Mystic Ink

I’m so Pretty – Beautiful Blogger Award

| Casey Wyatt

Yay! It’s Friday. Don’t forget to visit me at the Scribes for  – I am Not A-MUSEd!

Sabrina Garie has awarded me The Beautiful Blogger Award. Thank you Sabrina!

As most of you may have guessed, there are rules.

Rule #1 – I must share 7 things. Today, I’m going to be different and share fun facts and a secret or two about my characters. Let’s face it, you all must be sick of hearing about me!

Rule #2 – Pass this award to 7 bloggers. More on that later.

From Mystic Ink:

1. Devlin Ward has a potted plant. It’s name is Medusa on account of its snake-like fronds. He would never, ever admit that to anyone
since the real Medusa would not be pleased. And we all know what happens to men who make her angry. Let’s just say it’s not the kind of rock hard Devlin would enjoy.

2. Nix is the most independent of the fifty daughter’s of Nereus. She is adamant about earning her own money and making her own way in the world. Her Uncle Memphis fostered her independence by taking her on as an apprentice in his tattoo shop.

From The Undead Space Initiative:

3.  Cherry Cordial doesn’t like enclosed spaces. Once, when one her fellow vampires jokingly trapped her in a dark closet, she dumped dead fish in their beds for a week.

4. Jonathan, Cherry’s maker, first noticed her because of her beautiful singing voice. It was her rebellious spirit that made him turn her into a vampire. Later, whenever he’d complain about her sassy attitude, Cherry would remind him, “Tough cookies. This is what you signed up for. Don’t blame me that I have big mouth and know how to use it.”  Cherry would like to remind you to get your minds out of the gutter. She’s a stripper, not a whore. Just saying.

From Ascension:

5. Kyra was recruited into the FBI by her boss, Terence Lange after she beat him and hundreds of other veteran sharpshooters at a
regional competition. Lange is inherently distrustful of magic, but does trust Kyra. Both of their understanding of supernatural phenomena are about to be shaken up.

6. Valerian is a stickler for rules and order. Clutter drives him crazy and he can’t stand salt and vinegar chips. Galen uses this information to annoy Valerian every chance he gets. While the two are friends, Valerian is also Galen’s superior, and Galen’s cheekiness often gets him into trouble. Not that Galen would have it any other way!

And from my WIP:

7. This isn’t a character fact per se, but my latest WIP has something to do with fortune cookies and evil spirits. Don’t worry Mystic Ink fans, I am still working on Mystic Storm (Zephyr’s book), but I opted to complete this book first since it was flowing faster.

Seven Beautiful Blogs:

1. Writing Secrets of 7 Scribes – Stop by and say hello. We’re friendly, fun and love to dish about all kinds of topics.

2. Meggan Connors – She makes me laugh with her honesty and self-depreciating humor. I love Edinor and her travels. You have visit her blog to find out who or what Edinor is!

3. Janna Shay – Kind and generous, Janna always makes me smile. She’s also an incredibly supportive and I do appreciate it!

5. Marian Lanouette – A great blogger who shares great advice. Plus, she is one sexy lady. Have you seen her Facebook photo? Her debut novel – If I Fail –  comes out in September.

6. Leia Shaw – Whether she’s blogging at her own site (The Paranormal G-spot) or at Nights of Passion, she always has something interesting to say.

7. Julia Rachel Barrett – C’mon, did you think I wouldn’t pick the lovely Julia? Julia blogs every day and it’s always worth reading.

To the recipients of the Beautiful Blogger Award – go forth and share the beauty!

And feel free to share your favorite blog (s) with me! 

Castles and Guns -Two Great Things that Go Together!

| Casey Wyatt

I’m over at Castles and Guns today! Stop by and hear my thoughts about luck versus hard work.

Go forth and visit me over at Castles & Guns!

I Must be Crazy!

| Casey Wyatt

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.

Don’t let life drive you cuckoo!

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!

| Casey Wyatt

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!

How Sweet it is!

| Casey Wyatt

I’m so excited – Guilty Indulgence Romance Review site awarded Mystic Ink their coveted Ultimate Indulgence Book award. Stop by and read the review!

Yay!  5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Stop By and Say Hello, My Friends!

| Casey Wyatt

I’m over at the Soul Mate Blog today – part of our April Blog-athon. Please stop by and say hello! Otherwise, I will be lonely!

See - Pigs can Fly!

A Chance to Win Mystic Ink!

| Casey Wyatt

I’m part of a giveaway at Book & Trailer Showcase.  I’m giving away an e-book copy of  Mystic Ink to one lucky person. Head over to their site by clicking here and follow the directions on the site. Good luck!

You are My Sunshine

| Casey Wyatt

Happy Friday everyone. Don’t forget to visit me at the Scribes today for Join the Tribe (where I talk about Triberr).

Just when I was desperate, thinking I would never come up with a blog topic this week,  my favorite pirate wench and honey badger lover, Meggan Connors, came to my rescue.  Meggan has nominated me for the Sunshine Blog Award. And double bonus, the fabulous, beard loving Jamie Brazil also nominated me.  Thank you, sistas!

Of course, nothing in life is free. And I have homework. And so do you, if I picked your name!

Here are da’ Rules:

1. Include the award logos in your post or in your blog

2. Answer 10 questions about yourself. I’m taking a page out of Meggan’s book and doing what I want. I recently shared 7 facts for an earlier blog award so I won’t repeat myself here.

3. Nominate 10-12 other wonderful bloggers

4. Let the other nominees know they are nominated and include links to their blog

5. Link the person who nominated you

So let’s get started with my questions.

What is your weapon of choice during a zombie apocalypse?

My running shoes. I have no plans to stick around and fight the undead.  I put the question to my younger son, and household weapons master. His choice – magnum 357. “Do you feel lucky, undead punk. Well do ya?” I think he was messing with me. Everyone knows that the gun only hold six shots. And it’s noisy. Maybe he wants me to get eaten?

Wait. He’s given me another weapon. A Scar-H. No relation to my hubby, Scar.

 

Forget it. I’d shoot my own foot off. Then where would I be? In a zombie’s stomach. That’s where!

Do you have a favorite comic strip? And what is it?

I love Lio by Mark Tatulli. I think he may have a spy camera installed in my house because Lio seems to have a similar fetish for creepy off the wall stuff. For you zombie/giant squid/ninja kitty lovers, this is the comic strip for you. Seriously, check it out. Demand your local newspaper carry it.

 

What is this obsession with zombies?

It all started when my Sci-Fi book club read World War Z by Max Brooks. After that, we started discussing and studying all things zombie. Plus, I’ve logged many hours watching younger son kill zombies in Call of Duty and Left for Dead.

Most interesting Chocolate-related quote you’ve ever read?

This is from my chocolate-a-day calendar – “I think chocolate tastes great in any form that you put it in, but a bunny rabbit is not a bad way to go.” Tom Ward, co-owner of Russell Stover Candies 

 

What food would you never say no to?

Any form of chocolate cake or cupcake. Basically anything chocolate.

Who is your favorite skeleton?

Duh! Jack Skellington, of course.

What is your new guilty pleasure television show?

Right now, I’m enjoying Lost Girl on Syfy. I love Kenzie. She could have her own show. And I’m really looking forward to the new season of Sherlock Holmes (May 6th on PBS!) and the final season of Eureka (not happy that Syfy is cancelling it though).

Who has the most divine abs in existence?

Joe Manganiello. No contest. The man must never have his shirt on. Heather Peters posts a zillion pictures a week of the man on Facebook. Not that I’m complaining. No siree.

If you had to choose between receiving a gift or going somewhere fun, what would you chose?

I’m all for going places and sharing experiences with my family and friends. I’d much rather take a day trip for my birthday then receive a bunch of gifts. My favorite places to visit include, Old Sturbridge Village, Yankee Candle Company Store (Deerfield, MA), and Mystic CT (of course!).

What is your favorite zombie movie?

Hands down – Shaun of the Dead. I can watch the movie without running from the room. I also enjoyed Hot Fuzz and Paul, but Shaun is still my favorite.

Enough about me already. Here are my nominees for the Sunshine Blog Award:

1. Julia Rachel Barrett – ’cause she is awesome and unafraid of zombies! I heart Julia!

2. Food and Tools – awesome recipes, great photos, and a joy to read. I’m sending you directly to her rocky road chocolate cakes. I dare you not to drool. Thank you Moya!

3. Leia Shaw – kick-ass writer, generous, and a great motivator.

4. A.C. Cockerill – a never ending wealth of information and fun facts.

5. Lisa Kessler – the busiest woman on the planet and a super sweetie!

6. Sharon Buchbinder – kindred spirit.

7. Mare’s Place – wonderful friend to all writers.

8.  Penelope’s Romance Review – sorry honey, but you got picked twice (by Jamie Brazil and me.) That’s the price you have to pay for awesomeness.

9.  Tam Linsey – my friend in all things Sci-Fi. I know for a fact she’d survive the zombie apacolypse.

10. Rose Vanden Eynden – my twin sister separated at birth.

My fellow nominees, go forth and torment, I mean honor your friends too!

So I was Like….

| Casey Wyatt

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!