Living for the Books: Guest Post: Katie Hayoz author of Untethered

Ten Ways to Tell if You Are a Writer

When I was in high school, I told the career counselor I wanted to be a novelist. She looked at me and let out a huge sigh. “A writer? Of fiction?” she said in a toxic tone. “How about psychology? ”

It was good advice. That first year at university I delved into Psychology 101 and discovered how insane I was to want to be a writer. It’s the one career that’s rife with rejection, sprinkled with self-doubt and constant criticism. Even so, I kept on writing. Call me mentally disturbed.

But I am far from alone.

There are many of us out there. Are you one of them?

You know you are a writer if:

You carry a pen with you everywhere and you are seriously possessive about it. When someone asks to borrow it, you hesitate before allowing them to use it. Then you don’t let them out of your sight.
You can see the silver lining in dramatic break-ups, major accidents and family disputes. They make for good stories. In fact, there are times you complain that nothing bad enough ever happens to you.
You rewrite everything. From birthday wishes to text messages to grocery lists.
This rewriting is especially true for your creative writing. You write, rip apart, write some more, and rearrange -- constantly aiming to fill plot holes, write smoother sentences, and create deeper characters. Unfortunately, it is only after your novel is published that you’ll know exactly how to fix it.
Your thesaurus is more beat up and dog eared than a 13 year-old-boy’s Playboy magazine.
Your butt is wider than your shoulders because you are sitting all the time.
Coffee is your best friend.
In fact, you have very few friends because most of them are avoiding you after reading your short story about the rabid werewolves who started a colony on Mars. Yeah, you know the one.
You are still in a state of shock from finding out that there are people who don’t read books. Like ever.
Your best memory is actually from a novel.

Katie Hayoz is the author of Untethered, a YA novel about jealousy obession, and astral projection. You can find Untethered on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords, and Kobo. Check out Katie's website at: http://www.katiehayoz.com/

Untethered by Katie Hayoz

Sylvie isn’t comfortable in her own skin. In fact, there are times she can’t even manage to stay inside it. But if there is one thing she’s sure of, it’s her love for Kevin Phillips. She’s willing to stake everything on it –her family, her friends, and possibly her soul.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie has been best friends with Cassie forever. But everything is turned around when the boy Sylvie’s loved since fifth grade falls for Cassie. Devastated, Sylvie intends to get Kevin by any means possible, even if it involves treachery, deceit, and the dark side of astral projection. She is positive her plans will give her what she wants, but she doesn’t count on it all spiraling out of control.

Untethered explores the intoxicating and dangerous world of jealousy and obsession when coupled with paranormal ability. Finalist in Mslexia novel competition.

About the author:

Katie Hayoz was born in Racine, WI, the youngest of six kids. Originally, she wanted to become pope (for the awesome hat and fancy robes), but quickly realized reading was her true religion. Writing was always a hobby and she only decided to try her hand at it seriously when she ended up in Geneva, Switzerland. Now she's constantly at her laptop in the small apartment she shares with her husband, two daughters, and a very fuzzy cat. She devours YA novels like she does popcorn and black licorice: quickly and in large quantities.

Connect with Katie on her website: www.katiehayoz.com

On Twitter: www.twitter.com/katiehayoz

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/katiehayoz.author

Buy Untethered on Amazon: http://amzn.to/ZH2qzY

On Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/10LDiPU

On Smashwords: http://bit.ly/Y6zWDd

On Kobo: http://bit.ly/11PjUx3