Sapphire Dubois Series - Books 4 & 5 are happening!

Firstly, I'd like to say THANK YOU to all and anyone who has ever picked up a copy of Stalking Sapphire, and/or Silencing Sapphire, or is planning on picking up the third installment, Sentencing Sapphire (Coming Oct. 6th). Without you, I would not have been able to share this awesome piece of news!

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of signing the contracts with the one, the only Diversion Books, for Sapphire Book #4 and Sapphire Book #5!

These two darlings, tentatively titled SACRIFICNG SAPPHIRE and STEALING SAPPHIRE, will be the FINAL installments in the Sapphire Dubois Series.
There was certainly a lot of joy signing the last Sapphire contacts, but it was definitely accompanied by sweet relief as well. Not because it means it will eventually be over, but because a part of me could finally breathe out.

I started the rough draft of Stalking Sapphire when I was twenty-three, still living in L.A, and it didn't take long before I knew that there was no way that I could tell the full story of this character, and her love interest, in one book. A trilogy, I thought, and drew up the outline for the series, ultimately ending with Sentencing Sapphire.

Not long after I'd finished the first book, images of a fourth and fifth installment invaded my brain.
"Brain," I said firmly, "It's a trilogy. F**k off."
Of course, my brain, being my brain,  opted not to f**k off, but continued sending images of plot and what it referred to as "the perfect ending."
Me, being me, a meek slave to my brain's constant nagging, finally conceded and drew up the outline for two additional books.

Now, what one should remember is that I, at this time, had just finished Stalking Sapphire. I had no agent, no publisher, no one had even read the damned thing besides from my husband, a paid editor, and my niece. To spend so much time plotting and planning for all five books when there was no publication  in sight, was, I admit, probably foolish. I, a former aspiring screenwriter, had never even written a book before (excluding my poor attempts in childhood), much less a series, and there was no indication that anyone would like the story, the character, or my screenwrite-y prose.

I spent months in this dark vacuum where hope didn't exist. I had a list of agents taped above my desk, rated with a star system on how badly I wanted to sign with them.
Slowly, I was striking out the agents who'd turned me down, usually based on query, but sometimes on sample chapters.
The future for Sapphire was looking bleak and non-existent. Quite honestly, my husband refers back to this time as "the most depressed he's ever seen me." And it wasn't because I'd never been turned down before. Like any writer, I had a fair share of rejections in my backpack of experience. It was because I was living, breathing, and dreaming this story, like nothing I'd ever experienced before. I remember thinking, it has to happen. If I don't get this story out, my brain will implode, and I will spend the rest of my life as a zombie saying things like: "Arrrrrm." and "Me wants burger raw."

Then, on a particularly bleak evening I'd spent crying and cleaning the tub--not sure why I'd decided to combine the activities--I got an email.

Fast forward about six months, and I had somehow been lucky enough to sign with the agent that was at the top, and I do mean the top, of my star-system list. We were still in the process of submitting to publishers and were talking about book #2 over the phone one day, when my agent asked: "What will you do, if we can't lock in the second book?"
I stuttered a bit, because I knew what I wanted to say was probably not what any agent wanted to hear.
"Will you write the series anyway?" she added, saving me from having to continue my eloquent uh-ing and um-ing.
"Yes," I said. "I have to."
"Okay then," she chirped. "We'll make it happen."

Of course, she was being kind and optimistic. If the first book in a series fails miserably, the author is most likely wasting time when choosing to continue the series.

A few months later, I was elated when we signed a two-book-deal with the lovely, and awesome, Diversion Books.

However, for people who aren't familiar with the world of publishing, a two-book-deal does not guarantee that deals for books 3,4,5 of a series will eventually, or automatically happen.

So, why did I start by thanking you, the Sapphire supporters? Because I would never have gotten to write the full series that my brain so forcefully insisted on, had it not been for YOU.

By simply reading the book(s), rating, or reviewing, you have unknowingly taken away a bleak, brain-imploding, Zombie-Mia future, and instead saved me by paving the way and allowing me to write the conclusion of tale I've been dying to tell. 

In short:



Possible Future

Actual Future (Thanks!)



















Xoxo,
Mia

SENTENCING SAPPHIRE (Sapphire Dubois #3) RELEASE DATE

This announcement has been a long time coming, and I'd like to thank everyone, who has asked about the date, for your patience.

The tentative date for SENTENCING SAPPHIRE, the third book in the Sapphire Dubois series is...

October 6th, 2015.

For those who are confused on where the title Severing Sapphire went, Sentencing Sapphire is the new and official title of the third Sapphire book. So in short:
SEVERING SAPPHIRE = SENTENCING SAPPHIRE. Same book, different title.

Just like its predecessors, the book will be published through Diversion Books. It will be available through all major eBook retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple etc.) and in print.

The release of the book's official description is still a bit away, but I'll say the following. Yes, a long-time question will finally be answered. Yes, there will be blood. And yes, at some point, this will be the reaction.

    


Though I cannot disclose any exact turn of events, I can promise you this: Sh*t will go down.

Xoxo,
Mia

New Website Launch!

It is my pleasure to announce my new, and much improved, website!
As of today, my old, much frumpier I might add, website mia-thompson.com, has been replaced by the much more chipper authormiathompson.com.

The new website will contain the blog, book series order, event updates, social media connects, and of course, the latest updates on the Sapphire Series.


http://www.authormiathompson.com/

Xoxo,
Mia

5 Types of Friends

Just like most writers, I spend a lot of time observing people. Not in a creepy lurking-guy-behind-the-newspaper sort of way, but in a subconscious humanity-intrigues-me sort of way. And, again, like most writers, I take from life and life experience to build my plot and my characters. Sometimes there are pieces of me in my characters, sometimes, they are made up of pieces of others.
When making up minor characters, like my main character's friends, I look at the five different friends I've come across and choose a base that I later elaborate on.

5 TYPES OF FRIENDS 

1# The Mirror

This girl/guy likes everything you like, is up for anything you're up for, and hates bananas because you hate bananas. Not because they don't have their own likes and dislikes, but because people like this are generally Deflectors. Meaning, anything you ask them gets deflected right back to you.
Example: You: "Hey, what's your worst memory from childhood?"
Deflector laughs: "Oh, I'm sure it was all traumatic. What's yours?"
Maybe it is because they won't/can't allow themselves to let you in. Maybe because they simply hate being the center of attention. Or perhaps, they deflect because their thoughts are deeper than any of us can perceive.

How to use them in your story
The Mirrors are great to do just that, mirror your character. Since this type of person is all about their friend, they make excellent minors for you to reflect your character through. Unfortunately, unless you're making their inability to open up a storyline, these characters will remain minor, since they will never confess to having problems of their own.

2# The Me-Me-Me

I'm sure we've all come across a friend like this at one point or another in our lives. This person likes to talk about themselves and only themselves. They also tend to be the fun one, the wild one, and the one who is responsible for that night you had 13 tequila shots and threw up in your purse.

Sometimes this 3-for-1 is just what you need, but usually, your friendship will never evolve past a certain stage. They can also be dangerous for longer periods of time. Since their attention is always on themselves and they tend to come wild, there's a risk they'll get you in bad predicaments.

One way of knowing if you have a Me-Me-Me in your life, rather than just The Talker, is by telling them some news--positive or negative--about yourself, and see how they react.
A Talker, will jump on board with whatever you say, because they love to talk for hours about anything, not just themselves. A Me-Me-Me will respond to your news quickly then change the conversation, or suddenly remember that they have even greater/worse news to share which will top yours by a miles.
Example. You: "I got promoted today."
The Me-Me-Me. "Oh...nice. My boss will probably send me to New York this year. All expenses paid. Room at the Ritz. It's going to be Eh-pic."

How to use them in your story
Those who have read my books, have probably already figured it out. And yes. Chrissy is a Me-Me-Me. Many readers find her annoying, and many people should, but I chose to believe that Chrissy, just like the other Me-Me-Mes out there, have a reason for being self-absorbed and that there is something to be discovered below their surface.
Not only are these characters fun to write, but they also make excellent antagonist, or Frienemies who put your character is sticky situations. In addition, they make for a great peeling-off-the-layers subplot.

3# The Negitator

The Negitator is that friend who is fun to be around, until they're not. The Negitator will take anything and put a negative spin on it. They are quick to comment on the fact that you're wearing the wrong shoes, shirt, makeup. Should you ever accidently think too highly of yourself, the Negitator will make sure to bring you back to earth immediately. As opposed to the Me-Me-Me, the Negitator doesn't feel the need to put the attention back on themselves when you have news to share; they just want you to know that good things don't last forever, your new shoes will probably give you bunions, and "so what if you graduated from Yale, so have hundreds of thousands of others."

The origin of the Negitator probably stems from their own self-doubt, shortcomings, and bitter endings. Perhaps, they even give you a good verbal lashing when you're being too positive because they just don't want you to suffer the same disappointments they have. Still, in order to manage this friendship, you need a pretty thick skin, and a deep sense of self-confidence that prevents their darkness from pulling you down.

How to use them in your story

So how could this personality benefit your character? They are a great way to reflect your main character's own doubts and fears. Since the Negitator will always see the worst in every situation, they are a great tool to use as a culprit for your character's inner struggle. However, when using a Negatator like this, it's essential to use the anti-force as well. Enter the...

4# The Positator

As opposed to the Negitator, the Positator will see a silver lining in absolutely everything. They are generally calming people, who push you to see a problem or a situation from a different angle. They see the best in both people and the world around them, and believe All Things Happen For a Reason. At first glance, one might think the Positator is naïve and blue-eyed, but in my experience, they always have a story to back up their positive claim. Surprisingly, the Positator tends to be a person who has been through a lot, had a hard life, or has seen and experienced more than the average Joe.
Whatever their story, if you meet a friend like this, hold on to them. They're a rare gem.

How to use them in your story
The Positator can be used to reflect your main character's hopes and dream. While the Negitator is the devil on your MC's shoulder, who fills their head with fears and doubt, the Positator is the angel that let's them know their strengths and the possibilities ahead of them, should they choose the right path.

5# The Compadre

The Compadre is usually someone very close to you, a best friend. The Compadres come in different forms, with different personalities, and as opposed to the other four friends listed, their actions are tailor made just for you. They may be just an okay friend to people, until they meet you. After your personalities click, and you let them in, they grow into the role of the Compadre.

They will stick with you through thick and thin, throw themselves into a bar fight for you, and come over at 1 a.m. to have a look at that strange mole you're panicking over. The Comparde doesn't only listen to your good and bad news, but feels the news along with you. They are usually not the positive, perfect being the Positator is, but they always have your best interest in mind.

How to use them in your story
The Compadre makes for a great character. They have their own personality, their own problems, but they always have your MC's back. Because they want what is best for your character, they are great truth speakers. They will not just drop a negative/positive POV to the conversation, but will tell your character the truth they need to hear, good or bad. When your character is in need of an epiphany, the Compadre will be there to hand it over.

While most people you know are probably a mix of all the above, you've likely met a few of the extreme these types as well.  As a Positator in my life once told me: Different people come into our life at different times for a reason. Good or bad, there's always something to be learned from them.

I often think of this statement when making up my MC's friends. The question to ask yourself before you put pen to paper is: What type of friend are they, and how can they teach my character a lesson.


Xoxo,
Mia

Dear Writer's Block, Please Die

It isn't the first time I've had writer's block. But, it certainly feels just as dreadful and career-ending every time I do.

When I have it, I often imagine writer's block to be a person who bursts in through my door uninvited, much like Kramer, wearing a red cape, two horns and a triangular tipped tail.

It doesn't take long before Writer's Block settles into my house. I imagine him sitting on my couch, dirty socks resting on the coffee table, laughing obnoxiously at the TV while cramming handfuls of chips into his mouth.

Meanwhile, I'm sitting in the uncomfortable armchair across the room, staring longingly at the couch. Every so often, I clear my throat and ask him impishly to "please leave..."

"Nah," he says, then takes a swig of coke directly from the 2 liter. "I'm good."

I generally have more to say, in more powerful ways, but when he comes my words grow stale, and my opinions vanish before they've reached my mouth. My mind, once crackling with ideas and images, becomes a dead silent, pitch dark landscape.

Lucky for me, this happened after I turned in Sapphire #3 to Diversion Books. Unluckily, he struck when I had ample writing time. If there's something that bugs me, it's wasted writing time. Some people call it Obsession, I call it Purpose.

Each time this pest comes for an unannounced visit, I Google. But when stepping away, free-writing, running, and Yoga doesn't work, what are you left with? A devilish man who eats all your double stuffed Oreos, spews negativity, snores like a wildebeest, and doesn't flush after going number two, that's what.

I've never managed to exterminate him in the past. He simply just leaves when he is finished, or when my cupboards are emptied of junk food.

The silver lining? While I, myself, can't get a word out right now, I at least have the time to enjoy the works of people who can. Without the help of people like Susan Ee, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Marian Keyes, Dean Koontz, and Matthew Quick, I'd be sitting in that armchair day in and day out, feeling every second pass as I waited for Writer's Block to leave, or preferably, DIE.

Until then, excelsior.

Xoxo,
Mia

Deadlines & Sapphire Dubois #3 Update

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who has written to me, and asked about the third installment in the Sapphire Dubois series. Although patience is a virtue, it's also undeniably boring, so I'm eternally grateful for yours.

We're sill working on the titled, but the third book is coming soon! Yay!
I just finished my second deadline, which means, I only have one more to go before Sapphire #3 is off to the presses. I still have quite a bit of work ahead of me, but I'm so excited to get to share the new story with all of you shortly.

Although the final weeks before the last deadline is the most stressful step in the process, I feel have learned to enjoy the mayhem now. Around this time, my home lay in chaos, I lose anywhere from 5-10 pounds, my dog is overdue for a haircut, my "normal" job suffers due to my lack of focus, and there are literally pages of manuscript EVERYWHERE. I found page 134 in my purse yesterday. No clue how it ended up there.


For the past week, I haven't slept more than four hours a night, and somehow, I didn't feel tired. I felt superhuman and focus on what needed to be done. I felt fab as I finally printed and bubble wrapped the manuscript--I'm still not sure why I felt the need to secure paper. I buckled her up, and drove her to the UPS store. She was, after all, going to my agent, aka: her secondary mother who has shared custody.

Then, as I signed the shipping doc and stood there listening to the UPS guy's detailed story about his Comic-Con costume, I crashed. I don't even recall driving home.
All I remember is walking through the door and pouring myself a captain and coke to celebrate with. I set it down for a second to get comfy on the couch, then...

I woke up a few hours later, feeling rested. My flat captain and coke tasted like...well, shit honestly, but it didn't matter. I was taking my moment and choosing to enjoy it.

Now, I get a few days before the cycle starts over. Though I often plan to just chill and catch up with friends on these days, I can already feel my fingers itch to work on Project X--my next, and first book outside of the Sapphire series.

For those of you who have asked about the possibility of a Silencing Sapphire book club on Wattpad, good news is on the way :)

Xoxo,
Mia

It's All in the Name

All major and minor characters have names (said Captain Obvious).

But what many don't know, is that specifically chosen names can effect how the reader perceives the characters--consciously or subconsciously.

Famous Characters and their Names' Hidden Meanings

Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collin's The Hunger Games Series.

Katniss, as described in the books, is named after a plant that's called Arrowhead or Sagittaria. It shares a name with the Zodiac constellation that is also referred to as The Archer. Fitting, considering our heroine's talent.

 

 

 

The main character from Disney's The Lion King is Simba. In Swahili the name literally means Lion.
I might name my next character Human, just to make sure people don't confuse her with a Water Buffalo.

The antagonist from George Lucas's Star Wars is Darth Vader. Darth means Dark and Vader, Father. Had Luke known that the name of the enemy meant Dark Father, he may not have been as surprised at the delivery of the famous line.

Harry Potter's archenemy is Lord Voldemort, a man with obvious good-looks and a breathing problem. His deep desire for immortality is displayed in his name. Vol de mort in French, means Flight of Death.


For the Sapphire Dubois book series, I often use names to show how the characters relate to each other. For example...


STALKING SAPPHIRE

Sapphire Dubois is a Beverly Hills heiress who hunts and traps serial killers. I chose the name because it was different and wildly un-liked. I wanted to use the name to empower the view she has of her rich society. She dislikes her own name which represents the life she was born into, but does not want.

My main male character--and Sapphire's love interest--Aston Ridder, has a name people can't get right. He, in turn, dislikes his first name because it has caused him grief over the years.
His last name, Ridder, is a manipulation of "Riddare" the Swedish word for Knight. A foreshadowing to the fact that he often shows up to rescue Sapphire.

So, why did I opt for both of my main characters to have the same issues with their names?
Through their common problem, the reader gets a subconscious message that Aston and Sapphire belong together and that their similarities bind them, without me ever having to say it.

Other times, I use the names to show what function a character has to my main character.




For instance, lacking a proper parental figure in her life, Sapphire goes to a priest, her confidant, to get advice and guidance.
                                                                                                              
The priest's name is Father O'Riley.
At first glance it describes his job, but my reason was always to display his role as a father figure in Sapphire's life.

There are a million different ways to use names: hidden meanings, on-the-nose, foreshadowing, symbolically, metaphorically...

As the evidence above states, I'm far from the first writer to do this, and I can guarantee I won't be the last.

Xoxo,
Mia