDF-D92KCqC7ZUR_zfqxRbWeWRxqkP4IpiMnlxq8hVzIRzDW8ezsL5rh7TIoDWj35Nx0nvf60R47kfi8hx-hFFR9IRyiofJfvpldI930uNpRA0_Kv3H7DF8l5MErhNbbkZBvQfETMqq8kMoAw=w200-h320" width="200" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfEwl3WoBK_hXElveXpGmDFSL0dTcCfRKV_ZCFJ0gB_GvMqbp-OS0_AucQJpOEeiRlr2adnOK0hmbLZ2nPpdEEC1qlYRAzOgvbS4atY6Zvjxir1_boRNI4lVQp6mlRQ3IMuZKW6XVUy100kVZgU4ydQ1FGluzGYlfbEDOodO11jXZ634mbktgDr9yPzQ=w200-h320" width="200" /><br /><br /><b>Reading</b><br />I set the goal of a book a week this year. I'm currently one book behind schedule, but I plan to catch up before December 31.<br /><p><b>Life events</b><br />I spent three months travelling Queensland and the Northern Territory with hubby and my two kids in our caravan. It was so great to be able to get out into the outdoors, see some places we haven’t been to before, and spend some quality time with my family.</p><p><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="960" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw822HXG1r9OfsQVOgjTI093LsKl2sQ52P9eHZb6ItXWRcACK7rOcabDXpptaG1eSsgM4Edta5we3TT5MaIAMykGFW2JYbwbhfwL2Bvz3ZBTxbOF2Kl0jSzuCl5uFQRYZY_3d28QVrHp0CiqO-yiRZuxoklsVDb8DfmLd2ot8zYvTQ4koYABXVM14Dmg=w640-h448" width="640" /></p><p></p><p><b>Plans for 2022</b><br /><a href="https://books2read.com/realmofdarknessset/" target="_blank">The Realm of Darkness boxset</a> is due for release on October 4, 2022, and is currently available for pre-order, so I will be focusing on my Wonderland/Neverland series for most of the year. I currently have book one drafted and book two is almost written. I'll be starting my story for the boxset in January, then book three after that. I plan to have at least books one and two out before the boxset releases.</p><p>Thank you to everyone who has supported me, and my writing, over the years. I hope you have a happy and safe festive season, and that 2022 brings you joy and happiness.</p><p>K. A. xxx<br /></p></div></div></div>K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-10520094260050584212020-12-11T13:12:00.002+11:002020-12-11T13:13:03.060+11:00 2020 wrap up and plans for 2021 … <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">At the end of 2019, I promised to do better in 2020. Well …
it’s probably safe to say that we’ve all had a pretty topsy-turvy year. 2020
didn’t go as planned for many of us. Still, when I look back on this
year, I’m happy with what I’ve achieved.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><b>Writing and publishing</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">With my plans for 2020, I had a few titles on my list that I
wanted to work on. Check out my <a href="https://www.kalastbooks.com.au/2019/12/2019-wrap-up-and-plans-for-2020_6.html" target="_blank">2019 wrap up post</a> to see the goals I set.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">So, let’s see how I fared:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> • <i>Chasing Neve</i>, my Snow White reimaging, was published
on March 31 in eBook and paperback. <a href="https://youtu.be/CG53Tvtp6EM" target="_blank">The paperback design</a> is something I’m
really proud of.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> • <i>False Princess</i>, my reimagining of The Goose
Girl, was also published this year, but a little later than I had originally
wanted. It came out on October 12 in eBook. I’m still trying to find time to
get the paperback uploaded.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.books2read.com/ChasingNeve" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitfpq4-pSDOR1zMaqWZQNjK_AzmX-yNknkBAmK-6DK8yenJKc8fXpmnwNwX9tBjXS3bj3ZVQ2SNPoOpj7zzMxD7AWbzlNtBJyQcD2O7mAViC0ZnWb8bmA6S7FUkZ0NyPwM3rvQJS5Hc3Lg/s320/ChasingNeve_eBookF_LR.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.books2read.com/FalsePrincess" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6X0ONPMtZEJyKE-Ah0IThDHRkS_gAqsARfJyScLw8VvZSvwDGfSxKnXvaVhFJoHEPtb0_lqFfol8Ahv6FAJL6BNr96WxochLPKLF3hgoASE_CQ-gjBk-6jHcRKxs57BzNQ2SKC2PXcO3/s320/FalsePrincess_eBookFINALlrn.jpg" /></a><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> • <i>Alice in Dreamland</i> has morphed into something
different from my initial idea. It’s still a three book series, but it’s now a
mash up of my own versions of Wonderland and Neverland. Book one is drafted and I’ve
started drafting book two.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">• <i>See, Here’s the Thing</i>, part five of <i>All the
Things</i>, is still where it was twelve months ago. I’ve had no time to even
look at completing this project.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">• <i>Date With Death</i> was my ongoing dystopian story
exclusive to newsletter subscribers. I made the decision to stop working on
this as interest was low.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">• I also worked on two projects that were not originally
planned. <i>Dance of Wishes</i> appeared in the Princess Bachelorette box set,
which is no longer available, and <i>Winter Flame </i>appeared in the Fairytale
Christmas box set which is currently available in KU.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOe1i1wziYFFa28mXdvkmGGPfMonenhmP0z9JhgGRT49httBiHs3vZMM4IzCP1DU9D72ufWDeGU1g_T6cs0PvoJHIufelufEqLVHDyQ87tURuIhxnsRV-W13m0poWW0iku6IR484sf8kQ/s768/DanceOfWishes_eBookLR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghOe1i1wziYFFa28mXdvkmGGPfMonenhmP0z9JhgGRT49httBiHs3vZMM4IzCP1DU9D72ufWDeGU1g_T6cs0PvoJHIufelufEqLVHDyQ87tURuIhxnsRV-W13m0poWW0iku6IR484sf8kQ/s320/DanceOfWishes_eBookLR.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KGSWVMX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LYIUxZX2B43wm94PsCg5LWJ-kSUS8MxyaFCc2qzw41qvUTO1zVVe9RN3AaDo9Kmt69URmOj8jbMTopKJDRTmZSVVQ7XA0UsG6FD2imaOTN5U__2kSdwX8foMxXZK97alAIVg43e2hfHr/s320/WinterFlame_eBook_LR.jpg" /></a></div> <br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><b>Reading</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">My original goal was to read two books a month. To date I
have read 38 books, so I’m ahead.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"><b>Plans for 2021</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">My main focus for next year will be my Wonderland/Neverland
books. If I look back at my track record, I seem to be able to release around
three titles a year, so I’ll hopefully be able to bring you this series by the
close of 2021. I do have a lot of story ideas, and writing projects at various
stages, so some of them may get some attention as well. I would also like to
add more titles to my Happily Ever After fairy tale series.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">Thanks so much for your ongoing support of my writing. I’d
like to wish you a happy and safe festive season. I hope 2021 brings you much joy,
and that you achieve what you set out to do.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">Happy reading, </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: 10.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: 0cm;">K. A. xxx</p>
K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-33313236260359796902019-12-06T12:33:00.000+11:002020-03-12T10:58:58.206+11:002019 wrap up and plans for 2020 …It’s that time again to look back on the year, and remind myself of what I set out to achieve in 2019. I’m surprised at some of the items on my list, because I had completely forgotten about them. I guess it would help if I actually looked at the piece of paper I printed out on January first. In 2020 I promise to do better, but here’s a rundown of how my year went. <br />
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<b>Writing projects </b><br />
There were four projects I wanted to complete in 2019 …<br />
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Project 1 – <i><a href="https://books2read.com/TheOtherSideOfMeKALast" target="_blank">The Other Side of Me</a></i> <span style="color: red;">COMPLETED</span><br />
I published the fourth part of <i>All the Things</i> on February 21.<br />
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Project 2 – <a href="https://books2read.com/AllTheThingsKALast" target="_blank"><i>All the Things</i></a> series set <span style="color: red;">COMPLETED</span><br />
I published the omnibus edition in eBook and paperback on February 2.<br />
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Project 3 – ANI eBook and workbook<span style="color: red;"> COMPLETED</span><br />
I published a new paperback workbook edition of <a href="https://books2read.com/ANovelIdeaWorkbook" target="_blank"><i>A Novel Idea</i></a> and the eBook on March 10.<br />
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Project 4 – <a href="https://books2read.com/TateChronicles" target="_blank"><i>Tate Chronicles Omnibus</i></a> <span style="color: red;">NOT COMPLETED</span><br />
Sadly, the <i>Tate Chronicles</i> still doesn’t have an omnibus in paperback. I think I’m avoiding this project because it means resizing everything. I can’t just join all the files together as there would be too many pages. It will go back onto the list of things to complete in 2020, and who knows … I might actually do it.<br />
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<b>Other writing </b><br />
My list also included some other projects which I didn’t give any details for because they were all at various stages of development. Unfortunately, none of those projects progressed far, if at all. But …<br />
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I did publish the first book in my <i>Happily Ever After</i> fairy tale series, <a href="https://books2read.com/EllaandAsh" target="_blank"><i>Ella and Ash</i></a>, on September 9. This was a deviation from my original plans, but I have loved going down the fairy tale path, and I have more fairy tale inspired books planned for 2020, including <i>Chasing Neve</i>.<br />
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<b>Reading </b><br />
My goal was to read five non-fiction books and twelve fiction books in 2019. To this date I have read eight non-fiction books and eight fiction books. That leaves one more book before the end of December to reach my 17 book goal, even if the split isn’t as intended. <b> </b><br />
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<b>Study </b><br />
In 2019 I wanted to maintain my DI/HD grade average, and I succeeded in that. It was a difficult year study wise, but it was also my last. I will be graduating this month after six years of study. I’ve already received my transcript and I have a GPA of 6.45 (the highest being 7) which means I will graduate with distinction. I was also notified last week that I received the Executive Dean’s Award, for my high academic performance, for the fourth time across the duration of my degree. <b> </b><br />
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<b>Design </b><br />
I continued to work with fantasy artist <a href="https://selinafenech.com/" target="_blank">Selina Fenech</a>, and we completed a variety of projects this year, including a <a href="https://selinafenech.com/books/fairies-and-fantasy-coloring-planner-twelve-month-coloring-book-perpetual-calendar-journal-and-organizer/" target="_blank">colouring planner</a> (which I love and have already started using) a <a href="https://selinafenech.com/books/totally-faedorable-coloring-journal-for-kids/" target="_blank">journal for kids</a>, and more <a href="https://selinafenech.com/coloringgallery/" target="_blank">colouring books</a>. I also worked with some fabulous clients, including Jenna Lee. Make sure you check out <a href="https://www.jennalee.biz/daringjourney" target="_blank"><i>Daring Journey</i></a>, her book for teens, which will release early 2020. <b> </b><br />
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<b>Plans for 2020 … </b><br />
I usually set the bar pretty high in terms of writing goals for myself, and 2020 will be no different. Study has been such a huge part of my life for so long, but now I’ve finished uni I should have more time to do other things. Some of that time I will inject into my writing, and some of it will go to other interests. <b> </b><br />
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<b>Writing projects </b><br />
• <i>Chasing Neve</i> is a Snow White inspired story I’ve been talking about for a while. It was my NaNo project for 2019 and is almost drafted. I plan to finish this and publish it in the first half of the year.<br />
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•<i> False Princess</i> is another fairy tale I’ve spoken about. I also want to get this story drafted and published before the end of June. It is inspired by the Goose Girl tale.<br />
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• <i>Alice in Dreamland</i> is an Alice in Wonderland inspired three book series partly planned. I want to get the outline for this finished, and at least have the books drafted by the end of the year.<br />
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• <i>See, Here’s the Thing</i> is half written. This is part five of <i>All the Things. </i>It's from Levi’s point of view, and I would love to get it finished in 2020. I’m not sure yet if this will go up for sale or be a newsletter subscriber exclusive.<br />
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• <i>Date With Death</i> is my ongoing dystopian story exclusive to newsletter subscribers, and I plan to keep releasing a chapter every month until the story is finished.<br />
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As well as the above projects I’ve been working on outlines for a new vampire duet, and a standalone ghost story. These are ideas I’ve had for a while, and I’m hoping to make a little more progress with them during 2020. <b> </b><br />
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<b>Reading goals </b><br />
2020 will be the first year in a long time where I won’t HAVE to read books for study. My aim is to read two books a month with at least five of those being writing craft or non-fiction books.<br />
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I hope you had a productive 2019, and that you reached any goals you set for yourself. I’d like to wish you a very merry festive season, and here’s to living your best life from now and into 2020.<br />
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K. A. xxx K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-52926331058689225812018-12-13T10:35:00.003+11:002018-12-13T12:30:32.646+11:002018 Wrap Up and Into 2019 … It’s that time of year when many of us look back on what we achieved over the past twelve months, and start making plans and resolutions for the year to come. I’ve never really been big on resolutions, but I do like to set goals for myself. Last year I set quite a few, and there was so much I wanted to get done in 2018. Sadly, a lot of it didn’t go as planned. It’s mid-December, and I now realise I was unrealistic about what I could achieve in the time I had. So, here’s a bit of a run down on what I did actually do this year, and what I hope to work on in 2019.<br />
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<b>Writing</b><br />
I had five writing projects I wanted to complete in 2018. Of those I managed to finish one. I published my YA contemporary three part series, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GL2XLSF" target="_blank">All the Things</a>.</i><br />
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I’m actually not too upset about this being the only project I completed to publication, because I still published three books, and I had more success with them than I have had with any of my other titles. All three books gained number one new release flags on Amazon, and kept them on and off for a couple of weeks. <i>Something</i> did reach number one in Substance Abuse in the Amazon US store, but it didn't sit there long enough for the flag to appear. <br />
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I participated in <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> again this year and finished drafting part four of <i>All the Things</i>, <i>The Other Side of Me</i>, and I will have more news on that early in 2019.<br />
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I was invited to be a part of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H35YH1P" target="_blank"><i>Shadows and Spellcraft </i></a>box set with the first book in the Tate Chronicles, <a href="https://www.kalastbooks.com.au/p/fall-for-me_16.html"><i>Fall for Me</i></a>. The set did quite well considering we were not pushing for a list, and the other authors were wonderful to work with. We managed to gain a number one new release flag for this set in the Amazon US store. <br />
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There were a number of other projects I started but haven’t completed yet, and these are all at various stages of development. There will be more details as I get closer to finishing them.<br />
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I attended two writing festivals: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/romancingthecoast" target="_blank">Romancing the Coast</a> in September and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/westcoastfictionfestival" target="_blank">West Coast Fiction Festival</a> in November. I had a wonderful time meeting readers, catching up with authors, and talking books.<br />
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<b>Reading</b><br />
I wanted to read 30 books this year and I managed around half of that. I split this goal into fiction and non-fiction, and I reached my target of five non-fiction books by the end of February. The fiction didn’t come so easily because I’m currently studying, and a lot of my reading time was taken up with uni texts, which I didn’t count towards my goal.<br />
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<b>Study</b><br />
I managed to keep my grade point average high at 6.39 (highest is 7), and I received three high distinctions and one distinction for the four subjects I studied this year. Those were Art and Books, Visual Communication, Art Technology and Culture, and Italian Renaissance Art.<br />
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<b>Design</b><br />
I pushed my <a href="http://www.kiladesigns.om.au/" target="_blank">design business</a> a little harder this year, and I was lucky enough to be able to work with some wonderful new clients as well as loyal customers. I also started up a Facebook group for my pre-made book covers, and that has been growing steadily. I worked on quite a few projects for my wonderful author friend and boss, <a href="https://selinafenech.com/" target="_blank">Selina Fenech</a>, and you can read her 2018 wrap up <a href="https://selinafenech.com/2018-wrap-up-and-whats-up-for-2019/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
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<b>Into 2019 … </b><br />
Next year there are four key areas I would like to work on.<br />
• Writing<br />
• Designing<br />
• Uni<br />
• Family time<br />
These are the areas of my life that are most important to me, and I have mapped out my <a href="https://passionplanner.com/" target="_blank">Passion Planner</a> to try and find the balance I haven’t had in previous years. I want to spend more time with my kids, so I need to be organised with the other time I have to get stuff done. <br />
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<b>In terms of writing goals, this is what you can expect to see from me in 2019.</b><br />
• I have three major projects I will be working on. They’re secret squirrel projects at the moment, and there’s no determined time frame, because I’m aiming to make small progress every day with these. But I can tell you I’m really excited about them, and they involve more contemporary, a lot of fantasy, and collaboration with two other amazing authors who I adore.<br />
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• I’ll be publishing <i>The Other Side of Me</i> by the end of February 2019. The completed manuscript is currently with my beta readers, and once I get it back and know the extent of edits I’ll set a release date.<br />
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• I’ll be releasing a series set for <i>All the Things.</i> This will only contain Katie’s story so it will be the first three books released in both eBook and paperback around February/March.<br />
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• <i>A Novel Idea</i> has had a small overhaul. There’s a new cover and a new workbook edition. I’ll be releasing this in eBook and paperback. It’s currently with my wonderful editor, <a href="https://www.laurenclarkeediting.com/" target="_blank">Lauren Clarke</a>, so I’m aiming for some time in March.<br />
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• <i>The Tate Chronicles Omnibus</i> still doesn’t have a paperback edition, so I’ll be working on setting that up and releasing around April.<br />
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I wish all of you a wonderful festive season, and here’s to making 2019 your best year.<br />
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Kim xxx K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-77588551041130508102017-09-19T10:00:00.000+10:002017-09-19T10:00:00.983+10:00COVER REVEAL: The Lovely Dark<hr />
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Do you want to read my books for FREE?</h4>
<b>To find out more <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScY3vjkxEwmDN8DRnLrFhkLQDyyqZvea_TRhV7iHtXPPs4QUg/viewform">CLICK HERE</a></b><br />
No purchase necessary.<br />
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</h4>
<h4>
The Lovely Dark</h4>
You might not know this, but I design all my own covers through my design business <a href="http://www.kiladesigns.com.au/">KILA Designs</a>, and the cover for <i>The Lovely Dark</i> was by far the hardest cover I've ever done. I went through quite a few concepts, and it took months of searching to finally find the right image to tell my story.<br />
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What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eP4n1I9L7Ehk12VCNpY3Jo7fAGf6ZJ-EjMdlIwKik9JuKng1UPSnIFBZOEcRriLJSNh6FIWklAO1nCdFlT2CVCM9wD7DjS-nkz5-dPkioSEFoouskNvG6Mqt_Cc8pOtUW2tt9s65J42k/s1600/TLD_CoverRevealFRONT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eP4n1I9L7Ehk12VCNpY3Jo7fAGf6ZJ-EjMdlIwKik9JuKng1UPSnIFBZOEcRriLJSNh6FIWklAO1nCdFlT2CVCM9wD7DjS-nkz5-dPkioSEFoouskNvG6Mqt_Cc8pOtUW2tt9s65J42k/s640/TLD_CoverRevealFRONT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Book blurb:</b></span><br />
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Three teenagers.<br />
One witch.<br />
Twelve souls.<br />
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Harvey Anderson always knew the universe was against him, but there’s a lot of stuff he never expected to happen, like having a crush on the most popular girl at school, and then falling into a giant hole in the middle of nowhere with her. And if that wasn’t enough, somehow they managed to release a soul-sucking, ancient witch as well. So yeah, there’s that. You’d think it’d be pretty hard to beat, but knowing Harvey’s luck, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36114026-the-lovely-dark" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36114026-the-lovely-dark" border="0" data-original-height="41" data-original-width="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgO7P2-tpwgsNva1ApE7fQ6NRkj089-KJRdQT9QFqOPxTC2wsS5pxOhpupdHP9ZlOQb4ZKiyEIzyoxrXZhuZtNIJhXBbwHFlvfSgzvO8GyKHolzsKrNAqCcBPxPYnM2gZV2DuojbTd5n0-/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47.png" /></a></div>
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<b>You can pre-order from these retailers:</b></div>
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<a href="http://apple.co/2v7Xjov">iBooks Aus</a> | <a href="http://apple.co/2xe6PDT">iBooks US</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2xee0fi">B&N</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2xe1M6l">Kobo</a></div>
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Amazon links to come.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3f3QlwCe8hLQuDIpTQmn_FgGPVHWEOFoGlz8NYaOet6nPgN2GQVoGc29khpEUd7epUKBvcm2okUjLpJeSZmyZzK-cw8jZnqPE-Kn70HIBCDhE3Kv3jtO8FWC3XgyT6c_HRd_JDj6Rs50/s1600/TLD_CoverRevealWRAP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3f3QlwCe8hLQuDIpTQmn_FgGPVHWEOFoGlz8NYaOet6nPgN2GQVoGc29khpEUd7epUKBvcm2okUjLpJeSZmyZzK-cw8jZnqPE-Kn70HIBCDhE3Kv3jtO8FWC3XgyT6c_HRd_JDj6Rs50/s640/TLD_CoverRevealWRAP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Until next time, stay awesome!<br />
K. A. xxx<br />
<hr />
K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-61081833481852662562016-04-18T14:35:00.000+10:002016-04-18T14:35:13.503+10:00A Novel Idea! Release Date plus Colouring Competition - WIN an Amazon Gift Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LlPsVRymCNKcvAKTUTgSQ65ExVp9t7BBw93xYKVzVxVROrSLwZK9tn5FQoa3NPsE_eodgyuXx2rXxPFL9YC7d8GWEBccWOo4oHm3W_Vf_HiUPZ6YIBYeRUoXA7x-wwmCCxC7Pcj_VZ4M/s1600/ANI_CoverSquare1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LlPsVRymCNKcvAKTUTgSQ65ExVp9t7BBw93xYKVzVxVROrSLwZK9tn5FQoa3NPsE_eodgyuXx2rXxPFL9YC7d8GWEBccWOo4oHm3W_Vf_HiUPZ6YIBYeRUoXA7x-wwmCCxC7Pcj_VZ4M/s400/ANI_CoverSquare1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>COMING APRIL 29th 2016</b><br />
<i>A Novel Idea! Colouring Journal for Writers</i><br />
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1VockqG" target="_blank"><img alt="http://bit.ly/1VockqG " border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-Rfyg-bv3QMQlC7Rzbuall1V6x5AvA72Se4EAguF91gTPl5219wqGVUEpJ2YC53rp60oeY9I6ZT-msXyOA6-cEqUKds8RqZoNKgJPcpasOdESu9oqrYvLI4OvwRazai3SMLov3k8z9Lj/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47.png" /></a></div>
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I’m really excited to be releasing this project at the end of the month. For more information about my colouring journal for writers, read on … <br />
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Do you have a story idea but don’t know where or how to start writing? <br />
<br />
Creative writing isn’t easy. Sometimes the words flow from our fingertips, and other times they swim around in our minds in a jumbled mess. One day we can be full of inspiration, drinking endless cups of tea, and the next we’re hunkering in our recliner, eating ice cream from the tub, wondering why our characters are being so difficult.<br />
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Organising our thoughts is one of the hardest things when it comes to creative writing. Designed to guide writers of any age and skill level, A Novel Idea! provides you with all the prompts needed to help turn your initial light bulb moment into something special. <br />
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The illustrations scattered throughout this journal will assist your thought process, and help you expand your ideas and story. From plot, to characters, to world-building and more, A Novel Idea! combines the therapeutic art of colouring with the craft of creative writing, and provides stress relief during your creative process. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KLYSsPRqmujlDtWblyMuRP_UCaJuimjDcABfGiRsjB_YH2NFmtkjxrCR-Y9XO9Uf6LOb9coKGOa1HB4OaJl8jlhQcZ4D4Ii6681Wo5ueJ5680n22tP_cnMg_0DmWmcuYZlOjXkpq8YHa/s1600/ANI_ColourCompSquare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KLYSsPRqmujlDtWblyMuRP_UCaJuimjDcABfGiRsjB_YH2NFmtkjxrCR-Y9XO9Uf6LOb9coKGOa1HB4OaJl8jlhQcZ4D4Ii6681Wo5ueJ5680n22tP_cnMg_0DmWmcuYZlOjXkpq8YHa/s400/ANI_ColourCompSquare.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To celebrate the upcoming release of <i>A Novel Idea!</i> I’m having a colouring competition. Check out the details below …<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>THE PRIZE </b></span><br />
$10 Amazon gift card.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>HOW TO ENTER </b></span><br />
Download the free colouring page from this <a href="http://bit.ly/1qAJmJ3" target="_blank">LINK</a> and get colouring! Upload a photo of your entry to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/KALastBooks" target="_blank">wall of my Facebook page</a> or email it to kalastbooks [at] internode [dot] on [dot] net by the 28th of April, 2016. You can colour any way you like: pencil, ink, digital, the choices are endless. I can’t wait to see what you come up with. <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>WHEN IS IT DRAWN? </b></span><br />
The 28th of April, 2016, 8pm Sydney Time. The winner will be chosen by me (K. A. Last) and contacted by private message/reply/tag (any and all possible) here on Facebook.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>FINE PRINT STUFF </b></span><br />
Open internationally. No cost to enter. This contest isn't affiliated or endorsed by Facebook. Game of skill/judges choice winner. The winner will receive their prize within two weeks of the competition end. This competition is open to anyone 18 and older, where law allows. If you're younger, ask your guardian to enter for you. Good luck everyone!<br />
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K x K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-89381573594078580182016-01-25T12:44:00.000+11:002016-01-25T12:44:11.225+11:00WRITING GROUPS {on-line and face to face}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br />
When I started writing, I had no idea what I was doing. I spent two years writing and rewriting my first novel, and I did it mostly alone. I had one close friend who read everything I wrote, but I was too scared to show anyone else. <br />
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When I made the decision to self-publish, again I had no idea what I was doing. I went in blind and fumbled my way through, with no help from anyone else. It wasn’t until after <a href="http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/p/fall-for-me_16.html"><i>Fall For Me</i></a> was published that I started looking for ways to connect with other writers and like-minded people. I discovered that while writing is a solitary occupation, the journey does not need to be taken alone. There are so many writers out there, doing the same thing I am, and who are willing to share their knowledge and their own journey with me. <br />
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I have met many people since I began. Some have offered advice; others have offered support, and some I’m not in touch with any more. But all of them have helped me get where I am today. I’m so grateful for each and every one of them, especially those who have stuck around. I now have many on-line friends in different states and countries who I chat to on a regular basis, and they are all an immense help to me and my writing journey. But after a while I felt I needed to be able to sit down with someone and actually open my mouth and talk—real words instead of typed ones. I’m now a member of two writers’ groups. They are both very different, but they help me in different ways. <br />
<br />
One group is a bunch of amazing women who write YA/NA in various genres. We all live within an hour or so drive from each other, and we have a lot in common. All our members are either traditionally published, self-published, or both. We meet once a month to talk about books, current projects, bettering our craft, and so many other things. Since I started meeting with these girls, my confidence in myself and my work has soared. We each have something different to bring to the table, because we have our own strengths, and as a group we work well together.<br />
<br />
My other group is a little different. It’s more of a critique group with members of all ages writing different genres, and they focus on both prose and poetry. Each month, members bring a piece they have written to the meeting and read it aloud. Then there’s a discussion where everyone has a chance to say what they think, what they liked, and what could be better. At first I found this highly nerve wracking and very confronting, but once I got to know the members, I relaxed. This type of group isn’t for everyone, but it has helped me with my confidence and belief in my work. <br />
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I’m also a contributor to the Australian blog, <a href="http://aussieownedandread.com/" target="_blank">Aussie Owned and Read</a>. We’re a group of Aussie YA/NA writers who blog about books and writing. We’re scattered all over the country, with one member in the USA, and over the past few years these girls have become wonderful friends. I’ve learnt so much by being a part of this group, and I’m grateful for them because I know they will be there when I need help.<br />
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If you're seeking to connect with people on-line and face to face, here are some tips from me. If you have any other tips you think are worthwhile sharing, please post them in the comments.<br />
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<b>Tips for connecting with people on-line:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Follow writing blogs and participate in forums to find like-minded people.</li>
<li>Look for opportunities to blog with a group of writers. It will teach you how to interact with an on-line group while honing your skills in many areas. </li>
<li>Get to know someone’s work before you approach them, and show genuine interest in that person and their writing.</li>
<li>Don’t form relationships based on what you can get out of it, you should try to have something to give back—hidden agendas are nasty. </li>
<li>Don’t be scared to ask for help when you need it.</li>
<li>Try to help others when they ask for it.</li>
<li>Be courteous and speak to others as if you are face to face. </li>
<li>Remember that talking on-line lacks the emotional tone that speaking aloud has, so be mindful that someone may not interpret your words the way you meant them. </li>
<li>Respect those who many not wish to form a relationship with you.</li>
<li>Always be yourself.</li>
</ul>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy-lb-klfX0XAO801B2XUwFsYh9URjAnfjLS7156ZUnaU1uXYRkdfwnqitpXxXujCnzgK7vgtwb-z64tCzlqH-43Fk-DXDONLxOeTa9we_-Y262Hoen8mf1A8krsd_VBe3jqUac0kbar4/s1600/WritingGroups_Heading2.jpg" /></div>
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<b>Tips for attending face to face writing groups:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Ask yourself why you want to attend a writing group, and what you would like to get out of it.</li>
<li>Search your area for groups you think would be a good fit for you.</li>
<li>Don’t be afraid to try more than one group.</li>
<li>Use the first meeting to get a feel for the group. Sit back and listen. You’re charting new territory.</li>
<li>Be polite in all conversations.</li>
<li>Listen when others are speaking and don’t interrupt. Show them the courtesy you would want them to show you.</li>
<li>Keep other member’s feelings in regard. </li>
<li>If it’s a critique group, critique the writing, not the writer. </li>
<li>Remember that not everyone will get along, and this is basic human nature.</li>
<li>Always be yourself. </li>
<li>If you can’t find a group in your local area, start one.</li>
</ul>
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I’d love to know if you’re part of any blogging or writing groups, on-line or face to face. How have they helped you with your writing journey?<br />
<br />
Stay awesome.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-36076234218981283772016-01-18T09:57:00.001+11:002016-01-18T11:33:23.569+11:00WRITING PROMPTS {looking for inspiration}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Every writer will tell you that they go through stages when they are uninspired and don’t feel like writing. Since starting my write chain via <a href="http://www.writerology.net/shop/" target="_blank">Writerology</a> last year, I have written every day for 79 days. The #writechain has really helped with my motivation, but there have still been times when I haven’t wanted to work on my current WIP because … meh.<br />
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This is where writing prompts have come in, and wow! I really love these little juicy sentences. Writing prompts can be interpreted any way you choose, and I find some of the fun is in using the same prompt to inspire entirely different ideas. I average around 500 to 1000 words for a prompt. Some of them I’ve filed away because one day they may become longer stories, and others have worked great for a short. The rest are merely for the exercise, and freeing up my thoughts.<br />
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<b>Some good reasons for using writing prompts are:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>You’re suffering from writer’s block</li>
<li>You need to work on something different for a while</li>
<li>You want to challenge yourself</li>
<li>You want to get your creativity flowing </li>
<li>You’re looking for new ideas for your next writing project</li>
</ul>
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My main source for writing prompts is <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kalast/writing-prompts/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, but if you Google writing prompt, you’ll be inundated with images and ideas.<br />
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For fun, I’ve created some of my own for you to use. So see what you can come up with, and if you do write anything using one of my prompts, I’d love to read it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5p94cZhJ5ecetb91NHFPF6n2D3ILIZA8WNbocnTdMsdP_rYXgC8-HcL58KBO4zn9WWRXsEOqJp-xbpIHWLWkahuLv6edmR7iavt0KwxpcRH-BwfUOeZtHgOmXAHusDNP9xIFeqnpGIYk/s1600/WritingPrompt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5p94cZhJ5ecetb91NHFPF6n2D3ILIZA8WNbocnTdMsdP_rYXgC8-HcL58KBO4zn9WWRXsEOqJp-xbpIHWLWkahuLv6edmR7iavt0KwxpcRH-BwfUOeZtHgOmXAHusDNP9xIFeqnpGIYk/s1600/WritingPrompt1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivcuIzfDGirn1isdRatE4TooBdvGjmaHWVcwF5omVQVyFFJtQF_YPO_fitCNHMJikL462280OfA3FyLUPXqkBhYsIl66Quka4ZmyMxKkwntPh0RYx_MyQLzDeVGPZ20P0_aXCOvU941Da/s1600/WritingPrompt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivcuIzfDGirn1isdRatE4TooBdvGjmaHWVcwF5omVQVyFFJtQF_YPO_fitCNHMJikL462280OfA3FyLUPXqkBhYsIl66Quka4ZmyMxKkwntPh0RYx_MyQLzDeVGPZ20P0_aXCOvU941Da/s1600/WritingPrompt2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XpwA5A7x9hrEDXlCOZ5mz8vxjDDnzCHBLFbv3Z1kkGE_na3X9W2nyluwt_0yAjGU0SU3OBb3SKXkUNepE0npcgwh6L9BNiRMPskkANht_LEHGhwOP1iY0e5KdAqBKrnXV89QoYEBh9Cb/s1600/WritingPrompt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9XpwA5A7x9hrEDXlCOZ5mz8vxjDDnzCHBLFbv3Z1kkGE_na3X9W2nyluwt_0yAjGU0SU3OBb3SKXkUNepE0npcgwh6L9BNiRMPskkANht_LEHGhwOP1iY0e5KdAqBKrnXV89QoYEBh9Cb/s1600/WritingPrompt4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzh5BiOq-nLfNklBQ2k0ZERHak0" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzh5BiOq-nLfNklBQ2k0ZERHak0" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB230mmjh2dbDg6qIXWm4goaxkaoTucEAe6oIQBiHc-KFLL1PT56Im-pIuRdzUucz0AyTlIr5jpYrA9opY7Zdkvn26tfu6Gd0CPl951QRjVUB83jR1c9NVthh5Q8PYaALdIFK5Az8s4PE/s1600/Prompts_Heading3.jpg" /></a></div>
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I’ve also created some paper for you, so you can print it out and write freely. The PDF has a page for each prompt with plenty of room to get those ideas down.<br />
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Stay awesome.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-864145135229315942016-01-11T08:28:00.000+11:002016-01-18T11:33:23.580+11:00NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS {what will 2016 bring?}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4DmL-RoP3PU/VpLKOcRCc8I/AAAAAAAAEEQ/PVfnL07oN4A/s1600/2016Resolutions_Header2.jpg" /></div>
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Last week I recapped <a href="http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/2016/01/what-ride-2015-in-review.html" target="_blank">what I achieved in 2015</a>. This week I’d like to share with you what I hope 2016 will bring.<br />
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I blogged about <a href="http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/2015/12/a-special-gift-gift-of-words.html" target="_blank">a special gift I received for Christmas</a>, and so far every day I’ve been writing in it. The first entry was a list of the main things I want from 2016.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9P5ClFLtRd2sdtEObU43mGWDZWUfWdhIuFiQTlMkrNZPZP0vW4QrBBOjEW1AF7nopVDEbiAUeizaF9J-Sm_0G3WTehOzdS7OuSwMWz2hwU9vttxwu_TpRlFDpGb00NA0hElg25VGhR25Z/s1600/2016Resolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9P5ClFLtRd2sdtEObU43mGWDZWUfWdhIuFiQTlMkrNZPZP0vW4QrBBOjEW1AF7nopVDEbiAUeizaF9J-Sm_0G3WTehOzdS7OuSwMWz2hwU9vttxwu_TpRlFDpGb00NA0hElg25VGhR25Z/s400/2016Resolutions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You’ll notice these goals are pretty broad, and I did that for a reason. This year I want to focus on the journey. The destination is important, too, but if I made a goal like <i>publish x story</i> then I would become all consumed with that final goal. Instead, if I aim to write every day, then the journey to that goal becomes the focus, because I’ll be more in the moment rather than looking too far into the future.<br />
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Part of my writing every day includes using the journal I was given. I’ve never really been one to keep a journal, so this way of writing is something new for me. I’ve mainly been jotting down quick points about my day. Sometimes it’s a few words, other times a more detailed explanation. I’ve left it open to write down whatever I want to at the time, including lines of poetry, quotes, and interesting words. The main thing is I’m looking for something that the day taught me, and it’s a nice way to reflect before I go to bed.<br />
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In past years my resolutions have been more specific, but this year I wanted them to be fluid and open, because I already know it’s going to be a busy year, but everything I’ve written on my list is something I can achieve no matter where I am or what I’m doing.<br />
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Do you make resolutions? I’d love to hear about what you’d like to achieve in 2016.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzh5BiOq-nLfeDJLWWRjdWFMVXc" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bzh5BiOq-nLfeDJLWWRjdWFMVXc" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ho9V8sW47BhaWTXvx2IF-bjsALSEQOKzWdA1mn3I7Pk89cMiqb0uO9rImJddrKs73woPknGy9KfTBkAQBpYU50yJwMZ03bTLNVolX5RBK6lBv6RKalVCdS3E8HgCrRkjFZ-P5c_e4i46/s1600/Resolutions_Heading.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Download my free worksheet, print it out and record your resolutions, then put it somewhere prominent to remind you what you want to achieve throughout the year.</b><br />
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Stay awesome.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-28666962237132810122016-01-04T10:25:00.000+11:002016-01-18T11:27:27.811+11:00WHAT A RIDE {2015 in Review}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUaXbPX1R0U/VpLNKS1VTtI/AAAAAAAAEEk/WM_M5eqm4Rs/s1600/2015InReview_Header2.jpg" /></div>
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When I look back over the past twelve months, I may not have achieved everything I originally set out to do, but I have achieved a great deal.<br />
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In January I published the long awaited sequel to <i>Fall For Me</i>. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fight-Me-Tate-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B00Q0OWG3O/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>Fight For Me</i></a> is the second book in the Tate Chronicles series, and after two years between books, I was glad to finally be able to get it out to all of you.<br />
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I went a little notebook crazy and released two of them. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tate-Chronicles-Notebook-K-Last/dp/0994217528/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>Tate Chronicles notebook</i></a> was released in January 2015 and the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Immagica-Notebook-K-Last/dp/0994217536/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank"><i>Immagica Notebook</i></a> in February 2015.<br />
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I also published a short story called <i>Suffering</i> that is part of the Tate Chronicles and it appeared in <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24496113-losing-it" target="_blank"><i>Losing It: A Collection of V-cards</i></a>. It was available for a limited time from Valentine’s Day 2015 until December 31. It’s sadly no longer for sale, and I’m still thinking about what I’ll do with the story. For now it will stay retired.<br />
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In March I headed to the Gold Coast for the second time to attend Readers and Writers Down Under. I signed books, met fans, and got to spend time with some of the most awesome people ever. You can read about my fabulous weekend again <a href="http://aussieownedandread.com/2015/04/07/aussie-owned-and-read-hit-the-gold-coast-for-rwdu/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I continued my studies towards achieving my BA degree, and I received the Executive Dean’s Award for outstanding academic performance.<br />
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I <a href="http://www.kiladesigns.com.au/" target="_blank">designed more book covers</a> for writers who I love and adore, and I feel so privileged to be able to have helped them in some way.<br />
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In July I set off on a great adventure with my family. We spent three months traveling Australia in our 4WD and campervan. I deferred from uni for the semester, and the kids participated in distance education. We went to many amazing places, and saw lots of wonderful things. Australia is such a beautiful country, and I feel so blessed to have been able to explore it with the people I love the most. During the three months I did no creative writing, but I did keep a travel journal. You can read about my adventure <a href="http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/2015/11/end-radio-silence-its-been-while.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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At the beginning of November I started an online writing workshop to help me get my writing back on track. I began my write chain, and I am now at 65 links. That’s 65 days of writing every day! Yay me! To learn more about the workshop <a href="http://www.writerology.net/shop/" target="_blank">go here</a>.<br />
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I also got my second tattoo at the end of November. It incorporates an ellipsis, and it has special meaning for me, but I think that may be a blog post on its own. <br />
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I set my Goodreads reading goal at 52 books every year, but unfortunately this year I didn’t achieve that. I managed 49, which was so close, but there were many times throughout the year where I couldn’t read as much as I would have liked. I’ve set my goal again for 2016 and I’m currently on track.<br />
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After writing all this down I am truly amazed, and a little proud of what I’ve achieved. I had planned to have the final book in the Tate Chronicles finished and ready for publication, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. I'm working hard on <i>Die For Me</i> though, and I hope to have it into reader’s hands as soon as I can.<br />
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All I can say now is, bring on 2016! I’m ready for another amazing year.<br />
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Stay awesome.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-86015309664075807022015-12-28T08:00:00.000+11:002016-01-18T11:27:16.532+11:00A SPECIAL GIFT {the gift of words}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGMY-VR8ItU/Vn-5TwDF-4I/AAAAAAAAEDM/tuzrA9FBpuk/s1600/GiftOfWords.jpg" /></div>
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This week has been a flurry of wrapping paper, tinsel, ham, prawns, and Pavlova. I spent the week at my parent’s place, and with ten people in the house, it was pretty noisy. But we all had a great time, and the kids were spoiled rotten. I love Christmas, because I love seeing people happy. <br />
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Amongst the ruckus, I still managed to find the time to write every day. I even surpassed my daily goal of 500 words, reaching double that most of the time. <br />
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I also got some pretty awesome gifts. More books to read, another colouring book, and my favourite present … a leather bound journal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiekoT7qeET_tx-4YeK5H_F6njGRfYN8o_xMp4A8uGANUyhFuoo7dEUVWOnnFyRbJoHLw45wpCyNlpUz-rdUAB3vBJfCeLtu3z2yK6bzVhocp9QbXnYL5tq1iQQd84j5yuMVdu10LJpTV/s1600/IMG_3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiekoT7qeET_tx-4YeK5H_F6njGRfYN8o_xMp4A8uGANUyhFuoo7dEUVWOnnFyRbJoHLw45wpCyNlpUz-rdUAB3vBJfCeLtu3z2yK6bzVhocp9QbXnYL5tq1iQQd84j5yuMVdu10LJpTV/s400/IMG_3323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was given to me by a special friend who has stuck by me, even when I’ve been at my worst. She gets me more than anyone I know, and it’s the most thoughtful present I’ve been given in a long time. I plan to start using it on January 1, and I want to fill it with something meaningful. So, it’s going to be my learning journal. Each day I’m going to look for something new to learn, and I’m going to write it down. I also plan to use it to record anything I think will help me in some way, whether it be dealing with something that’s happening at the time, or to see the world differently. Quotes, thoughts, song lyrics … all the things I love and want to love. Thoughts, speech, words … they are so wonderful, and I’m so grateful for this gift, because it has given me a special place to put <i>all the words! </i> <br />
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Have you received a special gift this Christmas? I’d love to hear about it.<br />
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Stay awesome, and see you in 2016.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-21208043079518790512015-12-21T08:00:00.000+11:002016-01-18T11:27:11.275+11:00MERRY CHRISTMAS {and a writing update from me}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pSTpQ8dvuU/VnaNu4m41KI/AAAAAAAAEC4/sYe59oRr9Vc/s1600/Update_Header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pSTpQ8dvuU/VnaNu4m41KI/AAAAAAAAEC4/sYe59oRr9Vc/s1600/Update_Header.jpg" /></a></div>
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I can’t believe Christmas is less than a week away. Where has this year gone? At the beginning of 2015 hubby and I agreed that we needed to slow down, and start making the most of things. We wanted to prioritise better, meaning less work and more play. Even though we’ve achieved a lot over the past twelve months, I feel as if the year has gotten away from us. I think I feel this way every year. And now it’s time to start thinking about the year ahead again. The prospect of another year excites me because it’s another chance to start over, and another chance to set long term (and short term) goals. So … I thought it's about time I gave you an official update on where I’m at with my writing, and what you can (possibly) expect from me in 2016. <br />
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I’m currently drafting <i>Die For Me</i>, the final book in the Tate Chronicles, and I plan to have it out before the middle of the year. I’m excited for this final book because it’s going to be a good one, and after everything Grace as been through … well, all I’ll say is she’s going out with a bang. I’m going to miss my characters from this series because they have been with me for so long, but to be honest, I’m also relieved. I’m excited about moving on to new stories and ideas, but I’ll get to that in a minute.<br />
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As well as releasing the final book in the series, the Tate Chronicles will be getting a makeover. The first two books will have shiny re-designed covers, and I’ll be doing a triple cover reveal some time in February. <i>Sacrifice</i> will remain the same because I’ve always loved it, and it fits well with the new designs.<br />
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I had originally hoped to release <i>Die For Me</i> in January, but there are several schedules I need to work in line with such as beta readers and editors, so that time frame wasn’t possible. I’m not ready to announce an exact date yet (I still need to finish writing the book!) but when I am you’ll be the first to know.<br />
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In March I’ll be going back to uni to continue my studies for my BA. I’ve had a semester off, so it will be a shock to the system, but I’m looking forward to hitting the books again, and getting back into it. This means my writing time will be more limited, but I have plans to work on another story that has been floating around in my head for a few years. Ideally I’d like an October release, but I’ll have to see how things go. It may end up being October 2017! I’ll definitely try my best to have something to release by the end of 2016 though, because I have quite a few stories waiting to be told. My fingers are itching just thinking about them.<br />
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To give you an idea, I’ve started plotting a few of them: a ghost story, a story involving romantic betrayal, and a dystopian video game. I have no idea how any of them will turn out, but that’s half the fun.<br />
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As for New Year’s resolutions, that may have to be a different blog post in the first week of January. I think I’ll make it through Christmas first before I go and set anything in stone for 2016. Plus, I need to think about it more and work out exactly what I want to focus on. The options are limitless.<br />
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I’d like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a supper Happy New year. I hope Santa is good to you.<br />
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Stay awesome.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-39027573727881294012015-12-14T08:54:00.002+11:002016-01-18T11:26:49.365+11:00Back to Basics {writing in a notebook}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_f7ln3FIYc/Vm3mULMH2eI/AAAAAAAAECY/z-AF0Tsp-3c/s1600/BackToBasics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_f7ln3FIYc/Vm3mULMH2eI/AAAAAAAAECY/z-AF0Tsp-3c/s1600/BackToBasics.jpg" /></a></div>
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For the past week or so I’ve been writing in a notebook rather than sitting at the computer to get my words down. This stemmed from me having to work extra days at my day job in the lead up to Christmas. I’m a graphic designer so I stare at a computer screen all day. On most work days, the thought of going anywhere near the computer when I get home makes me cringe. What’s even worse, it makes my writing feel like a chore.<br />
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Another reason why I thought I’d get back to basics is because I felt disconnected to my writing. I felt like I’d lost touch and was simply going through the motions and not producing quality work. Picking up a pen and writing on paper has let me free my thoughts, and given me the chance to write with abandon—mistakes and all. Everything is raw on the page. There’s no delete button.<br />
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Sometimes I wonder if we are slowly losing the art of writing, letting it get lost amongst all the pixels and images, and ease of the digital world. Writing on paper is an art in itself, and one I have really enjoyed exploring again.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4jFcry3qgV-miFXV13fnEntzcIoH4ouzYmf2X0UUJAiZqauT0mv85IkBzKTFyZeZp6OkL0-NRgBsXAA2qj-8sBKhJEoE6T4kaQks3ws52xKqnRlcoeLK_jLlGLp09pNH8C2I-PigvoJu/s1600/Notebooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4jFcry3qgV-miFXV13fnEntzcIoH4ouzYmf2X0UUJAiZqauT0mv85IkBzKTFyZeZp6OkL0-NRgBsXAA2qj-8sBKhJEoE6T4kaQks3ws52xKqnRlcoeLK_jLlGLp09pNH8C2I-PigvoJu/s400/Notebooks.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some of the notebooks in my collection. <br />
I admit I’m a notebook hoarder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I used to worry that I wouldn’t be able to read what I’d written after I’d written it, but I think no matter how messy our handwriting is, our brains have an uncanny way of deciphering our own thoughts. I used to envy those who have beautiful and neat handwriting, and I’ve tried relentlessly to write neatly and make mine pretty. I often start out neat, but then it turns into a messy scrawl because my hand can’t keep up with my brain. This would be my only downfall when it comes to writing with pen and paper, because I look back and think, Wow! What a mess! But I’ve also come to appreciate that I can write and still read it afterwards, and I’ve changed my mindset to view my notebooks as objects of beauty, filled with imagination and ideas, rather than a mess of miss-formed words.<br />
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From my experience, I think writing with pen and paper is a good exercise that every writer should do on a regular basis. It’s a lot nicer watching the ink flow from a pen than watching a cursor flash on a white screen. Writing on paper can help unblock our minds, and get our ideas and thoughts flowing freely. If you find you’re having trouble with your current WIP and feel stuck, why not try using a notebook instead? You might be surprised at how much it can help.<br />
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Stay awesome.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-91301054386708913792015-12-07T08:18:00.001+11:002016-01-18T11:33:23.584+11:00WHAT MAKES YOU A WRITER? {how to define your purpose}<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlgjc30yP4MTbBBL5qdoe_Oo9H-oPXi_8okawU-vYZ6pOBHLSukBUZTGZmIYa5LO5L93p_TxNd9UbG0MmNTPBY91RfyXpXwbWUJiBMNcjXmEHr30E_H40CSgFpu0odu66IN6WkH4dG2Sv/s1600/06-12-15_AmIaWriter.jpg" /><br />
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I often hear of writers who don’t believe they’re actually writers. If you spend time creating stories with words, in any form whether it be a diary entry, blog post, novel, poem, play, the list is endless … then you are a writer.<br />
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Say it with me. I am a writer.<br />
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You don’t have to be published or famous, to achieve writer status. All you have to do is write.<br />
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Today I thought I’d share with you the top ten things being a writer means to me.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcoa6c2HkpGQGC9xnADE7Jz2H72IdHTWbv_xLqiOjIhxsqxDfDAmkzz4ZR9sNa4ySyJj0jSvRT8gka_QNa4Iumbzjsb1y9jJWzHD3FOFrTWKcv31O-8LQSxDHPcwMeSKVabRE6XMw7Bpi/s1600/06-12-15_AmIaWriter_Heading1.jpg" /><br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">1)</span> Happiness: </b>When I’m writing, I’m happy. When I’m thinking about writing, I’m happy. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">2) </span>Creativity:</b> I’m a highly visual person, and I love to create. Whether it’s painting, colouring, illustrating, designing, or writing, I love seeing my creations come to life. Writing is just one of the many forms of creativity I enjoy.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">3) </span>An escape:</b> When I write, I’m taken away from the real world and into a place that I love to be. I have no worries in my imaginary worlds, and my characters wrap me up in a warm blanket and keep me safe. <br />
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<b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">4) </span></b>Time out:</b> I see writing as a way to take time out from everyday life. This could be considered the same thing as escaping, but I disagree. Sometimes I don’t need to forget about the real world. Sometimes all I need is a short break from it.<br />
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</b><b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">5) </span></b>Stress relief:</b> This is a big one for me. I get anxious over the smallest things, and it can be quite debilitating. Writing helps me calm down and deal with issues in a better way. I find the act of writing very therapeutic. <br />
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<b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">6) </span></b>A Challenge: </b>I like to set goals and reach above and beyond them, but this is challenging on the days when I’m time poor. I also like to improve and better myself and my skill. Writing every day helps me achieve this. Writing also challenges me to think about certain things differently, and I like having to look at situations from several angles.<br />
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<b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">7) </span></b>An opportunity: </b>I see my writing as an opportunity to connect with lots of different people in many different ways. This connection can be through interacting with fans of my work, or through meeting like-minded people in the form of other writers. <br />
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<b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">8) </span></b>A sense of accomplishment:</b> When someone tells me they’ve read my book and loved it, it gives me all the fuzzy feels. There is no better feeling than knowing I have touched someone with my writing. I also feel accomplished when I meet my personal goals and striving for them keeps me going.<br />
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<b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">9) </span></b>A way to entertain:</b> Story telling is a great form of entertainment. I enjoy reading, and if I can write something that someone else enjoys reading, then even better. There’s nothing more satisfying than the feeling you get when someone tells you how much they enjoyed reading your story.<br />
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<b><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">10) </span></b>A purpose: </b>I feel that my writing gives me purpose. It’s one of (the many) reasons why I get up every day. It gives me something to look forward to, and helps me face things I don’t always want to. I enjoy spending time with my characters and their world, and bringing them to life. It’s like they’re my children, and it’s my job to care for them and nurture them into existence.<br />
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So the next time you tell yourself, or someone else tells you you’re not a writer, because you don’t have anything published, or no one knows about your work, or *insert other reasons here*, don’t listen to them. <br />
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Be the writer you want to be.<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzh5BiOq-nLfeDc3UjVjR3B6QWM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzh5BiOq-nLfeDc3UjVjR3B6QWM/view?usp=sharing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmYq7pnm5yIazqW0TaVUpj02TOUOG4gnvi5bwRb1KzTQ8CtPeQlT7645bAAamI_qTb5s_7Nn9BRcEmk-1nEB0sNiOmJ9oUwjXtSJP_-G3fk69595bKqJQ34bRS7YpqcJGu02AlekQwbkb/s1600/06-12-15_AmIaWriter_Heading2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Download my free worksheet and fill it out to remind yourself why you love to write.</b><br />
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Be awesome.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-77765562753467600642015-11-30T07:00:00.000+11:002016-01-18T11:33:23.577+11:00EXPANDING PERSONAL SPACE IT’S ALL ABOUT THEM {Making your blog work for others}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Image: Jonathan Pendleton via unsplash.com<br />
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Last week I talked about my blog as my personal space, and I asked myself a series of questions to help me find out what I wanted to get out of blogging. I discovered I wanted to focus more on me and my writing, and since making that decision I have felt much better about my blog, because it’s now something I’m doing for myself. It’s all about me. <br />
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You can read the post <a href="http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/2015/11/personal-space-its-all-about-me-making.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and download the free worksheet to help you get your blog back on track.<br />
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However, I also want my blog to be a space for others. I want to expand my personal space, and invite you to come in and have a look around. <br />
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In order to do this, my blog needs to be a place where people will want to come. Sounds pretty simple, right? I’m not so sure. I’ve thought about it long and hard, asking myself what I like from the blogs I read regularly, and I’ve come up with this:<br />
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<b>Easy to read:</b> The typeface and size of the text has to be comfortable to read. If it’s hard work, I don’t want to stick around. Usually online a sans serif face works well. My blog is set in Calibri at 16 point. Also consider background colour. Black or grey text on white is far easier on the eye than white text on black.<br />
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<b>Nice to look at:</b> I’m a graphic designer, so I’m constantly looking at how things are designed. I often pull them apart in my head and put them back together again. If the blog I’m looking at is designed nicely, then I’m more likely to stay a while.<br />
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<b>Easy to navigate: </b>Blogs have come so far in that they aren’t just a blog anymore. We can have several pages to our websites that contain a limitless amount of content. Finding this content needs to be clear and simple, and this is something I’m constantly working on. <br />
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My suggestions are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Use a few key tags or labels as opposed to too many (something else I’m working on)</li>
<li>Have the main navigation clear at the top of the blog</li>
<li>Make your blog archive easily accessible</li>
<li>Use eye-catching graphics in the sidebar for extra interest and easy content click through.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Interesting content:</b> By now the blog has sucked me in with its prettiness and ease of reading, but what I’m reading needs to keep me interested. This could be anything from the way the blogger writes, to the topic they’re writing about. It’s a very personal thing, and what holds my attention on one blog may not hold yours. I do believe though that if you’re writing on a topic you’re passionate about, this will shine through your words and make the post interesting.<br />
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<b>Informative:</b> As well as being interesting, the content should aim to inform on a certain topic. Whatever topic you’ve chosen, blog posts need some direction, otherwise they risk becoming boring. There should be a clear movement from introduction, to the presentation of information, to the conclusion. Much like a story has a beginning, middle, and end.<br />
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<b>Something of value: </b>For me this is an important key point. Sometimes the value is in the information. If I come away from reading a post knowing something I didn’t know before, then I’m satisfied. If the post has made me think, or encouraged me to engage with the writer, then their job is done. Other times value can be found in aspects such as free downloads or samples. The idea is to leave the reader with the sense that they received something from your blog post.<br />
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<b>Regular:</b> If a blog I like doesn’t post content on a regular basis, I tend to forget about them. Because I’m so busy, usually I’ve signed up to follow them so I won’t actively seek out new blog posts. They have to land in my inbox. If this happens on a regular basis I’m more inclined to stay for a while after I’ve read the new post. Your posts don’t have to be frequent, but they should be regular so the reader knows when to expect a new post (something else I’m working on yet again).<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzh5BiOq-nLfQmVxZGF4NFU0am8/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzh5BiOq-nLfQmVxZGF4NFU0am8/view?usp=sharing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9x47j9lIiw0NM31syrxm3RvHyFGU7x-zWprOnsRidAual_q_wf7I3Q8wm24asjEA88N1A0PC1-m2EcfwYYVZUuLACg62r4PVBfb7qDyDmomEIMuh0bngI8fQLKlImXHB7HAS6cO-Kd7kR/s1600/23-11-15_ExpandPersonalSpace_Heading1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Download my free worksheet to help you structure an effective blog post.</b><br />
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When I decided to move away from promoting other authors and to focus my blog on me and my writing, it didn’t mean I wanted to stop helping others. Through sharing my own experiences, thoughts, and knowledge, it is my hope that what I have to offer from this point forward is something the online community will find helpful.<br />
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Be awesome.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-48893982212063656752015-11-22T13:00:00.000+11:002016-01-18T11:33:23.573+11:00PERSONAL SPACE IT'S ALL ABOUT ME {making your blog work for you}<br />
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Image: Dustin Lee via unsplash.com</div>
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I’ve been blogging here since October 2012. It’s been more than three years, and I’m surprised at how fast time passes. When I took a look back through everything I’ve posted until now, I realised that I’ve spent a lot of time helping and promoting other authors. I love to help people. I think it’s one of the most rewarding actions we can take in this world that’s so full of negativity. Helping others makes the world a better place.<br />
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But … I’ve had a long think about it, and I’ve also realised that while it brings me great joy when I help other authors spread the word about their work, my blog is not the space I wish to do it in. Over the past few weeks I’ve had several close author friends have cover reveals and new releases, and it’s always exciting when something comes to life that you know someone has worked so hard on. A few of these I committed to posting here, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to get around to it. The guilt ate a hole in my stomach, and I promised myself I would stop agreeing to do something I don’t have enough time for. My life is a bit crazy. On a bad day I barely have time to reach my 400 word goal. So spending hours formatting blog posts that inevitably won’t help me gain anything other than the warm fuzzy feels is not very productive for me and my work.<br />
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I want my blog space to take a new direction, and I want it to be about me and my writing. <br />
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When I say it like that it makes me sound selfish, but in my own space I think I have the right to be. This is the place where it can be all about me.<br />
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The other aspect of blogging I’ve struggled with over the years is getting into a routine where I can do it regularly. I’ve found in the past that I haven’t had much to say, so my posts have been erratic and at times probably not what you as my readers want to read about. I’m hoping if I shift the focus to where the heart of my love and passion lies, I’ll be able to write more interesting and engaging posts, and to also do it more regularly. I’m hoping my posts will still be able to help others, but in a different way.<br />
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Have you found yourself in the same position as me? Have you gotten to the point where the content of your blog has overshadowed what you originally set out to do? If the answer is yes, then ask yourself the questions I asked myself:<br />
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<ul>
<li>What lies at the heart of my blog?</li>
<li>What is my blog about?</li>
<li>What am I passionate about?</li>
<li>What do I want to offer in my blog posts?</li>
<li>What is the direction I want my blog to take?</li>
<li>How frequently do I want to blog, and what can I do to make it happen?</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzh5BiOq-nLfQmVxZGF4NFU0am8/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bzh5BiOq-nLfQmVxZGF4NFU0am8/view?usp=sharing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHxzFIF6-AuTZ4b2NTJDofrlUIHsdWB1ctb6QZEmaBGvwsHKtjZePWpySiDzhOeDcqIJ4C83DdICI1SkpvcILmorRmf3an3gSrQnb76iQo8Huw1F5UW-P6ZZP7Vm-IdLZpj2X0CzzlO1m/s1600/23-11-15_PersonalSpace_Heading2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Download my free worksheet to help you answer these questions.</b><br />
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I’m planning to make my blog space more personal, and give you the chance to see inside my head more than you would by reading my books. I hope to write posts about what’s going on in my writing life, what’s easy and what’s hard. Projects I’m working on, books I’m reading, helpful resources, and things that bring me happiness. I might even throw some advice in there every now and again. I’d love to know what you would like to hear from me, so please comment and we’ll get the conversation going.<br />
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Be awesome.<br />
K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-81739003347179412832015-11-02T14:55:00.001+11:002016-01-18T11:26:59.809+11:00Setting Achievable Goals – Writember Workshop and NaNo WriMoI haven’t really shared much writing news with you all this year. Mainly because I haven’t had all that much to share. <a href="http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/p/fight-for-me.html"><i>Fight For Me</i></a>, the second book in the Tate Chronicles, released back in January. After that I began the draft for <i>Die For Me</i>, which will be the final book, but with uni, and life, and a three month holiday, time got away and the draft still isn’t finished.<br /><br />I’m okay with that, because now I’m more prepared to get stuck into it and get that sucker written. Although I won’t be announcing a release date until I know that I can pull it off, I can tell you it will be some time in the New Year.<br /><br />Nano started this week, and I have every intention of participating (I think), but I’m also doing something else to help me achieve my writing goals. I’m taking part in the <a href="http://www.writerology.net/writember-workshop/" target="_blank">Writember Workshop</a> via <a href="http://www.writerology.net/" target="_blank">Writerology</a>, and I’m excited about this because I’m looking forward to changing from a sporadic binge writer to someone who can find the time to write every day. <br /><br />I took a pledge, and I vowed to write 300 words of fiction and 100 words of nonfiction every day. It’s a far cry from the 1667 daily nano goal in order to reach 50k, but one thing I have learnt since starting the workshop is that I need to set attainable goals. If I have a goal that’s too hard to reach, then I’ll feel like a failure if and when I fall short. By setting a goal I know I can achieve on my worst day, it will be easier to go above and beyond on all the good days.<br /><br />So in terms of writing news, in early 2016 you can expect to see the last book in the Tate Chronicles come to life. I also have a few other novel ideas almost plotted out, and I’ll be deciding which of those to move forward with. When I know, I’ll let all of you know, too. And lastly, I have another exciting project I’ve been working on for the past few months, but one I’m not entirely ready to share yet. Make sure you keep an eye out for it though. It will be one for the writers.<br /><br />K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-12313175947507021742015-11-01T10:25:00.000+11:002016-01-18T11:09:46.688+11:00End Radio Silence – It’s Been a WhileIt’s been a long time. A long time since I posted anything on this blog, and a long time since I got back from my extended holiday.<br />
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I haven’t been around for a while because I was off gallivanting around Australia with my hubby and two young children. We drove, we bushwalked, we went places we’ve never been, we pushed boundaries, we swam, we ate, we drank, we met amazing people, we relaxed, and we had the most awesome time ever. The pink line on the map still blows me away …<br />
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I had every intention of keeping everyone in the loop. But the truth is, I enjoyed the time away, and the solitude of the open roads, and the quiet of the Aussie outback far too much to worry about keeping up with everything and everyone else. <br />
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I went into the trip filled with optimism, and with the best intentions of writing every day, because I should have had all the time in the world. But even though we did so much in the three months, what I didn’t do much of is write. I did keep up with my daily blog post on our personal travel blog which sometimes equated to more than 1k words a day, and I made quite a few entries into my notebooks as we were bumping along those outback roads, but not once did I turn the laptop on and write new words for any of my current WIPs. <br />
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At the time this was perfectly fine, because I was so busy with everything else, and all the fun we were having, that I didn’t give it a second thought. When I got home, I felt conflicted. One minute I wished I’d set aside a little more time to spend with my laptop, then the next I remembered all the things we did instead. The first few days back at home I felt guilty because I hadn’t reached my goal of getting the draft done for the final book in my series. I was on a downer because our adventure was over. Then while I was slapping myself on the wrist, telling myself to get over it, reality was whacking me in the face. And when I thought about it some more, I was actually glad I didn’t spend any time engrossed in my imaginary worlds, because I had all that time to spend with my children and reconnect with my family.<br />
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We’ve been home for over a month now, and the holiday seems like a distant memory. But apart from broadening my life experience, it taught me a very valuable lesson. <br />
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Even though I’m a writer and author, it’s not the only thing about me and my life that matters. I’m also a wife, mother, friend, reader, artist, graphic designer, adventure seeker, uni student, and so many other things. I have goals, and I should try my best to achieve them, but sometimes it’s okay to take time off … from everything. Sometimes doing that is the best thing, because I don’t ever want to lose sight of what is most important to me. Even though I have a million and one things I want to do before I die, my family is at the top of my most important list, and if I needed to take three months off from doing something I love to spend it with them, then it was totally worth it, because I can only watch my kids grow up once.<br />
Our trip was amazing. So amazing I can’t really put it into words. And even though I didn’t write like I’d planned to, I’ve come away with more worldly experience, priceless memories, and a brain full of fuel for future writing.<br />
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It would be impossible to show you everything we did in one blog post, but here are some of the amazing places we visited.<br />
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<b>Ayreshire Hills</b><br />
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<b>Darwin</b><br />
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<b>Lichfield National Park</b><br />
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<b>The Horizontal Waterfalls</b><br />
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<b>Cable Beach, Broome</b><br />
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<b>Coral Bay</b><br />
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<b>Shell Beach, Shark Bay</b><br />
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<b>Monkey Mia</b><br />
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<b>Steep Point</b><br />
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<b>Kalbarri National Park and Aussie wildflowers</b><br />
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K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-60412106767186260912015-04-14T09:19:00.000+10:002015-11-24T15:13:36.725+11:00I Hit the Gold Coast for RWDU With My Aussie Owned and Read Girls<div style="text-align: left;">
On March 27th I made the journey to Qld for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ReadersandWritersDownUnder?fref=ts" target="_blank">Readers and Writers Down Under </a>Convention. This was my second year attending this event (formerly known as Indie Authors Down Under) and I had an absolute ball.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Friday</b></span></div>
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My assistant, Katrina, and I were on the road to the airport at 5am, and our plane from Sydney left the tarmac at 7.10am. We watched the sun rise from our seats as we taxied along the runway.</div>
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<a href="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/01_sunrise.jpg"><img alt="01_Sunrise" class=" size-medium wp-image-3358 alignnone" height="300" src="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/01_sunrise.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a></div>
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When we reached the Gold Coast we met up with our beautiful Aussie Owned member, Stacey, and dumped our bags in our room. Stacey and I spent the morning attending some panels. There were discussions about all sorts of things, and we enjoyed watching Aussie Owned's lovely Lauren talk on the <i>Fine Line Between Young Adult and New Adult</i> panel with Jay McLean.</div>
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<a href="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/02_yapanel.jpg"><img alt="02_YAPanel" class="wp-image-3361 size-medium" height="300" src="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/02_yapanel.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Jay McLean and Lauren McKellar</div>
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After a relaxing lunch, a glass of wine, and a pedicure with Katrina by my side, it was back to the panels with Stacey. We got to hear Abbi Glines talk social media, and after meeting her last year, it was great to be in the same room with this inspirational woman again.</div>
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<a href="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/02_abbi.jpg"><img alt="02_Abbi" class="wp-image-3362 size-medium" height="300" src="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/02_abbi.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Abbi Glines</div>
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By this time I was walking dead on my feet. Being up since 4am can do that to you! But we pushed on and Stacey, Katrina and I had a lovely dinner with Bianca from <a href="http://www.martinitimes.com/" target="_blank">Martini Times Romance</a>. After dinner we strolled through the markets on the foreshore and were treated to an unexpected fireworks show<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>.</u></span></div>
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<a href="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/04_fireworks.jpg"><img alt="04_Fireworks" class=" size-medium wp-image-3363 alignnone" height="300" src="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/04_fireworks.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a></div>
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It was then time to prepare for the big event the next day, and get everything ready for the signing. We finally climbed into bed at 11pm.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Saturday</b></span></div>
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We were up at 6am, had a quick breakfast and fussed about with last minute preparations before we headed down to the ballroom to set up. The room buzzed with organised chaos, and the atmosphere was invigorating. At 9.30am the doors opened for the VIP guests, and at 10am it was open slather for all.</div>
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<a href="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/05_setup.jpg"><img alt="05_SetUp" class="wp-image-3369 size-medium" height="300" src="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/05_setup.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Me with my wonderful assistant, Katrina, <br />after we'd finished setting up</div>
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My wonderful assistant never left my side, and I spent the day signing books, meeting new readers, and catching up with some lovely people I’d met last year. One of the highlights was getting to meet <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fionamillerstevens?fref=ts" target="_blank">Fiona Miller-Stevens</a>. She was on my team for Pitcharama 2014, and since then we’ve stayed in touch. It was really nice finally being able to chat face to face.</div>
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<a href="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/08_fiona.jpg"><img alt="08_Fiona" class="wp-image-3365 size-medium" height="300" src="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/08_fiona.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Me with Fiona Miller-Stevens</div>
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There was no time to spend with Stacey or Lauren at the signing, so Stacey and I took the opportunity to catch up on everything over lunch.</div>
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<a href="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/07_stacey.jpg"><img alt="07_Stacey" class="wp-image-3370 size-medium" height="300" src="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/07_stacey.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Stacey and I at lunch</div>
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Before we knew it the day was over and it was time to get ready for the red carpet awards dinner. Lauren, Stacey and I were all nominated in several categories, so the excitement was high. Although none of us brought home an award, they all went to deserving and wonderful people. Besides, we were having too much fun in the photo booth to care about anything else!</div>
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<a href="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/photobooth.jpg"><img alt="PhotoBooth" class=" size-medium wp-image-3367 alignnone" height="300" src="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/photobooth.jpg?w=128" width="128" /></a></div>
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Stacey, Katrina and I shared a table with Bianca and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/boundtotheguardians?fref=ts" target="_blank">M.J. Stevens</a>, and we all had a fantastic night. I fell into bed around 11pm again, and I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.</div>
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<a href="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/09_awards.jpg"><img alt="09_Awards" class="wp-image-3372 size-medium" height="300" src="https://aussieownedandread.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/09_awards.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></a> </div>
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From L-R M. J. Stevens, Bianca (Martini Times Romance), Stacey Nash, K. A. Last (me), Katrina (my assistant)</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Sunday</b></span></div>
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On Sunday morning I think I was too tired to really process the weekend in its entirety. When Katrina and I boarded the plane at lunch time, I felt sad to be leaving, but I was so glad to be heading home to my family and my own bed. Looking back on it now, it was a fantastic weekend, and I can’t wait to do it all again next year.</div>
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K x </div>
K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-74997844358274072512015-02-27T17:32:00.000+11:002016-01-18T11:19:48.481+11:00Release Blitz + Giveaway - Shh! by Stacey Nash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtytwxTT0pOtO5s3wBB48oUP4HrsgDTYSY7RFkOEz9ds4UbfFZ13RK8rrMVIzJgUNjGO7Fpyx6c_iLhC7k-3_tJZKBZIYGbBfwspsaARJ03tWfTeZayI3ufZDVKk1B0DnEcNHu7rY5aR-/s1600/ShhBlitzBanner2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtytwxTT0pOtO5s3wBB48oUP4HrsgDTYSY7RFkOEz9ds4UbfFZ13RK8rrMVIzJgUNjGO7Fpyx6c_iLhC7k-3_tJZKBZIYGbBfwspsaARJ03tWfTeZayI3ufZDVKk1B0DnEcNHu7rY5aR-/s1600/ShhBlitzBanner2.png" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Shh!</i></b> by Stacey Nash <br />
(Oxley College #1) <br />
<b>Publication date:</b> February 23rd 2015<br />
<b>Genres: </b>Contemporary, New Adult, Romance<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-n_s6VSoEN-OtiSA5cKKkjLnkpScHOvFAL_R3PRDxH6kkp8GXLBl7nuJrqRuTJnquSDSJd4BAz2ytOyW-V7eP9kB56zHIdo6-T3mzcXlrYLT8UEZmSXR2XM7FnQ4P7LjIjY4ZX8QB28L/s1600/SHH!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-n_s6VSoEN-OtiSA5cKKkjLnkpScHOvFAL_R3PRDxH6kkp8GXLBl7nuJrqRuTJnquSDSJd4BAz2ytOyW-V7eP9kB56zHIdo6-T3mzcXlrYLT8UEZmSXR2XM7FnQ4P7LjIjY4ZX8QB28L/s1600/SHH!.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Synopsis:</b></span><br />
Nineteen-year-old Olivia Dean has the perfect reputation, the perfect boyfriend, and an increasingly perfect CV. She has it all, until Christian breaks up with her in public, calling her out as a self-gratifying sexoholic: the kind that plays solo. But Olivia doesn’t masturbate all night — the only thing she does is sleep … right?<br />
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Now all the boys on campus seem to want her attention for the absolutely wrong reason — including resident hottie, Logan Hays. He’s pulling out his best moves to gain her attention, so resisting his sexy charm is hard work. With rapidly slipping grades, a disturbingly lurid reputation and demanding parents, Olivia must discover the truth behind her rumoured sleeping problem. If she doesn’t, the perfect life she’s worked so hard for may slip away, including the one person who has Olivia breaking all her rules — Logan.<br />
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What do you do when you’re asleep?<br />
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Shh! is a story about acceptance, learning to trust and in turn love while facing life’s unexpected difficulties.<br />
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NB: This book is of a mild heat level, and contains no explicit sex scenes.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24156437-shh?ac=1" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24156437-shh?ac=1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXoSjC09L5q1oucO1Qz4uvwPKqi4B-XgupAwHEHam5PWflep4cCksKOD3eaYNJqG16cOcOstTMhQGsAj3YzAp5LL4c2RHo4ZmLcLqiOe4pZPZm1oHinP3jg_NXdkk8R_CaHR0IMgKM6Hj/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Purchase:</b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shh-Oxley-College-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B00TXZY8X8/">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shh-stacey-nash/1121014569?ean=2940151672719">B&N</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9BYUEsaQ1UPZoxLHyvN4FQD5gwklmxfUtlVpJmWQ0fTV911m4ITjR6yY3ITbmrF0Uwpqp5wYWl4_SVSiHSsvm_m5ku9Vz0kX5mv6Y3c_XborDHqN6qXP9lepdIdqIls4wuUnpgcrgwQe/s1600/reality+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9BYUEsaQ1UPZoxLHyvN4FQD5gwklmxfUtlVpJmWQ0fTV911m4ITjR6yY3ITbmrF0Uwpqp5wYWl4_SVSiHSsvm_m5ku9Vz0kX5mv6Y3c_XborDHqN6qXP9lepdIdqIls4wuUnpgcrgwQe/s1600/reality+square.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>About the author:</b></span><br />
Writing for the young and new adult market, Stacey's books are all adventure filled stories with a lot of adventure, a good dose of danger, a smattering of romance, and plenty of KISSING! Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area.<br />
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Author of the Collective Series; <i>Forget Me Not</i> and <i>Remember Me</i>. And Oxley College Saga; <i>Shh!</i> and <i>Wait!</i><br />
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Author links:<br />
<a href="http://www.stacey-nash.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StaceyLeeNash" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/staceynash" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7150198.Stacey_Nash" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="3ee2397931" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3ee2397931/" id="rcwidget_vc524gcp" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-1452638901157397102015-02-10T16:00:00.000+11:002016-01-18T11:19:48.364+11:00True Confessions Blog Hop - The Losing It Authors Tell All + GIVEAWAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8Z1_BP5mYxpI-poXmjfEg59WWZ5df_IW-89qNfT7nRlIpL1LY4y3Qe_PFmQK5cp4DNgnaubQ3UYq0j35EILH1z2Pacs5KKm-nXmhzDXbDk9aIK8rVXmQ-lfgVp2dsh4L2RoA0ZpTEwA/s1600/LosingIt_BlogHop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8Z1_BP5mYxpI-poXmjfEg59WWZ5df_IW-89qNfT7nRlIpL1LY4y3Qe_PFmQK5cp4DNgnaubQ3UYq0j35EILH1z2Pacs5KKm-nXmhzDXbDk9aIK8rVXmQ-lfgVp2dsh4L2RoA0ZpTEwA/s1600/LosingIt_BlogHop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ruw7YsCGkYVAyOuCf1QF22D_K1qxxoq706NPUgsG3Kt-8Ff0EH5ImzU0qUYFYjjEu3ySSuB8pstnWw3uAA4_24aPyM5p5SCEb5JJUqPqvbMXB_ajrTjfB96Lkz8IIH1uF_Xo0FYuoqXi/s1600/KALast_LosingIt_Teaser.jpg"><br />
</a><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Confession:</b> </span>I'm obsessed with eyes.<br />
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A lot of women are attracted to muscles and hot bodies, but I don’t find big muscly arms and chests that much of a turn on. I’m obviously not completely against them, but for me it’s not the most important thing. <br />
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I love eyes. If someone has awesome eyes, then bam! They’ve got my attention. The eyes can tell so many secrets, and I know it’s cliché, but they really are the windows to the soul.<br />
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I especially love scary blue eyes—that really intense, piercing blue that stands out a mile away. My favourite blue-eyed celebrity is Zac Effron, and I have to say he has grown up to be one fine man. He is also one of my main muses when it came to writing Josh's character in the Tate Chronicles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ruw7YsCGkYVAyOuCf1QF22D_K1qxxoq706NPUgsG3Kt-8Ff0EH5ImzU0qUYFYjjEu3ySSuB8pstnWw3uAA4_24aPyM5p5SCEb5JJUqPqvbMXB_ajrTjfB96Lkz8IIH1uF_Xo0FYuoqXi/s1600/KALast_LosingIt_Teaser.jpg"></a><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Giveaway</b></span></div>
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My<i> Losing It </i>scene (<i>Suffering – Grace's Story</i>) occurs between <i>Fall For Me</i> and <i>Fight For Me</i>. It is like an interquel rather than an extended scene, and offers a little more insight into Grace and Josh’s relationship. Read on to see what you could win ...</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcZWYRdW25mLLCIClF7LSVYSC7MrOHM1ThWdPbpjz1MW-9zi1sES4tIfBEfahUFc91CiAwmZ4FTqJa4u-k-tAJ5kUxI69nQURCJ2HMjrku1xw4wzKNjrcXq6nH7wcBRu8jjSWpBf_broy/s1600/TateChronicles.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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One winner will receive eBook copies <br />
of<i> Fall For Me</i> and<i> Fight For Me</i>.</div>
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<i>Sacrifice</i> is currently FREE. <a href="http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/p/sacrifice-fall-for-me-prequel.html" target="_blank">Go HERE</a> for all the retail links.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NY3SLrpEo3ZyW2TtX9LDBaION6fa_R_IcQicsuTyIEGxudv0UER8bb1tytb2wHwNFw6TRRht8ce2e05W0ZoXKMQONQOw_xVJOrfcnXcbrrX-k7HgrUo1nZEXmAuFAn7QYAcwTXJl8HRD/s1600/IMG_6315.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></div>
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A second winner will receive a signed <br />
Tate Chronicles bookmark pack.</div>
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="05ebcc5527" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/05ebcc5527/" id="rcwidget_6fpuudpw" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Read all of our confessions and enter to win paperbacks and swag at every stop!</b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://anawfullybigadventure-kc.blogspot.com/">Kristina Circelli (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://melissahaag.com/">Melissa Haag (INT)</a><br />
<a href="http://ednahwalters.blogspot.com/">Ednah Walters (INT)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nikkijefford.com/">Nikki Jefford (INT)</a><br />
<a href="http://staceywallacebenefiel.com/">Stacey Wallace Benefiel (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.helenboswell.com/the-blog">Helen Boswell (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.stbende.com/#!blog/caj7">S.T. Bende (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://amymilesbooks.com/blog/">Amy Miles (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://smboyce.com/boyce-blog/">S. M. Boyce (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mildaharris.com/">Milda Harris (INT)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kalastbooks.com.au/">K. A. Last (INT)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com/">Heather Hildenbrand (INT)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.littlemisswrite.com/">Ginger Scott (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://juliacraneauthor.blogspot.com/">Julia Crane (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://tishthawer.blogspot.com/">Tish Thawer (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://mistypro.blogspot.com/">Misty Provencher (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://alexiaepurdy.blogspot.com/">Alexia Purdy (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://tamararoseblodgett.blogspot.com/">Tamara Rose Blodgett (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://bookflirtsbyjessi.blogspot.com/">A.O. Peart (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://bethanylopez.blogspot.com/">Bethany Lopez (US)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mrpolishauthor.com/#!blog/cf68">M.R. Polish (US/UK)</a><br />
<a href="http://juliepbooks.com/blog/">Julie Prestsater (INT)</a><br />
<br />
Want to get down and dirty with the authors of Losing It? <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/332424686965271/">Join us in the Champagne Room</a> on Facebook. Must be 18 or older to request entry.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Ready to Lose It?</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8oTakAtA5ws90UzAbrHXNRWccygWiP4V9Sr-5jqxKDA1IbYSW6Hz3p1RfXChx770WjfANp7S2TDF3K7Cto_UShfYVziw0buK-My-I5NvzgqtVxovYT3YF26ANVOY3kLuiHSyU7PbMFE/s1600/FB+Ad+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8oTakAtA5ws90UzAbrHXNRWccygWiP4V9Sr-5jqxKDA1IbYSW6Hz3p1RfXChx770WjfANp7S2TDF3K7Cto_UShfYVziw0buK-My-I5NvzgqtVxovYT3YF26ANVOY3kLuiHSyU7PbMFE/s1600/FB+Ad+2.jpg" height="333" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Losing-Collection-VCards-Nikki-Jefford-ebook/dp/B00S78OVG6/">Amazon US</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Losing-Collection-VCards-Nikki-Jefford-ebook/dp/B00S78OVG6/">UK</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00S78OVG6/">AU</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00S78OVG6/">CA</a><br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/losing-it-sm-boyce/1121069961?ean=2940151734233">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/losing-it-a-collection-of-vcards?utm_source=linkshare_us&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=linkshare_us&siteID=je6NUbpObpQ-G_tvoNAF_sG0SsjtCcGKVg">Kobo</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id959213515">iBooks</a></div>
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I had so much fun designing this cover, and I cried happy tears at Stacey's initial reaction.<br />
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If you'd like to see more covers that I've designed, head over to <a href="http://www.kiladesigns.com.au/" target="_blank">KILA Designs</a>. <br />
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Now, check out the pretty ...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Shh! </i>(Oxley College #1)</span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7150198.Stacey_Nash">Stacey Nash</a> </span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Release Date:</b></span> 02/23/15</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">eBook cover</span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Full cover wrap </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="background: white;">Summary from Goodreads:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Nineteen-year-old Olivia Dean has the perfect reputation, the perfect boyfriend, and an increasingly perfect CV. She has it all, until Christian breaks up with her in public, calling her out as a<b> </b>self-gratifying sexoholic: the kind that plays solo. But Olivia doesn’t masturbate all night — the only thing she does is sleep … right?</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Now all the boys on campus seem to want her attention for the absolutely wrong reason — including resident hottie, Logan Hays. He's pulling out his best moves to gain her attention, so resisting his sexy charm is hard work. With rapidly slipping grades, a disturbingly lurid reputation and demanding parents, Olivia must discover the truth behind her rumoured sleeping problem. If she doesn't, the perfect life she's worked so hard for may slip away, including the one person who has Olivia breaking all her rules — Logan.</span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">What do you do when you’re asleep?</span></div>
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Shh! is a story about acceptance, learning to trust and in turn love while facing life's unexpected difficulties.</div>
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<b>NB:</b> This book is of a mild heat level, and contains no explicit sex scenes.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24156437-shh?from_search=true" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbR49MMYT6exGlr49W2ogKTWJlizRvw-kptu2rTLZq3O6Gw_iNHE8OwOY6E5a5nGGTzjk2aLDt55HxcOgyCeTOvQm5Bkatip0V427xtRnQ7jJc4sHSgY_2avN8pZmJewlGZCcrYDft-4/s1600/add+to+goodreads+black.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">Pre-Order Links: <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">(Shh! won’t be available on Amazon until release day)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shh-stacey-nash/1121014569?ean=2940151672719&itm=1&usri=2940151672719">Barnes & Noble</a>│<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/shh">Kobo Books</a>│<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id956240001">iBooks</a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">About the Author<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">Stacey Nash writes adventure filled stories for Young Adults in the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. She loves to read and write books that have a lot of adventure, a good dose of danger, a smattering of romance, and KISSING! Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area. She also loves to blog is a co-founder and a contributor at <a href="http://aussieownedandread.com/" target="_blank">Aussie Owned and Read, </a>a blog designed for readers and writers of young adult and new adult fiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">Her debut novel <i>Forget Me Not</i> released with HarperCollins Impulse in 2014 and was soon followed by the sequel, <i>Remember M</i>e. 2015 brings an Aussie set New Adult romance, the Oxley College Saga: <i>Shh!</i> and <i>Wait!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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K. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8929624082914221957.post-79672971717353979062015-01-30T20:43:00.002+11:002016-01-18T11:07:11.660+11:00Losing It: A Collection of V-CardsI am so super excited about this collection! Along with 21 other stellar authors, I have an exclusive scene in this book. It's between Grace and Josh from my Tate Chronicles series, and it happens between <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17257322-fall-for-me" target="_blank"><i>Fall For Me</i></a> and<i> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17561397-fight-for-me" target="_blank">Fight For Me</a></i>, so it's like an interquel rather than an extended scene.<br />
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<b>Two weeks until release! </b>Here's what's in store:<br />
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22 stops. 22 different prizes. 22 true stories from the Losing It authors.<br />
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<br />
Check it out!<br />
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<b>Title: </b>The Problem With Heartache, book three in the Crazy In Love series<br />
<b>Author:</b> Lauren K. McKellar<br />
<b>Genre:</b> Contemporary Romance (New Adult)<br />
<b>Cover Design:</b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KILAdesigns" target="_blank">KILA Designs</a><br />
<b>On sale:</b> February, 2015<br />
<br />
Add it on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23471242-the-problem-with-heartache?from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
Pre-order it on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-problem-with-heartache/id954939408?mt=11" target="_blank">iBooks</a><br />
Pre-order it on <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-problem-with-heartache-lauren-k-mckellar/1120984027?ean=2940151686846" target="_blank">B&N</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.laurenkmckellar.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaurenKateMcKellar" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.twitter.com/LaurenKMcKellar" target="_blank">Twitter</a><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>About The Problem With Heartache</b></span><br />
<i>The problem with heartache is that there’s no one-size-fits-all relief package. You can go to classes; you can try to embrace change. But when you wake up at two in the morning, a smile on your face because you’ve dreamt about the could have—the </i>should<i> have—nothing will console you.<br />
Because seconds later, you remember.<br />
And remembering can rip you apart.</i><br />
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***<br />
<br />
Kate will do anything for her family. It’s why she took the job with Lee. It’s why she’s attempting to forget her pain. But it's hard to forget, when you're desperate to hold on. Even if Lee Collins is the perfect package.<br />
<br />
Lee will do anything for the ones he cares about. It’s why he hired Kate.<br />
It’s why he keeps his secrets; and it’s why he cannot, will not fall in love. Not with Kate—not with anyone.<br />
Ever.<br />
<br />
The one thing he can’t forgive.<br />
The one thing she can’t forget<br />
<br />
The Problem With Heartache<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Excerpt</b><b>:</b></span><br />
“You. In.” She pointed to the room behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder. <br />
<br />
“In there?” I smirked again, but her cheeks didn’t get any redder, to my astonishment. “Is now really the time?”<br />
<br />
She pushed against my naked chest, her steely eyes fixed on my face the whole time, then slammed the door behind us with her foot. <br />
<br />
“If you wanted some private time together, you just had to say so.” I joked, leaning back against the chair that was positioned in front of the mirror in my dressing room. <br />
<br />
“You think this is funny?” Kate asked, her head tilted to the side. <br />
<br />
“Actually … yeah.” I nodded and smiled again, not unkindly.<br />
<br />
Kate looked down, and for one God-awful moment I thought she was going to cry.<br />
<br />
Then, she did something better than crying. Holy mother of crap sticks, was this better than crying.<br />
<br />
She raised her hands to the top of her black button-up shirt—and she undid the top button. Creamy, white skin is exposed, defined collarbones, teasing my eyes down to—<br />
<br />
She undid another button. Holy fuck, what was Kate doing? Her cleavage heaved in front of me, and I got a hint, just a hint of her black lacy bra.<br />
<br />
“It cannot be a coincidence that one man is shirtless in front of me six times in two weeks.”<br />
<br />
I grinned. She’d counted.<br />
<br />
That totally means she’s into it.<br />
<br />
Then she did something that completely surprised me. Hell, it shocked the living daylight out of me. In one fluid movement, she grabbed the sides of her shirt and pulled, popping open her entire top and then shrugging it over her shoulders so she stood there in the world’s hottest black, lacy bra, skin-tight black denim jeans and these shoes—how the hell did I not notice them before?—that were red, high, and sexy as sin. <br />
<br />
I swallowed. “So … this is a revenge …” Swallow, “… strip?”<br />
<br />
“This is me, trying to do something to get you to pay attention and listen when I ask you to do something.” Kate’s voice was honey as it melted into me.<br />
<br />
I raised my hand to the back of my neck and rubbed at the muscles there that had suddenly become tight with tension. “Oh, I’m paying attention, all right.” I widened my eyes. There was absolutely no doubt about that right now. <br />
<br />
“Get back stage, Lee. Seriously. This is your last warning.”<br />
<br />
I swallowed again, and felt the clamminess of perspiration beading my brow. Was it hot in here? It sure felt hot.<br />
<br />
She stepped close to me, till her chest was almost touching my chest. Shit, she smelt like soap and hairspray and … apples. Delicious.<br />
<br />
“I …” My gaze flicked to her lips, and I wondered if it would really be that bad if I kissed her. After all, that wouldn’t be promising her marriage, and maybe she’d be up for a casual thing. And her lips—they were so red, and plump, and—oh God, she just licked them with that sweet-as-hell little tongue, and—<br />
<br />
The palm of her hand made contact with my face before I even registered her arm moving. Five elegant fingers stung my cheek and I jerked backward, clutching my face in pain. “What the hell?”<br />
<br />
Kate walked over to where her shirt lay on the floor and picked it up, casually shrugging it on. She had the biggest shit-eating grin on her face, and I couldn’t help but give a little smile myself. I’d not seen her look so animated since she first boarded the bus. <br />
<br />
“I told you it was your final warning,” she said, doing up her buttons, then turned to the door, wrenching it open and making a sweeping gesture with her arm, allowing me passage through. “Now, Mr Collins, if you please.”<br />
<br />
“Thanks,” I mumbled, walking past her and out into the corridor. I passed Xander’s door, and a thought flashed through my mind. What if she stripped for all the guys to get them on stage? I couldn’t have her just—<br />
<br />
“Lee?” The voice halted me in my tracks. I spun to face her.<br />
<br />
She threw my black shirt at me. “Put some clothes on.”<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>About the Author:</b></span><br />
Lauren K. McKellar is an author and editor. Her debut novel, Finding Home, was released through <br />
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Escape Publishing on October 1, 2013, and her second release, NA Contemporary Romance The Problem With Crazy, is self-published, and is available now. She loves books that evoke emotion, and hope hers make you feel.<br />
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Lauren lives by the beach in Australia with her husband and their two dogs. Most of the time, all three of them are well behaved. <br />
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K xK. A. Lasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02289258780351316515noreply@blogger.com1