work in progress #wip

So I am just over 46k words into my wip. I have been working on it since the first week of February. I was worried to take on such a different project from my first manuscript. This one goes in a completely different direction and I am constantly researching. My sister Nikki, aka my mock editor, is always sending me ideas and I have a secret board on Pinterest where I put the pictures that inspire my writing. I have sent out queries and guys it is so hard to sell yourself in a three paragraph email. I want to show these lit agents my passion and my drive. I want them to see the belief in my eyes and know that writing and telling my stories means so much to me. One of the authors I follow on Twitter said, if you don't tell your stories, no one will. I truly hope I find someone to represent me, I am trying to get an agent, but I live in Utah and they live in New York and LA. I am anxious to go to the Writer's Digest Conference next month, where I will get a sit down with agents from the city. When my thoughts wander throughout the day I practice my pitch. How do I put into ninety seconds what I have poured my imagination into for the last forty five days? Hi, I'm Kelli. Um... I think you should read my manuscript and take me on as a client and then we can sell my book to Harper Collins, okay? Cool. *Then we shake on it.* I have day dreams, is it silly for a twenty six year old to day dream- I don't care if it is, I want to be successful. I want to get published, I want to see my name on the front of a hardcover book and see my words in print and on the shelves and B+N. So I keep writing, with help from my husband and sister and encouragement from the same and my Mom. I have read that your family isn't a good place to test your manuscript, because they don't want to hurt your feelings... but my sister tells it like it is. Her and I have big dreams for my current wip. One day guys, one day I will have my series on shelves and you will say hey remember that one time Kelli posted about how she wanted to be successful... well she did it.

Xo,
Kelli

Legend and Prodigy: Marie Lu

Wow, these books are so amazing. Such a unique idea and concept. I liked the writing style and the different POV from June to Day. The idea of American separating into two separate sovereign nations is so fascinating to me. I loved the rebels and the militarized nation. So much thought went into these books and I read them quick. They are Young Adult but I think they are appropriate for anyone 12+. Truly such an intriguing concept.

Xo,
Kelli

Two Book Reviews

the Indigo Spell: 

This is the third in this series.

It is a spin off from the Vampire Academy novels,

so if you liked those you will love these.

I liked the first two books, but I really loved the third one.

Sydney is an alchemist that helps to cover the tracks of the supernatural kind from the human world. 

She is currently on assignment protecting a Moroi vampire, who is royalty.

She begins to question her loyalty to the alchemists and tries to figure out who she is,

not to mention doing the completely forbidden, falling in love with a vampire.

Great series.

If you liked VA,

read it.

Next:

Oh. My. Gosh.

This book was phenomenal. 

I can't even begin to tell you how great I thought it was.

How to even describe it.

A portion of society has become psychologically advanced,

they have to separate themselves from normal people and stay within a compound.

Each person manifests a different skill, erasing memories, seeing the future, telekinetic, lie detecting.

Addison's gift is divergence, she can she what will happen if she makes choices.

She can search and figure out her best option.

Her parents suddenly decide to divorce and Addison needs to search to find who she is meant to be with. It is a unique style of writing and I really liked the story line.

Okay,

That's all for now. 

I need a new book. 

Open to Suggestions. 

xo,

Kelli

Sever: Lauren DeStefano

The Chemical Garden Series

I first read Wither with my Book Club in 2011

I actually read it on the beach in Cancun... (sigh)

I immediately fell in love with the characters.

Lots of love/hate/love/love to hate relationships going on.

Fever was such a great ending to the series.

It wrapped up the series in a way that I was so happy with,

except Chapter 24, I literally cried. 

I follow Lauren DeStefano on Twitter

(that isn't creepy right? I just love her.)

and I think she actually likes when her readers get mad. 

I maybe was a little excited when I got a retweet from her yesterday.

If you haven't read this trilogy, you should.

A post war America develops a way for humans to live disease free.

The only catch is girls lives end at 20, boys at 25. 

Girls are kidnapped and sold into marriage or prostitution.

It is a scary world, full of polygamy and young death.

It is completely captivating. 

Xo,

Kelli

Onto my next book.

Also I really am writing, I have finished two chapters this week.

I also am studying for a nasty essay midterm.

anticipating (books, books, books.)

This week two books come out.
I am really excited.
I also have a essay test for my Religion in America class.
Which doesn't sound like as much fun as reading my two new books.
(I pre-ordered them, book nerd status right here.)
Also I am reading Article 5 right now.
I will review it when I am finished.
According to Megan VB over at Guilty Pleasure Reading
the book is about a dystopian society, which is the trend right now.
I know some people get wishy washy about book trends,
but they come in waves and I embrace them.
I am not a book snob, I love all books! :) hahaha
The books that come out on Tuesday are:

Okay really though I am also writing.
Goal=4 chapters this week and finish my current chapter.
My sister Nikki/mock editor is quite enjoying the new project.

Xo,
Kelli

Unearthly Series: Cynthia Hand

I am a YA series sort of girl.

You all know this about me.

I like a good solid novel every now and again.

But I really love quick reads that make my heart beat quick.

This is my latest.

It was so good.

I don't want to give to much of the plot away,

although I will say I wish she ended up with someone different.

Xo,

Kelli

The Selection: Kiera Cass

Young Adult Fiction:

The Bachelor meets the Hunger Games.

America lives in a dystopian society built around a caste system.

The only way to change your number is to be famous or to marry up.

The prince has no way to find a wife.

So the society has created The Selection to accommodate him.

Girls enter a drawing and 35 are selected for a possible chance to become a princess. 

I truly liked this book. The reviews on it are mixed and that's to be expected.

I always try to read with a blank slate in mind.

I don't try to see if it is better or worse than a hugely famous series.

I get frustrated when a fifty year old doesn't like a YA book, I think really- you didn't like a book geared to fifteen year olds, I can't imagine why??? 

Anyway, off my rant.

I really loved the whole idea here, I thought it was smart and well thought out.

and I am Team Maxon. 

Just saying.

Xo,

Book Reader

K.

all in a days work

feeling pretty freaking productive today.

and honestly I think this story is even better than the last.

Xo,

Kelli

finished.

Well I finished my first draft of my manuscript! 

But from what I understand the writing is the easier part. 

So, what now you may ask.

I've been sending out Query letters to Literary Agents. 

Who knew the process could be so brutal.

Once you send out a letter you may or may not hear back in the next 4-12 weeks.

So... I wrote a book. 

Next step get someone to take a chance on this girl.

Xo,

Kelli

writing

Have I always been a writer? Maybe. Do I love to put anything down on paper? Absolutely. I have always loved to write down anything that comes to my mind. So why not a novel? It is in the works... am I nervous about it?? Hell yes I am. It takes a lot to put myself out there and try to jump into the literary world. (Which is a brutal world.) Would I like to get published? YES, in my wildest dreams. I know it will be a very very long road. But I am hoping my story will win over the heart of just one agent and it can get told. Lindsay Cummings is a YA author, she is doing a giveaway for a review of a body of work. It would be amazing to win, she has a deal with the same publishing house that put out the Divergent series.  (OMG, right?!!!) So Lindsay, if you read this from my blog stalking (all in love of course) I would love to hear your thoughts on my work!!

Okay I did it. I admitted my secret.

And my heart is beating about one million miles a minute.

Xo,
Kelli