My life has been crazy this month. First I helped a good friend with her gram who has Alzheimer's, then my folks came to visit for the weekend, and I started allergy shots. I'm FINALLY back on my normal schedule, but behind on the writing. :'( So very sad about that. I'm not going to make my self imposed October publication deadline. I'm not even finished typing up the 20+ pages I have written, let alone started editing anything after Chapter 6. I'm trying though. I want to publish a good version, continue to improve as a writer. You guys deserve a good sequel. I promise, I'm working my tushy off to get a quality book out for you!
Work has been miserably awful, by the time I get home I'm so physically exhausted and mentally drained, I haven't been able to do anything extra. Things are getting better though.
My wedding anniversary is in 5 days. I can't believe we've been married 7 years already. Some days it seems like yesterday, others feel like an eternity.
My favorite holiday is coming up- Halloween! I can't wait! We're going to Disney this year to celebrate. I've been working on my costumes along with the book and cover. All three should be great. :)
I'm very excited about the cover for Changed. I should have it finished this weekend, and will try to get it and the first chapter up for your opinions by Saturday.
Happy reading, I'm going to bed.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Insight
This week has been amazing.
I hand-write my books, didn't know if you knew that or not, but thought I should mention it. It's a way for me to get the ideas out, and I can write at any time, almost any place. I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go so that when inspiration strikes- I'm ready.
I've tired the whole tape recorder thing, but it's really awkward for me. I feel narcissistic when I use it, like I want to listen to the dulcet sounds of my voice over and over and over- but I really don't.
When I sit at the computer, I tend to get easily distracted. My cat's want to cuddle, I need to market, blog, chat on Facebook, search things, whatever. If I don't have the pages sitting next to me, staring at me in accusation, I tend to not find the motivation to type. So I hand write everything.
As I type it into the computer, I do my first round of edits and usually expand or delete scenes.
This week, I've hand-written 20 pages. I'm beyond excited about this because I'm getting closer and closer to connecting to the pinnacle scene that I already have written. Natasha and I have gotten a better insight on her new life as an Atlantean shifter, and are finally starting to feel like she has a tentative place in her new society. It's awesome.
By the time I finish typing it into the book, I will have quite a bit more than the 20 hand written pages and more detail wrapped up into the emotional upheaval that is at the core of her being. She's more complex than I'd originally thought she would be, and while it's a bitch to write, I love it. I love that Natasha is her own person, and that this really does feel like someone just telling me about their story so I can share it with others.
I have to get back to writing now, still have 12 more pages to go. Happy reading! =D
I hand-write my books, didn't know if you knew that or not, but thought I should mention it. It's a way for me to get the ideas out, and I can write at any time, almost any place. I carry a notebook with me everywhere I go so that when inspiration strikes- I'm ready.
I've tired the whole tape recorder thing, but it's really awkward for me. I feel narcissistic when I use it, like I want to listen to the dulcet sounds of my voice over and over and over- but I really don't.
When I sit at the computer, I tend to get easily distracted. My cat's want to cuddle, I need to market, blog, chat on Facebook, search things, whatever. If I don't have the pages sitting next to me, staring at me in accusation, I tend to not find the motivation to type. So I hand write everything.
As I type it into the computer, I do my first round of edits and usually expand or delete scenes.
This week, I've hand-written 20 pages. I'm beyond excited about this because I'm getting closer and closer to connecting to the pinnacle scene that I already have written. Natasha and I have gotten a better insight on her new life as an Atlantean shifter, and are finally starting to feel like she has a tentative place in her new society. It's awesome.
By the time I finish typing it into the book, I will have quite a bit more than the 20 hand written pages and more detail wrapped up into the emotional upheaval that is at the core of her being. She's more complex than I'd originally thought she would be, and while it's a bitch to write, I love it. I love that Natasha is her own person, and that this really does feel like someone just telling me about their story so I can share it with others.
I have to get back to writing now, still have 12 more pages to go. Happy reading! =D
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
News
Both of my books are available on CreateSpace.com as paperbacks. I just received an email from them stating that Zombie War: The Beginning is now available for greater distribution- to online book retailers!! I'm SO excited!!!! I have absolutely no friggin idea what this means, but in 6 weeks or less, I'm thinking Zombies could be available in paperback on Borders, B&N, and other bookseller websites. I'll definitely keep you posted on the happenings! This is so exciting!!
In other news, Changed is progressing slower than I want, but still progressing. I'm completely in awe of how much I've improved as a writer this past year. Re-reading Choice then following it with Changed makes me want to go back and do another round of edits and clean-up with Choice. I'm not sure if I should though. I kinda like being able to see the growth and progression of my writing, although if doing another round of edits would make Choice more attractive, then....
Changed has been so much fun to write. The challenges to create a culture within cultures, define the origins of myth and mystery, adding historical and relevant facts to make my fiction believable, has been a challenge that I'm absolutely loving. I seriously can't wait to share this book with you! I think it's my best so far. =D
In my personal life, my hives are finally starting to go away. YES!! I still itch, but it's not as distracting and all-consuming as it has been. Three months of hives are three months too long. Work has been adding unnecessary stress to my life, but it's my Friday, and I can write and play this weekend. I look forward to the days when I get to scribe the life of my characters.
I love writing.
In other news, Changed is progressing slower than I want, but still progressing. I'm completely in awe of how much I've improved as a writer this past year. Re-reading Choice then following it with Changed makes me want to go back and do another round of edits and clean-up with Choice. I'm not sure if I should though. I kinda like being able to see the growth and progression of my writing, although if doing another round of edits would make Choice more attractive, then....
Changed has been so much fun to write. The challenges to create a culture within cultures, define the origins of myth and mystery, adding historical and relevant facts to make my fiction believable, has been a challenge that I'm absolutely loving. I seriously can't wait to share this book with you! I think it's my best so far. =D
In my personal life, my hives are finally starting to go away. YES!! I still itch, but it's not as distracting and all-consuming as it has been. Three months of hives are three months too long. Work has been adding unnecessary stress to my life, but it's my Friday, and I can write and play this weekend. I look forward to the days when I get to scribe the life of my characters.
I love writing.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
allergies
I have awful allergies that have been kicking my tail for three months now. I've had my first case of hives in 24 years. They were the worst case that the nurses I work with had ever seen. Joy. Finally, after three months of itching, bitching and basically begging for someone to skin me, I have some relief. Steroids can be wonderful things. :)
I've been able to write more, not be so exhausted, have a ton of energy, and function like normal-for me. It's bliss! If I wasn't so busy, I think I may actually be able to reach my target publish date for October, but as it stands, I don't know when I'm going to have time to write in the next month. Grr. Hopefully things will work out. I'll hear back from the songwriter's attorney in a positive manor, find time to write, get edits back, format, and have it out before Halloween. Oh yah- and stay relatively healthy for the remainder of this year! I hope I hope!!!!
I've been able to write more, not be so exhausted, have a ton of energy, and function like normal-for me. It's bliss! If I wasn't so busy, I think I may actually be able to reach my target publish date for October, but as it stands, I don't know when I'm going to have time to write in the next month. Grr. Hopefully things will work out. I'll hear back from the songwriter's attorney in a positive manor, find time to write, get edits back, format, and have it out before Halloween. Oh yah- and stay relatively healthy for the remainder of this year! I hope I hope!!!!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
hmmm...
I wonder how many authors actually take the time to get permission to quote or use things in their books. While writing Choice I ran across a couple of blips as I wanted to have the reader get a feel for the time period while not infringing on any copy writes. You may have noticed references to Janice Kansas, or Bite- those are my little creative twists on two very important things of their time. They were important to me in developing my character's personalities and little foibles. I've read some books where the references to things are blatantly obvious, and some have their entire books based on an idea of some famous movie/series/thing. To me as a reader, depending on how much the writer bases their books on that particular thing, it can be really cool or really irritating. A series I read about 8 months ago mostly irritated the crap out of me with all of it's references to something else. It was like the author didn't have a unique thought in her head, she just based her entire series on a combination of something else, and then told the reader about it. It got me wondering if she thought to get permission to use all those references/quotes, or if she just wrote it and said "To hell with it- writers prerogative."
It also got me into thinking about my own writing. What have I based my writing on? Do I sound similar to others, or are my thoughts truly unique? I know my stories are my own, that I didn't use anyone else's storyline to create mine. However, I have noticed a similarity to mine and another Atlantean writer. I love this author, and I hope that while our subject is very similar, people notice the obvious differences. It has also made me rethink wording and structure of certain scenes in this series. I hope to be unique, interesting, exciting and moving with my writing.
This whole thought process started because I desperately want to use a portion of a song in Changed. I could do this scene without it, but it dramatically pulls the emotion I want out of the reader. Every time I read it I'm overwhelmed. So, I emailed the artist and sent in a request to quote her. I was actually kind of excited to do this, it made me feel like a real professional. And now I feel like a dork. :) I'm currently waiting on her response, but it got me to thinking, how many authors actually take the time to get permission to quote something or state the title of something in their books? Is it even necessary with the vast amounts of media out there? How would the artist ever know their information was used, unless by some random act they read the book?
I think I think too much. ;)
It also got me into thinking about my own writing. What have I based my writing on? Do I sound similar to others, or are my thoughts truly unique? I know my stories are my own, that I didn't use anyone else's storyline to create mine. However, I have noticed a similarity to mine and another Atlantean writer. I love this author, and I hope that while our subject is very similar, people notice the obvious differences. It has also made me rethink wording and structure of certain scenes in this series. I hope to be unique, interesting, exciting and moving with my writing.
This whole thought process started because I desperately want to use a portion of a song in Changed. I could do this scene without it, but it dramatically pulls the emotion I want out of the reader. Every time I read it I'm overwhelmed. So, I emailed the artist and sent in a request to quote her. I was actually kind of excited to do this, it made me feel like a real professional. And now I feel like a dork. :) I'm currently waiting on her response, but it got me to thinking, how many authors actually take the time to get permission to quote something or state the title of something in their books? Is it even necessary with the vast amounts of media out there? How would the artist ever know their information was used, unless by some random act they read the book?
I think I think too much. ;)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
ramblings of a frustrated author
Oh dear muse! Why do you torture me so? I have perfected a scene that brings tears to my eyes, yet cannot get from where we are to there. It is SO frustrating!!! I know what happens, I know how I want to get there, but we keep getting sidetracked in things that aren't ready to be explored and developed yet. Natasha doesn't want to feel what she has to in order to appreciate where she's going. She want's to be numb to it all. I understand, I really do, but sometimes we have to take the good with the bad in life and in stories in order for growth to be complete. I'm amazed daily at how much I love this book and how much I've learned since writing Choice.
I've been so crazy busy with work and home life I've barely been able to find time to write. It's been beyond irritating, but I'm working on it. I want to get this book out in October. I don't have to, but I really want to. Badly. It needs to be finished, I need to be off this roller coaster of emotions.
I think after this I may do another short for the Zombies and then focus on something dark and twisty. I'm starting to feel dark and twisty and need to put it on paper.
I've been so crazy busy with work and home life I've barely been able to find time to write. It's been beyond irritating, but I'm working on it. I want to get this book out in October. I don't have to, but I really want to. Badly. It needs to be finished, I need to be off this roller coaster of emotions.
I think after this I may do another short for the Zombies and then focus on something dark and twisty. I'm starting to feel dark and twisty and need to put it on paper.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
movies
Ok, so I re-watched Prince of Persia today and was happily reminded of soul mates and my book that I have been seriously neglecting as of late. The struggles, the uncertain love, the suppressed passion, it is all so beautiful. It made me wonder if they would still have the same passion, the same love if they weren't faced with such difficulties. I started thinking more about Changed and if we were headed down the right path, if I was speeding things along too fast because I want it to be finished, and if I could end it differently and still accomplish everything I want to.
I don't know about other authors, but I know I project a ton in my writing. Either it's venting frustrations out through my character's lives (which by the way, isn't always a BAD thing) or projecting my feelings of the moment onto paper. Sometimes it works for the scenes, sometimes I find myself rewriting chapters. I know that I love love and I want Natasha to have that love that surpasses the test of time. I want her to be strong, capable and compassionate. I want so much for her that I can't talk about right now because it will ruin the book for you. grr. :) I want to talk about it with someone, and I can't. It's sometimes very frustrating to be an author. I'm very excited about Changed. I think I've grown in my writing and in my storytelling, and I'm very excited to see how her life is when this book is finished. I hope you all love it just as much as I have been. :)
I don't know about other authors, but I know I project a ton in my writing. Either it's venting frustrations out through my character's lives (which by the way, isn't always a BAD thing) or projecting my feelings of the moment onto paper. Sometimes it works for the scenes, sometimes I find myself rewriting chapters. I know that I love love and I want Natasha to have that love that surpasses the test of time. I want her to be strong, capable and compassionate. I want so much for her that I can't talk about right now because it will ruin the book for you. grr. :) I want to talk about it with someone, and I can't. It's sometimes very frustrating to be an author. I'm very excited about Changed. I think I've grown in my writing and in my storytelling, and I'm very excited to see how her life is when this book is finished. I hope you all love it just as much as I have been. :)
Friday, July 22, 2011
writing
Changed is coming along so nicely I can hardly believe it. It is everything I originally wanted for Choice, finally coming to fruition. Excitement, affection, knowledge... I think we had to get the background established in Choice before Changed could even begin to be developed. I want to tell you all about what's happening, how Natasha is growing, where she's headed in this book, but it would ruin it for you. I will just say that she is amazing me more and more every day. I'm so loving this book! I know I should because it's my writing, but it wouldn't be anything without Natasha whispering her story in my head. I love where we're headed here. I can't wait to finish it and share it with you!!!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Post Birthday
Well, Saturday was my birthday- a big one- 30! I had an amazing time with friends and family, drinking, laughing, goofing off at the casa. The conclusion: I'm never drinking again. Hangover's suck, and the older I get the more often I get them after drinking. I have still yet to puke though. That's gotta be something! lol.
Changed is making huge progress, I'm so excited where this book is headed. There is so much involved in it, I hope people don't get lost. I've also decided to write out a glossary and perhaps a cast of characters. I started in on that the other day, and wow! I was amazed at how many characters played a small roll in Choice. Not to mention the ones that show up in Changed. I'm really enjoying this series. Watching my characters grow and develop into their own people- it's amazing. I can't wait to finish Changed and get feed back.
I will do my best to write a sequel to Zombie Wars. I've been getting gobs of people craving more of that book, even though it was just meant to be a fun little quick read. I've got the title, so the rest should be easy- right. Off to write now. Happy reading to all!
Changed is making huge progress, I'm so excited where this book is headed. There is so much involved in it, I hope people don't get lost. I've also decided to write out a glossary and perhaps a cast of characters. I started in on that the other day, and wow! I was amazed at how many characters played a small roll in Choice. Not to mention the ones that show up in Changed. I'm really enjoying this series. Watching my characters grow and develop into their own people- it's amazing. I can't wait to finish Changed and get feed back.
I will do my best to write a sequel to Zombie Wars. I've been getting gobs of people craving more of that book, even though it was just meant to be a fun little quick read. I've got the title, so the rest should be easy- right. Off to write now. Happy reading to all!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wow, I'm slacking hard-core
I know I have a hard time writing on here, but geez. Someone should kick my butt for me. :) Sorry folks!
Zombies has been more of a hit than I imagined it would be- I'm in seventh heaven with all the wonderful feedback I've been getting from people! Thanks guys! To answer the question everyone seems to be asking: I wasn't planning on writing a sequel to this book, but I will do my best to write one after I finish with Changed. (still hoping and praying for an October release date)
My personal life this month has been in the crapper. I've been struggling to remain afloat in the insanity that is my life, and have not been writing nearly as much as I've wanted to. I apologize now. That being said, I'm up to Chapter 5 in Changed, and have a very nice handle on the rest of the book. I've got my outline, something I only seem to do when I get frustrated about where things are at, and need to organize every aspect of life. I found a new editor, one that I think is going to work better than the last one I had for Choice. (I didn't have an editor for Zombies) I just enrolled in a class that I don't want to take, but have to, so...yea? So now I'm working full time, going to school, being a wife, and writing. The pressure of life is on, and I'm thriving. There must be something seriously wrong with me to be able to thrive in mass chaos. lol.
Anyway, I just wanted to post an update and let you know that I am still writing, not stuck in a bunker warding off the undead. ;)
Zombies has been more of a hit than I imagined it would be- I'm in seventh heaven with all the wonderful feedback I've been getting from people! Thanks guys! To answer the question everyone seems to be asking: I wasn't planning on writing a sequel to this book, but I will do my best to write one after I finish with Changed. (still hoping and praying for an October release date)
My personal life this month has been in the crapper. I've been struggling to remain afloat in the insanity that is my life, and have not been writing nearly as much as I've wanted to. I apologize now. That being said, I'm up to Chapter 5 in Changed, and have a very nice handle on the rest of the book. I've got my outline, something I only seem to do when I get frustrated about where things are at, and need to organize every aspect of life. I found a new editor, one that I think is going to work better than the last one I had for Choice. (I didn't have an editor for Zombies) I just enrolled in a class that I don't want to take, but have to, so...yea? So now I'm working full time, going to school, being a wife, and writing. The pressure of life is on, and I'm thriving. There must be something seriously wrong with me to be able to thrive in mass chaos. lol.
Anyway, I just wanted to post an update and let you know that I am still writing, not stuck in a bunker warding off the undead. ;)
Friday, June 3, 2011
random stuff
Yea! I figured out how to upload Zombie War to Goodreads! Awesome. I also helped someone today with their publishing frustrations. Yea! Feeling good on the work site today.
I am completely frustrated with Changed and have not wanted to sit and write for days now. I keep waiting for that to change, but can't figure out why I feel stuck in the first place. Grr.
Today I feel like utter crap- thank you allergies- so I haven't wanted to do anything anyway. I watched season 3 of True Blood because I like it and also because people keep telling me that Alcide the werwolf would make an excellent Raif if I ever made a movie out of Choice. I still don't see it. Don't get me wrong, Joe Manganiello is totally hot, and should never have been allowed to wear a shirt in this show, but I just don't picture him as Raif. I picture someone like the Rock or Vin Diesel as Raif. I may have to create a character specifically for Joe Manganiello though, simply because he really is yummy. This is all assuming that I will one day make a movie out of my books. That would be awesome. I think I'd have to pinch myself.
I have to go try to sleep off some of my allergy drugs. I'm way too loopy. This is why I hate allergies and asthma. I cannot breathe, so I take meds, then I lose my dang mind. If I don't take the meds, I cannot breathe. Where is the happy medium here?!? I just want to BREATHE!!! argh!!!!
I hope your day is better than mine. Although, I did get to watch a whole lot of sexiness, so it wasn't all bad. ;)
I am completely frustrated with Changed and have not wanted to sit and write for days now. I keep waiting for that to change, but can't figure out why I feel stuck in the first place. Grr.
Today I feel like utter crap- thank you allergies- so I haven't wanted to do anything anyway. I watched season 3 of True Blood because I like it and also because people keep telling me that Alcide the werwolf would make an excellent Raif if I ever made a movie out of Choice. I still don't see it. Don't get me wrong, Joe Manganiello is totally hot, and should never have been allowed to wear a shirt in this show, but I just don't picture him as Raif. I picture someone like the Rock or Vin Diesel as Raif. I may have to create a character specifically for Joe Manganiello though, simply because he really is yummy. This is all assuming that I will one day make a movie out of my books. That would be awesome. I think I'd have to pinch myself.
I have to go try to sleep off some of my allergy drugs. I'm way too loopy. This is why I hate allergies and asthma. I cannot breathe, so I take meds, then I lose my dang mind. If I don't take the meds, I cannot breathe. Where is the happy medium here?!? I just want to BREATHE!!! argh!!!!
I hope your day is better than mine. Although, I did get to watch a whole lot of sexiness, so it wasn't all bad. ;)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day
Today is a day of remembrance. A day where we thank the men and women in the military for their sacrifice to our country. So many people forget that sacrifice doesn't just include lives. The service men and women fight for the ideals of the American way of life. They allow us to be able to bitch about anything and everything we want. They allow us the freedoms we take for granted every day. They don't do this because they want prestige or fame, they do this because they believe in the idea, the foundation of America.
I for one, am grateful everyday for the sacrifices they make. They sacrifice their young adulthood to train and fight for my rights. They sacrifice life and limbs in protection of the freedoms I treasure. They sacrifice their psyche in order to protect mine. They truly are heros.
Today, as in all others, I thank-you for fighting for me when I am unable to.
I for one, am grateful everyday for the sacrifices they make. They sacrifice their young adulthood to train and fight for my rights. They sacrifice life and limbs in protection of the freedoms I treasure. They sacrifice their psyche in order to protect mine. They truly are heros.
Today, as in all others, I thank-you for fighting for me when I am unable to.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Busy
Holy cow life's been kicking my butt lately! I'm so ready to just hang back and relax for a bit. I went on vacation last week, which was amazing. I had tried to post something before I left, but blogger didn't like me for a couple of days.
I had an absolutely wonderful time in Baltimore MD. The people were mostly nice, my friends were awesome as usual, and the weather was beautiful. I had forgotten how green everything could get, and how wonderful rain was.
The most exciting part of my trip was the trapeze class I went to at the Trapeze School of New York in Washington D.C. I am terrified of heights and the instructors there were so wonderful. They were patient with me, joked and talked with me about stupid things to take my mind off the fact that I was jumping off a perfectly good platform. I can't really say that I flew through the air with the greatest of ease, but I jumped. Then signed up for another day because it was so unbelievably amazing!
On my second day, I was still nervous but considerably less than the first day. By my last three swings I was doing backflips off the bar!!! The workout, the thrill, the fun- absolutely wonderful!! I hope there is a school here that I can go to because I am now addicted for life. :)
I did quite a bit of the touristy things that people go to D.C. for, saw Annapolis and all the wonderful sailors there, and took in some sights in Baltimore proper. All in all I loved it. I can't wait to go back.
I told my friend that I had a book in the wings that was a sci-fi military thriller, and that I would be picking her brain in a year to get some info to make the book more realistic. She seemed very excited about the premise of the book, gave me some reference material, and told me that what I had so far wasn't too far off the mark. My creative brain wants to jump right into this book now, but I seriously have to get Changed finished first!!!
Changed has been progressing very nicely. I finally have an intro that I'm happy with, a good start to the second chapter, and scenes further into the book that I am amazed with. I'm looking toward an October release date, and so far, it looks like it might actually happen. Awesome. :) Zombie War is doing great at the moment. I'm still working out a few kinks with some of my websites, but it's for sale and doing well.
Many thanks to my wonderful fans- you guys rock! I hope the books are entertaining, fun, and memorable to you. Must get back to the writing. Happy Reading!!
I had an absolutely wonderful time in Baltimore MD. The people were mostly nice, my friends were awesome as usual, and the weather was beautiful. I had forgotten how green everything could get, and how wonderful rain was.
The most exciting part of my trip was the trapeze class I went to at the Trapeze School of New York in Washington D.C. I am terrified of heights and the instructors there were so wonderful. They were patient with me, joked and talked with me about stupid things to take my mind off the fact that I was jumping off a perfectly good platform. I can't really say that I flew through the air with the greatest of ease, but I jumped. Then signed up for another day because it was so unbelievably amazing!
On my second day, I was still nervous but considerably less than the first day. By my last three swings I was doing backflips off the bar!!! The workout, the thrill, the fun- absolutely wonderful!! I hope there is a school here that I can go to because I am now addicted for life. :)
I did quite a bit of the touristy things that people go to D.C. for, saw Annapolis and all the wonderful sailors there, and took in some sights in Baltimore proper. All in all I loved it. I can't wait to go back.
I told my friend that I had a book in the wings that was a sci-fi military thriller, and that I would be picking her brain in a year to get some info to make the book more realistic. She seemed very excited about the premise of the book, gave me some reference material, and told me that what I had so far wasn't too far off the mark. My creative brain wants to jump right into this book now, but I seriously have to get Changed finished first!!!
Changed has been progressing very nicely. I finally have an intro that I'm happy with, a good start to the second chapter, and scenes further into the book that I am amazed with. I'm looking toward an October release date, and so far, it looks like it might actually happen. Awesome. :) Zombie War is doing great at the moment. I'm still working out a few kinks with some of my websites, but it's for sale and doing well.
Many thanks to my wonderful fans- you guys rock! I hope the books are entertaining, fun, and memorable to you. Must get back to the writing. Happy Reading!!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
returned
I totally tried to post a see-ya-soon blog here a week ago and apparently was having Blogger issues with my computer. grrr. I went on my first vacation in forever to Baltimore. What a beautiful place. I met with some very interesting people and had a wonderful time. I'm hoping to have more later when I haven't been up for ??? hours and have jet lag. I'm exhausted right now, the kitties are all cuddling with me, and hubby's picking up dinner. Goal this week: give a synopsis of my vacation and type what I wrote on the plane. Changed is coming along well. I'm excited so far.
In the meantime, I apologize for my absence. I need to sleep. Goodnight and happy reading to all!
In the meantime, I apologize for my absence. I need to sleep. Goodnight and happy reading to all!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Zombiezzzzzzz
Whoo hoo!! I'm doing my happy dance!!! Zombie War: The Beginning is officially available today!!! I'm so totally and completely excited right now!!! YEA!! I love seeing my books out there. It's like my baby's all grown up and ready to play!
I'm REALLY tired right now; totally living on the euphoria of publishing my second book this year. Can we do a third?!!?! Dare I dream!?!?!
I think I'll go dream the possibilities now. Happy Reading to all and good night! =D
I'm REALLY tired right now; totally living on the euphoria of publishing my second book this year. Can we do a third?!!?! Dare I dream!?!?!
I think I'll go dream the possibilities now. Happy Reading to all and good night! =D
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
So close
I'm so close to publishing I can taste it- and it's yummy! The final edits were amazing. I have a few small tweaks, things that didn't work after I edited, and one more read-through and we should be good to go. I can't wait! I think the release date of May 1 for Zombie Wars: The Beginning is completely feasible. One of my favorite beta reader's read it last night and yelled at me. She absolutely loved it, and wanted more. She said that I had to write a second one to this to continue on with the story. She could see the action unfold in her mind, and she loved it.
I love when people are asking for more; especially when I didn't have a cliffhanger. It's awesome. I am so excited about this book coming out I can hardly contain myself! I think I have improved as a writer with everything I have been learning from Choice. I love that as a writer, I have the freedom of learning and growing and experimenting with different writing styles. I love being able to apply this to my writing, as well as my day-to-day living. I love writing.
It's a good day. :)
I love when people are asking for more; especially when I didn't have a cliffhanger. It's awesome. I am so excited about this book coming out I can hardly contain myself! I think I have improved as a writer with everything I have been learning from Choice. I love that as a writer, I have the freedom of learning and growing and experimenting with different writing styles. I love being able to apply this to my writing, as well as my day-to-day living. I love writing.
It's a good day. :)
Friday, April 22, 2011
slackin
I will completely and totally admit that I am slacking today. I woke up all set to work on edits two hours ago, decided to check my e-mail first and haven't gotten off the computer yet. I did get a whole bunch of things done that I have wanted to do for the past three months, but still. I want to play and somehow magically have all my edits done perfectly by the end of the day. Oh, and if I'm really dreaming; I will have networked with super awesome people who love Choice and have sold 40000 copies today as well. Someday...
Meanwhile, I live in reality and have to quit procrastinating and GET TO WORK! :)
Meanwhile, I live in reality and have to quit procrastinating and GET TO WORK! :)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
whoops
I totally didn't realize it has been forever since I posted something! I have been working on Zombie edits. I have to say, it is turning out to be an awesome short story. I thought it was gory before, but wow. Not sure if that is going to turn some people off on it, but I totally think it's awesome! :)
Life is way too busy with work, edits and family stuff; but I promise I will get on here more often! Even if it is a short blurb!
Happy Reading!
Life is way too busy with work, edits and family stuff; but I promise I will get on here more often! Even if it is a short blurb!
Happy Reading!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Crazy days
Almost exactly two years ago, someone stole my moped. I loved that thing so much. It was what had gotten me over my fear of motorcycles and into the peaceful freedom that riding brings.
<backstory>
I had been raised by my mother to fear motorcycles as death traps; horrible things that once you sit on, you will be instantaneously hit by something and either deceased or become a vegetable. Then I moved out and started working in Healthcare, where I was able to see first hand what happens to people in motorcycle accidents. To be frank, it was bad.
My husband (boyfriend at the time) bought a moped for transportation as the car he had guzzled fuel like it was stoned and had the munchies. Mopeds are very economical, as one tank of gas takes you 300 miles and it doesn't need to be registered or insured. I was terrified for him. I refused to ride the thing, even though it only went 35 mph downhill with wind pushing it. Finally, after months of nagging, prodding, and finally daring me; he got me to ride on the back of it. I was terrified of any and every vehicle that drove near us. When we reached our destination I had changed. I saw that it was no longer the death-trap that I had always been led to believe, but a wonderful, liberating piece of equipment.
We had the yellow Yamaha moped for three years before the accident that reaffirmed my fears. I was driving behind a seasoned Harley rider; both of us obeying the traffic laws perfectly. Someone ran a red light and smashed right into the Harley rider. I got out of my car, completely in shock and petrified. I helped him as much as I could until the paramedics arrived. He survived, but I shook for the rest of the day. That could, at any time, be me.
I went home and ranted at my husband to get rid of the unsafe moped, retelling the story of the accident in as much gory detail as I could; even adding to it. He wisely ignored me. It took me another 6 months for me to ride again.
The first time I got on the back of our moped, I thought I was going to vomit from fear. By the time I reached the first light, I remembered how much fun it was to ride. That was the day I vowed to never let fear control my life again. I refused to drive my car for that entire summer. I rode the moped instead. I loved it. It was liberating, exciting, amazing. I was in heaven. I was always sad for winter, as it was too cold to ride. I made a cover for it so that it wouldn't get damaged from the elements. I washed it, I learned how to change the oil. I loved that moped.
During a nice spring day, I rode it to my first job then parked it in it's spot so that I could nap for a few hours before my second job. I was going to a shady neighborhood, it was night, so I took my car. I remember leaving and thinking that it was odd that my husband had taken the moped, so I called him. He had no idea what I was talking about.
During the four hours I was home, someone had stolen our moped.
I was devastated. I filed a police report, filed a complaint in our apartment complex, called everyone I knew. Nothing.
Last year, we upgraded to motorcycles. I was the proud owner of a blue Kawasaki ER-6N, thanks entirely to the moped that my husband forced me to ride. While I have never forgotten those fun Summer days on the back of my moped, I let go of the sadness at losing it that those memories brought.
Two days ago I got the strangest call. The police pulled someone over riding our stollen moped. We picked it up from the tow place yesterday. It was a bittersweet day as I was so excited at finally getting something back that meant so much to me, but sad because they had completely destroyed it. The seat flops all over the place, the lights are held on by tape, it's missing one mirror, the exhaust smokes.
I will never fully understand the capability people have to destroy the joy in another.
I am forever grateful to that officer for finding my moped; reuniting me to the physical thing that helped to open my heart to the possibilities that growing past your fears can bring. Had I never ridden that moped, I would still be stuck in the life I had; afraid to venture out of my comfort zones. It liberated me. I am now unencumbered by fear of the unknown.
<backstory>
I had been raised by my mother to fear motorcycles as death traps; horrible things that once you sit on, you will be instantaneously hit by something and either deceased or become a vegetable. Then I moved out and started working in Healthcare, where I was able to see first hand what happens to people in motorcycle accidents. To be frank, it was bad.
My husband (boyfriend at the time) bought a moped for transportation as the car he had guzzled fuel like it was stoned and had the munchies. Mopeds are very economical, as one tank of gas takes you 300 miles and it doesn't need to be registered or insured. I was terrified for him. I refused to ride the thing, even though it only went 35 mph downhill with wind pushing it. Finally, after months of nagging, prodding, and finally daring me; he got me to ride on the back of it. I was terrified of any and every vehicle that drove near us. When we reached our destination I had changed. I saw that it was no longer the death-trap that I had always been led to believe, but a wonderful, liberating piece of equipment.
We had the yellow Yamaha moped for three years before the accident that reaffirmed my fears. I was driving behind a seasoned Harley rider; both of us obeying the traffic laws perfectly. Someone ran a red light and smashed right into the Harley rider. I got out of my car, completely in shock and petrified. I helped him as much as I could until the paramedics arrived. He survived, but I shook for the rest of the day. That could, at any time, be me.
I went home and ranted at my husband to get rid of the unsafe moped, retelling the story of the accident in as much gory detail as I could; even adding to it. He wisely ignored me. It took me another 6 months for me to ride again.
The first time I got on the back of our moped, I thought I was going to vomit from fear. By the time I reached the first light, I remembered how much fun it was to ride. That was the day I vowed to never let fear control my life again. I refused to drive my car for that entire summer. I rode the moped instead. I loved it. It was liberating, exciting, amazing. I was in heaven. I was always sad for winter, as it was too cold to ride. I made a cover for it so that it wouldn't get damaged from the elements. I washed it, I learned how to change the oil. I loved that moped.
During a nice spring day, I rode it to my first job then parked it in it's spot so that I could nap for a few hours before my second job. I was going to a shady neighborhood, it was night, so I took my car. I remember leaving and thinking that it was odd that my husband had taken the moped, so I called him. He had no idea what I was talking about.
During the four hours I was home, someone had stolen our moped.
I was devastated. I filed a police report, filed a complaint in our apartment complex, called everyone I knew. Nothing.
Last year, we upgraded to motorcycles. I was the proud owner of a blue Kawasaki ER-6N, thanks entirely to the moped that my husband forced me to ride. While I have never forgotten those fun Summer days on the back of my moped, I let go of the sadness at losing it that those memories brought.
Two days ago I got the strangest call. The police pulled someone over riding our stollen moped. We picked it up from the tow place yesterday. It was a bittersweet day as I was so excited at finally getting something back that meant so much to me, but sad because they had completely destroyed it. The seat flops all over the place, the lights are held on by tape, it's missing one mirror, the exhaust smokes.
I will never fully understand the capability people have to destroy the joy in another.
I am forever grateful to that officer for finding my moped; reuniting me to the physical thing that helped to open my heart to the possibilities that growing past your fears can bring. Had I never ridden that moped, I would still be stuck in the life I had; afraid to venture out of my comfort zones. It liberated me. I am now unencumbered by fear of the unknown.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
YEA!
Choice is officially available in paperback at CreateSpace.com and Amazon.com! I have posted links to the right.
I also thought it would be nice to post a link to my first review. Here it is.
http://ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com/search/label/Adult%20Romance
Thanks again K for taking the time to do this for me! I hope this helps anyone on the fence about reading Choice. Changed has started and will hopefully come out late fall. Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
Happy Reading!
I also thought it would be nice to post a link to my first review. Here it is.
http://ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com/search/label/Adult%20Romance
Thanks again K for taking the time to do this for me! I hope this helps anyone on the fence about reading Choice. Changed has started and will hopefully come out late fall. Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!
Happy Reading!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)