Krista D. Ball's Blog, page 22

I broke down and re-read "TB"

For those of you who don't know, I have written a untraditional tradition fantasy novel called "Tranquility's Blaze" about Lady Champion Bethany who has to choose between her secrets and her conscience to stop her magic-addicted sister from torching the elves and turning them into tasty kebabs. (My new query pitch, fyi).

Since today is Day 298 of it having been submitted (but who's counting?), I decided to read the novel. I haven't read it from start to finish in several months. So what's my i...

Should I do a newsletter?

I've been known to make the occasional witty, irreverent comment that results in OJ spraying computer monitors. I've had folks ask if I have a newsletter, if I'm going to do a newsletter, they want a newsletter, etc.

So, I'm putting it out to you, my readers, since you're the folks that would be reading it. Would you like a newsletter from me? If so, what kinds of things do you want? Should I have it as a downloadable document off the website or emailed to folks? How often should I do one...

"Dear Sirs" and my boiling temper

I received an email at work today regarding some support that they needed. It was addressed, "Dear Sirs." I admit that I make allowances for folks from other countries that might have more…traditional outlooks on the role of women in the workplace. In my experience, they have been taught that "Dear Sirs" is the polite and acceptable way to begin a business letter in english.

This person's name was more English than mine.

Nevertheless, I give the person the benefit of the doubt. I respond with "...

Huh? You want to publish me?

Rejection is a part of the writer's job description. In fact, it is mentioned in every single writing book out there. Get used to rejection. J.A Konrath got 500 rejections before he sold a book and you're not as good as him. That's the message. Writing is a never-ending root canal.

It's no wonder that new writers break into hives when they actually sell something. They've been programmed to believe no one on the planet is interested in their work. When they do get an acceptance, they...

Getting back into the groove

I'm back and slowly settling into Edmonton life again. The cats have been telling me horror stories of abuse and neglect, while the dog is just damned happy to get treats again.

My mother is doing well. She's been in the hospital for six months now and still isn't able to leave yet. However, I saw her walk with her temporary leg and she did really well. She was afraid to fall. Not surprising considering it was only her second time walking on it and she hasn't stood up in months. But she did...

I'm back and alive!

I'm organizing post-vacation life right now, along with a stiff neck, overall queasiness of having been awake for 24 hours, and a kid on crutches, so this is just a quick post.

I've got lots of photos, however, and I'll be sharing them over on my Facebook fan page later today. I'll also be adding a new feature called "Favourite Links" where I'll be sharing 5 website/blog/other links with everyone. It will be a different list every month. If you have any other suggestions, let me know.

Vacation ...

Harvest Moon's first review

Hi everyone, I managed to find free wireless today and I found a wonderful review of Harvest Moon waiting for me in the ol' message box.  Check out the review!

I'll see you all later in June!

I'm leaving on a freight train

Well, it's an Air Canada flight, but there are no songs about Air Canada. Today is the last you'll hear from me for about two weeks. Don't despair. I will return. I'm heading back home to Deer Lake, Newfoundland to see my parents. My mother is still in the hospital, which is disappointing because I had hoped she'd be out by now.

I'd like to take a moment to discussion why she's in the hospital. Hopefully, this will help someone else.

When I was in grade 5, I remember Mom coming home with a bag ...

Rising about the Slush

This article originally appeared at A Dash of Character as one of my guest blog posts. Reprinting here with permission.

The Slush Pile is the most feared place for any new writer. Think of it like high school gym class. The manuscripts are all lined up against the wall. Two popular kids are in charge and they pick their teams from the line up. That's pretty much the slush pile.
I read slush for a small Canadian publisher. I also read a bit of slush for a speculative fiction magazine for a few m...

I need your brains

…but I promise to give them back.

I'm drafting out a free mini-ebook that I'll be giving away upon the release of Harvest Moon. Think of it as the DVD extras, in book form. It's going to be 4-6 pages.

What kinds of things would you like to see in it? Some of my ideas:

History of the First Nations people in Alberta (the region from Harvest Moon)

The history flubs I made on purpose in Harvest Moon and why

Traditional recipes that Dancing Cat's family would have eaten

Where was the bannock?

Those are m...