Crystal Collier's Blog, page 30

Life is what we make of it, so make it a good one.

Do you ever feel powerless?

After spending 2 weeks away from home, I've returned--with dread in my gut. Worries plagued me all through the last night of our vacation--whether I'll admit it or not. I suddenly started to think about this ridiculous schedule I'd been keeping before leaving: early morning walking, a couple hours of cleaning, an hour or two of blogging, a couple hours teaching, a couple hours writing, then cooking, more cleaning, some calling work, a little critiquing, and finally the bed routine. Should it be any wonder I've been dreading it?

Then as I read an article about Islanders in the South Pacific, it hit me. Their priorities are very different from your average American. They LIVE A SLOWER PACE.

So what can't I?

My brain automatically sputtered back, "Well, because it's expected that I run until I burn myself out, and then pick myself up and keep going." LOL. Expected by whom? Silly me.

I had a mantra throughout high school: You make your own reality. Really, it's true. You are the one who defines what your life will be, what you'll tolerate, how far you'll let it go before working to change it. Now that doesn't mean things will change over night, but if it's a priority, you have the power to alter your current existence. Rather than complaining, our energy can be better spent, eh?

That said, will I be any less insane? No, but it will be a slightly altered insanity that fits more with my family and circumstances of life. It might even be a SLOWER PACE OF LIFE. *gasp* I think the older I get, the slower I move, and thus, it's wise to willingly adapt my pace accordingly. (That or I'm just get bogged down with the needs of a middle-stage family.)

Regardless, what is it you find yourself complaining about lately? Do you know of someone who has dramatically altered their own world? (I think this might be why I write fiction--to create that alteration regularly.) Priority check, what is it you wish you were doing less/more?

P.S. I'll post one or two of our adventure stories in the next couple weeks. *rubbing hands* Boy, have I got some good ones!

Be a Winner: Let Me Promote your Book

Image courtesy of  Jen ChanWe have a winner!!!

I LOVE bragging about friends books. Writerly Wednesdays here are dedicated to writers and readers. If you've published anything for Young Adults with a fantastic twist (fantasy in all varieties, paranormal, specultative ficiton, horror, sci-fi, dystopian, cheese, etc.), shoot me an email (crystal AT crystal-collier DOT com). I'll be shouting about an awesome books, sharing new covers, or participating in book releases every week--and I'd love to share yours. Spots are filling up quick, so schedule date now. 

Readers, pop back in for the chance to win stuff and learn about awesome reads.

This last Wednesday we played the truth or lie game about Catherine Stine, author of Ruby's Fire. (Check the book out--it's awesome!) Catherine told us two truths and one lie about herself, and those who guess correctly were entered into a random drawing for a free copy of her book. The options were:

1. Catherine sat next to Tom Petty on a first class plane ride to LA.
2. Her son's band played All Along the Watchtower with Eddie Vedder.3. Buddy Guy invited her to a private bash.
We had some amazing guesses, and people who tore apart the facts, analyzing them. (We love you deep thinkers!) I wish we could smother all of you in cheese for participating, and we (both Catherine and I) had so much fun with this. 
So, the answer is: 
....DRUM ROLL...
#1. Catherine did not actually sit next to Tom Petty on a first class plane ride to LA. 
Way to go those of you who guessed right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is: 
....DRUM ROLL...
Marcy! 
Congrats! Friends, I look forward to chatting at you all after my road trip. Writerly Wednesdays will continue on July 24th. Be sure to stop in then for another AWESOME book and chance to win. 
And now, out of curiosity, what is your favorite, secondary, and tertiary reading genres? 

Dragging Your Sorry Rear Across the Country

Have you ever been homesick?

The first time you left home, how did you handle it? My oldest recently got back from a week at Scout Camp, and while he had a blast, he was SO ready to be home. We visited for Family Night, and I don't think he's hugged me that much since he was about 4 years old. You could see it in his eyes, how much he ached to be back with his family. I was proud of him--making it through the week.

I was reminded of the summer I left home to work in West Yellowstone. It was a blast, but I couldn't wait until the weekly phone call with my parents, or to read their response emails. When the summer ended, I returned to my parent's Taj Mahal of a house, and reveled in the loudness of my siblings. It was nice to be home.

We left our family in Utah 7 years ago, and set out for a grand adventure. We've now lived in NYC, the middle of nowhere, and a city with the second largest number of hotels in the world. (Right next to Disney, of course.) I remember going to visit the family in 2008, and as much as we enjoyed it, it wasn't home, not anymore.

Home is where your heart is--and for me, that means my hubby and kids. Mine happen to live here in Florida--sunny, happy, "vacation world." But you know, I've adored all of those other placed that became "home" for a season. In fact, I think there's nothing better than exploring the world--and I'm not talking about hitting tourist traps. I think it's the coolest thing ever to settle into a new environment and learn how that society functions. I honestly think that's half the reason I wanted to be an author. (Give me a good excuse to travel, will you?)

This week I'm taking off on an amazing cross-country trip, hitting New Orleans, San Antonio, Roswell (NM), Salt Lake City, St. Lewis, and Nashville. So yeah, I'll be on the road--without 4G. Forgive me if I'm slow to respond, but I'll be back in two weeks and bubbling over with awesomeness to share.

Is there a place you're dying to visit? Where do you call home (literally, and in your heart)?

Picture courtesy of Martz90 at Deviantart

Book Release and Giveaway

Hey friends, how would you like to play a game today?

As part of my writerly Wednesdays, we're going to get to know a little bit more about some of the AWESOME books recently released, and some little known facts about their authors. But more than that, giveaways and chances to win free stuff await--because who doesn't love the chance to win, eh?
Monday, Catherine Stine released her sequel to Fireseed One, Ruby's Fire. She has received much praise for her other works, and I, for one, am excited to pick up this series and get started.
Seventeen year-old Ruby and her little brother Thorn, have only known a life blighted by the extremist Fireseed Cult. The night Ruby is set to be claimed by one of its cruelest and oldest leaders, she makes a bid for freedom. With Thorn in tow, she stumbles into the world beyond, and finds an opportunity for a fresh start in Skull’s Wrath under the guidance of Nevada Pilgrim, a woman who may not be all she seems. Ruby's new life could bring her friendship, love, even fortune, but nothing comes without a price. Is Ruby's talent for elixirs keeping the roof over their heads, or do some of her associates have a more sinister and lucrative interest in them? Life outside a strange cult isn't without its dangers, and the experience leaves Ruby transformed and communing with the Fireseed more closely than she ever would have imagined. Stine delivers a thrilling adventure led by an exciting cast of characters, and the romance is really well handled.
Now shall we meet the author?
Catherine Stine writes YA, New Adult and middle grade fiction. Her YA futuristic thriller, Fireseed One, illustrated by the author won finalist spots in both YA and Science Fiction in the 2013 USA Book News International Book Awards. It was also granted a 2013 Bronze Wishing Shelf Book Award and a 2013 Indie Reader Approved notable stamp. Her YA Refugees, earned a New York Public Library Best Book. Middle grade novels include A Girl’s Best Friend.

More and more, Catherine enjoys writing speculative tales where her imagination has wild and free reign. She has taught creative writing workshops at the Philadelphia Writing Conference, Missouri University Summer Abroad, The New School and in her own ongoing NYC writing workshop. She loves her readers, and enjoys blogging.
Sign up for her newsletter to learn about freebies and future giveaways.
Here's your chance to win a copy: a Rafflecopter giveaway
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And now for some fun! *rubbing hands*
I asked Catherine to share a couple unique facts about herself. She gave me two truths, and one lie. Can you figure out the lie? The person who does will win either a signed paperback (US only) or ebook of Ruby's Fire. If there's more than one, their names will go into my magic hat. You have until next Wednesday to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on July 3rd!
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Catherine sat next to Tom Petty on a first class plane ride to LA.2. Her son's band played All Along the Watchtower with Eddie Vedder.3. Buddy Guy invited her to a private bash.
Okay human lie detectors, which is it? 

Math Geeks, Check this Out! Music of Tau

Apparently the new hot "thang" in the math world is Tau. It's supposedly more accurate than Pi when figuring out circular relations. Tau is 2 Pi, which rounds to a pretty number, but that's not what's got my goat. (You know, the one that gives me cheese.) Check out this gem:



I'm a total music nerd. Can you tell? I found this inspiring and beautiful all at the same time. 
Apparently they tried the same thing with Pi and it was a total train wreck. Based on the music, I know which one I'd use. This makes me think of randomizations commonly used in math and on computers. They're not actually random. They're based on patterns in natures, because only nature can be truly random, or unique. 
Just like each of us--truly unique. 
What does your song sound like today?
(Now to figure out how to get my goat back. *scratching head*)

Knitting=?

Happy Funny Friday! 
I saw this a while back, and it cracked me up. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I'm a HUGE fan of marriage, (and I must be married to the most patient man on earth,) so this one's for you, Matt! 
What the best lesson you've learned about cultivating strong relationships? 

Book Marketing: How to Reach Millions

Do you ever get completely off task and sucked into the interwebs?

I was perusing youtube yesterday, (looking for awesome music to motivate me,) and came across a fascinating performer, Lindsey Stirling. Each of her videos has millions of views. I scratched my head, wondering why. At first I attributed it to sheer numbers. She keeps putting up new content. Of course she is going to reach a wide audience with new (and highly searchable) song covers. When she joined up with the Piano Guys, some of my favorite performers, I was further baffled. Her production value has nothing on theirs, and yet she has more views.

What she (or her marketing specialist) does brilliantly: cross promotion. In every video she features one (or more) other artist(s), and often a sponsor. Although she could pull if off beautifully, she's not a one-woman show. Believe it or not, I found myself clicking on a couple links, liking several new artists, and even considering concert tickets. Then it hit me: all parties are benefited by co-op projects. One person's audience is being exposed to the other, and through it, their reach expands.

Well DUH, Crystal. (Right?)

Then I applied it to writing.

An author may not have the most amazing product, but it still has power to reach the millions--if marketed/shared correctly. This is why Indie authors are genius. Yes, we all like to share our friends new covers and releases, but often Indies ban together the same way these performers do. One group who does this especially well is the Indelibles.

Enough ranting. I'm not quite to that point of sharing, but I do love promoting friends. Wednesdays here are dedicated to writers, and from here on out, they are all about you. If you write anything for Young Adults with a fantastic twist (fantasy in all varieties, paranormal, specultative ficiton, horror, sci-fi, dystopian, cheese, etc.), shoot me an email (crystal AT crystal-collier DOT com). I'll be sharing a new cover or release every week, and I'd love to share yours.

Finally, check out the video that got me giggling:


What cheese-worthy secrets have you learned about marketing? 

Father Fiasco

I was asked the other day by a friend if this is a hard time of the year for me. (Father's day.) Is it a hard time of the year for you?

I've been giving the subject a great deal of thought, and decided to share some of the things my dad taught me.


1. Honor: My dad was honest to a fault with everyone. He treated my mother with respect (always opening her door, never arguing with her in front of us, always greeting her with a kiss). He prayed for the leaders of our country and would rather take a hit on his taxes than accidentally claim something that might not apply. He taught by example.
2. A strong work ethic: He worked as a doctor. When I was young, he left at 7 a.m., got home at 7 p.m., and often delivered babies through the night. He built his own 6 foot fence around the yard. He fixed his own vehicles--and let me hand him tools while he did it. If there was a project to be done, he jumped in and got it done. Period.

3. Patience: You always knew when Dad was frustrated. His jaw muscles would clench, and the phrase "you turkey" might escape his lips, but he worked at it until he overcame an inherently explosive temper. Gratitude fills my heart that he allowed me to see him working through a weakness until it became a strength.

4. Forgiving: I clearly remember the first time Dad apologized for yelling at me--a time when I had been in the wrong. He entered my room, his head bowed, and said he was sorry, then expressed his love for me. Only the greatest of men can admit they're wrong, even if they're not.

5. Teaching: Dad had a bazillion hobbies. One was scuba diving, and he was kind enough to let me join in that adventure. Another was repelling and spelunking. I can't tell you how many high adventures I went on with my dad.


6. Loving: Dad was happiest when he was holding a baby in his arms. It's one of the reasons he and Mom had 8 of them. Not only did he always show love for my mother, but it was clear by all his interactions how he felt about people. If someone moved into the neighborhood, Dad was down the street helping them bring boxes in. If he knew of a financially struggling family, he would employ one of us to doorbell ditch and leave a package on the doorstep. And how did he spend his days? Healing the sick. I couldn't ask for a more selfless example.

Dad passed away several years ago, and although I miss him, he lives on through the things he taught me. They are a legacy I hope to pass to my children, and isn't that what family is about? One generation raising the next, passing on the good and discarding the bad for a brighter future?

We all fall short of the ideal, but I applaud all those who sincerely try. You are what makes this world awesome.

What's something you've learned from your father?

Your Perfect Body, Get it NOW

Because who doesn't have an inferiority complex when it comes to their body? 

Seriously people, you're awesome the way you are. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. --And have an awesome funny Friday.

Awards Coming Out My Ears!

If you've ever questioned the generosity of the blogging community, stop. Stop now.

In the last month ALONE I've received 3 books--given away out of the goodness of people's hearts. Above and beyond that, I've been endowed several awards. You people rock! (I would say, "You people cheese," but I don't think most people would get that. Still, cheese can be a verb, right?)

So without burning more of your patience, a big thank you to Sania and the anonymous "Me" for the:

The rules:
1. Display logo in your blog to show you've been nominated!2. Link back to your nominator.
3. Share 7 things about yourself.
4. Nominate other bloggers for the award.
5. Notify your nominees.

I also received this one from Sania (who is super awesome sauce, btw): 

Best Moment Award rules: Winners re-post this completely with their acceptance speech. This could be written or video recorded. Winners have the privilege of awarding the next awardees! The re-post should include a NEW set of people/blogs worthy of the award with notification sent to them of the great news. Display the award’s badge on your blog/website.
Resources: What makes a good acceptance speech?
Gratitude. Thank the people who helped you along the way.Humor. Keep us entertained and smiling.Inspiration. Make your story touch our lives.So to keep from boring you, I'm attempting to lump both into one.

Acceptance speech/7 things about me: *clearing throat* *bursting into tears* *wiping tears away with a slice of cheddar*

I want to thank all of the amazing people in my life who have made this award possible: a critique partner who locks me in her basement and a glass cage on her roof (to make sure I get the appropriate amounts of Vitamin D--isn't she thoughtful?), my pet zombie who occasionally breaks out of his closet and keeps us on our toes, the team of scientists sealed in my Floridian basement who will one day finish both my teleportation device and time-stopper; you all make life so worth it! 

On a deeper note, the cheese. Thank you to cheese everywhere. Without your deliciousness I may have died of malnutrition/New Yorkerisms while living in the city, say nothing about all those years growing up. Lastly, a HUGE thanks to the man who still buys me flowers to be romantic, even if I am allergic to them, and the three littles who bury me in cards, love notes, and dirty laundry. You make life worth living!

And now to pass the awards on. (That's right--two at once. Eek!) I hereby nominate:

1. -g- Also known as Maggid--who accuses me of being inspiring. Ha! I aspire to your level.
2. Sandy -- Whom I LOVE interacting with on the blog-o-sphere every week. 
3. Theresa --Because seriously, she deserves it. Have you seen all the charity work? 
4. Sherry -- Who inspires me with her tales of mommy-hood. We can survive!
5. Robyn -- Makes me chuckle and is SUPER optimistic. I want to be like her when I grow up.
6. Madeline -- She's young, but man is she gung ho. You're inspiring, woman!
7. Sharon -- One of the amazing women who keeps me writing, even when I want to quit.
8. Rena -- Geeks of a feather... (And I don't care if you're on a blog holiday!)
9. DL Hammons -- Shaved his head to support his wife. You are awesome sauce!
10. Margo -- I don't know how you do the cold, woman, but that alone inspires me.

What has you inspired this week? Or who has inspired you and deserves an award?