Jess Macallan's Blog, page 2
February 29, 2012
Life is like a batch of edits
Edits. Revisions. Torture. Call it what you will, but they hit every writer with a different, yet powerful emotion--terror, sorrow, anxiety... I know a number of authors in various stages of the revision process, and a big, key theme is stress. Stress to meet the deadline, stress to do the edits right, stress to change something in their beloved story. It's this last one I secretly love.
Have I mentioned I'm a glutton for punishment?
Writers are attached to their stories and characters for good reason. We've lived with them in our heads for weeks, months or years. When the book goes to print, the attachment has waned for some, and strengthened for others. And each of these books went through an arduous editing process. Cherished scenes hit the cutting room floor. Characters we adored had names changed. And *gasp* we may have even had to add more. More! To an already perfect (in our eyes) story!
Life is exactly the same way. We cut out the junk that doesn't work. Toxic people, horrible jobs, extra weight, and our jeans from 10 years ago. We might not go so far as to change our names, but we change our hairstyles, our weekly dinner meals and our cars to name a few. And we're always adding--to our social circle, closet, pantry, credit card debt...the list goes on.
So why do authors resist the editing process so much? We experience this constant revising each and every day. I can't answer for everyone, but my initial reaction is to take a deep breath and ignore that inner voice that screams at me to panic. I know my editors--lovely ladies, each and every one of them--are asking for changes that make the story better. They expect more from me, believing I can deliver it.
Life is no different!
When you're open to change, the process, while at times painful, can alter the end result in the most amazing ways. I can't promise you'll win a personality or beauty contest, but I can assure you of one thing--you'll have to revise again. And again. And again. And just when you think you'll duct tape the entire head of the next person who dares ask you about the editing process and...ahem...what I mean is, just when you think you're done, you'll realize you're not. You can always improve on some area of your life. The trick is to know when you've hit that point where you're proud to display your latest efforts for the entire world to see.
It's not about perfection. It's about knowing when to improve things, or when you're at the best you can be. Embrace the opportunities to revise the areas of your life that could use a little polish. You and I both know you can deliver that. And don't be afraid of the process. Editing can be fun, I promise.
Have I mentioned I'm a glutton for punishment?
Writers are attached to their stories and characters for good reason. We've lived with them in our heads for weeks, months or years. When the book goes to print, the attachment has waned for some, and strengthened for others. And each of these books went through an arduous editing process. Cherished scenes hit the cutting room floor. Characters we adored had names changed. And *gasp* we may have even had to add more. More! To an already perfect (in our eyes) story!
Life is exactly the same way. We cut out the junk that doesn't work. Toxic people, horrible jobs, extra weight, and our jeans from 10 years ago. We might not go so far as to change our names, but we change our hairstyles, our weekly dinner meals and our cars to name a few. And we're always adding--to our social circle, closet, pantry, credit card debt...the list goes on.
So why do authors resist the editing process so much? We experience this constant revising each and every day. I can't answer for everyone, but my initial reaction is to take a deep breath and ignore that inner voice that screams at me to panic. I know my editors--lovely ladies, each and every one of them--are asking for changes that make the story better. They expect more from me, believing I can deliver it.
Life is no different!
When you're open to change, the process, while at times painful, can alter the end result in the most amazing ways. I can't promise you'll win a personality or beauty contest, but I can assure you of one thing--you'll have to revise again. And again. And again. And just when you think you'll duct tape the entire head of the next person who dares ask you about the editing process and...ahem...what I mean is, just when you think you're done, you'll realize you're not. You can always improve on some area of your life. The trick is to know when you've hit that point where you're proud to display your latest efforts for the entire world to see.
It's not about perfection. It's about knowing when to improve things, or when you're at the best you can be. Embrace the opportunities to revise the areas of your life that could use a little polish. You and I both know you can deliver that. And don't be afraid of the process. Editing can be fun, I promise.
February 23, 2012
You Might Be A Paranormal Junkie If...
Those of us who read paranormal romances know what the rest of the world doesn't--supernatural hotties just have that charisma, that element of danger, that sexy aura that can pull us into a story faster than anything else. I recently took stock of my book shelves and noticed they were filled with as many supernatural protagonists as there are creative minds in the writing world. Am I addicted? Possibly. Are you? If you answer Yes to any of the following, you might be too...
You might be a paranormal junkie if...
You can't handle your husband's Chia Pet-like back hair, but drool over the sexy were in your latest urban fantasy read.You keel over at the first sign of a needle, but would think nothing of offering your neck to a vampire hottie.The thought of ghosts freaks you out, but if they all looked like Patrick Swayze in GHOST, you'd create your own ghost hunting group.You secretly wish the cop who just gave you a speeding ticket would turn into a shifter and take you away to give you his mate mark.You know who I'm talking about when I say, "Sam and Dean."You go to flea markets and rub every cheap, grubby bottle hoping to nab your very own dijinn.You join your local Bigfoot Research group with the hopes of catching a werewolf mid-change. You're convinced the gorgeous guy you made eye contact with at the coffee shop this morning was actually reading your mind because he's psychic and fated for you. You get into a physical altercation with your best friend because she has the nerve to think your book boyfriend belongs to her.
This is by no means a complete list. And if you answered yes to most of them, you need to know one thing--you're in good company. All I can say is thank you to the muses of the many authors who make these heroes so real to us. I'll continue to give them all the shelf space they deserve. ;)
If you have any criteria to add, I'd love to hear it!
You might be a paranormal junkie if...
You can't handle your husband's Chia Pet-like back hair, but drool over the sexy were in your latest urban fantasy read.You keel over at the first sign of a needle, but would think nothing of offering your neck to a vampire hottie.The thought of ghosts freaks you out, but if they all looked like Patrick Swayze in GHOST, you'd create your own ghost hunting group.You secretly wish the cop who just gave you a speeding ticket would turn into a shifter and take you away to give you his mate mark.You know who I'm talking about when I say, "Sam and Dean."You go to flea markets and rub every cheap, grubby bottle hoping to nab your very own dijinn.You join your local Bigfoot Research group with the hopes of catching a werewolf mid-change. You're convinced the gorgeous guy you made eye contact with at the coffee shop this morning was actually reading your mind because he's psychic and fated for you. You get into a physical altercation with your best friend because she has the nerve to think your book boyfriend belongs to her.
This is by no means a complete list. And if you answered yes to most of them, you need to know one thing--you're in good company. All I can say is thank you to the muses of the many authors who make these heroes so real to us. I'll continue to give them all the shelf space they deserve. ;)
If you have any criteria to add, I'd love to hear it!
February 8, 2012
All About Gargoyles
Recently my poor husband was put in the awkward position of explaining gargoyles to his grandmother. She has a copy of STONE COLD SEDUCTION, and it's safe to say she's never read a book in the paranormal/urban fantasy genre. EVER. Like I said, it was awkward.
I thought I should probably come up with a short tutorial on gargoyles to clear up any confusion on the topic. This information will also come in handy if you ever have a philosophical debate about supernatural creatures.
Gargoyles are made out of stone. Yes, that means everywhere and no, it doesn't limit their movement. (If that sounds impossible, let me point out that vampires are dead and somehow they don't rot.) However, they're not stone all the time. Like shifters, they can change at will. When they're emotions run high and their control slips, you might also get a glimpse of a rock hard hottie. Just don't piss them off.
Gargoyles can fly and baby, it's all about the wingspan. From a functional standpoint, their wings have to support their weight. But let's be honest, we're not interested in functional, are we? Heck no. Size matters. The bigger the wingspan, the better the gargoyle is. At protecting. Their wings are weapons and means of transportation. They might also be erogenous zones, but you'll have to find that out for yourself. Ahem.
Gargoyles aren't all ugly. Quite the opposite. Michelangelo knew if you're going to carve a form into stone, you've got to carve perfection. Need proof? Meet Jax...
Gargoyles have feelings too. This one is important. They might be made out of stone, but their emotions are real. Maybe you have one in your garden, or you've seen one peering from the eaves of a Gothic-style building. Those guys are protection their space and do they ever get credit? Nope. Whether they look like a garden ghoul or Jax, they all deserve a little love.
Gargoyles fight for the good guys. People think they're evil, but they were created to guard against evil. Independent studies have proven the hideous faces gargoyles make repel evil spirits 5 times better than the leading...er...I mean, they can be ugly because it scares the hell out of evil.
The bottom line is that gargoyles rock (pun intended). They can be ugly or sexy, but they're all protectors. The next time you see one, you should definitely give him a hug. If you're lucky, he'll show you his wings. *winks*
So go forth and hug a gargoyle. Trust me, he'll thank you.
I thought I should probably come up with a short tutorial on gargoyles to clear up any confusion on the topic. This information will also come in handy if you ever have a philosophical debate about supernatural creatures.
Gargoyles are made out of stone. Yes, that means everywhere and no, it doesn't limit their movement. (If that sounds impossible, let me point out that vampires are dead and somehow they don't rot.) However, they're not stone all the time. Like shifters, they can change at will. When they're emotions run high and their control slips, you might also get a glimpse of a rock hard hottie. Just don't piss them off.
Gargoyles can fly and baby, it's all about the wingspan. From a functional standpoint, their wings have to support their weight. But let's be honest, we're not interested in functional, are we? Heck no. Size matters. The bigger the wingspan, the better the gargoyle is. At protecting. Their wings are weapons and means of transportation. They might also be erogenous zones, but you'll have to find that out for yourself. Ahem.
Gargoyles aren't all ugly. Quite the opposite. Michelangelo knew if you're going to carve a form into stone, you've got to carve perfection. Need proof? Meet Jax...
Gargoyles have feelings too. This one is important. They might be made out of stone, but their emotions are real. Maybe you have one in your garden, or you've seen one peering from the eaves of a Gothic-style building. Those guys are protection their space and do they ever get credit? Nope. Whether they look like a garden ghoul or Jax, they all deserve a little love.
Gargoyles fight for the good guys. People think they're evil, but they were created to guard against evil. Independent studies have proven the hideous faces gargoyles make repel evil spirits 5 times better than the leading...er...I mean, they can be ugly because it scares the hell out of evil.
The bottom line is that gargoyles rock (pun intended). They can be ugly or sexy, but they're all protectors. The next time you see one, you should definitely give him a hug. If you're lucky, he'll show you his wings. *winks*
So go forth and hug a gargoyle. Trust me, he'll thank you.
February 1, 2012
My Book Boyfriend Giveaway
It's GIVEAWAY time! I'm participating in a blog hop and offering you a chance to win an e-book of my latest release, Stone Cold Seduction. Check out the details below:
My Book Boyfriend Giveaway Hop Hosted is by Reading Between the Wines Book Club & As the Pages Turn Giveaway. The hop will run from 12:01 AM February 1st through to 11:59 PM February 5th, 2012.
What better way to celebrate the month of LOVE then with your favorite book boyfriend? Whether you have a valentine or not, the swoon worthy heroes we find in romances can't be matched anyway! So why not put on those naughty underwear and curl up with one of these steamy reads this year instead? Make you Valentine's Day perfect by joining the My Book Boyfriend Giveaway Hop where fellow bloggers offer you the chance to win some of their favorite book boyfriends!
So here's the deal: To enter, leave a comment below and tell me about your book boyfriend. Which sexy hero made your pulse race long after you read the last page? Don't forget to leave your email! For me, no hero compares to Acheron, the gorgeous, tortured hero with his own book in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. *fans self* Her heroes are all well-written, but Ash is something else.
Want an extra chances to win? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and the blog and let me know in your comment (no more than 4 entries per person).
Contest is open to international entries.
Check out these other blogs for more amazing giveaways:
My Book Boyfriend Giveaway Hop Hosted is by Reading Between the Wines Book Club & As the Pages Turn Giveaway. The hop will run from 12:01 AM February 1st through to 11:59 PM February 5th, 2012.
What better way to celebrate the month of LOVE then with your favorite book boyfriend? Whether you have a valentine or not, the swoon worthy heroes we find in romances can't be matched anyway! So why not put on those naughty underwear and curl up with one of these steamy reads this year instead? Make you Valentine's Day perfect by joining the My Book Boyfriend Giveaway Hop where fellow bloggers offer you the chance to win some of their favorite book boyfriends!
So here's the deal: To enter, leave a comment below and tell me about your book boyfriend. Which sexy hero made your pulse race long after you read the last page? Don't forget to leave your email! For me, no hero compares to Acheron, the gorgeous, tortured hero with his own book in Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series. *fans self* Her heroes are all well-written, but Ash is something else.
Want an extra chances to win? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and the blog and let me know in your comment (no more than 4 entries per person).
Contest is open to international entries.
Check out these other blogs for more amazing giveaways:
January 3, 2012
Symptoms of Crazy
I've posted about being crazy before, and now that 2012 has finally arrived, I'd like to revisit the topic. It's no secret that many people think I'm crazy. That judgement used to bother me a lot, but it wasn't just the label that irritated me. It was the assumption that I was the crazy one. I think many of these people are far crazier than I could ever be. I've seen a number of alarming symptoms they all share. So here's my public service announcement for the month. You know you're crazy if...
You refuse to chase, waddle, run, dance or skip after your dreams. Never growing (in any direction) is plain crazy. It's important to note that everyone's dreams are different. Sometimes wildly different. If your dream is to raise alpacas or start a mushroom growing company (the legitimate kind), I say go for it. With no hint of sarcasm or disbelief. Dreams are original and wonderful. Don't let them go to waste.
You ignore the voices in your head. It's not crazy to hear them. It's crazy to ignore them. Mine give me the best ideas on a daily--sometimes hourly--basis. Call them your muse posse, your little buddies, or whatever. These voices can be the spark of genius if you only let them.
You go along with the crowd. Yeah, you might be cute, but that still makes you a sheep.
Resist the urge to be one of many, and focus on being one in a million. (Hint--that's all you baby!)
It's okay if people think you're crazy as long as you have none of the above symptoms. Do what you love and be true to yourself. You'd be crazy not to.
You refuse to chase, waddle, run, dance or skip after your dreams. Never growing (in any direction) is plain crazy. It's important to note that everyone's dreams are different. Sometimes wildly different. If your dream is to raise alpacas or start a mushroom growing company (the legitimate kind), I say go for it. With no hint of sarcasm or disbelief. Dreams are original and wonderful. Don't let them go to waste.
You ignore the voices in your head. It's not crazy to hear them. It's crazy to ignore them. Mine give me the best ideas on a daily--sometimes hourly--basis. Call them your muse posse, your little buddies, or whatever. These voices can be the spark of genius if you only let them.
You go along with the crowd. Yeah, you might be cute, but that still makes you a sheep.
Resist the urge to be one of many, and focus on being one in a million. (Hint--that's all you baby!)
It's okay if people think you're crazy as long as you have none of the above symptoms. Do what you love and be true to yourself. You'd be crazy not to.
December 26, 2011
2012--New Year or Apocalypse?
Christmas has barely ended and I'm ready to hit the ground running toward the new year. I can hardly wait for 2012 to start. I won't bore you with yet another New Year's resolution post. I'd rather talk about the 2012 apocalypse. First let me say I think the end of the world theory is BS. Yes, I know, the Mayan calendar ends, a ginormous explosion obliterating Earth? Or maybe we'll experience a Rapture-like occurrence? Or not. (On a quick side note, if that did happen, can I hand-pick a few who should poof out of existence?)
All joking aside, I do think there are a few things we do need to prepare ourselves for (no Mayan calendar required):
1) Reality show takeovers. Laugh if you must, but this is a serious--and potentially deadly--issue. Zombies don't have anything on reality show stars. Their brain-eating abilities are wasted on the folks who will humiliate themselves to prove they desperately want to win money or have their 15 minutes of fame. Prepare yourself by watching anything but these shows. I'm begging you. Take up knitting. Or baking. Or anything that averts your eyes and saves your mind from deteriorating into sludge.
2) Elections. If you cringed just reading the word, you're in good company. If you like to debate politics, you are at the wrong blog. I don't live in a bunker, but during campaign time, I want to. Frankly, I don't want to hear any politician tell me what they will do. I'd rather they not talk and just do it. *snicker* Okay, I know that's as likely as reality stars disappearing overnight. Prepare yourself by ignoring the incessant, useless campaign commercials (unless you want to make it part of a drinking game). But please do remember to vote.
3) Resolution Rebound. Have you heard of this one? It's the moment you realize your New Year's resolutions have fizzled out, and you console yourself by shopping, eating, napping, eating, weeping, eating, or some other activity that ultimately makes you feel worse. Prepare yourself by setting small, manageable goals. Better yet, don't set a specific goal, but instead plan to have a fabulous year no matter what comes your way. That's right, I'm talking fun, fun, and more fun.
4) Same old, same old. This one scares me the most. Whatever you do, no matter the situation, please don't resign yourself to another year of the same old existence. This includes staying in a job you hate, putting effort into a relationship that hurts you, or moving through your waking hours on auto-pilot (you know, that mindless daze that enables us to do the bare minimum with absolutely no joy). Prepare yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone. Do something out of the ordinary--drink chai tea instead of the double latte, drive a new route home, apply for your dream job, take a cooking class--anything that catches your fancy. The idea is to add depth and breadth to your life with no regard for the end of the world doom and gloom.
Make it one helluva a year, baby! Cheers for a fabulous 2012!
Jess
All joking aside, I do think there are a few things we do need to prepare ourselves for (no Mayan calendar required):
1) Reality show takeovers. Laugh if you must, but this is a serious--and potentially deadly--issue. Zombies don't have anything on reality show stars. Their brain-eating abilities are wasted on the folks who will humiliate themselves to prove they desperately want to win money or have their 15 minutes of fame. Prepare yourself by watching anything but these shows. I'm begging you. Take up knitting. Or baking. Or anything that averts your eyes and saves your mind from deteriorating into sludge.
2) Elections. If you cringed just reading the word, you're in good company. If you like to debate politics, you are at the wrong blog. I don't live in a bunker, but during campaign time, I want to. Frankly, I don't want to hear any politician tell me what they will do. I'd rather they not talk and just do it. *snicker* Okay, I know that's as likely as reality stars disappearing overnight. Prepare yourself by ignoring the incessant, useless campaign commercials (unless you want to make it part of a drinking game). But please do remember to vote.
3) Resolution Rebound. Have you heard of this one? It's the moment you realize your New Year's resolutions have fizzled out, and you console yourself by shopping, eating, napping, eating, weeping, eating, or some other activity that ultimately makes you feel worse. Prepare yourself by setting small, manageable goals. Better yet, don't set a specific goal, but instead plan to have a fabulous year no matter what comes your way. That's right, I'm talking fun, fun, and more fun.
4) Same old, same old. This one scares me the most. Whatever you do, no matter the situation, please don't resign yourself to another year of the same old existence. This includes staying in a job you hate, putting effort into a relationship that hurts you, or moving through your waking hours on auto-pilot (you know, that mindless daze that enables us to do the bare minimum with absolutely no joy). Prepare yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone. Do something out of the ordinary--drink chai tea instead of the double latte, drive a new route home, apply for your dream job, take a cooking class--anything that catches your fancy. The idea is to add depth and breadth to your life with no regard for the end of the world doom and gloom.
Make it one helluva a year, baby! Cheers for a fabulous 2012!
Jess
December 14, 2011
Holiday Favorites
Happy Holidays! I hope you're all enjoying the hustle and bustle of the season, and also the winding down of 2011. I love this time of year. I love gift giving, hot drinks, warm blankets, happy kids on Christmas morning, and preparing for the new and exciting year to come. It seems everyone has traditions that are near and dear to their heart, and I'm no exception. Here are a few of my seasonal favorites:
1) Christmas shows. I record them all. Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Mickey's Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation...I could go on and on. I'd love to say I record them for my kids, but the sad truth is that I'm far more excited to watch them. Okay, my husband makes me watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation every year so he can recite every line, but it's still entertaining.
2) Hot chocolate. I drink this year round, but this time of year is different. Nothing beats nestling into a comfy chair or couch with a steamy mug of chocolaty awesomeness.
3) Wrapping presents. I know, this sounds weird. Many people find wrapping to be a chore, but it's a relaxing task for my creative side. I love curling ribbons, making elaborate bows, and packaging odd-shaped items. Yes, I need help. *grins*
4) Don't hate me for this one but...I love holiday music. Nobody--and I mean nobody--can sing holiday classics like Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. I could listen to those guys sing White Christmas all day long.
5) The smell of the season. Christmas trees, candy canes, holiday baking, all of those scents that create the warm, fuzzy feeling of comfort. Bliss.
What are some of your favorite things about the holiday season?
Best wishes for you and yours for a fabulous holiday!
1) Christmas shows. I record them all. Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Mickey's Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation...I could go on and on. I'd love to say I record them for my kids, but the sad truth is that I'm far more excited to watch them. Okay, my husband makes me watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation every year so he can recite every line, but it's still entertaining.
2) Hot chocolate. I drink this year round, but this time of year is different. Nothing beats nestling into a comfy chair or couch with a steamy mug of chocolaty awesomeness.
3) Wrapping presents. I know, this sounds weird. Many people find wrapping to be a chore, but it's a relaxing task for my creative side. I love curling ribbons, making elaborate bows, and packaging odd-shaped items. Yes, I need help. *grins*
4) Don't hate me for this one but...I love holiday music. Nobody--and I mean nobody--can sing holiday classics like Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. I could listen to those guys sing White Christmas all day long.
5) The smell of the season. Christmas trees, candy canes, holiday baking, all of those scents that create the warm, fuzzy feeling of comfort. Bliss.
What are some of your favorite things about the holiday season?
Best wishes for you and yours for a fabulous holiday!
November 16, 2011
Great Minds
I'm finally recovered from my time at the Emerald City Writer's Conference in Bellevue, WA. Nothing beats a weekend with writers. I can talk to them about my everyday writing life, and they don't think I'm crazy for having conversations with multiple personalities--*cough* I mean characters--in my head. The thing I love about the ECWC is that it's a big conference with hundreds of attendees from all over the U.S., and a few other countries. So cool!
My head is still whirling. Don't get me wrong. I love it. Love. It. But sorting through the hundreds of ideas and million-dollar snippets of advice takes a lot of brain power. I had grand plans to get to as many workshops as I could. I ended up spending more time talking to writers. Some published, some not. Some were NY Times Bestsellers, some were book bloggers. All were fabulous. Below is a picture of me with Amber Scott--She's a best-selling author,my co-author for Muse Food, and also co-presenter for our workshops. She's one of the most creative women I know! Her Halloween costume was a zombie Audrey Hepburn. I was a last minute fortune teller (you can't compete with Audrey Hepburn in any form).
Have you ever experienced a collective of creative minds? It's truly awesome. I'm biased, but I think romance writers are some of the most brilliant, generous people around. They share their knowledge without hesitation. They support each other unfailingly. And they're wicked smart. I met authors who are also attorneys, doctors, marketing executives, librarians and moms. All ages and walks of life.
We come together because we share a love of reading and writing. We also want to realize our dreams. And wow are these folks talented story tellers. I came home with a bag full of books and a TBR (to be read) list of many more to buy. I hope Santa's feeling generous this year.
I was able to spend time with some of my fellow Entangled Publishing authors, and also meet one of my writing heroes: Sherrilyn Kenyon. People, she's a rock star in my genre! I had an embarrassing fan girl moment, and she was so gracious. She's one of the coolest women I've met in this business (which is saying a lot judging by the women I know).
Sigh...now it's time for me to get back to work. I have a third and final book to finish. And thanks to the conference, I have at least three more ideas I can't wait to get started on...
My head is still whirling. Don't get me wrong. I love it. Love. It. But sorting through the hundreds of ideas and million-dollar snippets of advice takes a lot of brain power. I had grand plans to get to as many workshops as I could. I ended up spending more time talking to writers. Some published, some not. Some were NY Times Bestsellers, some were book bloggers. All were fabulous. Below is a picture of me with Amber Scott--She's a best-selling author,my co-author for Muse Food, and also co-presenter for our workshops. She's one of the most creative women I know! Her Halloween costume was a zombie Audrey Hepburn. I was a last minute fortune teller (you can't compete with Audrey Hepburn in any form).
Have you ever experienced a collective of creative minds? It's truly awesome. I'm biased, but I think romance writers are some of the most brilliant, generous people around. They share their knowledge without hesitation. They support each other unfailingly. And they're wicked smart. I met authors who are also attorneys, doctors, marketing executives, librarians and moms. All ages and walks of life.
We come together because we share a love of reading and writing. We also want to realize our dreams. And wow are these folks talented story tellers. I came home with a bag full of books and a TBR (to be read) list of many more to buy. I hope Santa's feeling generous this year.
I was able to spend time with some of my fellow Entangled Publishing authors, and also meet one of my writing heroes: Sherrilyn Kenyon. People, she's a rock star in my genre! I had an embarrassing fan girl moment, and she was so gracious. She's one of the coolest women I've met in this business (which is saying a lot judging by the women I know).
Sigh...now it's time for me to get back to work. I have a third and final book to finish. And thanks to the conference, I have at least three more ideas I can't wait to get started on...
October 7, 2011
Book Reviewers
I have to send a shout out to book bloggers/reviewers. I recently wrapped up the first leg of my blog tour for my latest series. It was a whirlwind of an experience, but one I learned a lot from and thoroughly enjoyed. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing people and here's what I learned:
1) These reviewers are serious about what they do and it shows. Their sites are well done, professional, and reader friendly. Don't visit their sites unless you want your TBR pile to grow exponentially. Yeah, they're that good.
2) They're honest. Every writer wants a great review. But I appreciate the negative ones just as much as the great ones because they're honest. Reviewers have to write a fair review, and it might not always be what an author wants to hear. However, these sites are geared toward readers, not writers. It's not an easy task, and I have to give them props for it.
3) They're gracious and fun. The few I did interviews with were a blast. They all asked at least one question that made me laugh, or made me think hard. The guest posts were fun because I was forced to be creative in a different way than I'm used to. All of them had amazing followers that were a joy to interact with. It's not easy to build a community like that, but they have.
4) They rock. They offer their time to read and review books. I imagine it can occasionally be thankless. As a writer, I appreciate the reviews--good, bad or ugly. I've seen writers rant and rave online about a bad review. So unprofessional, by the way. But a review is an opinion. How can you argue with that? They've donated their time, which we all know is a precious commodity.
These amazing reviewers read multiple books per week. Whether they love them or hate them, I can appreciate the time they took out of their busy lives to make those reviews available to potential readers. They help build relationships between readers and authors, and that's priceless (from an author's AND reader's perspective). So I offer my heartfelt thanks to book bloggers everywhere, and especially the bloggers who were generous enough to review my book and host me at their blog (in no particular order):
Bad Ass Book ReviewsPaperback Dolls ParajunkeeOne Book Shy of a Full ShelfBook BoostRomance JunkiesInside of a DogFresh FictionBewitched BookwormsThe QwilleryFang-tastic BooksOther Worlds of RomanceHeather Book Savvy BabeNight Owl RomanceLiterary EscapismHappily Ever After ReadsLouisa BacioLove To Read For FunFor What It's WorthAll Things Urban FantasySizzling Hot BooksA Bookworm's HavenRead on, my friends.
1) These reviewers are serious about what they do and it shows. Their sites are well done, professional, and reader friendly. Don't visit their sites unless you want your TBR pile to grow exponentially. Yeah, they're that good.
2) They're honest. Every writer wants a great review. But I appreciate the negative ones just as much as the great ones because they're honest. Reviewers have to write a fair review, and it might not always be what an author wants to hear. However, these sites are geared toward readers, not writers. It's not an easy task, and I have to give them props for it.
3) They're gracious and fun. The few I did interviews with were a blast. They all asked at least one question that made me laugh, or made me think hard. The guest posts were fun because I was forced to be creative in a different way than I'm used to. All of them had amazing followers that were a joy to interact with. It's not easy to build a community like that, but they have.
4) They rock. They offer their time to read and review books. I imagine it can occasionally be thankless. As a writer, I appreciate the reviews--good, bad or ugly. I've seen writers rant and rave online about a bad review. So unprofessional, by the way. But a review is an opinion. How can you argue with that? They've donated their time, which we all know is a precious commodity.
These amazing reviewers read multiple books per week. Whether they love them or hate them, I can appreciate the time they took out of their busy lives to make those reviews available to potential readers. They help build relationships between readers and authors, and that's priceless (from an author's AND reader's perspective). So I offer my heartfelt thanks to book bloggers everywhere, and especially the bloggers who were generous enough to review my book and host me at their blog (in no particular order):
Bad Ass Book ReviewsPaperback Dolls ParajunkeeOne Book Shy of a Full ShelfBook BoostRomance JunkiesInside of a DogFresh FictionBewitched BookwormsThe QwilleryFang-tastic BooksOther Worlds of RomanceHeather Book Savvy BabeNight Owl RomanceLiterary EscapismHappily Ever After ReadsLouisa BacioLove To Read For FunFor What It's WorthAll Things Urban FantasySizzling Hot BooksA Bookworm's HavenRead on, my friends.
September 26, 2011
Bring on the Banned Books
Happy Banned Books Week! It's a fun week to celebrate. Hundreds of books are challenged every year. The people who challenge these books crack me up and piss me off. By challenging books, they only bring more exposure to them. And they also show how narrow-minded, controlling, scared, and... Okay, I'll stop there, but you get my point.
The American Library Association has a page devoted to Banned Books Week. Check it out here. You can see frequently challenged books sorted by year or decade. I'm sure you'll be as shocked as I was to see some of your favorites on the list.
I'm going to try to read one banned book a week through the end of the year. Every one of those books was created from blood, sweat, and tears. The writers poured a part of their souls into those words, and for someone to challenge their right to be on the shelf is beyond my comprehension. The only thing you or I can do is read the books. Savor the words. If the book could be considered inflammatory, be thankful. That writer had the nerve to write from the heart and say what needed to be said. When you're done, recommend the book to friends.
For me, this issue has nothing to do with freedom of speech. It has everything to do with the right to read whatever the hell I want to. Every reader has a different experience when reading a book. You might hate it, I might love it. How dare someone try to take that literary adventure away from another?
I'll step off my soap box now, but I implore you to read a banned book. Know that the story contained in those pages was powerful enough to scare someone into challenging it. You deserve the chance to experience that for yourself.
What's your favorite banned book?
The American Library Association has a page devoted to Banned Books Week. Check it out here. You can see frequently challenged books sorted by year or decade. I'm sure you'll be as shocked as I was to see some of your favorites on the list.
I'm going to try to read one banned book a week through the end of the year. Every one of those books was created from blood, sweat, and tears. The writers poured a part of their souls into those words, and for someone to challenge their right to be on the shelf is beyond my comprehension. The only thing you or I can do is read the books. Savor the words. If the book could be considered inflammatory, be thankful. That writer had the nerve to write from the heart and say what needed to be said. When you're done, recommend the book to friends.
For me, this issue has nothing to do with freedom of speech. It has everything to do with the right to read whatever the hell I want to. Every reader has a different experience when reading a book. You might hate it, I might love it. How dare someone try to take that literary adventure away from another?
I'll step off my soap box now, but I implore you to read a banned book. Know that the story contained in those pages was powerful enough to scare someone into challenging it. You deserve the chance to experience that for yourself.
What's your favorite banned book?
