Jami Gray's Blog, page 13
January 14, 2016
Taking a Chance is Worth it, right? #amwriting #newproject
*brushing off the cracker crumbs and washing out the wine glass* Now that I’ve finished with my pity party, time to get to work. As I wait for official release dates from my publisher for the PSY-IV Team’s TOUCHED BY FATE and MARKED BY OBSESSION, I prepare to embark upon a new project and take a chance on something new.
Funny thing about writers, we have TONS of stories floating around in our heads. Now some of us are completely enthralled by one, overwhelming world and can craft book after book in our universe. Others tend to juggle multiple realities, twining their readers into whichever realm they love best. Whether we write stand alone titles, single series, or multiple series, stories are continually luring us astray with their siren songs of inspiration.
As much as I love both my Kyn world and my PSY-IV Team world, there is a third cast of characters persistently trying to gain my attention (and, if I’m completely honest, a fourth, but I digress). I’ve managed to put it off for the last couple of years, determined to meet the demands of Raine and company or Delacourt’s team, but now I find myself needing the challenge of creating a third series.
I can hear you asking me why would I do this to myself?
Well, because…
Because, as a writer, my goal is to tell the best story ever. To do that, I have to continually challenge myself and my skills. Can’t break new ground if I don’t explore, right? This is part of exploring–my abilities and my imagination.
The Kyn Kronicles were born because I wanted to write, and I had a great idea for a kick-ass heroine and world full of magic. Viola-SHADOW’S EDGE and SHADOW’S SOUL were written. Yet, when I sat down to write SHADOW’S MOON, I knew it was time to kick things up a notch, so I decided to change which character the book focused on. Mainly because Xander and Warrick’s story was vital to the overall arc, and because Raine and Gavin deserved some semi-stress free happy alone time. It was heavier on the romance than the first two, but it needed to be. SHADOW’S CURSE sank vicious talons into my psyche and refused to let go. It caused a great amount of arguments because writing Natasha’s story wasn’t easy. She was a character readers loved to hate, but our Demon Queen was much more than a manipulative beauty–there were reasons to her madness. Even more shocking was how intertwined Mulcahy’s story was with hers, and where things went.
The PSY-IV Teams came together because of my love of Romantic Suspense and the paranormal. Oh, and the fact I wanted to give writing in first person point of view a shot. I nixed the concept of magic and replaced it with paranormal abilities. Stir in the personality types that step up to protect others and you find yourself immersed in some serious character motivation and conflict. This cast, from Cyn and Kayden, to Tag and Risia, and Wolf and Meli, they have no qualms dragging me over hell and back, touching on uncomfortable realities, and emerging on the other side, scarred and strong.
I’ve spent five years weaving magic, mystery, suspense, paranormal, and romance. I’ve loved every single minute of it, but like everything, change is inevitable. Hence the desire to take on a new project. This time my challenge is a bit different, there’s still intrigue, blood, love, emotional upheaval, political machinations, murder, betrayal, and love, but it’s all set in a very different reality than what I’ve explored so far, and there is no magic or paranormal abilities to be found.
For the next few months, I’ll craft this story, hone it, and hopefully, come early summer, begin to peddle it out to agents and publishers. A scary endeavor, but a necessary one for any writer because every new project we do, is like stepping off the edge of the Grand Canyon–frightening, heart-pounding, and damn near fatally exciting. We may crash and burn, or light up the sky in a brilliant display, either way, we tried!
January 7, 2016
Motivation? Where forth art thou? #newyear #newproject
Damn, would you look at that? 2016 is here and 2015 is beating feet down the road in search of a beach and an umbrella drink. Kind of wish I was tagging along. I’m not ready for this new year, not by a long shot.
Don’t get me wrong, I have a list (a loooonnnnggg list) of things I’d like to accomplish in this daunting New Year, but I find myself reluctant to get to work. I can’t blame my lack of motivation on any one thing, but could maybe nick it with a few items if I tried. Pinpointing the reasons behind my blah-humbugs isn’t going to fix it. Is that going to stop me from listing them?
Nope.
I finished the third PSY-IV Team book, MARKED BY OBSESSION, the first week of December and sent it off to my lovely editor. What followed after is what writers refer to as Post Traumatic Writing Syndrome. Seriously, it’s a thing. When the story is done, and your character has met whatever end you set for them, there is this adrenaline spike followed by a serious letdown that swoops in and manhandles your emotional stability to the ground, administers a few well-placed kicks and walks away laughing, while you’re curled up into a ball relearning how to breathe. To put it mildly, it sucks, big time,
When I finally uncurled, it was just in time to begin the whirlwind of holiday festivities. Never a fun thing for me to begin with as I’m an introvert by nature. This means, I need a least a week to prepare myself for the storm of social interaction required to share the joy of the holidays with loved ones near and far. This time, the week was spent curled into the ball mentioned above, so prep time was null and void.
Now that the holidays are laying rubber on asphalt and their taillights zipping down the road, I find myself standing at the threshold of new year, eyeing my to-do list and wondering if there’s still a chance to catch 2015 and stow away in its carry-on.
Yeah, I didn’t think so…
December 31, 2015
New Year’s Here! #newyear
The New Year is coming! The New Year is coming!
You ready for this?
Yeah, I’m not sure I am either. Have another eggnog and I’ll see you on the other side!
December 24, 2015
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! #christmas
Merry Christmas, Everyone! (giving virtual hug)
(I’m not really “here”, I’m enjoying some serious cuddle time with my Prankster Duo, Fur Minxes, and Knight in Slightly Muddy Armor. May you get a chance to do the same with your loved ones near and far!)
December 17, 2015
Gifting “Thank You” #freeread #holidays
Tis the season to express gratitude and love, and I wanted to make sure I took time this year to let each of you know how much I appreciate you, your comments, your follows, your shares, and just you in general.
A writer may craft in solitude, but they can’t flourish without the support of readers and friends, and I’m no different. Besides story creation, one of the things I love about being a writer, is discovering new people who are just as passionate about the craft and the end results. Yep, I can completely nerd out when I get going on voice or character motivation or one of those, “did you read ?” conversation starters.
There are so many good books out there, I’m not sure I’ll ever have enough time to catch up on my leaning tower of TBR titles, but I’m going to give it my best. And to be sure I spread a little joy of my own during this season of giving, I want to give you a free electronic copy of your choice of my titles. Just leave me your name and preference in the comments, and I’ll get you on my gift list. And if you’re interested in future gifts, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter, sometimes surprises are included! Plus, I only send it out twice a year in order not to make your inbox explode.
My only request: should you fall in love with my writing, share the love and let your friends know, because we all need leaning towers of To Be Read titles next to where we lay our heads down to sleep and dream!
Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and wishing you all a wonderful, joyful holiday season!
Jami
December 10, 2015
Share the Joy #positivenews
In need of a little positivity today, so I’m going to share links to stories which reveal that the flame of hope has not been snuffed out by the looming cloud of senseless negativity that can’t seem to catch a clue and go home.
For the musically inclined, this story is about sharing our art and in New Orleans, Trombone Shorty is doing just that:
This one is close to my heart. Gloria Campos took a chance on doing a news segment that became known as “Wednesday’s Child” and managed to find homes for those kids who were stuck in foster care because they were deemed “too old” for adoption.
This one hit home for me because, well, Nathan Gerger is a tattoo artist and as much as love these guys, they tend to get a bad rap. Nathan is an example of why you should never judge anyone by their covers:
And in an issue that is hitting a majority of us, Jaime is proof that the spirit of giving is there, despite overwhelming medical disabilities and financial straits. I would like to think most of us have this same spirit—we will strive to serve others to the best of our ability. It isn’t always about the cash you can give, but something more important—your time and service:
Because I’m a mom to growing teenage boys, I found this article particularly hopeful. In fact, it goes to show that the next generation may be the best of us. Brothers, Yazan and Nabil, are positive examples of our youth. Remember them when the world is spinning in chaos and fear.
If you have positive stories you’ve discovered recently, please share. Let’s light up the season with love and tolerance to beat back the crowding shadows.
December 3, 2015
Surviving November #holidayprep #survivingNANO
For those who are interested, I did survive November. Not just the adjustment to a new job-that-pays-the-bills, but the whole stuffed-bird-family-invasion aspect and, because I didn’t have enough stress, the carnage of NANO. Which reminds me, huge congrats to all who participated and managed to carve out words this past month. Whether you won or not, YOU FRICKIN’ ROCK!
Yep, although I started out vehemently against doing NANO this year, I was sucked in with big puppy dog eyes (that would be my RWA chapter intent on word domination) and wanting to make one of my editors very, VERY happy. We finished the challenge at just over 56K. Since the third installment of the PSY-IV Teams began November as a toddler, it will graduate with honors in December. In fact, if all goes as planned this weekend, it will be wearing the crown of “FINISHED” by Sunday night. Then I shall proceed to add a bit of shiny and nudge it along to the welcoming hands of my editor.
Only then shall I be able to sit back, take a deep breath, wrap some gifts, plan a few get togethers, catch up on recorded shows, devour as many TBR titles as possible until I threaten to “pop” (per image below), and basically wallow in the season of holiday cheer.
Once I surface from that, I’ll began a new project that I’ve been oh-so-anxious to do, and hopefully I’ll manage to stay submerged for the next five to six months. Never fear, I’m not leaving you all hanging. I’m hoping to get a release date for PSY-IV Teams #2, aka TOUCHED BY FATE, and a cover to share. If I’m a really good girl, maybe my editor may give me a discreet head nod to get PSY-IV Teams #3, aka MARKED BY OBSESSION, a late 2016 release date.
So I’m curious, my lovely followers, what are you doing, who are you seeing, where are you going, or what are your plans as you burrow in for the holidays?
November 26, 2015
Unexpected Blessings #gratitude #life
Stop waving that diaper around, I’m not expecting one of those blessings. Sheesh, I’m still trying to figure out how to finish the last two projects I was sent. I’m talking about those blessing we don’t realize are blessings until after the fact.
After a difficult challenging year, I decided to take a moment to count my unexpected blessings, because when they first arrived, they were not greeted with Joy and Enthusiasm, more like they were met at the door by Worry. Worry is a nice enough guy, but he can do a real number on you, your confidence, and your outlook.
So here goes the countdown:
Quick review of events leading to our countdown. We lost Mr. Garden Gnome (our dad/dad-in-law/granddad) to the evil minions of cancer. Three weeks later Knight was involved in a car accident, he luckily walked away from but it left our steel steed in unfixable pieces. Three weeks, one day later we lost our faithful Hellhound after 11 beautiful years. Three weeks after that, Knight, Prankster Due and I moved into our humble abode, while Mrs. Garden Gnome moved in with our Herbalist Sisters. And three months later, after 18 years with a specific company, my position became the victim of a “workforce reduction”. Time to hook up with Worry.
UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS:
Knight and I realized that we could indeed scale back and still maintain the lifestyle our Prankster Duo is now accustomed to, while providing the little things we didn’t want them to lose. This required a bit more forethought and planning, but was completely doable.
This served as a reminder that my self-worth should not be tied to a paycheck. Regardless if you earn a regular financial deposit, a mother and wife and self-employed business person is worth their weight in much more than gold.
Time management should not be taken for granted, and that hour you decided you have, tends to bring friends like two, three and four and before you know it, you’re day is filled. Being busy is a good thing, but being too busy is not, which leads to…
Taking time to talk to your mini-you’s is hugely important, and do it while you can, because soon they will be out on their own adult adventure and you’ll wonder why you didn’t take five minutes to discuss their idea of why socialism might not be such a bad idea in today’s government, or why does the female half of the population have to act silly around the male half they’re trying to impress. Don’t they get that the male half will be impressed if they’re honest about being smart? (Yep, I had some very enlightening conversations with my Prankster Duo during the last eight months. Some serious, some silly, each one you couldn’t pay me enough to miss.)
You re-learn to appreciate the simplest things, especially when everything around you feels as if it’s spinning out of control. Remember to breathe. Remember to try, because whether you fail or succeed, at least you tried and that’s better than never attempting it.
I decided to pursue an opprotunity I would never attempt if I had not found myself with time on my hands. Wicked Dragon Writer Solutions was born and is still growing, and I learned just how much I enjoyed editing and helping other writers.
We were rescued by our beautiful and lovely Fur Minxes, who brought the fur love back to our home. There is joy in being rescued by an animal, when you get two, it’s double the love.
You’re never too old to learn something new. Something I discovered when I published my collection of short stories all by my lonesome. However, the flip side of this lesson: I am eternally grateful for my publishing houses and all that they do, because man the amount of things they’re juggling for me and their other authors: mind-blowing.
Changing “day jobs” at the mid-point of your life, is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it may be exactly what you need to move to the next game level of life.
And most important of all, I realized why I adore my Knight unconditionally. There’s a reason your partner is called a “partner”, and their support through all of the ups and downs becomes the foundation you lean on when Worry begins to nag and shift your foundation.
So while trying to identify these unexpected blessings while you’re battling your way through the hazy fog and trying to dodge Worry and his incessant nagging, may be especially hard, stop for a minute and look around. Those little flickers of light through the haze, reach for those, hold them close, because they’ll help you find the path through. Before you know it, you’ll look back and realize you made it.
November 19, 2015
SJ Francis uncovers dangerous family secrets and old betrayals #suspense #giveaway #familysaga
*Warning: today’s excerpt steps into dangerous territory, so before you tread forward, you were warned.
She wants to know the truth, but some secrets might be better left alone…
Kate Thayer has a good life as a veterinarian, running the family horse farm—until she uncovers an act of unimaginable treachery by those she trusted most and learns that everything she knew about herself was a lie. Her paternal grandmother, the woman who raised her, is behind a number of devastating secrets Kate is compelled to discover. But the deeper she digs, the more betrayal she finds, changing her life in ways she could have never foreseen.
EXCERPT:
She knew that bigotry existed, but she had never experienced it quite like this before…
Kate couldn’t say anything for a moment. She was just too astonished. “Wh—what? Excuse me? What you did you say?”
The other boy with brown hair spoke, “Sorry, miss.” He giggled too. “You have to excuse my friend. He’s a little drunk.”
“How old are you two?”
They didn’t look older than eighteen, and had acne breakouts on their cheeks, but she knew better than anyone that looks could be deceiving.
“We’re old enough,” the rude one said.
Sam returned just as the rude one spoke again and pointed, “Hey look, it’s the Jolly Giant Nigger.”
Kate shot to her feet so that she was between Sam and them.
A porter was with Sam. “Is there a problem, miss?”
“Yes,” she said without facing him. “We’d like to change our seat.”
“Of course, Sam asked too. We have another place for you over here, if you both come with me.”
Kate moved to leave. The two young men said nothing, which was a good thing. She swore she could feel her blood boiling in her veins. If they said one more thing…
Sam stood aside to let her exit and then she heard the young man. “Goodbye now, Uncle Tom.” Giggling. “Enjoy your meal, Uncle Tom, so nice to see you.” More giggling. “Dumb nigg—”
He didn’t have a chance to finish. Kate snatched the water glass from the table, threw the water at him, slammed the empty glass down hard on the table directly in front of him, and glared into his eyes. “You disgust me! It’s people like you who have turned this world into shit!”
Get your copy: AMAZON BLACK OPAL BOOKS BARNES & NOBLE KOBO SMASHWORDS
As you can see, SJ fears not the tough topics, so of course, I had to grill poke and prod at what makes her tick. She bravely accepted my challenge (something about not being able to leave until I was satisfied might have had something to do with it). Without further ado, may I present, the magnificent SJ Francis…
If you were to hold a dinner party for six, who would you invite and share at least one question you would have for each?
Hmmn….let’s think on this. Should I be politically correct or push the bar? (push, push) I’m a writer so let’s push the bar as far as I can. For a dinner party, I think I would have to invite Leonardo da Vinci, Genghis khan, Napoleon, Winston Churchill, Idie Amin, and Fidel Castro. I think that would be an interesting assortment of people. Now to the questions….
For the deep thinking, Da Vinci, I’d ask, what do you think man is capable of?
For Genghis Khan, how far do you think you can go?
For Napoleon, If you had conquered Russia, what then?
For Winston Churchill, what if Germany won, then what?
For Idi Amin, what did human flesh taste like? Or, if you want to protect sensitive tummies, Jami, how about, if you ruled today, would you do anything differently? (Never fear, SJ, my followers are a tough batch of cookies, I think they’d be more interested in the culinary aspects.)
For Castro, what do you see in the future for Cuba and the United States?
I’m sure the combined presence of these mixed personalities and responses would heat things up considerably. Don’t you think? (It’d be fun to be a fly with a notepad on the wall!)
As children we tend to have an idea of what we want to be by the time we’re ten. Before you decided to pursue the artistic dream of being a writer, what did you want to be and why?
I wanted to do everything. Of course, that wasn’t realistic. I wanted to become a veterinarian. I love animals and just wanted to help and protect them. Once, I discovered there was too much math and science involved to become one, I knew I had to choose something else, but my love for animals and advocating for them has never waned. (Funny enough, being a vet was one of my choices, until Career Day in eighth grade where a beautiful Shepherd’s hind leg had to be reset. I broke down and couldn’t stay in the room.)
Whether we’re plotters or pantsers (outlines not needed), creating our stories takes us on very memorable journeys. Sometimes we may be part way through before we realize some major aspect of our story is just not working (plot, character, setting). Have you ever hit this sharp, pointy snag and if so, how did you escape? We’re you battered and bruised or a bloody mess?
This happens a great deal to me, but after reviewing and editing and slicing off bits, and chunks, and ending up a bit bloodied and bruised in the process, the story survives stronger and better than it was before. But what a chore it was to get there. Not to mention the endless amount of gauze and tape. Oh my! *fist bump offered*
What is some of the best advice you were ever given?
That’s an easy one. The best advice I was ever given was by the late great Jackie Collins. She had a passion for writing that was contagious and helped me regain my passion for writing when I thought I had lost it. When I needed encouragement the most, she told me, “Keep your writing passion on fore.” Don’t let anything get in the way of your writing.
What is the best advice you can share with others?
I’d like to build on what Jackie Collins told me. Never stop learning. Never stop reading. Never stop writing. If you want to write, just write. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. As long as you believe you can write, you can. Discouragement lurks behind every corner. You are going to want to quit. Don’t. Never give up. Never let fear win. Never. For the day you do, you will give up. Don’t let anything or anyone get in the way of your writing.
Our infamous bullet list is next, and SJ handled it beautifully…
Blades, guns, fists or feet?
For me, it’d be anything I can get my hands on. Pens, pencils, knives, even a fork can be used as a weapon by me.
Favorite Fairy Tale of all time?
The Ugly Duckling.
Three titles and their authors sitting on your nightstand/bookcase/table/floor waiting to be read? Which do you prefer? The ones on the nightstand, bookcase, table or floor?
Let’s go with nightstand. 1)Haunted Britain and Ireland, 2)Agatha Christie-Hercule Poirot Short Stories, again, and 3)Heather Neff’s Leila II: The Moods of the Sea.
Greatest one liner of all time?
“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Because, sometimes, I just really don’t.
Sarcastic witticism, Southern sweetness or Geeky disdain?
I think I’m more Southern sweetness. (Bless your heart…)
Strangest item currently taking up space in your writing cave?
A ceramic egg. According to Fen Shui or something, having an egg in your work space is supposed to be good luck. We’ll see……
Favorite supernatural creature?
I have to say Werewolf. Therewolf? No. Werewolf. I’d like to ask a rotten human try and hurt a werewolf. It’d be interesting. (How about a Direwolf for even more fun IMO.)
To celebrate the launch of SHATTERED LIES, SJ is offering a free book giveaway. To all those who leave a comment during her blog tour at her website, you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a personally autographed paperback copy of her debut novel, Shattered Lies. Two copies are available giving two of you a chance to win. To keep up with her stops on her blog tour please visit her website.
Just leave a comment at her website and drop her a line with “Giveaway” in subject line at:
http://www.sjfranciswriter.com
Be sure to leave a valid, working email address in case you win. Good luck and thanks so much for stopping by. She loves to connect with other authors and readers.
FYI: The drawing will take place at the end of my blog tour on Saturday, December 12, 2015. I will contact the winner at their email address at that time to request your mailing address to send you the printed copy of Shattered Lies.
S.J. Francis is a freelance writer with over three hundred publication credits, a University Lecturer with doctorates in English, Mass Communications, and Law, and most recently, a novelist. Francis writes for many publications, as well as regularly contributing to the local newspaper. Francis’ first novel, Shattered Lies is a women’s fiction/mainstream/family saga novel. In the end, it’s all about family.
You can hunt SJ down at any of the following virtual links:
Website Black Opal Books Amazon Facebook Twitter Goodreads Google+ Pinterest
Blogs:
http://sjfranciswriter.blogspot.com
http://abookreview4u.blogspot.com
http://onefortheanimals.blogspot.com
http://aconsumersview.blogspot.com
