C. Lee McKenzie's Blog, page 21
October 2, 2019
The IWSG October is Upon Us!
I am LATE with my #IWSG post! I am JET-LAGGED! I have just discovered I can’t do everything. After a month of being a traveler, I’m dazed and in culture shock and saying, “I can’t launch a book and do a blog hop and …. anything else while I’m on the road.” My muse is saying, “Get over it already!”
“Shut up, muse!”
“I will once you get on with the business at hand.”
“Fine! So here it is.”
Join Us NowThe awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
The awesome co-hosts for the October 2 posting of the IWSG are Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Mary Aalgaard, Madeline Mora-Summonte, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
The Optional Question this month is this: It’s been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don’t enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?
My answer to the question: Well, first of all, I can’t imagine not reading. Whether I write or don’t write. It’s what inspires me, teaches me, and has shaped my life since I can remember.
However, to take this question into a slight detour, I read widely. That includes, almost everything except erotica (Anais Nin being the exception). I think it’s important to draw from all genres and different kinds of writers.
When I first started writing to publish, I went to hear Laurie Halse Anderson speak, and she said quite frankly, that she never read other YA writers. That made sense to me, so unless a friend who writes YA or MG asks me read, I avoid reading in those genres. I’d rather strike out on my own. I also don’t go to books that give me synonyms for words; I want to avoid choosing what thousands of other writers are choosing. Of course, I’ve now offended someone, so I’m sorry (but keep in mind I’m also jet-lagged and cranky… compassion or understand, appreciated), but we must all find our own way in this writing business, and I’m not one to say how. I only know what I do.
I read. I write. I cry a lot. Then I stomp around muttering to myself. I write some more, and when I’m totally out of steam AKA ideas, I read some more. Back to the original question…I’d never presume to write without being a reader.
There’s a new WEP coming. I love this theme. It’s so “juicy” with possibilities for the macabre. Perfect for this Halloween month. Sign up and submit your story. It will be fun to read what you come up with.
If you want to see what the August winner came up with for that challenge, Here’s your chance.
Quote of the month: “You were born to be an original. Don’t die a copy.” John Mason, national best-selling author, noted speaker
October 1, 2019
YA Scavenger Hunt, Fall 2019
Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt! This bi-annual event was first organized by author Colleen Houck as a way to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors…and a chance to win some awesome prizes! On this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt. Add up the clues, and you can enter for our prize–one lucky winner will receive one book from each author on the hunt in my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 120 hours!
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GO TEAM BLUE
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This bonus material is from my teammate, Roxanne Lambie. From an early age, this author fell in love with books and storytelling. Her work as a professional pilot kept her busy, but she never gave up on her dream of writing. It was the combined love of both that sparked QUANTUM, a speculative young adult book which might appeal to fans of IF I STAY and TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE. Let’s give Roxanne 3 cheers for being so talented.
FACTS ABOUT SETTING
Two settings make up QUANTUM: Bantry, Ireland and El Paso, Texas. Some of the major differences are highlighted here.
Writing with two different locations in mind was a great way to escape. I spent hours on YouTube “exploring” some of my locations so I would be able to accurately describe them.
It rains over 41 inches a year in Bantry with an average of 143 days of precipitation. El Paso gets about 9 inches a year with only about 39 days of precipitation.
____
El Paso is a large city with a population of approximately 684,000. Bantry is a small town of about 2,700 people.
____
Bantry sits right next to the ocean with many surrounding lakes, rivers and streams. El Paso is an eleven-hour drive from the closest beach, which is actually in California, not Texas.
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Spanish and English are both spoken in El Paso, while Bantry claims English and Irish.
Thanks, Roxanne for the interesting information about these two places where your story is set.
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When I signed up for the HUNT this year, I didn’t have a publication date for my next book, but a lot has happened since then. I now have a new book coming out October 25. It’s called NOT GUILTY. It’s now available for PREORDER on SMASHWORDS, BARNES & NOBLE, and KOBO.
In October I’ll be doing a special SPOOKY HALLOWEEN giveaway to celebrate the launch, but for this Scavenger Hunt, I’m giving a paperback of my book, DOUBLE NEGATIVE. I call this book a cousin to Not Guilty. You can sign up below to win. I’m offering a signed copy of Double Negative. Hope you’ll enter to win.
ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED COPY
Now that you’re done here, and I hope you enjoyed your visit, please hop on over to my TEAM MATE, Amy Fellner Dominy, and see what’s happening at her place. Be sure to check out all of TEAM BLUE and the others that are in this hunt.
September 4, 2019
Mark Zuckerberg and Network Science
While I was stewing about my slow networking pace, I stumbled (literally because the History Magazine was on the step) upon an interview with Niall Ferguson, author of The Square and the Tower: Networks, Hierarchies and the Struggle for Global Power. His opening remark caught my eye. “Social networks weren’t invented my Mark Zuckerberg.”
So what has this to do with the writers’ world? Glad you asked.
For one, networking is a powerful tool for us. It impacts how our books enter the world and how they’re received by the public. That’s not surprising if we look at how social networks have significantly impacted world events. Look what happened in the 15th century–what Ferguson cites as the “first age of networking.” With the invention of the printing press, ideas spread more widely and more rapidly. The social networks that developed around these ideas took on a force for change. Enter the Protestant Reformation. From then on there was no stopping these powerhouse networks, and they resulted in major shifts like The American Revolution and the French Revolution.
In the interview, Ferguson comments on how influential Henry Kissinger was during the Nixon era. But why was he more powerful than any other person in during that time? That’s what Ferguson questioned. He came up with the fact that Kissinger was “the best connected person in the Nixon administration.” Using network science, he graphed Kissinger’s connections, and they far outstripped any other politician in the White House at that time. Ferguson did the same kind of graph for Paul Revere, and discovered that because of his “trusted” network among the revolutionaries, his warning of the approaching Redcoats, was believed and spread without question.
Well, this made me think about my own social network and here are the questions I asked myself:
Who am I connected with?
Are these people I trust and admire?
Am I a trustworthy person inside this network?
Will my network support me when I need it?
Will it provide me with the visibility I need to succeed in marketing my books?
How can I be a better/more effective person inside my network?
Any thoughts about your own network?
Join Us Today
As everyone knows this is the first Wednesday of September, and we are once again here to do a bit of networking–the best kind–the supportive kind. Thanks again, Alex for this brilliant networking idea.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?
The awesome co-hosts for the September 4 posting of the IWSG are Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantiner! Be sure to visit their sites and thank them for co-hosting!
I had to give this some thought. Finally, I came up with a lot of places around the world, and all of them would inspire me to write. Istanbul would probably make me churn out an exotic mystery set in the bazaar or in the shadows of St. Sophia Mosque. In London I’d definitely create a spy story with lots of fog and Big Ben looming in the background. And then there’s Dublin, and I start thinking romance and fern groves. No, let’s go to the island of Sifnos in the Aegean and have some kind of historical fiction story. On second thought, I’d like to write something mystical, so I’ll head to New Zealand and go out onto Doubtful Sound for that inspiration. If it’s going to a humorous and lighthearted tale, I have to buy a ticket to Cancun. But if I’m going for a ghostly tale I’ll drive up to Auburn in Northern CA. Well, there are too many wonderful writing locations to choose from and too many exciting genres to jump into. So, in the end, I’ll probably write where I often do–in my garden, by the pond. And I’ll probably write a contemporary/realistic young adult or an adventure/fantasy middle grade book. After all, there’s no place like home, and there’s nothing like writing what you love to write.
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has taken an ARC for NOT GUILTY. If anyone else would like to give me hand with this launch, please email me at info@cleemckenziebooks.com I have a mobi, pdf, and ePub file. Here’s the blurb.
A blood-smeared knife. One young man’s word against another. A lifetime dream crushed.
The evidence points to Devon Carlyle. He was there when it happened. Everyone knows he had it in for Renzo Costa. And Costa says Devon was the one. In the judge’s rap of a gavel Devon’s found guilty of assault. The star of the Oceanside High’s basketball team loses his shot at the one thing he’s worked so hard for—the championship game where college scouts could see how good he is.
Now he makes his great shots in Juvenile Hall with kids far different from those that have always been in his life.
Angry? Hell, yes.
He’s bent on finding who did the crime. He’s bent on making them pay because he’s Not Guilty. But can he prove it?
Now speaking of writing…did you come up with a Flash Fiction piece or poetry or something that would grab the reader’s attention for the August WEP? I hope so because it’s a great way to meet new writers and stay connected with those you already know. Remember networking is key, and the WEP people are giving you a great opportunity to do just that. I’ve read the entries this month, and there are some real winners. Be sure to stop by the sites and let the writers know what you think. HERE’S the link to the sign up list.
Quote of the Month: “Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.”
― Michele Jennae, Author
August 7, 2019
What If You Could Do It Again?
Writers go through similar stages before they finally see their manuscripts between covers, but from what I’ve learned, they usually go through them in exactly the opposite way that they should.
Here’s what I think is typical based on my conversations with other writers and my own beginning as one.
WRITE A STORY
SUBMIT THE MANUSCRIPT FOR PUBLICATION OR SELF-PUBLISH
SET UP BLOG TOURS/BOOK SIGNINGS
BUILD A NETWORK OF FOLLOWERS.
If I had it to do again, I’d reverse those steps; at least I’d put “Build a Network” right up there with “Write the Story.” Why? Because once you do publish a book, you’re going to need a lot of people in your corner to help spread the word and bring you chocolates to keep you going. This upside-down plan is important regardless of whether you’re self-published, working with a small press, or working with a large one. The competition in today’s writing/publishing industry is fierce. In 2017 1,000,000 print and eBooks were published in the U.S. alone. How are you going to make any waves in a sea as big as this if you’re all alone?
Besides with a network, you’re not always having to be the one to say, “Look at my book.” The Me. Me. Me. gets pretty old across your social media very quickly.
As a writer of Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction, I’ve found two groups that have helped through a lot of learning curves and into publication. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators showed me the ropes early on. I attended their regional conferences, started meeting other new writers, and connecting with established and savvy ones. When I sold my first novel, I attended the New York Winter Conference and was so motivated to keep writing that I started my second novel in my hotel room during the days I was there. They’ve provided a wealth of knowledge and support that helped me build my network and complete eleven books (eight published so far).
When I first heard about The Insecure Writer’s Support Group, I wondered what benefit I’d get from becoming a member. The key word was SUPPORT. While they offered a lot of great information from writing professionals, they also were there when I considered giving up or didn’t have a fresh idea, and they quadrupled my online social media network. Remember, I’d done it all backwards: published, and then started connecting with writers and readers.
These are my thoughts on “If I Had It To Do Again.” What are yours? Do you agree or do you have other ideas about this writing/publishing business?
And now what you’ve been hoping I get to…all the news from #IWSG
Join Us Today
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
August 7 question – Has your writing ever taken you by surprise? For example, a positive and belated response to a submission you’d forgotten about or an ending you never saw coming?
The awesome co-hosts for the August 7 posting of the IWSG are
Renee Scattergood, Sadira Stone, Jacqui Murray, Tamara Narayan, and LG Keltner!
The short answer to this question is my writing always takes me by surprise. Here’s a list of some of those surprises:
A publisher actually paid me for my first book, and then asked for a second.
I wrote more than the one book I intended.
New ideas keep appearing. I never knew I’d be interested in so many topics–most of which I know little to nothing about until I start a book.
My current WIP has taken on a life of its own, and I’m writing a totally different book than I set out to write.
I can only imagine what’s going to happen if I keep doing this. Great question, BTW!
We have a new ADMIN at IWSG. Thanks for stepping up and helping us out Juneta Key.
Love having you here. If you haven’t seen her blog, The Writer’s Gambit, go take a look. It’s amazing
The next WEP is here. You can read about how to sign up HERE.
This looks like quite an interesting theme. Love the contents of the red wheelbarrow!
The entries for the next IWSG anthology are coming in folks. Do you have yours ready? Better get cracking. Time’s a wastin’. HERE’s all the information about what to submit and how to submit it.
In my Email Connect today I’m offering an Instant Book to subscribers. I think it’s a nice promotional tool for authors when they’re at book events. Inexpensive and fun. Here’s a YOU TUBE video if you’d like to see how they’re made.
Quote of the Month: “I never want to do the same things twice. I like surprises.” Anonymous
July 3, 2019
First Wednesday, Month 7!
Me: “I’m back physically, but mentally I’m still enjoying an Aegean swim.”
Muse (AKA The Nag): “Did you say Aegean? I thought you were going to the Ionian.”
Me: “Well, you see there was a change in plan. It’s called ‘life takes a left instead of a right,’ so there were different boats and different crews and, therefore, a different sea.”
The Muse (AKA The Nag): “Are you sure you’re not losing it?”
Me: “Somewhat sure. Listen, fella, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Here’s a picture of me pretending to write when, in fact, I’m waiting for the anchor to drop so I can jump into the water. To be very honest, I wrote not one word.”
Thanks for the picture, Jason!
The Muse (AKA The Nag): “And you call yourself a writer.”
Me: “I like the title. And who could resist jumping into this?
And, of course, after a swim I was busy eating and talking and eating some more. There may have been wine involved.
The Muse (AKA The Nag): “Ah ha! Just as I suspected. I’m stuck here minding the estate, and you’re off swimming in some exotic sea and getting snockered during the day!”
Me: “Not ‘snockered‘ just…happy.”
The Muse (AKA The Nag) turns away in a sulk.
Me: I did some work while I was gone. Look! Double Negative was in the top ten books listed in this wiki: Stunning YA Books That Chronicle The Tough Realities Of Growing Up.
The Muse (AKA The Nag) shrugs. No eye contact.
Me: I’m in too good a mood to let you rile me, so go ahead and pout and let me get on with this first Wednesday post.”
In this brainchild of Alex Cavanaugh, each month the IWSG announce a question that members can answer in their posts. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
July 3 question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?
Remember, the question is optional!
The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Natalie Aguirre, Jennifer Lane, MJ Fifield, Lisa Buie-Collard, and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!
I’d like to say that there’s nothing of me in the people I create, but I suppose a writer can’t avoid creating a cast that is nothing like them. So when I thought about the question, I had to admit there are bits of me that I recognize in some of my characters.
I’ve been known to be stubborn–I’d prefer to call it determined–and that trait pops up in several characters. If Shawna Stone (Sliding on the Edge) hadn’t been hugely stubborn, she wouldn’t have survived. I threw a lot at Ms. Stone in this story, and she finally fought her way through all of it.
My fears peek out at me when I think about Carlie Simon (The Princess of Las Pulgas) and she withdraws into herself when those fears become very big–my usual strategy. When I’m really scared, I disappear until I get all of that under control.
Like Cleo Brown (Sudden Secrets) I can carry around a lot of guilt about mistakes, and I used to run like she does to escape, but these days I’ve turned to hiking and yoga to help me out.
So in short, these are the traits I’ve written into some of my characters, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Can’t wait to see what others have answered this month.
There are some really good July bargains from Dancing Lemur Press.Some restrictions apply. Free swag with all direct orders. See the SITE for details.
Thirty writers entered the June WEP! Go read some and see what you think. There were many that deserve applause. But here are the stars according to the judges: Pat Hatt, Elephant’s Child , Toi There were so many great stories that I’m sure it was a difficult choice.
Quote of the Month: Compliments of The Muse (AKA The Nag) “Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.” Seth Godin, entrepreneur, author, speaker.
June 5, 2019
Going Fishing
Actually, I’m not going fishing, but I am or hope to be swimming in the Ionian Sea. Whatever I’m doing next week, it won’t be social media. My brain needs a break. In case you want to know why, you can read about it HERE. I’ll get back to all of you when I return.
Here’s my itinerary for the month. Pulgia for a week at a farm house. Ionian islands for the rest of the time on a sailboat. So simple. Exactly what I need after a year of “adjusting.”
My Plan for June
However, I haven’t forgotten that today is the famous Insecure Writers Support Group Day.
In case you’re new to the group,
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
The question is optional!
June 5 question: Of all the genres you read and write, which is your favorite to write in and why?
The awesome co-hosts for the June 5 posting of the IWSG are Diane Burton, Kim Lajevardi, Sylvia Ney, Sarah Foster, Jennifer Hawes, and Madeline Mora-Summonte! Please stop by their sites and cheer them on.
I’m skipping the question this month, so I can pack. I’m leaving tomorrow… on a jet plane. Don’t know when I’ll be back again. Well, not exactly. I’ll be back at the end of the month, but that was a nod to John Denver and Peter, Paul, and Mary. Sweet sixties!
When I return, I’ll have my hands full because a publisher has just taken another of my Young Adult books , so I’ll be doing what authors do when they have a book coming out. I have nothing except the title and my tag to share yet.
A blood-smeared knife
One young man’s word against another
A lifetime dream crushed
And then because it’s summer, I’m offering the Kindle version of Alligators Overhead (book 1 in the Adventures of Pete and Weasel trilogy) for $1.99 the month of June.
Quote of the Month: “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta
May 1, 2019
The Power of the Written Word
Join Us TodayThe awesome co-hosts for the May 1 posting of the IWSG are Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin!
We need more awesome co-host for June, July, and August. Want to be one? Let us know.
This month’s optional question is “What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?”
It must have been when I first took the book away from my mom and started reading to her. Magic happened in that moment. I was inside a story and I could stay there as long as I wanted.
I was trying to remember what that story was about and I think it was something like “See Spot Run.” Not a riveting tale, but for goodness sakes I was three or thereabouts. I soon moved on to Hemingway and Steinbeck with a few other books making the bridge for me.
Thanks Mom for all that reading aloud time.
This month’s Email Connect reveals one of my embarrassing moments as a writer. It had to be told just to make me feel better. Besides, others might avoid my mistake. If you’d like to receive my monthly tidbits and receive a free gift, sign up HERE.
Want to see the runners up? HERE you go!And now the BIG news! The 2019 Annual IWSG Anthology Contest is now open for submissions!
Want to see the ones that have come before? Check out the video or click HERE.
Guidelines and rules:
Word count: 3500-5000
Genre: Middle Grade Historical – Adventure/Fantasy
Theme: Voyagers
Submissions accepted: May 1 – September 4, 2019
How
to enter: Send your polished, formatted (double-spaced, no page
numbers), previously unpublished story to admin @
insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please
include your full contact details, your social links, and if you are
part of the Blogging, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter IWSG group.
Judging:
The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The
shortlist will then be sent to our official judges who will be announced
later this year.
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press
next year in the IWSG anthology. Authors will receive royalties on
books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of
giving the anthology its title.
Quote of the Month: “The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” Philosopher William James. (I immediately thought of buying more books!)
April 5, 2019
April WEP
Check Out the Other EntriesThis is my entry into the WEP April event. I’m a bit puzzled about where it came from, but it came and that’s how it is. I”m looking forward to reading the others as they publish!
Those pearl earrings were mine, and I was going to have them back no matter what.
The Voice, the one I’d heard for far too long, said, “You are in another place now, Juliana. Let the material possessions stay where you left them.”
I could almost see the long finger of caution wagging at me, but I ignored it as well as the boring reminder of my altered state. I didn’t need that. I knew my situation all too well. But, I didn’t quite know how I’d manage the heist and restore those earrings to my possession. That was going to take some unearthing of proper procedures.
“Hmm. Unearthing.” I had the answer. All I needed was a willing digger. I just needed to find one. Next, I’d need an animator. There used to be one per village until the Inquisition, so there had to be some lurking here.
The back alleys of this place were overflowing with unfulfilled entrepreneurs, and so I set out to explore an area I’d avoided since my arrival. A visit to this dark side held a few risks, but those pearls were worth it. I needed something to make me feel good about myself. It had been a long time since I’d had anything to make me feel like the Contessa Juliana Costa da Verdi.
Of course, along my route The Voice nagged at me every step I took.
“Turn back.”
“This is a terrible mistake.
“There’s great danger in returning to fetch what you left. I’ve told you that.”
I stomped my foot and hissed back. “Stop. I know what I’m doing.”
I knew that The Voice could only go as far as the entrance to the dark territory. While there was no line drawn, I felt a barrier as I approached, and so for a moment I stopped.
“You will regret going in there,” The Voice said, and this time it sounded depleted.
For a moment, I hesitated, but my desire for what was rightfully mine swept over me again, and before I could change my mind, I stepped into the blackness of the other side. I hadn’t expected the icy air or the odd smell of creosote. I’d always thought this place would be filled with fire and steam and smell of the unwashed. Well, it wasn’t.
I crept ahead feeling my way through what felt like a narrow canyon until I spotted a flickering light ahead. Moving closer, I discovered a small flame with a hooded figure huddled around it. It didn’t look up when I stepped into the light.
“Excuse me,” I said. “I’m the Contessa Juliana Costa da Verdi.” My name used to turn heads and make people bow. The one seated at the fire didn’t seemed to hear me. I tried for attention again, louder this time. “I’ve come seeking a digger and an animator.”
The figure rose and towered over me. I was forced to look up at what I supposed was a face, but in this light and with the hood pulled down, I couldn’t be certain.
“I am that.” It was a deep, animal sound that came at me.
“A digger or an animator?”
“Both.”
“Oh, well, then you’re exactly what I need.” This was far too simple. I’d have to tell that nattering Voice just how silly those warnings really were.
“I charge.”
“Yes. I imagine you do. What?”
“A soul is my going rate. You have only to give me a name.”
I thought of one immediately. This would teach my dearly beloved to re-marry so quickly and to give my jewelry box along with my precious pearl earrings to his bride. “Done.”
I laid out my plan, named the soul, and asked, “So when can I expect your service to be complete?”
“Come.” Like a shadow, the digger-animator moved back down the canyon, and I followed. It was a relief to come out of that dark place until The Voice started again.
“How did you bring this into our side?”
“I hired it for a job.”
“You paid?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, Juliana. You have made such a terrible mistake.”
The way he said that, did give me an anxious moment, but I had a mission. I would not be stopped now. “You’re nothing but a naysayer and worry wort. Go away.”
“You have set loose unimaginable tragedy.”
I think those words were followed by a sigh. Silence came after that, and I was left alone with the giant hooded figure.
Without a word he led the way until we came to a familiar spot. Not my favorite one, but at least I recognized it, and I knew this digger-animator was going to complete the task.
It didn’t take long to bring up the coffin. I really hated opening it, but it had to be done. And what a mess I was. I’d hoped some of the preservation techniques would have kept my lovely body in tact, but no.
Before I recovered from the shock of seeing the rather vile remains of the Contessa Juliana Costa da Verdi, the figure placed a massive hand on her chest. And up she came. Juliana still had some kick in her. I smiled as I reconnected with the old, although greatly damaged, me.
“Now, I’m off to fetch those earring. Thank you,” I told my animator.
I started away, stumbling over the uneven ground because no one had thought to put shoes on my feet for my burial. When I looked back, the figure was following me.
“You may go.”
Still it came along behind.
“Why aren’t you returning where you belong?”
“I now belong here. You gave me a soul, and I’m taking it.”
“Then what?”
I could make out a smile, but it had no humor in it.
“Then all that is the soul’s becomes mine.”
“Not my earrings!”
“I’m afraid so. Everything in that jewel box. Everything in the estate.” Sweeping back the hood, the new Conte Costa da Verdi looked down at me. “You’re quite a mess, you know.”
He strode away, and in the far distance I heard The Voice, “Poor Juliana. Forever to roam between death and life.”
April 3, 2019
The First Spring Wednesday
Lancaster in BloomI know it’s spring when I can’t sit for more than three minutes in front of the computer, I pace, stopping at the window to stare at the daffodils, the poppies, and the wild plums all pink with flowers. Color is everywhere out there, and I’m itching to enjoy it up close. However, business first, so here’s my First Wednesday post for April and a great spring hello to everyone.
And I’ve started spring off with an INTERVIEW. The BOOK SAGE, a reviewer, asked me make an appearance on his blog. Of course, I said YES! Please stop by and say hello.
Join Us NowThe awesome co-hosts for the April 3 posting of the IWSG are some of my favorite people! Please go say hi to them and thank them for hosting.
J.H. Moncrieff, Natalie Aguirre, Patsy Collins, and Chemist Ken!
Remember, the question is optional!
If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? (examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)
I’d wish for a solid and non-saggy middle chapter–maybe I’d push my luck and ask for a few of those. For me the middle of the book is a challenge. I’ve set up the story and I usually know how I’m going to end it. It’s that long bridge between that I do battle with to keep the pace up and the characters at their charismatic best. My greatest worry is the middle chapters will be as sad as an old mattress. Of course, wishing won’t prevent saggy-ness from happening; only long hours of weary fingers on the keyboard and longer ones deleting and rewriting with those same weary fingers will do that.
Here’s my wish! Non-saggy middle chapters.
Email ConnectThis month on my Email Connect, I’m begging for people to STEAL MY BOOKS. I’ll let you know if I have any takers. My featured author is Alex Cavanaugh. Surprise! And I’m linking to the WEP winner for the February challenge.
And speaking of the WEP…here’s the April theme. Better jump in now with your contribution. Sign up HERE.
Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~ SmashwordsRescuing Mara’s Father kept me reading.
From my Review: When Mara’s father is abducted by an evil queen, she ignores all of her father’s wishes for her to hide and stay safe to go in search of him. Set in a distant future and a fictional galaxy, Rescuing Mara’s Father is a fast-paced science fiction adventure with unexpected twists up to the very end. You’ll enjoy the read.
As usual there are things happening here at #IWSG. Our latest excitement is our affiliation with DIY MFA so we can bring you great programs for writers. This is actually my excuse for not visiting blogs early this month. I’m in a training session today. But I’ll be around to say hi and catch up soon.
Here’s a podcast that you should sample. It’s with David Morrell who is just brilliant. Then there’s one with David Corbett that’s very like a master class on writing characters based on historical figures. There are many more, so don’t touch that dial. There’s going to be something for everybody.
And another IWSG Anthology Contest is on the horizon. We’ll announce the theme next month, but start thinking about Middle Grade Adventure/Fantasy stories you’d like to write. You’ll have from May 1-September 4 to enter.
Quote of the Month: “Wishing as a strategy is the very worst.” Andrew Young, Clergyman
March 6, 2019
Punxsutawney Phil Says…
Join Us Today…join the IWSG parade and meet a lot of writers/readers. Oh, and Phil also says that spring will be early this year.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
The awesome co-hosts for the March 6 posting of the IWSG are Beverly Stowe McClure, Erika Beebe, and Lisa Buie-Collard!
March 6 question – Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?
Today I’m answering the question over at the IWSG site and propping it up with one of those pithy quotes I like so much. Hope you’ll pop by. There’s so much happening this EARLY SPRING for all IWSGers. And speaking of things happening here are two new books!
AMAZON . B&N . KOBOVIDEO
Twelve-year-old Lindsey McKay’s biggest dream is to be a famous ballerina. But after moving to New York, she ends up at the Community Center with a teacher who’s a burly bear in tights.When she meets Madame Destinée, the teacher of a top dance school who offers her classes for free, Lindsey can’t believe her luck. In exchange, she must perform in the school’s exclusive midnight shows, ones sure to make her a star. But something’s not right…One by one, the other dancers disappear. Each time they do, a music box with a figurine just like the missing ballerina joins Madame Destinée’s growing collection. If Lindsey doesn’t discover the truth about the dance school, she might end up a tiny figurine herself.
There’s a GIVEAWAY, but it ends midnight EST, March 15th. Better sign up now. If you have questions, you can contact Tonja HERE
Buy NowJackson Stone is sick of ghosts. With his love life in shambles, he heads to Romania for a horror writers’ retreat, hoping it will be a break from the supernatural and breathing space from his relationship with medium Kate Carlsson.
But as his fellow writers begin disappearing or losing their minds, he realizes he needs Kate’s help.
When Jackson loses his own memory, Kate’s love is the only thing that can bring him back. But she’s falling for the man responsible for the evil in Romania. A man who claims to be her soul mate. Will this master of wraiths forever break Kate’s bond with Jackson?
Here’s some BIG news about #IWSG. We’re now in the top 50 blogs for writers at the UK Writers Hub.
This month my Email Connect gives a little history about a few of those pesky grammar rules that sometimes give us fits. Hope you’ll join me and receive your free story as a thank you.
The February WEP was another whooping success. Please congratulate the intrepid writers who entered and give those who won some kudos.
See you over at IWSG. What did you think about the UK Writers Hub news? Did you check out Tonja’s video? How about J.H. Moncrieff’s ghostly tale? Did you enter the WEP last month?
