Formatting Text Messages

Texting. How the heck do you format text messages in your novel?!

There are so many ways to do it, so which is best?

One thing that’s the same with all the ways I’ve seen is writers usually put the text messages in italics, another font, or both, so it stands out from the text. Keeping it simple seems to be the best way I’ve found. Why? Because when you convert your manuscript into an ebook, your beautiful formatting can get messed up. Ekk!

I did updates on Verona Wolves this morning, so it’s still open on my desktop. I’ll grab a few texting conversations from that book to use as examples.

First Example: This is how my former publisher, SCP, taught me to format texts. Though it works great when you have one text message, when you have a back-and-forth conversation with two people, it can confuse the reader on who typed what. I don’t format text messages like this anymore.

From Verona Wolves: Firebird Series Book #1

Second Example: This is how the editor at another publisher I signed with dealt with text messages. Messages are italicized and formatted like the character is reading. If you want text messages to hide within the text, this is a good way to do it, but if you have longer texting conversations, I don’t think it works as well.

From Verona Wolves: Firebird Series Book #1

Third Example: I’m not fond of this way but I’ve seen people use it.

From Verona Wolves: Firebird Series Book #1

Fourth Example: I like this one and it’s probably one of my favs. It’s set up how you see messages on your phone and stands out from the rest of the text.

From Verona Wolves: Firebird Series Book #1

Fifth Example: I like this way, though it’s plain. It tells you who’s talking, stands out from the text, and is easy to read. The downside to this way is it can get boring to read when you have longer texting convos.

From Verona Wolves: Firebird Series Book #1

How do you format text messages in your manuscripts? Add your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to see them!

Which POV Is Your Favorite?

My Opinion On POV Types 

First Person: Though I don’t mind writing in first person, it’s not my favorite. I hate saying “I” all the time, and I don’t like to connect with my characters on that level. It feels too personal.

Second Person: I despise second person and I won’t write a book in this POV. Directions or written instructions, though? Sure thing. I like helping. (FYI, never ask me for directions or be your guide. I have no sense of direction.)

Why I hate it? I don’t like being told what to do in books or like telling people what to do. I feel like a pushy dominatrix when I write in second person. It’s uncomfortable for me. Sure, I’d look cute in the heels and dress, and it sounds kinky, but it’s not happening. I hate playing the dominant role, and writing second person sticks me there. And don’t imagine me as a dominatrix. Trust me, I would giggle through it, and ruin the fun.

I’m guessing publishers aren’t fond of second person, either. I was told by a few editors not to refer to the reader as “you” or ask too many questions in narration.

Third Person (limited): This is my favorite and what POV most of my books are written in. Why I love third person? It’s perfect. It has that distance I need and is the most comfortable for me to write. I’m not becoming a character or am limited to talking in their vernacular in narration.

Third Person Omniscient: I used to do this and WISHED someone told me it wasn’t well-liked. Head-hopping, like in omni POV, isn’t allowed by many of publishers. If I could go back and talk to younger H.N. when she started writing, I’d tell her NOT to do this. It screwed me up for years and is still a habit I slip into without realizing it.

I didn’t know I shouldn’t do this until I signed my first series, CK, and the editor told me I needed to rewrite it in third person limited POV. It was impossible without rewriting the entire book, and I was a cocky little brat in the beginning (I wish I could change her too), so they let it slide and nailed me on the next few books I signed with them.

A fault with newbie authors? They think everything they do is right. I grew out of that stage and am way more flexible now when working with editors and publishers. Though, I can still pitch a fit if they want to change too much of my storyline. But we all have limits in that realm.

What’s your favorite POV to write/read? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Welcome!

H.N.’s Books on Amazon
Read a Book Excerpt
A List of H.N.’s Books

Check below for book updates, upcoming releases, sales on my books, and my current WIPs. Thanks for stopping by!

H.N. Sieverding

Upcoming Book Release Dates

None scheduled

Book Promotions

Beginnings (the Nightwalkers’ Prequel) is $.99 on Amazon

Book Updates

The Gateway and Secret Scarlet are unavailable due to book updates. They should be back up soon!

Current Projects

Editing Vulcan’s Nightmare, Apocalypse, Christian’s Shadow, House of Lies series.

WIPs

Writing Astoria Foxes, Plague Star, Christian’s Dreamer.

Contact H.N.

Ask An Author: What is your most effective social media platform?

Today, I’ve asked my panel of published authors the question, “What is your most effective social media platform?”

“WordPress is most effective for people to read samples of your work and get a real idea of what you write, why you write, and how you write. Twitter is most effective for getting quick attention and saying, “Hi. I have a book. Would you please read it? Thanks!”

Decker Schutt

“Facebook, with WordPress as a close second.”

S.L. Stacy

“WordPress. FB would be my second choice.”

H.N. Sieverding

“Facebook because I cheat. When I post on Facebook it also posts on Twitter. I kill two birds with one stone.”

Tricia Andersen

“I’ve found Facebook, don’t over post there otherwise you will drive perspective readers away, and Twitter to be the best. Also doing radio interviews and blogs.”

Lindsay Downs

“(facebook, twitter, wordpress, etc) Facebook, for allowing communication with readers and friends of course, although WordPress is a great tool for allowing you to improve your writing craft and connect with other writers who in some cases also become wonderfully dear friends.”

Paula Acton

Meet the Authors

If you’re an author and want to participate, too, feel free to leave your answer in the comment section. We’d love to hear it!

Ask An Author: How do you deal with bad reviews?

 

This is the first of my “Ask An Author” posts.  Today, I’ve asked my panel of published authors the question, “How do you deal with bad reviews?”. If you’re an author and want to participate, too, feel free to leave your answer in the comment section. We’d love to hear it!

 

“Shrug my shoulders and continue to be a better writer. A review, even from a professional reviewer is an opinion. Everyone is entitled to theirs even if it disagrees with yours and other reviews.”

– Lindsay Downs


“I’ve come to realize the only way to deal with bad reviews is not to read them. (Something else that’s easier said than done). If that doesn’t work: ice cream or chocolate.”

– S.L. Stacy


“First, evaluate if the reviewer has a point.  We’ve all read things we didn’t like.  If that can be true for us, then it can be true for others who read what we’ve written.  Learn from bad reviews, provided you have fairly evaluated if they are correct or at least logical.  Also, keep in mind that in order for someone to give you a bad review, they must have read your work.  That’s a positive.  And don’t be afraid to reach out to that person and thank them for reading and reading carefully.  Invite them to share any further reviews, positive or negative, with you personally.  It’ll make it more likely they’ll read more of what you’ve written.”

– Decker Schutt


“I vent to friends, treat myself (usually a cupcake), then try to learn from it.”

– Tricia Andersen


“I used to read them, but now I’ve found its better just to NOT read them.”

– H.N. Sieverding


“I have been lucky so far in one way by not having bad public reviews, but then again it is hard to actually get any reviews these days without paying lol. I think you have to learn to ignore trolls, do not reply to them but take any constructive criticism on board and learn from it.”

– Paula Acton

 


Meet the Authors

Blog Hop for Seditious’ Release!

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Seditious
, the fourth book in the Light-Bearer Series, is out for pre-sale! So, hop over to Amazon and check it out HERE. Also, check out details about a giveaway for the blog hop at the end of the post!  Prizes and giveaways?  Yes, please!  It’s definitely a party, so come celebrate with us!

The Light-Bearer Series is a Young Adult, Paranormal Romance.  It’s got all the cool stuff.  Vampires and angels, as well as adventure and action that will keep you turning the pages. I’m a fan of the angel/vampire thing, and it’s also something I’ve used in one of my own series as well.

So, learn more about Seditious by reading it’s book description, and an excerpt from the book. Be sure to check out the other participating blogs at the end of this post.


perf5.500x8.500.inddBook Description: Life at the Castle Charmeine is blissful until reality of the ruling the Elder Council of the Blood-Hunters causes dissent. An unexpected depth to both Tabbruis and Dmitri’s personalities humanizes both men.

This novel shows a side to Tabbruis and Charmeine’s relationship which will throw any reader of The Light-Bearer Series off kilter. Seditious is the continuation of their romantic and turbulent love story and mission on Earth to battle Lucifer’s minions!

Lord Cromwell is a lethal Blood-Hunter who has escaped the Elder Council Prison. He sends his beautiful agent to cause destruction to those who live at the Castle Charmeine.

Bathsheba is a deadly, sexy, and vicious siren who threatens Charmeine and Baby Hunter. Not just with her present actions, but, with the past she shares with Tabbruis and Dmitri. However, the family works together to unravel Bathsheba’s deadly secrets.

Just when you think they are in the clear, a more heinous and ominous villain waits in the wings to tear apart our ill-fated lovers, Charmeine and Tabbruis.

Seditious is a heart wrenching and exciting story of passion, betrayal, and redemption you will not want to miss!


Excerpt:

Charmeine knew this beautiful woman was a very powerful Blood-Hunter. She felt Baby Hunter kicking and fought to control her anxiety.

“Ah, yes, very good gentlemen. We have her now.” The mysterious woman told the men in a thick, French accent. She gazed with wide spellbinding eyes at Charmeine. She looked like a cat ready to pounce on her prey.

The man who held Charmeine pushed her to go out the terrace doors.

She knew this was a kidnapping and worried for Baby Hunter. Charmeine struggled to gain some kind of fighting advantage.

The Light-Bearers practiced their self-defense skills with her daughter, Sandra, and worked on how to get out these hand-binding holds. After Charmeine’s encounters with Pascal, she never wanted to feel helpless again.

With speed and accuracy, Charmeine used her power to fly up backwards over the head of the Blood-Hunter. She broke out of his grip. Immediately, she leveled him with a powerful and fierce bolt of white electricity which stunned him into a stupor.

Percival took this opportunity to sweep the legs of the man who held him. He stunned his assailant, and made him fall down in pain with a green charge which ran through his body.

“Use your light for Athena!” Charmeine yelled to Percival.

Percival threw a green lightning bolt at the man who held Athena.

Within a second, the Blood-Hunter was on the ground. A green current cursed through him.

 “Halt!” the Blood-Hunter woman demanded.

Charmeine looked up and a hand gun was aimed at her belly.

The woman widened her indigo eyes with her fangs exposed. She threatened, “You really never know where a bullet will go? Do you?” she laughed.

Her maniacal giggles curdled Charmeine’s blood. She could tell the Blood-Hunter woman was telling the truth.

“Yes, the bullet could just land somewhere very unhealthy for your unborn spawn.” She circled Charmeine like a shark swimming around its prey. “Not that hurting spawn of this Light-Bearer scum would matter,” she quipped in a matter-of-fact way.

Charmeine began to feel waves of nausea and fought the urge to be sick.

“The offspring is just a by-product.” With a sinister laugh the woman scoffed, “Yes, a by-product which should be tossed aside and thrown away like the trash it is . . . as soon as we cut it out of you!”

She began to laugh with a vicious tone and stuck the gun in Charmeine’s belly ready to pull the trigger.


Find Emily here:

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Check out the other blogs in the hop!

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And enter to win the prizes below here.

  • Autographed Copy of SEDITIOUS – US, UK, CAN, AUS
  • Autographed Copy of CHARMEINE, MACTUS and ACCENDO – US, UK, CAN, AUS
  • A $25 Amazon Card

New Release: Challenging

scpblogtour

Is Proud to Present

 Challenging 

by Lisa Drummond

About the Author

Bonjour ladies and gentlemen.

I’m originally from the US where I grew up in your typical small town in middle America. Now in my late 20’s I live in France with my two lovers, Renard and Monique. We share a lovely apartment in Paris where I study interior design and my roomies are enrolled in art school.

I don’t know what the normal erotic author looks like but to set your mind at ease I have waist length red hair, long toned legs and a body most women would kill for. To that end several times clothing designers pleaded, on their knees, for me to model their clothes. I refused them as I found them lacking in many area, one in particular.

About a year ago I took up writing at the encouragement of Monique. She thought the world should know how in love the three of us are. When I stared to put pen to paper, so to speak, I didn’t want your typical erotic stories so I searched for the best way to express our emotions. It was Renard who suggested shapeshifters as he’d just finished a series of paintings on the subject.

I’ve found that I love writing so much I plan to cut back on my classes so I can devote more time to giving you hot, steamy erotic romance.

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Challenging (Clan Wolverine 3)Blurb:
 

On learning they have new shapeshifter powers, Tatiana and Rich return to his log house in the woods. No sooner do they arrive than the Spirit materializes to give them amazing news. Wishing to stay safe from harm, Tatiana, at Rich’s urging, decides to go into hiding at his lakeside home.

As days slowly turn into weeks they settle into a comfortable life, each looking after the other both emotionally and in the bedroom.

Finally, the big day comes when they get to see what the Spirit told them.

How this revelation will change their lives, they can only guess.

Buy Links:

Secret Cravings Publishing:

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Excerpt 1

This will get both of your brains into what I want, she thought as she started to come, not realizing he was standing in the doorway.

“That’s not going to work except get you to come again. Look Tatiana, I’ve got a feeling we could be in real trouble and we need to figure out how to handle it.”

Not even getting caught made her blush, but she knew he was right. Against her baser needs she stopped and covered herself.

“Sorry. I guess I’m wanting to hide from what I learned, which is the same as you.”

“I understand, darling, but we have to deal with it before it gets out of hand. I can tell you this, though, I’m not leaving you. As we learned at my house, we are meant to be together and bring a new generation of shifters into the world.”

“I’m glad you want to stay with me because I can’t ever see leaving you. I’d rather die first,” Tatiana said, taking the offered wine glass then taking a sip.

“What did your mistress tell you?”

“Like the Spirit told us, there’s a new shifter coming which will change our lives forever. Fortunately she didn’t seem to focus on me but everyone in the conclave. That’s what has me worried though,” she started.

“I don’t understand. If she didn’t target you, why would that make you nervous? I’d think you’d be relieved.”

“She seemed to be concentrating on one of the older clan members, which makes me wonder if, besides us, something or someone else might be coming.”

“You mean to endanger us?”

“Yes. What if another type of shifter is coming which can hurt or kill one or both of us? Then everything would be lost.”

“I find this interesting because my master led us to believe what was coming would be the dawning of a new age. Either one or both are lying to get us to come out into the open.”

“Rich, what did he mean by new age, since it’s similar to what my mistress told us?”

“That’s something I’m not sure about. Like with your mistress, he didn’t set his sights on one shifter in particular, but all of us.”

Tatiana took another sip of her wine, enjoying the fruity taste of it, and settled back against the thick pillows. Between what she’d learned at her clan meeting and what Rich now told her, she knew, or at least suspected, someone was lying. What she did know was it wasn’t him as she’d learned if he was while staying at his log house.

Was it possible both clan heads knew they were part of the new change, which threatened their leadership and power over everyone? Studying Rich, she could tell he was having the same thoughts, which was good as it would put them both on the offensive if necessary.

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Where to find Lisa:

Facebook

Other books by Lisa Drummond:

  • Awakening- Book 1 in Clan Wolverine series
  • Beginning- Book 2 in Clan Wolverine series