Book 3 is finished !

I'm happy to tell you that today, May 30th, 2016 I finished 'The Hunt 3 - Beaten'
Now I'll start on book 4 - Severed and work on that for a month or two before I go back and give 3 - Beaten a proofread.
 Again I'm sorry that I'm not gonna publish yet. It have something to do with me being a perfectionist and that I hate deadlines and don't want to risk having one. But soon I'm halfway through the series ;) I hope you can wait and will support me on my way to completing the series.

Writing tip: Keeping track of tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks:

Short, but good. Writing a full physical of your character is always a help. But really it’s annoying to have to go back there now and then to check ‘was it his right or left arm the tattoo/scar/whatever were?’
To give an example:
I’ve drawn a sketch of Jake, as he have five tattoos, it’s sometimes difficult to remember where they are, and what the motives are. “But I can’t draw.” You whine with a sad frown, while you read my post. Well, tip for you. Thin piece of paper (no lines, just blank) find a model (male or female matching the description of your character), put the paper on the computer screen and gently draw the figure with a pencil. And then add the tattoos, scars or other distinguishing marks your character has. To make you feel better I can absolutely not draw people. So I used this little tip as well. (I can only draw horses, and Donald Duck figures.)
Most of us have a lot of notes, lists, and stuff to go with our stories, what’s an extra piece of paper? Nothing to me to be honest (Check out my post ‘I need this shit (left) instead of this shit (right) posted March 8^th 2016) I’m also so super lucky to have a friend who is absolutely awesome at drawing on computer, and she have made a proper sketch for me. And to be honest, it’s just as easy to open an image file as having a piece of paper instead of reading though a physical description of your character.
Nivi, thank you for providing me with your drawing skills!
That’s it for today. Remember if you have any questions or have a problem you want me to help you with then swing by ‘Get in contact’ and write to me ;)

Getting through a tough chapter - follow up

Remember that mini writing tip I gave you last week about getting through a tough chapter? I wrote it because I was going through the same thing and wanted to share with you how I get through that kind of thing.
So, now I have some good news. Yesterday I finally finished that tough chapter. Proud of myself? You betcha! And now I can move on to the next, which I have so many awesome ideas for. Three chapters to go and I've finished book three of The Hunt. (The adult/erotic fantasy series I'm currently working on.)
Then, of course, there's all the editing and I have to read it from start to finish a couple of times, but for me it is deeply satisfying to proofread my own books from start to end.
Though I usually start writing the next book and wait 2-3 months on editing from start to finish, that way I'll have fresh eyes on it. (You can read more of my writing tips about proofreading your own stories under 'Writing Tips' (obviously) ;)

Talk to you soon :)

Mini writing tip - Getting through a tough chapter

So, now I’ve worked with a chapter the past 10-11 days. It usually doesn’t take me that long to write a chapter and I can feel I’m struggling a little to find motivation, mainly because my steady writing flow got interrupted. First because of holidays, second because of research.
So now I’m gonna tell you how to ‘survive’ and get the chapter finished even though it’s hard.
First off DO NOT continue to kick yourself in the ass for not finishing a chapter as fast as you normally do. Same goes for kicking yourself over not writing as much each day/writing session as you use to.
Second, look at your chapter every day. I usually read ½ -2 pages to ‘get into the story again’. Here you can also proofread what you already wrote. You can also read the chapter from the top, but after a week of reading the same chapter over and over I move on to the ½-2 page method.
Third, try to write every day. Just one sentence is enough (here it’s important to remember the first rule) It is okay to stare at the page for an hour and only write one sentence or half a page. At least you’re going somewhere, and at some point you’ll finish that chapter. Sometimes one sentence bring forth the next one and before you know it – BAM – you have a page. Soon you’ll have a chapter and can move on.
Fourth, Praise yourself for writing one sentence, praise yourself for writing half a page. Remember you are one sentence, one paragraph, one page closer to getting through this chapter.

My point is: push through it, writing is hard sometimes, and sometimes it’s pure fun :D
Push through the hard parts – enjoy the fun. You can do it. 

Chapter length/book length - kind of a writing tip

Now I’m about halfway through the third book of The Hunt series, and I have come across people who’re having difficulties finding out what the proper length of a chapter is, and also a book.
First off, there’s a lot of people who’re trying to dictate what the proper length of a chapter is. So I’ll get back to this one.

The ‘proper’ book length can’t really be discussed either, as people have different preferences about what book sizes they want to read. Some wanna read 2-300 page books because they can finish them faster, others understand to indulge in a 1000 page book. – The kind we call ‘a brick novel’ in Danish ;)
 But there are some classifications based on word count in fiction. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America have specified some word length for different categories:
Novel          – over 40,000 words
Novella       – 17,500 to 40,000 words
Novelette   – 7,500 to 17,500 words
Short story – under 7,500 words

Personally The Hunt 1 is 131,201 words (equals to 432 book pages), and The Hunt 2 is 152,125 words (equals to 522 book pages).
Originally book 1 and 2 was one book. But as the first in a series I think it would come off too intimidating starting a trilogy with a book that’s almost 1000 pages. If it was me I wouldn’t start on it if I hadn’t heard any reviews or seen a movie/series based on it. And I think it’s safe to assume I’m probably not one of those people who gets my book made into a movie or series. So that’s why I have split the first book in two, and the two other books I have planned will also be split into respectively two and tree, so The Hunt is not a trilogy anymore, but a heptalogy – not to be confused with hepatology – heptalogy is simply a series of seven books.

Now back to chapter lengths. As I said some people are trying to dictate the ‘proper’ length of a chapter, but my personal opinion is that you have completely free hands. It is your story, it is your little personal messed up universe and you’re the freaking master of it. If you have a chapter that needs to be 40 pages then you just have to make sure to get some well-placed breaks with paragraphs. And if you have a chapter that only needs to be 1 page then go for it. It depends on how you’re building up your story. Personally the shortest chapter I have so far is 1 ¼ pages. But I’ve seen other books have chapters of under a page. But of course you don’t make every chapter that short. But now and then there just isn’t more to say, and that’s just the way it is. You don’t have to make it longer to please other people, or make a chapter shorter for the same reason. You’re the master, but there also have to be a balance in it, and it’s your job to find the balance in your universe you’re creating.
So toss aside all the ‘rules’ of lengths and setups and just write. Because you write because you love it, and it shouldn’t be prohibited by anything. 

The wonders of prewriting

Well, I'm feeling generous today. After all it is easter. (Though the only way i celebrate is with chokolate and alcohol :P )
Anyway here you have my second writing tip today :D

The wonders of prewriting:
At first I was utterly scared of this. I would be like ‘if I write the future scenes in my head I’ll pour all my creativity out.’ I was afraid my creativity would be satisfied by writing these future scenes in my story, and that I would never get to write the parts in between these scenes. But one day my head was too full of all these delicious future scenes that I simply had to write them down to get them out of my head. They were filling too much and taking up all my RAM. I couldn’t stop thinking about them, afraid I’d forget them. So I put the pen to the paper. Or actually my fingers to the keys and started typing. Now I have close to 100 pages of prewritten scenes.
And back to my last post Keeping track on previous and future chapters (ealier today). With all this material for future scenes I have to make a plan for when they happen, and how my characters reached those scenes. Simply to get it all braided together to one lovely braid instead of the day after a too wild party hair, with wild bobby pins and stiff leftover hairspray. It all have to fit together on a higher level, and that needs to be planned meticulously. Some scenes must be cast away, some needs to be edited, and some are just on the spot. But the better you know your characters the less are the chances of prewriting scenes that doesn’t fit the story, and needs to be deleted. I suggest you take a look on my post Character development/evolving: (And apparently my opinion on The Hunger Games. Don’t know where that came from? - posted 24. january) - But both previous writing tips can be found under the tap 'Writing Tips' :) 

Keeping track on previous and future chapters:

Though I have written every word myself, I simply can’t remember everything. I like to have a little ‘reference’ that mentions the key points in a chapter, along with date, day in the story, and place. It helps me a lot along with the plan for future chapters that hold the exact same information. The key points of what I have planned for the chapter, date, day in story, and place. It’s easy to work from, and allows for a certain amount of freedom. Sometimes I have to change, or move the key points, but it’s a great guideline. We all at first write senselessly because we have so many ideas spawning in our mind, but at some point you have to sit down and wonder where you want this to go. What obstacles will they be facing? How do they overcome them (and their fears)? Where will they end? So you have to sit down and plan like you were about to get on a 3 hour, with 4 shifts public transport journey. Remember this is a guideline, you are the master of your little messed up universe you’re creating. You’re basically your characters God! So start acting like it. What will you put them through, and what do you hope they’ll learn? And if you have a scenery or event planned, then you make sure you get your characters there.
The chapters isn’t the only think I keep track of. I also keep track of some utterly minor details as my characters whole wardrobe, so I don’t end up giving one of the characters a blue top/shirt without them having one. Also scratches, cuts and bruises along with distinguishing marks. But I’m addicted to making lists and stuff, so I might overdo it. But you get the point – keep track on the important stuff. 

The Hunt series

 Okay, so I've thought about some things, and now I want to enlighten you in my thoughts.
You know I have planned that 'The Hunt' to be a triology.
Well, after some heavy editing on the first half of book 1 I can see that book one is going to be around a 1000 pages when printed in book form. In Denmark we have a saying for novels that big, they're called 'brik novels'. I'm pretty sure you can guess why, otherwise write to me on my facebook page and I'll explain - https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/

So I have decided to divide the first book of The Hunt into two.
My plans for the 'original' second and third book looks much a like the one I made for the 'original' book one, So they'll have to be divided as well. But I won't know how and where until the books are written (I will at some point, perhaps next time, explain how I plan my books along the way. From idea to book. So I won't go into detail here.)

I have a feeling of where and how I want it, but a lot can still change. So The Hunt isn't a triology anymore. It's gonna be 5 or 6 books.
So technically I'm writing book three now.

Just wanted to let you know.
I'll soon be back with some writing tips, there's just a lot going on in my personal life along with easter holiday. So even though I don't update or write her I'm still working on The Hunt. Shit going on or not. Holidays or not. You can count on me writing every minute possible of my free time.

Talk to you soon.

Follow up on a wrting tip - The art of a varied launguage

Check the post 'The art of a varied language' - posted sunday, February 7th, 2016. As this is a follow up ;)

Short summery: The art of a varied language talks about how to expand your vocabulary (Both as a English speaker, but also for people of other nationalities that wants to write in English.)
The way I expand my vocabulary is I have a document actually named 'The art of a varied language'. And everytime I come across an English word I know I don't use in my own writing I put it in the document. And then read the document every day before I start writing. Plus I use it as a 'reference-document'.

I just wanted to simply tell you that dividing all the words in your own 'The art of a varied language' into categories. I did that, plus I made each category a heading, meaning it shows up on the navigation pane in word. (And holy freaking shit it took me a long time to figure out how I could make headings!) Which makes it so much easier to navigate around the document and find exactly what you need.
I'll also encourage you to really put some effort into your own 'The art of a varied language'. Especially if English isn't your mother tongue. Because in the end you'll be so much happier and so much better at handling the English language.
Especially Danish people have a hard time making their English varied. Because we are used to only very few synonyms for one word, where English have 3 times as many as in Danish.
- Thesaurus.com is also a good supplement to your own 'The art of a varied language' document.

Back to the point:
I'm super glad for my document. It's extensive, easy to navigate around in, and 100% customized to me.
But I also spend a considerable amount of time creating this document. And to give you a feeling of how much time effort means in this case I'll tell you how much time I spend on it:

1029 minutes.
That's equal to 17.15 hours
I know that sounds like a lot. But remember I haven't spend 17 hours straight working on this document.
Some days I have gatered 100 words I have to type into it, other days it's just a few. But bottomline if you just work a little on it every day ot every other day it'll slowly expand and be super nice as time passes.
Now I usually gather a lot of words and then type them into the document. It takes a couple of hours.
But hypothetically if I had spend some time on it each day it wouldn't be much.
Let's try and calculate it.
The document was created 11-10-2015. That's 152 days.
1029 minutes divided in 152 is equal to 6.7 minutes a day. See that's instantly more tangible ;)
(Word - my version is 2013 plus - have this super awesome function that it counts your total editing time in the document)

I hope this helped ;)

Fight scenes and sex scenes

These are some of the scenes people are having trouble writing. They can be wild, compassionate, confusing, you name it.
So let’s start off with fight scenes. I’ve never done karate, or actually been in a real fight in my life. (Bitch fight obviously, but no fist fight.) It’s kinda hard to describe exact actions when it’s all so messy and fast-happening, and try to not lose the reader halfway through. But don’t cut down on the details. As I know nothing about fighting I have studied fight scenes from movies, and series. Every time an awesome fight scene comes along I’ll write down what movie/series and where, and then later study it step by step, while I write it down to learn the hang of it as an exercise.
To slow down the ‘time’ to be able to get the details right you could use phrases like:
- Several things happened simultaneously (then description)
- he ____, at the same time I ____
- I ___, but it was too late, he had already ____

Sex scenes:
They can be dirty, passionate, kinky, fast or slow or everything mixed together. Here it’s always a good idea to have some ‘experience’ to go after. Or just watch a lot of porn. Anyway, some find it embarrassing to write dirty sex scenes, so the details come to a minimum, and the whole act is too short. Don’t be afraid to get wild and find your inner kinky side and bring it out to the light. Live in the moment, close your eyes and imagine how it feels. What are your characters ‘sweet spots’? What are their kinks? I always enjoy a beer or two to be honest when I write most of my sex scenes, but it isn’t a must. It’s more for the coziness of it. Some sex scenes just come naturally, others start as a less detailed run through of the events, and then later comes the dirty details.
 There’s many ways to do it, find out how you’re most comfortable writing them. Here it can be an advantage to be ‘in the mood’ actually. Let yourself be carried away when he bites his lower lip in that special way, his tongue running hungrily over it too while he has that dirty gleam in his eyes, the way his hands runs over the others skin, that appreciative and slightly involuntary moan that leaks his lips when she let her lips brush over his sweet spot… got the point yet? I’ll say this much, if your panties/boxers ain’t partying when you write it, it isn’t good enough. If you don’t get turned on by creating this romantic or dirty environment, how’ll the reader be? Not everything is for everybody, but if you don’t put passion into it, the reader can feel it. But they can also feel if you pulled your panties down, and found the vibrator (boxers down, and found the lotion, for guys) while you’re at it. As simple as that. Don’t think how your mom or siblings will think or react when they read it, write it like no one in the world were supposed to see it.

A few tips to have in mind while you write sex scenes:
- Details, details, juicy details!
- Where are their hands? At all times.
- Looking at each other?
- Moans, cries, and grunts.
- Kisses – how are they? There’s lot of variations to kissing. I think we’ll take this in a separate section below.
- Position?
- Sweat, if you’re really going at it there’ll be sweat, and sweat is sexy as hell.
- Dirty talking. Yes, this isn’t for everybody, but just a few classic lines like “You’re so wet.”, “You’re so big.”, “Yes, right there.”, “Yes, like that.” will do fine.

The kissing:
It can be soft, wild, long, short, with or without tongue, including teeth, be all over the body.
The line ‘He kissed me.’ is actually just as boring as ‘He said.’ (Check my post ‘Said is dead’. You can also find it under ‘writing tips’)
Was it long, short, soft, harsh, blah, blah, blah. You know the drill. Be creative, feel it, let go and run along with it. To peek your creativity I’ll give you 10 examples from ‘The Hunt’. (Copyright, please do not use these exact phrases, they’re meant as an example and help. Be creative, use your own words, and gestures/behavior fitting your character.)

- “Let’s get back.” He whispered, kissed me softly, and then his body left mine.
- He harshly and suddenly broke off the kiss. 
- My surprised exclaim had given his tongue access, and firmly dominated the kiss.
- And then he fiercely kissed me. The sudden attack on my lips almost paralyzed me.
- His body shuddered against mine, and he moaned into the kiss with me.
- I lifted my head, and leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on his lips.
- She kissed and bit my neck, and the skin around my right ear, I couldn’t help but moan.
- Now where my hands were free I stared to caress her, and kissed her neck all the way up to her ear.
- His lips kissed me softly one more time.
- He felt my mood, his grip on me tightened, and suddenly his lips and tongue took over the steering, and kissed me back with such strength he would have made me take a step back if it wasn’t for his arm around my waist.

I hope these 10 juicy sneak peek kisses have peeked your creativity, but also your interest in my book series ‘The Hunt’ where we follow Val and Jakes journey through their abusive relationship, and their hunt for vampires. Especially Sinanima, who killed Val’s mom, and tried to kill Jake when he was only 10 years old. You can read an excerpt from the first book in ‘The Hunt’ series under the tab, obviously called ‘Excerpt from The Hunt 1’

I need this shit (left), instead of this shit (right)

Lists, lists, and finally lists!
I love making lists of everything that can be listed. But sometimes it’s a curse. But that’s what you gotta do when your memory isn’t top tuned.
Sometimes when I edit I have a list over key things I need to get into the story, and then make a key list of things I forgot which are being implemented in the next round of editing. And then things starts over and I’m back at the starting point, but someday I must’ve listed myself out of this problem and hope there isn’t any more things to write on the ‘forgotten’ list. 

Finding your writing flow again

PS. sorry the background is white and shit, I'm not that technical and don't know how to fix it -.- perhaps you'll get a good laugh at my missing technical skills and helplessness. So I had to research some stuff for the book that included a trip to the library along with endless searching on the internet. It took three days, but along with februaryfiction and the fact that I'd been beta reading some stuff for other authors I've gotten out of my writing flow. And in Denmark we had winter vacation last week, so I also went to see one of my best friends. Now I'll tell you how I found my writing flow again after almost 3 weeks without seriously writing on The Hunt. First of all you have to remember that writing is like sex. Yes you heard me. The more you write, the more you want to write. I always keeps that as a motivator. When I have a super-good writing flow I'm contantly thinking about writing, and can even be so obsessed I count the hours until I can be in front of the laptop again. Yeah, it's that bad. But this doesn't come by itself. You have to get into that super-good loop first. Now it took me 3 days to find that flow and the super-good circle/loop again. Monday I felt more like watching that series I just started on Netflix called 'The Originals' (Btw I can totally recommend that.) But with series you always think 'just one episode' and then half a season later ... you know the drill. My writing mood was to say it the least - torpid. (though it also had something to do with the fact that I'm slightly sick - nothing serious, just a common cold) But I knew if I put some effort into it I would eventually find that good flow again. But I didn't pull myself together before tuesday. I edited a little and tried to write but nothing came out on monday. So on tuesday I had wrote about a page when my neighbors came to check on me (they're so super sweet when I'm sick) They offered that I could sit in their apartment and relax, and then they would make me dinner. One of them - Nivi is a super talented artist, so we made a little 'creative workshop' She drew - I wrote. And that helped, but I still felt the words were slightly forced. When I feel like this I just write the plot and actions, and later I'll go back and 'fondle with the details' (This is a figure of speech in danish actually) and focus on the varied language. Tuesday I ended up writing 5 pages (finished chapter 9 and started on chapter 10.) Wednesday I was on it again. The words didn't feel as forced, but I still wasn't back. I decided that I would be satisfied with myself if I just finished chapter 10. When I did that and was ready to relax the rest of the day. I saw the new released episode of the Netflix series 'Shadowhunters' (I can totally recommend that one as well along with the movie 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones' - both the series and the movie is based on a book series. I have actually just bougth the first book in the series.) And when I was done watching Shadowhunters I felt like I wanted to write more. I think that was also 'provoked' by the fact that I set an easy goal I had to fulfill that day. So I wasn't in a state of mind that said I wrote too little and making myself feel bad about it. And today I couldn't wait twith starting to write, but I took a break to share this with you. I hope this helps. On the bottom line: Stick to your shit. Don't give up. When you're first rolling it's gonna be much much easier than you have ever imagined.

#Februaryfiction

Now it's day twenty-fifth of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'. Also check out my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Enjoy!
At first I wasn’t comfortable. I tensed up, and sent it a glaring look. It almost felt like it returned it. Walking back and forth it as I took a better look at this thing. This was both literally and figuratively speaking. When it wasn’t in my sight it was in my mind. I tried to approach this, accept it, and allow it. I just needed time to look at it from a distance. Then slowly I could get near it one step at a time. Until I stood right in front of it. I got used to the unfamiliar.

#Februaryfiction

Now it's day twenty-fourth of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'. Also check out my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Enjoy!

She looked into his eyes that were so familiar now. The sound of his voice, she would recognize it anywhere. His touch sparked something in her. At first she wasn’t sure what it really was. The warmth started in her chest. Slowly it spread throughout the rest of her body, and became a new power source for her being. This source would drive her till the end of time. The change was so radical, but only took a fraction of a second. Her world revolved around a new center point, and she happily accepted it. She realized she loved him.

#Februaryfiction

I can see I totally forgot to post februaryfiction yesterday. Porbably because I'm sick and had my focus on that interview I translated.

Anyway, here's your februaryfiction for yesterday:

Things were said. Things that could never be taken back, no matter how much he wanted to. As he had said them he knew he had hit a nerve. He could see it on her face. Things he had thought, but never thought he would say aloud. But in the moment of rage, and feeling wronged, he had desperately lashed out. She had hurt him so much he wanted her to feel what he felt, but it had a great consequence. He had closed the door and burned the bridge. She wouldn’t let him back in, she couldn’t forgive him. 

Author Interview

I’ve participated in an interview with new authors. The interview is in Danish, but I’ve translated it for you.
You can read the original interview on: https://pipalukbooks.wordpress.com/2016/02/20/nye-forfattere-7-anne-sophie-finmann/

Today I’ve given the word to Anne-Sophie, who’ve written the poetry collection “Don’t try to fix me, I’m not broken”, so please welcome her and found out what kind of person she is and what she’s working on right now :D The word is yours Anne-Sophie.


What made you start writing?
I started when I was about 10-11 years old. Together with some friends we read our stories out loud to each other in the stable at the riding school we were attending. The stories were of course about horses. I can’t remember exactly how it started, but a lot of hours went by with it. It was like a game. Like when we played with horse figures, and made up one horse after another’s identity.
I wrote my poetry collection when I went through a very difficult period in my life where I had a lot of pent-up emotions, and needed to get them out in some way.
Since then the writing was on a hold until first in 2015 where I got an idea and jumped to keys, and I’m still there.

How did you get the idea for your book?
The idea for ‘The Hunt’, which I’m writing right now, actually happened pretty spontaneously after a few years of pause in my writing. I had started to explore the term ‘fanfiction’, and with the active subconscious I have, it started to create an idea, that became a scene that became persons, and then it just went on from there.
The ideas to the stories I wrote as a child were more like fantasies about how it would be like if I had my own pony.

How’s it like to get your book published?
When I got my poetry collection published I felt like I had overcome something exceptional. As I said it was written when I was going through a very difficult time and this book was proof that I had overcome it.

Which book(s) have you written?
The poetry collection ‘Don’t try to fix m, I’m not broken’
Right now I’m working on a fantasy series called ‘The Hunt’, I plan on getting it published when it’s finished. In January 2016 I finished the first book in the series.

Do you have plans on writing another book?
Yes, right now I’m working on book 2 in the fantasy series ‘The Hunt’, I expect it to end with three books. When I’m done with that I already have the next idea ready where I’ve already made cast of characters, the beginning, course of events and have notes ready. After that I have two more ideas, but I don’t know which one I’ll choose.

How do you preserve the inspiration to write?
I get inspiration from a lot of things, from everything in my surroundings actually. Music, book, movies, people. With my active sub consciousness I don’t need to ‘look’ for inspiration, mostly it comes to me. Mostly like a strike of lightning when I least expect it, and have to hastily find pen and paper or write it down on my phone. It’s efficient, but can be inconvenient. So if we’re talking and I suddenly blankly stare straight ahead it’s mostly my sub consciousness that have ambushed me.
Sometimes it comes to me as whole scenes, other times only as an idea or a fraction of an idea which I have to get a hold on.

Do you expect that you can make a living out of writing books one day?
Not really. Statistically speaking it probably won’t happen. And even if it did I wouldn’t know whatto do, so I would probably just continue my everyday life.

What is your book about?
My fantasy series ‘The Hunt’ is about two vampire hunters, Val and Jake. They’ve hunted vampires together for six years along with Jake’s dad Bill. Bill died a horrible death five weeks before we begin to follow Val and Jake’s story. Besides killing all the vampires they can find, they are especially on the hunt for Sinanima. A vampire that killed Val’s mom ten years ago, and tried to kill Jake eighteen years ago. Val and now are now 27 and 28 years, accordingly, and after Bills death they realize that they need each other more than ever. And in their need for each other they engage in a turbulent relationship, which is complicated by Jake’s anger and grief for the loss of his dad, and their desperate attempt to make things work, and find Sinanima. Along with finding a way out of their abusive relationship. 

Who are you?
My name’s Anne-Sophie, just Fie for short. I’m 25 years old, I live in an apartment in Hjortshøj, close to Aarhus along with my cat Bisser, who’s 7 years old. I was taking an education involving horses, but had to stop when I was involved in an accident with a horse, that gave me permanent injuries. I’m currently attending cognitive rehabilitation, and hope to improve so much I can take an education with reduced hours.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing books?
That’s actually what most of my spare time goes with. But in the weekends I take a writing break and relax with my boyfriend. I read a lot of books, watch some movies and series, and spend some time with family and friends. It’s healthy enough to get away from the screen once in a while, even though I sometimes would rather spend every waking minute writing. Sometimes I also play keyboard or draw.

Who do you look up to?
No one in particular, but persons who’s in balance with themselves, love themselves and tries to be a better person than they were yesterday. So perhaps I look a little up to myself as well, but I have some expectations to myself to be the best version of myself that I can possibly be. Now it may sound smug, but I think it’s rather modest.

Which book is the best you’ve read?
I won’t say I have a favorite book, because I don’t. I think I’ve read a lot of good books. I think they’re best when they can take me to another universe where the characters becomes my friends, and I laugh and cry with them. The definition of a good book is when I look at the clock and see it’s 10 p.m., and think to myself that I’ll just read this chapter and then the next time I take a look at the clock it’s 2 in the morning. That’s my definition of a good book.

Who’s your favorite author?
Again, I don’t have a favorite author, but can he/she do the above in a book then I’m glad they took the time and effort to write such a lovely book I unfortunately finished in under a week. That’s why I often read good book several times, though also because of my memory difficulties after my accident. But a good book can’t be read too many times.

In which genre do you write?
‘The Hunt’ and my future projects are all in the adult fantasy genre.

I thank Anne-Sophie, whom we’ve got to know better. Are you interested in her poetry collection, I’m sorry to inform that it can’t be bought anywhere as it is right now, but I’ll update if I learn that it’s for sale again. :D
If you wanna follow her, then her website is http://aurorafleurauthor.blogspot.dk/ and her Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/

I'm not in the mood to write - writing tip

Well, boo-ho sunshine. Get your ass in that chair, and those fingers on the keyboard and TYPE! If we all waited until we were ‘in the mood’ for writing then it would take 10 years, or an eternity to finish a book. You don’t go ‘I’m not in the mood for…’:
- Making dinner
- Go to work
- Go to a family event
- Cleaning
- Netflix and chill
- *Insert hobby or shit that’s relevant to you here*

But those things needs to be done. If you’re serious with your writing, even if it’s just a hobby, you need to put the name in the game. We can all sit with a fancy glass of wine, and a cigarette dangling from the corner of our mouth with the line ‘Creativity can’t be rushed. I’m not in the mood.’ In fact, yes it can. Simply write, and don’t care if it’s shit. Because you can always edit it. It’s not like you’re writing with your own blood on ancient papyrus. You have a laptop/computer (most of us do anyway) and it’s so goddamned easy to edit. Write like your life depends on it. We all have good days and bad days. On the good days we can perhaps use 90% of what we created that day. Other days you can only use 5%, that’s how life is, but at least you got something! Or maybe it sparked an idea for a completely different scene instead ;) anyhow, it’s good practice no matter what.
The secret to finishing a book is to make time for writing, and write.
But the ultimate tip for when you’ve had a sleepless night or a too heavy hangover:
Research. Yes, mostly we all have or can find some research we need to do.
-Your characters childhood home? Pet? Friends?
- Next travel destination?
- An area of expertise you know nothing about?
The other thing you can do is simply edit. Get those comma-bitches in line, evolve your language, make it varied, stuff like that. Or simply take a day off now and then (NOW AND THEN!)
If your spine and self-discipline is equal to a shady cat, then say ‘I have to write 1 hour a day’ or something like that. I write Sunday-Thursday, Friday-Saturday is my days off. Of course this routine can be interrupted by life events, sickness, Christmas, you name it, but it’s important to get right back at your writing routine again after life happens.
Again if you’re serious with your writing you have to accept it’s not always a walk on roses. Some things you won’t be satisfied with, other times you’ll be stuck, but remember why you do it. Remember when it’s fun (and it has to be mostly fun, but there’s up and downs to everything.)
And another great motivator is to think of your poor characters there’ll have no conclusion to their story. They’ll just be stuck in an infinite black hole with no answers, and no moving back or forth. Only you can help them. Imagine their lost and confused voices, “Help us. What will become of us? Where’s our ending? Where’s our answers?” Can you hear them? Don’t they deserve it? Of course they do! So make it happen, even though you’re ‘not in the mood.’ In my opinion you’re not serious with your writing if you use that line. It takes work. Maybe some of you don’t agree, and that’s okay. That’s just my opinion. Get to the laptop/computer and do something about it.

#Februaryfiction

Here's the february fiction posts I promised to post after I came home.

The rhythm underneath me was even and continuous. Three beats, pause, three beats. Smooth and level. It spread throughout my body, my muscles followed the motions and moved as one. The obstacle towered in front of us. Frightening, but alluring. We neared it. We had to match the strides to the perfect takeoff. Holding back a little, assembling the power. His hind legs sent us up into the air. Ascended to the top, it felt like we were handing timeless in the air. And then the descent towards the ground. We had just cleared the final obstacle in the ring.

I tightened my grip around the handle, but then relaxed and took the proper grip. I took the right stance with my body. My fingers wrapped around the string and drew it back to the anchor point just at the corner of my mouth. My eyes locked on the target, and aimed. With a deep breath I relaxed my fingers, my hand falling back, and my shoulders rotated. It felt like an eternity while I waited for it to reach its target though my eyes barely saw the movement through the air. The arrow flew straight into the deer’s heart.

“Please… kill me.” I begged and sank to my knees. I couldn’t do it myself. He didn’t need any excuse. The blade of the knife sank into my chest. It hurt. He withdrew it and ran. I sank to the floor. While the blood poured out of me I thought of her, and if I might see her again. And if not, it was okay too. Knowing this pain had an end was a relief. I felt cold, but it quickly went away. I will always love you. I let the darkness, the nothingness embrace me. Welcomed it and exhaled.

I pulled the jacket further up as I shuddered. My feet knew where to take me. As I did this every day. It was on purpose. There weren’t any small talk, any playing kids, or even running dogs. If I was lucky there was a cat noticing me, but nothing more than that. The peace, the quiet, it was something I needed. The everyday life demanded so much I just wanted to be left alone. But I couldn’t. They were pulling in me from every side, decisions, responsibilities. It never had an ending. That’s why I walk a lonely road. 
The little creature jumped from to the floor, landed softly. You couldn’t hear it unless it was perfectly quiet. The stinging from the claws kneading through the fabric and the skin. But nothing dared to stop it. The weight shifted as the creature walked around itself. Couldn’t decide where to strike down. It thought the right spot was found, but only a second after it decided that wasn’t it, and continued its restless walking around itself. Still feeling the sharp claws, but also the soft paws. Its legs gave in. My cat finally found a comfortable position on my lap.   

Februaryfiction the rest of the week

The next couple of days I won't be online so here on the blog you won't get your daily #Februaryfiction. But facebook has such a smart tool that allows you to plan future posts, so while I'm gone #Februaryfiction will still be posted daily on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor
When I'm back (probably sunday) I'll post all the #Februaryfiction here on my blog.
Enjoy!

#Februaryfiction

Now it's day sixteen of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'. Also check out my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Enjoy!
Who’s she? She’s the one that holds my hand when I’m sad. Gives me a comforting pat on the shoulder when I’ve failed. Dries my eyes when I’ve cried. Make me stand tall with raised chin after all this. And then share my laughter when everything gets better. She stands on the sideline, cheering for me to finish my goals. Reaching out a hand for me to grab when I’ve slipped and lost balance. Now stands on the top with me. But the best of it all is that I do exactly the same for her. She’s my best friend. 

#Februaryfiction

Now it's day fifteen of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'. Also check out my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Enjoy!
I felt the rhythm fill my body. The prelude to the beginning. I swung my head two times to the beat I knew that came before the break in the heavy drums. Two more times and the sung really began. It infiltrated my mind and steered my body like it was a marionette doll. I sang along, but the music was too loud for anyone to hear my voice. My hips and shoulders moved with the beat, though they didn’t follow the same pattern, there was still harmony. As the final beat fell I raised my fist into the air.

Writing tip - Said is dead

You’ve probably heard it before, but I’ll say ‘said is dead to a certain extend’.
Using ‘said’ alone isn’t enough, using ‘said’ too much is also a no go. I can give you some examples, but first and foremost: be creative! Have a little fun throwing words around, set the mood, paint the expressions with words.
First off, I have a little secret list, well not so secret anymore I guess, for alternatives to ‘said’. (I’m sorry I can’t remember where I found it, but if you know where it’s from or are the genius person who made it, please contact me so I can credit.) I’ve also added a few words myself to the list.

Normally:
Stated
Spoke
Remarked
Reported
Added

As a question:
Asked
Inquired
Requested
Begged
Pleaded

As an answer:
Answered
Replied
Responded
Acknowledged
Explained
Elaborated

Happily:
Rejoiced
Laughed
Joked
Giggled
Sang
Cheered
Smirked
Marveled
Chimed
Beamed
Grinned
Smiled

Loudly:
Shouted
Belted
Yelled
Screamed
Exclaimed
Boomed
Called

Full of worry:
Quaked
Trembled
Stammered
Stuttered
Gulped

Angrily:
Demanded
Hissed
Fumed
Thundered
Snapped
Sneered
Barked
Ranted
Grunted
Roared
Bellowed

Bossily:
Commanded
Ordered
Dictated
Insisted

Sadly:
Cried
Sobbed
Groaned
Bawled
Whined

Quietly:
Mumbled
Muttered
Whispered

Silently:
Thought
Wondered
Pondered

And now how to use said.
Here’s 10 examples from ‘The Hunt’. (Copyright, please do not use these exact phrases, they’re meant as an example and help. Be creative, use your own words, and gestures fitting your character.)

- He said quietly, but not less harsh after a few minutes.
- I finally said, nodding, but I couldn't hold a frown back from my face.
- She said stubbornly and crossed her arms in front of her, making her look like a stubborn child, but she was right.
- Jake said to the receptionist, a chubby lady dressed in a too flowery yellow dress, and with curly blond hair that needed a coloring very badly.
- He said it in a caring voice, his fingers laid under my chin, his thumb stroking beneath my lower lip.
- I said in the least hostile tone I could, but it still sounded off.
- She said, and kicked off her boots.
- He said, grabbed my ass and lifted me up with my legs around his waist, and my arms around his neck.
- He said superiorly with a raised eyebrow while he lightly shook his head.
- I said automatically.

We got gestures, facial expression, tone of voice used, actions or surroundings. (Actions and/or surroundings can also give a clue to how it’s said.)
Sometimes you just can’t find a replacement for ‘said’, but when you finally use it, avoid making it boring. Of course if you have a character that doesn’t pays attention to details you can now and then just use ‘he/she said.’ Especially when the scenery/words gives a clue to how it’s actually said. 

The truth of writing

50% Editing
6% Drinking coffee
7% Tapping restlessly on the keyboard waiting for ideas
12% Research
10% Character development/evolving
15% Actual writing

#Februaryfiction x 2

Hi

Just as last weekend I wasn't at my computer, so now you'll get 2 february fiction again.
Also check out my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/

This was too good to be true. My eyes locked on my prey. My muscles were tense, ready to leap me into the air. My eyes focused and I didn’t blink. For a moment it looked like it would go airborne, but it changed its mind. My muscles twitched, but my quick reflexed stopped them from setting off the ground. In an instant the prey flew through the air. My paws sent my body off and I ran as fast as I could until the perfect moment where I jumped into the air. I caught the ball my human threw.

Deciding to clean the attic, I climb up the stairs and choose a corner to begin with. Minute after minute sped by as I estimate every little objects future. Trash. Give it away. Or keep it. My hands close around an object that’s heavy and elongate. The memories flush through my mind and I involuntary let go of it. The candlestick lands with a thud on the wooden floor. You little bitch, I’ll beat the shit out of you too. He had yelled loudly, and in defense I had grabbed the candlestick and swung it as hard as I could. 

#Februaryfiction

Now it's day twelve of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'. Also check out my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Enjoy!
She closed her eyes and tried not to think about anything else than the darkness. She let it infiltrate her thoughts, making no room for anything else. She let out a deep sigh as she was growing impatient. But she knew it wouldn’t help, on the contrary it would only prolong it. She turned to her stomach in hopes that it would help. Slowly a floating feeling creeped in on her. It was like being in water while a gentle stream enveloped her in its quiet sloshing. It faded as the blackness took over, and dominated. She finally fell asleep. 

Excerpt From The Hunt 1

I've now published an excerpt from the first book of The Hunt series. Read the whole excerpt under 'Excerpt from The Hunt 1'
Also check out my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/

When I got in the car the look of him just fueled my anger, and I welcomed it.
 “You ready?”
 “You’re a fucking jackass!” I yelled and pushed him. Though I barely moved him, but it helped, it let out some of my frustration.
 He looked perplexed by my sudden outburst, “What did I do?” He sounded truly confused, not even the anger was to trace in his voice, because I had caught him off guard like that.
 “This!” I pointed at my cheekbone and uttered a frustrated sound before I crossed my arms, in enmity this time, and not because I was trying to make myself smaller, and looked out the window and ignored him.

#Februaryfiction

Now it's day eleven of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'. Also check out my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Enjoy!My body’s feeling drowsy. My thoughts are still fuzzy. I can’t comprehend much as it feels like everything’s moving too fast. I know how to make this go away. I pour the substance into the cup and fill my lungs with the welcoming smell of it. I know it so well. Slowly to enjoy the full effect as it spreads in my veins, I consume this liquid. And I revel in the familiar feeling. The drowsiness leaves my body, my thoughts becomes sharp and clear. I’m ready to take on this day. The first cup of coffee in the morning. 

#Februaryfiction

Now it's day ten of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'. Also check out my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Enjoy!

My greenish eyes gazed into hers, pale blue as a clear winter day. The shorter the distance between us, the more my eyes heeled towards her lips. The lower a couple of shades redder because of all the times she’d dug in her teeth to hide her shyness. That thought made a dimple come forward on my cheek. The coolness around us made her breath show in the air, but I didn’t need it. She was so close I could feel her breath on my skin. I closed the distance between us and met her lips. The perfect first kiss. 

#Februaryfiction

Now it's day nine of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'. Also check out my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Enjoy!

She laid there day and night. The days yellow sun warmed through her. The night’s blackness and white moon cooled her completely. Sometimes they would stop to admire her, or she disappeared in the crowd. She could be lucky the sun caught her golden tinge, but mostly she was just one out of many. A force could bring her down in forever darkness, but in the end she always surfaced until something new forged her destiny. She felt she was drifting away in periods of her life, but she always came back home. But I am just a lonely stone. 

#Februaryfiction

Now it's day eight of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'.Also check out my facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Enjoy!

I feel it run down my body like warm velvet. Caressing my skin. A hand running softly and smoothly over my curves in circles. Now both hands. Delicious circles that touched every inch of me. The hands following a path from my shoulders, to my neck and ending in my hair. Now the contact’s rougher. Running through my hair in long strokes, sometimes grabbing a fistful, and messing it up real good. The hands left my hair and returned down my body until they disappeared along with the warm velvet, and I stepped out. I was just in the shower. 

The art of a varied language (writing tip)

Yes, believe it or not I actually have a document on my laptop named exactly that. English isn’t my mother tongue, Danish is. So of course I have a small obstacle that English-speaking people doesn’t have. But I think I weigh up for it in different ways. I know a lot of people whose first language isn’t English, but still write in English. Simply because English is more varied than Danish. Most of the times English have 10 synonyms for a word where Danish only have two. Or they have more, but then some of them aren’t really words you’d use in the 21^st century. Anyway many Danish people feel it easier to express themselves passionately in English.
Anyway back to the point. Back in school I only had English for 5 years. That ain’t a lot. (5^th-10^th grade) now a days they start having English in 1^st grade in the Danish schools.  But luckily a lot of movies and series is in English, and the only way to get better at a language is to use it. Hear it, write it, talk it. Though I don’t talk it much, so I have this godawful Danish accent. And to be honest a Danish accent in English is the worst and least charming thing I’ve ever heard.
Over the years I’ve played some online games, been active in forums, and when I started to collect Evanescence (American gothic rock something band) I made a lot of international friendships, and that strengthen my English day by day.
My point was, that if English isn’t your native language and want it improved you could do some of those things I do.

- Watch movies and series without subtitles, or with English subtitles.
- Read English books.
What I do when I read English book is of course look up the words I’m just a tiny bit unsure of.
Second – I write down all the words that I don’t normally use in my daily English writing/speaking, and put them in my secret document (that is not so super-secret anymore, but the contents is still though.) and look at it daily simply to extend my vocabulary and get these words into my head so I use them. I suggest you all make your personal ‘The art of a varied language’, even English-speaking people could benefit from this.
- Interact with people from other countries. It can be a challenge to understand someone who doesn’t speak/write English properly, and it gives good experience. I at least found it a gainful experience to get a meaning out of sentences that aren’t spelled right (where, were, we’re. Then, than, there, they’re, etc.) And have wrong word order too.
- Use it! Use English in everyday conversations, make small quests for yourself like describing different things including the tiniest details. (Sunsets, the view from your window, your moms face, your pet, your hand, etc. be creative. So you ‘exercise’ different parts of your language.
- Thesaurus.com! It’s important that you don’t use the same words too often.
E.g. I quickly put on makeup, quickly got dressed, and quickly went out the door.
See that’s just freaking annoying. And if your brain feels inelastic with synonyms then Thesaurus is a great kick starter.
A quick (ha ha) look at thesaurus, and I was able to transform the example sentence into this:
I swiftly put on makeup, hastily threw on some clothes, and hurried out the door.
It doesn’t have to be more complicated than you make it. But if you feel like it’s interrupting your writing flow, then just write and don’t give a shit weather you’re using ‘quickly’ 17 times on a page or not. Write, write, write, and when you go back to edit you can find synonyms, and maybe rewrite some parts so you get that much-repeated word off your pages. 

#Februaryfiction x2

This is februaryfiction for both saturday and sunday as I wasn't at home, but they have been posted on my facebook as well: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
Facebook have such a lovely feature called 'planned posts', where blogger doesn't (or I haven't found it yet) so I apologize you'll have to wait, but you can follow me on Facebook where februaryfiction will be posted daily throughout february ;)

The moisture from the grass had seeped through. It was too early, the morning dew hadn’t ascended from the surface yet. Still I was impatient, but now I feel the consequences, and wish I had waited just an hour. I could feel the warmth, but it didn’t have enough power to penetrate this. Yet. As I waited I felt how it increased. Slowly, but steadily. There was no preventing it. It arose on it destined path, it was a law of nature. Its warmth travelled through me, vaporizing the moisture from the blanket. Lying in the sun a summer morning.

I see their path, and do my best to set them on it. At first I don’t know them, but through their actions and the obstacles I’m challenging them with I see the true nature of them. They navigate as good as they can through these circumstances, but it has to come to an end. They have to find their way. I can only help them to a certain extent, the rest they have to figure out on their own. I bring the light for other people to see, to understand and to learn their life. I’m writing a story.

 

#FebruaryFiction

Sorry I didn't post anything yesterday, but I was busy with a trip to the library for research among others.
To make up for it you'll get two pieces of februrary fiction today.And an extra surprise: one of them is a sneak peek from the first book of The Hunt ;)

I was drawn to it. I couldn’t resist it anymore. I opened the gate and instantly felt a pull in my body. It dragged me into it. Dragged me into a world that wasn’t my own. With creatures I haven’t seen before. Even the colors seemed to be different here. The people populating this were first strangers to me, but now they’re more familiar. No, they’re friends now. I laugh with them, I cry with them. Hoping that this adventure in another universe so far from my own would never end, but everything comes to an end. Even a book.

Sneak peek from The Hunt:

I lifted my head and leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on his lips. He met me halfway and inhaled heavily. I felt his lips get more insisting. His right hand laid on my cheek and his fingers clutched around my neck under my ear. I felt him grab the sheets with his left hand. He had scooted down to lie and rest his head on my chest, now he moved back up, leaving his hips against mine, and I could lie my head back on the pillow as his face was a little above in line with mine. 

#FebruaryFiction

Now it's day three of #FebruaryFiction
Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')Remember I collected all my february fiction in a tab for themselves called 'FebruaryFiction/Micro fiction'.
Enjoy!

A fraction of something caught my attention. It was just a glimpse. I tried to hold on to it, but it disappeared like sand through my fingers. I didn’t have a chance. My entire focus was aimed at this now. Tried with the power of the will to bring it forward again. Another glimpse, a feeling I felt that didn’t match my surroundings, then a color flash I couldn’t make out. As I fought to piece these things together it slowly took form. I started to see a pattern. Then it appeared to me. It was inspiration calling my name. 

#FebruaryFiction

As you know FebruaryFiction have started. Read more about it on my posts from February 1st, and January 20th (titles 'February Fiction' and 'I've given myself a challenge - and you an opportunity to read some of my work.')
Enjoy!

A smell hit my nostrils. I lifted my head, parted my lips in an attempt to recognize it. My amber eyes raked the forest floor, trying to pick up even the smallest movement, locked on a few straws of grass that moved out of rhythm with the wind. I readied my weapons as I sneaked closer another step. I had her in my sight. My muscles tensed. Unknowingly she came closer. My legs leaped my body forward through the air, and before she could whine I had captured her. I unhurriedly trotted back to my humans with my delicious mouse-steak. 

FebruaryFiction

Today is the 1st February, that means FebruaryFiction is starting. So here you'll get my first post with micro fiction for #FebruaryFiction. All themicro fiction will be gathered in a tab too ;)

A glimpse of red caught my eye. I stopped, with a frown I took a step back, and then leaned closer. I tryingly moved forward to take a better look at this object that had caught my attention in a second. My blue eyes fleetingly peeked around before my hesitating fingertips glided over the hard surface as I studied the shapes, contours and words. More confident I picked it up, it was heavier than I thought and turned it in my hands, now winning me over completely. Fearlessly I moved towards the black counter to pay for my new book. 

The importance of Beta readers and some tips on how to proofread your own work

First off it’s hard to find beta readers. My personal beta readers is to find within my family/friend base. (I have only found one from a writers group I didn’t know in advance) But let’s start with family/friend beta readers.
If you ask friends/family to be beta readers make sure to make the ‘rules’ clear.
1. Don’t tell me it’s good just because you are my friend/sister/mom.
2. Ask for constructive criticism. Not just ‘it’s good/it’s bad’, but this part’s good because… this part’s bad because…
3. Let them know they can quit if the genre/story/plot isn’t in their taste. Don’t hang them up on reading through 500 pages of something that doesn’t interest them. Fantasy isn’t for everybody, thrillers isn’t for everybody, criminal stuff isn’t for everybody and praise the difference in people’s taste.
4. Tell them not to be afraid to point out mistakes (spelling/typos/info/the tattoo/birthmark/scar is suddenly on the left arm instead of the right arm), come with ideas, (either completely new ones, or ideas for changes).

Note to ‘rule’ 4. Just because your friends/family come with ideas or changes doesn’t mean you absolutely have to do it. Listen to their idea and take a standpoint. You love it? – Roll with it. You kinda like it? – Modify it until you love it. You hate it? – Don’t do it, but thank them for their input. It may spark another idea along the way. 

Personally one of my best friends have spent God knows how long on reading through my crap (Yes, back then it was actually crappy!) She isn’t afraid of saying exactly what’s on her mind and I love her for that. She spits out ideas with every breath. Some of them I instantly loved, some we discussed and modified until they were perfect, and some of them I didn’t like, but that’s how it is with brainstorming/spit balling, you empty your brain for ideas. Some of them are gold and some of them are shit, but don’t be afraid to let them out.

The other thing is:
When you try to proofread your own story you aren’t actually R E A D I N G the words, because you already know what’s written, and what it’s supposed to say. That’s why it’s always good to get a new set of eyes on it to spot the spelling mistakes and typos and missing words. I read some place (Sorry I can’t remember where, if you know or is the person who wrote it, please let me know so I can credit the awesome idea) that reading your story upside down helps you to actually read the words instead of running through them like a well-known nursery rhyme. To be honest I haven’t tried this technique, yet. But I think this works best if you print out the pages and then read them upside down.
Another thing you can do it put your story away for a while. I’m not talking about a couple of days, I’m talking about months. Because then you ‘forget’ what every sentence is supposed to look like, and therefor get kinda new eyes on it. No, actually t more like fresher eyes. And you’ll have a greater chance to spot mistakes plus maybe see where some threads aren’t followed up on.
If you – like me – can’t put away your story for more than two days then you can read your story backwards. Then, like the upside down technique force your mind to read every word instead of ‘scanning’ the sentence.

I hope this helped you.

Praise the world for beta readers, and the work, and sometimes horrible written phrases they have to go through for us before its gold.

Character development/evolving: (And apparently my opinion on The Hunger Games. Don’t know where that came from?)

When I found a 100 question sheet for my character I realized that there are things about my characters I need to work into the story. Not because it’s relevant for the story, but because it makes the characters more alive/real. It’s important to remember. Here’s the golden ‘100 question sheet’ I found out was the most helpful tool for my character development. Try your best to answer EVERY question on your characters behalf, do research, put yourself in their place, be creative, and really spend time on this because it’ll be really rewarding for the story. Otherwise we end up with more Peeta Mellark’s that only have two traits – bread and loving, absolutely no development throughout the story. His world starts and stops with Katniss. And is that a life? Is that independence? No. Sorry I got my own point of view into this blog. Don’t get me wrong, I love The Hunger Games, and Katniss. But Peeta is a thorn in my eye. He’s lovely and handsome sure, but he’s a cardboard figure with only one purpose: to love Katniss unconditionally. Now that we are in the personal opinion area I’ll say I love Joanna Mason. And I was disappointed when hers and Katniss ‘getting ready for combat love/hate relationship bunker buddies’ was cut out of the film. But besides that I think they nailed it. 
Back to the point:
I learned a lot here, be free to share your own opinion of the character sheet, plus what other tools and methods and stuff you have used in character development/evolving on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/aurorafleurauthor/
And when I have enough I’ll gather it all in a post for future help. Maybe put my own characters through and give constructive feedback on the different tools/methods.

Here's the 100 character question sheet. (I'm sorry if there is a way to put in a document here, but I am not very 'technical'. Hope you can live with it ;) and I am sorry I can't remember where I found this piece of gold. If you know who's the creator please let me know so I can credit them.)

-Part 1: The Basics
1. What is your full name?
2. Where and when were you born?
3. Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
4. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
5. Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.
6. What is your occupation?
7. Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks.
8. To which social class do you belong?
9. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
10. Are you right- or left-handed?
11. What does your voice sound like?
12. What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?
13. What do you have in your pockets?
14. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?
-Part 2: Growing Up
15. How would you describe your childhood in general?
16. What is your earliest memory?
17. How much schooling have you had?
18. Did you enjoy school?
19. Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?
20. While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.
21. While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?
22. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
23. As a child, what were your favorite activities?
24. As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?
25. As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?
26. When and with whom was your first kiss?
27. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
28. Describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.
-Part 3: Past Influences
29. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
30. Who has had the most influence on you?
31. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
32. What is your greatest regret?
33. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
34. Do you have a criminal record of any kind?
35. When was the time you were the most frightened?
36. What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?
37. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?
38. What is your best memory?
39. What is your worst memory?
-Part 4: Beliefs and Opinions
40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
41. What is your greatest fear?
42. What are your religious views?
43. What are your political views?
44. What are your views on sex?
45. Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?
46. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
47. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
48. What do you believe makes a successful life?
49. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings (i.e. do you hide your true self from others, and in what way)?
50. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
51. Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?
52. Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?
-Part 5: Relationships with Others
53. In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?
54. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
55. Who is the person you respect the most, and why?
56. Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people.
57. Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person.
58. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
59. What do you look for in a potential lover?
60. How close are you to your family?
61. Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?
62. Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?
63. Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?
64. If you died or went missing, who would miss you?
65. Who is the person you despise the most, and why?
66. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
67. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
68. Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?
69. Do you care what others think of you?
-Part 6: Likes and Dislikes
70. What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
71. What is your most treasured possession?
72. What is your favorite color?
73. What is your favorite food?
74. What, if anything, do you like to read?
75. What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, dance, art, etc.)?
76. Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?
77. How do you spend a typical Darkening (night) off?
78. What makes you laugh?
79. What, if anything, shocks or offends you?
80. What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?
81. How do you deal with stress?
82. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
83. What are your pet peeves?
-Part 7: Self Images and Etc.
84. Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?
85. What is your greatest strength as a person?
86. What is your greatest weakness?
87. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
88. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
89. Are you generally organized or messy?
90. Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.
91. Do you like yourself?
92. What are your reasons for being an adventurer (or doing the strange and heroic things that RPG characters do)? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? (If so, detail both sets of reasons...)
93. What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?
94. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
95. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
96. If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.
97. What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?
98. What three words best describe your personality?
99. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
100. If you could, what advice would you, the player, give to your character? (You might even want to speak as if he or she were sitting right here in front of you, and use proper tone so he or she might heed your advice...