Super Lovin'!
We all need some super lovin'.
Come visit me at Jay Mims where we're chatting about the best of the super couples!
Come visit me at Jay Mims where we're chatting about the best of the super couples!
Dating and Updates
Today I'm over at Donna K. Weaver's discussing how publishing is a bit like dating.
We all know...dating is hard!
Remember to visit Donna and comment! I'm tallying up the comments for a swag pack winner :)
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1. My boys are coming home from college this weekend.
2. I bought a carafe for my coffee. Now I can keep a whole pot warm and within arms length.
3. My Facebook street team is up and running! Thanks to Sonya Hedricks for organizing it.
GOALS UPDATE:
2015 Goals: Publish two books: on track! Defying Reason is out. Hoosier Daddy drafted and ready for edits. Master marketing: Facebook Street team is up and running (repeats are ok, right?) More book events: Signed up for a book fair in Weirton, WV in May and having a book chat at a retirement home in March. |
Diamonds and Book Fests
Today I am off to visit Amanda Porter to talk about diamonds...they weren't always the chosen girl's best friend.
And you'll want to check this out:
Not only is Amanda a talented writer, she's also one of the hosts of the Rocket City Lit Fest this fall with fellow author, Ashley Chappell Peeples.
If you'll be anywhere near the Huntsville, Alabama, you'll want to check out this exciting book festival.
Oh Baby!
Today I am over at Crystal Colliers telling some pregnancy truths and a lie. Since Crystal will be heading off for her maternity leave soon (so exciting!!), we're doing a special baby shower give away!
BOOK SALE!!
Get your copy HERE!The fabulous Banie Lee's book is FREE!!!
It's already hit #62 in paranormal urban/sci-fi/fantasy. Let's watch it go lower!
I got my copy :)
The Blurb:
When fifteen-year-old Kylie and Camden meet at the Southeastern Ohio portal to the realm of Inswandi, Camden is torn. It is Camden’s purpose as a Watcher to protect humans, which means keeping Jud and the Obsidians sealed within the realm of Inswandi. Yet, the Obsidians whisper to Kylie to open it while she sleepwalks.
During the day, Camden’s teenage group Team White Star patrols near the covert Arch compound disguised in their shifted form as deer. Unbeknownst to Camden and his team, his Inswandi ancestors take a first kiss very seriously. The Mate Mark has the same meaning as an engagement ring, and it has unexpectedly restarted on earth. The appearance of more colored circles upon one’s arm could mean an eternal bond has been made.
To add to Camden’s troubles, the Watcher leaders prepare to host the annual July Jubilee. Watchers from the other seven compounds will come to the Arch for a one-week celebration. Consequently, this will leave the Arch vulnerable to uninvited guests, like Jud, a former Watcher turned Obsidian, and his followers. The shape shifting coyotes, Jud’s followers, constantly pursue the team during their break from training. They want the keys to open the portal. If Camden’s team fails to stop Jud in his quest to open the portal, the Obsidians will enslave humankind.
Science of Love
I'm at Dr. Faerie Godmother's Blog to discuss the science of love...I think.
Remember to go there and comment for a chance to win an autographed book and a swag pack!
Blog Tour Rolls On!
Today I am at Rachel Schieffelbein's discussing the relationship between writing and boxing.Come on over...comment for a chance to win an autographed book and swag pack!
Self-Editing
It's a new day on the blog tour. Sia McKye and Medeia Shariff were nice enough to invite me over, so I wrote posts about something. Crazy thing is, I don't remember what. I could check my outbox and see what gems I sent, but it's after midnight and honestly, I'm all for calling it the mystery post day.
*Remember to go and comment...I am keeping track!
Welcome C. Lee McKenzie!
Lee is one awesome writer. Her stories aren't just emotion, angst filled looks at teen life, they have beautiful imagery with a style so perfect and clean, when I heard Lee was going to be promoting her book, I asked her to share some of her editing advice. A wise professor once told me that if you want to learn...ask someone who has mastered the task, and Lee has a masterful technique.
C. Lee on Self-Editing
Writing, as any one who writes books knows, is really all about re-writing. Those first drafts may be inspiring, but they’re flying on one wing. You’ve got to knuckle down and edit and edit and edit if you want to soar.
Martina Boone’s The Over-Do-Er’s Editing Checklist is great. She has broken her list into four different sections:
- Structure
- Point of View
- Showing Instead of Telling
- Characterization
- Setting and Writing Mechanics
Here’s a book that’s been helpful for a lot of writers. You might find this helpful because it comes from a well-experienced editor, Renni Browne. She was former senior editor at William Morrow, and also held editing positions at several publishings firms.
The one thing I’ll add to all of the self-editing information is don’t rely on yourself. If you spend any money on anything it should be a good editor. I learned the hard way and my first Indie book was riddled with errors. Well, not riddled, but I didn’t like what I found when I opened the print version. You may never have perfection, but you should strive for it. Set the bar high.
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| AMAZON |
There's nothing’s more dangerous than a wizard-in-training. And Pete Riley, has just proven it. He's worked a bad time spell--a very bad time spell.
No YouTube, no smoothies, no Manga. Not ever again. Not unless Pete figures out how to reverse his spell and free Weasel and him from Victorian England.
He has until the next full moon. Only a few days.
Tick. Tock.
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Usually, C. Lee takes on modern issues that today's teens face in their daily lives. Her first young adult novel, Sliding on the Edge, which dealt with cutting and suicide was published in 2009. Her second, titled The Princess of Las Pulgas, dealing with a family who loses everything and must rebuild their lives came out in 2010. Double Negative (2014) was her third young adult novel. Researching it turned her into a literacy advocate. Her fourth YA, Sudden Secrets came out in December 2014.
When she really want to have FUN, she writes middle grade books. Alligators Overhead and The Great Time Lock Disaster are now available.
The most positive blog hop around is the Celebrate Small Things hosted by Lexa Cain. Sign up HERE! to keep the positive spirit up.
What small things am I celebrating?
1. All my blog tour hosts for this week! So many offered, you all are probably getting tired of seeing me!
2. My high school kids only had one day of school this week. Snow days and too-cold-to-go-to-school days are fun.
3. I have a street team leader! I was talking marketing with my cousin, Sonya, and she offered to help. All I have to do in return is offer her eternal gratitude. I can handle that!
Dirty Laundry
Today I'm headed to Tara Tyler's for some laundry talk. Tara and I are both raising lots of boys. Combined we have enough for a basketball team, and if we throw our husbands in the mix, we can field a baseball team.
Head on over and say hi...most frequent commenter on the tour wins the autographed book/swag pack...and no, I'm not just declaring Alex Cavanaugh the presumptive winner.
Two Lovely Ladies...One Crazy Guy
This is the plan for today- three stops. Yes, three. But they're all worthy stops.At Kristin Smith's at Swords and Stilettos, we're talking kids' views on love. Let me tell you, they have more clarity than most adults.
At YA writer, Stephanie Faris, I'm giving my justifications on why romance novels will not rot young minds.
And finally, at Michael D'Agostino at A Life Examined, I have grabbed that gauntlet he tossed down and scribbled my flash fiction on it. You guys did your best work with your pink corsets and body hair, but you forget how twisted my brain is.
Speaking of twisted brains...can you believe Michael allowed me to take over his blog? Like seriously, I could have posted whatever I wanted. I behaved myself, though. Michael's too nice a guy to go posting those pictures I have of him in his tutu. On second thought...Michael is just as crazy as I am, he probably wouldn't have minded at all. If only I really had some....
I am so grateful to all my hosts today! Cookies for all. Or shall we indulge in the cleaner, Sesame Street approved version of rice cakes?
*Remember, top commenter (I'm counting...old school like...it's very impressive) for the autographed book/swag pack give away.
Sweet Sounds of Character
Today I am over at Angela Brown's talking about the power of the influence music can have over our muses.
Since the Valentine's Give away is over (Congrats to Emma B.!), I'm going to add a prize pack to the tour. For an autographed copy of Defying Reason with swag pack, comment at each tour stop for a chance to win. The more often you comment, the more chances of winning. Winner will be chosen at random.
Everyday I'm Shuffling!
Today I'm hanging out with my sci-fi Fantasy friends!
I'm over at Alex Cavanaugh's with a how to be a writer rolling in the Simoleons.
And I'm over at Ashley Chappell's with my favorite Star Wars lines.
Yep, that's two stops...I'm shufflin...
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day!!
I'm a little embarrassed because I got my days all messed up and thought Valentine's Day was tomorrow. Fortunately, I live in a house of men who weren't offended that I had no gifts. Guys really are good about that. They don't really sweat the small stuff. Offer to make them wings and red meat and they forgive the negligent.
And forgetting what day it was also had me forgetting to link my posts right.
Today I'm at Annalisa Crawford's talking about some of the worst/best romantic couples in literature. And I'm at R. Mac Wheeler's sharing some of the teasers I made for Defying Reason's launch.
Interesting. Very Interesting.
The blog tour continues. For your convenience, I turned off comments. I'd rather chat with you over at Lisa Regan's! Lisa is a mystery writer who has a thing for strange plot twists and bizarre characters, so I sent her a post about a gal with two woo-hoos who fell for a guy with two winky-dinks. True story.And I'm at Melissa Maygrove's sharing some delightful tidbit of information that has totally slipped my mind. I blame the cold. It's so cold here, I went to the book store to sign books for a few hours, when I left, my van doors had frozen shut.
I'm meant to stay inside on cold, cold days. Enjoy this link. It's short and seriously funny. Made me think of Jo Wake...not that Jo would ever tangle with the police, but because she lives in Canada.
Later guys! Chat with you over at Lisa and Melissa's!
And don't forget to sign up for this give away!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Happy Book Birthday!!
It's my fifth book. This is the book I'll forget to take pictures of and it will grow up wondering why there are so many of the first book. But don't worry, little book, I love all my books the same.
Today, Michael D'Agostino at A Life Examined has set me up with an awesome challenge. Commenters are invited to leave a prompt. Then I'll use all the suggestions to write up a short story, which Michael will share next week. So, head on over to Michael's and see if you can add some more crazy to the story!
While you're there...be sure you're following Michael's blog. He's all sorts of entertaining. I mean who else could come up with such an idea?
And don't forget to sign up for the Valentine give away. See the whole list of books up for grabs Here!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Trading Places!
I'm swapping blogs with the fabulous Jamie Ayres! I'm headed that way now, but before I go....
Did you see the awesome give away Rachel Schieffelbein put together? There are some really great books up for the taking.
Now, here's Jamie with a post I need to print and frame!!
18 Reasonable Thoughts
Greetings, fellow book nerds! I’m YA author Jamie Ayres, and I’m sooo excited to announce that 18 Thoughts, the final book in the My So-Called Afterlife trilogy, is finally available from Curiosity Quills Press! Toss the virtual confetti, because it’s been three years in the making (and virtual confetti is a lot less messy).
While I’m in the midst of my six week marketing campaign, this is Elizabeth’s Book Birthday Eve for Defying Reason. Yep, you heard me right . . . Defying Reason releases tomorrow! Who’s excited?! I know I am, and to celebrate, we’ve decided to switch blogs today. She’s over at mine talking about 18 Thoughts That Defy Reason...or as she puts it, thoughts that make her brain go hmm. And let me tell you, they are HILARIOUS, so make sure you check them out here! In the meantime, since Olga (my main character in my trilogy) is a huge nerd and so am I, today I want to share 18 Reasonable Thoughts that I borrowed from three nerdy characters who I love: Spock from Star Trek, Detective Sherlock Holmes, and Sheldon from Big Bang Theory. Enjoy . . .
- "Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end."
- "Change is the essential process of all existence."
- "I would remind you, though, that the word for 'decide' is descended from older words meaning to kill; options and opportunities die when decisions are made. Be careful what you kill."
- "Accept death - by understanding that every life comes to an end, when time demands it. Loss of life is to be mourned, but only if the life was wasted."
- "Irrational fear is a construct of an undisciplined intellect."
- "Computers make excellent and efficient servants - but I have no wish to serve under them."
- "It is the lot of 'man' to strive, no matter how content he is."
- "Each of us at some time in our life turns to someone, a father, a brother, a God and asks, Why am I here? What was I meant to be?"
- "We must acknowledge once and for all that the purpose of diplomacy is to prolong a crisis."
- "Having is not so pleasing as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true.
- "It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important."
- "It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts."
- "The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes."
- “The emotional qualities are antagonistic to clear reasoning.”
- “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
- "Any truth is better than indefinite doubt."
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Which of these thoughts did you find most reasonable? Comment for your chance to win an ebook bundle of ALL 3 NOVELS in my trilogy J
About Jamie Ayres:
Jamie Ayres writes young adult love stories by night and teaches young adults as an English teacher by day. When not at home on her laptop or at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing random children and reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this. Her My So-Called Afterlife trilogy includes 18 Things, 18 Truths, and 18 Thoughts. Visit her website at www.jamieayres.com.
Potpourri of Goodness
If you don't have this book yet, grab it now!
4.8 stars out of 5 with 78 reviews... Melissa Maygrove's debut story is one excellent story about a young woman, Rebecca, who gets stranded by her wagon train going west and is rescued by a young (hot) cowboy, Seth.
When a young writer is kidnapped by a man who can't be seen, her only hope of escape rests on the one London cop who believes in ghosts.
On a cold, white, before-Christmas day, an assassin completes a job only to be pursued by police.
On a cold, white, before-Christmas day, an assassin completes a job only to be pursued by police.
Dodging through crowded city streets, the assassin nabs a young woman for cover.
Assigned to the homicide case, Detective Alban Thain, of the Metropolitan Police, suspects an assassin he calls the Wraith. The problem is, only Thain believes the assassin exists. Disregarding the consequences, Thain, who is the only one who believes there is a connection between the murder and the kidnapping, will do whatever it takes to exploit the Wraith’s first and only mistake: the kidnapping of an innocent bystander—if she is innocent.
Available now in ebook and soft cover on Amazon.About the Author:
Lisa is a mother, wife, sister, and daughter, has waited tables, been a dental assistant, teacher, journalist, gardener and architectural administrative assistant. She's traveled in Europe, New Zealand, and the US. French and English are her languages of preference, with a little Spanish on the side. She grew up in Florida, lived four years in Georgia before moving to Texas for eighteen years. For the moment, she once again lives in Georgia. She writes full time and has completed six novels.
Lisa's links:
Facebook / Twitter / Website
Don't forget to add The Seventh Man to your Goodreads.
Rafflecopper Giveaway Link (One of 3 copies of The Seventh Man – signed by author):
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now for the Hop and Award!
* I have the first week of my blog tour posts written and sent out.
* I made teasers for Defying Reason's release (next week, btw)
* Our furnace broke during last weekend's cold snap, but my husband got it working. Yay!
* My laundry pile no longer needs a building permit.
Thanks Lexa Cain for being the awesome hostess of this hop.
It's good to count the blessings!
Facebook / Twitter / Website
Don't forget to add The Seventh Man to your Goodreads.
Rafflecopper Giveaway Link (One of 3 copies of The Seventh Man – signed by author):
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now for the Hop and Award!
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| Thanks to Cherdo on the Flipside! Excellent blog- always worth the click! |
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* I made teasers for Defying Reason's release (next week, btw)
* Our furnace broke during last weekend's cold snap, but my husband got it working. Yay!
* My laundry pile no longer needs a building permit.
Thanks Lexa Cain for being the awesome hostess of this hop.
It's good to count the blessings!
Hey Me...Get Out of the Way!
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| To visit the IWSG, click here. |
The day when members of the Insecure Writer's Support Group
share their writing struggles and offer their encouragement
and support to other members.
IWSG founder: Alex J. Cavanaugh
Our wonderful co-hosts:
Gwen Gardner, Dolorah, Sarah Foster, and M. Pax.
I have so much to get done, my head swam...just a little.
Book launch. Life. Taxes. Tis the season for it all.
Anyhow, I made a list and started powering* through. I was knocking things off and about sprained a muscle patting myself on the back, when I stopped for lunch. While noshing on my sandwich, I was reading blogs and realized....holy smokes! It's Wednesday (yes, I do lose track of days...no it's not the worst problem to have) and it's February (Really? Already?) And it's IWSG Day!!!
Now, I would never miss this. I may arrive late, with my hair a mess, but I will make it to the party.
Sooooo...
Best advice for shutting up insecure thoughts?
Well, not to sound like a Nike commercial, but~
When you have something that needs to be done, thinking is a bad thing.
Yes, thinking.
Planning is good. Problem solving is acceptable. But brooding over your failings and your lack of progress will get you NOWHERE!!
Stop it. Tell your brain to shut up. Politely.
Then make a list of all the things you need to get done and DO them!
And just so I don't sound all bossy and whip wielding, here is this:
Trust me. You're no bigger a screw up than any of the rest of us.
Now, tell yourself to get out of the way and get busy.
*you know how to power through, right? You begin at #1 on the list and you just do it. No matter how crappy (like tax stuff) or boring (like tax stuff)...you just get it done and mark it off the list.
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