Time to Emerge

Spring is a time of new life as seeds burst out of their shells and emerge from the ground, sprouting green stems and colorful flowers... until the crazy weather freezes them out with a last cold snap! But they survive. Spring is rough, but full of hope! Similar to writing.

via GIPHY

The Book Garden
by Lee White

Those shiny new ideas and characters tease us into starting the buds of a fresh story. But so much else goes into our writing. Just like a garden, we have to nourish it and water it, weaving in a back story and details without drowning it. Though our characters face tortuous weeds of catastrophe and storms of emotions, we help them grow and overcome their struggles--the weeds are cast out, and the storms pass. All our hard work eventually pays off with a beautiful garden of an MS in the summer. But the work isn't done. As autumn approaches, we call on our friends to help with the harvest: editing, publishing, and promoting.

Writing may feel like a lonely tulip struggling to survive the harsh ups and downs of Spring, but we aren't alone. We all go through the same blocks, dry spells, and time constraints. That's why I love the IWSG. It keeps me going. You all keep me going. Thank you!

Now, here are a few Updates:

• It's been great to hear feedback from readers about CONDUCTION. The cliffhanger ending is enticing them to want more and making me eager to get into the sequel, MAGNETRON (a taste of the first chapter is included in CONDUCTION)
• In the meantime, I was struck with a new idea. It's a murder mystery with a twist. I've always wanted to try one. It's very exciting as the ideas keep coming, for now...
• And lastly, I wanted to write a poem about my crazy puppies for the Wergle-Flomp humor poetry contest. April Fools! - the deadline was April 1st and I didn't make it. I'd still like to finish it and was happy to be inspired to write it!

Hold on! I have a lovely new book announcement!

A QUICK TEST: Quick Tale #4

by Patricia Josephine Lynne

Aliens

Outer Space

Experiments

These mysteries fascinate our minds.

Explore the unknown in this exciting collection of tales. Each story is told in exactly 200 words and designed to stimulate your brain no matter how busy your day is.

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE.

Available on Amazon

Patricia J.L. is too creative for her own good. A paranormal and fantasy junkee, she loves to craft fantasy and paranormal stories about vampires, mermaids, angels, demons, zombies, and other mythical creatures. Aliens might even appear in her stories. No matter what mythical beast you crave. Patricia  has a fantasy for every imagination.

When she’s not lost writing in fantasy worlds, she relaxes with knitting, drawing and art, and jigsaw puzzles. And of course, good paranormal fantasy books. Patricia J.L. currently lives with her husband in Upper Michigan. One day, they both hope to have enough pets to resemble a petting zoo. (Until then, can she pet your cat or dog?)

Follow her to discover new worlds...

Newsletter  ::  X/Twitter  ::  Pinterest  ::  Blue Sky

Keep the words blooming!

Afraid to Say Anything?

Welcome to Insecure Writers Support Group Day. I hope you are having a great Cinco de Mayo and will enjoy Mother's Day on Sunday. Baseball is in full swing here and that's a great thing!

Now, I'll get right to my topic for this month... These days, we live in a hyper-sensitive world. I'm afraid there might be things in my books that could be taken the wrong way or offend people--even though it's all made up fiction based on flawed characters... I never used to worry about it until recently. Does anyone else feel this way?

I know we can't please everyone. But lately there's an increasing number of people who seem to be looking for things to complain about or nit pick... 

Though I have to say, this problem is not unfamiliar to me as I've been offending people my whole life. I have a sarcastic sense of humor and tend to say things I think are harmless, usually joking, but others might get their feelings hurt. A couple of times, I've just been minding my own business and someone said I was a snob or worse. I never mean to offend people, but I find out later that my words or actions came across the opposite of what I intended.

STORY TIME:

When I was an innocent, nerdy high schooler, I met a cute guy at a football game. We talked, and I liked him, and he seemed to like me. But he didn't go to our school. He mentioned where he lived and I found his address in the phone book, so I wrote him a letter (YES, I'M THAT OLD!) I meant everything to be funny and cute and cool in a teasing way, trying to sound casual, and I had no idea if he'd even get it.

Well, a few days later, a girl in my class confirmed he got the letter, but he was totally ticked over what I said: something about him being a dropout--which he said he was--and another about being a beach bum--which he also said he was, as we lived in Florida. I thought I was making light of what he'd told me and admired him for the way he was living, but he must've had some insecurities about it that I never dreamed of--he was a cute "bad boy" to me. But this girl berated me for my letter, really let me have it. Maybe she was jealous. I never liked her anyway... Needless to say, nothing more came of it.

When these things have happened over the years, I'm reminded to try to be more aware of others' feelings. Then again, I say: You can't please everyone. Some people just won't like you no matter how nice you try to be. And I believe the majority of people get the jokes and are fine.

Either way, if you ever notice me say something stupid or offensive -- please tell me! And I'm curious if you've ever had a similar experience.

NOW FOR THE AWESOME NEW STUFF!

DARK MATTER is NOW AVAILABLE!

Dark Matter: Artificial

An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology

 

Discover dark matter’s secrets…

From an AI’s true role to bumbling siblings lost in deep space. 

Or dark matter could be sentient, judging if we're worthy of existence. 

Or even transport you to another reality!

Join ten fabulous authors as they explore dark matter: 

Artificial - Stephanie Espinoza Villamor 

Space Folds and Broomsticks - C.D. Gallant-King

Rift – Kim Mannix          The Utten Mission – Steph Wolmarans

Sentient – Tara Tyler         One to Another – Deniz Bevan

Resident Alien - Charles Kowalski          Nano Pursuit – Olga Godim

Resurgence – Elizabeth Mueller          Vera’s Last Voyage – Mark Alpert

 

LINKS:

Amazon     iTunes      Kobo      Barnes & Noble      Goodreads

Published by Dancing Lemur Press

And we're having a PARTY of BLOG VISITS to celebrate!

May 4 – Laura Billings

https://bookishequestrian.wixsite.com/mysite

Interview question

 

May 4 - Jemi Fraser

https://jemifraser.blogspot.com/

Interview question

 

May 5 - Ellen Jacobson

https://ellenjacobsonauthor.com/

Interview with Stephanie

 

May 6 – Mason Canyon

https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/

Short guest posts from Charles, CD, and Tara

 

May 7? - Louise Barbour

https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/

Interviews

 

May 10 - Nick Wilford

http://www.nickwilford.com/

Guest post from CD

 

May 12 - Cathrina Constantine

http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/

Short pitch from all authors

Stop by and let us know what you think.

Have a great MAY!

We have a Cover! - Why a Fantastic Cover is Crucial

First, I want to share my totally awesome, shiny new WINDY HOLLOW Cover!

I'm so enamored! enchanted! encouraged! I have to thank my wonderful, talented cover artist Ricky Gunawan--he's a genius! Covers are vital. Even for ebooks. Covers set the mood of your book, give a glimpse of what adventures await inside, and help readers make up their minds to buy it! So for IWSG this month, I decided to share some tips for great covers...

"Remember: Most people in book publishing believe that a cover is a book’s No. 1 marketing tool." Writers' Digest

Cover Tips I love, from Writers' Digest, KoboWrititngLife, and 99Designs

• TITLE - Big and easy to read. Keep it simple. And pick a solid font--nothing too fancy or silly, unless your book is a joke book!
• ART - hire a professional. Or pay for a photo. Don't chintz! Don't frame images. Don't scare readers with crazy colors.
• AVOID CLICHES - No sunrises, no sunsets, no ocean beaches or fluffy clouds...
• THINK LIKE A READER - and know your audience. Take a poll on social media.
• LURE READERS IN - make them feel something, send a message without spelling it out
• GET FEEDBACK - keep an open mind, listen, and go with your gut

Sounds easy, right? No, I know. It's immensely hard! Your vision isn't the same as your friends or readers. And these are just guidelines to help. If your book is set on a beach -- a beach on the cover works!

Yes, I have a cover, but I don't have a release date yet. Here's hoping and here's the blurb...

WINDY HOLLOW, Beast World: Book 3

Gabe just can't stay out of trouble, even when he's just trying to help.

It's summer break and the young beasts are riding dragons across the Great Sea for a week-long wedding extravaganza. But Gabe suspects Professor Hardaway is up to something more serious behind all the festivities. Sneaking around and eavesdropping, Gabe discovers news of a human village across the mountains--Windy Hollow--and they might be in trouble from the mysterious activity at the old castle above the Mist.

Despite the professor's warnings, Gabe and his friends venture over, risking more than they realize when they get caught up in the dangerous experiments of a deranged scientist who's recruited a large, vengeful beast. Gabe wonders if he's gone too far this time, but he's in too deep to quit. It's do or die, hopefully not die!

And lastly, more encouraging NEWS!
I was honored to be featured in, not one, but TWO high school newspapers!

• The school where I'm currently teaching is Badin High School -- article
• Mason High School is where my older boys graduated, and I sub frequently there -- article

Thanks for hanging out! Enjoy the rest of the month. I'm cutting back on posts until things settle down with work and getting Windy Hollow published... Hope things are well with you!

Read all about it!

Time for IWSG February installment. I'm really struggling to figure out what to do about my books. I'm trying to stay positive that my 6th book will be published SOON, but it's very difficult when so many of my compadres are in sour spirits!

Then finally, I got some GOOD NEWS!

Firstly, I went ahead and commissioned the new cover for WINDY HOLLOW myself with the same artist who creatively crafted the covers of the first two books in the series. He's fabulous! He already sent me a terrific sketch and he captured the image I pictured perfectly. Can't wait to share it (and hopefully set a release date SOON!)

Good news #2 - I entered another Janet Reid Flash Contest--and I came in the top five, with some much needed positive feedback! And I also won a book--Yay! It was great to see Madeline Mora-Summonte got honorable mention in the contest too!

Then I realized that Ms. Reid is the best at giving authors cold hard facts and solid advice that works! So I sent her a question as I debate what my next step will be with my books... Basically, I asked if another publisher might be willing to pick up my series. I have a feeling that since my sales are but a trickle, it would probably be a No. But I look forward to her advice--Here's what she said...

So my dear IWSGers, the writing business has its ups and downs and we just have to deal with it and keep going. There are times when things get downright depressing. Then there are the moments of wonderful and surprising uplifts, so don't give up!

Keep Writing!

Time for a Change

Welcome to the Insecure Writers Support Group for May 2018.

Most of the time, I don't like change. I just had to switch phones, which means I need to re-customize my perfectly chosen alarm tones, figure out which songs in my playlist didn't make it to the new phone, and get used to the new "upgrades" I didn't want. That's actually not so bad when you factor in: I may have to switch phone numbers! That's the WORST! I've had the same out-of-state phone number for 15 years because I wanted to avoid telling everyone a new number, much less memorize one. Egads! What a headache.

But I have to look at the bright side. At least I have a phone. At least we don't have to move, just yet. And my family is doing ok - for the most part. The phone stuff is a minor annoyance taking up time I don't have to give... like dealing with a broken garage door (a side story for another time...)

All things considered, sometimes change can be good. Yes, I'm finally getting to the point. I felt like my header was too loud, and visiting around some other blogs, I wanted to give it more of a writer feel. I also need to update my side bar... an easy thing to procrastinate. But the change that needs my utmost attention is concentrating on connections.

I feel like I've become an isolationist in the writing/blogging world. I barely reach out to my writer friends anymore. And it shows with my lower numbers. I need my writerly friends! And I need to find balance with my job to make it happen. I also want to make my articles more content rich so folks will want to come read them!

So here's the changes I have planned:

• Done with the surveys. It's been fun, but responses have declined, and it's becoming too much effort for the results. Even after I added a prize! Maybe I'll do one again sometime...
• Rebuild connections. I will dedicate an allotted amount of time to spend reading blogs and writing articles.
• Reaching out. I want to tweet more (which also shows up on FB) I think I need more visibility. I just have to come up with awesome things to tweet!
• Posting weekly. This is going to be tough, but I need to get back to a regular posting schedule. I'm going to write more about writing--going back to the roots of why I started this blog. I know I'll have more fodder as I'm breaking away from my two series and diving into a new direction with my latest WIP: FARTHER ALONG, a Christian YA
• Paying it forward. I'd like to have more guest posts. This is a great way for us to help each other and broaden our reach. Twice the audience! Let me know if you're interested.

And here's the final results from the last survey - A-MUSING

Do you have a personal muse?

What is your muse's name?

• Hoho the Magic Newt
• It's unnamed and mysterious.
• Monster, Librarian Linda, and High-heeled Helen
• The Muse
• Styx
• Unknown
• Nigel
• Same as mine. 
• Erato

Who was your greatest influence to become a writer?

• Authors - Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks, Tolkien, Stephen King, Holly Lisle, C.S. Lewis
• No one in particular - from classical authors (Dickens, Poe, etc.) to comic book writers like Stan Lee!
• My mom x 2
• My kids
• It's my calling

How long have you known you were destined to be a writer?

And the lucky winner of the A-MUSING survey is...

Christine Rains!!

Thanks to all who have played along.

And finally, the big, huge, awesome announcement...

TICK TOCK, A STITCH IN CRIME is NOW AVAILABLE!!

Exploring the facets of time, eleven authors delve into mysteries and crimes that linger in both dark corners and plain sight. Featuring the talents of...

• Home
• Gwen Gardner
• C. D. Gallant-King
• Rebecca M Douglass
• J. R. Ferguson
• Yolanda Renée

• Tara Tyler
• S. R. Betler
• Christine Clemetson
• Mary Aalgaard
• C. Lee McKenzie
• Jemi Fraser

Official Tick Tock Blog

Amazon == B&N == Goodreads

Thanks so much for stopping by!

#Writing trend: More Diverse Characters

As I search for writing prompts to submit, I'm seeing a trend of folks asking for MORE DIVERSE CHARACTERS! Well, this is great! Anglo-saxons do not rule the earth, why should they star in all the stories? I would love to write a diverse story. Unfortunately, if I tried to create a main character from another culture, I feel I would fail miserably. Stereotypes cannot be used and need to be broken. I read a MEME this weekend that proclaimed something along the lines of:

Stereotypes may be true for some, but they are NOT true for ALL.
Look beyond skin color.

Writing for another culture is harder than writing an opposite gender character or an adult writing a teen character because we've had enough experience with them, we should be able to emulate them. Though I can research and interview and even immerse myself in another culture, I can't begin to truly understand what people of color have gone through, even those in the same demographic as me; they've been treated differently their whole lives and it's part of what makes them who they are and what motivates them.

Well, what can I do? I want to bring more awareness to other cultures - it will help all of us understand each other better and therefore get along better. I suppose I can start with the basics. We all have the same foundational threads of life. We are born, grow up, get jobs, and die. We all deal with family, money, and health issues. We all start out as clean slates and go through life making choices. The differences are in the hows and whys - and that's where we shape our characters.

When I create characters, I put myself in their shoes. I give them a backstory - where they're from, what they've experienced, and their influences as they grew up. Most characters need special care and deep details - like when God created woman, the most complex being on the planet from the basest creature man (ha ha). But these histories are for my benefit only. The hard part is showing the character's feelings and background without telling his/her life story. Think of J.K. Rowling and all the questions she gets asked and answers about the HP universe!

I like to think that any person could play my characters in a movie, no matter the nationality. Actors bring their own interpretation and thereby, their background into a role. Just like readers! Unless the story is specifically about a certain culture, if the writing is good, anyone can read it and relate to the characters, and that is the goal.

I'm trying to make the world a better place with the tools I have. 

Have you ever written a main character from another culture?  

I'll take any advice you'd like to share!

And now, the NEWS!

Sign ups start TODAY for the A to Z Theme Reveal blog hop which will be March 21. I'm participating this year, but over with The Really Real Housewives! We are sooo excited!



I mentioned this last week, but I'm anxious for it to be available!

JOLISSA - An Anti-Princess Story, the novella that goes with my video storybook, will be available available February 29th. Eeek!

A snarky teenage maiden thinks an adventure will make her life better, until she's forced to go on one.

AND don't forget to join...Christine Rains, C. Lee McKenzie and I for the Winter Blahs Buster Meme Blog Hop! It starts next Monday! Post a MEME Feb 29 - Mar 4. We've got prizes, including TWO $20 gift cards!

No time for #love

That's just silly. There's always time for love! But I'm going to an Anti-Valentine's party with my latest Muse for Sarah Foster's Musiversary!

So here's the how the party goes...

I brought Grumpy Writer Cat, or GW. He just looks at me and I shut my social sites, feeling guilty for not writing... and he's my anti-valentine because he's a no nonsense kitty. I mean cat. He hates when I call him kitty. (But he's so cute!)

Neither of us is very romantic, but I'm definitely the silly, sentimental one. I gave him a bow tie. He hates it. But we brought chocolate and low fat milk so he's amicable.

For tunes, I'm sure Sarah's going to play "Love Stinks," so I'll say "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi.

Here's a great anti-Valentine party game, Pin the Zit on the Ex.

I will eat too much, drink too much, and have an awesome time!
GW will drive us home. He keeps me from going over the edge!

And of course we brought the hostess a gift - a free ebook! Congrats, Sarah & Jordan! (Sarah, email me which ebook you would like!)

A maiden with a bad attitude

To see more party goers, find the list here!
Happy Anti-Valentine's Day, y'all!

Plus I have special MONDAY NEWS!
I've taken the plunge into self-publishing... JOLISSA - An Anti-Princess Story, the novella that goes with my video storybook, is available available February 29th (can pre-order now!), the same day as...

Did you see those dunks this wknd? Sick!

...Christine Rains, C. Lee McKenzie's and my Winter Blahs Buster Meme Blog Hop! It's only 2 weeks away. Post a MEME Feb 29 - Mar 4. And I love how our great group of goers has grown. Don't forget, we've got prizes! Including TWO $20 gift cards!

Rated R for Radical!

Well, I took my two week break and now I'm back on my weekly posting schedule. Thanks again for all the great comments and encouragement throughout the A to Z challenge. Amazingly, some folks are still winding their way through the massive list with the ROAD TRIP! I'm on the fence for next year, but odds are that I will give in and do it again.




But today is all about the BB&C blogfest hosted by ALEX J CAVANAUGH & HEATHER M GARDNER. I know I'm not alone in talking about the best fit for this fest, the epic fantasy series...

(dun dun, dadadun dun, dadadun dun, dadadun dun...)

Everyone knows how gory and sinful it is - but it's also very captivating, surprising, and riveting. The characters and their twistiness suck you in. At first I ignored the fad, thinking everyone just wanted to gawk. But I needed something to read so I tried the first book, A SONG OF FIRE AND ICE. It was thoroughly confusing and I set it down after a few chapters. But when I watched the first episode with Tyrion Lannister and John Snow and Eddard Stark, I was hooked. Since then, I've devoured the books and have been keeping ahead of the show, always anxious to see how they will continue the convoluted stories.

This season I heard they are straying even farther from the books. Many of the shortcuts they take are to keep from introducing millions of new characters who are probably just going to die anyway, and I understand that. I just hope George keeps the show in check! Not to mention, he's gotta finish that next book!

My favorite characters are Tyrion, Jamie, Bronn, Brianne, and Arya, probably similar to most since they're about the only original characters still alive! To keep it fresh, I'm sharing some awesome mash-up pics I found that many of you may not have seen...Enjoy!

spot on

so awesome!

this is my absolute FAVE!

And to catch everyone back up...

Next Monday (5/25) I'm joining in the Muse Blogfest - no not the band, tho that would be cool! Sarah Foster at the Faux Fountain Pen is hosting a fun fest where we bring and introduce our muses party-style. Join us!

Also going on this month - POP TRAVEL and BROKEN BRANCH FALLS are getting some great press!

TBM's first Monthly Giveaway for MAY is still going on featuring five awesome books, including BBF. And in JUNE she's including POP TRAVEL. She's the best!

Also going on for two and a half more weeks is Sharon Bayliss's huge book blogger giveaway. If you love to review, she's giving away a $50 Amazon GC and several print copies of books to bloggers who'd like to read and review them or pass them on in their own giveaways in features on their blogs - PT is one of the books. I love this idea of hers! Thank you, Sharon!


Lastly, BBF is an AMAZON BIG DEAL this month - the ebook is being highlighted by Amazon for one more week and on sale for 99 cents!

Thanks for stopping by. Let me know if you have something you'd like me to give a shout about!

KSM - Hippity Hoppity

Time for Jeremy's Halloween Hop!
I have a new favorite Halloween movie - Hotel Transylvania! My all time favorite will always be Young Frankenstein! "Nice hopping." And my costume this year is a mad scientist! Bwahaha! *cue lightening flash & thunder*

What's your favorite Halloween book or movie? Are you dressing up this year?

Okay, I'm tackling this Next Big Thing challenge, so buckle up!
Thanks, Brinda for passing it to me! I will keep it brief!

What is your working title of your book?
Broken Branch Falls

Where did the idea come from for the book? 
Watching my boys at football practice and subbing

What genre does your book fall under?
MG Fantasy, I thought it was young adult, but it wasn't adult enough!

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I am out of the young actors and actresses loop. I picture this as more of a cartoon movie anyway...

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Gabe Goblin tries new things, like dating another species, but breaking the Rules brings the destruction of his town and to save it he must gather reps from all the species to join him in a quest for the truth to change the Rules.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
I will submit to my publisher (I can't believe I have a publisher!), Curiosity Quills.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
One month at camp nano this August. Must do again! *** GOOD LUCK NANO-ERS! ***

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Not to be cheeky, but The Hobbit? Only way less intense and younger audience.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
The kids I sub for. Teens still have those hurtful clicks. Hard to change who you've been labeled to become. Would love to see more kids look past appearances and stereotypes.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It's actually a dystopian, far in the future, where fantasy creatures are the result of humankind distorting and destroying themselves with chemical and biological warfare. And the quest is like Survivor with challenge after challenge!

Speaking of challenge, I now bestow the Next Big Thing on...

MS Hatch

Samantha

Suzanne Furness

Donna Hole

Rena

And a couple last bits of news...

Tomorrow I finally get to host my friends Gwen & Angela! It's going to be a special interview you really can't miss! It'll be a real howl! ha ha.

Then on Hallowednesday I will send off Nano-ers with my top ten excuses that I'm not doing it! Proud of all you guys venturing into the beginnings of a new novel! Good luck!

Though November is a busy time, I hope you can make time to join the blogfest hosted by Andrew Leon, Matthew MacNish, and Alex the Great coming up on 11/16, "Oh, How I Miss You Blogfest"

Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who has signed up for Vikki and I's "I'm Thankful For..." bloghop! That's coming up soon, November 5-8!

KSM - I'm Bewildered

It's been one heck of an October!!!
So many good things happening in the blogosphere! Here are a just a few...

First, I am astounded and overwhelmed by all the support from you guys! I am teary in happiness! Thanks for making me feel so special!

And I hate to keep talking about myself, but my short fantasy story The Guardian Tree is being published in this week's issue of Bewildering Stories! Total coincidence!

Now on to others with wonderful news!

Today, Kyra has invited us to a Goodreads event to celebrate the release of her New Adult novella, "If I Let You Go!" The ebook will be free on Amazon US and UK for 24 hours on October 22nd, coinciding with the "Letting Go" bloghop! Go check it all out!


Christine's cute Cowgirl story is out for y'all to read "Li'l Gal Al"

The feisty spirits and characters are still stirring up trouble at Partners in ParanormYA while Gwen & Angela continue their blog tour...stop by for a peek! And I'll have them here next week!


Also today, Dani and Jackie host a weekly Express Yourself MeMe, this week's topic is "List 5 favorite monsters throughout history."

Speaking of monsters! Two fun Halloween blogfests are coming up...Spooktoberfest (also hosted by Dani & Jackie!) and Halloween Hop hosted by Jeremy Bates! Share a story and seasonal fun!


Then soon after in November a bunch of you guys are doing NANOWRIMO!

May your mind ne'er block and your computer ne'er crash! 

Save often and good luck!

Since Thanksgiving rushes up as the sometimes overlooked holiday between Halloween and Xmas, Vikki and I are hosting the "I'm Thankful for..." blog hop. And don't forget Alex's monthly Insecure Writers Support Group meeting on Nov 7th!

I know there's more, but I can't remember it all! Are you doing NANO? Got something special coming up? I'd love to share it!

My Big Sweet Deal!

I have a CONTRACT!!!!!!

with

CURIOSITY QUILLS!!!

I cannot believe it! I actually fulfilled my new year's resolution! I have to thank Unicorn Bell for introducing me to Andrew Buckley at Curiosity Quills. He is the awesome editor that sparked to my sci fi/adventure/thriller, POP TRAVEL! I am still in shock - doesn't seem real! Cartwheels happy!!!!

Here is me signing the contract...

I couldn't have done this without the support and encouragement of all my friends - THANK YOU!!! 

I will post updates as they come and you know I will want help with a tour. Me! A tour? Never thought! So crazy! Pinch me! And if I can do it, you can do it - just keep at it! 

More thanks will be bestowed to my super awesome critiquers during Vikki's and my "I'm Thankful For..." blog hop! Join us in giving thanks to our readers and supporters!

Kick start Monday - Are you writing?

Hope you are! But first,

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Let the appreciation spill into everyday =)

And if you missed Friday's Writing a Book post, the comments were quite revealing & funny! You should check them out!

Anyway, I have been writing like mad! Major editing sessions, reworking my first five chapters - they needed more excitement and less back story details. I have to get ready for a Writer/Reader Get Together put together by Lori Foster! It's the weekend of June 1st. And I am scheduled to drop 2 pitches! My first ones. I'm scared. But I'll talk more about that on Friday...For now:

Many of you are participating in Alex's Blog Hop of First Loves today! He snuck the announcement into the A to Z fest. I couldn't do it justice with all my editing, so I will just read about y'alls!

To keep the write juices flowing, I am going to attempt a flash fiction for Cheri's Lightning Flash Fiction Blogfest next week. I may need a break from my MS after cramming for the pitch sessions!

What else is going on? What's your WIP progress report?

PS - Saw the Avengers this weekend - top notch entertainment! it had everything you could want from a blockbuster - tons of action, magnificent special effects, star-studly cast, snarky repartee, pure hearts, and comic relief (Hulk will not disappoint, he really does steal the show!)

Kick start Tuesday...Wassup!

Got your retro pictures ready for tomorrow for the Oh those High School Dances blogfest? I am excited to go back in time! Thanks for providing the mechanism, Emily!




Another cool blogfest coming up is Cherie Reich's Lightning Flash Fiction Blogfest. I love sharing short flashes! ha!



In happy dance news,

2 friends are promoting sci fi book launches!

Slipstream by Michael Offutt

and

The Backworlds by M Pax

Check out their awesome books and tours and prizes!

But wait! That's not all!!! My short story "The Guardian Tree" is being published by Bewildering Stories! I have to thank Unicorn Bell for inspiring me to write it with their Picture is worth a thousand words blogfest and Donna Hole for recommending I send it in to them! Woo Hoo! Yeah!!! My issue, coming this Fall =)