Angela Brown

Days with the Undead: Book One blog tour

2012-03-12T06:30:00.147-05:00

"Our hope is that we will be safe tonight and many more nights to come. Some of you out there - those untouched by the reality that we are living first hand - might think this is a joke, a prank or some sick and twisted hoax. I can certainly attest that it is not. What’s happening is real and this is our record of it. I do hope that my frantic typing isn’t garbled and that I don’t repeat myself too often. PLEASE forgive me if I do. My intent is only to give the world a glimpse into our survival until the very last possible moment.

I hope this communication finds you in a safe place where the Undead have yet to proliferate. Pray for Us. Pray for life. Just pray… Please."

If you're anything like me, that excerpt just quickened your heartbeat. Lucky for you, and me, there's more where that came from.

Days with the Undead: Book One has a wonderfully eerie premise:

It’s a journal of survival.

Five people set out to escape the Undead who have risen too close to home. Join the emotional and physical struggle as they began on the third day after the awakening of Brooks VanReit, as they are recorded from the point of view of Julie, a former pathologist and part-time survivalist.

Each entry is geared toward helping those who want to help themselves and maybe give a few that don’t a swift kick in the ass. Join our group of survivors on their journey through these Days with the Undead.

I tend toward the "scaredy cat" side of the playground, so I couldn't help wondering, as my heart tripped over itself, how does an author write a horror novel? Is it, dare I say, easy? Please grab a glass of lemonade, or sprinkle some holy water around you if need be (though I'm not sure if that works for zombies), and join me as I am honored to have Days with the Undead author, Julianne Snow, address this question. Take it away, Julianne.

I want to thank Angela for allowing me the opportunity to introduce myself to her readers. My name is Julianne Snow and I am a science fiction and horror writer who is trying to get the word out about my book Days with the Undead: Book One. One of the most difficult things about writing in the genres that I do is this:

How Easy Is It To Write Unease?

To write? Or not to write? That really isn’t a question for me. I have to write. It’s a feeling that consumes me. There are times when I should be sleeping or catching up with friends… Where can you find me instead? Either furiously typing on my computer or at my desk, scribing out a story longhand.

There have been some stories that end up being tedious to get out. You start off with a great idea, only to have it disintegrate as you lay the words down.

Others come together so beautifully that you sit back and wonder where a particular phrase came from. Sometimes you are just able to hit the emotions and imagery on the head and it reads exactly how you saw it happening in your head.

There is an interesting facet of writing that deserves some consideration - how does an author write stellar horror without scaring themselves? How do they evoke the reactions of fear and unease without falling victim to their own words?

I’d bet there are authors out there writing in the genre that would maintain they are immune to their own words. I can’t help but wonder if that is a good thing - how can you hope to scare, to evoke feeling, if you cannot even scare yourself?

It’s a benchmark that I strive to attain each and every time that I craft a story. I know that I’ve hit the mark when I can sit back and let the shudder course through my body. Emotion is a universal concept; we all feel. Injecting your writing with emotion is the best way, in my experience as both a writer and as a reader, to engage your audience.

As I was writing my first book, Days with the Undead: Book One, there were times when I genuinely had to sit back and take a break. The living dead are some of the most sinister monsters that anyone can imagine - if you look into their slack faces, what stares back at you?

A reflection of humanity in its afterlife.

Add to that the situations that are just as likely to arise in a rolling Apocalypse as in any other. In some cases, it’s the element of surprise that gets you; and in others, the gentle, sustained build of tension and fright that makes it hard to swallow.

If I were being honest, I want all of my readers to feel the same emotions that I do as I write. I want the tense moments to quicken your desire to devour my words. I want each page turned to make you pause for that moment, if only just to catch your breath before the next scene. When you are finished reading a scene in its entirety, I want it to stick with you for long moments after; to take up residence in your psyche and for you to mention it at the oddest moment in unrelated conversation. I want to take the things that you think are unimaginable in the horror realm and creep you out to the utmost level. Those are the emotions that I want you to feel, but I don’t want to simply do it in the most graphic way. Simplicity and subtlety are the tools that I prefer to use. That, and just a little touch of poignant creepiness. When you read my words, I want you to feel uneasy, the same way that I did while writing it.

***

I just had a shudder run through me reading that last line. Talk about emotional engagement! Thank you so very much.

Now, where can you get your copy of Days with the Undead: Book One?

Days with the Undead

It is available in print format at CreateSpace and Amazon.

Or digital format: Amazon US

Here's a bit more about the Author - Julianne Snow

It was while watching Romero's Night of the Living Dead at the tender age of 6 that solidified Julianne’s respect of the Undead. Since that day, she has been preparing herself for the (inevitable) Zombie Apocalypse. While classically trained in all of the ways to defend herself, she took up writing in order to process the desire she now covets; to bestow a second and final death upon the Undead.

As the only girl growing up in a family with four children in the Canadian countryside, Julianne needed some form of escape. Her choice was the imaginations of others which only fostered the vibrancy of her own. The horror and forensic/crime thriller genres top her list of favourites, but she can never turn down a good science fiction, fantasy or mystery read.

Julianne appears in the anthology Women of the Living Dead with a story entitled The Living Dead at Penderghast Manor. Look for her short stories in future anthologies. Days with the Undead: Book One is her first full-length book, the basis of which can be found in her popular web serial of the same name.

***

Feel free to use the comments to say "Hello", 'Howdy" or "Fracking A that scared the dirt out of me." Okay, so maybe I'm the one who'd say that last one :-)

Lucky 7 Meme, After These Important Messages

2012-03-09T06:00:00.031-06:00

Before I get into the meme, I wanted to share something interesting. Has to do with YA book covers and a not-so-thrilling trend Ellen Oh noticed and blogged about it here. Thanks to Adam over at Author's Echo for bringing this to my attention. Check out his giveaway, too.

Also, thanks to the ever-wonderful Angela Cothran at Live to Write...Edit when Necessary for the Sunshine Award. You can check my answers here. If you haven't checked out her blog, well, whatd'ya waitin' for? :-)

Going to try something here. I got tagged by Tracey Joseph and Cherie Colyer with the Lucky 7 Meme. I kind of like this one.

Here's what I'm supposed to do:

1. Go to page 77 of your current MS
2. Go to line 7
3. Copy down the next 7 lines - sentences or paragraphs - and post them as they're written. No cheating.

I'm supposed to tag and let others know but...naw, just leaving it open to anyone that wants to share a snippet of their work to share your 7 lines from your 77th page of your MS. WOOT!

Here are my lines:

“Beacon? Beacon? Have you come back?” It felt as if she were trying to turn her vision inward to look for me. Her eyes never once lifted from the yarn and needles.

“Please, wake up,” that voice called again, filled with worry. This time, I closed my eyes to the old woman’s mind and followed the sound. When I opened them, I saw a point of light. I raced for it, fearful of what I’d done, how I’d done it.

I jerked awake. My body shot straight up with the force of a spring board. I threw my hands over my face, the sun a blinding orb overhead.

Yeah, so this was done before revisions. I can see some words that will have to kick the bucket when I make it to this page.

Ah, well. That was fun. Off to see if the weekend will slow down just a bit so I can relish in every second. Have a good one.

IWSG - Grow a Pair Already!

2012-03-07T06:00:00.004-06:00

Visit others

Yeah. "Grow a pair, already!" is what I told myself when I sat down to work revisions on my current WiP, MINGLED, a couple of days ago.

My excitement stirred when I finished the first draft of the query. That's what really helped me finish the first draft of the MS. Then I got some great advice on how to improve the query from a couple of fantastic folks like Elana Johnson - as part of NiNoCon - and David Powers King. So I'm hoping I've made things better as far as the query is concerned. Still have to review the suggestions against the changes I've made.

Then I got even more excited when the desire to revise kicked in full gear, after a much needed breather, and I started work, cutting here, adding there. I was making slow but steady progress when I saw something interesting.

Brenda Drake does some of the most wonderful, awesome, fantastic activities at her blog. Did I mention she does some awesome stuff at her blog? Some things are worth repeating. Anyway, she and a couple of other lovely dames go and do this March Madness contest that I almost entered. Almost. I even worked up a pitch for it:

MINGLED, YA paranormal set in a post-apocalyptic America-
In the Collective, blood is the price for peace. For seventeen year old Macie, blood is nothing but trouble as she discovers there are those within the government who would kill to possess hers.

I'd tried to convince myself that since I'd finished the first draft that hey, I could probably give it a go. I read the instructions. I should have known better. But then reality hit. I couldn't participate because the agents are looking for MS-ready-to-query. And as she often does with Charlie Brown, Lucy yanked the football from me at the last moment and I landed on my bottom. One of the few times it pays to have a round-about-figure.

Gets him every time.

It isn't the contest's fault that my MS isn't finished with revisions. That's up to me. And I chose not to rush the revisions just to go for the Pitch contest. So when I sat down the other day to do a few revisions, I stared at it a bit. Blew out an exasperated sigh. Hopped on the internet to procrastinate then came back to stare at it again. I felt bothered by the missed opportunity. I kept thinking I should have had it done already. Then I had that brief, one-sentence conversation with myself. I didn't snap out of my little self-pity party and into a revision rage, but it did make me giggle and remember that there will be other chances, other opportunities. That I had to get to work or I WOULD keep missing one chance after another...nothing that I could blame on anyone but myself. Me. Not Lucy and that stupid football of hers :-)

I'm still revising. Can't wait to get it out to betas when I'm done. I'll look forward to getting their feedback and making the MS better, improve it. And I look forward to fewer moments of Lucy yanking the football at the last moment since I hope to be in a better place with my MS should another opportunity arise.

Here's to hoping none of you are suffering a Lucy moment.

Goals + Hurdles = Girdles

2012-03-05T06:00:00.003-06:00

I'd like to imagine my trek along this writing path is one that is as beautiful as this racing horse, long form stretched perfectly over a hurdle, aiming to reach a goal of victory.

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Except, here's my reality:

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The one in the yellow-gold-dress-looking-thing, head tilted as if about to fall (I think that's Washington lol!!!) - yeah, that's more along the lines of what things feel like for me. But, at least there's a lot of laughter :-)

I've got some goals set for March 2012 and with some work, I hope to achieve them. Each month, I've gotten a bit more aggressive, re-evaluating and adjusting as needed. So far, I've mainly upped the ante with my goals. But I like having the ability to adjust down a bit if needed.

Name: Angela L Brown
Twitter: @neostateofmind
Goals for March 2012:
1: Complete revision of MINGLED and get it to beta readers
2: Post 3 blogs a week
3: Read 3 books
4: Comment to other blogs, at least 20 to 25 a week.
5. Participate in A Picture Paints 1000 Words blogfest at Unicorn Bell
6. Get at lest 14 of my A to Z blogging challenge blogs scheduled.

As a reminder, Insecure Writer's Support Group is the first Wednesday of the month so it's sneaking up on us quick, fast and in a hurry. Should be this Wednesday, I believe. Someone do correct me please if I'm looking at this wrong :-) Whether you'll be participating or not, is there something in particular you'd like to improve, maybe drink more water, eat fewer doughnuts, drive the car in purposeless circles a few less times a week?

A Picture Paints 1000 Words and I'm It

2012-03-02T06:00:00.001-06:00

I happen to enjoy blogfests, but I don't get to participate in very many. I AM participating in Unicorn Bell's A Picture Paints 1000 Words blogfest.

Get the details. Check out the pix!

Go check it out, if for nothing more than the gorgeous pictures you get to choose from. I've been looking them over again and again and I'm still cheesing, trying to decide which one to go with.

And...

I'm It :-) Thank you to Brianna at Kindling the Fire for the tag.

Here are her questions and my answers:

1. What's your favorite YA Heroine? It's a tough fight between Hermione and Katniss, the wand or the bow. Hmmmm....
2. Have you ever tried to write your own novel? Yes. I've written a few completed manuscripts, one that I self-pubbed for fun and the other two that may not see light of day, well, at least one for sure since I got rid of everything but my memory of it.
3. How many hours a day do you read on average? I average about 30 minutes a day during the weekdays. Weekends have no average, just steal what I can.
4. What is your favorite book to movie so far? So far, I 'd have to say the Lord of the Rings trilogy. It was a tremendous undertaking to even try and put such an epic to screen. I knew there would be much that just wouldn't be able to translate exactly how I thought it would but when I saw each movie, I was blown away with how much descriptions remained true, characters, setting, so much was done to keep it as close as humanly possible and I appreciated that from the entire assembly that brought the production to fantastic fruition.
5. Do you own an ereader? If so what one? No e-reader. However, I make wonderful use of my kindle for PC app. Building a hefty e-book collection from some wonderful authors. Speaking of which, I need to go buy Channeler's Choice by Heather McCorkle. Hold on. Okay, sorry about that. It's in my library now :-)
6. How many books do you plan to read this year? My goal is 30 books.
7. Where are you most comfortable reading? Snuggled in the corner of my couch with my daughter's Princess throw warming my legs.
8. Sometimes I love to snack while I read. What's you're favorite book snack? My favorite snack period is chocolate chip cookies. They are the devil to my hips and other over-jolly places that need quite a bit of reshaping into something less circular.
9. What genre do you absolutely hate? No absolute hate. I'm just a bit scared of horror.
10. Do you enjoy book blogging? Why or why not? Well, my blog isn't specifically a book blog, but more about all things books, from writing, reading, loving and supporting books and authors, and making my own way on this winding road to publication. And I love it because it's an extension of my passion for reading and writing.

That's pretty much it about me. How about you my fellow writers, bloggers, readers and lovers of words? Feel free to choose a question and answer it in the comments below which will shed a tiny light into the window of your world for me. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend :-)

Do's and Don'ts of Writing While Staying Home With Chipmunk

2012-02-29T06:00:00.014-06:00

I am back to work at the paying gig today, surrounded by this most uninspiring of things:

Gray gone bad. And I'm surrounded by this all day. EEK!

I've been home the last couple of days with Chipmunk. Per doctor's orders, she couldn't return to school for a couple of days. So Monday and Tuesday, I was at home. I picked up a couple nuggets of knowledge.

DO take advantage of being at home from the paying gig. That means an extra hour or two of sleep. WOOT!

DO check out extra blogs and comment.

DO read a book while Chipmunk is catching up on rest.

DO write, revise and edit as needed

But, it's the Don'ts that sort of plagued me.

DON'T drink an entire bottle of Moscato, by yourself, before a Monday. An impromptu celebration of not having to go in to the office and finally knowing what's been ailing your child is great, but this was a bad idea. For one with a low alcohol tolerance, this resulted in the following day being a total FAIL due to a non-stop headache. When your biggest accomplishment at the end of the day is finally getting rid of the headache before bed, well, you know you've been extremely non-productive.

DON'T lose control of your eating habits. Remember, you did not lose a few pounds by chomping down on chocolate chip cookies throughout the day. A hangover is not a good reason to dive into your chocolate craving head first. Now, put the cookie back down and step back. Step back some more, like out-of-the-kitchen-far-away-back.

DON'T shop at a bulk size store -think Costco or Sam's - when you know you're going to be home, surrounded by all those goodies, goodies you normally don't get to see until you've drained most of your energy working during the day and helping Chipmunk with homework and reading. By the time you do see them, you don't have the energy to crave them so much. At home all day, those goodies are like the Borg. Resistance is futile.

Okay, so enough of my Do's and Don'ts. What are some of your Do's and Don'ts if you are home all day, with or without your kiddo(s)?

Catch Fire! - CassaFire Blog Party

2012-02-28T06:00:00.048-06:00

What do you do when you have a party? Have LOADS of fun, mingle with all the friends and strangers that show up and dance until your toes are sore from your three-inch wedge heels. Then you take those off and boogie some more!

Well, today is party day everyone!!

*Throws confetti!*

It's a Catch Fire! Blog Party for blogger extraordinaire, movie guru, guitar rocking, Ninja Captain - Karate Chop!! - Alex J. Cavanaugh. The goal is to help CassaFire “catch fire” on the best seller charts and achieve the success of the first book, CassaStar. There’s also a special package of prizes being given away at the author’s blog (copies of CassaFire, CassaStar, tote bag, mug, and bookmarks) as well as book giveaways during his two-week blog tour. See Alex’s site for details: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

CassaFire

by Alex J. Cavanaugh

CassaStar was just the beginning…

The Vindicarn War is a distant memory and Byron’s days of piloting Cosbolt fighters are over. He has kept the promise he made to his fallen mentor and friend - to probe space on an exploration vessel. Shuttle work is dull, but it’s a free and solitary existence. The senior officer is content with his life aboard the Rennather.

The detection of alien ruins sends the exploration ship to the distant planet of Tgren. If their scientists can decipher the language, they can unlock the secrets of this device. Is it a key to the Tgren’s civilization or a weapon of unimaginable power? Tensions mount as their new allies are suspicious of the Cassan’s technology and strange mental abilities.

To complicate matters, the Tgrens are showing signs of mental powers themselves; the strongest of which belongs to a pilot named Athee, a woman whose skills rival Byron’s unique abilities. Forced to train her mind and further develop her flying aptitude, he finds his patience strained. Add a reluctant friendship with a young scientist, and he feels invaded on every level. All Byron wanted was his privacy…

Available today!

Science fiction - space opera/adventure

Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5, $15.95, 6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages

EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9, $4.99, available in all formats

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

CassaFire is the sequel to Cavanaugh’s first book, CassaStar, an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller:

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

You can visit Alex's site at http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Book trailer available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa6VINRGtyE.

But because I'm just tickled pink about this book launch, here's the trailer:

Are you ready to Catch Fire?

Birth of a Novel and #writemotivation

2012-02-27T07:03:00.000-06:00

"You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." - Shirley Hufstedler (thinkexist.com)

Who knows this better than doers? The inventor designing the next big thing. The engineer designing the next big technological advancement. The writer working on their novel.

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Working on the Birth of a Novel angle, MINGLED is in the next stage of the process. With the first draft done, it is time to organize, reorganize, shift, add and take a little away from the gathering of words. Then off for it's first round of beta reviews. I hope to get this done by mid-next week. It's a lofty goal, but I'll see if I can make it happen.

#writemotivation
I'm still working on goals for March 2012 - almost done and will post them on my #writemotivation page in the next day or two.

As for the goals for February 2012:

1: Complete first draft of MINGLED and continue first draft of UNCOMMON - First half done. Second half, not so much

2: Post 3 blogs a week - Done!
3: Read 3 books - Almost done. Read and reviewed Everneath for my 2012 YA/MG Debut Author Reading Challenge, completed The Book Thief and am almost done with Send One Angel Down.
4: Comment to other blogs, at least 20 to 25 a week. - Done!

I want to thank everyone who commented on Friday. It's a whole lot of us who would love to visit New Zealand. If I could afford it, I'd make my way there quick, fast and in a hurry :-) Also, you guys gave me some interesting input regarding the good/bad attraction. Gives me some interesting stuff to work with.

Now, something else that has me curious. Would you consider taking a dive into a genre that you're not familiar with if the novel idea came to you begging to be told?

A to Z, One, Two, Three, Boy Meets Girl

2012-02-24T06:00:00.009-06:00

April 2012 will be here soon. Are you joining the A to Z fun? Click here to check out the deets.

The very lovely and funny Angie Cothran tagged me. I'm It! Here are her questions. Yes, I'm okay if you roll on the floor uproariously at something that I should have been much smarter NOT to attempt or do. :-)

Do you write your books out long hand with paper and pen or typed on a computer? Okay, so here's the deal. I usually start off with Post it notes (not numbered so I have to make sure to keep them in order) or with my daughter's Spongebob and Patrick stationary. For some reason, the first paragraph or first lines like to get worked out when I'm not in front of my personal laptop or I'm in the middle of something else and the Chipmunk's stationary is the first thing I grab to jot down the first lines. Otherwise, typed on my laptop.
If you had to live your life without one of these which would you pick—Underwear or Shoes? Why? Um, the ground has things like glass, pebbles, gravel and it gets really hot or really cold. Wearing a pair of pants or a long skirt, no one would ever know that I was "wilidng out" with no underwear. So yeah, no underwear lol!!!
Where is the best place to vacation? In reality, my bed where I can disappear beneath the blankets and sleep, sleep, sleep. In my fantasy, it would be a toss up between France and New Zealand. Wine in the countryside or natural beauty that steals your breath away.
What would the world be better without? Defining one's life by the misery of others.
If you could live in one fairy tale, which one would you pick? As much as I adore fairy tales with their Happily Ever Afters, I'm not sure I'd be able to live in any of them. My brain would rebel on me. I could try under the sea with Ariel where I'll immediately be distracted by every shiny thing in sight. Or I could try in the heart of Nawlins with Tiana.
What is your strength as a writer? How I wish I could say it's my perfect word choice, revulsion to passive voice and adverbs and the ability to get the story right in the first draft. Given my word choice sometimes causes head scratching, my penchant for abusing -ing words and adverbs like they're the only words available and the fright that echoes through my frame when I attempt a read-through of my first draft, I'd have to say my strength is my stubborn nature. Despite it all - or in spite of it all - I just keep trying.
Night Owl or Early Bird? Night owl
Favorite cosmetic product? Lip stick that doesn't dry my lips and make them all flakey and ugh. Not fun when you have full lips.
If you could be friends with one published author who would you pick? J.K. Rowling should be the obvious answer but instead, I'd choose Brodi Ashton. No, not for her book, Everneath, even though I enjoyed it. It's because she's as hilarious as hells-bells. You have to check out her blog.
Hollywood star you look most like? Queen Latifah, at least that's what I've been told.
What is one thing you miss about your childhood? Gosh, I miss not being an adult, having constant responsibility for something or someone else. Go outside and play. Sit down and read a book. Do homework. Those don't seem so tough now.

Now here's my question, something to help me with this A to Z Challenge I've latched myself to - Heaven help me - why do you think many good girls have a leaning toward bad boys or good boys hunger for bad girls? Or maybe you can share why we seem to have a special enjoyment of the forbidden romances: Buffy and Angel, Edward+Bella+Jacob, Marianne Dashwood and John Willoughby, Romeo and Juliet

A Day in the Life and Progress in Various Ways

2012-02-22T06:30:00.053-06:00

I have many facets of me. I'm a mom, a writer, a blogger, a bookworm with a growing TBR list, a fan of countless authors and a full-time cuber (worker stuffed in a hayworth cubicle).

The beautiful Sophia Chang has given me a chance to share a day in my life posted at her blog, Sophia The Writer. Come check it out here. Try not to laugh too hard :-)

Now, I can't speak for others, but I haven't done the best job of taking care of me. Actually, I've been rather pathetic. Guess that comes as part of that whole sacrificial bit of putting kids first or something. But as part of my main goal of "finding balance in my life" in 2012, I slipped something important into the mix. Take better care of myself.

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Toward this end, I've started making better eating choices. I no longer squee with zealous joy at finding whatever chocolate, deep fried, smothered concoction I got my hands on. Paying attention to portion size has been a huge help. And I've been very realistic about my results. My waistline hasn't always been a jolly replica of the Buddha belly. It took some time to get to this point. And the tasty food along the way has been scrumptious.

As with my writing, I'm making slow but steady progress in the weight loss area, having dropped fifteen pounds since the beginning of the year. What are some other facets of YOU that may need a little more attention?

Channeler's Choice

2012-02-20T06:00:00.012-06:00

You all know how I love to support authors. So check out what's coming very soon:

Releasing (officially) February 27th in hardback and eBook, Channeler's Choice, the sequel to Heather McCorkle's earth-conscious urban fantasy, The Secret Of Spruce Knoll. To celebrate she's doing a blog tour from February 27^th through March 15^th along with a giveaway. Here are the prizes:

Winner #1:

An eBook of Tangled Tides by Karen Amanda Hooper

An eBook of Running Wide Open by Lisa Nowak

An eBook of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll (if you don’t have a copy yet)

A paperback of Born Of Fire & Dies Irae (novella combination by Heather McCorkle and Christine Fonseca released through Compass Press)

And of course, Channeler’s Choice swag (bookmarks, postcards, etc.)

Winner #2

An eBook of Beautiful Demons & Inner Demons by Sarra Cannon

An eBook of Bound by C.K. Bryant

An eBook of The Secret Of Spruce Knoll (if you don’t have a copy yet)

A paperback of Born Of Fire & Dies Irae (novella combination by Heather McCorkle and Christine Fonseca released through Compass Press)

And of course, Channeler’s Choice swag (bookmarks, postcards, etc.)

If you don’t have an eReader then you’ll definitely want to stay tuned on Heather’s blog for a HUGE giveaway taking place at the end of the Channeler’s Choice tour.

To enter stop by her blog for official details. http://heathermccorkle.blogspot.com

Here is a bit about Channeler's Choice:

With her parents’ murderer’s dead, Eren can finally concentrate on fitting in at Spruce Knoll High, not to mention figuring out what it means to be a channeler. If only it were that easy. It turns out she isn’t normal even among channelers - she may be a legendary warrior meant to protect the earth in a last great battle.

But Mayan prophecies are the least of her worries as she involuntarily starts to gather her own Society, another girl moves in on Aiden, her powers rage out of control, and worst of all, someone is stalking her. To top it all off, Eren discovers she doesn’t have to be a channeler after all - she has a choice.

As an old threat closes in and she risks ending up like her parents, she is forced to decide. Be a normal teenager and leave the legendary warrior stuff to someone else, or embrace a dark destiny?

Double-Tap

2012-02-18T08:12:00.113-06:00

I've been touched, not once, but twice, with some blog love. Raelyn Barclay passed me the Kreativ Blogger award and Jess over at Write. Skate. Dream gave me the Dream Launcher award. I want to thank them both so much. I heart you guys!!!

Now for the Kreativ Blogger award, Raelyn did something that made me drool - err - that ruled. She listed ten sexy men with their pictures. Saying I really enjoyed that post is such a pathetic understatement lol!!!

So I want to try something, like listing five guys that I can stare at ALL. DAY. LONG. No breaks, just let my eyeballs shrivel up. For the men checking out the blog, don't skip out, just scroll down.
1. Johnny Depp - Did I ever mention I have the most ridiculous crush on this man? If I haven't, I just did :-)

Dear Johnny, I love you!

2. Bi Rain (Jung Hi Hoon) - I can't understand a single word he says when he speaks his native language (S. Korean), but he can sing and dance and well, Le Sigh

Let it Rain

3. Boris Kodjoe - Some men do bald so well it should be banned :-)

Stop being sexy already lol!!

4. Idris Elba - Deep, dark eyes...I'm falling...still falling. Wait...nope...still falling

You guessed it, still falling.

5. Daniel Henney - Thank you to Alessandra!

Is there a doctor in the house?

I am an equal-opportunity drooler - err - individual, so guys, I think some of you may like these ladies.
1. Sofia Vergara

From Modern Family

2. Salma Hayek

Lasting Beauty

3. Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Eureka

4. Angelina Jolie

A Chick and Her Gun

5. Lucy Liu

Kill Bill, anyone?

Well, now. After all that, I think it's safe to wish you all a very wonderful rest of the weekend :-)

Race Horses Had it Right All Along

2012-02-17T06:30:00.015-06:00

Some of you were probably smart enough to see Secretariat when it first came out back in 2010.

IMDB

As one slightly ignorant of the ways of horses beyond their ability to walk and crap at the same time - that's multitasking for you - I delayed in viewing this movie. Didn't watch it until some time last year. I loved it, but that's not the main reason I bring this up.

See, I took a break after writing The End on the first draft of MINGLED. I stepped away from it and let it breathe, let my mind wander and enjoyed the extra reading time. But now I understand what those horses understood. They were bred to run. They knew that sidling up behind that stall door meant they were going to stretch their legs, plant their hooves and pound the dirt until one horse bore the flowers of glory.

Now that I've given myself the time to just...BE...I can feel it. That thundering drive like the revving of a muscle car itching to let it loose on a straightaway. That excitement building like pressed down energy, sparks flaring. The joy of writing made physical by the jolt in my heart as I prepare to get back down to the business of writing.

Not sure if I've been this excited before. How about you? Have you ever had a situation where you were physically overjoyed to work things out with your MS?

Interview With An Aspirer

2012-02-16T10:12:00.000-06:00

I've been given the privilege to share a little about me over at Myself as Written, Charlie Holmberg's wonderful and often helpful blog.

Before you go to check that out, I've been tagged!

So here are the questions posed by Alessandra Hinlo
1. What's the most interesting place you've visited? Well, although not together anymore, me and Papa Chipmunk got married and honeymooned via cruise ship. We stopped in Cozumel and I LOVED it. Beautiful, warm sand that trickled through your fingers like spun silk. Clear, dazzling water. Did I mention I LOVED it? Yeah, just making sure :-)
2. Favorite food? I can take chicken the way Forrest Gump did shrimp: broiled, baked, fried, grilled, kabobbed, casseroled and on and on.
3. Horror: yes or no? Goodness no. I'm such a scaredy cat.
4. What is one thing you absolutely must do before you die? As long as I get to tell my daughter I love her before I die, then all the rest is just bucket-list icing, like visiting the UK, France, Japan, Australia, Nigeria and South Africa. I'd also like to visit New Zealand because some great movies were filmed out in that beautiful nature.
5. Do you write in the morning or in the evening? I write in the evening.
6. What's your favorite urban legend or ghost story? I don't know how many other people have heard of this, but I've heard that when you're in bed and you awaken but feel like you can't breath or sit up, that it's a hag sitting on your chest. If someone reading this knows what I'm talking about, please mention it in the comments because you'll probably describe it much better. Just creepy.
7. Are you left-handed or right-handed? (I ask this because I'm a leftie!) I'm right handed :-)
8. What's your favorite mode of travel? (by car, plane, train, ship, etc) I'm so going to cheat and say the Internet. I can go anywhere I want, and see lots of things with Google Earth from the comfort of my chair and PC.
9. Do you have any scars? How did you get them? I have quite a few. Some from chickenpox as a kid, others from random bumps, knocks and "When did that happen?" moments. One scar I got from not listening to my mother. She warned me NOT to toss my brother's football up in the house. So what did I do? I tossed that bad boy high toward the ceiling, where there was a glass covered light, then "Oooohhhed" as it crashed into the light. Broken glass tumbled with sharp edges and malicious aim. One shard lodged in a finger and another stuck itself on the outer edge of my eye, a slit's width away from my eyeball. I ran about the house like a child possessed. Ended up needed stitches. No longer had a desire to toss that football up ever again. Didn't get a whipping for that. I think my mom knew I'd endured enough punishment :-)
10. Favorite author? A battle between J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis
11. Apple or PC? I'm a PC

Okay, now go check out my interview:-)

Literary Legends and Dimensions

2012-02-15T06:00:00.053-06:00

Dr. Maya Angelou

Click here >>>

Say that name anywhere and you'd be hard pressed to find someone that hasn't heard of her. In a brief description on her site, she is described as "a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom. Within the rhythm of her poetry and elegance of her prose lies Angelou's unique power to help readers of every orientation span the lines of race. Angelou captivates audiences through the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics."

I was first introduced to her work as a teenager, reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. I remember thinking, "what a silly title"...until I read the book. Yeah, it stopped being silly and I wanted to know more about her. At this point, she's pretty iconic. If I met her, I'd probably pass out, but hopefully I'd shake her hand before doing so :-)

On a note less embarrassing than admitting Maya's presence in my general vicinity could cause me to faint, I'd like to mention a movie that folks in the Boston area will get to see. It is called Dimensions. It will be at the Boston Sci-Fi Film Festival on Saturday, February 18th.

Here's what it's about from the movie's site:

Dimensions: A Line, A Loop, A Tangle of Threads

Stephen is a brilliant young boy who lives in England, in what appears to be the 1920s – but nothing in Stephen’s life is quite as it seems. His world is turned upside down upon meeting a charismatic and inspirational professor at a garden party, who demonstrates to Stephen and his friends what life would be like if they themselves were merely one, or two, dimensional beings. He then proceeds to explain that by manipulating other dimensions, time travel may actually be possible.

As Stephen’s life unfolds, events lead him to dedicate himself to turning the Professor’s theories of time travel into reality. Jealousy, love, obsession, temptation and greed surround him, influencing his fragile mind and the direction of his work.

So I'm admittedly curious, if time travel were real, you can control the WHEN of your trip but your return to the present was not guaranteed, would you take this chance to reshape your world?

Valentine's Mash Up

2012-02-14T06:30:00.046-06:00

Cupid's arrow has stricken some of you with heart palpitations at the sight of that special someone. Wings collide in a fluttering cascade within the core of your being when they approach you, whisper your name, trace their fingertips along your jawline. The mere thought of being in their presence, even after weeks apart, warms your neck, heat flashing to the tips of your ears as you gasp. After ten, twenty, thirty years together, the words, "I love you," carry more value than all the Queen's jewels. You know a diamond can be replaced, an emerald bought again, rubies dug up and fashioned as needed. But that love of your life is, well...

Irreplaceable and Unforgettable.

On this Valentine's Day, I want to wish all the lovers and couples a marvelous Day of Love.

On to the rest of the Mash Up :-)

In His Eyes anthology winners, please stand up:

Barbara Ann Wright
J. C. Martin
1000th.monkey
Tracey J.
Peggy Eddleman
Tiffany Mahaffey
Leslie Rose

If you have not received your e-mail notification from me, please contact me at tomewriter(at)gmail(dot)com so I can make sure you receive your prize.

Heather McCorkle has tagged me in something too cute to pass up on. Make sure to stop by here to check out the questions she had and the answers she provided. I loved them!

So, here I go:

What is your favorite book, and why? The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, though I fancy the entire Narnia series. Epic good vs. Evil, traveling to fantasy worlds where two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve could make a difference.
Who do you admire most, and why? Okay, so this may be a bit sappy, but I admire my late mother most of all. She, to me, was the epitome of commitment to hard work and spiritual encouragement. She was a prayerful woman and always had a smile, even in the hardest of times...which there were a lot of those growing up.
Music, or movies? Hmmm...both (I know, such a cheat move ::hangs head in shame::) lol!!!
Ebook, or printed book? I do love you printed books. I really do, but I'm leaning toward more e-books.
Best book you've read this year? So far, I'd have to go with Under the Never Sky. Mainly because I'd fallen in love with the idea of a Never Sky and violent storms that can burn you to a crisp. I've been absolutely thrilled with everything I've read thus far.

I think that's enough mashing up for today. Off you go now. Enjoy your Day of Love. By the way, other than candy and flowers, what do you think makes a good Valentine's Day gift?

It's My Birthday and I'll Share If I Want To :-)

2012-02-13T06:00:00.019-06:00

I won't dive into how many years ago it happened, but I made my way into this world, a screaming little thing, hollering from the tap on my bottom meant to ensure I was breathing and alive. All the while, I'm sure my newborn self was quite angry nobody asked if I wanted to leave the warmth and comfort of the place I'd called home for nine to ten months.

Now all grown up - well, sort of :-) - I'm a lot quieter about my birthday. Not the big partier or gift seeker. So, I thought it would be great to give this time around. So what is it I want to share with you?

Smashwords or Amazon

In His Eyes is FREE at Smashwords, and $0.99 at Amazon and Barnes&Noble - hopefully to go free there as well by the release date on February 14th for Valentines Day.

You could also add In His Eyes to yourTBR list on Goodreads.

For more information about the Indelibles, check out our blog, facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.

Stories included in the Anthology:

Surprise, Surprise by Stacey Wallace Benefiel, author of Glimpse: Half the women in Melody's family can see the future, which makes it nearly impossible for Raleigh to surprise her. What's a guy to do for Valentine's Day when his girlfriend is always one step ahead of him?

First Kiss or First Kill? by C.K. Bryant, author of Bound: Love isn't always rainbows and kittens, sometimes it can be downright deadly. (A deleted chapter from Bound.)

Shattered by Ali Cross, author of Become: James and Desi use each other in an effort to cling to the darkness in each of them, but in the end they discover that love changes everything. (A short story from James’ POV)

Before by Jessie Harrell, author of Destined: When a younger Eros is exiled to a land that doesn't believe in the Greek gods, he finds the first love of his immortal life. Read Eros' first person account of his romance, and heartbreak, in the time before he met Psyche.

The Qualm Before the Storm by Karen Amanda Hooper, author ofTangled Tides. Yara Jones doesn’t want to be a mermaid. Treygan doesn’t want to be the monster who turns her. You can’t always get what you want. (A short prequel to Tangled Tides.)

Unspeakable by S.R. Johannes, author of Untraceable: When Mo sees a strange girl in the woods, he follows her. He soon realizes they are both in a dangerous position and might not get out alive.

In the Beginning by Katie Klein, author of Cross My Heart: Seth is falling hard for Genesis Green, but the guardian angel is determined not to interfere, until an accident changes the course of their lives forever. (A short prequel to The Guardian.)

A Chance Encounter by Cheri Lasota, author of Artemis Rising: Finnian's eyes hide a terrible secret. But a girl on the train home, the girl in tears with a secret of her own...She sees right through him. A scene from the upcoming novel, Echoes in the Glass.

Family Bonds by Heather McCorkle, author of The Secret of Spruce Knoll: A Halloween party filled with teens who can channel energy and use it to kill, what could go wrong? For Spruce Knoll fans who are dying to read more about Fane.
Getting Closer by Lisa Nowak, author of Running Wide Open: Megan is smart, hot, and an upperclassman—in other words, way out of Cody’s league. So why did she choose him? (An excerpt of Getting Sideways.)

Precalculus by Cory Putman Oakes, author of The Veil: a re-telling of the fateful class period that changed Addison Russell’s life, from Luc’s point of view (a.k.a. Chapter 2 of The Veil from Luc’s perspective)

The Almost Assassin by Laura Pauling, author of A Spy Like Me, releasing Spring 2012: Malcolm tries his hand at the family business but his conscience and a beautiful "spy" may be his downfall.

Mind Games by Susan Kaye Quinn, author of Open Minds: Raf wants to take Kira—the only girl in school who doesn’t read minds—to the mindware Games, but his friends have other plans. (A short prequel to Open Minds.)

By The Firelight by Elle Strauss, author of Clockwise: When Nate McKenzie asks an unpopular girl to dance on a dare, he's in for the time of his life.

A Very Alien Valentine’s Day by Magan Vernon, author of How To Date An Alien: After surviving confinement and an intergalactic war for his human half, Alex, now he has to live through the biggest challenge of them all: Valentine's Day.

Aligned by RaShelle Workman, author of Exiled: A half-Eternal boy and an Eternal girl must free millions of tortured souls from a creature whose been feasting on their pain and suffering.

***So what I want to do is give a Kindle version (currently priced at $0.99) to seven lucky commentors. That's right. Leave me a comment below and I'll pick seven of you to pass along this romance-filled-lovefest by a group of extremely talented authors. If your e-mail address is not part of your profile, please be sure to add it in your comment.***

EDIT: Thank you to all interested commentors. The giveaway has now closed.

So what I want to know is: What is your idea of romance or a romantic act?

Everneath, What One Rash Decision Can Do

2012-02-10T06:00:00.012-06:00

Check it out here

Here's the description from Brodi Ashton's blog:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

So I finished reading this book. I know I just mentioned that I was reading it but yeah, it's done. I finished it a couple of days ago. What could I possibly think of it:
- page turner
- emotional roller coaster
- made me sniffle a little
- romance boiling under the surface and brimming out of the cup
- some love triangles work, like in this story

Now, there is one thing that I had to work through. I won't go into details because I don't want any spoilers here. I'll just say that I'm a fan of loving hard, just on the fence about certain things done in the name of love.

As much as I enjoyed Cole and could really feel for Nik, I really loved Jack. I keep wondering if it is possible to find a grown up, real life version of someone like him. Brodi Ashton's description of him is wonderful but it's his actions that made him swoon-worthy, if he were much older that is. If there was a team, I would be Team Jack all the way. At least I wouldn't want to form a Team We Hate Nik. Her character displayed a reasonable amount of angst...and who wouldn't after being sucked down to Everneath to be fed upon by an Immortal only to Return to the Surface and have six months to...what, try to make things right after suddenly vanishing? Actually say goodbye to family and friends? Make up missed homework?

Brodi's premise is strong, allotting room for a lot of tension. Her writing was almost conversational, pulling you in and carrying you along until you found it hard to put the story away.

My mind is now ready for an Everneath #2. I want to know. I have to know. No. I need to know what's in story for Cole, Nik and Jack.

So, what good read are you checking out right now?

****By the way, tune in Monday for something special :-)****

Sunshiney Day

2012-02-08T06:00:00.083-06:00

So, how special am I feeling today? Well, I'm blushing at a blog award I was given by a darling Southern belle I often visit. When you visit Christy Farmer's blog, she greets you with a bright, inviting smile. It only gets better from there with helpful tips and some pretty funny posts as well. Here's the award she's given me:

Here's the To Do:

Favorite Color: purple

Favorite animal: felines, they're just so darn graceful, most of the time

Favorite number: 2

Favorite non-alcoholic drink: Wild Cherry Pepsi

Facebook or Twitter: Facebook, me and Twitter are still feeling each other out

Passion: Writing and Reading

Getting or Giving Presents: I love giving but do I really have to choose? :-)

Pattern: Hmm...got to think on this one.

Day of the week: Saturday

Flower: roses, I'm a pathetic romantic at heart

Now the rule is to pass it along to 10 bloggers that make you smile. Well, I'm pretty horrible with this part but there is one blog I want to point out because her eye for beauty shows in the photos she shares:

1. Olga at Artful Nuance

Thank you, Christy, for passing this on to me.

The gorgeous Sophia Chang at Sophia The Writer also gifted me with an award:

I don't get to comment as often as I did last year. But when I do, I want you to know that I gave your post some thought, even if all you posted was "Peanut butter: the best protein EVER!" So this award was quite touching. Thank you so much, Sophia.

I'd like to end this post, not with the normal question I ask, but with a spotlight on an African-American scholar: Alain LeRoy Locke, the first black Rhodes scholar. He was an educator, journalist and philosopher. You can click here for more on his bio.

Thanks for stopping by and have a FAB-U-LOUS Wednesday :-)

Dies Irae Blog Tour - Christine Speaks, I'm Listening

2012-02-07T06:00:00.053-06:00

Christine Fonseca stops by to share a little something about writing, not just the Requieum series, but in general. I've grabbed a cup of green tea and invite you to grip your mug of morning special as well. Take it away, Christine :-)

Write What You Know (and you know far more than you think)

Thanks Angela for hosting a leg of the blog tour for DIES IRAE. Today I want to talk about writing. In particularly about the old adage, “write what you know.”

People often ask me how I came up with the storyline behind DIES IRAE and the entire series. The answer lies in the adage, write what you know. Okay, true, I’ve never been an angel (that I know of!), I’ve never lived in ancient Greece, and I’ve certainly never faced off with some pretty bad-ass demons. I researched those things, not drawing from personal experience at all. So how can I say I write what I know?

The answer is simple, the emotional content is part of our common human experience. No, I’ve never felt that type of terror my characters feel at certain points in the story, nothing close. But I really don’t have to. I merely need to tap into something we all share—our collective human experience. The collective unconscious.

Carl Jung defines the collective unconscious as a transcendental record of humanity, consisting of “mythological motifs or primordial images” that every human can tap into. It is the basis of mythology and enables us to explore the inner workings of our psyche.

Haven’t you ever read something and felt like the author was speaking directly to YOU, even though the story itself was nothing like your life. That author reached you on an unconscious level, tapping into the emotions and parts of being we all share. The collective unconscious.

I think that when we’re crafting a story, when we’re true to our characters and simply pulling the story that already exists on the page, we are tapping into the greatest of gifts—our collective experience. We are truly writing what we know.

Are you writing what you know?

THAT is the million dollar question. Thanks so much for sharing with us today. Big Hugs your way and much success with this series. Speaking for myself, you all already know I loved this novella.

About Christine Fonseca

School psychologist by day, critically acclaimed YA and nonfiction author by night, Christine Fonseca believes that writing is a great way to explore humanity. Her debut YA Gothic series, The Requiem Series, including DIES IRAE and LACRIMOSA, examines the role of redemption, sacrifice and love. When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, she can be sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite coffee house or playing around on Facebook and Twitter. Catch her daily thoughts about writing and life on her blog.

Short Blurb for DIES IRAE

Amazon or B&N

Some sacrifices should never be made—even for love.

Mikayel lives by one rule—obey the orders of the angelic Council at all costs. But when he and his friends, Azza and Demi, are sent to Earth as teenagers, following the rules is more difficult than they expected.

Being human isn’t the only problem facing the three angels. Unbeknownst to the Council, demonic activity is on the rise, threatening to break a tenuous peace that has existed for a millennia.

Caught in a struggle for power with unseen demonic forces, and fighting against his rising emotional, Mikayel must now decide how many rules he is willing to break to save his friends, a decision that could reignite an ancient war and will threaten the only thing that matters to the angels, the survival of humanity.

Author Endorcement(s):

“Dies Irae is the perfect introduction to Christine Fonseca’s Requiem series. The beauty of the words will tempt you, the tragedy of the story will break you, and the love, woven throughout like music through the trees, will haunt you for days afterward. Dies Irae promises a tale unlike any you’ve read before.”

~Ali Cross, Author of BECOME

Soon to come from Compass Press-

Goodreads

Short Blurb for LACRIMOSA

As if casting out demons isn’t hard enough, five-hundred-year-old Nesy has to masquerade as a teenage girl to do it. Nesy is the best of the warrior angels called Sentinals. She never makes mistakes, never hesitates, never gets emotionally involved. Until she meets Aydan.
He is evil incarnate; a fallen angel that feeds off the souls of others. Everything Nesy is supposed to hate. But she can’t, because he’s also the love of her former life as a human girl—a life that ended too soon, tying her to emotions she was never supposed to feel.
Now Nesy must choose between doing her duty—damning Aydan to the fiery depths of hell—or saving him, and condemning herself.

So...getting back to that question. Are you writing what you know?

The First The End

2012-02-06T06:00:00.011-06:00

So I got to The End once but didn't do a good job saving but this time I did and it counts.
YAY! Saving is smart and keeps the crazies away...for a little bit at least. So yeah, I've reached the first The End for MINGLED. I have to confess. I did something that got me to the end quickly with this one. I actually didn't give in to every single time my Inner Editor shouted to go back and re-read everything every single day to fix things that needed fixing. Because I know there's a lot of fixing needed. I also worked on my query - still working to make it better - which helped to make sure what I wrote turned out to be what I SAID I wrote. :-)
MINGLED - 56,890 word count.
After my Inner Critic whopped on my like I'd handed her day old bread after explicitly telling me she wanted it fresh from the deli, I've decided to follow some sage advice offered on my recent IWSG post and take a few days from this MS. When I return to it, I'll be ready with a couple of things in my writing armory: Finding Your Story Worth Problem, a wonderful post by Charity Bradford, and How to Write Better, a post by Elana Johnson, author of Possession and the soon-to-be-released-sequel, Surrender. If you haven't had a chance to check these posts out, you just might want to make a stop. You'll find some great tips.

I have some February 2012 goals for #writemotivation:
1: Complete first draft of MINGLED and continue first draft of UNCOMMON
2: Post 3 blogs a week
3: Read 3 books
4: Comment to other blogs, at least 20 to 25 a week
These are a bit more in alignment with what I know I can do, adding a third book to read as a challenge. I've gotten a great start with a heart breaking short story called Born of Fire by Heather McCorkle. Yes, I cried. I couldn't help it. It was such an emotional ride. I've also started Everneath by Brodi Ashton. Once again, book cover envy has me drooling. But I'm keeping a safe distance from my keyboard lol!!! You can check the cover out in my sidebar. Or just enjoy this trailer:

I'm looking to Cinder or Incarnate for my next fix for my 2012 YA/MG Debut author reading challenge.

So what do you do when you take a day or two from a current WiP?

Writer

2012-02-03T06:00:00.002-06:00

Cartoon credit

Here's a little affirmation to take you into the weekend:
W - wonderful minds
R - reach deep
I - inventive
T - thinkers
E - eclectic
R - rogue

Sometimes, as writers, we fit a commercially plumb mold. Sometimes, we do not. Write your way, as I shall mine, and make our path as is fitting for each individual journey.

The one thing I remembered to take from the comments shared from this week's IWSG post is that I write as I write and to bear in mind that what I write may not be what's the coolest or the hottest. But to write what I enjoy and love it for its own merits is DA BOMB!

Thank you to everyone.

Keep reading.

Keep writing.

IWSG, Award and Ninja writing

2012-02-01T06:00:00.012-06:00

The insecurity I have right now is that the novel I'm working on won't live up to what people expect. There's a bit of romance between long time friends, some paranormal from devil spawn and vampires and fae but I've noticed that when I re-read it, I'm mostly intrigued with just the story: girl gets the one thing she doesn't want and stands to lose everything she desires because of it. Nothing beautiful or spectacular about the writing. I couldn't help thinking of this when I thought of the wonderful writing I've encountered in the last number of things I've read. This is probably the first story I'm very afraid to share with others (one exception and you know who you are because you had a chance to check it out in all it's lunacy and lack of any kind of sense when I started it for NaNo). I know of a couple of other people who may want to see it but, for the first time, I'm actually having to get my mind in a meditative mode for beta readers. I thought I'd gotten used to this by now.

*serious shudders*

Okay, trying not to dwell on that long. This award I've been given helps. Tracey Joseph kindly passed me the Two Thumbs up from Skunk award. Comes with flowers. How adorable!!

He's no stinker :-)

So I'm supposed to name one thing I like about myself. Um. Hmmm...uh... Let me see. I suppose I like having an open mind. I've had a chance to learn about so many things and meet different people by NOT being a narrow minded individual living in tunnel vision. I have every chance every day to live down to stereotypes and low expectations but instead I try to keep my mind open to the possibilities. I doubt I could write fantasy or paranormal without an open mind.

I'm terrible at passing awards on so let me please thank Tracey again and go on before I send myself off on a two hour process of never selecting the three blogs. Just know that if I do a giveaway on my blog, the prize winner will HAVE to be chosen by random.org. lol!!!

Before I bring this post to a close, I wanted to point you to the NiNoCon button in my sidebar, the one with the flexible silouhette kicking serious air-patooty. Yeah, that's no longer around the corner...just a few days away. I encourage those that can to particpate. Here is the link to the schedule. Thanks to the fab Ali Cross for organizing this :-)

Speaking of writing conferences, do you try to participate in one? If so, which one(s)?

Dies Irae and #Writemotivation

2012-01-30T06:00:00.043-06:00

Want some #writemotivation? I'm getting some in the form of cheering on Christine Fonseca, author of the YA Gothic Requiem series. She's releasing a novella titled Dies Irae before launching Lacrimosa, all tiles by Compass Press. Here's the cover and a short blurb:

Amazon or Barnes and Noble

Some sacrifices should never be made—even for love.

Being human isn’t the only problem facing the three angels. Unbeknownst to the Council, demonic activity is on the rise, threatening to break a tenuous peace that has existed for a millennia.

Caught in a struggle for power with unseen demonic forces, and fighting against his rising emotions, Mikayel must now decide how many rules he is willing to break to save his friends, a decision that could reignite an ancient war and will threaten the only thing that matters to the angels, the survival of humanity.

I count myself rather lucky that I had a chance to read this novella before the links were made available (which they are now WOOT! Bought mine to keep because it's that good.).

Here's what Ali Cross, author of Become, had to say: “Dies Irae is the perfect introduction to Christine Fonseca’s Requiem series. The beauty of the words will tempt you, the tragedy of the story will break you, and the love, woven throughout like music through the trees, will haunt you for days afterward. Dies Irae promises a tale unlike any you’ve read before.”

What do I have to say?

Honestly, it's still lingering with me. Been a few days since I finished and I still feel swept up by the poetic nature of the prose, a style meant to hook, grab and sink you into the emotional fray of Demi, Azza and Mikayel. I know I'm a bit of a sensitive soul sometimes, no shame in admitting it, but I had to dab a Kleenex at my eyes a time or two. I'll tell girlfriends it was allergies, but between you and me, Christine did a wonderful job. If you are not interested in a story about angels, sacrifice and that deep kind of love that roots its way into your heart, then maybe this novella isn't for you. But if you're interested in beautiful writing and a beautiful story, then I'd say give Dies Irae a try.

As for my weekly report: #Writemotivation and Birth of a Novel

January saw me making forward progress with MINGLED. Last week I was at 45k word count and this week I'm at 52k. Yes, I've been making sure to hit Save like my life depends on it...cause I know my sanity does after my last debacle. Because I made some changes toward bettering my balance, I didn't get to work on UNCOMMON. However, I shall make some adjustments to my goals that are more in line with my overall "balance" goal.

I met my two book task with Under the Never Sky, Dies Irae and my sci-fi beta read. I have another beta read I get to tackle and I'm sooooo excited.

Last week I did great on the blog front and an epic fail with Twitter. Sorry guys. I know we all mess up sometimes so I'm getting over myself to do better this week.

Reading Dies Irae has me anxious for Lacrimosa, which I believe is due out in March of this year. If it comes earlier, I'm jumping on it! Now I've got a hankering for another wonderful angels and demons book. I've read Chain of Souls by Maria Zannini, an excellent read, and Become by Ali Cross, a dark and haunting read. I wonder what other angels and demons books have been released in the last three or four months that I should take a gander at. Any suggestions?

Lightning McQueen Speaks

2012-01-27T06:00:00.080-06:00

The wonderful T.B. McKenzie at Magickless - and author of The Dragon and the Crow - has gifted me with an award:

Thank you VERY, BERRY much for this :-)
His reason is what I want to share with you, because there is a tale that goes with it - Angela Brown...who believes ghosts can possess toy cars.

So instead of following the rules, sharing x amount of things, giving to x amount of people when I know I'll torture myself and end up completely unable to pick anybody after two hours of trying to narrow down my list from "I think EVERYONE is gosh darned kreativ" to "I'll pick YOU." Saving myself two hours of pain.

But.

Got a couple of ghost stories.
1. I'm sitting at home, alone, online doing writerly things. I hear my daughter's RC Lightning McQueen car shake a bit and spit out a one-liner from Cars 2. Here's the problem, I go over to check her remote - which is the only way to make the car do anything - and it's off. The car itself was also off so I'm not exactly sure of the who, what, why, and how it happened, but it did. There could be some logical reason an object that is turned off will have a spitfire moment. I'll just keep this one filed under "inexplicable" :-)

2. As some of you know, my mother left this world more than a decade ago. At the time it happened, I was a very angry young woman and her widower and I hardly got along while she was alive. When she left, all hell literally broke loose. One such "looseness" was a young woman who claimed to only pop on the scene out of desperation. However, I arrived home one evening to find her a shaky, jittery mess on the front porch of the house. She couldn't handle going back inside. Instead of pummeling her with all the choice words that raged in my mind, I asked her why. I mean, she looked a mess. She stammered a bit and explained that while sitting in my late mother's room, she'd noticed small things like flickering lights (only in that room). But she knew all bets were off when she stared at my late mother's dresser and watched as a lamp shook violently from the middle of it to the edge then slam on the floor. I asked her if the house was shaking or if she was moving and she just trembled and rocked some more and answered, "That was your momma. I know it was. I got to get outta here!"
I didn't disagree. Not a day later she was gone.

Logic dictates there is a rational explanation for everything in life. Birds fly because they have wings. Trees rustle because of a breeze. Understanding everything around us is comforting. But there are just some things that can't be explained or perhaps the mystery is better left as is.

What about you? Strictly logical and nothing more? Do you believe ghosts exist or are just figments of an active imagination?

Under the Never Sky spell

2012-01-25T06:00:00.040-06:00

I'm not quite a 5 star, 4 moves-like-Jagger or 3 tingly shivers book reviewer. I love visiting blogs that do, however, I hope you'll be okay with my plain old Angela-style of sharing my thoughts. And here is one:

WOW!

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Veronica Rossi, YA debut novelist, created a dystopian where the main characters, Aria and Perry, were dealt some hard knock cards. Skillfully, Veronica played them to the brink.

Here's a completely unnecessary and terribly limited Shakespearean comparison. Consider Aria as 'Juliet' and Perry as 'Romeo'. Except it's more like Mole and Savage, respectively. Yeah, no instant match made in heaven for these two, not when a small gathering goes horribly awry kicking 'Juliet' out of the safety and security of the Capulet underground into the top soil Montague world, better known as the Death Shop.

The Death Shop, people. Need I say more? I should? Okay, try violent energy storms that could roast you to ashes or packs of wolves (and some humans) that savored ANY flesh they could get. Yeah, Death Shop sounds just right.

Okay, so nixing the Romeo and Juliet references here because Aria and Perry are both certified FIGHTERS. Veronica pulled no punches. Tension dripped from this story and it persisted like a physical presence between Aria and Perry. About the only thing I'll give away is that both are alive at the end. I know, not much of a spoiler :-)

The disasters start with a flame, where Aria and Perry collide. The unluck only grows from there with Aria as fresh meat in the Death Shop and Perry the only person she can trust to survive. Imagine having to depend upon someone you hate and despise. *shivers* But by the end, all I could think was, "When is the sequel coming out!!!??!!!"

Since I will have to wait, I'd like to encourage others to check this story out. Maybe we can form a Waiting for the UtNS sequel group when you're done :-)

For anyone who has had a chance to read this story, what are your thoughts? Differing views are welcome. I have to say, shallow as it may be, I LOVE this cover and would have read it just for that. Glad the content rocked as well :-)

Pain Killers, Not the Next Motivators

2012-01-23T06:00:00.008-06:00

Busy, busy, busy is all I can say of last week. I had some great motivation but pain killers sort of worked against that whole butt-in-chair thing. Actually, more like butt-in-bed snoring. But let's see what kind of progress happened otherwise.

Last week - 45,000 word count
Beginning this week - 47,000 word count

I took my time this week since running on writing fumes during the previous week cost me some word count. Slow and steady - and more careful - wins the race.

Amazon

#writemotivation - I beat my 250 word add-a-day goal, adding 2k to my novel. Social media? I'd say I did pretty good, though me and Twitter still have some work to do getting to know each other. I finished Under the Never Sky. Book one of my two book goal under wraps. Review forthcoming. I completed my beta read of a wonderful sci-fi from a promising young writer. I have another work lined up to review, one that I'm so stoked about. But what about you guys? Is there a novel that came out since the new year started, a novel by a YA/MG debut author that you've heard good buzz about?

Play it Again, Sam

2012-01-20T06:00:00.015-06:00

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This is a lovely misquote credited to Boghart in Casablanca. Ingrid Bergman is believed to have said a line closest to this with, "Play it, Sam."

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But the misquotes abound with different movies. This one being one of several noted here. I even did an incorrect quote on Twitter to see if anyone would actually notice: "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." For those who've seen Popeye, you know this is said by his jolly-in-the-waistline friend named Wimpy. I credited it to someone that should have been a very easy guess as incorrect: Hamburglar, the McDonald's character that smiles, sneaks to steal burgers and says nothing. @I_am_Lady_Jai was the only one to tweet back who the real credit should go to. Thankfully, I didn't receive any notifications that someone retweeted it. But that was part of the point. I stopped myself one morning and decided to check a quote before I retweeted it. It was only off by a little bit, I've forgotten it now, but it made me wonder: How many people retweet before checking a quote. Until that point, I didn't.

But in the spirit of our misquoted, "Play it again, Sam", I wanted to list a few movies that I would put down my book to watch again and again and again:
1. Tombstone - Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday. I'm, admittedly, not a big fan of Westerns, but tell me this movie is coming on and I'm popping a bag of popcorn and hunkering down for pistol slinging, gambling and bringing justice with a righteous vengeance. I crushed on Val Kilmer so hard because of this movie. But don't tell anyone, make it our little secret.

2. All three Matrix movies -Yes. All three. Some people didn't get into the second and third installments but I enjoyed them. Of course, the first movie blew my mind beyond belief. Serious WOWness through the whole movie.

3. The Color Purple - I know what happens at the end. I've seen this movie dozens of times. Do I cry? YES. Every single time. Ridiculous, I know. But I can't help it.

4. Lord of the Rings trilogy - Do I really have to explain? I mean, seriously, it's LOTR.

5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (original title Wo hu cang long) - swordplay, martial arts, forbidden love, revenge, tension from love long overdue. This movie gripped me and has since refused to let me go. I'm okay with that.

So what about you, know of a quote that is often misquoted or perhaps a favorite movie of your own?

Can't Catch Me

2012-01-18T06:00:00.032-06:00

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Okay, actually, you probably could. I don't run very fast. A speedy zombie could force me to add a little pep in my step or just find the nearest shotgun and pray that the "double-tab" to the head works. Wait, that means I'd actually have to know how to work the gun. Okay, I'll just run really extra fast lol!!

So, where do I start? I made some writing progress with MINGLED, my YA paranormal dystopian.

Last week - 32,000 word count
This week - 45,000 word count

That's great progress, however, sadly, I'd hit around 51,000 (the end) when I kerfuffled and lost the last 10k words. This led to my blogfest fail. I intended to participate in Can You Hit a Perfect Pitch at Brenda Drake's blog. But you have to have a completed MS. Which was no longer the case for me. I did come up with a pitch:

Ever the odd girl out, Macie's chosen as a Special and forced to face her Fae heritage. If she can't control her powers and find freedom, the Collective will capture her for their own plans.

#writemotivation - I'm close to finishing my first book and recently received a second book to help me meet my 2 book a month goal for reading. I'm also beta reading a great sci-fi so, if I add that, I'll actually have 3 books. I scored alright in the social media area. Met the basic goals to post 3 times and comment on 10 to 15 other blogs that week.

I'm a bit drained from riding high on word count then being robbed by the word count thief (Save is now my lover). Sugar-Honey-Iced-Tea happens (I love Madagascar!)

To bring this to a happy close, I want to thank the lovely Sara Bulla over at Live to Write...Edit When Necessary for choosing me for the Versatile Blog Award. What she wrote truly touched my heart:

"Her post today, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. is indicative of all her posts. She's thoughtful, humble, determined and grateful to be able to pursue her own dream. I admire her and have benefited from her comments. Thanks Angela!

To say I felt good after reading this would be an understatement. I thought my cheeks would burst from grinning ear to ear. I'm so honored.

Because I've done the random things and give/pass/share love a time or two, I'll just say this: Happiness=Anime!!!!!!! I could watch Balsa in Moribito or listen to Johnny Yong Bosch do the voice of Ichigo in Bleach all...day...long. He also did an excellent job in Code Geass as LeLouch/Zero.

Alright, enough rambling about progress, do share if you've ever watched any anime. If so, do you have a favorite show or movie?

King of Dreams

2012-01-16T06:00:00.078-06:00

I'm bumping my Birth of a Novel and #writemotivation post to this Wednesday. Today, I wanted to briefly visit the topic of celebration on this holiday.

For many of us, it is a day off from work, for which we are thankful. For others, it's just another day. But today is the day set aside to take time and recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his leadership and efforts during the Civil Rights Movement. His Nobel Peace prize solidified his place in history and his face as the face of the movement.

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Amid all the hoopla, the grandeur, the bigger-than-lifeness surrounding him, it can be hard to remember that he was just a man. A husband. A father. A friend. Before he was a man grown, he was a kid running around playing with other kids. He laughed. He cried. He did time in jail and suffered various manner of physical atrocities--mind you, he was not alone in any of this--for his belief in equal treatment for all humans regardless of skin color. And yes, for daring to act on his beliefs and demand equal treatment through non-violence, he was assassinated.

It is well known that he was threatened on a regular basis. There were many who didn't believe in equal rights, thought second class citizenship was more than enough despite the Declaration of Independence's assertion that "all men are created equal." Yet, with his life on the line everyday, he continued his course. I won't say it was easy for him. I can't begin to imagine what was like for him to bear the weight of the hopes and dreams of an entire ethnic group on his shoulders. I mean, seriously, I'm just barely handling the weight of my jolly eating habits--working to improve that, by the way.

Before his "I Have a Dream" speech, he was a simple man with simple dreams. That's the same as we all start. As queens and kings of our dreams. Let's do more than dream. Let's work to bring these dreams to life. It takes action. It takes that first spark, that first step. It will get interesting, for sure. Doubts may arise. But just as the dream of equality was worth the work, so are your own dreams.

Thank you, all of you, for tagging along as I travel this journey in making my dream come true.

Shot of Boost to My Mojo

2012-01-13T06:00:00.002-06:00

If you've ever been to a Jamba Juice then you know you can order a boost for that smoothie. Well, let me tell you, this week has been like a boost shot to my mojo. Such encouragement from all the blogger buds, regulars and new. Roland Yeomans gave me the pleasure of sharing his story. And I read this interview at Susan Kaye Quinn's blog that just had me thoroughly encouraged to maintain my stick-ti-it-iveness. It all left me feeling, well, like this:

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My heart is filled with joy being part of such a wonderful community of people. So here's a word of encouragement from the doctor of rhymes.

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"

~ Dr. Seuss

Everyone have a wonderful weekend :-)

Writing that Stimulates the Mind Can Speak to the Heart

2012-01-11T06:30:00.085-06:00

The author I want to highlight today is one whose own life story is truly a testimony to overcoming obstacles. I just want to reach out and give him a big old hug. Would that be bloggerly PDA? If so, so what. Sending you a big hug, Roland.

Now I digress :-)

Roland Yeomans is dedicated to life and living. In his own words:
"As for myself, I am a former English teacher and counselor, now a rare blood courier. When my mother contracted cancer, I started my own book store to be with her and help her. When she died, I became a rare blood courier."

Is that dedication or what?!?

He maintains Writing In The Crosshairs, a great blog by the way, and is author to several selections.

The one I want to mention is Last Exit to Babylon.

Amazon e-book buy here.

Here's the description from Amazon: The Twilight of the Gods has begun. DayStar, the scion of Eternal Night has won. Fallen, the Last Fae, lies ensnared in a mystic coma. Kirika, the Living Sun, is dissolving in the River Lethe. And Blake Adamson, the clone of the Nazarene, wanders lost along the shores of Oblivion.

But not for long. Fallen has survived as the Last Fae by her courage and fire. It takes her to the fabled Last Exit to Babylon. And Kirika, the Living Sun, fights the hordes of Darkness by her side.

And Blake? He will win his way to their side even if it means loosing the dread Wolf of Ragnarok, Fenris, and unraveling all of existence in the bargain.

At the dawn of the End of All Things, there is no hope ... but love.

You want to know something? It gets even better with this novel. Remember I mentioned he has a dedication to life and living? Well, 100%--did you catch that---100% of the royalties of this book will go to The Salvation Army, the charity with a kettle and a bell and programs that have turned around the lives of countless, maybe even someone you know.

Last Exit to Babylon is a stand-alone novel, a continuation of a storyline from his Love Like Death trilogy. He was kind enough to provide us with a book trailer for this trilogy.

So I'm curious, are you aware of another author doing something special with their writing, perhaps supporting a special cause? If so, please share in the comments. And thanks, Roland, for letting me share your story today.

Ready! Set! Breathe.

2012-01-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

Step One - Have an idea for a novel, (Check)

Step Two - Write this novel and get it published. (in progress)

Step Three - Uh...was there supposed to be a warning somewhere that trying to write and publish a novel involved some serious--I don't know--WORK!!! (YIKES!!)

I've seen the work and perseverance pay off for other aspiring authors like Adam Heine who blogs at Author's Echo. He was kind enough to share his successful query that landed him his agent.

With each step in my own journey, I'm sure I'll reach my goal. This first week of 2012 was a good week. I decided to focus on my 250 word a day challenge with MINGLED...and beat it.
Last week - 29,500 word count
Beginning this week - 32,000 word count
#writemotivation - I've started my first book, Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, so I'm on my way to meeting my "read 2 books for the month of January 2012" goal. I posted at least 3 posts and commented on a lot more than 10 to 15 other blogs for the week.

Here's a snippet of MINGLED:

Valen threw his hands in the air, exasperated. “There are girls here if you - ”

He cut short as Thane bent forward, revealing two long swaths of dark feathers pressed against his back. Thane groaned and brought his face near to his knees. Long, downy feathers, pitch black, sprang free from their restraint, rising like dense shadows from his skin. As he returned to his full height, his wings stretched wide with all their brilliance, soaking in the waning sun, stealing all the color into its dark beauty. I’d seen them before, but in worst circumstances. Yet, like the others in the room, I stared slack jawed in awe.

“This,” he said, gesturing to his wings, “is what I am. And if what I learned today is true, you are all little more than pawns in a high stakes game, nothing Special at all.”

So here's a goal roll call to remind and inspire: How are you doing with your goals?

Do the Freebie Dance

2012-01-06T06:00:00.007-06:00

***I just want to say that I am floored, honored and bowled over by the comments I received to my ISWG post on Wednesday. Sometimes, it can be easy to think you're all alone in a struggle. That's what I LOVE about the blogosphere. You shared you're own trials, reminded me I wasn't alone and that small steps to making my dream happen is way better than leaving my dream behind. You all warmed my heart, touched my soul and shared enough encouragement to rally an underdog football team to a win. Thank you, ALL of you, so much***

One of the great things about being a writer during this time, is the ability to publish through so many avenues. I'd like to end the week highlighting a short story that will be free today and gone tomorrow. Well, not the story, but the price will change. Here it is from the blog of the author herself, Marlene Dotterer:

My short story, “The Farm” is available for free over at Amazon’s Kindle store. Yes, it’s only available as an ebook.

It will be $0.00 for today [Thursday] and tomorrow [Friday], then it jumps back to the astronomical price of $0.99. Do hurry.

My apologies for being a little late in bringing this up. But I couldn't let this author's short story go without notice. So give it a shot.

Amazon e-book. Buy it here.

Amazon description: In the 25th century, the human race is scattered throughout the galaxy’s Sagittarius Arm. But no matter where people go, they always remain human...

Amy Longfellow, and her eleven-year-old daughter, Elaine, have just joined the crew of the hollow-asteroid ship, Rachel Carson. For both of them, it’s a chance to leave heartache behind, and for Amy, a chance to rekindle an old love. But as the ancient holiday of Christmas approaches, Elaine must face her deepest sorrows alone - and learn how to make the best part of her old life part of the new.

Short stories have always been around, of course, but many authors are taking advantage of the short story form to develop shorts for secondary characters, detail a particular story arc a little further or as prequels. Do you have a favorite short story? Please share the title or author so we can all check them out.

Tears of a Clown

2012-01-04T06:00:00.006-06:00

I smile, even now, as I type up this post. It isn't a fake, fraud or phony. I'm happy to be home with my kiddo, hopping on the computer to get some things done, and finally come up with what I hope is the last title change by me for my novel (NO COUNTRY FOR FAE FOLK to SEAMLESS to MINGLED). But at the same time, the writer part of me is frustrated with the obstacles I face on a daily basis.

I could choose to stay home, neglect my debts and say to heck with my credit, let it tumble into the tank (it's still reeling from a divorce 4 years ago so it's hanging by a thread lol!!!). However, I like having shelter, albeit a small humble apartment. I enjoy being able to eat--yes I have a jolly waistline--and enjoying more than Raman noodles. Also, I have a kiddo who deserves the best that I can give her. Which, as a single mother, means working a paying full time gig and squeezing in what I'd like as my career part-time. This frustrates me.

A lot.

I mean a whole lot.

There are times I'm at work, going through the motions, wishing I could work on my novel. But keeping a steady paycheck is too important, so important that I sometimes think maybe I should face reality, give up this dream. Work doing what I can. Maybe dream some other time in life.

Then I look at my daughter and wonder, "Would I tell her to dream some other time in life?"

Bells No! I'd tell her to go for her dream and do my best to support her in the pursuit of it.

But there are times this gets really hard. I suppose that's why finding a better balance for me is such an important task. My kiddo is my all. I can't shove her aside, neglect her altogether. She would grow to dislike my pursuit...and I wouldn't blame her.

I know we all face struggles, obstacles, really big mountains that we wish were molehills. Each writer has his or her own difficulties. I try my best not to wallow in my own, just a little hard sometimes.

Really hard.

I mean seriously, I don't think I could express how hard.

Okay. The smile isn't gone, just waned a bit by my 'reality bites' moment. I just have to remember that every journey begins with a step, a story with a word and a pursuit with a dream.

I am Angela Brown, an aspiring author. Despite my insecurities, I am in Pursuit to Publishness.

What about you? Any obstacles you'd like to air out?

Do You Know the Way to Publishness?

2012-01-03T07:07:00.000-06:00

That's a road I'm learning about everyday myself. There have been some who've had fairy tale moments, seemingly overnight successes. For the rest of us--me included--the road is paved with obstacles. I'll discuss more on the morrow when I post for Alex Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers' Group since it is the first Wednesday of the month.

For now, you can follow along my journey to publishness on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Of course, if I'm participating in a blogfest, campaign or launch party, you can bet your biscuits and gravy I'll post on other days.

Today, I'd like to make everyone aware, if you haven't already pre-ordered your copy, of a book coming out today by a debut author, Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. Check out her launch day post here.

Amazon

Amazon book description: Since she’d been on the outside, she’d survived an Aether storm, she’d had a knife held to her throat, and she’d seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She’s been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

In her enthralling debut, Veronica Rossi sends readers on an unforgettable adventure set in a world brimming with harshness and beauty.

Is there another debut author coming out that we should be aware of? Please share in the comments below.

Confessions of a Write-a-holic - Birth of a Novel

2012-01-02T06:00:00.038-06:00

Guess who's baaaaaaaack?!?

It's a new year, new chances...a new slate.

How I crave your dark caffeinated tastiness

2011, I jumped into the blogosphere and I took to it like I took to Wild Cherry Pepsi. It became an addiction (If I ever refer to crack, cherry Pepsi's what I'm talking about). Unlike the soda, which adds calories to my 'jolly' waistline, my blog addiction adds to my knowledge of writing craft and knowing I'm not alone in this struggle to publish my stories.

2012, I hope to show more support to new and established authors, share more of my journey and hope that my blog is a place where you can pull up a comfy chair, grab a cup of lemonade sweetened to your taste and enjoy whatever rant, tirade or diamond-in-the-rough I ramble on about. That includes those interesting conversations Me, Myself and I tend to have.

So to get things started, I'd like to share my progress. I've been a bit busier spending time with Chipmunk and reading. That little girl is having way too much fun with her Nerf guns. I did make gain with SEAMLESS.
Current word count - 29,500
UNCOMMON and AMONG DRAGONS AND MEN are still waiting patiently in the wings.

With the new year, there's often a list of resolutions. I'm not very good at those actually. I've learned I'm better making a small goal here and there that makes for a great big goal being met. However, there is one resolution I'd like to really try hard at:

Work on better balancing my blog, my writing and my life (kiddo, work, exercise) so that I can tame the write-a-holic in me.

With this new year, got any new things, ideas, goals or news to share?

Adieu Until the New...Year That Is

2011-12-23T06:30:00.066-06:00

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Me, Myself and I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays. We decided to take a break until the the new year. Conversation went like this:
Me: It's Christmas, followed by the New Year. We should take a break from blogging, spend extra time with Chipmunk.
I: Come on...Chipmunk's a big girl. She doesn't need you. This is blogging we're talking about -
Myself interrupts: I'm with Me. I, you sound selfish...thought that was supposed to be my job.
I folds arms over chest and looks away from Me and Myself: Fine...but when we get back, we're working on balancing Me's need for family, Myself's need for writing and my need for blogging. Got it?
Me whispers to Myself: Nod and smile...just nod and smile.

So whether you're having a:

White Christmas at home

OR:

Santa fun time where it's warm and sunny

Have a wonderful time with family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

Since we won't be back until the New Year, we just want to say one thing about ringing in 2012 with alcohol: When you start thinking that 1 plus 1 is 11, it may be time to stop sipping on the champagne. :-P

Celebrating 2012 with a smile

***To all who've followed, lurked and laughed, commented and joked, THANK YOU...all of you, from the bottom of my heart <3***

12 Days of Christmas

2011-12-21T05:28:00.011-06:00

Click here to enter to win the giveaway

(photo credit)

Christmas usually involved smiling, laughter, opening gifts, playing with toys and lots and lots of eating. Well, I have one particular memory that stands out for a different reason. I saw angels.

You see, I was raised by a single mom, hard working woman who had to deal with an athletic oldest son, nerdy middle child (that would be me) and a nonchalant baby girl with the occasional naughty streak.

One Christmas morning, we awoke to find the tree didn't have any of the "surprise" gifts that always showed up Christmas morning. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. I wondered who the heck would come by at such an early time. Seriously, it was like 5 or 6 in the morning :-)

When my mom opened the door, a family stood there loaded with gifts, a bike and they beamed...surrounded by a halo of joy. We didn't know them. They didn't know us. But we were connected by their desire to do something for another family. None of us kiddos knew it, but mom had taken our letters to Santa and sought out help because she knew she couldn't do it on her own for once. We were in awe. The giving family grinned, filled with excitement and giddiness. It was like they were high on giving. That stuck with me. I was probably 9 or 10 at the time, but I learned that day how the joy of giving is a GIFT itself...probably why giving is something special for me to this day

As part of the 12 Days of Christmas, I'd like to give a book to one lucky winner, a kindle edition of The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare.

Click here for the blurb on this wonderful novel

So, I'm curious, what does giving mean for you?

Let's Embrace Change then Meet Me Over at Maria's

2011-12-20T06:00:00.087-06:00

So before I dive into my Embrace-palooza, I got the pleasure of doing a guest post over at Maria Zannini's blog. Come on over here and join me as I discuss having crafty fun with Chipmunk. There's even something special for you. But you have to go on over to participate.

Before you go, I have a confession. I am not the biggest fan of change. I know, it's inevitable. But there was one point in my life where change was so frightening. As part of Cherie Colyer's Launch Party for her wonderful novel, Embrace, I'd like to share a time where embracing change, for me, was scary but for the best.

You see, some of you may not know this, but there was a time when I was married. I ripped my severely independent heart from my chest and, with trembling fingers, entrusted it to the man I loved. Details aren't needed, but suffice it to say that things changed. Not the kind of changes I was willing to embrace, either. Around the time things ended, a new job opportunity opened up for me.
I moved from Small Town, Texas to sunny, metropolis San Diego, CA. If I didn't embrace change, it was going to drown me, kicking and swinging.
So I did it.
I opened my mind and my heart to the new place I called home. I learned what June gloom meant and what it felt like to have the ocean breeze whip cool air around you. I tanned, on accident, really, but not much :-) I was especially glad that embracing change allowed me, for a brief time, to participate in a writing group with some wonderful writers and published authors, most with decades of experience to share with me. Le sigh....remembering them always warms my heart. I found a few good friends that I keep in touch with to this day (miss you guys!!!)
I took change by the horn and embraced it with a bear hug by moving back to my small town, especially since a lot had changed in the two years I was gone.
Now, I don't look at change and immediately frown. I give it a chance. And I'd like to encourage each and every one of you to give Embrace, by Cherie Colyer, a chance as well.

Including a quick jaunt over to Maria's place, check below for other great places to venture off to as part of the Launch Party!!!

**************************

Embrace Launch Party Guest Posts!

Jennifer DeLucy Blog: Writing Embrace - From Idea to Release

Kym's Quips: The Research Behind to Story

Once Upon A *Spark*: Mythology Behind Madison's World

Nicki Elson's Not-So-Deep Thoughts: Bring on the Romance

Jennifer Lane Books Blog: Facing Change

Embrace Launch Party Posts!

Susan Kaye Quinn, Conjuring Tales for Young Minds

Kim Winters, Kat's Eye Journal

Carole, the life of fiction

Mina Burrows, books for paranormal & mystic minds

Joseph Rinaldo, Read Rinaldo

Angela Brown, in a Pursuit of Publishness

Debra Anastasia , Tell me a Story

Colleen Wagner, London Relocation

**************************

Embrace

a novel by Cherie Colyer

Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It’s responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve.

Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he’s a guy harboring a secret, but she’s willing to risk the unknown to be with him.

Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren’t there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can’t find the answers, Madison seeks her own.

Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.

AUTHOR INFO

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

**************************

Prizes: To celebrate the release of her debut novel, Cherie is giving away an eCopy of EMBRACE and 5-Embrace Hemp Bracelets today. There are three ways to win:

1) Leave a comment here or at any of the Party Posts.

2) Tweet about the Virtual Party or any of the Party Posts with tag #EMBRACEnovels

Example:

Nothing could have prepared her for what she’s about to discover. #EMBRACEnovels @CherieColyer #YA avail NOW www.cheriecolyer.blogspot.com

Example:

Celebrate the launch of EMBRACE by @CherieColyer #EMBRACEnovels #paranormal #YA avail NOW www.cheriecolyer.blogspot.com

3) Facebook (tag Cherie Colyer, author) about the Virtual Party.

Example:

Celebrate the launch of teen paranormal thriller/romance novel EMBRACE by Cherie Colyer, author and enter for a chance to win Embrace prizes! http://www.cheriecolyer.blogspot.com

Do all three and you will have three times the chances to win! Leave a comment at each stop of the tour for a chance to win the Grand Prize.

If you haven’t already, remember to stop back by Cherie’s blog or click here to fill out the form to ensure your entry is counted.

**************************

Change can be a difficult thing to embrace. Is there a particular change that at first had you in doubt or fear? Did you eventually come to embrace it?

Gestation periods

2011-12-19T06:00:00.005-06:00

It takes a while to have a baby.

Loving parents, or otherwise, conceive. Many moons later, there is a precious bundle in the world. For us humans, that gestation period is nine to ten months, a few weeks longer if the baby is like my kiddo and in no rush to leave the warmth and comfort of a well nourishing environment. I hear elephants take up to two years.

Oh. My. God.

I couldn't handle that if that was my body, but many writers have gestation periods this long, or years longer, with novels.

AMONG DRAGONS and MEN is my oldest WiP. Been working on this project for years. It's had a couple of working title changes but I'm liking this one best of all. Right now, no progress to report.

However,

SEAMLESS (formerly NO COUNTRY FOR FAE FOLK) has some progress. This is my newest baby, now at 12,800 word count for its rewrite.

UNCOMMON is only slightly older than SEAMLESS. I've made a little progress with it, now at 3,700 word count for its rewrite.

What about you...have any WiPs that have been around for a while? If so, how long and do you have any plans to go further with them?

TGIF

2011-12-16T06:00:00.002-06:00

Cha. About sums it up for me :-)

And Then There Was Thursday

2011-12-15T05:28:00.016-06:00

Yesterday was a lazy day.

Just too cute

Hence, no blog post yesterday.

I'm wishing I could afford this kind of lazy holiday

Such a wonderful dream

but the troops in my wallet are a little busy. They let me know that there wasn't room in the budget to acquiesce to such a fantasy, but left hope for some time in the far off future. Not sure if I like that whole "far off" part.

So now here we are at Thursday. I'm trying to get in some of this (see pic below) so I can actually have something to report n the way of progress on Monday for my BofAN update.

If only my hands really could move this fast.

So here's something for ya, with so many holiday events going on; Hanukkah, Christmas, Season of Bah Humbug, how are you doing with your reading and your writing?

Celebrating Giants and Spreading Holiday Cheer

2011-12-13T05:28:00.014-06:00

I had the wonderful Brooke Johnson as a guest at my blog last week. She shared how she accomplished her dream with steampunk power. Now YOU can enjoy the fruit of her hard labor.

The Clockwork Giant is NOW available in the following e-book formats:
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes & Noble
If holding the book in your hand is the bees knees (yes, people, I really want to bring this back so work with me lol!!!), order your copy from Lulu.

Also...

My demon spirits have a contest for you.

Okay...so not really demon spirits but I love Heather's blog title, which actually is My Demon Spirits. The contest details are found at her Spreading the Holiday Cheer post. Check them out and enter. I bet a lot of great flash fiction can come out of this.

Speaking of spreading the holiday cheer, one small thing I do, when I have a dollar on me, is drop it in the Salvation tubs manned by the bell ringers. It isn't much, and I don't have much myself, but there are people in situations I couldn't imagine being in. Can you think of examples of small gestures that help to spread "peace on earth and goodwill toward men"?

Do You Know Where You're Going To?

2011-12-12T05:28:00.001-06:00

It is now December and I'm in rewrite mode with all three of my novels in progress.
NO COUNTRY FOR FAE FOLK (my NaNo-baby) - has a new beginning and new word count of 1,400 words.
UNCOMMON is also getting a bit of a change to the beginning. Working on the POV. I was going with two first person POV from the male and the female perspective. I'm trying something a bit different, want to see how it works out. Barely got a page done, but I think I like what I have. It will help me with my NEO aspect of this and other novels I want to include in the NEO chronicles.
AMONG DRAGONS AND MEN is doing well. I have a ways to go but I've been blessed with some query edits that have me excited to rock out the rest of this manuscript and get it all pretty and shiny for an agent.

How are you doing so far?

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

2011-12-10T10:35:00.001-06:00

That's right folks! I'm posting on a Saturday, which means it's for something exciting.

What's mentioned in the title for today's post is one of the things you get in the "normal" 12 Days of Christmas. But you know how we are as writers. We tend to be unique and love giving a new spin to an old favorite, especially when blog followers and readers get to benefit. So if you go over to Nadja Notariani's blog, you'll see there's a special "author's" version you and all your friends can participate in...and WIN!

Check out Nadja's 12 Days of Christmas Reading page to participate because the fun starts TODAY!

As a participant on the author/writer side of this FUNtastic affair, I will have a special post on 12/21/2011 sharing a story of a Christmas past that has had a profound impact on my view of giving :-)

What does Friday REALLY Mean?

2011-12-09T05:28:00.002-06:00

It's often quoted, though not sure who to credit, that "All good things come to an end."
For some things, I hang my head and wish it wasn't so.

Star Trek The Next Generation photo credit

HA! Thank you reruns, dvds and other sorts of recorders so I can travel back to some simpler things.

But there are some things that, when they end, are just the beginning.

Hence, Fridays.

Hello, lover - I mean - weekend.

TGIF Kiss for you!

Tis the Season for Giveaways

2011-12-08T05:28:00.030-06:00

Can't you smell it in the air? No. Not the exhaust from the guy in front of you that needs a new everything so they can stop making smoke signals everywhere they go. And ignore the odd body odor of the extra sweaty person next to you. They're working on it, really. It's a glandular dysfunction.

I'm talking about the smell of the season. Christmas trees with their pine scents wafting from their corner of the living room as they lean ever so slightly but stay mostly upright. Candles of peppermint and candy cane, tickling your senses and your sweet tooth. It's the time of year where most humans actually WANT to treat others like humans just because it's the right thing to do and not for the expectation of something in return.

It's time for GIVEAWAYS!

Beth Revis has a giveaway of EPIC proportions.

Click for details

She's giving away to readers because she wants to. And for each entry, she's making a donation to a charity. Seriously, how cool is that?

Also, Maria Zannini has organized DIY Christmas.

She's recruited some talented writers and authors to show a different side of themselves. I happened to be one of the lucky ones chosen. Let me tell you, I'm honored to be among these wonderful peeps. Visit her blog December 7th thru 22nd. Some posts will not have giveaways while others will. Enjoy being a part of the Christmas festivities.

Don't miss out on all the fun :-)

With all the gift giving going on, have you had a chance to get all your gifts lined up for Christmas? Or do you see a sprint through the mall on December 24th in your future?

Who's That in the Spotlight: Brooke Johnson, Steampunk Powered

2011-12-07T05:28:00.045-06:00

***Attention ladies and gentlemen...and not-so-gentle men, I'd like to note that today starts DIY Christmas over at Maria Zannini's blog. Please enjoy today's guest post then strut your writerly stuff on over to Maria's.***

Now, I am proud to have Brooke Johnson visiting today for an author spotlight.
Bio

Ever since she was a little girl, Brooke had a love of building long-forgotten, fantastical worlds, and as she grew up, and the worlds became more complex and the characters came to life, she found that she didn't have enough Legos to do them justice. Convinced it was her destiny to create, she delved into fantasy writing, spinning tales of princes and wizards and dragons—stories to act out during recess, illustrate in the margins of her notebooks, and live in on those long bus rides to and from school. She had an equal fascination for clocks that no one could explain, collecting timepieces of all shapes and sizes over the course of her childhood and teenage years.

Brooke's love of fantasy never wavered, neither did her passion for clocks. In college, she endeavored to conquer the genre fiction naysayers, championing her cause through the university's literary journal. She encountered Dungeons & Dragons, developed a love of Eastern mythology, and discovered steampunk, the perfect outlet for her clockwork obsession.

Now married and living in Northwest Arkansas with her husband and dog, she spends her days scrambling around the vast landscape of her imagination, the fantastical worlds of princes and wizards on one side and the towering, brass cities of automatons and engineers on the other.

Now here's Brooke to share with us about how she took the bull by the horns with steampunk power.

Before The Clockwork Giant, I had never written anything but traditional fantasy—witches, dragons, the whole sword and sorcery shebang. Fantasy has always been my passion. It was my favorite genre in both reading and writing, and until I got the idea for The Clockwork Giant, I thought I’d never write anything but.

As fate would have it, however, I discovered a new genre, one that I had always loved but never knew the official term for it—steampunk. After several friends recommended it to me, I read Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan. I loved it. Now, in my opinion, it isn’texactly steampunk, or what I think steampunk should be. However, it opened a whole new genre of books to me. I then searched for more steampunk books, and though I found several, they all had a dose of fantasy in them—Leviathan the exception. I didn’t want vampires, werewolves, or zombies. I wanted science.

In my mind, true steampunk was a celebration of Victorian science. No vampires. No werewolves. No magic of any kind. Which was a strange sort of definition for me, seeing as I’d been so thoroughly absorbed into fantasy for so long. Especially since I never had the desire to read science fiction. I had read a little bit for classes and stuff, but I always found science fiction dull and too technology-oriented.

When it came to steampunk, I wanted something different. I wanted science. But I couldn’t find the steampunk novel I wanted to read. I searched for a long time, looking for something both fascinating and entertaining, something without any paranormal aspects. My desire to read a definitive steampunk novel grew, until one night, while lying awake in bed, I had an idea. I could write it. Somehow, I knew that I’d never find the novel I wanted to read. No matter how many hours I spent searching Barnes & Noble or Amazon, that story would forever elude me. No. If I wanted that book, then I’d have to write it. I am a writer after all. It made sense.

But I was afraid.

I had never written anything but fantasy. I’d only ever read one steampunk book. How could I have the audacity to write a steampunk novel? I quickly dismissed the idea, hoping that I’d find the book I wanted to read and be satisfied.

At the time, I was writing a fantasy novel, one I had been working on for over a year, one that had attracted the interest of two agents who ultimately passed, one that I had lost all enthusiasm for. I was stuck, and after a week of not writing and not wanting to write, I started to consider trying the steampunk novel.

My new, fabulous friend Darby Karchut encouraged me. She suggested it might just be the next new thing for me. If nothing else, it might get my creative juices flowing. So I then committed to research the genre, and bounced ideas around in my head.

And like all good ideas, while I was lying awake one night, it came to me.

A machine is truth.

So simple, yet profound. It evolved into the first two sentences of my book to be.

A machine is more that its moving parts. The gears, pinions, and springs, they make the machine tick, but deeper than that, a machine is truth.

From those two sentences, I discovered the world of Chroniker City, and there, I found Petra.

The rest is history.

Now that the book is ready to be devoured by the reading public, I’m glad that I took a chance on steampunk. I am just as much in love with the story now as I was when I first came up with the idea, and it opened up a plethora of writing options. I think I could write anything now. As afraid as I was to write steampunk, I conquered it. I owned it. And now, nothing scares me. Not even space operas or fantasy epics.

Have a peak at her work:

About The Clockwork Giant:

It's 1881, the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Chroniker City, the global hub of technological advancement in the modern world. Based off the British coast, the city is home to the most prestigious polytechnic university worldwide, a center of mechanical ingenuity teaching everything from clockwork mechanics and thermodynamics to electromagnetism and electricity.

Petra Wade, self-taught clockwork engineer, dreams of one day becoming a member of the Guild, an elite group of inventors and innovators who envision a future fueled by technology, but her ambitions will only come to fruition if she can find a way into the illustrious university—an institution reserved for men only. When she meets Emmerich Goss, an accomplished engineer newly recruited into the Guild, Petra discovers that he needs help building a top-secret, government-sanctioned automaton, and she is just the girl to help him.

Together, they craft the clockwork giant, and as the deadline for its completion nears, Petra finds that she can love more than gears and mainsprings.

Here are some places you can find Brooke:

Facebook: Brooke Johnson
Twitter: @brookenomicon
Google+: Brooke Johnson
Goodreads: Brooke Johnson
Website: http://brooke-johnson.com

I'm all a-giggle and can't wait for her release. Mark your calendars for December 13th. The Clockwork Giant will be available in Kindle, Nook and paperback.

Now, about steampunk. Have you read a steampunk novel? If so, please provide the title. If you aren't sure, then guess what? You aren't alone. I hadn't known I was in love with it until I read Leviathan myself and realized I'd read other books like it. Call me late to the party :-)

And I'm Telling You

2011-12-05T05:28:00.009-06:00

That life is fun and frenzied. And it doesn't have to be so final.

(photo credit)

No, I'm not talking about seeking immortality through becoming a vampire, though that would be interesting, to say the least. I'm talking about accomplishing the immortality of Jane Austen, Bram Stoker, or J.R.R. Tolkien.

None of these people are alive - that I know of. Has anyone heard otherwise?

Anyway, they live on through their works. Octavia Butler is no longer here but Kindred and her other books give her a lasting legacy that will go on for countless time to come. As writers, we have a chance to create a legacy of our own by choosing NOT to give up on our dreams of becoming published authors.

So here are a few quotes to remember when giving up seems like the only way:
"Fall seven times, stand up eight." - a Japanese proverb
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly." - Robert F. Kennedy
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain." - Vivian Greene

Here's a brief visual of some new age dancing in the rain. Please note, there's music so be careful pressing the play button :-)

Quotes about never giving up can be found in lots of places. But perhaps there's something someone told you that stuck with you. What is that "something"?

Rest for the Weary

2011-12-02T05:28:00.002-06:00

Some of you may be feeling like this:

Not Ali, but the fellow clearly knocked out on the mat- yeah that would be how I feel :-)

Well...pull yourself up, grab a chair, sip on some lemonade and rest. It is an elusive thing, that "rest". And after all that has happened - NaNowhateveryoudid, Thanksgiving, living daily life - you deserve a moment.

After taking a moment to rest and rejuvenate, what do plan to tackle next?

Happy Merry ChristmaHanuKwanzaakkah!

2011-12-01T05:28:00.002-06:00

NaNoWriMo has ended. Edits, revisions, and rewrites are in the air. Can't you smell the bloody red ink dying to be used on all those stories?

The turkey induced coma is slowly wearing off. And the consumerism of the season left many ten pounds lighter in the wallet after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Speaking of consumerism, here's a little vid that should take you back a few years:

The joy of spending money on toys and gadgets - or gifts you know will end up being regifted back to you in a couple of years- aside, what does this holiday season mean for you?

Mermaid Moments - Birth of a Novel Blog Chain

2011-11-29T05:28:00.004-06:00

Isn't this just too cute?

This is where I thought I'd be, sitting pretty, ears perky and an adorable smile on my face as a winner of NaNoWriMo 2011.

So here's how things actually turned out:

There is a smile in there somewhere :-)

Not perky, not adorable and yeah, flopped on the ground with gravity doing all kinds of fun stuff. But if you look just long enough, you'll notice the look of happy-joy-joy-contentment.

It came down to two choices, winning is everything:

Win!!

Or
being a happy loser:

No frowning for the loser.

I chose being a happy loser. I am, more than 25k words away from the NaNo goal of 50K.

Why?

Mermaid moments. I got distracted by shiny things.

I received edits for another story and let them marinate in my mind (I'm so excited about these edits I could dance a jig but then I'd have to kill any witnesses lol!!!). I got into the holiday spirit and even into some football spirit as I watched my fantasy football roster work their magic on Thanksgiving day (go team Super Foo!). I ate lots of turkey and enjoyed good company in more excess than is normal for me (YAY for the brief social butterfly!).

I did not reach the word count goal, but I've enjoyed the beauty that goes along with the process of birthing a novel. I flirted with my characters, got to know them pretty well, at least enough to trust them to tell their story through me. I've met Macie, Thane, Rig and discovered a post-apocalyptic world filled with vampires, wights and devil spawn

I. Had. Fun. A bit of insanity during the early days but fun nonetheless.

I've accepted my defeat...learned from it as well. What is your progress?

By the way, be sure to stop by these wonderful blogs to share in encouragement-

Anna M.
Brooke Busse
Charity Bradford
Elizabeth Davis
Elizabeth Poole
Fida Islaih
Huntress
Jen McConnel
Lena Hoppe
Mia Hayson
Miranda Hardy
Nyxie Moon
Tessa C
Zoe

Persist or Not - A Birth of a Novel Blog Chain Tale

2011-11-22T05:00:00.005-06:00

(Photo credit)

That would be me doing my best not to let the beak of life and NaNoWriMo swallow me whole.
It's a struggle, but I'm still persisting.

Title for NaNo project: NO COUNTRY FOR FAE FOLK
Previous goal: 30k
Actual accomplished: 21k
Yeah, big deficit. As a consolation, the time I missed writing has been time well spent so I'm glad to persist with this challenge.
Next goal, one more realistically including the day of gobble, gobble and giving thanks for the way too many things I take for granted: 27k by Friday evening.

Here is another snippet. This is taken from an earlier chapter in the book when the main character, Macie, has just gotten in trouble. She broke the rules by being outside beyond sunset. She's now in her room. As with the other snippet, the Inner Critic hasn't tried to fix anything, at least...kind of hard to do that tied up and gagged in some far flung place in my mind.

The tears warming the back of my eyes suddenly bubbled over.

All around me was darkness. My window was blacked out as usual. All doors were well sealed so any hall light stayed in the hall. An ache formed in the deepest part of me. I felt like everything was closing in around me, the room too small to be in. I wanted to be outside, under the moon and stars I’d seen for the first time. Not as holopics in school, but the real thing.

I wanted to be with Thane.

There you have it. So please visit, congratulate on progress made and encourage other members of the blog chain. I'm wishing the best of luck to each and every one of you all!!

Birth of a Novel Blog Chain crew:

Angela B.
Anna M.
Brooke Busse
Charity Bradford
Elizabeth Davis
Elizabeth Poole
Fida Islaih
Huntress
Jen McConnel
Lena Hoppe
Mia Hayson
Miranda Hardy
Nyxie Moon
Tessa C
Zoe

Delight in the Sweetness of Friday

2011-11-18T05:28:00.001-06:00

NaNo fun times, NaNo stress times. Family time and work time. Now it's time for you to have a piece of sweet peace...at least virtually.

Take your pick and enjoy :-)

Your Second Good Deed of the Day

2011-11-16T05:00:00.006-06:00

So you're wondering about that first good deed you accomplished? You didn't present this face to the world:

Smug and scary much? (photo credit)

And if you did but didn't realize it, it's okay :-) You can make up for it with the second good deed. You can Help Harry Help Others. This is the fund-raising organization of eleven year old Harry who recently died of his inoperable brain tumor. When his friend Robert, who had a brain tumor too, became very ill, he set up his charity. So far, he’s raised nearly half a million British Pounds that he has donated to Cancer Research UK, to help them find a cure for brain tumors.

***Cue the moment of pause as you realize the second great thing you can do today can be something huge, fantastic and obviously extremely costly to help fight cancer. ***

Here's how to do it: Purchase your copy of Campaigner Challenges 2011. I bought mine already. Let me check how much I paid.

***Cue elevator music***

Okay, scratch what I said about the whole "costly" thing.

I only paid $2.99 for it. Yeah, I'm a part of the solution for the same price as a breakfast combo. Unlike the breakfast combo, I won't have to do a thousand jumping jacks to rid myself of the guilt of enjoying this e-book...because there's NO guilt with this good deed.

Purchase details are as follows:

Amazon (US): http://www.amazon.com/Campaigner-Challenges-2011-ebook/dp/B0066UV28C
Amazon (UK): http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0066UV28C
Amazon (Germany): http://www.amazon.de/dp/B0066UV28C
Amazon (France): http://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0066UV28C
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104468

So go get yours today. While you're out doing that good deed, what's another good deed you did without even realizing it?

Tuesday Blues Turning on an Upswing

2011-11-15T05:00:00.017-06:00

Okay, so instead of a Tuesday Snoozeday with no post, I'm participating in something I like. It's in support of NaNoWriMo writers and it's called Birth of a Novel Blog Chain by Charity Bradford and Elizabeth Poole.

As I write this, I am not in the best place word count wise. Here's my rap sheet:
NaNoWriMo alias - dragonfang77
NaNo novel - NO COUNTRY FOR FAE FOLK (just a working title that I tossed out as a name because for some reason I was thinking of the movie whose name follows the same vein)
Second week goal: 20,000
Actual word count: 15,800
By the end of Sunday this week, I'd like to be at 30,000

#1 thing: enjoy the rest of this ride whether I make it to 50,000 words or not. Life tosses us lemons and I'm learning that I have to make lemonade or sit around like a sour puss all the time. Non-stop sour puss is just too unattractive. So let the fun continue.

Here's a snippet of some of the "mind drivel" I came up with from one of the more recent chapters. This has not been run by the Inner Critic so it has all kinds of grammatically incorrect issues and possibly nonsensical, though it made perfect sense during an energy drink induced writing sprint (lol!!!):

I felt a nudge on my shoulder. Hadn’t realized I’d dozed off.

Nonie stood over me. “No time for sleep, Macie. Now that you’re here, there are a few things you need to understand.” I groaned and struggled to sit up. Thane joined us. I frowned at the sight of him with a shirt on. I’d grown used to his bare chest look. Plus I really, really liked it. Nonie continued, “Central calls you Special. But some folks don’t see you that way.”

“I don’t either,” I mumbled.

“Are you planning to kill yourself?”

My bottom lip dropped and I all but yelled, “Of course not!”

“But they are. They’re probably working on something right now. It’s a faction called UAC, Us Against Central. We believe there’s a subset of radicals called UAS, Us Against the Specials. They don’t make demands. They make Specials disappear.”

Now do yourself a favor and go pick up a pair of pom poms and cheer on some of the other blog chain folks -
Angela B.
Anna M.
Brooke Busse
Charity Bradford
Elizabeth Davis
Elizabeth Poole
Fida Islaih
Huntress
Jen McConnel
Lena Hoppe
Mia Hayson
Miranda Hardy
Nyxie Moon
Tessa C
Zoe

So my reader and writer buddies, what progress have you made on your NaNo or none NaNo project?

A Telephone Call from Mr. Bell

2011-11-14T08:31:00.001-06:00

Ring! Ring! Ring!

Mr. Bell called today. Once I convinced him I was not Mr. Watson, that I most certainly could not "come here" to the year 1876 and that I wasn't sure if I should be flattered or flustered at his confession of "I want you", he told me to share these words with you all and for you to heed them for your writing and reading spirits, hearts and minds:

"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us."

~ Alexander Graham Bell

Trips, Falls and Stumbles

2011-11-11T06:07:00.011-06:00

Sometimes, we trip.

Hmmmm...accident?

Sometimes, we fall.

Oh...now I get it...they meant cat stalk. My bad.

Sometimes, the whole world watches as we struggle with a stumble.

Sugar Shane's thought: Laying down seems a good idea right about now.

But what matters is what we do AFTER the trips, falls and stumbles. During my down time, I sort of considered giving up on NaNoWriMo. It was a brief and fleeting thought, but a real one, I think. Could have been the muscle relaxer I took for the ache. Then I figured, whether I win or lose, it's about this story that I breathed a bit of life into. And so, this is what I chose.

If Jackie Chan were teaching me how to get back up, I'd be one bad mama!

Getting back up can mean a lot of things. For me it meant adding a least one more thousand words to my story. So I started working a bit on Wednesday and a little more on Thursday and have increased from 13k to 15,300 word count. A modest increase.

This weekend is a wash as I'll be away from the computer for a few days but I'll get back to work NaNoWriMoing as soon as I can because I hope to make my NaNo experience look like I did this:

So what about you, any unexpected obstacles crop up? How do you normally try to handle them?

SHHHHH! What is that I hear?

2011-11-10T09:10:00.000-06:00

Oops! I'm sorry. I thought I heard the sound of eight-legged creatures scurrying on the floor. But that's just the sound of fingers clicking on keys, the sound of words appearing on blank pages as writers write, revise, edit or just plain go crazy.

Write on my friends. Write on.

The Beautiful Collisions in Art

2011-11-09T05:28:00.005-06:00

I am mostly recovered from an unexpected shoulder and neck ache. Because I didn't get to work on anything Monday...or Tuesday for that matter - two days of NaNoWriMo Fail - I'm going to hold off on reporting something until I've typed up more than "...and then she said he said what?"

Yeah. No real progress there :-)

Yeah, I'm bad...what about it? :-)

For a bit of inspiration, I re-read a post by Adam Heine, the brilliant mind behind Author's Echo He discussed fighting hard for something you want. I'm sure ~~most~~ ALL of you reading this post know a little something about overcoming obstacles. He mentioned Hok, a dancer whom I adore, as someone he also admired...and I totally agree that Hok certainly has a fighting spirit. This led me to searching out a special you tube vid that always leaves me teary-eyed. I feel the rush of excitement liquefied, coursing through my veins whenever I watch this performance. I hope you enjoy it

Yes, the tears threatened but I won the cry fight...this time. What is something outside of writing that inspires you?

The Jibber Jabber After

2011-11-07T05:28:00.008-06:00

You have not received this message in error. This is the aftermath of me blitzing in NaNoWriMo this weekend:

Yeah, Hiro. I know how you feel.

Here was my goal for Friday: 2k words
What did I actually accomplish: 0 words (YIKES!!!)
Here was my goal for the weekend: add 4k more words
With my 6k already done, meeting both of these goals would have brought me to 12k to start the new workweek. So, with my NaNoWriMo Fail from Friday, did I make it?
Drum roll please.
...
..
.
Here is my total: 13k
YAY!!!! *throws confetti*

How are you ~~survivin~~g faring in your NaNo<insert your version> endeavor? If you're not NaNoing, please share a good book that you've read lately. I heart book recommendations. Nothing like fattening up my TBR list for the holidays.

The Weekend is Here

2011-11-05T06:00:00.002-05:00

So the craziness can continue. So much to do and so little time. Somehow, 24 hours will have to do.

To Donna Weaver at Weaving a Tale or Two, I want to say Thank you!!

This blog award is much appreciated. I am, however, going to break the rules. Since I did a bit of sharing of my person yesterday, I'd like to share a bit from a WiP I've been toying with. It's called Journal of the Damned.

Day 1

I start this journal knowing I’m breaking the first rule an assassin must live by. Never leave a trace. But most rules are made to be broken. So here goes.

My name is Tsuka and by the age of six, I knew how to paralyze a man with a six point touch. Not my proudest boast, but the first truth I can recall. Being raised by a grandfather better suited for the era of the samurai explained a few things. Being a girl made it all the more…awkward. The fact that I took to the tortuous training better than most men three times my age made me well known in our village. So of course someone had to be jealous. Leave it to Omi to fill that position.

On my thirteenth birthday, the way of all women presented itself, during a sparring match of all times. It was my first loss. Omi rejoiced in conquering me only to fall to shame when he found out I let him win. Although I didn’t know exactly what my body was doing, I knew for a fact it was something altogether wrong. I let him have the win so I could tend to my body. Angered by this, he sought to bring shame upon me. And he found it in the form of newspaper clippings grandfather hid away. Apparently, I’m the bastard child of some black American girl and some mid level yakuza member. Both were found murdered within days of each other, the girl raped and mutilated before having her life snuffed from her. Omi walked about our little village showing the clippings to others, calling me a half-breed mutt among other less distinguished names. The only female friend I had, Kaeko, told me of Omi’s dishonorable behavior. Of course I confronted grandfather. He quietly walked me to the backroom of his dojo, bent under his sitting table and slid a panel of wood flooring aside. He pulled up a small hand basket and a bloodstained sweatshirt with the letters UCLA on it.

“You are my great-grandchild Tsuka. Your grandfather, now dead these past four years, disowned your father when he discovered he’d fallen in love with a woman not of Asian descent.”

The words entered my mind but did not find a home.

“Do not hate your grandfather. Though I did not raise him to hate what he didn’t understand, it happened all the same. All was not lost though. He disowned your father with his words but rarely with his actions. It was he who made sure I had enough money at all times to care for you. When Aisen, your father, was found murdered, it devastated him. Until the day he passed, he harped upon the local police to find the ones responsible for his death.”

I dared not ask if this benefactor sought the same justice for my mutilated mother.

“Aisen came to me, with you in this little basket, quiet and beautiful, a day after he found your mother murdered in the apartment home he rented for her. He’d been making plans to flee the country with you both and start a new life across the ocean. Leaving the yakuza happens in one way. He found that out a day after he left you with me. I believe he knew he would die. He left you this letter.”

I took the stationary and unfolded it. I read it aloud:

My sweet Tsuka,

Your mother and I love you very much. There are some who do not understand how two very different people could feel the way we do for each other. I don’t understand what I ever did to deserve the love your mother gives to me. But I must apologize that my choice of lifestyle reaped us the loss of her love. Be good for great-grandfather. He’s a hard old goat…

Great-grandfather chuckled at this…

But there is no more honorable a man I know to care for you. If you are reading this letter, then I did not get to make it back. Know that I left to find the truth of what happened to your mother. Know that you are not a bastard child. We wed in secret before we knew you were coming to us.

All my love,

Your papa

These words found purchase in my mind. But I’d had one figure in my life, my grandfather – I mean – great-grandfather. So I felt just a bit of sadness at the words. What I felt more of raged within my heart. I couldn’t describe the feeling then, a sort of jagged, grinding of gears, anger, all pointed toward Omi. He’d taken a sad occasion, the terrible murder of two lovers and turned it into something to despise, all for the purpose of making himself look good. It took a week, but his body was found in a ravine notorious for claiming the lives of people who traveled too closely to the edge. He was my first “unofficial” take. And yes, by take I mean kill. After all, a target doesn’t exactly stand before you and give their lives over.

Where Did All the Good Words Go?

2011-11-04T05:00:00.022-05:00

I'm thinking if we check NaNoWriMo, PiBoIdMo or perhaps WNFIN we might find where they went. I heard there's even NaNoReviMo. Now those darlings have probably plucked all the good words and are coming back to grab some more. But then again, words do not belong to any one person. They may be coined, copyrighted in a group called a story, but we all have access to them.

I want to encourage everyone clacking away at their keyboards, scribbling in a notepad or speedswiping on a touchscreen to enjoy their given challenge. And even though we get to call ourselves winners if we meet the challenge, the REAL winners will be the readers who will benefit from out bounty.

So write on everyone. Write on.

On a more tickled-to-be note, I want to thank Angela Orlowski-Peart and Tara Tyler for giving me the fabulous Stylish Blogger Award. I am humbled by their good words of recognition.

This comes with the giving of seven random facts about moi and giving the award to five other bloggers. You guys already know I love chocolate and anime so instead I'll point you to my Friendly Conversation with Reece Hanzon so you can know a little more about the "writer me".

Who to give this award to? That's just too hard. I heart all my blogs. So if you're not picked, it's NOT because I don't like you, because I do, I like you, ALL of you :-)
Each one chosen is very unique and doing their stylish blogger thang in their own way:
Alz and Krispy at A Nudge in the Right Direction
Damyanti at Writing on Writing: Amlokiblogs
AveryMarsh at Creative Type
Peggy Eddleman at Will Write for Cookies
Short and Sweet

And finally, did I meet my goal for Thursday night?
Why yes, I did. I made it to 6K words.
Friday night's goal: add 2K more
Weekend goal (bearing in mind that the chipmunk will be a bit demanding as usual and other things that just couldn't be changed): add 4K more

So what is your goal? It doesn't have to be NaNo-related. It could be a goal to watch a Battlestar Galactica marathon or to eat as many Twizzlers as you can.

Angela Who? Angela Brown

2011-11-03T10:41:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to share this. I've done my first interview. Cha!! Someone interviewed me. Still blows my mind...I'm so humbled and giddy :-)

"Wait...was it Me or Self who did the interview?" you ask.

Good question. Visit Reece Hanzon's blog to find out.