10 Things People Say...

A list of things that people say to you once they find out you're a novelist. As a novelist, some of these questions get a little old, and insulting, Here on this blog, I will provide the snarky responses I usually am scared to say face to face!


1. You're STILL writing your book? Geeze, how long does it take to write one book?


It's going to take as long as it takes. How about asking George R.R. Martin about it?!?!


2. Must be nice not to have a real job.


As if creating people, places, plots, and prose out of nothing was not hard work! Why don't you try it?!


3. Writing doesn't sound too difficult.


See above snarky comment.


4. I always thought I'd write a book, maybe later when I have some time.


If you want something bad enough, you can't just sit around and "wait to have some time". Guess what, that time doesn't just show up magically. You have to carve it out, and use whatever amount you get to its fullest.


5. A degree in Creative Writing is a thing?


Yes. The amount of money paid, and the piece of paper on my wall prove it. Not to mention the hours of blood, sweat, and tears.


6. So when are you getting published?


When it's polished and done. Even then if I pursue traditional publishing it may never see the light of day and sit in a slush pile.


7. Can you put me in one of your books?


No. But if you keep bugging me you may have a slight appearance in the murder mystery I'll start.


8. Can I have a copy when it's done?


Yes. There's this neat social system where we trade pieces of paper for goods and services.


9. Aren't you just a professional liar?  You do just tell stories all day.


Ah, no. No I am not. I create complete worlds, magic and government systems, people, and plots. Much different from lying.


10. Tell me everything about your book!


See comment on #8.




Now, these are the things that strangers have said in ignorance once they learn I'm a novelist. If someone was genuinely interested, or not talking down, I love to have conversations with people about writing and books. My writing group often has lively discussions about trends, publishing, and plots. Even my husband and I volley ideas around. But that is in a sincere and interested way. Any other tone will be met with a tight smile, and a quick but polite answer.

A Few of My Favorite Things...

As it's a month away from my birthday I thought I would list a few of my favorite foods!


1. Taco's- Why? Because they are awesome, delicious, and I can cram 'em, full of lettuce and tomato for a more filling dinner/lunch.


2. Burgers/brats- Why? Who doesn't love grilling out on a weekend night? Smelling the grill going, fresh fruit, and a drink of your choice. Nothing says summer and fun like burgers and brats, even in the middle of winter!


3. Fruit.- Why? I love fruit. All the different varieties are amazing, there really is something for everyone, in every season. Fresh peaches or strawberries over French vanilla ice cream is one of my favorite desserts. And of course who doesn't love watermelon in the summer!


4. Pistachios- Why? I don't have the foggiest clue as to why I've been having a food craving. I must be lacking in some vitamin or something to make me want them so much!.


5. Chocolate- Why? Do I really have to explain this one?!?!?!


6. Pancakes- Why? There is no wrong way to enjoy pancakes. Fruit, syrup, whipped cream, chocolate chips, butterscotch, cherry...the list goes on and on with what you can do with pancakes. I eat them for dinner sometimes as an easy way out instead of making a bigger meal.

Author Event!

I was lucky enough to be a part of the West Allis Library's first Wisconsin Author Festival on Saturday!

It was a lot bigger than they expected with roughly 30 authors attending to sell their books. This time, as it was my third author festival/book selling event, I was much better prepared.
I took candy, stickers, personalized bags, and even a few dragon figurines! 

I of course had to bring Toothless, as he's my favorite, and I added the little Drogon funko pop that usually sits on my desk. They both attracted attention, especially Toothless and the candy dish. I had many conversations with kids over him and the How To Train Your Dragon movies. It was actually fun to hear them talk about why they liked the movies, and what they thought about the characters!

The stickers were also a big hit, and not only with the kids like I thought they would be! Even the adults thought they were cool. And of course, people liked the design of my business cards. I mean who could blame them? There's books on them!

I had some great people stop by, and had some great conversations. I only sold one book, but so many people took stickers and business cards, and I was able to tell them that the books are free with Kindle Unlimited that I'm hoping I see an uptick in downloads.

While there I struck up conversation with the author next to me, Kelly Risser. She was awesome and made the time go by much faster! She's a YA/NA author with an urban fantasy series out that utilizes Celtic folklore. I can't wait to start reading! Please go check her and her books out!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kar2b
Website: http://www.kellyrisser.com/

March (BONUS) Review- Self-Published Book

SURPRISE!! There's a bonus book review up this month! :)
There were just so many good self published books on my TBR shelf I couldn't help myself! Flames of Auriel is a new romance-fantasy book that was just released January 26 of this year. It was Erin Bedford's debut novel. The links to purchase, Good Reads, and Erin's social media will be below after the review. There's even a chance to win a FREE SIGNED copy!


The book blurb:
When living in a world where the prince isn’t always charming, the princess has a mean right hook, and angels are worshiped like gods, love isn’t always easy to find.

Zoe has never been the lady-like princess she's read about in fairy-tales, even with her very own handsome prince to sweep her off her feet. She doesn't know what she dislikes more, his arrogant smirk or the way his grey eyes darken when they fight. Angels help him if he thinks he could tame her.

Asher won't admit it, but he admires the fighting style of his warrior princess. She reminds him of an avenging angel the way her fiery hair whips around her as she takes out her challengers. Dark One help him, but she is as tough an opponent on the battlefield as she is off.

With unknown and unwanted feelings starting to emerge between the two royals, a single goodbye turns into a frantic search for a missing princess. Asher has to find the one woman he never thought he’d miss and keep his kingdom safe from an old enemy. If he fails, the angels may not forgive him this time.  


Sounds exciting, right? I was so pumped to read this book I even had the shipping expedited from Amazon! (So this review is completely honest and not influenced from receiving a free copy as I paid for it myself.)


*WARNING*WARNING* WARNING*WARNING*WARNING*WARNING*WARNING*


There is literally no way for me to talk about this book without talking about topics and plot points that are spoiler-y in nature. So if the above looks interesting, please go read the book first. I MEAN IT!


I'll just wait right here...
...
...
...
...


OK? Ready to start?


Sweet!


The story opens with the arranged marriage between Princess Zoella, and Prince Asher. Many years ago there was a war (the Celestial War) that forced Zoella's father -King Brom- to assist Asher's. Sadly Asher lost his father, and their kingdom lost a great king. After this war, the Angels became upset and took away their blessings of special powers to their people. In order to strengthen the alliances and borders against another invasion, the widowed Queen Marie, and King Brom arrange to have their children married when they come of age.


Talk about setting up the story with punch and tension! Sadly, I am a huge fan of the movie The Swan Princess and it felt like the beginning was an "adult" version. The plot even had the princess missing for a chunk of the book as in the movie. I had the songs from that movie playing in my head...ugh. Oh well. Having an arranged marriage where the people involved hate the idea is a great way to increase tension, especially when the safety of large amounts of people are at risk.


So lets dive in to characterization. While I enjoyed the story, and couldn't wait to see what happened next, I am not in love with any of the main characters. Zoella is the brash, headstrong, tomboy princess, and Asher is the strong-willed, snotty, conniving prince. They argue a lot. No, that's not going to work...ALOT. Even after they admit they have feelings for each other, they constantly poke and prod and make the other upset. This bothered me quite a bit. I get it, they bump heads. That doesn't mean that they are allowed to argue over everything and purposely upset the other.


Some of their interactions bordered on abusive. Including a scene where Asher nearly forces himself upon her. It was a very hard scene to read as it was almost a rape scene. I understand what Bedford was going for. She wanted high tension, and to show that these two characters were essentially the same, but I felt at times it was over the top. One such example that sticks out:


Asher wants Zoe to confirm her feelings for him. So he arranges for one of his little whores to get caught providing a service for him in the training supply room where he knows Zoe is bound to find them. This I felt was a classless move, and if it hadn't happened I might have grown to like him. But as it stands I really don't feel bad for him when things go south in the book.


The only character that I really loved was Rebekah. She is the gypsy that helps Zoe hide in plain sight as a knife throwing act under the name "Josephine" or "Joe". She is spunky, has attitude in buckets, and in my opinion is a complete scene stealer! I can't wait to read more about her.


The world building is done very well. Angels that are "assigned" a kingdom to protect is an amazing concept! I wanted to know more. Especially about the Fire Starters and how they functioned before Auriel took away their power! I imagine them being something like a Fire Bender from Avatar the Last Air Bender. How many other regions and kingdoms have special abilities?!?! I must know!


The political intrigue was strong, but not overwhelming like in The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. I actually liked it. When a story gets too in depth with political movements I get bored and skim. I not once skimmed this book. I rapidly absorbed everything, and eagerly await to see how the entire story plays out!


The voice of this novel was strong throughout. Though at times it was hard to follow the story when Bedford shifted out of characters heads at will. While Asher and Zoe are the main characters, in the span of two pages the reader shifts between four characters POV without any kind of warning. It was a bit disruptive and made me read a few pages twice as I got confused as to whose mind I was in and who was speaking.


Overall I really enjoyed this book! I think it is a great debut novel, and I can't wait to preorder the others!!


I am giving this story a 3.5 out of 5 stars, as well as a PG-13 rating due to the fighting and sexual content.


Erin is doing a giveaway now through the 23rd for a FREE signed copy! Please follow the link below and enter to win!!
http://erinbedford.com/giveaway
You can reach out to Erin Bedford, and order this book through the links below!
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27227149-flames-of-auriel
Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Flames-Auriel-Caeles-Adventure-1/dp/1517089220/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Website- http://www.erinbedford.com/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/erin_bedford

4 Challenges Writers Face- Negative Feedback

Oh, man. If a quiet audience can make you nervous, a negative review or remark can send ice through a writers veins. Your stomach twists, and you only hope that other people either do not find the same mistake, or they don't agree with a bad review.


My first ever two star review on Goodreads was actually from a co-worker. Before I saw what he had rated it, I asked him what he thought about the book. The words came out slowly, and he didn't meet my eyes. It felt like the floor had dropped out from under me. Before his review I had three 5 star reviews on Amazon. Other people had loved it, so why hadn't he?


First off, it wasn't that he didn't like it. He just thought that it was geared more towards a YA audience than an adult one. Okay, I could see where he was coming from, the characters are only 18,19, and 20. Another gripe was that he felt there wasn't enough emphasis on the world building like in other traditional fantasies. Hmm, well I had actually made it a goal to have this book be enjoyable and non-intimidating to those unfamiliar with traditional fantasy. And of course, he had found typos.


So why did this affect me so much? How can one negative review hurt my entire outlook on writing?


Because I took it as a reflection of my worth as a human. I took it personally. Honestly, it is difficult not to take criticism on your work personally. It takes untold hours to plot, craft characters, world build, write, revise, edit, and design a cover. Writers by default end up putting a lot of themselves into their work. On the one hand this is a great aspect to the craft, and on the other, well it kind of sucks. You feel like every person now has a say in your personal writing life. Often, I have seen people give up their passion for writing over one negative review.


I have found the best way to get over a negative response, is a multi step process.

Go ahead and cry. I said it! Cry. Get the frustration and sadness out. If you don't it will fester and show up in other aspects of your life, or even worse- your current project!


Commiserate with a friend or loved one. Preferably someone who has known what went into producing the book.


Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and keep on writing.


As hard as it is, with the passage of time and producing more writing, you grow a thicker skin. You also come to realize both in your head and your heart, that you will not make everyone who reads your book happy. And that is NOT your job. Your job is to write the story that only you can write. Art is a subjective medium, and writing is no exception.


I promise, it does get easier with time.

9 Truths, and 1 Lie

Let's play a game... Below are 9 truths and 1 lie. See if you can figure out which is which. Comment down below with your guess!


1. I come from a military family.


2. I have been to Hawaii.


3. It is physically difficult to leave a bookstore without making a purchase.


4. I started this blog partly to promote my work.


5. I have owned two horses and two chinchillas.


6. I prefer living in the country.


7. I am a native of Wisconsin.


8. I can speak three languages.


9. I met my husband for the first time at a Starbucks, where he proposed to me a month later.


10. Ever since going to the British Isles, I am convinced I belong over there.


Good Luck!

4 Challenges Writers Face- Quiet Audience

Everyone has that fear, that dreaded dream, where you stand up in front of a group of people and something goes awry. Either you're missing a piece of clothing, people boo and heckle, electronics fail, or the audience is completely silent, almost like no one is there at all. This is the worst fear of a writer who is putting their work out there. Will anyone like it? Will they share it with friends? Will they leave a review so that the book is easier to find for other people?


Let me tell you, this is a big challenge I face. Every week I put up two blogs, and once a month I post a book review. And every week I see the consistently high views and reads, but no one really comments.


I hear about people that are interested in my book, or have read it and liked it. But I don't see the same return on reviews. I often wonder, is anyone out there reading my work? Is it worth the time, money, blood, sweat, and tears it takes to put one of my books out there?


Despite the hardships, challenges, and doubts...my answer is a resounding YES.


Now, this does not mean that I am over the hills happy all the time. In fact I have to fight through the doubts when the audience is silent and the auditorium seems empty. The best piece of information I can give someone who is building their audience, is to not give up. Keep posting your blog. Keep tweeting and instagraming both personal and professional aspects to your life. Go to conferences, go to signings, host an author event- even if only a handful of people show up. Then it's just more intimate, and you can express and share things easier.


And when you do learn about someone who loves your work (almost) as much as you do? Cherish them! Re-read the good reviews and positive comments. Hopefully you have built your own cheerleading section, and surrounded yourself with people who not only care about your work, but also you. These people can and will lift you up when you are feeling down. They will be the ones to remind you that this is not a sprint, but a marathon. Lean on them. I can't even tell you how many times my husband has been my rock when things are quiet.


Just keep posting, keep putting both yourself and your work out there. The people will come once they realize you are active, that you respond to them, and that you continue to put out good quality books.


Stay the course, and keep on writing!

March Review - Self Published Book

Cat, Charmed  is the second in the Whitfield Witch series by sisters Christine Cacciatore and Jennifer Starkman. After finishing Baylyn, Bewtiched I could not wait to start the second book. It did not disappoint!


The synopsis from Amazon:
Cat is a woman who loves control. Her world is turned upside down when she is suddenly gifted with magical powers she did not ask for. Her control shattered, she turns to the one thing she insists she doesn't need in her life--hot, handsome Devin Hughes. Despite his playboy ways, he's working his way into her heart...a heart she didn't know could love, or trust, again. Is he attracted to her because of her wayward spell? Or could it be, just maybe, she's ready for the love she deserves?




This book centers around Baylyn's best friend Cat, who thanks to events in the first book, is now a witch. Becoming a witch sounds like a good thing, until it goes haywire. Cat has an affinity for making a chair into a praying mantis, and when she spells for cheese a little Frenchman shows up as well.


Unfortunately thanks to how she got the powers, and her backstory, everything is not what it seems and she struggles. I really resonated with Cat as I have control issues, and was once in an abusive relationship. Granted, I was never physically hurt, nor was I married to the guy, but I saw some of myself in Cat. Because of this connection I felt more for Cat than I did for Baylyn. I really liked that it was more than "fun and games" in this book. While this book was once again a light hearted, easy read, it touched on some larger, darker issues.


I loved that they brought Reynard back, what an ass! I was wondering where he slunk off to. And having Bud in it? That was fantastic and leant an edge of danger to the books.  I like that everything is not fluff, there are some aspects to this book that make it much more than just a silly romance.


What I didn't love was how short the book was! The book covers an entire year, yet is small enough to read in one sitting. (Probably like 4-6 hours depending on how fast you read) The chapters are short, and they keep you moving. I would have much preferred to see more of the characters than what we are allowed to see. I also wanted to see more of Baylyn and Declan. I know this isn't their book, but I would have loved to see more of how they worked things out.


The romance and relationship between Cat and Devin is awesome, and so realistic. People really do mess up, misinterpret, and overreact in the moment. Again, I wanted to see more at the end of who things are going to go.


These books would make an awesome hallmark movie! I would totally watch it over and over again. I can't wait to read the next in the series, Elise, Evermore when it comes out. I highly recommend these books if someone wants a good read that will suck you in, and leave you feeling light at the end.


5/5 stars from me!


The link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JD03I8Y/ref=x_gr_w_visstd_sin_t1_control_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_visstd_sin_t1_control_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JD03I8Y&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Write what you know?

The old adage for writers goes "Write what you know".
But is this really true? After all people write historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction. So have they been to and lived in all the places they are writing about? What about a writer that lives in rural Minnesota writing about gangs in New York during the prohibition? How could they possibly have knowledge on that?


For me, that advice should be taken with a grain of salt. If everyone was pigeon holed into writing what they knew, we'd never have great epics like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars. Even Outlander and Game of Thrones. (pause for gasps) People would instead write solely about everyday life like getting groceries, checking the mail, and the commute to and from work. Not that any of that would need to be boring, it just would all be similar in locations.


Writing what you know can be a very fluid idea. Researching something thoroughly can make someone an expert. Especially if they use credible sources, or speak with an expert in that field. For myself in the Ryder Chronicles, I researched swords. I learned about the different styles, why they are shaped the way they are. How to find one that has the right balance for you, as well as a length and shape that matches your fighting style. There is a sequence in Across the Sea and Hills where there is a forging of two swords. I literally spent hours not only on the internet, but also in books. I hope it comes across in the book, the hours that were spent researching that one aspect. When a writer is equipped with knowledge, even if it isn't blatantly in the story, it bleeds through and creates a richness that the reader can pick up on. I always have more notes than what actually gets put into the stories. It helps me as the author.


One of the most poorly researched devices in fantasy novels are horses. I have found so many errors when it comes to the description, and use of horses in especially fantasy novels. Such as: describing the colors incorrectly, the breed, horses can't run all day and all night for days on end, most of them do not form close bonds with their riders over a short period of time-like any relationship it takes time and work to gain their trust.


So should you only "write what you know?" The answer is both yes and no. Take the time to research, really get in depth with something if you haven't had experience with it before. But also if you know characterization inside out and backwards- have the characters and their actions shine through!


As always, keep writing!

4 Challenges Writers Face- Feeling Overwhelmed and Anxiety

Welcome back! Or at least I hope that you decided to come back to my blog after last week's part one in a four part series. And if you're new, well an extra welcome to you! In part one I discussed the challenge of distractions, and in part two the topics are feeling overwhelmed and dealing with anxiety.


Sometimes during the writing and creating process we get so lost, that it can be jarring to have the real world come knocking at the door. Or even to realize just how much you have to get done before a deadline approaches. This is completely normal. Having a stress response is a natural thing. It's what makes us pay bills, have a job, buy groceries. But when that response goes haywire? It can really mess with your head!


So how do you combat it?


When I am feeling overwhelmed, I make a list of everything that has to get done. This is best done on paper where you can see it, but after doing it so long, I can do it in my head. Once you have that list, go ahead and rank the tasks with different levels of importance from A-C, A is the highest, C is the lowest. By putting everything out on paper you are making the intangible thoughts and worries tangible. In this manner you are better able to attack what needs to be done in the best and most logical way possible.


Seeing everything laid and seeing that, hey the dishes/laundry/anything else could wait another hour, brings a sense of peace. By having a "game plan" on how to attack the list of things that need to get done, I usually feel calmer. I know where to start, and know down to brass tacks what at the very least needs to get done. The rest of the list? I will get to the other items as soon as possible, but I attack the "A" items first and see how much time is left.


Sometimes even this isn't enough to ease my anxiety. At that point I will make a cup of tea, usually peppermint or spearmint. I literally give myself a time out. Most times I only need five to ten minutes, but use which ever amount of time you think will work best. During this "time out" I concentrate on my breathing, and focus only on one task at a time. I mentally outline how I will work on the issues or tasks one at a time. After my time is up, and  I am not feeling anxious or overwhelmed, I get back to work with clarity. Many times I can actually get though the task list much quicker after taking a "time out" as my mind is better able to focus.


What about you? How do you deal with feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed?
Please share them down below!