Marta Szemik's Blog, page 6

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Today is the first Wednesday of the month and so comes time for our monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group.

Thank you to our host Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh Every month writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments.

For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer your own words of encouragement and/or assistance.


Time: I've encountered this insecurity before. Over the next three weeks I've planned to publish everything I've wanted so that it's out in time for Christmas/January. The amount of formatting I will be doing over the next few weeks makes me wonder whether I won't run out of time. So far, everything is running smoothly. As long as I don't hit any obstacles I should be able to manage the following:

- format Two Equals for print
- format Evil-Bent: A Two Equals Novella for print and ebook
- format entire series as a book set for ebook
- edit & format 6 short stories under a different pen name for ebook
- format two bundles of short stories
- keep writing

So, you can how Time is of the essence ;) The family has been very supportive and I seem to be finishing all work as planned (at least in the past two weeks). Hopefully, I'll make it.

What are your insecurities today? Are you struggling to make it in time with your work for Christmas rush? Any suggestions on how to handle the pressure?

Family Weekend

Thankfully we didn't get flooded. Some harsh winds our way from Sandy, but nothing compared to what hit NY, NJ and others. Wow! What devastation - mother nature has a way of surprising me all the time.

For the first time in a while I had a very nice weekend.

Meaning, I was able to spend lots of time with the kiddies, hubby, parents and brother in law, and still got work done.

How? I don't really know, but everything worked out so well, I was surprised how much I got done. My wonderful editor also sent me the edits for the fourth book in the series "Evil-Bent: A Two Equals Novella", which means lots of computer time over then next few days. I've already started, and it's going better than I thought.

I'm planning to release the last book in the series beginning of December (or perhaps earlier if all goes well:)


Friday night we watched a movie "The Tall Man".  All I can say is AWESOME! I wasn't sure whether I could watch it in the first 15 minutes because it gave me the feeling of "The Lovely Bones" and I really don't like movies where children get hurt, but this one was way different than I expected.
Amazing ending, lots of emotional turns, and had me guessing for a while. Hubby still doesn't get how I can figure out an ending of such a complicated movie, but I think it goes with the territory of being a writer-it's RARE that I cannot figure out an ending early in the movie. In my opinion it was under rated.


Photo source




What did you do this weekend? Have you seen "The Tall Man"?

Hurricanes

It's grey, dark and wet and it will remain like this for a week!

Blah!

Not liking this weather.

I hope everyone in Sandy's path will keep safe and warm. They're calling it the storm of the century and I'm not liking it. In fact, I'm a bit worried. The area we live in is flood prone so I'm sure there will be a lot of wet basements in the City. Plus 90 km/hr winds Monday and Tuesday - not pretty.

Thankfully, we're quite a bit higher than the river so it's unlikely that it will be bad. My bigger concern is power failure and sump pumps not working, which of course would flood us. We've been able to effectively divert the water away from the house by extending our downspouts and the pump has been quiet the past few big rain falls.

I have purchased a bit more water for the house than usual and stocked up the pantry. Got to get the hubby to prepare some flashlights and candles. Hey, you never know! We've had power outages before (not long ones) It's when you least expect it that it hits you.

I'm sure it would be a great day to write and work but I have to drive 75km this morning (one way) to see a doctor. I'm hoping to be back by noon and miss the biggest winds. Fingers crossed.

Are you in Sandy's path? Have you done anything to prepare?

Did I Notice Your Book Blog Fest

Woot! Woot! It's the day we break up the blogosphere and choose a book that caught our eye, tweet about it (#noticebook), FB about it, give a big shout out to another author and see if they find their book. A big thank you to our hosts, Alex J. Cavanaugh and Ciara Knight for organizing this event. Make sure you stop by their blog to say Hello :)





My  choice for today is Angel in the Storm, Book 2 in Lisa Grace's Angel series. I found Lisa's Books on KindleBoards and I've kept my eye out on the series for a long time now. This book is a must read for me just because of its cover. I'm planning to dive into the series over Christmas:)  It captivates and engages. Here's the Amazon Link and the blurb:

Fifteen-year-old Megan's younger brother Max has been kidnapped by Judas, an evil angel, who has sold him to a human trafficking ring working out of New Orleans. Judas is determined to destroy Max’s soul.
Framed for Max's murder, Megan, along with the help of Johnny who is a good angel, and her friends, must stay one step ahead of the police and an approaching hurricane in an attempt to save Max before it's too late.
In his ultimate quest to conquer Megan, Judas leaves a trail of death and offers her an impossible choice. Will Megan sacrifice herself for those she loves?

Lisa, if you find your book here, let us know how you found it in the comments. For a full list of participants click here.

What do you think? Does Angel in the Storm catch your eye? Would you buy this book?

Two Equals

Did anyone else hold their breath this Sunday when  Felix Baumgartner did his freefall? We were watching the even live as a whole family and it really felt like we were watching history happen. Wow! Just wow! I had my heart in my throat and cried when I saw his emotional mom watching her son.

As promised, following is the blurb for Two Equals. The novel is now available on Amazon and Kobo. All other retailers coming soon. Enjoy!

Aseret, the demon lord of the underworld, is rebuilding his army to take over the world. When half-breed vampires Sarah Mitchell and her husband William learn that the demon lord sees their three-year-old twins as a threat to his plans, they and their shapeshifter friends must train the supernatural kids to prepare them for an inevitable encounter against Aseret. 
But more is required of Sarah; she relinquishes her body to a witch—the one who stole it before...or is it the same witch? Now working as a ghost so she can roam the ghost realm in search of Aseret’s accomplice, she must find the evil witch before time runs out to reclaim her body, and Aseret kidnaps the children. But reconnecting to her body may be more difficult than Sarah expected. 
After all, there’s only space for one soul in a body.






This Wednesday I'm participating in a very cool Blog Hop hosted by Alex J.Cavanaugh and Ciara Knight titled: Did I Notice Your Book. I already have my victim author picked out. I was drawn to the books as soon as I saw it. I hope you can join me. It will be a fun day!







Did you see Felix freefall? What did you do this past weekend?

Cover Reveal

I apologize for my recent absence. Life has a way of mangling my schedule, but I think it's that way for everyone.

I'm excited to share with you the cover for my third novel in the Two Halves Series: Two Equals. The title will be officially released on Monday, October 15th on Amazon, Smashwords and Kobo. The rest of the distributors should have it available within a couple of weeks. Blurb coming this Monday :) This is so far my favorite book in the series.




What do you think?

Insecure Writer's Support Group

Today is the first Wednesday of the month and so comes time for our monthly Insecure Writer's Support Group.

Thank you to our host Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh Every month writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments.

For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer your own words of encouragement and/or assistance.


I love to be inspired. As a big fan of survivor I was interested in seeing Jeff Probst's new talk show that began in September and it didn't disappoint. The gist of the show is finding that moment in your life where you say "That's it. Today I'm going to make a change. This, is my adventure. I control my destiny."

I hope you can take a moment and watch the show. You'll know what I mean in the first five minutes.
 
The reason I write about the show today is because I hope my words today can inspire someone else (and as insecure writers, we all need inspiration) and because I think many writers make a decision to follow their dream or make a change in their life, just like the guests of the show - at least I did. I remember the exact day I decided to write. It hasn't been an easy road, but definitely very gratifying. I feel fortunate to be able to do what I love and hope I can continue writing for a long time.

I listen to the guests of Jeff's show and most of the time, I cannot believe they make such difficult decisions seem so simple. They are amazing in so many ways. Each one decides to have a new outlook on life. Whether to live in a new city (or out ofcity), start a new job, leave an old one, don't do something you don't want to do, follow your dream, reconnect with past love, start a business, take a chance, take a risk that may or may not pay off.

You make that decision.

You pave the road in front of you.

Stop and smell the roses.

Life is an adventure and live it up to the fullest!

Are you living an adventure? Have you seen the Jeff Probst show? What are your insecurities today?

Being an Introvert

WORD FOR THIS POST

Introvert (n): 1. a shy person.

2. Psychology . a person characterized by concern primarily with his or her own thoughts and feelings ( opposed to extrovert). I've been wondering lately whether there's a common trait among writers and I'm curious to hear your thoughts below.
I'm sharing in this post more about myself than I usually do through social media, but the fact has me very curious if there are others like me. AND, I wouldn't post this if I wasn't completely comfortable with being an introvert. I think it's part of what makes me a writer.
I consider myself outgoing but shy, which I know makes me "socially awkward" at my own will. Yes, I know what others around me think when they meet me because that's the persona I force onto myself. I consciously make myself "socially awkward" around people I don't know.

Why? Because I put up a shield between myself and anyone I don't know. I am wary of new people and the barrier protects me from being judged too quickly. In my opinion, the same way you can't judge a book by it's cover, you can't judge a person from an initial meeting/introduction - at least not me.I don't do chit chat with new people - why? because I really don't know much about them (at least in the beginning). Unless they "strike my fancy" in the first minute, I will not make the conversation too interesting. I know that's rude and I hide it by not talking and replying in short answers. Some people think I'm a good listener, and I'll go with that - but only as entertainment to myself (which makes me feel guilty on the inside and even more shy). I use the conversation to observe mannerisms, traits, speech patterns, and make notes for my writing.
I believe being an introvert makes me a better friend in the long run because I really care about the people I do speak with, make friendships with and continue the relationship in whatever form it may come. That's when I slowly let the barrier down, begin making jokes and join the conversation. Once I know you, and vice-verse I may not be able to shut-up. Yes, it happens.
It's like the relationship is filtered before it begins. If I find we have nothing in common, there won't be too many conversations, but I will listen.

Having said that, it's even more difficult for me to use social media to "socialize". How do you do that when you don't really know me? How do you let the screen down, or should you?

Take Twitter for example. The only time I'll make conversation with other people is when they have something interesting to say or when I know them on a deeper level. That's why I prefer to promote others on Twitter - yes even authors I don't know which not many are in favor. Hey, it's better than pretending to be making a conversation - I don't pretend. If I say something, I mean it.

I do say things in the heat of a moment that I regret. Doesn't everyone? But it's rare. I'm already reconsidering the post I'm writing. Is it too much information? Is this me slowly letting down the barrier I have with my own blog? Perhaps. I guess only time will tell... I'll be looking forward to re-reading this post a year from now to see how far this relationship has grown (or not).

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Do you find using social media difficult? Do you force yourself to us it, or embrace it perhaps with some limits.

Genre Favorites Blogfest

  Genre Favorites Blogfest    One blogfest, four favorites! Hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh :)List your favorite genre of: MovieMusicBooksAnd a guilty pleasure genre from any of the three categories!      Hope I don't bore anyone, but as you'll see there's a theme to the genres I enjoy :) I didn't realize it explains my passion for what I write. So here it goes: MOVIE: Definitely Fantasy, especially High Fantasy. There's something special about being able to get lost in a different world, especially one that seems real and makes me want to jump into the television set.
MUSIC: Alternative Pop and RockI enjoy lots of 80's and 90's. The Cranberries bring me back to my high school years. I love Depeche Mode, Jon Bon Jovi and Pet Shop Boys, Scorpions, Alphaville. I have a long list of music favorites, but I can't say there's one that's on top of the list.
BOOKS: FantasyMy ultimate favorite is when Fantasy books include romance and adventure. A world where anything is possible and the littlest people end up as great heroes. They sacrifice, teach, risk and overcome all odds no one else could. Think along the lines of The Lord of the Rings :)
GUILTY PLEASURE: Watching movies you've already seen just because they're on TV. (Even if I own the DVD.) If I'm flipping through the channels and I see Dirty Dancing, Twilight, TLOTR, Back to the Future, Fifth Element, Matrix, Stigmata, Indiana Jones - I cannot switch to a different channel.
Do any of my favorites spark a flame in your heart? Hop along to the other Blogfest participants to find their guilty pleasures. The list can be found here.

What's Your Chocolate Blog Hop!

WORD FOR THIS POST:

Chocolate (n): 1. a preparation of the seeds of cacao, roasted, husked, and ground, often sweetened and flavored, as with vanilla.

Thank you to hosts M.Pax, Laura Eno, Brinda Berry, Ciara Knight for hosting the most delicious blog hop EVER!

Every woman's dream, desire and ultimate solution to any problem.

CHOCOLATE
Dripping chocolate, hard chocolate, Swiss chocolate, sweet chocolate, bitter chocolate. Chocolate cakes, bars, muffins, cookies, ice cream, milk.

They come in all shapes and sizes, but it doesn't really matter so long as it melts on my tongue spreading its savory sweetness of coco to my taste buds. Lingering in my mouth like a prolonged o...(oops) - got lost there for a moment. I think you get the point as to how much I love Chocolate.

If I go to a restaurant and there's a chocolate desert - you can bet that's the one I'm getting.

If the desert is a double chocolate (name your desert) vs triple chocolate (name your desert) - the triple will always win.

If there are two chocolate deserts and there's no way to know which one's better then we have a problem that can only be solved by getting both deserts.

Do I have a favorite chocolate desert? That's like asking a kid to choose between a toy and a toy.

No, I don't have a favorite, so long as it's chocolate, but a nice Truffle Royale cake from LaRocca is on the top of my list.

I was going to post pictures fro LaRocca, but they're not public domain :(  Sorry.

And, if it's my birthday, it can only be a Black Forest Cake. A BIG Black Forest Cake. I once ordered one cake for the guests and another one for myself (smaller size of course) because when it comes to Black Forest Cakes, there can never be too much.

Now, I can wipe the drool off my face and hop over to the other participants of the blog hop. The list is below.

Sweet Hopping Everyone!