Sara Alva

Hahahahahaha so true! I'm guilty of this

LOL. For me, it was the looping that was an issue. I was picking up on the same conversations, the same dude laughing...felt like I was in the matrix.

This is basically a repost from my author blog, but I thought some of the writers here might find it interesting. We all know (or learn from TV) that going to a coffee shop to write is “something writers do.” I thought it was mainly about getting out of the house--some people can start to go batty when they’re cooped up all day (not me; I’m a hermit). There’s also the people-watching benefit, but that’s probably best in a planning stage rather than a drafting stage. Well, turns out, there may be more to it. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research shows that a moderate level of noise is better for creativity than low/no noise (or loud noise, of course). So it could be that all the clinking machines and murmuring voices in a coffee shop reach that perfect decibel level (70 Db, according to the study) to enable you to churn out a literary masterpiece (or an entertaining read– both are good in my book ). But I like to write in my pajamas, so I’m not sure about going the Starbucks route. Luckily for me, now there's Coffitivity, a website where I can listen to the noise of a coffee shop from the comfort of my own home. They even suggest the balance you should shoot for between your music and the “ambient noise.” I don’t listen to music when I write because I can’t do that passively, so I'm giving the noise alone a try. ---- The only thing I would ETA is that the 10 minute loop is not long enough for me

Yeah, I posted this in the lounge a while back. But it's awesome, so it deserves another look. Here's the music video:

Aw, thanks!

Lots of stuff to think about with a move! I think I was at a different, less grown-up place in my life when I moved cross country. I just shoved everything in my ford Focus and headed west. Of course, I left a ton of stuff at my parent's house. And no matter how many times I tell my mother to just get rid of it, she still calls to complain that I need to go home and sort through it. Good luck finishing up the school year and preparing for the move!

If Austin is testifying in a courtroom, why does it have to be a flashback? Couldn't he just give his testimony, and reflect on moments from the past as he's doing so?

Where in Cali? Go without him!

I didn't want to post this in the lounge because it might be seen as political. But really, this is all about the cutes. Watch from 15:14 to 18:00. Originally found at: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/ridiculously-cute-kids-hijack-their-ridiculously-cute-dads-s Also, I realized my last blog entry was all depress-y sounding. Things are much better now. I've been rehired, I like my school, I published Social Skills, I posted two short stories this (school) year, I got to participate in a NOH8 photo shoot, and I have another novel coming out in a few months. As a self-pubber I had (read: was forced by friends, kicking and screaming) to dip a toe into all that social media stuff, so if you're so inclined, here are the places you can find me: Website: www.SaraAlva.com Facebook: Personal-www.facebook.com/SaraAlva.bythesea Author- www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Alva/408418219242510 Twitter: @SaraAlvaStories I'm still getting the hang of all that, so don't expect too much earth-shattering content.

I once beta'ed a novel that had a mid-book flashback. It explained character motiviation, and essentially everything else that was going on (there was a mystery/crime aspect in the novel). Although it was well-written and contained information that made me go "ohhh, so that's why X did Y!"...I ended up telling him to cut it all. For me, it just killed the flow. It explained everything too neatly. I wanted the uncertainty back...the ability to continue to figure things out as little snippets and clues were presented. He ended up following my advice, and as it turned out, readers didn't seem to "miss" all the info that the flashback had presented (of course, they never knew it existed). Your situation might be different, though. Who are the characters giving their accounts to? (Or to whom are the characters giving their accounts...but that sounds stuffy )

Just wanted to share this awesome cover image made for me by Madison Parker (she has a really cute short story about high school crushes available on Amazon and Smashwords).

Well, I didn't really make a formal announcement, but it's available now Cover art by Dani Alexander (who also happens to be an amazing author).

Thanks for sharing I try to be pretty conscious when I beta about not presenting rules as RULES, and instead more like my preferences/guidelines. Could be the anthro major in me-- nothing's ever black and white But I do think it's a good idea to gain some familiarity with the "rules" you break as a writer, so you're ready to defend your choices if asked.

Well, we didn't actually speak. It's um, a 'creative' interview

I'm not from California I just happen to live here now. Lots of thanks to GA for being such a welcoming place The whole community is in my acknowledgements section

Thanks. Yes, yes, this is cuteness to the extreme Glad you enjoyed it!

Glad you enjoyed it! This is pretty darn sugary for me, written while I was grappling w/ a much darker-themed novel. But we all need some sweet breaks now and then

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. Wishing him all the strength he needs to beat this. Please let me know if you need any help with the self-publishing. I've spent the past year tripping my way through the process and I'd be happy to share anything I've learned.

thanks. (believe or not, there are kernels of truth in this story )

Aww so sweet. And complete! (I'm making a poem here). Happy to be reading again and I picked such a nice story to start with. Love the premise-- it's close to my heart as hubby and I *may* have met in a similar fashion

The all-important 21! Hope you enjoy your day!

Was wondering if I could get a couple volunteers with kindles (or kindle apps) who'd like to do a final read-through. Send me a pm if interested.

Well I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Connor and I have some things in common, so I understand about the shyness My next novel should be out on Amazon in a few months, and I'm also planning to write a short for GA's summer anthol. Thanks for dropping by to leave a comment!

Love it. I can't remember when the descent started...but I'm pretty sure it was better when they still had the letter I in their name.

Glad my experiences could be of some help!