Don't Skip Over November!

November is my month!

It pains me how some folks rush right into Christmas Season the day after Halloween. I don't fault them for it though--I look forward to Christmas, too. I just hold back until after Thanksgiving. I cherish my bday month!

So for today's IWSG post, I'm going to lay a super cute & super short November story on you...

November Wind

Scowling, gray clouds covered the crisp afternoon sky. Heather tugged her burnt-orange scarf tighter against the brisk Fall breeze, chilling her through her plaid coat. She was glad she wore her stylish high boots over her leggings as she walked down the sidewalk helping protect her from the dropping temps. Shivering, she looked forward to meeting her friends for happy hour after a long week of meetings and crunching numbers and quickened her pace.

But the wind was just getting started.

As Heather turned a corner, a gust blew up her skirt and coat, lifting them a little too high, just as a group of guys approached. Heather rolled her eyes and quickly smoothed her ruffled clothes as the wind chuckled a few more spurts of air at her, mussing her hair. The guys chuckled too as they walked  on by. But one of them stopped.

"Need a hand? Sure is windy today."

"Understatement," Heather said under her breath and blushed. "No. I'm fine thanks."

"Okay. Try to keep warm." He grinned at her and left to catch up with his friends.

How embarrassing. Heather kept her head down and arms wrapped tightly around her as she sped to the pub. She sure needed a drink.

Unfortunately, the wind taunted her one last time. It swirled ahead of her, causing a whirlwind of fallen leaves to dance around her feet and more to descend on her from a tree above. As she waved at the  cyclone of leaves, her scarf loosened, and the wind took it. It was whisked away, up into the tree and caught in its branches.

"Screw it." Shaking her head, she huffed and went inside the bar to find her friends.

After a couple of drinks and a warm pretzel and cheese appetizer, Heather warmed up and forgot all about the November Wind teasing her.

Until the door burst open. The wind stole inside, chilling everyone and blowing out candles on the tables. The patrons gasped and shouted in surprise. Heather just laughed. Now, everyone else had a taste of what she'd been through.

Before the doors were shut, in blew Mr. Helpful. As he looked around, he spotted Heather. Their eyes met, and he strode toward her. He was holding her burnt-orange scarf.

She owed a wisp of thanks to the mischievous November Wind.

Hope you enjoyed that! And now, down to business.

I have two shout outs to share. First is...

NEXUS by Tyrean Martinson

Amaya is supposed to bring peace to the galaxy. Which is tough when she’s being held for crimes against the Neutral Zone. Her imprisonment is on her own ship with her own crew. But close quarters create tension.

Honestly, her role as Rayatana is a mess.

She may never get to use her powers for anything good. Not if her teacher continues to keep secrets, and not if her powers keep harming others. Putting her mother in a coma should put her in prison, but she has a mission. She wants to bring peace to her people. She needs to become the Rayatana.

Book Links:

Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ Apple ~ Kobo ~  Goodreads ~ Bookbub 

I've read the first book, LIFTOFF and it was fantastic! Now, I'm getting into NEXUS. Great characters and a fun, unique story. Yay! I also told her I'd post my favorite sci-fi beverage -- while writing. It's usually water, which is too boring. So I'd have to make up a fun, spaced-out cocktail. Something blue and glowing!

Secondly,

SHATTERED by C. Lee McKenzie

Courage put Libby Brown into the final selection for the Olympics, but betrayal crushed her spine and her chance at the Gold. Now she has two choices, use her courage to put her life back together, or remain shattered forever.

Links:   Amazon ~ Goodreads

I love Lee's writing style. She masterfully captures teenage hardships, relationships, and how they deal with life.

And a last shout out to anyone braving the undertaking of 

NANOWRIMO! 

Good luck. And May Your Words Flow Freely!

Overwhelmed - #WritersLife 12 Results

Hey Everyone. Time for an Insecure Writer's Support Group LAMENT...

Does it seem like I'm always complaining that I wish I had more time to write and blog? Well, that was nothing compared to what's happening these days. I like my job, even though it takes up most of my waking hours. I'm so swamped! Then add on several changes and dealing with some frustrating situations that have come up all at once, and I can barely fit in any writing at all.

Like, I really wanted to get a story submitted to the IWSG ANTHOLOGY CONTEST. I tried so hard to get it done and came very close, but I just didn't have enough time to finish. (fitting since the theme was time)

I also feel like I'm neglecting my duties to my next release: DISPOSAL on NOV 14th. I've barely planned anything. I'm usually so organized, but lately I feel so behind as I rush around trying to get to everything. I've already cut back to the minimum on blogging and turned off my social media notifications a while ago... Seems like all I do is tutor and grade papers and laundry - don't forget the laundry...

Once this job is through, I know I'll have some time to work on writing, but I'm already filling it with appointments and other things I've been putting off. Not to mention Christmas is looming!

That felt good. Sometimes a good cry helps let the stress out...

Don't worry. I'll carry on and make it through. Just needed to vent.

How about you? How are things going in your life? Managing?

Now for some GOOD NEWS!

I'm so glad I took the time to do the WEST VIRGINIA BOOK FESTIVAL with my steady book event buddies, Elizabeth Seckman and Ashley Chappell-Peeples! Also met some other savvy writers, including Darin Kennedy - a fellow Curiosity Quills writer. Had a lovely time. And sold many books!

And here are the scintillating results from my Writer's Life Survey #12:

Which of these spine-tingling genres do you like the most?

Have you written any horror or scary stories?

How about a mystery/suspense/thriller?

Ever been to an inspirational place for a murder scene?

• There are some old buildings and castles in England that would be great locations.
• Just send me out after dark alone and my mind runs wild
• I've been camping a few places that had that vibe.
• Lots of back country roads
• Any place can make a great murder scene!
• Hiking in the Grand Canyon. Could only imagine the stuff that goes on/has gone on in those canyons!

Well, that was fun! Hope you had a Happy Halloween and got some of your favorite candy!

Thanks to all those who played!

Next month, since I'll be releasing DISPOSAL on NOV 14th - I'll have a special survey to go with the release party. Still time to sign up if you'd like to host a post or give me a shout or read an ARC copy for review.

***

Also wanted to give a shout out for FULL DARK - What happens in the dark will come to light.

FULL DARK is a collection of eleven short works with impressive depth and range. Twisted tales of ghosts, villains, and the paranormal await you—mystery, heinous fantasy, and pure suspense. Acclaimed and award-winning authors as well as a few talented newcomers have joined forces to be your guide. Venture into the dark if you dare.

Just A Matter of Time by Loni Townsend
Forerunner by David Powers King
Taking Care of You by Carrie Butler
The Apartment by Lisa Buie-Collard
The Caricature by Nick Wilford
Shifting Sands by Elizabeth Seckman
Shadows Falling on Rainbows by Celeste Holloway
Meringue, Murder or Marzipan by Tonja Drecker
Haunted Lake by Michelle Athy
Soul Coin by Laura Rich
Retribution by Melissa Maygrove

FULL DARK is a benefit anthology. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Gary Sinise Foundation, an organization that does many wonderful things for our country's active military, its veterans, and the countless first responders who sacrifice so much to keep us safe.

Goodreads --- Amazon

Gary Sinise Foundation

Published by Obsidian Books

PS - Is anyone out there doing NANOWRIMO this November? If so, GOOD LUCK!!

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??

pencils down!

Congratulations! Whether you wrote 50,000 words this month, met your revising goals, or none of the above - YOU TRIED! YOU WROTE! and YOU ARE FARTHER ALONG THAN YOU WERE!

Many completed NANOWRIMO early or exceeded NANOREVMO goals, some gave up on the daunting daily word counts, and others were attacked with nasty viruses...Just remember, no one fails who tries! If you care about your progress or lack of, then you will figure out how to improve! And now that the pressure is off, you can continue at your own pace, set reachable goals, and KEEP WRITING!

Just like a novel, it may come to an end, but it isn't the end of the story, so too with writing - it goes on and on!

As for NANOREVMO - I don't want it to end! These friends have been so inspiring and encouraging throughout this month of extensive writing and crazy home schedules. I appreciate just reading everyone's progress, and enticing last lines of the day! I am hoping this Facebook sharing group continues, making every month a REVision MOnth! And if you're interested in participating, let me (or Jessie B) know and we'll get you signed up! The more the merrier!

Speaking of merry - now I must deck my halls! Crank that Christmas music! Bring on the snow! Cocoa anyone?

SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE!
GO VISIT DAVID POWERS KING!!!

halfway point & miss you much!

How's everybody doin! Whether NANOWRIMO or NANOREVMO. Are you 50%? More? Less?

I am in the Less category =(

(I'm not really sad, I just don't get to make frowny faces very often...)

I'm only about 38%. But I have been doing a lot of editing and beefing up! I finally pushed my WIP over the 50,000 word mark and just added a new chapter. I'm feeling pretty good about it.

But the main purpose of today's post is the...

hosted by Andrew Leon, Matthew MacNish, and Alex the Great

We are shouting out to bloggers that we miss hearing from and bloggers we would be sad if left the blogosphere. I totally understand when life takes people away from blogging. It has a way of intervening and positioning itself into the number one priority spot. Can't be helped!

The great thing is when they come back! Which is what happened to several of my friends that I missed!

Bloggy friends I miss(ed)                                  Bloggy friends I would miss

even though they have come back            if they stopped blessing us with their wit

 

Angie Cothran                                                   Laura Marcella

Huntress                                                              MJ Fifield

Laura @ Daily Dodo                                          Stina Lindenblatt
   Ellie Garratt                                                    Heather Gardner

 

Sorry, went over the 3 each limit...I'm such a rulebender. And I actually have one more blog that I would be exponentially less happy if it went away... XKCD - hilarious cartoons about science, technology, math, and relationships! Here is a recent one...

 

 

But wait, one more thing...

After recently participating in the Clear Your Shelf book giveaway blog hop (still going on if you want a free book), sponsored by I'm a Reader Not a Writer, I have found that there are a gazillion, not kidding, a gazillion other book bloggers out there! I may have 500+ followers (don't forget to sign up for Cassie and my giveaway) but there are a LOT of blogs that have over 1000, even over 5000! That is a HUMONGOUS readership!

If we want our books to be seen by more than our little group of writing/blogging friends, which feels so much smaller after viewing some of these sites, we must branch out further! Get reviewed! Put ourselves out there!

Even if you don't want a book, check out the list of participants from the Clear Your Shelves blogfest. Just click on a few of the links. The magnitude of some of these reviewer sites will knock your drawers off! And I'd say the majority are in the YA business. Very eye opening! At least it was to me.

And to help us put ourselves out there...I'm looking forward to the Writers 4 Writers project, ingeniused by Stephen Tremp, Mary Pax, C.M. Brown, and Christine Raines which is also going to help us with spreading our works' wings! Get ready for take off on Dec 6

Lastly, here is a favorite oldie about missing you...

Miss You Much, Janet Jackson official video, when music videos were fabulous! Enjoy your weekend!

WriMo-ers and RevMo-ers Unite!

Take a deep breath. Now let it out. Whew!

So how are revisions going? Still hanging in there? Yep. Falling behind on my daily goals, but I will make up for it!

How about NanoWriMo? Still writing? Keeping that word count up?

Well, I have a few links to help both causes!!

• Things to avoid on your first page by Sharon Bayliss
• Nano begins by Jessica Marcarelli
• Motivational thoughts for writers by Chuck Wendig
• and Talynn at Ink in the Book is doing a Revision Workshop

Plus two links I forgot to add on Wednesday to help with getting your book some press are:

• How to create a marketing team by Agent Rachelle Garnder
• How to set up an essential facebook author page by David Black Agency

And I know I've been slacking on my telling you what's going on duties - because so much is going on! Well, get out your calendars! You may have noticed my exploding side bar - many fests and activities coming up after the slow month of November, but wait! Still some things are happening next week...

Starting Monday, Nov 12th, M Pax is releasing the Renaissance of Hetty Locklear with a full on Jousting Tournament!

I'll be joining Shelly Brown, Jolene Perry, Randy Lindsay, and James Duckettfor on Monday, Nov 12th in the fight against the robot menace! Captcha Craptcha Day! Their goal - to educate other bloggers about the dangers of captcha, the biggest being loss of comments!

Also on Nov 12th I am participating in Cleaning my Shelves - I will be giving away a couple of books that need reading by others! That's something I'm going to miss when paperbacks go away, sharing books with friends! (NOTE: I Am A Reader, Not a Writer does bucoos of blog hops and giveaways all the time!)

A special fest you don't want to miss, hosted by Andrew Leon, Matthew MacNish, and Alex the Great is coming up on 11/16, "Oh, How I Miss You Blogfest"

In case you haven't heard, Michael Offutt has released his sequel to Slipstream, Oculus! And it was an early surprise to him too! I'm excited to read about the math!

Dec 14th - Get your Hobbit on for M Pax and Tyrean's Hobbit Fest! I am reading it to my boys to get ready!

Cherie Colyer is having a book birthday bash for Embrace Dec 17-21 with a lovely giveaway!

Dec 10-12 an amazing group of bloggers is hosting Time to Give Back Blogfest - what all is involved will be revealed in time... Mark “The Madman” Koopmans, ”Marvelous” Morgan Shamy, Stephen “Breakthrough” Tremp, and David “Kingpin” Powers King. Love the nicknames!

And ready for 2013?
I know I'll still be editing, that's a given. So I'm participating in a New Year's Revising Conference, Jan 4-6 at Operation Awesome!

Happy Holiday Season! Have a fun filled writing weekend!

Editing a book

I had a post ready for today, but it's turned into more of an IWSG post where I will ask you all for advice and confidence. I really look forward to our monthly gripe sessions meetings! Next one is Wednesday.

Nanowrimo is underway. Hope you all are off to a good start and meeting your goals so far! I am not doing Nano this year, but I am still writing - more specifically editing, which goes on and on and on...

Last year several of us in that Revision phase got together thanks to Peggy Eddleman, and formed NANOREVMO or REVIMO. And thanks to Jenny Morris, we are doing it again this year! Now we are new and improved with a Facebook Page!! Thanks to Jessie! A few of us made badges, of course, and there are also drawings for prizes for meeting weekly goals! We are all so gung ho about it! Email me or one of the above mentioned if you are interested in joining us for REVIMO!

During this first week, we are listing our goals (very informal, though I do like NANOWRIMO's fancy charts!)

My WIP is approximately 230 pages, so that means I should revise at least 7-8 pages a day and this is perfect timing since my fabulous crit partner just gave me some much needed feedback and suggestions. I also have a new MS I want to get started on but I want to finish the rough draft first and I'm only halfway through it...So here are my daily goals:

• 10 pages of editing and/or
• 500 words of new MS
• not to mention, working on Pop Travel stuff

So tell me what you are up to. I'd love to hear blurbs about your new NANO novels (WRIMO or REVIMO)! Whatever you're doing, keep writing and have a great weekend!

LOOKING FORWARD TO READING THANK YOUS NEXT WEEK!

"I'm Thankful For..." blog hop starts Monday!

Jolly Jack-O-Lantern Day!

Couldn't just say happy halloween, could I?

I don't like it being on a Wednesday. I almost forgot to carve the pumpkins! Had to do last minute preps on the costumes, running to the store, finding the candy I hid a month ago, and why does it have to rain/snow this year! Ah well. It's also a full moon, or close - ooooo! That's why I'm cranky. Yeah, let's blame the moon.

At least I have Sensational Haiku Wednesday to look forward to...

Spooky!

What's that tingling

up your arm? Jump and brush off

Hope not a spider

Did you see movement

From the corner of your eye?

But aren't you alone?

The house creaks and cracks

Louder late at night, can't sleep

It's unsettling

And to send off you nano-ers right, here are my top ten excuses reasons I'm NOT doing NANO this year...

1. I just did Camp Nano!
2. Which means I have editing to do...
3. November 1st is shot because I'll be coming down from Halloween candy sugar buzz!
4. Not to mention November is already a short month
5. Thanksgiving takes up at least 4 days with travel and relatives!
6. Which also leaves my brain mushy from food overload and kids off school...
7. And HELLO! Xmas shopping needs to be done at some point!
8. Crazy chaos and quirky relatives always spark shiny new ideas too!
9. Someone usually gets sick this month too...
10. And lastly, it's my bday month! Can't stress about making the 2000 word count on my bday!

So good luck in your writing, best wishes for meeting your goals, and I hope to hear about your progress and results! 

I'm Thankful for...

Yes, I know it isn't November yet, but I'm still thankful! Vikki, my wonderful friend from across the pond, came up with a fantastic idea to share our thanks in a blog hop and asked me to co-host. AWESOME! So here it is:

We are getting a jump on the November blogfest season! Some of you are doing Nanowrimo, but this could be a nice break and it doesn't take much! Just a thank you to your readers! And readers can be crit partners, betas, blog readers, published book readers, library patrons, or just the reading public in general! We thought it would be awesome if we all gave thanks at the same time and hopped around to revel in the love! Not to mention, Thanksgiving will be in the air at that time!

Here’s the rules, folks:

1. Sign up on the Linky List below.
2. Post thanks to your readers on your blog between Monday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 7 by 1700 UK/1200 noon EST US time.
3. And if you don’t have a CP and you would like to find one, go ahead and post a ‘personals’ ad. 
4. Be CREATIVE. Write a letter, a piece of flash fiction, a haiku, a poem, or a vlog. It can take whatever form you like. We’d like it if you kept it under 300 words but won’t be counting. 
5. Naming your reader(s) is up to you and feel free to link to them. 
6. Hop around and comment on other people’s!

Please grab a button! And it would be lovely if you'd spread the word! Oh yes, of course there will be PRIZES!

Vikki and I will each pick a winner, and jointly choose another overall winner, to be announced on Thursday November 8 on our blogs. They win:

• Vikki’s Winner: A Reader’s Report style full MS Critique, chosen for Most Heartfelt Post
• Tara’s Winner: A Banner for their blog (or other graphic), chosen for Most Creative Post
• Overall Winner: Both of the above prizes, for Best Overall Post!

Since Vikki is also my crit partner, I know her critique is a valuable prize! And I can't wait to give my thankful gift to her!

Lastly - for anyone on twitter, Vikki thought it would be fun if during the same period we tweeted thanks using the hashtag #thankstomyreaders for additional fun. She is vixatthemovies there.

finished, but not done yet

Now I'm in trouble. I see the problem with me doing a Nano. I rush to get my word count in and I reach the end. Too soon! I'm terrible at lengthy descriptions. Now I have to edit and weave in backstory, sensory filled settings, and a better ending. I'm the worst at endings. Everything worked out, the end, good night everybody!

But I do get to go back and read what I wrote. That's fun. Adding words, even chapters is the tough part. Many of you overwrite and have to chop. I am way more conservative with my writing and have to beef it all up. Maybe that's the simplifying math person in me. Or maybe that's just how I write. To even think I have a complete novel, I have to have a whole story in outlined sentences. Then I use my notebooks to add what actually happens in the chapters. When I get to typing, I touch up the scenes with details and add more characters and background. So now I'm done with that phase and I have the skeleton of a book. Time to add some muscle!

Hope everyone is doing well with their writing! How do you get through your first draft? What are you working on?

To give myself inspiration, I visualize. In addition to drawing maps and making lists and charts for my book (total plotter!) I also flutz around with cover ideas...here's my fun cover for

Broken Branch Falls - The story of a high school goblin who wants to break free from his stereotype, which also means breaking the law.

PS - lots coming up in September and still going on right now - check out my packed sidebar!

ksm - summer camp

Did you go to summer camp as a kid? I'm talking a week away from home with the first delicious tastes of freedom, fun activities, swimming, crafts, and lots of kids! I loved my camp! Went from ages 10-20. Good old Central Florida Bible Camp in Eustis, Florida. Scrapbook worthy!

Now I get to go to camp again. Camp Nano! Advantages to this camp are no bugs, no sunburn, sleeping in my own bed, and working at my own pace. And we still have friends to support each other! It's going to be tough, but having goals and deadlines makes me work! We'll see how I feel after a week and see if I'm a couple thousand words behind schedule or not, ha ha...Really looking forward to it!

And speaking of Camp Nano - for the month of August, I will be cutting back on posting and commenting. I have some scheduled posts and will give a couple of updates. It all depends on how much I get done. Gotta focus!

Coming up in August:

Don't forget IWSG is WEDNESDAY, 8/1!

Make sure to read about everyone's childhood scaries in Christine's Childhood Monster blogfest to promote her great adventure story, FEARLESS August 7-9th (and I have the honor of interviewing her on Friday! Aug 10)

• Jeremy Bates is hosting the Dog Days of Summer blogfest to share stories of Summer - August 10-12

• Remember to put up a fabulous, renovated fairytale for the Fab 4 Fairytale Madness Blogfest, Aug 13-17

Polish up your Blurbs for Stephen Tremp's Blurb Fest! Aug 15th

And don't be late for Unicorn Bell's Query contest with helpful tips and awesome agent judges looking for that next big bestseller! 8/13, 8/20, 8/27

KSM - Ready for summer?

Happy Memorial Day, y'all!
Hope you took a moment to remember wars past and present and all the soldiers who fought and are still fighting to protect our freedom!


In blogging news!
I've been doing Kick Start Monday forever so I figured I'd give it a logo =)


Summer is just about here and that means it's fun time! Jaycee and Victoria have put together a cute blog hop. I will be gathering data again from the survey questions to see what kind of man you all like your MCs to be. Check it out!

Have you heard about Camp Nanowrimo? I loved camp as a kid and combining writing with friendly support in the summer sounds awesome to me! There's a session in June, but I'm doing the August session. This is perfect for me because November is way too short and busy. In August, I should be able to get some writing done during football practice before school starts back up. Never done a Nanowrimo before, but I do well with deadlines and have two new wip's to choose from...Think about it!