Anna Marie May's Blog, page 4
August 11, 2012
How To Get Started?
This is a blog entry for RJ Scott's anniversary blog hop!
Congrats to RJ!
My first book was released with dreamspinnerpress in 2010. But, how to get started? How do you cross that line from writing to submitting and then actually getting published?
First of all, I am not sure I should actually be giving any kind of advise because I mostly still feel as if I've got no clue as to what I am going. But I am not against sharing my thoughts, maybe those will actually be of use to someone else!
Before pressing the terrifying submit button, I've been thinking about submitting a MS for years. I think, you can't get into writing and not at some stage consider actually getting published. When I did, I lived in fear for about two months until I got my acceptance letter.
From what I've been told, this is rather atypical. My first book was accepted at my frist attempt and I am really, really proud of myself for that! Of course, I've encountered rejections since then but hey, who knows if I would've been able to actually get back up if I had been rejected straight away.
The thing you need to keep in mind is that writing is subjective. Think about the books you read for fun. You obviously love them, otherwise you wouldn't be reading them. But does your neighbour read them too and think the same? Your mother? Your sister or brother? Everyone likes different things and this is why it is so important to find a publisher that actually likes to publish the books you write.
A rejection also doesn't mean your book is bad. It just means it might not be a perfect fit for the publisher you have selected. This happened to me. The woman at the other end was kind enough to suggest a best selling fantasy author they publish so I could get to understand what they liked to published. This was really nice of her and I realized rather quickly why we wouldn't get along (publishing-wise). Their best selling books weren't books I actually enjoyed, so we were on a totally different plane.
Getting feedback of any kind, as long as it is constructive, helps along the learning curve. I am still a far cry away from where I hope one day to be but I can already tell that I learned a lot since 2010 (both when it comes to my own writing and how publishing works).
Now, I've got bit sidetracked...how to get started in regards to writing? For me, it is an idea. Take my latest releases, my Watchtower Series. The series features Belze, a talking cat, who dares our hero to have sex which leads to all kinds of adventures.
It all started when I was back home with a little, black cat coming over for a visit. Here, take a look:
Isn't she cheeky? Can't you just totally see her doing something like daring a perfect stranger to have sex? Maybe I've got a naughty imagination but that's the first impression the cat gave me. The rest kind of snowballed from there and wouldn't stop (meaning 2 books in the series published, 2 more to come later this year and another one in the works).
Now, for you to get started, it doesn't have to be a cat. It could be anything. Isn't that great? The important thing is to go with the flow and not let common sense tell you differently. Your muse is your muse, even if it is a cat, a frog, your handsome neighbour or just a beautiful landscape.
And then...just write...don't stop, just let it all flow. When you're done, avoid editing to death. Sure, you need to check it to make sure it is the best it can be, but don't sit on it until it is 'perfect' because it will never reach that stage. This is you being afraid. Take some courage and then hit the famous, evil submit button. LOL.
Anyway, this is some insight into how I got started and how my mind works. How does your mind work? Feel free to share if you like...
I hope some of you dear readers will find this post helpful. Don't forget, this is a blog hop.
Since my html skills are non-existent, I'm providing you with a link to where you can find the other author links. HERE. So go hop!
And don't forget to visist the author resource page on facebook, HERE.
And on a personal note, I am writing my dissertation and I need as many people as possible to vote in a survey on ebooks and reading habits. The survey is totally annonymous so you don't have to worry about being named or anything like that. I just need to collect enough statistical data as I can. You would do me a huge favour if you would be so kind to take a minute or two and participate. HERE.
Now, some inspiring pic of my own:
Congrats to RJ!
My first book was released with dreamspinnerpress in 2010. But, how to get started? How do you cross that line from writing to submitting and then actually getting published?
First of all, I am not sure I should actually be giving any kind of advise because I mostly still feel as if I've got no clue as to what I am going. But I am not against sharing my thoughts, maybe those will actually be of use to someone else!
Before pressing the terrifying submit button, I've been thinking about submitting a MS for years. I think, you can't get into writing and not at some stage consider actually getting published. When I did, I lived in fear for about two months until I got my acceptance letter.
From what I've been told, this is rather atypical. My first book was accepted at my frist attempt and I am really, really proud of myself for that! Of course, I've encountered rejections since then but hey, who knows if I would've been able to actually get back up if I had been rejected straight away.
The thing you need to keep in mind is that writing is subjective. Think about the books you read for fun. You obviously love them, otherwise you wouldn't be reading them. But does your neighbour read them too and think the same? Your mother? Your sister or brother? Everyone likes different things and this is why it is so important to find a publisher that actually likes to publish the books you write.
A rejection also doesn't mean your book is bad. It just means it might not be a perfect fit for the publisher you have selected. This happened to me. The woman at the other end was kind enough to suggest a best selling fantasy author they publish so I could get to understand what they liked to published. This was really nice of her and I realized rather quickly why we wouldn't get along (publishing-wise). Their best selling books weren't books I actually enjoyed, so we were on a totally different plane.
Getting feedback of any kind, as long as it is constructive, helps along the learning curve. I am still a far cry away from where I hope one day to be but I can already tell that I learned a lot since 2010 (both when it comes to my own writing and how publishing works).
Now, I've got bit sidetracked...how to get started in regards to writing? For me, it is an idea. Take my latest releases, my Watchtower Series. The series features Belze, a talking cat, who dares our hero to have sex which leads to all kinds of adventures.
It all started when I was back home with a little, black cat coming over for a visit. Here, take a look:
Isn't she cheeky? Can't you just totally see her doing something like daring a perfect stranger to have sex? Maybe I've got a naughty imagination but that's the first impression the cat gave me. The rest kind of snowballed from there and wouldn't stop (meaning 2 books in the series published, 2 more to come later this year and another one in the works).
Now, for you to get started, it doesn't have to be a cat. It could be anything. Isn't that great? The important thing is to go with the flow and not let common sense tell you differently. Your muse is your muse, even if it is a cat, a frog, your handsome neighbour or just a beautiful landscape.
And then...just write...don't stop, just let it all flow. When you're done, avoid editing to death. Sure, you need to check it to make sure it is the best it can be, but don't sit on it until it is 'perfect' because it will never reach that stage. This is you being afraid. Take some courage and then hit the famous, evil submit button. LOL.
Anyway, this is some insight into how I got started and how my mind works. How does your mind work? Feel free to share if you like...
I hope some of you dear readers will find this post helpful. Don't forget, this is a blog hop.
Since my html skills are non-existent, I'm providing you with a link to where you can find the other author links. HERE. So go hop!
And don't forget to visist the author resource page on facebook, HERE.
And on a personal note, I am writing my dissertation and I need as many people as possible to vote in a survey on ebooks and reading habits. The survey is totally annonymous so you don't have to worry about being named or anything like that. I just need to collect enough statistical data as I can. You would do me a huge favour if you would be so kind to take a minute or two and participate. HERE.
Now, some inspiring pic of my own:
August 6, 2012
Reading Habits - survey
PLEASE (with virtual cookies) fill in my survey about reading habits. It is for my dissertation and kind of vital to me getting my degree.
It is anonymous so you don't need to worry about your name showing up anywhere. I will not know who voted at any given time. But I do need the statistics so that I can write my dissertation.
PLEASE vote!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZQQLJK6
Later in the year, I will hold a contest as a thank you where you can win one of my books. Since this survey is anonymous, I cannot run the contest as a thank you from there, since it would defeat the purposse. I do want to thank you guys later though.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZQQLJK6
It is anonymous so you don't need to worry about your name showing up anywhere. I will not know who voted at any given time. But I do need the statistics so that I can write my dissertation.
PLEASE vote!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZQQLJK6
Later in the year, I will hold a contest as a thank you where you can win one of my books. Since this survey is anonymous, I cannot run the contest as a thank you from there, since it would defeat the purposse. I do want to thank you guys later though.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZQQLJK6
July 25, 2012
Out of the (Werewolf) Closet - Release Date
Out of the (Werewolf) Closet - New Release DateWaking up collared to his worst enemy wasn't the most horrific thing that happened to Rick: waking up to an impending forced marriage was. And as if this wasn't bad enough, he couldn't deny that underneath all the anger, he was actually attracted to Tom, King of bloody everything and enemy to his people since the dawn of days.
And yet, Tom's bumbling efforts to get closer to him, his puppy dog eyes and surprising honesty are slowly winning him over. But travelling to the cursed land where no one outside Tom's Clan had set foot on in centuries was only the start of their adventure.
Betrayal from within and his promise to Aidan to investigate the ancient magic of the Watchtowers, make Rick's life more than just interesting but even in his wildest dreams, he couldn't have anticipated where his search would lead him.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains elements of dubious consent.
Will be now available on 15 September - preorder HERE.
I am sorry about the move. The Powers That Be deemed it necessary. LOL.
July 19, 2012
Welcome Freddy MacKay!
Hello everyone! I’m Freddy MacKay, and Anna has been kind enough to host me today.
My book, Incubation: Finding Peace 2, will be released tomorrow.
*dances*
I am so excited. This story has been a long time in the making and it’s nice to see it come to fruition.
And since this is the second book of the series, I thought I should give you some background info from the books as well as have the guys answer some questions and hold a little contest–a copy of Incubationbeing the prize. *smiles*
The Finding Peace series starts with the book, Beginning Again: Finding Peace 1.
It is based in the fictional college town Capstone Ridge. The characters that the books focus on are students attending Capstone Ridge University. The year starts with David McCourt, Bobby Daniels, Christopher Weib and Austin Johnson all sharing a quad at the school in Carrington Dormitory. Bobby, Chris and Austin are childhood friends while David is odd man out. And he prefers it that way. David’s life has already been full of ups and downs and he kind of wants to go through college life unnoticed.
Bobby has others plans. He is used to getting along with everyone and doesn’t like seeing David isolate himself. Especially because he sees how kind David truly is, the one thing the others have trouble seeing. He talks Chris and Austin into helping him, and the three of them, along with David’s professor, Junnosuke Ito, and his TA, Jon Sawicki, he pull David back into life.
Along the way they also become friends with Jackson Black, Becca Thomson, and Eddie Tomohisa. Jackson is the confused cowboy. Becca’s the lone girl while Eddie is the self-confident cop.
And all of them have to come together when David gets hurt.
The second book, my release this weekend, picks up where Beginning Again leaves off. The makeshift family surrounding David, wanting to support him and help him, and most of all protect him. The problem is David had only just started opening up and he has secrets they don’t know about. And those secrets threaten the life they try to build for him.
David is trying hard to deal with the attack, accept his new family and not disappoint everyone. Bobby just wants him better but is feeling pushed aside. Austin is becoming a little tyrant while his best friend, Chris, is getting quiet. Jun just wants to protect David, and is still struggling with his demons from his college years. And Jackson is still confused, trying to figure out what he can and cannot accept.
I would say we see more of David, Jackson and Jun in this book than the first, but we still get other character viewpoints as well. In addition, we finally get to meet the infamous Neil Cook–the university president and former friend of Jun–from the last book.
Here’s the blurb for Incubation Short Blurb
David McCourt settles into his new family, one surrounding and protecting him. He should open up and let go of his past. But even with everyone cheering for his recovery, David feels too close to the edge of losing everything.
Long Blurb
David McCourt's makeshift family moves in together and forms a protective cocoon around him. But they don't know David's whole story and he finds the constant noise a distraction instead of a help.
Bobby, Chris, and Austin want to help David however possible—but he needs to open up.
Jackson crossed a line he never thought he would. He wants to take a chance with David, even if his dreams of a normal life are firmly rooted with Alyssa.
The group has the makings of a rag tag family, but secrets—old and new—threaten their fragile bond. The community takes sides and David ends up where he doesn't want to be: the center of everything.
Content Advisories: This has references to rape or near rape, and has MF and MM scenes.
Buy Link : https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/products_id/857/
How to Find Freddy
http://freddysstereograph.weebly.comhttp://freddymackay.blogspot.comhttp://www.facebook.com/freddy.m.mackayfreddy.m.mackay@gmail.com
For my FREE flash fiction pieces, if you would like a taste, you can go to: http://freddymackaysshorts.blogspot.com
Interview Questions for the Finding Peace friends:
Hi everyone,
Welcome to David, Bobby, Chris, Austin, Becca, Jon, Jackson and Eddie. Thanks for coming in and answering some questions for us. These questions are for anybody so jump on in when you want to answer!
1. What do you like about people?
*Becca raises her hand* I like how sexually repressed and PC people are.*guys look at her**Becca glares back* What?*Austin clears his throat* Well, I mean… *Looks at the guys* What’s that supposed to mean?Becca: Think about all the reactions I get from people. I mean, when I took my shirt off at David’s birthday party, y’all looked like you’d shit a brick. Eddie: Just let her win guys.*boys nod*
2. What was your family like?
*David winces**Bobby frowns, jumps in* My parents are really supportive. They volunteer a lot, too, and always took me along when they did. So they instilled early on that we should help those less fortunate than us. They never told me I couldn’t be what I wanted to be either. Austin: Yeah, Bobby parents are a lot of fun. They took us on camping trips and to the amusement parks. My parents are the nerdy kind of people, so they didn’t like doing that kind of stuff. Mom and dad aren’t the outdoorsy type of people. We did museums and zoos. They were always happy to let Mr and Mrs Daniels take me anywhere. Plus my parents had five of us. I think they were just glad to get any of us out of the house.Jon: My parents were older when they had mean and more concerned with their Ivy League careers, so while they had high expectations of me I was also left to my own devices a lot. I literally could be gone for a week and they wouldn’t have noticed as long as my teachers didn’t call and my report cards came back with As. Eddie: Really?*Jon nods*Chris: I wish my parents would leave me alone that much.Jackson:Overinvolved?Chris:Yes. To the nth degree really. I’m pretty sure they have every aspect of my life planned out. I just hope they don’t find out about my major?David:What about your major? You’re biology right?*Chris nods* But they think I majored in business administration.*Austin laughs* The shit will hit the fan when they find out, too.
3. What's the worst thing one of your siblings ever did to you? What's the worst thing you've done to one of your siblings?
David: I’m an only child. My… closest friend… once accepted a blind date on my behalf and then drug me to the met up spot and ditched me.Bobby: I wish I saw your face when that happened.David: I didn’t speak with them for three days afterwards.Bobby: I bet. I’m an only child, too, but my family is really close and I have my younger cousins around all the time. One time I fell asleep babysitting Chelsea and Katie and they shaved my arms and eyebrows. *everyone laughs*Austin: You should have seen it! The guys at school teased him for days!*Bobby grimaces* Yeah, but it was all in good fun. I got them back. I took the battery out of their DSs, and I did tell their mom, and they weren’t able to play them for months. My Aunt told them they had to save the money up to buy new ones. *laughs*Chris: My brother Mark once convinced me an animal was going to attack us. Austin: I remember that!Chris: Yup. We were sleeping out on a trampoline with some friends and he set it up so the trampoline would push up in random spots and set up speakers so we would hear growling. Austin:Yeah, and we had an entire plan on how to jump from the trampoline and get into the house as fast as possible so we wouldn’t get eaten!*Chris smiles* We got him back.Austin: We did. We posted all his baby bathtub photos on Facebook with captions. He still gets teased about the ‘poop pic’*David leans over to Bobby* Do I want to know?*Bobby shakes his head* Not at all.
4. What is your favorite game?
David, Bobby, Austin and Chris: Final Fantasy VII. David: And in fighting games it’s SoulCalibur for me.Jackson: Bareback Riding.Eddie: What?Jackson: Rodeo event.Eddie: Oh, uh, yeah, that makes sense.
Jackson: Why? What did you think it was?Eddie: Nothing.
5. What is your fondest, childhood memory?
Becca:Space Camp!!!*Pained expressions on everyone*Jon: Were there any explosions? Did everyone survive?*Becca flips Jon off* No, and yes.Jon: Are you sure?Becca:Body casts don’t count.
6. What is your worst childhood memory?
Chris: Austin getting lost.Bobby: Yeah, he scared the crap out of us.David: What happened?Chris: We were at one of the state parks, staying at a cabin, and we had gone for a hike. One minute Austin was right behind us, the next, he was gone. He saw something that caught his eye and went after it. He was gone for 24 hours.Austin: Shitty 24 hours too. I was lucky Bobby’s parents insisted on us each carrying a pack because I would have been thirsty and starving, not just cold and cranky.Bobby: Yeah, I thought my parents were going to have a heart attack.Austin:When did my parents show up? Bobby: The next day, a few hours before we found you. I would say I’m surprised that they let you go camping with us again.Austin: I’m not. They have five kids. I think they feel losing one every once in while is normal.
7. What is something you had to learn that you hated?
Chris and Austin: The polyatomic ions for chemistry. *David laughs* But you did learn them.Chris: Thanks to you.*David dips his head*
8. Who is your closest friend? Describe them and how you relate to them.
Bobby:David. He’s kind, honest and cares a lot about people.David:Really?Bobby:Yes.*David shifts in his chair* Thanks Bobby. Me too.Chris: Austin. He’s fiercely loyal, confident, stands-up for himself and what he believes in, intelligent and is very lean and muscular.*guys laugh*Austin: You sound like you’re describing a girlfriend Chris.
Chris: No.Jon:Well, then, why don’t we get this interview done?Everyone:Sure.
9. Okay, last question: What's your favorite animal? Becca: IguanasJackson:Quarter HorsesJon: Sea OttersAustin:WomenChris:American ShorthairsBobby:Australian Cattle DogsEddie:Anything that cleans up after itselfDavid: Wolves
Okay, well, that’s all for today!
One last bit – a contest for a copy of Incubation.
If you want the chance to win one, answer the question and leave your email below.
Question: What was the hardest class you ever took? (doesn’t matter when)
July 7, 2012
Out of the (Werewolf) Closet
Out of the (Werewolf) Closet, book 3 in the Watchtower Series, is now available for per-order (HERE).
Waking up collared to his worst enemy wasn't the most horrific thing that happened to Rick: waking up to an impending forced marriage was. And as if this wasn't bad enough, he couldn't deny that underneath all the anger, he was actually attracted to Tom, King of bloody everything and enemy to his people since the dawn of days.
And yet, Tom's bumbling efforts to get closer to him, his puppy dog eyes and surprising honesty are slowly winning him over. But travelling to the cursed land where no one outside Tom's Clan had set foot on in centuries was only the start of their adventure.
Betrayal from within and his promise to Aidan to investigate the ancient magic of the Watchtowers, make Rick's life more than just interesting but even in his wildest dreams, he couldn't have anticipated where his search would lead him.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains elements of dubious consent.
June 23, 2012
Betting On Love - PRINT
I am not sure if I already said so, but Betting On Love is now out in PRINT! HERE!
Accepting a bet to seduce any guy his friend chooses puts Zach McKinney in the path of Len Marshall. Smitten immediately, Zach forgets about the bet and falls in love until Len's past catches up with them, putting them both in danger.
For Len Marshall, meeting Zach was akin to destiny. It not only brought love into his life, but made him feel like he has a home. The new relationship, though, is overshadowed by a past blocked from Len's memory and by individuals who want to make sure those memories stay buried. Can love built on shadows pass the test of time? Or will their happiness be destroyed again by men who took Len's life away years ago?
FB Chat over at Silver Publishing
Hello!
I will be over on the Silver facebook site at around 3 pm UK time for a few hours. Stop by if you would like to chat! HERE.
And Over The Moon, the second book in the Watchtower Series is also out today. HERE.
Over The Moon takes Aidan and King James on a journey not only to distance shores, but off planet, opening up a whole new world for them with new, unimaginable dangers threatening not only their home but their entire world.
When Aidan discovered the ancient Watchtower, his discovery ignited a race against time to have them restored before the first tower's dire warnings come true. There is an enemy lurking in the distant shadows, and only the long forgotten protection of the towers can save them all.
But will he be able to unravel the mystery in time? Will the first meeting between King James and Prince Alric go off without a hitch, or will they also have to deal with strife on their home shores?
And why does Aidan keep stumbling over moon references? The moon is nothing but a distant rock in the sky. Surely there are no means of getting there, right?
June 22, 2012
Manga and Romance Blog Hop
Welcome!
I've joined the Manga and Romance blog hop. We are here to talk about romance and YAOI.
Hayley B James has a great post explaining what YAOI is. You can find this brilliant post HERE.
Personally, joined up through the male/male romance side of things. I might've heard about Manga and YAOI when I was a teenager but it never went further than being aware it existed. Back then, to my shame, I wasn't all that interested in romance of any kind.
What draws you to romance in general? And to male/male romance? To YAOI? What did you start out with and why?
There are so many different reasons why people get involved, why people start reading certain books...and I am always curious to figure out the reason behind it.
So what's your take on romance and YAOI? Let's talk about this and get to know one another!
There's also an extra incentive to start commenting/talking about it. For every comment entered, you will be entered into a GRAND PRICE DRAW. One comment per blog will be considered and please remember to clearly leave your E-mail address so that you can be contacted. You can find the list of participating authors/blogs HERE.
So go forth an blog!
Now, to spice things up, I will also do a little challenge of my own. If you comment below (with the same rules: one comment - one entry and please leave your E-mail address), you will be entered into a draw. The lucky winner will be able to choose between the E-books I currently have up for sale. You can also pick one of the upcoming books but then, of course, you'd have to wait until they are released.
Also, if any YAOI author wants to do a book swap, let me know! I haven't actually read much of YAOI so I am up for a new experience!
June 6, 2012
Review for Over The Rainbow
Over The Rainbow has a review!
Don Bradshaw from heartsonfirereviews (HERE) has kindly review my book. He gave it 5 HEARTS. The review is currently only on my goodreads page so the link to the review will lead there. Once it is posted on the heartsonfirereviews website, I will post this link too. Goodreads links is HERE.
And here is the review:
What an excellent beginning to what I'm hoping will be a great fantasy series. Great world building and a well written, captivating story. Aidan grew up fairly sheltered living with his semi-kooky mother who named him after a powerful sorcerer. He was happily working at a small tavern and living with a sorcerer friend when all of a sudden a cat starts talking to him. The cat, Belze, keeps telling Aidan that he needs to get laid which was no news to him. That night after work Aidan does get his itch scratched and also finds out that according to prophecy that he is indeed the long lost sorcerer but is a warlock in this incarnation. The prophecy also states that King James, Aidan's trick, can only bring prosperity and unity to the lands if Aidan is by his side. Totally blown away by all this, Aidan begins his journey to the capital with James and Belze by his side. This story is totally driven by the character's personalities and interactions. Ms May did a wonderful job of creating and fleshing out all of the characters. Belze is funny with her cheeky attitude as Aidan's familiar. The story moved along very smoothly and kept my interest until the very last page. Watching Aidan slowly grow into his powers and love for King James was most of the story. The ending left me waiting hungrily for the next installment of this promising new series. I recommend this fun read to anyone who enjoys a good escape fantasy.
Don Bradshaw from heartsonfirereviews (HERE) has kindly review my book. He gave it 5 HEARTS. The review is currently only on my goodreads page so the link to the review will lead there. Once it is posted on the heartsonfirereviews website, I will post this link too. Goodreads links is HERE.
And here is the review:
What an excellent beginning to what I'm hoping will be a great fantasy series. Great world building and a well written, captivating story. Aidan grew up fairly sheltered living with his semi-kooky mother who named him after a powerful sorcerer. He was happily working at a small tavern and living with a sorcerer friend when all of a sudden a cat starts talking to him. The cat, Belze, keeps telling Aidan that he needs to get laid which was no news to him. That night after work Aidan does get his itch scratched and also finds out that according to prophecy that he is indeed the long lost sorcerer but is a warlock in this incarnation. The prophecy also states that King James, Aidan's trick, can only bring prosperity and unity to the lands if Aidan is by his side. Totally blown away by all this, Aidan begins his journey to the capital with James and Belze by his side. This story is totally driven by the character's personalities and interactions. Ms May did a wonderful job of creating and fleshing out all of the characters. Belze is funny with her cheeky attitude as Aidan's familiar. The story moved along very smoothly and kept my interest until the very last page. Watching Aidan slowly grow into his powers and love for King James was most of the story. The ending left me waiting hungrily for the next installment of this promising new series. I recommend this fun read to anyone who enjoys a good escape fantasy.
