Heidi Ruby Miller's Blog, page 28

VIDEO: Vector Art - Brad Sharp - Adobe Illustrator - Vox Automation ERP - including Ambasadora Series Covers

VIDEOS

Here's a great video of Bradley Sharp's illustrations, including my book covers for Marked by Light , Greenshift , and Starrie , along with several other Dog Star Books covers.

RESEARCH: Life after the MFA by Heidi Ruby Miller

RESEARCH

YOU WROTE A WHOLE BOOK.

CONGRATULATIONS!

NOW WHAT?

LIFE AFTER THE WPF PROGRAM

The following is an outline from a class I teach for the graduating students during their last residency in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction Graduate Program . I am a WPF alumna and now adjunct faculty and a mentor there.

PURSUITS
1. More education
2. Teaching
3. Organizational memberships
4. Jobs in publishing industry
5. Something else entirely
6. Hybrid of options
7. Publication

1. MORE EDUCATION
A. Online offerings
Poets & Writers - http://www.pw.org/mfa
Online Colleges - http://search.onlinecolleges.com/
NewPages - http://www.newpages.com/creative-writing-programs/
AWP - https://www.awpwriter.org/programs_conferences/guide_writing_programs
B. Local schools
C. Letters of recommendation/references - professors, mentors, peers, and alum

2. TEACHING
A. Online listings
HigherEdJobs - http://www.higheredjobs.com/
Academic Careers - http://www.academiccareers.com/
The University Jobs - http://univjobs.com/
B. Local listings
Craigslist - http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites - Check out listings here carefully!
Newspapers
Word of Mouth
College/University sites
C. Letters of Recommendation/References - professors, mentors, peers, and alum

3. ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
A. Professional organizations
The Authors Guild - http://www.authorsguild.org/
ITW – http://thrillerwriters.org/
RWA – http://www.rwa.org/
HWA – http://horror.org/
MWA – http://mysterywriters.org
SFWA – http://www.sfwa.org/
Pennwriters – http://www.pennwriters.org/
B. Local organizations
C. Seton Hill WPF Alum

4. JOBS IN PUBLISHING INDUSTRY
A. Freelancing
BloggingPro - http://www.bloggingpro.com/jobs/
CraigsList - http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites - Check out listings here carefully!
Duotrope - https://duotrope.com/
Freelancewriting.com - http://www.freelancewriting.com/freelance-writing-jobs.php
Freelance Writing Jobs - http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/category/writing-gigs/
JournalismJobs - http://www.journalismjobs.com/search_results.cfm?JobTypeID=4
LinkedIn Jobs - http://www.linkedin.com/job/home?trk=hb_tab_jobs_top
MediaBistro - http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/default.asp?gdsr=1&jbdr=3
ProBlogger - http://jobs.problogger.net/
Word of mouth
B. Editing
CraigsList - http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites - Check out listings here carefully!
Individual publisher sites
Word of mouth
C. References - professors, mentors, peers, and alum

5. SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY

6. HYBRID OF OPTIONS

7. PUBLICATION
A. Agent
AgentQuery.com - http://www.agentquery.com/
Poets & Writers - http://www.pw.org/literary_agents
Query Tracker - http://www.querytracker.net/
Author Advance - http://www.authoradvance.com/agencies
Writer's Digest - http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/literary-agent
B. Publisher
Ralan.com - http://www.ralan.com/
ITW - http://thrillerwriters.org/aboutitw/recognized-publishers/
Duotrope - https://duotrope.com/
Dark Markets - http://darkmarkets.com/category/markets/book-publishers/
Individual sites
C. Self-Publishing
Amazon KDP - https://kdp.amazon.com/kdp/self-publishing/signin
Lulu - http://www.lulu.com/
Lightning Source - https://www1.lightningsource.com/default.aspx
Create Space - https://www.createspace.com
Nook Press - https://www.nookpress.com/
Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/
Xlibris - http://www2.xlibris.com/

GOOD LUCK!

BOOKS: Goodreads 2014 List

BOOKS

In 2011 I read 34 books--you can see them all here.

In 2012 I read 40 books--you can see them all here.

In 2013 I read 20 books--you can see them all here.

In 2014 I managed to surpass my goal, just barely, and read 33 books. They are below.

2014 Reading Challenge

Heidi has
completed her goal of reading 30 books in 2014!
hide 34 of 30 (100%)
view books


(NOTE: The Goodreads widget shows 34 books because for some irritating reason it counts Corpus Chrome twice. I didn't, as I just thought that was cheating.)


INTERESTING STATISTICS ABOUT MY 2014 BOOKS:
23 - print books (5 signed)
16 - books from Big 5 publishers
12 - books by authors I have read previously
10 - female authors
10 - science fiction books
9 - books from 8 different series
7 - books by Seton Hill Writers
7 - holiday books
6 - books by ITW Members
6 - fantasy books
5 - children's books
4 - books by Pennwriters
4 - non-fiction books
3 - books by SFR Brigaders
3 - anthologies
2 - audiobooks
2 - horror books
2 - romance books
1 - thriller
1 - book with which I am associated

LIST OF AUTHORS:
Quincy J. Allen
Michael A. Arnzen
A. R. Aston
Aaron Becker
Meg Bellamy
Ludwig Bemelmans
Tony Bertauski
Grant Blackwood
Berkeley Breathed
Cary Caffrey
Katie Campbell
Scott Christian Carr
Andrew Conry-Murray
Greg Cox
Clive Cussler
James Fadeley
T. W. Fendley
Neil Gaiman
J. L. Gribble
O. Henry
Joe Hill
Kate Martin
Dana Marton
Jason Jack Miller (2)
Christopher Moore
Goldeen Ogawa
Sean Platt
Paul Reps
Mike Resnick
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Lemony Snicket (2)
Bruce Talkington
T. K. Toppin
Johnny B. Truant
Peggy Van Pelt
Jeff VanderMeer
Albert Wendland
David Wright
K. Ceres Wright
S. Craig Zahler

How many books did you read this year, and what were your favorites?

Did we read any of the same ones?

What do you suggest I put on my TBR list for 2015? Include your own books if you're an author!

BOOK: Jinn and Juice by Nicole Peeler

BOOKS

Jinn and Juice is the first in a new series by fantasy writer, Nicole Peeler, set in a world of immortal curses, powerful jinni and belly dancing.

Cursed to be a jinni for a thousand years, Leila nears the end of her servitude — only to be bound once again against her will. Will she risk all to be human? Born in ancient Persia, Leila turned to her house Jinni, Kouros, for help escaping an arranged marriage. Kouros did make it impossible for her to marry — by cursing Leila to live a thousand years as a Jinni herself.

If she can remain unBound, Leila’s curse will soon be over. But Ozan Sawyer, a Magi with the ability to See, Call, and Bind jinn has other plans.

Oz needs Leila to help him penetrate Pittsburgh’s steel-soaked magic, a juice potent but poisonous to supernatural creatures, in order to find a missing girl with her own mysterious connection to Kouros. Unfortunately for Leila, becoming Bound to Oz may risk more than just her chance to be human once more — it could risk her very soul.

Nicole D. Peeler writes urban fantasy for Orbit Books and, in her spare time, is an associate professor at Seton Hill University, where she co-directs their MFA in Writing Popular Fiction. Having recently finished the final book of her award-winning Jane True series, she is looking forward to the upcoming publication of Jinn and Juice, the first book in a series about a cursed jinni living in Pittsburgh. Nicole also lives in Pittsburgh, although she’s neither cursed nor a jinni.

She’s also a proud member of the League of Reluctant Adults and an alumna of both Boston University and The University of Edinburgh.

Please like her Facebook fan page for up to date information on Nicole’s writing. If you want to chat with her or see pictures of her sammiches, feel free to “friend” her on Facebook (Nicole Peeler) or follow her on Twitter (NicolePeeler). She’s also got a Pinterest for her new book, where you can get a sneak peek at her worldbuilding process. If you’d like to send Nicole a message, the best way to do so is through email, at IHeartSelkies(at)gmail(dot)com. The worst way is through Facebook Messages, as they tend to get eaten, and Nicole loves hearing from all of you.

For an autographed bookplate, send a SASE to Nicole Peeler, Box 421 F, Seton Hill University, Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, PA, 15601. Please specify any personalization you’d like.

Jinn and Juice is now available as an ebook from Orbit and will be released in paperback April 2015.

BOOK: Life in the No-Dating Zone by Patricia B. Tighe

Life in the No-Dating Zone

After surviving her parents' relationship drama when her older sister elopes, Claire Gardner vows not to date during high school. Now, three years later, Claire is thrown into new relationship drama—her two best friends have boyfriends. Which means Claire is spending more and more time alone. And she's more than a little peeved.

Enter Gray Langley. His year-long crush on Claire's friend Lindsey has made him desperate enough to ask Claire for help with pursuing Lindsey. Hesitant at first, Claire finally agrees—anything to get rid of Lindsey's current evil boyfriend. But as Claire and Gray plot together, Claire has to fight the sparks of attraction flying everywhere.

Because she can't be with Gray unless she gives up her vow. And how can she handle the pain that'll come from confronting her parents with the reasons for that vow? Claire has to decide . . . unless, of course, Gray decides first.

Patricia B. Tighe is not the writer who's been writing for as long as she can remember. In fact, she didn't start writing fiction until she was almost thirty. But, she's always been a reader. Which, of course, is one of the basic requirements for being a writer. She's read everything from horse novels and spy thrillers to historical romance and fantasy sagas—and lots in between. There's something wondrous about picking up a book and entering a new world with new adventures. And she doesn't plan on stopping any time soon.

When she's not reading, she hangs out with her husband and two old dogs, plus her grown sons whenever she gets the chance. In the fall she spends way too much time yelling at her TV while watching football. She's also addicted to British TV shows. Top Gear, anyone?

Oh, yeah. And she writes. Kissing books. Or at least books that include kissing.

WORKSHOP: Science Fiction in Thrillers by Heidi Ruby Miller at Pennwriters 2015

I'm happy to be presenting part of my Science Fiction in Thrillers class from Seton Hill's MFA in Writing Popular Fiction program for the 2015 Pennwriters Conference, Building Bridges .

Here is the description:
Can adding speculative elements to your thriller make it more marketable or just send it into the slipstream netherworld of publishing? It depends on your concept and its execution. We'll discuss some bestselling authors who have built an entire brand by combining these genres, and analyze how they did it.

The Pennwriters Conference is in Pittsburgh this year on the weekend of May 15 - 17 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. Keynote speaker is Ridley Pearson .

BOOK: Lionel's Christmas Adventure by Paul R. Hewlett

BOOKS

Lionel's Christmas Adventure

Have you ever wanted something you couldn’t have? Lionel desperately wants a new sled and he will do almost anything to get it. This fun Christmas story follows Lionel from Larrystown to the North Pole. Filled with great Christmas imagery, this book is perfect for young readers and school or family story time. This holiday season, be careful what you wish for, you never know what might happen!

Paul R. Hewlett writes books for children. His first book is Lionel's Grand Adventure: Lionel and the Golden Rule. It is an early chapter book for ages 7-10. It is the first book in the Lionel's Grand Adventure series. Paul is a US Air Force vet who is married and has a "senior" dog named Joe that he and his wife adopted from the local rescue facility. His aim is to increase and foster children's interest in reading by combining entertainment and values.

BOOK BUNDLE: Preston Black Mix Tape by Jason Jack Miller

BOOKS


The PRESTON BLACK MIX TAPE bundle is a literary box set! (Almost 220,000 words of Preston Black goodness.) You get both Preston Black novels— THE DEVIL & PRESTON BLACK and THE REVELATIONS OF PRESTON BLACK , plus two short stories that were only available in other anthologies. ALMOST A NEW YEAR is a vignette that shows how family and friends deal with the loss of a deployed soldier, in this case Stu Croe. RHYTHM OF WAR is Ben Collins’ first person account of his role in the Battle of Fallujah.

In addition to the stories above, you get the following essays, articles, and non-fiction bits Jason published in various places over the course of writing the first two Preston Black novels:

THE DEVIL & PRESTON BLACK Reading & Resource Guide
THE REVELATIONS OF PRESTON BLACK Reading & Resource Guide
THE MUSIC OF THE REVELATIONS OF PRESTON BLACK
JASON JACK MILLER’S SOUNDCHECK: DON’T BE THAT GUY! THE FINAL SAY IN THE CONCERT T-SHIRT DEBATE
JASON JACK MILLER’S SOUNDCHECK: THE MUSIC AND THE REVELATIONS OF PRESTON BLACK
Because You CAN’T, You WON’T, You DON’T Stop: ADAM YAUCH
Murder Ballads and Old Magic
A LOOK BACK, A LOOK AHEAD
AMERICANA MUSIC: THE ROOT(s) of (SOME, NOT ALL) EVIL
PATHS TO PUBLICATION: Preston Black
PUTTING THE BOOK TO BED
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRESTON BLACK!

Jason Jack Miller knows it’s silly to hold onto the Bohemian ideals of literature, music, and love above all else. But he doesn’t care.

His own adventures paddling wild mountain rivers and playing Nirvana covers for less-than-enthusiastic crowds inspired his Murder Ballads and Whiskey series. The first three books are currently available: The Devil and Preston Black, Hellbender, and The Revelations of Preston Black. The next installment, All Saints, is due out soon.

Hellbender was Jason's thesis novel for Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction Graduate Program, where he is now adjunct faculty. The novel won the Arthur J. Rooney Award for Fiction and is a finalist for the Appalachian Writers Association Book of the Year Award.

His career got its start when he co-authored an outdoor travel guide with his wife in 2006. Since then his work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, literary journals, online, as part of a travel guide app for mobile phones, and in the award-winning writing guide Many Genres, One Craft.

When Jason isn't writing he's on his mountain bike or looking for his next favorite guitar.

He is a member of The Authors Guild, Pennwriters, and International Thriller Writers. He lives just outside of Pittsburgh with his wife, Heidi, and a cat. Visit him at http://www.jasonjackmiller.com. Tweet him @jasonjackmiller . Email him at jasonjackmiller at gmail.com

EVENT: World Fantasy 40 Recap in Photos

EVENTS

I had an unforgettable time at World Fantasy 40 held at the Crystal City Hyatt this year. Saw so many old friends (including 21 Seton Hill Writers! ), finally made face-to-face contact with social media acquaintances, and met a ton of new writers and readers.

Kudos to Peggy Rae Sapienza, Michael J. Walsh, Colleen Cahill, Bill Lawton, and the entire WFC 40 committee on a job well done. Looking forward to next year.

Photo from Jason Jack Miller

Photo from Jason Jack Miller


Photo from Jason Jack Miller






Photo from Maria Alexander for her Mr. Wicker launch party





Photo from RDSP
Photo from Jason Jack Miller

Photo from Jason Jack Miller

Photo from RDSP
Photo from Maria Alexander for her Mr. Wicker launch party
Photo from Jason Jack Miller

Photo from Jason Jack Miller

GIVEAWAY: International Thriller Writers 1000 Thrillers

GIVEAWAYS


International Thriller Writers is holding the biggest book giveaway ever! You could win a brand new thriller every week for a whole year. Just sign up to receive The Big Thrill , and get thriller news, reviews, and interviews in your inbox once a month. You might even hit the 1000 thriller jackpot!

Here's a link to enter: http://www.thebigthrill.org/1000-thrillers/

Tweet them: @thrillerwriters