Mary Newman's Blog, page 4
February 28, 2016
Where Do I Go From Here?
I debated all night whether to write this blog, but as it has bothered me that long, I felt it was something I needed to do. If you’ve been following my writing career and such, you know I’ve been writing for most of my life, but only recently began self-publishing. Before that, I’d had one story published in an anthology and had written a few guest articles for a newspaper. The thing is, I’ve been writing, though, in one form or another since I was a teenager.
What I write has evolved, as it does with most who are serious about this profession. I began with children’s stories – bits of fluffy, feel-good fiction aimed at the under ten age group. These stories began as an extra credit effort for an English class, but I continued with them for my own children. It was one of those stories, "The Reading Railroad," which was included in an anthology. I enjoyed writing them, but never had a paid publication of any of my children’s books. They’ve been sitting in a file for years, now, and I’ll most likely not revisit them.
My next phase of writing began when I got the job as a copywriter for the local newspaper. When the owner of the paper realized I loved to write, he allowed me to do a few articles, take a few pictures, etc. Again, it was a sideline thing. My main job was to set the weddings, engagements, obits, AP articles, etc. I worked for $6 an hour and was raised to $6.50 before I left the job to move to another state. That was when I finally decided to sit down and seriously write my first novel. As I loved reading fantasy romances, or any romances, actually, that was what I wrote. That story was never accepted by a publisher, and is the only novel I’ve ever submitted to the mainstream publishing houses. After more rejections than I care to remember, it languished for a decade before I bought myself a Kindle Fire and downloaded a free book about publishing eBooks.
That free book began my journey as a romance writer who self publishes. I can still remember the nerves when, after my first two M/F fantasy romances, I wrote a menage. It was a full menage, with a woman and two bisexual men. Why did I write it? Because that was what the characters wanted. Why was I nervous? Because I live in the belt buckle of the Bible Belt, and I was terrified of how it would be received. Afterwards, I went back to M/F romances with my next two books, although one had a bit of bestiality kink when a character shifted in the middle of sex. Again with the nerves. My first man on man romance was so far out of my comfort zone I wasn’t even on the same continent. I didn’t set out to become an M/M author. I just had a character that needed his story told, and regardless of who I put him with, she wasn’t the right one. His love needed to be a ‘he’ not a ‘she’.
Which brings me to where I am today and what kept me awake last night. Like I said, I never set out to break into the M/M romance genre. It wasn’t really my goal or a need to support the LGBTQ cause, just characters who wanted their story told. What came out of that first M/M story, though, was online friendships with other authors of the genre and a love of reading M/M romance. It also led to my stepping completely out of my own closet and acknowledging my bisexuality. Still on the fence as to whether that was a good or bad thing.
The thing is, I wasn't 'cashing in' on a burgeoning genre off the backs of a community that has already been stepped on enough. But, neither have I given any of my profits to the LGBTQ causes or gone out of my way to publicly support them because that’s what I thought I was doing already – by writing stories where gay and bisexual characters got an HEA. As far as cashing in? Honestly, I haven’t. Writing does not provide a living for me. There hasn’t been a profit. There hasn’t even been enough to pay for the cost of publishing. I do this because I love it, not because it supports me.
I value the friendships I’ve gained, even though they are online and I’ll more than likely never meet up with any other authors in person. I’ve gained insight into the struggles of being gay in a world where many still consider it a sickness or choice. It wasn’t like that for me because I could simply pose as a heterosexual woman and few knew otherwise until I outed myself. Although, I did tentatively explore my sexuality, I never stepped very far from my closet. But doubts have been planted in my mind that I’m using the LGBTQ community and their struggles when I write. I don’t knowingly use others and I spent an entire night wondering if that’s what I was doing when I wrote my M/M stories and published them. I’m at a crossroads, now, wondering if I should go back to M/F. It feels as if I’m being asked to step back into my closet, and frankly, after nearly 55 years, that closet is just way too small and I have no desire to ever go back. This decision isn’t going to be an easy one.
What I write has evolved, as it does with most who are serious about this profession. I began with children’s stories – bits of fluffy, feel-good fiction aimed at the under ten age group. These stories began as an extra credit effort for an English class, but I continued with them for my own children. It was one of those stories, "The Reading Railroad," which was included in an anthology. I enjoyed writing them, but never had a paid publication of any of my children’s books. They’ve been sitting in a file for years, now, and I’ll most likely not revisit them.
My next phase of writing began when I got the job as a copywriter for the local newspaper. When the owner of the paper realized I loved to write, he allowed me to do a few articles, take a few pictures, etc. Again, it was a sideline thing. My main job was to set the weddings, engagements, obits, AP articles, etc. I worked for $6 an hour and was raised to $6.50 before I left the job to move to another state. That was when I finally decided to sit down and seriously write my first novel. As I loved reading fantasy romances, or any romances, actually, that was what I wrote. That story was never accepted by a publisher, and is the only novel I’ve ever submitted to the mainstream publishing houses. After more rejections than I care to remember, it languished for a decade before I bought myself a Kindle Fire and downloaded a free book about publishing eBooks.
That free book began my journey as a romance writer who self publishes. I can still remember the nerves when, after my first two M/F fantasy romances, I wrote a menage. It was a full menage, with a woman and two bisexual men. Why did I write it? Because that was what the characters wanted. Why was I nervous? Because I live in the belt buckle of the Bible Belt, and I was terrified of how it would be received. Afterwards, I went back to M/F romances with my next two books, although one had a bit of bestiality kink when a character shifted in the middle of sex. Again with the nerves. My first man on man romance was so far out of my comfort zone I wasn’t even on the same continent. I didn’t set out to become an M/M author. I just had a character that needed his story told, and regardless of who I put him with, she wasn’t the right one. His love needed to be a ‘he’ not a ‘she’.
Which brings me to where I am today and what kept me awake last night. Like I said, I never set out to break into the M/M romance genre. It wasn’t really my goal or a need to support the LGBTQ cause, just characters who wanted their story told. What came out of that first M/M story, though, was online friendships with other authors of the genre and a love of reading M/M romance. It also led to my stepping completely out of my own closet and acknowledging my bisexuality. Still on the fence as to whether that was a good or bad thing.
The thing is, I wasn't 'cashing in' on a burgeoning genre off the backs of a community that has already been stepped on enough. But, neither have I given any of my profits to the LGBTQ causes or gone out of my way to publicly support them because that’s what I thought I was doing already – by writing stories where gay and bisexual characters got an HEA. As far as cashing in? Honestly, I haven’t. Writing does not provide a living for me. There hasn’t been a profit. There hasn’t even been enough to pay for the cost of publishing. I do this because I love it, not because it supports me.
I value the friendships I’ve gained, even though they are online and I’ll more than likely never meet up with any other authors in person. I’ve gained insight into the struggles of being gay in a world where many still consider it a sickness or choice. It wasn’t like that for me because I could simply pose as a heterosexual woman and few knew otherwise until I outed myself. Although, I did tentatively explore my sexuality, I never stepped very far from my closet. But doubts have been planted in my mind that I’m using the LGBTQ community and their struggles when I write. I don’t knowingly use others and I spent an entire night wondering if that’s what I was doing when I wrote my M/M stories and published them. I’m at a crossroads, now, wondering if I should go back to M/F. It feels as if I’m being asked to step back into my closet, and frankly, after nearly 55 years, that closet is just way too small and I have no desire to ever go back. This decision isn’t going to be an easy one.
February 20, 2016
My Epiphany
I’m going to preface this blog with the statement that no alcohol was involved in the writing of this post. That being said, read at your own risk.
Yesterday I was out doing a little shopping with my youngest sister. Since we had to get some things from the local Walmart where my daughter works, we stopped in her department to chat. She happened to be working in lady’s underwear at the time, so, of course, me being me, I launched into a diatribe about women’s underwear being designed only for tiny women. The things are torture devices when you’re my size. Really. I’m best described as full-figured, with an emphasis on the “full”. At my age, I prefer comfort over looks, and the selection of comfortable underwear is not great. Actually, it’s nonexistent.
My daughter has learned to ignore me. She’s really good at it, since she’s been doing it for over twenty years. My sister, however, wanted to help. I hate panties. They do not design them to do anything other than crawl up one’s ass. Constantly. Bikinis, briefs, hip huggers, even the so-called boy shorts do not stay put. Not when you’re a fuller figured woman. Don’t even get me started on those little lacy “cheeky” things. Thongs are out, as well, since they are meant to ride the crack of your ass. Who wants that? And at my size - it’s not a sexy thing. As I explained all this to my sister and showed her how even the boy shorts they make for women do not have enough length to the leg, she said “Why don’t you just buy men’s?” Huh? Why, indeed? So I did. I now have a package of men’s boxer briefs and OMG! WTF you guys? How come you get comfortable underwear and women don’t?
And that was when I had my epiphany. I don’t get them often, but this one was a real gem. This is why the majority of women in the books I read are cranky bitches. They’re wearing women’s underwear. After picking cloth out of the crack of their asses their entire lives, of course they’re cranky and mean. This wonderful epiphany has led to the following decisions regarding my writing:
1. Only the bad guys (and girls) are going to wear underwear. That gives them a reason to be bad, right?
2. No heroes or heroines will ever have to wear underwear. They get to be comfortable and happy.
3. When I’m writing, I don’t have to wear underwear either. Seriously! Try plotting out a book when every time you stand up to get a drink or go to the bathroom, you have to pluck at a wedgie. The struggle is real.
Yesterday I was out doing a little shopping with my youngest sister. Since we had to get some things from the local Walmart where my daughter works, we stopped in her department to chat. She happened to be working in lady’s underwear at the time, so, of course, me being me, I launched into a diatribe about women’s underwear being designed only for tiny women. The things are torture devices when you’re my size. Really. I’m best described as full-figured, with an emphasis on the “full”. At my age, I prefer comfort over looks, and the selection of comfortable underwear is not great. Actually, it’s nonexistent.
My daughter has learned to ignore me. She’s really good at it, since she’s been doing it for over twenty years. My sister, however, wanted to help. I hate panties. They do not design them to do anything other than crawl up one’s ass. Constantly. Bikinis, briefs, hip huggers, even the so-called boy shorts do not stay put. Not when you’re a fuller figured woman. Don’t even get me started on those little lacy “cheeky” things. Thongs are out, as well, since they are meant to ride the crack of your ass. Who wants that? And at my size - it’s not a sexy thing. As I explained all this to my sister and showed her how even the boy shorts they make for women do not have enough length to the leg, she said “Why don’t you just buy men’s?” Huh? Why, indeed? So I did. I now have a package of men’s boxer briefs and OMG! WTF you guys? How come you get comfortable underwear and women don’t?
And that was when I had my epiphany. I don’t get them often, but this one was a real gem. This is why the majority of women in the books I read are cranky bitches. They’re wearing women’s underwear. After picking cloth out of the crack of their asses their entire lives, of course they’re cranky and mean. This wonderful epiphany has led to the following decisions regarding my writing:
1. Only the bad guys (and girls) are going to wear underwear. That gives them a reason to be bad, right?
2. No heroes or heroines will ever have to wear underwear. They get to be comfortable and happy.
3. When I’m writing, I don’t have to wear underwear either. Seriously! Try plotting out a book when every time you stand up to get a drink or go to the bathroom, you have to pluck at a wedgie. The struggle is real.
February 14, 2016
Southern Springiness
It's mid February and in Oklahoma that means folks are getting ready to start their cool season crops in the garden. The stores have all started putting out trees and shrubs in front and garden centers have geared up with early seed starting kits and, of course, seeds.
I used to love gardening. I looked forward to the warmer weather and had seed trays set up as soon as the stores had them available. Not so much, now, since gardening involves a lot of energy - and space. I don't have space. I have the dash at the front windshield of my RV where Kiko, the psycho cat, likes to sit and screw with anything I attempt to place there. It's like a game of hide and seek and he's doing all the hiding. I'm over the seeking part and have decided to ignore that area until I feel like dealing with the death he's dealt to my one lonely aloe plant and the frog figurines I dared to place within his reach. Silly me.
On the up side of warmer weather are the birds that migrate through, giving me a glimpse of a good variety. That's been one of my hobbies for more than 40 years, and something I can still do even though my mobility is sucky. I'd love to put a bird feeder up, but kind of afraid my sister's menagerie of cats would consider it an all you can eat buffet.
Back to the gardening thing, though. Since I've loved gardening for so long, it's really been a trial to watch all the pretty plants being set out and seeing others preparing their garden spaces. Sometimes I have to put my hands in my pockets like a little kid in order to keep from reaching for a seed packet or a new form of some bush that looks tempting. As I'm parked in my sister's yard she's very appreciative of the fact I haven't brought her a new tree or bush that will require extra care she doesn't have the energy to give it, either.
Looks like I'll just have to settle for pretty pictures on my Facebook feed.
I used to love gardening. I looked forward to the warmer weather and had seed trays set up as soon as the stores had them available. Not so much, now, since gardening involves a lot of energy - and space. I don't have space. I have the dash at the front windshield of my RV where Kiko, the psycho cat, likes to sit and screw with anything I attempt to place there. It's like a game of hide and seek and he's doing all the hiding. I'm over the seeking part and have decided to ignore that area until I feel like dealing with the death he's dealt to my one lonely aloe plant and the frog figurines I dared to place within his reach. Silly me.
On the up side of warmer weather are the birds that migrate through, giving me a glimpse of a good variety. That's been one of my hobbies for more than 40 years, and something I can still do even though my mobility is sucky. I'd love to put a bird feeder up, but kind of afraid my sister's menagerie of cats would consider it an all you can eat buffet.
Back to the gardening thing, though. Since I've loved gardening for so long, it's really been a trial to watch all the pretty plants being set out and seeing others preparing their garden spaces. Sometimes I have to put my hands in my pockets like a little kid in order to keep from reaching for a seed packet or a new form of some bush that looks tempting. As I'm parked in my sister's yard she's very appreciative of the fact I haven't brought her a new tree or bush that will require extra care she doesn't have the energy to give it, either.
Looks like I'll just have to settle for pretty pictures on my Facebook feed.
February 7, 2016
Why I Write
You would think that a person becomes a writer because they have something they believe the world wants to read. Right? They probably have lots of self-esteem and are very secure in their belief they are writing something of worth. Wrong. That just isn't the way of it. I can only speak for myself, of course, but in communicating with other writers, I've found they, too, are just as surprised and thrilled when someone compliments one of their works, praises them, or spontaneously promotes one of their books.
Writing can be a sometimes vicious cycle. I put my heart and soul into a story, edit and format until I'm sure it's just what I wanted to say, design a cover that I hope looks good, and release it to the rest of the world. Then I sit and figuratively chew my nails to the quick, constantly check the sales, tentatively look at any reviews, and wonder why I even bothered to put a piece of myself out there and subject it to ridicule.
A four or five star rating, with or without a review, can send me into the throes of ecstasy, just as a one star rating can absolutely crush me and make me vow to never write another word. It's like being bipolar on steroids. That may not be a pretty picture, but try living it.
So why would I even bother to write, you ask? Why put myself through that? Aside from the fact I seem to like being a glutton for punishment, I write because I feel the need to share the stories and characters that run through my head. I've tried to ignore that part of myself, refusing to do nothing more than make a few notes or let a story play out in my head. The feeling is horrible; like I'm ignoring a necessary part of me. And, once I've written something, it's just as compelling that I release it and let others read the story.
That's why I write. Because I have to. Because it's no more a choice than breathing. I'm not alone in feeling this way. I read an article where Stephen King related an incident that happened to him. A woman approached him and asked how he could write such horrific things. (I'm paraphrasing here since I don't remember the exact words) Mr. King responded with "What makes you think I have a choice?"
Writing can be a sometimes vicious cycle. I put my heart and soul into a story, edit and format until I'm sure it's just what I wanted to say, design a cover that I hope looks good, and release it to the rest of the world. Then I sit and figuratively chew my nails to the quick, constantly check the sales, tentatively look at any reviews, and wonder why I even bothered to put a piece of myself out there and subject it to ridicule.
A four or five star rating, with or without a review, can send me into the throes of ecstasy, just as a one star rating can absolutely crush me and make me vow to never write another word. It's like being bipolar on steroids. That may not be a pretty picture, but try living it.
So why would I even bother to write, you ask? Why put myself through that? Aside from the fact I seem to like being a glutton for punishment, I write because I feel the need to share the stories and characters that run through my head. I've tried to ignore that part of myself, refusing to do nothing more than make a few notes or let a story play out in my head. The feeling is horrible; like I'm ignoring a necessary part of me. And, once I've written something, it's just as compelling that I release it and let others read the story.
That's why I write. Because I have to. Because it's no more a choice than breathing. I'm not alone in feeling this way. I read an article where Stephen King related an incident that happened to him. A woman approached him and asked how he could write such horrific things. (I'm paraphrasing here since I don't remember the exact words) Mr. King responded with "What makes you think I have a choice?"
January 30, 2016
Adulting and Procrastination
You know the song "Anticipation" by Carly Simon? Sure, I'm showing my age right now, but go on YouTube and look it up if you don't know it. Now in place of the "anticipation" in the chorus, replace that with procrastination. It works, huh? That's been going through my head all week. Like an ear-worm. It's also what I've been doing in regards to my writing. I feel so guilty.
At first, it was all the cold weather that was playing havoc with my body and everything hurt. Yesterday and today, it's the sunshine and wanting to get out in it and just soak up the nice. That's my excuse for not working on the book running around in my head. My characters are sitting around looking bored interspersed with bouts of pouting and glaring at me. Sometimes being a writer is tantamount to being mentally unhinged - I hear voices and they get mad when I don't do what they say.
My second thought for this blog is the fact that I am, in fact, an adult. Been one for close to 40 years and I'm just tired of being the voice of experience. Honestly? I hate adulting. Somewhere along the line, people started thinking I knew what I was talking about and had the experience to deal with all of life's problems. I just want to look at them and say "I'm just as frickin' clueless as you. Why are you asking me?"
Let's face it, regardless of how many self-help books you read or how many counseling appointments you attend, there is no set guide for life. It doesn't exist. There are hints, of course, and you can take clues from the experience of others, but there's no absolute rule that says you have to handle a certain situation a certain way or the world will end, the sky will fall, and life as we know it will cease to exist. Me? I muddle through as best I can and I have the scars to prove it.
Today, I've decided to ignore adulting as much as possible. (Once I finish this blog) Sometimes, you just need to step back, look at the world through the eyes of a child, and wonder at the awesomeness of it all. You can't do that as an adult because you're always worrying about what bill needs to be paid, what responsibilities you need to take care of, the future, life in general, and anything else that crops up in your life. Maybe this should be a new goal for me: Take one day a week and enjoy life- look for shapes in the clouds, watch the birds and ladybugs flying around; just relax and pretend there's nothing that needs my immediate attention. I really like that idea.
If you need me I'll be in my imaginary castle with the unicorns and fairies serving tea and cakes.
At first, it was all the cold weather that was playing havoc with my body and everything hurt. Yesterday and today, it's the sunshine and wanting to get out in it and just soak up the nice. That's my excuse for not working on the book running around in my head. My characters are sitting around looking bored interspersed with bouts of pouting and glaring at me. Sometimes being a writer is tantamount to being mentally unhinged - I hear voices and they get mad when I don't do what they say.
My second thought for this blog is the fact that I am, in fact, an adult. Been one for close to 40 years and I'm just tired of being the voice of experience. Honestly? I hate adulting. Somewhere along the line, people started thinking I knew what I was talking about and had the experience to deal with all of life's problems. I just want to look at them and say "I'm just as frickin' clueless as you. Why are you asking me?"
Let's face it, regardless of how many self-help books you read or how many counseling appointments you attend, there is no set guide for life. It doesn't exist. There are hints, of course, and you can take clues from the experience of others, but there's no absolute rule that says you have to handle a certain situation a certain way or the world will end, the sky will fall, and life as we know it will cease to exist. Me? I muddle through as best I can and I have the scars to prove it.
Today, I've decided to ignore adulting as much as possible. (Once I finish this blog) Sometimes, you just need to step back, look at the world through the eyes of a child, and wonder at the awesomeness of it all. You can't do that as an adult because you're always worrying about what bill needs to be paid, what responsibilities you need to take care of, the future, life in general, and anything else that crops up in your life. Maybe this should be a new goal for me: Take one day a week and enjoy life- look for shapes in the clouds, watch the birds and ladybugs flying around; just relax and pretend there's nothing that needs my immediate attention. I really like that idea.
If you need me I'll be in my imaginary castle with the unicorns and fairies serving tea and cakes.
January 24, 2016
Book Reviews Gone Wild
One of the fun things about being an avid reader, which I most definitely am, is writing reviews for those books I really enjoyed. I'm finally getting back to that. I'd taken a break from doing much more than the star rating here on Goodreads or Amazon.
One of my favorite authors, Alexa Land, had a problem a couple weeks ago with Amazon removing her reviews because they said they were written by "friends". This came down to Amazon looking at Goodreads and Facebook friends as I-know-you-well-visit-your-home-call-you-on-the-phone-regularly kind of friends. This completely ignored, of course, that most authors connect with their readers, and each other, through social media, as well as the fact that Alexa Land is a pen name. The situation got so out of hand they (Amazon) threatened Alexa with not being allowed to sell her books on their site because she was unfairly manipulating reviews. Yeah, a total crock. It was settled, by the way, but Amazon really didn't handle it well, as far as I'm concerned, and showed just how much they relied on faulty algorithms instead of human beings with a modicum of common sense.
That's the main reason I stopped writing any reviews for a period of time. I didn't want to get an author I enjoyed reading in trouble simply because we were "friends" on Facebook. For the record, I've never met any of my author friends from Facebook. Never attended an author's convention of any type and probably won't ever do so because I'm not comfortable around a lot of people. Yes, we interact on Facebook. Yes, we see each other's posts. But, do we know each other and would I be comfortable inviting them into my home? Probably not because I don't really "know" them, only their online persona.
I don't have my Amazon account connected to my Facebook account, but I'm sure through the world of cyberspace, since I only have one active email account, they do have a way of checking up on who my "friends" are and if I'm writing reviews for them. I have Goodreads and Facebook connected so I can share posts between the two. I'm no longer sure that's a smart thing, now, in light of the fact Amazon owns Goodreads.
Although, I am, once again, writing reviews; it is mostly just here on Goodreads and only if the book was especially awesome. I'm not sure I trust that I'm helping another author out by doing so, and I would never want my review to be seen as undeserved simply because I have "friended" them on a social network.
The really bad thing about this entire situation is that authors depend on reviews in getting their work noticed. They also have come to depend on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter and other social networks as a means of advertising their books. For Amazon to take the stance they have, has effectively taken that form of advertising away from us, singling authors out of any other business who sells their wares on their site. I just don't see how that's a good thing, Amazon.
One of my favorite authors, Alexa Land, had a problem a couple weeks ago with Amazon removing her reviews because they said they were written by "friends". This came down to Amazon looking at Goodreads and Facebook friends as I-know-you-well-visit-your-home-call-you-on-the-phone-regularly kind of friends. This completely ignored, of course, that most authors connect with their readers, and each other, through social media, as well as the fact that Alexa Land is a pen name. The situation got so out of hand they (Amazon) threatened Alexa with not being allowed to sell her books on their site because she was unfairly manipulating reviews. Yeah, a total crock. It was settled, by the way, but Amazon really didn't handle it well, as far as I'm concerned, and showed just how much they relied on faulty algorithms instead of human beings with a modicum of common sense.
That's the main reason I stopped writing any reviews for a period of time. I didn't want to get an author I enjoyed reading in trouble simply because we were "friends" on Facebook. For the record, I've never met any of my author friends from Facebook. Never attended an author's convention of any type and probably won't ever do so because I'm not comfortable around a lot of people. Yes, we interact on Facebook. Yes, we see each other's posts. But, do we know each other and would I be comfortable inviting them into my home? Probably not because I don't really "know" them, only their online persona.
I don't have my Amazon account connected to my Facebook account, but I'm sure through the world of cyberspace, since I only have one active email account, they do have a way of checking up on who my "friends" are and if I'm writing reviews for them. I have Goodreads and Facebook connected so I can share posts between the two. I'm no longer sure that's a smart thing, now, in light of the fact Amazon owns Goodreads.
Although, I am, once again, writing reviews; it is mostly just here on Goodreads and only if the book was especially awesome. I'm not sure I trust that I'm helping another author out by doing so, and I would never want my review to be seen as undeserved simply because I have "friended" them on a social network.
The really bad thing about this entire situation is that authors depend on reviews in getting their work noticed. They also have come to depend on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter and other social networks as a means of advertising their books. For Amazon to take the stance they have, has effectively taken that form of advertising away from us, singling authors out of any other business who sells their wares on their site. I just don't see how that's a good thing, Amazon.
January 18, 2016
On My Horizon
This week already feels like I'm living in Wonderland with Alice, and it's only Monday. The white rabbit seems to be my close companion and has been yelling "We're late, late, late!" in my ear. Okay, okay, I'm listening and I'm writing my blog post right now!
I've been doing a lot of reading this past week. So many good books have been released I couldn't resist, and my body and mind needed to recharge after being sick. Slowly, the new ideas are coming through and maybe another book is on the horizon?
The latest story is still in edits and I've been chewing my nails and squirming in my seat waiting to find out what she thought. New editor for this book, so the nerves are really showing. I did get back one note that she's liking it, so far, but there were a couple spots where it seemed I rushed. *chews another nail to the quick*
The exciting thing regarding this book, at least for me, is the fact that the very talented Catherine Dair has agreed to do my cover. I'm not embarrassed to admit I happy danced all over the RV when she confirmed. This will be my first professional cover and it's a huge step for me. It kind of makes me feel more like a "real" writer, I guess; more serious about what I do.
At this stage, it's a lot of hurry up and wait, and feeling as if I'm going nowhere. In reality, everything is moving along as it should. I'm shooting for a late February/early March release date and planning a cover reveal as soon as its completed.
It looks like the new year is starting off in a good way.
I've been doing a lot of reading this past week. So many good books have been released I couldn't resist, and my body and mind needed to recharge after being sick. Slowly, the new ideas are coming through and maybe another book is on the horizon?
The latest story is still in edits and I've been chewing my nails and squirming in my seat waiting to find out what she thought. New editor for this book, so the nerves are really showing. I did get back one note that she's liking it, so far, but there were a couple spots where it seemed I rushed. *chews another nail to the quick*
The exciting thing regarding this book, at least for me, is the fact that the very talented Catherine Dair has agreed to do my cover. I'm not embarrassed to admit I happy danced all over the RV when she confirmed. This will be my first professional cover and it's a huge step for me. It kind of makes me feel more like a "real" writer, I guess; more serious about what I do.
At this stage, it's a lot of hurry up and wait, and feeling as if I'm going nowhere. In reality, everything is moving along as it should. I'm shooting for a late February/early March release date and planning a cover reveal as soon as its completed.
It looks like the new year is starting off in a good way.
January 10, 2016
Under the Weather
I waited until the last minute, it seems, to write this post because, honestly, I just feel like crap. It's been a weird year, weatherwise, here in Oklahoma. So much rain in both the spring and the fall, we had flooding during both seasons. This winter, up until a couple of days ago, has been warmer than normal with only a mild freeze here and there. Did that ever change this weekend! Our temps dipped crazy low over night. Yes, I know there are colder places on this earth, but I don't live in Antarctica, I live in Oklahoma. Getting down in the teens is frickin' cold here.
And that's why I'm feeling so bad. Going from T-shirt weather to parka weather in the space of a day shocked the heck out of my immune system and allowed my grand baby to pass on her sniffles. No biggie. Except, her sniffles are a full blown, achy, coughing, chills, fever, feel-like-hell bug for me. I'm dealing, I just struggle to get out of bed and get things done.
My favorite thing to do, for now, is sit on my couch in my nice fleece jammies, with my feet up and read MM romances on my kindle. That has another set of problems since both my cat and dog insist on having their space and my feet get a little crowded. At least they're sharing their warmth with my toes - the dog, not the cat - Kiko is a touch me not with claws.
Hopefully, next week will have me feeling much better and able to interact with the world without growling and grumbling.
And that's why I'm feeling so bad. Going from T-shirt weather to parka weather in the space of a day shocked the heck out of my immune system and allowed my grand baby to pass on her sniffles. No biggie. Except, her sniffles are a full blown, achy, coughing, chills, fever, feel-like-hell bug for me. I'm dealing, I just struggle to get out of bed and get things done.
My favorite thing to do, for now, is sit on my couch in my nice fleece jammies, with my feet up and read MM romances on my kindle. That has another set of problems since both my cat and dog insist on having their space and my feet get a little crowded. At least they're sharing their warmth with my toes - the dog, not the cat - Kiko is a touch me not with claws.
Hopefully, next week will have me feeling much better and able to interact with the world without growling and grumbling.
December 31, 2015
My Favorite Books of 2015
With the end of 2015, I thought it would be fun to select my top books of the year. It wasn’t fun; it was nerve-wracking. I had way too many books on the list to begin with and had to whittle it down. At first, I thought I’d do the top ten and finally settled on the top fifteen because I couldn’t delete anything else from my list. This was an incredibly hard project since there were so many great books released in 2015, so I finally settled on books I’d gone back to read a second, third or… yeah, you get the picture.
Anyway, in no particular order, here are my favorite books for 2015:
Against the Wall (Firsts & Forever) – Alexa Land
Knight of Ocean Avenue – Tara Lain
Dance With Me - Heidi Cullinan
Duck! (2nd Edition, Avian Shifters) – Kim Dare
Make Me Soar (Collars & Cuffs) - K.C. Wells
Shelter – Ashley John
Heart on the Run – Havan Fellows & Lee Brazil
All Man – Jay Northcote
Chance of the Heart – Kade Boehme
Never More (The Gray Court) – Dana Marie Bell
My Man Declan – Amber Kell
Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts – Charlie Cochet
Closet Confession – Kindle Alexander
Out of the Rain – Renae Kaye
The Making of Matt – Nicola Haken
Anyway, in no particular order, here are my favorite books for 2015:
Against the Wall (Firsts & Forever) – Alexa Land
Knight of Ocean Avenue – Tara Lain
Dance With Me - Heidi Cullinan
Duck! (2nd Edition, Avian Shifters) – Kim Dare
Make Me Soar (Collars & Cuffs) - K.C. Wells
Shelter – Ashley John
Heart on the Run – Havan Fellows & Lee Brazil
All Man – Jay Northcote
Chance of the Heart – Kade Boehme
Never More (The Gray Court) – Dana Marie Bell
My Man Declan – Amber Kell
Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts – Charlie Cochet
Closet Confession – Kindle Alexander
Out of the Rain – Renae Kaye
The Making of Matt – Nicola Haken
December 27, 2015
Review, Updates, and Other Stuff
Wow! Is it already the final week of 2015? They do say time goes faster as you get older.
The holiday season was incredibly unexpected and happier than any holiday I've spent in several years. My son from California stopped by with his family for a short visit just after Thanksgiving. It had been about four years since I'd seen them, so it was a wonderful treat. A few days before Christmas my youngest son called to say he was on his way down from Wisconsin. We managed to surprise the baby of the family, the youngest daughter, with a lunch at Braums to see her brother, and meet her new niece and sister in law. Fun times.
2015 has been a decent year for me, with new author friends and new books published. I can look back on it, now, and realize I've accomplished quite a bit, even though I wondered several times throughout the year if I was just spinning my wheels.
My Accomplishments:
1. Formatting all of my books for print and offering them as paperbacks via Create Space.
2. Publishing four new books, the second in The Hashani series and three in The Brethren series.
3. Making this blog more of a weekly thing instead of sporadic.
4. Breaking into the M/M Fantasy Romance genre.
My Challenges:
1. Writing the third book in The Hashani series and the fourth book in The Brethren series. They just didn't happen and are on the back burner indefinitely.
2. Keeping a positive outlook when faced with the deaths of both my mother and former mother in law. Both were difficult times, but for different reasons.
3. Feeling as if I'm merely spinning my wheels with my writing.
4. Building my readership to the point my sales are a viable income.
What's in Store for 2016?
I have one novella in the editing stage I expect to publish sometime in January. There are copious notes for another novel, and I still have a couple books from previous series started, which I'd like to complete in order to finish them off. At this point, the majority of my writing is going to be focused on M/M, within the fantasy romance genre. It's something I enjoy both reading and writing and have found a wonderful support system within its ranks.
At this point, I'm still working on my dream of being a full-time writer and earning enough from it to walk away from the VA pension which currently comprises my support. So, here's wishing everyone a spectacular new year in which your dreams and hopes are realized.
The holiday season was incredibly unexpected and happier than any holiday I've spent in several years. My son from California stopped by with his family for a short visit just after Thanksgiving. It had been about four years since I'd seen them, so it was a wonderful treat. A few days before Christmas my youngest son called to say he was on his way down from Wisconsin. We managed to surprise the baby of the family, the youngest daughter, with a lunch at Braums to see her brother, and meet her new niece and sister in law. Fun times.
2015 has been a decent year for me, with new author friends and new books published. I can look back on it, now, and realize I've accomplished quite a bit, even though I wondered several times throughout the year if I was just spinning my wheels.
My Accomplishments:
1. Formatting all of my books for print and offering them as paperbacks via Create Space.
2. Publishing four new books, the second in The Hashani series and three in The Brethren series.
3. Making this blog more of a weekly thing instead of sporadic.
4. Breaking into the M/M Fantasy Romance genre.
My Challenges:
1. Writing the third book in The Hashani series and the fourth book in The Brethren series. They just didn't happen and are on the back burner indefinitely.
2. Keeping a positive outlook when faced with the deaths of both my mother and former mother in law. Both were difficult times, but for different reasons.
3. Feeling as if I'm merely spinning my wheels with my writing.
4. Building my readership to the point my sales are a viable income.
What's in Store for 2016?
I have one novella in the editing stage I expect to publish sometime in January. There are copious notes for another novel, and I still have a couple books from previous series started, which I'd like to complete in order to finish them off. At this point, the majority of my writing is going to be focused on M/M, within the fantasy romance genre. It's something I enjoy both reading and writing and have found a wonderful support system within its ranks.
At this point, I'm still working on my dream of being a full-time writer and earning enough from it to walk away from the VA pension which currently comprises my support. So, here's wishing everyone a spectacular new year in which your dreams and hopes are realized.
Mary Newman's Blog
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