How To Make Time For Writing

I've decided to write a blog post that I think many aspiring writers need to read and one that I especially need to read. It's also a blog post about a question that I am often asked.

How do you make time for writing?

Well, it's definitely not easy. Being a full time college student who is also super involved with extracurriculars such as my university's literary journal, an online magazine for women, honor societies, sleeping, eating, AND writing a third novel....yeah, it's not easy.

However, it is not impossible. I know so many other authors who are just as busy or even busier than I. While it is difficult to balance everything, it is definitely doable. So I want to share with you all a few tips I try to follow to keep my creative juices going and to keep writing.

1. Give yourself a due date. 

While you may not have an editor or publisher giving you deadlines as you write your novel, that doesn't mean you shouldn't. Give yourself reachable deadlines as you write. For example, write 20,000 words by the end of the month. Or tell yourself the first draft will by done by summer. Whatever it is, write your deadlines down and keep them somewhere, like in an agenda, where you will see it often.

2. Give yourself small, reachable goals

While the first tip is helpful, don't give yourself a due date that is impossible. Therefore, it would be also helpful to give yourself little goals that you can meet each week or even every day. For myself, I have created a goal of writing at least 500 words per day. While I haven't been consistent with that goal, it is still something I can remember and attempt everyday. Now, if the words are flowing and you go over 500 words, great! If not, just know that writing something is better than writing nothing at all.  

3. If you want writing to be your job, treat it like one

This goes back to my previous points. If writing is something that you want to make a career out of, then you should treat it like a job. Make deadlines, goals, and put hours in. If you love to write, then it deserves your time. And more importantly, your characters deserve your time.

4. Make an outline

If you are writing an in depth, super complicated multi-book series, then you may want to think about an outline. It isn't fair to you to expect yourself to bust out three books in a year (if you can, then kudos to you my friend!!). However, making an outline so that when you can sit down to write will help you be able to focus and write the scenes and characters you need to write. 

5. Drink coffee... lots of it

I think this tip is self-explanatory. Whatever you drink, coffee is always for me, make some while you write! Whatever keeps you awake, gets the creative juices going, then drink and write my friends! 

6. Don't beat yourself up

This tip is very important. If you dont' meet every small goal you make for yourself, don't freak out! Life gets busy and sometimes writing has to take a back seat. However, don't be so discouraged that you give up. Writing a novel takes time. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day! 

I hope you all found these tips and hints helpful! Happy Writing everyone! 

Also, for more information about my series and my inspiration, please follow me on my Pinterest account here!

The Wait is Long, but Good Things Are Coming

Once again my lovely readers, I must apologize such a long hiatus. Senior year of college is no joke and I haven't even had the time to return to Great Falls to finish the story that has been six years in the making. However, I have good news. I have returned to writing and will hopefully have a third book ready to be released by the end of this year! (fingers crossed)

Book Three in the Forget Me Not Trilogy will be the final installment of this series. This lovely book is still in the writing process and has yet to be given a title that I can love. However, once a title has been decided, you all will be the first to know. 

I also promise to continue this blog (scout's honor!) and keep you all updated as much as I can on the writing process of this new book baby of mine. (Without giving you all any spoilers of course!!) 

While book three is still in the writing process, I'm constantly asked the same questions over and over by readers and friends. And I think many of you have the same sort of questions.

Do you know how the story will end? What will happen to Adeline and Cole? Will any other characters die in this book?

I usually am asked this when I least expect it and feel as if I have to give a very quick answer. Of course, I would love to give these questions the answers they deserve. However, I also cannot answer these questions straightforward like some people wish. Because if I were to divulge all the answers to these questions, well then there would be no need for a novel. And no one would like that (especially my publisher). 

Yet, I will give some very vague, authory (just totally made that word up) answer to these questions. I think I owe you all at least that.

If I am completely honest, I do not know the exact ending for this third book. I have a rough outline that forms and creates itself as I write. With the previous two books I have written, I always kept an ongoing outline that changed as the story did. I love my writing to be organic - too much planning ruins the story for me. So, to answer the first question, I have to say yes and no. I do know the general ending, yet the details and specifics are still up in the air. 

As to the second question regarding Adeline and Cole, well there will obviously be new issues and problems that will arise. They will each face new challenges together and separately. Yes, there will be some distance for these two. (Don't panic! It will be okay!) Which takes me to my next surprise. There is the possibility of a point of view change. You will not be privy to only Adeline's thoughts in this book. ("Who?!" You ask? I suppose you will have to wait and see.)

As for the third question regarding any future character deaths....my lips are sealed. But yes, someone else may die. 

I hope you all continue to stick with me as I go through this journey of finishing a series so close to my heart. Thank you for those who love these characters as much as I do. I hope and pray to give them a final book that is worthy of their story. 

Advanced Readers' Copies Available Now! Come and get 'em!

Let’s just begin with me groveling at your feet and sobbing, “I’M SORRY I HAVENT BLOGGED IN SO LONG!!”

I promise I haven’t been ignoring all of you on purpose; I’ve just been insanely busy (see prior post from August). Life sort of hit me in the face and I’ve been trying to play catch up this whole semester. BUT I promise your wait for my posts and for (drum roll please) “Morning Glory” will be over soon. My editor and I have been working really hard to make this novel the best it can be for all of you beautiful readers.

This brings me to my next topic. I am offering a selected number of Advanced Readers’ Copies in exchange for an honest review of my novel. If you are at all interested in this and are a book blogger who would like to review either of my novels,  “Forget Me Not” and “Morning Glory,” please email me and I will set you up with a copy! J

Here is the blurb for “Morning Glory” for those who have not read it yet.

Morning Glory: Book Two in the Forget Me Not Trilogy

This war is far from over. This war is only the beginning.

For Adeline Jasely, the threat of both her life and the lives of those she loves is only getting greater as she delves deeper and deeper into the mysteries of the Chippewa tribe. As she falls more in love with Cole, she must make a choice: stand up and fight for what is right or wait for the next person she loves to be taken away.

Book Two in the Forget Me Not Trilogy, Morning Glory continues the saga of Adeline and Cole, their newfound love, and the threat of those who wish to end it all.

Will Adeline grow stronger under the threat of more war and bloodshed or will she be unable to fight for those who need her?

I AM SO EXCITED!!!

The cover artist is still working on the cover and I can tell you it’s going to be beautiful. I can’t wait to share it all with you. We are hoping for a November release date, just in time for the Christmas season (my favorite season of them all). With the different changes necessary, it has taken a bit longer than expected.

If you are interested in reviewing my book and being able to read the novel prior to release, please email me at allisonpblanchard@gmail.com with a link to your blog.

I promise to strive to post more on this blog. I love you all so much and I am so excited to share this new book with you all. I hope you all look forward to more of Adeline and Cole’s story.

LOVE YOU!!

Character Interview with Paco Dyami

This post is for my beautiful sister Keri! Consider it a late birthday present. Love you girl! 

I hope you all enjoy this interview with Paco Dyami! Let me know who else you would like to see interviewed in the comments below. 

Me: Hello Paco! Thanks for taking time out of your schedule to talk with me today. Welcome to my blog!

Paco: Thank you.

Me: So, first things first, what do you consider home to be? This can be a place, a person, a memory, etc.

Paco: I'd have to say my ranch is my home. It's not easy to keep it up, but I wouldn't rather be anywhere else than with my tribe and my family. I love my kids more than anything.

Me: What's your greatest fear in life?

Paco: Losing my kids. They're all I've got left in this world.

Me: Have you ever been in love?

Paco: Once that I know was true love. I've been married twice, but my first marriage was merely one of convenience. My second was true love. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my wife. 

Me: Who do you most admire?

Paco: My youngest son, Cole. He's been through hell, but has come out stronger. I'm proud of him.

Me: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

Paco: To be more courageous like my children. 

Me: What is your favorite childhood memory?

Paco: The first time my father and mother took me to a pow wow and I learned about my tribe's history. There's nothing like hearing the legends for the first time, especially as a child.

Me: Last question. What's your favorite color?

Paco: Well, I guess I'd have to say blue. Reminds me of a sweeter, simpler time of my life, of someone who still has my heart. 

Me: Well, thank you so much for answering some questions for us today!

Paco: Not a problem.

There you have it everyone, more information on Paco Dyami! If you want to know more about this character, then look out for the next installment in the Forget Me Not Trilogy, Morning Glory. There are new characters, new twists, and new turns for the characters we love! See you all next time! :)

10 Things You Shouldn't Say to a Writer. Like Ever.

Warning: My sassy level has reached an ultimate peek with this post. You have been warned. 

I found this picture with the ten things one shouldn't say to a writer. And I agree with everyone. In order to properly explain and reveal to you all what most writers think of such silly things, I will reply to each phrase/question. 

Hint: we don't like them...

I don't own this image. Google does. 

What Writers Want to Reply With (but really shouldn't):

1. My little book? You mean my three part paranormal romance series where each novel reaches over 70,000 words? Yes. Indeed, I am still working on my "little book." Thanks for asking. Jerk.

2. Oh, yeah. You know, creating an alternate universe and trying to get the words to flow, then edit till your eyes feel like their bleeding. And then trying to find someone willing to publish it, which may take years in itself, all while being a full time student. You're right. How silly of me. 

3. See #2. Jerk.

4. I'm sure your mother will be proud. And it will be a novel of the same merit as Fitzgerald...oh? Never heard of him? .... Look at your life. Look at your choices. No.

5. Yes, indeed they are. And I'm pursuing mine while you try to make your way with your...wait, what are you majoring in again? Undeclared? Sounds promising.

6. Um, yeah. Two books and counting. Move on, sir. Move on.

7. I'll think about it.... I'm done thinking. No. 

8. And I have this great idea where you stop talking and walk away. Like right now. Buh-bye. 

9. Or as I call it an imagination. And original thoughts. Something you may have never heard of. 

10. Oh, so you have three full days to spare. Come and sit. I'll tell you everything. OR better yet...BUY THE BOOK AND READ IT YOURSELF. I mean, if you want. 

There you have it, the ten things one should never, ever say to a writer. We HATE these questions (at least I do). I hope this has been a learning experience and my other fellow writers out there enjoyed it. Wednesday, I will be doing a character interview with Paco Dyami from Forget Me Not. If any of you have any specific questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. 

Have a fabulous day!

Interview with Cole Dyami. You're Welcome Ladies.

After asking on social media, it was pretty clear who people wanted to hear from. However, I had a lot of different characters brought up who I'd thought be great candidates to interview. Therefore, I will be doing these character interviews maybe every week or every other week. At the end of this post, I'll announce who will be the next character to be interviewed! :)

Also, I was recently interviewed by the lovely Briana Morgan who is a fellow writer and good friend of mine. You can read the interview HERE! 

 So without further waiting, I give you the one and only Cole Dyami. *insert fangirl screams here*

Me: Hello Cole! Welcome to my blog!

Cole: Thank you very much. It's a pleasure to be here.

Me: So, first things first, what do you consider home to be? This can be a place, a person, a memory, etc.

Cole: This may sound lame, but wherever love is, that's where I consider home. While I love my family and my tribe, the only place I feel truly loved or most like myself is when I'm with Adeline. She's my home.

Me: Well, that's precious. So, is Adeline your girlfriend, then?

Cole: Yes, she's that and my very best friend.

Me: Have you ever had a girlfriend before her?

Cole: Well, there was this one girl my freshmen year of high school, but it didn't last but a few months. That was back when I went to school on the reservation.

Me: What's her name? What happened? 

Cole: Her name is Kelsey and it was sort of a mutual break up. We're still friends for the most part. Although I haven't had much time to really hang out with anyone from my old school besides a few people.

Me: So, what's your greatest fear in life?

Cole: That I would live a life full of regrets. I want to live a life that I can look back on in 70 years and be proud of. 

Me: Who do you most admire?

Cole: Again, at the risk of coming across as lame, I'd have to say Adeline. She is strong, courageous, humble, beautiful, and definitely someone I admire most in the world.

Me: That is not lame at all! It just proves you're in love! Moving on, if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

Cole: I would want to be able to fully forgive myself. There are things I have done in the past that I wish I could take back. I still find it extremely difficult to forgive myself. 

Me: What was it like growing up with only your Dad and two half-siblings?

Cole: I'm sure it was very difficult for my father, Paco, but for the first half of my life, it seemed normal. I was happy, but as I got older I realized what it meant that my siblings and I had different mothers. I'd do anything to have my Mom back. It hurts and I don't always understand why my Mom had to die. It's a weird feeling, missing someone I've never even met.

Me: Speaking of your sister and brother, why do you think there is so much tension between you and Elsu? You seem to have a great relationship with Chenoa.

Cole: Yes! I am very blessed to have such a great relationship with my sister. She truly stepped into the motherly role while I was growing up and I am forever grateful to her. As for Elsu, it has always been hard. I don't think he really hates me. Just probably taking this whole "older brother bullies younger brother to build character" a little too seriously.

Me: What is your favorite childhood memory?

Cole: I was five years old and my Dad had finally agreed to take me fishing. I had been begging him for days and he finally decided I was old enough. He took me out on his boat and taught me how to hook a line and be patient enough to wait for a fish to bite. We ate turkey sandwiches and drank root beer all day. It was one of the best days I can remember. 

Me: Last question. What's your favorite color?

Cole: Green. It reminds me of the forest, which is one of my favorite places to be.

Me: Well, thank you so much for answering some questions for us today!

Cole: Of course! 

Well, there you have it ladies. You got your interview with the beautiful Cole Dyami. I believe I will be doing another one of these character interviews for next week. And the lucky fictional character who has no choice but to participate is *drumroll please*.....Paco Dyami!! (You're welcome, Keri.)

See you all next time! 

Dream Movie Cast List: Forget Me Not

Alright, I know it's not Wednesday yet, but I will be having a very busy day tomorrow, so I thought I'd go ahead and post what I was going to post anyway. So, here you go!

I have been asked this question a lot and I recently did a blog post for a friend of mine this past February about who I would cast in my dream world as the characters from Forget Me Not. I will leave the link to the original blog post HERE for you all to go read. However, I decided to go into more detail and even cast more characters than I had the first time. So here goes. 

I will begin with the beautiful and charming Cole Dyami. I'm sticking by my original pick, Tyler Posey,  however, I also think BooBoo Stewart would also make a good Cole. Both are great actors and I think they could play the shy and sweet boy hiding a terrible secret while at the same time falling in love while also dealing with the legends of their tribe. Wow. That's a lot. 

I think either actor would make a good Cole. Let me know if you agree or if you have a completely different actor in mind in the comments below! 

Tyler Posey looking adorable. 

BooBoo Stewart in a barn somewhere. 

Next we have the beautiful, yet painfully insecure Adeline Jasely. She is probably the hardest character for me to try to cast. She has such a distinct look in my head that it's really hard for me to pick a specific  actress to play her. After much research I find that Kaya Scodelario looks the most like the girl in my head. I think she would make a great Addie. And she's British. So she's pretty much perfect. 

 Next is the one and only Chenoa Dyami. She's beautiful, spunky, and sees the bright side of things no matter what. For this beloved character, I think that Roseanne Supernault would be a fabulous Chenoa.

Next is the infamous and stubborn Elsu Dyami. I loved my first pick for this character and I'm sticking to it. Eddie Spears, if you ever read this....PLEASE BE ELSU. I mean, if you want. 

Next is Paco Dyami and I can't think of a better Native actor than Gil Birmingham. He is talented, fabulous, and would make a great Paco!

When I first searched for the actress to play Emma Jasely, Adeline's crazy and overprotective older sister/legal guardian, Gemma Arterton was the perfect actress in my opinion. 

Next is the loving, yet annoying Henry, boyfriend to Emma. He is silly and good comic relief, but he does annoy me a little too. Sorry Addie.

Another fabulous character who is near and dear to my heart would have to be Enola. And I think that Tantoo Cardinal would play a wonderful Enola.

So there they are. My wish list dream cast for Forget Me Not. Please let me know if you like the actors chosen or let me know who you think would make a great character in my series. I hope you all enjoyed this fun post. 

I also have some GREAT news! My publisher just emailed me the contract for Morning Glory. That means it is that much closer from being in my head and into your hands...that sounded kind of weird. Well, you know what I mean.