Anyone else HOT?!

Well, it's full-on summer, and you know what that means...

Hot fun in the sun! And we get to go back out and enjoy it. At least I hope you can where you are. I'm going to ignore all the nastiness in the world because I don't like to get into that here. This is a place for  encouraging each other, spreading good news, and ranting about writing ONLY. So Happy July IWSG Day!

Summer is my time to WRITE. I don't get to devote much time to writing while I'm teaching, planning, and grading papers during the school year, so I go nuts in the summer. I'm very happy that I got to finish a couple of rounds of edits on CONDUCTION, Pop Travel #4 with a super devious cliff hanger at the end. I've sent it to my go-to CP, but I could use a couple more sets of eyes, so if you're interested in BETA READING it, let me know. So excited! 

I also hope to work on the next BEAST WORLD book 4. To keep it MG, Gabe's little sister is starring in the next three books. What do you think of the title: TWINKLE STINKLE?? hahaha. Plus, I'd like to go back to my Christian YA novel - inspiration comes in spurts for that one and I really have to feel it to get back into it...

What are you working on? 

Are you staying MOTIVATED in this HEAT??

I also get to READ more in the summer -- YAY! Here are two stories I was able to finish and review lickety split when summer hit:

LOVE AND OTHER LIES

by M.J. Fifield

For too long, Lavinia Kelly has been going through the motions. Her family knows why, but it’s nothing she wants to discuss.

Then in strolls Llewellyn Weiss who has a few secrets of his own. Though she can’t deny the attraction, she’s determined to do just that, and it’ll take a lot more than witty banter and a flawless set of abs to change her mind.

But when the secrets are inevitably exposed, Lavinia is forced to deal with the catastrophe that ensues, including her own devastating past. Nothing will ever be the same again...

My Review:

This is not your typical romance novel. It delves deeper into all the complex relationships involved when two people connect--and though things start with hot attraction, there's always history to deal with. It's full of emotion and exciting twists!

LIFT OFF

by Tyrean Martinson

A spaceship in disguise,

an Earth girl searching for a sense of home,

and a Thousand Years’ War between alien races

all collide on a summer afternoon.

My Review: This was a great teenage space adventure with vivid world building and tons of action. Logical Amaya Is thrust into a conflict between antagonistic aliens who have to find a way to work together if they all want to survive. And Amaya is the key to it all.

Lastly, I have some good news to share...

I had the opportunity to offer my take on RESEARCH for Gail Baugniet's blog (Mon 7/5) -- and offered to review POP TRAVEL for me (Wed 7/7). Always great to share advice and get a solid review! Yay!

And another fun project I had time for... To spread the word about DARK MATTER's exciting stories, we put together a book trailer. Check it out!

Personally, I love how each author has such a different take on Dark Matter. And you can see some of their styles shine through in their video/audio contributions.

(WHAT A DEAL: If anyone would like me to crank out a book trailer for you, we might be able to work out a trade!)

DARK MATTER Purchase info:

Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble

Looking to reboot a regular WRITERS CHAT - Fill out this FORM to let me know if you're interested.

I miss you guys!

AND DON'T FORGET - If you can whip up a fun first romance story for the next IWSG Anthology Contest, you should give it a go!

Stay Cool!

How to set writing goals in 2019

1/1/2019 -- Just another day? I like to see it as the promise of a new beginning. For some, it's a continuation of your story, maybe just a new chapter. My last chapter was quite tumultuous with moving, kids returning to the roost, and the holidays all bombarding us at once. Some days, I didn't know if I would make it. But here I am, back for a new beginning of a new chapter.

I even squeezed in some writing--subbing day-to-day, I find spots of down time, and it's a blessing to leave the house stress for a bit!

So as we press on and look ahead to a new year, it's time to set some writing goals--the topic of my IWSG (Insecure Writers Support Group) post for this month.

How to Set (& Achieve) Writing Goals - version 2019

1. What do you want to get done? Jot some things down, make a list. Then prioritize what you want to accomplish first. Use pencil or a computer doc... change is inevitable.
2. How much time do you have to work with? Life always comes first, and usually second and third. Writing usually has to take a back seat, but don't let it be forgotten. You need to make time for you, just be reasonable about it.
3. Don't procrastinate. If you don't feel like writing some days, that's okay. And the list is more of a guideline, you can jump around on it and add to or take away from it throughout the year. Just don't stick the list into a drawer only to find it next December wishing you'd done more on it! Plan to do a little each day.
4. Limit the Social Media temptation. Checking SM too often brings me down--no new likes or mentions this hour :( And posting all the time to receive more responses takes away time from real writing. My snippet SM advice: it's a great tool, but use it sparingly; remember, you get from it what you give, so lower your expectations; and I've found if I set aside a time to schedule posts for the week, I get more out of them later.
5. Be realistic. Writing is a long distance marathon, you need to have stamina and deal with all the bumps in the road (or find a way around the chasms!) You can reach the goal, but only if you keep going!

Here are my major writing goals for this year... the list helps me focus on writing toward the goals every day and every way I can!

• WINDY HOLLOW Release is 1/29/19 and I'm planning the Blog Tour - I made a Book Trailer for it! -- If you'd like to help out, here's the FORM (Fingers crossed my publisher holds it together to get this one out there--after that, the future looks dim. Read my NEWSLETTER for the full update...)
• Submit FARTHER ALONG to betas/CPs this Spring, then polish to gleaming and Query by Summer/Fall.
• Finish UnPrincess Story #4 GERTRUDE and self-publish this Summer. Seeking artists for this and future projects.
• Type first draft of Pop Travel #4 - POWER OF SUGGESTION or CONDUCTION - still debating on the title - by Spring/Summer, then on to betas and CPs.

And I haven't forgotten my Shout Out of the Week!

Julie Flanders!

She's a boss! With a super cute book about a baby bossie (haha) I've known Julie for several years and love it when we can get together for events or just do lunch. I'm lucky she lives pretty close!

A librarian from Cincinnati, Ohio, Julie loves to read, run, go for walks with her dog, and visit new places. She's a sports fan and an Ohio State Buckeyes fanatic. She's also a history buff and loves to weave history into her stories.

Her adult novels are "mysteries untethered by time." Two paranormal thrillers, Polar Night and Polar Day and a historical mystery The Ghosts of Aquinnah. She also recently released a horror novella The Turnagain Arm, a prequel to Polar Night. Her debut children's book, Baby Moo's Great Escape, features the animals of Sunrise Sanctuary in Marysville, Ohio. A sequel, Baby Moo Goes to Hollywood, is forthcoming.

Check out Julie, she's fantastic!

How do you set writing goals? How'd you do last year? Always room for improvement, right?

Lastly, a Shout Out to my Street Team. They are 100% wonderful, and I'm always looking for more perky promoters. Work is minimal, results and rewards mega. Here's the FORM if you're interested in doing something awesome! (name that movie)

Happy New Beginnings and Positive Vibes in 2019!!

Try Something New - #Writers do more than write

I write adventure stories. I like action, suspense, and surprises. I encourage people to go out and do, to make life an adventure!

I also say: "the way to get noticed is to put yourself out there," which I know most of us hate doing.

So here's my advice, Take Baby Steps.
Trying new things might seem intimidating. So dip your toes in and test the water to see if you like it. Then, gradually go deeper... Or dive right in and make a splash. It's up to you!

Here's a list of things I encourage writers to try with small starts:

• Make a Video - Don't worry. You don't have to be a star or an actress.
• Starting Small - a slide show is easy to convert to a video. Experiment with easy, free movie making apps with captions and transitions, free/royalty free images and music. Before you know it, you have a book trailer! You might enjoy it and move on to bigger things...
• Film yourself reading an excerpt (TIP: be aware of your background!)
• Do a book review for a friend
• Make a scripted advice video
• More things to try: a Podcast or Vlog
• Self Publishing - This takes a lot of work and money, but if done right can be very profitable.
• Starting Small - there are many free publishing venues to try. Short stories and novellas are a great place to start with trying out the process. Two things you should splurge on: Cover and Editing (unless you are friends with an editor and you can trade services) Once you've experimented with a small publication, you can...
• Try a novel!
• Collaborate on an Anthology
• Compile some short stories
• Book Events - I always encourage authors to get out and represent your books.
• Starting Small - First, attend an event as a reader and see what it's all about, get ideas, meet authors, and get advice--build up confidence. Then try local libraries, bookstores, and free book fairs. Work your way up to...
• Bigger Book Festivals
• Book Conferences
• Vendor Events
• Conventions
• You'll be talking on an author panel before you know it!

So get out there and try stuff! Been there, done that? Share some of your advice!

And here's one of my adventurous friends for my Shout Out of the Week!

Patricia Lynne/Patricia Josephine

Patricia is a Michigander and transplant Yooper––that means she can hold her hands up and point to where she lives in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She's always been creative--starting with wanting to be a dancer, then an artist, and also a musician, in band all through school.

While at Grand Valley State College, she found out being an Art major wasn't for her, but she did learn a ton in her classes and met her hubby in an anime chat room, DragonBall Z. PS, she's a big anime geek.

She loves to cook, makes jewelry and knits--she even sold her wares at local craft shows. And add decorating to her list of talents. But once she tried writing a story she'd been daydreaming about, she never looked back. She even ventured into self-publishing. This woman isn't afraid to try new things!

You can find links to Patricia's books here.

And connect with her...

AND HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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!!

The red or the blue?

Loaded question, isn't it? I could be talking about the Matrix or the upcoming elections or a sports team or just which shirt I want to wear. And each choice we make can set into motion a different chain of events, whether catastrophic, terrific, or just a regular day... Which brings me to an exciting new anthology put together by Randi Lee who is now Stay Classy Publishing. And I'm honored to be a part of it!

TURNING POINTS

The Thing That Turned Me

Here is our riveting (updated) cover...

There are so many awesome authors contributing! Check out the trailer:

I had so much fun writing my piece, I made a little image for it...

My story is a lite apocalyptic romance...because I like to put all seriousness aside.
It will be out this summer. I can't wait to read all the stories!

And even though it's January, the A to Z blogging challenge is right around the corner! I better start thinking of a theme  (you don't have to have one, but I find it easier to come up with posts). I also need to decide if I will have time to even do it this year...

Important Dates:
January 25, 2016 – Challenge Sign-Up
January 28, 2016 – Twitter Chats begin
February 22, 2016 – A to Z Theme Reveal Blogfest Sign-Up
March 21, 2016 – A to Z Theme Reveal Blogfest
April 1, 2016 – Challenge begins

Website                 Facebook Page

What's new with you? Ever try your hand at short stories?
Thinking of a theme for A to Z?

BTW - It's my week at the Really Real Housewives - 

I'm talking about yearlies... come on over!

THIS JUST IN!

I just got confirmation for a NEW BLOG HOP!!

Christine Rains, C. Lee McKenzie, and Tara Tyler are hosting A MEME Blog Hop! We want to help chase away the winter blues with some Encouraging, Inspiring, and Funny MEMEs! Join us the week of Feb 29 - Mar 4!

This is a MEME
a picture with words

Easy Peasy "rules"

1. Post a MEME during the week (use your own pic or an easy meme maker app) - and if you can't think of anything, pass on encouraging words from one of your reviews, or an inspiring quote! 
2. Visit others
3. That's it!

Then the awesome hostesses will hop around and Ooo and Ahh and choose one entry each to win an ebook. AND two lucky random participants will win a $20 GC. Enter and spread some warmth!

What you see here

I have some smiles to share on this lovely Monday!

First, the winners from last month's Pop Travel re-release giveaway...

Cindi Clubbs won a signed new copy of POP TRAVEL

Sharon Bayliss and Tamara Narayan both won some great ebooks!

and Rhonda Albom won the Amazon gift card

Thanks again to everyone who joined in!

Next month, I'll be hosting another giveaway to celebrate the release of SIMULATION!! Yeah! And if you'd like to help me spread the news, I have a few spots left - here's the form. And to give you a taste, here's the trailer...

But enough about me (sorry, I'm just so excited!)

I want to show you a cool new cover that just came out for my friend Katie Hamstead Teller...

DIVERGING CADENCE by Katie Hamstead

When Cadence Anderson woke to find her husband and infant daughter had been killed, she thought her life was over. Instead, she was offered a second chance and sent back in time to do it all again. 

She’s made the most of this opportunity, but she’s also done something she wasn’t planning on—she’s fallen in love with someone other than her future husband.

She has the hardest decision to make--follow through with her certain future with her wonderful husband Austin and their beautiful baby, or take a chance with the new man she was never supposed to love.

Before she decides, she has to see Austin again. Even if she has to lie to her new beau James, because, deep down, she can’t bring herself to let him go.

In this emotional conclusion to the story that began in Deceptive Cadence, relationships will be tested, identities revealed, and the past will overshadow the future, putting the finishing touches on an unforgettable tale of courage, sacrifice, and above all, love.

Add it to Goodreads


Besides being a talented writer, Katie Hamstead Teller is an aquisitions editor at Curiosity Quills. She's an Aussie living in the USA, just enjoying life as it comes! Her debut novel was Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, the first book in a trilogy. Here's how to find her:

Blog ~~ Twitter ~~ Facebook

Two last items to keep the Monday blues away:

We've got some quick tips for back to school shopping at the REALLY REAL HOUSEWIVES!

And if you recognize the quote from the title and can identify the movie, I'll send you a free original Pop Travel - I only have a few left! Happy Monday!

Trumpets Blare!

It's here!!!!
I am so happy to share the cover of POP TRAVEL!!!
The artist did such a fabulous job. Everyone I've shown gets the futuristic, thriller vibe from it. I'm just so excited!!!

available July 7, 2013!

Now you may have seen it on some other sweet blogs - I appreciate this community so much! But I have an extra special surprise that I just got this weekend.
Drum roll.........

My book trailer! Which I won in perfect timing from Brinda Berry. It's so totally wicked!!!
Check it out!!

===>   Pop Travel book trailer   <===

And I apologize in advance for making you sick of me and my book. I have been PT crazy, thinking of promotion ideas, meeting with people, planning my launch party and future signings, etc. It's happening and I can't believe it! But to keep my friends interested in being my friends, I intend to blog about my progress and help others with my experiences - because I know so many who are here with me - and soon will be. It's very overwhelming!

Here are just a few things I've learned so far:

• Ask and ye shall receive! When I ask questions or ask for help, people are coming out of the woodwork. Blog friends are invaluable, but my IRL friends are stepping up too! I never knew I was so connected! Even a stranger at a local radio station I asked about advertising, I was going to give up because it's so expensive, but the rep was so excited to help me anyway! It's incredible!
• Don't be intimidated - try anything! I am asking bookstores, book fairs, libraries, etc, if they would consider me for a book signing. The worst that can happen is they say no, and after that first daunting step of opening up and talking to someone - hearing yourself say you're the author, telling them about your book - when that is out of the way, you will see it wasn't so bad and will have more courage to try again, and again.
• Start early! And don't overdo. It didn't set in for real until I had my cover to show people and get their reactions. When you see the realization in their eyes that they are talking to a published author, that impressed approval, then it's really real. And there is so much I want to do, I feel like I should have started planning earlier... But everything is working out, I will be fine. It doesn't all have to be done before it comes out.
• Get all the info you can! Ask friends with experience and read up on marketing. Whatever you are looking for, someone else has done it and written about it. Search and you will find it! Some of my best sources are you guys - Donna Weaver, Brinda Berry, L. Diane Wolfe, Carrie Butler, and more!

Well, that does it. There it is. Thanks for coming to have a peek at it! And I'd love to hear where you are in your writing/publishing journey!