Lara Schiffbauer's Blog, page 24

For The Writers: It's Just Books

The idea for this post has been knocking around in my head for several weeks now. I've wondered if I'm brave enough to write it. I've wondered if it's something anyone wants to hear.

After much internal debate, I've decided that what I want to write about was important for me to learn. If it might help someone else to read about my experience, I decided to give the post a whirl, and see what happens.

Now, as we know, some writers have (what appears to be) lucky success. I'm not saying they don't work hard, or aren't talented. But, how many hard-working, talented writers do you know? That's right. Quite a few, huh? And what makes any one writer who has that crazy-good success better than any of the others that you know? See what I mean? For every one lucky hard-working, talented writer there are many hard-working, talented authors who just didn't have the stars align in quite the same way.


Photo Couresy: Free Digital PhotosHere's a secret about me. I'm a very competitive person. I'm so competitive that I don't compete. I hate losing that much. Plunk me down in the middle of a competitive field like writing, and I'm sure to have some mental ticks.

Using this post by Leslie Ramey as a guide (Redefining Success for Self-Publishing), Finding Meara has actually done quite well when compared with the many other self-published books out there. But! I'm competitive. And each disappoint has the potential to cut me to the very depths of my writer's ego.

And the truth of writing is the majority of authors are going to be disappointed over something, sometime. Maybe even frequently disappointed. Heck, even those with crazy-good success blog and post on Facebook about how disappointed they are with something that would make 99% of other writers drool. (Can I just say how irritating that is...)

My point is that there are bound to be disappointments. Maybe forever.

Sometime this summer, I finally realized all of this. And then I realized something very important.

It's just books.

All of it is not life or death. Whether I sell a zillion copies or two copies, it really won't change the important things in my life. I'll still be a wife to my dearest husband, I'll be mother to two of the quirkiest, most-lovable kids in the world. I'll still have a job as a social worker if I want it. I'll still be a daughter and an aunt, and a friend. I'll still write and create the fantastical and magical.

It's just books.

I don't know if I'll ever have crazy-good success. There's lots of people who think so - and God bless them for being hopeful and carrying me through my dark times. But the truth is, I may not. And it doesn't mean anything more than the time didn't come. It doesn't mean that I was untalented. It doesn't mean that I didn't work hard enough. It doesn't mean I failed. It means nothing at all, because...

It's just books.

Funny Friday Photos

Hello and happy Friday to one and all!
Well, it happened. I went back to work yesterday - a new school year has begun. I have to admit I kind of wasted the summer as far as writing time is concerned. I'm trying to decide if I should beat myself up about it or just let it go. Mental flaggelation is probably not helpful, so I guess I should let it go. If anyone has any tips for how to do that, please tell me in the comments. I'm not very good at it.
Last week's funniest photo winner was:


And now for this week's photos!






Elevators are so faithful like that.

It's the cat's expression. Are cats reincarnated humans?


This looks sooooo bad.


Aargh! I want to fix it. Please, let me fix it!!! Cruelty - pure cruelty.


The caption was "The floor has a sad."
The pun for the week...
We have lots of windfarms, and it's so cool to drive by these windmills.

And  a little something for any science geeks. 
Funny, huh? *nudge, nudge* Get it?


Guess what? Saturday is my eleventh wedding anniversary! You know how everyone says the man forgets important dates? Well, when it comes to my anniversary, I can never remember if it's the 23rd or the 24th. I have no idea why that is, but every year I have to ask either my husband or my mother which day is the day. I've only heard of one other woman who can't remember her own anniversary, so I am truly an anomoly. Luckily, my husband doesn't take it personally.
My favorite this week is "I don't like to move it."Did you find a favorite?Do you have any fun plans for this weekend?

Something Bizarre Happened...Or not.

Apparently, when you're at home a lot, not much bizarre happens. At least, not the kind of thing a person can write a blog post about. I The rock.highly doubt anyone but me finds the fact that we found a polished and pretty rock my son lost three years ago when we planted one of our new cherry trees this summer particularly interesting. I may have to rethink the topic for this slot.

So, what to do today? I've promised myself that I wouldn't skip anymore blog posts, so how about a round-up of some other people's internet offerings I've enjoyed lately.

Writing:

* Redefining Success For Self-Publishing by Leslie Ramey on The Creative Penn was a welcome reframe of what constitutes success in self-publishing.

* The Madness of the Muses by Sarah Callender on Writer Unboxed was an enjoyable affirmation that I am not the only one who worries over the amount of time I submit to writing.

Science:

*It's OK To Not Understand These Pictures. Our Brains Weren't Built To Handle Them on Upworthy via Nicole L. Bates, Author reveals the grand size of the Universe. We are truly small.

* Mix of Housecat, Teddy Bear: New Mammal Discovered in Cloud Forest via Accuweather (But don't forget the monkey discovered in Columbia. It's got the prettiest eyes. Human or Monkey? on Keeping Babel at Bay.) Cute animals, but the monkey really does have a human-like face.

Scifi/Fantasy:

* Certain Doctor Who Phrases and how Olive Garden Customers React: An Experiment Done by a Server on The Stranger. Just cute!

Feel Good:
* Maroon 5 The Daylight Project (You Tube Video) Not sure why this is so powerful for me, but I suspect it has something to do with the song and the honest humanity of the people in the video.

On writing news, I have listed Finding Meara with Story Cartel, a site which brings readers and authors together. Readers join the site to receive free books, knowing they are "encouraged" to leave reviews on Amazon, among other sites. So if you know of anyone who might want to get a free copy of Finding Meara in exchange for a review, you can send them here.

Did any of the links pique your interest?

Funny Friday Photos

Did anyone miss Funny Friday Photos last week? I did! It was eleven o'clock on Thursday night before I even realized I'd forgotten to get the post together. And then, I forgot to write the Creature Feature post for Tuesday, too. It was a nice little blogging break, though, albeit unplanned.

Since it's been two weeks since we've had photos, I'll just get right to this week's pictures. I hope you have a great Friday and weekend!
I didn't laugh until I saw what was under it's wings. 

Awful and funny at the same time.


Who remembers Ferdinand? I LOVED Ferdinand!



Poor monkey!

And it's going to get you in your sleep.




My day yesterday...


What has been seen cannot be unseen.And a couple of puns!



Food humor... he, he.


A new way to talk about sex.My favorite is the Lion and Bear, Oh Mai picture.Do you have a favorite?

Cover Reveal: (Never) Again by Theresa Paolo

Today is normally the Theme Park blog post, but when I had the chance to be a part of Theresa Paolo's cover reveal, I signed right up! It's a beautiful cover and I'm happy to welcome Theresa to Motivation for Creation...

Today is the day! The official cover reveal for (Never)Again to be published by (Berkley) Penguin on October 15th, 2013.

Just when she had finally moved on…
…He moved back.

When college freshman Liz Wagner hears her ex's voice for the first time since he moved clear across the freaking country, she does what any respectable girl would do: Dive into the girls' bathroom.

Zach Roberts—the Zach Roberts—is back. And he’s everywhere Liz looks—infiltrating her friend group, buddy-buddy with her brother. It’s enough to ruin college altogether. But what choice does she have but to put on a happy face and pretend he didn't leave her vulnerable and alone in a pile of emotional wreckage?

Pretending works, until tragedy strikes and the only person available for comfort is the one person she wants to stay away from. When Zach turns out not to be the jerk she convinced herself he was, but the boy she used to love, Liz needs to decide whether to open her heart again to the boy who tore it out.


 Cover time: 

Available for preorder on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. 
Add it to your TBR list on Goodreads.




Theresa Paolo lives in the same town she grew up in on Long Island, NY with her boyfriend and Milton, their big eyed goldfish. She has a hard time accepting the fact she’s nearing thirty which is why she writes New Adult and Young Adult books, reliving the best and worst years of her life through her characters. She put her love of writing on hold while she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Dowling College. On November 11th2011 at 11:11 she made a wish. Two hours later she was laid off. Jobless for the first time since she was sixteen she was determined to make her wish come true. Writing became her life again and after many nights of ignoring her boyfriend to spend time with her characters, she finally received the call that all her hard work, finger crossing and eye crossing paid off. She signed with Berkley (Penguin) and her debut novel, (NEVER) AGAIN, a NA romance, will be out in Fall 2013.  When she’s not writing, she’s behind a camera or can be found in the blogosphere or on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.

Funny Friday Photos

It's Friday! We made it through another week. How's everybody feeling?
Not much to say here! Just working away on Adven 2 (I really need a working title), cleaning the house and preparing to return to work in several weeks. Next week we've got some overnight trips planned, including one to Devil's Tower. I love that place. Of course, now I always think of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I figure as long as I don't start making my mashed potatoes into a Devil's Tower sculpture, it's all good.
Last week's winner was...Eggbert!

And here are the new photos. I have to give a disclaimer that the pickings were pretty slim, but there were several that gave me a good chuckle, so I hope you can find a favorite, too.

Don't you wonder how that happened?


And other kitty replies: "Not with new TVs. No remote means no channel changing."


He looks so embarrassed!


Awww. Poor thing.


I would have freaked out. And yes, it's a real TV show on Animal Planet.


All parents understand this one. Heck, baby pet owners, too. A puppy is as bad as an infant, it just doesn't last as long.
And the pun for the week:


My favorite is the cat from hell. Cracks me up each time I look at it.Were you able to find a favorite?
Have a great weekend!

Funny Friday Photos

Hello and Happy Friday! 
I have to remind you that The Blogger Book Fair and Sizzling Summer Giveaways are almost over, so head over to either site today and register for the various giveaways before it's too late! Both events have been so much fun, and I feel like I've made some new friends, so that makes it even better! Also, Jessica Chiles at Such a Novel Idea wrote the best review for Finding Meara - not just that it was complimentary, but it's a really fun review. It has some cute graphics, even. Click here if you want to see it.
This week has been very odd for me. I did get some work done on world-building of the Realm for Adven 2. As I mind-mapped the Realm, I had all kinds of interesting ideas for scenes or future stories. It was definitely worth the time I spent on it. Now that I'm done, though, I can't decide what to do next. I think I need to just start writing again. Especially if I'm going to meet my deadline.
A quick "thanks" to all of you who commented last week. Somehow the week passed before I got back to respond. The story of my life, lately. 
Last week's winner for funniest photo was:


And now the new photos!

It's sooo FLUFFY!

Bask in the sun and you, too, can look this cute.










It must be the Star Trek Movie I recently watched, but all I see is a Vulcan-cat Mind Meld.
And our pun...
I love Shaq. Isn't he in the Gold Bond commercial?

My favorite? I'll go with the Vulcan-Cat.

Did you have a favorite this time?

Blogger Book Fair Guest Zrinka Jelic

Hello Blogger Book Fair hoppersI’m very delighted to meet you. My name is Zrinka Jelic and I’m author of three published books, Bonded by Crimson, a paranormal romance, and Treasured Chest, a historical romance. Plus my work appears in an anthology titled Angles Cried dedicated to tiny victims of unimaginable and senseless violence of Sandy Hook School. Today I’d like to talk about my newest release, a time travel romance titled “Love Remains”. It was published by Crimson Romance on July 15th. It is dedicated to all women, but especially working kind. It takes a lot of skill and energy to juggle career and family, and to keep going day in and day out. When kids are sick and we have to stay at home with our little ones, we face the employer’s scrutiny and in some cases even losing jobs. The treatment of working mothers in the corporations got me thinking and I’ve decided to show my findings (at least the way I was treated when faced with the issue) through my writing. And since I am a romance writer, what best way to do it than through romance. Of course, being of Croatian descent, I have to throw something Croatian in the mix. Would you sacrifice your family for the sake of your career? Is it OK for corporations to dispose of women who put their families before their jobs? Is there a golden middle? I hope you’ll find “Love Remains” a thrilling read as I found it when I wrote it.

Here’s the book’s blurbOlivia Owen, a busy, single, high-functioning, corporate executive officer, is not afraid to die a spinster for the sake of her career. But in an alternate reality world, bridged by the angel of her Down’s syndrome sister, she meets Tom Medar, a dedicated, Croatian defense attorney who dreams of the right woman, but never has time to find her. Together they foil an adulterous murder plot while discovering there’s room for love and family in their busy lives—but not before they are separated again. When they awaken from their alternate world, will they be able to cross countries to find each other again?Love Remains is now available on Amazon Also, there’s a little giveaway on my blog and since I’m in Canada I’ll have to make it digital. So a copy of Love Remains for your e-reader and $5.00 Amazon gift card. Just drop by my blog Hello Romance and leave me a comment, join my blog or like my Facebook page. And a bit about me
Zrinka Jelic lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and two children. A member of the Romance Writers of America and its chapter Fantasy Futuristic &Paranormal, as well as Savvy Authors, she writes contemporary fiction—which leans toward the paranormal—and adds a pinch of history. Her characters come from all walks of life, and although she prefers red, romance comes in many colors. Given Jelic’s love for her native Croatia and the Adriatic Sea, her characters usually find themselves dealing with a fair amount of sunshine, but that’s about the only break they get. “Alas,” Jelic says, with a grin. “Some rain must fall in everyone’s life.”

Blogger Book Fair Guest Penelope Reece

Phantasma by Penelope Reece
Good school, nice friends, and a loving family. Alphie Brewster's life seems perfect except for one growing problem. She’s plagued with vivid nightmares, and is haunted by a forgotten past. And it's only getting worse.

The day she finds a mysterious necklace, Alphie wakes to see a ghostly figure leaning over her bed. Now she's got an even greater problem. A six foot four inch tall eccentric spook, named Noer, who has to possess her in order to stay in this world. He fills her with fire while slowly draining her energy as if she were a Duracell Battery.

Now her problems only seem to be escalating. The more she learns about Noer, the more she starts to remember her childhood. One that should have stayed buried and could very well tear her apart.

Excerpt:

"Let this be a dream!" My mind screamed. "Let me wake up!"
I chanted the words in my mind, but I knew I wasn’t sleeping. The nightmare was very much real. My eyes and nose were all too aware of this fact. My body knew too, that’s why it was flat lining.
Next to me, the figure continued to breathe, his rancid breath caressing my ear while the smell burned a fiery path through my nostrils. Finally, I couldn’t take it any longer, and slowly – oh so painfully slow – I turned my head to look upon the face of, what I was sure was, a nightmare made flesh."
If you'd like to grab a copy of Phantasma for .99, now is the time to do it! Follow the Smashwords link below to access the special for only Blogger Book Fair participants!
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/319112

Promotional price: $0.99
Coupon Code: WT44L

Expires: July 28, 2013 

Sing for Me is the second title Penelope is sharing with us today!
CHLOE HASKELL, a university student and runaway diva, is determined to never sing again. After escaping a life in the spot light, she wants only to have a normal life. But when an old flame comes to town, Chloe must decide if she’s willing to forget the past in order to fall in love with the man who broke her heart.
RHYS RYTHER, a Broadway composer, has been hired as a substitute professor at the university. There, he’s surprised to learn that his ex girlfriend, the girl he left without an explanation, is a student at the same university. What's even more surprising is that he still has feelings her.
When Chloe unintentionally gets cast in the school’s production of The Phantom of the Opera, unexplained events start to happen. She sees shadows everywhere. A ghost haunts her dreams. And someone is watching her. But is it all in her mind or has a dead man come back to claim her?
As Chloe and Rhys get closer, he learns that she’s been keeping a secret. It’s a secret so dark that could very well tear them apart. And when the impossible happens, can Rhys overcome Chloe’s dark past in order to save her from an even darker future?
Author Bio
Penelope Reece, Penn for short (b. 1984), is an author living in Central Indiana with her husband of two years and her tiny Pomeranian, Kodi.

She graduated from Indiana University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in English. She then went on to spend nearly three years in South Korea where she taught English in a private academy. It was here that she met and married her husband in June of 2010.

They recently moved back to the States in March of 2012.

Penelope's been writing ever since her nerdy high school days where her joys were limited to marching band and day dreaming.

Her other joys include reading, crocheting, snuggling her little Kodi-man, and watching comedic TV shows such as Parks, and the IT Crowd. She also enjoys watching Korean dramas, listening to her husband sing. As well as being hyper and annoying her husband as much as she can.

Blogger Book Fair Guest Kirstin Pulioff

The Escape of Princess Madeline by Kirstin Pulioff

The Kingdom of Soron is known for many things, its rolling landscape, haunting history, fiery sunsets, and its beautiful princess. Princess Madeline woke on her sixteenth birthday to realize that her future had been planned out, a life full of privilege, royalty, and boredom... a life with a husband and knight champion that she did not choose. Using her charm, strength and stubbornness, she defies the King at every turn, determined to keep her freedom on her terms.

Freedom quickly turns to disaster as she finds herself seized by a group of wandering bandits. With the kingdom in turmoil over her capture; her Knight Champion eager to prove himself, a group of dedicated suitors determined to win her hand, and a group of exiled wizards join forces in the hunt to rescue her. Follow Princess Madeline in this adventure full of twists and turns as she tries to find her freedom and answers to her questions about life and love.




The Battle for Princess Madeline by Kirstin Pulioff
The Kingdom of Soron bustled with activity as preparations for the Fall Festival began. Lively merchants, hardworking farmers, and musicians eagerly awaited this event of harvest and joy. This year’s festival was even more important, as they celebrated Princess Madeline’s betrothal to her knight champion, Daniel.

Celebration quickly turns to disaster as Prince Paulsen returns with curious demands, either Princess Madeline will be his, or no ones. Rejection turns to obsession and battle is declared.

In a tense struggle to decide her future, Princess Madeline must choose where to put her trust… in the king’s tried and true plan, the wizard’s cryptic messages and maps, or her own sense of bravery. Follow Princess Madeline on this adventure as she battles evil in an attempt to create a future of love and magic.




We're lucky today because Princess Madeline answered some questions for us, so we could get to know her and her world a little better. Thank you, Princess, for agreeing to be interviewed on Motivation for Creation. The first question is, if you had a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?

Oh, what I would give for a day off with no responsibilities. Life as a princess isn’t what you imagine it to be. My father, King Theodore, requires a lot from me and my brother. Duty, duty, duty, it is all he talks about and what he expects. All I have ever wanted is to be free, to have an adventure. If I had a day to myself, I would probably go on a walk through the Great Forest, shop at the local merchants, and enjoy a day without someone drilling me on the responsibilities of being a princess.

What’s your idea of a good marriage? Do you think that’ll happen in your life?

My idea of a good marriage is one that is filled with love. I would love to get married one day, when I am ready, but I don’t really have the choice… In my case, as the princess, my father will choose. There are lots of ceremonies involved in the process. First comes the bethrothal ball, the chance of meeting all the eligible princes and choosing between them. Afterwards, my father will hold a tournament to find my knight champion. Once I leave the kingdom, I will have my personal night to look after me and my needs in the new territory.

If you could spend the day with someone you admire (living or dead or imaginary), who would you pick?
That it easy. I would spend it with my mother. She died when my brother and I were born. I’ve heard that I am a lot like her, but I don’t know. It would be a dream come true to see her.

What’s the worst thing that’s happened in your life? What did you learn from it?
Worst thing that has happened to me… that is a good question. I suppose it would be being thrown from my horse at 5. My father had given me the most wonderful gift for my birthday, a new pony. I named her princess… on our first ride out, ‘Princess’ tossed me, breaking my arm. After that, my father got rid of the horse, my riding lessons, and my fun. I learned that my father overreacts! Ha

Tell me about your best friend.

My best friend is Sophia. She has been my friend since we were babies- sharing stories in the nursery, games and adventures as kids, secret handshakes. Lately it seems all we share is my brother. They have been spending way too much time together if you ask me. I don’t have a lot of friends though, and she has been there for me.

How do you feel about your life right now? What, if anything, would you like to change?

Life is good. I have my sixteenth birthday coming up, and that should be fun. The kingdom has been busy planning a ball, and that should be fun. I don’t get much adventure, so I am looking forward to that. I really hope something happens soon. I don’t know what, but I am dreaming of something more…

If you'd like to read all about the Princesses adventures, they are available on Amazon and Smashwords.
Or you could buy one and try to win the other with this fabulous giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kirstin Pulioff is a storyteller at heart. Born and raised in Southern California, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to follow her dreams and graduated from Oregon State University (Go Beavs!) with a degree in Forest Management. Happily married and a mother of two, she lives in Oregon, and enjoys being a stay at home mom. When she's not writing, she is busy with her kids, church and the family business.
I love to hear from my readers and fans. Please connect with me on my other sites:Website:  www.kirstinpulioff.comFacebook:  http://www.facebook.com/KirstinPulioffAuthorTwitter:  http://twitter.com/KirstinPulioffGoodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/11281401-kirstin-pulioffAmazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/author/kirstinpulioff