Congratulations to the three winners of the contest for the celebration of one year since 'Gate Deadlock" was published.
Here are the names of the lucky readers:
Jessica Smith
Panagiotis Bellos
Alexia Paphiti.
For all the February-March readers : I will send you an e-mail asking your postal address.There is a surprise gift for everyone! Thank you for celebrating with me and sharing my enthusiasm about my first book.
Keep in touch!
The sequel is on the way!
A big "Thank you" to all of you who have bought my book and entered the contest. I really hope you have enjoyed my story. I'll be announcing the winners' names in the following days, so stay in touch!
Three days left for the Gate Deadlock readers to enter the contest for the celebration of its birthday. Make sure you have e-mailed me the order receipt and it could be you one of the three lucky readers who wins this stylish bracelet or one of the broken hearts necklaces.
Do you fancy the ideal place in the world for you? Imagine a shelter that gives you peace of mind on sleepless nights? Mine is exaclty this. Jamaica... What's yours?
Writing a dissertation for the Phd is not very different from writing a book. Personally, I enjoy writing books more than writing my dissertation but I have found that when it comes to writing the procedure is more or less the same. So I'll be posting some ideas that I have found really useful to those who have difficulty in organising their work and setting a routine (if you're like that then we have a lot in common). All these ideas come from my readings and have all been tested. So, let's say that the moment has come when inspiration overwhelms you and you feel the intense need to write. Where do you do this? I mean, what is the "environmental support" that works for you? It'd better not be the kitchen table! You don't need salt and pepper around you or the kids coming and going, the fridge opening every now and then and, worst of all, the distracting temptation of sweets and biscuits (I admit I have done the same, don't worry).It's a good idea to choose your writing space carefully. And by space we mean a quiet place where you will be able to enjoy uninterrupted privacy for as long as you need it. A special room in your house, one that nobody else uses, can be turned into your writing space. I wouldn't go as far as rent an office ( if you can afford it, why not?) but you need a place to use exclusively for writing that masterpiece. If there is no spare room in your house, use a desk (worked for me).Your laptop, your notes and everything you need must be there for you and you only. And that must be the only reason you sit there: to write. This is how you can focus; under "narrowly defined stimulus conditions". Experts have stressed how stimulus control is closely related to self control. The idea is to write under stimulus control of a particular location and , if possible, on a particular time of day. You may find it useful to set a period of time during the day that you confine yourself in that "writing space", let's say from 5p.m. to 7p.m.
But try to be consistent. Consistency is the key word here. You will soon find how this will narrow all outside distractions and you will become focused on your project.
One thing you should not underestimate is the support of family nd friends. Avoid unannounced visitors by letting your friends know your writing routine. State simply that you can't be reached during the period of time you dedicate to writing. Those who really care will understand your need for privacy. Of course you will have to arrange the occasion when you can be with them exclusively. Friends Comments
Special arrangements must be done with children. If they know that you have committed specific time to them (and of course you keep your commitments) they are less likely to interrupt your work. Parents Sons Comments
A warning: Be realistic. Set realistic goals and be prepared for the unexpected. Sometimes plans fail and routines change. But that's all right. Besides, you should know that writing is a lonely job.
Trying to get back on track after a while spent on my Phd tasks, I find it really hard to set a writing routine. I used to be an early bird, waking up before dawn to spend about two hours writing with a cup of strong coffee next to me when everyone was still asleep... Those were great moments...
Now I wake up before dawn to get ready for school! School in Cyprus starts at 7.30. The kids and I set off at 07.00 every day.
I surely miss home...
How do you manage your writing time?
Anyway, this is what made my day at school this morning;
One of my students discovers my book! She's so excited, she mentions she even does a little writing herself. She asks the question every writer should be ready to answer: What inspires you Mrs Rania?
I tell her "Music".
She's not satisfied, expects something more. She wants to write something for me but she doesn't know how to start.
I say "Look what happens around you. Listen to people talking. Guess...Where they come from...Where they're going..."
She looks disappointed. She says "Reality is harsh".
I can't argue that. She lives a few kilometres from the green line, the Buffer zone that divides her country in two.
I use my lap top to find some photos that will take her to a world of fantasy. She picks three, says she's gonna write a story on frienship.
She smiles. A very promising smile. She's inspired...
I realise I am smiling too... This was the only good thing that happened to me today.
I have to go. Have some writing to do myself. PS. Reminder: Join the "Gate Deadlock" birthday party! Order the book in February or May and get the chance to win one of the gifts, the bracelet or the broken heart necklaces...See the previous post on this blog. Good luck!
‘Gate Deadlock’ is celebrating one year since its publication!
All of you who will place your order in February and March have the chance to win one of the following handmade pieces of jewelry by Eliza Christopoulou! Two broken hearts and a goth bracelet are waiting for the lucky readers! How? Order here from Amazon or here for Lulu and send me your order receipt on my e-mail address raniasarri68@gmail.com There will be more surprises for everyone who joins the party! Keep in touch to find out more.
“My heart, his soul” is a very unique story in the genre of fantasy and romance. The heroine, a typical, rebellious teenager who goes through the phase of contradicting her parents and looking up to her friends instead, depicts every girl’s anxieties as she evolves into becoming a woman. What better way is there to mature her but love? A love with the supernatural, the perfect inner element in a human being; the soul of a man.
Lorainne addresses not only teenagers who will definitely empathize with Abi as she struggles to find her way in life, but also those who are keen on romance at the innocent age of the first heartbeats. Above all, this story meets, if not exceeds the expectations of the lovers of the fantasy and supernatural genres, with its innovative subject and a plot that makes the book a page-turner.
Almost too good to be true! This time I'll be there. I missed U2, I can't miss Jon too!
Here's "Always" a song that has inspired me more than once. Dedicated to those who are always in love!
Moving out is not a decision to take lightly. Here I am, in a new country, new house, new job but my mind is still on my friends, my family, my students, my collegues and especially my dogs Lack and Lulu.
I miss you all!
The three winners of the giveaway competition are:
1.Buffy Andrews
2.Quillhill
3.Stephenie
Please conatct me in my personal e-mail address ( kodim12@otenet.gr ) and let me know where to send the book.
Thank you all for participating!I'm sending a gift-card to all of you by e-mail but if you want me to send it by post too, let me know your address.
Happy reading!
The competition for the giveaway is at its end.
I'll have my gorgeous son pick three names out of my favourite pick-bag I use with my students (yes, the old traditional way! It's more fun!)
Good luck to all of you! The three winners will be announced by the end of the week!
Keep in touch! More competitions are on the way with Gate Deadlock gifts!
"Gripping and fast-paced, Immortalis Carpe Noctem is a riveting read. In it, author Katie Salidas presents an action-packed tale of a mythical dark underworld that stands out from the garden variety vampire lore currently dominating the rank and file of pop culture. - Apex Reviews"
Welcome to Urania's distractions, Katie. Tell us a few things about you. Who is Katie Salidas? I’m really just your average every day person. I have a beautiful daughter and a loving husband. They both are very supportive to me in my writing. My daughter loves to tell her friends that “Mommy writes big books.”
When did you discover you have a talent for writing? I’ve always love to write. Even since I was a little girl. I have stacks of notebooks piled in my garage. Snippets of writing that I’ve done over the years. It’s been a nice escape for me. I like to let myself fall into new stories and really get to know the characters.
What obstacles did you have to overcome in this process? There is a lot to learn, writing a novel. Making up a story is just a small part of it. There are so many rules out there that dictate the form, grammar, and structure of a story to make it commercially acceptable. One of my favorite parts is the critting process. I love to share my work with a critting group and hear their comments as well as have the ability to do the same. So much can be learned at this stage and you find that after you are done, your story really shines.
You write for a very special genre with many fans, especially in the teen world. Why do you think vampire stories appeal to so many people? Vampries have been around forever. In book form, since at least the 1800’s with the famous Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Vampires are a character that really intrigue people. They are dark, mysterious, powerful, and sexy. They really draw you in. They are characters that have really become immortal through all of the reinventions and adaptations. I think they will be around in some form forever.
What inspires you Katie? I’m inspired by asking questions. I like to dig deep and come up with answers and that is what helps me create my stories. In Immortalis Carpe Noctem, I really wanted to focus on the transformation. I wanted to know what it is like to turn. Asking questions about what each step would be helped shape the story.
Do you follow a specific procedure when you write? Not initially. I free write and let the story tell me where it wants to go. Once the first draft is finished, then I do follow the rules. I work with critiquing groups. I read books on grammar and punctuation and try to pre-edit my work to match industry standards.
Who are the authors you admire? Oh I love so many. My top three are Patricia Briggs, Anne Rice, and Sherrlyn Kenyon.
Your blog is very helpful to writers, especially the upcoming ones. What is the most important tip you can give them? Just write your story down. Don’t focus on rules and what others will think. That stuff can be saved once the first draft is complete. Let yourself enjoy the process of writing first.
What do you think about self-publishing? Self-Publishing is not for the faint of heart. It is a lot of work to do right. But it can be done well. And when you self-publish you must make 100% effort to market the book. It’s definitely worth it though, to see your baby bound and printed.
Tell us about you latest book. Immortalis Carpe Noctem Bleeding to death after brutal mugging on the campus of UNLV, Twenty-five year old Alyssa, is rescued by the cold and aloof, vampire, Lysander. Taking pity on her, he shares the gift-and curse-of immortality. She awakens as a vampire and is soon devastated by harsh realities of her new way of life: the loss of her friends, her independence, and her humanity. As if having her humanity stripped away wasn't enough to make life interesting, Alyssa finds out her Turning, did not go unnoticed by the rest of undead society. Old enemies; an ancient sect of vampire hunters, known as the Acta Sanctorum, as well as a powerful Vampire mistress, each set plans in motion to destroy both Alyssa and Lysander. Only by accepting her new-found immortality and seizing the night, will Alyssa hope to survive. She and Lysander will have to fight together against two sets of enemies bent on destroying them.
Thank you Katie. The best of luck to all your books! Thank you too!!! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you today.
Immortalis: Carpe Noctem
Bleeding to death after brutal mugging on the campus of UNLV, Twenty-five year old Alyssa, is rescued by the cold and aloof, vampire, Lysander. Taking pity on her, he shares the gift-and curse-of immortality. She awakens as a vampire and is soon devastated by harsh realities of her new way of life: the loss of her friends, her independence, and her humanity.
As if having her humanity stripped away was not enough to make life interesting, Alyssa finds out her “turning”, did not go unnoticed by the rest of undead society. Old enemies; an ancient sect of vampire hunters, known as the Acta Sanctorum, as well as a powerful Vampire mistress, each set plans in motion to destroy both Alyssa and Lysander.
Only by accepting her newfound immortality, seizing the night, will Alyssa hope to survive. She and Lysander must fight together against two sets of enemies bent on destroying them both.
So, let's say that the moment has come when inspiration overwhelms you and you feel the intense need to write. Where do you do this? I mean, what is the "environmental support" that works for you? It'd better not be the kitchen table! You don't need salt and pepper around you or the kids coming and going, the fridge opening every now and then and, worst of all, the distracting temptation of sweets and biscuits (I admit I have done the same, don't worry).
It's a good idea to choose your writing space carefully. And by space we mean a quiet place where you will be able to enjoy uninterrupted privacy for as long as you need it. A special room in your house, one that nobody else uses, can be turned into your writing space. I wouldn't go as far as rent an office ( if you can afford it, why not?) but you need a place to use exclusively for writing that masterpiece. If there is no spare room in your house, use a desk (worked for me).Your laptop, your notes and everything you need must be there for you and you only.
And that must be the only reason you sit there: to write. This is how you can focus; under "narrowly defined stimulus conditions". Experts have stressed how stimulus control is closely related to self control. The idea is to write under stimulus control of a particular location and , if possible, on a particular time of day. You may find it useful to set a period of time during the day that you confine yourself in that "writing space", let's say from 5p.m. to 7p.m.
Review
