Writerly Wednesday - Opening Lines

Hello, everyone, and welcome to another edition of Writerly Wednesday! I hope you are enjoying your Hump Day. ;) Today, I'm going to discuss the Opening Line.

The Opening Line is the most important line of the book. Would you agree with me? I feel that if you don't hook the reader with that first line, you've lost. Unfortunately, this makes it also the hardest line to write. I've struggled with that line more times than I care to count.

Some of my favorite Opening Lines include:

"I was angry. I was so angry that I felt as though my body could burst open with that anger." ~ Amaretto Flame by Sammie Spencer

"Bo was on his knees in the center of the concrete floor, kneeling on a black towel." ~ Blood Like Poison: For the Love of a Vampire by M. Leighton

“I don’t know, Ivy. This borders on black magic,” Shayde said. “You are so dead when your mom finds out.” ~ The Book of Lost Souls by Michelle Muto

“Enough!” Lisbeth shrieked, slamming her hands down on the heavy oak table and raising herself from her seat. ~ The Childe by C.A. Kunz

"The flat tone of the monitor reverberated through my head as my mother’s lifeless hand began to turn cold in mine." ~ Foreshadow by Brea Essex

"When I was a little girl, I thought the shadows could harm me." ~ The Halo Chronicles: The Guardian by Carey Corp

These are only six of a very long list of favorite Opening Lines. :) And all of them are from Indie Authors. What makes them so wonderful? They elicit emotion immediately, whether you are scared, sad, angry or excited. These Opening Lines are what I strive for with every new Opening Line I write.

Want to know my best Opening Lines so far?

I live in a world of vampires. (a WIP)

Sirens and gunshots always sound louder from the edge of sleep. ~ "Hello to Nobody," a short story

I'm sure I have more that I'm not remembering right now. ;) How about you? Care to share any of your favorite Opening Lines? Do you struggle writing that perfect Opener? How do you handle it?

Happy Writing!
EM

Tell Me Something Tuesday

This week's question: Do you like cliffhanger endings in books?

My first response to this is a resounding NO. I get frustrated whenever there is a cliffhanger and I have to wait months for the next book to find out what happens next. The most recent book I had that happen to me with was City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare. At the end, I was left wondering what will happen to Jace and Sebastian - and I still have three months to wait for City of Lost Souls!

Having said all of that, I have to admit I've used the cliffhanger ending in my writing. The endings of the first two books in my Mason Ridge trilogy both leave the reader hanging and wanting more. In Losing Control (book 1), I did it to ensure the readers want more of the story. To leave off where I did, after everything the main character had to go through, well, it felt like the right thing to do. The reader thinks the villain has gained the upper hand. In Losing Heart (book 2), I left off at a place that left the reader feeling like all was lost. A tragic accident befalls the main character, leaving the other characters and the reader to think she has perished. I know, kinda mean, right? ;)

So, I guess my answer is yes and no. I don't like to read them, but I do like to use them. How about you? Do you like cliffhangers? Do you use them? If yes, why?

Happy Tuesday!
EM

Character Chat - The Cacophony in my Head

Have you ever worked on so many projects that when all the characters talk to you at once, they create a loud cacophony in your head? That's what happens to me on a regular basis, unless I'm eyeball-deep in a single story. It's kind of like trying to conduct an orchestra with too many mismatched instruments. So, I decided to write about a few of my characters (and even a few who aren't mine) and here's what happened:

I step into the dining hall and stop just inside the double doors, clutching my notebook and pen to my chest as I get my bearings. The dining hall reminds me of an upscale prep school’s cafeteria, all dark wood and plush carpet. A buffet is set up against the far wall. Crystal chandeliers dot the ceiling, illuminating the large room with their electric glow.

All around the room, people sit at round tables with white linens, eating and talking to one another. I recognize a good number of them and realize where I am. This is where all the characters in my head hang out. I relax and smile as I scan the room once more, comfortable because everyone in here is like an old friend.

My gaze falls on the nearest table and I do a double take as I recognize Lacey, Seth and Miles from my friend Stacie’s book. Curious about why they’re hanging out even though they’re not my creation, I head their way first. Miles sits a little apart from the other two, his arms crossed and a pout on his face. His brown curls fall over his forehead and his glasses have slipped down his thin nose, but he’s too distracted by Lacey and Seth to worry about himself. The young couple’s heads are together, their noses practically touching as they gaze into each other’s eyes. I can see why Miles is upset and I feel bad for him as I approach the table.

“Hey, guys,” I greet them as I stop at their table. Lacey and Seth jump apart like I burned them. I try not to laugh as I sit down next to Miles and offer him a friendly smile.

“How’s it going?” I ask him. He studies me for a full sixty seconds before unfolding his arms, sitting up and finally pushing his glasses up on his nose.

“Just waiting,” he grumbles, heavily sighing as his eyes dart to Lacey. She notices and blushes, ducking her head so that her long brown hair covers most of her face. Seth is the only one who will meet my gaze so I direct my next question at him.

“Not that I’m not thrilled to see you, but why are you here? I didn’t create you,” I say to him. He shrugs one broad shoulder and rakes a hand through his black hair.

“You’ve helped create us,” he replies, his deep voice causing goosebumps to pop up on my arms. His green eyes bore into me as though he can see my reaction to him and I’m suddenly anxious to move on.

“Okay, well, enjoy your stay,” I tell them and jump from my seat, making a mental note to ask Stacie why her werewolf freaked me out.

I turn away from their table and my eyes fall on Kat and Brick from Seth’s pack sitting two tables away. Kat has a perpetual scowl on her face, her brown eyes narrowed. She harrumphs and flips her red hair as she says something to Brick. I look away before they notice me staring and turn their deadly gazes on me.

A breath I don’t realize I’m holding whooshes out of my lungs as I spot Ashley Holbrook sitting with Tristan Deveraux, Brady BLAH and Shane BLAH – my werewolves. Ashley spots me at the same time and says something to Tristan as she waves for me to come over. My shoulders relax and a smile stretches across my face as I walk over to their table.

“Erin!” Shane and Brady chorus as I sit down. I grin at them as I set my notebook in front of me and uncap my pen.

“Hi, guys.” I immediately feel at home with them and realize how much I’ve missed them since wrapping up their story over a year ago.

“So, when do we get to hang out again?” Brady asked, wiggling his blond eyebrows. I laugh out loud, wondering if he can now read my mind.

“Soon,” I promise. “I obviously have a lot going on right now.”

I raise my arms and sweep them around to indicate the other characters sitting all around us. He nods in agreement, the playful twinkle in his brown eyes. I sigh; I forgot how much I love these guys.

“What’s with them?” Tristan asks, a bit of a growl in his voice as he juts his chin towards where Seth, Lacey and Mile sit near Brick and Kat. The tension skyrockets at our table until Ashley lays a hand on Tristan’s arm.

“Behave,” she murmurs to him. “They’re not hurting anyone.”

“Yet. They don’t even belong here,” he argues.

“They’re just visiting,” I tell him. “You know I’ve been helping Stacie with her book about them. Well, apparently they think I helped create them so they wanted to hang out. I don’t know more than that except that not here to cause trouble or hurt anyone.” I wryly smile. “The only one they want to hurt isn’t allowed to come here.”

Tristan growls and I turn around to see Kat and Brick getting to their feet. I look back at Tristan and frown at him, giving him my best mean-mom-glare. After a minute of locked gazes, he backs down.

“You need to reign in your temper.”

He nods, his eyes downcast.

“I’m sorry,” Ashley suddenly apologizes. I shake my head at her.

“You don’t have to apologize, Ashley. Tristan knows better; he has plenty of enemies already.”

The back of my neck prickles and I know the table of vampires sitting nearby is listening in to our conversation. Ashley’s gaze flits to them and her blue eyes widen before she hastily looks away. She clears her throat and looks at me. We share a knowing smile; Gabriel flusters everyone.

“Anyway, I can’t wait to work with you again,” Ashley tells me. “I really like the new beginning you have in mind. I get to meet Tristan sooner.” She grins at her boyfriend and I know she’s tempted to reach up and tossle his chocolate brown waves.

The gaze on the back of my neck intensifies and I know it’s time to move on. I jot down a few notes about the interaction and get to my feet. With a wave and promise to see them soon, I leave their table.

My eyes meet midnight blue ones set in a pale face and I’m momentarily frozen to the spot, my breath caught in my throat. A smirk uplifts the corners of blood red lips and I can’t hide a responding smile as Gabriel gazes at me. He always has that affect on me. I take five steps to that table where he sits with Alyssa, Mandi and Lily. Alyssa and Mandi sit next to each other on his left, identical in their blonde hair and light blue eyes, though Mandi’s are hidden behind glasses. Lily sits to Gabriel’s right, her red hair spiked around her head like a crown.

I lean down and kiss Gabriel’s cheek. “I knew you had it in you,” I tell him quietly. His pale cheeks turn slightly pink and I stifle the need to giggle. Directly next to him, Alyssa huffs and rolls her eyes.

“You’re really getting around, aren’t you?” she snidely says to me. Before I can say anything, she shimmers and then disappears from the table. I look from her suddenly empty chair to Gabriel. He grins enough to show his fangs.

“She still annoys me,” he says simply and I grin at him. She annoys me, too.

I only stay a moment longer, knowing I have to move on to other tables. Everyone here seems to want to talk to me. I can feel their eyes on my back. I touch Gabriel’s shoulder and walk away.

I scan the tables looking for one particular couple that I need to talk with. They’re the reason I brought the notebook and pen; we have a story to write together. I see Gavin and Ronnie sharing a table with Ronnie’s best friends, Andi and Shawn, near the windows and beeline in that direction. I’m a couple tables away when a light touch on my arm stops me. I look down and smile at Nobody Reynolds, a street rat with supernatural abilities. She shares a table with Jack Armstrong, another supernatural boy who rescues her in the only story I’ve written about her. Today she looks relatively clean; her brown hair isn’t greasy and her brown eyes seem to sparkle with something other than her unnatural ability. She almost looks happy.

“Hi, Nobody, how are you today?” I ask her. She hesitantly smiles, her eyes scanning the crowded room.

“I know you have a lot of people to talk to, but I just wanted to ask if you’re ever going to share my story?” she wonders.

“Would you like me to?”

She nods.

“Then I will.”

Her smile turns genuine and she glances at Jack before she continues. “Do you think we could write another one? I have so many things left to do and I really enjoyed working with you.”

“Thank you. Of course we can. It might not be for a couple months, but I would love to write another story for you. You still have rock people to fight off.”

Her eyes grow big as saucers and I struggle not to laugh as I leave her and Jack. I already know how that story will end; if things work out, they should both be fine.

My smile is still on my face when I finally sit down with Gavin and Ronnie.

“Saved the best for last, huh?” Gavin teases.

“Of course,” I agree. I flip the notebook open to a new page and position my pen. “We have a story to write.”

“Oh, finally?” Ronnie exclaims. I nod.

“Yep. So what do you want me to write about?”

Ronnie and Gavin start talking at the same time and I laugh as I tell them to slow down and then start furiously writing everything I hear them say. I can’t tell you much, but I can promise this will be a sweet, romantic story.

I hope you enjoyed a small journey into my head. I have a feeling this dining hall will be a frequent stop for these chats - there are so many characters I didn't get to chat with here! And I hope my dear friend, Stacie, doesn't mind seeing her characters in my head. They've taken up residence along with all the others I love. :)

Happy Monday, everyone!
EM

Six Sentence Sunday

Good morning, everyone! Hope y'all are having a fantastic Super Bowl Sunday! Who's ready for some football?? LOL Personally, I'm just ready for the commercials! ;) Unfortunately, I don't read a lot of sports related books so I can't have another themed post. Today is going to be random, some books I've enjoyed and some I have yet to enjoy! I hope you will enjoy them, too!

I killed a girl last night. I did it with my bare hands and an old piece of pipe I found lying next to the dumpster. But that’s not the part that got me. The part that scared me, the part I can’t seem to wrap my head around and still has me reeling, was that when she charged me, her body shifted – and then she was a wolf. All snapping teeth and extended claws. But by the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was a girl again. That’s about the time I went into shock… And that was the moment he showed up. 

Now, all I can do is accept the truths that are staring me in the face. One, Werewolves do exist. And Two, I was born to kill them.     ~blurb from Goodreads

“C’mon Tara, you didn’t even give tonight a fair chance,” George said. His blue eyes were a mixture of pleading and irritation. I returned the pool stick to the rack on the wall and tried to think of a fair answer before I turned to face him again. I was careful to keep my voice down; the tiny pool hall was pretty crowded for a Tuesday night. The smoky haze that hung permanently in the dimly lit air gave the illusion of privacy around our corner table, but I noticed the couple next to us was already glancing over, trying to look like they weren’t listening. “George, you were an hour late picking me up because you were working on a press release with your agent.” I stepped closer. “Your agent,” I repeated, shaking my head. “Seriously. You haven’t even graduated yet, much less secured a scholarship. Why do you even need an agent?”

~ Heather Hildenbrand (2011). Dirty Blood. Accendo Press.  Kindle Edition  Nook Edition  Smashwords

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn’t believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn’t know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

With good intentions? Or by demonic design?

Phoenix Birmingham bursts into Madison’s life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even with Phoenix’s aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?

In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battle for mankind’s liberty has begun...    ~ blurb from Goodreads

“What?” Madison Wescott said with a mixture of disbelief and irritation. She considered her son, Amos, and adamant denial surged in the form of a pounding headache. She’d come to the doctor for answers and this screwed-up diagnosis was what she got? “Ms. Wescott, all the tests came back normal.” The doctor scratched his chin. The idea of him being intrigued over her son’s dilemma pissed her off. She forced aside the urge to whack him with her purse. “Everything except the anomaly with his blood.”

~ Gracen Miller (2011). Pandora's Box. Decadent Publishing Company.  Kindle Edition  Nook Edition  

Natalia Moore is the new girl at Santa Anna Prep, and all she wants to do is fly under the radar -- get to her classes, meet a few friends, and try not to make a total fool of herself in the meantime. But when handsome and popular Campbell Elliot goes out of his way to be nice to the new girl, Natalia's plan to go unnoticed flies out the window. 

Cam's hot, but he's completely off-limits. Raine Marsden, the most popular and meanest girl in school, has had her eye on him ever since the summer. And Raine doesn't like competition. 

When Cam goes as far as inviting Natalia to the exclusive weekend party at Raine's house, Raine sets her sights on a new victim. But what Natalia doesn't know is that Raine and her friends are no ordinary mean girls. They have powers most people can only dream of, and nobody will stand in the way of what they want. And what Raine wants is Campbell. 

The Witches of Santa Anna series of novellas, proves just how far true love will go and that nothing--not even pure evil--can change your destiny.   ~ blurb from Goodreads

Here's how my first day of school at Santa Anna is supposed to go: 1. I will cruise effortlessly through the halls, never once getting lost, misplacing my schedule, or embarrassing myself in any way. 2. I will meet a boy who will fall madly in love with me. (Think Edward from Twilight, but without that whole weird there’s-a-vampire-staring-at-me-while-I-sleep thing. So I guess think Robert Pattison. Which would actually be perfect, since I’m English. Well, sort of.

~ Lauren Barnholdt; Aaron Gorvine (2011). The Witches Of Santa Anna (Books 1-7). Kindle Edition  Nook Edition 

It's October and the month that Alexa Jackson will turn sixteen. Most teens are anxious for this milestone to arrive, but for Lexi it will bring more than just a driver's license. It will throw her straight into the dangerous world of vampires, but not without a twist. Lexi will not be bitten once, but rather have her family's true heritage revealed and her identity transformed from a normal, outcast teen into a vampeen. Being an overly analytical girl, Lexi will question and answer the science of vampires and vampeens all while on a collision course with her destiny - Kellan.   ~ blurb from Goodreads

I'd always wondered if the myths were true. Who got it right; who didn't? Were most recent Hollywood portrayals correct? Were all vampires gorgeous, pale specimens to be swooned over? Did they all have the same eye color and choice of human or animal blood for survival? Did they sparkle in the sun or were they prohibited from soaking up its rays due to a fire hazard?

~ Christin Lovell (2011). Diary of a Vampeen (Vamp Chronicles).  Kindle Edition  Nook Edition  Smashwords  (this is a FREE title!)

Twelve year old Lissie is the apple of her parents eye and she can do no wrong. But, after committing a terrible deed in order to attend her parents ball, she finds herself at the mercy of a vampire consumed by guilt.brbrVampire law dictates that the turning of children is strictly forbidden. It's a crime punishable by death for both master and child. But does Lissie have something that might make her worth saving after all? 

"Lissie" is a short story inspired by a character from the upcoming novel "The Violet Line". ~ blurb from Goodreads

Staring out the window, Elisabeth watched the ladies in evening gowns and the gentlemen in their dress coats as they hurried past. Her parents had already left for the night to attend yet another high society gathering. Every evening was the same and Elisabeth could feel the ennui creeping over her. Being the only child of London’s most sought after socialite couple had its ups and downs. Constantly being left behind whilst they danced and chattered the night away was one such down, she often observed. Glancing away from the street her eye caught sight of the birdcage in a corner.

~ Bilinda Ní Siodacaín (2011). Lissie.  Kindle Edition  Nook Edition  Smashwords  (this is a FREE title!)

Happy Reading, everyone!

EM

Character Chat - Gavin and E.T.

Hi, everybody! Sorry Character Chat is coming so late this week. I've actually had this idea since Monday and meant to write it then, but life (and my own nervousness) got in the way. But without further ado, I give you my chat with Gavin about E.T.

I walk into The Reading Corner and pause as the door swings shut behind me, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling the smells of coffee and new books. A sense of calm comes over me as I grin, hitch my purse higher on my shoulder and head to the café off to the side. I step onto the raised area that houses the café when dark, slightly slanted eyes meet mine. My date has beaten me here. Nervous butterflies suddenly take flight in my stomach; I feel like Ronnie on her first day of school, gawking at the hottie all in black with black hair that just covers his ears and slightly slanted dark brown eyes that make me quiver inside. I created a god when I created that one. Taking another deep breath, I cross to the small round table and sit down.

“What do you have to be nervous about?” Gavin asks with a raised eyebrow. I practically swoon on the spot.

“Is it that obvious?” I reply tucking a strand of dark hair behind my ear. A nervous giggle escapes my throat and I look away, my cheeks aflame. I look at the counter, see it’s empty and jump to my feet. “I need a drink,” I say and practically sprint to the counter to order something – anything to give myself a few minutes to gather my wits. The barista smiles as she takes my order and I peek back at Gavin as she turns to make it. His gaze is on the bookstore’s interior, his dark eyes roaming like he’s waiting for someone. Was he meeting Ronnie later? I don’t know. I take another deep breath and tell myself I’m being ridiculous. I created this guy! There’s nothing to be nervous about. But he’s the epitome of tall(ish), dark and handsome. He’s about 5’10” with black hair and dark brown eyes. His smile is heart-melting. He’s strong, fast and a little snarky. He’s also an alien, from the planet Cira, the center of the Spiral galaxy my books take place in.

As if on cue, “E.T.” by Katy Perry begins playing overhead as the barista hands me my drink.  I can’t help but sing along as I return to Gavin’s table.

“You’re so hypnotizing. Could you be the devil; could you be an angel?”

Gavin raises both eyebrows, a frown marring his features, and I immediately stop singing.

“Am I that bad?” I joke. The frown stays in place.

“I hate this song,” he declares, his eyes towards the hidden speakers above us. It’s my turn to frown. I love this song; so much so that I’ve chosen it as the theme song for my series.

“Why? It’s perfect,” I argue and sip my drink. Hot chocolate and caramel slide down my throat.

“It’s about aliens,” he points out. I nod.

“Which is what makes it perfect.” I try not to roll my eyes. “I mean, it’s not like Cira is a place on Earth. You are an alien, you know.”

“Technically, yes, but I’m also human.” He shakes his head, obviously frustrated. The movement of his head shows the pointed tips of his ears.

“Half human,” I correct him. 
"'Stab me with your laser'; 'inject me with  your poison'; a little adult for the theme of our book, don't you think?"
I cringe, my cheeks once again red. I clear my throat and take another sip of my drink before I answer his accusation. "Well, yes, there is that, but it's not like the more adult themes of the song are what make me think of you and Ronnie when I write. You're an alien; your touch is foreign to her; you have this charismatic power over her. The song is much more applicable to the second book, but there are elements of it in Into the Spiral."
He considers this then nods. "I guess I see your point," he concedes.
"'I'm ready for abduction'?" he quotes just after Katy sings it.
"Shawn would say you abducted her."
"No, Shawn thinks I stole her."
"Which you did."
"It was never my intention to make her fall for me."
I raise my eyebrows, challenging him.
"At least not on Earth," he mutters sheepishly, his cheeks slightly pink.
“Seriously, though, the song does make me think of you every time I hear it.” I give my best, cheesiest smile, hoping to make him laugh with my dorkiness. His embarrassed frown turns into a smirk and I know I’m winning him over.

“I mean, you are my alien,” I add. He chuckles, relaxing in his chair. His smile widens as he spots something over my shoulder.

“Technically, I’m Ronnie’s alien,” he corrects me just as Ronnie appears next to him. She grabs a chair from another table and pulls it over to ours, sitting as close as possible to Gavin without sitting on his lap.

“What about you being my alien?” she asks after a quick peck hello. She grins at me and then eyes my drink, which I pass over to her.

“That song about aliens by Katy Perry,” Gavin tells her.

“Oh, I love that song; it reminds me of you,” she exclaims. I laugh and give Gavin a see-I-told-you look.

“Well, the how can I hate it if the two most important women in my life love it,” Gavin concedes. Ronnie frowns at me, jealousy sparking in her brown eyes, and pushes my drink back to me.

“He only said that because I’m his creator,” I tell her. I cringe inside; I hadn't realized she was so easily jealous. I wonder if that’s going to be a problem as Ronnie suddenly asks Gavin if I told him about the story I promised to write.

“She said it’s going to be romantic,” Ronnie declared, softening at the thought of another romantic moment with him. As if they haven’t had enough already. My mind wanders to everything they’ve already been through only to be cut off by Gavin clearing his throat. I look up and meet his eyes again. I really have to stop doing that.

“No, we didn’t get a chance to talk about it yet,” he tells Ronnie.

“I don’t even know what to do for you two,” I admit. A slow smile turns up his lips. He glances at Ronnie and reaches for her hand. She beams at him as their fingers entwine. We both know what that smile means.

“I might have an idea,” he says. Ronnie squeals and throws her arms around his neck, kissing him soundly on the lips. I take that as my cue to get out of there and stand with my drink in hand.

“Whenever you’re ready, we’ll get together for that story,” I tell Gavin and walk away from their table.

For the few of you who might not know the song Gavin and I briefly discussed, I found a video on YouTube. It's just pictures of Katy Perry while the song is played (but it's MUCH better than the Kanye West version)

Thank you for joining me for another fun Character Chat. Hope you enjoy the rest of your Thursday!

Happy Writing!
EM

The World Among Us Blog Tour

The blog tour for my lovely friend, Beth Ann Masarik, kicks off today at Stories To Tell, where James Peercy interviews the evil DuVessa and where you can enter to win a FREE e-copy of Beth's book, The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness.

The tour lasts the entire month of February and includes a scavenger hunt as well as various prizes throughout the month. On Valentine's Day, I am lucky enough to be interviewing Damien Wicklen and Selene Aysel, the main couple of TWAU. I hope you stop back to see what they have to say!

To learn more about the tour or see the listing of all the blogs participating, just click the badge I created to the left. It will take you to the informational post Beth set up.

Writerly Wednesday - My Favorite Authors

Since getting the contract with Otherworld Publications, I've felt like I'm floating in limbo just waiting to see what happens next - which is obviously more waiting. ;) I've run the gamut of emotions, from shocked they offered it to me, to scared they're going to change everything about the book, to absolutely elated that someone other than friends and family has that much faith in me. Because of this, I have not written more than a couple hundred words since sending back the contract. I've tried, but nothing is happening. Even editing/revising and reading does nothing for me. So instead of spouting wisdom I don't feel I have the right to talk about at this time, I'm going to share with you something some of you already know. I'm going to tell me who my favorite authors are and why I love them so much.

James Patterson. I have read almost everything by him except the Alex Cross series (I just can't get into that one). I love his style of writing, the way he weaves the stories together and the way I feel whenever I read one of his novels. I laugh, I cry and I cheer on the protagonists against incredible odds. But his writing isn't the only thing I love about him. I love his diversity; he recently released a MG novel, has two YA series and has several adult novels. He has fans aged 5 to 105. He is a household name. And he started an organization to help kids get books in their hands so they can read. He is amazing. Learn more about him here.

Who doesn't recognize this woman? Have you been living under a rock for the last 15 years? ;) J.K. Rowling is the first billionaire writer. The fact that she comes from such humble beginnings only makes her story that much more relatable to so many authors. Another household name, Jo Rowling now lives in a castle in Scotland - who wouldn't want that? I love her storytelling style and the simple fact that she had the ending planned for Harry and his friends LONG before she reached that point simply blows my mind. She weaves details from the first novel into the last and throughout the entire series. Her books are distributed in over 200 countries and in 69 languages. She is truly a phenomenal woman. Find out more here.

Some of you might not know who this is. Her name is Beth Ann Masarik. She's from Port Washington, NY, and is one of my closest friends. We have never met. We began communicating in October of 2010 when we both commented on a Facebook post by our favorite author, Richelle Mead. When we "met", she had just been accepted to publish her novel, The World Among Us: Prince of Darkness, with Otherworld Publications. I admired her from the start of our friendship as she went through the publishing process, began various websites and Literary Lunes Magazine, and put herself out there in anyway possible to get noticed. I can literally say I would not be where I am today had I not met her. I hope to meet her in person one day, perhaps on a shared book signing tour since we both write otherworldly YA fiction for the same publisher. :) You can meet Beth here.

Those are my top 3 favorites as of right now. I have so many others (Richelle Mead, Cassandra Clare, Nora Roberts, etc) that I could be here for days listing the reasons why I love them all so much. So now it's your turn. Who's your favorite author and why? :)

Happy Writing!

EM