Marie Sexton's Blog, page 39

Announcement: Between Sinners and Saints

It's not 100% official yet, but I am too excited to NOT announce it: Between Sinners and Saints will be published by Amber Allure Press. At this point, its release is tentatively scheduled for May 29th. HOORAY!

Announcement: Song of Oestend

Song of Oestend will be released by Total e-Bound on August 22nd. Despite their name, there will also be a paperback version, although it will be released a bit later (exact date TBD).

Still now news about Between Sinners and Saints. I'll post here as soon as I know something.

DA BWAHA – Please Vote

The DA BWAHA is a huge tournament-style book competition (think March Madness for books). Round one of voting is open now. If you enjoyed Strawberries for Dessert, please consider voting for it. If it advances, I'll be begging for your votes again later.

Click here to vote.

Shaken and Baked: A Guest Post by P.D. Singer

Nothing like a good disaster to stir up drama. When the world turns upside down, people show us their best and their worst sides – they can be brave and gallant, or selfish, or paralyzed. Or they could be any or all of the above at any point during the upheaval.

From a writer's point of view, the one thing they won't be is dull.

I picked up a book the other day, The 100 Greatest Disasters of All Time by Stephen Spignesi, to see what he included. The World Trade Center, certainly, and the Titanic, natural disasters like the flooding of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, Hurricane Georges, The Great Fire of London. Some of them have passed into folklore, and others are barely remembered. We all know about the Great Chicago Fire, courtesy of Mrs. Leary's cow and the power of the press, but who thinks about the Peshtigo fire that happened at the exact same time? It burned 1.28 million (not a typo) acres, incinerated 17 towns, killed five times as many people, and left a big swath of Wisconsin a wasteland.

Once enough time has passed for the horror to fade, which might be a year, or a generation, depending, the story-tellers have at it. Decades after the ship went down, we could have "A Night to Remember" and "Titanic." Try too soon and it becomes a flop like "Big Trouble" (to be fair, production started long before 2001 and the release date was delayed for reasons of sensitivity). Try at all and you might get something literary like The Good Earth, but could a romance stand up to the 1876 famine in China?

Possibly, if a grinding, unavoidable disaster is played correctly. GS Wiley did it, using the frigid year of 1816 and the aftermath of the Tambora eruption as a metaphor for a condition of the heart, rather than a straight out backdrop in The Year Without Summer.

Involving the disaster directly leaves three conditions. Both partners survive, one partner survives, or neither survives. Getting to the HEA is clear enough if both partners are breathing at the end of the book, and a bit dicier otherwise. If they die together, possibly doing something heroic, does that still count as romance? If one dies, again, not pointlessly, but working against the disaster and for the partner, would you still consider that a triumph?

Or would you create a small disaster of your own by throwing the e-reader?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PD Singer lives and writes in Colorado, often invoking localized disasters such as forest fires and avalanches. Her novels Fire on the Mountain, Snow on the Mountain, and Fall Down the Mountain, as well as numerous short stories, are available from Torquere Press. For news and free reads, visit her website: http://pdsinger.wordpress.com

Or find her books at Torquere Press here.

We're giving away a free pdf of Fire on the Mountain today (or another title from P.D.'s backlist, if you've read that one already). Leave a comment to enter.

Hooray for cover art!

And hooray for Anne Cain, who has once again made me beautiful cover!

Done!

My latest novel is complete! It is called Song of Oestend. A bit more info here, but honestly, I don't have much to say yet except for, "HOORAY!!"

Sigh No More: A guest post by Heidi Cullinan

Some Advice on Asking for Advice in Writing and in Life

I've started and erased the opening to this blog post so many times I think I've already written about six posts for the trash bin. My conclusion is that the problem is this is actually a very short piece with a fantastically long explanation. So I'll start with the very short version and try to rein in the rest.

Writers can't help asking for advice, but almost always that advice is dangerous if not downright detrimental. And, honestly, that's true in most of life as well. The only one who can tell you that your writing is "right" or "good" is you. And you're the only one who knows if you're living your life correctly too, for that matter.

There it is, my thesis. Now to try to find a way to explain without eating up Marie's blog….

By saying people should leave most advice lying right where they found it, I realize I'm spitting in the face of most of the Internet and a very large self-help industry. (Except that's always bothered me. It's self-help, but someone else wrote it. Which means that really, we're all very interested in reading how other people helped themselves….) And I won't lie to you: I've sought advice. I seek it every day. Like I said, this issue is complicated. The problem isn't the seeking, I don't think, so much as the taking.

In writing, the magic comes not from an author following a scripted list of steps, but in self-discovery.  Writing is lonely and terrifying, and there's always some idiot off in the corner with a drink declaring with a smirk that it's easy, and you can't decide if you want to break the glass and rake the broken bit over his jugular or fall to his knees crying and beg to know how, how is it easy? Because it's frankly hollowing out your very soul.

The real answer, to me, is that the guy with the drink probably isn't writing, or he's lying, or he's writing very shitty stuff. Oh yes, there are moments when the euphoria is high and we feel amazing and victorious. They're the high points before the pits of despair where we feel like everything we do is garbage and we seriously doubt we will ever be worth more than the ripped up plastic bag hanging in the tree next to the rending plant.

Because that is the point of writing: discovering that pit and hollow in us, and filling it with words until we rise to the top and a story steps out. And, in my humble opinion, that's one of the best courses of life as well. At least, it's a good way to get out of a pit if you fall in one, which we all manage to do at least once or twice.

Life and writing both are not tests of how well we follow a set of checklists we can't see and have to guess at, or checklists we feel in our bones don't work. Life is not about correcting the wrongs with in us—or, at least, not correcting them by following someone else's plan. Life is about that struggle, that swing between euphoria and despair. Life is about learning to ride both. About being strong during the dark times and glorious during the good times. There's a Zen version where you can be centered no matter what, and some find that very enjoyable. Me, I have to confess, I'm kind of a junkie for the roller coaster.

So if you're reading this and you're a writer, stop reading the how-to books and taking the how-to classes and reading the how-to blogs. Or keep reading them but stop looking for answers and start looking for the parts that resonate so you can scavenge them and take them back to your cave and assemble your own advice. Read the rules and try them, try them all so you know for sure they work or don't, or why you hate them, or why you love them. And write. Write and read and write and read every day, and stop hating what you write. Read your favorite book and stop thinking, "I can't ever write like that," because of course you can't. It's not you. But scavenge there too. Why is that your favorite book? How does it make your soul sing? Take that back to your cave, take whatever you find each time you read. And keep reading and writing and constructing.

If you're reading this and you're not a writer, same thing goes. If you're depressed and sad or angry and lost or any other negative emotion, if you're feeling alone and like your story, however you're telling it, is going unheard or grates against the notes of the universe: scavenge. Look at advice and weigh it against your own experience and judgment. Face life as a god that knows all. Ignore those who judge you unless their judgments give you a flicker, a new direction to try. And live. Live, live every day of your life with passion, even if it's a passion for quiet.

I'm closing with one of my favorite songs by Mumford and Sons, because they're my go-to music when I can't see my own road anymore. I'm a lyrics person, and the closing refrain of this one is one of my favorites. Set to the pulsing, soul-stirring music of Mumford and Sons, nothing gets me going more.

So if I have any concrete advice at all, it's to listen to Mumford and Sons. Or whatever music or sound makes your soul sing. And listen to it a lot.

Love it will not betray you

Dismay or enslave you, it will set you free

Be more like the man you were made to be

(Note from Marie: I can't seem to embed any kind of video here like on COP, so please follow this link instead)

Sigh No More – Mumford and Sons

Heidi's latest novel Nowhere Ranch is available now from Loose Id. Kinky cowboys!! Get it here.

Lynn Flewelling

My guest today is Lynn Flewelling!!! (I want to put about fifteen exclamation points after her name, but I'll stop at three). For those who don't know, I hold Lynn responsible for my slide from fantasy into m/m (thanks Lynn!). I had the great pleasure of meeting her last year when I attended her Writing on the Waves workshop (more on that later) and then hanging with her again at YaoiCon this year. She's giving away a signed paperback today too, so stick around!

First off Lynn, would you like to introduce yourself?

Well, I'm Lynn Flewelling, author of the Nightrunner and Tamír fantasy series, and most recently, Glimpses: A collection of Nightrunner short fiction (with real m/m and m/f content, rather than my usual, mainstream fade to black/morning after).  I have a lot of crossover with your market, as the two heroes of the Nightrunner Series are gay, and eventually a couple. And as I said, I step over the line into your realm a bit in Glimpses.

I'm a native Mainer and always will be, but have currently come to rest in southern California and am really loving it, especially when I see what the weather back east is up to. I'm married to the sweetest guy in the world, have two grown sons, and assorted animals. I write full time, and occasionally teach writing workshops, including the upcoming Writing on the Waves II in October, but more about that later.

What do you think is the best thing about being a writer? What do you think is the worst thing about it?

The best thing, and most unexpected, hearing from readers that my books have helped them in some way.

The worst thing? The seclusion and isolation. I've lived other places and had writer friends to shoot the bull with, people who understand what I do. Have you ever been at a party made up of nonwriters and when someone askss you what you do, and you reply "writer" or "author," they either apologize for not having good writing skills, say they might write a book some day, or are overly impressed (or unimpressed), and then the conversation dies? Although I like writing much better than other jobs I've had, and there have been many and varied, I miss the office environment, with co workers to talk to every day. Guess that's why I blog and Twitter, just to keep in touch with the outside world.

What was the best gift you received for Christmas (assuming you celebrate Christmas, and if not we can obviously delete that question)?

I do still celebrate Christmas, even though I'm a Buddhist now. It's part of my cultural heritage and I really appreciate the teachings of Jesus, so much like the Buddha's. So his birthday is a happy occasion in our house.

My favorite gift?  Hmmm. My husband and sons gave me some beautiful silver and tanzanite jewelry, and Doug gave me a bright red Le Creuset Dutch oven.  (I love to cook!)

What's your favorite holiday?

I'd have to say Christmas, not because of the gifts, but the warm family and friend interactions. My boys still come home for Christmas, and we host a big party for my husband's university department, exchange silly gifts with friends and family, give to various charities. I love the corny music and decorations. Our tree, though fake these days in dry SoCal, is entirely decked with ornaments that have some personal significance, like a scrapbook of our lives together. It's always been a very happy time in my life—no dysfunctional dinners or family spats.

I believe you're a practicing Buddhist? What kind of influence has that had on your writing (if any)?

So far it hasn't had a great effect, although I do feel slightly guilty sometimes when I write fight scenes.  The Nightrunner world is deeply ingrained after all these years of working in it and has its own rules that have become habitual.  I feel it more in daily life—how I communicate with people, what I take into my body and mind, and how I problem solve.

What's your favorite food?

Fresh raspberries I've picked myself.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Chocolate orange, hard to come by out here.

(I'm SO looking for Chocolate Orange ice cream next time I'm at the store. That sounds fabulous!! But back to the interview). Turkey, ham or roast beef?

Octopus sashimi

Dogs or cats?

Otters!

Coffee or tea?

Coffee in the morning, tea the rest of the day.

What are you working on now?

I'm finishing up the sixth Nightrunner book, Casket of Souls and planning the next one.

Any plans to officially join the ranks of m/m authors any time soon?

Actually, yes. As soon as I finish CoS, I have plans for a contemporary m/m mystery/romance set in Maine.  I've only started reading that sort of thing in the last year, and there are some really good writers out there, including you, of course. Other favorites include Charlie Cochrane, Andrew Grey, and Josh Lanyon.   I'm already in love with my main character, Nathan Greene. Working on that, and stories for Glimpses II will be my reward for finishing CoS. More m/m content coming there, too. I'm also in the process of developing a non-Nightrunner fantasy series which should include some, though it's for a mainstream market, so I may have to tone it down.

Name three books that influenced you.

Only three? Lord of the Rings, the Sherlock Holmes canon, and Roget's Thesaurus.

What's your favorite movie?

Some Like It Hot, with Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe.

Favorite TV show?

Criminal Minds, at the moment. I so want to adopt Reid!

Name one irrational phobia you have.

Darkness. I think it may be a form of claustrophobia. So long as there's so much as a pin prick of light I'm OK, but I freak out in total darkness— controlled panic, shortness of breath,  crawly feeling up the spine.

Where did you go for your all-time favorite vacation?

Tahiti with my family a few years back. We had a thoroughly good time roughing it on Moorea, well lubricated with sunshine, fresh food, and the local rum. My favorite memory is standing with my feet in Cook's Bay on New Year's eve, watching the full moon rise over the peaks.

Where would you go for your next vacation if money and time were no issue?

I'd have to decide between extended stays in New Orleans and Greece, two of my favorite places on the planet, or realizing the dream Doug and I have of a Tuscan villa large enough to host scads of friends.

If you could solve one historical unsolved mystery or crime, which one would it be?

It's pretty hackneyed, but I'd love to discover who Jack the Ripper really was.  I have this weird fascination with serial killers.  I even featured one in a Nightrunner short story, "Raven's Cut" in the Assassin Fantastic anthology a few years back.

I'm horribly disappointed that I'll miss your cruise this year (overlaps with GayRomLit Retreat in New Orleans), but the cruise last year was absolutely amazing! Tell everybody what they have to look forward to!

I'm horribly disappointed you won't be there, after all the fun we had last year and at Yaoicon! Although if I didn't have the cruise scheduled, I'd be temped to join you in New Orleans!

The Writing on the Waves cruise workshops are designed to balance some serious learning and guidance with lots of relaxation and fun. Last year, the first time I did it, we sailed with Royal Caribbean to the Caribbean in May—balmy air, beautiful islands, incredible food and staterooms, not to mention the various excursions available at each stop.  We have classes on the mornings of the days we are at sea, with an afternoon salon to share our work. In port days are for exploring and getting inspired by new places.

Planning that first cruise, I was very focused on the workshop structure and content. I really had no idea how involved I'd be socially with the students, and how much fun that would be! We ate dinner together each night, which let people really get to know each other, and soon everybody was hanging out together, going on excursions, singing karaoke, and whatnot. Marie, I'll let you explain Midnight Black Tie Drunken Shuffleboard.

Well, see how pretty how we all look in the photo above? Right after it was taken, we decided it was way too early to call it a night (even though it must have been after 11:00). So we grabbed some drinks and went out on deck (still in our formalwear) for a game of shuffleboard. None of us actually knew the rules, but I honestly think it's more fun that way.

This year we have a different time frame and a different destination: we'll be cruising with RC from Boston to Nova Scotia in October, with stops along the way including Bar Harbor, Maine, where I will lead a special excursion to Schoodic Point in beautiful Acadia National Park, a section of the park most tourists don't know about. The reason for this is that this is the location of the "sea temple" from Stalking Darkness. I was stuck for the ending of that book, and one weekend we took the kids down there, as we often did and happened to be there right at the right moment of the tide to see this neat depression in the ledges. Hopefully we'll be able to see it when we visit.

I'm also offering a limited number of private critique sessions for those who have novels in progress. You can find out more information at my website. http://www.sff.net/people/Lynn.Flewelling/s.cruise.html

I chose October for several reasons: Glimpses II will hopefully be coming out that month, so we can have a launch party, as we did for White Road last time; it's the fifteenth anniversary of the publication of Luck in the Shadows, the first book in the NR series, and my first book sale; and it's my birthday, so you all get to party with me. No clapping and singing, though, please!

For more information on the cruise, or to sign up visit the travel agent's site.

Hope to have some of you sail with us!

Thanks for having me, Marie!

Thank you for being here!

Lynn is also giving away a book today. Leave a comment for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of any book from Lynn's backlist!!

I'm a guest yet again!

Today I'm on Jadette Paige's blog. Stop by and say hello!

Guest Interview: Ryssa Edwards

My guest today is Ryssa Edwards. Ryssa's first novel, Warrior Angel, Heart's Desire will be released by Silver Publishing on March 26th. (How gorgeous is that cover? Reese Dante is amazing!).

First off, would you like to introduce yourself somehow?

Sure. My pen name is Ryssa Edwards. By day I'm hard at work in a cubicle. By night, I'm hard at work at my keyboard, chasing down the next good story.

Tell us a bit about your history as a writer – is this your first publication or your hundredth?

I've been writing for a while now, but my coming two releases, "Warrior Angel, Heart's Desire" and "Dark Angel, All the Stars" are my first venture into paranormal romance. I'm loving it!

Is writing your full-time job?

In my dreams!

What's your favorite holiday?

Christmas is my hands down favorite holiday!

What's your favorite food?

Chocolate! Dark chocolate will bribe me into anything, anywhere, any time.

Favorite ice cream flavor?

Ben and Jerry's . . . it doesn't matter which one.

Dogs or cats?

I don't have a pet, but I wish I did.

Coffee or tea?

Definitely coffee. I secretly hold a controlling interest in Starbucks.

Whips or whipped cream?

Definitely whipped cream . . .

What are you working on now?

Right now, I'm working on "Hunter Angel, Awakening Zane", the third story in the Immortal Pleasures series.

Name the three writers that influenced you the most.

The three writers that have influenced me the most are Isaac Asimov, Stephen King and Charles Dickens. I read Asimov's Foundation Trilogy in sixth grade (back when it was still a trilogy), and decided I wanted to make other worlds too. When I got older, I found Stephen King and fell in love with the way he told stories. Later, in high school, I discovered Tale of Two Cities, and it's been a love affair with all things Dickens since then.

What's your favorite movie?

Star Wars is my all time favorite movie. I think it's the best telling of the Prince saves the Princess fairytale.

Favorite TV show?

Yikes! I don't watch TV. A loonnggg time ago, my favorite shows were Star Trek, Lost in Space and the Twilight Zone.

Name one irrational phobia you have.

My total irrational phobia is that if I don't meditate before I start a brand new project, I won't be able to do it. I don't know if that's true or not, because I always do the meditation!

Where would you go for your next vacation if money and time were no issue?

I would take an Amtrak "vacation" cross country. There are so many beautiful places in the United States, you get to meet really interesting people, and you can write while someone else drives!

Thanks so much to Ryssa for stopping by! For more information on the Immortal Pleasures series, check out Ryssa's blog. And don't forget to add Warrior's Angel, Heart's Desire to your wish list!