Ariella Moon's Blog, page 47

Aggressive Dogs

Miss Gracie and I experienced an Unfortunate Event yesterday when a very large and aggressive dog tore across the cul-de-sac and charged us. The dog's elderly owner had lost her grip on the dog's leash. (Powerful dogs should NEVER be on an expandable leash - you lose the leverage needed to control them.) One thing I learned from sitting on a jury in a pit bull attack case is, if safely possible, release your dog's leash if it is under attack. This allows your dog a fighting chance to escape. (Not recommended if attacked near a high traffic area because your dog might run into the street and be hit by a car.)

Initially, the muscular dog, Rio, chased Gracie in a circle around me. His leash acted as a bola (a weighted cord used historically by many cultures to bring down running cattle or game). A hairdresser I once knew fell and broke her arm and hip when this had happened to her. So I sat down before my feet were pulled out beneath me. As I worked to free my legs, Rio chased Gracie with such strength, he dragged me several feet across my driveway before I managed to free myself. The entire time, the elderly woman remained silently behind her car, not even calling to her dog to stop. Perhaps she was mute with shock.

Fortunately, Miss Gracie wasn't physically harmed. But she was afraid to leave the house for many hours. I could tell by her cries during the night that she relived the ordeal in her dreams. I am thankful my denim Capris protected me while I was dragged. I ended up with a noose-like burn and cuts on my ankle. All in all, I'd say we were pretty lucky.

Rio is supposed to be sent off for obedience training. Meanwhile, Miss Gracie and I shall proceed with caution.

Christi Corbett On Her Inner Editor - Captain Obvious

Wednesday's Writer Spotlight ~ Christi Corbett
In celebration of her recent release, Along the Way Home, I welcome guest host and fellow Astraea Press author, Christi Corbett. Her debut historical romance, Along the Way Home, has garnered great advance reviews. No wonder! It appears Christi had a little help along the way from her inner editor. 

Here's Christi Corbett to tell you all about it:



First, I’d like to give a big thank you to Ariella for allowing me to host her blog! I truly appreciate her sharing her readers with me as I celebrate the release of my debut novel, Along the Way Home.

During the writing of Along the Way Home, I held many long, contentious arguments with Captain Obvious.Who is Captain Obvious?Well, it’s simple really.Captain Obvious stops by for a visit every time I read a sentence, paragraph, or, regrettably, sometimes even a page, where I’ve told my reader repeat, or unnecessary information that doesn’t move the storyline along.Here’s a snippet of a memorable conversation…“Hey!” yelled Captain Obvious. “You’ve told them that already!”“But, no, you don’t understand,” my stammering protests fill the air. “These words—they’re so beautiful, so brilliant; I simply can’t bear to send them away.”  “Loser!” Captain Obvious charged forward with the harsh truth, completely oblivious to my tender fragility. “There’s only so many times you have to tell the reader that people on the Oregon Trail who don’t have water ARE THIRSTY, AND LOOK FOR IT A LOT!”Regrettably, Captain Obvious is usually right.Highlight. Delete. Move on.

How about you? How do you deal with the inner voice that tells you what you’re doing wrong?


They lost everything but their dreams on the Oregon Trail…
Kate Davis is intrigued when her father reveals his dream of starting a horse ranch in Oregon Territory. Settlers out west value a strong woman, and though she manages the financials of her father’s mercantile her competence earns her ridicule, not respect, from Virginia’s elite society.
Jake Fitzpatrick, an experienced trail guide, wants land out west to raise cattle and crops. But dreams require money and he’s eating dandelion greens for dinner. So when a wealthy businessman offers double wages to guide his family across the Oregon Trail, Jake accepts with one stipulation—he is in complete control.
Departure day finds Kate clinging to her possessions as Jake demands she abandon all he deems frivolous, including her deceased mother’s heirlooms. Jake stands firm, refusing to let the whims of a headstrong woman jeopardize the wages he so desperately needs—even a beautiful one with fiery green eyes and a temper to match.
Trail life is a battle of wills between them until tragedy strikes, leaving Jake with an honor-bound promise to protect her from harm and Kate with a monumental choice—go back to everything she’s ever known or toward everything she’s ever wanted?
Advance Praise for Along the Way Home…author Christi Corbett unfurls an unforgettable epic romance inside of an epic Western adventure. Beautifully crafted, this debut novel is a tender journey of the heart as well as a treacherous journey of many miles.Eve Paludan, author of Taking Back Tara (Ranch Lovers Romance series)
A breathtaking account of courage and adventure along the Oregon Trail.Jillian Kent, author of The Ravensmoore Chronicles.
A dash of action! A touch of intrigue! Loads of sweet, clean romantic promise…Reid Lance Rosenthal, Winner of 15 National Awards, #1 Best Selling Author of the Threads West, An American Sagaseries.
About ChristiI’m addicted to coffee, sticky notes, and the Oxford Comma. I live in a small town in Oregon with my husband and our twins. Our home’s location is especially inspiring because the view from the back door is a hill travelers looked upon years ago as they explored the Oregon Territory and beyond.
Along the Way Home is a Sweet Historical Romance. It released in ebook format on June 11, 2013 and will be available in print July of 2013. It is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookstrand, Astraea Press (my publisher),OmniLit, and several other retailers.
When I’m not writing I love chatting with readers and writers alike. You can find me in one of the following locations: Email: christicorbett@gmail.comBlog: http://christicorbett.wordpress.comTwitter: @ChristiCorbettFacebook: Christi Corbett—Author

Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Don't miss out on the chance to win tons of fabulous freebies, including the Grand Prize - a Kindle Fire!

The big day is July 16, but you can enter the giveaway now. Prizes include a copy of my first book, Spell Check. Click on the link below to enter the drawing. May the odds be ever in your favor!

http://www.kellymartinstories.com/2013/06/win-kindle-fire-at-2013-astraea-press.html

Summer Solstice ~ Midsummer ~Litha

Photo of sunrise over Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice by Andrew Dunnhttp://www.andrewdunnphoto.com/
Litha – Midsummer – Summer Solstice Whatever your lineage, chances are your ancestors followed the progression of the sun, using it as a harbinger for when to plant, when to harvest, and when to set aside stores for the long winter ahead. Ancient stone monuments such as Stonehenge in Great Britain and The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacán outside Mexico City were oriented to mark the sun’s passage on the summer solstice, also known as Litha or Midsummer.
Midsummer is now one of the four fire festivals celebrated by earth-centric faiths and cultures around the world. On the pagan Wheel of the Year, summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere with Beltane on May 1st, and ends with Lammas on August 1st. Litha falls midway between the two, on June 21. Hence, it is called Midsummer.
Midsummer marks the longest day of the year and the shortest night. At noon on the summer solstice, the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, the imaginary line 23.5 ° south of the equator that runs through Australia, Chile, and southern Brazil. At the solstice, the sun appears to be stationary to the naked eye. Immediately following the solstice, the sun begins to wane. The harvest season begins, the days grow shorter and the nights longer, until we reach the winter solstice.



Midsummer Magic ~ Fairies
During the summer solstice, the veil between our world and the fairy realm is quite thin. Celebrate and honor the fairies by gathering bouquets for your home or fashioning flower garlands for your head. Tie together birch, lavender, marigold, rosemary, and sage to hang over your door or inside your home for protection and healing. Make a moveable paper doll fairy, and as you construct and decorate it, concentrate on a Midsummer wish. Leave an offering for the fairy folk on Midsummer’s Eve: moonstones, crystals, or anything sparkly.  


Midsummer Magic ~ Solar Deities, Mother Earth, and Full Moon Magic
Midsummer is a time of abundance. Berry patches and vegetable gardens brim with edible bounty. Flowers perfume the air and their vibrant colors brighten our day. Our ancestors lit balefires and bonfires to honor the solar deities, and drove their herds between the fires to purify them and protect them from disease. Light a candle or other safe fire to thank the Sun King and Mother Earth for the abundance in your life. Then, when Litha is quickly followed on June 23rd by a full Capricorn moon, perform Full Moon Magic. The energies of the Honey Moon/Strawberry Moon enable us to organize and build the foundation for our success. Think about which passion you wish to fuel. The goat symbolizes Capricorn. On this full moon, envision yourself as the goat climbing to the top of the hill—carefully choosing her footing as she achieves her goal.
~Ariella Moon  

Writing Conferences: Newbie Dos and Don'ts

Writing conferences are a great way to improve your craft, network, and learn about the business side of publishing. Opportunities abound to further your writing career. For insider tips on what to do before, during, and after the conference, read my article, "Newbie Dos and Don'ts" in this month's Monthly Muse. http://www.ariellamoon.com/monthlymuse.html

Happy writing!
~Ariella Moon

Yorkies-Featured Characters in Spell Struck

Dorethy
http://www.adoptapet.com/pet/8859565-rancho-mirage-california-yorkie-yorkshire-terrier-mix

Miss Gracie loves Yorkshire Terriers because she feels like the Big Dog in their presence. So, of course, I had to include a couple of rescued Yorkies in my upcoming Young Adult novel, Spell Struck. When the hero, Aidan, first encounters the dogs's eccentric owner, June, she's carrying Mitzi, a mangy, half-bald Yorkie, in a baby carrier strapped to her chest. Her other Yorkie, Artemis, is missing. Spell Struck will be released on July 18th, but many Yorkies are available now in animal shelters and from rescue groups. Here are a sampling of available dogs, with their information links. Be sure to check a shelter near you!




Lulu Bellehttp://www.adoptapet.com/pet/7830713-murrieta-california-yorkie-yorkshire-terrier

Amigohttp://www.adoptapet.com/pet/8197240-vacaville-california-yorkie-yorkshire-terrier-mix

                                                                      Piper
http://www.adoptapet.com/pet/8983088-lodi-california-yorkie-yorkshire-terrier-mix

Travels with President Obama

President Obama and I weren't two ships passing in the night - we were two planes passing in the desert heat.

http://www.mydesert.com/interactive/article/20130609/NEWS01/130609001/Panorama-Air-Force-One-waits-depart-Palm-Springs

I flew out of Palm Springs International Airport last Friday, the same day Mr. Obama arrived. Bleary-eyed and running late for my early morning flight, my mood brightened when I hit the lengthy security line. Yes, you read that correctly. Polls list Palm Springs International as one of the friendliest airports in the nation. But that Friday morning, TSA amped it up. They must have added pixie dust to their wash loads, because their blue uniforms seemed brighter. Their skin glowed. Even the male agents looked like they had just had facials. They warmly greeted each passenger.

A wall had been added to the already cramped security area, but excited TSA agents kept the line moving. I relaxed, realizing I would make my slighty-delayed flight to San Francisco. I had a busy week-end lined up. On Friday, a friend undergoing radiation for cancer had requested a healing. (I'm a Reiki Master, shaman, and writer.) I also had to track down a waterproof jacket to wear on my research trip to Wales. Saturday I was scheduled to speak at the San Francisco Area Romance Writers of America meeting, on a panel that included authors Kristin Miller and Tina Folsom. Afterward, I had a memorial to attend.

I heard President Obama had a pretty full schedule, too.

While Mr. Obama and China's president, Xi Jinping sweltered in the desert heat, I basked in the cool Berkeley breeze. Yes, Concord was a tad warm, but 100 degrees? Please! It was 118 degrees in the desert the day before I left. Still, it was odd trying on warm waterproof jackets over my sleeveless top and capris at Any Mountain.

As word spread that I was in the Bay Area, I started getting calls from friends and clients. "Do you have time to give me a reading?" "Can we meet?" My former boss, Dr. Tara Levy, said someone who wanted a house clearing/blessing had contacted her just that morning about me. I began to ask myself why I hadn't arranged for a longer trip.

I'm sure Mr. Obama was likewise in demand.

On Sunday, the fabulous jewelry designer, Marhya Harkins (Wytche Krafts), and wonderful healer Anne-Marie Parker, drove me to SFO after our breakfast with LaScentsationals CEO, Lisa Gillett. I paused outside the terminal to glory in the 65 degree air before heading inside.

After yet another flight delay, I boarded a plane for Palm Springs. Meanwhile, back in the dessert, crowds lined the streets and gathered outside Atlantic Aviation to wave good bye to President Obama.
No crowds for me. Not even Miss Gracie. The flight delay had cost me the chance to liberate her from boarding.

I bet Bo was waiting for Mr. Obama, back in Washington.
~Ariella Moon

Scrivener for Writers

Happy Monday's Magic!

Lately, I've heard a lot of buzz about Scrivener, a writing program for authors. I haven't tried it yet, but found this video from the YA Rebels' blog describing the program's highlights. Looks like it has some great features. I may get Scrivener before I start work on book 4.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wBzxuuMwlw‎

Meanwhile, I'm eagerly awaiting the cover art for my second book, Spell Struck, due to be released July 18th!
~Ariella Moon

How to Get the Most out of RWA National

The San Francisco Area Romance Writers Present:How To Get The Most Out of RWA National Saturday, June 8, 2013Pyramid Alehouse 901 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA 94710Non-members: $25.00, Members Who Register in Advance: $20.00Registrations begins: 8:30 a.m. Business Meeting begins: 9:30 a.m.Speaker Presentation: 10:00
Please Join authors Ariella Moon, Kristen Miller, and Tina Folsom for a panel discussion featuring insider tips on how to maximize your writing conference experience. Kristen Miller will discuss the Traditional Publishing Track. Tina Folsom will give her views of the Self-Publishing Track. And Ariella Moon will discuss Conference Dos and Don't for Newbies.
Pastries, fruit, bagels, coffee, tea, and juice included.
To learn more, please visit: http://www.sfarwa.net/meetings
Hope to see you there!~Ariella Moon

Gwen Hernandez on Write or Die

Over at RWA-University, Gwen Hernandez wrote about the most diabolical-sounding software program for writers:

"In Write or Die, you enter your word count goal and time goal and click Write. Once you start typing, you have to keep typing or there are consequences. You set the grace period and the consequences, which can be a pop-up box with a gentle reminder, an annoying noise that won’t quit until you start typing again, or—for the truly brave at heart—having your work begin to unwrite itself if you stop."

                                                                 writeordie.com

This sounds absolutely terrifying to me-at least the last part. But adrenaline junkies on deadline might find it to be just the kick they need. It sounds like something Stephen King might invent!

If anyone out there has used it, please leave a comment and let me know what happened. Meanwhile, I have my own writing alarm clocks. 
I try to write for at least 45 minutes before:1. lunch, dinner, or the consumption of sugary treats. (I walk Miss Gracie for a a mile before breakfast, so I would get very grouchy if I had to add writing too.)
2. checking emails or Facebook. 
3. television. Miss Gracie will climb into the "TV chair" at eight o'clock and transmit anxious vibes until I finish writing a scene. Thank goodness for DVRs. Too bad dogs do not understand the concept of shows going on hiatus.
I better go finish the Joshua Tree scene between Thor and Ainslie. I've passed the 40,000 words marker for their story, which I hope will be a Christmas 2013 release. It stars a different cast of characters than Spell Check and Spell Struck. But, as always, the story will be about magic, friendship, and love.~Ariella