The #WritingCommunity is Priceless

Happy March & Happy IWSG Day!
I am so thankful for the writing community and all the great friends I've made from all over the world. No matter where we're from, we can chat and laugh and share our dreams without judgment--like we're at a virtual slumber party!

Last week, I posted a self evaluation quiz about phone addiction. I was happy to see responses similar to mine. Basically we use the phone as a tool of communication and information, but we could live without it if we had to. This is probably because older generations have lived without "smart" technology. And we need to pass that revelation on to future generations, so they don't turn into zombies... ha ha

One of the best uses for the internet has been connecting with other writers. The support, advice, and shared commiseration I've received from my online writer friends has been essential to me sticking with my writing. I'm especially grateful for the continued Insecure Writing Support Group "meetings" which keep me blogging at least once a month! Thanks, Alex!

My writer friends have been especially wonderful through this latest turn of events and helping me out with my Taking Back Beast World campaign...

The Disney/Pixar movie Onward, similarly set in my Beast World, comes out Friday. So far, the reviews are not good. I'm not sure how I feel about that... I'm not going to judge it--probably won't see it until it's free on Disney +. But it's rather disappointing. Like they've ruined it for me. It also makes me want to go to Dreamworks and offer my alternative (I'm researching it, soooo hard to get a pinky toe in the door, nevermind a foot!). For now, I'm going to finish out my campaign with the help of my wonderful friends, and hope Beast World gets noticed by more folks looking for an inspirational, relatable, comical, fantasy adventure!

Last week, Jemi Fraser left me a couple of fantastic reviews -- I saved announcing them for this week as that's my campaign topic the week.

Also this week, I'm so honored to be appearing at...

• Alex's infamous blog talking about Turning Books into Movies (3/4)
• C. Lee McKenzie's blog talking about Handling Teenage Troubles (3/5)

Finally, I want to give some back and tell you about a wonderful romance writer I know...

Elizabeth Seckman

She's got a fabulous new release!

ABOUT US
by Elizabeth Seckman

Hayden Matthews is trying to get as far away from love as possible. After wasting eight years in a failed marriage, she's ready for a nice, peaceful life where she can raise her daughter to be strong, independent, and happy. But to make that happen, she must fix her own life first.

Cam Vorelli has pined for Hayden since he was in grade school. Always in the friend-zone, he stood on the sidelines, his heart breaking, as she said I do to the wrong man. A man he knew didn’t deserve her, who could never love her as he did. But what could he say? She was marrying into his family. Cam would never break a holy vow much less be disloyal to his kin.

Until he sees the bruises on Hayden. Abuse is a game changer.

Hayden knows leaving a husband like Tag, with a hot temper, a badge, and a gun will be tricky. She needs someone she can trust. Not looking for a romantic entanglement, she calls Cam, with her soon-to-be ex fearful of his former NFL cousin as a bonus.

Though Cam comes to her rescue with the purest of intentions, he won't deny fate if Hayden starts to feel the same for him...

And it's available NOW for FREE!

Kobo: FREE      Smashwords FREE       Amazon: 99 cents 

About the Author

Elizabeth is a multi-published author of books for people who are believers in happily-ever- after, true love, and stories with a bit of fun and twists with their plots. The mother of four young men, she tackles laundry daily and is the keeper of the kitchen. She lives along the shores of the Ohio River in West Virginia, but dreams daily of the beach.

Facebook/ Blog/ Website

You'll love her style. Take it from me.

Don't be afraid to ask your friends for help. 
We're all ready to be there for each other!

Hope your March is off to a Springy start!

#Organization - without the STRESS!

I did it! CRADLE ROCK is now available! Again!

CRADLE ROCK
Beast World, Book Two

In a world ruled by peaceful beasts, Gabe the goblin and a small group of friends travels to bleak Sector Three where Ona, his ogress girlfriend has gone missing on her expedition to find evidence of humans. 

Danger? Wild animals? Poisonous mist? Bring it on. Nothing will stop him from saving his girl. Not even humans - there's no such thing!

Amazon -- Goodreads

The Taking Back Beast World campaign, phase 2 is chugging along. Today, I'm visiting Patricia Josephine with a post about THE BEASTS! Which one are you? Stop by if you have time!

This campaign has not only inspired me to get my Beast World series re-published, but I'm also anxious to work on the next one! There's so much to do! I need update all the links, re-configure the ebooks, and more, so much more... But I've got things under control. And when I don't, I deal with it as I can.

So I thought I'd give you a glimpse into my process of

ORGANIZATION!

If your life is organized, you can find things when you need them because they are where they're supposed to be. You know when your bills are due, and you know how much money you have to pay them. Your meals are planned out for the week and shopping is done in advance so you'll have the right ingredients. The house is clean and neat. And mornings are less chaotic because you have everything laid out ahead of time ready to go.

Unfortunately, this is a fantasy. Life is messy! As I work my way through re-publishing and my campaign, I have a huge list of things I want to get done. And the rest of my life doesn't slow down to make it easier.

Organization does help, though. If you want to get organized, I suggest you do these things first!

• Prioritize - Usually more than one area of your life needs organization. Since you can't wave a magic wand to have it all done at once, you need to choose the most important thing and start there (like money and bills, the main area of the house, or your phone apps) Once you're in a comfortable place/routine for that item, you can move on to the next.
• Purge - This is a key to reducing stress. Get rid of things you don't need! If you haven't used it in 2 years? (you choose the time) donate it or throw it away. The less stuff you have, the less stuff you have to find room for!
• Plan - ask yourself what you want. Organization is a broad term. Do you want: Less clutter? Easier access to things? To make time for things you want to do? Once you know what you want, you need to choose when to do your organizing, and it will take less time to get it done.
• Please? - Organization is great, but if everyone else in your house doesn't help, the mess and chaos quickly return. Tell everyone what you're doing and what they need to do. And you'll have to keep reminding them (train them!) until everyone is working together automatically.
• Patience - Wrenches happen. Life changes. Unexpected surprises turn up all the time. No matter how much you organize and try to plan ahead, expect something to throw your schedule out of whack once in a while. You can go back to or adjust your organization once you deal with extenuating circumstances beyond your control. It'll all work out!

So do what you can to get organized. But don't stress over it! As Mr. Skeemander says, "Worrying means you suffer twice"


via GIPHY

Happy Presidents Day!

Have a terrific week!

2017 = Shine Forth

Happy Septendecdischili!
And Happy First IWSG of the New Year!

Fellow writers,
This year I invite you to join me as I challenge myself to reach more readers. I have tried several avenues and attempted many ventures, but I know I could do better. I put together a small list of things for us to try or improve upon...

• A Newsletter - I have a quarterly one that links to my Newsy Blog, but I need to improve it. I have a hard time with it because it's all about me and I really hate to sound like I'm bragging - it's pure fear and adrenaline, but I try to make it sound positive...
• Offer giveaways
• Keep it short and informative
• Don't send it too often
• Always have a signup sheet at events
• The Blog/Author page - I'm still deciding what I want to do. I definitely need to neaten it up and make it more professional-looking...
• Book Events - I love doing these, but I need to be more pro-active and reach out to schools and organizations...
• Marketing - the dreaded.
• More creative videos - let's get viral! See my Cradle Rock guest post at L. Diane Wolf's on Monday (1/9) for some ideas on author videos!
• Pay for ads on social media - sometimes a little will get you a lot
• Better giveaway campaigns - with a group? with cooler prizes? hmm...
• Shiny New Ideas
• With recent feedback, I'll be revising my Pop Travel screenplay - I'm determined!
• I'm also outlining a new story - taking a break from my two series once they both have three books. Yes, I can see it within my reach.

Let's break barriers! Let's move mountains! Let's finish what we start!

I will take any and all advice you guys have. Join in the fun in planning and dreaming!

Lastly, I have a few stops left for my CRADLE ROCK Release Party!

1/4	Ken Rahmoeller	Dragons
1/9	L. Diane Wolfe	Marketing Tips - Live & Online
1/16	C Lee McKenzie	Grownup Stereotypes
1/11	M. J. Fifield	Crazy Road Trip
1/25	Crystal Collier	Poetry & Songs in Stories - Writerly Wed

I'm also happy to announce the winners from my Cradle Rock Release Party December Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Break in the Blog Party #writerslife Results!

It's Insecure Writers Support Group day!

But first, I'd like to congratulate all the writers who participated and/or completed the NANOWRIMO challenge! Woo hoo! You did it! You have a bouncing baby... first draft. Now, you have to nurture it, coddle it, bathe it, dress it, discipline it, laugh and cry over it, and finally be proud of it before you can send it off to be rejected a bunch of times before it's finally praised and published. Sounds great, right?

But seriously, getting that first draft done is a major accomplishment, way to go! Don't stop until you reach the top!

My insecurity this month... I have a terrible fear of having to quit writing. Financially, it's not going to pay the bills. It's turning into a very expensive "hobby." I have tons of big plans, but it's taking too long to make them happen. I have a lot stacked against me. Especially with my kids getting ready to start college. Having books published is a major accomplishment, but I don't think I can make a career out of it... I never knew the long term goal I had for writing, but I guess that was it. Huh. But it's not like I'll ever stop, I have too many stories and characters waiting to be written! I just need to invest less money in it...

What are your long term writing goals?

Now for the results of the last #writerslife survey!

It's tougher than you think - when you're in the mood, it's too late to submit it... but there's always next year!

Try it! Lots of positive feedback!

As expected...

A nice mix - we should all read more =)

And here are some of the short answer responses...

Ponderific Quotes from Favorite Works or Works in Progress:
"Everyone has to start somewhere, and there’s no better place than high above the world, up on the roof, under a starry night, on his eighteenth birthday."

"At seventeen, I had my whole life planned: graduating high school with a 4.0, going to Columbia Law, becoming a kick-butt attorney, making millions and retiring by forty-six. Dating an assassin? That one was not on the list."

"When I lifted the cover for the tongue my mouth fell open. Litwell was done rare. Clearly my suggestion to look for him during the day had it's reward. I cut into the succulent meat and savored the jealous looks as the smell of blood filled the air. Litwell you delicious traitorous man you."

"And with three young werewolves in their house, it frequently needed redecorating!"

"He stalked a few feet in my direction then turned, fluffed his feathers and hopped onto a fence post, his back to me and the flock. It tickled me. I never knew a rooster to sulk."

"Their fairytale romance ended the night he went missing without a trace. She had disappeared too, but somehow, she had returned."

"Oh, dear. Looks like I broke him."

Tis the Season for Recommended Reads:
We Are The Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson, Dark YA
Two recs for Parallels: Felix Was Here, an anthology
Tango with a Twist by John Robert Mack
Nobody's Goddess by Amy McNulty
Heartless by Marissa Meyer, Fantasy
Triangles by Ellen Hopkins, a novel in verse
Matowak: Woman Who Cries by Joylene Nowell Butler
Timeless by Crystal Collier, Also Moonless and Souless
Of Blood and Sorrow by Christine Rains, Urban Fantasy

Saving the best for last, I also wanted to give a shout out to CARRIE BUTLER and her latest release!

AS WE KNOW IT
by Carrie Butler

Deep beneath the ocean, stretching hundreds of miles alongside the Pacific Northwest coastline, lies the Cascadia subduction zone—a fault on the verge of unleashing a catastrophic earthquake, thirty times more powerful than the San Andreas. Unfortunately, like most tourists, Elena Cordova is oblivious.

She’s got her own pent-up stress to deal with, a humiliating breakup that’s driven her to end her tenure as a human doormat once and for all. So, when a pickpocket makes off with the last remnant of her relationship, she takes action—only to get trapped with him when disaster strikes.

Now, if either one hopes to survive, they’ll have to get past their initial impressions and work together . . . because in fifteen minutes, half the town will be underwater.

More info and purchase links here!

Now back to the CRADLE ROCK Release Party!
Check out my posting schedule in the side bar.
And don't forget to enter my raffle!!

What's going on in your neck of the forest?

CRADLE ROCK a-BUY, Baby!

WELCOME BACK TO THE FOREST!

CRADLE ROCK is Here!

Gabe the goblin just saved his town Broken Branch Falls from splitting apart. He also revealed that humans--horrible creatures of myth and legend--may actually be part of their history! But seriously? Nah!

Now Ona, Gabe’s girlfriend, is headed thousands of miles away to Camp Cradle Rock for Spring Break seeking evidence of humans. Gabe knows better than to tell a stubborn ogress she’s crazy, so he’s letting her go and spending the break at the beach like a normal teenage beast. And he’s determined to have a good time without her, whether he likes it or not.

But when Ona goes missing, Gabe and his friends set out for the wilds of the west to find her, no matter what dangerous creatures get in his way. Not even humans.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Check out the Book Trailer!

AAHH! I can't believe this is my fourth book release! I have to thank YOU ALL for it to be possible, because I wouldn't be here without your encouragement and advice! This community is so helpful and supportive. I'm very blessed to be a part of it. And here are my awesome volunteers letting me invade their blogs to spread the good news!

CRADLE ROCK RELEASE PARTY POST HOSTS:

	12/5	Patricia Lynne	Nerds Rule
	12/5	Heather R. Holden	Vampires
	12/7	Juneta Key	author spotlight interview
	12/9	Julie Flanders	Teenagers Now vs 80s
	12/9	Elizabeth Seckman	Beast-themed Recipe
	12/12	Lori L. MacLaughlin	Merfolk
	12/14	Sharon Bayliss	Ogres
	12/14	Tyrean Martinson	5 Reasons to use Chapter Titles
	12/16	Michael Di Gesu	Craziest Spring Break Trip
	12/17	Cathrina Constantine	Teen Dating
	12/19	Christine Rains	Hiking Faux Pas
	12/19	Alex J. Cavanaugh	Beast vs Monster - terminology
	12/21	Ann Noser	CR Quotes
	12/21	Heather M. Gardner	Discrimination - joking vs hurting
	1/4	Ken Rahmoeller	Dragons
	1/4	L. Diane Wolfe	Marketing Tips - Live & Online
	1/9	C Lee McKenzie	Grownup Stereotypes
	1/11	M. J. Fifield	Crazy Road Trip
	1/25	Crystal Collier	Poetry & Songs in Stories - Writerly Wed

I'm also giving away signed copies of Broken Branch Falls and Cradle Rock, some Beast World swag, and a $20 GC! I love giving stuff away =)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
And my cool publisher, Curiosity Quills has another giveaway on Goodreads!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Cradle Rock

by Tara Tyler

Giveaway ends January 01, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Happy Holidays!!

That time of year #Writerslife #Survey

What time of year? You know, the holidays are coming up! It's a busy season for all, including writers. I've always wanted to do a holiday themed anthology, but just like fashion, you have to have it ready six months ahead of the season!

Nov/Dec Writer's Life Survey... (and my answers)

1) Have you ever written/submitted/published a holiday story? Details?

I did one last year for Geekdom House "A Super Christmas" I'd like to do more, but like my Xmas shopping, I usually wait until the last minute... I started a cozy Christmas mystery about Cooper and Geri going up to visit his parents, but it sits unfinished. One of these days!

2) Have you ever been a part of/wanted to do an anthology? If so, how many? And How was your experience?

I've been a part of a few anthologies. And I've been rejected for a few too - ouch, but it doesn't stop me from submitting! I like writing short stories and an anthology has a bigger readership with multiple authors' fan bases!

3) What is your preferred length of a novel - to read and/or write? Shorter, Medium, or Looong?

I like shorter and medium, but will do long if I love it (Game of Thrones)

4) When is your favorite time to read?

Whenever I can! I steal spare moments all the time, especially when waiting.

5) Want to share a line from something you're working on? A teaser or quote? Or even an inspirational phrase? We could use something intriguing or uplifting!

Since the release of CRADLE ROCK is right around the corner, here's a quote from it...

"Girls can't resist the urge to fix things. Especially boys."

Bonus Question: Give us a book recommendation (not your own, cheesy!) - a gift we can give each other (and to another author!)

My Book Recommendation is The Totem Series by Christine Rains
These three shapeshifting sisters are as fierce as their polar bear alter egos. They are determined to save their kind by finding missing Totem pieces, no matter the dangerous legends and magic surrounding them nor the mysterious, evil shifter competing for its control.

These are the first three novellas in the series that are out so far...

Each book focuses on a different sister with distinct, clashing personalities. And besides helping their kind, they have to deal with relationship problems. It can be hazardous when mixing duty and pleasure.

Here's the links - Totem 1 - Dark Dawning, Totem 2 - Silent Whispers, Totem 3 - Cloak of Snow

Have a scrumptious Thanksgiving and get hopping on the shopping!
Looking forward to your responses!

Trong the Goblin #fantasy #survey

That's me! My Beast name is Trong and I'm proud to be a Goblin...

Several of my CRADLE ROCK Release Party Beast helpers took the Beastly Survey to find out their beast names & species... Check them out!

These righteous readers are just a few of my awesome volunteers who offered to do ARC reviews of CRADLE ROCK. Reviews make the world go around, an author's world!

Juneta Key is really a Mermaid named Jade Katfish!





Christine Rains is a sweet but fierce Dragon named Cridge.

Michael Di Gesu is a sharp, troublemaking Pixie named Makev


Also helping with my Cradle Rock Beastly Blog Tour...

Flanju the intellectual Centaur is also known as Julie Flanders

Then there's Mia Jun, another Mermaid whose alter-human identity MJ Fifield recently moved to Florida, appropriately

Samber the Harpy is my wonderful CQ compatriot, Sharon Bayliss

And little Dodee the Elf is our beloved, petite Elizabeth Seckman!



Ever wonder what kind of beast would fit your disposition? Take my BEASTLY SURVEY to find out your beastly name and what kind of beast you really are!

And in other news...

I want to give a shoutout to Ashley Chappell! She is re-releasing her awesome YA Sci Fi adventure ALICE WILL on OCTOBER 5! (the talking cat sidekick is persnickety and hilarious!)

Fourteen year-old Trotter was still just trying to get the hang of the demi-godding business when the apocalypse began. In a world where the gods have withdrawn from humanity, leaving mortals bitter toward magic, she finds herself constantly torn between her human and goddess sides. When the world begins to fade away and she becomes the prime suspect, her search to find the cause and prove her innocence ends up revolving around a mysterious little girl named Alice. Then Trotter discovers that not all of the gods had been as distant as they seemed...

Now, with everyone against her and the gods fighting amongst themselves, Trotter is on her own to save her world and stop a vengeful god from using Alice to destroy everything.

Isn't it fabulous?!
Pre-orders are officially available! Get your own copy at Amazon for only $2.99. Plus she's giving away FREE e-copies of the second book, TILT to everyone who leaves a review for Alice! Email Ashley about the review and she'll send you an early copy just before Tilt is re-released in November.

Ashley Chappell currently resides in Huntsville, AL. When not writing, reviewing, or burying her nose in one of her well-worn Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman novels, she can be found sailing with her husband on their boat ‘Dupracity’ (Fans of Kurt Vonnegut will want to ask her what that means).

Pros and Cons of being an #author

September, already? Wow! Another school year begun and back to scrounging up time to write...

Welcome to my IWSG post this month. The question of the month is:

How do you find the time to write in your busy day?

Coincidentally, I had already started writing this post to share for IWSG this month! I'll start by telling you some Pros and Cons of being a writer:

Time is the real key isn't it? Time is money. And being a writer takes a TON of time. Unfortunately that equation doesn't balance out. Being a writer doesn't make a TON of money. And since we must make money to live, we must work other jobs and write when we can.

So, you have to make time to write. I write every day. Whether it's a little or a lot, I just do. Ever since I discovered I was a writer, I've had to write. I write to calm down, to express thoughts, to organize ideas, to communicate. Some of it gets tossed, some of it thrives and turns into bigger and better things.

But the key to successful writing is carving out time to write it and perfect it.

The things we want to do most get the most attention. No matter how busy life gets, if you really want to write, you will write. (Yes, my laundry pile is getting mighty high and I would probably feed the dust bunnies before I banished them...writers must make sacrifices!)

Here are some survey questions for you and your writing time, if you can spare a moment!

1. When is your favorite time to write?
2. How do you squeeze in time to write?
3. How long does it take you to write a novel?
4. Do you set daily/monthly goals for your writing?

And thanks again to my helpers with my CRADLE ROCK cover reveal! If you'd like to join in for the Release Party Tour, let me know! I have plenty of articles I can guest post! Here's the form.

DRAGONS ALIVE! Cradle Rock, the cover reveal!

Welcome to the Forest!

So excited to share my exciting, adventurous cover for CRADLE ROCK!

CRADLE ROCK
by Tara Tyler
Publication Date: December 1, 2016

Gabe and his girlfriend Ona are headed in opposite directions for Spring Break. After finding out humans might be a real part of their history, Ona is determined to dig up evidence of them in the mysterious mountains at Camp Cradle Rock. Being a logical goblin, Gabe tries to talk her out of it, but there's just no reasoning with a stubborn ogress.

When Ona goes missing, Gabe and his friends fly to Cradle Rock to search for her and discover a village of trouble, igniting an age old war. His physical skills may be lacking, but Gabe won't give up. With the help of his diverse group of friends, he will find a way to save his girl and maybe all beastkind. Humans, bah!

And here's the book trailer with awesome sketches by Laura Kramer, 

the wonderful artist of Cradle Rock's inner illustrations!

Add to your Reading List on Goodreads!

 

A huge thank you to all my cover reveal tweeters and blog hosts (linked):
Patricia Lynne - 9/2 - the End of the World as we Know it

Julie Flanders - 9/2 - Beast Bios: Goblins 

Heather R. Holden - 9/2 - Novellas: Pros and Cons

Cathrina Constantine - 9/5 - Trends in Fantasy
Christine Rains - 9/12 - What's Hot (and What's Next)

Ken Rahmoeller (ChemistKen) - 9/21 - Fantasy Then and Now

Juneta Key - Review

Sheena-kay Graham
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Crystal Collier
Michelle Wallace

Ann Noser

Sharon Bayliss

Amy Bearce

Adriana Arrington

I'm still planning my RELEASE BLOG TOUR - if you'd like to join us
 and enter yourself for the chance to win a $25 GC in the process,
here's the FORM.

A Month of #marketingstrategies

Welcome to this month's IWSG post - writers supporting writers every 1st Wed of the month! The question for August is:

What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published?

My first piece of writing (and calling it a piece is very appropriate) went through many changes before I abandoned it in a file. It was called One Last Night when I started it. Now it's Jacks & Jills & Jezebels. It's about a group of girls who go bar-hopping in the 90s for a bachelorette party. There's lots of fun, excitement, and of course chick-lit drama. I even started a second story about the wedding and the bad behavior of the bridesmaids...

I had to give it up because it required way too much work, bad writing, no clear theme or direction, just a big mess! I would basically have to start over. Plus, it was based loosely on my twenty-something friends and experiences, but probably too closely for comfort. Not to mention, Chick-lit was on the way OUT!

But it was great reminiscing and growing and learning how to really write, which led me into the writing world and then on to get my first book published.

My IWSG worry this month and steadily this year is Should I keep going? Is my publisher going to drop me if my successive books don't sell well?

But I have to keep going. I have goals to reach and make new ones all the time. So that's why I keep coming up with new ways to market. Plus, I'm going to keep searching for an agent who can hopefully help me navigate the deeper publishing waters. I really just want to stay afloat!

My IWSG advice for today is GO FOR IT! If you have the drive, even if you change gears, keep steering for the goal!

And now, here's my BIG NEWS!

I'm counting down to the release of CRADLE ROCK! And I'm ready to start recruiting VOLUNTEERS. I really appreciate the interest some of you have already shown and will be sending some ARCs this week. Now, to get more organized I have a nice neat

FORM 

You guys are the BEASTLY BEST!! (and if you know me, you know I like to reciprocate and reward my helpers!) And I also have some fun, exciting, creative new ways to pump up the promos - check it out!

The rest of this month, I'll be talking about these and other OFF-the- beaten-like-a-dead-horse-PATH Marketing Strategies. It should be interesting (and possibly embarrassing). You don't want to miss it!



And one more thing - The Thing That Turned Me anthology is set to release Friday!! So many wonderful authors participate in showing how one moment can change a characters life.
Add it to your Goodreads list today!



Happy August! Have a great week! and Thanks for stopping by!