Meet Charity Bradford!

Today on the blog, I'm very happy to be hosting Charity Bradford during her February blog tour.  In addition to discussing her very awesome debut, she'll also be talking about why she gives back to a cool critique blog called Unicorn Bell. 

But, first, a little taste about Charity's debut The Magic Wakes. It debuts this month and I'm sure she'll sell a gazillion books because the book synopsis and clever world-building sound super intriguing:

Talia has a secret, one that will save her world and yet rip it apart. Only she can decide if the price is worth it.

Scientist Talia Zaryn has always had visions of an alien invasion and of her own death. She’s kept it a secret, hoping they are nothing more than childish nightmares. But when her face in the mirror matches that of her dreams, she fears the dreams are prophetic. Talia must prove that life exists beyond their planet, Sendek; perhaps then people will prepare to fight.

Talia’s work at the Space Exploration Foundation leaves no time for personal relationships, but Major Landry Sutton isn’t looking for a friend. He’s looking for a traitor. His ability to sense emotions convinces him Talia is that traitor until a touch sizzles between them. In an instant their minds are connected and they can communicate telepathically. Just as the two begin to trust each other, the invading force arrives.

Talia and Landry must uncover the secrets of Sendek’s past if they hope to defeat these terrifying creatures. And Talia is the key—if only she can learn to trust the magic coursing through her veins.

*******
Today Charity is going to talk a little bit about why she chooses to give back via Unicorn Bell.  Take it away, Charity...

The easy answer to that question is because Carol, AKA Huntress asked me to co-host with her. However, I know that isn’t what you came by to hear.

Back in March or April of 2011, Huntress told me she had an idea for a critique blog. Both of us had spent our time wandering the blogosphere visiting the big critique blogs. As helpful as they could be, most of them were so large that it was easy to get lost. And they had started attracting an uglier set of commentators.

Huntress had a plan for us to do something similar. We would discuss all things writing and provide honest critiques for all serious writers.

The idea sounded wonderful to me. I found that I really enjoyed helping others “see” their work. You know, really see it. My method of critiquing is to ask questions. More a train of thought dialogue as I read so the author can get an idea of how the reader is receiving their story. Am I asking the right questions? This is also how I love for my beta readers to mark up my stories.

But why even bother?

There are so many answers to that question.

·         I’m a people person.

·         I thrive on helping others.

·         So many people helped me it would be wrong not to try and help others.

·         By helping I become a better writer.

·         It’s fulfilling.

Last August I got a chance to do something I’ve always (well maybe not always) wanted to do. I got to help organize this great event to help writers get their novels in front of publishers. It was so much work, but SO much fun too! I found I really enjoyed organizing and working with our wonderful guest judges. Everyone at UB pitched in and we had a week of workshops on how to write a query followed by a week of query critiques. We wrapped up a great event with a week where our guest submission editors judged the queries and gave valuable feedback. We even had one person sign with one of these publishers!

It was such a great success that we are going to do it every August and call it QueryCon. So here’s your notice! Get that story finished, revised, critiqued, edited and polished so you can participate in that final query judged week. Everyone is invited to participate in the first two weeks regardless of where you are in the process.

Until then, feel free to stop in and check out UB. There are 7 of us now, and every one of these ladies are fantastic! We each bring our own flair and expertise to the blog, so chances are you WILL find something that will help you.

Legend has it that an unselfish wish made on the horn of a unicorn will come true. Our wish at Unicorn Bell is to help and support the writing community as we go through the crucible of fire together.

Charity Bradford has been a voracious reader ever since her 5th grade teacher introduced her to the world of books with Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. She’s the mother of four kids that keep her on her toes, constantly reminding her that imagination still makes the world go round. She lives in Arkansas with her hubby and children, and firmly believes that a smile can solve most problems. The Magic Wakes is her first novel.

Add it to your Goodreads!