Tag: writing

WriterRecharge

It’s time for #WriterRecharge 2015…

Elodie

WriterRecharge 2015

It’s February, which means it’s time for Writer Recharge!

Once again hosted by Sara Biren, Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, and me, Writer Recharge is your chance for a four-week jump start in the middle of a cold, dreary winter. Set goals for yourself, check in once a week, and connect with other recharging writers.

This year, we’ve come up with a few categories you might want to consider when making your goals. You can choose a goal (or goals) for one or some or all:

  • WRITE/REVISE – Choose writing goals for the month.
  • READ/REREAD – Read a book that’s been on your TBR forever or reread something that had a great impact on you.
  • STRETCH – Do something outside your comfort zone, from reading a genre you typically avoid to trying a new food or rock climbing when you’re afraid of heights – that kind of thing.
  • SELF – Do something good for your mind or your body.
  • CONNECT – Find a way to make a difference in someone’s life. Make a connection, via social media or in person. Initiate twitter writing parties, have a real-life write-in with writers in your town, or offer to critique or beta read someone’s work.
  • FUN – Make a goal to do something super fun and exciting that you can look forward to.

How Writer Recharge works:

  • First week of February: Post your goals for the month on your blog, website, or Twitter. Use the hashtag #WriterRecharge. Link your blog post on Sara’s blog.
  • Every Monday in February: Update your progress via your blog or twitter. Link your blog posts on our Monday posts.
  • Throughout the month: Use the hashtag to connect with other writers, have writing parties, and cheer one another on!
  • Friday, February 27: Post your final update via your blog or twitter.
  • Anyone who uses the hashtag or links their blog posts will be entered to win a fabulous prize package at the end of the month.

My goals – On my side, I will be focusing February on a few of the categories.

READ/REREAD
I want to schedule some more reading time…When I used to commute, it was easy to read LOTS of books in the train and I want to read at least 4 books this month, including a book that my husband recommended based on a show he heard on NPR: Ghost Boy 

STRETCH 
Continue learning Photoshop. I’ve been teaching myself a few tricks but I’d like to explore a bit more and become familiar with more of the features available.

SELF
Working out again. It’s been forever since the last time I worked out. I hurt my ankle, then got a bad cold and now am just lazy. Time to get my butt moving. I need to work out at least 3 times a week in February (not counting walking Plato the dog).

CONNECT
Writer’s Retreat. I still cannot believe that on this Friday, I’ll be heading down to West Virginia with some amazing writers for a weekend retreat (so looking forward to meeting all of them in real life :))

 

FUN 
Plan a few outings with the husband: going for walks, maybe the movies and I think, I think he’s taking me to a nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day (he hinted upon it several times) 🙂 so I’m looking forward to that. I’d also like to start taking more pictures again.

We hope you’ll join us for our annual Writer Recharge Challenge – here’s to a productive, rejuvenating month!

personal

Looking back…2014…

Elodie

Button looking back

There are still a few days in 2014 and what a year it has been, both personally and professionally.

In 2014, I announced my decision to self publish and I published two books, I am so thankful for everyone who’s supporting me in my writing journey. Thank you! ❤

The Hubby and I traveled to Malaysia, to Texas…I had a lot of business trips. I quit my job as a press officer and we moved back to the US. What a year it has been!

I remember reading Katy’s blog about her year in review where she used pictures to highlight her year. Loved it. So I thought, this time around, I’ll try something a bit similar.

January

Happy, happy new year! And a Galette des Rois tradition 🙂 I also blogged about my word for 2014, which was balance.

Happy New Year!
Galette des rois…yummm
February
  • Macarons…yum and the 40th birthday of my brother in law!
  • A lovely & romantic Valentine’s Day weekend by the Loreley
  • Signed copies of the lovely and talented Rebecca Behrens (for my niece and me)
Macarons…yum and the 40th birthday of my brother in law!
A lovely and romantic Valentine’s Day weekend by the Loreley
Signed copies of the lovely & talented Rebecca Behrens (for me and my niece)

Annnnd I announced my decision to self publish!

2014-02-11 Psshhh I have some pretty incredible news…

March
  • Getting into the habit of jogging early (5 a.m.) at least twice a week (should get back into it)
  • And another business trip in Paris followed by much needed family time.
  • On the blog, I called for people to join my UNNAMED BUT YET AWESOME team…to help me in self publishing ONE TWO THREE and I am so grateful for the lovely ladies who joined me!
Getting into the habit of jogging early (5 a.m.) at least twice a week (should get back into it :P)…
and another business trip in Paris followed by much needed family time.
April
  •  The hubby and I went to see a Klitchko fight…we were SO close to him!
  • We traveled all the way to Malaysia. The Hubby had a business trip there and I joined him after a week for holidays. We discovered Kuantan and then went to a gorgeous resort…it was amazing and surreal!
  • On the blog, I revealed the cover of One, Two, Three with the help of many other bloggers (thank you!)
Klitchko
Discovering Malaysia
And enjoying a gorgeous beach and resort after a stay in Kuantan
May
  •  My sister and her family visited us in Germany
  • The Hubby ran his first half marathon
  • I received the proof copies of One, Two, Three
June

Published my first book

Texas

July
  •  Business trip in Aix-en-Provence
  • The World cup of soccer, still can’t believe I wore a German hat!
August
  •  Wedding anniversary 🙂 10 years together and 3 years married…there are not enough words to express how much I love him and how lucky I am!
  • Another business trip, this time in Paris
  • A fun weekend with the family in France
  • Turning 33 🙂
September
  • Moved back to the US!
  • Quit my job as a European Central Press press officer in July and my last day at work was in September. Definitely bittersweet.
  • The cat transport company forgot to pick up our Peter for his flight to the US and our big international move, so I stayed one more day in Frankfurt.
October
  •  We spent a bit over a month living at the hotel…where our boxes started to arrive.
  • We had our first tornado warning which Peter the cat and I spent in the bathroom, the only place without windows in our hotel room.
  • And…One Dream Only came out!
November
  • We bought a house! And moved in!
  • We celebrated Thanksgiving in our new home 🙂
December
  • Finally got my Maryland Driver’s License after some adventures
  • We decorated our home for Christmas 🙂
Peter The Cat

And because I took a looooot of pictures of our cat, Peter, I thought I’d do a little slideshow of his year 🙂

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Tell me, what is your best memory of 2014?

What´s Up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday? The “Almost all moved in” edition :-)

Elodie

Wreath (plain)

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up. Should you wish to join, make sure to leave a link to your What’s Up Wednesday post in the widget on Jaime´s blog or Erin‘s blog.

What I’m reading

I finished reading the amazing Riley Edgewood´s VIP series and all I have to say is “Gage” 🙂
VIP
And I am about to start UNDER THE NEVER SKY

What I’m Writing

 I am still drafting my NaNo novel: a NA thriller, which is currently at  39 000 words. The goal is to finish drafting it by the end of December. And have it CP & beta-ready by the end of January, latest.

What else I´ve been up to

We’re almost all moved in. I only need to finish my nook in my office…and still go through a few boxes but otherwise, we’re pretty much set.
We got our first tree in our new home.
2014-12-07_1417971356
2014-12-07_1417988814
I received this wonderful#Sipswap mug – which is definitely inspiring. Thanks again Crystal.
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And I missed a step going into our garage yesterday. We have friends from Germany over and we were on our way to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, or we were supposed to but instead pouf I decided to go flying.
2014-12-09_1418165683
It is better today, but definitely can’t go jogging for a few days.
Doh.

What works for me

Re-reading past scenes to get back in the mood of the novel. Writing comments as I go on the side to make sure I don`t forget anything when I get back to it…

Those comments can be funny or sometimes it almost seems like I´m leaving a clue to future self without really explaining what past self meant. But it works 🙂

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

What´s Up Wednesday

What´s up Wednesday? The “All the words” edition…

Elodie

 

WUWMaple2

Another blog post from the hotel…:) What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin.  It´s a way to keep in touch in just four headings…

What I´m reading
I finished BLEED LIKE ME by Christa Desir, and OMG (yes this is an OMG moment), this book, this book is so intense and powerful and…I’ll review it tomorrow on my blog. My thoughts will be a bit more coherent but not by much…
I am about to start DAMSEL DISTRESSED by the lovely Kelsey Macke and very much looking forward to it.
What I’m Writing
 ALWAYS SECOND BEST – and my secret New Adult novel…which I can tell you will have romance and a tad of suspense in it. And I’m putting quite a few words in. For that, I am very  grateful to the writers who let me tag along with them in their spreadsheet adventure ❤
What else I´ve been up to
Mortgage paperwork. We found a house…but we´re waiting for final approval of the mortgage…and gosh that’s a lot of paperwork. Since we’re a special case (out of the country for 6 years and visa holders), we need lots of additional things translated and a lot of communication with different people along the process.
Crossing our fingers it goes through, because I might be getting a bit anxious in the hotel room.
This weekend, after going to sign some papers for the house and taking another look at it (did I mention we reaaaallly want it?), we went through a walk in Downs Park right by the Chesapeake Bay. It was gorgeous: the views, the weather, getting out of the hotel, the atmosphere…
149365_10103098143108228_1795109502176664263_n

What works for me

Accountability and a tad of pressure.

The spreadsheet adventure as I like to call the checking-ins I do with other writers is really keeping me accountable: when on Twitter, one of them says “Who’s in?” and my break is taking longer than planned (I blame Law & Order), I get my butt back in the chair to type away (really grateful to them!)

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Ready Set Write, revising, What´s Up Wednesday

What´s Up Wednesday? The <3 edition…

Elodie

 

WUWMaple2

Another blog post from the hotel…:) What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin.  It´s a way to keep in touch in just four headings…

What I´m reading
I am about to start BLEED LIKE ME by Christa Desir. I bought it on release day and I think I´ll be curling up with it today 🙂
What I’m Writing
 ALWAYS SECOND BEST – I shared an exclusive sneak peek yesterday during ONE DREAM´S ONLY´s release day party on Facebook. It´s dual POV and I´m loving it 🙂
Emilia Always Second Best
What else I´ve been up to
I released ONE DREAM ONLY yesterday and had a wonderful release day party on Facebook!
And as always I am amazed and grateful for everyone who’s supported me, tweeted about it, sent me emails. Really, thank you!
Thank you!

What works for me

Writing sprints.

I used to write in the train when I  had about 30 minutes to get the words in…and it worked. So now, I try to do writing sprints on Twitter and see how many words I can get in…Maybe when we´re settled in a house, I might change my routine but for now it works…

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

Uncategorized

Release day and endless possibilities…

Elodie

Release day

ONE DREAM ONLY is out in the world. (you can buy it here :-))

And I am scared and I am excited, and really why do I always release books when I´m staying in a hotel? 🙂

When I released ONE TWO THREE, I was on vacation in Texas. I wrote ONE, TWO, THREE in the train and didn´t have much time for promotion/marketing. I also wrote ONE DREAM ONLY in the train, but this time around, I actually have the time to try to promote it. From the hotel we´re staying at until we find a home in Maryland.

I actually got goodies for my Facebook event, I´ve posted in many groups and I´ve used PicMonkey for promotional pictures (love PicMonkey, thank you so much Jaime for showing me that site :-)).

Sale
Designed with PicMonkey 🙂

And I am maybe even more nervous (also much more realistic) about ONE DREAM ONLY.

Why?

For One, Two, Three, I believed that sales would spike, that everyone would fall in love with my book, and that the word would spread like wildfire (a happy wildfire). I know better now. I know that sales can start slow and grow and be steady. I know it´s important to keep writing. I know that not everyone will love my books but that a lot of people will…

It is also different because it is my first novelette, it is a book that I cross my fingers will show Natalya in her element…and bring the reader even closer to her. For those that have already read One, Two, Three, I hope they fall in love with her even more…For those who haven´t read One, Two, Three, I hope it makes them want to know what happens to her…And for all, I hope it raises their curiosity about Emilia (who is the main character of ALWAYS SECOND BEST).

Another reason I am more nervous and why it is also a bit bittersweet is the meaning behind this release date. October 14th is my last official day at my day job. We moved to the US at the end of September but I was technically on vacations until today. Today is the end of my contract as Press Officer of the European Central Bank. And it´s bittersweet. I am excited for the endless possibilities ahead of me, of the time I will dedicate to my writing career, of the time I can give my husband, my family and friends (and my cat, yes my cat too), about the things I want to explore (going back to teaching for example)…but I will miss my job (I already miss my colleagues).

Yesterday, the Nobel prize of economics was announced and I think my mouth dropped to the floor. I actually met Jean Tirole at an event I worked at as press officer. He even helped me with my suitcase and gave me a ride after the event. I had this great opportunity thanks to my job.

But I am already very well adjusted to the fact that I want to use this opportunity in my life to dedicate time to writing. I want to give myself this chance to write full-time for a while…I am lucky to be able to do so.

Happy release day One Dream Only, thank you everyone for your support and help and reviews and emails and everything…and here´s to many more books to come!

Uncategorized

#Selfpub corner: Behind-the-scenes of a Facebook release day party

Elodie

#Selfpub corner button#Selfpub corner is back and today, I’ll be tackling what goes on behind the scenes when organizing a Facebook release day party.

ONE DREAM ONLY is coming out on October 14th. Only a few more days, and you’ll be able to discover Natalya’s life before ONE, TWO, THREE.

You can see (and maybe join the party :)) by clicking on the picture or on this link.

Release day party

For my last book, I didn`t really have the time to organize a release day party but this time around, I decided to go for a Facebook release day party.

And it’s quite exciting. Here are some questions I´ve received and some I came up with…I am trying to answer them as thoroughly as possible, but don`t hesitate to let me know if you have any additional ones.

  • Why did you decide to do a Facebook release day party?

I wanted to find a way to celebrate my release day and to spread the word about my book. I love the fact that it’s online, so that means despite the different time zones and all I can reach out to people around the world. I also have my Facebook Author Page and I wanted to find a way to make it even more interactive. Plus, I like that people can comment, post and be active…

  • What do you do during a Facebook release day party?

That’s a very good question…and personally, I checked out what other authors were doing and then came up with a few things I think would be fun.

Prizes:

– Naming a character in my next novel: That will be on-going during the day and I will pick a winner at the end of the day. People will be able to enter by answering a question.

– A signed copy of One, Two, Three

– Some goodies (a pen, a tote bag, postcards, mouse pad…): I’ve designed those online.

bag

pen

Fun

There will be trivia, character’s quizzes, Q&A session, music…

I worked on a 12 questions quiz where people will be able to discover which character they are (Natalya, Emilia or Becca).

I will be sharing some sentences from my next book.

  • How much did it cost?

Setting up the event: nothing.

The costs of the prizes: so books, the bags, magnets and pen is about $70

  • How did you promote it?

I shared it on my author page, I shared it on my personal page…I invited friends to join. I announced it on Twitter and informed some of the people who liked One, Two, Three.

  • Can I help you with the event?

Yes! If you`re on Facebook, you can join the event, you can share it on your wall, you can invite your friends to it, you can tweet about it, Instagram it…:-)

And then during the actual event, don´t be shy and participate 🙂

You can also share this picture on your social media…

Ad for the FB release day party

  • Do you think the event will be a success?

Honestly, I don´t know. I also don`t think success means the same for everyone. For me, success will be if people are active, are answering questions, are asking questions…Do I also expect sales out of it? It would be nice of course to see my ranking go up, but my first release taught me to manage expectations when it comes to that. The sales need to be steady, and I am crossing my fingers that people will fall in love with Natalya, will feel right along with her.

Thanks so much for reading and Happy Friday!

Uncategorized

What´s Up Wednesday? The “getting ready” edition

Elodie

WUWMaple2

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up. Should you wish to join, make sure to leave a link to your What’s Up Wednesday post in the widget on Jaime´s blog or Erin‘s blog.

What I´m reading

I absolutely loved SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL by Trish Doller. The voice is amazing and I felt so invested in the characters. She is now an instant-buy for me!

I am about to start BLEED LIKE ME by Christa Desir. I bought my copy yesterday!

Bleed like me

What I’m Writing

I need need need to get started…I have written a few hundred words on Monday and yesterday I spent the day running errands, trying to get some of the house hunting and paperwork done…but today, I am writing.

What else I´ve been up to

House hunting, enjoying crab cakes. YUM! We went to this little restaurant in Edgewater and I loved it: the atmosphere and the food!

2014-10-06_1412586739

And…I am gearing up for ONE DREAM ONLY´s release day. I am planning a day of fun and prizes on Facebook. I would love if you joined and don´t hesitate to invite your friends 🙂

Release day party
Join me for a day of fun and prizes 🙂

What works for me

Using the what-if questions…Not too long ago, I sat down and wrote a bunch of questions, just letting my mind go and I found an aspect of Emilia (main character of ALWAYS SECOND BEST) that I had not seen coming.

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

What´s Up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday? The “I just moved” edition…

Elodie

WUWMaple2What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up. Should you wish to join, make sure to leave a link to your What’s Up Wednesday post in the widget on Jaime´s blog or Erin‘s blog.

What I´m reading

I absolutely loved Trish Doller´s  WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE, so I´m about to start SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL.

What I’m Writing

So I can finally really join the Fall writing bootcamp.
Today´s goal?
Go through the latest comments from my editor on ONE DREAM ONLY and finalize the file for formatting. Can you believe that it´s coming out in less than 2 weeks?

What else I´ve been up to

We moved. Leaving work and my wonderful colleagues was very hard but I do hope to keep in touch.
It was a bit hectic and I moved one day later than planned because the pet company forgot to pick up our cat.
But we all made it.
Our cat is totally confused and spending a lot of time underneath our bed and I´m still jet-lagged but we´re excited.
I am looking at houses, trying to come up with some sort of routine.

What works for me

Waking up early: (i) working out, and (ii) spending time with the husband.

Now I am ready to start the day:-)

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂

What´s Up Wednesday

What’s Up Wednesday? The “Thank you for the cover love” edition :-)

Elodie

WUW7

What´s up Wednesday is the brainchild of Jaime and Erin. It´s a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up. Should you wish to join, make sure to leave a link to your What’s Up Wednesday post in the widget on Jaime´s blog or Erin‘s blog.

What I´m reading

I started BEHIND THE SCENES by the lovely Dahlia Adler, and I am loving the voice!

What I’m Writing

I joined the YA Buccaneers – I need to work hard on the outline of ALWAYS SECOND BEST, and I want to revise my YA Thriller. Click on the image for more information 🙂

What else I´ve been up to

The hubby and I went to the US Consulate yesterday and our visa were approved. I’m still nervous a bit, I have to admit. And I’m waiting until I have our passports back to realize that it’s really happening.
We’re planning to move back to Maryland at the end of September. Less than a month.
******
Yesterday, was the cover reveal of  ONE DREAM ONLY and THANK YOU so much for the cover love.
In case you’ve missed it, there is also a giveaway (you could win a $25 Amazon Gift Card + a $25 donation of the project of your choice on DonorsChoose.org)

Goodreads button

And you can pre-order it on Amazon already now (only $0.99) 

ONE DREAM ONLY - preorder

What inspires me right now

This.

Did you see ONE DREAM ONLY is #22 on the Amazon Best Sellers’ list in the 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult short reads category?

Pretty cool

Thank YOU so much for making this happened 🙂

I can’t wait to check all your posts and see what you’ve been up to 🙂