Melissa Maygrove

We writers are constantly juggling our writing time with family, friends, chores, jobs, and social media. We often struggle to keep up with our blogging friends and give up writing time just to make all the visits and leave the expected comments.  I mean, you have to make 'em to get 'em, right? True. But now that I'm published, I have a very different perspective, and it has made me take a hard look at how my social media time is spent. I may lose some blogging friends over it, but I'm changing my behavior to fit my new priorities. This decision hasn't been easy. I enjoy visiting my writing buddies and chatting with you guys on social media. It's fun! 

To celebrate the release of her newest YA book, Double Negative , the kind and talented C. Lee McKenzie is here with a quick lesson on characterization through dialect.  Congratulations, Lee! Take it away!  Literary Dialect: Quick Characterization

Launching a new release is always exciting, but especially so when it's a debut. Please join me in congratulating author M.J. Fifield on her debut fantasy, Effigy . Way to go, M.J.!!!  

To celebrate the release of Elizabeth Seckman's new book, Bella's Point , I'm participating in her blog hop challenge. The instructions were: write 'something readers want to read' (anything—no restrictions, no word limit), using the prompt provided, and hope it pleases the judges. Want to join the challenge to win cash, prizes, and bragging rights? The linky is open to accept new participants all the way up until the 31st!  Sign up here ! Well, here goes. This short piece was written hurriedly, with minimal research, and is unedited.  It's also a tad gritty. You've been warned! The prompt: The year is 1865 ...

The awesome and sweet and talented Crystal Collier is revealing the cover to her upcoming novel today. Isn't it pretty! Have you met the Soulless and Passionate? In the world of 1770 where supernatural beings mix with humanity, Alexia is playing a deadly game. SOULLESS, Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she's forced to unleash her true power. And risk losing everything. What people are saying about this series:  "With a completely unique plot that keeps you guessing and interested, it brings you close to the characters, sympathizing with them and understanding their trials and tribulations." --SC, Amazon reviewer "It'

Hi everyone, thanks so much to Melissa for letting me take over for the day! Here’s a small snippet from Sidelined’s opening chapter. For those who are unfamiliar with the Game On series and have never met Bree before, you should know, she's a total ditz. But a ditz with a dark past which is explored later in the story. :) ** "Stop calling me!" “Bree, I just-” “I don’t want to hear it, Taylor. Leave me alone!” I flung my cell onto the bed and threw myself backwards against my soft, fluffy pillows. So over having the same conversation. I should have stopped answering the phone to her but Taylor’s calls didn’t always come from the same number, and what if it was someone important? I hated missing calls from friends – any excuse for a good chat, right?

Thanks for stopping by.  I'm taking a break from IWSG this month.  See you in August. :)