Tag: fiction writing

Vincent’s Collection of Mystiques: Kindle Vella Episodes 5-9

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

Episodes five through nine of my Kindle Vella Vincent’s Collection of Mystiques are live!

Juniper is a bored witch who works at Vincent’s Collection of Mystiques. One Halloween night, a series of events starts a dark and twisted journey filled with ancient magic, mystery, and romance.

Episode 5: A Coven and an Enemy

Juniper meets up with the coven on Halloween night and a mysterious warlock makes himself known.

Episode 6: A Curse

Back at the shop, Juniper finds out a set of antique dolls are more than they appear to be.

Episode 7: A Warlock

A strange man comes to pick up his order at the shop and reveals who he is.

Episode 8: A Meeting

Juniper calls on Alice for a meeting about the odd events at the shop.

Episode 9: A Dream

A mystical dream with hidden meaning? Or a warning of impending danger to the coven?

I’d love some advice on my story. Comments, likes, and shares are deeply appreciated! Thank you

Professional Writer and Mentor Helping Clients With Writing Needs

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

Hello there,

I’m a professional writer who loves helping people with their writing needs. Below are a couple of services I offer, take a peek to find out more and read my clients 5/5 Star reviews.

Alpha & Beta Reading

Do you have a writing project you’d love my help with that doesn’t fit any of the services you see here? Contact me with your questions.

Since May 2020, I’ve helped authors by reading and reviewing drafts of their novels, novellas, short stories, and poetry. For my Alpha Read, I specifically provide in-depth feedback in a Reader Report with a Word doc copy of their piece with Track Changes that shows my highlights, comments, and notes making it top-tier service in the field.

A Reader Who Cares: Dedicated to Becoming Your Favorite

My Alpha and Beta reading services digs deeper than the average reader. In addition to my experience in the publishing industry, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Writing Rhetoric Studies from The University of Utah. My insight can be eye-opening and invaluable to writers working toward publication.

I’ll Be Your Favorite Professional Writer and Mentor: Superb Alpha and Beta Reading

As Your Favorite Alpha and Beta Reader, I will read your work thoroughly and provide detailed feedback!

A little bit about your Professional Writer and Mentor…

As a Literary Intern for DLG Publishing Partners, I was a Developmental Editor in-training and reviewed hundreds of submissions. I love to alpha and beta read Fiction, Novellas, Short Fiction, and Poetry. My favorite genres include Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Thriller, Supernatural, and Romance. When it comes to Poetry, I enjoy literary, contemporary, and pieces that seek to push the boundaries of the form.

Services Included in My Alpha Read

Your-Favorite-Alpha-Reader-Fiction-Sample-121922Download
  • Reader Report (reviewing concept/idea, plot, structure, characters, dialogue, overall strengths, and weaknesses)
  • Personal Letter from me to you (included in the Reader Report)
  • Word Doc copy of your piece with Track Changes containing my highlights/comments/notes

Services Included in My Beta Read

Your-Favorite-Beta-Reader-Fiction-Sample-121922Download
  • Feedback and answers to questions from the perspective of a general reader delivered to you in a Word Doc

Note: When ordering an alpha or beta read, please include any questions or concerns you may have.

All of these documents will be delivered to you in a compressed zip folder.

What I don’t offer:

  • Formatting your MS
  • Editing
  • Proofreading
  • Rewriting

My goal is to help you succeed by providing you with invaluable insight you can use to fine-tune your writing as you prep for publication.

Pricing That’s Flexible For Your Budget and Needs

I’m open to finding a price and delivery due date that works for both of us. Reach out if you’d like to chat about what you’re looking for in an alpha or beta read, I’m here to help.

Delivery time typically depends on the total word count of your piece and can range from 2 to 7+ business days.

Note: If you’d like an alpha or beta read for writing under 10k or over 100k words, please message me via Fiverr.

Client Reviews of My Alpha and Beta Reads as a Professional Writer and Mentor

“I am astounded at the quality of the work, the depth of the insights, and the accuracy of the comments. That the entire process of beta reading my novel of 120k words took less than the estimated three days is beyond my ability to comprehend. Alina’s communications throughout the process were concise and businesslike. In short, I will return to her with more work in the future. I will likewise recommend her to friends and colleagues.”

-yusufdel

“Alina provided honest, detailed and structured feedback. I am positive that her recommendations will enable me to progress with my work. Thank you”

-justy_here

“I was very impressed with how much effort Alina put into the delivery. She was great to work with and all her feedback was valuable to me. I look forward to next time.”

–windupdurb

“Thorough, helpful notes with a very quick turn around. Alina provided me with a general overview file of my short story and a word document with tracked notes. I was hoping for lots of detailed notes and that is exactly what I got. Her suggestions will help me craft a great next draft!”

–molluscus13

FAQs About My Alpha and Beta Reader Services

I have a collection of short stories that I need read. Can you help me?

Yes. When inquiring about a Beta Read, provide the total word count for ALL PIECES. If you have multiple pieces, please put them in one document .doc .docx .pdf or Google Doc.

Can you read and review my poems?

Yes. Please put all your poems in one document .doc .docx .pdf or Google Doc, and let me know the total word count.

Can I give you multiple pieces to read at the same time?

Yes, my limit is two at a time.

What does your Reader Report look like?

My Reader Report can be anywhere from 1 to 10 pages, depending on what I’m reading (short story, novella, novel). It is organized for easy readability. Also included are my “Extra Notes,” with key observations about your text drawing from my publishing industry experience.

Life During COVID-19 (5/28/2020): Writing to Stay Sane

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

I’m struggling. To stay positive, to keep it together.

I’m checking the news only twice a day now. Once, while I have breakfast and right before I go to bed. I think this practice has helped, and I’ve read about it frequently when it comes to managing stress levels about COVID-19.

But I don’t necessarily feel stressed out about COVID-19. Yes, I am concerned. I wear a mask when I go to public places like the grocery store, the only public place I’ve gone to besides Target since Mid-March. I am more worried about the next six months, the next year. I am concerned about how my life’s going to be by May 2021.

Every time I feel like I’m drowning in worry, in doubt, I have to stop and take a moment. I have to reaffirm to myself that I have to keep going, I’m not one to throw in the towel and give up. And I’m definitely not going to wallow in despair. My coping mechanism is to take action: do something. I have to. But right now, I don’t think I’m doing enough. And coming to terms that the illusion of control creates a false sense of security is my biggest problem. I am more aware now than ever that I have no control over anything, and the smartest thing I can do is keep going.

What does all this gibbering lead to? Writing

It’s all I have. It’s all I’m doing right now to stay sane. I have to write. I need to write. Writing is my anchor, keeping me right where I need to be, somewhere between my usual, level-headed, rational self and creative combustible artist.

I have regularly completed my daily goal of writing a minimum of 1,000 words a day. I recently took a crack at editing My First Novel, my first attempt over three months. I’ve been overwhelmed, let down by myself, putting my novel on the back burner. But now I have a renewed drive to finish my recent revision.

I am currently doing line-by-line edits. Revising to the structural core of my novel. Something I’ve found daunting the last year. I have tried to keep track, but I think this revision is number 6 or 7.

Completing my daily writing goal, writing half-baked poems here and there every day, and working on my novel has kept me grounded. And I’m tightly hanging on to my writing practices, the only thing that I find therapeutic and comforting during this strange time.

I don’t know what the future holds. I can’t waste time speculating. I have to take it one day at a time.

And every day, I am grateful. I think about how lucky I am to have a roof over my head, food in the kitchen, and my health. I am thankful that no one I know has died from the virus, chances are small, but it can still happen.

All I Can Do is Keep Writing

What have you been doing regularly during the COVID-19 Pandemic to keep you sane and grounded? Have you just started a new practice or hobby? I wanna know.

Besides writing, I’ve been baking like crazy, just like everyone else. I’ve revamped my Patreon page with content only patrons have access to. I’ve created a Facebook business page for my blog, started a Literary Internship for DLG Publishing Partners, and tried to make art and create music.

I want to know what you recommend. What you’ve found to be helpful. And I’d love to start a conversation with you. Feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.

Stay safe and stay healthy, and to other writer’s out there, keep writing!

Cheers!
Alina

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I’m struggling. To stay positive, to keep it together.

I’m checking the news only twice a day now. Once, while I have breakfast and right before I go to bed. I think this practice has helped, and I’ve read about it frequently when it comes to managing stress levels about COVID-19.

But I don’t necessarily feel stressed out about COVID-19. Yes, I am concerned. I wear a mask when I go to public places like the grocery store, the only public place I’ve gone to besides Target since Mid-March. I am more worried about the next six months, the next year. I am concerned about how my life’s going to be by May 2021.

Every time I feel like I’m drowning in worry, in doubt, I have to stop and take a moment. I have to reaffirm to myself that I have to keep going, I’m not one to throw in the towel and give up. And I’m definitely not going to wallow in despair. My coping mechanism is to take action: do something. I have to. But right now, I don’t think I’m doing enough. And coming to terms that the illusion of control creates a false sense of security is my biggest problem. I am more aware now than ever that I have no control over anything, and the smartest thing I can do is keep going.

What does all this gibbering lead to? Writing

It’s all I have. It’s all I’m doing right now to stay sane. I have to write. I need to write. Writing is my anchor, keeping me right where I need to be, somewhere between my usual, level-headed, rational self and creative combustible artist.

I have regularly completed my daily goal of writing a minimum of 1,000 words a day. I recently took a crack at editing My First Novel, my first attempt over three months. I’ve been overwhelmed, let down by myself, putting my novel on the back burner. But now I have a renewed drive to finish my recent revision.

I am currently doing line-by-line edits. Revising to the structural core of my novel. Something I’ve found daunting the last year. I have tried to keep track, but I think this revision is number 6 or 7.

Completing my daily writing goal, writing half-baked poems here and there every day, and working on my novel has kept me grounded. And I’m tightly hanging on to my writing practices, the only thing that I find therapeutic and comforting during this strange time.

I don’t know what the future holds. I can’t waste time speculating. I have to take it one day at a time.

And every day, I am grateful. I think about how lucky I am to have a roof over my head, food in the kitchen, and my health. I am thankful that no one I know has died from the virus, chances are small, but it can still happen.

All I Can Do is Keep Writing

What have you been doing regularly during the COVID-19 Pandemic to keep you sane and grounded? Have you just started a new practice or hobby? I wanna know.

Besides writing, I’ve been baking like crazy, just like everyone else. I’ve revamped my Patreon page with content only patrons have access to. I’ve created a Facebook business page for my blog, started a Literary Internship for DLG Publishing Partners, and tried to make art and create music.

I want to know what you recommend. What you’ve found to be helpful. And I’d love to start a conversation with you. Feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly.

Stay safe and stay healthy, and to other writer’s out there, keep writing!

Cheers!
Alina

 

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Life During COVID-19 (4/21/2020): Poetry, Sylvia Plath and My Novel

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

It’s disturbing how normal this is all starting to feel. Staying home, my routine, knowing what to expect at almost every hour of the day. It is becoming tiresome so I am trying to invigorate my days by switching my schedule around.

Normally, I get up read, write a little, have breakfast and then start my 3-4 hours of job searching and applying. I’ve changed this the last few days because I realized applying to jobs, checking my email, and getting no response or just responses that say “we are moving onto other candidates” or “this position is no longer open” was stressing me out. So now I spend my mornings reading as much as I can and then I start looking and applying to jobs around four or five in the afternoon.

Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar

20200421_113035
Trade gift from a friend for a Poem

I finished The Bell Jar yesterday and it was amazing. I can’t believe I’m almost 27 (next month) and I haven’t read this. It was brutal, depressing, heart wrenching and woven with poetic language, I loved it. I couldn’t get enough of it. Now I am reading Plath’s The Collected Poems now; It was included with The Bell Jar copy I have. This was a trade gift for a poem that I wrote for one of my friends a couple of weeks ago and I completely love it!

Original Poem by Alina Happy Hansen (a Poem for $)

POETRY

My Poetry Workshop is coming to an end. I just finished submitting the last assignment on Sunday and now I am working on revising 3 poems and putting together my final portfolio for submission. This is hard, considering the 3 poems I have chosen to revise need A LOT of work and it will take up the rest of this week to even try to get these poems near “finished”.

I am sad that the Poetry Workshop is coming to an end and I have scrambled to find other classes. I ended up enrolling in four free courses through Harvard’s Free Online Courses.

I’ve enrolled in, Intro to Music Theory (I was going to take this class at SLCC but it would’ve costed me around $500), Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature, The Icelandic Sagas, and Writing for Social Media (starts on April 25th). Besides Writing for Social Media, the other courses are self-paced which will help me complete them all.

There is the option for all four to be “verified” so you can receive a certificate for completing the course but you have to pay. I don’t think it’s worth the money for three out of four of those but I am debating on getting a certificate for Writing for Social Media to put on my Linkedin profile, I don’t think hiring managers are going to care about a certificate when they want experience but I am still debating on it.

ART

I’ve been trying to sketch, paint, anything really to take my mind off of things. A couple things I’ve done or that I’m working on:

two works in progress, blue haired gal has been a work in progress for years now but I actually worked on her a couple days ago

STAYING SANE

April 20th, 2020 visit to the Salt Lake City Cemetery (practicing social distancing works great here so I can enjoy the weather and fantastic view)

Yesterday I ended up going to one of my favorite places, the Salt Lake City Cemetery in the Avenues. It has been a place I go to for over a decade now to get some peace and quiet so I can relax.

I think cemetery’s are beautiful and the memories, the tombstones, the act of remembering and respecting the dead is a wonderfully unique human habit that shows compassion and love for those that have come before us and reminds us to respect life and not waste it.

MY NOVEL

This is a first in a long time. I don’t think I’ve posted any updates about My First Novel in months. Finally because of COVID-19, being stuck at home has made me pull out my manuscript and start the final editing process which I should’ve-could’ve started back in January. One of my friends, who is a Grant Writer, actually read my entire manuscript and made notes, edited it for grammar and punctuation. I’m using her notes finally to work on it.

Yesterday I completed about five chapters. I have realized that my book jolts and jumps gears frequently after I completed another read through last week. So right now I am rewriting, rephrasing, mixing around the sentences for each chapter so it flows better. I know this means I will need to have it proofed again and most likely by a couple different people to get a more accurate estimate as to what needs to be fixed but this is just a necessary step in making my novel better, more coherent, and readable.

This is exciting for me and I finally feel like I’m making progress so this has relieved a little bit of stress and tension that I’ve been feeling lately.

Thank you for reading and being a part of my journey!

How has your Stay-at-Home time been for you? Are you reading or writing or doing both? Do you have any recommendations for keeping life interesting during these strange times? If so, please comment below!

–Alina

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Want to become one of my Patrons? Go to my page here and join a tier. All patrons regardless of Tier have access to all of my patron-only content right now! Tiers start at $3/month! 

If you enjoyed this post, check out these:

Life During COVID-19 (5/5/2020): Tutoring, Freelancing on Fiverr and Job Searching(Opens in a new browser tab)

Life During COVID-19 (5/30/2020): Reflection on George Floyd, Protests Turned Riots and Growing Tensions in the U.S.(Opens in a new browser tab)

My Stories on Medium: Poetry, Writing and Freelancing(Opens in a new browser tab)

January 2020 Update: Workshop, Writing, and Music

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

Today is my first day in a Free Poetry Workshop! Last September I bought Windows and Doors: A Poet Read Literary Theory by Natasha Sajé. I read a few chapters and then looked up Natasha Sajé, I found out she is a professor at Westminster right here in Salt Lake City. Then I found out she was doing a free Poetry Workshop this Spring. To sum it up, I applied to the workshop and got in. Today is the start of this four-month workshop and I am so excited. I am hoping to get a lot out of this workshop and make progress with my poetry.

amazon.com

Besides my poetry, I have been doing my daily writing routine, a mere 1,000 words a day required. I feel like I’ve been hitting a wall lately when it comes to my writing. On the backburner is My First Novel which I talked about regularly in my posts last year. At this point, I have only one tiny chapter to write and the book is done. After that I need to have it fully edited/proofed and then I want to start submitting it to Literary Agents for representation. I have very little left to do, maybe a couple rewrites here and there and some more polishing but I have put my book on the back burner since November and haven’t had the guts to break it open again.

(More about My First Novel)

Instead, I’ve been working on my music. I’ve been researching and learning Ableton (DAW), I’ve been practicing guitar, recording, and learning the ins and outs of my midi keyboard. I’ve also lately become interested in Modular Synthesizers, so I’ve been taking a course on the basics through lynda.com and messing around with a Cherry Audio Virtual Mod Synth I got with the purchase of Computer Music magazine (what a cool find!). It’s been a fun and time-consuming venture. Currently, I have about five songs in the works. A few of these songs will finish the playlist I started on my SoundCloud, taking inspiration from Dante’s circles of hell.

Image result for dante's circles of hell
Botticelli

That’s it for this update! I want to say THANK YOU to all my followers and those that read my poems regularly, I deeply appreciate your interest and readership.

-Alina

Liked this post? Check out these:

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!(Opens in a new browser tab)

Why I Write: Poetry #1(Opens in a new browser tab)

Currently Reading: Postmodernism, 1920s, and Fiction(Opens in a new browser tab)

https://www.alinahappyhansenwriter.com/portfolio-publications-events/