Christine Rains's Blog, page 37

Friday Five for November 20, 2015

1. Help put the love back into Lovecraft! Dragon Roost Press is raising funds on Indiegogo to publish Eldritch Embraces . I have a steampunk mytho story in the collection called "What Lay Below." Please consider helping this awesome anthology. These funds include paying the authors!
2. I had two short story acceptances and three rejections in the past few weeks. I've also written a new flash fiction story which my local critique group will tear apart this Saturday. I tried to get a little fancy with this one, trying something new. That's the fun of shorter works. You can experiment with new genres and styles.
3. Next Wednesday, Lovelorn Spirits , the final book of my Paramours trilogy will be released. I'm excited. This is the best one of the three. I've booked a tour for the Paramours the first week of February. It's the month of love, and I do love the paranormal!
4. I've been working hard on the second book of my Totem series. I hope to have it finished in a few days. I've been having a ton of fun writing this one. Of course, any story I can make geek jokes makes me happy.
5. I have a couple of posts scheduled for next week, but I'll be scarce. It's off to visit the in-laws for the American Thanksgiving. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and to my American friends and family, have a happy Thanksgiving.

Wicked Wednesday - snapping the best picture

This past weekend, my family and I tried to get a decent portrait. So many pictures. So much chaos.
No one can ever smile at the same time. And if they do, the smiles are creepy or weird. Someone inevitably blinks when the camera clicks. Another person is looking away. Someone's fussing with their hair. Stand still. Put your hands down. Then the frustration sets in. Grumpy faces and sneers. Finally, exhaustion.
This is how I feel when it comes to writing. (Because everything I do, I compare to writing!) Your characters are not going to cooperate. One of them is doing what he's supposed to be doing but then another is off screwing things up. Two people are growling at each other when they're supposed to be a couple. It's especially difficult when you have a big cast of characters. How do you get them to do what they're supposed to do?
Take multiple pictures.
Yup. That's the one and only trick. Keep rewriting until it's right.
Eventually everyone will be looking at the camera, standing still, and smiling nicely. Okay, someone might be fidgeting and there might be an odd twinkle in another person's eye, but the tiny quirks are okay. Keep those. That's what makes it unique.
Nope:
Almost.
Wait. We regressed and lost two smiles.
Yes?

Review for Precipice (The Backworlds #6)

Blurb:
In the far future, humanity settles the stars, bioengineering its descendants to survive in a harsh universe. This is the sixth book in the science fiction series, The Backworlds. A space opera adventure.

The Backworlds hang by a Quantum string, a thread about to snap. Annihilation is coming if Craze can’t stop it.

The genocidal alien he had trapped breaks free, destroying a ship belonging to the Backworlds’ oldest enemy, the Fo’wo’s. The murderous alien wants to overtake the galaxy. The Fo’wo’s want another war.

The Backworlds’ best chance to survive is to overcome a century of hate and forge an alliance with the Fo’wo’s. Because of his history with the alien, Craze is recruited to represent his people. Now he’s the most hated man in the galaxy.

The looming war will be a holocaust unless Craze can stop it, knowing salvation comes at a price.

My review:
A war hangs over Craze's head. A fearsome alien is poised to destroy the Backworlds and worlds beyond it. Yet the only hope for victory is for Craze to forge an alliance with the Fo'wo's. He doesn't know who he loathes more: them or the alien. His own people hate him for attempting an alliance and his friends are getting backlash from it. Can Craze bury his hatred to ally with the Fo'wo's or will their mutual enmity ensure their decimation?

This is the sixth awesome book in the space opera series The Backworlds and my favorite so far. I was hooked from the start, drawn tight with the tension, and holding my breath with the suspense. Excellent writing with superb characterization and plotting. I love it that I'm so easily transported into the far future, into the Backworlds, filled with wonderfully strange beings who all sprang from human beings.

Each of the characters we have grown with are faced with immensely difficult choices. My favorites are Rainly and Craze. Such different paths and yet admirable in their loyalty. Their struggles pulled at my heartstrings.

I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Buy the book:
Amazon or Amazon.comBookcessoriesiBook or main iBookGoogleplay / SmashwordsKobo / B&N
Check out M. Pax's site here! 

Realms Faire 2015 - Drench-a-Wench (Day 5)

 
THREE CHEERS FOR THE FAIRE!
Welcome to Realms Faire 2015!

The Realms Faire is hosted by our most magnificent Lady Mary Pax.She'll be conducting the Joust. Cheer for your favorite knight and win prizes!

This is the last day to visit all the events. Each host is giving away prizes for their games. Check out the Realms Faire page for all the links. 

Here at House Geek, I'm hosting the Drench-a-Wench / Soak-a-bloke event!  

The rules to this game are simple:1) The dunkee is chosen by committee.2) I post a link to the dunkee's blog and you click on it.3) You leave a comment, soaking them with blog love.4) You are entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes.

I'll have different prizes every day. You don't want to miss out on these awesome books.

Today's big final prize packet consists of:
An ebook of your choice from M. Pax
Guardians of Telesma ebook from River Fairchild
Polar Night ebook from Julie Flanders
An ebook of your choice from Cherie Reich A digital copy of Of Blood and Sorrow

You have until 7:00 pm EST to leave a comment on the dunkee's blog.A winner will be chosen randomly each day and contacted at the end of the week. 
Our magnificent dunkee for today is:


Shannon Lawrence is The Warrior Muse. A talented writer and an inspiration to other writers.

Thank you to everyone who supported, cheered, and participated in Realms Faire 2015. I raise my mug to you.
We hope to see you again next year!

Hall of Doors*Hosted by M. Gerrick. Every book offered as a  prizes will be hidden behind a doorway. Under each door will be the blurb for the hidden book. Each correct answer will be put in the drawing for the book given as a prize. random.org will be used to pick the winners.
Roar! Enter the VelociRaffle for a chance to win one of six grand prizes!
Celebrating along with the Faire, the Untethered Realms authors are touring with their newest collection, Mayhem in the Air. Get exclusive excerpts and enter for a chance to win a $40 gift card. Today you can read an excerpt from my sci-fi horror, "The Silent Wind."

Realms Faire 2015 - Soak-a-Bloke (Day 4)

 
HUZZAH!
Welcome to Realms Faire 2015!

The Realms Faire is hosted by our most magnificent Lady Mary Pax.She'll be conducting the Joust. Cheer for your favorite knight and win prizes!

There are several terrific events happening this week. Each host is giving away prizes for their games. Check out the Realms Faire page for all the links. 

Here at House Geek, I'm hosting the Drench-a-Wench / Soak-a-bloke event!  

The rules to this game are simple:1) The dunkee is chosen by committee.2) I post a link to the dunkee's blog and you click on it.3) You leave a comment, soaking them with blog love.4) You are entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes.

I'll have different prizes every day. You don't want to miss out on these awesome books.

Today's prize packet consists of:
An ebook of your choice from M. Pax
The Ghosts of Aquinnah ebook from Julie Flanders
An ebook of your choice from Cherie Reich  A digital copy of Of Blood and Sorrow

You have until 7:00 pm EST to leave a comment on the dunkee's blog.A winner will be chosen randomly each day and contacted at the end of the week. 

Our marvelous dunkee for today is:

Jay Noel is a medical sales warrior by day and a writing ninja by night.


Beware the Vortex 
Hosted by River Fairchild. Prizes drawn daily. A vortex opens. Five people are trapped in the Underworld with only one way out – challenge an immortal to a contest of skill. The odds are against those brave enough to accept but enthusiastic fans can help them win their freedom with magic words given to each contestant.
Roar! Enter the VelociRaffle for a chance to win one of six grand prizes!
Celebrating along with the Faire, the Untethered Realms authors are touring with their newest collection, Mayhem in the Air. Get exclusive excerpts and enter for a chance to win a $40 gift card. Find out where to find us today!

Realms Faire 2015 - Drench-a-Wench (Day 3)

 
HURRAH!
Welcome to Realms Faire 2015!

The Realms Faire is hosted by our most magnificent Lady Mary Pax.She'll be conducting the Joust. Cheer for your favorite knight and win prizes!

There are several terrific events happening this week. Each host is giving away prizes for their games. Check out the Realms Faire page for all the links. 

Here at House Geek, I'm once again hosting the Drench-a-Wench / Soak-a-bloke event!  

The rules to this game are simple:1) The dunkee is chosen by committee.2) I post a link to the dunkee's blog and you click on it.3) You leave a comment, soaking them with blog love.4) You are entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes.

I'll have different prizes every day. You don't want to miss out on these awesome books.

Today's prize packet consists of:
An ebook of your choice from M. Pax
The Boyfriend Project ebook from Mary Waibel
An ebook of your choice from Cherie Reich A digital copy of Of Blood and Sorrow

You have until 7:00 pm EST to leave a comment on the dunkee's blog.A winner will be chosen randomly each day and contacted at the end of the week. 

Our fabulous dunkee for today is:
Chrys Fey helps aspiring writers with tons of wonderful inspiration and advice, and she writes awesome thrillers.

Who Roams Here
Hosted by Julie Flanders. Each day she will give clues to a famous ghost from literature or movies. She’ll give new clues throughout the day until someone guesses the right ghost. The first one to guess correctly will get a $5 Amazon gift card and a bundle of ebooks.
Roar! Enter the VelociRaffle for a chance to win one of six grand prizes!
Celebrating along with the Faire, the Untethered Realms authors are touring with their newest collection, Mayhem in the Air. Get exclusive excerpts and enter for a chance to win a $40 gift card. Find out where to find us today!

Realms Faire 2015 - Soak-a-Bloke (Day 2)

 
CHEERS!
Welcome to Realms Faire 2015!The Realms Faire is hosted by our most magnificent Lady Mary Pax.She'll be conducting the Joust. Cheer for your favorite knight and win prizes!

There are several terrific events happening this week. Each host is giving away prizes for their games. Check out the Realms Faire page for all the links. 

Here at House Geek, I'm once again hosting the Drench-a-Wench / Soak-a-bloke event! 

The rules to this game are simple:1) The dunkee is chosen by committee.2) I post a link to the dunkee's blog and you click on it.3) You leave a comment, soaking them with blog love.4) You are entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes.I'll have different prizes every day. You don't want to miss out on these awesome books!

Today's prize packet consists of:An ebook of your choice from M. Pax
The Vanished Knight ebook from Misha Gericke
An ebook of your choice from Cherie Reich 
A digital copy of Of Blood and Sorrow

You have until 7:00 pm EST to leave a comment on the dunkee's blog.A winner will be chosen randomly each day and contacted at the end of the week. 

Our awesome dunkee for today is:  
Jeff Beesler is a genre writer specializing in sci-fi, horror, and fantasy.


Riddle Me This
Hosted by Cherie Reich. A riddle every day during the Realms Faire for you to take your best guess and have a chance to win a prize most splendid.
Roar! Enter the VelociRaffle for a chance to win one of six grand prizes!
Celebrating along with the Faire, the Untethered Realms authors are touring with their newest collection, Mayhem in the Air. Get exclusive excerpts and enter for a chance to win a $40 gift card. Find out where to find us today!

Realms Faire 2015 - Drench-a-wench (Day 1)

 
HUZZAH!
Welcome to Realms Faire 2015!

The Realms Faire is hosted by our most magnificent Lady Mary Pax.She'll be conducting the Joust. Cheer for your favorite knight and win prizes!

 There are several terrific events happening this week. Each host is giving away prizes for their games. Check out the Realms Faire page for all the links. 

Here at House Geek, I'm hosting the Drench-a-Wench / Soak-a-bloke event! 

The rules to this game are simple:1) The dunkee is chosen by committee.2) I post a link to the dunkee's blog and you click on it.3) You leave a comment, soaking them with blog love.4) You are entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes.

I'll have different prizes every day. You don't want to miss out on these awesome books!

Today's prize packet consists of:
An ebook of your choice from M. Pax
The Mystery Prince ebook from Mary Waibel
An ebook of your choice from Cherie Reich  A digital copy of Of Blood and Sorrow

You have until 7:00 pm EST to leave a comment on the dunkee's blog.A winner will be chosen randomly each day and contacted at the end of the week. 

Our first wonderful dunkee is: Patricia Lynne is a fantastic YA and NA paranormal writer and a fellow geek.

4th Annual Joust Hosted by MPax. Prizes for the winning knight. Prizes drawn daily for the crowd.
Roar! Enter the VelociRaffle for a chance to win one of six grand prizes!
Celebrating along with the Faire, the Untethered Realms authors are touring with their newest collection, Mayhem in the Air. Get exclusive excerpts and enter for a chance to win a $40 gift card. Find out where to find us today!

Friday Five for November 6, 2015

1. Did you think October was the month for treats? No way! There are lots of chances for you to win this month. TB Markinson holds a monthly book giveaway. She has five awesome books for you to win, and this month, The 13th Floor Complete Collection is one of them. Untethered Realms is touring with their new short story collection, Mayhem in the Air. Get exclusive excerpts and enter for a chance to win a $40 gift card. Last but not least, Realms Faire 2015 begins on Monday. Huzzah! Tons of medieval games, giveaways, and grog. I'll be hosting the Drench-a-Wench event with a giveaway every day.
2. I recently had two short story rewrite & resubmits, and now I have two acceptances to Every Day Fiction! "Paid" is a little noir cop piece with a twist and "Ligeia's Song" is about a girl kidnapped by pirates and pit against the Sirens. Every Day Fiction is having a few technical problems at the moment, but hopefully they'll be back very soon.
3. This week, my mom was down and we did our Christmas shopping. I'm almost all done. Just a few special gifts for my son that I'll need to get online. I also make a calendar every year on Shutterfly with pictures of my son and give it to the relatives.
4. I'm tuckered out today. I'll get back into the swing of things and catch up with everyone next week. Have a good weekend!
5. Oh! I was so surprised last week to find I was a winner in Yolanda Renee's Desperation Holler Halloween Challenge. It was so much fun answering her scary interview questions and finishing off a piece of flash fiction. Check out all the authors' awesome stories on her blog. I would definitely do it again next year!

#IWSG for November 2015

The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is the brilliant idea of Alex J. Cavanaugh. The purpose of the group is to share doubts and insecurities and to encourage one another. Please visit the other participants and share your support. A kind word goes a long way.

The awesome co-hosts this month are Stephen Tremp, Karen Walker, Denise Covey, and Tyrean Martinson!


More, more, more!
I am hounded by this voice in my head that tells me I'm not writing enough. I need to get more books out there. I need to write better faster. And I need to do it now!
The voice makes me highly anxious. It gives me stressful writer work dreams. So much editing and marketing! So much to do, so little time. Where is that mind jack I can plug into my head and pour my stories right into the computer? My fingers don't move fast enough. My eyes are old and tired.
I've got to write more!
I know reasonably this isn't realistic. We all write at different paces, and we have limited time to write. But the nag beats down my reason and demands I write, write, write!
Anyone else harassed by this voice? What do you do to ease that anxiety?

* * * * *
Don't forget about TB Markinson's monthly book giveaway. You can win five awesome books, and this month, one of them is The 13th Floor Complete Collection. Also, the Mayhem in the Air tour is going on this week and into the next. You can get exclusive excerpts from the stories in the collections and enter for a chance to win a $40 gift card. Finally, Realms Faire 2015 begins on Monday. Shine your armor and fill your mugs! Tons of medieval games, giveaways, and grog. I'll be hosting the Drench-a-Wench event. There will be a giveaway every day of a minimum four books for you to win.