Ash Krafton's Blog, page 25
August 14, 2012
Niteblade: The Blooooooog Train
Happy Anniversary, Niteblade!To celebrate the longevity of this fabulous fantasy and horror mag, I'm taking part in the Niteblade blog train. The last scheduled stop was here.
I remember the first piece I ever had accepted by Niteblade. I especially remember writing it.
I was a newly published poet who stumbled through a dry spell.
It happens to every writer. Once you get a taste of being accepted, you realize that you want only one thing--to have every last piece immediately welcomed into journals. It’s as if because we had a few things accepted, the entire publishing world should be witness to the wisdom of those editors and greedily grab up our work.
Ah, the arrogance of a writer.
Anyways. I had that notion kicked out of me pretty early on. Wave after wave of rejections flooded in. Stupid reality, why do you have to burst my bubble?
One day I decided to switch tactics. Instead of writing what I wanted to write and search for the right home for it, I did the exact opposite. I decided to read a few journals to see what they published. I'd then write things that needed to be in there.
In hindsight, there was a certain logic to doing that. Each editor of every journal has a style, a vein of philosophy that is reflected by the pieces they collect for the journals pages. Just about every set of guidelines I’ve ever read encourages writers to read the journal, see what they like, then submit the same.
I just took things a step further--I'd craft a piece with the unfailing faith that the editor would love it.
Trouble was…and there’s always trouble…my optimism was stained with my sardonic spirit. Basically, my spiteful side was showing when I sat down to write something for Niteblade.
Sitting in the kitchen, I wrote “What’s for Dinner?” and sent it off to Editor Rhonda Parrish.
Five days later, I received her acceptance.
Huh, I thought. So that’s how it works.
She must have really liked it, too, because she picked it as one of her six Pushcart Prize nominations for the year.
To this day, it remains my proudest moment--and a most valuable lesson. Respect the editor. Woo them with your words. Send them what they want most to read.
And if you really like their journal, make something just for them.
Happy Anniversary, Niteblade. Salut!
Go on to the next stop in the Niteblade Blog Train by visiting Marge Simon at http://niteblade.com/home/ when she posts on August 15th.
Read "What's For Dinner?" and other intriguing poetry in Niteblade Issue 18: The Poetry Issue.
August 13, 2012
QueryTracker Blog: The Zen of Backstory
New on the QueryTracker Blog: The Zen of Backstory:
Backstory.
It's become an almost-taboo word. It's been associated with evil things like info dumps and terrible first chapters and near-dead pacing.
While true, those things are just half the story of backstory.
Backstory is also what gives a novel its emotional value. It explains a character's motivations and deepens conflict. Without backstory, your character is shallow. Her actions and reactions are random and meaningless.
Finding the perfect balance isn't an easy thing to master but you can learn to do it--it's all about relevance, technique, and timing...
Read more on QueryTracker Blog: The Zen of Backstory
Backstory.
It's become an almost-taboo word. It's been associated with evil things like info dumps and terrible first chapters and near-dead pacing.
While true, those things are just half the story of backstory.
Backstory is also what gives a novel its emotional value. It explains a character's motivations and deepens conflict. Without backstory, your character is shallow. Her actions and reactions are random and meaningless.Finding the perfect balance isn't an easy thing to master but you can learn to do it--it's all about relevance, technique, and timing...
Read more on QueryTracker Blog: The Zen of Backstory
August 10, 2012
Loco Motion: The Niteblade Blog Train
Just wanted to give a shout out to the Niteblade Blog Train event, now in progress!
Niteblade published their first issue in September 2007. As they approach Issue #21, they will mark fifth anniversary.
To celebrate, they are hosting a small blog train that will visit 23 blog entries that all have something to do with Niteblade.
I'll be hosting my own spot next week. C’mon, it’s going to be a crazy trip!
Blog Train Schedule:
August 8th: Niteblade News ~*~ Choo Choo!
August 9th: James Dorr ~*~ The Niteblade Blog Train, What’s That? – Jazzy Vampires
August 10th: J.E. Taylor
August 11th: Aubrie Dionne
August 12th: Beth Cato
August 13th: Joseph Zieja
August 14th: Ash Krafton
August 15th: Marge Simon
August 16th: Stephanie M. Wytovich
August 17th: Alexandra Seidel
August 18th: Brenda Stokes Barron
August 19th: Kaolin Fire
August 20th: Chris Lewis Carter
August 21st: Rhonda Parrish
August 22nd: Alexis A. Hunter
August 23rd: Heather R. Peterson
August 24th: Mark Rigney
August 25th: Sharon K. Reamer
August 26th: Sandi Leibowitz
August 27th: Andrew Patterson
August 28th: John Clewarth
August 29th: Pete Aldin
August 30th: Amber Stults
August 31st: Jonathan Pinnock
September 1st: Niteblade News
Hope you'll share this article and give Niteblade a little recognition--it's tough keeping an ezine on the right tracks these days and I'm proud to be a supporter of such a great publication. Stop by and say hi!
Niteblade published their first issue in September 2007. As they approach Issue #21, they will mark fifth anniversary.To celebrate, they are hosting a small blog train that will visit 23 blog entries that all have something to do with Niteblade.
I'll be hosting my own spot next week. C’mon, it’s going to be a crazy trip!
Blog Train Schedule:
August 8th: Niteblade News ~*~ Choo Choo!
August 9th: James Dorr ~*~ The Niteblade Blog Train, What’s That? – Jazzy Vampires
August 10th: J.E. Taylor
August 11th: Aubrie Dionne
August 12th: Beth Cato
August 13th: Joseph Zieja
August 14th: Ash Krafton
August 15th: Marge Simon
August 16th: Stephanie M. Wytovich
August 17th: Alexandra Seidel
August 18th: Brenda Stokes Barron
August 19th: Kaolin Fire
August 20th: Chris Lewis Carter
August 21st: Rhonda Parrish
August 22nd: Alexis A. Hunter
August 23rd: Heather R. Peterson
August 24th: Mark Rigney
August 25th: Sharon K. Reamer
August 26th: Sandi Leibowitz
August 27th: Andrew Patterson
August 28th: John Clewarth
August 29th: Pete Aldin
August 30th: Amber Stults
August 31st: Jonathan Pinnock
September 1st: Niteblade News
Hope you'll share this article and give Niteblade a little recognition--it's tough keeping an ezine on the right tracks these days and I'm proud to be a supporter of such a great publication. Stop by and say hi!
August 6, 2012
My So-Called Summer Vacation With Red Tash
Today I am guest posting at Red Tash Books.
She asked me what I did this summer. The real question should have been: What did I NOT do?
Back in May, I had my entire summer plotted out. I compiled a beautiful to-do list that had me on track to have my novel-in-progress at "first draft complete" status by end of July while deftly managing Boy Scout camp, Girl Scout camp, band camp. Gojo-ryu classes, a trip to Niagara Falls, crits on a friend's WIP, blog hopping in three events, laying a cement sidewalk, remembering to Frontline the dog, and keep the house free of dirty laundry. Oh, and go to work at the day job.
That list itself was a slap in the face to my so-called summer vacation. Where are the beach umbrellas, the lazy sounds of lapping waves? Not anywhere close to here.
Thankfully, the majority of the list went off without a hitch. It was the main track that failed.
Oh, well. Good to know that my distractions were all family-related. My family is enjoying their summer vacation, completely unaware of the nervous sweats I endure whenever I think about where I am on my novel WIP.
So, this morning I had some wonderful writing time to myself. Perfect chance to redeem myself, right?
Nah. I'm fooling around with Red Tash.
Enjoy my delinquency and see the post here.
Visit http://redtashbooks.com for more info on this saucy broad and for links to her YouTube sensational hit "In Bed With Red".
Check out the ebook The Wizard Takes A Holiday, now infestooned with tales by Ash Krafton and Claudia Lefeve.
She asked me what I did this summer. The real question should have been: What did I NOT do?
Back in May, I had my entire summer plotted out. I compiled a beautiful to-do list that had me on track to have my novel-in-progress at "first draft complete" status by end of July while deftly managing Boy Scout camp, Girl Scout camp, band camp. Gojo-ryu classes, a trip to Niagara Falls, crits on a friend's WIP, blog hopping in three events, laying a cement sidewalk, remembering to Frontline the dog, and keep the house free of dirty laundry. Oh, and go to work at the day job.
That list itself was a slap in the face to my so-called summer vacation. Where are the beach umbrellas, the lazy sounds of lapping waves? Not anywhere close to here.Thankfully, the majority of the list went off without a hitch. It was the main track that failed.
Oh, well. Good to know that my distractions were all family-related. My family is enjoying their summer vacation, completely unaware of the nervous sweats I endure whenever I think about where I am on my novel WIP.
So, this morning I had some wonderful writing time to myself. Perfect chance to redeem myself, right?
Nah. I'm fooling around with Red Tash.Enjoy my delinquency and see the post here.
Visit http://redtashbooks.com for more info on this saucy broad and for links to her YouTube sensational hit "In Bed With Red".
Check out the ebook The Wizard Takes A Holiday, now infestooned with tales by Ash Krafton and Claudia Lefeve.
August 5, 2012
DOORWAYS on Smashwords--Have a Free Read!
Recently, I embarked on a new side quest in my writing adventure: I published a short story collection on Smashwords.
I admit, it was totally a result of peer pressure. I have a lot of successful indie writer friends and, after hanging out with them so much, I wanted to start bringing my own toys to our play dates. After looking through my fiction catalog, I selected my three favorite shorts and sat my happy behind down to create an ebook out of them.
Ever put together an ebook before? Not me. I hadn't the slightest idea how to even start. (Well, that's not true...I started by opening a Word document and c/p three stories into it.But that's when I said WHAT NEXT?)
Lucky for a noob like me, Mark Coker has a wonderful guide on Smashwords on how to turn a manuscript into an ebook for Smashwords publishing. I pulled up the style guide on my phone and went to work.
My three stories were joined by a linked table of contents...then by two bonus excerpts...and then a fancy cover. (Love that picture, by the way. It's my new wallpaper.) I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my first forray into the wild unknowns of epublishing.
Best of all, my file was 100% formating error-free, according to Smashwords. Thank you, Style Guide, for making me look like I know what I'm doing!
And now I want to share it with everyone here...it's too neat to keep to myself.
You can download my ebook FREE at Smashwords using this coupon: YL69Z
Like it? Let me know with a comment or brief review.
Happy reading,
Ash
I admit, it was totally a result of peer pressure. I have a lot of successful indie writer friends and, after hanging out with them so much, I wanted to start bringing my own toys to our play dates. After looking through my fiction catalog, I selected my three favorite shorts and sat my happy behind down to create an ebook out of them.
Ever put together an ebook before? Not me. I hadn't the slightest idea how to even start. (Well, that's not true...I started by opening a Word document and c/p three stories into it.But that's when I said WHAT NEXT?)
Lucky for a noob like me, Mark Coker has a wonderful guide on Smashwords on how to turn a manuscript into an ebook for Smashwords publishing. I pulled up the style guide on my phone and went to work.
My three stories were joined by a linked table of contents...then by two bonus excerpts...and then a fancy cover. (Love that picture, by the way. It's my new wallpaper.) I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my first forray into the wild unknowns of epublishing.
Best of all, my file was 100% formating error-free, according to Smashwords. Thank you, Style Guide, for making me look like I know what I'm doing!
And now I want to share it with everyone here...it's too neat to keep to myself.
You can download my ebook FREE at Smashwords using this coupon: YL69Z
Like it? Let me know with a comment or brief review.
Happy reading,
Ash
A Present for my Blog Subscribers!
Recently, I embarked on a new side quest in my writing adventure: I published a short story collection on Smashwords.
I admit, it was totally a result of peer pressure. I have a lot of successful indie writer friends and, after hanging out with them so much, I wanted to start bringing my own toys to our play dates. After looking through my fiction catalog, I selected my three favorite shorts and sat my happy behind down to create an ebook out of them.
Ever put together an ebook before? Not me. I hadn't the slightest idea how to even start. (Well, that's not true...I started by opening a Word document and c/p three stories into it.But that's when I said WHAT NEXT?)
Lucky for a noob like me, Mark Coker has a wonderful guide on Smashwords on how to turn a manuscript into an ebook for Smashwords publishing. I pulled up the style guide on my phone and went to work.
My three stories were joined by a linked table of contents...then by two bonus excerpts...and then a fancy cover. (Love that picture, by the way. It's my new wallpaper.) I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my first forray into the wild unknowns of epublishing.
Best of all, my file was 100% formating error-free, according to Smashwords. Thank you, Style Guide, for making me look like I know what I'm doing!
And now I want to share it with everyone here...it's too neat to keep to myself.
You can download my ebook FREE at Smashwords using this coupon: YL69Z
Like it? Let me know with a comment or brief review.
Happy reading,
Ash
I admit, it was totally a result of peer pressure. I have a lot of successful indie writer friends and, after hanging out with them so much, I wanted to start bringing my own toys to our play dates. After looking through my fiction catalog, I selected my three favorite shorts and sat my happy behind down to create an ebook out of them.
Ever put together an ebook before? Not me. I hadn't the slightest idea how to even start. (Well, that's not true...I started by opening a Word document and c/p three stories into it.But that's when I said WHAT NEXT?)
Lucky for a noob like me, Mark Coker has a wonderful guide on Smashwords on how to turn a manuscript into an ebook for Smashwords publishing. I pulled up the style guide on my phone and went to work.
My three stories were joined by a linked table of contents...then by two bonus excerpts...and then a fancy cover. (Love that picture, by the way. It's my new wallpaper.) I have to say I'm pretty pleased with my first forray into the wild unknowns of epublishing.
Best of all, my file was 100% formating error-free, according to Smashwords. Thank you, Style Guide, for making me look like I know what I'm doing!
And now I want to share it with everyone here...it's too neat to keep to myself.
You can download my ebook FREE at Smashwords using this coupon: YL69Z
Like it? Let me know with a comment or brief review.
Happy reading,
Ash
August 2, 2012
Tash, Lefeve, & Krafton: Fiction Fantasy Tag Team
Red Tash has a lot of people living in her head. Lucky for us, she's lets them out to play...and writes down everything they do.
The result is her growing catalog of fiction: This Brilliant Darkness, Troll or Derby, and the fun shorts involving her wizard.
Recently, Tash revamped her version of The Wizard Takes a Holiday by added a couple of surprises: shorts by Claudia Lefeve (author of the TRAVELERS SERIES) and--woots!--myself!
This is my first time working with Lefeve. In case you've never been to her website, here is Claudia Lefeve's Official Bio:
Claudia Lefeve was born and raised in the Gulf Coast border town of Brownsville, Texas; a curious place where folks see curanderas in lieu of shrinks, tortillas are served at every meal, and even gringos speak Spanish. PARALLEL, the first book in The Travelers series, is her debut YA speculative novel. She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two pugs.
And...her unofficial bio: "I'm a complete TV junkie...some of my favorite shows are Buffy, Fringe, Big Bang Theory, American Horror Story, and Bones. When I'm not writing or watching the tube, I teach criminal justice at the local community college. Oh, and I love skulls."
No wonder Tash wants Lefeve and I to get to know each other...we watch tv together! Here's a present for you, Claudia...a shot of the vodka I brought home from Canada.
Isn't it CUTE!!!
Get to know Red Tash a little better, too, by finding her at http://redtash.com or by looking for her on YouTube...she does this set of In Bed With Red vlogs that I love watching. She makes fun of me sometimes. I kinda like it. It makes me write stories in revenge. :P
Just kidding, Red. There are some people I don't dare let out of my head.
Be sure to check out The Wizard Takes A Holiday, fortified by a sprinkle of Lefeve and a dash of Ash Krafton. Awesomeness has never tasted so good.
The result is her growing catalog of fiction: This Brilliant Darkness, Troll or Derby, and the fun shorts involving her wizard.
Recently, Tash revamped her version of The Wizard Takes a Holiday by added a couple of surprises: shorts by Claudia Lefeve (author of the TRAVELERS SERIES) and--woots!--myself!
This is my first time working with Lefeve. In case you've never been to her website, here is Claudia Lefeve's Official Bio:
Claudia Lefeve was born and raised in the Gulf Coast border town of Brownsville, Texas; a curious place where folks see curanderas in lieu of shrinks, tortillas are served at every meal, and even gringos speak Spanish. PARALLEL, the first book in The Travelers series, is her debut YA speculative novel. She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two pugs.
And...her unofficial bio: "I'm a complete TV junkie...some of my favorite shows are Buffy, Fringe, Big Bang Theory, American Horror Story, and Bones. When I'm not writing or watching the tube, I teach criminal justice at the local community college. Oh, and I love skulls."
No wonder Tash wants Lefeve and I to get to know each other...we watch tv together! Here's a present for you, Claudia...a shot of the vodka I brought home from Canada.
Isn't it CUTE!!!
Get to know Red Tash a little better, too, by finding her at http://redtash.com or by looking for her on YouTube...she does this set of In Bed With Red vlogs that I love watching. She makes fun of me sometimes. I kinda like it. It makes me write stories in revenge. :P Just kidding, Red. There are some people I don't dare let out of my head.
Be sure to check out The Wizard Takes A Holiday, fortified by a sprinkle of Lefeve and a dash of Ash Krafton. Awesomeness has never tasted so good.
August 1, 2012
Mind Reader blog New Follower G!veaway
My friend Dark Franny has a splendid book review blog at Mind Reader. She's asked me to spread the word about her lovely digs and help her find new followers.Of course, I'll oblige. Have you read her review of my book? Swoon!
Please pop on over to her blog, peer through the shadows, breathe in the enticing scent of her marvelous reviews, and follow her blog.
Here's the bonus: if anyone follows her blog, I'll pool you guys together and send one of you a gift card!
You must leave a comment on this post at Mind Reader with your GFC name (and blog name) and the words "recommended by Ash Krafton".
Then let me know in a comment below so I can count you in the raffle.
I'm so confident you guys are going to love her blog. The bonus raffle is just icing on the cake!
Thanks guys...you all rock.
July 28, 2012
GraveTells Reader Choice: Please vote & RT!
Please take a moment to visit the GT poll site and vote for Bleeding Hearts in the July poll.
Every vote truly counts!
Earlier this month, Bleeding Hearts was reviewed at GraveTells Paranormal News and Reviews.
Read the review here...
I danced for days over this review because I knew she *got* me.
You know, this is exactly why I chose to seek the publishing path in the first place...novice writers know what a tough first step it is to allow someone else to read their story.
It's a tremendously vulnerable moment--our hardest work, our most personal effort, laid bare and awaiting judgement.
When it's time to seek reviews, it's the same feeling. The job of the reviewer is to pass a judgement--and tell EVERYONE what they think of your book.
GraveTells reviewer Mandy gave Bleeding Hearts a 4.5--a Silver Award--so the number was squee-worthy...but her words were the true prize, because she got me. It was definitely a risk worth taking.
Please take a moment to visit the GT poll site and vote for Bleeding Hearts in the July poll. Every vote truly counts!
Every vote truly counts! Earlier this month, Bleeding Hearts was reviewed at GraveTells Paranormal News and Reviews.
Read the review here...
I danced for days over this review because I knew she *got* me.
You know, this is exactly why I chose to seek the publishing path in the first place...novice writers know what a tough first step it is to allow someone else to read their story.
It's a tremendously vulnerable moment--our hardest work, our most personal effort, laid bare and awaiting judgement.
When it's time to seek reviews, it's the same feeling. The job of the reviewer is to pass a judgement--and tell EVERYONE what they think of your book.
GraveTells reviewer Mandy gave Bleeding Hearts a 4.5--a Silver Award--so the number was squee-worthy...but her words were the true prize, because she got me. It was definitely a risk worth taking.Please take a moment to visit the GT poll site and vote for Bleeding Hearts in the July poll. Every vote truly counts!
July 27, 2012
Sarah Pinneo: Surviving Book Cover Drama
Sarah Pinneo--author of Julia's Child and host of the Blurb is a Verb blog--is talking book covers: surviving the drama.
She asked me the story behind my debut's cover--the beautiful face of BLEEDING HEARTS. It's no secret I ADORE my cover--and the artist who created the beautiful artwork that graces my novel.
Definitely no trauma in my past--the entire process was fun and exciting...I think that's because I am lucky to be working with an amazing editor and superb publisher who is as passionate about my novels as I am.
Here's something I didn't tell Sarah--Duncan Eagleson, the artist, said the painting of the bleeding hearts flowers is based on a photograph taken by his life partner, Moira Ashleigh.
Read Sarah's post on her blog:
Blurb is a Verb
Check out Sarah's beautiful cover for her book, Julia's Child, and learn more about Julia's Child at Sarah's website.
Do you have a cover story? What was it like putting a face on your book?
Every picture tells a thousand words...let's hear yours!
She asked me the story behind my debut's cover--the beautiful face of BLEEDING HEARTS. It's no secret I ADORE my cover--and the artist who created the beautiful artwork that graces my novel.Definitely no trauma in my past--the entire process was fun and exciting...I think that's because I am lucky to be working with an amazing editor and superb publisher who is as passionate about my novels as I am.
Here's something I didn't tell Sarah--Duncan Eagleson, the artist, said the painting of the bleeding hearts flowers is based on a photograph taken by his life partner, Moira Ashleigh.
Read Sarah's post on her blog:
Blurb is a Verb
Check out Sarah's beautiful cover for her book, Julia's Child, and learn more about Julia's Child at Sarah's website.
Do you have a cover story? What was it like putting a face on your book?
Every picture tells a thousand words...let's hear yours!
