Marilyn Vix's Blog, page 26

Listening To The Inner Muse

Take a break to listen to the inner muse.

There is a fact that happens after each New Year’s Eve. The questions start. What will I expect from the New Year? Will I write the best seller? Why isn’t my books selling better? Can I write a new genre? Will I get a good review?

Well, sometimes, you don’t know. You’ve got to step away, and just let it happen. But you just can’t write that good book. Your inner muse has to synthesize it for you. The only way that can happen is time. Give it all time. Walk away, and do something else, and the inner muse will speak.

I’ve been kicking the idea around for a NA Romance. I had several ideas in mind, and they weren’t connecting. I worked on another project for awhile, trusting the inner muse would connect the dots somehow.

Then one morning, I woke from a terrifying dream involving one of my past friends from those good ole’ college days. I woke with the thought, “She didn’t die that way.” Struggling with the horrors I’d been dreaming, I thought, “But what if she did?”

The rest of the day, I went to the mall, mailed a review copy of my book, and tried to get to Office Depot for some ink cartridges. Literally, the images kept replaying through my mind. As I’m walking from one store to another, the dots connected. My real life experiences were drawn up into some powerful ideas until it all spit out as a plot, all while walking from Target to my car. Literally, I had to concentrate to drive, but I didn’t want the muse to stop.

I finished the last errand, headed the car home, and drove directly to my laptop. Getting as much written as I could, I started that NA Romance novel. The dots are connecting, and I can see it better. Somehow I trusted the inner muse to start it for me when she was ready. Trust is the biggest first step. It will happen when it’s ready.

Of course, this sucks when you got deadlines. But this is why I have different projects. Switching from one to another seems to unleash some subconscious explosion that will solve the problem when you least expect it. Sometimes that stop to take a moment, or do errands, can make all the difference.

First Review Happy Dance

There are milestones as an author. The first review is one of them. I woke up this morning to an email from one of the blogs I’ve emailed review copies. IndieReader.com has posted a review of my book. Did I make the cut? After months of work, here is the verdict.

“IR Verdict: Those who like their supernatural tales to be brooding and complex will not enjoy this story. However, readers seeking a relaxing and funny escape will enjoy NEVER MARRY A WARLOCK.”

-IndieReader Review December 26, 2013

It’s been rated 3 1/2 stars. It goes on to say that there is a promise of more tales with a sitcom quality to it. I so appreciate the honest feedback this review has given me. I am taking it all to heart to bring about the world that I envision. Let’s say, Vegas is turning out to be one heck of a playground for my witchy characters.

As far as the twist to the ending, I have to share my writing process here. I was writing the ending; thinking it was going to go one direction. Turns out the characters took over and wrote the ending. I literally turned into a spider on the wall. It was an amazing writing moment when you bond with your characters and they start to write the story. In the moment, bam. Something you didn’t expect, and the result is amazing.

I promise my readers that the second novelette is developing nicely, with lots of adventures in Vegas. There is an underground world of witches that is fun to build. Plus, something I love about Vegas. It is the town where anything is possible. I’ve scheduled with my editor, and it should release in May 2014.

Meanwhile celebrate with me in the first review. It’s been a long road, but it is wonderful to see this success before the close of 2013. I am looking forward to working on projects to make all my readers want more in 2014. *Raises chocolate raspberry port* Here’s to you, my reader. To a new year of promises and surprises from all of my characters. From my brain to yours. *wink*

Success One Day At A Time

Marilyn Vix looks back at 2013

2013 has been a year to not hold back. “Why not” has been my favorite catch phrase as it propels me into the realms of Romance writing. Really. The sound of Romance novelist rings within me. I stopped thinking about it, and did something. Now, I’ve got the first novelette published, second in process and scheduled with my editor. Nothing like a deadline to motivate. Plus, my Time Travel romance is half done. It’s been a good year to live the dream.

But has it been a success? It depends on how you measure success. I’ve sold copies enough to buy a couple nice dinners. I’ve got my novelette listed on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.  I’ve got a blog/website started, and I’m building an email list and fan base. I’ve found some great writing advice on Kboards.com. I took the step off the cliff. That is something. It could be everything. You have to try.

I still have my day job. I promise you. I’ve almost quit twice in the last four months. But writing has kept me going. It doesn’t pay for the mortgage, yet. But I keep hearing the phrase, backlist, write more. Really, no product, no sales. So, that’s my plan for 2014. Write more. I’ve got two more planned novelettes in the series, and then I’ll bundle them all together. It’s all about bundles. But I have to write them first. Plus, the Time Travel novel might take another year, just with finishing and editing.

Sometimes I wish I wrote faster. But, at least I write. I try. I keep writing, and look forward to next year, full of fans, sales, and more books. Nothing is stopping me but myself. It started with the jump off the cliff. I’m feel like I’ve hit the ground, running.

$1.00 Sale from Dec. 23- Jan. 6, 2014

***For a limited time, buy Never Marry A Warlock at Allromancebooks.com for $1.00.

Cyber Monday Promotion-50% Off

50% off at the All Romance Ebook Website from Nov. 26-Dec. 3.

Load up the sleigh the easy way. Start with a discounted ebook. Never Marry A Warlock is 50% off at the All Romance Website bookstore. Start off  Cyber Monday shopping loading up the your ereader for a loved one or yourself. This limited special started on Nov. 26th and goes until Dec. 3.

Remember, there are times when you just need a good book. Myself? I’m working on writing the next one. Of course for me, the best way to spend the holidays is writing, writing, and writing. Be assured, there is more to come. Happy Holidays from Marilyn!