Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 96

Guess Who Has A Cover?

ME!!! Okay, wow, that was dorky :) Still, I'm stoked. And I hope you will be too, come Monday on my big reveal!

There will be a contest, too, don't you worry! I'm thinking a book of your choice--now doesn't that sound nice? If you'll help me spread the word about Colors Like Memories, pretty please!

Monday is the day!!

The Author Moment

Small confession here: I don't tell a lot of people at home that I'm a writer. Aside from a few friends and coworkers, I don't think many people know about it. I try to avoid talking about it. I get kind of embarrassed when I try to explain what my book's about. Why this is, I don't know, but I'd guess it has something to do with being a rather private person, and hoping to avoid people looking at me like I'm a little more nuts than they already do.

To get even more personal, I had a really fun afternoon this past summer getting together with some girls I went to high school with. My old girl scout troop. Yeah, I was nerdy enough to be a scout all the way through school :) I had some wonderful friends in the troop and it was a great experience. Anyhow, we had a little reunion, and when it was my turn to say what I'd been up to for the past 10 years, I gave my little spiel and casually threw in that my book was coming out this May. Everyone stared at me, and finally one of the more vocal girls in the group went something along the lines of "Well, way to make us all feel great!" Yeah, I felt like a real dork. So I have kind of kept my mouth shut in my close circles.

Anyhow, the point of this post, is to note that I really think I've been ridiculously stupid. Hello! I've worked my a$$ off to become a published author. I've had my share of tears, frustration, and deleting every last writing file off my hard-drive (oh yeah, I've done it!). And maybe because I've spent the last month in a new country, meeting new people, I've been proud to tell them that I'm an AUTHOR. My book is going to be published. I am stoked about this beyond all belief.

And it's felt pretty damn good :)

So, has anyone else experienced the Author Moment? The moment when you tell someone else that "hell yeah, I write books!" and really felt that awesome sense of pride in what you've accomplished? Because, really, I'm feeling it, and it's pretty dang nice.

(Oh, and just as a little note, I'm going to be running a contest here soon, with some super exciting NEWS that may or may not having to do with a lovely cover--stay tuned!)

Balancing the social network balance beam

The ability to keep up with my writing, my life in general, and continue working toward the release of Colors Like Memories has become an increasing struggle in the last little while. It seems that there just aren't enough hours in the day. And I'm not even working, nor do I have children! So how do you manage to find time to work on getting the word out there--basically platform building--and still keep your sanity?

Really, I'm asking! Anyone have any good ideas?

So far, these are a few of the things I've been attempting to do in order to keep myself from going a little nuts, and still find the time to do things with hubby:

1. Limit the blog reading. My google reader is out of control. Really. I have a goal to comment on two new blogs every day (other than the ones of my friends that I try to always visit). I do apologize if I haven't made it around to everyone's blog recently, but this could easily become another job if I allowed it to! I love reading blogs, and it's too easy to do it all day long :)

2. Twitter. Okay, this one's WAY too easy to let get out of control. I let myself read through about a page worth's of tweets. My main thing to read is comments from writing buddies, and then look for things I can re-tweet. I try not to read everything. It would take hours.

3. Facebook. So far, I really only update my page on Sundays. This is mainly for family, too, so I don't feel as much pressure to keep on top of it. Usually a quick scan in the morning catches me up (the time difference between here and the States makes things easier this way). I'll be adding a Colors page when I get my cover, then all this will go out the window...

4. Everything else. Goodreads. Tumblr. It's on a as-needed basis. I don't mess around with it much. I have auto-updaters set up that spread my posts here on blogger to as many places as I can. (The free services from dlvr.it are amazing. Really, check it out. Took a little to get the kinks worked out, but it was worth it!)

Okay, I could do better. And as time for my release nears, I know I'll be doing LOTS more. But right now, this is my attempt to keep myself working on my next novels and have some fun too :)

Got anything to add about how to balance it all? Love it hear it!!!

Sunday is for Photos! x4

Another week here in the lovely city of Barcelona :) Spring has started to creep in, along with lots of wonderful weather. This past week has been full of more fun adventures, and below are some of the pictures to prove it:
You know you want a gate with a giant dragon on it! I certainly do! This gate was freaking awesome.
A little Gaudi. On a stable. Because he was artistic like that. And it was for the Queen.
A pergola that would just be lovely in my backyard. Now, if only I had a backyard...
That sign is really necessary. Totally. 
More dragon gate. I'm taking pics so someday when I'm rich I'll have a copy made for the gate to my estate. It will roar too, and possibly breathe fire. 
We made a relaxing trip to the Botanical Gardens today and I loved this tree. Those are its roots!
Spring is here! Can you find the bee?
Okay, so hubby tool these, but I had to post them. They are just too beautiful!
Pretty!
Christopher Columbus. He's not pointing in the right direction (well, at least for the Americas).
I have a confession: I adore graffiti. Like, I have massive amounts of pictures of it from all over. It's just too interesting! And I liked this guy :)
This is the most epic one I've found in terms of "graffiti". This is a squatter's house (has anyone seen that SNL skit about the squatters? Classic!), and the art outside never fails to get me to stop and stare.
I've posted pics of this tower before, but we finally managed to catch it lit up at night. Cool, right? I hope I'm not overdoing the photos. They're just fun to share :) Hope you all have a wonderful week!

The Day Job

I seem to get some of the most interesting responses from people when I explain what I study. It's generally a mix between awe and repulsion :) At any rate, I decided today was a day to post about it, just for fun! Also, because I thought I'd open up the question I posted about here once again--namely, do you have any anthropology/genetics/forensics/archaeology questions you want answered? I'm your woman!

Anyhow, my doctorate is technically in anthropology. Now, the study of humans is generally broken down into two main areas (well, 4, but let's not be all Boasian, okay?)--physical anthropology and socio-cultural anthropology. This can be roughly (and I do mean roughly) divided into studying living people (socio-cultural) and studying dead people & human origins (physical). I'm a molecular anthropologist, which means I study people through looking at their DNA and am firmly in the physical anthro side of things. Namely, I study ancient DNA, or the DNA of people that have died a long time ago. Think, like 1000 years or more.  Some much longer, some a few hundred years more current. My dissertation was based on people that lived around 1k years ago though, so that's a pretty rough estimate of what I do.

Have you heard about the sequencing of the Neanderthal genome? That's molecular anthropology. We're cool like that.

Are you thinking about Jurassic Park yet? That's always the first question I get asked (which generally leads to my long-assed answer as to why that will never happen--I'll spare you :). Anyhow, what I really do basically is tedious and careful, and involves a life-long complex about introducing modern, contaminating DNA into a sample. Basically, archaeologists (which is what I did my undergraduate research in, and spent a few years working as professionally) occasionally dig up dead people. I am not going to get into whether this is right or wrong here--though that's an ongoing argument. Anyhow, they usually send me a tiny piece of the remains, like a tooth or bone. I get the DNA out and compare it to other samples to see what it looks like in comparison to other individuals and other populations. I look at things like migrations, family relationships, social structure, etc. etc. It sounds a lot cooler than it usually ends up being--at least to the outside observer.

No matter what, my academic life involves a lot of time in a small room working very carefully with small amounts of clear liquid. It allows me a lot of time to let my mind wander a bit (things can get pretty rote at times--think of loading a tiny drop of the same liquid into 96 little tubes). I love it, oddly, but it also gives me some mental space to think about my stories. And that combo is perfect for me.

Constance Brennan from BonesEven though, I am regularly told that I remind people of her:
(The random simalarities are kind of disturbing, actually. Bah. I, at least, have better social skills. I hope.)

Someday I will write a story that incorporates my academic life. Someday. And I'll wish I could do half as well as Kathy Reich :) Until then, that's what I do!

Tell me, what about your day job helps you with your writing? Anything? Nothing? Something in between?

Tagged and other fun

Okay, I know I'm not alone in totally dying from excitement when I came across the news that JK Rowling is writing an adult book. I'm seriously praying for a Harry Potter world book, but I doubt that's what it'll be. No matter what, I'll be waiting in line at midnight to pick it up!


In other fun, I was tagged again by the awesome C. Lee McKenzie over at The Write Game (have you read Sliding on Edge or Princes of Las Pulgas? Lovely!). Here are her questions:



1. What's the best part of reading a book you love?>Finishing it and turning it over to start again :)
2. What book(s) have stayed in your head?>A Wrinkle in Time, the Fallen series, and many many others. I have a randomly decent memory for books (wish I could say that about where I left my keys), so many books stick with me.
3. If you could write one book only, what would the main character be like?>One book only?? Yikes! Okay, honestly, I have no idea. Shy and quiet, probably?
4. What book(s) do you love to read to your kids?>Umm, no kids. Yet. 
5. Do you ever read books aloud to others?>Yes, all the time to hubby. He likes being read to. We've read a lot of books together that way, the best probably being Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
6. Do you like discussing books with others?>One of my favorite things to do! Hubby reads very different things from me generally, which is why I like to blog about books I read :)
7. If you hate a book, do keep reading anyway or put it away?>Depends. Most of the time I keep reading (and if it's for a review, I always do too), but there have been a few I've just had to put down.
8. What kind of books do you like best? Sci-fi, Realistic, Historical Fiction, Biography, other.>YA paranormal and UF. I think I could read books in this genre forever.
9. Are you transitioning into the digital age with a Kindle or a Nook or a I-Pad? Or are you sticking with those hard copies? Do you mix it up?>I have a kindle and an iPad. I still read paper copies (because I can find them cheaper sometimes), but because I couldn't drag a ton of books along with me while I'm abroad, I'm exclusively digital right now.
10. How much do covers influence your buying a book?>A lot more than I'd like to admit. They can make or break a purchase for me. Which is prob why I'm so nervous about mine!
11. Any new books you'd recommend?>Umm, this is something that I could do for ages. Lots and lots. Just read! That's my motto! 
Okay, I'm supposed to tag some other people, but I'm always really crappy about doing that. Dumb, I know. Anyone want to be tagged? LOL! 

Book Covers

No, I don't have mine, yet! It's been on my mind a whole lot lately, though, which means I've been wandering around the net looking at images. Not that I get a whole lot of say in what will be chosen, but that hasn't kept me from wasting a lot of time enjoying some wonderful shots people have taken!

My personal favorites lately have been from Vania's Life Captures. Check her out on her website, or on flickr--sooo many fun ones to look at! I have a whole bunch posted on my Pinterest board here, too :) (Wait, do you Pinterest? Holy crap do I spend a lot of time on there--it's awesome!)

Just as a treat, here's what I've been ogling over lately:
[image error] [image error] [image error] I'm going to have to order a print of this or something when I get home--it's like Julia and Derek come to life. Holy freak, it's almost creepy!


Anyhow, this brings me to a question: I've been watching online for many of the Cover Reveals that go on for forthcoming books. Many include little contests, blog-fests, things that require many blogs to visit, etc. And I'm wondering--do you as a reader enjoy these things? Do you click around for all the hints and such? I mean, I might do this for a book that I'm really, really looking forward to coming out. But for one that I don't know much about, well, to be honest, I probably won't. Which leaves me wondering what I should do for when I finally get my cover. Do I create something big and fun with other bloggers? Do I do a giveaway here on my blog? There are many options, and I'm wondering what works best for someone like me with a small release coming out.
So I'm curious, what works for you in a cover reveal? What doesn't? What have you seen that totally wow-ed you? Inquiring minds wish to know!

First Campaign Challenge!

I so adore these challenges--they are super fun! Go check out Rach's blog post here to see all the rules, and to click to other's posts. In a nutshell, we're supposed to write a flash-fiction piece that starts with "Shadows crept across the wall"--200 words. My post below is exactly 200 words, and managed to end in "Everything faded". Hope you enjoy!


Shadows crept across the wall between the spears of light through the blinds. Outside, the break of waves on the shore mingled with the cry from seagulls. It was one of those mornings that should herald a day to fill memories. But today's memories, whatever they might be, would not be ones I'd wish to keep.
A hand on my shoulder signaled it was time to rise. With reluctant steps, I made my way to the deck overlooking the water.
"Just ten minutes?" I asked.
His answer was a soft smile.
My feet dug into the cool sand as I walked, gritty between my toes. The water caught me, once, freezing cold. I returned to the deck with many long looks over my shoulder.
"Ready?" His deep voice had become so familiar, loved. I hated that I'd never hear it again.
A half-hearted shrug, and we both settled into the Adirondack's.
I took one last look of the sea, willing the image to imprint on my mind, before closing my eyes.  A tug, a gasp, and I was free. Behind me, so peaceful she might have been sleeping, was the young woman I'd been and was leaving behind. Everything faded. 
Thanks for stopping by! I'll be dropping by blogs throughout the contest, too!

Sunday is for Photos! x3

Guess who managed to hack her way through her WIP this week and send it off to her betas?? Oh yes, that would be me! I'm super happy about this, too, can you tell? Granted, this is what I looked like for most of the week:
Wow is this an attractive look for me or what?Anyhow, we did do quite a few other fun things this week. The main one was visit the city of Tarragona, which is outside of Barcelona about an hour by train. The city was the one-time seat of the Roman Empire, so I was super excited to see the ruins there. (Hey, I'm a physical anthropologist, I gotta get my jollies somehow!) So anyhow, here are a few of the fun things we saw: A small Colosseum! How cool is that? And right on the beach!
I love this shot--the seating in the Colosseum, and a palm tree. 
It's kind of hard to see here (dang it, I soo wish I had my photoshop on my laptop!) but this couple started fighting in the middle of the ruins. Cracked me up and had to snap a shot!
This is from underneath the Circus, or where they used to hold the horse races. Think Ben Hur :)
It's Carnival time here in the city, which means lots of random people dressed up. These were some of favs--not the best pic, but you can kind of get the idea. 
I managed to get a lot of pics of this guy with the wings (hubby was mad I didn't get as many of the scantily clad woman, haha!). Anyhow, it was fun to see him wandering down the street with those!
Look closely at the child's headgear :)
Okay, I really hope my pics aren't too boring for you all. I've been having a great time here, checking things out and just want to share!
What's going on with everyone??

Tagged!

I've been tagged! The delightful Hannah Hale posted a few questions for me to answer--thankfully only three! (Go check her blog--she's funny!)


1. Favorite traditionally published and indie books you've read?> I always have such a hard time picking favorites! I love so many books :) But off the top of my head, I adore A Wrinkle In Time by Madeline L'Engle (I've read it like a hundred times and it never gets old!). I'm also a huge fan of the Lauren Kate Fallen series (angels, in general, I enjoy--hmm, can't imagine why... :). As for Indy books, I've loved a lot of those too, and I have about a million on my kindle that I'm slowly making my way through. Again, off the top of my head: Etherel & Untraceable have been super fun reads!2. All of you are regular bloggers and Tweeters and writers. How do you balance social media and writing time?>I don't sleep. Okay, not really. I do. A lot. I love sleep. But other than that, I just have to make time. I actually don't watch any TV, except for the occasional movie (and Tosh.O, which I'm really embarrassed to admit). It comes down to making time for what you love! 3. If you could pick anyone as a writing partner, who would it be (and why)?>Anyone??? Eeep. I adore my writing partners that I have. They are SO awesome. And helpful! I could gush for a while here. But, if by some miracle I could have Madelina L'Engle alive and well to help me with my writing, that would be pretty dang awesome!Okay, my time to tag...and I'm really bad at doing this! I'm going to do a shout-out to my blogging critique buddies: (And if you want to be included, let me know!)Tara (http://divawriter.livejournal.com)Jaye Robbin Brown (http://jayerobinbrown.blogspot.com)Jeanne Ryan (http://jeanneryan.com/)Pam (https://twitter.com/#!/Pam_Vickers)(Crap, I'm missing people, but don't know what links to post!)Anyhow, my questions, blatantly stolen from Hannah's post:1. You're stranded on an island that has plenty of food and water, but no electricity or way to contact the outside world. But you have one object of your choice with you. What is it? 2. Which do you like more, Facebook or Twitter? 3. Coffee or tea?4. Pick one word to describe yourself with. 5. If you had one wish, what would it be? (PS: no fair wishing for more wishes)
Have fun!