To Epilogue or Not to Epilogue?

Is that even a questions?

Yes I am seriously talking about whether or not authors should use epilogues in their books.

As a reader I mostly love them. Ok, more than mostly. 99.9% of the time I love them. There have been very few epilogues that I have not liked.

To me they are similar to a sneak peek into the future. Whether it be the near or distant future. A way for the reader to glimpse what happened after the story ended.

Do I think every book needs one? Nope.

But as an author, especially as one that likes to abruptly end books, I like to throw in an epilogue for the readers to help give them some glimmer of hope for the future that it is to come.

If you have read Guided, then you know that I ended the book with a huge cliffhanger. Of course you also know that the epilogue didn't exactly give you much hope for the future, but it gave you enough to keep you going... well I hope it did.

So here's my dilemma... I have now finished Deceived and it is almost ready to be released into the world. Yes, it is very exciting, and no I can't wait for you all to read it, but I have been thinking a lot about epilogues lately and whether or not I should include one in book 2.

Part of me feels that I should. To give the readers something because naturally Deceived ends, well, you are just going to have to wait and see how it ends. I can tell you that it is not as bad as the ending in Guided, so put those pitchforks away. But it is enough to beg the question, To Epilogue or Not to Epilogue?

But then there is a part of me, the evil author part, that doesn't want to write an epilogue and make you all suffer! Ha, just kidding. Ok, so maybe there is a little truth in that.

The real truth is that I'm not exactly sure which epilogue to give you. What would satisfy you all as readers, satisfy me as an author, and what would be the perfect lead into book 3.

For all those wondering, I have written an epilogue. I just haven't finalized it or decided whether or not I am going to use it.

Of course the other problem with all this is the fact that I'm not quite sure how book 3 is going to start. And I like to start my next book right where the last one left off, so that does put a certain damper on things.

So what do you think? Do you like epilogues? Why or why not? Please help me out here, because I am very close to laughing evilly while I watch you all suffer through my next book without an epilogue.

Deceived Blurb Reveal

*wipes off dust* Wow, I guess it has been a while since I've been on here. Sorry, I have been working on getting Deceived done for you and it is honestly getting there. It is now in the hands of betas. Now I patiently (who am I kidding, I'm dying in agony) for response from the betas. Once they are done I can make some final changes and then hopefully hit publish!! *dances*

But that's not all the good news, oh no, Deceived now has a blurb! That's right, you can finally get a little insight into book 2. Here you go, my present for you....

Deceived (The Jade Ring Series book 2) Blurb~

Life is fleeting. No one knows this better than Jasper.


After failing his mission, Jasper puts his trust in an unseen source in order to reverse the magic that's been done.


Unfortunately, magic of that magnitude has consequences. Only time will tell what those are, and what they could mean for magic... as well as Jasper's heart.

*****

The cover is coming soon promise. I can tell you that it is going to be awesome! 

Now I will just leave this right here and quietly sneak away.

Taste of the Inside: Sneaking between the Pages #6

Guess what??? It's Friday! *dances* This is the best news I've heard all week. I don't know about anyone else, but this has been the week from hell and the week that wouldn't end all in one.

I believe this image sums it up perfectly...

And since it has been such a long week, I missed my Tuesday tease. I know, I'm shameful. But I do have a Friday surprise for you... a brand new teaser. And do you know what else???? I am going to finish this book soon... I am now over 60% of the way through and everything from here on out is going to move fast. Action. Action. Action. I can't wait for you all to read it. To hold you over here is a little diddy.

The following teaser has not been edited and may change during editing. 

Copyright © Danielle Young 2015

I removed my blindfold, my eyes adjusting to the soft lighting, and was shocked to see the beauty that surrounded me. I don’t know what I expected, but I definitely didn’t expect luxury. The room was a perfect balance of black and white. The white walls complemented by splashes of black fabric on the bed and chair, while the wood floors brought warmth to the room. If I was in any other situation I would have been jumping on the bed by now, but this was definitely not the place. I did run my hand over the soft black fabric. I had no idea what it was, but it made me want to pet it.

Directly across from where I was sitting on the bed was the door. The only way out. It mocked me. But no matter how much I wanted out I knew that this was my home now. It was time to adjust. I got off the four post bed and decided to explore what was now my home. The layout of the room was simple. It had an overstuffed chair with ottoman, a dresser—although I didn’t have any clothes—bookshelves complete with books, and a closet camouflaged as a bathroom.

That was it. No TV, no phone. No connection to the outside world. This was my entire world. Guess I was going to catch up on my reading.

And there you have it... any guesses on what's happening??? I love to talk plot. Hit me up with comments.

Until next time... Guess it's back to adulting (I know it's not a word). 

Taste of the Inside: Sneaking between the Pages #5

Wow, I can't believe it's Tuesday already! Where exactly did the week go? I suppose you want a teaser huh????

I guess I can give you one. After all I do call this little diddy, sneaking between the pages. And what's a better way to sneak between the pages then with a teaser? On with it then.

Please remember that all teasers posted are in their first draft form and may change. They are also unedited. Thanks for reading :) You all rock my world.

This one is for all you Mickey fans...  Copyright © Danielle Young 2015

“We don’t know. Most pairs lost control before they reached this level of connection,” Matias said speaking for the first time. I was starting to think that he was there for show.

“How can you not know?” Mickey asked angry. “You have The Oracle,” Mickey said pointing at Astral.


Astral looked sick. Her usual spunky personality seemed flat as she looked at Jasper and I with apology. “I didn’t see this. I thought we would have more time before we had to worry about any of this. I’m so sorry.”

“What exactly do you see?” Mickey asked, anger rising with her words. “Or do you really see anything?”

“Mickey!” Jasper said in warning.

And there you have it! Tune in next week for another snippet.

Just a quick update... I am now almost 33% complete with the first draft. I am going to push myself to write everyday where as now I am only writing on the weekends. The way I see it, between my weekend writing marathons and the week nights I should be able to finish this little thing in no time.

I would love to hear from you, feel free to let me know what's on your mind. I love to chat :D

Taste of the Inside: Sneaking between the pages #4

Good news! I have been writing. *throws confetti* A lot, that's been writing a lot not that I'm throwing a lot of confetti. That would just be a mess and I ain't got time to clean up any messes. 

Anyways.... easily distracted here, a couple of updates. I am now 25% complete with the first draft of Deceived!!! *throws more confetti* 

*looks at floor* You know I may have to reconsider how I celebrate. Maybe I should just shower myself in chocolate. That would be more rewarding and much easier clean up! Ha

Second, Deceived now has an ending. Well, I haven't written it yet, but I have the outline complete. And guys, this ending is going to be so HUGE, EPIC, Awesome, HUGE and, and, GIGANTIC! You get the idea right? I am really excited for the way that this one is going. I am having fun and so are the characters. 

And speaking of characters, you ready for a teaser????

Earlier tonight I asked Facebook and Twitter who they would like to see teasers from, the resounding answer was Jasper! I am so glad you all like him as much as I do. He really is my favorite character in this series. And guess what? You get a lot more of him in Deceived! Yay! *happy dances all around* (knew you would be pleased)

Please remember all teasers are unedited and may be changed. This is only the first draft. 

Here is one for all you Jasper fans.....

My eyes snapped open when my head jerked, must have fallen asleep. I was in worse condition than I thought. Using the wall as leverage I pushed myself to a standing position and headed down the hall again. I made it ten steps when I had to lean against the wall for another rest. At this rate I was going to reach the end of the hall tomorrow.


“If this hall didn’t last forever, I swear I would be there already,” I whispered to myself.

“Jasper, what are you doing?” Cai asked coming around the corner.

My eyes fluttered open. I must have dozed off again.


“Oh you know, hanging around.”

Cai came to my side and wrapped her arm around my waist and draped my arm over her shoulder. “Only you can crack jokes when you are half dead.”

“It’s all part of the charm.”

“Back to bed,” Cai said as she began to turn me back to the way I came.

I stopped moving. “No.”

“Jasper, you almost killed yourself. You need to rest. We can talk later.”

I knew she was right, but I was too stubborn to admit that to her.


“We… talk, now,” I breathed out.

“Fine, but don’t blame me when you catch your death.” Cai turned around and slowly carried… dragged my limp body down the hall. I did my best to help, but truthfully I couldn’t tell if I was helping or not.


Cai placed me in a soft white chair in what appeared to be a sitting room. I wanted to make some snide comment about their lack of color choices, but the chair was soft, it begged me to sleep. I felt myself drift as Cai whispered to someone in hushed tones. The voices and room faded as darkness again claimed me. This time I didn’t fight it. I knew when I woke I would get my answers.

Copyright © Danielle Young 2015

Inside Scoop: Writing Space

Today we are going to do something a little different. Usually I post teases here. Okay so that's all I post, but my goal is to make this a place where you can get to know me as well as my books. To kick things off today I am going to give you a look at my writing space.

Pretty isn't it???

Obviously the above picture is my overall space. Let me break it down a little and highlight some important areas.

First there is my inspiration wall. It is where I put some swag and notes from some of my favorite authors. Naturally not all of them are represented, but there are a lot of them there. 

my precious

I use this wall to help inspire me whenever I'm feeling like I just can't do it. Each of these authors did it, and continue to do it. They give me the strength to push through.

Then we have my writing wall. 

I think I need an eye exam

Why is it blurry you ask? Easy, those little post-its represent things that need to happen in Deceived. I can't very well have you figuring out all my secrets :)

And then we have the area where all the magic happens. 

Magic happens here!

There are a few things that I need in order to write. Besides the obvious (my laptop), I need my notes (the pile to the right of said laptop), a beverage--preferably one with caffeine, and headphones. I can't write without music. That part is huge and an absolute must. I lied, all of those things are a must. I would shrivel to nothing without them as a writer.

Well there you have it! The inside look. And now I have to get back to writing. Deceived is not going to write itself!

Anything else you want know, just ask and I will be sure to put it on the blog! 

Taste of the Inside: Sneaking between the Pages #3

Well hidey-ho neighbor! It's that time again. Time for another look at Deceived. 

I am happy to report that I am now 11969 words into book 2. Of course my goal is 80000 so I have a ton more to go. But the good news is that I am writing more. I am trying to sit down everyday and put words on the page. Of course that was detoured a little last weekend as I came down with the flu, but I am getting there. 

So, do you want a peek at what I've been writing????? Well do ya, do ya? Okay, I'll take your silence as a resounding yes.

Please remember that what I'm sharing with you has not been edited and may change.

“You’re trying to tell me that you were in two places in once?” Mickey asked, her voice heavy with sarcasm.

“It sounds crazy when you say like that.” I looked down at my hands unsure of myself. “Maybe I am crazy.” I whispered.

“You are not crazy Jo.” I looked at Jasper, tears swimming in my eyes. He looked away and ran his wrapped hand through his hair. “You were definitely in that room Jo, I felt it.” My breath caught when Jasper looked at me, there was so much love shining in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced with uncertainty, sadness, anger, and fear once he realized I caught him looking at me.


It was my turn to look away. I knew I was to blame for most of those emotions, but I didn’t know how to fix it. I was afraid. Afraid that it was already too late to fix what I screwed up, that he wanted nothing to do with me. That’s what scared me the most. Losing him. Just the thought of it made my heart pound and my chest tighten.

Copyright Danielle Young © 2015

Things are definitely changing for Jo and Jasper and I can't wait to share them with you... of course you are going to have to wait until the book comes out to read them all.

Things Need to be Said

Welcome to the New Year and to what I hope will be a productive and creative year for everyone. 2014 was definitely a whirlwind year that brought me the highest of highs and then dropped me off a mountain and it all happened before I even knew what was happening. I published my first book last year, duh, that's why you are all here, but shortly after hitting publish I froze. I got lost in the fear of... well everything and I shut down everything that didn't relate to the problems that stared me in the face everyday. 

I pushed away everything that made me happy and that gave me an outlet, reading, writing, gaming, writing (yes I said that twice), blogging. Instead I let life kick me in the proverbial balls and instead of fighting back I just curled up in a ball and vegetated. But I am beginning to come back, slowly but surely. Something ignited my fight instinct and I began to claw my way out. It could be that I had a vacation from work so I was finally able to breathe. Whatever it was I'm thankful for it and I am determined to not let it happen again. 

Now I have to get back into everything. I have already started blogging with a vengeance and now it is time to get back to Jo and Jasper. They have a story that is dying to be told. And you as readers deserve to hear the rest of that story. I know I left you with a huge cliffhanger and I promise that I will be working on Deceived with diligence. 

As of now I can't tell you any idea on when it will be complete because truthfully I am lucky if I can manage to write more than a 100 words a week. Breaks as a writer are like poison. Once it seeps into your bloodstream the story disappears. And it takes a lot of hard work to recover, but I am trying. 

I have made some progress in that I have managed to write almost 2,000 words in the past two weeks. The bad news is that I'm pretty sure that most of it is utter crap. But I promise you I will keep at it and I will do better at keeping you posted.

Here are some numbers to give you an idea of where I'm at with Deceived:

I am currently at 10,327 words into the first draft with the final word goal being about 80,000. 

As you can see I have a way to go. And speaking of having a way to go I actually have some writing to do. I promised myself that I would try to write 20 minutes a day. Time for me to get on it, but before I go how about a little tease from Deceived? I know it has been a while.

Many of you expressed interest in seeing more of the Watchers from Guided, this next little snippet is a scene that will lead to many more interactions involving Dom, enjoy! Please keep in mind that this is completely unedited and may change.

“She hates me. Blames me for… I don’t know, everything.” I slouched defeated in the chair and stared at the stars. Why? Why the hell did this have to happen to me? I swear the universe is mocking me.

“She’ll get over it.” I turned to look at Dom, who was also slouched down in his chair staring at the stars. “You’ll woo her with your Angel charms and all will be forgiven.”
I threw his pack of cigarettes, hitting him in the chest and we both doubled over in laughter. 

© Danielle Young 2015

Happy New Year!