atozchallenge – Page 4 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

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.

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.

F – Film References in Another New Life

Published on April 7, 2014April 6, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle17 Comments

Quick post today. I have a busy day, but had to mention another of my favorite topics. Movies. Unless this is your first visit to SydneyAaliyah.com, you know I love movies. Movies work their way into my writing organically. I can’t help it. Here a few movie references in Another New Life.

“Hello Sensa.”

“Mr. Lawrence, how are you?”

“Goodbye, Obi Wan.”

“Bye, my little Padawan.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Because you’re letting me.”

Can you name these three movies?

Please add Another New Life to your Goodreads list.

E – Ex-Girlfriend

Published on April 5, 2014April 4, 2014 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle15 Comments

There is nothing more tension filled then the ex-girl friend meets the new girl friend scene. When’s Troy’s ex-girl friend comes to town unannounced, Miranda is not pleased. Here’s a bit of their introduction.

“Baby, you made it.” Troy said as he guided me through the room and over the bodies spread out on the floor, into the kitchen. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Rhonda. She was gorgeous. I noticed her height. It was all leg. She carried her thin frame like a model, and she moved with grace like a dancer. She seemed so comfortable in her own skin as she got up to follow us.
She hugged me tight. Part of me thought she was trying to suffocate me.
“Oh my God, Troy, she’s adorable.” Adorable, puppies are adorable.
“I know, right?” He put his arm around my waist as Rhonda let go. “Miranda, this is Rhonda. Rhonda, this is my Miranda.”
“I have to take a photo.” She pulled her phone out of her back pocket and took it before I could figure out what was going on. The room closed in on me, too many bodies in one place. I smiled up at Rhonda and Troy held me tight as they continued their conversation.
A draft of cool air came rushing in as someone entered from the patio. I made a beeline for it. I needed some air.
I held onto Troy’s hand, so he had no choice but to follow.
“Hey, baby, you okay?” Troy asked.
I sucked in the fresh air. Thinking maybe she did try and suffocate me. She’d put some weird spell on me and slowly stole my breath so she could have her boyfriend back—my boyfriend back.
“You’re not freaked out about Rhonda?” he asked as he pulled me close. I placed my hand on his chest. The mention of her name made my heart race.
“No,” I said but didn’t sound convincing, even to myself.

She’s also referred to as a red-headed-skank later in the book, but you’re going to have to read it to hear that story.

Is there every a positive ex-girlfriend experience in a romance novels?