I’m over at Castles and Guns today! Stop by and hear my thoughts about luck versus hard work.
Castles and Guns -Two Great Things that Go Together!
Writing
I Must be Crazy!
Happy Friday! Please remember to visit me over at the Scribes for Cal’s Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies. Yes, you did read that right. I did use double, chocolate, and cherry all in the same sentence.
It’s hard to believe that it was only a year ago that I started this blog (in April 2011). And last May, I was preparing to pitch to editors (see here). Well, CT Fiction Fest is back (tomorrow!!) and I will be pitching again. Only this year, I’ve decided to throw an agent or two into the mix.
Now that I’ve sold two books, I’d like to expand my horizons or maybe it’s more accurate to say broaden my reach. I’ve realized that in order to keep motivated, I need to update my goals. For so long, the goal was – sell a book!
Mission accomplished. Now it’s time to dream bigger which includes writing more stories. And believe me, I’ve got loads of them locked in my head, scribbled in notebooks, and even all over Post-It notes. Coming up with ideas is not a problem. Executing those ideas, while promoting Mystic Ink and preparing The Undead Space Initiative for release all while maintaining a full time job/life, is not so easy.
But, hey, I’m not complaining. No one is standing over me with a gun making me write. I could walk away at any time. Of course, I wouldn’t be happy with myself. I already know because I’ve walked away from writing before and it drove me nuts.
Since stopping isn’t an option, eventually something will have to give. At the moment, I’m focused on Mystic Storm and a totally different novel. That’s means not so much time spent on social media or other activities. The only way I can create time for writing is to take it from something else. That’s just how it is.
Buried deep in my mind is the fantasy that some day I can quit my day job. There is 8-9 hours, right there, plumb for writing. If I need to acquire an agent to do that – I’ll consider it. If I need to stick to e-pubs for a while – yup, that works. If I need to Indie publish – that’s a viable option too.
So back to pitching, this year, the focus is on – where can I go next? And what can I accomplish with the time I have?
To a non-writer I know this seems like crazy talk! But in reality, you have to really love what you’re doing to keep going. Selling a few books was exciting, but by no means the end of the story. Like anything writing is a journey, not a destination.
How about you? What are you trying to accomplish? What are you willing to give up to get there?
Bid on Me!
Happy Friday everyone! Please remember to stop by the Scribes and read my post – Pitch Perfect.
This year, along with my other Soul Mate sisters, I’m participating in Brenda Novak’s Auction for Diabetes Research. So far, the auction has raised $1.3 million, with a goal of $2 million.
The auction runs from May 1, 2012 – May 31, 2012.
There is an impressive variety of items up for bid from autographed books, e-readers, jewelry, networking opportunities, and the grand prize is an iMac.
As a group, Soul Mate authors are auctioning off a Kindle, fully loaded with Soul Mate Books. Click here, to place a bid.
I’m giving away an e-book copy of Mystic Ink and a 15 page evaluation of a WIP in progress. If you’re interested, please click here, and it will take you directly to my bidding page.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that next weekend is Connecticut Fiction Fest – CTRWA’s annual writing conference. 
If you live in the area, this is a great event! We have agents and editors galore, a variety of valuable workshops, book signings and a raffle.
Check it out – Fiction Fest 2012.
Speaking of the conference, I’m pitching again this year, so it’s back to work for me!
Have a great weekend!
There’s a Gremlin in my Book!
Happy Friday everyone! Be sure to check out my post over at the Scribes – Stagnant Brain Syndrome.
This week, I’ve been furiously re-reading my manuscript – The Undead Space Initiative so I can hand it in for final line edits.
And man, let me tell you, I swear there is a little gremlin sitting in my computer deleting words (that no one seems to notice are missing). The gremlin also likes to play with formatting and add extra spaces or delete space that should be there.
I know that all manuscripts have typos and missing words. It comes with the territory. Very frustrating, especially when you have a perfectionist personality like I do.
One way to combat the gremlin (besides the obvious thing – using spell checker liberally and often) is time away from the book. I haven’t read USI since last year. I’ve had time to forget what I wrote and see it with fresh eyes.
The other helpful tip: read in short, focused bursts. That way you won’t get sucked into the story and forget to check for those pesky errors. Any time I caught myself actually “reading”, I stopped and did something else.
Another suggestion: scatter the order of the pages. But, I converted the document to the publisher’s format and removed the page numbers. I had printed the entire book when I realized what I had done. Oops. Maybe next time!
Of course, time away has a downside – the urge to change everything. I nipped that in the bud when I realized I was letting The Doubt Monster mess with my head again. My editor at Pink Petal Books enjoyed the story and asked for minimal changes, so Doubty can go torment someone else.
You’ll have to forgive me today, if I answer comments later than normal. I’m having fun with my family and I’ll respond as soon as I can.
Tell me about your gremlins. Perhaps you have one that eats the socks in your dryer or likes to steal your favorite pen off the table. Or maybe something more interesting?
So I was Like….
Happy Friday everyone. Don’t forget to stop by the Scribes. My guest today is Sharon Buchbinder! Don’t miss a chance to say hello.
So here’s how my week has been. I’ve had this stuffy nose (either a cold or sudden allergy onslaught after the freak warm weather here in New England).
Needless to say, I’ve been dragging my sorry carcass around with a box of tissues and a grumpy attitude.
And when I attempted to write, my characters decided to give me crap. Kind of like this:
Me: “Zephyr, I’m so sick of you.”
Zephyr: “Who me? I haven’t done anything wrong.” He spots a bag on the dining room table and reaches for it. “Is that a new book?”
Me: I ignore the question. “Why are you making my life so difficult?”
Z: “Don’t look at me. It’s all in your head.” <plastic crinkles>
Me: “Sure be a typical man. Deny that you have any part in all of this. Why did you have to go and piss off the Fates? You’re making my life hell.”
Z: “If I hadn’t you wouldn’t have a story to tell, now would you?”
Me: “I don’t appreciate the cheek. If I wanted that, I’d go find Devlin.”
Devlin: “Did someone mention moi?”
Me: “No Devlin. I’m too stressed out to deal with you today.”
D: “Well pardon me.” He turns to Zephyr. “Has she been like this all week?”
Z: “You have no idea.” He pulls out J.R. Ward’s Lover Reborn and brandishes it in my face.
D: “Hey, she’s reading about those vampires again. What? We aren’t sexy enough for you?” He flexes his muscles. “And you have the nerve to complain that your word count is bad.” <wags finger> “For shame!”
I sit in the corner, chanting, “I’m the Author Goddess. I’m the Author Goddess…”
Zephyr, examines his nails. “Yeah, keep telling yourself that, sweetheart. Devlin, up for a round of drinks?”
Devlin says, “You bet your windy ass I am. Oh, mighty Author Goddess, have fun with the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Too bad they aren’t going to write your book for you.”
They leave me muttering to myself like an idiot. I’m so pathetic even The Doubt Monster feels bad for me this week.
And on that note, I leave you with this great comic. Thank you Toni Andrews. You don’t know how badly I needed the laugh!
Lucky Seven
The lovely Leia Shaw has tagged me as part of her lucky seven blog activity (and Leia – consider yourself special because I don’t show anyone my WIP until it’s completed!)
Here are the rules:
1. Go to page 77 in your current manuscript
2. Go to line 7
3. Copy down the next seven lines as they are – no cheating
4. Tag 7 other authors.
Post the lines on your own blog.
My lucky 7 are: Julia Rachel Barrett, Penny Watson, Katy Lee, Jamie Pope, Tam Linsey, Jamie Brazil, and Meggan Connors. Tag! You’re it (this is purely voluntary, by the way!) I will post your names on Facebook too!
From Mystic Storm:
“Lies are like potato chips. You can’t stop at just one.” Langston flashed in front of him, mouth downturned. “She isn’t stupid. She’s a Muse for cripes’ sake!”
“Shut it, Langston.” He circled around the desk and rifled through papers.
“I think you need to listen to me.” For once, was unspoken between them. “If you care about Kalliope, then tell her the truth. Now. Don’t wait.”
Zephyr moved in front of the mirror by the door. “Look at me!” he raised his breasts. “I’m a woman right now. She’ll think I’m crazy.”
One Lucky Evening
Happy Friday! Don’t forget to stop by the Scribes. My guest today is USA Today bestselling author – Terry Spear!
A few announcements:
- The winner of the Paranormal Freebies Giveaway is: Renee Bennett. The winner of the The Romance Review’s Week 2 Q&A is crazycatlady. Congratulations you both won an e-book copy of Mystic Ink. I have e-mailed you the details.
- Also, on March 20th, I’ll be having my first ever author chat over at The Romance Reviews. I hope you can stop by. But don’t worry, I’ll remind you again!
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This week, my fellow Scribe PJ Sharon released her third book – Savage Cinderella. I highly recommend it to all of you. I know, because this is the story that brought PJ, me and the Scribes together.
See, it happened like this.
J Monkeys, Susannah Hardy, and I were all part of a writer’s group at our local library. One June evening, PJ arrived looking for critique partners. After the meeting, Suze and I stayed behind to talk with PJ. After that we all became critique partners. PJ’s book was Savage Cinderella, mine was Ascension and Suze’s was Bonaparte Bay (click here for a short story from this wonderful universe).
PJ also enlightened us with the words RWA (Romance Writers of America). She is personally responsible for recruiting me, Suze, and J to CTRWA. J met Jamie Pope (since they joined the same month) and PJ introduced us to Katy Lee.
Last year, J birthed the idea for a group blog and the 7 Scribes were born. And, personally, I crossed the line between wannabe writer over to professional.
It has almost been a year since the Scribes started and two years since I met PJ, Suze, and J. I am so happy to have made such great friends and to know such wonderful writers.
So to PJ – Congratulations on your new release! I’m sure glad you decided to come to our writer’s meeting that June! I can’t imagine life without knowing you, Suze, J, Katy, and Jamie.
Spill it – tell me about your friends and the people who are traveling with you along the journey of life!
Inspired Beauty
Happy Friday everyone! Don’t miss my guest over at the Scribes today – Lisa Kessler, author of Night Walker
This week’s post is a short one. I’m working on MYSTIC STORM, Zephyr’s story, so I’m a bit preoccupied! I’d like to share with you some photographs of the enchanting real world setting for the book.
Stonington Point is a historic area of Stonington, Connecticut. Just miles away from Mystic, CT.
The houses are beautiful! I love the blue door.
Roses in bloom. I like to imagine that Zephyr would stop to smell the roses.
I imagined the Gallup Inn, Zephyr’s hotel and spa before I ever visited Stonington. I was delighted to find an actual house that fit my imaginary vision. And this is actually a hotel. While we visited, a movie with Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep was filming. (No, sightings, but we did see the film crew set decorating.)
I loved all the colorful buildings!
One last look at the beautiful ocean.
I hope you enjoyed the brief tour! See you all next week!
You Want to Know What?
Hi everyone!
I’m over at the lovely Julia Barrett’s site today – answering the question – You want to know what?
Stop by and say “hi.” I’d love to hear from you!
Casey Wyatt 