Christina Bauer's Blog, page 64
March 12, 2017
My Son, My Author Bio & The Women’s March
Dear Readers,
I wanted to share with you my new bio for my upcoming release, WOLVES & ROSES. I was never a political person until recently, when critical government programs that support my special needs son became threatened. As a result, I became active and it’s now a part of my life. I sincerely hope that you can understand my choices here, because it feels like lying not to fully share who I am.
UPDATE: Some of you have asked for more information on my concerns (thank you for asking!) so here’s some more context about my son Max, the Women’s March, and my identity as an author. My bio is now at the end of this post.
I’ll start with my son.
My boy Max is a loving, kind, and generous twelve-year-old boy. He’s also on the autism spectrum. The doctors tell us that sometimes he ‘loses his hands from his body image’ so he flaps them in order to feel them. He’s a sweet child and almost always does this while sharing an infectious laugh. I love how he turns what could be a scary situation—no longer feeling your hands, no less!—and turns it into a moment of joy as he solves his problems on his own. Every time he does this, pride swells in my chest and I can’t help but laugh, too. He’s an inspiration.
Now, for the yucky part.
I’ll never forget when I first saw Donald Trump tease the disabled reporter, mocking how he flapped his hands. It broke my heart: my son’s inspirational achievement had become something to be ridiculed and despised. In that moment, I feared for my child under a Trumpian administration. Sadly, my concerns have since proven to be well-founded. One of the first acts of the current administration was to take down the government web site with information for parents on how to help their disabled kids. Since then, the proposed education voucher system (House Bill 610) takes that predatory tone to a new and more dangerous level.
Here’s just one example. The feds give the states a block grant of $100K for each child taught with an autism diagnosis. That money doesn’t have to be spent on special education, but it does mean that if certain standards aren’t met, the funds can be pulled. Now, I belong to various parents boards. There are children here, in my home state of MA, who have been put in ‘snuggle jackets’ and locked in a ‘quiet room’ for full days of ‘schooling’ because they were ‘non-compliant.’ Yes, that’s just as awful as it sounds like. Those parents complained to the school and got no response. Then, they called the Board of Education and the feds threatened to pull funding. The situation changed.
Block grants allow states to spend fed money however they want, regardless of what those who get paychecks do to our children. There’s no oversight. Special Needs parents would have no recourse anymore. If you don’t think that bad things will happen to disabled kids as a result, please know that they already do, even with $100K of motivation. So I had—and still have—many concerns. Long story short, I’m a Momma Bear and I will fight to the end for my son’s safety.
Next, the Women’s March on Washington.
I loved the idea of the march, so I began posting suggestions and encouraging messages on the Facebook event page for the Massachusetts Chapter. The state leader, Tami, liked my ideas and asked me what I thought they should do next. I said a professional press release and she told me to go for it. In the end, ours was the only pre-march press release that went out on a wire service. It was viewed by 19,000 reporters around the world and redistributed by more than 350 media entities including the Associated Press. I also called the Boston Globe about the release and talked to Christine Chinlund, who worked on the spotlight team. We ended up on the front page of the metro section. After that, Tami started receiving 3-5 requests for interviews a day from all sorts of places including cooking columns (asking what food to bring to the march) to travel magazines (how to choose the right bus.)
One week before the march, Tami and I were talking about how many folks we thought might show up. We both work in events and, at the time, the March’s national Facebook page had about 200K RSVPs on it. We figured we’d be excited if 100K folks showed up on DC. As it turned out, 971K folks marched DC alone and I was one of them. I used to live in DC, and it was amazing to see the entire metro area become wall to wall with marchers. I’ll never forget the great whoops of excitement that would start up on one side of the city and roll across it in a massive wave of loving, positive energy that was beyond beautiful. It was one of the greatest days of my life.
Since that day, I hadn’t shared this part of my life with my readers. However, when I woke up this morning, I found out that women all over Sweden had been singing the theme song to our march—“I Can’t Stay Quiet”—as a way to celebrate International Women’s Day. I decided that I couldn’t keep quiet, either.
Now for my author bio.
As I continue to write about issues that affect my son and do PR consulting for other marches, it seemed dishonest somehow not to include that as part of the definition of who I am as a writer. As a result, I’ve decided to add the Women’s March into my author bio going forward. Most of my readers seem excited about this side of my life, while others are pretty politically-neutral so it doesn’t affect them one way or another. Either way, I totally appreciate the words of acceptance 
March 9, 2017
Five Audiobooks For 2017
I’m launching five audiobooks in 2017!
Here’s the deal. For the Angelbound series, I plan to record ALL the Origins books through the new book 4, THRAX. Since THRAX is due out on September 26th, that means I’ll be launching SCALA and ACCA over the summer. In fact, I’ll return to the studio this weekend to start on SCALA—so exciting! It’s been mucho fun to go back to these books and share my full vision with readers.
So ANGELBOUND + SCALA + ACCA + THRAX = 4 books. What, you may be wondering, is book 5?
I’ll tell ya.
The fifth audiobook for 2017 will be Wolves & Roses, Book 1 in my new Fairy Tales of the Magicorum series. This is a Sleeping Beuaty werewolf magical extravaganza, and it launches on October 31st. I’m psyched!
All in all, my goal is to empower your binge-listening skills because it’s 2017 and that’s how things roll nowadays. Also, I’ve received some very compelling messages from listeners saying that their commutes are now boring and empty experiences without Myla to keep them company. We can’t have that happen, how can we?
FINAL NOTE: If you’re excited about these releases, you can stay up to date by signing up for the newsletter here. You’ll get a monthly summary of everything that’s going on as well as release notices which include giveaways and all that good stuff. And so you know, I really do a happy dance every time someone subscribes. You’re my tribe and I love being able to communicate with you
March 7, 2017
2 Cover Reveal Sign-Ups –> 1 Page!
Cover Reveal 1: SHIFTERS & GLYPHS
Click here to share the new cover for SHIFTERS & GLYPHS,
Book 2 in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum!
Description
After being raised by the meanest fairies in the history of ever, Bryar Rose is now free to live her own life. For the first time, she’s attending West Lake Prep, a regular high school. Well, mostly regular. Some students are actually hidden members of the Magicorum. In other words, they’re really wizards, fairies, or shifters. Bry doesn’t mind, though. She’s thrilled to enjoy all the new experiences of being around normal kids her age, from locker pranks to lunchtime mystery meat. Everything is going along great, except for one thing.
Bry’s dreams about the pyramids of Egypt have gotten darker and more sinister. Every night, she sees her new man Knox and her best friend Elle in danger.
With no other choice, Bry plans to leave school to explore the pyramids on her own. But her new man Knox discovers the scheme and is having none of it. He wants to stay by her side, no matter what. It’s a good thing too, because Bry must solve the mystery of her attraction to the pyramids and soon. Otherwise, it could cost the lives of those she loves most…and that means not only Knox, but also her best friend Elle.
As a reminder, you can find out more about the first book in the series, WOLVES & ROSES, right here!
Cover Reveal 2: CROWNED
Sign up here to participate in the cover reveal for CROWNED,
the FINAL book in the Beholder Series!
Description
At last, Elea has found the love of her life. Unfortunately, the evil Tsar Viktor is about to unleash an army of twisted mages bent on killing everyone Elea cares about… including the man who’s stolen her heart.
So what’s a powerful witch to do? Why, organize a league of magical warriors, of course!
Elea recruits and trains a fighting force to take down the Tsar. That’s challenge enough, but on the eve of battle, Elea realizes that her true enemies may be far more powerful than even Viktor: The deities Oni and Yuri could be out to destroy her as well. With major battles brewing on two fronts, Elea’s not sure that she’ll win, but with true love to inspire her, she’s certainly ready to fight.
Don’t want to miss any cover reveals, discounts, and other cool stuff? Sign up for our newsletter!
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March 4, 2017
When my best friend figured out that she’s Cissy…
Here’s the actual call…
BEST FRIEND CALLS, WE SAY OUR HELLOS AND THEN:
BEST FRIEND: I’ve been listening to Angelbound.
ME: Oh? (Thinking: please don’t ask me if you’re Cissy)
BEST FRIEND: I have a question for you.
ME: Shoot.
BEST FRIEND: Am I Cissy?
ME: Um. (Thinking: Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.)
BEST FRIEND: Well, am I? Because she really sounds like me sometimes.
ME: Well, partly. I mean you look like her and maybe talk like her, but you don’t have envy issues.
BEST FRIEND: Oh.
ME: (Thinking: that response could mean a lot of things) Are you mad?
BEST FRIEND: No, why would I be? You got me the hot boyfriend with the huge house.
ME: Oh, good. (Thinking: that’s my Cissy 
)
The post When my best friend figured out that she’s Cissy… appeared first on Monster House Books.
March 2, 2017
Cover Reveal Sign Ups Now Live: CROWNED
Have a social media page, book blog, or just a love for all things pretty? Sign up to be part of the cover reveal on April 18th by clicking here! Wondering what CROWNED is all about? Read on!
Description
At last, Elea has found the love of her life. Unfortunately, the evil Tsar Viktor is about to unleash an army of twisted mages bent on killing everyone Elea cares about… including the man who’s stolen her heart.
So what’s a powerful witch to do? Why, organize a league of magical warriors, of course!
Elea recruits and trains a fighting force to take down the Tsar. That’s challenge enough, but on the eve of battle, Elea realizes that her true enemies may be far more powerful than even Viktor: The deities Oni and Yuri could be out to destroy her as well. With major battles brewing on two fronts, Elea’s not sure that she’ll win, but with true love to inspire her, she’s certainly ready to fight.
And here’s a summary of the other covers in the series. Sign up today because you won’t want to miss this one!
The post Cover Reveal Sign Ups Now Live: CROWNED appeared first on Monster House Books.
February 22, 2017
New to audible? Get the ANGELBOUND audio book FREE!
Why? I have no idea, but I bugged Audible and they gave me this freebie code, so I am sharing with everyone until they tell me to stop! Huzzah! And here is the code in question:
http://www.audible.com/offers/30free?asin=B01N1WVV20
With that code in hand, I would like to share some additional information…
Ten Reasons Why You Should Listen To The ANGELBOUND Audio Book
10. I narrate the book, so you get to hear how I envisioned all the voices and everything.
9. What else are you going to do? Work?
8. My “Sharkie” voice is especially awesome, if I do say do myself.
7. You don’t know the character of Zeke until you hear me read him. The audio engineer hid under the console because he was laughing so hard and didn’t want to break my stride. I stopped anyway because I thought he’d had a stroke.
6. When does Amazon give away anything? Just download it for free to fight the man.
5. Every time you listen, an angel gets their wings. Maybe.
4. My acknowledgements at the end are a bunch of all-new stuff that I blah-blah-blah off the top of my head. Do I talk like Myla in real life? Find out for yourself.
3. The more people listen, the more audio books I’ll record. I’m predictable like that.
2. So far, the book has more than 20 pre-street reviews and 4.7-something stars. In other words, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t suck.
1. Kick ass. Take names. Listen to this. FREE.
There you have it…Ten reasons to get the audio book now. That said, what are you waiting for? Get something FREE from Amazon and download this puppy today!
http://www.audible.com/offers/30free?asin=B01N1WVV20
The post New to audible? Get the ANGELBOUND audio book FREE! appeared first on Monster House Books.
February 9, 2017
What’s after THRAX?
Well, there is.
Right now, book 5 is called THE DARK LANDS, and it’s the story of Walker disappearing into the realm of ghouls. Myla and Lincoln go after him, of course, because what else would you do for your honorary undead older brother? So you know, I’m SUPER pumped about this book because having Myla interact with rule-loving ghouls is MEGA FUN. And with Lincoln along? SUPER MEGA AWESOME FUN BINGE FEST EXTRAORDINAIRE.
Now, you may ask: What comes after THE DARK LANDS? Good question. The answer is that this is where things get sketchy. I think I have one more Myla and Lincoln book in my head these days…let’s call it MYSTERY BOOK 6. After that, I plan to return to the Angelbound Offspring Series. I’m not exactly sure what MYSTERY BOOK 6 would be about (hence the title) but hopefully I’ll have more clarity later this year.
And with that little teaser, you may be wondering what’s coming with the Angelbound Offspring stuff. Good news—I have more information to share there as well! I have outlined at least three more books in that series (maybe four) and they tell the story of Tempest and Portia’s kids because DRAGONS DRAGONS DRAGONS!!!! I’ve had the first cover in that series done for ages and I can’t wait to launch it.
So there you have it…My releases and plans through 2023! I now need to lock myself up with more mochas and schedules. There’s a lot of work to do
January 31, 2017
Behind the Scenes of the BEHOLDER Book Trailer
Step One. I found the right talent.
This is a total pain in the ass. You look at sample work, you ask for quotes… wash, rinse, repeat. For video stuff, I’ve had good luck with freelancer.com. Moving on.
Step Two. I outlined what I wanted and gave lots of visual aids
I do powerpoints with reference art. I wanted to animate the first cover as part of the number one installment in four-trailer series.
Step Three. My artist went off and does something else
Personally, I’m bummed when an artist gives me back exactly what I asked for. If I were so awesome, I wouldn’t hire you!!! I love it when the artist plays around and makes things better. In the end, this is what this particular artist did for Angelbound (coolio!)
Step Four. I give feedback.
So, Angelbound is a finished trailer, and Beholder is just starting. Here’s where I am on Beholder: the artist is trying to bring the first over to life, just like he did in Angelbound…Aaaaaaaaaaand it’s not quite working out right now (which is typical for this stage in the process.) I’ll start by sharing the original cover image.
He’s had lots of ideas on how to make the image come alive. I took a screen capture to give you an idea of where things are at. It’s not a happy place:
So, I wish I could figure out how to get the actual video in here (sorry!), but my guy is from Belarus and I’m pumped if I can get him to understand my emails, let alone change file formats. In any case, he added smoke and made the cloud-skulls move and all sorts of stuff, but it was still really static. As a result, I decided that the camera needed to move through the image. I gave the following PPT slides as feedback:
BTW: I went to college for video production but am just using those skills now. Life is weird that way.
Step Five. I wait around and write blog posts while the artist works on the next round
Which brings us to the present moment. The artist likes the ideas above, and he’s going to keep playing with things. Yay! Still, if we nail this sequence, that’s only about 6 seconds of good video. Another 24 seconds remain in order to make a decent trailer. Which would SUCK except…I have three more covers already finished for the series and I can animate them all! Woo hoo!!!! Therefore, I have just today changed the project scope so that the trailer will now go through all four covers…because I’m the CEO and I can do that shit!
SIDE NOTE: For those of you who read Angelbound, I really-really-really do talk like Myla. That whole ‘because I’m the CEO and I can do that shit’ thing? I say crap like that ALL DAY LONG. And I’m super-animated while I do it. Most people like it. A few plot my demise (although no one’s gotten me yet!) In fact, the way I talk is why I decided to read the audio book version of Angelbound… folks say that reading the book was like sitting next to me while I gab non-stop. You know, in a good way. I think. All of which leads me to a key point: it CRACKS ME UP when reviewers say they don’t believe that Myla (at 20) would talk in such an immature manner. I’m 47. I talk like her EVERY DAY. Go me.
But I digress.
Back to the trailer. Long story long, that’s where things stand as of right now. We’re 6 seconds in and it’s looking a little rough. That said, I’m totally and completely positive that it will all work out in the end.
:::crosses fingers:::
Please, let it work out in the end.
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January 24, 2017
The Myla Letters
SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read these letters unless you’ve finished the book ACCA. Or unless you want to
January 19, 2017
COVER REVEAL: Wolves & Roses!
Description
Seventeen-year-old Bryar Rose has a problem. She’s descended from one of the three magical races—shifters, fairies, or witches. That makes her one of the Magicorum, and Magicorum always follow a fairy tale life template. In Bryar’s case, that template should be Sleeping Beauty.
“Should” being the key word.
Trouble is, Bryar is nowhere near the sleeping beauty life template. Not even close. She doesn’t like birds or woodland creatures. She can’t sing. And she certainly can’t stand Prince Philpot, the so-called “His Highness of Hedge Funds” that her aunties want her to marry. Even worse, Bryar’s having recurring dreams of a bad boy hottie and is obsessed with finding papyri from ancient Egypt. What’s up with that?
All Bryar wants is to attend a regular high school with normal humans and forget all about shifters, fairies, witches, and the curse that Colonel Mallory the Magnificent placed on her. And she might be able to do just that–if only she can just keep her head down until her eighteenth birthday when the spell that’s ruined her life goes buh-bye.
But that plan gets turned upside down when Bryar Rose meets Knox, the bad boy who’s literally from her dreams. Knox is a powerful werewolf, and his presence in her life changes everything, and not just because he makes her knees turn into Jell-O. If Bryar can’t figure out who—or what—she really is, it might cost both her and Knox their lives… as well as jeopardize the very nature of magic itself.
WOLVES & ROSES is currently available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iBooks.
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