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!

Time for a change #writerslife

Can you believe it's November and another year is drawing to a close? Seems like yesterday I was just procrastinating away my New Year's Resolutions!

For my Insecure Writers Support Group post today, I'm going to talk about CHANGE! And not just the pretty leaves or the Fall Back of the clocks this weekend...

I'm talking about a change to my blogging strategy (sounds grown up, right?)

I've been blogging for six years now, and just as I treat technology that moves at light speed, I'm finally giving in and doing an update. I'm such a nonconformist. But I do see a need to adjust. When blogging started, it was an outlet to reach other writers and learn and make connections and support each other. These are still part of my blog, but I also don't like repetition. No one does. So it's time to change it up with something new!

A couple of months/posts ago, I asked you all some questions and got some fabulous responses! Since I'm a math person, I tallied it all and made some fancy charts to share the results. I tried it again and I like how it's working out, so that's how I'm going to continue to communicate and contribute to our writing community, with Writer's Life Surveys!

Here is the latest set of data I collected. Writer's Life Survey #2

Reasons for NaNo No's - Don't like rules, Will make my own Nano, November is a crazy month

Reasons for Anthology No's - Fantasy is tough, Can't force a story, My fantasy turned SciFi

Other Descriptions for ridiculous - atrocious, years and years, buried, no end in sight, lucky Kindle has enough memory, like the national debt

Reasons for ebook - allergies, storage space, failing vision

Many of these responses are overlaps - I love how many of us are mult-task writers!

What do you think? Will you join me in my quest for fun writerly data and its interpretation? I have many questions, but in the interest of time and space, I will limit them to 5 per month. And since I manage two blogs, I feel I can cut back on this one and still make it a worthy place to visit.

So here's my new schedule:

• I'll be taking my Writer's Life Survey on the third Wednesdays of the month 
• The Results will be posted on the first IWSG Wednesdays along with other updates.

Of course, this will start more regularly in January, as December is a book launch month for me - YAY! CRADLE ROCK! I've got many fun articles to write for my wonderful volunteer hosts! I hope you have time to check them out! (Schedule will be on the sidebar) And I will happily continue to promote other authors here, never fear!

And a parting pic -

Happy Reunion with Elizabeth Seckman & Ashley Chappell-Peeples

at the West Virginia Book Festival

Had an awesome time and sold mucho books!

I hope you enjoyed these results! Next round of questions will be Nov 16. Has your blog evolved??