Writing Wednesday | Manuscript Writing Technique

Monday Music #1

This song is from the playlist of The Thousand Year Curse. 
PS. I'm going to be posting a song every Monday until the playlist is done. Comment how you think it relates to the book or what the meaning is behind the song. 

Oh no, this couldn't be more unexpected

And I can tell that I've been moving in so slow

Don't let it throw you off too far

Cause I'll be running right behind you

Could this be out of line? (Could this be out of line?)

To say you're the only one breaking me down like this

You're the only one I would take a shot on

Keep me hanging on so contagiously

Oohhh, when I'm around you I'm predictable

Cause I believe in loving you with first sight

I know it's crazy but I'm hoping to..

To take a hold of you

Could this be out of line? (Could this be out of line?)

To say you're the only one breaking me down like this

You're the only one I would take a shot on

Keep me hanging on so contagiously

Oh you're everything I'm wanting

Come to think of it, I'm aching

On account of my transgression..

Will you welcome this confession?

Could this be out of line? (Could this be out of line?)

To say you're the only one breaking me down like this

You're the only one I would take a shot on

Keep me hanging on so contagiously

Could this be out of line? (Could this be out of line?)

To say you're the only one breaking me down like this

You're the only one I would take a shot on

Keep me hanging on so contagiously

Late Friday Teaser | TTYC

Hey guys. I'm soooo sorry I'm writing the teaser so late. Long story short, my car stinks and I had to bring it into the shop where only more bad news came when the dude told me I need a new transmission. :( Anyways, I'm here now so here is a special The Thousand Year Curse Teaser.

I find myself comparing him to Ollie which I don’t like. He is almost as tall as Ollie—maybe an inch or two shorter but they are polar opposite looks wise. 

Where Ollie is blonde, Ari is jet black. Ollie’s hair is longer and has a flip to it where Ari’s is kept short on the sides, only long on the top. Ollie is more artistic looking where I can tell Ari is not. He looks athletic like the quarterback of a football team—very chiseled and strong yet lean. 

I’m staring at him so long that I don’t even notice when we stop or why. I look back at Ari in question, basically asking him why he stopped with my facial expression. He just looks straight ahead, his eyes never wandering. The tension radiating off him in palpable, making me nervous. 

I look up and see Ollie standing a couple of feet ahead of us. He looks hurt beyond belief and pissed off. I have no idea why. I leave Ari to see what’s up, wrapping my arms around Ollie’s waist when I’m close enough to him. 

When he finally tears his gaze from Ari, he looks down at me, his gaze softening. He envelops me in a wet kiss. He deepens the kiss more than normal in school but I figure he is doing the whole alpha male thing. You know how guys mark their territory or whatever. 

I turn to face Ari while still holding onto Ollie’s waist. I lead Ollie over to where Ari stands, frozen, wanting to introduce the two. Might as well try to get this out of the way. 

“Ollie, this is Ari,” I introduce them. “He’s new to school.” I add on trying to make this whole thing less awkward. There shouldn’t be this much tension in a first meeting even if they are two guys. 

“Nice to meet you,” Ari says. “What was your name, Ollie?” He winks a little towards me and there is humor in his voice. 

“And yours, Ari? Nice.” Ollie sneers back. Ollie’s face is completely unreadable—a blank slate. I can’t help but think that these two know each other. It must be my dreams that have me thinking this.

Like what you're reading... it's available on amazon in both kindle version and paperback, barnes and noble in paperback and if you're in CT most local book stores! Here are some fun links... Thanks for reading and supporting me. LOVE YOU ALL!

If you've already read it, please leave a review! I've gotten some really great feedback and reviews. Check it out on amazon and good reads. Right now the book is rated 4.3 out of 5 on amazon.com!!!! HOW AWESOME is that! Spread the love!

Amazon Kindle- $2.99
Amazon Paperback- $12.99 but there are copies available cheaper
Barnes and Noble- $12.99 BUT it's 20% off right now
Bank Square Books- $12.99 or in store

Visit me at these places!
www.taylorlavati.com
www.facebook.com/thecursebooks
@taylorjaneeeee
www.goodreads.com
and of course here!

Writing Wednesday | Added Scenes

Top Ten Today | Books

It's been quiet this week so I figured I'd do a fun post about books I am looking forward to, just read or have gotten. I'd love to see your lists so comment with a book you're looking forward to. I love getting recommendations from you all!

10. Breaking Nova- Jessica Sorenson

The reviews are really great. The only negative thing I've read was the ending. I heard it's a cliffhanger and there isn't much light. I also heard some people say they didn't like the drug aspect but I love it so I think I'll like this book. It's already bought and ready to read whenever I get a chance. 

9. The Cuckoo's Calling- Robert Galbriath aka JK Rowling

This book has been on the best seller list for a while but I just haven't been able to push the purchase button yet. It sounds compelling and really awesome but I've heard a ton of mixed reviews. 

8. Ruin- Rachel Van Dyken

I just finished this book a week or two ago. It's been getting a lot of praise and I wanted to read it since it was a fairly cheep ebook. I love Rachel's writing and thought the characters were awesome. However, the HEA felt a little too pushed for my liking. Overall though, I think it's a good one out right now. 

7. The Longest Ride- Nicholas Sparks

I am so freaking excited for this book! I am such a huge Sparks fan and love his books. I think this will be another best for him. It's out Sept 17th so I have to wait a little bit longer but still. I have the paperback preordered and ready to go!

6. Crazy Beautiful Love- JS Cooper

This book claims to be more than a boy meets girl story and I want it to be. I love a book that's original but still keeps elements that make readers love it. I like the cover and I think the author's great. I'm thinking about getting this book soon. 

5. Very Bad Things by Isla Madden Mills

This books looks really cool. I love the plot and the blurb the author wrote. It definitely pulled me in and makes me want to read it. I think the book could follow a story close to, Dusty (twilight fan fiction) and I LOVE that story. I'm definitely going to give this book a try when I get a chance. 

4. Freefall- Tess Oliver

Okay, so I read this book a couple weeks ago and LOVED it. I love the cover. It's super hot and steamy. You already love the guy. I also loved the story itself. The characters were spot on. The drama was in full force. I really like this book. It's one of the better ones out right now.

3. The Emperor's Soul- Brandon Sanderson

This book has won a ton of awards. It's in the fantasy category. Obviously, I love me some fantasy. I want to give this one a try just for the recognition. If it can win an award, it deserves to be read. I've already bought it and have it waiting for me.

2. Wool- Hugh Howey

This is an indie published book and it has over 1600 freaking amazing reviews. I was just so amazed and need to read the book. I have it in kindle version and it's definitely on my TBR list. I'm a little behind the craze but I don't care. I'm excited to read a true scifi novel and enjoy every last second of it. 

1. Reunion by MR Joseph

This book is majority 5 star reviews and I have to admit, that matters to me. I like reading a book that I already know is going to please me. With such a tight schedule I want to make my reading count. This book looks fun and light and like a good story- but it also has a darkness to it. Right up my alley. I'm excited to start this one.

First Hooked Teaser!

New book teaser today for you all. I have to say firstly, that I'm not positive about the title. I like it but I'm not 100% yet so just keep that in mind. Also this book is in the VERY early stages, as in not even edited yet so the teaser I'm giving you may not be the final.

This book follows Nathalie, a freshman in college who's ready to have an independent life. Being sheltered by her parents and small town, she always dreamt of having her own place and making her own rules. Well, now she can.

She moves out to a college town, gets her own apartment and plans to live, really live for once. She has no rules other than to keep her grades up so she can continue her independent lifestyle. The book begins with Natty moving into her apartment and starting her new life.

This excerpt is from chapter one where Natty means Sam. Enjoy!


As I'm going from lawn to sidewalk, my flip flop catches the ridge and I fly forward, dropping my books into the pavement.

"Just fucking great." I mumble, looking down at my scraped knee. It's not a big deal but still, this would happen to me today. Talk about divine intervention. I'm thinking God doesn't want me bring independent anymore. One day was enough in His book. I sit up muttering a stream of expletives while I start picking up my books and splattered papers. 

I'm shoving my last paper into my bag when someone walks by and says, "rough morning?" His voice is deep and pulls me in like a magnet. I glance up and see the back of some guy. He chuckles a little to himself but stops at the stairs leading up to my class building. I stare at his back and wait for him to turn so I can match his entrancing voice to his face.

"Want to bum one?" He asks again, his voice speaking out to my very being. His jade eyes meet mine and hold me there refusing to let me look away. I try to memorize every feature on his face in mere seconds so I don't look like a complete face.

There's a five o'clock shadow on his face that makes his chiseled jaw even more square. He has dark brown hair but it's highlighted on the top from the summer rays. He's got a light tan across his face and it's never been so attractive to me before. I realize I'm staring too much so I break the trance and stare at the ground, making myself act cool. 

"Sure," I whisper reply, shaking my head to snap out of it. I grab my bag from the ground and stand, dusting my body off except for my bloody knee which I try to pretend is nonexistent. 

He pulls a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and bends his lips down to retrieve one. The way they pucker in the middle and wrap around the stick sends heat into the pit of my stomach. He then holds it out to me to grab one. I don't usually smoke and definitely don't like to in public. I hate the way people judge. I've never bought my own pack or been a chainsmoker. At parties or if I was having a shitty day, like today, I'd steal one from a friend.

I don't carry that addictive gene, thank God so having one every once and a while was never a problem.

The guy next to me flicks his box and lights his cigarette but instead of handing me the lighter he presses his stick to mine, giving me his fire. His face comes unreasonably close to mine, just a cigarette length away and I can smell every scent on this guys body. He's a mix of cigarette, soap and something minty. It sends my hormones into high gear, making me tingle. 

"Thanks." I say, leaning back on my elbow and pulling the first drag. 

If you haven't gotten The Thousand Year Curse yet, DO IT!

Check out the new reviews on AMAZON! I love what people are saying about the book. Add it on GOODREADS so you get all the updates. Follow on FACEBOOK for fun pictures, and to see what other readers are saying!

Writing Wednesday | Prompt 7

Friday Fan Pics

I've gotten such a great response from you all. Firstly, last week I posted about changing the cover and I want all who helped me to know that I took your suggestions to heart. I ended up changing it! I love the new cover and have gotten such great feedback. It's going really well.

I asked a bunch of you on facebook and twitter have been posting about it and I'm so excited. I asked you guys to do some fan art and send it my way. So here we go... I made sure not to have any with spoilers so if you haven't read yet, don't worry.

All of these look a like pictures seem to be coming from google. Therefore, I just want to clarify that I own none of the rights for ANY of the pictures. Just saying!

Ollie Look-a-likes

<---I think Chase is pretty spot on!

Ari Look-a-likes

<---Freaking LOVE this one.

Ryder Look-a-likes

So for those of you who have read the book, what do you think? Are the characters pretty close to what you thought? I'd love to see your own fan art and what you think they look like! Check out the facebook page for more.

Giveaway at http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com/2013/08/giveaway-thousand-year-curse-taylor.html still going strong. Be sure to enter for a chance to win a free copy. The giveaway is international so even if you're far away, you can get your hands on it!

Amazon        Goodreads       Facebook      Twitter       Website

Wednesday Writing Advice | Guest Post

Cover Decisions | Help Needed!

Okay first question... How much do you hate it when an author changes their cover? I'm sure you're all groaning BUT someone made me a freaking awesome cover and I'm highly contemplating changing it. Here are my two options...

Tell me...
1. Which you like better.
2. If you'd change to the new one.
3. Any other feedback you have

Here is the old one, which I LOVE, don't get me wrong. The reason I love this one was because of the feel you get. It's a little creepy and dark yet the rose stands in the middle. BUT it is a tad boring and I feel like maybe it won't get readers to click on it.

Here is the possible new one. I'm not going to say why I love it or what it means but those of you who have read the book may be able to understand why it's a good cover. I like the airy feel to it and it's not too dark. Another reason I like it is because I can use the same concept for the next two books.  

Please, please, please. Give me feedback. I'm really on the edge here and am not sure whether I should change it or not. I'm having such an indecisive moment!!!!! If I did change the cover I would definitely want to do it now rather than later since the books only been out a little over a week. 

Thanks guys. You're all the best!