Crave (Harlequin Teen)

bestsellers by other authors and pay attention to what you like about their stories, but don’t ever feel like you need to write just like someone else in order to do well. The world needs more creativity and unique voices! Read the great how-to books on writing out there. But don’t let the need for perfection or the fear of not being good enough stop you from actually sending that story out into the world. Do carefully consider what agents and editors tell you. If their suggestions make sense to you and your heart agrees, try them out, then wait a day or two and reread your story to see if it actually is better. If you absolutely can’t stand the changes, follow your heart instead, but do at least consider why your editor or agent seems confused as to what you were going for and ways you can reword things for clearer understanding.
    And finally, know the premise at the heart of your story! It will save you countless hours of misery and confusion both as you write your story and later during revisions. Hold true to the core point of why you want to tell that particular story, and it will give you clarity throughout every step of the process.

An exclusive excerpt from COVET:
Book 2 of THE CLANN
    The world hummed around us in our luxurious surroundings of white leather, exotic wood trim and gleaming gold accents. The boy I loved more than my own life sat beside me, a slight smile curving his lips, his arms wrapped around me. Protecting me even in his sleep.
    I should have been protecting him instead.
    He had to be uncomfortable, sleeping while sitting upright against the side of the private plane. I’d tried to get him to move to one of the reclining leather chairs when his eyelids had begun to droop. But Tristan had refused, claiming he preferred sitting on the floor so he could hold me properly.
    And knowing what was coming for us, I’d given in. I wasn’t too eager to let go of him, either.
    One stray, golden-blond curl, rebellious like its owner, flopped over his forehead. Carefully I reached up and smoothed it back.
    He sighed and snuggled me closer. Though I was practically already in his lap, my legs draped across his thighs, so I wasn’t sure how much closer we could get.
    I studied Tristan’s face, relaxed and peaceful in sleep, and another tear slipped down the side of my nose. Stupid tears. I hadn’t managed to stop crying since we’d safely exited the council’s underground labyrinth of tunnels. Knowing what I had to do for Tristan’s own safety after the plane touched down outside of Jacksonville, I feared the tears would never stop.
    So many perfectly logical and good reasons why I was all wrong for him, why I had to do what everyone else wanted and stop seeing him. My mind understood. Why couldn’t my heart agree?
    I closed my eyes and burrowed closer against him. I would do it. I would keep my promise to the council and to myself. Just…not yet. A few more hours while we were on this plane together, a few more precious memories to make before we landed so I would remember how it felt to be held and loved by him. How it felt to wrap my arms around his waist, feel his hard chest beneath my cheek, hear his heartbeat pounding beneath my ear. To feel safe within his arms, his strong hands holding me like I was a precious treasure…
    “Savannah,” a familiar voice whispered like an annoying mosquito near my ear.
    “Mmm,” I mumbled, wanting that voice to go away. Only one male’s voice was welcome right now, and that one wasn’t it.
    “Savannah, wake up,” Dad insisted.
    Scowling, I cracked open one eyelid. Quieter than the sound of a breath, knowing his vampire ears would still hear, I sighed. “Yes, Dad?”
    “We are an hour away from landing, and the pilot warned that we will be landing in bad weather. You should call your grandmother and mother and let them know.” He held out his cell phone.
    I took it, and he left again, disappearing toward the front of the cabin.
    I tried to ease from Tristan’s arms. But as soon as I moved, he woke up.
    “Sorry,” I whispered. “I need to make some calls. Go back to sleep.”
    “No, I’m okay.” He tugged me back onto his lap, nuzzling my nose for a kiss. At the last second, I turned my head so his lips touched my cheek instead. He leaned his head back to search my face, his heavy-lidded gaze hurt and confused.
    “We shouldn’t…not until we land and you can draw some energy.” His ability to pull up energy from the earth