Jennifer Bray-Weber's Blog, page 91

Hump Day Kick Start – Yummy Santa Edition

Song of the Day: Blow Me Away by Breaking Benjamin

Hump Day Kick Start – for your muse, a writing picture prompt, or just a visual treat.

My gift to you.

Tell me about ‘Santa’. Is he, um, trimming the tree? Decking the, er, halls? Is he checking his list? Maybe Missus Claus has been naughty and has him tethered in the lights. What tale does he have to tell?  Ho, ho, ho. Let your imaginations soar.

Link of the Week – Expressions

Curious and curiouser.

Ever wonder where certain expressions we say today came from? Why do we bite the bullet, keep our fingers crossed, talk turkey or fiddle while Rome burns?

Make no bones about it, here’s a website to drum up the answers.

http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/sayindex.htm

Is it Sunday already…?

I’m not sure it’s entirely sane to go an entire day, attending my son’s handbells concert, selling X-mas trees with scouts, running from here to there and everywhere in between, to finally sit down and realize it’s Sunday…

Where did the time go and what’s up with my lack of wordcount?

Once again, this weekend was not my friend. Total words written? 2128. Ugh. But I guess progress is progress.

So I couldn’t practice what I usually preach, which is write no matter what. I guess we all fall into the holiday craziness sometimes. Oh well. I’ll plan to make it up this week. Here’s to HOPE! Anyone care to share their wordcount. I’d love to hear from you all. Did you smoke me? Did you match me? Did your wordcount make mine look stellar?

I did have an awesome e-mail this weekend though. So pardon me while I gush…

I got the okay to share my official title for STAY, the first in The Changing Tides series from Samhain coming Aug. 6, 2013!

Check it out!

I haz a pretty!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. And don’t forget, this weekend Rhonda Penders with The Wild Rose Press will be our guest editor! Get those pitches ready for Saturday.

MuseTracks Guest – Denyse Bridger – Modern Love

MuseTracks is happy to host an author who has published over 500 stories and novellas in many different genres. Wow! Meet Denyse Bridger.

Modern Love….

Now here’s a topic that will certainly get you a wide array of answers, and the remarkable thing is – every one of them will be “correct” to the view that expresses it. We all see romantic in a different way, and what is highly romantic for one person is a total turn off for someone else. Erotica is for many an expression of romantic thought, for others it’s a variation on pornography.

What defines the word/concept that is romance? I have my view, and I’ve stated it often. What is your definition? What is romantic in your mind? Is it the explicit sexuality of erotica? Or the gentle awakening of sweet love and passion? I think we all carry the two aspects within us, and depending on what situation we’re in, one is always more appropriate than the other would be.

In romantic fiction, the barriers have long ago been crossed and forgotten. We’re in an anything goes sort of atmosphere, and in truth if you look at the vast array of publishers who are now publishing the minted genre “erotic romance” you can see the diversity of definition. I don’t think a lot of what is being labeled in that genre is either erotic or romantic, but that’s my personal mindset and I accept it as such.

I grew up reading Harlequin’s Presents imprint–in fact my first “grown-up” book purchased was a title from the relatively new imprint called “Moon Witch” by Anne Mather. It made me a lifelong fan of her work. I still remember the 34 year old hero, and it’s been a few years! The line has changed with the times and it’s still their most popular imprint. A few years after I discovered these books, I began buying the racier ones, and they were fabulous, too. (And, yes, I remember my first title in that line, too!) I always come back home to Presents, because for me, the type of stories are the definitive romance stories. Larger than life heroes, the Alpha-male as they’ve since labeled him, exotic settings – in my case, I can’t get enough stories set in Italy, with Italian heroes, my own real-life romantic hero is a handsome Italian – and scorching, tension laden awakening to burning and enduring passion. For me, that’s romance!

So, what are your favourites and what is it that sets them apart in your mind as the definition of romance? Do you prefer detailed sexuality, or the sensual middle-ground, or even behind closed doors love scenes? I’m curious, and would like your thoughts?

We’ll do the usual, and I’ll offer one of our visitors today a free eBook of any title on my site, as well as a surprise that I’ll post to you! So, let’s hear your thoughts?

HUNTERS’ GAME

(Vampire, erotic)

On AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Hunters-Game-ebook/dp/B00941H4MS/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1346946924&sr=1-5&keywords=hunters%27+game

ARe Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-hunters039game-930365-144.html

Bookstrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/hunters-game

In modern Toronto, two vampires stalk the night, their hunting a game that is seductive and deadly. In a darkly compelling Goth Club, they find the prey they seek for their pleasures, and the night runs crimson with blood and unquenchable thirsts….

 

Excerpt:

Mortal heartbeats pulsed in Demetri’s head, an undercurrent to the steady throb of music reverberating through the noisy club. A smile curved his mouth, though none who might have witnessed the expression could ever have understood the source of his macabre humor. Toying with the glass in his hand, his long, tapered fingers stroked the smooth surface, tormenting him with memories of her skin. Clia’s flawless beauty never failed to sharpen his hungers to near pain. His fangs ached, punching through his gums while the remembered taste of her taunted him.

Young people drifted through the room, locked in their own worlds. Youth, wild and insolent, full of deluded certainty that they were immortal and untouchable. They played at death and immortality, but the truth would terrify them. The reality he’d show at least one of them tonight would teach a lesson they’d take to the grave–the price of truth in his world.

He tapped the glass, an unconscious mirror of the pounding music. Cliantha was taking her time joining him, and he wanted her. His muscles tensed, his cock and his fangs ravenous for her, and anger stirred. She was toying with him, and he loved and hated it. He’d lured her from hate to devotion over time. Stavros had chosen a perfect mate in her. Demetri was fascinated by the duality of her nature, sometimes pliant, other times exhibiting a stubborn fury that astonished him. He’d uncovered some of her secrets, but sensed there was much more to know. The only time he could glimpse her mind was when he had her writhing in passion, and from those precious seconds of abandoned lust, he’d pulled hints of betrayal.

A soft, breathless whisper brushed over his senses, and he looked down at the mortal standing next to him. The girl was no more than twenty, and she wore the pale make-up that created a death-masque look that so many of the club’s youth seemed to strive for. Desire sparkled in her hazel eyes. He caught her wrist as she reached out to touch him. Amused with her bold recklessness, he lifted the slender limb he’d captured and stroked the throb of life beneath the translucent surface of her skin. She watched, enraptured, when he bent over her wrist. Her body trembled, and she hissed a gasp of pain and pleasure as his razor-edged fangs pierced her vein and he drank.

Demetri indulged his thirst, but only enough to whet his appetite, not sate it. The girl leaned into him, her eyes dazed. He licked at the wounds on her wrist, and smiled when the soft stroke of his tongue triggered an explosive climax. She twitched violently, her low moan swallowed by his brief kiss.

“Would you like to dance?”

He ignored her question and released her, turned his attention to the dance floor.

“Go!” When she refused to accept the dismissal, he permitted himself the luxury of inciting fear. He turned to look at her again, and his vision altered, grew sharp and gilded by flames. She gasped at the force of his stare. This time, there was no pleasure in her sharp intake of air.

“Fuck you!” She stood her ground for a few heartbeats, hands on her hips.

“Not interested.” He laughed, and his mental slap made her cry out in pain.

Seconds later, he was alone again.

But she was getting closer.

For more info on Denyse check out her links below. Don’t forget to comment for your chance to win a free eBook!

Denysé Bridger

“Live the Romance, Become the Fantasy…”

** Best-Selling Author of 2011 **

WEBSITE: http://www.denysebridger.com

Fantasy Pages (general): http://fantasy-pages.blogspot.com

Bound By Passion (adult content): http://boundpassion.blogspot.com

The Next Big Thing – Skull & Crossbones

Song of the Day: Pleasure and Pain by Bullet For My Valentine

I have some pretty awesome writer friends. Eliza Knight, JD Faver, and Onne Andrews have each nominated me for The Next Big Thing. This is simply where I answers a few questions about my current work in progress, or WIP. Please take a moment to check these ladies out. They are as diverse in their genres as they are in their styles. But each of them are fantabulous authors.

And now for the interrogation.

What is the working title of your next book?

CLASH OF THE TIDES. I just love this title. It captures the theme of my book perfectly.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

CLASH is the fourth full-length installment in my ongoing series Romancing the Pirate. Until now, all the pirate captain heroes have been Alpha men. I wanted to shake things up with a female pirate captain. Just think of the fun possibilities.

What genre does your book fall under?

That’s an easy question. Historical.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Captain Joelle Quint’s character is based on the incredible Maureen O’Hara. Any actress today would have to channel Maureen’s spitfire attitude and red-hot passion. As for the two men, yes there are two, this is easy. The hero/slave Sloan Ricker would be played by David Beckham. Technically he is an athlete. But who cares? Chris Hemsworth would play an awesome first mate/previous lover Valeryn Barone. That said, I wouldn’t turn away Jason Momoa or Ian Somerhalder for the part.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Whoever came up with the idea of a one-sentence synopsis should be keelhauled! But here it goes.

Being a woman is a curse enough. Being a woman who is captain of a pirate ship brings on a whole new meaning to terror on the high seas. Especially after she buys a handsome slave.

Okay, so that was three sentences. So cut my grog ration.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

Upon completion, I will see if my current publisher, Carina Press, will be interested. If they decide to pass, I will be taking my place at the helm and self-publishing. Currently, I have four books published in the series—two are self-published and two are published with Carina. Both courses have been successful.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Still writing this one, mate. Guess I should lay off the rum and get serious. LOL! Of course my littlest crew members, AKA children, have steered me into the shoals regularly, slowing my progress. I’m a mother and wife first, before I can put on my plumed pirate hat.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I don’t compare myself to other authors. The historical genre is vast with many great writers in every niche. If I had to be compared, liken my tales to the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, only my adventures are gritty and heavy on the romance.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

My fans!

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

If a heroine buying the hero off the auction block isn’t enough, there’ll be plenty rum, superstitions, and battles to be won, both on the high seas and in the bed.

***Just for fun, I’ve added an excerpt. Remember, this is a WIP and anything written is subject to change.

“Onto other business.” Captain Quint retrieved a key from a drawer and crossed the room to where two trunks sat. “I have a proposition, Ricker.”

Ricker’s neck cricked as he cocked his head for a better look at her bending to unlock the chest. From the corner of his eye, Valeryn did the same. What a prime piece of arse. They both recovered as she turned around with a strongbox in hand.

She set it on the table. Her fingers languidly drew across the decorative brass bands of the lid. The silence dragged on. Valeryn, a pained draw on his brow, threw back the last of his wine and settled his gaze to his lap.

The captain withdrew another key from her pocket and unlocked the box. With a quick hand, she snatched out a paper from inside and locked the box once again.

“We both have something the other wants,” she said.

“You’ve nothing I want.” Ricker lied like an anchor on the bottom of the sea. The lass had something he wanted. He let his gaze travel to her bosom. Something he could bury himself in. She owns you, Sloan. And you hate her for it. That alone would keep him from laying a hand on her. No matter how fetching she was. Or how much he wanted to feel her smooth, bronzed skin. Belay!

Captain Quint raised a delicate, yet maddening, eyebrow. “Your hasty words may cost you, Mr. Ricker. I think it wise to think with your head and not your cock.”

Her profane tongue slammed him with surprise. Such a vulgarity spoken from angelic lips. Damn if he didn’t like it.

Valeryn snorted. “You’re a smart man, aren’t ya, mate?”

“Point taken.” Ricker was fairly certain Captain Quint’s assertiveness maintained her position among rogues. But Valeryn’s persistent cavalier attitude had him wondering if she were weaker than she portrayed herself, needing Valeryn to shore up her defenses.

The captain pushed his plate away and spread out a map before him. She bent just enough to offer him a magnificent view to the valley of her chest.

“Do you recognize this place?”

He reluctantly dragged his gaze to the spot on the paper she pointed to. He studied the roughly-drawn map. The well-worn creases had begun to fray, but the map couldn’t have been more than two decades or so old. Immediately, he recognized certain topographical features.

“This is Barbados. See,” he traced along the outline of the island. “The bean shape.”

“I thought that, too,” she said. “But that can’t be right. There are no islands such as these east of Barbados. There are no islands out there at all.”

Exactly what Ricker thought. “No there are not.” This map didn’t make sense. Could a clue be in the words scrawled at the bottom? Follow the trade winds up the face of Lucia to find the place of emeralds.

He pointed to the handwriting. “And this? What does it mean?”

She met him with a stony mask. “I do not know.”

Ricker hardly believed her.  “’Twould seem you seek treasure, after all.”

Her mask faded to an acrimonious snarl. “I seek answers.”

“Be warned, mate.” Valeryn leaned over his arm resting on the table, a malicious grin coiling up the tip of his lips. “Those before you thought fortune was theirs, they needed only the map and a moment to flee.” He chuckled, leaning back into his seat and bringing his cup to his grin. “God rest their cowardly souls.”

“But you won’t be so foolish, will you Mr. Ricker?”

For a fleeting moment, he thought he caught a trace of plea in her green eyes. Never mind that. Should a similar opportunity arise, as those before him, he’d take his chances.

“You said you had something I would want.” Ricker crossed his arms. Quite sure she’d come up empty. “What is it?”

“Find my answers, you’ll have your freedom.”

*Hope you enjoyed. Love to hear your thoughts.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

Link Of The Week

http://www.writershelpdesk.com/

 

While this web site has items that require money, it is also loaded with free webinars and reports for writers as well! If you’ve ever wondered about self publishing, but the whole idea sounds like something from an alien planet, this is a good place to start piling in the information you might need! Enjoy!

It’s almost time to pitch again… by Candi Wall

I have to tell you all how excited I am to start hosting editors here on Musetracks for Agent/Editor Shop.

Agent Shop has been a baby of ours here at Musetracks for some time. I’ll give you a little reason why.

When Jenn, John, Marie-Claude and I first met at Charlotte Dillon’s critique group, I can honestly say we were ALL rather green. Maybe not so green that we’d never written anything… We all had novels to share, were ‘sort of” prepared to tackle the publishing world, were semi-certain we had some talent, and one if not all of us had come to realize it wasn’t as easy as simply writing the novel. But we were – newbies.

Together, and with Stacey coming on board, we learned that the road to publishing is a paved road full of potholes big enough to swallow a writer walking with false-bravado blinders. We also found that even if we recognized and worked on our weaknesses, we were very susceptible to falling down, bruising our egos, our hearts, and our muse.

But one of the most important things we learned was how incredibly supportive other writers could be. Not only were we there for one another, hordes of other writers were there as well, offering suggestions, encouragement, quick fixes and heavy hands as was needed.

None of us would have made it to where we are if we’d gone it alone. It simply wouldn’t have happened…

That’s where Musetracks came in. It was our way to give back, to inspire. Our way to support writers at any stage in their career – like we were once and still are supported. Agent Shop is another venue for writers to interact with publishing professionals and has been hugely popular in the almost two years it’s been up and running. We’re hoping that Editor Shop will be as much of a success.

I’m happy to say the awesome Rhonda Penders with The Wild Rose Press will be our first ever guest editor at Editor Shop, and I wish you all the best of luck on pitch day.

December 15th is pitch day, so mark your calendars!

MuseTracks Guest – Fumi Hancock – The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell: Hydra’s Nest

Today’s MuseTracks guest is unlike any other guest we’ve had so far. This is the first time we’ve hosted a princess. And this princess is an author of Young Adult, Fantasy & Paranormal Romance.

Meet Fumi Hancock!

How did you first begin as a writer?  

I began writing poetry my family just enjoyed reading. After few years and with people constantly telling me I was meant for this, I decided to take it seriously and began writing inspirational books for women. The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell: Hydra’s Nest is my very first Young Adult. I am so humbled by the experience and relishing every aspect of it.

Who or what is your inspiration?

I was born in Africa but have lived in the United States of America for over 30 years. A little over six years ago, my father called me up and told me it was time to return home. I’d literally grown up in the US and this was home to me. Though father lived in the US too, he felt it was time to give back to Africa.

This was an important trip for me as I’d not been back for over 23 years!  The trip was equally important because one of my cousins was being crowned a king in one of the provinces and my father felt it was a great opportunity to reconnect with my roots.

The journey was exhilarating yet filled with anxiety as I did not know what I was going to encounter.  I trusted my father, packed my bags and went back to West Africa with my family. It was the most incredible journey of my life… to witness a King’s coronation… no words could describe the feelings. What was more important was the surprise which awaited me! The community people rallied around me and reminded me of who I was… their princess who had been gone for long and was now back! I took the time to revisit my childhood boarding school and low and behold, all of my experiences at the school came rushing back.

The characters that readers will encounter in the Adventures of Jewel Cardwell are a culmination of my childhood friends as well as “the conjured friends in my head.” These characters have consistently plagued my dream and haunted my mind into bringing them alive. Every year I would return to Africa (with my American Friends) serving the children in the communities through my non-profit organization the Adassa Foundation, I am reminded of the colorful ambiance and the need to share this part of the world with book lovers.

As I began to paint this African adventure on paper, my sons, 17 and 15 ( now 22 and 19) nudged me with their support and their instant enjoyment of the plot.  Every time I would complete a chapter, they wanted more. They wanted to see what would happen to the characters. More importantly, they were intrigued by the description of the African setting, the culture of the people revealed through the different characters and the blended families relayed by the characters. Different characters elicited different emotions as they read alongside other young adults reviewing the story.

While there have been some popular fantasy books like Harry Potter, Amanda Hocking’s Trylle series and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, with settings in Europe and America, there has not been one to present the other part of the world.  The characters urge me to fill this gap!

My sons were very helpful in painting vivid imagery of “the characters in my head.” Bola, my oldest son was inspired to travel across the ocean… and he made renditions of scenes directly from the book: www.worldoffumihancock.com. He alongside his younger brother composed and arranged the trailer songs.

Fascinating! Truly fascinating. What an amazing journey for you. And to have support from your family not only in your passion, but in bringing your books to the world.

Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Friends and family members have often described me as being colorful in my description of events. I love going places where most have never been; bringing great and new adventure to my readers. In the Adventures of Jewel Cardwell: Hydra’s Nest, I want my readers to be transported to a place where they’d never been before. I want them to see how other people live in other parts of the world… I want them to also see how people like them, who have travelled to live in Africa… how they adjust to the culture and setting.  The characters though reside in Africa come from various parts of the world especially Europe. So, for this series… my characters will be settling in the heart of Africa for a while.  My trips back and forth from Africa have convinced me that there are extraordinary stories there… stories which could potentially be back drops to my fiction novels.

Having Africa as your setting certainly sets your books apart from the others. And that intrigues readers.

Who is your favorite character and why?

Jewel Cardwell’s sidekick, Kaya Darkling, the Sorcerer’s daughter was so much fun to write. She is a culmination of what I would love to be in my magical world and some characters I have encountered in my life journey… full of strength with a little darkness and some light of course. She is a character you would love to hate because of what she represents yet her dark and mysterious side draws people to her.  She is an unpredictable lone ranger, yet people look for her to help solve their mundane problems. My imagination truly went wild on her. I love her so much, I am seriously looking at starting a totally new series for her. My next book in this series will be featuring her a great deal. I can’t wait.

Sounds fun. What is your typical writing day look like?

I wake up at 2.30 am and begin writing. I usually don’t stop until around 7 am; after which I move on to other endearing assignments, such as managing my non-profit organization: www. adassafoundation.org. That is, finding ways to raise funds for impoverished children in Africa.  The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell is a tribute to all of my African children and portion of the proceeds will be funding some of our current projects.

Wow. You have a full and fulling day. What a great thing you are doing.

If you couldn’t write what would you do?

Fashion designing …. I love making purses and dresses to match. Perhaps, I missed playing “dress up” when I was little. Who knows, my characters may eventually have their own fashion line for young adults. Cooking is another passion of mine.

That’s a great idea!

And now, the blurb for The Adventures of Jewel Cardwell: Hydra’s Nest

What would you do, if you knew you’d inherited an ancient familial curse?

What would do, if you found out you were racing against time to save yourself  and your loved ones?

And what would you do, if you suddenly find yourself in the middle of a love triangle, amidst the unraveling curse?

******

When free-spirited and more than a little rebellious, seventeen-year-old Jewel Cardwell gained admission to Grayton Preparatory School, a prestigious, girls-only, top-notch private institution nestled in the South African farmlands of Limpopo, little did she know it would begin a trail of mysterious and unfamiliar events, changing her life forever!

At Grayton prep, a battle line is drawn between ‘good and evil’ especially when there’s a full moon and dark forces swirl and turn up in the form of hideous monsters and frightening demons. With her school fr-enemies, rivalry and treachery become the order of the day and Jewel is forced to question everything she thought she knew as she struggles to stay alive in a dubious place riddled with demonic activity!

Armed with a magical secret from her dying grandmother, she sets a new course in motion. In the middle of this whirlwind of events, she is caught between two boys: Darwin Morton, a lad she’s known growing up, and Eric Broder, a soccer team leader with a silver spoon in his mouth. Why her love life has to get interesting now is a question she can’t answer!

“I welcomed death with open arms, closed my eyes and listened as the aircraft made rattling and shaking sounds through the dreary weather. If this was my time to go, I would embrace darkness, as I had nothing else to lose” — JEWEL CARDWELL.

Will Jewel be able to solve the mystery before evil is unleashed against those she loves?

Enter to win your autographed copy of  THE ADVENTURES OF JEWEL CARDWELL here - a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:YA

Fumi “Stephanie” Hancock is a walking example of how an ordinary person from a shackled life of broken promises and shattered dreams can live a fulfilled destiny. After twenty years of dropping her pen, she picks it right back up again by releasing The Grimmlyn Series: The Adventures of Jewell Cardwell, Hydra’s Nest.

Though having graduated with a postgraduate degree in communication arts, and undergraduate degrees in English studies and nursing, she ascribes her writing to her life experiences, which were many times challenging.

According to her, the protagonists and antagonists in her novels often come from the darkest moments of her life–a tribute to the fact that something good can come out of mysterious and difficult circumstances, if we choose to turn our challenges around. Age is merely a number where success is concerned.

She also pulls some of her characters from her travels around the world–in particular, exotic Africa–uniquely weaving her tales. Fumi loves to write for young adults, particularly urban fantasy, and paranormal nonfiction with a touch of romance. She aspires to one day write a mystery/detective novel for the adult audience. But for now, she is content with her young adult audience.

With her background in nursing, she gently nurses her unusual characters to life for her readers to enjoy.

Her second book in the Grimmlyn series: The Sorcerer’s Purgatory is scheduled to be released April 2013— Behind the scenes of this young adult fantasy novel is found at: www.worldoffumihancock.com

She lives in Tennessee with her husband, Dr. David Hancock, and her two grown sons, Bola and Demola Thompson. She cherishes her two stepdaughters, who reside in Michigan.

8 Tips for Writing During the Holidays

Song of the Day: Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne

We’re all slaves to the grind. For those who celebrate the holidays, it is especially so around this time of year. Braving the malls, planning festivities, wrapping gifts, baking, visiting friends and family (including those you’d rather not), mailing greeting cards and packages, tree trimming, searching for the perfect holiday dress or ugly sweater—the list goes on and on. This on top of all the *INSERT QUOTATION MARK FINGER WAGS* regular responsibilities we bear to our families, jobs, and home. It can all be overwhelming.

So who has time to write?

Here are 8 tips to keep the home fires burning, so to speak.

Set a realistic goal. It can be 100 words a day, 5,000 words for the month, or editing a chapter a week. A little can go a long way in the end. Whatever works for you. The important thing is to do something writerly, regularly.

Waiting for the cookies to bake? Before the next batch goes in, list the next chapter’s plot points.

Caught in line for gift wrap, post office, or customer service? Use your phone’s note pad feature to jot down story ideas, a dialogue exchange, or transitional paragraph. Don’t have a Smartphone, or ,if you are like me and still learning how to use it? Keep a small note pad with you.

Waking up early or going to bed late is laughable. But for some, it is conceivable. Let’s face it. You’re not getting any sleep. You’re too strung out on finding that perfect gift for that one person (read: in-law) who is impossible to please.

Use a voice recorder to capture your brilliant prose while you gift wrap.

Be inspired. The holidays bring out the best and worst (think Black Friday freak-out frenzy buying) in people. Watch and listen to those around you. From everyday heroes to Grinchy no-goods, great attributes abound for a cast of characters. Also take time to really appreciate the magic and beauty of the season. Record details or how you feel when you see a magnificent snow-covered landscape, a yard decorated Griswold-style, dressed storefront windows, children laughing on an ice rink, the twinkling lights wrapped around a palm tree on an empty beach. Don’t let that emotion or setting get lost in the hustle and bustle.

Change your venue. Got a half-hour to spare? (Stop laughing, it could happen.) Head to a coffee shop, get comfortable on a park bench, sit in your car, or wherever is not a normal place for you to write. Sounds odd, I know. But sometimes the change stirs the muse. Pop in your headphones, open your notebook or laptop, and give yourself over to writing.

Be held accountable! This is a fantasmic trick to use any time of year. Grab a few writing buddies, either in person or virtually, set your goals, and report your progress. It is amazing how productivity increases when you have to answer to your unforgiving friends.

Okay, so not everyone is a type-A personality like myself. But even I don’t manage all these tips at once. However, I adapt to the ones that work best for me. And I bet your ugly holiday sweater you can, too.

What do you do to keep writing during the holidays? Please share!

 

Link of the Week – Shopping

I recently discovered this link, and I’m wondering how come I didn’t know about it. Those of you privy, why are you holding out on me?

Retail Me Not is a site to get the best deals, exclusive offers and coupons to your favorite stores. Not only can you find the great deals in clothing, electronics, books, beauty, travel,— dang, just about anything—it’s also a great place for authors to find deals on promotional products. Think business cards, swag, stock photos, bookmarks, etc.

Sign up for email notices or download an app.

http://www.retailmenot.com/

Now, where did I put my credit card?