Hello friends! I have decided to push back the release date for Witches in the Holy City to July 2nd. For various reasons, I need the few extra days to finish the book. So for those of you who have been wondering what the latest book is about, here is the summary:
18-year-old Lorelei Moskowitz thought she would have a normal college experience, but even she believes that normal is overrated. So it doesn’t come as any big surprise when she finds out her cousin, Anne, is dating a warlock who may or may not have a dishonest, hidden agenda. Using her witchly powers, Lorelei decides to make sure Anne doesn’t get hurt, but she can’t do it without the help of Ethan; a 150-year-old warlock in the body of a twenty-four year old. The two of them form an instant friendship as they stalk the streets of Charleston, South Carolina keeping an eye on Anne and her mysterious beau. It doesn’t take Lorelei long to fall for Ethan, and eventually, she discovers truths about her past and the mother she’s never met. With all this riding on her back, she still manages to keep herself sane—but just barely.
I have also created a giveaway contest for my Facebook fans. If you go to my website, http://www.shawncsproatt.com/, you will find the details of the contest on the home page.
Thank you to my followers. I don't know if any of you actually read my blog, but just seeing your little icons gives me reason to keep up this blog. Thanks, friends!
~Shawn C.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Date for Next Book Release
I'll admit it. I went through a writing lull after I released Misfit. I had other things on my mind, and it took me a long time to convince myself to sit down and write anything. However, a couple weeks ago that beautiful being that is inspiration struck me with her arrow, and I've had a hard time stopping myself from writing since.
So on my birthday, June 28th, I will release my next book Witches in the Holy City. I chose that date, because I figured it would be good to have a deadline to have it finished by since I'm not at the mercy of an agent of publishing company. That gives me a little over a month to finish the book and do the final editing, which I am more than confident I can achieve. Mostly because last year I wrote a book with these characters, and after rewriting and editing it about a zillion times I still wasn't satisfied with the final product. It was just too "blah" for my taste. I loved the character I created, but there was too much focus on the romance between the two main characters, and while I do enjoy a good (please take note on the emphasis of that word) romance, I don't like it when that's the main plot. I realized this book was too much like a lot of the crappy paranormal teen romances I was reading, and that made me very ashamed of myself.
After letting it rest for a while, and focusing on Misfit, I decided not to let these characters remain unshared (not including my mom, who is very mad that I'm re-writing this book). One day the idea for a new plot line just clicked, and I started writing so fast that I didn't even stop to correct my misspellings as I went, which is something I always do, because I can't stand seeing that little red line underneath a misspelled word. The next thing I knew, I had a good chunk of the book written, and what wasn't written was already in my mind and waiting to be typed.
This book takes place in a college setting, and when I had the original draft I wasn't sure if it should be thrown into the YA category or not. I felt like because it's college, it shouldn't, but the content of the first manuscript seemed a little too YA-ish. Or maybe that's just my own personal criticism. Plus, the narrator is nineteen, and that's technically an adult, but most people think of anyone under 21 as a "young" adult. I think for genre labeling college is sort of a grey area, but I finally decided to just go ahead and not put a YA label on it. So even though my "target" audience (I hate that phrase, because I feel like a "target audience" should be anyone who wants to read the book) is college-age people, I think anyone over the age of 14 could enjoy this book.
So once the cover for the book is finished I'll put up another post dedicated to the book with a synopsis. And thus ends another long post from Shawn.
So on my birthday, June 28th, I will release my next book Witches in the Holy City. I chose that date, because I figured it would be good to have a deadline to have it finished by since I'm not at the mercy of an agent of publishing company. That gives me a little over a month to finish the book and do the final editing, which I am more than confident I can achieve. Mostly because last year I wrote a book with these characters, and after rewriting and editing it about a zillion times I still wasn't satisfied with the final product. It was just too "blah" for my taste. I loved the character I created, but there was too much focus on the romance between the two main characters, and while I do enjoy a good (please take note on the emphasis of that word) romance, I don't like it when that's the main plot. I realized this book was too much like a lot of the crappy paranormal teen romances I was reading, and that made me very ashamed of myself.
After letting it rest for a while, and focusing on Misfit, I decided not to let these characters remain unshared (not including my mom, who is very mad that I'm re-writing this book). One day the idea for a new plot line just clicked, and I started writing so fast that I didn't even stop to correct my misspellings as I went, which is something I always do, because I can't stand seeing that little red line underneath a misspelled word. The next thing I knew, I had a good chunk of the book written, and what wasn't written was already in my mind and waiting to be typed.
This book takes place in a college setting, and when I had the original draft I wasn't sure if it should be thrown into the YA category or not. I felt like because it's college, it shouldn't, but the content of the first manuscript seemed a little too YA-ish. Or maybe that's just my own personal criticism. Plus, the narrator is nineteen, and that's technically an adult, but most people think of anyone under 21 as a "young" adult. I think for genre labeling college is sort of a grey area, but I finally decided to just go ahead and not put a YA label on it. So even though my "target" audience (I hate that phrase, because I feel like a "target audience" should be anyone who wants to read the book) is college-age people, I think anyone over the age of 14 could enjoy this book.
So once the cover for the book is finished I'll put up another post dedicated to the book with a synopsis. And thus ends another long post from Shawn.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Why All the Hate?
Quick Poll: Before reading this post I want those of you who might actually read this (all two of you ;-p) to take a moment and reflect on your true thoughts of ebooks, whatever those thoughts may be.
Thought about it? Ok, now you get to read my thoughts on the matter.
First and foremost, I absolutely, without a doubt, love hard copies of books the way many teenage girls love sparkly, whiny, dull vampires. But unlike the love of these fictional creatures, mine will last longer than any trend. I have owned my kindle for over a year now, and I still have bought many, many, MANY hard copies of books in addition to the copious amounts of ebooks I own. There is no experience like going into a bookstore and being immersed in literature. Plus, it probably isn't a good idea to read a kindle in the bathtub if you're prone to dropping things.
That being said, I really love my kindle. Most of you know I'm a cheepo, so the fact that most ebooks are cheeper (even if just by a dollar) makes my unemployed debit card sing like a Broadway star. Not only that, but in the pre-ereader days I cannot recall just how many times I finished a book late at night, especially on a Saturday, only to be left with wanting more, more, MORE, and knowing that the sequel is already on shelves, but I have to actually be patient and wait until the next day to go to the bookstore and get it. When this happened on Saturdays, I'd have to wait until 1 for the Beaufort Book Store to open, and occasionally they'd have to order the book for me as it wasn't on the shelf. Ugh, more waiting!
Ok, I know what you're thinking. How am I supposed to feel sorry for you, Shawn? Why not practice some patience and wait a couple extra days for the book to arrive? Well let me just respond by saying there are much better ways to practice patience. Like waiting at a doctor's office, waiting for that special someone to call, or waiting for the bell to ring signalling the end of the school day. When it comes to reading, I'm allowed to be impatient and needy. It's a sick relationship, I know, but it's still much healthier than any relationship with a sparkly vampire I've ever read.
With a kindle of nook, gone are the days of waiting. The instant you finish reading a book and would like to move on to the next one, all you have to do is go to the online store, buy it, and wait the few seconds it takes to download. This is true beauty, people.
So now you're probably wondering why I'm mentioning all of this. Now I have arrived at the true point of this post. While promoting my new book, I have come across many people who hate ebooks and ereaders. They think the kindle is evil, blasphemous, whatever. Now, I can understand and even respect (albeit only a tiny bit) those opinions. But how can a device that helps bring literature to people, saves them money, and lessens the cutting-down of trees be evil? Especially if it means writers like myself who have tried and tried again to get their work noticed int he publishing world can easily put their work online to share with the masses, and the only cost is a 30% royalty fee?
Well, if you're like my friend, Johnny, who follows this post I know exactly why you might think this (other than the whole loving of hard copies thing, I mean). Ebooks could mean the death of actual bookstores. Plus, kindles and nooks are a little pricey, even the cheaper ones (mine was a Christmas gift).
Personally, I don't think bookstores are in danger, but I could be entirely wrong. Who knows? Only time will tell. For now, they seem to be safe. Well, except Borders, but every single time I've gone into one of those they've NEVER had what I was looking for, and I was looking for mainstream fiction books. These weren't small-town Borders, either, but four-story ones in big cities like Chicago.
So now I ask you to think about everything you've just read, if you've been patient enough to read this far. Does your original opinion on ebooks and ereaders still stand? Probably. I'm not trying to kid myself, I know I'm not a good debater. But I would like for you to open your mind a little and take into consideration all the points I've brought up.
Also, I encourage you to leave a comment expressing your opinion.
Thought about it? Ok, now you get to read my thoughts on the matter.
First and foremost, I absolutely, without a doubt, love hard copies of books the way many teenage girls love sparkly, whiny, dull vampires. But unlike the love of these fictional creatures, mine will last longer than any trend. I have owned my kindle for over a year now, and I still have bought many, many, MANY hard copies of books in addition to the copious amounts of ebooks I own. There is no experience like going into a bookstore and being immersed in literature. Plus, it probably isn't a good idea to read a kindle in the bathtub if you're prone to dropping things.
That being said, I really love my kindle. Most of you know I'm a cheepo, so the fact that most ebooks are cheeper (even if just by a dollar) makes my unemployed debit card sing like a Broadway star. Not only that, but in the pre-ereader days I cannot recall just how many times I finished a book late at night, especially on a Saturday, only to be left with wanting more, more, MORE, and knowing that the sequel is already on shelves, but I have to actually be patient and wait until the next day to go to the bookstore and get it. When this happened on Saturdays, I'd have to wait until 1 for the Beaufort Book Store to open, and occasionally they'd have to order the book for me as it wasn't on the shelf. Ugh, more waiting!
Ok, I know what you're thinking. How am I supposed to feel sorry for you, Shawn? Why not practice some patience and wait a couple extra days for the book to arrive? Well let me just respond by saying there are much better ways to practice patience. Like waiting at a doctor's office, waiting for that special someone to call, or waiting for the bell to ring signalling the end of the school day. When it comes to reading, I'm allowed to be impatient and needy. It's a sick relationship, I know, but it's still much healthier than any relationship with a sparkly vampire I've ever read.
With a kindle of nook, gone are the days of waiting. The instant you finish reading a book and would like to move on to the next one, all you have to do is go to the online store, buy it, and wait the few seconds it takes to download. This is true beauty, people.
So now you're probably wondering why I'm mentioning all of this. Now I have arrived at the true point of this post. While promoting my new book, I have come across many people who hate ebooks and ereaders. They think the kindle is evil, blasphemous, whatever. Now, I can understand and even respect (albeit only a tiny bit) those opinions. But how can a device that helps bring literature to people, saves them money, and lessens the cutting-down of trees be evil? Especially if it means writers like myself who have tried and tried again to get their work noticed int he publishing world can easily put their work online to share with the masses, and the only cost is a 30% royalty fee?
Well, if you're like my friend, Johnny, who follows this post I know exactly why you might think this (other than the whole loving of hard copies thing, I mean). Ebooks could mean the death of actual bookstores. Plus, kindles and nooks are a little pricey, even the cheaper ones (mine was a Christmas gift).
Personally, I don't think bookstores are in danger, but I could be entirely wrong. Who knows? Only time will tell. For now, they seem to be safe. Well, except Borders, but every single time I've gone into one of those they've NEVER had what I was looking for, and I was looking for mainstream fiction books. These weren't small-town Borders, either, but four-story ones in big cities like Chicago.
So now I ask you to think about everything you've just read, if you've been patient enough to read this far. Does your original opinion on ebooks and ereaders still stand? Probably. I'm not trying to kid myself, I know I'm not a good debater. But I would like for you to open your mind a little and take into consideration all the points I've brought up.
Also, I encourage you to leave a comment expressing your opinion.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Cool Site
While trying to get word of my book out there, I came across a blogger who was incredibly helpful. Her blog has links to other blogs and websites that review YA books. She was even kind enough to email some people about my book, so to thank her, I'm dedicating this post to her blogs. If you enjoy reading reviews of YA books (hopefully one day my book will be up there), then check her out!
Thank you so much, Elaine!
http://yablogosphere.blogspot.com
http://iliveinafictionalworld.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, Elaine!
http://yablogosphere.blogspot.com
http://iliveinafictionalworld.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 19, 2011
To Go Downtown, or to Stay Home and Be Lazy
That is the question. The answer: stay home and be lazy. The weather is beautiful, however it is also pollenated. I take over the counter allergy medication, but in this part of SC pollen still dominates. My eyes are slightly itchy, and I woke up with a headache. So going downtown and writing on the waterfront seems appealing in theory, but really it isn't all that great of an experience. Especially because I'm so ADD that every tourist who walks by will steal my focus no matter how old they are.
I remember seeing an episode of "Family Guy" one time that made fun of writers who take their laptops to Starbucks. It implied that writers have to be "watched" while doing their work, and maybe that's true for some people, but I have a feeling that the majority of writers have the same philosphy as I do. While writing in a public place can lead to distraction, there are many more distractions at home. For me, that includes getting up frequently to get a drink, go to the bathroom, but most of the time it means letting the dogs in or out. If I have my laptop in a public place, I'm going to stay in one spot with it. If I need to use the bathroom, it's going with me, and packing it up, taking it to the bathroom, and then unpacking it and getting back to work take too much effort.
The biggest reason why coffee shops are such hotspots for writers, is because unless you've made a ton of money off your books, then odds are you can't afford an office. Writing in a public place gives the feeling of being at an office, and an "office mentality" probably means you're most likely to get a lot of work done.
Also, the majority of writers are shy, introverted people. So to imply that they go out in public to be "watched" just makes an ass out of you and me.
For today, I'm going to do my work from home. Mostly, because I'm enjoying watching my fat dog, Joey, react to my dad cleaning up around the house.
I remember seeing an episode of "Family Guy" one time that made fun of writers who take their laptops to Starbucks. It implied that writers have to be "watched" while doing their work, and maybe that's true for some people, but I have a feeling that the majority of writers have the same philosphy as I do. While writing in a public place can lead to distraction, there are many more distractions at home. For me, that includes getting up frequently to get a drink, go to the bathroom, but most of the time it means letting the dogs in or out. If I have my laptop in a public place, I'm going to stay in one spot with it. If I need to use the bathroom, it's going with me, and packing it up, taking it to the bathroom, and then unpacking it and getting back to work take too much effort.
The biggest reason why coffee shops are such hotspots for writers, is because unless you've made a ton of money off your books, then odds are you can't afford an office. Writing in a public place gives the feeling of being at an office, and an "office mentality" probably means you're most likely to get a lot of work done.
Also, the majority of writers are shy, introverted people. So to imply that they go out in public to be "watched" just makes an ass out of you and me.
For today, I'm going to do my work from home. Mostly, because I'm enjoying watching my fat dog, Joey, react to my dad cleaning up around the house.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
It's Up!
My book The Misfit of Supernatural High is now up on Barnes&Noble and Amazon. At the end of this post are links for both websites. An ereading device isn't even necessary as long as you don't mind reading a book off of the computer. Some people don't like that, which is totally understandable, but sometimes I like reading from my computer. Mostly it's because I'm already on my computer so frequently as it is that I'm used to it, but sometimes I get a crick in my neck from looking down at books when I read.
As much as I adore digital format, I still read hard copies of books, and I will continue to do so as long as they don't "die out" like everyone fears that they will. I really love my kindle, but I'm scared to take it in the bath with me, because if I drop it in the tub that could be bad news bears for the kindle and myself. But there's just something so wonderful about holding an actual book in your hand that isn't comparable to reading one on the kindle, but don't take that to mean I think one is better than the other. Pardon the cliche, but I'm definately a "have my cake, and eat it too, and then eat some more of it" kind of gal.
So far I know of at least three copies have been sold. Amazon lets you see how many copies are sold from their website, but Barnes&Noble doesn't have that feature. I only know that they sold at least one, because my friend, Chris, told me he was buying it. I'm pretty sure the other two people would probably prefer to remain anonymous, but they know who they are, and I thank them for supporting me. Chris can only remain anonymous in last name, because I'm pretty sure he won't care if I name him on here. Either way, he doesn't have a choice now. Love and miss you, buddy!
So here are the links I promised. This first one is for Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Misfit-Supernatural-High-ebook/dp/B004RYW1TI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1300043431&sr=1-1
And here is B&N: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Misfit-of-Supernatural-High/Shawn-C-Sproatt/e/2940012215093/?itm=1&USRI=the+misfit+of+supernatural+high
Also I'm going to plug my website. You can learn more about me at http://www.shawncsproatt.com/
As much as I adore digital format, I still read hard copies of books, and I will continue to do so as long as they don't "die out" like everyone fears that they will. I really love my kindle, but I'm scared to take it in the bath with me, because if I drop it in the tub that could be bad news bears for the kindle and myself. But there's just something so wonderful about holding an actual book in your hand that isn't comparable to reading one on the kindle, but don't take that to mean I think one is better than the other. Pardon the cliche, but I'm definately a "have my cake, and eat it too, and then eat some more of it" kind of gal.
So far I know of at least three copies have been sold. Amazon lets you see how many copies are sold from their website, but Barnes&Noble doesn't have that feature. I only know that they sold at least one, because my friend, Chris, told me he was buying it. I'm pretty sure the other two people would probably prefer to remain anonymous, but they know who they are, and I thank them for supporting me. Chris can only remain anonymous in last name, because I'm pretty sure he won't care if I name him on here. Either way, he doesn't have a choice now. Love and miss you, buddy!
So here are the links I promised. This first one is for Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Misfit-Supernatural-High-ebook/dp/B004RYW1TI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1300043431&sr=1-1
And here is B&N: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Misfit-of-Supernatural-High/Shawn-C-Sproatt/e/2940012215093/?itm=1&USRI=the+misfit+of+supernatural+high
Also I'm going to plug my website. You can learn more about me at http://www.shawncsproatt.com/
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Excitement
For years now I've wanted to be a published author. Ok, so maybe I didn't go about it the "traditional" way (although, by golly I tried!) by landing an agent, publishing house, and getting my book in print. So what? My books will still be available to the public for a reasonable fee, and that's what really matters. Thanks to ebooks, authors can self-publish with very little hassle, and I think that's terrific! I get to share my stories with the world, and if it weren't for ebook, then I wouldn't be able to do that as easily. Plus I still get to make a little money off of them, but I don't expect to make a whole lot. I don't care about being rich and famous, I just want to make a living and have my own small fanbase.
These past few days of building a website, getting the book online, creating author pages and a blog, have been hectic, but they're all wonderful reminders that I'll soon be a published author. I'll make another post as soon as the book is officially up since it takes 24-72 hours for it to go online.
These past few days of building a website, getting the book online, creating author pages and a blog, have been hectic, but they're all wonderful reminders that I'll soon be a published author. I'll make another post as soon as the book is officially up since it takes 24-72 hours for it to go online.
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