Frances Pauli's Blog, page 9
August 27, 2013
Authors that Rock and Free Reads
My writing group buddies, the Moses Lake Muses, have set up a little collective (resistance is futile) over here:
http://mosesnano.wix.com/moseslakemuses
You can also click on the pretty picture:
These are great people, talented authors and some really good books. Including mine, yes, but even if it didn't I'd still be shouting out for them. :)
They/we also have an advanced reader deal starting up. Basically, if you want some kickin books early and free, you can sign up here: http://mosesnano.wix.com/moseslakemuses#!arp/c21nl
fill out a little interest survey and wait for the awesome books to come your way.
Not a bad deal, is it?
We have all genres, all ages and all kinds of fun. Drop us a line if you're interested.
~Frances
http://mosesnano.wix.com/moseslakemuses
You can also click on the pretty picture:
These are great people, talented authors and some really good books. Including mine, yes, but even if it didn't I'd still be shouting out for them. :)
They/we also have an advanced reader deal starting up. Basically, if you want some kickin books early and free, you can sign up here: http://mosesnano.wix.com/moseslakemuses#!arp/c21nl
fill out a little interest survey and wait for the awesome books to come your way.
Not a bad deal, is it?
We have all genres, all ages and all kinds of fun. Drop us a line if you're interested.
~Frances
August 16, 2013
State of Things- surgery and dog days of summer
Well, I thought I'd check in. It's been kind of a crazy summer and things haven't played out the way I planned exactly. Isn't that just how life works though? Some days I think about Murphy's Law and life's little twists and feel, well, about like this:
Piss on Murphy's Law. That's a French red cross dog taking a leak on a German helmet. Okay, it's crass, but it does encapsulate the feeling. It also ties in the post to my latest release. See how I did that? Hey, it's early.
I do like the postcard. I'm thinking of picking up the one that keeps circulating on ebay and pasting it to my computer for days like this, for weeks like this.
Anyway. My summer was supposed to go something like this: Finish Forgotten (Kingdoms Gone book Three) write Seen, (sequel to Shrouded) write a novella (just for fun) edit Forgotten, research Dogs book two (Demon Dogs, coming soon) and maybe write another novella if I can squeeze it in before school starts.
Ha.
My summer actually looked like this: Finish Forgotten (because I do work sometimes) Start Seen (37 thousand words and counting) get unbelievably crazy and volunteer to help the scouts at the fair, go through three months of a kid with a mysterious illness that nobody can figure out (turns out, acid reflux.) during many doctor's visits with lil grub, discover a big lump in my throat (again) more doctor's visits, tests, ultra sounds, biopsies and discover we probably need surgery. Surgery (next week) NO DAMN WRITING TIME.
It's a good sign, (in my mind) that I calculate my time screw-ups in units of lost writing time. We should make up a theorem for it. LW (lost words) = PW(potential words) minus the square root of chaos and unexpected stress. I'm not sure what the graphic would look like, but I'd wear the T-shirt.
However, this summer's calculations add up to one thing. I am behind on my words. :( And that makes for one stressed, twitchy author. It makes for last minute recalculations and new plans too. I can still get four novels done this year. I just have to scramble, and school is starting soon.
I probably won't get to the novellas, though. Not unless I give up sleep.
Maybe just one novella.
:)
Write on, Macduff!
~Frances
Piss on Murphy's Law. That's a French red cross dog taking a leak on a German helmet. Okay, it's crass, but it does encapsulate the feeling. It also ties in the post to my latest release. See how I did that? Hey, it's early.
I do like the postcard. I'm thinking of picking up the one that keeps circulating on ebay and pasting it to my computer for days like this, for weeks like this.
Anyway. My summer was supposed to go something like this: Finish Forgotten (Kingdoms Gone book Three) write Seen, (sequel to Shrouded) write a novella (just for fun) edit Forgotten, research Dogs book two (Demon Dogs, coming soon) and maybe write another novella if I can squeeze it in before school starts.
Ha.
My summer actually looked like this: Finish Forgotten (because I do work sometimes) Start Seen (37 thousand words and counting) get unbelievably crazy and volunteer to help the scouts at the fair, go through three months of a kid with a mysterious illness that nobody can figure out (turns out, acid reflux.) during many doctor's visits with lil grub, discover a big lump in my throat (again) more doctor's visits, tests, ultra sounds, biopsies and discover we probably need surgery. Surgery (next week) NO DAMN WRITING TIME.
It's a good sign, (in my mind) that I calculate my time screw-ups in units of lost writing time. We should make up a theorem for it. LW (lost words) = PW(potential words) minus the square root of chaos and unexpected stress. I'm not sure what the graphic would look like, but I'd wear the T-shirt.
However, this summer's calculations add up to one thing. I am behind on my words. :( And that makes for one stressed, twitchy author. It makes for last minute recalculations and new plans too. I can still get four novels done this year. I just have to scramble, and school is starting soon.
I probably won't get to the novellas, though. Not unless I give up sleep.
Maybe just one novella.
:)
Write on, Macduff!
~Frances
August 12, 2013
Excerpt from Dogs of War: Vertigo
Dogs of War is now available at Mundania Press. They're also having their summer sale. So, if you enter SUN into the coupon code during checkout, you'll get a nice 20% discount. Check out the rest of the catalog too. They have some seriously amazing authors and books and now is a great time to find them on sale. :)
In the meantime, here is an excerpt from Vertigo. I hope y'all enjoy it.
~Frances
Excerpt:
She’d messed up the search. The article had it wrong, she was certain. The soldiers and dogs in her photo were French. They had to be. Plus, searching for Belgian dog soldiers hadn’t netted her a thing. She’d also tried Red Cross dogs, but came up with far too many pages to sort, even when she specified images only. Most of the shots she found were contemporary, rescue dogs from recent disasters and modern warfare. Tonight, she’d try France.First, she had a puppy to get to know. Paula recommended letting her girl settle in the first night, and she’d managed to resist the urge to smother the poor thing. She’d carried the pup out into the backyard three times during the night, and resisted bringing her into bed the few times she whined, but otherwise she’d done her best to respect the dog’s privacy. Now, however, they needed to get going on that bonding, and the way Viv saw it, her pup needed a name.She parked herself, cross-legged, in the center of the living room floor with a tub of liver treats in her lap. The pup lay in the kennel doorway, paws crossed and ears up. She’d squirreled half the squeaky toys into the bed, buried a few in the couch cushions, and currently held her favorite between needle sharp puppy teeth.She eyed Viv suspiciously and bit down until the toy squealed.Her skin color leaned toward copper, with a few scattered light spots under her neck and chest. It was much softer than Tortugas, like chamois. Viv had discovered as much during the brief contact taking the little girl out for her runs, but aside from the rare tentative sniff, the dog hadn’t shown any interest in letting her touch it otherwise. The liver treat had her attention though. Viv held it forward and waited while the black nose twitched. The toy squeaked one last time and then dropped to the hardwood. Both front paws reached, and a low whine came from the pup’s throat. Her tail thumped against the blankets, and she scooted forward on her belly.Just like Champ did on the barbed wire course.Ice slid down Viv’s spine. The liver dropped from her fingers, and she fumbled for it with a racing heart. Just like Champion. Where the hell had that come from? She held the treat out again, but as the pup belly-crawled across the floor, she saw a black face, one with feathery hair and both ears erect and listening. And coils of spiked wire just above the mud.“It’s okay,” Viv crooned. “You can do it.” She had to stop herself from saying, boy. This pup was younger, and scared. She had no hair and she wanted a treat, not a medal. A slow inhale, a moment of calm, and Viv knew that. She sat on her living room floor in 2013. Not France, no war, and no LePiu looking over her shoulder. Where had that name just come from?“Here girl, come on,” she whispered, and half hoped for the images to return. She wanted to know about them—about Champ and Pieter and Marcel. And LePiu. She’d wanted this dog for years. This dog. The beautiful, soft little nudist creeping across the room—so close now she could feel the puppy breath on her fingers. She held perfectly still and looked into the watery brown eyes. This dog. But Champion had looked at him like that.Viv saw it. He lay on his side in the mud, and the unnatural pose alone was enough to tell him he’d fallen, that he’d suffered a wound. The pain just finalized that verdict. It spread like a cold ache through his midsection. He reached the one arm out, and saw his own fingers stretching toward the dog. Champion. The enemy hadn’t noted Champ yet, and the black dog crept like a shadow toward his pistol. It lay inches beyond his fingertips. Come on, Champ. A few more feet.Someone rolled him over. Fire tore outward from the wound, but it wasn’t nearly so horrible as the face snarling inches from his own. The skin stretched tight over prominent bones, and the eyes were two huge sockets, black pits filled with nothing.Viv screamed. The puppy exploded away from her, all claws and scrambling for purchase on the wood. The tub of treats flew to the side, and all she saw was the sparsely haired tail disappearing behind her couch. Her heart banged against her ribs. The eyes of whatever thing she’d seen still glared at her. She could see themthrough her living room. They burned into the back of her mind and refused to go away.
Dogs of War: Vertigo in print and ebook
In the meantime, here is an excerpt from Vertigo. I hope y'all enjoy it.
~Frances
Excerpt:
She’d messed up the search. The article had it wrong, she was certain. The soldiers and dogs in her photo were French. They had to be. Plus, searching for Belgian dog soldiers hadn’t netted her a thing. She’d also tried Red Cross dogs, but came up with far too many pages to sort, even when she specified images only. Most of the shots she found were contemporary, rescue dogs from recent disasters and modern warfare. Tonight, she’d try France.First, she had a puppy to get to know. Paula recommended letting her girl settle in the first night, and she’d managed to resist the urge to smother the poor thing. She’d carried the pup out into the backyard three times during the night, and resisted bringing her into bed the few times she whined, but otherwise she’d done her best to respect the dog’s privacy. Now, however, they needed to get going on that bonding, and the way Viv saw it, her pup needed a name.She parked herself, cross-legged, in the center of the living room floor with a tub of liver treats in her lap. The pup lay in the kennel doorway, paws crossed and ears up. She’d squirreled half the squeaky toys into the bed, buried a few in the couch cushions, and currently held her favorite between needle sharp puppy teeth.She eyed Viv suspiciously and bit down until the toy squealed.Her skin color leaned toward copper, with a few scattered light spots under her neck and chest. It was much softer than Tortugas, like chamois. Viv had discovered as much during the brief contact taking the little girl out for her runs, but aside from the rare tentative sniff, the dog hadn’t shown any interest in letting her touch it otherwise. The liver treat had her attention though. Viv held it forward and waited while the black nose twitched. The toy squeaked one last time and then dropped to the hardwood. Both front paws reached, and a low whine came from the pup’s throat. Her tail thumped against the blankets, and she scooted forward on her belly.Just like Champ did on the barbed wire course.Ice slid down Viv’s spine. The liver dropped from her fingers, and she fumbled for it with a racing heart. Just like Champion. Where the hell had that come from? She held the treat out again, but as the pup belly-crawled across the floor, she saw a black face, one with feathery hair and both ears erect and listening. And coils of spiked wire just above the mud.“It’s okay,” Viv crooned. “You can do it.” She had to stop herself from saying, boy. This pup was younger, and scared. She had no hair and she wanted a treat, not a medal. A slow inhale, a moment of calm, and Viv knew that. She sat on her living room floor in 2013. Not France, no war, and no LePiu looking over her shoulder. Where had that name just come from?“Here girl, come on,” she whispered, and half hoped for the images to return. She wanted to know about them—about Champ and Pieter and Marcel. And LePiu. She’d wanted this dog for years. This dog. The beautiful, soft little nudist creeping across the room—so close now she could feel the puppy breath on her fingers. She held perfectly still and looked into the watery brown eyes. This dog. But Champion had looked at him like that.Viv saw it. He lay on his side in the mud, and the unnatural pose alone was enough to tell him he’d fallen, that he’d suffered a wound. The pain just finalized that verdict. It spread like a cold ache through his midsection. He reached the one arm out, and saw his own fingers stretching toward the dog. Champion. The enemy hadn’t noted Champ yet, and the black dog crept like a shadow toward his pistol. It lay inches beyond his fingertips. Come on, Champ. A few more feet.Someone rolled him over. Fire tore outward from the wound, but it wasn’t nearly so horrible as the face snarling inches from his own. The skin stretched tight over prominent bones, and the eyes were two huge sockets, black pits filled with nothing.Viv screamed. The puppy exploded away from her, all claws and scrambling for purchase on the wood. The tub of treats flew to the side, and all she saw was the sparsely haired tail disappearing behind her couch. Her heart banged against her ribs. The eyes of whatever thing she’d seen still glared at her. She could see themthrough her living room. They burned into the back of her mind and refused to go away.
Dogs of War: Vertigo in print and ebook
August 8, 2013
Letting the Dogs Out
My fantabulous publisher is giving away a copy of Dogs of War: Vertigo on Goodreads. The book is coming out next week, but enter now for your chance at a free copy!
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Dogs of War by Frances Pauli Giveaway ends August 13, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win Dogs of War
A modern day accountant with a level head and her feet firmly planted in ordinary reality, Genevieve doesn’t believe in past lives, demons or true love. All of which seems like a perfectly practical approach to life until the thing that killed her in World War One decides it’s time to try again…
Genevieve Oliver doesn’t break the law. She doesn’t take risks, and she definitely doesn’t believe in anything weird. So getting pulled over for speeding on the way to pick up her new dog wasn’t exactly on her to do list. Even more surprising, the cop who shows up at her window seems familiar. She’s never seen him before, and yet, just looking at the man makes her want to cry. But Viv has her head on straight. She shakes off the encounter and heads to the dog breeder only to have an old magazine photo trigger a full blown, past life flashback. Not only do the soldiers in the picture look like her and her mysterious cop, she remembers them, a memory that holds as much danger as it does passion.
Now Viv is bouncing between two lives and being stalked by something evil in both of them. As the love story of two soldiers unfolds, her own heart opens for a man who may not even be available. Not that she has time to worry about minor details. If she can’t figure out the demon’s identity fast, Viv could lose more than just her life. She could lose everything she never believed in.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Dogs of War by Frances Pauli Giveaway ends August 13, 2013. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Enter to win Dogs of War
A modern day accountant with a level head and her feet firmly planted in ordinary reality, Genevieve doesn’t believe in past lives, demons or true love. All of which seems like a perfectly practical approach to life until the thing that killed her in World War One decides it’s time to try again…
Genevieve Oliver doesn’t break the law. She doesn’t take risks, and she definitely doesn’t believe in anything weird. So getting pulled over for speeding on the way to pick up her new dog wasn’t exactly on her to do list. Even more surprising, the cop who shows up at her window seems familiar. She’s never seen him before, and yet, just looking at the man makes her want to cry. But Viv has her head on straight. She shakes off the encounter and heads to the dog breeder only to have an old magazine photo trigger a full blown, past life flashback. Not only do the soldiers in the picture look like her and her mysterious cop, she remembers them, a memory that holds as much danger as it does passion.
Now Viv is bouncing between two lives and being stalked by something evil in both of them. As the love story of two soldiers unfolds, her own heart opens for a man who may not even be available. Not that she has time to worry about minor details. If she can’t figure out the demon’s identity fast, Viv could lose more than just her life. She could lose everything she never believed in.
August 7, 2013
Web Comics that ROCK and Alien Mustaches
I have a crush on anyone who can draw comics. I tried, really. I mean it's harder than it looks. I can draw even. I can paint you whatever you like....but putting it into action, into little graphic boxes featuring the same character over and over? There, I am completely worthless. But I love them. I've loved comics since Arion Lord of Atlantis.
Go on, google it. I'm THAT old.
Now they have this webcomic thing and I'm loving it as well. It's a time sucker, though. I warn you. I started reading Space Trawler years ago after meeting the artist at Norwescon. (and buying his first book of strips) I'm so hooked on this series. It's kept me in comic bliss for years and now....sniff sniff....it's ending.
WHAT AM I GOING TO READ?
I'm glad you asked, because in preparation for Trawler's final episode (and the ensuing mourning period) I've been collecting links to very wicked new strips and nurturing all new, replacement addictions.
Here are the ones I've latched onto:
Three Jaguars- Author, Marketer and Business divided into three separate and complimentary (when they're not fighting) characters. Lovely black and white strip with some great industry angle added in.
Check out PAGE ONE and read on from there.
Dresden Codak - Really gorgeous comic with a high science/aliens/scifi bent. I love this one. I finished the Hob storyline and am saving Dark Science for when I have a LOT of free time. Once you start, you'll pretty much want to read all of it in one sitting. Enjoy!
Mo Stache - That's right. It's about a mustache....from space. Holy awesomesauce, Batman! I just found this one this morning and it's co-written by the amazing Brian Letendre who interviewed me for See Brian Write awhile back (interview here) and is a really cool guy...but I didn't know that he was THIS COOL. I mean, alien mustaches? I'm in serious smit with this strip.....
See!
That's early morning-no makeup, folks. It's that cool.
Reading some 'stache
~Frances
Go on, google it. I'm THAT old.
Now they have this webcomic thing and I'm loving it as well. It's a time sucker, though. I warn you. I started reading Space Trawler years ago after meeting the artist at Norwescon. (and buying his first book of strips) I'm so hooked on this series. It's kept me in comic bliss for years and now....sniff sniff....it's ending.
WHAT AM I GOING TO READ?
I'm glad you asked, because in preparation for Trawler's final episode (and the ensuing mourning period) I've been collecting links to very wicked new strips and nurturing all new, replacement addictions.
Here are the ones I've latched onto:
Three Jaguars- Author, Marketer and Business divided into three separate and complimentary (when they're not fighting) characters. Lovely black and white strip with some great industry angle added in.
Check out PAGE ONE and read on from there.
Dresden Codak - Really gorgeous comic with a high science/aliens/scifi bent. I love this one. I finished the Hob storyline and am saving Dark Science for when I have a LOT of free time. Once you start, you'll pretty much want to read all of it in one sitting. Enjoy!
Mo Stache - That's right. It's about a mustache....from space. Holy awesomesauce, Batman! I just found this one this morning and it's co-written by the amazing Brian Letendre who interviewed me for See Brian Write awhile back (interview here) and is a really cool guy...but I didn't know that he was THIS COOL. I mean, alien mustaches? I'm in serious smit with this strip.....
See! That's early morning-no makeup, folks. It's that cool.
Reading some 'stache
~Frances
August 3, 2013
New Release From Author, Jaleta Clegg
Well if you've been around for any bit of time, you'll know how much I love Jaleta Clegg's Altairan Empire series and her disaster prone heroine, Dace. So, Jaleta has done it again, bringing out book four and a fun, fast-paces Space Opera that kept me reading way, way too late into the night. Of course, I jumped up and begged her to let me feature the release on the blog. SO, without further ado, here is book four in the Altairan Empire series: The Kumadai Run!
When the Phoenix is caught in a trap five hundred years old, Dace faces the most demanding challenge of her life. Excerpt:
The ship lurched to the side and started sliding towards the planet. Clark muttered under his breath as he checked the ship. I turned back to my own boards. The engines whined as they tried to hold us to the course Clark had set. Something was pulling us down to the planet. Clark pushed the engines to maximum, fighting whatever it was.Something in the controls gave with a bang and flash of light. Sparks flew across the controls. The smell of burned components filled the cockpit. The scanning screens flashed pure white, then went dark. Completely. She tried to reboot them, but the systems were dead.“Where are we going?” Clark asked over the growing sound of the engine rumble. He fought his controls, trying to keep us steady.“Your guess is as good as mine,” Jasyn answered.It was my turn to swear. I’d made several blind landings, the worst in a defective emergency pod. I hated not knowing where I was going. I hated not being in control.“We’re going down,” Clark said, unnecessarily. All of us could hear the sound of thin atmosphere tearing past the hull.He throttled back on the engines, no longer trying to fight whatever was pulling us in. Both of us worked to just bring the ship down in one piece. Without scans, it was going to be dicey.Air screamed over the hull. The temperature in the ship rose. Clark feathered the thrusters, trying to push us sideways. Each pulse of power yanked us farther towards the unknown planet. The hull creaked. I smelled burning fluid from the engine.Jasyn paused long enough to strap herself in before working on the scan equipment again.“How thick was the atmosphere?” Clark asked.“Barely breathable,” Jasyn answered.Clark cocked his head. Another burst of power dragged us lower. My stomach lurched. Clark hit the throttles. The ship tumbled sideways. I fell out of my chair, smacking my face against the edge of the control board. Clark pulled the ship around, goosing the engines. He counted as he pushed the controls. I scrambled back into my seat and belted in.“Got it!” A single glowing screen lit Jasyn's face. “You’ve got two seconds."Another pulse grabbed us. Clark shoved the throttles wide open. The ship dropped and slammed into the ground. We bounced into the air. I fought the stabilizer controls, trying to keep us right side up. Clark goosed the throttles. We scraped along something hard, the ship slewing to the right. I hit the reverse thrusters. The ship slid to a bumpy stop. Clark slammed the controls for an emergency shutdown. The whole ship filled with greasy smoke.
Grab a Copy:http://www.amazon.com/Kumadai-Fall-Altairan-Empire-ebook/dp/B00EAB67YI
More of the Altairan EmpireThousands of worlds, trillions of citizens - one woman's destiny will destroy everything.
Links and blurbs for all books: http://www.altairanempire.com
When the Phoenix is caught in a trap five hundred years old, Dace faces the most demanding challenge of her life. Excerpt:
The ship lurched to the side and started sliding towards the planet. Clark muttered under his breath as he checked the ship. I turned back to my own boards. The engines whined as they tried to hold us to the course Clark had set. Something was pulling us down to the planet. Clark pushed the engines to maximum, fighting whatever it was.Something in the controls gave with a bang and flash of light. Sparks flew across the controls. The smell of burned components filled the cockpit. The scanning screens flashed pure white, then went dark. Completely. She tried to reboot them, but the systems were dead.“Where are we going?” Clark asked over the growing sound of the engine rumble. He fought his controls, trying to keep us steady.“Your guess is as good as mine,” Jasyn answered.It was my turn to swear. I’d made several blind landings, the worst in a defective emergency pod. I hated not knowing where I was going. I hated not being in control.“We’re going down,” Clark said, unnecessarily. All of us could hear the sound of thin atmosphere tearing past the hull.He throttled back on the engines, no longer trying to fight whatever was pulling us in. Both of us worked to just bring the ship down in one piece. Without scans, it was going to be dicey.Air screamed over the hull. The temperature in the ship rose. Clark feathered the thrusters, trying to push us sideways. Each pulse of power yanked us farther towards the unknown planet. The hull creaked. I smelled burning fluid from the engine.Jasyn paused long enough to strap herself in before working on the scan equipment again.“How thick was the atmosphere?” Clark asked.“Barely breathable,” Jasyn answered.Clark cocked his head. Another burst of power dragged us lower. My stomach lurched. Clark hit the throttles. The ship tumbled sideways. I fell out of my chair, smacking my face against the edge of the control board. Clark pulled the ship around, goosing the engines. He counted as he pushed the controls. I scrambled back into my seat and belted in.“Got it!” A single glowing screen lit Jasyn's face. “You’ve got two seconds."Another pulse grabbed us. Clark shoved the throttles wide open. The ship dropped and slammed into the ground. We bounced into the air. I fought the stabilizer controls, trying to keep us right side up. Clark goosed the throttles. We scraped along something hard, the ship slewing to the right. I hit the reverse thrusters. The ship slid to a bumpy stop. Clark slammed the controls for an emergency shutdown. The whole ship filled with greasy smoke.
Grab a Copy:http://www.amazon.com/Kumadai-Fall-Altairan-Empire-ebook/dp/B00EAB67YI
More of the Altairan EmpireThousands of worlds, trillions of citizens - one woman's destiny will destroy everything.
Links and blurbs for all books: http://www.altairanempire.com
August 1, 2013
All Star Favorites
I have been READING again!!! I cannot tell you how amazing it's been to ignore my to be written list and rush off to attend my to be read pile. It's definitely soothed my nerves a little anyway. It's also driven me to thinking about my all time favorite reads. So, while there are way too many to remember with an old and foggy brain...I'm going to touch on a few here. Maybe you'll discover some you'd like to try out!
Andre Norton: Year of the Unicorn
I often claim this as my all-time favorite. Most days it is. The Witch World series makes me insanely happy as a reader, and this story has shapeshifters...you know, cool ones from before all the ruckus about them. I adore anything Norton wrote, but the High Hallack stuff and the Crystal Gryphon trilogy are my favs.
Patricia McKillip: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
Doesn't that cover kick ass? This is probably my all-time. I know I just said that, but seriously. I own two copies in case one is lost or damaged. I took them both to a signing and the lovely author asked me who I wanted them signed to. When I told her they were both for me, well...she was really sweet about how much of a whimpering fan-girl I was. Enough said. Awesome ass book.
Tanith Lee: Day by Night
Amazing book about a planet that doesn't rotate. The civilizations on opposite sides both think the other side is uninhabitable. Very cool read and like all of my tops, secretly a romance. Don't tell. Lee has another book I adore called, Sabella, that is about the only Vampire book I've ever liked...probably cause they're on Mars. :)
Christopher Moore: ANYTHING
So I put up that cover because, hell, it's the best title ever put on a book. No shit, right? The link will actually take you to Lamb, the gospel according to Biff, Christ's childhood pal. Because, it's also the coolest title ever put on a cover. And, everyone should read it. Actually everyone should read all his books. If you like an intelligent read that will make you laugh till your insides try to sneak out your nostrils. Just grab one and go. Pick Coyote Blue or Island of the Sequined Love Nun or...or...
Gregory Maguire: Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister
Love this book. I liked Wicked a lot. Tried to finish Lost three times and just can't get into it, but this one...this one made me cry buckets of happy reader tears. So well done...and sweet...and just delightful and way too underrated.
Terry Pratchett: Witches Books
Well, nobody would question the awesome that is Pratchett. So I don't need to tell you. But, of all the awesome Pratchett that was Pratchetted, the Witches books are my dearest favorites. In fact, I hope to be Esme Weatherwax when I grow up.
William Shakespeare's Star Wars
This is one of my new reads and it immediately launched onto my favorite lists. I haven't enjoyed an experience as much as reading this book in ages. It's freaking awesome. Probably more so because I have the movie memorized and because I adore Shakespeare. Still...this is the best weird pairing since chocolate and peanut butter folks. TOO much fun and great for out loud reading too. I also read The Two Gentlemen of Lebowski which is along the same lines and also good, but not nearly as infinitely awesome as this one.
Must Mentions: Hunger Games and Hitchhiker's Guide
I'm running out of blog space here, but I have to make sure both these series make the list. I think you can probably find them on your own. ;) They're hard to miss. They're also somewhat opposite ends of the spectrum. I devoured the Hunger Games books in three days, and I think of them as one amazing, totally immersed read. I read the Adams' books ages ago and, what can be said about the Guide that hasn't been said already? You know. They rock.
More Favs:I'm getting tired. Here's a list of other awesome books I adore.
Dune- Frank HerbertCrystal Singer- Anne McCaffreyContrarywise - Zora GreenhalghDragon Eye P.I. - Katrina FabianTombs at Atuan - Ursula K. LeGuin (also The Beginning Place)The Pandora Stone - William Greenleaf What Do You Say to a Naked Elf - Cheryl SterlingThe Faded Sun trilogy - C.J. CherryhTitus Groan - Mervyn Peake (the trilogy...even though three was weird.)Harry Potter!!! All of them. (and I'm not picky about books or movies, just give me some o that magic)Hellspark - Janet Kagan
And basically tons more. Fancy a few? Happy reading.
~ Frances
Andre Norton: Year of the Unicorn
I often claim this as my all-time favorite. Most days it is. The Witch World series makes me insanely happy as a reader, and this story has shapeshifters...you know, cool ones from before all the ruckus about them. I adore anything Norton wrote, but the High Hallack stuff and the Crystal Gryphon trilogy are my favs. Patricia McKillip: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
Doesn't that cover kick ass? This is probably my all-time. I know I just said that, but seriously. I own two copies in case one is lost or damaged. I took them both to a signing and the lovely author asked me who I wanted them signed to. When I told her they were both for me, well...she was really sweet about how much of a whimpering fan-girl I was. Enough said. Awesome ass book. Tanith Lee: Day by Night
Amazing book about a planet that doesn't rotate. The civilizations on opposite sides both think the other side is uninhabitable. Very cool read and like all of my tops, secretly a romance. Don't tell. Lee has another book I adore called, Sabella, that is about the only Vampire book I've ever liked...probably cause they're on Mars. :)Christopher Moore: ANYTHING
So I put up that cover because, hell, it's the best title ever put on a book. No shit, right? The link will actually take you to Lamb, the gospel according to Biff, Christ's childhood pal. Because, it's also the coolest title ever put on a cover. And, everyone should read it. Actually everyone should read all his books. If you like an intelligent read that will make you laugh till your insides try to sneak out your nostrils. Just grab one and go. Pick Coyote Blue or Island of the Sequined Love Nun or...or... Gregory Maguire: Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister
Love this book. I liked Wicked a lot. Tried to finish Lost three times and just can't get into it, but this one...this one made me cry buckets of happy reader tears. So well done...and sweet...and just delightful and way too underrated. Terry Pratchett: Witches Books
Well, nobody would question the awesome that is Pratchett. So I don't need to tell you. But, of all the awesome Pratchett that was Pratchetted, the Witches books are my dearest favorites. In fact, I hope to be Esme Weatherwax when I grow up. William Shakespeare's Star Wars
This is one of my new reads and it immediately launched onto my favorite lists. I haven't enjoyed an experience as much as reading this book in ages. It's freaking awesome. Probably more so because I have the movie memorized and because I adore Shakespeare. Still...this is the best weird pairing since chocolate and peanut butter folks. TOO much fun and great for out loud reading too. I also read The Two Gentlemen of Lebowski which is along the same lines and also good, but not nearly as infinitely awesome as this one. Must Mentions: Hunger Games and Hitchhiker's Guide
I'm running out of blog space here, but I have to make sure both these series make the list. I think you can probably find them on your own. ;) They're hard to miss. They're also somewhat opposite ends of the spectrum. I devoured the Hunger Games books in three days, and I think of them as one amazing, totally immersed read. I read the Adams' books ages ago and, what can be said about the Guide that hasn't been said already? You know. They rock.
More Favs:I'm getting tired. Here's a list of other awesome books I adore.
Dune- Frank HerbertCrystal Singer- Anne McCaffreyContrarywise - Zora GreenhalghDragon Eye P.I. - Katrina FabianTombs at Atuan - Ursula K. LeGuin (also The Beginning Place)The Pandora Stone - William Greenleaf What Do You Say to a Naked Elf - Cheryl SterlingThe Faded Sun trilogy - C.J. CherryhTitus Groan - Mervyn Peake (the trilogy...even though three was weird.)Harry Potter!!! All of them. (and I'm not picky about books or movies, just give me some o that magic)Hellspark - Janet Kagan
And basically tons more. Fancy a few? Happy reading.
~ Frances
July 29, 2013
First and Last
My writer's group has been playing a chain email game where we share the first lines and last words from our novels. Since we're sharing, I'm posting them here too. Do you have a favorite first line of all time? A favorite last one? (thinking of Scarlett O'Hara's last words here.) What are your most unforgettable first and last words?
Lemme know in the comments.
~ Frances
First Lines:
Moth in Darkness: The dancing would kill her eventually.
Fly in Paradise: Blackness swelled and hovered around the woman
Spiders from Memory: Hoof beats rang like gunfire down the alley.
Dimensional Shift: She hit the deck at the sound of footsteps on the front stairs.
Aspect Ratio: "How many?"
Echo Location: Stevie leaned around a clump of cactus and peered into the burrow.
Unlikely: Satina could smell the paper from the street facing entrance.
Horded: Had she cared about THIS town, she might have warned them not
to wear the Shade colors, not to mess with gangs at all.
Space Slugs: The sign above the main spaceport read: Welcome to the planet Crag.
Last Words:
Her
North
Busy
Asked
Zero
Too
Mattered
Vane
Adventure.
The last words almost make a found poem. If you have some of those, heck, share them too. :)
Lemme know in the comments.
~ Frances
First Lines:
Moth in Darkness: The dancing would kill her eventually.
Fly in Paradise: Blackness swelled and hovered around the woman
Spiders from Memory: Hoof beats rang like gunfire down the alley.
Dimensional Shift: She hit the deck at the sound of footsteps on the front stairs.
Aspect Ratio: "How many?"
Echo Location: Stevie leaned around a clump of cactus and peered into the burrow.
Unlikely: Satina could smell the paper from the street facing entrance.
Horded: Had she cared about THIS town, she might have warned them not
to wear the Shade colors, not to mess with gangs at all.
Space Slugs: The sign above the main spaceport read: Welcome to the planet Crag.
Last Words:
Her
North
Busy
Asked
Zero
Too
Mattered
Vane
Adventure.
The last words almost make a found poem. If you have some of those, heck, share them too. :)
July 24, 2013
AUDIO Alien Giveaway
I have a free audio code for the A Little Short for an Alien anthology courtesy of Audible.com and I want to share! My narrator is so awesome, and I love how he has voiced the kooky characters in the anthology so much. (he really did a perfect job. Yeah, Eric!)
So, since I'm lazy (I like to say busy but we all know the truth) I'm using this neato rafflecopter gadget below. If y'all can't figure it out let me know, I'll scratch my head with you and we can be confused together. :)
Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter in the sidebar if you want a non-spam but easy ass way to find out about new releases, cover reveals and other such good news. I'm too cheap to pay rafflecopter though, so that's not on the "things to do to enter" list.
If you want a cookie for the newsletter sign up...give me some ideas in the comments and I'll work something out. Maybe a free short story or some Vogon poetry featuring you!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So, since I'm lazy (I like to say busy but we all know the truth) I'm using this neato rafflecopter gadget below. If y'all can't figure it out let me know, I'll scratch my head with you and we can be confused together. :)
Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter in the sidebar if you want a non-spam but easy ass way to find out about new releases, cover reveals and other such good news. I'm too cheap to pay rafflecopter though, so that's not on the "things to do to enter" list.
If you want a cookie for the newsletter sign up...give me some ideas in the comments and I'll work something out. Maybe a free short story or some Vogon poetry featuring you!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
July 15, 2013
Coming Soon: Anthology #2
Next up for me in short fiction land is a second anthology and more feminine pairing to, Aren't you a Little Short for an Alien. This one features eight shorts all set on Earth or a close facsimile, and starring a variety of heroines or villains with a female perspective. Several of the stories have been sold or published previously, but many of them are brand new fiction as well.
Here's the cover, blurb and lineup:
Blurb:
Eight tales of wily women from author, Frances Pauli...
Whether they are causing trouble or just getting into it, they've got what it takes to get the job done. Need a little bacon to domesticate a hell hound? Looking to seduce an Italian vampire? You need look no further. From vengeful goddesses to mythical tattooists, from train robbery to the local spelling bee, these women are well prepared and fully armed for adventure. They have the tools. They have the attitude. They're tough, tricky, and possibly just a teeny bit wicked.
Table of Contents:
Idol Games
Offerings
Bad Dog
El Emperador
Forbidden
Silent Partner
Priceless
Promises
Here's the cover, blurb and lineup:
Blurb:
Eight tales of wily women from author, Frances Pauli...
Whether they are causing trouble or just getting into it, they've got what it takes to get the job done. Need a little bacon to domesticate a hell hound? Looking to seduce an Italian vampire? You need look no further. From vengeful goddesses to mythical tattooists, from train robbery to the local spelling bee, these women are well prepared and fully armed for adventure. They have the tools. They have the attitude. They're tough, tricky, and possibly just a teeny bit wicked.
Table of Contents:
Idol Games
Offerings
Bad Dog
El Emperador
Forbidden
Silent Partner
Priceless
Promises
