Rae Gee's Blog, page 15

Wisdom From My Parents

A conversation with my Mum reminded me of some of the subtle tips my parents have given us over the years. It's amazing what you unconsciously pick up from your family, advice which isn't shown as much as spoken.
We didn't have much money when you guys were kids. But now you've all got your own jobs and lives, you're free to buy what you want. However, don't buy the first thing you see. If you want it, shop around. There's no reason to be ashamed of a bargain.
Music is a right, not a privilege. It's one of the world's universal languages. Don't argue because you have different music tastes. Instead, share what you love about it. You never know what you might discover.
It's not “geeky” or “nerdy” to read. If you want to read a book, read it. Again, you never know what you might discover.
The same goes for art, science, engineering, and any other subject people might look down on you for exploring. Go and explore. It's a big world out there.
Speaking of which... You all have passports for a reason. If you can afford to, use them! 
Your country of birth (the UK) allows freedom of movement around Europe. Go and explore. Go and live somewhere different for a while. If you stay, you stay. If you don't, you don't. There's no shame in saying you don't like something.
The same goes for food. If you like the sound of it, try it. However, we're not going to force you to eat bull's testicles.
Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints. And take lots of photos. You'll be glad you did.
If you're going away, tell someone where you're going. We're not prying. We just want to know where to get hold of you in case something happens.
Be nice to people. Seriously. The world may tell you you have to be a bitch to get anywhere in life. But do you want to be remembered for being the nasty one or the one who was nice? Think about it.
If you're making a cup of tea, make one for everyone. You know the rules. Besides, it's rude to just boil the kettle for yourself.
We're not going to be around forever so if there's anything you need to know, ask it now. Especially if it concerns repairing your car/house/computer/that aircraft you've been saying you get when you make your first million.
Remember, no matter what happens in you life, we've got your back. We're your parents and we love you (even if you do sometimes drive us up the wall!).

My 2013

Or how it happened from the perspective of a crazy person cracked out on tea...

January
Said goodbye to my furry muse, Bertie. Very sad... :(

February
Was the first to review the awesome documentary "Battlefield of the Mind"! WOOOO!!

March
Getting ready for book launch #2.
Went to Leeds for the very first time. Pretty city!! Hello and thank you to everyone who came to the Leeds Steampunk Market!

April
Book launch #2! Yayyyy!!! Lots of nice people and good musics and laughter.
Also got new tattoo to celebrate. Yayyy!!

May
Time for a breather!

June
Went to see one of my favourite bands play live for the very first time, thereby overcoming a long held fear of crowds.
Also went to another new place. Hartlepool. Famous for its football team (so I'm told!) and HMS Trincomalee. Met more new people, had lots more fun, and got to meet lots of Facebook people! Much love to Charles, Lynn, Richard, and Warden Arkwright! Thank you for my books and badges!

July
Booked my first holiday for over a decade. Vegas, baby!! I'm gonna win it big!!
Two new books signed! Yay!! The Eve of War (Veetu Industries #3) and A Second Past Midnight (post-apocalyptic) will both come out in 2014. Can't wait!!

August
Down to London to see the lovely Meg Kingston! Lots of love, plenty of hugs and tea, and more books!!

September
The first round of edits arrive so I slump off into my corner and pretend not to be alive.

October
Went walking in the Lake District. Well, I say walking. It was more like mountain climbing with no idea. Survived!

November
More editing. Send tea.

December
Even more editing. Tea supplies running low.

And that was 2013 in a nutshell! Next year's going to be a bunch of fun and I can't wait to see where it takes us all!!

While I'm here, let me take the time to wish you all a very splendid New Year!

And So We Kiss Goodbye To 2013

.... and welcome in 2014. It's always strange saying goodbye to one year and welcoming another. I don't know why, but, for me, it's always a bit weird. Like one thing is dying and another is awakening.

2013 has been another amazing year. I haven't done many things on my resolutions list (learn to drive, lose a bit more weight) but many other brilliant things have happened.
There's been new friends, and meetings with old ones. Trips to places I normally wouldn't have been to and finally meeting (and getting hugs!) from some of my online friends.
There's been overcoming fears, doing things I never thought I would, and mad days of chasing musicians around cities (some known to me, some not).
There's been two new books finished, both of which will come out in 2014.
There's been periods of growth and understanding, of slowly finding my way in this world.
There's been plans for new challenges and seeing others come to fruition.
There's been the knowledge that I can't punish myself when I'm not working. Things don't happen overnight, but they do happen to those who try hard. However, it's no use getting upset because, for a few moments, my poor brain won't work. Sometimes we need to take time to ourselves to reset our bodies and brains. We're not machines.
Finally, there's the ever expanding circle of wonderful people who come in to my life. I'm blessed to have you all here and I'd like to take a moment to say that whether we've met in real life or not, you're all my friends. You're the family I've chosen for myself and I can't wait to see each and every one of you. :)

My Wish For Christmas

My wish for this ChristmasIs not just for peace and goodwill to all men.It’s for everyone to have a homeWhich is free of damp and stress.For people to be treated fairlyNo matter of their race or gender.For money to be plentifulAnd not just hoarded by the rich.Freedom for children to just be childrenAnd not forced into the roles of adults way before their time.It’s for wars to end and peace to reignFor religions to stop thinking that they know best.For governments who act for their peopleAnd not for their own self serving gain.I wish for fair wages for allAnd companies who respect their staff.For people to be treated as humansAnd not just numbers in a machine.For all to follow their heart’s desireUnfearing of what the future holds.Most of all I wish for a worldWhich is filled with love and joy.May you all have a Merry ChristmasAnd may your future be bright and happy.

The Night Before Wintermass - A Veetu Industries Tale (Safe For Work)

The Night Before Wintermass
A Veetu Industries Tale
A chill swept in from the ocean, wrapping around peoples legs and lifting the hems of furs, cloaks, and coats. But no one seemed to notice for the most magical time of the year was upon them.
Wintermass.
The time of the year when everyone put their cares behind them. When the hatred stopped and, for a few glorious days, peace and love appeared to hang over the world.
A clear sky hung above the city of Svenfur, stars twinkling across the velveteen night. Already a frost was beginning to brush everything with her icy fingers. Yet, along the promenade, West Road, and pier was the most magical market anyone had ever seen. Stalls and fairground rides lined every possible space. Music tinkled from a number of different stages, while the smells of freshly cooked foods filled the air. At the heart of it, sitting at the entrance to the pier, was the centerpiece of the entire market.
Standing as tall as the buildings around it, the Wintermass carousel was decked in bright lights. Garlands of fir tree, dotted with lights and decorations, danced around the roof of the carousel while the music of a full orchestra sang from its heart. Curls of grey smoke billowed from its chimney and were whisked away by the wind.
But that was not what made the carousel so spectacular.
What made it beautiful and unique were the animals which adorned its four platforms. Standing before the ride, Cedo stared at it, unsure of where to look first.
Like any normal carousel, the horses rode up and down their gilded poles. Yet their limbs were jointed, legs stretching and curling while they tossed their heads, their manes streaming behind them. Real saddles sat on their backs and bridles were looped around their heads. Everyone who rode it appeared to be fall in love.
Erus stood beside him. “So what do you think?”
Looking at his Master, Cedo grinned. “It is amazing! What an incredible creation! I do believe you have outdone yourself.”
Erus smiled under the bright lights of the carousel. Cedo's approval obviously warmed the weapons designer. “I am glad. I trust you will be riding?”
“Of course! I wish to take several rides.” Still grinning, Cedo pressed himself against the redhead. “Besides, I shall have to give a fair and accurate review of it.”
Cedo looked through the crowds for Billy. The blond man had disappeared moments before, his hand raised in greeting to someone he had seen in the crowd. No doubt Billy was catching up with old friends, and Cedo could not blame him. Wintermass was the perfect time for such encounters. A chance to pass on the greetings of the season. Earlier in the day, they had paid a visit to his mother and left gifts and cards for herself and Billy's sisters. It had been good to see her. Even in what seemed like the depths of poverty, she had turned the small house into a picture of Wintermass joy. A tree had stood in the front room, decorations and candles adorning its boughs. In the kitchen, garlands had been placed above the fire, a smattering of cards balanced on the fireplace.
Suddenly the crowds around them parted and Billy, rosy cheeked from the cold, appeared. He gripped an earthenware mug in one hand, tendrils of steam curling from the mouth.
He grinned at Cedo. “'ave I missed anythin'?”
Chuckling, Cedo nodded toward the large carousel. “Only the greatest ride in the whole of the city.”
His lover's face fell and Billy used his free hand to hold wisps of golden-blond hair from his face. “You 'aven't.”
“Not without you, no.” Cedo grinned and looked at the mug. “Drink up and we shall ride.”
Billy drank whatever it was he had brought and handed the empty vessel to a passing automaton. The metal being nodded at them as it continued on it path through the jostling crowds. Cedo saw the emblem of Erus' company embossed on the machine's shoulder; an outstretched claw of with a mouse crouching in its palm.
A burly man dressed in red furs took the coins they offered. Stepping through a small gate, Cedo looked up at the great machine before them. It embodied everything that Wintermass was about. From the sparkling decorations which danced around the roof to the jangling music to the faint smell of cinnamon and roasted apple.
Peering closer, Cedo discovered where the scent was coming from. Oil burners were attached to the sides machine’s engine, allowing it to give off festive scents as opposed to the usual acrid smell of burning coal.
His heart beat a little faster as they climbed aboard the carousel. Turning to Billy, he asked, “Which level would you like to ride?”
“’ow about the top ‘un? That way we can look out over the city.”
With a smile and a nod, Cedo made his way to gilded staircase which wound its way to the upper levels. They passed through the first level and continued on to the top. The sight was breathtaking. Beneath them, all of Svenfur was laid out. In the distance they could see the shadows of the factories, plumes of grey smoke still billowing into the dark night. Lights flickered on streets and, beside the Terminus, they could see the city’s giant Wintermass tree. A glowing star sat atop it and lights glittered on its boughs. From the sea, the cool wind made its presence known against their exposed skin.
Walking around the uppermost level, Cedo selected a horse of red. It had a golden mane and tail with ribbons wound into the silken strands. Its leather bridle and saddle were also decorated in gold and stirrups hung down its sides.
Swinging himself on to the back of the horse, Cedo gripped the reins and waited. Beside him, Billy climbed onto a beast decked out in green and gold.
“Why do you think 'is royal 'ighness ain't ridin'?”
Cedo chuckled. Billy had always referred to the slightly pompous engineer with such a moniker. “Because he believes it would not do his reputation much good to be seen prancing around on his own creation.”
Billy looked at him and pursed his lips. Sliding from the horse, the blond haired man leaned over the railings.
“Oi!”
Closing his eyes, Cedo laughed as he listened.
“Yes, you. You comin' up 'ere or are you gonna catch your death down there?”
In his minds eye, Cedo could see how the exchange playing out. Beside him, Billy continued to shout down to the crowd.
“I don't care what you think. It's bloody Wintermass. Get your borin' arse up 'ere an' 'ave some fun.” There was a pause. “I know you know 'ow to 'ave fun. 'ow about givin' it a go once in a while?”
Resting his head against the wooden horse's wiry mane, Cedo laughed even harder.
“I don't care what your idea of fun is! Up 'ere. Now!”
He felt Billy brush beside him and go back to his horse. “'e's on 'is way.”
Sitting up, Cedo shook his head and grinned. “You know he will punish you for that later, do you not?”
Billy grinned at him. “I do. But at least it'll be fun. 'e knows I'm messin' around. An' secretly, deep down, 'e wants someone to tell 'im it's okay to 'ave a bit of fun.”
Around them, people edged their way on to horses and into carriages and gondolas, carefully selecting their own steeds. The crowds were a mix of young and old. All were looking for the same kind of festive magic. Behind him, Cedo heard the gold gate open and close.
“You two will be the death of me on of these days,” Erus' voice was filled with humour.
Looking at him, Cedo grinned and shook his head. “Do not be laying the blame for this at my feet.” He pointed to his lover. “You can blame that man there.”
Laughing, the red-haired man swung his legs a white and green horse. “Well, it is Wintermass. So we should give in and just enjoy the season.”
The music grew a little loud and, beneath them, the carousel juddered to life and slowly began to move. The horses rose and fell on their golden poles, their limbs stretching and curling. As with a real horse, they raised and lowered their heads, metal joints creaking inside their wooden bodies.
As the carousel picked up speed, so did the icy breeze. It whipped at hair and plucked at clothes. Beneath the riders the city and sea flashed by. The lights of the pier danced across the sea, bobbing with the waves. They could hear the voices of the people below, mingling with the music and creak of the twirling ride.
Cedo felt his excitement rise. The season of peace and goodwill to all men was upon them. For the next few days, their worries were no more, carried away by the cold and the snow. Back at the Witheybrooke house, a tree stood in the study with wrapped gifts nestling at its feet. Garlands had been wrapped around the bannisters and, from the kitchen, came the delicious smells of cooking.
It truly was the time of the year when his Master stopped thinking about how best to protect the country and discovered the joys of being able to relax. Having the redhead join them atop his own creation was just another moment for Cedo to treasure.
They had collected trinkets and food on their way through the market, the bags and baskets taken from them by automatons and whisked away home. Breads made with ginger and tree decorations sprinkled with gold. Mugs of mulled cider and beer had been consumed, the alcohol swirling through their brains and warming their bodies. Now it woke them, the laughter of the three men whisked away on the cold air as the horses danced above the city and sea.
Eventually the carousel began to slow. The horses fell on their golden poles and people began to leave. Sliding from his own steed, Cedo took a final look over the sea. Below them, the waves lapped at the shore and the pier and music whispered up to them. From his vantage point, he watched people wander along the boards. Sometimes they stopped to look over the railings and down to the sea. Sometimes they paused just to listen to the music and admire the bright lights. All appeared to be at peace.
And Cedo felt the same as they walked from the carousel. His heart sang and his feet felt light. For once both of his lovers were at peace, their hearts singing the same Wintermass song.
Stepping from the giant wooden structure, Cedo turned his head to the sky. He smiled at the stars and the full, round moon before Erus and Billy took his hands and lead him toward their waiting carriage.
“A Merry Wintermass to all, and to all a goodnight.”
~~~
 Want more festive fun?! Check out the animated Christmas tree!Or read last year's Christmas tale, A Mad Engineer's Wintermass.Or watch Rae's choice of Christmas videos!
Most of all, thank you so much for sticking with me! Thank you for all your love and support and for continuing to be there. I really do appreciate it!

Have A Splendid Little Christmas!

Rae's Christmas Videos 2013

It's that time of the year again! Here's my selection of Christmas videos for this year. Enjoy!


















And this one will always make it in to my Christmas list, just for being cute!



I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season! Thank you for your ongoing love and support. I really do appreciate it! Thank you!

Doctorin' The Tardis

This weekend we're celebrating 50 years of one of the world's most iconic TV shows - Doctor Who. With nearly 800 episodes under its belt, the Doctor and his companions have time travelled their way into the homes, hearts, and minds of billions of people.

To celebrate, I compiled a short quiz for the people I work with. Feel free to have a go and no cheating! I'll post the answers later on.

1.    What does TARDIS stand for?
2.    Who composed the theme tune?
3.    Who played the first Doctor?
4.    When he reaches the end of his life, the Doctor can do what to remain alive?
5.    The Master is the Doctor’s what?
6.    The Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker) had a trademark piece of clothing. What was it?
7.    Which villain is characterised by its salt pepper shaker like appearance?
8.    K-9 was Doctor Who’s what?
9.    The Tenth Doctor’s companion was who?
10.    Doctor Who premiered on the day after which other big world event?
11.    The words TARDIS and Dalek have been added to what famous reference book?
12.    Doctor Who holds the Guinness World Record for what?
13.    Doctor Who can be formed into an anagram which is now used for a spin off series. What is this anagram?
14.    Which catchphrase from one of Doctor Who’s villains has made it into modern use?
15.    Which silver suited villain first appeared in 1966?


And, while we're at it, let's have a bit of music!






So, who's your favourite Doctor? Do you have a favourite memory of the show? Or a favourite villain? Feel free to share them in the comments, and thank you for reading!

Houston, We Have A Problem

I have a bit of a problem.

Actually, it's not a bit of a problem. It's a massive, lingering cloud which hangs over my head.

Let me try and explain...

I have absolutely no problem helping other people promote their music/books/events/causes/art. In fact, I love doing it! I love sitting down, putting my brain in gear, and helping other people.

If I love it so much what happens when it comes to my own projects?

I completely and utterly flat line.

I see all my friends doing all this cool stuff. They're off giving interviews and being on TV and the radio and doing more and more cool stuff. And I don't hate them for it. Not by a long shot. I'm so freaking proud of them! It's like watching baby birds learn to fly. Suddenly they're out there and doing some absolutely brilliant stuff!

But I can't do the same for myself. Part of it is because I don't know how to. The other is because I don't like asking for help. I don't like calling up the newspaper or the radio station or the events organiser or the website owner and asking them if I can do something. For some reason, it makes me feel like I'm intruding on their time and that I'm also not that interesting. Why would they want to speak to yet another author?

As I found out recently, places get inundated with requests from authors. So many that they have to turn them down. And that was a bit discouraging.

So how do you do it? Leave your ideas in the comments or feel free to drop me an email. I'd love to hear from you and thank you for reading!!

waking_the_dead @ yahoo.co.uk (Just remove the spaces!)

My Tips For Authors

We've all seen the tips on writing and promoting books and other things literary. So here's a few I've picked up over the last couple of years on being an author.
Appearances Count
They say don't judge a book by its cover. But we do. So you've got the snazzy book cover, your website looks awesome, and you've got some cool as ice business cards. What else?
Get some promo materials. Not just business cards but flyers and postcards as well. People forget about emails you've sent, links you've posted to their Facebook walls, and things you've Tweeted them. They quickly get lost in the ever growing pile of electronic noise.
But you give me a postcard and I'm more likely to check out our wares. They don't have to be hard to make. A quick search of the internet turns up hundreds of discount printers who can turn around postcards, flyers and posters in a matter of hours. Artwork doesn't have to be a hassle either, just try not to use the site's standard templates. Have a look around for royalty free and creative commons images (always credit any artists you use. They'll thank you for it!) and pick one you like. Or hit up any artists you know. It might cost you a bit but you'll have something which stands out from the rest.

And Smile!
For the love of all things great, get some photos taken! If you find yourself giving an interview, or someone needing a photo of you for whatever reason, the last thing you want being used is a Facebook photo of you drunkenly gurning at the camera. You only have to take a look at some of the articles on music site Blabbermouth to see just how some atrocious photos are used (Yes, it's believed they do it deliberately!). Put on your finest clothes, brush your hair, and grab a photographer friend. Go somewhere nice, or somewhere interesting, or your back garden. Do something interesting. Get some nice photographs taken so you've got something to hand out if people need it.
The ones I use were taken by a friend in exchange for dinner. It did involve a hike up to a castle in high heels (never again!) but it paid off with some really pretty pictures.

Be Nice
Seriously. It's not hard to do and people are more likely to remember you if you've been nasty to them. Yes, we all have our bad days. We're only human after all. But try not to moan, especially about your situation as an author. Whether you're self published or traditionally published, there are people who follow you and will have a certain image of you in their minds. If you break that image, you've broken their trust in you and, in turn, probably lost yourself fans and readers. By all means moan about your day, the weather, the traffic, or whatever, but remember that, as an author, you're in a somewhat privileged position. A smile will make you a lot more friends than a frown (unless you're Grumpy Cat. But let's not go there because this post will descend into nothing but photos of our favourite frowny feline).
Saying that, play up to your quirks. I've managed to turn being grumpy into something which I think makes people smile. Thanks to everyone who sends me Grumpy Cat stuff! You're only helping to fuel that fire! ;) Be yourself and continue what you're doing but keep the moaning private.

No One Left Behind
Remember those who've helped you get where you are. You might not be selling books at the rate JK Rowling does but, somewhere around you, there'll be a team of people helping you along. This may be people at your publishers, friends, family, the local community, or work colleagues. Send them a card every now and again. Drop them a gift at Christmas. Say thank you. Again, emails, Facebook messages and Tweets are great but there's something so much more personal about sending something through the mail. Trust me, people love getting things which aren't bills and junk in the mail.

No One Left Behind Take 2
Some people do need a slap in the face with a shovel. But, for this one, we'll forget about them. Authors are generally a really great bunch of people. So let's help one another out! Promote each others books, help others who are struggling, hold competitions, and get involved with events. Together, we can do this!
Thank you so much for reading! I really appreciate it!
~~~
Rae spends her days running around a care home and her nights in front of a computer. When she's not writing or making people laugh, she enjoys listening to music, keeping in touch with her friends, and fangirling over various bands. She's threatened to write a novel about some of her life experiences.
Her first two books, Mars on the Rise (Veetu Industries #1) and Selling Mars (Veetu Industries #2), are available through TorquerePress. Her next two books, The Eve of War (Veetu Industries #3) and A Second Past Midnight, will be coming out in 2014.