Blog Tour: Talisman of El by Alecia Stone & Giveaway

Today on the Talisman of El Blog Tour, you have landed here at Uniquely Moi Books. Talisman of El is written by Alecia Stone and published by Centrinian Publishing. Alecia as stopped by for a guest post today for her tour. I also have for you, one signed ARC paperback copy open to EVERYONE!

Okay, so I've been hearing about people who have started writing a book but never quite made it to the end. I personally know it's not an easy task, but with a few discipline, you could end up writing two books a year much less one.

1. Accessorize
   As a writer, there are a few things one should never go without: paper, pen (pencil, in my case) sharpener, laptop, or PC, sleep, and water. Ideas are always popping up in my head, and if you're like me who has a short memory span, you should always walk with a notepad. I've had too many occasions where I'm out and about and a scene plays out in my head, but by the time I get home, I can't remember a thing of it. It's hard enough to come by ideas. We can't afford to lose them. Oh, I hear having a diary is also ideal. If only I remembered to write in mine.

2. Know Thy Self
   I've noticed that when it comes to fiction, young adult in particular, there tends to be a phase in terms of what's popular at the moment. We had the wizard phase a few years ago, the vampire phase (which we're still swimming around in) and now we seem to be in the post-apocalyptic phase. It's great if you happen to write a story that fits in with the popular trend, but don't force it. If you can't fit in with the popular crowd, form your own group. There's a popular saying: "Write what you know." I say write what you want to write. After all, your first fan is yourself.

3. Ditch The Media
   There comes a time when you have to say no to Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries. That applies to Twitter and Facebook, too. I'm not saying no to all media, of course. A little music in the background can be quite inspirational. Don't sit in front of the TV all day and expect to get anything done. Distractions come in all forms, but let's be honest. The media is one of the biggest forms of distraction. Identify your weakness and then admit you have a problem. The truth shall set you free.

4. Time Machine
   Set yourself deadlines. If you don't, you're going to wish you could go back in time. I wrote the first draft of Talisman Of El in six weeks. I wrote something every day. Even if you write a hundred words for the day, something is better than nothing. One page of nonsense if better than a blank page. Okay, maybe not, but you get my point.

5. Broaden Your Horizon
   Read, read, and read some more. Every writer must be a reader. Read a lot in the genre that you write, but also read outside your genre. Sometimes one needs to step outside of their comfort zone in order to learn something new.

6. I'm A Lover, Not A Fighter
   Don't kick yourself when you're already down. You have plenty of time to hate your work, but that should be after you've written the first draft. Every work deserves a chance. The only way you're going to get it done is if you love what you're doing. Remember why you wanted to write the story in the first place. You're your own worst enemy. Try being your own best friend. I read a quote once that said, "To be a good writer, you have to kill your babies." That may be so, but one needs to have the babies first.

7. There's No Going Back
   Do not edit. That's what revision and proofreading are for. Besides, we're going through an economic crisis. People can't afford to be losing jobs. Have some sympathy for editors. At this stage, your occupation is a writer not an editor, so don't worry about editing the story. Become a forward thinker.

8. Have A Break - Have A Kit Kat
   Don't go crazy. Take a break every now and then. Trying to get the first draft done can become quite daunting at times, especially when things aren't going according to plan. Don't let your frustrations build up. You've made the first step by deciding to write a story. Don't falter now. Take it one step at a time. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day.

9. Have Fun
   Writing should be an enjoyable process - if it's not, you'll either not finish the book or finish it and then throw it in the bin. If you're not having fun doing what you love, then maybe you don't love it as much as you thought you did. This is your chance to step out of your shoes and go wild. Live a different life for a day. Explore the world in which your characters reside. Go on an adventure. But don't get lost because you have to finish the story.

10. Write The Damn Thing
    I think this is straightforward enough. You're not a writer until you've written the first draft. Quit procrastinating and get it done. You're probably terrified to get to the end because you're worried it will be terrible. Well, guess what? You're right. It will suck. You'll see all the errors and probably cry a few times, but at least you'll have something to cry about. Once you get over the initial shock of the first draft, you'll be proud that you actually finished it. Congrats. Now all you have to worry about is making your story publishable. Yeah ... So, good luck with that.

About Alecia Stone

Being a fan of fantasy fiction, Alecia Stone's novel was inspired by her love for paranormal mysteries. She loves to write for it is a means of escaping her reality if only for a moment. Talisman Of El is her first book. She lives in the England, UK with her family.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/FO7UDK

Author website: http://www.aleciastone.com

Talisman Of El website: http://www.talismanofel.com

Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5227478.Alecia_Stone

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/AleciaStoneFan

Twitter: twitter.com/Alecia_Stone

Giveaway open to everyone
Signed copy

13+

Winner must respond in 48 hours

Ends May 21stth

Enter Here

Signed copy goes to...

Suz Reads

Blurb:

WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE? 

One Planet. 

Two Worlds. 

Population: Human ... 7 billion. 
Others ... unknown. 

When 14-year-old Char­lie Blake wakes up sweat­ing and gasp­ing for air in the mid­dle of the night, he knows it is hap­pen­ing again. This time he wit­nesses a bru­tal mur­der. He's afraid to tell any­one. No one would believe him ... because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago - the day before his dad died. 

Char­lie doesn't know why this is hap­pen­ing. He would give any­thing to have an ordi­nary life. The prob­lem: he doesn't belong in the world he knows as home. 

He belongs with the others.