Rena Rocford's Blog, page 16
November 22, 2015
More from the Writing and Remodeling chronicles
Another installment of Writing and Remodeling, or in this particular case, just remodeling. Yeah, the lighting isn't that great, but it's the words that are important. Also, did you know I have a book releasing this week?
November 17, 2015
Sweet Mother of Science, it's starting!
OMG, people, I don't even know how to let you know how excited I am about this. I always dreamed that I would be friends with people who wrote amazing books. I dreamed that my colleagues would be exceptional writers, and that their books would be brilliant. Those were my dreams, and now they are coming true!!!! Today is the release of Michelle Hauck's beautiful and powerful epic fantasy, Grudging!
Title: GRUDGINGAuthor: Michelle Hauck
Pub. Date: November 17, 2015Publisher: Harper Voyager ImpulseFormat: eBookFind it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads
A world of chivalry and witchcraft…and the invaders who would destroy everything.
The North has invaded, bringing a cruel religion and no mercy. The ciudades-estados who have stood in their way have been razed to nothing, and now the horde is before the gates of Colina Hermosa…demanding blood.
On a mission of desperation, a small group escapes the besieged city in search of the one thing that might stem the tide of Northerners: the witches of the southern swamps.
The Women of the Song.
But when tragedy strikes their negotiations, all that is left is a single untried knight and a witch who has never given voice to her power. And time is running out.
A lyrical tale of honor and magic, Grudging is the opening salvo in the Book of Saints trilogy.
Excerpt:
Shortly after the combat, Ramiro made his excuses to the men at the wall and left, returning to the citadel and taking the stairs to the roof. Some alcalde’s wife from the past had turned this spot into an outdoor garden and dining room, making it a favorite retreat for many. A peaceful place when he felt anything but. Other people’s blood spotted his white shirt. Had things gone differently, it could easily have been his own. He needed a bath and a rest, but his mind hummed from the conflict, leaving him unable to stop pacing. Cold chills claimed his limbs. His stomach was sourer than when alcohol had filled it. With no clear single-combat victory, he hadn’t earned his beard. The night reeked of disappointment.How long? How long could they keep the Northerners out?Stars spotted the night sky here, where the citadel met the top of the world. Or so it had always seemed to him as a child. Life was no longer so certain now that he was older.He drew in the cool scent of creeping jasmine, carefully tended and watered by hand in pots across the rooftop. Colina Hermosa spread before him, a humbling sight. The city stretched away from the citadel on all sides, a jewel shining with lights. It spread down the hill, becoming wider and grander as it sprawled, with imposing avenues and white-clad stucco buildings whose thick walls and small windows kept out the noonday heat. There was squalor and dirt as well, fits of temper, rudeness, and often impatience. But the darkness hid all that, washing the city of its faults and giving it a fresh life until it tumbled like the sea against the immovable stone walls that now held out the Northerners.His heart swelled with love. Something worth defending. Home. Outside the high, white walls, well beyond arrow shot, was a sight not so welcoming. There, jammed between the city and a deep, old quarry used to build the city walls, campfires burned. A red swarm of rage and death, brimstone and smoke, offering a grim contrast with the peaceful firmament. Not by the hundreds did they burn, but by the thousands, mirroring the stars in the sky. How many peasants’ houses did they demolish to feed so much hungry fire? They must be down to burning cacti. How they kept it up night after night, he couldn’t begin to comprehend. Salvadorhad talked on about supply trains and quartermasters, but Ramiro had let his imagination dwell on his first ride instead. An indulgence he regretted now.If only each fire meant a single enemy, but that was wishful thinking. Each fire contained tens of men. Tens and thousands. And behind them, the siege machines waited their turn. A lethal combination for Colina Hermosa.He touched the spot above his spleen, and whispered, “Santiago, don’t let me give in to despair.”
About Michelle:
Michelle Hauck lives in the bustling metropolis of northern Indiana with her hubby and two teenagers. Two papillons help balance out the teenage drama. Besides working with special needs children by day, she writes all sorts of fantasy, giving her imagination free range. A book worm, she passes up the darker vices in favor of chocolate and looks for any excuse to reward herself. Bio finished? Time for a sweet snack.
She is a co-host of the yearly contests Query Kombat and Nightmare on Query Street, and Sun versus Snow.
Her epic fantasy, Kindar's Cure, is published by Divertir Publishing. Her short story, Frost and Fog, is published by The Elephant's Bookshelf Press in their anthology, Summer's Double Edge. She's repped by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary.
Website | Twitter | Facebook page | Tumblr | Goodreads
Title: GRUDGINGAuthor: Michelle Hauck
Pub. Date: November 17, 2015Publisher: Harper Voyager ImpulseFormat: eBookFind it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads
A world of chivalry and witchcraft…and the invaders who would destroy everything.
The North has invaded, bringing a cruel religion and no mercy. The ciudades-estados who have stood in their way have been razed to nothing, and now the horde is before the gates of Colina Hermosa…demanding blood.
On a mission of desperation, a small group escapes the besieged city in search of the one thing that might stem the tide of Northerners: the witches of the southern swamps.
The Women of the Song.
But when tragedy strikes their negotiations, all that is left is a single untried knight and a witch who has never given voice to her power. And time is running out.
A lyrical tale of honor and magic, Grudging is the opening salvo in the Book of Saints trilogy.
Excerpt:
Shortly after the combat, Ramiro made his excuses to the men at the wall and left, returning to the citadel and taking the stairs to the roof. Some alcalde’s wife from the past had turned this spot into an outdoor garden and dining room, making it a favorite retreat for many. A peaceful place when he felt anything but. Other people’s blood spotted his white shirt. Had things gone differently, it could easily have been his own. He needed a bath and a rest, but his mind hummed from the conflict, leaving him unable to stop pacing. Cold chills claimed his limbs. His stomach was sourer than when alcohol had filled it. With no clear single-combat victory, he hadn’t earned his beard. The night reeked of disappointment.How long? How long could they keep the Northerners out?Stars spotted the night sky here, where the citadel met the top of the world. Or so it had always seemed to him as a child. Life was no longer so certain now that he was older.He drew in the cool scent of creeping jasmine, carefully tended and watered by hand in pots across the rooftop. Colina Hermosa spread before him, a humbling sight. The city stretched away from the citadel on all sides, a jewel shining with lights. It spread down the hill, becoming wider and grander as it sprawled, with imposing avenues and white-clad stucco buildings whose thick walls and small windows kept out the noonday heat. There was squalor and dirt as well, fits of temper, rudeness, and often impatience. But the darkness hid all that, washing the city of its faults and giving it a fresh life until it tumbled like the sea against the immovable stone walls that now held out the Northerners.His heart swelled with love. Something worth defending. Home. Outside the high, white walls, well beyond arrow shot, was a sight not so welcoming. There, jammed between the city and a deep, old quarry used to build the city walls, campfires burned. A red swarm of rage and death, brimstone and smoke, offering a grim contrast with the peaceful firmament. Not by the hundreds did they burn, but by the thousands, mirroring the stars in the sky. How many peasants’ houses did they demolish to feed so much hungry fire? They must be down to burning cacti. How they kept it up night after night, he couldn’t begin to comprehend. Salvadorhad talked on about supply trains and quartermasters, but Ramiro had let his imagination dwell on his first ride instead. An indulgence he regretted now.If only each fire meant a single enemy, but that was wishful thinking. Each fire contained tens of men. Tens and thousands. And behind them, the siege machines waited their turn. A lethal combination for Colina Hermosa.He touched the spot above his spleen, and whispered, “Santiago, don’t let me give in to despair.”
About Michelle:
Michelle Hauck lives in the bustling metropolis of northern Indiana with her hubby and two teenagers. Two papillons help balance out the teenage drama. Besides working with special needs children by day, she writes all sorts of fantasy, giving her imagination free range. A book worm, she passes up the darker vices in favor of chocolate and looks for any excuse to reward herself. Bio finished? Time for a sweet snack.She is a co-host of the yearly contests Query Kombat and Nightmare on Query Street, and Sun versus Snow.
Her epic fantasy, Kindar's Cure, is published by Divertir Publishing. Her short story, Frost and Fog, is published by The Elephant's Bookshelf Press in their anthology, Summer's Double Edge. She's repped by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary.
Website | Twitter | Facebook page | Tumblr | Goodreads
November 9, 2015
They say all roads lead to Rome
I'm sure there are a few roads that don't lead to Rome, but there is some truth to that especially when it comes to publishing. I've been seeing a lot of the faerie tale type stories bouncing around the internet, and I wanted to offset those with another type of story, my story.
For me, life has never quite panned out with the faerie tale moment where it was clear the Faerie Godmother had been through and made all of my dreams come true. I suspect that's because making all the dreams come true was never the real purpose of a Faerie Godmother, but more on that some other time. In my life, my experiences are always filled with how the world said "nope" and I said, "No really, I'm doing this until it kills me." It's possible I have a stubborn streak.
So there I was in late 2010 having just finished querying a book that... let's not talk about that. I didn't query my first novel. I queried my third. It wasn't pretty. And because we all do those things you really shouldn't, well, I wrote sequel number one and two to that first sacrifice to the Query Trenches.
I learned a lot, which was good because if there was a rookie move, I made it. I loved my first query bait. LOVED. I dreamt in that world for the longest time. Heart still a bit achy (okay, I cried, a lot) from all the pain of not being instantly AMAZING, I went back to the drawing board. I wasn't sure I had another book in me, and at the time, I maybe listened to a ton of Dan and Leland (check out their stuff here, here, and especially this one).
Humbled from a cold dose of reality, I decided I would need practice picking myself up out of the darkness I created with my own impossible expectation. So I decided I should practice building a novel from scratch. Up until that point, my novels had all come on the fully formed wings of, well, faeries for all I knew, and by golly, it was time to figure out where novels really came from. I started with an idea and carefully cultivated it until it grew up to be the special little snowflake--NOPE!
I don't like to do things the easy way, but more on that next time.
Yes, I'm putting this cover on everything I can.November 3, 2015
IWSG: Building a map through murky territory
Be sure to visit the linky at the Ninja Captain's and sign up if you haven't already. This month's cohosts for the blog hop are Stephen Tremp, Karen Walker, Denise Covey, and Tyrean Martinson!Insecurities have sort of become a way of life. Not that it’s something we need to spend all of our time trying to hide―to be clear, I think a little airing of the wounds we take on as writers is good for the soul―but at some point I feel like maybe there’s a line we need to draw in the sand and step over. Let me explain:
I’m releasing a book. This has me nervous and more than a little bit anxious. This is totally normal. There’s only one real problem with the nervousness: I want to do this again. Specifically, I want to release a book again in the future.
And if I’m really lucky, I’d like to do it again.
And again.
And again. ETC.
You get the idea. I want to be releasing books until I’m old and grey. And if releasing books turns me into a wreck, well, that’s no good, so it’s time for some new perspectives. I’m trying to remember how I handled all those years of standing up in front of large groups of people when it scared me. How did I get through giving talks at conferences, playing solos in the band, putting on plays? What did I use to survive those?
Is this the same kind of anxiety?
Sort of, but there seems to be this feeling around a book release, the all or nothing feeling. It feels like my whole writing career rests on this one release. Of course, to be fair, I will be judged on this. I know that. I know that people will forever associate my name with this book, so if it flops, well, I might be shopping for a new pen name in a couple of months. But, more likely, this book will be average, giving me an opportunity to try again with the next book. And if that one is average, or fair, I might be lucky enough to try again.
Part of what made the performances so nerve smashing was the idea that it was a one shot chance, and that just isn’t the case with books. I’m not saying ignore the book and do no marketing. I’m saying that even if this book doesn’t break the world record for debut sales, there is almost certainly going to be other opportunities, opportunities that I will need to capitalize on.
So for this one, I’m going to try to do the things that everyone told me to do before a playing in a concert: take a breath. Take a look around at what’s happening, maybe remember some of these sign posts for next time so it’s easier to navigate the sea of misplaced emotions, and enjoy the moment. That’s right, enjoy it. How many times am I going to get to release a book in my life? Hopefully a lot, but there’s no guarantee, so I should probably spend some time actually enjoying it.
Anyhow, that’s what I’m working on this month. How about you?
October 25, 2015
A post about jealousy in writing
I've talked about jealousy and writing before, but in sort of different terms. Today I start to tackle the act of being jealous a little bit, and why it tends to be weird in writing compared to other crafts.
October 20, 2015
The Hour Grows Near
So, maybe you've heard about how I have this book coming out?
I'm not posting my cover here (Soon, soon), but I have a ton of writer buddies helping me out and posting it on the internets. Most of them have books out, so dig around their blogs, add their books to your Goodreads shelves (or however you do it), and take a good look at my cover--which I absolutely love. While you're jumping around, go to the cover artist, Amalia Chitulescu's FB page and peruse some of her other work. Absolutely gorgeous work!
Without further adieu, the links - in no particular order!
Katie Teller,
Michelle Hauck
Sara Aheirs
Mason Matchak
Elizabeth Poole
Ann Noser
Rachel Schieffelbein
Samantha Bryant
Grant Eager
Elsie Elmore
Tara Tyler
I'm not posting my cover here (Soon, soon), but I have a ton of writer buddies helping me out and posting it on the internets. Most of them have books out, so dig around their blogs, add their books to your Goodreads shelves (or however you do it), and take a good look at my cover--which I absolutely love. While you're jumping around, go to the cover artist, Amalia Chitulescu's FB page and peruse some of her other work. Absolutely gorgeous work!
Without further adieu, the links - in no particular order!
Katie Teller,
Michelle Hauck
Sara Aheirs
Mason Matchak
Elizabeth Poole
Ann Noser
Rachel Schieffelbein
Samantha Bryant
Grant Eager
Elsie Elmore
Tara Tyler
October 15, 2015
Covers are beautiful!
Today Michelle Hauck and Rockstar Book Tours are revealing the cover for GRUDGING, Birth of Saints Book One series which releases November 17, 2015! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win a copy if the eBook!
On to the reveal!
Title: GRUDGINGAuthor: Michelle HauckPub. Date: November 17, 2015Publisher: Harper Voyager ImpulseFormat: eBookFind it: Amazon| Barnes & Noble | iBooks| Goodreads
A world of chivalry and witchcraft…and the invaders who would destroy everything.
The North has invaded, bringing a cruel religion and no mercy. The ciudades-estados who have stood in their way have been razed to nothing, and now the horde is before the gates of Colina Hermosa…demanding blood.
On a mission of desperation, a small group escapes the besieged city in search of the one thing that might stem the tide of Northerners: the witches of the southern swamps.
The Women of the Song.
But when tragedy strikes their negotiations, all that is left is a single untried knight and a witch who has never given voice to her power. And time is running out.
A lyrical tale of honor and magic, Grudging is the opening salvo in the Book of Saints trilogy.
About Michelle:
Michelle Hauck lives in the bustling metropolis of northern Indiana with her hubby and two teenagers. Two papillons help balance out the teenage drama. Besides working with special needs children by day, she writes all sorts of fantasy, giving her imagination free range. A book worm, she passes up the darker vices in favor of chocolate and looks for any excuse to reward herself. Bio finished? Time for a sweet snack.
She is a co-host of the yearly contests Query Kombat and Nightmare on Query Street, and Sun versus Snow.
Her epic fantasy, Kindar's Cure, is published by Divertir Publishing. Her short story, Frost and Fog, is published by The Elephant's Bookshelf Press in their anthology, Summer's Double Edge. She's repped by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary.
Website| Twitter | Facebook page| Tumblr | Goodreads
Giveaway Details:3 winners will receive an eBook of GRUDGING. International
a Rafflecopter giveaway
October 6, 2015
My book is on GoodReads, and other things that make me panic (IWSG)
Insecure writer's support group is brought to you this month by the Ninja Captain and his cohosts: TB Markinson, Tamara Narayan, Shannon Lawrence, Stephanie Faris, and Eva E. Solar.
You now have to email Alex to get added to the widget, but if you're so inclined, hop on and start visiting people in the same boat as you.
As mentioned in the title, my book, Acne, Asthma, and Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon is posted up on GoodReads, and you can add it to your TBR shelf. w00t! And also OMG! I'm super excited!
You now have to email Alex to get added to the widget, but if you're so inclined, hop on and start visiting people in the same boat as you.
As mentioned in the title, my book, Acne, Asthma, and Other Signs You Might Be Half Dragon is posted up on GoodReads, and you can add it to your TBR shelf. w00t! And also OMG! I'm super excited!
September 29, 2015
Phones, Clones, and Takeovers!
I'm super excited to bring you Tara Tyler taking time to talk tech (holy alliteration batman!). For those of you who don't already know, Tara is celebrating the release of her third book and the second in her Detective Cooper Series. I've been reading it, and it's a great techno thriller with feels similar to Asimov (in the imagining a world with technological advancements) but with modern style and story telling. And with that: Take it away Tara!
Look into the Future!
I love finding useful new gadgets. It's also part of my job to come up with plausible future technology - like from the movie, ROBOTS, "See a need. Fill a need." So from time to time I like to see what the techie geeks are working on for our future needs or enjoyment! Here are some of my faves from this article - they have more photos.
Holographic phone - the "Apple Black Hole"
It's similar to my Compucenter Imager! A desktop 3D, touchable phone.
Clear phone
A glass, see-through phone. Not sure why, but it looks cool.
Wrist PC
It's got a giant screen, for a watch, but still so tiny to work with, I can't imagine it being useful. And you have to remove it to use it. Keep trying, guys!
Fitness @ Work
Now that's something I could use. Exercise in my chair while I work. I love it!
And the best for last...
The Mercator
This is the closest I've seen to my QV wrist imager in Pop Travel and Simulation - the concept is tres cool! Would love it to happen!
That's a bout it. They had some other cool looking, futuristic items like clock radios, lamps, bikes, chargers, etc. But it's all mainly aesthetics or combined gadgets we already have, not really enhanced functions, yet.
What I can't wait to see is a really cool robot that does housework. Roomba is a start. But I need a Rosie! In my lifetime? Probably not.
What useful gadget would you like to see in real life?
Thanks for letting me visit, Rena! I can't wait to help you with your release!! (Make sure you tell me when!)
SIMULATION
by Tara Tyler
Release Date: Sept 14, 2015
In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they're creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper's latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.
As if the case wasn't frustrating enough, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper who's looking for the same guy. As Cooper closes in, Geri is kidnapped. But when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn't her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.
SIMULATION delivers more technology, more intense action, more humor, and more, distinct new characters. Come along for the ride.
Available Now!Amazon ~~ Barnes & Noble ~~ KindleGoodreads giveaway!
Tara Tyler writes sci fi and fantasy action-adventures from her little corner of the world in Ohio as she tries to keep up with her three boys and coach husband. Always making time to write, she sometimes puts off chores and lets laundry pile up... hence, she's also the Lazy Housewife, offering advice and tips to other gals out there trying to do it all without going crazy. She and her housewife friends blog at The Really Real Housewives of America.
tara tyler talks and tweets and facebooks
And don't forget the Rafflecopter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Look into the Future!
I love finding useful new gadgets. It's also part of my job to come up with plausible future technology - like from the movie, ROBOTS, "See a need. Fill a need." So from time to time I like to see what the techie geeks are working on for our future needs or enjoyment! Here are some of my faves from this article - they have more photos.
Holographic phone - the "Apple Black Hole"
It's similar to my Compucenter Imager! A desktop 3D, touchable phone.
Clear phone
A glass, see-through phone. Not sure why, but it looks cool.
Wrist PC
It's got a giant screen, for a watch, but still so tiny to work with, I can't imagine it being useful. And you have to remove it to use it. Keep trying, guys!
Fitness @ Work
Now that's something I could use. Exercise in my chair while I work. I love it!
And the best for last...
The MercatorThis is the closest I've seen to my QV wrist imager in Pop Travel and Simulation - the concept is tres cool! Would love it to happen!
That's a bout it. They had some other cool looking, futuristic items like clock radios, lamps, bikes, chargers, etc. But it's all mainly aesthetics or combined gadgets we already have, not really enhanced functions, yet.
What I can't wait to see is a really cool robot that does housework. Roomba is a start. But I need a Rosie! In my lifetime? Probably not.
What useful gadget would you like to see in real life?
Thanks for letting me visit, Rena! I can't wait to help you with your release!! (Make sure you tell me when!)
SIMULATIONby Tara Tyler
Release Date: Sept 14, 2015
In 2082, androids are an essential part of daily life. Some are helpful, some would make better toasters, and some are so human-like they're creepy. Back in Atlanta, Detective Cooper's latest client has him searching for her boyfriend who she thinks was replaced by a simulation, an illegal clone android. The guy also happens to be a popular new congressman.
As if the case wasn't frustrating enough, Cooper keeps crossing paths with his ex, FBI Agent Geri Harper who's looking for the same guy. As Cooper closes in, Geri is kidnapped. But when she resurfaces in Washington and goes on a killing spree, he knows it isn't her. Now under suspicion himself, Cooper must find the real Geri to prove her innocence, not to mention hunt down the powerful villain behind it all. Never a dull moment.
SIMULATION delivers more technology, more intense action, more humor, and more, distinct new characters. Come along for the ride.
Available Now!Amazon ~~ Barnes & Noble ~~ KindleGoodreads giveaway!
Tara Tyler writes sci fi and fantasy action-adventures from her little corner of the world in Ohio as she tries to keep up with her three boys and coach husband. Always making time to write, she sometimes puts off chores and lets laundry pile up... hence, she's also the Lazy Housewife, offering advice and tips to other gals out there trying to do it all without going crazy. She and her housewife friends blog at The Really Real Housewives of America.
tara tyler talks and tweets and facebooks
And don't forget the Rafflecopter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
