Hello everyone!!!!! I got my stunnin’ shades on because I’m feeling VERY awesome this morning. I didnt wake up till 12 because I was up FINISHING EMPTY NET! I know! Isnt it fantastic!? I think so! So lets get all the boring stuff out of the way so we can talk about total awesomeness and watch this AMAZING video I made!!! Just a warning, this is going to be a long post. I have A LOT to say, so I hope you stay with me all the way through!
I told y’all I wanted to get stuff done this week and I did! I wrote 5 chapters, an epilogue and my acknowledgement in a week! Thats pretty bad ass I think! Between all that, you know how I told you my husband was leaving to go canoeing…he made me go with him. I got ate up, fell out the canoeing tons of times and came home completely bruised up. But its okay, it was a great time with my hubby and son. Other than that, I wrote like a mad man all week. My kids have only drove me half bat shit crazy and my husband is being supportive but is ready for this so called break off of mine.
Let me explain the ‘break’ thing real quick. I didnt take a break between Taking Shots and Trying to Score. I went right into writing Trying to Score. Well when I was done with Trying to Score I was like break time! Yehaw go Toni, read something and give your mind a rest. It lasted a week. Then I started writing Empty Net. Well funny story, I finished Empty Net last night and Blue Lines is hardcore on my brain right now. I swear to God! I have SOOOOOOOO many books to read, I want some time to myself, but apparently these two characters have a mind of their own. I know this makes all of you happy but me not so much. Jeez. lol!
OH MY GOD! WE HAVE HIT 100 REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!! Yehaw!!! Now I get to share all kinds of fun stuff with y’all but first I need to discuss something with everyone, but before I do that.
Now, please control your breathing because this is important. I think I messed up when I wrote Trying to Score. I wrote Lucas so freaking amazing, so freaking hot and manly that I feel people arent giving Fallon a chance. I do not write cookie cutter romances. I’m not going to either. I want to write these females that have real feelings, real issues, I dont want some fake bitch that was hurt in the pass but its okay because she is gonna have sex and get married anyways with the hero. Nope, I want you to feel for Fallon, I want you to feel the struggle she goes through because she was hurt so young. Some people dont come back from something like that, and not everyone is so forgivable. Lord knows I’m not. So I apologize if Fallon pissed you off so bad because she has a mind of her own and wont take shit from no one, I didnt want some push over, I wanted someone different. Fallon is that for sure. But I guess, really I cant win. People hate Elli cause she whines to much about being fat, people hate Fallon because she is a bitch, it makes me scared out of my mind, because what the hell are people gonna say about my Audrey? I thought all three of these women were amazing, and fantastic but some people didnt. So yeah, a little worried about my Audrey! I was complaining about this last night because of a review and my husband said, ‘Females are gonna bitch about other females, no matter what!’ he’s so smart. Lol. But thats not the only thing that I am having a problem with.
Something that has come up again was the editing of my book. I have found that a couple of reviewers (yes, I read all my reviews…hehe.) have started to mention my editing again. People that have been with me since the VERY beginning know my back story on this. (Long story short, the first guy ever I hired, f-ed me over something serious. Took all my money and gave me this book that wasnt even edited!) One girl said I need to hire editor and proofreader; I wanted to write her and say I have, actually, 5 editors and 10 proofreaders. I really don’t know what to do anymore. I can’t ask for the reader to send me what they find cause that’s not their job and it isn’t fair for me to ask that. A lot of you know how personal and how bad it hurts me when people say that to me because I have done everything in my power to make my books as perfect as they can be. Being a self published author has its perks and then its downs. One of my favorite perks is that this book is mine and no one can tell me how it should be. The downside, is that I hire these people to edit my book and on three accounts, I was screwed over. The editor for Trying to Score, I feel did do her job, but somewhere between accepting her edits and publishing, something went wrong, so I hired the editors I have now for Empty Net and they are doing fantastic. But when I get mentions of my editing for the last two books, it makes me paranoid for this next book. I don’t want to be label as that author that cant get her books at a 100%. Its not that I don’t want them to be, I do, and I have spent as much money as needed to get it done and I don’t know what else to do. How many editors do I need to go through before people leave it alone? I mainly wanted to address the situation so in case those people come and read this, they see that I am not just a greedy bitch that is publishing shit and not making sure my books have been through editors and proofreaders, cause I have. A lot actually, but people seem to always find something they dont like. I am starting to think it isnt an editing problem, its the way I write and they dont like it. But if that is the case, why did they read the second book and put my third one as a to-read? It drives me insane, but oh well, I’m done, stepping off my soap box and on to something that makes me happy……Like Magic Mike…mmmm
Now, lets do some book stats!!! Taking Shots is doing fantastic with 130 reviews, with a 4.3 out of 5 star rating. Also! On Goodreads, I am like 7 ratings away from having a 1000. It made me happy 🙂 Trying to Score just reached 100 reviews! Yehaw! with a 4.4 out of 5 star rating, its rocking it! Yehaw! Cool thing to mention, Ms. Tabby from Insightful Minds Design Studio is putting together a cafepress store of Assassins Gear. I am so excited to see what she comes up with. Its bound to be fantastical. I mean its Tabby! lol. I am also looking into getting more swag for the release of Empty Net! So stay tuned for that!
So EMPTY NET IS DONE! as I’ve said, I think 10 times in this post! A little excited over here! hehehe. The ending is perfect in my opinion. I love it, and it made me so happy inside. Everything came together and just was perfect and made me feel like everything was right in the world of the Assassins. Tate is just yummy and Audrey is amazing and funny. They are a hoot together and I can’t wait for this book to come out, so y’all can read what I think is total epicness!
Okay, Lets do the final stats:
I AM DONE and I only cried a little!
The ending word count is: 157,257
Ending page count: 348
When I get Chapter 21-25 back from the editors, I will send out to the beta readers.
Editors are done to 21, about to send chapters 27 – epilogue when I get all the feed back from Critique partner.
Critique partner is right there with me! But I havent gotten the feedback from her about the ending. She is going out of town though! HAVE FUN TARA! One of my other girls that read the book as I go said the ending was great and that she is totally in love with Tate over everyone else! hehe. So yay!
Last line I wrote: Yeah right, I’m not ruining that for y’all! lol.
Music from the chapter:
Oh Justin Bieber – Be Alright – really go download this song everyone. Its magic.
Only Girl – Boyce Avenue
Wanted – Hunter Haynes
Now before I put the amazing video I made for y’all, let me say this:
On July 9th, 2012 there will be a massive cover reveal on over 75 blogs for Empty Net. On that day, I will be revealing the cover, the first chapter, playlist, and book trailer. The review giveaway ends that day too, so please if you’ve left a review go enter! I will be announcing the winners that day. I will also be running another giveaway that day. Now here is what y’all really want.
So thats it! I hope you enjoy the video and the post. I am really excited for the upcoming weeks and I just think we only have 11 weeks and 5 days until Empty Net is released! I am thinking of doing some kind of thing like I did for Trying to Score. I just gotta think it up! If you have ideas, let me know! hehe Thank you so much guys and I look forward to seeing what everyone thinks!!!!
YAY!!!!! IM SOOOOO EXCITED I CANNOT WAIT!!!
But…first thing first Ms. Aleo: you write great, honest and real characters! if they have flaws its because thats whats REAL! in my opinion Elli has insecurities because of the way she was raised (ugh evil mom!) and thats REAL. Fallon had something happen to her that, like you said, was NOT easy and hard to get over. She has a right to act the way she does! its not easy to forgive the person who hurt you no matter what the reasons.
Your characters have have real issues like real people and if others don't like that then …GO AWAY! (hahaha I'm not a mean person thats the best I have). Don't second guess them because if you feel you got them right and how you want them then you did great. (fyi: you also write swooooon worthy guys so that a HUGE plus!)
As for the editing issues, I didn't know the issues you had in concern to that but I can honestly say I didn't notice one slip In either books. I get so absorbed into the story that I honestly don't have time to pay attention to whether you misspelled a word or put the apostrophy before the 'S' or after. Thats really the last thing on my mind. So if you have hired people to check it over (and you have more than enough) then feel happy that you did the best to make sure the books were perfect. Enough said. 🙂
Back to the celebration!: WOOOO HOOO! I CANNOT WAIT FOR EMPTY NET!! SEPTEMBER CANT GET HERE FAST ENOUGH!!! I LOVE SHEA, I LOVE LUCAS AND I KNOW I WILL LOVE TATE! *doing crazy spaghetti happy dance!!* I THINK ILL TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME SO…JULY 9TY! YOUR ALMOST HERE!!! 19 MORE DAYS!!! CONGRATS MS. ALEO!!! NOW TAKE SOME TIME OFF AND ENJOY IT!!! (but not to much ….Blue lines calls haha jk…kinda haha )
LMFAO!!! Love your celebration! Its fantastic! hehehe. I am so excited ! and I feel that I got Audrey right, so lets hope it works! lol. I love your little mean bone too! its sweet 🙂 hehehe. Thanks so much for all the kind words. I wish I could give everyone everything NOW! hehehe 🙂
sorry to delete the comment i sent the wrong link! hahaha its a link that said :
NERD GIRL PROBLEM #138- THE MADNESS YOU EXPERIENCE WHEN YOUR WAITING FOR THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES TO COME OUT!
THAT IS ME RIGHT NOW AND PROB A WHOLE BUNCH OF US!! HAHAHA
LMFAO! AWESOME!!!!
What a great Writing Wednesday blog Toni…you DO really rock!! The heck with the “editor” naysayers!! I feel really vindicated about Fallon…No one knows what goes on behind closed doors or in someone else's life…I was always in her corner 'cause I KNOW from personal experiences that one could NEVER judge someone else, but the funny thing of that is everyone seems to judge even if it's a little bit. I knew once everything got straightened out between her & Lucas there wouldn't ANY doubt in her mind that she was meant to be with him….You must have BRASS BALLS woman cause no one could ever get me into a boat smaller than a ferry…bet it was a good outing with the guys though!!! Can't wait for July 9th for the previews. The video?? What can I say…I AM a sap….and I cried, yes cried!! I am always the one to cry when the Hallmark commercials come on…
Omg Corinne, I'm gonna pray for you with Empty Net, cause its a tear jerker. I was bawling and I wrote the darn thing! lol. Thanks so much and it means the world to me to have your support! Thank you!
Gonna share a pic on your Facebook page that put me in mind of your kids….
I totally love your books. I agree with the ladies above. Your characters are real and relatable. For both books, I was so into the story that I didn't even notice many editing issues. If there were any, they were so small I flew over them. It didn't bother me at all. I cannot wait to get a little sneak peek on July 9!!!=) or for the book on September 11. YAY!!! Thank you for sharing your stories! I KNOW this one will also be full of awesomeness!
Oh and thanks again for the visuals, especially the magic mike ones =) the one with the buns all out was one I haven't seen yet, lol.
Thanks so much Laurie! It means alot to me to have everyone be so supportive!
And yes, magic mike….mmmmmmmmm…..
Toni
LOVE your books!!!! Don't let rude people empty your bucket!!! I loved both of your books, I thought they were awesome!!! Your characters seem like real people!!! They talk and think like real people!!! Keepon doing what you are doing…which is WRITING :)!!! I LOVE you Writing Wednesday, love your pictures!! I was already excited for Magic Mike to come out and seeing those pics have me even more excited!!!! Yay for being finished Empty Net!!! WOO HOO!!! I am sure will will be another AWESOME read by Toni Aleo!!!!! So excited!!!! Enjoy your Summer with your Kiddos!!!!
Thanks so much Gloria!!! I'm glad everyone loves my characters as much as I do!
I am counting the days till I can see this movie…lol
Thanks so much, I am excited to spend it with them as long as the characters from Blue Lines, let me be!
Toni,
SoI just have to mention that the crap talkers about the need for editing and what not, should've edited their own reviews before posting! My theory is that they wanted to stand out so they posted their blah-blahs. We all know you're a kick butt author with amazing books that involve characters from the “real world”. You're a rock star so keep doing what you do!!!
aw thanks so much Myrna! Means the world to me <3
I was too into reading the books to notice all this so called editorial crap. If there are mistakes its not anything that affected the flow or sequence of the stories. So these reviewers can kiss it! Yeah , Elli was too insecure and Fallon was bitchy, but that's how girls are. Especially girls that have been burned. As far as Empty Net goes I just don't want Tate to come off as a pushover. He's gotta have a little alpha male cause he's a hockey player. That was my only problem with Shea Adler he was too understanding. I mean you made your girls real, but the guys have to be real too. Hey wish chris Hemsworth was in magic mike too yummmx2
Thanks so much Annette. Yeah Shea was forgiving but I think he had to be with Elli. She was insane..lol. haha. No, Empty Net is WAY different than both of the other ones. Not only is the cover different but the characters. There are twist and heartbreak something serious. Tate is strong and amazing, but he knows how to love and he wants love. While Audrey is cooky and sweet, you would think she is the one to make you cry but it is Tate that will have you in a bawl of tears. These characters are amazing, real, and intense. I can't wait for people to read this book. I say that now but the week of release I'll be a mess…lol
Toni, thanks for being so fan friendly. I think it's one of the things that sets you apart from some of the other authors.
aw thanks!! I will always answer y'all! If you take the time to talk to me, I'm gonna do my damnedest to talk back! Its common curiosity. hehehe 🙂 <3
OMG i love TATE already!!! is that possible??? can´t wait until fall!!! congrats for finishing everything but take a break and rest!!! you earned girl!!!! I love the video keep doing this little things because that make us (the fans) feel very special!!!
Greetings from Spain!(Descansa y disfruta de unas vacaciones merecidas guapa)
Will do!!! Thanks so much!!! 🙂
First of all Hi from Bonnie Scotland! Yes this Scot is addicted to your books and your website! Love, love, love Writing Wednesday! I think your books show women in a great light! Yes we can be moody, insecure, flighty and mean but we are also loving, fun, romantic and hardcore! Thats what makes us women. Ellie, Fallon and I'm so betting that Audrey are brilliant characters and are kickass girls! Don't let the moaning minnies (scottish term for haters!) get you down! Sooooooo excited for Empty Net counting down the days!!!
OMG! Moaning Minnies?!?! Thats it FANTASTIC! so calling all my haters that! hehehe! Thank you so much! It means the world to me to meet such amazing people from all over the world! Thank you so much again and I hope you love Empty Net as much as you've loved the first two! 🙂
I have read a lot of books in the past few weeks and I have not read one that was free from errors. If writing a book was so easy to do, everyone would do it. Keep your head high because your books are amazing!
Thanks so very much Marcie!!!
Eeek! Congratulations on finishing Empty Net! 😀 I can't wait to read it, Toni, and that totally sucks about your editors in the past. I'm glad that you've got yourself some that you like now, and ones that haven't screwed you over too! I can't believe someone did that to you in the past, that's seriously low of that person…some people really are despicable!
I was actually really surprised after finishing the books and posting my reviews to see other people's comments about Elli and Fallon. I liked them. I can understand a bit of aggravation and frustration with characters because you want them with the guys, but some people really are a bit unreasonable. 😛 Unfortunately I think some people honestly just don't like real characters, and I think your hubby is right…some girls just always have to bitch about other girls. Those girls just never left high school I guess. 😛
Thanks for keeping us up-to-date with Empty Net, and I'm really looking forward to meeting Tate! Also, I'm so glad Audrey is getting a good guy! 😀
Hey Ambur!
Thank you so much! Yeah, it blows but its life. I'm trying and doing the best I can. I hire people that I feel are qualified and all I can do is cross my fingers and pray they are good. I've been burn so many times that I really dont know if I'll try to hire another one. The girls I got now are personal friends and I think they are more worried about me than they are about the money. So I trust them.
I love Fallon and Audrey. I do. I think they are fantastic, but they are also my babies. I feel strongly that I wrote real woman that have real problems. I dont know, all I can do is hope that I make people happy somehow and take them to a world that makes them forget reality. Thats what I strive for.
And thank you for reading my post! I'm very excited for the upcoming months and it means the world to me that everyone comes to my blog and writes me. Thank you again! 🙂
You're so welcome! 😀 That's true, and all you can really do is try your best. Friends are great that way. 🙂
I think you wrote great women, too. Real women, who aren't phony, which is always refreshing. 🙂 I think you manage to do that.
You're welcome! 😀 Awe, it's no problem! I love leaving comments, and it's always nice when an author actually replies! 😀
i know im totally late with this but AWESOME!! thats all i got, my mind isnt home yet!! <3 you bitch!
better late than never!! LOVE YA TOO!