Behind the scenes: Inspiring Gnash's story

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-06-02

So I'm behind a bit on my writing, which means weekend work. Which is okay since, you know, I enjoy writing and even editing's growing on me (though I do have to be careful about burnout since I have a tendency to ignore my adult tasks—you know, like laundry and groceries and unpacking from my big move over six months ago—in favor of writing and then getting stressed out when nothing else is done). But I digress...back to the topic at hand.

To get my mind ready for today's writing and editing, I started listening to Gnash's playlist while I walked the dogs. When I sat down to do the most intense round of editing on the first 1500 words or so of Gnash's story, I went to pull up some pictures of the setting that I took during the long drive from Los Angeles to Michigan. That made me think I should share all this with you as special behind the scenes look at what it takes for me to be ready to write and edit to the best of my ability. So, here you go: Gnash's playlist as it stands right now plus pictures of human-Gnash (Sam) and the setting for the first scene (and a Pinterest board to boot).

Freebie Friday

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-06-01

This week, I've got a double feature of free Urban Fantasy books, 80+ free Science Fiction & Fantasy quick reads, and 100s of free books in every genre imaginable!

What kind of magic should I feature in my next stand-alone prequel?

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-05-26

As announced, I'm going to be writing a newsletter-only story* with one chapter being released in each email. I'm hoping to make it interactive with you, my readers, helping me choose what happens next!

At this point, we've got a main character, a main plot, and three potential love interests (as well as a whole host of side characters, as per usual). Since you're getting the inside scoop, here are the details:

Freebie Friday

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-05-25

This week, I've got a free short story with gnomes, vampires, vampire hunters, and a bit of romance, 150+ free books with daring damsels and warrior women, a Young Adult book giveaway in which you can pick up free books and win a gift card, and 80+ free Science Fiction & Fantasy quick reads!

Recommendations from The Troupe

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-05-22

One thing I'm always looking for is my next really-great, can't-put-it-down-for-even-a-second, oops-I-forgot-to-eat book. And I'm sure that's true of my readers too—after all, that's one thing we share: a love of books and stories.

However, I'm not the fastest reader by any stretch of the imagination, so I can't always get through all the book recommendations I receive (and certainly not in a timely manner). So I periodically gather them all together, then pass them on to you, my readers! After all, you may—ok, probably—read more books than I do.

Without further ado, here are ten books Troupe members have recommended to me over the past few months:

Freebie Friday

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-05-18

This week, I've got a free fantasy book featuring four powerful women, 150+ free books with daring damsels and warrior women, and a Young Adult book giveaway in which you can pick up free books and win a gift card!

The first Troupe-only story survey results

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-05-15

Two short weeks ago, I announced on this here blog and on my email list (called The Troupe) that I would be writing a Troupe-only story in which readers get to help decide what happens.

To start things out, I asked what side characters of The Clan-Vampire Clash book series readers are most interested in and excited to read about as well as what song should be the story's main inspiration. The results are in! Drumroll, please...

A Comb with Gnomes: a free short story

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-05-14

Today, I've got a super fun project for you: an original stand-alone short story! It's called "A Comb with Gnomes" and takes place between the events of A Brush with Vampires (Book One) and Book Two (Title TBA), but you don't need to read A Brush with Vampires first.

Fun side note: The title was suggested by one of my readers in response to the A Brush with Vampires title reveal. Get it? :p

Without further ado, here's "A Comb with Gnomes (The Clan-Vampire Clash: A Side Story)." You can read it here or pick it up on Instafreebie, your choice.

Freebie Friday

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-05-11

This week, I've got a free Urban Fantasy featuring wolves and bloodthirsty unicorns, 100+ free Fantasy books, and a Young Adult book giveaway in which you can pick up free books and win a gift card!

Help me create a newsletter-only story!

written by Betsy Flak on 2018-05-07

That's right, I'm planning on writing a story that I only share with newsletter subscribers*—that means you! It will be set in the world of The Clan-Vampire Clash book series. I plan to release one chapter in each email. Each chapter will end at a decision for the character about what they should do next.

This is where you come in: you'll get to decide what happens next in the story! Each chapter will have a short survey where you can choose what the character does next.

To get started, let's choose who the first story will be about and what song will serve as the main inspiration. There are three whole questions in the survey, so it shouldn't take more than five minutes to fill out.

Cast your vote now!

*Not part of my newsletter yet? Join now!