Elodie Nowodazkij

RSWtealpolaroid Welcome back to Ready. Set. WRITE! If you’re wondering what RSW is all about, it’s a summer long writing intensive with the purpose of writing, revising, planning, and keeping each other accountable. We will be sharing our goals on Mondays, keeping our posts BRIEF (2-3 lines per heading) so we can spend more time on writing and less time on blogging. You can sign up at any of the host blogs (Alison‘s,Katy‘s, Erin‘s, Jaime’s) every Monday. And don’t forget to hop around to encourage other participants. For more info about RSW and a link to their super fun buttons, go here.

HOW I DID ON LAST WEEK’S GOALS

Better than the week before, but I’m still not there.

* I revised 1 chapter ofDADDY´S LITTLE GIRL

* Added about 3000 words to ONE DREAM ONLY

MY GOAL(S) FOR THIS WEEK

* Revise 1 chapters of DADDY´S LITTLE GIRL

* Write 2000 words of ONE DREAM ONLY – the prequel novella of One, Two, Three.

A FAVORITE LINE FROM MY STORY OR ONE WORD/PHRASE THAT SUMS UP WHAT I WROTE/REVISED

I love this one, because it also gives a bit of insight about Emilia. The companion novel ALWAYS SECOND BEST is about her 🙂

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE I FACED THIS WEEK

Hmmm.

Time, but also something else.

A Shiny. New. Idea.

I know. I know. I am typing a few lines away though, just to make sure I don’t forget it, when I actually do have the time to work on it.

SOMETHING I LOVE ABOUT MY WIP

Drafting. Putting in new words.

Looking forward to cheering you on!

Ready Set Write, revising

Ready, Set, Write #RSW2014 – Every word counts…

July 21, 2014September 25, 2023 Elodie

HOW I DID ON LAST WEEK’S GOALS

Better than the week before, but I’m still not there.

* I revised 1/2 chapter of DADDY´S LITTLE GIRL

* Added about 1750 words to ONE DREAM ONLY

MY GOAL(S) FOR THIS WEEK

* Revise 2 chapters of DADDY´S LITTLE GIRL

* Write 5000 words of ONE DREAM ONLY – the prequel novella of One, Two, Three.

A FAVORITE LINE FROM MY STORY OR ONE WORD/PHRASE THAT SUMS UP WHAT I WROTE/REVISED

Very rough…but here’s a line (ok two sentences) from my YA thriller:

People in our little Texan town love pageants as much as Norman Bates loved his mother in Psycho. Totally unhealthy obsession.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE I FACED THIS WEEK

I think this one is going to be my main challenge this month: Making the time to write. I’ve been very busy at work and with some other things.

SOMETHING I LOVE ABOUT MY WIP

About the prequel novella that I’m writing: writing about moments that were just hinted upon in One, Two, Three. Seeing those moments stretched out and fleshed out actually make me love One, Two, Three even more 🙂

Ready Set Write, revising

Ready, Set, Write #RSW2014 – Time to get serious

July 14, 2014September 25, 2023 Elodie

HOW I DID ON LAST WEEK’S GOALS
Not so great. Actually, hmm, not so great at all. Clearly, I need to get typing.

MY GOAL(S) FOR THIS WEEK

* Revise 2 chapters of DADDY´S LITTLE GIRL

* Write 5000 words of ONLY ONE DREAM – the prequel novella of One, Two, Three.

A FAVORITE LINE FROM MY STORY OR ONE WORD/PHRASE THAT SUMS UP WHAT I WROTE/REVISED

Very rough…but here we go:

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE I FACED THIS WEEK
Making the time to write. I’ve been very busy at work and with some other things.

SOMETHING I LOVE ABOUT MY WIP

The way I already know Natalya. Writing about her life before One, Two, Three is like spending time with a very good friend I haven’t seen in what feels like forever, but we fall right back to where we were 🙂

Blogging

BREAKING FENCES – Blog tour

July 3, 2014September 25, 2023 Elodie

I am so very pleased today to be part of BREAKING FENCES blog tour.

Breaking Fences by Juliana Haygert
(The Breaking Series)
Publication date: June 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Synopsis:

All Beatriz “Bia” Fernandes wants is to prove herself—to her family and friends—though it’s hard to prove anything with an overbearing father and three famous polo-playing older brothers. After her acceptance into college results in a heated family argument, the Brazilian girl leaves everything behind to find her own American dream.

College life away from home is perfect until the people she believes to be her friends turn on her. With lies and rumors threatening to suffocate her, Bia turns to her only freedom. Riding.But one thing gets in the way of her escape. Garrett Blackwell and his bad cowboy attitude. Working at the ranch is his obligation, bugging Bia is his newfound hobby. His thick skin and easy grin don’t hide what Bia already knows—this misunderstood and lonely cowboy fights his own demons. Brushing horses’ coats and mucking out stalls shouldn’t be this sexy, and it isn’t long before he becomes a part of her distraction.

However, escaping won’t solve her problems, and it’s up to Bia to break down the fences around her and prove her strength—not to her family and friends, but to herself … and for Garrett. Because standing on her own doesn’t have to mean standing alone.

** Companion novel of Breaking the Reins. Can be read out of order.**

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20482754-breaking–fences

Purchase:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

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AUTHOR BIO

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author Links:

http://www.julianahaygert.com/

www.goodreads.com/user/show/4952544-juliana

https://www.facebook.com/juhaygert

https://twitter.com/Juliana_Haygert

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My thoughts:

I really really enjoyed the first novel in THE BREAKING SERIES – I thought it was compelling and I felt very invested in the characters.

I am happy to report that I felt the same way about BREAKING FENCES. Actually, what I found most interesting is how some experiences Bia had were similar to mine when I first started college in the US, even though I am happy to report that I never had anything as dramatic. While, at certain times, I felt like “wow, could that really happen?”, I still felt for Bia.

This book also has a big focus on horses, and I find that refreshing. Plus, I love seeing the interaction Bia had with them. The family aspect is also very well developed…plus there’s a hot romance.

What’s more to ask?

Ready Set Write, revising

Setting up my goals for Ready, Set, Write #RSW2014

June 30, 2014September 25, 2023 Elodie

HOW I DID ON LAST WEEK’S GOALS
I didn’t have any 🙂

MY GOAL(S) FOR THIS WEEK
* Revise 4 chapters of DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL…it’s back to revising in the train for me this week.

A FAVORITE LINE FROM MY STORY OR ONE WORD/PHRASE THAT SUMS UP WHAT I WROTE/REVISED

Very rough…but here we go: “Finally coming to get you. Are you ready to die, Daddy’s little girl?”

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE I FACED THIS WEEK
n/a

SOMETHING I LOVE ABOUT MY WIP

Getting to know Erin, my main character. She didn’t have it easy: her father terrorized their little Texan community, killing many teenagers before “disappearing” and she’s the one who helped the police realize he was responsible. Now, she’s trying very hard to stay strong, to blend in and to make sure everyone forgets she was “Daddy’s little girl.” She’s a fan of old movies and was hand picked to participate in beauty pageants. Looking forward to adding extra layers to her personality during this revision round.

writing

A little release day recap…and a BIG THANK YOU!

June 29, 2014September 25, 2023 Elodie

First of all, THANK YOU!!! Thank you, thank you, thankkkkkk you! I have received so many encouraging words and so much support! I am really grateful!

Because my husband knows me oh so well and because he is amazing, he took me to Waffle House for breakfast on Thursday. And it was YUMMY!

2014-06-27_1403832531

I also had a few cocktails…and enjoyed myself. Honestly, it felt all so SURREAL.

The next day, we continued the celebration by going to an awesome restaurant, which served the best shrimp and key lime pie EVER.

That's one big margarita. — That’s one big margarita.

And we went to have some fun on the Pleasure Pier where they had some cool riders. We went on several of them and it totally reminded me of a scene in ONE, TWO, THREE.

I am already looking at the next step, at the next book I will release, at the next promo event…but I am also starting to realize slowly but surely that “Hey, I’m a published author” 🙂

Self publishing

My book is out in the world!

June 26, 2014September 25, 2023 Elodie

Me holding an ARC of ONE TWO THREE :-) — Me holding an ARC of ONE TWO THREE 🙂

It’s the 26th of June and my little book is out in the world…it’s an insane feeling. It’s crazy and exciting and scary and amazing. And SURREAL. And did I mention amazing?

I chose this date to find a way to celebrate my parents’ 4o year anniversary. They are wonderful parents and I am so grateful for them. They’re the reason I’m here today, they helped me and supported me and let me go while always making sure I know that my home is still my home. They’re strong together and I admire them.

Happy anniversary! I love you! The Chemical Engineer and I will be lucky if we’re like you in more than 30 years.

I also simply want to say “thank you”. Thank you to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. I honestly couldn’t have done it without my husband (<3) and without my CPs, beta readers, my amazing friends dispersed in so many countries…people who offered their support, my #Team123, agents who offered their feedback, colleagues who cheered me up along the way.

Thank you for listening, for nudging me when needed, for being there, for believing in me…I’ve met so many amazing persons and I’m really grateful for all of you! And thank you to everyone who reviewed my book. I’m really realizing now how important those reviews are.

I’m currently in Galveston, Texas and in a public place so I probably should stop typing right now, or I might start crying.

I am so happy that you can all now read ONE, TWO, THREE and maybe fall in love with Nata & Tonio. You can enter this giveaway to win a signed copy of ONE, TWO, THREE or a $50 gift card to Amazon or B&N or $25 donation to the literacy project of your choice on DonorsChoose.org: a Rafflecopter giveaway

❤

Amazon . B&N . iTunes . Kobo . Google Play . Amazon.de . Amazon.fr

ONE, TWO, THREE: Last year, seventeen-year-old Natalya Pushkaya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive.

But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career.

At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present. Keeping him an arabesque away proves to be a challenge for Natalya and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell. When upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.

Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?

Uncategorized

I understand why no agents signed me…and they were right.

June 25, 2014September 25, 2023 Elodie

Tomorrow (June 26th) is my official release day. And throughout the past months, I’ve been doing a lot of self reflection about my selfpub journey.

Results? One very long blog title and possibly, a very long, rambly post. Why? Because I think every publication journey is different, because every publication choice is different, and because in my view there´s no right or wrong answer to some of the questions.

The important thing to remember is to weigh the pros and the cons of each option.

Some people decide to go the self-pub route because they do not want to go through the traditional path. It´s a conscious choice from the get go, they decide it at the beginning of their journey.

Some may want to have a hybrid career, they want some books, some genres to go through the self-pub route and others to go the more traditional way. Some may have agents. Some may decide that in the middle of their career, some want to build upon an audience they already have.

Some people decide to go the self-pub route because they tried querying, they may be disappointed or even disgruntled by the process. For whatever reason.

Or, and that’s the case for me, some tried the traditional way, but never got “the” one. They did dream about getting “the” call, but weren’t quite sure how it would go afterwards. They had more questions and uncertainties than answers. They know their book is good, they know their book needs work, and they think they can be good at the self-pub route. They enjoy the organizational and coordination part. They want the perks of self-publishing and understand what they “lose” in the process. Because, again, each path has pros and cons.

My point here after a rather lengthy introduction is to thank the agents who took the time to read my manuscript, to give me feedback. And to tell them: “I understand why you didn’t sign me. And you were right.”

The book I presented to them was not the book that you may or may not buy tomorrow…It’s similar, yes, but it is very different. The subplots have changed, some characters disappeared to make room for more depth for the others who remained standing. The road of Natalya took a different turn, Camilo and Rita became “real” while before they were parodies of themselves.

Natalya became stronger and weaker, she gained qualities and her flaws became more pronounced. She became “real”.

To make this happened, I went back to my CPs and beta readers notes (THANK YOU AGAIN!) and hired two editors. Both Sara and Maya gave me very detailed feedback on what I needed to do, on where I needed to go. Years before, I didn’t “get” it the first time around, nor the second time, nor the third time I revised ONE, TWO, THREE.

I was not ready to kill my darlings.
I was not ready to trust my writing.
I was not ready to trust my instincts.

Because I knew in the back of my mind that One, Two, Three was not ready when I queried it the first time. The second time back in early 2013, I thought I was getting there.

But why would an agent bet on “someone getting there”? especially after they receive a revised manuscript that is not ready, that didn’t dig deep enough into the characters, that didn’t go under their skins.

Yes, some loved my story, they saw the potential in it, they hesitated, they almost made THE call. But honestly, I’m not sure how I would have handled one more revision at that stage.

Fast-forward to January 2014: when I made my announcement, when I decided to choose my own magic, I was ready. I felt ready. It felt right.

ONE, TWO, THREE went through two very intensive content editing rounds, one intensive copy editing round and one proofreading round.

I loved my story now, I love it even more now because I let myself really connect with the characters. I’m still afraid.

Afraid people may not love Nata & Tonio, may not enjoy their story. But I know, that the story I am putting out there, is a story I am proud of. It is a story that was meant for the self-pub path.

Because going that route meant setting a deadline, meant finally trusting myself.

Blogging

BEHIND THE SCENES – Why I am so grateful to Dahlia, my #PitchWars mentor…

June 24, 2014September 25, 2023 Elodie

Today is release day for BEHIND THE SCENES! This book sounds amazing. I know I cannot wait to get my hands on it and I am so excited to be going behind the scenes with Dahlia on her book’s birthday.

At first, I thought I would give you a glimpse of what is going on behind the scenes with ONE, TWO, THREE, maybe doing a short update or sharing a few pictures. But looking back at my own publication journey, I think the spotlight should be on Dahlia…not on my book (even though they are very connected :-)).

I “met” Dahlia during #PitchWars – she picked me as one of her alternates, and let me tell you something, Dahlia is not only as knowledgeable as she appears to be, she’s also very supportive and sweet and basically went the extra mile for us.

The funny story was that I “thought” I had sent my query to Dahlia, I even announced it on Twitter…but then apparently a glitch happened and she didn’t receive it at first. One of the lovely ladies working behind-the-scenes on #PitchWars that year gave me a nudge, letting me know that email never went through.

I panicked. Really. I mean I had announced it, I had mentioned how excited I was. Luckily, there was still a few days left in the contest, so I quickly resent my pitch to Dahlia.

Who then asked for the first 50 pages of ONE TWO THREE.

and…then on December 12th, 2012, I received THE email from Dahlia, letting me know she picked me as an alternate, going into details about what she liked in my first 50 and what she thought I should work on.

She then gave me even more detailed feedback on the first chapter, going into line editing on what I sent her. She apologized for taking 3 days to give me feedback. Three days! That’s nothing! 🙂 Here’s the disclaimer: On top, Dahlia didn’t have to do this for alternates. She didn’t. And she totally did it for us.

Behind the scenes, she also gave me advice when an agent requested my manuscript via the contest but someone else in the agency also had it, or how to let other agents know that I had an updated manuscript. (additional disclaimer: my updated manuscript was still not ready at that stage. Gosh, I clearly queried WAY too early with ONE TWO THREE).

Dahlia really gave me very valuable feedback and Dahlia has been amazing in my self publishing journey as well. She has not only been supportive, she also answered some of my questions and as always, as been lovely, funny and sweet in all her interactions.

Dahlia helped shaped ONE TWO THREE in what it is today. Dahlia helped me become a better writer. Dahlia helped me in many ways.

Behind the scenes, Dahlia is as sweet and wonderful as she is on stage. Yes, she will kick you in the pants when she needs to (but she might offer a macaron afterwards). I’m very grateful to her and I CANNOT WAIT to hold her books in my hands.

High school senior Ally Duncan’s best friend may be the Vanessa Park – star of TV’s hottest new teen drama – but Ally’s not interested in following in her BFF’s Hollywood footsteps. In fact, the only thing Ally’s ever really wanted is to go to Columbia and study abroad in Paris. But when her father’s mounting medical bills threaten to stop her dream in its tracks, Ally nabs a position as Van’s on-set assistant to get the cash she needs. Spending the extra time with Van turns out to be fun, and getting to know her sexy co-star Liam is an added bonus. But when the actors’ publicist arranges for Van and Liam to “date” for the tabloids just after he and Ally share their first kiss, Ally will have to decide exactly what role she’s capable of playing in their world of make believe. If she can’t play by Hollywood’s rules, she may lose her best friend, her dream future, and her first shot at love.

You can find BEHIND THE SCENES here:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17869397-behind–the–scenes
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Behind–Scenes-Dahlia-Adler/dp/1939392977
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/behind–the–scenes-phoebe-adler/1104516606
The Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Behind–Scenes-Dahlia-Adler/9781939392978
Indiebound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781939392978

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Dahlia Adler is an Assistant Editor of Mathematics by day, a Copy Editor by night, and a YA writer and blogger at The Daily Dahlia, YA Misfits, and Barnes & Noble at every spare moment in between. Her debut novel, BEHIND THE SCENES, releases from Spencer Hill Contemporary on June 24, 2014. She is represented by Lana Popovic at Zachary Shuster Harmsworth.

Uncategorized

For fans of New Adult: Discover “More Than Music” (with giveaways)…

June 20, 2014June 20, 2014 Elodie

Fans of New Adult novels, of music, of reality TV, of fun and sexy novels, of finding yourself novels…MORE THAN MUSIC is all that is more.

This was my very brief review right after reading it: Couldn’t put it down! MORE THAN MUSIC is like Jared to Maddie: addictive, sweet and sexy, funny and real. (and that elevator scene? Wow!)

What is MORE THAN MUSIC about?

From Goodreads.com: Music major Maddie Taylor seems to have her life all figured out. She’s just finished her junior year of college, has a summer internship lined up with the LA Philharmonic, and plans to go to grad school to write movie scores. Only her roommates know she practices guitar every night and secretly dreams of a louder life. But geeky girls like her don’t get to be rock stars.

Tattooed singer Jared Cross has a new girl every week, but when he catches Maddie playing one of his songs, she attracts his attention in an unexpected way. His band needs a fourth member for The Sound, a reality TV show competition—and he wants her. Though Maddie refuses to be another notch on Jared’s bedpost, she agrees to risk everything for the chance to be a rock star.

Once on the show, Maddie discovers there’s more to Jared behind his flirty smile, and with each performance their attraction becomes impossible to ignore. When the show pressures Jared to flaunt his player image, they’re forced to keep their relationship secret, but Maddie can’t help but want something real.

As the competition heats up, Jared will do whatever it takes for his band to win, and Maddie must decide if following her dream is worth losing her heart.

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AUTHOR BIO

Elizabeth Briggs is a full-time geek who writes books for teens and adults. She plays the guitar, mentors at-risk teens, and volunteers with a dog rescue group. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a pack of small, fluffy dogs.Author Links:

http://www.elizabethbriggs.net/

https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethBriggsAuthor

https://twitter.com/lizwrites

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6315922.Elizabeth_Briggs