Friday, July 12, 2013

The final book in THE REVENGE GAME trilogy...

Yesterday, I completed the final outline for the last book in The Revenge Game trilogy. It feels wonderful to complete it and I can't wait to write the final manuscript.
There will be a lot of surprises, a twist (or two!), and the answers to your questions.
That's all I can say for now! I have to finish editing the outline before I submit it.
Stay tuned...

-Cole

Friday, June 28, 2013

Origin Stories

Every superhero seems to have an origin story. Heck, the world we live in is one gigantic origin story! I can't speak for all writers, but I always try to know what happened in the past before I write a novel.
With THE REVENGE GAME and DECEIT, I had to know what happened before the series started in order to give it a drive and purpose. The worst thing in the world for a reader is reading a book where the author has no idea how it will end. Does the writer need every beat worked out? No. That comes from writing the novel. However, if you know the character's motivation beforehand, I think it gives unspoken clarity to the work.
In THE REVENGE GAME trilogy, I had to know why everything that happened happened in order to know how the trilogy will end. In the next book, all will be revealed. No loose ends. Okay, maybe one loose end, but I promise to wrap it up. The reason why it all happened and what's going on will make sense, so read up and stay tuned in!
If you haven't read the first two books in the trilogy, just click below to get them today!

The Revenge Game for Kindle
Deceit for Kindle

-Cole

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Reviews: To read or not to read?

Ah, it's the eternal question! Should writers, actors, directors, etc. read their reviews, good or bad?
Since I don't have a review for THE REVENGE GAME as of yet, I can't use my personal experience. However, I do know that if you read your reviews, you have to read all of your reviews. The good comes with the bad. If you cherry pick the best reviews, you're being disingenuous to the process.
Oprah once said that she doesn't read reviews; neither does Steven Spielberg. There may be good information one could use to strength their work in a review, but should they worry about something they've already written and released into the world? Remember how upset Carrie was on SEX AND THE CITY when The New York Times didn't give her a good review?
Remember, some people just like to write bad reviews to drive down your Amazon rating. Others love everything (we know those people..)! So, proceed with caution.
Will I read my first review?
Well, you'll have to see!

Happy reading!

-Cole

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Print editions of THE REVENGE GAME and DECEIT

The Nassau Street Group and I have been talking about print editions of THE REVENGE GAME trilogy. It was always intended to be an e-book series, but it's a little different from other young adult books on the market.
What do you guys think?
We're still talking, so when something's decided, I'll let you know!

-Cole

Monday, June 24, 2013

Author page on NassauStreetGroup.com

If you have time, check out the page of my publisher, The Nassau Street Group, Ltd. It's a well designed, well run site. Check it out!

-Cole

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Writing Tip #4: Supporting characters

I love supporting characters. In a series like THE REVENGE GAME, it's very easy for the lead characters (Wes, Brandon, Corey, and Greg) to become mired in a lot of drama, which is great! However, I think every book needs a fleet of supporting characters who can add levity to the situation and lighten the tone from time to time.
When I first wrote, THE REVENGE GAME, Madeline, Kirby, Mo, Jack, and Holly were people who came about and were there to be there. I knew Madeline lived across the street from Corey, but then I wrote her first "scene". Wow! I fell in love with her snooty attitude. She reminds me of Nellie Oleson! Madeline wasn't in my initial outlines for THE REVENGE GAME, but she was so much fun to write, I couldn't not include her in DECEIT as well.
Mo Gross came about when I wrote the first story bible for the trilogy. I wanted Brandon to be the baby of a large family and Mo was the eldest child. Well, there was nothing remarkable about Mo until I started writing THE REVENGE GAME. As I started exploring the characters' families, I picked Mo, made him an irresistible jock jerk, and quickly paired him with another character (if you've read THE REVENGE GAME, you know who!). It all made so much sense, but I didn't plan it. Having a slew of supporting characters to draw on allows you space to expand the world of the novel.
With Jack Webber, he was only supposed to appear in the graduation scene. He's Wes's old friend, but they drifted apart during high school. Jack was the "opposite" of Brandon, Corey, and Wes, but he came from the same world. When I paired Jack with another supporting character, it made sense. We see a lot more of Jack in DECEIT, but that's all I can say...for now...
Even though supporting characters may not be in your initial outline or pitch, they can add a dimension of reality to your world. It's a good thing!

-Cole

Friday, June 21, 2013

Writing Tip #3: Edit while you write?

A few months ago, I wrote on Twitter that I never edit a manuscript while I'm writing it. I get everything out and then when I'm finished, I edit it to death. Why?
Well, I find editing while you're writing to be very distracting. If you keep changing something in Chapter 1, how long will it take you to get to Chapter 3? I like to write three to four chapters a day, so editing while I write isn't good for me. One thing I do recommend is keeping a list of things you may want to change later, but only add the changes when you're finished. It'll give you a chance to look at the work as a whole, not disparate parts.
What works for you?


-Cole

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Facebook

Do I use Facebook? No. I don't like it.

However, you can find me on Twitter! I'm @ColeBosher.

-Cole

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Social media vs. writing and a little insight into the life of a writer

Someone recently sent me an email asking why I didn't blog or tweet a lot while I was writing DECEIT. Well, the truth is, writing is my full time job. It pays my bills and keeps me fed.
When I sit down to write, I write from 10AM until 6PM with breaks to walk the dog and eat lunch. Sometimes I walk around to think and clear my head. Outside of that, I write. To be honest, I find social media a little time consuming and when you're on deadline, submitting your manuscript on time is the most important thing. Like anyone else, I like to meet up with friends and relax on the weekends.
I'm getting better about being on social media, but while I'm working on a book, that's the most pressing activity in my life.
Thanks for writing in!

-Cole

Monday, June 17, 2013

What's next?

I still have the last book of THE REVENGE GAME trilogy to write this summer, but after that? Who knows? I love the characters in THE REVENGE GAME trilogy, so anything's possible, right?

-Cole

Saturday, June 15, 2013

New mysteries, a few answered questions, and the beginning of the end...

Now that DECEIT is out, I thought I'd share a few little tidbits with you about this part of the trilogy.
First, a few questions will be answered. I promise. I can't give away everything, but I can say that the identity of the Wall Street Guy will be surprised. I've always known who he is, but now you'll find out, too. You won't believe how he fits into the story.
A new mystery will be launched that'll propel the guys into the last book. What is it? Oh, if I told you that, it would spoil all of the fun!
A surprise couple will be announced. Can you figure it out?
I can't give out much more than that! If I did, it would ruin it for you.

Happy reading!

-Cole

Friday, June 14, 2013

Buy DECEIT for Kindle - Now!

Exciting news!
You can buy DECEIT for $3.99 on the Nook right now! Just click on the image for your copy of DECEIT!

The Revenge Game on Pinterest

The Nassau Street Group and I collaborated on a Pinterest board for all things concerning THE REVENGE GAME Series. It was a lot of fun! You'll see my real life inspirations for the fictional Somerset Hills, New Jersey. You can see Brandon, Wes, Corey, and Greg's houses along with pictures of their school, cars, etc. I think you'll enjoy it.
Check it out on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nassaustgroup/the-revenge-game/.

-Cole

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Buy DECEIT for Nook - NOW!

Exciting news!
You can buy DECEIT for $3.99 on the Nook right now! Just click on the image for your copy of DECEIT.
-Cole

DECEIT's cover...

Here's the great cover for DECEIT. Remember, don't get played.






-Cole

...and we're back!

Hello, readers!
I'm so sorry that I've been missing in action recently. As some of you may know, I've been super busy putting the finishing touches on DECEIT, the next book in THE REVENGE GAME Series. DECEIT is due out tomorrow, June 14th for Kindle and Nook. Word is that it'll be in the iBookstore soon.
DECEIT was a lot of fun to write. I've never written a trilogy before, so I ran into a few snags along the way. One thing you never want to do is repeat a lot of information from the first book. I almost fell into that trap, but I had great people who were able to pull me back from the brink of disaster.
I wrote a first draft of the novel, then threw it away, and started again. That pushed the publication deadline out by a few weeks, but the great people at The Nassau Street Group encouraged me to keep going and not worry about the release date. That meant I had to write a lot in a very short period of time. However, the book is finished and I can't wait to share it with everyone. Let me know what you think!
Best,
Cole

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Nassau Street Group on Facebook

Hello, everyone!
I wanted to let you know that The Nassau Street Group (the company that publishes The Revenge Game) is now on Facebook. Just click here to "LIKE" the page.
They've been so good to me, so be sure to drop by their page.
You can follow me on Twitter @ColeBosher

Get The Revenge Game for Kindle and Nook now! iBooks is coming soon.

-Cole

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Writing tip #2: To outline or not to outline...

There's a lot of debate over whether or not to outline a novel. Should you just write whatever comes to mind and tie it together later or take a methodical stance to the process?
Personally, I love to outline the story. That way, I know exactly where I'm going and I can sit down and write a certain number of chapters every day. I've written without an outline, but my preference is to have my outline nearby to ensure I don't go off on a tangent. Also, my publisher likes it when we submit outlines, so that helps too!
-Cole


Get The Revenge Game for Kindle and Nook now! iBooks is coming soon.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Writing tip #1

I received an e-mail asking how I came up with the idea for The Revenge Game. In truth, I used a bit of my high school life as fodder, added a bit of intrigue, stirred it, and wrote it down.
Yes, it was a little more complex than that, but the basis for any story (I think) is to write what drives you crazy. Obsessed with dragons and the Middle Ages? Well, you'll probably have a lot more fun writing that book instead of one about a tortured heroine in 19th century England. I've always adored young adult fiction, which is why I merged my fondness for strong young gay characters, intrigue, and YA fiction into one perfect storm.
The best thing any aspiring writer can do is write once a day. Even if you jot down a bunch of ideas in your notebook for twenty minutes or create characters, it'll pay-off in the end. By building a strong writing ethic, you'll be well ahead of the game when you start your first novel.
Try it!

-Cole

Get The Revenge Game for Kindle and Nook now! iBooks is coming soon.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Get the boys' style

Wes, Brandon, Greg, and Corey all have their own individual style.
Find out which brands these boys covet more than anything else (below).

Don't forget to buy The Revenge Game today on Kindle & Nook.

-Cole

Get Brandon's style!
Brandon is six-feet-one-inch tall with curly brown hair and a sexy swimmer's build. His clothes come from Barney's New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, J. Crew, and Abercrombie & Fitch. Whether he's in black-tie or a bathing suit, Brandon is always comfortable in his own skin.

Get Corey's style!
Corey is five-foot-ten with spiky black hair and an athletic build. When he isn't sneaking around with someone he shouldn't be seeing, Corey can be found at he high end mall shopping at Dolce & Gabbana, Brooks Brothers, or Neiman Marcus. When Madelina Varla is lurking around every corner, Corey escapes to Manhattan for shopping excursions at Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney's New York, Paul Stuart, and J. Press.

Get Greg's style!
At five-foot-five with short blond hair and an average build, Greg is happier at the mall rather than on Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue with Brandon, Wes, and Corey. Greg's favorite stores are Banana Republic, J. Crew, Neiman Marcus, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein

Get Wes' style!
Wes stands at five-foot-ten with his black hair buzzed off and a naturally slim build. He loves to dress up for any occasion, but his secret pleasure is sitting at home in his underwear with a bowl of popcorn. While he loves high-end fashion from Tod's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Cole Haan, Barney's New York, and Ferragamo, he'll venture into Abercombie & Fitch or Brooks Brothers if they have something to die for!
 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

The outline for Book #2 has been submitted!

Yesterday, I submitted an outline for Book #2 in THE REVENGE GAME trilogy. I can't say much about it, but questions will be answered, more will arise, and you'll certainly get a surprise at the end. That's all I can say for now!

I got word today that The Nassau Street Group (my publisher) is working on getting THE REVENGE GAME in the iBook store. I'll post the link when I get it.
I'm taking the day off to play a game of tennis.

Here are the links to buy THE REVENGE GAME:
Buy The Revenge Game on Kindle
Buy The Revenge Game on Nook

Happy reading!
-Cole

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Other characters

Every main character needs a friend, which is why THE REVENGE GAME has a wonderful array of colorful supporting characters. Here are two that I adore:

Madeline Varla: She has a reputation for being the biggest gossip in Somerset Hills and it's well deserved! Madeline lives across the street from Corey, but they're far from close. Someone once called Madeline the "Nellie Oleson" of Somerset Hills and they weren't kidding!

Morris (Mo) Gross: Mo is Brandon's big brother with an even bigger secret. He goes to Harvard, but that hasn't stopped him from keeping a huge secret at home. What is it? You'll see... Mo is a huge catch and anyone would be lucky to have him. But who?

-Cole

Monday, April 15, 2013

Somerset Hills...

Some of you have asked me: "Where is Somerset Hills? Is it in New Jersey?"
The short answer is, yes. Which town is it? Well, that's a secret. However, if you read the book carefully, you may be able to figure it out.
If you think you know the real town, let me know.

Buy THE REVENGE GAME now.

-Cole

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Meet the boys

Wes, Brandon, Corey, and Greg are the best friends at the center of THE REVENGE GAME. Even though they're besties, they have secrets from each other and the world...

Wes Hampton is the only child of Dr. Harold Hampton (a brain surgeon) and Karen Hampton (the CEO of a cable company). He's eighteen, drives a BMW, loves to shop, and is super close to Corey and Brandon.

Brandon Gross is the youngest child of Michael Gross (a banking heir) and Emily Gross (a genealogist). He's an eighteen -year-old Jewish prince who drives a Porsche, is a swimming star, and has a secret crush on Wes.

Corey Lee is the youngest child and only boy of Daniel & Elaine Lee (entrepreneurs). He's eighteen, but he's always been attracted to the wrong guys. Who? Wouldn't you like to know...

Greg Jones is the newcomer to this tight group of friends. He's the only child of Lil & Roger Jones, who are currently travelling the world. Greg is eighteen, drives a restored Mercedes-Benz, and has a huge secret.

Learn their secrets and more in THE REVENGE GAME.

-Cole

Saturday, April 13, 2013

A little about the book

I partly based THE REVENGE GAME on my high school experiences on the East Coast. Not everything comes from real life (I am a writer), but I did have a massive crush on a guy I turned into Brandon. Does he know that? As far as I know, he doesn't know...or does he?

Friday, April 12, 2013

E-book for sale now on Kindle & Nook

I wanted to let you know that THE REVENGE GAME is available for Kindle & Nook right now on Amazon.com & BN.com.
Click here to buy it from Amazon.com; Click here to buy it from Barnes & Noble.
Here's the cover:
-Cole

Welcome!

Thank you for stumbling upon the official page for the three book series THE REVENGE GAME.
I'm Cole, the author du jour and creator of this crazy series. THE REVENGE GAME is my first book, but I couldn't have done it without the help of my old high school memories. I'd also like to thank the wonderful people at The Nassau Street Group for getting this book into the ether.
Enjoy it!
There'll be more...

-Cole