Ashley Dotson
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Black Bayou Road Crew

11/28/2015

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 I am looking for about 50 good readers, students, bloggers, friends, or frenemies that are interested in being part of the Black Bayou Road Crew. 


   Writing can be a lonely adventure. Occasionally I look up from my lighted screen and wish there was someone else who would fangirl over my story with me as it rolls out of my own head. And if not fangirl, maybe they would at least give me their honest opinion about the story line. There's only so much I cask ask of my six-year-old son or  elusive black cat. 

   I decided to follow suit of some of my fellow InstaAuthors  and make a group with just such a purpose.

   Being a "Roadie" would entitle you to  read the story first! Also, you will be able to give me your input on a few plot twists and book designs.  You would also get an advanced copy of the eBook before it is available online or in any stores. You can follow @blackbayouroad for updates or watch for email updates from me about important Road Crew events. 
​

    Sign up to be part of the Black Bayou Road Crew:

Submit
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Be the first to meet Finola Sparks.
Be the first to decide if Black Bayou Road is really haunted.
Be the first to find out which one of Black Bayou's rules Finola will break first. 
BE A BLACK BAYOU ROADIE!!!


Help make this author's incessant dark dreams a reality.
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Nano time again...

11/5/2015

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It's NaNoWriMo time again, and I'm exhausted at the thought. 50,000 words in one month is a daunting task. Last year was the closest I have ever come to making that goal. I reached 28,000 words between two different projects. I know, I know- that was dumb. I have a hard time picking something and seeing it though til the end. To top it all off, I lost all but 6,ooo words on the manuscripts when my zip drive broke. I had been so wrapped up in writing, when I really should have been wrapped up in SAVING!!

Surprisingly, I wasn't too upset at the loss of so much work. I don't think it was really great stuff. I have been working on Black Bayou Road for so long now, and have changed to story so much, it will probably amount to something vastly different than I had planned. I didn't like the direction I forced myself to go and am starting (almost) fresh. I have done this with the book twice now. It's gotta be a sign. Either this book will flop like my sad Sunday pancakes or soar like I wish it would.

Whatever the outcome I have decided to think of NaNoWriMo  like a moderately loud peanut gallery, occasionally throwing popcorn or raucously clapping when I decide to forego The Voice for the evening and write. I don't think I will make my 50,000-word goal, but you never know. It is November 5th, I have 8,000 words. I have 25 more days to possibly surprise myself.
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New Notebook

10/9/2015

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   I am starting on another project now that I'm done telling Layla's story. Usually after finishing a book I take a while off, but I can't seem to do that. I'm ready for more!! I want to give it time, make those important stops in the bookstores, but my mind is already in creation mode. And the one thing that has me.most excited?!? MY NEW WRITING SUPPLIES!!!
   As you well know I am an English teacher, which may explain why I love love LOVE schoo supplies. I bought myself some new grading pens (I do not grade in red- think it's rude), and I decided to get some new  pens and paper to begin the prewriting and research stage for my next book. I found myself sitting in the middle of the aisle at Wal-Mart, mixing and matching colored pens, post-its and spirals! It was so much fun, I completely forgot my original purpose of getting groceries for the fam.
   So now I have to convince myself my silly thoughts are worth jotting down, that one day that single line I posted on Instagram will give birth to an entire book. Beginning a book is very daunting- every. single. time! The process doesn't get easier. I think the hope is the process gets better.
   This next journey is a personal one, even more so than the last. I only know this book will be a stand alone and I will pursue traditional publication as usual. I dirtied up those new pages tonight. I'm nervous about the introspection and excited about the possibilities.
   And before I say goodnight, I will be headed to a number of schools this fall, as well as Kingsville, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus, and some new Texas spots this fall. I also have plans to visit some other larger cities up the East Coast. Look for the tour schedule coming soon to my website!
   Thanks for reading and please I'd love to hear feedback from y'all regarding The Lariat.
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The Last Chapter

7/20/2015

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I laid awake in bed last night with way too much on my mind. And like many writers do, I got up knowing how to exorcise the thoughts running wild in my head. I had to finish The Lariat. I know I have previously said it was finished, but I should have qualified that statement. I should have actually said the first draft was finished- which is huge!  I have recently finished (as of last night) all the revisions to the storyline, and now must enter the third and final stage of editing. 


I am still planning on releasing this book this summer. I want it done as much as you want to read it. But I'm finding myself a little sad as it comes to a close. Layla Justus was not the first character I ever created, but she is special to me. The Beacon was the first book I ever shared with anyone and the first book I ever published. I knew it was going to be THE ONE when I just couldn't leave it alone all those years ago. I was elated when it was finished, but I wasn't so excited while writing The Porter. I had so much physical and emotional pain happening in my life that I felt the overall tone of the book is very bittersweet. Layla rises above her situation, but at a great cost to herself and her loved ones. While writing The Lariat, I have been seeking redemption with myself and with my characters. Like everyone else, there are transition periods within their lives and I have felt this book bring this transition period to a close.  I won't go into weepy details, I was just surprise while looking back how much the overall feel of each book reflects my life, even though I have said numerous times that these books are not about me at all.

As much as I'm ready to write something (anything!!!) different, I guess I'm not just as ready as I though for this ride to be over. I hope you'll pardon my drippy nostalgia. I'll try to get over it quickly.

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I saw this image on Pinterest and it instantly took me to the last chapter. I wanted this image to be the catalyst for Layla, leading her where she needed to go and bring the Finding Justus Series to a close.
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The Lariat Release date

4/6/2015

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    My author hat is just one of the many hats that I get to wear.  My writing comes third to being a mom and a teacher.  My obligations to my family and students comes first to writing, and I know all of you can relate. Writing, although fulfilling, is still not my full-time job. As much as it pains me, this also means that you have to wait for all of this to work out so I can release my new book.  I have had a minor problem with my time management and will have to put off the release of The Lariat.  Life gets in the way, right....
   
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  I am putting off the release date so I can do a better job editing and working out the minor kinks within the story.  This is the last book, after all, and  I want Layla's journey to be perfect. I want it to be perfect for her, for me, and for you! I hope you understand. No one is more bummed than me.  As much as I want to share it, I have to be true to the finished product.  So please stay tuned. 
  The new release date will be Friday, June 13th.  Thanks for understanding.
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Im Giving You Up For Lent

2/28/2015

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    I know I'm a week late, but I've been debating something serious- giving up all forms of social media for Lent. It would become cliche, but I am following suit. I believe too much of my time is spent online when I should be writing. So, although I will still be using the computer, I will not be posting, liking, commenting, blogging, or watching television until my book, The Lariat, is finished. It is scheduled to be released on April 24th and the cover will be released on March 6th. Barring those events, I will be using the Lenten season to spend some more time with my kids and the rest of the time writing.
    I'm doing this for many reasons, but ultimately I am worried that I have let social media validate my life and push ideas onto me that are hindering my growth as a writer and an individual.
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    When I limit my childrens' exposure to the interwebs their grades improve and their attitudes change. It stands to reason this will happen with me as well.
    So even though I'm a little late with it (and those who know me know that is typical!)- I say better late than never!
 Again, Stay tuned for The Lariat's cover reveal on March 6th and The Lariat's book birthday on April 24th.  Talk to y'all very soon.
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What's Wrong With Saying I Love You?

2/11/2015

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    I love Valentine's Day- I love it.  Everything. About. It.  A day to remember our love for others, a solid day to uplift everyone around us.  Its inspiring!  I only wish it could be on a weekday instead of a weekend this year.
    I came across this Valentine card from a fellow writer, Steph Campbell, a very funny and talented lady!  Let me begin by saying this is in no way a slam on her.  This picture is of a card she found for her husband.  I thought it was so funny, I wanted to get one for my husband as well.  Most of us get the joke and abide the sarcasm and even pass it along.

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What's wrong with saying
I love you?


    With the help of a few students, I made 128 Valentine's Day cards, all personalized, all with heartfelt comments for my students. Now I may not have romantic feelings for these kids, but I do have feelings all the same.  I spend eight hours a day with them and unlike many people can see their beauty and the unrealized potential they have in store.  I think that Valentine's Day, although it is not technically a holiday is a great day to model some good behavior- sincerity!!!
   I will be practicing a little less sarcasm and a little more sincerity not just with my students, but with my husband, kids, loved ones and friends.  I love to hear the words, I love you, and know that the person saying them is deeply serious.  Being loved is the best feeling hands down, and I am thankful to know I am loved.  I will be using this Valentine's Day to remind myself to be thankful for my loved ones and share Christ's love with everyone!

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Reading Resolutions with Jessica Warren

1/23/2015

1 Comment

 
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Author and teacher Jessica Warren shares her own loves from 2014 and what she is looking forward to reading in 2015.  Here is a link to Jessica's own books, including What Makes A Good Teacher and  Stories After Dark.

 jessicawarren.weebly.com/books.html



Twitter


jwa_jessica 

Instagram

jwarrenauthor

website:


www.jessicawarren.weebly.com

Current Favorite Genre


 Horror 

Your Nostalgic Moment of 2014



The Troop by Nick Cutter. I had read somewhere that Stephen King couldn't put this book down when he read it. That made up my mind. I had to read it too. It was not a disappointment. I couldn't put it down; I squirmed in my seat as I read certain parts of it; I even needed more when it was done. I am always on the look out for a good horror or suspenseful book that I cannot guess the endings of. 

WHAT BOOK FROM 2014 WILL BE THE NEXT BIG BLOCKBUSTER?



 Gone Girl was my guess but it already came out! :) 

What is On your reading list for 2015?


I am currently reading Doctor Sleep by Stephen King. 

Up next:
Grain Brain by David Perlmutter
The One by Kiera Cass
Burning Kingdoms by Lauren DeStefano
Innocence by Dean Koontz
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
Mile 81 by Stephen King"
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Jami's Reading Resolutions

1/9/2015

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Hi everyone, this is a repeating blog where I asked you, my friends, family, followers and readers to share with me your reflections from 2014 and some of your reading resolutions for 2015.  First up, is 
Jami Montgomery:


Name and contact information:

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Jami Montgomery

https://www.facebook.com/authorjamimontgomery

https://twitter.com/JamiMontgomery

http://instagram.com/jamimontgomerywrites/


What is your favorite literature genre:



Science Fiction

What book from 2014 did you wish would never end?



There have been a lot of books this year that I've wished were longer. Landline, by Rainbow Rowell. Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo. Faking Normal, by Courtney Stevens, which was probably my favorite read of the year. I hate finishing series or finishing standalones. I always wind up wanting more.

What 2014 book do you think will be the next blockbuster?


Vicious by V.E. Schwab

What is on your reading List for 2015?


I've bought a few new books this year that I won't have time to read until next year, such as Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield, Alias Hook (Not sure who wrote it. Might have been a cover buy xD) and SO MANY OTHERS. The books I'm MOST looking forward to next year are Six of Crows by Leigh Bargudo, which is a sort of spin off of her Shadow and Bone trilogy, The Heir by Kiera Cass, which is a spin off of her The Selection series, and Simon Snow, which is going to be Rainbow Rowell's next release. Plus, there are a ton of books that have come out in the last few months that I am hoping to pick up next year.
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Ebook VS Paper

12/11/2014

1 Comment

 
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   This comic makes me sad as a teacher and as someone who cherishes the written word.  Do we ever stop to think that we are over-technologizing (is that a word?) things that shouldn't be?
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   I find myself being torn between the love of the printed book and the immediacy of the eBook.  When I spend ten dollars on the latest YA book on my phone or tablet, what have I really bought?  I want the book to be up on my shelf.  I want to look at the word on the paper, hold it in my hands, and feel the pages flip in my fingers.  Plus, does anyone's thumb feel worn out by the end of an eBook?
   But all kidding aside, there are very important developmental factors to this dilemma that people don't consider- especially parents.  Many of us are tempted to buy our children tablets so they can read more or experience their ABC's or a different language.  But much brain research has been done debunking the need for technology when learning to read.  I am well-aware that child-rearing has changed, the world has changed, but fundamentals of learning have not.  The brain still forms synapses the same way it did one hundred years ago.  The need for eBooks in our elementary classrooms is completely moot.  Children's brains NEED books- the paper kind.
   So too, do adult readers.  The opportunity to go to a bookstore or library and surround yourself with printed literature is adventurous.  I'm sure I'm not the only one that can get caught up for hours at a time.  People are spending less and less time in libraries and book stores than ever before.
   I have noticed in my classroom that handwriting is a dying art- and how sad!  Students are more apt to rush to the computer to type something, ask for the PDF or eBook of a novel we are reading in class.  But I say we keep it old-school for as long as possible, especially when developing a love of literature. 

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I have a Kindle and Nook account, and I sell my own novels on these as well as Kobo and iBooks.  I frequently read eBooks for the same reason everyone else does.  The eBook has revolutionized the publishing industry and allowed indie authors, like me, to live my dream, but I think we need to be careful.  People can be like locusts, devouring everything in our path.  It makes me think of Amazon actually.  Five years ago Amazon began offering it's services and an independent publisher.  We all jumped on board and now because of it, we live with the monster we created.  Amazon has so much power in the publishing world and they dominate the eMarket too. 

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  I'm not complaining.  Usually with these blogs I'm not sure what the purpose is besides releasing my own thoughts.  I just find my phone in my hand too many time throughout the day.  I keep supporting my author friends by buying their eBook, and I want to stop.  I want our classrooms as well as society to find the value in the printed word again.
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    2020  Writing Goals: 

    Practice writing sprints.

    Finish "How to Write Dazzling Dialogue"




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   It doesn't get any more real than this! Like all my social media indicates I am an English teacher at Reagan High School.  I love my students as much as I do my own four children.  I enjoy YA Lit and Cadbury eggs.  I spend most of my daylight hours in overdrive, like most mothers.  Many ask me how I manage to accomplish so much, and although I have answered in various ways, the one solid truth in my life is Jesus Christ who makes all things possible. 
   Borrego ​is the name of my current project. Check out this novel and more on my website or on Amazon.com.