When We Collide Blog Tour: guest post, review & giveaway

Romantic Thriller with Supernatural Twist

When We Collide by A. L. Jackson

Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing (11/2/12)

Purchase: Amazon

From the bestselling author of Pulled and Take This Regret comes a gripping new tale of loss and love.

In a moment that will change his life forever, William comes face to face with the girl who, with one look, captured his heart. He is unable to ignore the buried desires and the hope for the future they’d once believed they’d have.

Now William is ready to fight to take back what had been stolen from him six years before.

But he never imagined what that fight might cost him.

A.L. Jackson gives you an intimate look into the lives of a family bound by an unseen connection in this romantic thriller with a supernatural twist.

Guest Post
How to Avoid the Slush Pile

Hi everyone. I’m A. L. Jackson, author of Pulled and Take This Regret, and I’m excited to share with you all today my tips on avoiding the slush pile. As an author and the co-owner of a small publishing house, I know submitting a manuscript can be one of the most nerve-racking steps we ever take as authors. We sit in front of our computers biting our nails, refreshing our email hour after hour, waiting to hear something back.

All the while, our submissions are sitting on someone’s desk waiting to be reviewed.

So how do you keep your manuscript from hitting the slush pile once someone does look it?

First, be sure you follow the publisher or agent’s submission guidelines to a tee. If you miss something or ignore instructions, your manuscript will most likely be rejected before the editor or agent even reads the first line. Be sure that you don’t come across as someone who doesn’t know how to follow instructions or someone who just doesn’t care about them. Both are red flags.

Second and most important in my opinion is ensuring your book immediately hooks the reader. The writing should be strong and raise questions that make the reader want to continue on to get those answers. Don’t start with backstory on your main character or over-describe the setting. Get right into the conflict and then weave those other details in later. Be sure the first few pages are both clear and interesting. The reader should be intrigued, but not confused, and most definitely should not be bored.

Be sure the portion you’re submitting has been carefully proofed and is formatted correctly (again check for submission guidelines to find out if a specific format is requested). Taking these small steps show you’re serious about your submission and are committed to your writing. If an editor is spending more time noticing typos or wonky formatting, it will distract from your writing.

Take the time to ensure your submission stands out from the masses. These three points above can mean the difference between opening an email with a rejection letter or one asking to see your full manuscript.

Wishing you all luck with your writing endeavors! 

About the Author:

A.L. Jackson

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Publisher Author Site

A.L. Jackson first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three beautiful children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.

REVIEW: 

I know when I begin reading a novel by A.L. Jackson, I prepare myself accordingly: a block of "me" time, a quiet place to read, and a box of tissues. I may have had some issues with her other book, Pulled (I still liked it), but I cannot deny this author can write and she does so--with tremendous heart. Her characters exude intense feelings, their emotions drip off the pages, gripping the reader and touching us in such powerful ways. When We Collide is about William and Maggie, and is told through their points-of-view. With dual pov's our reading experience is fuller, understanding both characters completely. I do find the jumps from present to memories a bit jarring at times, and yet, I do grow accustomed to it because I got wrapped up in the tremulous story of two people who need to be together. Powerful, gripping, and unforgettable, read When We Collide and let it touch you. 

Rating: 4

The remaining tour stops:

November 25 - Simple Books 

November 26 - Book Nerd 

November 27 - Some Like it Paranormal 

November 28 - Gothic Angel Book Reviews 

November 29 - Beth Art From the Heart 

November 30 - S.I.K. Book Reviews 

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