Mya Lairis's Blog, page 3

10 Things Every Con Attendee Should Bring With Them

The 11 Things That You Should Pack For Any Convention 11. Comfy Shoes- Don't laugh. This is by far an important item as you traipse from even to event and as you will probably be on your feet more hours than say your average day. Yes those six-inch heels looked good during the Steampunk ball, rave or costume contest but again hitting events and panels; you'll want to have some slides, flip flops, crocs or even slippers. Shoes go a long way to relaxing you both at study and at entertainment and it's a confidence booster. Good shoes will also allow you to spend more time socializing and shopping. Besides happy feet make happy con goers and no one is cute when their feet hurt.

10. Chip Clip Holder- Ah the tool of housewives and campers everywhere. Say you're at a convention with a fabulous supermarket nearby, like a Wegman's for instance. (Yay, Balticon). Well, most of your snacking needs can be satisfied right there. No need to pay for a tiny bag of chips in a pricey hotel cafe or vending machine, you can get the extra large family-sized bag for you and the seven folk sharing your room (those days are gone for me btw). Making sure that bulk bags are secured for freshness goes a long way, especially at 2 in the morning when you need something extra to get you through the Anime or Hentai or Yaoi marathon. Chip clips also work wonders for securing bread, chocolates and bags of cookies.

9. A Lanyard- Now depending on the convention, it's budget and artistic creativity, you may or may not find a lanyard in your bag, but I mention this because, I dislike pinning anything to myself and for some reason I am needle bait. But a lanyard *especially* when or if it is attached to a badge holder can come in handy because it can not only hold con name tags, but one credit card and a driver's licence (needed to make quick purchases. Note, you never want to over load it though.) Either way, lanyard's don't draw blood.

8. Belly Tamers- No I am not talking about corsets, girdles or even belts. I'm talking about something that if you should certainly bring if you are unlucky or not wealthy enough to have your own single room at a con. Even if you don't spend the entire convention eating at restaurants, scarfing down carbonated stimulants, sugary or salty snacks, greasy take out or buffets at the hotel restaurants, there comes a time when the body expands. Now, in hotel rooms, there are NO guarantees regarding fans in the bathroom and unless you are reeeaaaly close with your friends (as in they talk about you to your face as well as behind your back) or you carry air freshener with you at all times, then you don't want to be the one that nuked the bowl. Running a shower might help, but ...no fan. A lot of folk, subconsciously or no, tend to hold it or wait till everyone has left the room and this too causes problems. Sometimes folk don't crap for days, but as everyone knows Slim Jims, Jim Beam, Gatorade and Carryout does not make for a happy tummy.

7. Deodorant- Now I have no idea how things work at romance, horror or gaming conventions, but of the many other types of cons that I attend this is a must, not just for self but hell to pass out to folk, because I swear, tons of folk forget it and sitting in panels with con funk wafting through the air isn't fun for anyone. I could add handy wipes to this point, but it would just be redundant.

6. A Cooler- No a convention isn't a tail gate party, and you don't have to bring the extra long family sized one. But if you don't plan for your meals, you too may end up spending valuable money (which could be spent in the dealer's room) on sustenance that is pricey and usually from a restaurant with hours that are not convenient for your planned con activities. They give you ice, so use it for lunch meat, fixings, cold salads and of course, Alcohol! If you bring too much, you can always feed someone who spent all their money...in the dealers room!

5. A Water Bottle- This is an important item that should always be brought with you to a convention. As someone who has worked many conventions, I can't tell you how many folk pass out due to dehydration. If a con is worth its chops, then they will have water stations available and they should be used. Um, and then there is alcohol. Conceal and carry is the best way for alcoholics to roll and unless you're some one who can't handle their liquor, then a water bottle is a must! Amateurs please ignore the former statement as I don't want you ruining it for me thank you.

4. Snore Strips, Ear Plugs and a Sleep Mask- Oh but this is three things rather than one, however they all serve the same purpose and that is why I lump them together, because they all address the problem of successful sleep in a room that you have decided to share with others to keep down con costs and if one of those fails, then...so might your sanity and friendship. Using myself as a humble example, I will confess that I am a complete Bear, that enjoys watching NASCAR or Monster Truck Jam when folk like to sleep, I snore when I do sleep and when I wake up it's freakishly early. To my utter shame, I must carry snore strips, but for you folk out there who believe you are sooo sensitive when it comes to your sleep, bring your ear plugs and sleep masks, I don't know if it helps but as I can sleep during a Heavy Metal concert, I would advise it if you would like to share a room and have more money to spend in the dealer's room.

3. A Smart Phone- In this day and age with the invention of the mini-computer, this is a must. Not only for discreetly contacting/locating friends, but for on the minute updating, a solution to boredom, a way to locate resources and to actually research your panelists' latest projects before you ask them questions that they may smirk at. Depending on your apps, you can use it to take notes, record, control your con schedule and keep up to date with your game of Pocket Frogs...Did I mention that your GPS feature can get you to and from the con with no fuss as well. I love my phone more and more every day...oh and please bring the charger.

2. A Light-Weight Backpack or Reusable Shopping Bag- I am not just mentioning this because of my dealer room obsession, but because there are always things to pick up at cons: flyers, promo items, water bottles, sketch pads, IPad etc. This bag however is meant to be light though. The concept being that you will go through all the items and empty it upon arrival back in the room while watching NASCAR. I bought a light weight cotton back back with cords for easy toting from panel to panel. However, yeah ole' Wegman's bag is also a handy alternative to the plastic shopping bags vendors give you with plushies, books, clothing or your latest board game acquisition. Finally, it helps the environment too!

1. Your Business Card- Here's the thing: I don't care if you work at a car garage or a comic book shop, you can be a IRS accountant or just a pest removal expert, bring your business card. Don't have one, then get some made. I'm not saying that this happens at every con, but folk are either waaay too tired or drunk or both, to remember folk who could very well be very lucrative contacts. So what you're not an artist, writer, filmmaker or whatever profession that is glorified at said convention, bring a business card. Hand them out and collect them in turn in the above mentioned type of sack. When you get back to your room, sober up or even after the con, you will remember that person that gave it to you and I don't give a shit if you are a best selling author, accomplished painter or acting in a cool sci fi film, knowing a mechanic that maybe local could come in handy. For me, meeting a seamstress that works with brass and leather...priceless, especially because they had a superb recommendation for mead.

Announcing: Embraced by Goodies Contest

Do you like giveaways as much as I like making gift baskets? Have you read my latest book "Embraced by the Sun?" If so then read on:

Available at: Amazon Kindle

In celebration of my latest release "Embraced by the Sun," I am giving away a basket full of all sorts of vacation-themed goodies. As I like to reward my readers for their support, this contest is for anyone who has read the work. If you enjoyed it or even if you did not, simply send me an email (blackkoda@yahoo.com )with what you thought about it, good or bad and you will have a shot at the prize. Yes it's that simple.

Contest Ends on June 12th Drawing will be on June 13th

Prize Basket Includes: • Family –Sized Mesh Beach Bag • Extra Large Beach Towel • KY Touch Massaging Gel- Warming and Tingling • Gel Pack Eye Mask • Water Bottle • Water Float • Candle- Caribbean Escape • And more!

Here is a preview:

Let Loose the Berserkers!

My mother was the one who really introduced me to the world of monsters, although she probably won't fess up to it. Her love of such classics as "Tarzan" "Clash of the Titans" and any Sinbad film were probably my introductory level into the paranoramal and fanstique. Minotaurs, griffons, gorgons and the kraken, sabertooths, serpents, flying horses and such planted seeds in my imagination that I simply could not shake. I can recall writing stories and sketching monsters from as early as ten.

If I could point to one work as being the most inspirational to me as a writer it would have to be Clive Barker's "Nightbreed." I adore literally everything about the tale of a man who believes that he is a monster, but discovers what a true monster is. The film and the novel speak to the power of perception and the reality of what true monsters are, and of course the so-called freaks bear more humanity than any of the so called humans. Before there was paranormal was popular, Clive gave life to characters of spectacular design, beautiful horror and wild depths.

Is it a paradox that a being who looks like a demon complete with horns has more compassion than a priest or that psychiatrist can do more damage than a hulking beast? The themes fascinate me and have done so throughout my undergraduate studies of lauded and award-winning writers and onto my career as a romance writer.

I have written many works, the majority of them about paranormals. My need to give them the same depth, love and development as Clive gave to his, is a definite driving force for me. I need for them to have a rich history, honor and intelligence is something that I truly hope that I portray on every page. In my novel, "The Thief of His Heart," I wanted to develop a culture of werecats that spanned ancient times through to contemporary, stressing the importance of their traditions to the reader as well as to the main character. The love interest of the main character, Crnswar is an intimidating force, both capable of violence, authority and love.

I have written about werewolves, vampires, demons, sorcerers and even gargoyles (and will again soon) but their outward appearances are just beautiful drapes, that they love and honor and respect one another is what I fight for and ultimately what I as an author seek to define.

When I take on a monster for a novel or short story, I ask myself several questions, such as:

* What would they eat? Of course a werewolf would eat meat, but a gargoyle would enjoy stone.

* What would they wear? A werecat would either wear little or walk around in couture.

* How do they live? Secluded or in plain sight of humans? A sorcerer can go to the mall, but a golem couldn't

* How do they have fun? A were might like to watch nature programs on the Discovery channel where as an ice sorcerer might take to making ice cream or carving sculptures.

* What would fascinate them? Gems might fascinate cats, Serpentoids might love music and of course werecats would like catnip.

* How do they have sex? Hehehehe, I can get carried away with this.

* If there was a store that catered only to X type of paranormals, what would it sell? Gargoyles might like loofahs, goblins might like caramel apples, a witch would love a candle store, Weres might like heated muscle relief cremes after every change.

All in all, deciding upon or creating the creature to use, while fun is something that dresses up the novel, not defines it. The creatures actions are what should stand out most of all. Yes, I write about monsters, but they are not monstrous. And yeah, Clive Barker made that evident to me in his writings, art and even films (although I think it is high time that Guillermo del Toro redid Nightbreed because only he can).

Silly perhaps, but in the realm of world-building just a few of the questions that help me to bring and breath life into my monsters.

Suckin' It Up and Pushing Forward

There's nothing like reading reviews of your work to sober a writer up. I said writer, not amateur or aspiring, not good or great or bad...just a writer. I'm an addict, addicted to writing and the process in that all consuming crack-head type way. I long for nothing but words and dreams. Am I always on point? Hell no. My reviews run the gamut. I get some good ones, some ones where readers wonder about my sanity and my capability to plot, some are full of praise and detail and some are short to the point of 'didn't like it.' Does it affect what I do? No. Because I am an addict. I will continue to write and weave stories. I don't know how many times I have been asked, how can I become a writer by folk with good intentions and high hopes. I always tell them two things. 1> Complete your project and 2> Don't obsess over reviews. Don't get me wrong, I listen to a good critique, I live for it, especially when it's detailed, long and thoughtful. I actually love getting rejection letters that are longer than two pages. A one-liner...not so cool though, I take it in...and keep on writing. So, as I return to another one of my self-absorbed yarns, I keep the advice and critiques good and bad, but that horse, that drug of typetypetype has a hold on me...well at least until the editors get a hold of me, but when they don't...the writing must go on and a few drinks helps to make it..Irie.

Epic Fails, Netflix, OCD and Multi-Tasking

Um...yeah the notorious World of Warcraft addiction is somewhat under control now, but the raging Netflix beast has arrived in full force. Luckily I have that nifty Windows 7 thing going on, which allows me to split a screen like a mofo. While I strive to be a more disciplined and studious writer, I find my OCD pushes me toward several tasks rather than one. But then yes, my word count suffers. I make no bones about my love of writing, but if there was a word to describe my state, then it would be scatterbrained. I keep several types of notation devices to remind me of things I should do, can do and would like to do, regular blogging being one of them, but alas distractions occur. There have been a few successes, and well executed plans, such as the promo event and gift basket arrangements for The Romance Studio's Valentine Gala. In 2011 I had three novels come out. I strive to have 3 this year...high hopes? Maybe. Does it help that I'm watching season 3 of "Bones" right now...uggh. Hey, at least it's not WoW-related. My epic, level 85 Human Warrior with bitchan war-axes is on hold, so I must be productive...at least until the new expansion drops. Hehehe.

Procrastinating Even With Resolutions

I was supposed to blog at least once a week. That was one of my New Year's Resolutions and well, better late than never. Right?

Well since I last officially blogged, I've been toying around with that internet crack called Facebook. And while playing fruitless but exhilarating games I worked some on keeping my fan page updated. While Facebook does seem to reach a large audience with its moderate length, on the minute flashes of news, I think that blogger and blog type formats are for a more concentrated briefing. It allows the space and has the formatting for an in-depth pondering. It has the mood for it, I think. So, I really intend to blog more. At least every two weeks. I'm even setting it up on my calendar. Tuckering down, I am.

So, since this post within itself is just another type of resolution, I propose to have my first real post on Friday. Okay, leaf turning over...leaf turning...

Contests for Werecat Enthusiasts

In celebration fo the new release "Thief of His Heart."


It's not all about the steamy stories that cause the pulse to race, it's about the comfort as well. I like to reward my readers and as well as hear what they have to say good or bad. I really did enjoy writing "Thief of His Heart" and my muses agree that it was by far one of the more extensive lessons in world building that I have done. Perhaps too much, hehehe. Either way, in the spirit of the Felia and the Basti, I present the "Meow Baby" and the "Roar Loud" contests!

Meow Baby Contest
Start: September 4th
End: September 27th
Amount of Prizes: 2
Instructions: Send an email with 'Meow Baby' in the Subject line to blackkoda@yahoo.com for a chance to win:

•Your choice of either an ebook digital copy or print copy of "Thief of His Heart."

Roar Loud Contest
Start: September 4th
End: October 1st
Amount of Prizes: 2
Instructions: Send an email with 'Roar Loud' in the Subject line to blackkoda@yahoo.com. For this contest you have to have already read "Thief of His Heart." In the body of the email simply post a link to a review you have written to either a blog a website or GoodReads for "Thief of His Heart" for an opportunity to win a prize basket worth over $50 with the following:

•Finger to Toe Mani-Pedi Kit
•Sabertooth Plushie
•Laser Pointer toy for Cat
•Loofah Cloth for Humans
•Fishbone Kitty Bowl
•Catnip Ball
•Kindle 3 Case
•Kitty Notepad
•Heart Bracelet
•Promo Items


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Note: Winners for "Meow Baby" are ineligible for "Roar Loud." All winners will be randomly selected.

Note: My Horde Wind Rider cub plushie is not a part of the prize package.

Thief of His Heart

Okay, so I did take a two month break from WoW and I got a few things done, namely my grand homage to the feline breed. "Thief of His Heart" published by AI Press is my spin on the whole city cat vs. country cat theme. The story revolves around Seth, a young male werecat who learns that money and flash aren't the end all-be all. I created two seperate types of werecats, the Basti: the feral, earthy cats who through history were comprised of warriors and brawn and then there are the Felia: sleek, more humanity-embracing cats who through history were concubines, advisors and thieves. Seth makes the mistake of trying to steal an important artifact from the Basti. Captured, confronted and punished by the sexy, yet intimidating Lord of the Basti, Seth is sentenced to spend time among the dust and dens of the Basti.

Now, I would be remiss if I didn't admit that my own two furballs, Zoe and Cougar were highly influential. Their incredible taste in cuisine, the deep appreciaiton of rest and relaxation and their sly mischievious antics influenced the book a good deal. I totally enjoyed world builing a culture and lifestyle for the Basti and was envisioning all sorts of creamed-liquors, catnip cigars and even sushi apps.

And last, but certainly no least, this book touches on a theme that I love, big strapping male versus lithe, smaller more submissive male.

To all who choose to read this book, I think you will quite enjoy it, even if you aren't a cat person per se.

Conventions, PC Gaming and Obsessions.

2/13/10

As this is my last tour of duty with Katsucon, I must admit that I was not expecting to attend what has probably been one of the coolest and most meaningful panels that I have ever attended at this particular function. Perhaps it is due to my latest addiction, but the WoW-centric "MMOs Unite: WOW: Wrath Edition" panel was a highly entertaining panel if not very informative on a personal level. In fact I believe that I have made quite a few self- discoveries, in that I will never ever be a championship-level MMO player.

The panel speaker, Manny Camacho showed his obvious love for warlocks and disdain of the warrior-class aside, yet was still brilliant! The CEO and founder of GPX gaming Inc approached the game from a mathematics standpoint that had me wanting to break out a pen and paper for a few equations. He spoke of the various class damage scales in ways that would make school kids madly enthusiastic about math and PVP encounters. And while he didn't apply that higher level of math to the economy of the AH and WoW universe, it was still blatantly obvious that gaming encompasses so much more than sole entertainment.

But the brilliance didn't end there! Oh no. While Manny didn't touch upon the crippling damage done by gaming obsessions, or the sociological damage done by hours spent hooked into the game, I believe he illustrated it damn well.

He showed this video (Funeral in WoW) and while the room lit up with laughter, mine too…I couldn't believe what I was seeing and how I might have been the one to have done something so crass in my obsession.

You see, apparently a young woman died in real life and her friends decided to have an in-game funeral for her in a neutral contested area, which the Horde(an opposing faction) proceeded to attack as if they were raiding a low-level dungeon (ahem, Deadmines). While I laughed and cried during this the showing of this video, the main thing on my mind was that if that were my friends funeral I would make sure that payback ensued…in game and like a mad mutharfucka!

I don't have to go into details about addiction, there are others with worse sob stories than mine, but for some reasons this was the point when I had to leave. Why? Because it can't be that serious and yet it is at times… Am I getting help for my addiction? No but realizing the problem is a quarter of the battle.

Alas, as I prepare to do my last all-nighter for Katsucon at the Gaylord Hotel (a very swank establishment I might add) I will miss all the anime kids, the platform gamers (there is no love for the PCers in the game room)and the nights of consuming mass quantities of sugar and caffeine while. But I will be attending Balticon…and at one point perhaps Blizzcon, who reeeeaaally needs to have an event on the North East Coast.

Selfishly...It comes

I cried for a moment, had my own little pity party and booted up World of Warcraft the day that I decided that I needed a bit of a writing break, the day I excused myself from writing circles and decided to float. I can't rightly say that I'm going to be published again and I definitely can't MAKE it happen. I have a full time job and can get by, although extra dough would be nice. So while traipsing about in Northrend, or waiting patiently for another raid to begin, for yet another night, I return to square one.

I was always a gamer. World of Warcraft is slightly more addictive than Final Fantasy but I have always engaged in some type of game playing. I played social Advance Dungeons and Dragons for years and have had consoles for as long I can recall, but my love of writing and reading has never waned. I've taken time to write, be it a small amount or a massive amount of time, and even though my raiding schedule can get pretty hectic...and ridiculous (5 hours trying to best Sunwell sucks)I was pleasantly surprised to turn out a few pages today.

While I would love to blame WoW for my lack of writing, I can't. I can't say that I've lost an obsession that has been with me longer than I can recall. What I can say is that a break was needed. So many nights spent typing away in a vacuum of my imagination needed to be countered with a little social interaction, even if it is "Nice heals," "Good Run," or "Buff up."

The camaraderie I get doing a run or socializing with the guild offers me something that muse often doesn't. Interaction. My muse loves wild things like anti-heroes, assholes, near-villainous protagonists and banter. I try to steer it towards the happy, happy and it seeks the dark. It prods me with it's belly full of all the hardcore scifi and horror novels I've been reading. (Thanks Neal Asher, Matthew Reilly and Edward Lee). My muse points and I follow. There is little interaction involved.

The craft of writing is pretty much a lone job. You write and you present what you created. Rejection letters seldom come with detailed explanations, that is NOT the publishers job. Critique partners can often sugar-coat, pass off or completely ignore a story. Fans may enjoy your story but rarely leave feedback...but my guild tells me immediately when I fuck up and when I do a good job.

I'm selfish. I've been told that before but truly in this time when I have slowed down my writing time, I think that when I do eek out a page or two, that I feel better...less the tortured artist alone in her workroom struggling with the prose. As I stopped pushing and hoping and worrying about writing, it comes...it always did. It's selfish too that way.