Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Update on what I've been up to

Hello everyone!

I hope you’re all doing great and that (unlike me) you’ve been able to read some great stories lately. As it is, I still haven’t had the time to catch up on my reading, so if I still haven’t read your story, you’ll have to be patient for a little while longer. Then, writing, I’ve been writing very little these past few weeks but that should be changing soon - within the next 2 weeks or so, when my exams are over.

I’m still aiming to start posting 16 Moons sometime near the end of October/November, but in the meanwhile you can already find the cover and synopsis on my blog (http://thedepthsofanemptymind.blogspot.com/p/my-works.html) and starting soon, I’ll be posting teasers on there as well.

Next, originally I planned to work on some ‘special treat’ to celebrate Absolute Contamination passing the 100 000 reads mark, but seeing as this is so close (about 99 000 reads at the moment) and lack of time to work on it, I’ve decided to wait for some other milestone. I haven’t decided yet which one it’ll be, so if you have any ideas, feel free to share them with me. I’ve been considering 150 000 reads or maybe at 2000 votes, … I’m open to suggestions :)

Lastly, I wanted to let you know where you can find me, talk to me, even stalk me (I don’t mind that, as long as you don’t start camping outside my window and do other creepy stuff like that)

-Google+: https://plus.google.com/117572631822385922776/posts  (although my profile doesn’t look like much so far. Also, if you don’t have a google+ account and want one, let me know because I can invite you)

Enjoy the rest of your day/night!
~Vicky

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Do you believe in aliens or life on other planets?

That's a good question. Honestly, I'd rather not think about it because I think it's a little scary. I know that there is a possibility that they exist, I mean, the universe, and just space in general is simply too big for us to be the only living creatures. But thinking that there might be 'others' out there, whether they're human-like or not... it's something I'd rather not think about.

Then again, I think the idea of aliens makes for a good storyline. It's one of those subjects you can interpret however you want to because there isn't really any proof, or at least not that we normal civilians know of, that will contradict our imagination.

So basically, I'm not saying there are aliens out there, I'm also not saying there aren't. It's not as much as whether I believe in aliens or not, it's more like "I'll believe it when I see it" and until then I'll remain undecided.

Author Revealed -- Monica Sanz

Monica Sanz is this week’s author in Author Revealed. Monica is 27-years old, lives in the United States and is a full-time mom, as well as a romance author. Together with her many fans on Wattpad, Monica hopes to have her stories published one day. So far, she completed several novels already, some of them you may know from Wattpad, such as “Flashbacks of a Fool”, “The Awkward Love Song of Abigail Archer” and “Faethfully Yours”.


At this moment, it is…way too early to be functioning without coffee.

 I am known for…my short attention span, random comments, and loud laugh. It’s a really loud…like really loud.

Instead of doing this, I should…be making more coffee. If this trails off into shkslaidjksgdhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, it’s because I probably fell asleep on the keyboard.

 I am the best at…being me. It’s too much energy to try and be someone else

 I envy the people who…I don’t envy anyone. Again, too much energy.

 I wish I were better at…cooking! My husband is an amazing cook while I simply cook because my kids need to eat something :)

When I am really old I…want to look back on my life and say, “That was awesome!”

I love…God, my family, my life, writing, over sized sweaters, pizza (way more than I should), being happy, music--especially the band Mono, oh and the Backstreet Boys, UGGS (so comfy), honesty, and acts of kindness.

I don’t like…the cold. Anything below 50 degrees is just wrong. And I don’t like mean people. Nothing angers me more than seeing someone get bullied, or made fun of. It’s just wrong and there is no way around it.

 I’d really want to…win the lottery!

 I shouldn’t laugh at…Geico commercials. I’m not sure if they have them outside of the US. They are the most ridiculous commercials, but for some reason I find them hysterical. My husband just looks at me like I’m insane, which I probably am, but hey, he married me.

 One day I will…sit back and reap the reward of hard work!

I have learned the hard way…that not everything that looks good is good, and that the grass really isn’t greener on the other side.

 I couldn’t live without…God, my family, good music, great books, food, and writing.

 When I look in the mirror…I’m finally happy with what I see. It took long enough!

 I will never…Never say never is what the saying says, so I’ll stick to that.

 I want to move to…a bigger house would be nice. I actually really love my town and wouldn’t want to move anywhere else. I’d like to visit a boatload of places though.

I love singing along to…stuff I have no business singing along to! Rolling in the Deep is my favorite.

One book I recommend is…seriously, one? It would have to be Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Never has a book made me think, and in turn influence my writing the way that book did. Taking Lives by Michael Pye is a really good one too. I’m not too into mystery and crime, but that was an awesome book.

I want to see…the aurora borealis. It’s something I’ve wanted to see since I was a little girl. A meteor shower would be pretty awesome too.

I love life because…it’s a gift, and full of so much possibility. It really is a beautiful thing.

I am terrified of…I’ll get back to you.

My guilty pleasure is…The Jersey Shore! There, I said it! I have watched every single episode since the first season.

Sleep is…a luxury since having kids.I haven't slept straight through the night, and/or past 7 in about five years.

I prefer…handbags over shoes.

Sometimes I should…cut myself some slack, but it’s hard. I’ve set the bar pretty high for myself.

If I could go back in time…I would do everything I didn’t do because of pride, listening to others, or fear of heartache.

Last time I stood in line…at my son’s school this morning, but I got extra hugs while we waited so it was worth it.

I don’t see myself writing…erotica. I just can’t and don’t even feel comfortable reading it.

I would steal if…it were a life or death situation for me or for my family.

One day I will write a story that…will touch the hearts and stay with everyone that reads it.

The smell of…rain is the most comforting scent ever.

A song I could keep listening to is…”Are You There” by Mono, or anything by Mono for that matter. Their music is more than music, it’s an experience.

When I watch TV…I zone out, so don’t bother talking to me.

My motto in life is no other than…Do onto others as you would have them do to you.



--> Read Monica’s work on Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/user/DistantDreamer
--> Visit Monica’s website: http://www.wix.com/distantdreamer/monicasanz

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Author Revealed -- Rebecca Lynn

This week’s author in Author Revealed is no less than Rebecca Lynn. Rebecca is a 29-year old fiction writer who lives in Canada. You can find her on the free eBook site Wattpad as AuthorRLynn and on Bookrix as r.lynn.  Rebecca has finished at least 8 novels already, with two on the go and “Descendants”, Rebecca Lynn’s first novel to get published, will be available for sale later this year! 


At this moment, it is… Way past my bedtime, and if I hadn't have had the stupid diet coke, I could be in bed sleeping. *sigh, at least I get to answer these awesome questions!

I am known for… Being the sexiest author ever. No seriously, I am probably known for my bright red hair, I hope to be known for being a sexy author though!

Instead of doing this, I should…be sleeping. See answer number one.

I am the best at… Connect four. Like freakishly good at it.

I envy the people who…Have the desire and the tools to do whatever they like. I often have one or the other, vary rarely do they tend to meet at the same time!

I wish I were better at…going to bed on time. Ok not really, I wish I was better at typing fast, so I could write more books.

When I am old I… want to look back on my life and have no regrets.

I could use some... Swedish male model back massages. My neck is killing me!

I love…my hubby! I had to write that after the Swedish model comment! (*cheeky grin)

I don’t like…people who are given everything yet do nothing with it.

I’d really want to…go to Ireland. So badly. My grandfather told me it is where I belong, as it is the only place in the world where loud mouthed red heads blend into a crowd!

I shouldn’t laugh at…family guy. Seriously that show is so inappropriate but I just cant help myself.

One day I will… become a New York times best selling author. (one can dream right!)

I have learned the hard way…not to disobey my parents. My mom once told me not to play on this particular neighbors yard, but I did anyways. I ended up tripping in a ditch and falling on a broken beer bottle and cutting through a major artery in my leg. I almost died of blood loss and now have a huge jutting scar to remind me that my mom knows best!

I couldn’t live without…my hubby. He really is a wonderful man. I am so blessed to have him!

My favorite game as a child was...peanut and sam. It was a game my dad made up and when we were traveling in a car we would get 5 points for every peanut we saw (vw bug) and 10 points for every sam we saw (vw van) and red and white ones were double points. I rocked at that game!

When I look in the mirror… depending on the day, I am content, frustrated, insecure, pleased. I am woman after all.

I will never…be satisfied in life without writing. Now that I know how much writing sets me free.

I want to move to…Ireland, New York, Italy, Vienna, Australia. I have many summer vacation houses picked out! Now to win the lottery.

I love singing along to…everything, but I often forget the words and make up my own. I call it creative rights. My friends and family call it annoying.

My biggest goal in life is...to keep my marriage happy and healthy. Then to fulfill my dreams of publishing many books.

One book I recommend is…The Power of One- seriously best book ever!

I want to watch…the sunset from on top of a pyramid.

I love life because… it gives you as much as you put into it. You can do or accomplish so many things and all you have to do is try.

My New Year's resolutions should include...not drinking diet coke late at night.

I am terrified of…spiders.

Sometimes I wonder...if when I look at the color orange it is the same color that everyone else sees, or if we all call it orange because that's what we were taught to do.

My guilty pleasure is… the Bachelorette show. I am embarrassed to admit that.

Sleep is…good. Especially when accompanied by dreams.

I prefer…swimming to sun tanning.

Sometimes I should… not punch my little brother. But it's so tempting, especially because he is way bigger than me, and I love a challenge.

If I could go back in time…I would not be so hard on myself.

Last time I stood in line…was at Disneyland! I freaking love that place!

I don’t see myself writing…self help books. The amount of self help books someone would have to read in order to forget the self help book I wrote would be impractical.

I would steal if…it was my husband’s heart. Or if it was for the greater good of mankind.

One day I will write a story that…will change lives.

The best thing about weekends is...spending time with my family.

The smell of…gasoline is my favorite. Isn't that weird?

A song I could keep listening to is…Come What May from Moulin Rouge.

My favorite piece of art is... the sunset.

When I watch TV…I love to cuddle with my dogs.

My motto in life is no other than…follow your bliss. Because it reflects your truth! And when you and your truth are working together amazing things can happen.


 
--> Visit Rebecca Lynn’s website: www.rlynn.ca

Friday, August 12, 2011

Author Revealed -- Katelyn Moore

Katelyn Moore is an 18-year old University Student who lives in Australia. She dreams of getting her books published one day. Katelyn writes in many different genres, but teen-fiction or young adult and romance are her main ones.  Katelyn has worked on many stories already and she completed two so far. Even though Katelyn hasn’t published any of her books yet, she already gained a fair amount of fans on Wattpad where she shares (some of) her writing.


At this moment, it isbloody cold.

I am known for… being slightly vampiric. My hands are always ice-cold, even if I’m wearing gloves, they’re still physically cold. They’re even cold in the summer. Apparently I’m also very mum-like. People always tell me I’m like a mother to them, but I can’t help it, I have to make sure people are okay and doing the right thing. It’s completely natural.

Instead of doing this, I shouldbe doing some Sociology work, or any Uni work for that matter.

I am the best atnot knowing what I’m best at. I’m thinking, but my mind is coming up blank, like always LOL!

I envy the people whohave loads of confidence. Boy, would my life be different if I’d said the things I never said and done the things I should have done. But in the end, I guess my lack of confidence has put me in the place I am today, and I like where I am, so it’s all good.

I wish I were better atwhat every writer wishes he or she was better at—writing. I am on the learning path, but I just can’t seem to learn fast enough.  I also wish I was better at being confident. How my life would change if I miraculously did something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.  

When I am old Iwant to sit on a porch with my very own Gilbert Blythe and reminisce about our crazy young-adulthood while we watch our grandchildren play.

I love… writing, reading, netball, dancing, music, Gilbert Blythe, life, love, my family and friends. Oh, and Anne of Green Gables, too =P

I don’t likefakes, liars, attention-seekers, mushrooms, being wrong, people touching my feet (don’t even try to go near ‘em. You’ll face my wrath if you do, and believe me, you really don’t want that), people who take forever to make up their mind, touching raw meat (but I am very much an omnivore), and doing things I really don’t want to do.

I’d really want tolive in the early 1900s. There’s just something about that time, and it has nothing to do with a certain Gilbert Blythe. Okay, maybe just a little bit. It’s what drew me in at first, but I’ve found my own love for it. I would fit in perfectly. People tell me so lol.
 
I shouldn’t laugh atpeople getting injured. I can’t help it, though; it’s completely natural. I bet you’d all laugh at someone else getting hurt. Oh, but this one time I didn’t. My friend fell down and broke her nose. I didn’t laugh that day. No, I totally FREAKED out!

One day I willaccomplish all I set out to accomplish. I will be published (when the time is right), I will go to England, and I will marry Gilbert Blythe (of course he’ll have to be in the form of a real man =P).

When I look to my left I see... my bed, a coffee cup, a bottle of alcohol (with the cap still firmly in place, of course) and a rubber ducky.

I have learned the hard waythat you should always say what you mean to say. There are so many things in life I wish I had the courage to confront, and for some things, it’s too late.

I couldn’t live withoutmy Mum. I don’t know what I’d do if she wasn’t around. One thing’s for sure, I’d be bloody lost if she wasn’t.

When I look in the mirror… Bloody Mary stares back at me. Only Kidding! That wouldn’t be very good LOL! No, I see me. I see purity and flaws, like most teenage girls do. I love myself, I hate myself, I have my moments of insecurity. But that’s just me.

I will nevertake drugs, purposefully hurt someone, and I will never abandon my family and friends.

I want to move toEngland or Prince Edward Island with my Gilbert Blythe. Those choices seem to be stretching it a bit, though. But if there is one place I’d love to move to, it would be out to the sleepy country town where my grandparents lived. I loved going out to the farm during the holidays.

I love singing along tosongs I know. If I don’t know the lyrics to a song… well, it’s not too pretty LOL! Then again, that's pretty fun as well.

One book I recommend iswait, you want me to pick just one? That’s impossible! So here are a few of my favourites. Richelle Mead is a fabulous author, and one of my idols, so anything by her is a necessity. But there is also this Australian author, Fleur McDonald, who I highly recommend. She writes outback novels. But they’re not just about droughts and cows and stuff—there is a real air of mystery about her books. They’ve got romance as well. She writes about strong, independent women. Blue Skies is one of my absolute favourite books, ever. I brought it to read on the bus on a day trip to Canberra and ended up reading most of it the night before. I have her other book, Red Dust, sitting on my shelf. It’s next on my to-read list. Her books are available in Australia, but I’m sure people in other countries can buy them online as well. Oh, but they are available in Germany, I think.

I want to watch“Anne of Green Gables, The Continuing Story” right now. I’ve watched it God only knows how many times, but I watched “The Sequel” again yesterday, so I simply have to finish off with the third movie =P

I love life becauseI’m living it. I could complain that I don’t have enough, or that I want more, but you know what, I’m content with my life. I’m happy to have what I have. I’ll always want something more (everyone does), but I’m grateful for everything, and everyone, that’s a part of my life right now.

I am terrified ofnot knowing what I’m terrified of, and that could be a real problem. This is another one of those moments where my mind is completely blank.

One day, I want to meet... Gilbert Blythe (yes, I know, I have a slight obsession). I don’t care if he’s fictional, I will meet him in my dreams. But a real person, you say? Well, I’ve already met Richelle Mead, but I’d also love to meet J.K Rowling, another idol of mine. I’m sure it’s obvious why.

If I had one day completely to myself... I’d sleep and dream completely ridiculous dreams about Gilbert Blythe. Kidding! I’d dream about anything (including Gilbert Blythe) and hope a great story could come out of it. I’m always thinking about writing, so that’s probably what I’d do if I had a day all to myself, even though I do that every day anyway.

My guilty pleasure isthe Jonas Brothers and Hanson. I don’t care what you all think, they’re great artists and I love them LOL! Gilbert Blythe, Dimitri Belikov and cake as well. I love chocolate cake.  

Sleep is… a necessity. I don’t get enough of it. I go to bed way too late (hence another reason people call me a vampire) and I get woken up fairly early in the morning by my Mum.

I prefer… living in the early 1900s. Okay, so that’s kind of impossible, but I can dream, can’t I?

Sometimes I shouldpay more attention to what I’m supposed to be doing rather then what I wish I was doing.

If I could go back in timeI would do and say all the things I never had the courage or chance to do.  

Last time I stood in linewas at the Post Office with my Mum and little brother. We went to pay some bills.

I don’t see myself writingany epic-fantasy or sci-fi stories in the future. I just don’t think I’d have the patience for it LOL! I’d rather stick to the stuff that I know, to a certain extent, and build upon my dismal knowledge of the world I live in =P

I would steal ifit were my last resort. Taking something that’s not yours is so wrong. I would steal if it were the only thing I could to save myself, or save someone else. Making sure someone is safe and alive would be worth it, I’m sure.

One day I will write a story thatinspires and changes a teenage girl’s life. All of my teen-fiction novels have an underlying message, and I really hope that those messages will help young girls to see clearly and help them to be all that they can be and not just someone who conforms to the ideals of contemporary society.

The smell ofa freshly baked chocolate cake. I can’t wait until it’s iced and ready to eat. Yum Yum!

A song I could keep listening to isBreakaway, by Kelly Clarkson. It was my entrance song at my Debutant Ball. It describes me in so many ways, it’s freaky.

When I watch TVyou better not disturb me. But if I talk to you about something, you better answer LOL!

My motto in life is no other thanStrive for the Best. It was the motto of my primary school, and I’ve followed it ever since I was a little kid. It’s motivating and constantly pushes me forward so I can do the best that I can. 


--> You can find Katelyn's profile on Wattpad here: http://www.wattpad.com/user/Kate-Dimka  
--> Fleur McDonald’s site: http://fleurmcdonald.com

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Fanmade Banner





This is a banner that one of my fans made for Absolute Contamination. I really liked it and thought it was definitely worth sharing :)

Friday, August 5, 2011

Author Revealed -- Kimberly Joy Villanueva

Kimberly Joy Villanueva is a19 year old student and lives in the Philippines. Even though she hasn’t completed any novels yet, she hopes to get her work published one day. Kimberly posts (some of) her work on Wattpad where she has gained many fans already and the number only continues to grow
  
At this moment… it is raining, and I don’t want to go to school, but I can’t skip.

I am known for… hmm in school, the girl who always laughs and smiles. At home, I’m the lazy daughter @.@ On Wattpad, I’m ilurvbooks :)

Instead of doing this… I should study for our quiz in Service Marketing but I’m procrastinating haha :D

I am the best at… maybe reading fast? I can finish a book in one sitting.

I envy the people who…Who do I envy? I don’t think I envy anyone.

I wish I were better at…writing. Or English! It’s not my first language, so I want to be good at it, which I really need to write well.

When I am really old I… want to look back at the things I did and then give myself two thumbs up because I did a great job. Something like that :)

I love… God, my family, friends, relatives, the people *singers, authors* who inspire me, my stories, and my books.

I don’t like… being lied at. I don’t like people talking behind my back.

I’d really want to… see one of my stories in a bookstore someday ^.^

I shouldn’t laugh at… people when they slide or trip, but I do xD

One day I will… marry the man of my dreams. Haha I’m just kidding! =)

I have learned the hard way that… lessons come after mistakes. .

I couldn’t live without… food, water, and books ;)

When I look in the mirror… I see myself.

I will never… hurt the people I love. If I do, it’s not intentional >.<

I want to move to… nowhere . . . There’s no place like home :) but I want to go to Europe.

I love singing along to… all my favorite songs :)

One book I recommend is…  The Hunger Games :>

I want to see…  all my Wattpad fans =D

I love life because… I’m living it. What’s not to love?

I am terrified of The people I love dying :( Snakes, worms, anything that crawls :/

My guilty pleasure is… A lot! Glee Project, PLL, and Vampire Diaries <3

Sleep is… a necessity :)

I prefer…  reading over writing lol

Sometimes I should… study but I am not because I’m wattpadding xD

If I could go back in time… I want to experience all the good memories that happened in the past. . I really do.

Last time I stood in line… was when I bought a book in a bookstore xD

I don’t see myself writing… about vampires, werewolves; that kind of stuff. I don't really know why...

I would steal if… it’s not illegal haha :D

One day I will write a story that… can change the world :))

The smell of… books is the best!

A song I could keep listening to is… hmm a lot, I think. I’ll never get tired of Taylor Swift’s songs <3

When I watch TV… I don’t like people talking to me, especially when I’m watching something that I like.

My motto in life is no other than Smile is the source of a happy life :)





--> Check out Kimberly’s writing on Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/ilurvbooks 

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The Last Note [100 Words Story]

This is an extremely short story that I wrote for a 100-word story challenge. The story could be about just anything, but it had to be 100 words long, no more, no less.

Too much bad had happened in her life, more than she could take. He helped her forget, but some memories you simply cannot erase; a goodbye letter is all he has left.
His fist collides with the tiles of the shower, too devastated to care about the physical pain.
“Why?” he yells.
No one answers. 
His legs give away and he falls onto his knees; cold water streams down his face.
“Why?”
His mind goes three months back in time… and he remembers.
“To love is to lose,” she had said, “and I can’t stand the thought of losing you.”
Copyright © 2011 Vicky Claerbout