M.L. Chesley's Blog, page 32
October 9, 2013
Missed Again...
When people are running a fever and still show up for work, I don't know whether to smack them or praise them. In this instance, I want to smack them.
Hubby was working with a co-worker for a day who was running a fever. Now, I know times are tough, but when you're contagious, please stay home.
The result of this was hubby getting sick and me fighting it off. Slightly unsuccessfully. I managed to not get as sick as hubby was. But where we're staying, no one else can get sick without serious consequence. We spent a few days in "quarantine" and hopefully it worked. We sprayed Lysol everywhere, used masks, you name it.
But again, if you're contagious, stay home! You risk getting other people sick who can't afford it either.
So anyway, I've been offline a couple days and will be back, yet again with stuff. Misha Gericke will be guest posting here on Friday, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!
I hope you are all having a fabulous week.
Hubby was working with a co-worker for a day who was running a fever. Now, I know times are tough, but when you're contagious, please stay home.
The result of this was hubby getting sick and me fighting it off. Slightly unsuccessfully. I managed to not get as sick as hubby was. But where we're staying, no one else can get sick without serious consequence. We spent a few days in "quarantine" and hopefully it worked. We sprayed Lysol everywhere, used masks, you name it.
But again, if you're contagious, stay home! You risk getting other people sick who can't afford it either.
So anyway, I've been offline a couple days and will be back, yet again with stuff. Misha Gericke will be guest posting here on Friday, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!
I hope you are all having a fabulous week.
October 4, 2013
Friday Faves & Funnies...
Better late than never, right? I mean, I did remember I need to post this yesterday, I just forgot to do the post. Ha!
Anyway, yes, it's October. Two things happen this month. My birthday and Halloween. Since I don't want to focus on my birthday, we'll focus on Halloween.
But just so you know, on my birthday, YOU will be getting the gift. On October 11, next Friday, I'll be giving my e-book, "Adversarius" away for one day only! Still trying to spread the word, get some reviews, etc. So please, as a gift to me, help me get the word out.
Okay so Halloween is like, my FAVORITE holiday. It's fun. I'm a horror movie buff, I love reading horror, but it's gotta scare me, not gross me out. I mean... no sparkling stuff, no lovey dovey, squishy zombies... GIVE ME OLD SCHOOL!
My favorite movies this time of year are all the "Scream" movies. They're funny, come on! I like that kind of campy stuff. I also like "Near Dark", "Halloween" and "Pumpkin-head". "Lost Boys" is a great Halloween movie to watch as well.
If I'm going to read, it's going to be "Pet Semetary" or "Salem's Lot". Things like that. "Pet Semetary" scared the pee outta me when I was a teenager. Love it.
So what are your faves around this time of year? What do you like to do for Halloween, go out or stay home with the lights off?
Now for some Halloween type funnies and some interesting pumpkin carving ideas...
Anyway, yes, it's October. Two things happen this month. My birthday and Halloween. Since I don't want to focus on my birthday, we'll focus on Halloween.
But just so you know, on my birthday, YOU will be getting the gift. On October 11, next Friday, I'll be giving my e-book, "Adversarius" away for one day only! Still trying to spread the word, get some reviews, etc. So please, as a gift to me, help me get the word out.
Okay so Halloween is like, my FAVORITE holiday. It's fun. I'm a horror movie buff, I love reading horror, but it's gotta scare me, not gross me out. I mean... no sparkling stuff, no lovey dovey, squishy zombies... GIVE ME OLD SCHOOL!
My favorite movies this time of year are all the "Scream" movies. They're funny, come on! I like that kind of campy stuff. I also like "Near Dark", "Halloween" and "Pumpkin-head". "Lost Boys" is a great Halloween movie to watch as well.
If I'm going to read, it's going to be "Pet Semetary" or "Salem's Lot". Things like that. "Pet Semetary" scared the pee outta me when I was a teenager. Love it.
So what are your faves around this time of year? What do you like to do for Halloween, go out or stay home with the lights off?
Now for some Halloween type funnies and some interesting pumpkin carving ideas...
October 3, 2013
Pumping Up A Flat Character...
I've been working on revisions and such, preparing to get busy again. It occurred to me, though, that I have a rather dull character without much substance to him.
Everyone knows he's a tyrant. He's downright evil and nasty. Anyone who would try to have their own son murdered, well, he's gotta be a bad guy, right?
But what made him that way?
While working on revisions for book two, I realized: Wow, I don't know much about Mandorak Li'endrin. At least, not like I thought I did. This guy is the epitome of arrogant jackass and I don't even know much of how he got that way.
So I am working on remedying that. I've got a list of questions, and while I'm prepared from some snotty, cynical answers, I'm going to interview the heck out of him and dig deep. Maybe, just maybe, I'll make him cry.
Wish me luck!
What do you do when you discover a flat character?
Everyone knows he's a tyrant. He's downright evil and nasty. Anyone who would try to have their own son murdered, well, he's gotta be a bad guy, right?
But what made him that way?
While working on revisions for book two, I realized: Wow, I don't know much about Mandorak Li'endrin. At least, not like I thought I did. This guy is the epitome of arrogant jackass and I don't even know much of how he got that way.
So I am working on remedying that. I've got a list of questions, and while I'm prepared from some snotty, cynical answers, I'm going to interview the heck out of him and dig deep. Maybe, just maybe, I'll make him cry.
Wish me luck!
What do you do when you discover a flat character?
October 2, 2013
Insecure Writer's Support Group...
Wow! I almost forgot to post today. Actually, I did forget until I got a comment about it.
No, I saw all the reminders, but my poor brain. I swear I have short term memory loss if I don't write it down or repeat it a dozen times.
So what's my insecurity? Getting back into my routine.
The move from Alaska to Washington was supposed to be a fun one. It was supposed to be good for me and hubby, but the drive through Canada, well, to be honest, entering Canada, became a nightmare. Once we got through, we were so stressed, it took away a lot of the fun.
Prior to the move, I wasn't focused much on anything other than moving. We all know how that goes. But I fell out of my routine of reading blogs, commenting, getting on Twitter at least once a day to promo my book.
After the move, right when I was going to get into the swing of things, another bump. My publisher closed her doors. So that was a mad scramble to get things back up online so I wouldn't miss out on any sales.
It's been difficult to get back into this routine. Making a habit is supposed to be easier than breaking one. So, while I am trying to create a "new habit" of my old routine, I'm breaking the "old habit" of getting out of my rut.
My advice? Just keep doing it. So while this post is a little late, better late than never. Good to see you all again!
Insecure Writer's Support Group is brought to you by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Ninja Captain himself. Check out all the other participants here.
No, I saw all the reminders, but my poor brain. I swear I have short term memory loss if I don't write it down or repeat it a dozen times.
So what's my insecurity? Getting back into my routine.
The move from Alaska to Washington was supposed to be a fun one. It was supposed to be good for me and hubby, but the drive through Canada, well, to be honest, entering Canada, became a nightmare. Once we got through, we were so stressed, it took away a lot of the fun.
Prior to the move, I wasn't focused much on anything other than moving. We all know how that goes. But I fell out of my routine of reading blogs, commenting, getting on Twitter at least once a day to promo my book.
After the move, right when I was going to get into the swing of things, another bump. My publisher closed her doors. So that was a mad scramble to get things back up online so I wouldn't miss out on any sales.
It's been difficult to get back into this routine. Making a habit is supposed to be easier than breaking one. So, while I am trying to create a "new habit" of my old routine, I'm breaking the "old habit" of getting out of my rut.
My advice? Just keep doing it. So while this post is a little late, better late than never. Good to see you all again!
Insecure Writer's Support Group is brought to you by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Ninja Captain himself. Check out all the other participants here.
September 30, 2013
Many, Many Thanks...
I want to thank everyone for all of the retweets on Twitter, or sharing of links on Facebook or where ever. The two days I gave my book away for free, I had over 280 downloads.I've sold a few copies of my book since then and I've gained more followers on Twitter.
So thank you, everyone, who helped me spread the word. I appreciate the help and support!
Now I'm just waiting to hear what the reviews will be. Who liked it, who hated it. Doesn't matter, really. I'm stoked! I've shared my gift.
One thing I've learned in all of this, Twitter is a very powerful promotional tool. I try to keep track of things I've tweeted, the ones that seem to get the most re-tweets and the most laughs.
Several of the tweets I used this time around were things like, "I don't claim to have perfect
Fun things like that. After it went back to being $1.99, one of the things I tweeted was, "My book is no longer free, but you can't beat $1.99, even with a stick. Well... you could, but you'd look silly".
I try to be funny. I try to use trending hashtags or ones that I have looked up that pertain to my book. And of course, I always make sure I link to my book. Bitly.com helps with shortening links.
But yeah, seems like every time I tweeted a "good one" my downloads increased. Lots of my friends shared my link on Facebook. Some of them shared with the groups they belonged to and that helped a lot.
I certainly promoted my butt off in two days!
Again, thanks to all of you who helped! I'm planning on a one day giveaway on October 11. It's my birthday, but I'll be the one giving the gift. So if you'd like to help me spread the word yet again, I'd love it. And of course, I'd appreciate it.
Work will resume on book two soon. I tried Scrivener and loved it, so that will be my present to myself. I'll be getting that soon and then I can get right back to work! Yay!
Hope you all had a good weekend. I'll see you soon.
September 25, 2013
Powerful Scenes...
I was helping out with dinner the other night.
Okay, so all I did was pull the leaves off of the cilantro. But still!
While pulling off those leaves, my mind suddenly began to crank and turn as it usually does when I'm right in the middle of something messy...
And a scene was born.
Mind you, this is for book three. Not TWO, but THREE.
Just so we're clear on that.
But the scene was so powerful, and the images formed in my mind so effortlessly, so seamlessly. I was floored.
Then, I had to talk to two people in particular. First being my husband. It involves Black Rose, the character he had created and allowed me to use for these books. Then I had to hop on Facebook and message my friend Liz, because it involves Laria, who is her baby.
Would they do something like this?
The response was affirmative. Which made it even better, because that means I know these characters (and people) that well. But I suppose it really shouldn't surprise me when a powerful scene plays into my mind, yet it always does.
I'm very thankful to have this gift. I'm also very thankful that I finally got over my initial shyness and have decided to share my gift with all of you. It is something I told my daughter, once, when she was hit with nerves about performing in front of people. (She sings and plays guitar.)
I told her, "Honey, you've got an amazing gift. But no one will ever know unless you share your gift."
So if you're just getting into the writing biz, please share your gift. Even if you inspire just one person, then it won't be for nothing.
Okay, so all I did was pull the leaves off of the cilantro. But still!
While pulling off those leaves, my mind suddenly began to crank and turn as it usually does when I'm right in the middle of something messy...
And a scene was born.
Mind you, this is for book three. Not TWO, but THREE.
Just so we're clear on that.
But the scene was so powerful, and the images formed in my mind so effortlessly, so seamlessly. I was floored.
Then, I had to talk to two people in particular. First being my husband. It involves Black Rose, the character he had created and allowed me to use for these books. Then I had to hop on Facebook and message my friend Liz, because it involves Laria, who is her baby.
Would they do something like this?
The response was affirmative. Which made it even better, because that means I know these characters (and people) that well. But I suppose it really shouldn't surprise me when a powerful scene plays into my mind, yet it always does.
I'm very thankful to have this gift. I'm also very thankful that I finally got over my initial shyness and have decided to share my gift with all of you. It is something I told my daughter, once, when she was hit with nerves about performing in front of people. (She sings and plays guitar.)
I told her, "Honey, you've got an amazing gift. But no one will ever know unless you share your gift."
So if you're just getting into the writing biz, please share your gift. Even if you inspire just one person, then it won't be for nothing.
September 24, 2013
Okay, NOW It's Free...
My apologies to everyone. I think I goofed on the schedule and it is listed to be free the 24th and 25th. I was just a day ahead, that's all. I got excited.
So today and tomorrow, "Adversarius, Shadow of the Rose: Book One" is free on Amazon.
Let's try this again, shall we?
Please click here and spread the word!
September 23, 2013
New Links & My E-book Is Free...
Hey everyone!
Hope you had a great weekend. I know most of you don't exactly like Mondays, but I have something that will make your day a little brighter.
My e-book, "Adversarius" is free today and tomorrow until midnight!
You got it.
I'd love if you could please share the link and the fact that it is free for a couple days. I'm currently working on some things to get the promotion ball rolling. I also have a couple of Adversarius related projects in the works and as things progress, I'll be able to give you much more detail.
One thing I have going on is Jeanne Stumbaugh (the link is to her Facebook) has asked to do some character sketches. I'm allowed to share them all with you when she gets them done.
Another friend of mine is helping me with the audio book.
And the other thing is a surprise. I don't want to give too much away on the off chance it falls through, but I will let you know as soon as I am able to.
So as promised, here is the NEW LINK to the e-book. Free today (Monday 9/23) and tomorrow (Tuesday 9/24) until midnight PST.
And in about a week, I should be able to get back to my regular blog schedule. Have a great week, everyone!
Hope you had a great weekend. I know most of you don't exactly like Mondays, but I have something that will make your day a little brighter.
My e-book, "Adversarius" is free today and tomorrow until midnight!
You got it.
I'd love if you could please share the link and the fact that it is free for a couple days. I'm currently working on some things to get the promotion ball rolling. I also have a couple of Adversarius related projects in the works and as things progress, I'll be able to give you much more detail.
One thing I have going on is Jeanne Stumbaugh (the link is to her Facebook) has asked to do some character sketches. I'm allowed to share them all with you when she gets them done.
Another friend of mine is helping me with the audio book.
And the other thing is a surprise. I don't want to give too much away on the off chance it falls through, but I will let you know as soon as I am able to.
So as promised, here is the NEW LINK to the e-book. Free today (Monday 9/23) and tomorrow (Tuesday 9/24) until midnight PST.
And in about a week, I should be able to get back to my regular blog schedule. Have a great week, everyone!
September 19, 2013
On The Self Publishing Path...
Well, I'm halfway done. I just finished getting "Adversarius" back up online at Amazon. You can click the link here.
You'll notice a new, low price of $1.99. I've always felt that an e-book should not break people, nor should it be the same price as a paperback. Once Amazon removes my book from their Createspace, I will be able to upload the reformatted book.
I have also signed up for KDP Select. I realize that I cannot sell my book anywhere else for a while, but that's okay, because starting Monday and going through until midnight PST Tuesday, my e-book will be FREE !
Yep! Free for those two days.
Why?
To say THANK YOU to all who have supported me, stuck by me and have helped me by reviewing or spreading the word about the first book of my series.
Once my time with the KDP Select is done, I will have it up on Smashwords, available in all formats and I will also be looking into getting it up on Barnes & Noble.
If you've read my book and have reviewed it once before, would you please drop by and leave your review again? I'd appreciate it very much.
Again, thanks to all of you who have been with me through the thick and thin of things. I'm still settling in, looking for work and trying to get book two done. I am trying to get back to my regular blog schedule. I miss you all and hope to get back to reading your blogs again as well. I feel lost in the blogosphere, I don't know what's going on!
Update me!
You'll notice a new, low price of $1.99. I've always felt that an e-book should not break people, nor should it be the same price as a paperback. Once Amazon removes my book from their Createspace, I will be able to upload the reformatted book.
I have also signed up for KDP Select. I realize that I cannot sell my book anywhere else for a while, but that's okay, because starting Monday and going through until midnight PST Tuesday, my e-book will be FREE !
Yep! Free for those two days.
Why?
To say THANK YOU to all who have supported me, stuck by me and have helped me by reviewing or spreading the word about the first book of my series.
Once my time with the KDP Select is done, I will have it up on Smashwords, available in all formats and I will also be looking into getting it up on Barnes & Noble.
If you've read my book and have reviewed it once before, would you please drop by and leave your review again? I'd appreciate it very much.
Again, thanks to all of you who have been with me through the thick and thin of things. I'm still settling in, looking for work and trying to get book two done. I am trying to get back to my regular blog schedule. I miss you all and hope to get back to reading your blogs again as well. I feel lost in the blogosphere, I don't know what's going on!
Update me!
September 17, 2013
YOU Are Awesome...
I want to thank everyone who chimed in last week when I announced that Hellfire Publishing was closing its doors.
I have currently reformatted my book for Create Space and have a friend working on the cover. I'm pondering what to put on the cover. Ships might be the winner, we'll see. I've got lots to think about. In the meantime, I am trying to get the Kindle format set up so I can use the cover I have until the other is done.
Would love any suggestions on that as well. Or heck, send me links to tutorials! I love to learn things like this on my own.
I changed the interior of the print book slightly. I went and read a blog on how to format for Create Space. Of course, have to see how it turns out.
So when the new cover is done, I will be using it for the e-book, print book, banners and bookmarks. I'm also going to be getting back into my jewelry and crafts until I get a job here in Washington.
Maybe I won't need to work if I can make enough. I'll be posting pictures and stuff when I get some things made. I've got lots of ideas and can make a lot of different things, it's just been a very long time since I've done any sort of craft/jewelry type stuff due to the two surgeries I had on my left wrist. I will be attempting to do some seed bead work, but if it gets to be too much, I'll have to just do other things.
I hope the start of the week has been good to you all! I'll see you all soon.
I have currently reformatted my book for Create Space and have a friend working on the cover. I'm pondering what to put on the cover. Ships might be the winner, we'll see. I've got lots to think about. In the meantime, I am trying to get the Kindle format set up so I can use the cover I have until the other is done.
Would love any suggestions on that as well. Or heck, send me links to tutorials! I love to learn things like this on my own.
I changed the interior of the print book slightly. I went and read a blog on how to format for Create Space. Of course, have to see how it turns out.
So when the new cover is done, I will be using it for the e-book, print book, banners and bookmarks. I'm also going to be getting back into my jewelry and crafts until I get a job here in Washington.
Maybe I won't need to work if I can make enough. I'll be posting pictures and stuff when I get some things made. I've got lots of ideas and can make a lot of different things, it's just been a very long time since I've done any sort of craft/jewelry type stuff due to the two surgeries I had on my left wrist. I will be attempting to do some seed bead work, but if it gets to be too much, I'll have to just do other things.
I hope the start of the week has been good to you all! I'll see you all soon.
