Interview with my Photographer: Lindsay!

Is it just me or has this week felt super long? Maybe it's just me. Yesterday was a good day but the other days...stressful! Been writing my brains out. Last night, I breached over 100,000 words for Fair Feathered. Call me crazy but I'm nowhere near being done. I still have another 50-75,000 words to go before I will be remotely satisfied with this novel. It's epic.

But today's post isn't about the words in my book, its about the picture taken for the outside of the book! Courtesy of my long time photographer friend, the two people holding hands turned out to be a great picture!! I thought that out of the kindness of my heart I would interview her because she's really super fantastic at photography and just also an all around awesome person. Just saying! Lindsay and I go way back...like all the way back to the 5th grade. Talk about knowing one another for a long time!

Me: Hey girl thanks for stopping by. So minus the fact that I’ve known you forever, when did you really decide photography was what you enjoyed doing?

Lindsay: Well, I actually have your wonderful cover-designer Adrienne to thank for sparking my interest (it really is a small world)! One fateful day back in ninth grade, she suggested I take VisCom (visual communications) with her. Since I was in a business class at the time that I desperately wanted out of, I changed my schedule around and ended up in a class all about photography, video-making, and graphic design. It was in that class that I realized how powerful photographs can be and how much fun it is to create and share those images. And the rest, they say, is history!

Me: Is there anything particular you like to photograph? People? Plants? Other stuff?

Lindsay: I really love portrait photography. It's a common interest among photographers, but people really are one of THE most interesting subjects to shoot. All the emotion and variety that can be found in each and every person is fascinating, and when you get a photo right, it is so rewarding for the photographer and the subject. I've been an assistant at a couple weddings and whatnot, and those are prime events for capturing special moments that people will treasure forever! I especially like to take photos of children, because of their carefree nature and how silly they can be. And they're adorable, too. :)

Me: Would you say that since you’ve started, you’ve matured as a photographer? Like the stuff now is wayyyy better than what it was in the beginning? Or are you just all equal parts of awesome?

Lindsay: Oh, definitely. As much as I'd like to say I've been epic from the beginning, I have NOT been. Looking back at the photos from ninth grade (which I was so proud of at the time) I can see how much I have learned; looking at photos other photographers (with more experience and talent) have taken, I can see how much I still have to improve! It's inspiring from both sides though, because you can really never stop learning when it comes to art. There are always new challenges and it's fun to explore all the options available.

Me: Are there any particulars you love about photography?

Lindsay: Hmm... EVERYTHING! Haha, just kidding. But there are so many great things about it. I love the power a really good photograph has. That feeling of capturing that perfect moment is indescribable. I love the feel of the camera in my hands, of being excited to make the images in my head into a reality that I can share with others, of setting out for a photoshoot and knowing there is potential to learn and grow from each experience. Photography as an art is just fun and exciting for me. I guess the best way to describe it would be to call it my "creative outlet"; anyone who has a passion for drawing, sculpting, painting, writing (*wink wink*), etc. will know the feeling!

Me: Obviously not everyone can take an epic picture for a book cover (trust me, me and the camera aren’t too keen when it comes to making something look awesome), did you do anything to prepare when working with the models? What suggestions did you make to capture such a significant picture?

Lindsay: Well you and I spent a LOT of time discussing the potential cover and I just wanted to make the picture in your head into something tangible! I tried to take a variety of shots during the time we had so you'd have some choices, and spent some time on different edits to get just the right look. :)

Me: How was it working with the models? I thought they were great. So cooperative! ;-)

Lindsay: The models were fantastic (once they both showed up, haha), yes! Very willing to take direction and put up with my suggestions. I was impressed by their cooperation; it definitely made the session easy and fast, and there was lots of laughter involved thanks to their easy-going attitudes!

Me: Without giving away too much, do you think that this picture will represent the book well? I mean, the picture turned out so amazing. I’m happy with it!

Lindsay: As I said before, we've spent SO much time discussing what you wanted the photo to convey. The trials faced by Livy and Gregory so far have proven their absolute devotion to each other in hard times, and this cover is really meant to reinforce that idea. No matter what life throws at them, they will face it together and draw strength from each other.

Me: Is there anything you do to get yourself ready to photograph? Like is there a moment where you take five minutes to get serious or do you just snap away?

Lindsay: Obviously I have to test the lighting and make adjustments to settings and all that boring technical stuff, but beyond that I just try to picture what I want out of the shoot and then do what it takes to turn that mental image into something everyone can see!

Me: What editing programs do you like using best with your giant camera? What kind of camera do you use?

Lindsay: I have a Canon Rebel XTI currently, which I love, and I generally use Lightroom and/or an Adobe Photoshop program for my editing.

Me: What is the best photography advice you’ve gotten? What advice would you give to others?

Lindsay: Hmm... I think the best advice I've gotten is to take chances, and I'd definitely pass that along to others. Look at things from odd angles, get on the floor, stand on tables, zoom in/out, mess with the colors, try out new settings. Make something ordinary into something extraordinary. Do what hasn't been done and don't try to simply imitate other photographers. All the technical stuff will come with time and practice but creativity is something that should ALWAYS be put into a photo. Take your camera everywhere and take pictures of everything. Then you always have something to do when you're bored! And also... remember to take your lens cap off ;)


Thanks so much for hanging out on the blog today Lindsay! I would post a picture of the two of us on here but considering that most of the pictures we take together are silly ones, I'd rather not. But just know she is awesome and I'm sure more of her work will come to be posted on the covers of my books!

Yay for epic friends with loads of talent!!

Book Review: 'The Secret World of Alaina Downs'

I definitely feel as though I have been blogging so much this month! I usually don't blog this much but I have definitely gotten better at blogging like I promised. I'm actually blogging more than twice a month! Woohoo!

Anyway, today I wanted to review the book The Secret World of Alaina Downs by my author friend Rebecca Reynecki. *Note I am writing this review by my own accord. She did not request this. I just wanted to talk about the awesomeness that this book is!*

So I'm not sure where to begin except that this book is well written and different from what's currently popular. It takes place in third person point of view so the reader has  significant knowledge about other characters. This story has wit, humor, romance, action, fantasy...a little bit of everything! Where do I even start without giving the book away?

In The Secret World of Alaina Downs, Alaina is transported to a mythical world that she imagined when she was a teenager called Isleen. The Queen Astra of Isleen has called Alaina to their world to send her on a quest with the ever handsome knight, Sir Gabriel, to save the ill princess. As for what happens during the quest, you'll have to read and find out!

Rynecki had so much knowledge about medieval times that even I learned a few new things! Obviously she has background knowledge about this time period and offers the reader new insight into what it might have been like to live during that time. Sewage in the street was not the greatest moment in human history. Um hello, plague! Anyway, that aspect was thoroughly intriguing. I mean, Rynecki knew everything about the food, clothing, common speech, and legends and it comes across well in her writing. Even the mythical dragons and other creatures were there which made the story more exciting!

Speaking of action, there were a few great scenes of human vs. mythical creature action here. Gabriel slayed those beasts like nobody's business! It was nice to see that not all fairytale creatures are good. The ogres aren't like the ogres from Shrek, fairies are baby snatchers, and mermaids are just...creeps (so are witches!). The fact that Rynecki utilized these creatures so well made the plot line intriguing and I was like: "What will happen next? Actually, what will attack them next?"

The romance. Man oh man. This is recommended for Mature YA and I am going to recommend it as that too. The romance that blossoms makes for some pretty steamy scenes. But the relationship between the two lead characters grows at a good pace and there are other emotions besides just lust for one another which I appreciated. Makes a good foundation for a realtionship to talk about things and laugh.

Laughing is what I did often actually! There were a few scenes with Alaina and Gabriel that I just burst out loud laughing! Alaina was witty and trying to explain things from the real world to Gabriel and he didn't understand and it got me thinking about how do you explain what electricity is to some whose never seen it? I'm still working on that one. Alaina's explanation was good though! There were many funny scenes I enjoyed. I even went back on my kindle and highlighted my favorite parts but there were so many that I couldn't decide which one I should post. So I decided that you should go and read it for yourself and then you'd know what I'm talking about. Their whole quest together was hilarious. Great character development there too!

All around, this was a great and enjoyable read and I cannot wait until the second one comes out! Great job Rebecca! Now here is the awesome cover for you all to stare at:

Here is the link to purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Rebecca%20Rynecki&ie=UTF8&search-alias=books&sort=relevancerank

Until next time,

-Paulina

'Bad Boys' Are Stupid

So a few nights ago I had a nice chat with some friends about guys who are jerks. It all started when I said: "I don't know why people are worried about the zombie apocalypse when the d-bag apocalypse is already upon us!" Yeah, those were my exact words. Not even kidding. Besides giving everyone a good laugh, everything agreed that this is the sad truth.

Okay, I need have a little disclaimer before I start this blog so everyone is clear about what I'm saying.

DISCLAIMER: We all know that once in awhile girls like a good 'bad boy'. I like FICTIONAL bad boys. Did you read that right? Bad boys are only okay in FICTION. I've read a lot of great books that have bad boys because they make a good story and an interesting romance or what not. Bad boys are redeemable in the FICTIONAL WORLD. I am also NOT saying that every guy is a bad boy or jerk. There are GOOD GUYS in this world. But there also happens to be a lot of jerks in this world too.

Now that we are clear on where I stand with 'bad boys' lets carry on. In REAL life, like the world we all live in, to me (so yes, this is my opinion) bad boys are certifiable assholes. There I said it. I don't like REAL LIFE bad boys. They're stupid. They suck. And like I just so blatantly preached, they're assholes.

What's my reasoning behind this? Why am I posting about this? Because for one, this is my blog and second, I really really really REALLY dislike bad boys! I hate the way they treat people. Look buddy, just because you think you're all that and a bag of chips doesn't mean you are. GET OVER YOURSELF. I've had too many friends date too many of these grade A losers. I do understand that the term 'bad boy' varies from person to person but my version of what a 'bad boy' is, is a guy who thinks he is 'too cool', is rude, degrades others around him, inconsiderate, selfish, demanding, and oh yeah, a jerk.

I get it. I'm the one weirdo girl who doesn't find bad boys attractive. Physically maybe yes depending on their style but personality is WAY more important to me than anything else. Girls like the bad boy thing because, well they all have their different reasons but lets be real. Ladies, you CANT change a person. I don't care what you think, say, or do but you cannot change a person. A person can only find it within themselves to change who they are. You can help guide and give advice but to actually see change, that person needs to decide that himself. So get off this notion that you think you're going to change him into the perfect boyfriend because you're not. Tough love. Unless you're like the one girl in like 7 billion people who accomplished this feat, feel free to let me know.

It was ironic in fact, I came home to visit my dad and this is what literally happened. Word for word. (I repeated the conversation in my head over and over to save it for this post) Last night I was having a nice dinner with my dad when he asked: Why do girls like ‘bad boys’?
Me: Personally, I hate the whole ‘bad boy’ persona. ‘Bad boys’ are idiotic nuisances with bad taste. But I will clarify why some girls like them: they are attracted to the ‘mystery’ and ‘forbidden’ thing and they think they can change him into Mr. Right. They are continually wrong. They can’t change a ‘bad boy’. I mean, ‘bad boys’ treat their girlfriends like shit. It’s happened to too many of my friends.
Dad: Yeah, good guys always seem to come last.
Me: Honestly, I am one of the very few girls who actually LIKES the GOOD GUY. When my friends ask me for my honest advice about the ‘bad boy’ they have taking a liking to, I just tell them the reality: Well, you can’t put flowers in an asshole and call it a vase. So don’t try to change them because they won’t change. Ever.
Dad: *laughs* I love your honesty kiddo. You just say it like it is.
Just another average day in the Ulrich household and then my dad and I watched The Hunger Games and everything in the world was right again.

People may think "Oh you dated a bad boy and got hurt. This is why you feel this way." Well, you're wrong. I'm proud to say I've never dated a bad boy. NEVER. I knew right from wrong and when a guy was just being nice to get what he wanted. Excuse me, I have a backbone to stand up for myself and not be pushed around. Seriously, if you know me personally then you know I don't take shit from anyone. I don't believe in being treated like crap and that's exactly what some bad boys do: treat their girlfriends and other people like crap.

I don't care if he has some sort of troubled past. A lot of people have troubled pasts but that doesn't mean they should act like jerks. There is no excuse for people to treat others poorly. There's a difference between standing up for someone and just making excuses for why they treat you like crap, like a bad boy boyfriend. Yeah those boys are great at treating their girlfriends like crap. I couldn't tell you how many of my friends, despite my warnings to steer clear of them, have come crying back to me. Although I'm a good friend and refrain from saying "I told you so". I'm the friend that straps on my combat boots and marches over to that guy and punch his lights out.

Maybe my whole rant with this is that I should start some sort of woman revolution to empower women to stand up for themselves and be treated well and not like crap. Like I said earlier, this is NOT to say that some of these bad boy types don't come around because I'm sure with age these boys can grow the hell up and get real with life. But there are WAY TOO MANY certified teenage d-bag bad boys. Many of my friends have lost hope because the jerk apocalypse is already here.

But I have hope. Ladies! There are GOOD GUYS out there. Trust me. I know there are but I am not diving into those details on how I know on the internet. The good guys are just hard to find, its like they're hiding out but if you look hard enough and never settle for anything less than what you deserve then you will find him. Really, you will. Sure, it might take time but the good guy is always worth the wait. So let's fight this d-bag apocalypse and stand our ground. Good guys are out there. Have hope!

Wow. This blog was long. I hope that this blog has just made people think. No need to get pissed off or upset in tears if this blog has drastically effected you. I was just stating what I think and my experiences. Bad boys to me belong in fiction where they are awesome and gorgeous and kick ass. But in the real world, it just breaks my heart that so many of my friends and other women settle for these jerks when they know they deserve better. GOOD GUYS EXIST IN THE REAL WORLD. You just have to look a little harder. Well, anyway, I'm going to wrap it here. I hope everyone has a great day!

-Paulina

COVER REVEAL!

Okay okay okay....I am trying to remain calm as I write this but seriously, I am just so excited for everyone to see this! We all know the third novel in the Flightless Bird series is Fair Feathered and I am working super hard on finishing it up and getting it all nice and fancy for you! It will be released in September! I don't know the exact day yet only because my surgery put me behind a few days and I want some leeway if its a day or two sooner or later.

The excitement and support from you guys has been pouring in and it makes me so happy! I am honestly so grateful for your enthusiasm! Fair Feathered will be well worth the wait. I promise. I want this one finished and out to all of you just as much as you want it!

I have to give Adrienne a huge-o thanks for making the cover again! As I'm sure most of you are aware, she's the genius behind all my covers and I love and appreciate her work so much! I am not computer savvy when it comes to designing things so I wouldn't be anywhere really without her talents. THANK YOU ADRIENNE!!

I also want to thank authors Tiffany King and Rebecca Rynecki for tweeting and blogging about my book! Author friends are the best. <3 I love you both and sending you GIANT hugs!!! While everyone is waiting for Flightless Bird you should read their work! I've so kindly provided links to their awesome stuff!

Tiffany King: (Her book Meant to Be is FREE on Amazon still! Download it!) http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Tiffany+king

Rebecca Rynecki: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_14?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=rebecca+rynecki&sprefix=rebecca+ryneck%2Caps%2C268&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Arebecca+rynecki&ajr=0

I know you're reading this and thinking, "Okay woman, when the heck are you just going to reveal the cover?" Well, I am going to do this now. Also, if you keep reading I threw in a teaser from Fair Feathered because I felt like being extra nice. Either that or I am just so freaking excited that I had to put it on here. Now feast your eyes upon....

FAIR FEATHERED

WOOHOO!!!! There it is in all its glory. Now who is ready for September to be here? Alright, onto the teaser!

Livy’s life is now anything but normal. After spending her summer after graduation in hiding, Livy tries to return to normalcy by attending college but nothing goes according to plan. Mistakes are made and secrets are unveiled. Livy had finally accepted the heartache that she can’t have Gregory forever and his new found abilities undermine the time she does have left with him, making the thought of her eventual goodbye even more painful. But with her life still constantly being threatened by the Society of Seven, the vengeful Amelia, and a new enemy, Livy realizes that she can’t keep everyone she loves safe. When she thought she had it all figured out, disaster destroys everything she tried to protect. Now Livy must make perilous decisions between desperately fighting for her life and finally facing her looming death.

And to end this blog on a good note, today is Livy's birthday! That's why today was the special reveal day! Yay! You know you're an author when you celebrate your character's birthdays...

Best,

Paulina



Post Surgery Pains

I definitely meant to blog and post this before I went into surgery but looks like sleep got the best of me. It was finally that time, that very dreaded time when the dentist told me I had have all 4 of my wisdom teeth ripped out of my mouth. Of course the doctor said it a lot nicer than that but that’s how it got construed in my head. Friday came and I walked into that surgery room like I owned the place! I wasn’t scared or worried, I just wanted these darn things out before they made my teeth crooked. I didn’t have braces as a kid for nothing! So they knocked me out and I woke up 45 minutes later with the puffiest face I’ve ever seen. Okay just kidding, I’ve seen puffier but my face hasn’t been this chipmunk like in years. I’ve done a lot of sleeping these days. A LOT. The first 24 hours was the worst and I am so happy I have an awesome mom who dealt with my complaining the past weekend. I’m glad I came home for the surgery because I’m sure my roommate at my place would not have appreciated the constant nag for water or ice packs being strapped to my face. Although my roommate is very sacrificial so I’m sure she would have been kind enough to take care of me.

So a few days later as I still sit in bed I was half expecting to be up on my feet dancing around like the good ole days when I had 4 wisdom teeth. Poor judgment on my part! My mouth still hurts and I would like to take this moment to just briefly complain. I expected pain, I mean who doesn’t after their teeth have been chopped out of your mouth? But after almost a week?! I thought my mouth would perform some sort of miracle and boom! I’d be back to writing and talking, not just mumbling. This has been a slow healing process.

But to add to my happiness, Adrienne was kind enough to pay me a visit and bring me a jamba juice! Considering the fact that I couldn’t swallow any whole food let alone could I still even attempt to crunch on something, bringing me a smoothie was like a gift from the heavens. I love that girl! Then to top it all off, we watched the Hunger Games. That’s right. My awesome mom bought it the day it came out and all of us, Adrienne included, piled up on the couch and settled in for some teenagers-fight-to-the-death action drama. Hunger Games never gets old. Jamba juice+best friend+hunger games=made for a pretty awesome Saturday if you asked me.

Now as I have documented briefly what my past few days have been like, I made an announcement a few days ago over twitter that I wasn’t doing so great and I had to put off writing. Well, it’s true. I would try to write but felt so lightheaded and nauseated that I couldn’t sit up and when I did…well I barely made it to the bathroom in time. Gross I know but it’s a part of life. I was so scared of possibly upchucking on my computer that I decided to call it safe and take a break from writing which has put me behind a few days on Fair Feathered. Surprisingly today though, I feel much better clearly as to why I’m blogging. I managed to send one chapter to my editor until I couldn’t work anymore but hopefully today will be different and I can get back on track and finish writing some more. Although my stomach is crying out for food, whole food and not applesauce and smooothies like I have been eating all week. But I cant chew food without crying like a wimp so I guess the hunger pains will just have to chill out for another day until I can actually eat something sustainable and without throwing it up all over the place. Oh the joys of getting older.

Although this blog hadn’t had much to do with anything I just thought I would update you on all my current conditions. I should be back to busting my fingers off for Fair Feathered within the next few days to make up for everything I couldn’t work on while being stuffed under a comforter of blankets.

BUT BEFORE I GO I have a very important reminder! No matter if I am still ill on Friday, I am still having the FAIR FEATHERED COVER REVEAL!!!! Yep, right here on this blog the cover of Fair Feathered will finally be seen! And you know what? I’m even adding a teaser in there for everyone to enjoy! The wait until September is almost here and then everyone can read Fair Feathered! This cover is amazing. I know I always say that about my covers but what Adrienne has done this time has seriously just amped up how awesome she is.

Important reminders: THIS FRIDAY FAIR FEATHERED COVER REVEAL. Not to mention the 24th of August just happens to be Livy’s birthday so if you wanna celebrate, then you will be on my blog checking out that cover just for her! If I could put this thing in flashing lights I would but I think bold, italicized, and underlined will have to do for now.

Best,

Paulina

Under Construction

I have made a decision...my blog isn't epic enough for me anymore so I am sending it under construction! My blog will still be around to read but I am going to be making some awesome changes to the layout and design. It's looked this way for awhile but I think its now time to make some changes. This all might be stemming from my current remodel of my dad's kitchen. I came back to my hometown to help my dad re-do his house which has been a HUGE undertaking but his house is looking a whole lot better than it did. (His house was built like 50 years ago and he just moved into it so it needs some assistance of looking better.) One room at a time and this house will be looking like its brand new!

Not to mention that while I was cleaning a GIANT spider crawled out from a corner and by GIANT I mean HUGE. This thing was about to attack me! I'm usually not one to fret over SMALL spiders but this one was the size of a penny! Yeah a penny is small but in spider terms, a penny is huge in size. I was thanking my lucky stars I had the vacuum hose with me because I sucked up that spider before it could crawl over and bite me! Well, in assumption that it's whole intent was to bite me. I don't like giant spiders. No thank you.

In light of all of this, I want to get some hype going for Fair Feathered and my new series that I am going to release! I am getting prepped to release a teaser from my new series which in my head, is going to be freaking awesome. But before that gets underway, I am going to do a COVER REVEAL of Fair Feathered soon! Adrienne is doing amazing feats as usual with the covers and I can't wait to share it all with you! Then hopefully I'll release another teaser from Fair Feathered for everyone. Let's spread the word! Fair Feathered is underway and ready to be read! Well almost...the first half is with my editor after I went to the copy store and had an adventure making a copy for her to write on and correct my errors. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE!!! I hope you all are too. :)

To end this blog, I am on Twitter @PaulinaUlrich and you should follow me! I have become accustomed to the ways of Twitter (finally!) and not to mention that there are a lot of other great authors on there too!

Until next time!

-Paulina