Another New Life – Page 4 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

K – Kiss

Published on April 12, 2014April 12, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle21 Comments

My favorite scenes to write in any novel is the first kiss scene:

Troy’s proximity made it hard for me to breath normal. My heart raced, and a drop of sweat started at my neck and slid all the way down my spine. As it descended, the panic ascended to my throat. The anxiety attack was inevitable. He grabbed my arm with more authority and moved closer, our faces inches apart.

He hesitated for a split second, but it was all the time I needed for my anxiety to get the better of me. I seized the opportunity to escape and headed for the door, but after one step, the grip on my triceps grew stronger. Troy had no intentions of letting go. When I turned back to protest, there was no hesitation this time. His lips landed on mine.

At first, it didn’t register. My surprise prevented me from kissing him back. He must have noted this, too. He pulled away. My stress level rose again because for him to stop kissing me seemed like the worst idea in the world. A hurricane, earthquake, and volcanic eruption combined didn’t seem as big of a disaster as Troy’s lips leaving mine. So I kissed him back.

I felt the relief in his lips as he relaxed.

I was keenly aware of the way his lips tasted, all smooth and wet and there was a hint of peppermint. Maybe I imaged it, but it made me giggle. I stopped when Troy stopped kissing me.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“I thought you would taste like peppermint, and you do.”

Do you have a favorite first kiss scene (reality or fiction) you would like to share?

Available June 2nd, 2014!

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J – JuNoWriMo 2013 Journal

Published on April 11, 2014April 10, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle19 Comments

The first novel I ever wrote was during the first year of JuNoWriMo in 2012. It’s called I’m Coming Home and I wrote the first draft, 75,000 words in 30 days. I felt such a sense of accomplishment and have been hooked on WriMo’s ever since.

JuNoWriMo holds a special place in my heart. Another New Life was written during JuNoWriMo 2013. Each WriMo, I kept a daily journal about my writing process. You can read the entire journal, here.

One of my favorite excepts from Another New Life’s journal:

Today’s Date: June 8, 2013

Word Count: 2,191

Observations: After a long day running around town and pontificating with my cousin, I thought I would be to mentally tired to write, but I wasn’t. I did a two hour session and added a couple of scenes tonight to clean up some holes in the story. Very productive writing session. I am getting an average of 2,000 words per scene and I feel like each scene could be so much more with description and more emotion both good and bad from the MC. It will be another lesson in edits and rewrite on this one. I am actually looking forward to it. Not sure why, it could be the wine talking. Tomorrow, I hope to get into the ‘time to make a decision’ scene. Should be a good one. Hope to have a first kiss and more before the days out. My characters are so luck.

Do you keep a journal about your writing process? Do you drink when you write? haha!

JuNoWriMo 2014 is coming soon. If you have a story you need to get on paper, JuNoWriMo is the most supportive and encouraging program to join. I’ll be writing book #2 of a series I am working on and running some sprints from the @JuNoWriMo twitter handle. I would love it if you would join me.

I – It’s Cover Reveal Day

Published on April 10, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle24 Comments

I’ve waiting a long time and it’s finally here. Wait, no. Not that. That’s still a few weeks away (June 2nd to be exact). But, this is just as good or at least good for right now.

It’s Cover Reveal Day!!

Title: Another New Life

Author: Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

Publication Date: June 2, 2014

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Cover design © Arijana Karčić, Cover It! Designs – She is amazing!!

**This book contains adult subject matter. Not intended for young readers.**

Miranda Preston is a walking contradiction. Beautiful on the outside, but, insecure, haunted and damaged on the inside. Despite these contradictions, she’s ready to start Another New Life.

When her talent wins her a piano scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, Miranda arrives on campus determined to experience everything college has to offer and to keep her secrets in the past where they belong.

An easy task, until the first guy who catches her eye happens to be someone, she’s known all her life.

Eight years have passed since the last time Miranda and Troy saw each other. He reminds her of the best and worst times of her life, but she can’t think about one without dwelling on the other. As they grow closer, every day their attraction reminds them they are no longer kids.

The epic romantic love story that is Miranda and Troy seems to be destined for a happy ending, but Miranda knows it’s only a matter of time before her secret is discovered. A secret that will not only destroy their relationship, it will destroy Troy, too.

Can Miranda focus on her future with Troy while preventing her past from tearing them apart all over again?

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So, that’s it. That my first ever book cover. How cool is that? Really! How cool is it? Let me know what you think. And, be sure to sign up for the giveaway. You can win a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card.

Huge thank you to all the bloggers who participated in my cover reveal today! I am humbled by the support of this writing community. I will try and visit you all and thank you with the biggest virtual hug I can muster.

H – Hoo-Ha

Published on April 9, 2014April 8, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle9 Comments

Miranda had a lack of quality parental figures in her life and her parents are the last people she would want life and relationship advice from. When her roommates father (married for 28 years and raised 11 children, most of who turned out ok) offers her some advice, she is all over it.

“I told her as you go through life, things are going to happen to you, both good and bad. But when you sit down by yourself, get your mind quiet, and think over your life, what do you come back to? What do you reflect on? Do the memories you hold closest to your heart make you laugh or cry? If you laugh more than you cry, then your spirit is good. No matter what happened to you in the past.”

“I’m afraid to look,” I said.

“Don’t be a scared. I think you might be surprised at what you find out about yourself if you’re quiet enough to hear.”

“Mr. Albritton, I would never have guessed you to be into this introspective hoo-ha.” A word I ‘d learned from Darcy.

“It’s Mrs. Albritton, she made me this way, and you know, I don’t mind.” He laughed. “But don’t tell her I said so.”

Pretty sensitive words of wisdom from a old Arkansas rancher.

What is the best advice you’ve heard about love and life?

Please add Another New Life to your Goodreads list.

G – Gals and Guys of Another New Life

Published on April 8, 2014April 8, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle10 Comments

Alaina – Miranda’s aunt. She lives in Austin, but they aren’t close. She’s a folk singing, painting, vegan.

Brooke – One of the first people Miranda meets at school. She’s a sophomore and offers Miranda some good advice about UT Austin guys.

Becca – Brooke’s best friend. Insecure, flighty and doesn’t know when to shut up.

Stacy – Jeff’s girlfriend and Rhonda’s (you remember Rhonda) best friend. At one point in the book, someone calls her a gold digging bitch.

Ryan – Troy’s best friend since the sixth grade and star running back for the Longhorns. They are like brothers and Troy spent a lot of time with his family in high school.

Todd– Offensive lineman for the Longhorns and Troy’s roommate. He tries to break up with his girlfriend of two years with a text message.

David – Wide Receiver for the Longhorns and Troy’s roommate. He’s hot, but he giggles like a little girl.

Brandon – Miranda’s therapist. He helps her navigate through all the craps she has been carrying around for eight years.

How many secondary characters are too many?

Two more days until my cover reveal, there’s still time to sign up!

Please sign up, here! and add Another New Life to your Goodreads list.