S.J. Sylvis and Books

I haven't written in such a long time and I feel really bad about that. With the Marine Corps ball, family coming to visit for over a week, and Thanksgiving, I've been swamped! I also started a new set of grad classes too, so my mind has been occupied. I finished writing my third book and I think it's my favorite one so far. It came to me in a dream and holy crap, I wrote it so fast and when I did my re-read of it, I didn't even want to change anything, which is a first for me. Normally I go back through and I revise things, add some stuff but nope, not with this one. It's perfect how it is (except for the grammar, of course). That kind of brings me to my next topic; I slept really good last night and actually had dreams. I rarely have dreams anymore because I barely sleep (thanks, Emma!), but last night was the first night she slept really well in a few weeks so I dreamt (or is it dreamed? I always have this battle with myself, I'm sure you guys get the pictur

I feel like I have so much to say today! It's been a little while since I've given any updates about "Just Maybe" (my first novel) and I have some good news. I sent in my contract and my book is in the editing process right now, (squeal!!) and, I got to send in the blurb and my own cover vision yesterday. I'm not giving anything away, though I really want to share everything with you guys! But, I think it's best if it's a surprise. I'll be releasing the synopsis/blurb and cover reveal at some point before it's published--so keep following my Instagram/Facebook posts for more details. The publisher said that my book should be on the shelves sometimes between January and March!! That's so soon and I literally wanted to jump with joy when I read her e-mail! I feel like my dreams are coming true! Even if my book doesn't sell that many copies, I'm just proud to have it out there. I'll be able to hold my own book, in my hands! I've

Happy Halloween, readers! I wrote this piece titled, Willow's Hue in celebration of my second favorite holiday (Christmas and 4th of July are tied for first). Enjoy! Willow's Hue By S.J. Sylvis Copyright © by S.J. Sylvis             The day started off normal. When I woke up that morning, I looked out the tiny window beside my bed and took in the view. There was a greyish hue to the sky, and it was especially fitting for how I was I feeling. I would describe it just as the color poured into my windows…grey. I was grey . I wasn’t happy or sad, I wasn’t white or black…I was that in-between feeling. That muddled grey feeling. My parents weren’t the best parents in the world, but I’m sure they weren’t the worst either. They didn’t beat me and they fed me…most of the time, but really their main focus in life was their hatred for each other. The night before, I was normal, well semi-normal. Never really clicking with anyone, and being called a freak on the daily at school, b

Hi everyone!! I have great news! I finally  picked which publisher I'm going to use for my book and I am sending in the contract tomorrow (had to get it notarized today and my sweet adorable toddler was totally over running errands for the day, so tomorrow we are headed to the post office!). I even sent my final manuscript to the editor which means they'll be working on it, very soon! I'm so excited and a little nervous! I hope it all turns out well and that people actually enjoy my book, ha! In other news, I'm also working on editing my second book, which the editor told me to go ahead and send in for review whenever it's ready; hopefully they like it just as much as my first book. Anyway, here's a little short story for you all. It drips of symbolism, which I'm sure you will catch onto while reading. Enjoy! Finding Alina By: SJ Sylvis Copyright © by S.J. Sylvis Finding Alina When I wake up and pry open my eyes, I’m blinded by a light grey c

Hello! Okay, so a few updates. I'm still waiting on this second publisher to get back with me. I've been in contact with them and they're 'sending their response' in the mail. It was posted Tuesday so I should be getting it any day now! (Don't mind me stalking my mailbox...) I have no idea if its a big FAT 'no' letter or if it's another contract to view, either way I'm excited to see because that means I either get to send in my other contract or potentially view another and then send it in. I am so ready to send in a contract and find out exactly when my book will be published. At this point, I don't even care if this other company doesn't like my manuscript, I'm just ready to get the ball rolling! I've basically finished my second book, which is somewhat of a sequel to my first. It can be a stand alone but it's about one of the characters in my first book. I have a few changes to make and a ton of tweaking and I need to r

Why is it so hard for me to title my short stories? My book that is soon to be published is titled "Just Maybe" and my second book, which I think  I finished yesterday, is titled "Just Something". It's so easy for me to title my novels, but my short stories or even those little, tiny excerpts that I upload...those are so hard for me to title. I don't know why, maybe because they are only around 1,000 words and compared to my 50,000+ word novels, that's kind of short and hard to pick any strong word/phrases. I titled my book "Just Maybe" because it is a huge part in the novel, and same with "Just Something".  It's amazing how I thought 1,000 words was a lot and now I'm writing over 50,000 words for my novels!  **This is kind of a spoiler. Don't read if you want to be truly surprised by this story!* * This is something I wrote for school, this week. Like, I said. I don't have a title yet, but enjoy! It's a little

Alright, alright. I'm finally uploading one of my short stories. I wrote this back in May, for another creative writing class. It was a blast to write, and to receive feedback on. I was kind of going through a fantasy fiction phase so this shorty would fall into a fantasy fiction genre. I was reading Sarah. J. Maas's Court of Thorns book series (if you haven't read those, go read them now. You'll thank me later.) and I was totally into writing a different genre other than YA romance. It really was a ton of fun and a bit challenging. Maybe one day, I'll write an actual fantasy fiction series? Anyway, enjoy readers! Soul Saving, by S.J. Sylvis  Copyright © by S.J. Sylvis The yellow piece of notebook paper was barely legible. It was smeared, crumpled up, and you could tell that it had been wet at one point; but there it was, pinned against my door for the third time this week. It read, “ Go to Mystic Readings, ask for Joann ” in a handwriting that looke

Interesting, title? I couldn't decide what to name this little excerpt that I had to write for one of my classes. It was extremely difficult because it's not like my typical writing. I  always write in a first person point of view but we had to write in a third person point of view and we had many other obstacles to figure out. For example, we couldn't use the word "feels" which might not seem that hard but it is. We had to use the setting, props, and gestures to show the readers what the characters are feeling and it had to be between a husband and wife; which once again is nothing similar to what I normally write but I'll upload it for you guys to read, anyway. It was interesting to write, and I'm really sad today because I can't revise my second book instead, I have to finish Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen for one of my literature classes (insert eye roll here). Anyway, enjoy friends! Ps. Still waiting to hear back from another publishing company,