Time to Write!

Time to Write - that phrase has multiple meanings...

It's time to write! Time to get back to the keyboard and let the words flow.

Also,

I can't find time to write! I wish I had time to write! This isn't a good time to write!

All of the above. My life is so busy with responsibilities, writing is low on the priority list. When I do have some extra time, I'm usually not in the mood. It takes a lot of time just to get my mindset back into my WIPs. I had to take a hard break from my summer writing streak when school started. So, I would need a big chunk of time to review my stories and re-invest in the characters and remember where I was headed with the scenes. By that time, something usually comes up to divert me again.

On the other hand, I expect to have more time this month. School has settled down. And my son and his puppy have moved to their new place. It's very quiet without them, and writing could be a good way for me to keep my mind off missing him. Wish me luck!

Where are you in your writing journey? Are you making time to write? How do you get in the mood to write?

In other news, I had a terrific book event in October. I met some great folks (readers & writers), sold some books, and I even did a quick interview! I also have 2 more events in November. Slowly but surely re-entering the book scene.

Thanks for stopping by for the IWSG monthly get together. Check out the link to find out more and get to know more writers!

November is here! 

Snuggle up for cooler weather and shorter days!

Things NOT to do at an interview

Sometimes I don't know when to shut up - just ask my hub (ba dump bump)

Lately, I've been trying to find ways to make a better living (sons approaching college age = need more $$$!) And we writers know the best kept secret about writing is there's not much money in it. For some strange reason, the general public thinks if you're published, you must be rich AND famous! It really cracks me up when someone introduces me as a "famous author" - ha ha ha!

Anyway, as I said, I'm trying to earn more money. I've been on a few job interviews, sent countless query letters, submitted a few pieces, and begged for book gigs. So far it's all gotten me bupkis! And upon further examination, I seem to be sabotaging myself. I'll tell you what I mean...

Here are Things NOT to do when looking for work:
DON'T tell them you'll understand if they don't want to hire you.
DON'T act like you could care less.
DON'T tell them their workplace is cute.
DON'T bring up sore spots about their financial situation.
DON'T compare them to a better workplace.
DON'T assume you aren't right for the job.
DON'T force a smile.
DON'T oversell yourself.
DON'T show them you're smarter than they are, know-it-all.

I was in an anti-full-time teacher funk when I went on that interview. Yes, I actually did a few of those things. How could I be so dumb? People know when you aren't genuinely interested. They also know when you're trying too hard out of desperation. We must be confident but not cocky. Self-assured but not assuming. And humble not humiliating.

I was disappointed I didn't get a job offer, but not surprised. Then a long-term job was handed to me - things worked out. Not getting the book events was actually better for me. And more changes are on the horizon that would make getting a permanent job not the best situation right now. I believe God has a plan for me. After having things work out so many times, and mostly not how I plan, it's easier to accept and leave things to Him.

Prayer brings results, worry brings wrinkles.

AND IN THE NEWS:
Don't forget to stop by and vote at the WRiTE CLUB!

Many folks are Revealing their A to Z Challenge THEMES today - including the Really Real Housewives where we'll be joining in the challenge. You'll never guess our theme!

And if anyone would like to volunteer to read JOLISSA for an honest review, let me know. Thanks!

Anyone else notice how things work out for the best in ways least expected?

Hope things are working out for you!

Happy Spring!

The more you know, the more you grow

The internet has made the world a smaller place, bringing other countries and cultures closer together. (don't worry, I won't sing the Disney World song or it'll be stuck in your head all day!) But it's also shown us how vastly many people there are out there, ga-jillions! And all with their own voice. And I find it amazing that I can have so much in common and become friends with people that live continents away. It makes me want to travel and meet them IRL. If only it wasn't so costly in time and money. So I'm thankful I have the internet to keep us connected...

Which brings me to a new friend I'd like to introduce to you!

Jane D. Everly is a new author at CQ and she has a thrilling new novel starring a female, super cool secret agent. I just love me some tip-top British spy fi! To help you all get to know Jane, here's a little more about her and her latest book...

So Jane, where are you from?

I grew up in Nottingham, England. Yes, that Robin Hood place. It’s a beautiful city. I graduated University with a completely useless piece of paper while really I knew all along I was meant to be a writer. Though originally I aspired to be a romance novelist, I quickly discovered that it just wasn’t meant to be. My love of action and adventure stories always ended up seeping through, so I turned to writing thrillers and stories filled with kick-ass heroines and villains with delusions of attaining world domination. I relocated to Vancouver, BC, Canada in 2013 to pursue my writing career. 

How did you come up with the story?

In a word, Bond. James Bond :) I love Ian Flemings's original works. They had such a classical nuance with only one major flaw, the main character was male. I always thought we were severely lacking an amazing female character who embraced her flaws, who flaunted and used her sexuality in the same way Bond always did, and who could handle herself in a difficult situation without ever having to play the damsel in distress card. And so Eliana Havelock was born.

Is this the first in a series?

I do hope so! It’s currently a 4-part series that will wrap up this December and then be published as a full novel. Are there more stories for Eliana? Absolutely!

What would you say this is a mashup between?

It’s a threeseome between Bond, Jason Bourne, and the Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff) filtered carefully into Eva Green’s body.

Do you write in other genres? 

I still dabble in short stories within the romance genre. I feel like I’ve got a really good sci-fi space pirate novel rattling around in my head but I haven’t been able to bring myself to put it on paper yet. 

Who are your influences?

Fleming as I’ve mentioned, I’m also a big fan of Robert Ludlum, Anne Rice, Viola Carr, Emily Bronte, Janet Evanovich, I could go on and on…

Now for some personal questions...

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to hike. I loved the countryside in the UK but here in Canada they literally have mountains you can hike up. Mountains! Grouse Mountain just outside of Vancouver is a hell of a work out. Completely on the other end of the spectrum, I also love to lounge on the beach with a good book and slowly cook.

Do you have any pets? 

I have a cat named Mr. Bojangles. Just the one cat so I have someone to come home to, but at the same time can’t be classed as a crazy cat lady. Not yet at least. 

Inspiring food or drink?

Wine, anything in a rose or something sweet. And Thai food! I love thai food! The hotter the better. 

Favorite place to write?

I hate to be a cliché, but I like to write in coffee shops. You know, those people that sit there with a laptop sipping a fat-free Chai Tea and ignoring everyone else because they’re busy creating a masterpiece? Yes, I’m one of those.

I loved doing this fun interview. Thanks, Tara.

Doesn't she sound fabulous?? I would definitely love to hang out at the beach or pool or in a coffee shop with her. I love those places - I'm at McAlister's right now typing this because my crazy internet went on the blink this morning! But I will leave the hot spicy foods to her! And here's more about her latest release - HAVELOCK!

HAVELOCK by Jane D Everly

Eliana Havelock is a female with no past, whose determination to bring down a Karachi arms dealer catches the attention of the British Secret Intelligence Service. 

MI-6 is currently fractured due to political upheaval with many of its covert programs dissolved or disbanded. When Eliana presents the opportunity to divert an international arms disaster, the head of MI-6 partners her with one of it’s best and brightest, the enigmatic, Connor Blackwell. 

But in a world of secrets and hidden agendas, who can Eliana trust? 

And what, or who, is Eliana really after?

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Amazon

Now Jane is a little shy, similar to many newer authors, so she uses this saucy photo for her profile pic. Should get some attention just for that, eh?

Thanks to Jane for stopping by and thanks to you all for making her feel welcome.

PS - Don't forget to sign up for my Pop Travel re-release cover reveal and/or Simulation's reveal and release tour!

Here's the FORM. 
FORM is being editted! Sign up July 1!

And make sure to let me know when you have news for me to shout about!

Under the Corset

That's as close to erotica as I get, suggestive. But I need to support my friends and when Christine told me she was doing some Debauchery - which I consider humorous naughtiness - I had to help her with the tour. It's such a great word! I also wanted to know how she came to delve into such depths, so I interviewed her. Check it out!

1) So what bumped you to write the Dice & Debauchery series?
I randomly can across an open call from Ellora's Cave for themed line called Geekgasm. It made me laugh, and I joked around with my husband about writing funny erotic romances about geeks. I had plenty of material! The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to read a contemporary erotic romance about real geeks. Geeks are sexy too. Finding nothing out there like that, I came up with the idea for my series. I wrote and submitted the first book, Loose Corset, and the editor at Ellora's Cave loved it.
And now it makes sense!

2) I completely loved the 13th Floor stories, do you plan to do any more with them?
I love that world too. Such amazing characters, but their stories are over. Perhaps one day I'll revisit the 13th Floor, but it'll be with new characters. Maybe it'll take place a few decades in the future or in the past. I have a ton of new projects begging for my attention first, but I might have one or two around the city of Carmine in that same world. It's a city that has many stories to tell.
I hear ya, too many stories, not enough time to write...

3) Ever consider doing a vlog? Or reading any of your stories on youtube? It's a hot trend and I think your stories would sky rocket!
Me on video? Eek! I get anxious just thinking of someone taking my picture. I had no idea it was a trend right now. I can just imagine my video: Me in a dimly lit room trying a dramatic read of an excerpt and then my four-year-old popping in with his pants on his head, dancing like a crazy boy!
That would be perfect! You'd get a zillion hits!

4) Looking forward to Of Blood and Sorrow to be released. It's a new tantalizing paranormal. What's your favorite genre to write?
Paranormal romance and urban fantasy are my favorite genres. I love finding the magic in our modern every day life. I like odd happenings, unusual characters, and romances that don't always follow the rules. I have a dark edge to my writing too, but my worlds will never lack heroes to battle that darkness.
Cool!

5) And what's your favorite to read? What are you reading these days? Any recommendations?
I do love reading paranormal romance and urban fantasy, but I've found amazing stories in all sorts of genres. I've recently been reading some fascinating and hilarious nonfiction from Mary Roach. She's a science writer, and she explores the little talked about things like space toilets and what happens to donated cadavers. Not for readers with weak stomachs!
Ew!

A perfect little interview to give you a better glimpse of Christine and her style - now check out LOOSE CORSET


Geek girl Morgan Reid has been to many conventions, but none that had her wishing it would never end.

Dressed as their characters from the online game Steampunk Quest, Morgan and her best friend meet the other players for the first time in real life. Morgan's attraction to the gorgeous Dean Bradley is immediate, making it difficult to breathe in her tight corset. Even after a few dice shattering orgasms, she doesn't believe this can be anything more than a con fling. But Dean is making her feel things she's only read about in books. Can Morgan let go of her cool-headed logic and allow herself to fall completely for the perfect geek guy?

This is Christine's little cherub!

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She's married to her best friend and fellow geek living in south-central Indiana. They have one son who is too smart for his parents' own good and loves to pretend he's Batman. Christine has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not reading or writing, she's going on adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. (South Central Indiana Fiction Interface). She has several short stories and novellas published. The Dice & Debauchery series is her first contemporary erotic romance.

Visit her! website and blog 

You can also find Christine on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon     B&N    Ellora's Cave    Kobo 

And here's another awesomen tidbit!
My friend Banie Lee asked me to share that her book is FREE this week!
SLEEP DRIFTER by Banie Lee

Fifteen-year-old Camden is a shapeshifting Watcher, protector of humans. When he meets Kylie at his post, the Southeastern Ohio portal to the realm of Inswandi, he discovers a deeper meaning to a first kiss. And Camden has to make a tough decision when Kylie starts whispering for him to open the portal while she sleepwalks.

Two teams struggle for control of the portal. If Camden’s deer team fails to stop Jud's coyote team, the evil Obsidians will be let loose and enslave humankind.


And don't forget! Last days to win a book or a giftcard!
Thanks for reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sprucing up the blog

the US cover =)

Today I have Robin Houghton, applauded author and compiler of BLOGGING FOR WRITERS and BLOGGING FOR CREATIVES. In other words, she knows blogging! I was flabberghasted when she asked if she could use me in her book. And now, I'd like to share some more with you all about her and I twisted her ear to get some "free" advice, too...

TT: Now that I'm published, I have less and less time to blog, but I keep at it. How do you balance blogging and publishing with day-to-day life?

RH: I find planning ahead really helps to focus me and keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. This means having an editorial calendar and being realistic about what I can manage. If time is tight, I keep it short – short can be good – I love Seth Godin’s blog, and if he can find the time to blog every day, there’s no excuse for me not managing once a week!  I don’t always stick to the plan, but I think it’s important to stay flexible – my feeling is that life gets in the way and there’s no point beating up on yourself if you’ve missed a blog post.

TT: I've found marketing to be one of the hardest things about publishing. What is your best marketing advice?

RH: Ooh, that’s a big one! I think we can all debate the merits of the various marketing strategies and whether social media, speaking at conferences or mailshots work for selling books. But I think the one crucial essence of marketing is putting yourself in the shoes (and mindset) of your audience. For writers this means first of all your readers, but it also means the publishing industry – everyone from publishers, agents & editors to booksellers and books bloggers. Understanding a person’s viewpoint is the first step towards connecting with them. Dan Blank is someone I admire a lot, and he talks about building your author platform one reader at a time. I think social media makes this possible in a way that traditional broadcast methods alone can’t do.

TT: Blogging has been an awesome tool as a launching pad into writing for me. Now, I'm branching out. How do you feel about managing a website? or a newsletter? Would you recommend these additional formats for writers?

RH: I think if you start with a blog, then a separate website may be redundant – blogging platforms allow you to build static pages, so anything you’d put on a website could sit on your blog. Having said that, I know authors (and publishers) sometimes prefer to have separate website purely for publicity and promotion. Personally, I think if you’re starting out or self-publishing then keep it simple and stick with a blog. 

A newsletter is another thing – the advantage of building an email list is that you have a method of contacting your fans directly when you want to invite them to something, or have something to sell, or an exclusive offer, or want to survey them, or reward them. An email list is yours to build and nurture – if anything happened to your blog or website you’d still have your list of people who have opted-in to hearing from you. Mailchimp is free for up to 2,000 subscribers and it’s easy to put a sign-up box on your blog. If you’re thinking of monetising your list (for example, offering ebooks or courses) then take a look at Aweber.  A newsletter doesn’t have to be long. Minimise the work involved by re-using existing material (blog posts, articles or extracts) and supplement it with something topical or a brief update on a current project. Send something regularly to the list but don’t over-promise – better to say they’ll receive “regular updates” (which leaves it open) rather than “weekly news” which might become a burden.  A newsletter can work well alongside a blog – put it onto your editorial calendar, prepare and schedule ahead as much as you can and use a tool like Buffer to keep your social networks aware of the newsletter and encourage subscriptions.

TT: As for social media, do you have any tips for those of us who need to utilize Twitter more effectively (I'm a twitter twit!)

RH: Lots! Here’s a recent post on the subject – Seven Things to do on Twitter This Week. 
I suppose my number one tip would be to segment the people you follow into lists, then use a dashboard like Hootsuite and you can create columns for each list. For example, I’m following around 1,500 people which is impossible, really. So I have lists – which include things like ‘Poetry magazines’, ‘Poets’, ‘Publishers’ and ‘Twitter Buddies’ (those who I often chat with, or who retweet or favourite my tweets). By putting people into those smaller groups it makes it easier to follow their tweets.

TT: And finally, could you tell us a little about what's coming up next for you?

RH: Well 2015 is shaping up quite well – I have more guest blog appearances lined up and possibly some in-person events, I’ve another title launching in March called ‘The Golden Rules of Blogging (and When to Break Them)’ which will be fun to promote, as it’s a little different from my other blogging books – less instructional, more entertaining you might say! I’m also working on a new & updated edition of Blogging for Creatives which the publisher tells me is still very popular

the UK cover!

On the poetry front, I’m a founder member of a poets’ publishing collective called Telltale Press, And we’re expecting to have at least 3 more poets joining us, so I’ll be involved in publishing their chapbooks and publicising the Press with events and readings. It’s fun to be on both sides of the publishing process and I enjoy promoting other writers’ work. Alongside that, I’m hoping to see my poems in more magazines, but that’s in the lap of the gods...

Thanks so much for inviting me onto your blog, Tara, and for contributing to ‘Blogging for Writers’ – I was incredibly lucky to find so many great writers willing to share their blogging wit and wisdom!

I don't know about you all, but I learned some more great info today - and I love that! Thanks for opening up to us, Robin! And thanks again for the opportunity!

Robin Houghton has over two decades of experience in marketing and communications, formerly with Nike, then running her own business Eggbox Marketing since 2002 specialising in online. She now works primarily with writers and publishing industry professionals to help them make the best use of social media. Robin writes blogs on social media and poetry and has been a guest blogger for a number of sites including Social Media Today and MarketingProfs. She is a published poet and a commercial copywriter for web and print, and an experienced trainer and conference speaker. Her first book 'Blogging for Creatives' was a best-seller and resulted in two more commissions, 'Blogging for Writers' and forthcoming in 2015 'The Rules of Blogging (and How to Break Them)', both published by Ilex in the UK and Writers Digest Books in the US.

Twitter -- LinkedIn 

Social Media for Writers --  Blogging for Writers

Buy the book:

in the Writers Digest Shop

or on Amazon UK

Overlooked and Underrated

This title applies not only to Alex's blogfest, but also to the small book fairs out there. Let me tell you about the little old Ohio River Festival of Books I had the privilege of going to this weekend...

Positives of going to a smaller book event:

• The ratio of books sold to people passing your table is awesome!! (showing off my math skills - I estimate 30% of the patrons bought a book! And more said they would online, yay!)
• You have more down time to talk with other authors - lots of info to share!
• You don't have to worry about a mad rush when you leave to use the potty.
• You get to see some lovely country on your drive to Smalltown, USA
• You learn to research better...
• And the best part of any book event - You meet new authors and readers!!
• Check out more pictures on Facebook with my super cool friends, Elizabeth Seckman & Carrie Butler

Now for Alex's Underrated Treasures Blogfest
post about your favorite unknown –

MOVIE – BAND/ARTIST – TV SHOW – BOOK

I'm into music the most, so I'm linking to some of my favorite songs that didn't get overplayed (and thank goodness!)

Change by Churchill

New Low by Middle Class Rut
(Cooper's song)

Unity by Shinedown

House of Gold by twenty one pilots

Comeback by Redlight King
(my inspiration for my short story in CQ's anthology!)

I'm looking forward to reading what participants have to say and finding some gold that got overlooked!


And one more Underrated Treasure is Tammy Theriault!! She's always doing super fun interviews with others, so I wanted to interview her for a change! We did it Broken Branch Falls style...

This is the story of Feistytude the werewolf and Trong the goblin. These two sixteen year old girls live in Broken Branch Falls. Of course, Trong is a math nerd. And Feistytude is a spunky writer.

After school one day, the girls were walking to the square, talking about everything and nothing…

Trong had something on her mind, but didn't know how to ask her friend. So she asked a random question instead. "Hey, Feisty, what's the craziest thing you've ever done?"

Feistytude's yellow eyes scoped around. She grasped her books closer to her perfectly perky wolf chest and whispered, "Trong, I can't say. There's little wolverines around. But, I will forewarn...don't drink the water below the border in the Troll sector. And by water, I mean 'water.' You may end up passed out, dragged out, and brought home by warm furry friends from the den." Her eyes blinked slow, finishing them with a roll. "Besides, that was ages ago when I was young, stupid, and forgot my howling morals. It's all a journey, right?" Feisty pulled on the back of her red stiletto heel, adjusting them. "Just don't ask me for more crazy stories, I have too many to...shed."

The shorter, green-faced Trong straightened her glasses. "Exaggerate much? I always knew you were a drama queen. But that's why I like you. The craziest thing I ever did was TP some friends' houses." She covered her mouth and quickly changed the subject. "Do you have any homework tonight?"

Feisty clawed at Trong's shoulder with a quick swipe. "That was my house you TP'd, ding bat! And it took me until midnight to clean it!" She regained her composure and kept in stride with Trong who was rubbing her scratches. "I will say this, that was some dang good two-ply. Even my wolf bro said something about 'no more dingleberries'."

They both giggled hysterically. Feisty nearly drops her books, tripping over a purple caterpillar she didn't see yelling at them to be quiet. "Stupid Grotto Caterpillars. Think they know everything, writing up the school curriculum each year. I'm up to my pointed ears with Creative Writing homework now! And you know I only took that to be closer to Chet Cheetah. Meeeeeow!"

Trong stomped her foot. "Hold on. First of all, it was dark, I can't see in the dark like you. Second, watch it! Scratch me again and I won't critique your homework assignments anymore and you'll flunk out! By the way, that story about Emily was really good. Um, did your brother know it was me?" She blushed a deep shade of purple and kicked a stick. "I mean, you should ask your brother why they call Chet cheetah, it isnt because he's cheesy!"

Licking her orangey padded fingers after scarfing down some puffs from her backpack in a nanosecond, Feisty replied, "You're so corny. Of course he knew it was you! Only you would make sure each roll of TP careened around each den rock and tree in perfect symmetrical lines. And the cheetah rumor is because he's really quick with his girlfriends."

Trong's jaw dropped open.

Feisty gasped, realizing what she said. "Oh my fleas! I didn't mean it like that! I meant that I'll be next in line because he doesn't keep girlfriends long." She hung her head down. "Something about how he's trying out speeding through the dating pool."

Trong rolled her eyes.

"Don't worry, Trong. I'm a wolf, not a bat. I won't let him leave me hanging or high and dry."

Trong pointed down her throat. "I think I'm going to gag. Just don't let Chet pull the wool over your eyes. Then you'll be a werewolf in sheep's clothing!" Trong laughed so hard she snorted, which made her laugh even more and she had to hold her aching belly.

Feisty's eyes flashed red, but seeing her friend cracking up made her join in. The two friends couldn't stay mad at each other for long, they were always painfully honest. They entered the pizzeria to see and be seen.

The End.

She looks like a spunky werewolf!

Here's a little about what Tammy is currently working on.
I'm in the middle of two writing projects. One with my writing bestie, Elizabeth Seckman. It's all about virgins, the worth of "cherries," and 4 best friends. The second is a spin off from my alias PIMPBOOKMAMA that I do on my blog to pimp others' projects. Think Legally Blonde but for the writer, not lawyer. It's definitely just as comedic and totally lethargic. And on the flip side of all that, my first book, Living Runaway, I'm shrinking a two part series into one. Meaning deletions all over the place, and tons more writing to cram it all into one book. But, I'm in no hurry to tackle that sweat bath. Not...at...all!! So how do I stay so awesome you ask? YOU tell me! I only see awesome surrounding me when I look at all of ya'll!!

And finally, another shout out for our SHELFIE SELFIE BLOGFEST still going on - post yours by October 6th to win! Check out the entries:

A shelfie with the latest of my friends' books

Ellie Garrett

L. Diane Wolfe
Gina Stoneheart
Stephen Tremp
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Tyrean Martinson
Tami Aschenbrenner
Elizabeth Arroyo
Chrys Fey
Eric Juneau
Loni Townsend
Rebecca Bradley
Nicki Elson

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's in the Soup?

Today I welcome Mary Pax on the release day for THE RIFTERS! She's like the old woman who lives in a shoe - she has so many books out! But she's not old and lives in slippers... but I'll let you read more about her in this fun interview...

What was your worst subject in school?

I had a really time with math once I reached Algebra. I usually stayed after school or met my teachers during lunch for extra help. I’d struggle most of the school year, then pass the state-wide final with 95% or better.

Aww. I would have tutored you. And that's a great result!
Can you share an embarrassing moment?

Hmm, in grade school, I ate everyone’s tomato soup at lunch once. I loved tomato soup... until I got sick. Really sick. I didn’t eat tomato soup for years after. I eat it now, though, and love it again.

Too much of a good thing...
Would you tell us about your favorite critique?

It was good rejection that led to my publishing career. Good critique has definitely made me a better writer.

That's the best! I live for feedback.
Does your family have a favorite line or saying?

‘Black Creek’ - refers to a story told and heard way too many times started by my father who told us his story about rowing up Black Creek (off the Niagara River in Ontario, actually) with his brother as a kid. That was it. There’s nothing else to the story. But he told us thousands of times.

I think every family has a story that goes no where like that, but always gets a laugh when it's mentioned.
Here's a curious question, What's your favorite cliché?

I suppose I live one as a writer who’s in my slippers most of the day living a fairly solitary existence. I don’t drink much, though. Just a celebratory beer when I finish a novel. And I had to give up caffeine.

Slippers are awesome! And I'd get so much more done if I had a solitary existence... but no caffeine? AHHH!
If you could travel through time (like they do in the Rifters) where/when/why would you go?

I would travel to Sumer and the dawn of civilization, because I am obsessed with Sumer. I have been since I read Gilgamesh in a lit class in college. I have fifteen books on Sumer including collections of their literary work (the birth of written fiction) and workbooks to learn Cuneiform and another on Sumerian grammar. Yeah, obsessed much. lol

That's quite a unique obsession!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Mary! And I love the sound of your book - always like to read about other's images of time travel or other sci-fi stuff!

THE RIFTERS by M. Pax:

The Gold Rush trickles to a fool’s quest and a string of stagecoach heists. In 1888, Earl Blacke decides to make a new start and become a better man. He escapes into the mountains, heading north. In the wilds of Oregon, a rift inside an ancient volcano opens and sends him into the future, into the present day. It also shaves forty years off his age, forty years to live over again and atone for what he’s done.
Starting over is hard to do.

In current day New York, Daelin Long’s dream job at a publishing house goes the way of the dinosaurs her sister chases. With no money and nowhere else to go, Daelin accepts the librarian position in her sister’s dinky town in the middle of Oregon. Nestled inside ancient volcanic peaks, the town of Settler holds onto many secrets. Residents roam the streets with weirdly fashioned devices, and odd lights pulse in the night skies. People whisper of a phantom outlaw and start dying, murdered and missing their heads. On top of it all, Daelin’s sister is missing, and Daelin doesn’t know who to trust.

Earl knows more than he’s saying. He shares a notorious history with the phantom, one he’ll see remains buried. Keeping Daelin’s sister’s secrets is his only chance at redemption, and the only way to keep this world safe.

And to start, Book One is free!
Download from:

Amazon / AmazonUK / B&N / Smashwords /Googleplay / iTunes / Other

Plus, take advantage of the preorder special on Book Two, THE INITIATE. Only 99 cents via preorder from Amazon, iTunes, B&N, and Googleplay. Preorder

Author Bio: M. Pax-- Fantasy, science fiction, and the weird beckons to her, and she blames Oregon, a source of endless inspiration. She docents at Pine Mountain Observatory in the summers, and one of her cats has a crush on Mr. Spock. You can find out more by visiting her website: mpaxauthor.com

And y'all don't forget to enter our SHELFIE Blogfest! It's easy!

The list of entries is growing...

Ellie Garrett
L. Diane Wolfe
Gina Stoneheart
Stephen Tremp
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Tyrean Martinson
Tami Aschenbrenner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fantasy, Family, and Publishing. What could go wrong?

July is quickly slipping away and school is right around the corner... W-W-WAIT!
I'm squeezing in a vacation!! Yeah! Me and the boys are at the beach! Time to take a break, relax, actually get to finish reading a few books, and maybe sell a book or two (I'm doing an experiment. I'll let you know how it works out!)

But, that doesn't mean I'm neglecting my BROKEN BRANCH FALLS Blog Tour! Here's the line-up for the week (and I will have more time to visit you all, too!)

Monday 7/28 - My Dr. Faerie Godmother and yours, Rena Rockford is interviewing me about Publishing!


Wednesday 7/30 - I'm stopping by Mary Pax's normally sci fi pad and flowering it up with Fantasy! Looking forward to yet another release from her soon!

Then, NEXT Monday 8/4 - Dana invited me to her sweet, sunshiny blog and I'll be talking about Fitting writing into a busy schedule!



And I want to share with you all Elsie Elmore's awesome cover! I was just at her place for my blog tour, so I'm happy to return the favor - then again, when it comes out in Sept! It sounds awesome!

THE UNDEAD: Playing for Keeps by Elsie Elmore

Genere: YA Paranormal

Publisher: Curiosity Quills

Cover Artist: Alexandria Thompson (gothicfate.com)

Release Date: September 3, 2014

Sixteen-year-old Lyla Grimm has a new talent - resurrecting the dead. Which draws the attention of Eric, a Grim Reaper with a guitar and a chip on his shoulder. While Lyla navigates the gossip-ridden school halls, Eric works to gain her trust and discover why Death’s clients aren’t staying down. If she passes on her gift, his death-messenger destiny might be altered. But the closer he gets to Lyla, the less sure he is of his plan. The dead are way easier to deal with than the living.

Gossip explodes, the Grimm family implodes, and desperation goads. Death wants the gift and a soul. Lyla and Eric face hard decisions with hidden consequences. Sometimes life’s choices aren’t really choices at all.

Bonus - First Line: My stomach drops when I see the dead woman lying on the table.

Put The Undead: Playing for Keeps on your Goodreads Want To Read list!

Elsie Elmore lives in North Carolina with her husband and two kids. With a science education degree from NCSU, she never imagined she would someday write stories that challenge the laws of nature. She loves the color red, has an appreciation for chocolate and coffee that borders on obsession, and wishes fall temperatures would linger year round. Elsie is a member of several writing organizations: RWA, SCBWI, and WSW. The Undead : Playing for Keeps is her debut novel.

Find her on the web: Twitter ~~ Blog ~~ Facebook

Need some inspiration? Look here!

Tyrean Martinson is an inspiration to me and many others. She climbs mountains, encourages others, and her novels are uplifting stories that inspire courage and strength. I'm fortunate to be visiting her blog today as I continue my Broken Branch Falls Blog Tour! I hope you'll stop by for an Inspiring Interview.

Champion in the Dark      and      Champion in Flight

Then, on Monday, I get to visit another inspiring author, Julie Flanders. She has really come out of her shell. From librarian to published author, she has put herself out there to many a book event - even speaking in front of live audiences! Join me at her place as I turn the tables and interview her about Book Events!

The Ghosts of Aquinnah          and        Polar Night

And one last bit of inspiration... I know many of you have seen Crystal's cover, but take another gander! Very inspiring indeed! Congrats Crystal!!

Have you met the Soulless and Passionate? In the world of 1770 where supernatural beings mix with humanity, Alexia is playing a deadly game.

SOULLESS, Book 2 in the Maiden of Time trilogy

Alexia manipulated time to save the man of her dreams, and lost her best friend to red-eyed wraiths. Still grieving, she struggles to reconcile her loss with what was gained: her impending marriage. But when her wedding is destroyed by the Soulless—who then steal the only protection her people have—she's forced to unleash her true power.

And risk losing everything.


Crystal Collier is a young adult author who pens dark fantasy, historical, and romance hybrids. She can be found practicing her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, three littles, and “friend" (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog and Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.

 COMING October 13, 2014

PREORDER your print copy

or 

Sign up for Crystal Collier's newsletter to receive release news and freebies.

Have a great weekend, you guys!

And don't forget to stop by 

Tyrean Martinson 

Today for an Inspiring Interview.

and

Julie Flanders 

Monday for a reverse interview about Book Events!

Divine Providence, Apocalyptic Fantasy, and an Interview

Another crazy weekend survived. Plus a couple more exciting reviews! Woot!

Now, it's time to continue on with my BROKEN BRANCH FALLS Summer Blog Tour!

TODAY: I will be at Elsie Elmore's crib answering questions about my Writing Process. Elsie is another sweetheart author at Curiosity Quills. Here's a little about her.

She's about to publish her first novel, THE UNDEAD, a paranormal romantic story of a 16 year-old’s encounter with the grim reaper. It's due out September 3, 2014! She's also working on a fairy tale retelling called RYDER AND WOLFE, as well as SEREN’S HEART, a magical realism story of a witch burdened with the rescue of her society.

"I love to breathe life into the stories drifting around my head. It’s an obsession, a passion, and an escape." - Elsie


WEDNESDAY: I'll be talking about the current trend of Apocalyptic Fantasy at Rae Quigley's fun site. Rae is a young superstar who is all about the entertainment industry.

Rae blogs about all things pop culture - gossip, music, movies, television and books. Lots of books. She's also a lover of fashion, zombies, and the 90′s. And puppies. And kittens. Who doesn’t love puppies and kittens? Or any animals? Animals are amazing.

Rae is amazing! I hope you'll stop by!




And finally, finally, finally! I need to share Carrie-Anne's latest release, LITTLE RAGDOLL! I'm happy to have her here today to enlighten us about the history behind it.

There’s a concept in Judaism called hashgacha pratit, Divine Providence. I really feel it applies to many of my stories and characters, but one of the most striking examples is my contemporary historical Bildungsroman Little Ragdoll.

I got the inspiration for the story in May of ’93, at thirteen years old, when I first heard the famous story behind The Four Seasons’ song “Rag Doll.” I felt like I had to write an entire novel about the growing-up experience and eventual happy ending of someone who could’ve been that anonymous young girl. Best of all, she would have her happy ever after with a rich boy who loved her just the way she was, a boy who’d defy his parents’ classist attitudes to be with her.

I started work on it that July and worked on it for a year. But then, the first of the two files got some kind of bug and could no longer be opened normally. This devastated me so much I entirely stopped working on it, but I never forgot that story. Finally, sixteen and a half years later, I was compelled back to it. I felt like I’d never forgive myself if I went the rest of my life fruitlessly waiting for that file to be accessed again.

In the weeks leading up to starting over, I had a number of dreams about this long-lost story, in which characters and events came back to me. Most notably, the character of Sarah came back to me in one of these dreams. I thought, “Oh yeah, they did have a German-Jewish live-in nanny! How did I ever forget that!”

It was hard to admit defeat and have to go back from scratch and memory, but given my elephantine memory, and the special wiring of my brain, I remembered the names and approximate starting ages of all nine siblings, as well as the general outline/timeline and most of the events, both planned and already-written. I wished many times I had the original to refer back to, but I recreated the story as best I could. Once I got past the point where I’d gotten cut off all those years ago, it got a lot easier. This was truly one of those times when a book was writing me instead of the other way around. Everything flowed so perfectly, naturally, effortlessly.

A few months after finishing the second first draft (this one complete!), I got the shock of my life when the first of those two old files was miraculously resurrected. (Ironically, now the second file is unable to be opened, since my external disk drive can’t read that particular disk.) I was, and remain, in complete horror of how awful it was. This was a Grimms’ fairytale on acid, awash in extreme purple prose, heavy-handed moralizing, emotionally manipulative prose essentially telling the reader how to think, feel, and react, and all the subtlety of a D.W. Griffith film. Everything was so rigidly black and white. There was no way I could’ve salvaged a halfway decent story by simply writing around that hot mess.

Not only was it too over the top, dark, depressing, and disturbing, but there was no real character development. No real distinct personalities emerge, making it hard to really root for anyone. In the version I wrote as an adult, every character has his or her own personality. I spent more time showing the love between the sisters, their one decent brother, and their friends than writing descriptions of their skid-row existence. That love is what gets them through the hard times and ultimately gets all of them out of poverty.

Every writer should have the experience of starting over from scratch and memory at least once. A lost manuscript might be more awful than you remember, and need so much work it’s not worth it to undertake extensive edits and revisions.

Carrie-Anne

You can find LITTLE RAGDOLL here:

KOBO ~~~ B&N ~~~ AMAZON

Carrie-Anne did a wonderful job under some tough circumstances. Thanks for your story, girl! I can't imagine starting over from scratch! But I can now see the benefits.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Reasons to celebrate the Fourth of July

4. Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum killed all those aliens for us!
3. There's fireworks!
2. We are free to be as stupid as we want to be, right?
1. Sheena-kay Graham is hosting my BROKEN BRANCH FALLS blog tour today! She gave me some sweet interview questions and we had a lovely chat. If you have time, we'd love for you to join us! (She's been having some computer issues, so it may not be up yet - but she's so sweet and perseverant! She won't give up!)

Thanks, y'all! And have a happy 4th!!

a few years ago we went all out on our street...

ps - I put up a bunch of pictures from my Beastly Release party up on facebook!

Books ARE judged by their covers!

There's so much going on today, I feel like a water balloon and someone forgot to turn off the faucet! Look out! Thar she blows!

Before I get to my IWSG post, I'd like to direct your attention to the fabulous bloggers hosting my Broken Branch Falls blog tour today...

Elizabeth Seckman

She's got my COVER STORY on covers.

And BONUS! We both have books on sale for

99 cents!!

PAST DUE by Elizabeth Seckman

 and

POP TRAVEL by me - happy book bday!

TODAY, I'm also talking with

Bruce Gargoyle

This stony-faced, tough guy wrote a sweet review!

and asked some great interview questions to boot!

I hope you'll check him out!

If you have time, I think you'll enjoy them both! Two totally unique perspectives!

Now, for this month's IWSG, I'd like to address the subject of response...

apparently this is
Portland Headlight!
thanks, MJ!

I feel really bad. With my book just released and trying to keep up with the blog tour, not to mention real life - the crazy baseball schedule which merges into a crazy football schedule, plus all the summer doctor appointments... I've been a horrible responder to all the wonderful commenters!! I'm doing my best to keep track and visit my bootay off every moment I can, but it just doesn't seem like enough. I'll keep plugging away, but in the meantime - thank you all so much for the tremendous support!

My question to you all:

• How do you like your responses? (or how do you respond to others?)
• In the comments?
• As an email?
• or a comment back on your blog?

I hardly ever go back to a blog I commented on to look for a response, unless I asked a question. At one time, I responded in the comments. But, now, I just do my best to visit back and comment. Then, I know you will see it and might smile at another comment on your own blog.

I really appreciate the support and encouragement and - oh, yeah! the entries in my June Giveaway! Here are the winners! (I put them in the order of the prizes they got). Thanks for the boo-coos of entries!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

And since it's July, there must be a new one! I wish I could hug each one of you guys! Thanks so much!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

She said WHAT? A Beastly Interview

I'm very excited to be at Tammy Theriault's blog for an interview today. Tammy should totally have her own show. She comes up with the quirkiest interview questions - they really bring out the interviewee's personality! I hope you all will join us.

I really hope she takes me up on that - I'm telling you, Tammy, do a youtube or podcast! You'll be famous!!



I also want to give a shout about Tammy and her two buds, Elizabeth Seckman and Mark Koopmans - the three together offer a FREE blog service - substitute posting while you take a blog break. They are CHARLIE'S SCRIBES! See one of their sites for more details - a hilarious trio takeover!




And today is the last day for the June Giveaway! Winners and a new July Giveaway tomorrow!! I can't believe the response!

I also want to thank my awesome publisher, Curiosity Quills for hosting a BROKEN BRANCH FALLS Review Tour. Really amazing me with the different perspectives!

THANK YOU!

Pop-o-lopogus!

Happy October!
Did I already say that? Well, it's worth repeating. The weather has been gorgeous, the days have been full of events, and the leaves are changing - and don't forget, pumpkin everything!

Today, wonderful friends, I am popping in to do a Halloween Interview with Yolanda for my Pop Travel Blog Tour. She came up with some scary, creepy, disturbing, but fun questions. I also sent her a photo of me way back when I used to make my own costumes. I loved doing that! Now I just wear t-shirts and hand out candy... We need more adult costume parties around here!

Yolanda recently released Memories of Murder... here's all her info:

~Yolanda Renèe ~

Memories of Murder 

Author of Murder, Madness & Love

& Memories of Murder

Blogger at Defending the Pen

Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

By the way, my fun, funny editor at Curiosity Quills has his second book coming out. It has an awesome cover and per his MO, he had to do something wild and crazy to hype the launch. He's so creative! Check out the trailer he tagged on the end of this "Star Wars" casting promo!

And don't forget to enter the "From the Great Beyond" blog hop. Since it looks like we may be short of post entries for all our prizes, we are thinking of broadening this opportunity to commenters on the participating blogs who post and posters will get five entries to each commenter's single.

Will you dress up for Halloween this year? What are your kids going to be, if you have some who trick or treat? And what is your favorite Halloween costume of years past? Go visit Yolanda and see mine =)