Christina Bauer's Blog, page 72
April 6, 2016
CB’s Favorite Things: What I Love About Writing
Thing 1. When it comes to writing, I love being in the zone
This means two things to yours truly. First, there’s the awesomeness that happens when I’m writing and the words don’t come from me, they go through me, like I’m taking dictation from a greater being. Some part of my soul clicks into place, and that sensation is beyond amazing. Is there a writer’s high like there’s a runner’s high? There should be.
The second meaning is quite literal. In this case, I’m talking about my favorite writing spot, Starbucks. In the pic above, I’m opening up the place in summer 
Thing 2. Signing books
It’s an honor that someone likes my work so much they want me to sign it. So, that part is sweet. But going to the post office? Not going to lie here. It sucks donkey dick, which is why it takes me ages to haul my ass over there. Apologies in advance if you’ve been victim to a late book!
Thing 3. Presenting at shows
This is me about to join a panel at Book Expo America in 2015. I love talking about writing and publishing, and public speaking gives me an excuse to wear my black leather pants and Blondie t-shirt, too! Huzzah!
Thing 4. Reading reviews
I love reviews, especially when someone calls me “Christina Muthafickin Bauer” like Jen did above. Thank you, Jen! Sure, I get my share of bad reviews, but I appreciate all the feedback that I receive.
:::coughs:::
Okay, that’s a total lie. When I get negative reviews, I go through the five stages of grief and eat lots of cookies. There, that feels better.
Thing 5. Pinterest!!!
I have a serious Pinterest problem. I make boards for all sorts of things, from characters to settings to clothing. Right now, I have fourteen unique worlds mapped out with more popping into my consciousness all the time. All day long, they rattle around my head and want out YESTERDAY. So if you like new worlds, then strap yourself in because it’s going to be a long and varied ride!
The only negative thing about Pinterest? When I get in the zone, Pinterest sends me warnings that I’m posting as fast as a bot and they take my login down for awhile. Bastards.
There you have it—my five fav things about being a writer. Hope you enjoyed this little trip inside my noggin because I have to stop blogging now and get back to you-know-what. Until next time!
Like how I talk about writing? Check out these blog posts:
Tips & tricks for world-building
Writing Sci-Fi and Fantasy Stuff
My ultimate enemy
On writing voice
Why it’s OK to suck
Kickass worldbuilding articles
Writing action scenes
Writing softer scenes
Best freaking writing set-up
Everything I know about writing I learned from Liz Lemon
On bad reviews
On ‘The Process’
The post CB’s Favorite Things: What I Love About Writing appeared first on Ink Monster.
March 31, 2016
Catch the CURSED blog tour!
March 28: Long and Short Reviews YA
March 29: Kit ‘N Kabookle
March 30: Deal Sharing Aunt
March 31: Cover2Cover
April 1: The Reading Addict
April 4: Room With Books
April 4: Clockwork Origin Productions
April 5: The Avid Reader
April 5: The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
April 6: Books in the Hall
April 6: Stormy Day Reading Books
April 7: This and That Book Blog
April 8: Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
…And high fives to Goddess Fish for putting together an amazing tour!
The post Catch the CURSED blog tour! appeared first on Ink Monster.
March 29, 2016
CURSED is Live — Here’s The Music Behind It
Now that the book’s done, I can see why some of the music spoke to me…
Song One: Glory.
This song helped me tap into Elea’s desire to one day be free from her curse. Also, it’s just plain gorgeous. True poetry.
Song Two. American Storm.
I had no freaking clue why this song got stuck in my head until I realized I was using it to write the sequences where Elea is tapping into her magick. The energy is a storm inside her
Song Three: Hair.
This is another one where I was like, ‘wait, WHAT?’ But I went with it and found out that this kind of free-wheeling spirit was all Creation Caster, all the time. I listened to this while I built out the back story and Caster world on Nyumbani. In a draft of book one, Elea actually visited Nyumbani, but I decided to move that out to a later book.
Song Four: Superstition.
This one helped to inspire the opening scene with Wyatt. Elea is a Necromancer, which is a reality. How other people see her, though? That’s something else altogether…
Song Five: Hold On, I’m Coming
I listened to this while writing about Rowan in a certain scene with Elea and a cave…
Song Six: Soul Man
This is another Rowan song. I’m still not 100% sure why, but this makes me think of him for sure!
Cursed is currently available for order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iBooks. The second book in the Beholder Series, Concealed, is also available for pre-order as well. Enjoy!
The post CURSED is Live — Here’s The Music Behind It appeared first on Ink Monster.
March 26, 2016
Sample Chapters of CURSED
I just posted some sample chapters of my upcoming book, CURSED, which features necromancers, action, and romance. You can check them out here on my blog:
http://inkmonster.net/blog/sample-cha...
Hope you like them!
CB
March 16, 2016
Favorite Quotes from CURSED
Want to find out more about Cursed?
Check out my scrapbook here!
The post Favorite Quotes from CURSED appeared first on Ink Monster.
March 2, 2016
Thoughts On… Boston
I’ve been thinking about it, and here’s how Boston got under my skin.
The People Here Still Hate Taxes
That tea party angst? So not over.
Here’s an example of that anger in action. This is the Greenline MBTA train that I take to work. Notice the 1950’s design vibe. That’s not an aesthetic choice, it’s because that’s when the thing was built. These trains break down all the time, they smoke, and odd thumping noises regularly come up through the floor when the brakes stop working (no, I am not kidding.) We had a chance to fix up all the trains when Boston was in the running to host the Olympics.
We hated that concept, in no small part because it meant extra taxes. Seth Meyers nails it below…
I love that Princess of Liechtenstein line.
The People Are Tough
After the marathon bombings, I thought some folks might hide out or maybe start a protest march or two about immigrants. After all, there were SWAT teams in the suburbs… Someone was bound to freak out, right?
But the day after the bombings, everyone went about their business. I mean everyone. And the protests never happened. That’s because, in the minds of Boston folks, if we stopped our lives, the fear won. It was an unspoken thing until David Ortiz pretty much summed it up…
“This is our fucking city and nobody’s gonna dictate our freedom.”
High fives for Mr. Ortiz.
And They’re Tough on Other Things, Too
This is the city of Spotlight. That pretty much sums it up.
Guess I’ll be around for a while, after all
Enjoy this? Here’s some other random stuff that I blog about:
Where to find great books
Shit I Swore to Do When I Grew Up
On being a chick who does shtick
Why Alan Lee is Awesome
Which Lord of the Rings is Best?
3 Reasons Why Tolkien Is The Bomb
Thoughts on Lawrence of Arabia
An open letter to the French guy I met in Geneva, Switzerland
I have a thing for William Powell
An Open Letter to My Brain
The post Thoughts On… Boston appeared first on Ink Monster.
February 25, 2016
My Scrapbook… the world of BEHOLDER
Beholder is set in a version of the Middle Ages where there are two kinds of magick. First, there are Necromancers, who practice power over skulls and bones. They are very controlled and live in either Cloisters or Monasteries.
Necromancers cast magick by concentrating power into the bones of their left hand, which then glow blue.
The other kind of mage in the realm are Creation Casters. They are as open with their feelings as Necromancers are closed off. They live in the wilds and can create animals to do their bidding.
Creation Casters concentrate power in their right hand, and the veins there glow red when they are ready to cast.
The big bad in this series is the Tsar Viktor, an evil mage who is trying to wipe out both Necromancers and Creation Casters.
Our heroine is Elea, who has been cursed by the Tsar. She becomes a Necromancer to kick his ass.
Elea is one smart cookie.
A handsome and mysterious Creation Caster named Rowan volunteers to help her, because, hey, it’s my book and I like a good love story!
Rowan’s an intense guy.
So, there you have it. Some inspiration pictures from the world of Beholder. I’ll end with the cover of the first book because it’s just that awesome!
The post My Scrapbook… the world of BEHOLDER appeared first on Ink Monster.
February 17, 2016
A Businesswoman’s Haiku
By Christina Bauer
Chest suddenly hurts
Something fell into my bra
I hate this earring
The post A Businesswoman’s Haiku appeared first on Ink Monster.
February 15, 2016
FREE Sample Chapters of CURSED
Here’s how to get your free download…
Step One. Click on this link.
This will take you to a web page that launches the iBooks app. You can also cut and paste this URL into your browser: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cursed/id1026072287?mt=11
Once you’re there, you’ll want to click on the button to launch the book page (it’s highlighted in red below). If you’re new to iBooks, you’ll need to approve opening the application.
Step Two. Download your free chapters!
Just click on the button highlighted below. It’s that easy!
I’m super excited to share these sample chapters with you. I hope you enjoy reading them and keep an eye out for CURSED. It launches March 29th!
The post FREE Sample Chapters of CURSED appeared first on Ink Monster.
February 9, 2016
Ink Monster is hiring a Publishing Monster!
Who we are
Ink Monster publishes sci-fi, fantasy, and romance books for girls who kick ass. In an industry where a successful book may move 5,000 copies, Ink Monster has moved more than a half-million eBooks across twelve titles in twenty-four months. We are looking to expand into audio and print, and we need a Publishing Monster to help!
Who you are
You’re smart, motivated, organized, and you love books. It’s a bonus if you understand the print publishing or audio publishing worlds. It’s an extra special bonus if you know excel, PowerPoint, or Salesforce.com. You love learning new things and working in a team environment. You’re not afraid to do some grunt work. (We all do grunt work here!) Most importantly, you’re excited by the idea of supporting kick-ass storytelling!
What you’ll do
Manage data and run reports
Help set up and review candidates for voice and production on our audio book line
Track deadlines and costs for the same
Oversee print launch and track to schedule
Assist in promotions including email newsletter
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in publishing, English or similar.
Bright mind
Hard working
Ability to work from home as a contractor with your own internet connection and computer
What we pay
We pay $20/hour for 10-15 hours week
Interested? Please send your resume to info@inkmonster.net.
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