tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post8692452997227607708..comments2023-10-26T03:16:22.548-07:00Comments on PC's Blog: Advice for Aspiring AuthorsPC Casthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18445701723999919409noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-85646461131334991682015-03-20T21:04:12.402-07:002015-03-20T21:04:12.402-07:00Hi PC Cast, I need some advice, right now i'm ...Hi PC Cast, I need some advice, right now i'm trying to write a story about vampires, war, mythical creatures and such. I've been planning on writing this since i was in 6th grade but 3 years ago i lost all my notes since someone stole my backpack with all of it in there. i've been devastated ever since. i still want to write the story i want to write but now, i really don't know where to start and i want to make sure i write it all this time. i wrote 5 chapters so far but it doesn't seem right to me and i can't find the joy in writing it anymore. i want to know how i should write a plot outline, and what i all need to write in a story about vampires, war, mythical creatures, and adventure that my protagonist is going to be heading. i actually was going to give up on writing which i decided several months ago and gave up on the story i was going to write, but now i realized i can't because it keeps popping up in the back of my mind and i need to do something about it with this story. can you please reply back as soon as you see this? otherwise you can also reply to me at my email which is batistemajesty@gmail.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07697661477706622521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-43719671679818450582014-11-12T18:30:02.336-08:002014-11-12T18:30:02.336-08:00I really liked this post, especially the part abou...I really liked this post, especially the part about being thick skinned. My editor finally said the latest revision of my query letter "nailed it", which was an amazing high. Countless drafts and edits, revising and tossing away and I finally had it. The funny thing? The first rejection was almost as exciting because that meant I was one step closer. I'm still waiting for my happy ending, but love what you wrote about KARMA. Please let me know if you ever attend any networking or writer's conferences, I would be very interested in hearing you speak.SL Pennedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06970617187556814054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-75580883448540319002014-11-08T15:41:54.690-08:002014-11-08T15:41:54.690-08:00hello ms.Cast. i'm Thatyana Fernandes, 20 year...hello ms.Cast. i'm Thatyana Fernandes, 20 years old and live in rio de janeiro brazil. just passed by to say i really love house of night ( can't wait to read the last one. i bought it in english because i can't wait to see it published in portuguese here. n.n) <br />and i wanted to know if you have any suggestion on books for research.i'm trying to write a book right now but can't find any books that can help me (mithology, wicca legends...) and other question: how did you found the cherokee words, i can't find them anywhere.<br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02446314962938334725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-75178399474632292402014-05-22T11:14:44.202-07:002014-05-22T11:14:44.202-07:00P.C. Cast, I am Majesty Batiste. I'm graduatin...P.C. Cast, I am Majesty Batiste. I'm graduating from high school next month in June. I had a lot of questions since I'm close to graduating and just want to start on my stories I've been writing for years. I was wondering what is hard about being an author/novelist? What is a good company to go through? Do you have to have a college degree to be an author? I want to go to college just not right away. I want to work on my stories. What is frustrating about working through a company? I want to write novels and that's all I want to do. And thank you soooo much for answering my questions and for actually reading them. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-75009149367283831752013-04-27T04:09:19.553-07:002013-04-27T04:09:19.553-07:00Hi, Ms. Cast! I recently read in your biography th...Hi, Ms. Cast! I recently read in your biography that you were once in the USAF. What was your occupation while serving? I'm heavily considering joining but I have some typical issues, i.e. boyfriend's already going in and I'm a bit worried we would get stationed far away from each other,I'm scared I'll lose my individuality, and my number one fear is entrapment, and commitments are one heck of an entrapment. I'm scared of being a puppet. Can you give me any advice? Thank you for your time. Blessed be )O(Kaitlynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09178449818730410183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-22286720339408491052013-04-12T12:11:53.207-07:002013-04-12T12:11:53.207-07:00Kayla, I did have to pay for and receive permissio...Kayla, I did have to pay for and receive permission from the lyricist who holds the copyright for Defying Gravity. Copyright isn't ambiguous. There are strict guidelines about how many lines you can quote without getting written permission from the copyright holder. Educating yourself about copyright is part of being an author.<br /><br />Best of luck,<br />PC PC Casthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445701723999919409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-82270125644416125122013-04-12T10:46:36.194-07:002013-04-12T10:46:36.194-07:00Dear PC,
I am an aspiring author also and I was r...Dear PC,<br /><br />I am an aspiring author also and I was really pleased with this advice! Thank you very much for taking time to post this blog.<br />Also I have a question: I was a scene the other day that reminded me of a line from a song that I knew. I added it in only to realise that there were probably copyright laws that prevented me from doing this. That's when I remembered that in DESTINED (very sad by the way - made me cry when Jack died!) there was a scene when you wrote a whole bunch of lyrics to a song from Glee. Did you have to acquire permission to write that into your book or am I worrying about nothing? Sorry, copyrighting is very hard for me to understand since it's quite ambiguous. Thank you in advance.<br /><br />- KaylaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16648683293525019706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-5140097109208506692013-04-04T00:31:15.026-07:002013-04-04T00:31:15.026-07:00Jake - sure, if you can manage it. I've never...Jake - sure, if you can manage it. I've never been able to, but I can go through the rewrite/edit process on a manuscript I've completed while I'm beginning another, but I'm used to the rewrite process and comfortable with it. PC Casthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445701723999919409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-63711542856129893482013-04-01T12:14:47.470-07:002013-04-01T12:14:47.470-07:00Is it wise to work on more than one book at a time...Is it wise to work on more than one book at a time?jacobtevanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02298841703859679860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-63387788274509362562013-03-22T11:32:17.448-07:002013-03-22T11:32:17.448-07:00Kaitlyn - 1)my first book was published in 2001. ...Kaitlyn - 1)my first book was published in 2001. Its title was GODDESS BY MISTAKE. 2)I try to write the book I'd most want to read every time I write, and because I think stories with love and passion are more interesting, I include both in my books. I don't worry about "families" reading them. I expect each family and each person to choose their reading according to their own beliefs. My job is to tell the stories - not to police the reading of the stories.PC Casthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445701723999919409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-64042593739948917422013-03-22T07:33:45.008-07:002013-03-22T07:33:45.008-07:00Hello, Ms. Cast! I've been a long time fan of ...Hello, Ms. Cast! I've been a long time fan of your work, and have to inquire a couple questions. 1) At what age did you publish your first book, and what was the title? 2) I noticed that your books tend to be adorned with plenty of romance. I'm wondering how you are capable of writing romance in your novels knowing that anyone could read them, (including family!)<br /> Thank you so much for putting your time and creativity into these beautiful novels. They are truly divine!Kaitlynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09178449818730410183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-11413447532651039782013-01-22T05:22:00.642-08:002013-01-22T05:22:00.642-08:00Dear Ms. Cast,
I have just finished reading Hidde...Dear Ms. Cast,<br /><br />I have just finished reading Hidden and Iwould like to say Wow! Can't wait fot the next 2 books! Thanks for the wonderful escape from reality you have provided for your readers and especially for myself. I was diagnosed with extreme Fibromyalgia in August of 2011 and have been bedridden forlong periods of time in which I came across your books on my Kindle. They have been a wonderful way for me to get away and escape from the pain and frustration this disease brings. Plus they have given me strength and passion to regain my life in a new way rather than to give into the suffering I face daily, so for this I want to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you!! <br /><br />When I was in high school, I began writting a novel which helped me win a scholarship for college. This was back in 1997. I wanted to be an author. As life began to move quickly for me, I found myself lost, quit colloge, met and married my wonderful husband then gave birth to two hansome sons. My youngest was diagnosed with autism about 6 years ago.Although I didn't finish college, I never stopped writing. I'm reminded of a quote I heard on the movie Throw Momma From The Train which Billy Crystal states, "A writer writes, always!" Since the sad day I left college and through my years as a wife, mother, daughter and friend, I have stacks of spiral bound notebooks of stories, poems and ideas for books. I never really givem much thought about becoming an author. I don't write to try to be a famous author, I write because my soul and spirit guide my words as a release of emotion. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, I have "words on the brain" as my husband would lovingly joke about it. Recently, I had a dream that has changed my attitude about my writings. My grandmother came to me in this dream and showed me a book with empty pages. She told me the book will remain empty till I returned to college and finish what I started. She said, you are a writer, so write! Since then, I have, for the first time in 13 years, stepped foot on the local college campus, enrolled in courses and am moving forward in my life's destiny, to be a writer. It does not matter to me if I come into fame from my works. What matters most to me is that I'm doing what my heart and dreams desire and that is to learn the craft and go forward with my life, loving what I do. I feel now that it is better to try and possibly fail than to not try and always wonder, what if? Not to say I'm going to quit my job and only write, but at least I can better my skills and move forward not looking back with regret. I have your works for helping me be strong and light the dormant fire within, and my grandmother for confirming that I must do what my heart longs to do. <br /><br />I wanted to thank you for this blog post, for the wonderful and honest advice you gave plus the book references you noted we should read on the subject. I will be thinking of your wise advice as I go forth in my journey and as I look forward to the final books to the HoN series.<br /><br />Once again and always, THANK YOU!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Maria BanuelosAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09111604848290377502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-38545439826717408862013-01-19T11:29:09.373-08:002013-01-19T11:29:09.373-08:00Sophie - As I said in the post, I don't read u...Sophie - As I said in the post, I don't read unpublished work. So, no, because 1) I need to focus my energy on my writing, and 2) my opinion can't get you (or anyone) published.<br /><br />Luci - Whether you meet more High Council members or not depends upon how the plot develops in the last two books. And right now I'm focusing on finishing the series so I'm not thinking about companion books at this time. Maybe in the future...PC Casthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445701723999919409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-68197479947337711432013-01-19T09:16:36.890-08:002013-01-19T09:16:36.890-08:00Hi, PC
Luci again. Sorry for asking a lot, but Jen...Hi, PC<br />Luci again. Sorry for asking a lot, but Jenny and I were discussing the Fledgling Handbook 101 last night, and we were wondering if you were going to create a Fledgling Handbook 201, 301 and 401 and possibly a professor's handbook or high priestess handbook?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02491036379727598484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-71060559279677110832013-01-17T08:00:52.841-08:002013-01-17T08:00:52.841-08:00Hi, I'm Luci, and my best friend Jenny and I a...Hi, I'm Luci, and my best friend Jenny and I are absolutely in love with the House of Night series. We found interest that you revealed a third council member in Hidden, Alitheia. We were wondering if there was any chance of the other four members of the high council being revealed in the next two books or not?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02491036379727598484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-87893959056439107922013-01-09T08:48:30.049-08:002013-01-09T08:48:30.049-08:00Hi P.C,
Thanks for writing House of Night with Kr...Hi P.C,<br /><br />Thanks for writing House of Night with Kristen, because they really helped me start writing and I love them!<br /><br />I don't really understand, would you or would you not read a six page long story that I have written?<br />I am very proud of it and it would be such a honor if you would give me your opinion on it!<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Sophie SmedegaardSophie Styleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03039542732767314219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-46412079276961906262013-01-08T19:07:23.533-08:002013-01-08T19:07:23.533-08:00Dear PC
I've finally published my first book!...Dear PC<br /><br />I've finally published my first book! Some people who have read it have compard my writing style to yours, which I consider a great honor. I would be even more honored if you would read it, I know you said you only read published works. It can be purchased/downloaded here: <br />http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/sons_of_pan<br />Thanks in advance!silvermoonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04881525306182795834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-55284004184509167302012-12-19T20:56:59.226-08:002012-12-19T20:56:59.226-08:00Myrana - if you have trouble coming up with plots ...Myrana - if you have trouble coming up with plots and can't remember what you're writing it sounds like being an author is not a viable career choice for you.<br /><br />Lindsey - there is no "normal" for writers or teenagers. You may want to reread my advice about showing your work to people outside the publishing business, though.<br /><br />Josh D. - yes, that was foreshadowing.<br /><br />Ria - my best advice to you is to master your structural writing basics: grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. (It's past tense, not passed.) Your story won't be heard if your writing skills are weak, no matter in what tense you write. And as I explained in the post - I don't read unpublished work.<br /><br />Kaite - writing IS rewriting. PC Casthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18445701723999919409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-5204468935525221972012-12-19T16:48:53.929-08:002012-12-19T16:48:53.929-08:00Dear P.C,
I have been writing the same book for 4...Dear P.C, <br />I have been writing the same book for 4 years (taking so long because of school work.) I have been keeping a journal close at hand in case inspiration strikes while im on the go. I have tried to type out my book many times to have a manuscript on file but every time I type it I change what I had because it sounds bad, but at first it sounds like its the most amazing thing to write. Is this normal to change what already sounded good?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09126677535879046184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-40791544478311211922012-12-15T10:35:38.732-08:002012-12-15T10:35:38.732-08:00Hey PC!
I've been reading your post for a whi...Hey PC! <br />I've been reading your post for a while now. I'm one of the fans you fell in love with HoN with the first word. I recently took up my free time to write a novel because one of my goals is to write one before I turn 18. I was wondering how did you do first person passed tense so perfectly? I'm writing that way because, well, it's a habit because I'm obsessed with passed tense, but do you have any tips or anyway you could look over a excerpt from my novel? Thanks.<br />-Waiting to get my mark, Ria.DaBatzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09908477556093232638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-24549498620812726682012-12-12T10:08:26.098-08:002012-12-12T10:08:26.098-08:00Dear P.C. and Kristen Cast
I know you are probabl...Dear P.C. and Kristen Cast<br /><br />I know you are probably busy, and needed a break after your overseas tours, but I was wondering if you might be able to answer my questions on foreshadowing in Hidden. I know my questions are based on that book's use of foreshadowing, but the answers could be helpful as a general idea to consider as an author, as well.<br /><br />I see my questions could also have been overlooked as it seems only 200 comments appear on the original post and the others only appear when you click on the comment button and then click on newer.<br /><br />Either way, thanks in advance.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Josh Dyerjdyerjdyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06961820019775321256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-78129922062073987792012-12-05T04:14:10.220-08:002012-12-05T04:14:10.220-08:00Dear P.C. and Kristen Cast,
I have to know. As I ...Dear P.C. and Kristen Cast,<br /><br />I have to know. As I was reading the latest book, Hidden, I dismissed it initially as a quirk (or semi-common behavioral oddity) when Shaylin said she sensed that it was going to rain. But my mind was blown later in the book. Was that intentional? Was it thought of when you were starting the book, or was it added as a foreshadowing device later on? Either way, it was amazing, and I must say, I love the series!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Josh Dyerjdyerjdyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06961820019775321256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-45631456536630169992012-12-02T08:07:38.566-08:002012-12-02T08:07:38.566-08:00i love u!! I'm from Brazil, already read all t...i love u!! I'm from Brazil, already read all the books, hidden but not yet released<br />I will always admire you!<br />(não é uma pergunta mas eu só queria que você lesse porque sou muito sua fã!)<br />kisses Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16067228977305824796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-44896075931923186592012-11-29T20:27:50.232-08:002012-11-29T20:27:50.232-08:00Okay P.C. I have a question. As a thirteen year ol...Okay P.C. I have a question. As a thirteen year old writer I write on MANY different topics, some of which people think are way to mature for me. Because I find dark and dramatic things interesting. Such as murder, rape, drugs, self-harm, disorders, suicide. It's what comes naturally. You should understand when I say that when I'm writing I don't think about it, I practically go off in a daze and my fingers continue to write as I envision in my head what is happening. Is this normal? Because I show all of my friends my work and they think I'm depressed and suicidal when I'm quite the opposite. It just...fascinates me I guess. I really don't know how to explain it...Lindseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02391091685904514566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12075193.post-8671617182474826062012-11-26T00:32:24.133-08:002012-11-26T00:32:24.133-08:00I am thirteen and I have loved your books for two ...I am thirteen and I have loved your books for two years now since I was in history and looked over at my friends desk and said "What's that?" I've written for three years and it's always been for fun, but I want to be a famous singer when I grow up, I make my family read my stories and they tell me I could also be a novelist as a back-up plan. I've written many stories, poems, songs, started books, and fanfictions, The longest I wrote was as 100+ page book I was planning to send out, but it got deleted and I couldn't rewrite it, and right now I'm writing a One Direction fanfiction that is 88 pages long exactly, and it's not even half-way finished. Your advice gives me hope that if I'm not famous that I can be a writer, because I honestly love writing.Lindseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02391091685904514566noreply@blogger.com