Angie Lofthouse's Blog, page 5

Author Tag!

I was tagged by the talented Daniel Coleman for this post, so here goes:

What am I working on?

Well, I'm working on the first draft of a new LDS sci-fi novel called The Glory of the Stars. I'm also working on final edits for The Ransomed Returning (sequel to my first novel, Defenders of the Covenant). And then I'll start my first revision pass on Shattered Skies (third book in the series).


How does my work differ from others in it's genre?

There isn't a lot of LDS sci-fi out there. My books are different from a lot of sci-fi because it is so overtly religious, and it's different from most LDS fiction because it is sci-fi. :) This isn't always a good thing, but it is what I long to write.

Why do I write what I do?

My goal in writing has always been to write stuff that is both uplifting and entertaining. That's what I strive for. Adventure and truth.

How does your writing process work?

Chaotically. I write my first draft out by hand in a notebook. Then I type it (the part I hate most). I usually make a few changes while I'm typing. Then I'll let it sit for a month or two and read it over again to get the big picture. I'll cut or add scenes or change what I feel needs changing. When I feel it is the best I can get it up to that point, I'll send it out to some of my trusted writer friends for critique. I'll revise based on those suggestions, give it another proofreading pass, and consider it done! This takes practically FOREVER, by the way. :)

Okay, so I'm passing this tag onto Terry W. Ervin II and Todd (T.M.) Hunter! 

Merry Christmas and God bless us, every one!

One Word Interview with S.M. Anderson

Today we welcome science fiction author S.M. Anderson to the writing chair. I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for her new sci-fi adventure novel, Copied.


What fictional world would you most like to live in?
Damar 

From Robin McKinley's Blue Sword, I assume? I haven't thought about Damar in a long time, but I'd love to live there too.
 
What are you asking Santa to bring you for Christmas? 
Tuition for Writer conferences

Smart idea! I hope you get lots.
 
Which of your characters is the most like you?
 Xan

The main character in Copied. We writers often have lots in common with our MCs, though I presume you weren't genetically engineered. ;)
 
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
 Eliza R Snow or  William Tyndale

I love both of those answers so much! Both wonderful and interesting people.
 
You're having your characters over for Christmas dinner. What are
you serving?
Sushi

That wouldn't be my first choice, but I think it would be interesting to dine with your characters.
 
Thanks so much for joining us today!

S. M. Anderson (Sarah Anderson) was born in Lima, Peru. She has lived in seven different countries, on five continents, and speaks a smattering of languages. As a child and even young adult, writing and reading were difficult for her, so difficult that she received extra help outside the classroom and was diagnosed with a learning disability. However, she always loved stories, especially ethnic folktales from the countries she lived in. It was the desire to create stories of her own that fueled her determination to overcome the challenges that came with writing. She has a BA in Art Education from BYU, with a minor in Russian, and a love of power tools. She has a growing family of three kids and currently lives in Springville, Utah.

You can find Ms. Anderson on her website or on Facebook

Adopted off the black market, Alexander Mitchell, has no idea his DNA is copyrighted and property of military weapons giant Texacom Defense. Nor that his DNA is being used to develop an army of clones. When the company discovers he was not properly disposed of 17 years ago, they send an assassin copy, BETA23, to terminate Xan and cover it up After he narrowly escapes BETA23’s first attempt, Xan teams up with Lacey, a genetically engineered genius he’s surprised to find common ground with— only they’re awkward together. Half of the time she stares at Xan like the science project he is and the other half…let’s just say Xan can’t keep his eyes off her lips. When they manage to capture a company copy by luck and sheer stupidity on Xan’s part, Lacey is determined to see the good in their prisoner to the point she believes BETA23 can be persuaded to give them the intelligence they need to keep the company forever off Xan’s back. Xan’s not sure if he can trust the darker version of himself, not when it means gambling with the lives of his family and the possibility of losing Lacey.

Watch the book trailer!

It's that time of year again!

Oh, that time of year with presents to buy and wrap and mail and deliver. Cards to address. Lists to make. Halls to deck. Goodies to bake. Concerts to attend. Concerts to rehearse for. Etc, etc, etc.

Personally, I love it! It doesn't leave much time for writing, though. At least not for me. Still, I wouldn't trade the Christmas season for any amount of writing time.

So, Merry Christmas, my friends. Happy Holidays. Take the time to really enjoy yourself and focus on the ones you love.

And if you can keep your writing juices flowing too, all the better!


By the way, if you want to read some great Christmas stories, my sci-fi Christmas novelette, Joy Ride, is only 0.99 for Kindle.

Or you could pick up the Carol of the Tales anthology (with one of my stories) and help out a great cause too. All proceeds from the book will be donated to Autism Speaks.

One Word Interview with Jaclyn Weist (with a Giveaway!)

Today we welcome Jaclyn Weist, author of the brand new YA contemporary fantasy novel, Stolen Luck. (Don't miss the blog tour giveaway at the bottom of the post!) Welcome to the writing chair, Jaclyn!

You've been plunked down in a fairy tale. Which mythical creature are you?  
Unicorn

Very beautiful and very wise. Sounds appropriate.

Uh-oh! Your house is on fire! After your kids, what's the first thing you grab? 
Books

If your house is like mine, you'll only have time to save a small fraction!
 
What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with? 
Shakespeare

I'm certain the bard would make a delightful lunch companion.
 
What quality do you share in common with your main character? 
Megan? Her unwillingness to give up. Also, she's not a morning person and neither am I. :)

Both excellent qualities! (Although, I am being converted to morning person against my will.)
 
We're holding a banquet in honor of your awesomeness. What are we serving for dessert? 
Cheesecake
By far the most popular dessert choice. Confession: I don't like cheesecake all that much. I must be missing something!

Thank you so much for being with us today, Jaclyn

Jaclyn is an Idaho farm girl who grew up loving to read. She developed a love for writing as a senior in high school, when her dad jokingly said she was the next Dr. Seuss (not even close but very sweet). She met her husband, Steve at BYU and they have six happy, crazy children that encourage her writing. After owning a bookstore and running away to have adventures in Australia, they settled back down in their home in Utah. Jaclyn now spends her days herding her kids to various activities and trying to remember what she was supposed to do next.
Find Jaclyn on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, or her blog.


Sixteen year old Megan Crenshaw has everything going for her until the day a leprechaun shows up on her doorstep and steals all her luck. Not only that, he follows her around and wreaks havoc in her life. With the help of her friends, Megan must get her luck back before he manages to destroy her life and the lives of all those around her.

Buy Stolen Luck from Amazon
Buy Stolen Luck from Barnes and Noble



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Announcing Carol of the Tales and Other Nightly Noels!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I am so pleased to be a part of the Carol of the Tales Christmas Anthology. My story "Sweet Singing in the Choir" is inside. This anthology is full of great stories for a great cause. All the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated toward Autism research and advocacy.

Christmas carols capture the spirit of Christmas, and Carol of the Tales and Other Nightly Noels brings beloved carols to life like never before. Throw your cares away with the tales from sweet silver bells. Find out how Santa Claus dabbles in time travel, and feel the redemption of a dying wife's parting Christmas gift. Experience all this and more in these heartfelt, entertaining tales donated by a team of authors from across the country, working together for a good cause. 
Anthology authors include: Shirley Bahlmann, C. David Belt, Rebecca Carlson, Loretta Carter, Madonna D. Christensen, Danyelle Ferguson, C. Michelle Jefferies, Theric Jepson, Ryan Larsen, Angie Lofthouse, Betsy Love, J. Lloyd Morgan, Janet Olsen, Teresa G. Osgood, Brian Ricks, Jennifer Ricks, Peg Russell, and Michael Young.
Carol of the Tales is the 2nd book in the Advent Anthology series. Both anthologies are available in paperback and Amazon Kindle formats from Amazon.com. 

Purchase “Sing We Now of Christmas”: http://amzn.com/1479266248Purchase: “Carol of the Tales”:  http://amzn.com/1484145526
To kick off the release of the second anthology, a Christmas concert will be held at American Fork Junior High on December 7th, 2013. The concert will feature the Saltaires Barbershop Chorus. All proceeds from this concert will be donated to charity as well. Purchase: Tickets for the Concert: https://tickettool.net/en/index/eventpopup/b54dab4bd0a13fa6975068f4784dfaa5

Blog Tour Giveaway!

Use the rafflecopter below to enter to win wonderful prizes, such as tickets to the concert and copies of the anthology. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other Blogs on the Tour:

Www.notesfromthewritingchair.blogspot.comWww.causeisaidso.mewww.queenoftheclan.comwww.JohnWaverly.comhttp://iamareader.comhttp//:lisaswinton.blogspot.commoniquebucheger.blogspot.comhttp://mariahoagland.blogspot.com/http://www.annadelc.com/bloghttp://jlloydmorgan.blogspot.com/www.franklycreative.blogspot.comhttp://www.writermike.comhttp://fringies.blogspot.comhttp://www.saythiswrite.blogspot.comhttp://debbie-peterson.blogspot.com/http://thmazing.blogspot.comwww.renaeswritespot.blogspot.comhttp://shelliproffitthowells.com/amusings/http://www.annadelc.com/blogwww.meritaking.comblessedinweakness.comlynndparsons.blogspot.comhttp://lisaswinton.blogspot.comhttp://stephaniereadthat.blogspot.com/www.renaeswritespot.blogspot.com

One Word Interview with R.L. Drembic

Today  we have R.L. Drembic, author of The Knights of the Caers. Take it away!

You're trapped in a dark alley with the bad guys on your heels. Which one of your characters do you want by your side?
Cal

He must be quite the character!

Zombie apocalypse! Weapon of choice?
Lightsaber

Excellent choice! That should stop them.

If you could travel to any period in history, where would you go?
Renaissance

That would be an interesting and exciting time to visit.

What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Sir Robert Peel

He sounds like an interesting man.

You're performing on Broadway! What show are you in?
The Phantom of the Opera

Good choice. Maybe I should have asked which character you'd play.

Thanks for being with us today!


R.L. Drembic has loved reading from an early age. It wasn’t until shortly after high school that he got the idea for a book of his own. Inspired by a friend’s courage to try and get her own novel published, Drembic began writing and has continued through his college career. Drembic has plans for a dozen more books and hopes for a chance to share these adventures with avid readers everywhere.


Excerpts from The Knights of the Caers
     The flames danced and weaved intricate and ever-changing patterns in the desert breeze.  The light flickered and cast shadows from the rocks around the fire.  Edric sat on an old fallen tree, mesmerized by the dance.  This is where Edric found the closest thing to peace these days, the only place where he could come close to forgetting the past.  But the past was kept near by the bear tooth necklace that always hung like a weight around his neck.  Edric would never stop carrying this necklace though, it meant too much.

      The Knights fought desperately side by side.  The Freemen's charge had been valiant, but now their dwindling group was completely surrounded by the [enemy].  Their chant had also died away as the tide of battle turned against them.
     Edric fought with a dagger in his left hand and a sword in his right.  He furiously tried to hold the [enemy] back, blocking swords left, right, and overhead.  Beside him, Cal fought with two swords.  His skill was magnificent as he whipped the swords around, in unison but individually as well.  On the other side of Cal were Stephen and Quint.  Stephen was still fighting with a single sword but Quint had dropped his and was using the two daggers he favored.
     The [enemy] pressed in on them, but they were no match for the Knights of the Caers.  More and more [enemies] fell, but it seemed like there was an endless supply; each time an [enemy] fell, another one stepped forward.
   
      With the shift in focus to Captain Madiba, Edric and Cal found themselves at the back of the group.  Edric leaned over and whispered, "Why don't we get to be captains?"
     Cal rolled his eyes.  "Remember that time when Osgood let you plot the course back to Eliada. and we ended up in Avid?"
     "Oh, right."
     "However, I'm not sure why I don't get to be captain," Cal shrugged.
     "How 'bout the time Osgood gave you the helm during the mock battle and you almost sank both ships."
     "Yeah, I was never any good at sea tactics," Cal admitted.
     ...
     "Why don't I get to be a captain?" Quint asked, having heard their earlier conversation.  "Captain Quint, it has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"  He said with a grin.
     "You don't get to be captain because you'd paint the Storm Cloud orange," Edric replied, remembering the horrid orange robe Quint had bought back in Eliada.
     "I would not," Quint said indignantly.  "Maybe blue..." he shrugged, mostly joking.
     "So why is Stephen the captain?" Cal asked suddenly.  "It's his fault..."
     "Yeah, but otherwise we wouldn't have a ship and therefore no need of a captain to captain the ship that we wouldn't have anyways," Edric answered quickly.
     "I guess that makes sense... sort of," Cal said, still pretty confused.

Guest post: Terry W. Ervin II--Research: Even the Little Things Add Up

 I am pleased to welcome sci-fi/fantasy author, Terry W. Ervin II back to the writing chair to talk to us about the importance of research. (You can read Terry's One Word Interview here.) His latest novel, Relic Tech, is an action-packed sci-fi adventure I highly recommend. Take it away, Terry!



Research: Even the Little Things Add Up
When readers decide to pick up one of my novels, they’re committing both time and money—valuable commodities that they could easily spend elsewhere. Because of that fact, I strive to tell the best story I can, which includes doing the necessary research. To me necessary means not only the getting the big things right, but the small, peripheral ones as well.

For example, in my debut novel, Flank Hawk, one of the factors that led to the post-apocalyptic setting was handful of nuclear warheads penetrating the U.S. ballistic missile defense systems and detonating. Pulled from two chapter starts:

Nestled in Cheyenne Mountain, NORAD had been on full alert. Coordinated satellites viewing the earth in the infrared part of the spectrum recorded the demise of one ballistic missile while radars, including the Cobra Dane early-warning on in the Aleutian chain and the X-band floating on a nearby platform, tracked the two surviving sub launched missiles as they climbed…

…A battery of six interceptor rockets from silos at Fort Greely in Alaska and four more from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base raced skyward. An experimental tracking and intercept aircraft from the Vandenberg base was already aloft. While it strained for altitude, airmen activated its advanced tracking and targeting systems, and prepared its powerful laser should any warheads survive the kill vehicles housed in the interceptor rockets.

To get it right required hours of research, learning the basics of the USA’s missile defense systems and equipment, capabilities, and locations along the West Coast. Only a fraction of what I dug up and organized actually made it to the pages of the novel, and only to a few paragraphs on a few pages, but the point of research isn’t to show off all the work an author did. It’s to incorporate only the necessary details to enhance the story.

As an author, I want to get it right for the reader, not only for the story, but because the readers out there have varied knowledge and experience. I’d be embarrassed to receive an email from a disappointed reader, telling me I’d gotten it wrong—especially something that I could’ve gotten right.

Another example comes from my most recent release, Relic Tech. It’s a science fiction novel that involves some interstellar space travel. One of the things I incorporated was time dilation, which is a phenomenon that occurs as a ship travels through space. The closer a ship comes to approaching the speed of light, the greater the time variation there is between those aboard the traveling ship as compared planet side individuals.

In Relic Tech, the time dilation was along the lines of minutes and hours, rather than months and years. Still, Security Specialist Keesay (the main character) uses a 20th century watch not controlled by the ship’s chronometer to track the phenomenon. It’s only a minor point in the plot, as Specialist Keesay attempts to predict when the civil transport Kalavar will actually emerge at its destination, as opposed to what’s been told to the crew.

Not only did it take considerable time and effort to research and calculate the time dilation based on the Kalavar’s rate of travel, but it was also important to remain consistent with the distances between the star systems and exoplanets, (only a few fictional) incorporated into the storyline, and how long the actual travel between them would take based on a ship’s or message rocket’s speed.

All of this took time, a lot of time—time that some might argue wasn’t really necessary. Nevertheless I did it, all the charts, figures and calculations, and had it double-checked by my former college roommate, who majored in physics and minored in astronomy, and then went on to earn a Master’s degree in mathematics. You might guess, in addition to internet research, I’m a firm believer in consulting experts in fields where my knowledge isn’t adequate.

Would the a reader know if I made it all up…remained orderly and consistent, but sort of played a little fast and loose with the rate of travel and distances, and ignored the relatively minor time dilation? Probably not. Would they have cared? Maybe not. But I owe it to the reader, to get as much right as I reasonably can. Even the little things, because I believe they add up, giving my novels, such as Relic Tech, depth, authenticity, and consistency.



Terry W. Ervin II is an English teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction. His First Civilization’s Legacy Series includes FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD. He is focused on completing SOUL FORGE, the third novel in the fantasy series.

His newest release through Gryphonwood Press is RELIC TECH, a science fiction novel packed with action, adventure, aliens and even a bit of a mystery.

In addition to writing novels, Terry’s short stories have appeared in over a dozen anthologies, magazines and ezines. The genres range from science fiction and mystery to horror and inspirational. GENRE SHOTGUN is a collection containing all of his previously published short stories.

To contact Terry or learn more about his writing endeavors, visit his website at www.ervin-author.com and his blog, Up Around the Corner, at uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com (with information on where his newest release is currently available)

One Word Interview with Yolanda Renee

Today we have mystery author Yolanda Renee in the writing chair. Thanks for being with us Yolanda!


House is on fire! What do you grab first?
Patches! (Our house did catch on fire last March, and Patches, my Boston terrier is the only thing I grabbed. I never thought about my laptop, or my purse. I panicked.)

Aw. That's a lucky dog. And I sure hope your house was okay!

You've been called upon to solve a murder. What fictional detective do you want by your side?
Walt Longmire. He has that stoic demeanor that almost but not quite masks a hidden passion.

Sounds perfect!

Which of your characters is most like you?
Mavis.She's a meddler, always right, and has all the answers.

Heehee. That's terrific.

What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Obama.

Interesting. I think that's the first time a still-living historical figure was named. I hope someday you get the chance!

You're having your favorite author over for dinner. What are you serving? 
Shepherd's Pie. (To have Margaret Mitchell and Stephen King in the same room at the same table – how awesome would that be?)

That would be awesome indeed. And Shepherd's Pie is one of my favorites!

Thanks for asking me Angie, this was a blast!

Thank you for being here, Yolanda!

Yolanda Renée really wanted to be a drummer, or a racecar driver. Obviously she's neither, but they are on her bucket list, that, and owning her very own fire breathing dragon! Renée claims to have always loved books, and that it was through books that she escaped and experienced all the things she'd only been able to dream about. Through the stories, the characters, and the places created by talented authors, such as Caroline Keene, Margaret Mitchell, and Stephen King. She now reads K J Larsen , Jennifer Hillier, Joanie McDonell, J D Robb, and well, pretty much everyone and anyone who gets their words in front of her! SHE LOVES BOOKS! Renée says she's always been a writer, and that making things up gets her through the day - a crazy imagination is a good thing - right? An adventurous spirit took Yolanda Renée to Alaska where she hiked the Brooks Range, traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and learned to sleep under the midnight sun. She claims her vivid imagination as a blessing, a habit, a hobby, a calling and sometimes a curse. Renée now resides in Central Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and Boston terrier, Patches.
You can find Renée here:
~ Defending The Pen ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~


Memories of Murder
Decades ago, the seeds were planted …
Today, dark, fathomless eyes rake the image before him. One final task and the transformation is complete. Steady fingers screw intricately carved horns on each side of a stiff brow, and a gargoyle suitable for Notre Dame scowls from the smokey mirror in satisfaction. A jagged smile rips through his smooth, hairless face, and inked, reptilian scales caress his naked body. A laugh of hideous resonance emanates from his gut as the demons of hell welcome Lucifer into their fold. In a dungeon-like chamber, his Lilith awaits. The kidnapped daughter of a nun, groomed to fit the final piece in the complex puzzle for world domination. Will Lucifer marry his bride, on the summer solstice? Only two things stand in his way ...His greed ...
And ...
Detective Steven Quaid.
***** ***** *****
~ Memories of Murder ~&~ Murder, Madness & Love ~
Amazon ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~

One Word Interview with Sarah E. Seeley

Today, we have Sarah E. Seeley, author of Maladaptive Bind for a Halloween-themed One Word Interview. Welcome, Sarah!

Trapped in a monster movie! Which character are you?
I would be Evelyn from The Mummy. She's honest, smart, a little bit clumsy, and she totally cracks me up.

Heehee. Good choice.

What quality do you have in common with your main character? 
I'd like to think I have Angela's determination to face and overcome my inherent character weaknesses for the sake of my (future) children.

 That is an excellent quality to possess.

What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
I'd love to have lunch with Charles Darwin. I think we'd be good friends. 

Interesting! I'll bet you two would have a great conversation.

The little goblins are coming Trick-or-Treating. What candy are you handing out?
Mwahaha. Probably the first thing I'd hand out are the full-sized boxes of Jr. Mints that have gotten hard since we bought them as movie contraband a year ago. Then I'll hand out the good stuff (gotta save the best for last, right? Make sure there's enough bite-sized Twix and Snickers left over as an excuse to eat them myself). You can blame my dad for these tactics, haha. Just kidding. I'll probably mix a couple of NEW random bags of goodies of no particular preference. That just sounded way too boring by itself, so I thought I'd make it a little more intriguing. Although, I'll probably still swipe a few treats for myself... ;-)

That was more than one word, but I'll let it slide. I always swipe a few treats for myself. How else am I going to get any?

Alone in a haunted house! What's your must-have item?
I feel I must have my cello. Nothing keeps the ghosts and ghouls at bay like good music.

I never would have thought of that, but it's perfect!

Thanks so much for joining us in the writing chair today, Sarah. Have a happy Halloween!

Sarah E. Seeley is a speculative fiction writer who worked with dead sauropods and ancient odonates while acquiring her BS degree in geology from Brigham Young University. She hopes to study more dead things in the future and contribute to scientific discussions about what makes life on Earth so amazing. In the meantime, she explores the bright side of being human by writing dark fiction.


Angela Thornley doesn’t know why she’s still alive. When park rangers found her, she couldn’t speak or move, let alone remember what the serial killer, “The Man,” did to her and her husband before he buried them alive. At least, not until she hears the social workers talk about putting her five-year-old son, Blake, in a foster home and she feels his little fingers slip from her hand.

Determined to function so she can protect and care for her son, Angela works hard to unlock and heal the dark memories of her kidnapping buried deep in her subconscious. But her journey leads to unsettling discoveries about the darkness she harbors in her own soul. Due to an unknown combination of genetic and traumatic triggers, Angela is beginning a rapid, painful transformation. The anger that kept Angela alive is also driving her to dangerous thoughts of retribution on the man that killed her husband and broke her spirit.

Soon, Angela begins attacking innocent victims she believes are “The Man.” As she struggles to cope with her transformation, she must determine how far she is willing to go to protect her son and avenge her wounded psyche before she becomes the very sort of monster that bit her.

Maladaptive Bind, is an LDS psychological thriller with a speculative twist, available as of October 3, 2013 in paperback on Amazon and electronically just about anywhere ebooks are sold.

Goals: Good or Bad?

Last week I set a goal for myself to write 5 pages a day, six days a week. I posted my intentions publicly in several Facebook groups and committed myself to report my progress each day. I didn't meet my goal every day, but I did write 25 pages, which was 25 more than I wrote the week before. So, that's awesome. Goals are great motivators and can help keep us focused on important things.

But I noticed something else too. As soon as I sat down and actually made a goal, the guilt set in. I went to bed almost every night feeling like a failure. Like I could never do enough. Either I wrote, but the housework didn't get done, or I went grocery shopping and made sure homework got finished, but didn't get the writing in. And so on, and so on... I began to feel again like I was never good enough. (A feeling that had largely left me when I wasn't so concerned about writing a certain amount each day or week. Of course, I wasn't writing anything!) I felt this way despite the fact that by and large I was successful in meeting my goals and taking care of the family.

Goals can be a two-edged sword.

So, while I think it's important to have goals and be accountable for reaching them, it is also helpful to realize that they are just goals. Not laws. Not life or death. Not living  up to a goal does not make me a failure. After all, I'm getting more done than I would otherwise. I just have to keep reminding myself that I can't do it all. I can do what I can. And that's okay.