I have the honor of announcing that Stalking Sapphire is featured in OmniMystery News!
Xoxo,
Mia
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Click Here to Read |
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Stalking Sapphire Featured in OmniMystery News!
Hi All,
I have the honor of announcing that Stalking Sapphire is featured in OmniMystery News!
Xoxo,
Mia
I have the honor of announcing that Stalking Sapphire is featured in OmniMystery News!
Xoxo,
Mia
Monday, December 9, 2013
Stalking Sapphire Around the World
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| France |
Since my New Adult Thriller Stalking Sapphire went on sale on Amazon, it has been climbing the lists world wide and I couldn't be happier!
It's been a week now and my little Sapphire is still high up on a lot of the Mystery & Thriller lists. A BIG thanks to everyone around the world who got Stalking Sapphire and then the sequel, Silencing Sapphire! I've had an absolute blast reviewing the ranking charts for the past few days.
Xoxo,
Mia
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| Canada |
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| Germany |
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| Japan |
Friday, December 6, 2013
Stalking Sapphire FREE on Amazon & iBooks (limited time)
Tis' the season for free reads!
My New Adult Thriller STALKING SAPPHIRE is FREE on Amazon and iBooks for this Holiday Season!
So for all the Wattys who'd like to own the book and for anyone who hasn't been able to get it yet, this is your chance.
 |
Amazon - Click to get Free |
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iBooks - Click to get Free |
I've been keeping busy lately by getting back into the writing saddle.
After the hectic schedule of completing Silencing Sapphire, I had planned on taking a small break from writing the series. However, due to an overwhelming amount of requests about the next installment from my readers (I'm not complaining), I decided to jump right into Sapphire's next adventure.
I've also been busy planning my trip to Sweden and I'm now set to be spending Christmas with my family. It's been six years since I was able to spend my favorite time of the year with them and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Every country has their own spectacular traditions for this time of year, but to me, the Swedish Christmas cannot be beat. In true Swedish spirit there will be meatballs, Donald Duck at 3 p.m, relatives praising the thick snow, gingerly wrapped presents (excluding mine, I'm terrible at wrapping), mountains of chocolate, relatives cussing the thick snow realizing their car have been buried, and lastly, the epitome of the Swedish Christmas...loads and loads of booze.
The Swedes do not have one single Holiday that doesn't involve heavy drinking. I have genuine concern for the 9 million livers being tortured in Scandinavia.
During a Swedish holiday dinner, someone will raise a shot glass filled with schnapps and start to sing a "drinking song" about once every 15 minutes...give or take an eager drunk uncle.
The empty glasses are then quickly refilled so that the process can be repeated in another 15 minutes.
It took me moving to the States to understand that the rest of the world did NOT associate singing and shooting schnapps with Christmas.
Nonetheless, I have missed it and will happily join in this year.
Xoxo,
Mia
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Order Stalking & Silencing Sapphire in PAPERBACK!
Hi Everyone,
I'm very happy to announce that STALKING & SILENCING SAPPHIRE are now available in paperback!
The print edition of Stalking Sapphire goes for $14.81 and Silencing Sapphire goes for $15.29. And, as well as with the eBook edition, you can read or listen to the Sample!
Click to Order Stalking Sapphire in Paperback
http://www.amazon.com/Stalking-Sapphire-Mia-Thompson/dp/162681211X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1386093560&sr=8-1
Click to Order Silencing Sapphire in Paperback
http://www.amazon.com/Silencing-Sapphire-Mia-Thompson/dp/1626812136/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1386093670&sr=8-1
Paperback editions for everyone in the UK!
Stalking Sapphire: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stalking-Sapphire-Mia-Thompson/dp/162681211X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1386093785&sr=1-1
Silencing Sapphire: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silencing-Sapphire-Mia-Thompson/dp/1626812136/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Xoxo,
Mia
I'm very happy to announce that STALKING & SILENCING SAPPHIRE are now available in paperback!
The print edition of Stalking Sapphire goes for $14.81 and Silencing Sapphire goes for $15.29. And, as well as with the eBook edition, you can read or listen to the Sample!
Click to Order Stalking Sapphire in Paperback
http://www.amazon.com/Stalking-Sapphire-Mia-Thompson/dp/162681211X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1386093560&sr=8-1
Click to Order Silencing Sapphire in Paperback
http://www.amazon.com/Silencing-Sapphire-Mia-Thompson/dp/1626812136/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1386093670&sr=8-1
Paperback editions for everyone in the UK!
Stalking Sapphire: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stalking-Sapphire-Mia-Thompson/dp/162681211X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1386093785&sr=1-1
Silencing Sapphire: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silencing-Sapphire-Mia-Thompson/dp/1626812136/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
Xoxo,
Mia
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
a NOOK FIRST for Silencing Sapphire!
Happy Nook First day...
is what I told myself when I woke up this morning.
Today I have the honor of announcing that SILENCING SAPPHIRE is featured as a NOOK FIRST at Barnes and Noble!
Some of you may remember that Stalking Sapphire got Nook First (compelling reads from emerging authors) in April this year and I'd never imagined the sequel getting it as well!
For every non-author out there, perhaps I should explain what Nook First means.
Let's put it this way: To get Nook First feels like being six years-old and waking up on Christmas morning to find that Santa brought his good friends, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, along last night. You find your stocking plump full of toys, candy, and money...which you'll eventually use to buy even more toys and candy!
In short...best day EVER!
Xoxo,
Mia
is what I told myself when I woke up this morning.
Today I have the honor of announcing that SILENCING SAPPHIRE is featured as a NOOK FIRST at Barnes and Noble!
Some of you may remember that Stalking Sapphire got Nook First (compelling reads from emerging authors) in April this year and I'd never imagined the sequel getting it as well!
For every non-author out there, perhaps I should explain what Nook First means.
Let's put it this way: To get Nook First feels like being six years-old and waking up on Christmas morning to find that Santa brought his good friends, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny, along last night. You find your stocking plump full of toys, candy, and money...which you'll eventually use to buy even more toys and candy!
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| http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silencing-sapphire-mia-thompson/1117194293?ean=2940148719267 |
Xoxo,
Mia
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Syd Field & Three-Act Structure
Hi Everyone,
As some of you may know, I studied screenwriting before I decided to jump into books. The name Syd Field was the first name I learned while attending the New York Film Academy in L.A.
Among other books, Syd Field was the author of Screenplay: the foundations of screenwriting and The Screen Writer's Workbook. These books break down the three-act structure to the very basics of storytelling. Unfortunately, Mr. Fields recently past away. He left behind a legacy of screenwriters--including James Cameron and Judd Apatow--who benefited from his teachings.
The three-act paradigm above was Syd Field's baby. It's an amazing tool that can help you plot out your story.
Though I haven't touched a screenplay since I started the Sapphire series, I still use the same structure for my books. To me, the three-act structure, and all it includes, isn't only for film and plays. It is the very essence of how a story should naturally unfold. There is a reason the three-act structure has stuck around since it originated in ancient Greece with Aristotle; it works.
A novel might run to be around 300 pages while a screenplay only runs to be 110 pages. Because of this, you can't use the exact page count structure for novels that is used in screenwriting, but the acts are still the same, and the way the story should unfold still holds true.
RIP, Mr. Field, and thanks for enlightening us.
Xoxo,
Mia
As some of you may know, I studied screenwriting before I decided to jump into books. The name Syd Field was the first name I learned while attending the New York Film Academy in L.A.
Among other books, Syd Field was the author of Screenplay: the foundations of screenwriting and The Screen Writer's Workbook. These books break down the three-act structure to the very basics of storytelling. Unfortunately, Mr. Fields recently past away. He left behind a legacy of screenwriters--including James Cameron and Judd Apatow--who benefited from his teachings.
The three-act paradigm above was Syd Field's baby. It's an amazing tool that can help you plot out your story.
Though I haven't touched a screenplay since I started the Sapphire series, I still use the same structure for my books. To me, the three-act structure, and all it includes, isn't only for film and plays. It is the very essence of how a story should naturally unfold. There is a reason the three-act structure has stuck around since it originated in ancient Greece with Aristotle; it works.
A novel might run to be around 300 pages while a screenplay only runs to be 110 pages. Because of this, you can't use the exact page count structure for novels that is used in screenwriting, but the acts are still the same, and the way the story should unfold still holds true.
RIP, Mr. Field, and thanks for enlightening us.
Xoxo,
Mia
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
SILENCING SAPPHIRE Published PreView
Hi Everyone!
Due to a lot of requests to update SILENCING SAPPHIRE on Wattpad, I have now added the 3 first chapters of the Published preview.
For those who read the Pre-Published preview, know that several things have changed in the first 2 chapters. The pre-published preview will remain on Wattpad, so feel free to compare the differences between of the early draft the final, published version.
A GIANT thanks to everyone who wrote and urged me to update Silencing Sapphire! Though Sapphire is merely a figment of my imagination, she is a huge part of my life. To know that others have taken to her and decided to let her into their lives as well, brings me such immense joy that I can't even begin to describe it.
First 3 chapters of SILENCING SAPPHIRE
Xoxo,
Mia
Due to a lot of requests to update SILENCING SAPPHIRE on Wattpad, I have now added the 3 first chapters of the Published preview.
For those who read the Pre-Published preview, know that several things have changed in the first 2 chapters. The pre-published preview will remain on Wattpad, so feel free to compare the differences between of the early draft the final, published version.
A GIANT thanks to everyone who wrote and urged me to update Silencing Sapphire! Though Sapphire is merely a figment of my imagination, she is a huge part of my life. To know that others have taken to her and decided to let her into their lives as well, brings me such immense joy that I can't even begin to describe it.
First 3 chapters of SILENCING SAPPHIRE
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| http://www.wattpad.com/story/9824657-silencing-sapphire-published-preview |
Xoxo,
Mia
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Does Size Matter?
Hi All,
With Silencing Sapphire's release behind me, I've now started testing the waters on my next project.
As I began working, the age-old question popped into my head: does size matter?
And no, sorry to disappoint you, I'm NOT talking about the various sizes of male genitalia. I'm talking about book length: page count/word count.
My own books generally don't run long. Perhaps this is because I was trained as a screenwriter and not a novelist (One golden rule of writing a scene in a screenplay is "get in, get out.")
Or, perhaps it's because of my greatest pet peeve as a writer and a reader: FILLERS.
What are fillers, you ask? An easy way to describe fillers is when the author suddenly goes into a two page description of a building despite the fact that it holds no importance to the storyline.
To set the tone is one thing, it draws the readers in and paints a picture, but to describe every detail of a dress, face, building, street, or car (again, unless it holds importance to the story) doesn't only slow down the pace, but robs the reader of using their own imagination to fill the gaps of what the author chooses not to show.
I don't like to bash other authors, but I once read a novel by someone who shall remain nameless, *cough, couch, Nicholas Sparks* where he spent pages upon pages describing the characters making tacos. This included, but was not limited to, how they cut every single vegetable and the exact pound of meat that was used. I don't know about you, but I already know how to make tacos and since the book was written for adults, I'd assume his other readers do as well.
A few chapters later, when my brain had just recovered from the taco ordeal, the characters started making ice cream...from scratch. It nearly killed me.
Like I said, I'm usually not one to bash authors, but I have a feeling Mr. Sparks--who I still think is an extremely talented writer despite adding extensive recipes to a work of fiction--would carry on with life just fine. Odds are, he'd laugh full-heartedly while pointing down at me from his sky-high mountain of books, money, and success.
So, does size matter? Does a book need fillers? Does the reader walk into Barnes & Nobles with a scale under the arm so that they can weigh a book and decide whether or not it's worth purchasing?
My conclusion: No! Size does not matter; it's how you use it! I'm still talking about the pages, get your mind out of the gutter.
Xoxo,
Mia
With Silencing Sapphire's release behind me, I've now started testing the waters on my next project.
As I began working, the age-old question popped into my head: does size matter?
And no, sorry to disappoint you, I'm NOT talking about the various sizes of male genitalia. I'm talking about book length: page count/word count.
My own books generally don't run long. Perhaps this is because I was trained as a screenwriter and not a novelist (One golden rule of writing a scene in a screenplay is "get in, get out.")
Or, perhaps it's because of my greatest pet peeve as a writer and a reader: FILLERS.
What are fillers, you ask? An easy way to describe fillers is when the author suddenly goes into a two page description of a building despite the fact that it holds no importance to the storyline.
To set the tone is one thing, it draws the readers in and paints a picture, but to describe every detail of a dress, face, building, street, or car (again, unless it holds importance to the story) doesn't only slow down the pace, but robs the reader of using their own imagination to fill the gaps of what the author chooses not to show.
I don't like to bash other authors, but I once read a novel by someone who shall remain nameless, *cough, couch, Nicholas Sparks* where he spent pages upon pages describing the characters making tacos. This included, but was not limited to, how they cut every single vegetable and the exact pound of meat that was used. I don't know about you, but I already know how to make tacos and since the book was written for adults, I'd assume his other readers do as well.
A few chapters later, when my brain had just recovered from the taco ordeal, the characters started making ice cream...from scratch. It nearly killed me.
Like I said, I'm usually not one to bash authors, but I have a feeling Mr. Sparks--who I still think is an extremely talented writer despite adding extensive recipes to a work of fiction--would carry on with life just fine. Odds are, he'd laugh full-heartedly while pointing down at me from his sky-high mountain of books, money, and success.
So, does size matter? Does a book need fillers? Does the reader walk into Barnes & Nobles with a scale under the arm so that they can weigh a book and decide whether or not it's worth purchasing?
My conclusion: No! Size does not matter; it's how you use it! I'm still talking about the pages, get your mind out of the gutter.
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, November 8, 2013
My Nemesis & The Reviews
Hi Everyone,
The reviews for Stalking Sapphire's sequel, SILENCING SAPPHIRE have started rolling in!
I'd heard about authors who struggled with the second book in their series and while rewriting Silencing Sapphire, I understood why.
When writing the first book in a series there are no expectations. The only pressure that came with Stalking Sapphire was that I knew the readers would compare me to all other authors out there.
While working on the second book, I realized--in horror--that I wasn't about to be compared to other authors with Silencing Sapphire, I was about to be compared to someone much, much worse: ME.
I was terrified of disappointing everyone who enjoyed the first book and I felt the second book needed to be equivalent. Or preferably, better than its predecessor. Basically, I had to make sure to tie, or beat, myself.
Since I've never been in competition with myself before, I can honestly say, it freaked me out.
Mia Thompson surpassed my previous enemy--the glazed donut--and took the spot as my new No. 1 nemesis. I spent the following months fighting to one-up her. I'd regularly shake my head at the framed cover of Stalking Sapphire above my desk, wrinkle my nose, and imagine I was listening to Eye of the Tiger.
Though this may sound somewhat, if not, all the way insane, I have a feeling other writers out there know exactly what I'm talking about.
On the book's release day, I was convinced I had lost the battle. I sat down, head in hands, and waited for the bad reviews to pour in.
Surprisingly, and to my relief, I haven't disappoint anyone yet. Silencing Sapphire's reviews and ratings have all been 4 and 5 star so far. This phenomenon is also known as 'Author Heaven'.
The glazed donut has crept back to its well-earned No. 1 Nemesis spot and is sitting safe...for now.
There's always the third book.
Xoxo,
Mia
The reviews for Stalking Sapphire's sequel, SILENCING SAPPHIRE have started rolling in!
I'd heard about authors who struggled with the second book in their series and while rewriting Silencing Sapphire, I understood why.
When writing the first book in a series there are no expectations. The only pressure that came with Stalking Sapphire was that I knew the readers would compare me to all other authors out there.
 |
Click here to read REVIEWS of Silencing Sapphire |
I was terrified of disappointing everyone who enjoyed the first book and I felt the second book needed to be equivalent. Or preferably, better than its predecessor. Basically, I had to make sure to tie, or beat, myself.
Since I've never been in competition with myself before, I can honestly say, it freaked me out.
Mia Thompson surpassed my previous enemy--the glazed donut--and took the spot as my new No. 1 nemesis. I spent the following months fighting to one-up her. I'd regularly shake my head at the framed cover of Stalking Sapphire above my desk, wrinkle my nose, and imagine I was listening to Eye of the Tiger.
Though this may sound somewhat, if not, all the way insane, I have a feeling other writers out there know exactly what I'm talking about.
On the book's release day, I was convinced I had lost the battle. I sat down, head in hands, and waited for the bad reviews to pour in.
Surprisingly, and to my relief, I haven't disappoint anyone yet. Silencing Sapphire's reviews and ratings have all been 4 and 5 star so far. This phenomenon is also known as 'Author Heaven'.
The glazed donut has crept back to its well-earned No. 1 Nemesis spot and is sitting safe...for now.
There's always the third book.
Xoxo,
Mia
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Stalking & Silencing Sapphire in PRINT
Hi,
It's my pleasure to announce that STALKING SAPPHIIRE and its sequel, SILENCING SAPPHIRE will be available in PRINT!
The estimated time for the both books' print release is the end of November 2013.
I'm absolutely thrilled as this means two wonderful things:
One: The Sapphire series will now be available to everyone who hasn't gotten into the world of eRaders yet.
Two: One of my favorite things about getting a new book is the 'new books smell'. I can't wait to get to crack open my own books and take a good whiff. That's right folks, I admit it, I'm a book whiffing addict. For the record, I have no plans of attending Book Whiffers Anonymous anytime soon.
As the date of the release gets closer, I will share details of how, and where, you can get the books!
Xoxo,
Mia
It's my pleasure to announce that STALKING SAPPHIIRE and its sequel, SILENCING SAPPHIRE will be available in PRINT!
The estimated time for the both books' print release is the end of November 2013.
I'm absolutely thrilled as this means two wonderful things:
One: The Sapphire series will now be available to everyone who hasn't gotten into the world of eRaders yet.
Two: One of my favorite things about getting a new book is the 'new books smell'. I can't wait to get to crack open my own books and take a good whiff. That's right folks, I admit it, I'm a book whiffing addict. For the record, I have no plans of attending Book Whiffers Anonymous anytime soon.
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| Soon Available in Print |
 |
| Soon Available in Print |
As the date of the release gets closer, I will share details of how, and where, you can get the books!
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, November 1, 2013
NaNoWriMo!
Hi Everyone!
As most writers know, the yearly National Novel Writing Month has kicked off. With that, my publishing house, Diversion Books have put together posts from several authors, myself included,
that could be helpful when you are whipping together a manuscript in a month.
Here is the link:
http://diversionbooks.blogspot.com/2013/10/nanowrimo-2013-writing-advice-from.html
As some of you may recall, Stalking Sapphire got featured as a Nook First at Barnes & Noble last April. I'm happy to say I just found out the sequel, SILENCING SAPPHIRE, will be a Nook First as well! I couldn't be more excited about this and its feature day, November 26th, can't get here soon enough.
Xoxo,
Mia
As most writers know, the yearly National Novel Writing Month has kicked off. With that, my publishing house, Diversion Books have put together posts from several authors, myself included,
that could be helpful when you are whipping together a manuscript in a month.
Here is the link:
http://diversionbooks.blogspot.com/2013/10/nanowrimo-2013-writing-advice-from.html
As some of you may recall, Stalking Sapphire got featured as a Nook First at Barnes & Noble last April. I'm happy to say I just found out the sequel, SILENCING SAPPHIRE, will be a Nook First as well! I couldn't be more excited about this and its feature day, November 26th, can't get here soon enough.
Xoxo,
Mia
Saturday, October 26, 2013
#NALitChat Broadcast & 2013
Hi Everyone!
After the release of my New Adult Thriller, SILENCING SAPPHIRE, Stalking Sapphire's sequel, on Tuesday (10/22) my life suddenly went from being in full gear to first gear...or perhaps, rolling in natural.
It was MUCH needed. I've been living under a rock with MS Word as my only company, and have completely missed the year 2013. I just stepped back out into the world and I'm now asking myself questions like: What's the deal with Breaking Bad? and, Why is everybody saying Twerking?
Since MS Word and my manuscript never speaks back to me (excluding that one time when I'd worked for 16 hours straight and was delirious), I've also missed out on one key ingredient in humanity: sociability.
I had a big come-back in that department this week with my Release Party on Tuesday, and then having the honor of guesting at #NALitChat along with NA Horror author, Michelle Muto. For those who don't know, #NALitChat is the broadcast for New Adult fans and authors! I had a blast and the NA authors that host the show every Thursday night, 9 PM Eastern time, couldn't be more amazing.
If you missed it on Thursday night, here it is:
Xoxo,
Mia
After the release of my New Adult Thriller, SILENCING SAPPHIRE, Stalking Sapphire's sequel, on Tuesday (10/22) my life suddenly went from being in full gear to first gear...or perhaps, rolling in natural.
It was MUCH needed. I've been living under a rock with MS Word as my only company, and have completely missed the year 2013. I just stepped back out into the world and I'm now asking myself questions like: What's the deal with Breaking Bad? and, Why is everybody saying Twerking?
Since MS Word and my manuscript never speaks back to me (excluding that one time when I'd worked for 16 hours straight and was delirious), I've also missed out on one key ingredient in humanity: sociability.
I had a big come-back in that department this week with my Release Party on Tuesday, and then having the honor of guesting at #NALitChat along with NA Horror author, Michelle Muto. For those who don't know, #NALitChat is the broadcast for New Adult fans and authors! I had a blast and the NA authors that host the show every Thursday night, 9 PM Eastern time, couldn't be more amazing.
If you missed it on Thursday night, here it is:
Xoxo,
Mia
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Silencing Sapphire Read & #NALitChat
Hi Everyone!
It's been two days since the SILENCING SAPPHIRE release party and I have to say, I'm still suffering from a bit of a hangover.
Big thanks to everyone who came and helped celebrate my big day!
Since I've all of my attention has been aimed on my computer for the past year, a night of getting to be social and have fun was MUCH needed!
An hour before the Release Party, I had a pre-party on Google Hangout where I, among other things, read chapter 3 from SILENCING SAPPHIRE.
If you missed it, no problem. Here it is.
I'm very much looking forward to my guest spot on Twitter/Google+/Youtube broadcast with #NALitChat. You can tune in tonight (10/24) at 9 Pm Eastern Time and listened to me and authors,
Amy Evans, E.J Wesley, and Michelle Muto, chat about the topic New Adult Beyond Romance.
Xoxo,
Mia
It's been two days since the SILENCING SAPPHIRE release party and I have to say, I'm still suffering from a bit of a hangover.
Big thanks to everyone who came and helped celebrate my big day!
Since I've all of my attention has been aimed on my computer for the past year, a night of getting to be social and have fun was MUCH needed!
An hour before the Release Party, I had a pre-party on Google Hangout where I, among other things, read chapter 3 from SILENCING SAPPHIRE.
If you missed it, no problem. Here it is.
I'm very much looking forward to my guest spot on Twitter/Google+/Youtube broadcast with #NALitChat. You can tune in tonight (10/24) at 9 Pm Eastern Time and listened to me and authors,Amy Evans, E.J Wesley, and Michelle Muto, chat about the topic New Adult Beyond Romance.
Xoxo,
Mia
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
RELEASE DAY - Order Silencing Sapphire
Hi Everyone!
The Big Day is finally here! I can't believe it. SILENCING SAPPHIRE, Stalking Sapphire's sequel, and my second New Adult Thriller is out.
You can now get it at your favorite eBook retailer. To get SILENCING SAPPHIRE go to this link:
http://www.diversionbooks.com/ebooks/silencing-sapphire
Because of today's release I'll be holding a Release Party at The Quad Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas AND a live pre-party on Google Hangout. Anyone can message me during the Hangout with comments or questions. Among other things, I'll be chatting about the end of the Wattpad Book Club and will also be doing a quick one-chapter read out of SILENCING SAPPHIRE.
To ask me questions go to my Google Plus Profile at 8 PM Eastern Time tonight, 10/22 and I'll do my best to answer them!
To Join my Google Plus, Pre-Party: https://plus.google.com/110921919850138039129/posts
Xoxo,
Mia
The Big Day is finally here! I can't believe it. SILENCING SAPPHIRE, Stalking Sapphire's sequel, and my second New Adult Thriller is out.
You can now get it at your favorite eBook retailer. To get SILENCING SAPPHIRE go to this link:
http://www.diversionbooks.com/ebooks/silencing-sapphire
 |
| NOW AVAILABLE |
Because of today's release I'll be holding a Release Party at The Quad Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas AND a live pre-party on Google Hangout. Anyone can message me during the Hangout with comments or questions. Among other things, I'll be chatting about the end of the Wattpad Book Club and will also be doing a quick one-chapter read out of SILENCING SAPPHIRE.
To ask me questions go to my Google Plus Profile at 8 PM Eastern Time tonight, 10/22 and I'll do my best to answer them!
To Join my Google Plus, Pre-Party: https://plus.google.com/110921919850138039129/posts
Xoxo,
Mia
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Interviews & Hangouts
You might have noticed that the majority of my time lately has been consumed by two things: the Wattpad book club and the release of my second book, Silencing Sapphire.
The past few months have been insanely exhausting, but incredibly rewarding! The book I've been slaving over for the past year, is now only 3 days away from leaving my protective arms and taking off into the hands of the readers. Yikes. Nervous would be an understatement.
I'm doing a guest spot on the #NAlitchat broadcast, 10/24 where the topic will be New Adult Beyond Romance--which I'm extremely excited to get to chat about--and, of course, the Google Hangout for the release on 10/22, 8 p.m. Eastern time. ANYONE who has/gets Google plus can join in on this!
I recently did a fun video interview with the one and only, Amy Evans, author of CLICKS, and will post it as soon as it's up.
I also did an interview for an Interview Collections book on Wattpad, which I enjoyed immensely.
Click to Read
http://www.wattpad.com/27828934-wattpad-interviews-authormiathompson
Friday, October 18, 2013
Book Club Tidbits - Week 7
Hello Everyone,
I can't believe it is the LAST week of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club! The seven weeks went by way too fast.
To everyone at Wattpad who has been following Sapphire on her adventure, THANK YOU! Your warm comments, questions, and constant enthusiasm have made me smile over and over again. I will miss you all immensely.
Tidbits for Chapters 19 - Epilogue
1. In chapter 20, Aston's journey ends on somewhat of a down note. Was I too mean to him? I don't think so.
Aston is the character I wanted to change the most through the journey. When we first meet him, he is, undoubtedly, a major a**. He treats Sapphire, and all women, as if they are disposable toys. During and after their first encounter, Sapphire is the reacher and Aston is the one who forcefully pulls away. I wanted his ending to be the opposite of his beginning. Whether he knows it or not, Aston is the one to reach for Sapphire at the end, and she is the one who pulls away.
Ultimately, I wanted this character to experience what it's like to be the target instead of the shooter for the first time in his life so that he can start growing from it.
2. The End...?
How to end the first book in a series is always a big debate among authors.
Do you end it as if it is a stand-alone book, or do you leave it completely open for the second book, and the series?
With Stalking Sapphire, I chose to go hybrid. Meaning, I closed off the main storyline and the characters arcs/issues of the book, but left specific subplots open. In addition, the epilogue, obviously, opened up a whole new problem coming Sapphire's way.
At this moment, I have five books planned out for the Sapphire Dubois Mystery Series and I will be keeping the Hybrid Endings for next three books.
So when you finished Stalking Sapphire and thought: Is this the end for Sapphire?, my answer is: No, this is only the beginning. The second book in the series, SILENCING SAPPHIRE comes out on OCT. 22. I couldn't be more excited to get to share Sapphire's second adventure with the world in less than four days.
For everyone with iBook/iTunes or Kobo, you can now pre-order SILENCING SAPPHIRE:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/silencing-sapphire
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/silencing-sapphire/id727326777?ls=1&mt=11
Release Day
I'll be having a Pre-Party on Google Plus Hangout around 8 p.m. Eastern Time, on SILENCING SAPPHIRE's Release day. Anyone who has (or gets) a Google Plus account can join in to ask me questions or just to chat!
This will take you to my Google Plus spot: https://plus.google.com/110921919850138039129/posts
Xoxo,
Mia
I can't believe it is the LAST week of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club! The seven weeks went by way too fast.
To everyone at Wattpad who has been following Sapphire on her adventure, THANK YOU! Your warm comments, questions, and constant enthusiasm have made me smile over and over again. I will miss you all immensely.
Tidbits for Chapters 19 - Epilogue
1. In chapter 20, Aston's journey ends on somewhat of a down note. Was I too mean to him? I don't think so.
Aston is the character I wanted to change the most through the journey. When we first meet him, he is, undoubtedly, a major a**. He treats Sapphire, and all women, as if they are disposable toys. During and after their first encounter, Sapphire is the reacher and Aston is the one who forcefully pulls away. I wanted his ending to be the opposite of his beginning. Whether he knows it or not, Aston is the one to reach for Sapphire at the end, and she is the one who pulls away.
Ultimately, I wanted this character to experience what it's like to be the target instead of the shooter for the first time in his life so that he can start growing from it.
2. The End...?
How to end the first book in a series is always a big debate among authors.
Do you end it as if it is a stand-alone book, or do you leave it completely open for the second book, and the series?
With Stalking Sapphire, I chose to go hybrid. Meaning, I closed off the main storyline and the characters arcs/issues of the book, but left specific subplots open. In addition, the epilogue, obviously, opened up a whole new problem coming Sapphire's way.
At this moment, I have five books planned out for the Sapphire Dubois Mystery Series and I will be keeping the Hybrid Endings for next three books.
So when you finished Stalking Sapphire and thought: Is this the end for Sapphire?, my answer is: No, this is only the beginning. The second book in the series, SILENCING SAPPHIRE comes out on OCT. 22. I couldn't be more excited to get to share Sapphire's second adventure with the world in less than four days.
For everyone with iBook/iTunes or Kobo, you can now pre-order SILENCING SAPPHIRE:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/silencing-sapphire
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/silencing-sapphire/id727326777?ls=1&mt=11
Release Day
I'll be having a Pre-Party on Google Plus Hangout around 8 p.m. Eastern Time, on SILENCING SAPPHIRE's Release day. Anyone who has (or gets) a Google Plus account can join in to ask me questions or just to chat!
This will take you to my Google Plus spot: https://plus.google.com/110921919850138039129/posts
Xoxo,
Mia
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Pre-Order SILENCING SAPPHIRE
Hi Everyone!
The SILENCING SAPPHIRE release (10/22) is approaching quickly!
I'm spending the last few days before the Big Day, doing some interviews and prepping for a possible Release Party at the Quad Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Crossing my fingers, toes, and elbows, hoping everything will fall in place.
If you don't want to wait until Oct. 22 for Silencing Sapphire, you can now Sample & Pre-Order it from the iBook/iTunes Store and Kobo!
The SILENCING SAPPHIRE release (10/22) is approaching quickly!
I'm spending the last few days before the Big Day, doing some interviews and prepping for a possible Release Party at the Quad Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Crossing my fingers, toes, and elbows, hoping everything will fall in place.
If you don't want to wait until Oct. 22 for Silencing Sapphire, you can now Sample & Pre-Order it from the iBook/iTunes Store and Kobo!
Tomorrow
The FINAL Tidbits for the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad!
Xoxo,
Mia
 |
| Pre-Order at KOBO http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/silencing-sapphire |
|
| Pre-Order at the iBook/iTunes Store https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/silencing-sapphire/id727326777?ls=1&mt=11 |
Friday, October 11, 2013
Book Club Tidbits - Week 6
Hello Everyone,
Week 6 of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad is now here, which mean there's less than two weeks left until the release of SILENCING SAPPHIRE, its sequel!
Tidbits chapters 16-18
1. Let's talk about Shelly.
Generally, I don't feel the same things the reader is meant to feel while reading a scene. But, Shelly's scenes were hard on me. I would cringe whenever I got to her sections during my rewrites and then feel relived once I had passed it. I didn't like being inside her head, but felt her POV was necessary for the story.
As opposed to Sapphire, who has that heroic fearlessness, I wanted Shelly to represent how any kidnapped young woman out there would feel and perhaps, that's why it got to me.
Still, whenever this character pops into my thoughts, the first thing that comes to mind is "Aw, Shelly."
2. Let's talk about Chrissy.
In chapter 17, this heiress might seem a bit over the top to some people. And yes, she is. But you have to remember this is a character who has gotten everything she'd ever wanted her entire life.
When I first started writing Chrissy, I would think back on a conversation I'd witnessed.
I was in a coffee shop, standing in the back of the line behind two girls in their early 20s. Based on their couture, lingo, and clothed purse-dog I assumed they'd grown up in Beverly Hills.
They were complaining and making fun of the poor barista scrambling to get through the long line of orders. Neither of them understood why making a cup of coffee would take so long and they agreed the guy behind the counter was an idiot and overpaid for a job that's easy.
I was working as a waitress at the time, and knew the guy only made 7.50 an hour for a very stressful job with minimum tips.
"Like, seriously," one of them said. "How hard is it to make coffee?"
"Yah," the other one agreed, "just push the button."
I wasn't sure what kind of magical coffee button she was expecting that would produce lattes, espressos, frappuccinos, and iced coffees, but I'm guessing she had some sort of Nespresso machine at home and somehow thought a coffee shop that filled hundreds of orders every day should have the same single-serving device.
When they finally reached the counter, they didn't order right away. They spent five minutes explaining to the barista about the horrors of having to wait in line for that long, ironically, holding up the line by doing so.
A couple of years later, when I started writing Stalking Sapphire and got to Chrissy's first scene, the two girls popped into my head, and decided to keep them in mind whenever I wrote her.
Next week is the last week of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club and the final Tidbits will be up on Friday!
Xoxo,
Mia
Week 6 of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad is now here, which mean there's less than two weeks left until the release of SILENCING SAPPHIRE, its sequel!
Tidbits chapters 16-18
1. Let's talk about Shelly.
Generally, I don't feel the same things the reader is meant to feel while reading a scene. But, Shelly's scenes were hard on me. I would cringe whenever I got to her sections during my rewrites and then feel relived once I had passed it. I didn't like being inside her head, but felt her POV was necessary for the story.
As opposed to Sapphire, who has that heroic fearlessness, I wanted Shelly to represent how any kidnapped young woman out there would feel and perhaps, that's why it got to me.
Still, whenever this character pops into my thoughts, the first thing that comes to mind is "Aw, Shelly."
2. Let's talk about Chrissy.
In chapter 17, this heiress might seem a bit over the top to some people. And yes, she is. But you have to remember this is a character who has gotten everything she'd ever wanted her entire life.
When I first started writing Chrissy, I would think back on a conversation I'd witnessed.
I was in a coffee shop, standing in the back of the line behind two girls in their early 20s. Based on their couture, lingo, and clothed purse-dog I assumed they'd grown up in Beverly Hills.
They were complaining and making fun of the poor barista scrambling to get through the long line of orders. Neither of them understood why making a cup of coffee would take so long and they agreed the guy behind the counter was an idiot and overpaid for a job that's easy.
I was working as a waitress at the time, and knew the guy only made 7.50 an hour for a very stressful job with minimum tips.
"Like, seriously," one of them said. "How hard is it to make coffee?"
"Yah," the other one agreed, "just push the button."
I wasn't sure what kind of magical coffee button she was expecting that would produce lattes, espressos, frappuccinos, and iced coffees, but I'm guessing she had some sort of Nespresso machine at home and somehow thought a coffee shop that filled hundreds of orders every day should have the same single-serving device.
When they finally reached the counter, they didn't order right away. They spent five minutes explaining to the barista about the horrors of having to wait in line for that long, ironically, holding up the line by doing so.
A couple of years later, when I started writing Stalking Sapphire and got to Chrissy's first scene, the two girls popped into my head, and decided to keep them in mind whenever I wrote her.
Next week is the last week of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club and the final Tidbits will be up on Friday!
Xoxo,
Mia
Thursday, October 10, 2013
SILENCING SAPPHIRE Cover
Hi Everyone,
The readers votes have been tallied from the Cover-Off on Wattpad and the winner has been selected.
To everybody who participated, thank you so much!
I'm proud to announce that this is the official cover of my New Adult Thriller SILENCING SAPPHIRE!
While setting her sights on a new serial killer, Beverly Hills heiress and vigilante, Sapphire Dubois, fights to cancel the wedding of the season in the sequel to the bestselling New Adult Thriller STALKING SAPPHIRE.
As a new serial killer dubbed the “Stripper Slayer” plagues Los Angeles, Sapphire once again sheds her socialite persona, this time to go undercover as a penniless stripper. Struggling to find the brutal man before he slays again, Sapphire finds that the thin wall separating her double life is cracking. Her family and friends expect her to walk down the aisle with the most eligible bachelor among the Beverly Hills elite; a man she doesn’t want. Meanwhile, the man she does want, handsome Detective Aston Ridder, is making her life hell as he closes in on the Serial Catcher’s trail.
Sapphire scrambles to keep the chaos at bay, unaware that someone else is tracking her as well. A serial killer from her past is back and will stop at nothing to get his vengeance.
Tomorrow: More Tidbits for the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad!
Xoxo,
Mia
The readers votes have been tallied from the Cover-Off on Wattpad and the winner has been selected.
To everybody who participated, thank you so much!
I'm proud to announce that this is the official cover of my New Adult Thriller SILENCING SAPPHIRE!
 |
| SILENCING SAPPHIRE COMING OCT. 22 |
As a new serial killer dubbed the “Stripper Slayer” plagues Los Angeles, Sapphire once again sheds her socialite persona, this time to go undercover as a penniless stripper. Struggling to find the brutal man before he slays again, Sapphire finds that the thin wall separating her double life is cracking. Her family and friends expect her to walk down the aisle with the most eligible bachelor among the Beverly Hills elite; a man she doesn’t want. Meanwhile, the man she does want, handsome Detective Aston Ridder, is making her life hell as he closes in on the Serial Catcher’s trail.
Sapphire scrambles to keep the chaos at bay, unaware that someone else is tracking her as well. A serial killer from her past is back and will stop at nothing to get his vengeance.
Tomorrow: More Tidbits for the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad!
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, October 4, 2013
Book Club Tidbits - Week 5
Hi Everyone,
Wow, I can't believe five weeks of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad have already gone by!
For everyone who has participated so far, THANK YOU! The Wattpad community is absolutely amazing!
As always, here is the link to the Wattpad book club:
Read Stalking Sapphire
Tidbits Chapters 13-15
1. The restaurant called Tomo Sushi where Sapphire meets Julia and Antonio, is an actual place. I've spent two accidental anniversaries there with husband. Both times because we missed the reservations we'd made elsewhere. Obviously, we're not the most time efficient people.
2. In the beginning of chapter 13, I described Sapphire driving past the studios in Burbank. I did this for a reason: I fear for the tourists who have been given an incorrect image of L.A.
While the media pretends that the shows and movies you watch are made in Hollywood, they are
actually filmed in the city of Burbank. This is where most of the studios are located.
The city of Hollywood is not what it's portrayed to be. Besides from the one block of Hollywood Blvd where the Mann's Theater and the Walk of Fame are located, there is nothing. Go one block either way, especially after sundown, and you're at risk of getting robbed.
I'm not saying 'don't visit Hollywood', I'm saying: if you do, and happen to stray off the short stretch of tourist block, bring your nunchucks.
More Tidbits next week!
Xoxo,
Mia
Wow, I can't believe five weeks of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad have already gone by!
For everyone who has participated so far, THANK YOU! The Wattpad community is absolutely amazing!
As always, here is the link to the Wattpad book club:
Read Stalking Sapphire
Tidbits Chapters 13-15
1. The restaurant called Tomo Sushi where Sapphire meets Julia and Antonio, is an actual place. I've spent two accidental anniversaries there with husband. Both times because we missed the reservations we'd made elsewhere. Obviously, we're not the most time efficient people.
2. In the beginning of chapter 13, I described Sapphire driving past the studios in Burbank. I did this for a reason: I fear for the tourists who have been given an incorrect image of L.A.
While the media pretends that the shows and movies you watch are made in Hollywood, they are
The city of Hollywood is not what it's portrayed to be. Besides from the one block of Hollywood Blvd where the Mann's Theater and the Walk of Fame are located, there is nothing. Go one block either way, especially after sundown, and you're at risk of getting robbed.
I'm not saying 'don't visit Hollywood', I'm saying: if you do, and happen to stray off the short stretch of tourist block, bring your nunchucks.
More Tidbits next week!
Xoxo,
Mia
Thursday, October 3, 2013
IT
Hi,
Yesterday was the end of of the most stressful weeks of my life. The manuscript for Silencing Sapphire is finally where it's supposed to be.
When I woke up this morning the first thing I did was send an apology to friends and family. Apparently, writing 13-14 hours a day while only sleeping 4-5 hours a night for weeks straight, turns you into a very unpleasant person. My husband even called me IT for the past few days, a creature so terrifying, man is yet to come up with a deserving name.
It was understandable. I was pale, had fat dark circles under my eyes, and growled frequently.
I've been so busy lately that I've had to send him to run errands and grocery shop by himself.
Any wife or girlfriend out there knows exactly what happens when you send the male kind to the grocery store alone. They wander the aisles lost and confused. Essentials like milk, cereal, pasta, vegetables, get replaced by chips, beef jerky, steak, and an expensive bulk box of something you'll never eat.
It's hard to stay mad though. They come back looking so proud of themselves that your heart just melts.
Tomorrow, the next three chapters will be up on the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad and I will, as always, put up more Tidbits.
Until then...
I will sleep, restock the fridge, and join the living for a bit.
Xoxo,
Mia
Yesterday was the end of of the most stressful weeks of my life. The manuscript for Silencing Sapphire is finally where it's supposed to be.
When I woke up this morning the first thing I did was send an apology to friends and family. Apparently, writing 13-14 hours a day while only sleeping 4-5 hours a night for weeks straight, turns you into a very unpleasant person. My husband even called me IT for the past few days, a creature so terrifying, man is yet to come up with a deserving name.
It was understandable. I was pale, had fat dark circles under my eyes, and growled frequently.
I've been so busy lately that I've had to send him to run errands and grocery shop by himself.
Any wife or girlfriend out there knows exactly what happens when you send the male kind to the grocery store alone. They wander the aisles lost and confused. Essentials like milk, cereal, pasta, vegetables, get replaced by chips, beef jerky, steak, and an expensive bulk box of something you'll never eat.
It's hard to stay mad though. They come back looking so proud of themselves that your heart just melts.
Tomorrow, the next three chapters will be up on the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad and I will, as always, put up more Tidbits.
Until then...
I will sleep, restock the fridge, and join the living for a bit.
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, September 27, 2013
Book Club Tidbits - Week 4
Hello Everyone,
We are now into week 4 of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad and as always, I have some tidbits to go along with the chapters.
Tidbits Chapters 10-12
1. In chapter 10, Aston manages to get out of the mess with the French CEO by allowing him to park anywhere he wants.
According to Aston, it was a good deal for the guy; finding parking in Beverly Hills was a bi**h.
Finding parking in Beverly Hills is a bi**h!
Like I've mentioned before, I lived there for a short period of time. Even after I moved away, one of my favorite restaurants were on Rodeo Dr. and my husband and I would go for their super cheap happy hour a couple times a month. Every time, we had to calculate when we'd be hungry and leave an hour ahead of schedule to find parking.
Sure, there was valet, conveniently located around the corner of the restaurant, for 25 dollars. It was more than our meal would cost and it wasn't an option.
We'd circle Rodeo Dr. for a minimum of 45 minutes waiting for one the BMWs, or Bentleys to leave. When they finally did, we'd have to fight of the other vultures circling Rodeo so that we could park our crappy Sebring convertible with a busted bumper.
In short, if you're ever in Beverly Hills...walk.
2. In chapter 11, Sapphire pulls over at Urth Caffé in Beverly Hills to kick Chrissy out of the car.
I used to go to Urth Caffé off Beverly Dr. and had a love, hate relationship with the place.
The Love: Everything--coffee, pastry, sandwiches--is organic and delicious.
The Hate: The place tends to get celebrities.
I know that would seem like a fun thing, but I get awkward around famous people. When I first see them, I feel like I'm supposed to say 'hello' because their faces are so familiar. Then I realize I don't know them at all, but staring anyway. I'm sure they're used to it, but also find it highly annoying. That's when my awkwardness sets in and I do one of two things: stare at the ground intensely. Or, accidentally give them the stink eye.
I once gave Jennifer Love Hewitt a really mean scowl when I passed her in the parking lot of a grocery store. Meanwhile, I was thinking: God, you were funny in Heartbreakers.
She looked a bit confused, then scowled back at me.
The story has changed over the years and is now known as the when-Jennifer Love Hewitt-scowled-at-me-in-the-parking-lot incident.
More Tidbits next week!
Xoxo,
Mia
We are now into week 4 of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad and as always, I have some tidbits to go along with the chapters.
Tidbits Chapters 10-12
1. In chapter 10, Aston manages to get out of the mess with the French CEO by allowing him to park anywhere he wants.
According to Aston, it was a good deal for the guy; finding parking in Beverly Hills was a bi**h.
Finding parking in Beverly Hills is a bi**h!
Like I've mentioned before, I lived there for a short period of time. Even after I moved away, one of my favorite restaurants were on Rodeo Dr. and my husband and I would go for their super cheap happy hour a couple times a month. Every time, we had to calculate when we'd be hungry and leave an hour ahead of schedule to find parking.
Sure, there was valet, conveniently located around the corner of the restaurant, for 25 dollars. It was more than our meal would cost and it wasn't an option.
We'd circle Rodeo Dr. for a minimum of 45 minutes waiting for one the BMWs, or Bentleys to leave. When they finally did, we'd have to fight of the other vultures circling Rodeo so that we could park our crappy Sebring convertible with a busted bumper.
In short, if you're ever in Beverly Hills...walk.
2. In chapter 11, Sapphire pulls over at Urth Caffé in Beverly Hills to kick Chrissy out of the car.
I used to go to Urth Caffé off Beverly Dr. and had a love, hate relationship with the place.
The Love: Everything--coffee, pastry, sandwiches--is organic and delicious.
The Hate: The place tends to get celebrities.
I know that would seem like a fun thing, but I get awkward around famous people. When I first see them, I feel like I'm supposed to say 'hello' because their faces are so familiar. Then I realize I don't know them at all, but staring anyway. I'm sure they're used to it, but also find it highly annoying. That's when my awkwardness sets in and I do one of two things: stare at the ground intensely. Or, accidentally give them the stink eye.
I once gave Jennifer Love Hewitt a really mean scowl when I passed her in the parking lot of a grocery store. Meanwhile, I was thinking: God, you were funny in Heartbreakers.
She looked a bit confused, then scowled back at me.
The story has changed over the years and is now known as the when-Jennifer Love Hewitt-scowled-at-me-in-the-parking-lot incident.
More Tidbits next week!
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, September 20, 2013
SILENCING SAPPHIRE Summary Debut & Book Club Tidbits - Week 3
Hello Everyone!
Today, along with the this weeks Tidbits, I have two very exciting announcements to make!
First of all...
The summary for the Stalking Sapphire sequel, SILENCING SAPPHIRE, is now released!
SILENCING SAPPHIRE
(Coming October 22. Published by Diversion Books)
While setting her sights on a new serial killer, Beverly Hills heiress and vigilante, Sapphire Dubois, fights to cancel the wedding of the season in the sequel to the bestselling New Adult Thriller STALKING SAPPHIRE.
As a new serial killer dubbed the “Stripper Slayer” plagues Los Angeles, Sapphire once again sheds her socialite persona, this time to go undercover as a penniless stripper. Struggling to find the brutal man before he slays again, Sapphire finds that the thin wall separating her double life is cracking. Her family and friends expect her to walk down the aisle with the most eligible bachelor among the Beverly Hills elite; a man she doesn’t want. Meanwhile, the man she does want, handsome Detective Aston Ridder, is making her life hell as he closes in on the Serial Catcher’s trail.
Sapphire scrambles to keep the chaos at bay, unaware that someone else is tracking her as well. A serial killer from her past is back and will stop at nothing to get his vengeance.
Use this Goodreads link to add SILENCING SAPPHIRE to your bookshelf!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/724219811
Second of all...
Keep your eyes peeled on Wattpad's Facebook page next week for a chance to participate in choosing the COVER for SILENCING SAPPHIRE!
To go to Wattpad's Facebook Page, click here: https://www.facebook.com/wattpad
Lastly...
We are now into Week 3 of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad!
Click on the link to join the Stalking Sapphire Book Club:
http://www.wattpad.com/24886678-stalking-sapphire-a-thriller-book-club
TIDBITS Chapters 7-9
1. Before I started writing Stalking Sapphire, the "Aston interrogating Sapphire scene" in Chapter 7 was meant to be the first time the characters were introduced to each other. They were supposed to find each other attractive during the questioning and that was it for that scene.
But when I thought about how Sapphire would feel, act, etc. while being interrogated by a cop whom she thought was handsome, I realized I wanted that scene to be as awkward as it could possibly be. Not just for Sapphire, but for Aston as well.
I knew, right then, how I wanted their relationship to be and how their push-and-pull dynamic should play out. In most novels the two main character's don't sleep together until sometime in the middle or closer to the end, and I wanted to do the opposite; a reversed romance.
2. The scene where Aston watches Sapphire through his binoculars had to be rewritten a few times. Every time I re-read it, it felt wrong. I wanted Aston to see her do things that would break her heiress persona and I also wanted to make sure the reader knew there was still sexual tension from Aston. But having him sit in the shadows, watching a young woman undress with binoculars made him come off like a pervert. Finally I added the lines: He aimed his binoculars at her, feeling like a perv... and: he thought about looking away...
Once I had Aston acknowledge that his actions were shady, he came off more like a curious cop than a pervy peeping Tom.
3. The hazy-eyed sales clerk at the Quickie Mart in chapter 8 was loosely based on a guy I used to work with--by loosely, I of course mean, completely. I don't want to go into details, but let's just say, he never completed a sentence and he always carried Visine...and it wasn't because he had allergies.
More Tidbits next week...
Xoxo,
Mia
Today, along with the this weeks Tidbits, I have two very exciting announcements to make!
First of all...
The summary for the Stalking Sapphire sequel, SILENCING SAPPHIRE, is now released!
SILENCING SAPPHIRE
(Coming October 22. Published by Diversion Books)
While setting her sights on a new serial killer, Beverly Hills heiress and vigilante, Sapphire Dubois, fights to cancel the wedding of the season in the sequel to the bestselling New Adult Thriller STALKING SAPPHIRE.
As a new serial killer dubbed the “Stripper Slayer” plagues Los Angeles, Sapphire once again sheds her socialite persona, this time to go undercover as a penniless stripper. Struggling to find the brutal man before he slays again, Sapphire finds that the thin wall separating her double life is cracking. Her family and friends expect her to walk down the aisle with the most eligible bachelor among the Beverly Hills elite; a man she doesn’t want. Meanwhile, the man she does want, handsome Detective Aston Ridder, is making her life hell as he closes in on the Serial Catcher’s trail.
Sapphire scrambles to keep the chaos at bay, unaware that someone else is tracking her as well. A serial killer from her past is back and will stop at nothing to get his vengeance.
Use this Goodreads link to add SILENCING SAPPHIRE to your bookshelf!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/724219811
Second of all...
Keep your eyes peeled on Wattpad's Facebook page next week for a chance to participate in choosing the COVER for SILENCING SAPPHIRE!
To go to Wattpad's Facebook Page, click here: https://www.facebook.com/wattpad
Lastly...
We are now into Week 3 of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad!
Click on the link to join the Stalking Sapphire Book Club:
http://www.wattpad.com/24886678-stalking-sapphire-a-thriller-book-club
TIDBITS Chapters 7-9
1. Before I started writing Stalking Sapphire, the "Aston interrogating Sapphire scene" in Chapter 7 was meant to be the first time the characters were introduced to each other. They were supposed to find each other attractive during the questioning and that was it for that scene.
But when I thought about how Sapphire would feel, act, etc. while being interrogated by a cop whom she thought was handsome, I realized I wanted that scene to be as awkward as it could possibly be. Not just for Sapphire, but for Aston as well.
I knew, right then, how I wanted their relationship to be and how their push-and-pull dynamic should play out. In most novels the two main character's don't sleep together until sometime in the middle or closer to the end, and I wanted to do the opposite; a reversed romance.
2. The scene where Aston watches Sapphire through his binoculars had to be rewritten a few times. Every time I re-read it, it felt wrong. I wanted Aston to see her do things that would break her heiress persona and I also wanted to make sure the reader knew there was still sexual tension from Aston. But having him sit in the shadows, watching a young woman undress with binoculars made him come off like a pervert. Finally I added the lines: He aimed his binoculars at her, feeling like a perv... and: he thought about looking away...
Once I had Aston acknowledge that his actions were shady, he came off more like a curious cop than a pervy peeping Tom.
3. The hazy-eyed sales clerk at the Quickie Mart in chapter 8 was loosely based on a guy I used to work with--by loosely, I of course mean, completely. I don't want to go into details, but let's just say, he never completed a sentence and he always carried Visine...and it wasn't because he had allergies.
More Tidbits next week...
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, September 13, 2013
BOOK CLUB TIDBITS - Week 2
Hello,
We are now into Week 2 of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad!
Wattpad Link:
http://www.wattpad.com/24886678-stalking-sapphire-a-thriller-book-club
Tidbits chapters 4-6:
1. At the beginning of chapter 4, Aston is attending the policeman's charity ball in Beverly Hills, and asks the bartender for a brewski, (for foreigners, like myself: a beer.) The bartender shakes his head, amused by the question.
I took this from a personal experience and put it in to show how Aston differs from Beverly Hills.
I was 19 years old, attending film school and interning at Phoenix Pictures in Los Angeles. On my first day on the job, I was to work the guest list at a Golden Globe pre-party. We were at the executive's mansion up in the hills of Beverly Hills. Very fancy, very intimidating for this small town Swede, fresh off the plane.
Since the guest list wasn't a very demanding job and there were five inters, the boss told us we could rotate to go join the party, eat some hors d'oeuvres, and have a drink. When it was my turn, I timidly walked into the ocean of rich and famous, and headed for the open bar. On my right, Dennis Quaid and his band--yes, he has a band--were preforming on a stage built for the occasion. On my left, Ben Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, were making out. I tried my best to look like I belonged when I leaned in and asked the bartender for a beer.
Dear GOD! The bartender acted like I'd asked him for liquidized testicles. He was appalled, amused, then finally, arrogant.
"We don't have beer," he sneered, then tapped one of the many bottles of champagne. "How about you try some Dom Perignon, Sweetheart."
Did I, at 19, want to know what Dom Perignon tasted like? Hell yeah, but I didn't want to let the bartender win, so I somehow ended up walking away with a drink I didn't even like: Whiskey, straight up. Needless to say, I never tried to order a beer at a Beverly Hills event again.
2. In chapter 6, Chief Anderson is displeased with Aston for wearing a t-shirt to Barbra Streisand's that read: "I don't take sh*t, I don't give sh*t, I'm not in the sh*t business".
This used to be one of my husband favorite t-shirts and he would wear it at the most inappropriate times. I hated this t-shirt with a burning passion, and eventually ended up "losing it" while doing laundry.
He still mutters about the strange disappearance sometimes, to which I innocently reply, "I don't know, it's a mystery."
More tidbits next Friday!
Xoxo,
Mia
We are now into Week 2 of the Stalking Sapphire Book Club on Wattpad!
Wattpad Link:
http://www.wattpad.com/24886678-stalking-sapphire-a-thriller-book-club
Tidbits chapters 4-6:
1. At the beginning of chapter 4, Aston is attending the policeman's charity ball in Beverly Hills, and asks the bartender for a brewski, (for foreigners, like myself: a beer.) The bartender shakes his head, amused by the question.
I took this from a personal experience and put it in to show how Aston differs from Beverly Hills.
I was 19 years old, attending film school and interning at Phoenix Pictures in Los Angeles. On my first day on the job, I was to work the guest list at a Golden Globe pre-party. We were at the executive's mansion up in the hills of Beverly Hills. Very fancy, very intimidating for this small town Swede, fresh off the plane.
Since the guest list wasn't a very demanding job and there were five inters, the boss told us we could rotate to go join the party, eat some hors d'oeuvres, and have a drink. When it was my turn, I timidly walked into the ocean of rich and famous, and headed for the open bar. On my right, Dennis Quaid and his band--yes, he has a band--were preforming on a stage built for the occasion. On my left, Ben Stiller and his wife, Christine Taylor, were making out. I tried my best to look like I belonged when I leaned in and asked the bartender for a beer.
Dear GOD! The bartender acted like I'd asked him for liquidized testicles. He was appalled, amused, then finally, arrogant.
"We don't have beer," he sneered, then tapped one of the many bottles of champagne. "How about you try some Dom Perignon, Sweetheart."
Did I, at 19, want to know what Dom Perignon tasted like? Hell yeah, but I didn't want to let the bartender win, so I somehow ended up walking away with a drink I didn't even like: Whiskey, straight up. Needless to say, I never tried to order a beer at a Beverly Hills event again.
2. In chapter 6, Chief Anderson is displeased with Aston for wearing a t-shirt to Barbra Streisand's that read: "I don't take sh*t, I don't give sh*t, I'm not in the sh*t business".
This used to be one of my husband favorite t-shirts and he would wear it at the most inappropriate times. I hated this t-shirt with a burning passion, and eventually ended up "losing it" while doing laundry.
He still mutters about the strange disappearance sometimes, to which I innocently reply, "I don't know, it's a mystery."
More tidbits next Friday!
Xoxo,
Mia
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Publisher's Weekly
Hi Everyone,
The Wattpad Stalking Sapphire Book Club just launched last week! It's going amazing so far, I couldn't be happier.
Woke up to this spectacular article in Publisher's Weekly:
The Wattpad Stalking Sapphire Book Club just launched last week! It's going amazing so far, I couldn't be happier.
Woke up to this spectacular article in Publisher's Weekly:
The Stalking Sapphire Book Club and all the wonderful things that come with it, is a very bright sun in my otherwise chaotic horizon right now. Silencing Sapphire is due very, very soon to Diversion Books and I'm scrambling to do what needs to be done. My days consists of loads of rewriting, loads of coffee, power bars, early mornings and late nights.
But, like I've said before, if I got to pick something to be stressed about, I would pick this. It's not a bad problem to have. I merely want the universe to grant my wish of turning a day into 30 hours instead of 24. I have a feeling my motion will be denied.
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, September 6, 2013
BOOK CLUB TIDBITS
Hi,
As I've mentioned, today is the first Friday of the STALKING SAPPHIRE Book Club on Wattpad!
Every Friday, for the next seven weeks, I'll be doing some TIDBITS about Stalking Sapphire along side the release of the chapters.
Here is the link for the Book Club:
http://www.wattpad.com/24886678-stalking-sapphire-a-thriller-book-club
Tidbits Chapters 1-3
As I've mentioned, today is the first Friday of the STALKING SAPPHIRE Book Club on Wattpad!
Every Friday, for the next seven weeks, I'll be doing some TIDBITS about Stalking Sapphire along side the release of the chapters.
Here is the link for the Book Club:
http://www.wattpad.com/24886678-stalking-sapphire-a-thriller-book-club
Tidbits Chapters 1-3
1. Stalking Sapphire’s original title
was…brace yourself… Lip Gloss, Country Clubs & Serial Killers. Yikes! My excuse? I have none. Looking back I realize
I ignored people’s reactions of crinkling noses along with their: “Really?” when I told them the title. Let’s all be grateful for my agent who put a
stop to the madness and came up with today's title.
2.Sapphire’s mother, Vivienne, was originally named
Jocelyn. It was changed in one of the novel’s lasts drafts because her name was
too similar to Julia’s, also a motherly figure, and it got readers confused. When
I first started the rough draft of the sequel, Silencing Sapphire, I frequently had to cuss myself out because my fingers automatically typed Jocelyn instead of Vivienne.
3. The first image from Stalking Sapphire came in a dream…sound corny, I know. It was the dark forest and, the man who would become, Richard Martin’s black shoes cracking down on the dead twigs. I’d always had weird reoccurring dreams since I was a child, but this one was different, very vivid. I had the same short dream for weeks, before it evolved. I—the silent observer in the dream— eventually saw that the man was chasing a girl, his next victim. In the following weeks, almost every night, I feared for the girl as I watched the man follow her, knowing his intentions were to kill her. Finally, the whole scenario reveled itself and I knew I’d been wrong. She wasn’t the victim, he was.
I woke up that morning and was officially obsessed with the girl. Still am.
Next Friday, tidbits for chapters 4-6!
Xoxo,
Mia
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Upcoming Book Club for Stalking Sapphire
Hi,
It is with glorious joy, that I'm announcing....drum roll, please....
a STALKING SAPPHIRE Book Club on Wattpad!
On Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, the first three chapters of my New Adult Thriller, Stalking Sapphire, will be up on Wattpad for all to read. Every Friday following (13th, 20th, and so on), three more chapters will be up, until the entire novel can be read for free!
I will be there to chime in, answer questions, and give behind-the-scenes tidbits of how certain things came about in the novel.
I believe I'm only the third published author to have a book club on Wattpad, and I'm absolutely honored to get to join the company of fabulous authors Meg Cabot (Princess Diaries) and Amanda Hocking (The Watersong series).
More details to come...
Xoxo,
Mia
It is with glorious joy, that I'm announcing....drum roll, please....
a STALKING SAPPHIRE Book Club on Wattpad!
On Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, the first three chapters of my New Adult Thriller, Stalking Sapphire, will be up on Wattpad for all to read. Every Friday following (13th, 20th, and so on), three more chapters will be up, until the entire novel can be read for free!
I will be there to chime in, answer questions, and give behind-the-scenes tidbits of how certain things came about in the novel.
I believe I'm only the third published author to have a book club on Wattpad, and I'm absolutely honored to get to join the company of fabulous authors Meg Cabot (Princess Diaries) and Amanda Hocking (The Watersong series).
More details to come...
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, August 16, 2013
The Research
Hi,
Again, sorry for my absence. My inability to multitask is astonishing. I've spent the past few weeks buried in rewrites, notes, and some other very exciting things regarding both Stalking and Silencing Sapphire. My lips are sealed for now. Not because I can't say anything, but I've always been a bit of a sucker for the jinxing rule.
Another thing I've also been working on for the past few days was research for Silencing Sapphire.
For anyone who isn't a writer, I'll have you know that researching is usually about as much fun as a pimple.
Granted, there are aspects of it that I do enjoy, like fieldwork. But most of the time, these days, research will be done in front of the computer, using a magical thing called Google. Snoooze.
I'm very much looking forward to the research I have to do for the third Sapphire book. I'm going to spend a couple of days sitting in on cases in court to learn some legal lingo, pick up the atmosphere, and all that good stuff.
Some of the research I'm doing right now is luckily the non-pimply kind; the fieldwork.
I was trying to get a hold of some cops, to answer a few of my best selected questions, but had no until yesterday when I stumbled into a Sergeant, and an Officer at my job.
I'd been making small talk with them when they told me they were cops. (Off duty, obviously.)
"Oh great!" I said and started firing away questions about serial killers, victims, and proper police procedures.
They were kind enough to answer my questions, giving me all the good inside scoops.
After my 20th question, the Sergeant looked at me.
"Why are you so interested in police procedure on serial killers?" he asked.
"Oh, I just want to know what I can get away with," I said absentmindedly, my mind on my manuscript.
I took me awhile to notice their alert and horrified faces.
"No! No!" I laughed hysterically, probably fueling their assumption . "For my book. I'm a writer. Did I not mention that?"
I don't think they were completely convinced, because they left two minutes later, giving me a couple suspicious over-the-shoulder glances.
I thought about desperately shouting: "I'm a writer, I swear! Google meeee!" But realized I didn't want to bring them the burden of having to do research as well.
Lesson learned. Next time, I will lead with "I'm a writer" and hope to make a less homicidal impression.
Xoxo,
Mia
Again, sorry for my absence. My inability to multitask is astonishing. I've spent the past few weeks buried in rewrites, notes, and some other very exciting things regarding both Stalking and Silencing Sapphire. My lips are sealed for now. Not because I can't say anything, but I've always been a bit of a sucker for the jinxing rule.
Another thing I've also been working on for the past few days was research for Silencing Sapphire.
For anyone who isn't a writer, I'll have you know that researching is usually about as much fun as a pimple.
Granted, there are aspects of it that I do enjoy, like fieldwork. But most of the time, these days, research will be done in front of the computer, using a magical thing called Google. Snoooze.
I'm very much looking forward to the research I have to do for the third Sapphire book. I'm going to spend a couple of days sitting in on cases in court to learn some legal lingo, pick up the atmosphere, and all that good stuff.
Some of the research I'm doing right now is luckily the non-pimply kind; the fieldwork.
I was trying to get a hold of some cops, to answer a few of my best selected questions, but had no until yesterday when I stumbled into a Sergeant, and an Officer at my job.
I'd been making small talk with them when they told me they were cops. (Off duty, obviously.)
"Oh great!" I said and started firing away questions about serial killers, victims, and proper police procedures.
They were kind enough to answer my questions, giving me all the good inside scoops.
After my 20th question, the Sergeant looked at me.
"Why are you so interested in police procedure on serial killers?" he asked.
"Oh, I just want to know what I can get away with," I said absentmindedly, my mind on my manuscript.
I took me awhile to notice their alert and horrified faces.
"No! No!" I laughed hysterically, probably fueling their assumption . "For my book. I'm a writer. Did I not mention that?"
I don't think they were completely convinced, because they left two minutes later, giving me a couple suspicious over-the-shoulder glances.
I thought about desperately shouting: "I'm a writer, I swear! Google meeee!" But realized I didn't want to bring them the burden of having to do research as well.
Lesson learned. Next time, I will lead with "I'm a writer" and hope to make a less homicidal impression.
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, August 2, 2013
Guest at Author Jodi Linton's
Hi,
I'm excited to say that I'll be a guest over at, the very talented and very sweet, author Jodi Linton's today (Aug. 2)!
I'll be talking about the subject of Our Characters and Us, and how the writer is often, in one way or another, reflected in their character. Because of that, I will also be sharing the story of a very unpleasant event in my life--that I usually prefer not to speak of--which led me to create Sapphire Dubois.
So how does this middle-class Swedish born, American-ish author who spends her days in front of a computer, drinking an undisclosed amount of coffee, reflect in the character of Sapphire Dubois, a Beverly Hills heiress who captures serial killers, you ask?
Find out at Jodi's:
http://jodilinton.com/guest-blogs-contests/
Feel free to drop by to share your thoughts, comments, and questions!
You can also enter the contest to win a FREE copy of STALKING SAPPHIRE!
Xoxo,
Mia
I'm excited to say that I'll be a guest over at, the very talented and very sweet, author Jodi Linton's today (Aug. 2)!
I'll be talking about the subject of Our Characters and Us, and how the writer is often, in one way or another, reflected in their character. Because of that, I will also be sharing the story of a very unpleasant event in my life--that I usually prefer not to speak of--which led me to create Sapphire Dubois.
So how does this middle-class Swedish born, American-ish author who spends her days in front of a computer, drinking an undisclosed amount of coffee, reflect in the character of Sapphire Dubois, a Beverly Hills heiress who captures serial killers, you ask?
Find out at Jodi's:
http://jodilinton.com/guest-blogs-contests/
Feel free to drop by to share your thoughts, comments, and questions!
You can also enter the contest to win a FREE copy of STALKING SAPPHIRE!
Xoxo,
Mia
Friday, July 26, 2013
Pushing & Breaking Stereotype
Knowing when to break and when to push a stereotype can help your story tremendously; setting up conflict, humor, and a constant push and pull between your characters.
I’m going to use my New Adult Thriller STALKING SAPPHIRE as an example.
BREAKING IT
My main character Sapphire Dubois, is a Beverly Hills heiress who secretly
hunt and traps serial killers then anonymously hands them over to the police.
She is the ultimate break of the Paris Hilton heiress stereotype. Knowing this,
I wanted to push that as much as possible. Besides from her dark hobby, I
wanted Sapphire to view the community of Beverly Hills differently than her peers would. I consciously made the rest of the Beverly
Hills characters as over-the-top richy as possible. Sapphire’s
mother is the alcoholic trophy wife. Sapphire’s best friend, the self centered,
promiscuous party girl. Her boyfriend, the narcissistic heir with little, to
no, brain activity.Pushing their stereotype as much as possible, helped me break Sapphire’s. Had I had multiple Beverly Hills characters break out of their stereotypes, Sapphire wouldn’t come off as such a black sheep. Their purpose was to show everything that Sapphire was not.
PUSHING IT
Now, to my secondary character, Detective Aston Ridder. A downtown L.A cop who is forced to transfer to Beverly Hills after jacking up his leg.
Since I was moving him into Beverly Hills I needed him to be, in short, King
of the Asshole. He is foul-mouthed, insensitive, a womanizer, and has a general
lack of care for anyone who isn’t himself. I knew I took a major risk creating
such an “unlikable” character but I also knew Aston needed to be the epitome of
a hard boiled cop so that he would stand out among the fashion, art, and
wealth of Beverly Hills. In this case, instead of pushing one stereotype to help break the other, I simultaneously push Aston's and the Beverly Hills people's for constant conflict. Even the small differences matter and help to create contrast. Example: the Beverly Hills police chief wears an Armani suit while Aston wears washed out jeans and a t-shirt that features an offensive slogan.
That is not to say that Aston and his stereotypical assholeness can't change and evolve. He will. The best part about creating such a broken character, especially in a series, is that you slowly get to put them back together. Because he pushes the stereotype, it will be that much more evident to the reader when he eventually starts breaking out of it.
IMPLEMENTING IT
Let's say you have a YA story and your premise reads: Hannah, a high school cheerleader gets kicked off the team when her nemesis Sarah is appointed head cheerleader. Stripped of social rank and popularity Hannah joins the nerdy dance squad, convinced she can whip the misfits into shape and regain her popularity by beating the triple-champion cheerleaders in the school's annual Dance Off competition.
In response, Hannah can't only be a cheerleader, she has to be the cheerleader. She knows how to dress, talk, walk, be mean, flirt and most of all dance.
They think she's shallow, and she thinks they are an embarrassment.
Through the story, I would being to break the stereotypes within the main characters. Revealing more to them, including Hannah, than what meets the eye. Breaking the stereotypes will help the characters get along and start changing for the better. They help Hannah see there is more to life than popularity. She helps them get out of their comfort zones so that they can evolve. In this case, Hannah's nemesis, Sarah and the cheerleaders should remain stereotypical. Allowing them to stay mean and shallow, would be a great tool to show the reader how much Hannah has changed and bettered herself.
Xoxo,
Mia
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
STALKING SAPPHIRE Audio Book Released!
The STALKING SAPPHIRE Audio Book was released today (07/23/13) on Amazon Audible! It is narrated by the talented Elizabeth Morton, who does a wonderful job of bringing both Sapphire and the killers to life.
You can download it to any computer, Kindle, iPhone, iPod, & Android device.
Click here to Purchase & SampleHaving your work come out as an audio edition is exciting to any writer, but to me there's somewhat of a sentimental value. I had problems with insomnia as a child, and audio books, (books on cassette tape, at that time) was the only thing that would calm me and put me to sleep. That said, I really hope listening to Stalking Sapphire will do anything BUT put you to sleep.
Coming up this week,
For all you writers out there, I'll be doing a post on how pushing and breaking stereotypes can help your story. It should be up within the next few days.
Next week,
I have the honor of being a guest over at author Jodi Linton's on AUGUST 2. I'll be talking about Our Characters and Us and a specific event in my life--that I don't often speak of--which led me to create Stalking Sapphire's main character, Sapphire Dubois.
Xoxo,
Mia
Thursday, July 11, 2013
SILENCING SAPPHIRE Preview - Part 2
Hi,
The preview for SILENCING SAPPHIRE part 1 & 2 are now live on Wattpad!
Like I mentioned before, this may not be the first 2 chapters in the published version. This is meant to be a "behind the scenes" preview. I'm still in the middle of rewrites.
As opposed to Stalking Sapphire, that I now like to think of as the calm, well-mannered first child, Silencing Sapphire has been the second screaming-uncontrollably-in-the-grocery-store wild child. I'm getting requests and questions from people who are looking forward to the second in the Sapphire series, and I'm up to my elbows in rewrites right now trying to make sure that the sequel doesn't disappoint. I'm not going to lie; there is some pressure.
I'm not complaining though, it's one of those rare, good problems.
I apologize for being brief lately, but the wild child is demanding most of my attention.
Here is the link for the Wattpad preview. For those of you who have already read the first chapter, skip ahead to the second chapter at the end of page 2.
http://www.wattpad.com/20126804-silencing-sapphire-pre-published-preview
Xoxo,
Mia
The preview for SILENCING SAPPHIRE part 1 & 2 are now live on Wattpad!
Like I mentioned before, this may not be the first 2 chapters in the published version. This is meant to be a "behind the scenes" preview. I'm still in the middle of rewrites.
As opposed to Stalking Sapphire, that I now like to think of as the calm, well-mannered first child, Silencing Sapphire has been the second screaming-uncontrollably-in-the-grocery-store wild child. I'm getting requests and questions from people who are looking forward to the second in the Sapphire series, and I'm up to my elbows in rewrites right now trying to make sure that the sequel doesn't disappoint. I'm not going to lie; there is some pressure.
I'm not complaining though, it's one of those rare, good problems.
I apologize for being brief lately, but the wild child is demanding most of my attention.
Here is the link for the Wattpad preview. For those of you who have already read the first chapter, skip ahead to the second chapter at the end of page 2.
http://www.wattpad.com/20126804-silencing-sapphire-pre-published-preview
Xoxo,
Mia
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
SILENCING SAPPHIRE Preview - Part 1
Hi,
The first chapter of SILENCING SAPPHIRE, the Stalking Sapphire sequel is up on Wattpad as we speak. This is Part 1 of my the Silencing Sapphire sneak peeks. Part 2, the second chapter, will be up next week, so stay tuned! Click on the link below to read it.
The chapter is the pre-published, pre-copy edited version, and not the final draft. Note that the chapter may have changed for the published novel on October 2, 2013.
I'm very excited about this, not only for the people who have already read Stalking Sapphire, but for everyone who are just being introduced.
With that said, I also had a case of crippling fear today. Putting something up that hasn't been proofed by the wonderful pros at Diversion, wasn't the easiest thing for me. Thank God, for my agent. Don't know if I would have been able to do it at all if it wasn't for her help and wisdom.
The second I hit the Publish button on Wattpad, I made a sound somewhere in between a squealing mouse and the blaring horn of a semi. Can't describe it; too inhuman.
Nonetheless, I did it.
To read Silencing Sapphire Preview - Part 1
Click on the link below.
http://www.wattpad.com/20126804-silencing-sapphire-pre-published-preview-chapter-1
For everyone who hasn't read Stalking Sapphire yet, and would like to gear up before reading the Wattpad preview, this link will take you directly to all eBook retailers.
http://www.diversionbooks.com/ebooks/stalking-sapphire-thriller
Xoxo,
Mia
The first chapter of SILENCING SAPPHIRE, the Stalking Sapphire sequel is up on Wattpad as we speak. This is Part 1 of my the Silencing Sapphire sneak peeks. Part 2, the second chapter, will be up next week, so stay tuned! Click on the link below to read it.
The chapter is the pre-published, pre-copy edited version, and not the final draft. Note that the chapter may have changed for the published novel on October 2, 2013.
I'm very excited about this, not only for the people who have already read Stalking Sapphire, but for everyone who are just being introduced.
With that said, I also had a case of crippling fear today. Putting something up that hasn't been proofed by the wonderful pros at Diversion, wasn't the easiest thing for me. Thank God, for my agent. Don't know if I would have been able to do it at all if it wasn't for her help and wisdom.
The second I hit the Publish button on Wattpad, I made a sound somewhere in between a squealing mouse and the blaring horn of a semi. Can't describe it; too inhuman.
Nonetheless, I did it.
To read Silencing Sapphire Preview - Part 1
Click on the link below.
http://www.wattpad.com/20126804-silencing-sapphire-pre-published-preview-chapter-1
For everyone who hasn't read Stalking Sapphire yet, and would like to gear up before reading the Wattpad preview, this link will take you directly to all eBook retailers.
http://www.diversionbooks.com/ebooks/stalking-sapphire-thriller
Xoxo,
Mia
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
STALKING SAPPHIRE Free on NetGalley
Hello,
Happy to announce that Stalking Sapphire is back on NetGalley for ONE week. All book bloggers, reviewers, and everyone else who read books like other people pop Pringles (me), can request a free copy!
For anyone who doesn't know what NetGalley is, it is an amazing online community where you can join and get your paws on free books, generally before they're published.
The publication date for Stalking Sapphire's sequel, which I'm up to my elbows in as we speak, is there as well.
I'm also very excited to say that the first two chapters of Silencing Sapphire will be up for free on Wattpad at the end of the week, or possibly, the beginning of next week! More details will follow.
Link for NetGalley:
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/28074
Xoxo,
Mia
Happy to announce that Stalking Sapphire is back on NetGalley for ONE week. All book bloggers, reviewers, and everyone else who read books like other people pop Pringles (me), can request a free copy!
For anyone who doesn't know what NetGalley is, it is an amazing online community where you can join and get your paws on free books, generally before they're published.
The publication date for Stalking Sapphire's sequel, which I'm up to my elbows in as we speak, is there as well.
I'm also very excited to say that the first two chapters of Silencing Sapphire will be up for free on Wattpad at the end of the week, or possibly, the beginning of next week! More details will follow.
Link for NetGalley:
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/28074
Xoxo,
Mia
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
The Notes, The Panic, The Blard
Hi,
The Notes:
So, just like that, my little vacation is over. I got back notes on the first few chapters of Silencing Sapphire and let's just say the road ahead looks so dense and scary at the moment, that I feel as if I just walked into a dark haunted forest filled with tattered signs that say stuff like: Warning and Beware of the Flesh Eating Spiders.
And like I said, those are just the notes for a few chapters, I'll have about a mile more coming my way. First thing I do when faced with this metaphorical haunted forest, is...well panic.
The Panic: can only stay for so long.
Our brains are built to adjust and most major emotions can only sustain their peak for short moments of time, especially if you let them come and wreak havoc for a bit. Eventually, whatever negative emotion has gotten a hold of you, will wear itself out. It doesn't make the panic less intimidating or fierce, but it's comforting to know that the evilness of fingernail biting and the task of mentally beating oneself up, doesn't last forever.
I never, ever write in this mode. Should I, Sapphire would probably retire from the business of capturing serial killers to do something much less menacing, like start her own line of tan-in-a-can products.
When the panic finally does settle, it is replaced by something much more powerful.
The Blard:
Although not an actual word (as far as I know?) the Blard has many faces.
It is the battle cry you make when raising your sword like a Viking, ready to fight the writing demon (a vicious beast, natural to the haunted forest, known to feed on flesh eating spiders and writers).
It is the only word you're able to express to others, no matter what question they ask you, after 10 hours of rewriting without improvement. This blard is often accompanied by the uncommitted single-shoulder shrug.
It is the rebellious sound your stomach makes to tell you: you've had way too much coffee, way too little substantial food, and you've been dying to pee for three hours but, like an idiot, failed to notice.
Xoxo,
Mia
The Notes:
So, just like that, my little vacation is over. I got back notes on the first few chapters of Silencing Sapphire and let's just say the road ahead looks so dense and scary at the moment, that I feel as if I just walked into a dark haunted forest filled with tattered signs that say stuff like: Warning and Beware of the Flesh Eating Spiders.
And like I said, those are just the notes for a few chapters, I'll have about a mile more coming my way. First thing I do when faced with this metaphorical haunted forest, is...well panic.
The Panic: can only stay for so long.
Our brains are built to adjust and most major emotions can only sustain their peak for short moments of time, especially if you let them come and wreak havoc for a bit. Eventually, whatever negative emotion has gotten a hold of you, will wear itself out. It doesn't make the panic less intimidating or fierce, but it's comforting to know that the evilness of fingernail biting and the task of mentally beating oneself up, doesn't last forever.
I never, ever write in this mode. Should I, Sapphire would probably retire from the business of capturing serial killers to do something much less menacing, like start her own line of tan-in-a-can products.
When the panic finally does settle, it is replaced by something much more powerful.
The Blard:
Although not an actual word (as far as I know?) the Blard has many faces.
It is the battle cry you make when raising your sword like a Viking, ready to fight the writing demon (a vicious beast, natural to the haunted forest, known to feed on flesh eating spiders and writers).
It is the only word you're able to express to others, no matter what question they ask you, after 10 hours of rewriting without improvement. This blard is often accompanied by the uncommitted single-shoulder shrug.
It is the rebellious sound your stomach makes to tell you: you've had way too much coffee, way too little substantial food, and you've been dying to pee for three hours but, like an idiot, failed to notice.
Xoxo,
Mia
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
The Tortoise and Bieber's Hair
Hello,
I the past few days I have completely dived into writing on Project X and catching up on my reading...and by reading I don't mean my research books on the mind of a serial killer and/or sociopath, but real reading; the kind meant to enjoy and lose yourself in.
As for Project X, it is something I will keep working on while on Sapphire breaks. Since the Sapphire series is the numero uno priority, I have a feeling Project X is going to take me years to complete. The concept deserves a carefully thought out approach and the world--which I have to create from scratch--is extremely complex and will take a lot of plotting and precision in description on my part. Not to even mention the fact that I'm trying to pull off my secondary character as both a protagonist and antagonist at the same time. Yikes! It is quite the challenge and I believe the one thing I've said to myself every time I open up the document is: "Holy s**t, what did you get yourself into?" After which I do the Macaulay Culkin and slap my hands to my cheeks and scream.
But, after all, the tortoise did win the race and if one should choose to believe that fables own some accuracy in real life, then the longer it simmers, the better it will taste. Or...it burns to the bottom of the pan, resulting in a ruined meal and the urgent rummage through your takeout menu drawer; time will tell.
In other news...I'm always fascinated by how news anchors can say that, leaping from a horrible story about Libya to a segment about Justin Bieber's new haircut without even blinking, making a smooth transition by using those three little words. I'm also fascinated by how quickly I can lose my train of thought; it's honestly amazing that I manage to write cohesive stories at all.
So, in other news, I just had the honor of reading my sister's children's book manuscript. It's not only entertaining and educational for the kids, but written in captivating, Dr. Seuss style, rhymes. I was literally hooked into a story made for people half my size and five times younger than me, within two paragraphs. My big sis does not only have the talent of words and story, but manages to apply the psychology of teaching a child important lessons in a very entertaining way. Mark my words, Kevin the Cat is going to be huge and loved by the Swedish publishing houses.
Xoxo,
Mia
I the past few days I have completely dived into writing on Project X and catching up on my reading...and by reading I don't mean my research books on the mind of a serial killer and/or sociopath, but real reading; the kind meant to enjoy and lose yourself in.
As for Project X, it is something I will keep working on while on Sapphire breaks. Since the Sapphire series is the numero uno priority, I have a feeling Project X is going to take me years to complete. The concept deserves a carefully thought out approach and the world--which I have to create from scratch--is extremely complex and will take a lot of plotting and precision in description on my part. Not to even mention the fact that I'm trying to pull off my secondary character as both a protagonist and antagonist at the same time. Yikes! It is quite the challenge and I believe the one thing I've said to myself every time I open up the document is: "Holy s**t, what did you get yourself into?" After which I do the Macaulay Culkin and slap my hands to my cheeks and scream.
But, after all, the tortoise did win the race and if one should choose to believe that fables own some accuracy in real life, then the longer it simmers, the better it will taste. Or...it burns to the bottom of the pan, resulting in a ruined meal and the urgent rummage through your takeout menu drawer; time will tell.
In other news...I'm always fascinated by how news anchors can say that, leaping from a horrible story about Libya to a segment about Justin Bieber's new haircut without even blinking, making a smooth transition by using those three little words. I'm also fascinated by how quickly I can lose my train of thought; it's honestly amazing that I manage to write cohesive stories at all.
So, in other news, I just had the honor of reading my sister's children's book manuscript. It's not only entertaining and educational for the kids, but written in captivating, Dr. Seuss style, rhymes. I was literally hooked into a story made for people half my size and five times younger than me, within two paragraphs. My big sis does not only have the talent of words and story, but manages to apply the psychology of teaching a child important lessons in a very entertaining way. Mark my words, Kevin the Cat is going to be huge and loved by the Swedish publishing houses.
Xoxo,
Mia
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