Exciting news!

I've been waiting until everything was finalized before I shared this with you all, and now I finally can!
I have recently partnered up with a creative team called Blue Harvest Creative. They do everything for me that a traditional publishing house would do, and more. I'm extremely excited to be partnering with them, and can't wait to see how they will transform my books!
We are starting with the Zombie War books, and together, we have decided to combine the trilogy into one book with three parts. Currently we are in the editing process, and for that alone, I'm thrilled. I think that the transformation of the Zombie War books is going to be something that you will enjoy even more than I.
You will be the first to know when the new and improved book will be available. I can't wait! :)

Another year older...

I've had a difficult time getting older ever since I turned 30. My 30th was absolutely amazing - I was excited, threw a huge party, and became gloriously drunk. It was one of the best birthdays I can remember having.
Today I turn 33. I know some of you are saying, "what?! You're only 33?" I know, I'm older than I look. While others are groaning, "you are such a kid! You have so much life ahead of you, how can you be upset about being 33?" I know what you're thinking, because it's the same thing I say to my younger friends. And you're right. But that doesn't change anything.
For the past month, I've been increasingly frustrated and fighting depression. Part of that has been because I've had to return to health care (my second job isn't progressing like my boss and I had thought it would have) and had to work last night and tonight, and part of that is because I'm not where I want to be in my life.
Two things happened tonight that have released the birthday blues from my shoulders at the start of the day. First, I was able to leave work early. Not having to work, or get more work if someone else left early, was such a wonderful present.
Secondly, before I left work I had a conversation with one of the nurses and finally figured out why I've felt so poopy lately. We were talking about me not being as perky as I usually am, and I told her that it was my birthday. I don't like becoming older, because I'm not where I want to be in life. I feel like, for me, I should have accomplished something of note by now. Everyone I know has kids, or is pregnant, and either is a stay-at-home mom, or has a good job that they mostly enjoy. I don't have any of that. I have a dream that I'm working towards, but I'm not there yet. I feel like I should at least be able to see things coming to fruition. She planted the seed that I probably am better off than I think.
Thirdly, as I was driving home, I opened the moonroof and watched the moon as I drove. For me, there's something so therapeutic about the moon. I'm at peace at night, under the moonlight. While I was driving, stealing glances up into the sky, I finally relaxed and became excited about today.
I'm not where I want to be, but I'm trying. There are good things on the horizon with my writing, and the rest of my life is tolerable. While I'm not a fan of health care, I have a good job, in a good hospital, and am able to pay my bills with money left to put towards the books. I know what I want out of life, and even though it feels as if I'm stuck, I'm still taking steps forward. That's the most important thing. So while I may be 33, and not where I want to be, I'm headed in the right direction.

Renaissance Faire at Artown!

Come One, Come All! 

This Sunday (July 6, 2014) Marissa Ames and I will be present at the Nevada Opera's Renaissance Fair in Wingfield Park. This is part of the Reno is Artown celebration and we are inviting YOU!!

Books and swag will be available for signing and purchase from 10am - 9pm, or until we sell out! And of course there will be giveaways!

Get there early to meet your favorite authors! 

Marissa Ames

Crossing genres, Marissa Ames writes fantasy fiction and blogs for multiple venues, including a national poultry magazine. Her debut novel, Minstrel, begins the medieval-based fantasy series of Tir Athair. She is currently working on Vassal, the second novel in the Tir Athair series, and collaborates with many worthy writers on diverse anthologies. Marissa has written stories since age 8, instilling her lifelong fascination with medieval history into her work. In her real life, she manages a day job, a husband and two teenage children, and an entire urban farm just a mile south of downtown Reno, Nevada, in the United States.

"Reno readers: I'll be giving away a swag package to the first person who approaches our book-signing booth and claims they "seek wheat and rye." The swag package includes signed print copies of both MINSTREL and DARRION, bookmarks, a tote bag courtesy of Blue Harvest Creative, and a sword or tiara for each child in the group! I'm only giving away one, so be the first to use the secret words!"

Jean Booth

Jean Booth was born in the sweltering Las Vegas desert. She moved about during her childhood until returning to her roots in northern Nevada. She is happily married with 9 cats as her children. For the entirety of her adult life she has worked in health care, battling insurances and limited staffing to provide great care to those who need it. Her greatest escapes are the stories found in books and in her head that she has finally decided to share.

"I'll be giving away a swag package to the first person who approaches our book-signing booth and claims "brains pair well with a nice chianti." The swag package includes signed print copies of Zombie War: The Trilogy, a tote bag courtesy of Blue Harvest Creative, and a sword or tiara for each* child in the group! I'm only giving away one, so be the first to use the secret words!"