Da'Kharta Rising's Blog: Thoughts of a Slightly Social Anti-Socialite, page 14

July Roundtable: The Special Relationship (Author and Reviewer)

What’s sizzling? Hope it isn’t your flesh and that all of you haven’t been bored without me. It’s close to the end of the month and you know what that means?

Roundtable Time!

Last month, I premiered part one, which talked about etiquette between authors. This time around, I shine my strobe light on authors and reviewers. So, here are the questions I presented:

1. Have you, as an author, ever done a review for a book—either at your leisure or as part of an organization? Is your approach different in serving one capacity as opposed to the other (if applicable)?

2. Have you ever received a review that was more critical than favorable? How did you handle the situation?

3. Overall, should an author ever contact a reviewer for any reason? Expand below.

Usually I go last, but this time I will be the first to chime in. For the first question, I’ve done them more for leisure than anything and when I actually have time. I’d honestly rather invest the energy in writing my own stuff. To the second one, I did receive a one star for Vocal Remedy. I opted to stay silent on it. Every one is entitled to his or her opinion. For the last one, I think it is an absolute no-no, not even to extend a thank you. It’s respect enough for a person to even look at your work. That person could have easily said no or not taken the time to give his or her thoughts.

Hello, Queen here. I’d like to go next, if you don’t mind.

Have you, as an author, ever done a review for a book—either at your leisure or as part of an organization? Is your approach different in serving one capacity as opposed to the other (if applicable)?

I do review books under a professional capacity as well as for leisure. However, the ingredients to what makes a good book are still the same under both umbrellas

Have you ever received a review that was more critical than favorable? How did you handle the situation?

The only one was on Reflections of Soul, and the review wasn’t really that bad. It was a three star on Amazon. I did want to know a bit more in the form of improvement and he said he would provide a bit more detail in an updated review, but the updated review was never posted.

Overall, should an author ever contact a reviewer for any reason? Expand below.

On the reviewer side (in my professional capacity), I get all types. Some are genuinely thankful for the review while other authors will say they are thankful but the tone of the correspondences seem condescending. Those types of replies, if they don’t come from a genuine place, I’d rather the author stay mum.

The worst are the defensive types: the ones that act outraged when you are in the minority, the handful that cannot see how the book garnered four and five star reviews when I can only rate it as a two. You get deemed all types of things under the sun and some goes as far as to try to discredit the reviewer.

With that being said, overall, the author should NOT contact the reviewer, based on my own experiences.

Lately, even when the author has expressed gratitude, I don’t reply back. If the work is highly favorable, the author may get a reach out as it pertains to being part of the Author Spotlight, but that’s by selection more so than just my thoughts.

In addition, if an author is too combative with a reviewer over a critical review, it makes other people (on a personal and professional level) hesitant to review the author’s work. In that person’s mind, “If I don’t like his book, he’s going to give me just as hard of a time as the other person.”

Hello Awesome Visitors! It’s Desire, creeping into Da’Kharta’s spot to give my sixty nine cents, if you will.

Have you, as an author, ever done a review for a book—either at your leisure or as part of an organization? Is your approach different in serving one capacity as opposed to the other (if applicable)? 

Every time I contemplate doing reviews on a more frequent level, I hear so many horror stories from those who do this professionally. Therefore, I do it when I can and if I feel up to it. That does mean that days, even weeks may go by before I post a review on something I’ve read but it’s mostly so the material can fully soak.

Have you ever received a review that was more critical than favorable? How did you handle the situation?

As of this posting, can’t say that I have, although if I had to choose between a critical review and little to no reviews, I’d take the former. Reason being that maybe someone reading my work and expands on it can point out areas where I need to improve.

Overall, should an author ever contact a reviewer for any reason? Expand below.

Hmm … this is a tough one for me because I’ve been taught to thank someone whenever the person has done something for me. In the industry, however, most frown upon it. So I must admit this will be a hard author habit for me to break.

Cha’Lo! Y is in the building!

Have you, as an author, ever done a review for a book—either at your leisure or as part of an organization? Is your approach different in serving one capacity as opposed to the other (if applicable)? 

I have. I work as part of the team that composes The Review Board. However, I find that my approach to reviewing stands at part with my approach to writing. I have a rule of thumb when it comes to writing a book, that is this: I ask myself “Would I want to read this book?”

If the answer is yes, then I know that other reviewers might appreciate my work.

So, I say that to say this … I wouldn’t expect in a book anything that I could not deliver myself as a writer. So, I judge other books by the ruler with which I judge myself.

Have you ever received a review that was more critical than favorable? How did you handle the situation?

Yes, I sure have. Truthfully, I grinned and bared it. Why? Because I cannot sit there and judge other people’s works yet, not want anyone to say anything negative about my own. However, I also think that I’ve surpassed that petty train of thought. I’ve, long since, accepted that not everyone is going to love my work as much as I do.

Overall, should an author ever contact a reviewer for any reason? Expand below.

I really believe that they shouldn’t. We live in such a “delicate” time when it comes to books, authors and reviewers that any attempt to reach out to a reviewer (even if it’s with good intentions) could be misunderstood as a threat.

Is it too late to put my thorns in? Hi-Lo!

Have you, as an author, ever done a review for a book—either at your leisure or as part of an organization? Is your approach different in serving one capacity as opposed to the other (if applicable)? 

I have reviewed other peoples’ works. My overall approach is to see how entertaining or captivating the book is. I find that, as with Y, I look for the same things in books that I read that I would try to provide in my own works.

Have you ever received a review that was more critical than favorable? How did you handle the situation?

I have not had any bad reviews. Why, you ask? Because in my frame of mind, no review is bad. All, even the critical ones are good. Why, again? Because it teaches me things that I need to learn. If I’m not open to accepting critical reviews then I’m not ready to have my work on the market.

Overall, should an author ever contact a reviewer for any reason? Expand below.

I don’t think that we should reach out to people that leave bad reviews. I’m not certain if reaching out with a cordial “thank you” to those who leave good reviews is a bad thing. I would like to believe that it isn’t. But, shoot, I don’t really know. LOL

Are Mann invasions still welcomed? Allow me to indulge for a few minutes.

Have you, as an author, ever done a review for a book—either at your leisure or as part of an organization? Is your approach different in serving one capacity as opposed to the other (if applicable)?

I too have read and reviewed several books. In all truth, to measure a book one is reading by a different set of rules than one does not intend to practice in one’s own writing is an enormous injustice. It would be hypocritical of me to expect something out of a book that I’ve read and reviewed that I could not deliver myself.

Have you ever received a review that was more critical than favorable? How did you handle the situation?

I’ve yet to receive any bad reviews on my own works, thankfully. Yet, I find that if I ever should, I would still be thankful. For 2 reasons; one, the person took time out of their busy schedule to write a review on my work. Two, because I learn from everything. That is to say, if I were to obtain a negative review, I’m certain that there would be something that I could learn from said information.

Overall, should an author ever contact a reviewer for any reason? Expand below.

I believe that reviews, while written for authors, are more so directed to the reading audience. So, whatever feedback is given of a book is for the potential reader to read and then decide whether or not said book is for him/her. With that mentality, I would say that it would be bad sport to reach out to reviewers, as they aren’t leaving a review for you, per say, but for the future reader.

Fist pound to everyone who chimed in on this month’s round table  Have a round table idea you want to share or you’d like to participate? Reply to the post below or hit me up at (my name) at allauthorspp dot net.
DR
Filed under: rising thoughts Tagged: author roundtable, authors, etiquette, reviewers, special relationship

YO! Check it! #BookRelease

Dear Readers, Writers and Precious Patrons,

All Authors Publishing House would like to welcome you to event of the year! TODAY, All Authors Publishing House celebrates the release of “Crackles of the Heart: Divergent Ink, Book One“, a collaborative work by 6 very talented individuals!

What EXACTLY IS “Divergent Ink“?

Divergent Ink is the mesh of different frames of thoughts, various interpretations of one core question that yearns for universal expansion. Although the subject matter may change every year, the purpose of the Divergent Ink series will remain the same.

The first book in the Divergent Ink anthology series, “Crackles of the Heart”, centers around the following question: Can the hot, handsome guy fall for the average, awkward woman?

Six Divergent Inks exploring “Crackles of the Heart”. Will there be hearts rejoicing or hearts breaking?

Featuring:

Da’Kharta Rising: A five word invitation sets the tone for an afternoon journey. Short, provocative connectivity sizzles “Inside Me”.

Queen of Spades: One look from Her was all it took to put a ladies’ man into early retirement. Yet, the very object of his affection has no clue of his reform. When he opts to take a huge gamble, will his fairy tale end happily ever after or be deemed a “Tale in the Keys of Drastic“?

Adonis Mann: The dark of night can be more than scary, it can be downright intoxicating. When pleasure meets stupefaction, a man with a secret whirls into rapture at the hands of an unknown force. To which end? Will his secret be revealed, or will he revel in the delight it brings? Nothing is as it seems during the wonderment of “Mystical Nights“.

Y. Correa: Steampunk Earth, set in the distant future. When an ambitious city guy meets a carefree country lady, what starts out as a getaway to finish an important project turns into a interesting journey. Steam intersects and hearts collide in “The Steam of Opposites”.

C. Desert Rose: Terah has the misfortune of being given news that puts an expiration date on her life. In her desire to get away from the chaos, she has a chance encounter with the very one that can put the turmoil to rest. Is “Serendipitous Mirth” dumb luck, or preordained destiny?

Synful Desire: Bette is a hard working small town woman with simple pleasures. When visually stunning Jesse comes into the store on what’s normally her day off, her mind accelerates into complex overdrive. In this small town, a lot can happen in seven days. Will one of those events serve to satisfy Bette’s “Seven Days of Stimuli”?

So, what are you waiting for? Come savor the difference!

Filed under: aaph family, Books Tagged: crackles of the heart, divergent ink, grab this hotness, new release

Secret Irk (not Ink) Revealed

What’s cracking? The Slightly Anti-Social Socialite here. It’s Saturday night, and I don’t have much to really do, so I figured I would spend some time doing a random blog.

So, I am about to reveal an irk of mine’s that I’ve kept secret … up until now.

Before I reveal it, a little rewinding, if you will …

A while ago, the Graphic Design department of the Publishing House wanted to revamp everyone’s logos. Guess who was holding out for the longest time? (he he he) Finally, I lamented and I got adjusted to my new look. It still had all the colors I liked and what not, plus a few of the graphics that said me.

Just recently, it came time to revamp some of the banners. Quite a few people in the Publishing House had switched templates, except for me. Mainly because this design is perfect for me, and I don’t use perfect that often, if ever. However, the old banner had my old logo, so I approached them and was like, “Wouldn’t it make sense for my logo and banner to match?”

They agreed and went to work.

The first draft they sent me had two renditions. One had my logo and one didn’t. After looking them over, the placement of my new logo just looked a bit tacky.

Yet, there was something else that was eating away at me.

A certain word had to go.

So, after looking at the banner copy without my logo, I dished on the movement of the sickle, the AAPH seal and told the department, “Can you remove the word ‘author’ after ‘Rising’?”

I know you probably are like, “Well, Da’Kharta you have it on your logo.”

Yes, that is true but I use my logo in other spots besides here. I do incorporate it in some of my email signatures.

Oh, wait! I don’t really give my email address out but if you were to receive something from me, it’d would be in there to let people know I am an author.

On my own banner, on my own site, not so much. It seems a bit redundant. Anyone who has looked at the majority of my blog entries can see that I am an author.

Even if you are the type that doesn’t read a gang of blog posts, there are several tale tell signs.

1. The first thing you are hit with is language that specifies “Authorship”. Like that huge ass logo that says “All Authors Publishing House”. Or, the icon that says “Amazon Author Page”.

2. In the “About” section, I state that I am a writer.

In case you still haven’t figured out my irk, here it goes.

The word “author” being used after said author’s name.

Like this:

Synful Desire, Author

Note: I am using someone who I know won’t take this to heart, so it won’t do you any good to go back and tell the aforementioned that I’m having a little fun at her expense.

Moving On

To me, the word “author” represents a title. Similar to “Mr.” or “Mrs.” Anytime I see “author” placed at the end, it makes me scratch my head. You might as well be saying:

Synful Desire, Junior

See how it doesn’t sound as impressive?

However, if you are going to use the word “Author”, let’s try it in the front.

Like this:

Author Synful Desire

Now that just flows better. Plus, it eliminates the need for that pesky comma. Why should one have to pause before letting one know his or her job title? That is what the word author being used last screams at me, and that is why I don’t entertain that structure being used on my banner.

So for me, it’s either “Author Da’Kharta Rising” or just “Da’Kharta Rising”—never a comma, followed by the word “author”. It will save the Graphic Design department a lot of trouble for future banners.

DR
Filed under: rising thoughts Tagged: author is a title, no juniors here, secret irk revealed, will never trend here

Dissection: Crackles of the Heart (Divergent Ink)

Hello everyone! SASS here, taking a break from eating some leftover BBQ, potato salad and baked beans to blog about Crackles of the Heart: Divergent Ink. I opted to make this a family affair and invited the rest of the participants.

Side Note: They better not get too comfy … the Asylum is back on lockdown.

Anyway, to make things fun, I decided to ask each person three questions about their works but first Adonis Mann had some questions to ask me as it pertained to my submission.

I’ve come to admire and look forward to your stories for two reasons:

(1) The ease of narrative, and

(2) the hidden links. In order for a reader to get the full gist of one of your books, they’d have to read it several times as there is a high probability that they missed something the first time around. This is no exception with “Inside Me”.

Do you have a specific methodology when writing your stories?

Yes, I do but I think it will spoil the fun a bit if I reveal it. That is kind of like giving away the secret ingredient to an award winning recipe. Therefore, I will refrain.

Do you intentionally hide the maze of mystery inside the simplicity of your presentations?

Yes, um next question.

Are the hidden innuendos in “Inside Me” on purpose?
In one word, yes but that is with all of my stories.

Well, you didn’t ask for detail. *shrugs shoulders*

What is the premise behind “Tale in the Keys of Drastic”?

“Tale in the Keys of Drastic” is about a guy who seems willing to throw away his player ways to get with one particular female. This story answers the question as to whether she will accept his attempt or flat our refuse it.

Do you think other readers will be able to relate to any of the characters in this story?

I think a lot of women will be able to connect with the female being pursued and her thoughts in the work.

How is this story written differently from any of your stories, independently released or otherwise?

This is a bit of a throwback to my prose style  in Eclectic. Other than that, it is still like the rest in that it has that deliverance of a moral or message, if you will.

What is the premise behind “Mystical Nights”?

“Mystical Nights” is about a man who dreams of his perfect woman. Yet, is it really a dream, or is it really happening? I’ll let the reader decide. *wink*

In your mind, is this story on par or even a better story than others you’ve written so far? Give a bit more meat than the typical “yes” or “no”.

Hmm, I wholeheartedly love this story, yet I can’t say for sure if it’s better or not. I’d like to think that it is, but I’m the author so perhaps that is biased. I do know that there is some underlined mystery in this story that will keep the reader wondering. Also, the sexual aspect is also a bit more intense than some of my other works.

If it were up to me, I’d say yes. Yes, it is. Yet, the true judges would have to be the reading audience.

Was it a challenge to write this story, seeing that the scenario everyone had to write off of involved members of the opposite sex?

It was and it wasn’t. I know that comes across as a contradictory statement, but allow me to explain.

In order to produce the best story that I could, I thought of it as a same sex scenario, then changed the would be “he/his” to “she/hers”. That made the task a bit easier.

What is the premise behind “The Steam of Opposites”?

This premise ties into the overall theme of Crackles of the Heart. Can the handsome man fall for the plain girl? It is as simple as that. I wanted to explore whether or not that was a possibility and wanted to do so in a way that diverted from my usual approach to “romance” writing.

How did it feel to write your first steampunk piece?

It was an interesting undertaking, to be quite frank. I didn’t think I was going to be able to accomplish it. I surprised myself. I suppose what made it run smoothly was the fact that at its core, the story is more of a romance than anything.

Overall, are you satisfied with this work?

Truth be told, at first I wasn’t very happy with the outcome. However, by the time the entire process was complete–editing and all that–I was very happy with it. I surprised myself in producing a story that was relateable, sci-fi/steampunk, and a little bit funny, if I can say so myself.

What is the premise behind “Serendipitous Mirth”?

The premise is about a girl who has discovered that she is dying, and to boot, adopted. She’s in a dark place in her life, but oddly enough has to remind herself to be depressed. * giggling * In come a handsome stranger. Okay, that’s all I’m going to say. I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone.

In what ways do you relate to the female character in your work (if any)?

Funny, but I think I relate to her, Terah, very little. She and I aren’t really anything alike. I formulated her by the template of another person. I think that to a certain extent–though far fetched–I relate more to the male character, Haniel, than the female.

Is this story in alignment with your paranormal romance blueprint?

It is actually. As a matter of fact, it not only ties into the blueprint, but the world. When making the Fate’s Endeavor Series I created an entire world of my own. So, “Serendipitous Mirth” ties into the world of Fate’s Endeavor. For those whom have read “If Death Should Love Me” the connection will be obvious.

What is the premise behind “Seven Days of Stimuli”?

This story is a breakdown of what happens after a meeting between a hardworking woman store employee named Bette and a guy named Jesse who seems to be passing through, buying some items to prepare for a night of fun. Over the course of seven days, the reader sees what happens when two people can’t seem to get their minds off of each other.

What do you think readers will enjoy about this work the most?

Wow! Where do I begin? Well, for one it is a bit of comedy … okay, a lot of comedy! It’s not really erotic in nature–innuendos here and there, so that will be pleasing to a particular target audience. Also, everyone has an opinion as to what is considered handsome and what isn’t, so although Jesse may be the bees knees to Bette, the reader may think he’s the average guy, and vice versa. It’s a very endearing story, and I had loads of fun writing it, even more so than “Handy”.

In your blog, you have said that you want to establish yourself as a multi-genre author? Do you think this particular story solidifies that?

Although “Handy” started the push, “Seven Days of Stimuli” has definitely toppled me off the cliff. At first, I was marketed as strictly an LGBT erotic author, yet I’m a fan of the intimate experience. It doesn’t always have to be sex or lead to sex. I want my work to serve as extensions of my personality here and there, so although writing “Handy” did not feel weird to me, it did throw off people more used to “Simmer Sweet” or “Delectable Things”. Even if people aren’t fully convinced after “Seven Days of Stimuli”, wait until they see all the work I’m doing as it relates to Convoluted Prism. (slow grin)

Well, that’s all the time I have for now. It’s time for me to grab some ice cream. Until then, wait patiently (or impatiently) for Crackles of the Heart to come out July 14th.

DR
Filed under: All Authors Publishing House, Books, Coming Soon Tagged: crackles of the heart, divergent ink, short story anthology

June Roundtable: Author Unspoken Rules (That Everyone Should Know)

What’s cooking? I’d like some BBQ chicken, homemade baked beans and some potato salad. Guess I have July 4th on the brain … my bad.

It’s time for another roundtable.

Since June is the beginning of summer, I thought I would set off June’s Roundtable with a bit of heat. This time, I tackle Author Etiquette (or another word for it is “Author Unspoken Rules”). This will be a two part series.

1st part, which I’m detailing now, has to do with how authors deal with each other.

The 2nd part, which will be for July, will tackle how authors deal with readers who leave reviews (whether professionally or for leisure).

With that being said, here is the question I presented to the roundtable.

(a) What is an author unspoken rule that every author should know about as it pertains to interaction with each other?

(b) Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of breaking said rule, and if so, how did you handle it?

The first person to tackle this ray of controversy is Queen of Spades.

(a) What is an author unspoken rule that every author should know about as it pertains to interaction with each other?

You know the old saying, “Fake it until you make it”? That does not apply to the writing game. Do not claim someone else’s writing as your own. I don’t think it needs to be stated because true authors should already know this.)

(b) Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of breaking said rule, and if so, how did you handle it?

Before I became a published author, I did have an incident where an aspiring poet used one of my pieces and labeled it as her own. She changed a few words around here and there, but since she and I ran in the same poetry community circles, people were able to pinpoint that she was mimicking me.She claimed not to mean any harm–that she was a huge fan and thought she was honoring me. Needless to say, I didn’t find it flattering. Luckily, it only took the email correspondence back and forth in order for her to cease and desist with her flattery. I know others who have not been so fortunate.

Next to add fuel to the fire, Synful Desire.

(a) What is an author unspoken rule that every author should know as it pertains to interaction with each other?

If a fellow author takes time to host another author on her personal blog, please take the time to say thank you. It’s one thing if a person’s blog is designed for promotional purposes, but if it is one’s own personal spot, then that person is carving out a spot for you. It only takes a few seconds to write “Thanks”, just like it only takes a few seconds to spread the link through FB, Twitter, Google+, and the like.



(b) Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of breaking said rule, and if so, how did you handle it?

I can’t say that I have been on either side. I just know that particular thing annoys me when I see other people do it.

Next, to speak her truth, Y. Correa.

(a) What is an author unspoken rule that every author should know as it pertains to interaction with each other? 

One unsaid author rule is when reviewing someone’s work, to not divulge the ending. As a matter of fact, you can talk about as much of the book as you want, just DON’T tell the ending. It’s one of those things where, if you give someone’s book a read & review and tell the ending, than when other potential readers think about picking up that book, they probably won’t because they’ve already been told the punch line. So it’s like, “What’s the point?”

(b) Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of breaking said rule, and if so, how did you handle it?

I have. I certainly have. *shaking my head*

At first I was furious, then I thought about it and calmed myself down. Then I reached out to that person and explain the “unspoken rule”.

I suppose, that even unspoken rules sometimes have to be spoken. Even while most of them are common sense.

*shrugs*

Looks like C. Desert Rose is eager to give her thoughts.

(a) What is an author unspoken rule that every author should know as it pertains to interaction with each other?

BE CORDIAL! I think that it’s important that authors have a sense of socialization and friendliness. Welcoming, even.

Far too often authors are so caught up in their own things that they give other authors whom can potentially help them with their writing endeavors, the cold shoulder. Authors nowadays are just blatantly rude! It’s like they think that other authors are out to steal their reading audience. It’s ridiculous.

(b) Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of breaking said rule, and if so, how did you handle it?

I have been on the receiving and giving end of this situation. I can officially say that I’ve been as friendly and welcoming as possible. I’ve tried super hard to connect with other authors.

On the other hand, while there are (outside of the House) other authors that have been receptive and corresponding, most of them have been formidable and rude. It’s really discouraging. All I want is to make author friends. Nothing more and nothing less.

Finally, my thoughts:

(a) What is an author unspoken rule that every author should know as it pertains to interaction with each other?

Method of inquiry and method of response must match. Here is what I mean.

If I send out something via E-mail, I expect the response to be via E-mail. Unless I send something or put something in the E-mail that indicates I can be reached via other means, the guidelines I put in place must be followed, for I have them in place for good reason.

(b) Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of breaking said rule, and if so, how did you handle it?

I had that happen a few months back, and my response was to conduct a tutorial of sorts on the concept of reply vs. reply all, without mentioning the actual person’s name. I figured the person would put two and two together and figure out the error. Unfortunately this lesson did not sink in for long, because I was hit up in a way opposite of what was instructed in another project I have going. I have put that debacle in someone else’s hands who is ten times more professional in etiquette, for mine can be in short supply.

So, to sum it up:

Author Unspoken Rules (That Everyone Should Know)

1. Do not plagiarize someone else’s work.

2. If another person hosts you on one’s blog, thank them.

3. Do not divulge the ending of a work that you’ve been asked to review.

4. Be open as opposed to rude when it comes to networking.

5. Method of inquiry and method of response must match.

This concludes another roundtable. Be on the lookout for the next one towards the end of July, when we dish out on Author Etiquette, as it pertains to reviewers.

DR
Filed under: author Tagged: author etiquette, june roundtable, you should know better

The Case of the Accidental Multi-Genre Author

Yo, the SASS here. Today I want to address an assignment I was given by my mentor.

Write a blog post about what it felt like to become a multi-genre author. Although, sometimes one doesn’t plan it, or even not realize that it’s happened, it does. But, in retrospect, what was it like when you realized that you grew in that area. Into that area, rather. At first you were strictly one thing, and now you are 4.

Um what? First off, multi-genre? Second, I’m in four of them?

Then, she proceeded to break down which of the four genres I’d somehow tapped my way into.

 Horror


YA Horror


Dark Drama/Noire


 Paranormal Drama

I was like GTFOH! Was it really possible?

Then, I gave my works a deeper, more thorough read. It’s one thing to go through your work as the author but to actually partake of the material as a reader in a whole different arena.

You see, when I write something I don’t go into it saying, “I’m going to make sure that so-and-so is in this genre.” In my opinion, classification is more under marketing, so I try to pass it on (read: don’t want to deal with) that task to my publisher.

I figured I start from my oldest “Vocal Remedy” to my most recently released “Boundless Limits”.

“Vocal Remedy”—definitely had that bit of Horror flavor I was going for

“Simi’s Komma”—still horror but did teeter the balance on Young Adult more so than Adult

My stories in Continuous Drips

“Unrest”—Horror? Wait a minute! I did introduce something kind of paranormal. Paranormal Horror. So, technically that is still horror right?

“Omitted”—Well, it doesn’t look like horror quite fits. Nothing paranormal in there. Hmmm … guess this is Dark Drama, if anything.

“The Kutters”—I did struggle a bit with this one. It’s not gruesome per se, so horror is out. Not exactly paranormal, so that is out … give me one minute, let me double check with my publisher.

Now you are really pulling my leg? Psychological Fiction: that’s not even listed up there with the rest.

Now, the publisher is saying, “Guess you are in five genre classes instead of four.”

My story in Concordant Vibrancy

“Coalesce”—The horror component definite is strong, so have to go with Psychological Horror.

Finally, “Boundless Limits”—We have Paranormal Drama.

So, back to the question:

How do I feel about writing in the genres of Horror, Young Adult Horror, Dark Drama/Noire, Paranormal Drama and Psychological Fiction?

I know most people would feel thrilled and that it is their dream to do multiple genres. For me, I’m the type that came into this publishing world, being more than content if I could be the hotness in just one. I let the characters lead me where they will, even if it is in the absolute opposite direction I was trying to take them. Not all of them landed me in the House of Horror.

It’s not like I’m going to go back and try to make everything gory. At this stage, it is what it is.

In one sickle (aka on one hand), with my not being solely one genre, it puts the potential readers on alert because they don’t know what is coming from me next.

In the other sickle (aka on the other hand), I don’t want to be that writer who tackles too many genres and in the end, looks like a buffoon. Sort of like me venturing into romantic comedy—that would definitely be highly unlikely.

Unless it’s one where I end up killing one of the characters, then making a joke of it.

No that’d be dark comedy—never mind.

To sum it up, being an accidental multi-genre author feels exciting yet spooky.

Kind of like … well you get the picture.

DR
Filed under: rising thoughts Tagged: classification craziness, horror, noire, paranormal drama, ya horror

Where a Play on Words Can Lead You (#InsideMe)

Yo SASS is here. In case you are new to the spot, it stands for Slightly Anti-Social Socialite.

Usually I already know a little bit of what I want to write about. Today I’m going to wing it a bit for sometimes winging it can lead you in a destination you had no idea about.

That is how some stories can come about as well.

One night I was feeling extraordinarily bored.

Think Saturday night and everything, food places included, shut down by 10PM type bored.

Think that “hottie who you got the phone number from that didn’t call my ass back” type bored.

Think the “single guy who has friends that have girlfriends” type bored.

Even the “sister that has to babysit because her other sisters need a break from the kids” bored.

You get the drift. I was THAT bored.

When I’m bored, I tend to do a bit of things that aren’t typical Da’Kharta behavior for my own amusement. One of those things is to look at pornos. To me, pornos are not sensual, sexy, or provocative. They are pure comedy because some of the stuff they say and do can induce dumbfoundness and outright laughter.

For me, it’s mainly the latter.

Okay, it’s totally the latter.

In this porno (No, I’m not going to tell you the name of it; my publisher would give me even more of a menacing look than I’m already getting), this chic kept saying one line over and over again. I kept thinking to myself, “How much more does she expect this guy to do?”

One money shot and multiple minutes later, my mind started to play with the very line the adult entertainer said in the “fake excitement, let’s get this scene over with” tone. That sentence marked the opener to this latest story, “Inside Me”:

I did not know if it was on purpose. For her to say that thing, in exactly that way. All I know was in that moment, those words were the most important on Earth. They were all that were left. Those syllables strung together to form a sentence that wiped out all else.

For those who are deep into wanting to know a story’s word count, it is shorter than Vocal Remedy (and VR was pretty short). I even took a look at the story, gave it a few re-reads to ensure it still followed the typical Rising formula.

Side Note: It’s my own little recipe, and not sure if I should even reveal it. Folks might try to copycat, and oh, yeah, my publisher is watching too. Sorry guys—guess you’re out of luck.

All I know is that once you read the full story, you will never look at a certain set of words in quite the same way again.

Coming July 14th
DR

PS: Oh, before I go (because I didn’t forget) …

While you guys are waiting on “Inside Me”, grab “Simi’s Komma” while it is still #FREE. You only have until Saturday June 27th. Click the title to obtain.

Filed under: All Authors Publishing House Tagged: all authors publishing house, book, book release, coming soon, new release, short stories

My Shortest Post Ever (#HereComesTheHotness)

A must grab publication, coming soon to Amazon!

Filed under: Books, Coming Soon Tagged: amazon, book one, coming soon, crackles of the heart, divergent ink, premium reading, short story anthology

When a Komma Gets Cut (#BreakingNews)

Four score and seven years ago, a twisted mind came up a YA dark horror story, formulated by character names that sound like punctuation marks.

Okay, so it wasn’t exactly four score and seven years ago. Hell it hasn’t even been seven years.

Enough of this horse play.

I tend to be the person that can be the most resistant to change. For me, if a formula has proven to work, I tend to stick with. Yet, this recent decision made by my publisher could personify change actually being good.

The literary world has changed, according to my publisher. It seems that reads, no matter how shoddy the quality is (I was tempted to use another word), are priced all over the place. They got to thinking why not up the game, since all parts of the organization have upped their game as well.

This means that some of the things that were free won’t be free anymore, and stuff that’s no longer free will cease to exist on Smashwords.

Therefore, Simi’s Komma will be on the Smashwords chopping block very soon. So, if you have been biding time on picking this up, don’t. It will be gone before you know it, like by next Saturday.

Stay tuned to my Twitter and other spots for more announcements and the link to get the story prior to its disappearance.

DR
Filed under: short stories, simi's komma Tagged: adios smashwords, when pricing matches talent

My Silence Speaks Volumes

There are many reasons I stay silent when it comes to certain situations. (1) The person isn’t bothering me. He’s staying in his lane so I’m staying in mine. #Favorable (2) The amount of times a person messes up equates to a show of pure unadulterated comedy. #BetterThanRealityTV (3) I’ve come to the point where […]