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!
Friday, March 11, 2016
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
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!
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!
Sunday, March 6, 2016
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
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
Friday, March 4, 2016
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!
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!
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
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!
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!
Friday, February 26, 2016
4 Challenges Writers Face- Distractions
Welcome to a new series! This will be a four part series outlining four challenges that writers face, and how I have learned to cope with them.
Up first? Distractions!
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes, and can be external or internal in origin. Most of the time I get distracted by either the internet or the TV. Since I don't have children yet, I don't have many tips of working around them. The only three I have is if they are younger work when they nap, a babysitter for a few hours, or if they're older institute a quite work time where they can color or do homework.
Many people I know use a program to turn their internet off. This doesn't work for me as I like researching things when I stumble across them in writing. I will also use playlists that are online while writing. How I get around the black hole that is the internet is to set myself time limits when writing and also time limits on how much internet time I can have. When I'm really in the groove I don't even care about spending time online, but when the writing is slower, it is much more of a distraction.
I subscribe to several YouTubers, and will often use their videos as a reward for writing for a set amount of time. I have similar constraints on the TV. My husband likes working in the living room with the TV on as background noise, but when writing it just seems to distract me. I get sucked right in to whatever show is on, and I can't get out. If this is also what happens to you, I have a tip.
Move. When he needs to be in that room to work, I leave. I love him very much, and enjoy our time together, but at that moment there is a big distraction when I want to get work done. Since I have a laptop, I move into the office. Most often I write in the living room on the couch, I know- it can lead to bad posture- but the office is always colder than the rest of the apartment for some strange reason.
When I really need to get some serious work done I will shut myself away, plug in the earbuds to drown out the noise from the TV, and get lost in the world I'm writing in. Often there are sweatshirts, blankets, hot tea, and even fingerless gloves involved. But sometimes you just have to set your time aside. After a set amount of time, or I hit the writing/editing goal for the day, I re-emerge usually much happier than before.
What about you? Any tips for dealing with Distractions?
Stay tuned for Part 2- Feeling Overwhelmed coming soon!
Up first? Distractions!
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes, and can be external or internal in origin. Most of the time I get distracted by either the internet or the TV. Since I don't have children yet, I don't have many tips of working around them. The only three I have is if they are younger work when they nap, a babysitter for a few hours, or if they're older institute a quite work time where they can color or do homework.
Many people I know use a program to turn their internet off. This doesn't work for me as I like researching things when I stumble across them in writing. I will also use playlists that are online while writing. How I get around the black hole that is the internet is to set myself time limits when writing and also time limits on how much internet time I can have. When I'm really in the groove I don't even care about spending time online, but when the writing is slower, it is much more of a distraction.
I subscribe to several YouTubers, and will often use their videos as a reward for writing for a set amount of time. I have similar constraints on the TV. My husband likes working in the living room with the TV on as background noise, but when writing it just seems to distract me. I get sucked right in to whatever show is on, and I can't get out. If this is also what happens to you, I have a tip.
Move. When he needs to be in that room to work, I leave. I love him very much, and enjoy our time together, but at that moment there is a big distraction when I want to get work done. Since I have a laptop, I move into the office. Most often I write in the living room on the couch, I know- it can lead to bad posture- but the office is always colder than the rest of the apartment for some strange reason.
When I really need to get some serious work done I will shut myself away, plug in the earbuds to drown out the noise from the TV, and get lost in the world I'm writing in. Often there are sweatshirts, blankets, hot tea, and even fingerless gloves involved. But sometimes you just have to set your time aside. After a set amount of time, or I hit the writing/editing goal for the day, I re-emerge usually much happier than before.
What about you? Any tips for dealing with Distractions?
Stay tuned for Part 2- Feeling Overwhelmed coming soon!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
The Dangers of Being a Writer
No, this isn't going to be a satirical post about how dangerous paper cuts are. (Though I swear they are one of the worst injuries you can get.) Rather, this is concentrating on the actual dangers of sitting at a computer or desk all day.
Everyone knows, at least hopefully by now, that leading a sedentary lifestyle is not the best for our health. Sitting for longer periods of time, or general inactivity, puts people at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, being a writer means spending time not only at the computer writing, but also reading, researching, and brainstorming. Not all of us can afford, or has an inclination to have a treadmill desk, or even a standing desk. So how are we to combat all of this sitting?
If you're like me and work in an office, get up every hour. Go to the bathroom. Get a drink. Walk to the copier, or to your colleagues office instead of sending that email. Just get up and move as often as you can, but at least once an hour. Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day as well. This will help to stave off the 2pm munchies, and also give a legitimate reason to get up every hour.
Try to carve out time a few times a week to go for a walk, run, or if you're a member at a gym head there. Even if it's just a walk around the block, moving is what our bodies were made to do. It suffers when it sits too long. I have to be more vigilant on myself to make sure I get the exercise I need. Often I practice Yoga with a DVD, or lift free weights at home when the weather isn't as nice out. There is a fantastic nature preserve not far from where I live, but in the winter getting out and about seems more difficult.
If you want to have a long career as a writer it starts with taking care of yourself. Don't smoke, don't drink to excess. Sadly writers are known for their bad habits and vices.
So break the stereotype!
Eat your fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish. If you want the cookie, or a serving of chips, have them. Don't deprive yourself because that leads to binge eating. Instead have a serving, and if you're still hungry, or in a snack-y mood, have an apple or carrot sticks.
Your future works depend on what you do now.
Believe me, your future readers will thank you!
Everyone knows, at least hopefully by now, that leading a sedentary lifestyle is not the best for our health. Sitting for longer periods of time, or general inactivity, puts people at a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, being a writer means spending time not only at the computer writing, but also reading, researching, and brainstorming. Not all of us can afford, or has an inclination to have a treadmill desk, or even a standing desk. So how are we to combat all of this sitting?
If you're like me and work in an office, get up every hour. Go to the bathroom. Get a drink. Walk to the copier, or to your colleagues office instead of sending that email. Just get up and move as often as you can, but at least once an hour. Be sure to drink enough water throughout the day as well. This will help to stave off the 2pm munchies, and also give a legitimate reason to get up every hour.
Try to carve out time a few times a week to go for a walk, run, or if you're a member at a gym head there. Even if it's just a walk around the block, moving is what our bodies were made to do. It suffers when it sits too long. I have to be more vigilant on myself to make sure I get the exercise I need. Often I practice Yoga with a DVD, or lift free weights at home when the weather isn't as nice out. There is a fantastic nature preserve not far from where I live, but in the winter getting out and about seems more difficult.
If you want to have a long career as a writer it starts with taking care of yourself. Don't smoke, don't drink to excess. Sadly writers are known for their bad habits and vices.
So break the stereotype!
Eat your fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish. If you want the cookie, or a serving of chips, have them. Don't deprive yourself because that leads to binge eating. Instead have a serving, and if you're still hungry, or in a snack-y mood, have an apple or carrot sticks.
Your future works depend on what you do now.
Believe me, your future readers will thank you!
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