Jemi Fraser's Blog, page 5

WEP & Brat

 Rain fell and fell and fell.

Brat wondered if it had got into her skin and replaced her blood. She hoped it would keep falling.

When she’d snuck out of the hole she’d dug, he’d been heading for his bottle. She hoped he drank it all the way to the bottom. Even if he went looking for her, he wouldn’t be able to chase her. His thinking wouldn’t be clear enough to find her hole.

He would think demons were messing with him again and hiding her.

Then when he’d recovered enough, he wouldn’t remember.

If the rain kept falling, he wouldn’t be able to follow her. She knew he tracked animals for food. He always complained about how the rain messed up the tracks.

She tried to hide on those days, but her closet wasn’t big enough to hide.

He told her she was lucky. He fed her, gave her a home.

She didn’t feel lucky.

But how was she to know?

Maybe all the places were like this one. Maybe some of them were worse.

If it was worse, she didn’t know how it could be.

But he told her it was.

She knew trees because they were everywhere she looked when she got to look out the window. Was there anything else?

Brat slipped on the mud again but didn’t stay down. She had to keep moving.

And moving.

When she couldn’t walk anymore, she crawled.

And still the rain fell. Hiding her path. Hiding her.

Her hands bled so the rain hadn’t changed her blood yet.

She pushed to her feet again and kept walking, never looking back.

When the trees disappeared, she stopped. This was new. She didn’t know what it was. Didn’t have the words to tell.

The rain kept falling. Brat kept walking.

When she fell again, there was no mud for a soft landing. It was hard and more blood came from her knees and hands.

Brat swallowed hard and then pushed to her feet. Kept walking.

A noise broke the air and light broke the rain.

Brat couldn’t make her feet move. More noises she didn’t know.

Then a voice. “Are you okay? What are you doing out here? Are you hurt?”

It wasn’t him.

Was it worse than him?

Another voice. “You’re bleeding honey. Come on in the car. We’ll get you to the hospital and get you some help. Don’t worry.”

Brat didn’t know all the words, but the hands on her didn’t hurt.

Brat went with the voices while the rain continued to fall.

***

The above is part of the #WEP April Challenge: A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall.

I have to admit I'd never heard of this song before the challenge. It's an intense song with some pretty dark lyrics. I struggled for a bit. And listened to it several times. And still struggled.

The song reminds me of court jesters who were allowed to speak harsh truths disguised as entertainment. We all interpret songs/poetry differently, but this song broke my heart. There's such cruelty in the world.

All of this finally brought me to the story above. I'm a romance author, I'm a teacher, I'm a believer in the power of hope and love and kindness. There will always be a light at the end of my tunnels.

I hope you'll check out the link to find the other stories written for this prompt. And I hope you'll join in!

Alex J. Cavanaugh & CassaDark

Another great adventure!!

Alex has done it again! CassaDark is an epic story that spans planets and cultures with ease. Bassan (son of Byron) is the focus of this story and he's a great main character. Tormented by a sense of not-quite-good-enough and unable-to-act-in-time, Bassan struggles to find his place in the shadow of the great things his parents have accomplished. Who could imagine the son of two talented pilots would be afraid to fly?

To make up for what he views as a mistake, Bassan agrees to travel to another world to present at a conference. And that's where his life changes forever.

New worlds. New friends. New enemies. New challenges.

If Bassan can't find the confidence and the will to act, it won't be only him who won't survive. Can he find the strength to do things he's never done? Things he's never imagined?

You'll have to read to find out! A fabulous story!

***I invited Alex here to answer a few pressing questions!
What's your favourite part of writing? (outlining, draft, revision, editing, marketing)Definitely not the first draft! How I loathe the first draft. Revisions and editing. The story is on the page and I can see what I need to do with it at that point. I have something to work with.
Do you write in silence or do you have music (or TV) playing while you work?I can’t write when it’s quiet. My brain can’t focus. I need music in the background, something that fits the mood of the scene I’m writing. Often the television is on as well. (Muted, of course—that would be overload.)
I know you play the guitar. Do you ever plan to have a character who is a musician?So far, I haven’t! You would think I would’ve put an instrument in one character’s hands. I guess I just don’t put that much of myself into my characters.
My favourite piece of science fiction "stuff" is my R2D2 flash drive. What's yours?Either my Starcraft Protoss Pylon USB charger or my Firefly Yahtzee game.
What part of your Cassa series came to you first? (character, plot, location, tech)I wrote the first version of CassaStar when I was an early teen, so I don’t really remember. Pretty much only the two main characters survived the rewrite, so I guess I’d have to say characters.
***

Alex J. Cavanaugh works in web design and graphics, and he plays guitar in a Christian band. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is known as Ninja Captain Alex and he’s the founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. 
http://alexjcavanaugh.com  

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/

https://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

 

 

CassaDark
By Alex J. Cavanaugh

His world is unraveling…

Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by fear and doubt. Could things get any worse?

Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet.

On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each secret reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again?

Trade paperback, 226 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, LLC
Science fiction - Adventure (FIC028010) / Space Opera (FIC028030) / Space Exploration (FIC028130)
 $4.99

Links:
iTunes – https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1574189874
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0982FL3SH
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940164947033
Kobo – https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844859 
Scribed – https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844859&language=0 
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58461762-cassadark 

***
Thanks for popping by today, Alex! Congrats on yet another awesome book!
How about you? Anyone else love the Cassa series? Anyone else going online in search of Firefly Yahtzee? Who else needs music or background noise to write (I do!)?

#IWSG and Audiobooks

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!   

April 6 question - Have any of your books been made into audiobooks? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?

I haven't taken the dive into audiobooks yet.

It's cost-prohibitive - or at least it was when I first checked into it a few years back. One piece of advice I received at the time was that it was only smart to do an audiobook if your profits from one month for that title (only the one book) would easily pay for the narrator, which at the time was between $2k and $5k. Um...no.

As a teacher, I've been reading aloud for decades and have pretty good skills in that area...but...I'm certainly not a professional, nor do I have a sound booth or good place for a "studio".

I may try it for Dancing With Dementia at some point but I'm not as sure about the romance. Maybe. It's a whole new skill and at least two new technologies to learn (microphone, program, sound editing...). Even though the idea of learning new skills and tech appeals to me, I'm not sure I have the time for that.

How about you? Are you an audiobook reader? (I'm not because of the bouncy brain and that might be part of my reticence as well.) Have you enjoyed the audiobook process if you're a writer?

Joylene Nowell Butler & Kiss of the Assassin Ebook Giveaway

 My bloggy-friend Joylene Nowell Butler has a new release! Check the bottom of the post for a chance to win an ebook copy of Kiss Of The Assassin!

The book has a fascinating premise involving a different culture from Joylene's own, so I had a question...

Tell us about the research involved in having a character from another culture.

Anytime you want to write about a subject you know little or nothing about, your best bet is knowledge, whether it's online, from a reliable source, or through education. In Kiss of the Assassin, there are three protagonists: a Soviet official, a Soviet orphan, and a Mexican-born American sergeant who served in Vietnam. 

While writing the first draft of Kiss of the Assassin, I practically lived at our local library because there were no such things as home computers. Not where I lived. 

I studied every piece of work written about the Vietnam War. I read memoirs, newspaper clippings, and watched documentaries. The Russian classics were next. I watched Soviet films and read Leo Tolstoy, Vladimir Nabokov, Ayn Rand, and more. DK Smithsonian: Vietnam War-The Definitive Illustrated History was an absolute must-read. I studied Mexican history. I read the classics and current memoirs. 

When I felt ready to begin work on the first chapter, I organized a filing system and kept it close at hand. I understood that writing a novel was an ongoing job that would require easy access to my extensive notes. 

As I gained confidence, I sought out friends and associates I knew could add credence to my work. I asked them if they would read my manuscript and advise me on how to make the story more credible. 

As the years passed and I continued to seek publication, there came a time when notable essays on the Vietnam War were released. I started my research again because I realized I had to update my findings as new information came to pass. 

As I gained knowledge of Russian and Mexican cultures, I gained confidence in my story. 

***

Today let me introduce you to an intriguing new release, KISS OF THE ASSASSIN, by author Joylene Nowell Butler.

KISS OF THE ASSASSIN
by Joylene Nowell Butler

◊ Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (March 23, 2022)
◊ Paperback: 424 pages
◊ ASIN: B09P7T1ZRS
◊Language‏: English
* File size: ‎ 1138 KB
* Text-to-Speech: ‎ Enabled
* Screen Reader: ‎ Supported

Marina Antonovna, a Soviet spy, and Mateo Arcusa, an American homicide lieutenant first meet in Cambodia during the Vietnam War as enemies. Fearful that the most powerful man in the Soviet Union, KGB Chairman Vladimir Kurenkov, has ordered her death, Marina risks everything to defect to the United States.

 

She promises Mateo that her days as an assassin are over. Vladimir is determined to do whatever it takes to bring her back and, by threatening Mateo’s life, forces Marina to break her promise.

 

Meet the Author: Joylene Nowell Butler

Joylene Butler lives with her husband in the tiny village of Cluculz Lake in central B.C... She is the author of three suspense novels and a contributor to one anthology. 

For more on Joylene and her writing, visit her websiteand blog,as well as connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.

 Thanks so much for stopping by today during Joylene's visit. Doesn't this sound like an intriguing book, especially for the times we are in?

 

***

Wow - that's a lot of research! Libraries are so useful for us and I love that you had people you could use to help you out as well!

Joylene is offering an ebook (ePub, Mobi or PDF) to one lucky visitor who comments on this blog post. All you need to do is let me know in the comments which type of file you would prefer and you're entered in the draw! I'll choose one random winner on Friday April 1st. 

How about you? Do you know enough about another culture to write about it or would you need to dive into the research? I would need to dive in!

IWSG & Romantic Suspense & Time Machines

 The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!   

March 2 question - Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?

If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably heard me say I have a bouncy brain. I tend to have far too many ideas going on at once.

For instance, I'm currently planning (as much as my non-plotting brain can plan) and writing a new six-book Small Town Heroes series. I've got one written, the second mostly written, the third started, and the other three sets of characters walking around in my head.

I need to know my characters before I write their stories. While they wander my brain, they're telling me their backstories and I'm finding out where the conflicts are. Of course, there are also some secondary characters who want to bump up to main characters vying for my attention as well.

I also have several folks from Bloo Moose walking around in my brain telling me who they need to meet and demanding their turn in the spotlight.

Then I have an outline (in my head) for my third series and the 6 (potentially 7) sets of characters who will be its focus.

Now, to answer the question 😊

I have a really great idea for a speculative fiction series. It would be a long multi-generational series about the future of humanity with lots of cool SF elements.

Here's my conflict.

When am I supposed to fit this in? Would I need a pen name for the new series (SF) as it doesn't follow my current brand (romantic suspense)? Where in the world would I find time to work on building up another pen name???? So far, no answers, just lots of ideas.

Anyone working on a time machine that will give me more hours in the day just for writing?

How about you? Do you have characters knocking impatiently on your skull too? Anyone else with a bouncy brain?

Winners for the #WEP challenge All You Need is Love are being announced today! Check out the winners and the other stories HERE! There are so many talented writers in this challenge!

WEP & Grams

 “Hey, Grams.”

“Good morning, Trav. Isn’t it a gorgeous day?”

Trav moved to the chair beside the bed, trying to ignore the antiseptic smell and the plain room. Grams loved colours and sunshine, not this crap.

He kissed her papery cheek and sat on the chair, keeping his eyes on hers. Her body was shrinking, weakening. But her eyes remained hers. Strong, vibrant. But he could see the pain. The acceptance lurking in the shadows.

He swallowed hard and pulled out his phone. “Which playlist today, Grams?”

“It’s a Beatles kind of day, Trav.”

That made him smile. It was a Beatles kind of day at least four days a week. He hit shuffle, knowing that was the way she liked it best. Always a surprise around the corner, Trav.

Her eyes lit up when Imagine started to play.

Trav set the phone on the blanket and while they listened, he lifted the bag he’d brought her. Another surprise.

“You finished it?”

Grams didn’t even know what he’d been working on, but she was excited. She’d asked him to draw her something, didn’t care what. She’d encouraged his art from the day he picked up his first crayon.

Trav pulled out a sketchbook, light enough for her to hold, large enough for her to see.

The vibrant eyes clouded with tears, but the smile told him everything he needed.

“You drew for me.”

“Not just for you, Gram. Of you.” Because she’d been his person since day one.

He helped her flip to the first page as the playlist shifted to Here Comes the Sun.

Grams laughed. “Perfect timing.” She was a big believer in fate and karma and all that hippy stuff.

The first sketch was Grams dancing in the kitchen, his earliest memory of her.

Happy tears trickled down her cheeks as she brushed her fingers lightly over the page. “Well, she was a bit of a firecracker, wasn’t she?”

“Was? No was about it. You’re still the brightest firecracker in the sky.” Her dimples flashed, reminding him she’d once been young. “I bet you had men fighting for a dance with you.”

Her laughter filled the sterile room. And his heart.

She flipped through the pages in time with the music. He’d drawn his favourite memories.

Hotdogs over the campfire.

Picnics at the zoo.

Trips to galleries and museums.

Painting on easels together.

Graduation day. She’d nearly burst with pride over his valedictorian speech.

As she flipped to the final sketch, the playlist clicked to All You Need Is Love. He caught Grams' eye and they both smiled. Trav lifted her hand and kissed it.

“I guess they’re right. All I needed was you. Your love has got me through the very worst of times. You’ve been everything to me and I don’t know how to tell me how much you mean to me.”

Grams laughed and patted his cheek. “You’ve told me every day, Trav. Every day in all the best ways, just like this.” She patted the final sketch, one of the two of them hanging out in their favourite spot. Sitting on the porch swing looking out over the river.

“This is perfect, Trav. I’m so proud of you. This is the best gift ever. Well, until you get me a great-grandchild. I’ll be hanging around until then.”

They both knew that wasn’t true, but he grinned at her, going along with the running joke. “And you’ll be the best Grams to the kid ever.”

Which she would be, because his kids would always know they were loved. They’d always know unconditional love and support. Because Grams had taught him well.

***

Tagline: Lessons from the Beatles and Grams

***

The above is part of the WEP February Challenge All You Need Is Love.

The link is open until Feb 18 - I hope you'll join up. WEP is open to everyone and is a whole lot of fun. Follow the links for the rest of the stories in the challenge. I can't wait to see how everyone interprets this prompt!

IWSG & AQC

 The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!  

February 2 question - Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

It seems like such a long time ago when I joined the online writing community! Way back then I thought agents were for actors and that only famous people wrote books.

I've learned a lot since then!

On the very first day I decided to try to write a book, I stumbled across a site called Agent Query with a forum called Agent Query Connect. I didn't know what a query was. Nor did I know what a forum was...

Regardless, I clicked and a whole new world opened up for me. I discovered that regular people wrote books and that maybe I could, too. I discovered a whole new language (including query and forum) and a slew of acronyms (WIP, POV, MC...).

I found an amazing group of writers always willing to help others. I learned so much about craft, more about queries, the importance of being succint, and the power of feedback. I found my first critique buddies. I found the courage to share my work. It was an amazing community.

Agent Query is no longer around - and I never did discover the person/people behind the AQCrew persona but whoever they are, I hope they're enjoying fabulous success and joy.

If I hadn't stumbled into that inclusive, caring community, I doubt I would have ever have written books strong enough to be published. While I still keep in contact with many of those writers through FB and Twitter, I do miss the AQC community!

There are many echoes between AQC & IWSG which might explain why I think so highly of IWSG as well!

How about you? Any people or communities who have helped you along your path (writing or non-writing!)? Anyone else know about AQC?

Shannon Lawrence & The Business of Short Stories

I'm excited to welcome my friend Shannon Lawrence, AKA The Warrior Muse, to the blog today! 

Shannon has a fabulous guide to the short story business coming out soon and I had a chance to ask her a couple of questions.

1. What was the most challenging part of writing a nonfiction book? 
I think the hardest part was figuring out how in-depth to go and how wide an array of topics to include. Luckily, I've been teaching short story workshops for years and paid attention to what attendees were asking, plus I had awesome beta readers. One of the things I asked my beta readers to do was to jot down the questions they hoped to have answered before they read the book, so they could let me know both their expectations and whether I'd met them.
2. Your cover is fantastic! How did you come up with the idea for it?

Thank you! All credit goes to my husband, who does my book covers. I pulled all the writing craft books off my shelves and we went over what I liked and didn't like about them. I knew I wanted something clean and bright and different. A lot of the craft books were dark and/or used red, but since my books are usually horror, I wanted to separate them and do something I don't usually get to do. He presented me with several great versions, including a compass I liked, but the post-its were so apropos of the writing life. I used a bunch while writing and putting this book together!

***

The Business of Short Stories: Writing, Submitting, Publishing, and Marketing

Author: Shannon LawrenceISBN: 978-1-7320314-5-6Format/Price: Print ($13.99) and e-book ($3.99)Release Date: February 1, 2022
Pre-order E-book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PFSTJ2VPre-order paperback: 
Will also be available after the release date from Ingram, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and other sites.

Blurb: Whether you're looking to add short stories to your repertoire as a solo pursuit or in addition to novel writing, The Business of Short Stories covers every aspect from writing to marketing. Learn the dynamics of short story writing, where to focus your editing efforts, how and where to submit, how to handle acceptances and rejections, what to do with reprints, and how to market yourself and your stories online and in person. The information in The Business of Short Stories has been distilled from over a decade of short story publishing experience so you don't have to learn the hard way. You'll find information on submission formatting, cover letters, querying a collection, sending proposals to writing events, how to create a website, SEO, social media, and so much more. This is an invaluable resource for short story writers.

There's never been a better time to get into short stories!

Author Bio: Shannon Lawrence has made a career of short stories, with over a
decade of experience and more than fifty short stories published in magazines and anthologies. In addition, she's released three horror short story collections with a mix of new and previously published stories. Her true-crime podcast Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem is going into its third season. 
Website: www.thewarriormuse.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewarriormuseTwitter: https://twitter.com/thewarriormuseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewarriormuse/BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/shannon-lawrenceGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/shannondklAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shannon-Lawrence/e/B00TDKPOAOPodcast Website: www.mysteriesmonstersmayhem.com
***  Thanks, Shannon!
Love the answers - I'm a post-it note fan as well!
Congrats on the book! It's going to be a great resource for all the short story authors out there!

IWSG & Regrets

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!  

January 5 question - What's the one thing about your writing career you regret the most? Were you able to overcome it?

As a teacher, I believe that a person who doesn't make mistakes is a person who isn't trying anything new or challenging.

Making mistakes and taking wrong turns is part of learning. We get something from every step we take, whether that step works out or not. I don't spend a lot of time looking back and thinking about mistakes. I'd rather look forward to what I can do better next time.

However... I think my biggest regret might be not realizing I had uploaded the wrong file for one (okay 2) of my books. Instead, I uploaded the files from the next-to-last edit round. With multiple typos and errors. Not a ton, but still far too many!

It took me almost a year to realize my errors and correct them. Sigh.

How about you? Any publishing horror stories in your past? Anyone else upload the wrong file? Anyone else learn the hard way to triple-check their uploads?

Wishes

 I'm not sure I'm even used to saying 2021, but here we are in December and looking forward to 2022 in another blink of the eye.

Here's to a year filled with peace and love and joy.

Here's to a year where no one is hungry or alone or afraid.

Here's to a year where we show our best selves.

Here's to a year where we find the best in others.

Here's to a year where everyone believes in science, equality, and respect.

Here's to a year where the world becomes a better, safer place for all.

Wishing you and yours all the very best for the Christmas/holiday season and all things wonderful for 2022!!

Have yourself a Merry MooseMas!