Barrett's Blog, page 16

Renovation Complete…well, mostly

Season's change and so does my mercurial mind. New windows and a fresh coat of paint does my soul good. I am going to try to be a little more conscientious with updates and news. operative word…Try. Browse around and see how you like it.

I'll be packing for new adventures but will certainly retun with stories and pictures.

For today, think clear blue autumn skies, puffy clouds, cool nights and the smell of roasting chile's in the air.

catching up with the peeps…

I've pondered what I wanted to talk about next, but alas,  too many ideas slowed up the wheels of progress.

So, a brief recap.

Briefly, Book 2 of the Damaged series (tentatively titled "Defying Gravity") is wending its way through the system. I'll keep you apprised as events unfold.

Next up will be our much ballyhooed multi-author reading-signing-panel event in Buffalo, NY., Oct 6th, 7:00pm at the Pride Center of Western New York. Check out this line-up…Georgia Beers (I know!), Rachel Spangler, my go-to arranger, S.Alexander Smith (the legendary Smitty), fellow newbie author– Laurie Salzler, the ever modest Barrett, and the extraordinary actor/ Life coach Diane Gaidry!

Now, why am I hyping the heck out of this event?

Because…it is actually a dream come true. Yup. Nearly 2 years ago I had the good fortune of working with Diane as a Life Coach. (If I hadn't, we would not be having this conversation-truly.) When we started to work on my goal of getting a book ready to pitch and hopefully published, she asked me a question.

"What do you want from me?"   (don't answer that, Spangler.)

I said, "I want you sitting beside me at my book signing."

She said, "I'll be there."  (how cool is this woman?)

Now, 22 months later, it will happen just as we planned it.

To make that dream even sweeter, Georgia and Rachel will be there.

Once I achieved the goals I set for my first manuscript, I took off for Florida and the Golden Crown Literary Society convention, by myself, proposals in hand. I didn't know a soul.The very first evening I met Georgia and Rachel and we ended up discussing, who else? Diane Gaidry.

I was greeted and welcomed by many during the next few days, but Georgia and Rachel were the ones (along with Amy) who checked on me regularly, offered suggestions and advice.

It meant so much to have that kind of support for the new kid. And they've continued to offer support. When I asked them to do this signing with me, neither one hesitated.

So, while Thursday evening will be a pleasant event for most, it will be the manifestation of a dream for me.

"Words create worlds" and sometimes we can create the future we live into.

I wish you all could be there.  But even if you can't,  Go ahead, Dare to Dream!

With Respect for all who suffer…

There is a silent army of walking wounded.

They are not fictional.

We all know someone for whom PTSD is a reality every day. They need hope and compassion.

http://youtu.be/XK9Z6j1YJJ0

Name the Kiwi Mascot contest

As the new kid in town,  I was given the opportunity to interview the  hard-working 'Spokes-Kiwi' from Affinity eBooks NZ, Ltd.

~ ~

B:  Ms. Kiwi, thank you for agreeing to the interview.

K:  It's lovely to be asked questions, I love to talk, Ms. Barrett.

B: It would seem that you were the spokesperson for Affinity e-Book press, what are your job responsibilities?

K: Were? I still am, do you know something I don't? I know the owners of the company can be a bit reticent in coming forward, if you know what I mean, but sacking me, ah it will never happen. I'd whack them with my beak first. Only teasing, JM.

My job responsibilities are to ensure readers are aware of what we have on offer for the coming month. Plus, any innovations the Honchos dream up. There are three of them, you know. And, I'm going to whisper here, because they might be listening. They can all be rather trying at times. I swear, if JMD didn't house and feed me so well, I'd be pecking at her ankles. For all the extra work they give me, all I really want to do is read one of our lovely books in my cozy little nest.

B: Do your corporate officers compensate you appropriately for your hard work?

K: Hmm, well I'm like the majority of folks, who wish they could have a gilded house instead of a wooden one. However, there are side benefits. I meet lovely people like you Barrett and our readership, so I manage!

B: Thank you. I understand that at the New Zealand Headquarters, you often have to fraternize with a large flock of chickens. Do you all get along, or are they threatened by your high-profile job?

K: What, that silly flock? Hardly. I'm an Endangered species and they are ten a penny. Trust me there are Nine roosters in that

flock, so needless to say, the patter of little chick feet are a constant. I, however, have yet to find a mate. Sigh. (Is this when I flutter my wings???)

B: Is it true that you can really outrun a human?

K: Well…let me whisper this, since it's just between you and me. Although, JM Dragon tries very hard to catch me for silly meetings, frankly she doesn't have the moves. You have to remember that with dragons it's all smoke and mirrors, pussycats really. However, Molly is really the head honcho around these parts, and she is a pretty tough feline.

B: What is your long-term vision for Affinity?  Do you think e-Books will become the primary source for readers in the next five years?

K: Barrett, they don't tell me everything, of course, but I listen and see what's going on in the world. Perhaps not five years, but certainly ten years, in my humble feathered opinion. There will always be a niche market for printed books, not just for readers but authors too. Holding the book you have written in your hands is a delight, at least, so they say. I've yet to write my memoirs I'm far too young.

B: What types of authors are you looking to recruit?

K: That's rather a loaded question Barrett. As it's you, I'll answer anyway. We are looking to recruit authors who feel passionate about writing. We are not limited to genre; we love all types of stories.

(I'm particularly fond of a good romance and some Sci-Fi. Yes, well, they do call mean odd bird.) Ultimately, Affinity is available to anyone who writes fiction in any form. Our people are good. Give them a chance to prove it, and showcase your work to the world.

You know that better than anyone, I suspect, Ms. Barrett.

B: You're right about that. I've enjoyed marvelous support from you and all the "A-Team" with my first published manuscript. Now tell me, is it true that one of your eggs can actually be 15 to 25% of your body weight? If so, I can see why you only produce one each year and have your mate incubate it. Smart.

K: Smart is right. It's probably why I've declined a few proposals from suitors. Hey, I have work that is far more important than hatching an egg. Can you imagine the agony!

B: Is it true you may have your own web site soon?

K: You achieve fame when you have a personal website, right? Fame. What a lovely word. Do you think I will make it as the new 'Shrek' in town?

B: Oh, I think you're far more attractive. Thank you, Ms Kiwi. In appreciation for your time, the Corporate Honchos have offered to hold a little contest to find a suitable name for your awesome little self.

K: OHHH I'm so pleased! At last, an identity of my very own, thank you honchos. And thank you, Barrett for the interview. Do you think I'll make the front cover of Time magazine or maybe Vogue?

B: I think that will depend a little on the contest response and, of course, what the Honchos decide.

So, Readers,  for the next week, we will be holding a contest. "Name the Affinity Kiwi" on my web site: http://wordsofbarrett.wordpress.com

The Affinity A-Team will judge all entries and the winner will be entitled to their choice of ANY book published by Affinity. Send your suggestions to:  affinity@affinityebooks.com.

The contest will run from Sept 3rd through Sept. 10th and the winner will be notified by email, so please include one..

Some helpful information: Kiwi bird is the national symbol of New Zealand

Physical Features: Kiwi birds are odd-looking birds, which lack most of the characteristic features of birds. These birds are the

smallest among the flightless birds, like, emu, and ostrich. Kiwi birds resemble domestic chicken in size and almost all species are endangered. Kiwis have coarse, hair-like feathers and whiskers and most of them are grayish-brown in color. These birds have no keel (an extension of the sternum, which provides an anchor to attach a bird's wing muscles) and tail. Even though they have two vestigial wings, which are covered by feathers, these appendages are useless. Female kiwis are larger, as compared to the males. These females lay very large eggs, in fact the largest eggs, in relation to their body size.

Another interesting kiwi bird fact is that they have external nostrils at the end of their bill and most of them possess great sense of smell. Their legs are very strong and are adapted for burrowing. The small eyes of kiwis do not work properly in full sunlight and the ear openings are well developed.  (Aren't they adorable?)

 

Remember: It's a female and she's quite young. Let's find her an proper name.

It's getting better!

This evening will be very special, even more so for me. If you read the acknowledgements in my book, you'll see why.

 

Remember, "Dreams that you dare to dream really do come true."

 

Don't Miss this event!

Rachel Spangler,  Barrett, 

Georgia Beers,  Laurie Salzler, 

S.Alexander Smith

and Special guest moderator, Diane Gaidry.

What do these amazing writers have in common?

They will be appearing for one night  to read and discuss their work,

at the Pride Center of Buffalo, NY

Thursday, October 6, 2011  7:00 p.m.

 

 

New First page challenge

This was a surprise. Maybe unscientific, but all in good fun.

qkelly strikes again

As a bizzare coincidence, she faced off "Damaged in Service" with "Last Chance at the Lost and Found"  (the author of which, I did a book signing two weeks a go). No hard feelings, Marcia. I didn't do the selecting.

A blog and Yes, More Books!

It's a glorious, rainy Saturday and I'm finally resurfacing to attend to my blog. I have not forgotten, but have been a little overwhelmed with responsibilities.

Funny thing, writing books for fun and profit is only fun when it's not for profit. Yes, you can quote that.

Or as a sage friend once remarked the difficulty is being:  "overwhelmed by self-promoting, managing social media, and otherwise negotiating a new authoring highway of growing fan expectation."  Zacly!

Between the right and left hemispheres of the brain lives a tenuous, porous barrier. Its job, is to keep the wild, crazy, unfettered, creative spirit safe from the grounded, pragmatic number-cruncher.

I also had my very first ever book signing last Sunday.

Marcia Finical –"Last Chance at the Lost and Found"  and I welcomed breakfast goers to the Range Cafe in Bernalillo.  They were very gracious as we politely "whored" our books. It was an enjoyable experience and really made the whole Author thing Real!

All this is not to say that I'm not working. For those of you kind folks who read or are reading my first book, I have good news. My publisher has offered me a contract for the next three in the series.

I am floored, flattered, and suddenly struck with a responsibility of providing an even better book the next time. As you may know, a rough draft of the story has already been written for the second and third, and half of the fourth books.

However, due to the number of changes I made in Damaged in Service, I need to make some pretty drastic changes in the rest of the series.

Note: I. AM. Not. Complaining.  nooooo

I am honored that the story will continue and that my publishers believe in me.

Yesterday, I finished the first revision of book two. I'll go over it again before sending it off to my critique partner. After we discuss it, and I make more changes, all send it to my beta readers. When I'm satisfied that it's as good as I can get it, I'll submit it for the editing process.

Now the good news, if you followed the first time-line for the first publication, the finished product should be ready in just a few months. And this time, fans, no cliffhanger. Promise.

Back to work, thanks for stopping by!

PS for all of you who have been kind enough to send a note or comment about the book, I'm deeply grateful. Your suggestions were taken to heart. Thanks.

and another earthshaking WOW moment!

I am humbled and enormously grateful for this insightful and thorough review.

Please check this out, you won't be sorry.  The Rainbow Reader

WOW, just wow!!

"squueeeee"

…sometimes worth a thousand words.

"Reporting live from Cloud 9″