Category: Archive

Last week I was supposed to showcase an author and help with a blog hop. Well I did what I was supposed to do- wrote a blog post about my writing process, then give a short bio and set up the next author in the hop. I did.

and only a handful of people read the post. One comment on the post.

I felt I let my pal down. This was supposed to help set her up for traffic to her blog, give a set up for her, and give her some publicity and I failed miserably. Or did I?

I did my best. It wasn’t good enough but at least I can say I threw my heart in it. I can either sit here and seethe, WHINE about it in a blog, or look at what went wrong and next time change it. The next time I will do things a little differently. I will have more of a build-up to it, have more posts about it during the week, and spam the hell out of everyone in general with it.

But did I really fail? Isn’t failure when you don’t learn from your mistakes? When you do not try?  Maybe I have a different definition of failure than some people.

According to my definition, I didn’t fail. I simply didn’t get the results I’d hoped for. It means I know what NOT to do next time, and there will be a next time.

until then, 

angel

 

Hi all.

CL Raven( http://clraven.wordpress.com/) asked me to participate in this blog hop. Don’t judge me too harshly. CL gave me four questions- 1 What am I working on?  I am working on several projects at once. I have a novel with three of my characters nearly finished to send to Amos and Cassidy, I have the story of my character, Isis, and her family. (Thankfully, Isis agreed to let me use her page as well as mine http://angeledenburn.wordpress.com/  for this. I also have a werewolf novel I started almost 2 years ago, as well as one other short story in the works.

2 How does my work differ from others of this genre? I am not sure EXACTLY which genre I am. I have some action, some paranormal, some romance, a LOT of touchy/feely stuff, as well as character growth in my stuff. I want my non-stereotypical heroines to be themselves, not fit into a mold. My gals are a little more voluptuous, a little older, and not perfect. My mcs are NOT nubile, barely legal, size 2 girls.

3 Why do I write what I do? Well this is a multi-part answer. It feels right for me to write this. I write what I want to read and what I want my nieces and nephews to see and learn from. I don’t like some of what is out there that shows girls/women as very co-dependent. I want to show them something different and a better way to be. (BTDT co-dependent thing.) Also, when I sit down at the computer, this is what falls out. I love to write short stories as well as novels.

4 How does my writing process work? Right now, it is whenever I can squeeze it in. I write and edit almost anywhere. If I am riding in a car, at mealtime at work, when I’m mowing the lawn (I write in my head), or when I sit down at the computer. I plot when I do chores, I edit when I hit writer’s block, and the rest of the time I write. I have Scapple and Scrivener and use Scapple and lots of scribbled notes on pieces of paper to help  keep my ideas sort of organized. I get stuck, I just jump to another WIP until something breaks loose. Then, I jump back and keep going.

Okay, so next week is going to be the sensuous SK Yule, writer extrordinaire of the paranormal, and multi-published author.  Check out her stuff here  http://skyule.com/.

 until next time

angel

Hello my freaky ones-

today I turn my blog over to my writer Angel Edenburn (aka Gena Mantz). The amazing writing duo of C L Raven (check them out at  http://clraven.wordpress.com/) tagged her to participate in this blog hop. (Personally, I think it is wonderful!) And my writer has tagged SK Yule to continue this fun next week! I can’t wait to read that one… so here she is- my writer Angel Edenburn. Check her out

 

Hi all.

CL Raven( http://clraven.wordpress.com/) asked me to participate in this blog hop. Don’t judge me too harshly. CL gave me four questions- 1 What am I working on?  I am working on several projects at once. I have a novel with three of my characters nearly finished to send to Amos and Cassidy, I have the story of my character, Isis, and her family. (Thankfully, Isis agreed to let me use her page as well as mine http://angeledenburn.wordpress.com/  for this. I also have a werewolf novel I started almost 2 years ago, as well as one other short story in the works.

2 How does my work differ from others of this genre? I am not sure EXACTLY which genre I am. I have some action, some paranormal, some romance, a LOT of touchy/feely stuff, as well as character growth in my stuff. I want my non-stereotypical heroines to be themselves, not fit into a mold. My gals are a little more voluptuous, a little older, and not perfect. My mcs are NOT nubile, barely legal, size 2 girls.

3 Why do I write what I do? Well this is a multi-part answer. It feels right for me to write this. I write what I want to read and what I want my nieces and nephews to see and learn from. I don’t like some of what is out there that shows girls/women as very co-dependent. I want to show them something different and a better way to be. (BTDT co-dependent thing.) Also, when I sit down at the computer, this is what falls out. I love to write short stories as well as novels.

4 How does my writing process work? Right now, it is whenever I can squeeze it in. I write and edit almost anywhere. If I am riding in a car, at mealtime at work, when I’m mowing the lawn (I write in my head), or when I sit down at the computer. I plot when I do chores, I edit when I hit writer’s block, and the rest of the time I write. I have Scapple and Scrivener and use Scapple and lots of scribbled notes on pieces of paper to help  keep my ideas sort of organized. I get stuck, I just jump to another WIP until something breaks loose. Then, I jump back and keep going.

Okay, so next week is going to be the sensuous SK Yule, writer extrordinaire of the paranormal, and multi-published author.  Check out her stuff here  http://skyule.com/.

until next time,

XOXO

IsistheVampire

and

Angel Edenburn (Gena Mantz)

 

ps Most of this blog is reposted over at Angel’s Musings  (http://angeledenburn.wordpress.com/).

Hello my freaky ones-

The car in the photo belongs to my writer. It was a present from a former friend and her husband. (the former friend’s hubby is still friends with my Lukas and my writer’s hubby.) My writer knew the car needed a motor when she was gifted with it but didn’t care. She helped take the motor out of the car and has waited patiently for over 3 years to get a new motor.

Unfortunately, it seemed that every time she got even a few dollars ahead, she had to use that money for something other than the car. This year, her hubby made sure to save up. First thing on Monday morning, she left for one of her day jobs and her hubby left too. She returned after her day job to find her hubby here- with the motor.

My writer is so happy. She just needs a few more things to line up- her hubby home, the weather good, and a couple of days off so that she can help her hubby put the motor in.  At the time the car was given to her, being a writer was just a dream. She hoped to be published and hoped to have her car fixed. Fast forward. She has several pieces of her work published under her real name and her pen name. She has the motor for her 2000 Camaro dream car. The “Isis car” as her hubby has named it. (Personally I like the idea of her car being named after me.)

It will take a few more weeks before she can get the car on the road. A nasty little crack has developed in the windshield and she has had the car for quite a while and not paid taxes on it. She is willing to pay the fees needed. She just needs a few more weeks of saving to be able to do it. Meanwhile, she will keep writing, keep working, and feeling grateful for all she has. “Things are starting to come together,” she says.

This has been a long road. There is no denying that there are similar paths for my writer’s jobs, writing, and fixing the car. All have involved struggle, work, patience, perseverance, and even some disappointment. Somehow, the idea of a broken, hand-me-down car being made whole is so much more than it first appears. I can’t wait to see how the next chapter unfolds.

Well my freaky ones, I hope your lives are finding some cohesion.I also hope your year has taken a big turn for the better and that things are looking up for you. Sometimes, things seem to be one step forward, two steps back. But when you stop and take a moment to look at things from a bigger angle, they really are moving in the right direction. Hang hard onto the hope and the good.

xoxo

IsistheVampire

ps Be watching for an announcement about an upcoming release!

This year has been full of demons for me to battle. I lost my job last year and my meager unemployment was about to be cut off. Yes, cut off due to the wisdom of those in politics. I finally managed to get a job, and took the first one that was offered to me.

It has been good for me physically, for the most part. Going from document work at a desk for the last three years to suddenly being on my feet for 5 hours at at time or more, in motion, with no real break other than my half-hour lunch is not easy. I did find another job last week more suited to my needs- stable hours and not being in constant motion. The new job is stable hours, the same days each week, and less time on my feet.

I have been writing in my spare time and for the last few months there has been precious little of it. The boost to the bank account has been wonderful though and a stable paycheck will help even more.

I know I am not the only one to lose my job. I know I am not the only one who has had a difficult time finding another job. I know I am not the only one who had the unemployment benefits cut off due to the political situation. I can only  hope my ramblings help at least one person to  not feel alone in this struggle. I hope my ramblings give hope to any who need it.

I have gone from thinking I am unemployable, too old, and not skilled enough to being more sure of myself. I am not over the crushing blow of losing my job due to no fault of my own and the owner needing to close. (Not her fault she got a promotion and  I couldn’t ride her coattails.) I found I am still capable of many things and learning some new ones too. I am pretty good at multitasking.

I have grown emotionally as well. I am now capable of hearing constructive criticism and can LISTEN to it, instead of taking it to heart and bashing myself over it. I have developed a bit of a thicker skin and I don’t always need to defend my actions. I am learning how to silence the negativity demons and not let their voices drown out all of the good stuff. I am not where I want to be, but I am gaining.

I am excited to be a published author now. This was a goal I hoped for, but never thought I would achieve so quickly. I have two more stories coming out this year in anthologies. I promise I will announce all the details as soon as I know what they are.

I have one short erotic story needing to go to the editor. (Elysian Dreams)  I have one novel to finish that may already have a home. I also need to get back to the rewrites on Night Blind. (Maybe if I do, Isis the vampire will quit HINTING and not be so frustrated with me. Three years is a long time to wait to see your story finished.)

so anyhoo since I stole my computer back from her, I should sit down and write more of the prequel to “Night Games” and maybe finish the story soon.

thank you all for letting me vent and ramble on!

until next time,

angel e

hiya!
I know most of the US has been slammed with a series of nasty snow storms over the last few days, and we are not out of this yet. I hope all of you are warm, safe, and are enjoying your snow days.

It has been a difficult couple of days for me. I recently lost an amazing uncle, am still hunting for a job, my unemployment is about to run out, husband had to travel for work in this mess, and I have had a couple of minor health issues. Add this stress to the storm and the dumping of 10+ inches of snow and I felt overwhelmed.

I cursed the snow as I shoveled. I spat out my frustrations through the scarf covering my mouth as I flipped shovelful after shovelful along a narrow path to my destination. I am sore but I also figured out something- the storm and my sparse work hours have given me an opportunity to work through some issues.

I am learning to silence the negative voices in my head that tear me down. Those thoughts that often pop up when you make a mistake and you berate your choices. I am rejecting them and encouraging myself instead.

I am grieving. I know I need to let the feelings ebb and flow. There is no time limit.

I know I need to STOP thinking I can eat anything. I am gluten intolerant and dairy intolerant. It is not in my head! I need to stand strong and do what I need to for my health.

I WILL get a job. I will keep looking until I find one.

My husband believes in me enough that he can go do his job and not worry (too much) about me. I am healthy and capable. I have lived through worse than this out here on the farm alone.

This Snowmageddon I figured out that sometimes you don’t find out what you are capable of until tested. Some days, I’d rather not prove my strength but will rise to the challenge when necessary. The world doesn’t always allow a choice.

I am grateful for all the aggravations, issues, challenges, and revelations I receive.

stay safe and warm and enjoy this winter wonderland gifted to us!!

angel

At lunch yesterday with a bunch of fellow writers, there was something we all agreed on- the tendency to call bull—– on some books, screen plays, movies, and/or TV shows.  Have you ever watched or read something and said something like that? Did the unrealistic action irritate you?

As a kid, I knew that a pistol didn’t hold endless rounds. I knew that cars couldn’t jump like in the movies, and if they did, things would be broken when they landed.  If you get hit by a bullet, you could die and it left a nasty hole. It hurt to get hit in a fight. If you fell through a glass window, you got cut and it made you bleed.

In a writer’s world, you have to make things BELIEVABLE. If it makes you roll your eyes as the writer, then chances are that the audience will too. Even John Wayne had to stand behind a tree and RELOAD his guns! When Bruce Willis walked across broken glass, he cut his feet! I am so tired of seeing guns with endless bullets, cars that can jump and land without damage, guys that walk away from fights with no cuts or bruises, and other incidents that make you want to yell oh BULL—-!

In my first novel, Wild Hearted, I have my heroine hiding behind a tree as one of the bad guys takes potshots at her. She COUNTS the shots and listens for the reload. The shots she makes with her gun are POSSIBLE. If this bores you, then I apologize but I have a no bull policy in my books.

I can guarantee in my books some things WILL happen: characters will be injured during fist fights, guns will be reloaded, vehicles will be damaged if they jump and/or crash, and my heroine will NOT win every fight. She WILL give it her all and if she goes down, she will go down swinging.

I know that supernatural/paranormal creatures, sci-fi inhabitants, and superheroes have abilities that us puny humans don’t. I don’t expect them to act like humans. I do expect that there be some sort of limitations and that the limitations APPLY to their world. I don’t want to be one of THOSE writers who you know you will yell the catch phrase, or as a writer I know does, THROW the book!!

I want my adventures to be believable in that world, make my readers think, to have a hidden message without being preachy, and for my readers to have FUN! 

Okay, off my soapbox for now and thanks for letting me ramble on about, well BULL—-!

until next time, 

angel

Hello all-

It’s Christmas eve here on the ranchette and all the furred, feathered, and human are asleep. This is always a difficult time for us around here. All of our holidays have not always been happy.

We are as nervous as cats around rocking chairs because we wait until we see how the day will go. Once we find out that things are not going to degenerate into someone picking a fight and making one or more of the other people at the gathering miserable and/or in tears, we finally relax.

Self-preservation skills are not easily un-learned. As it has taken time for us to instinctively react, it will take time for us to learn a new way to be. Thankfully, we are learning how to be this way.

We are learning that holidays can be a happy time. No one need be reduced to tears. No one need be upset/angry/ugly acting. 

I am looking forward to tomorrow. It has been a hard year. I did manage to find a few goodies for my family. Nothing extravagant, but useful. I am hopeful for a wonderful day. I am hopeful for a fun time with my family. I am hopeful for another good holiday. Seems like there are more good ones lately than bad ones.

My Christmas wish is that no one ever suffer emotional, physical, verbal, or any other kind of abuse. My Christmas wish is that everyone have more good holidays than bad ones.

sorry to be so serious. I am hopeful for a wonderful new year for my family and all who choose to be a part of my life! THANK YOU, Happy Holidays, Merry Yule, Happy Solstice, Merry Christmas, or however you choose to celebrate. May it be filled with love, happiness, hope, and tears of joy!

angel

Hello all-

 I am again this year doing the National Novel Writing Month challenge. I completed it the first two years I tried. This is the third time. Should be a charm, right?

NOT!! I have two anthologies I would like to send stories to, a novel that is at the editors, the sequel to that (I did that for last year’s NaNo), and  at least two more novellas/novels to finish. So in my infinite wisdom, I signed up for NaNoWriMo! Well it is day 14 with 17 more to go. I’m coming in at just over 24k, at about the halfway mark for this novel. I don’t just write my 2k or so per day. I have to put some words in the handful of works in progress that are sitting on the back burners. 

I am still doing the job hunting thing, and have plenty of time to write. Four hours of work a week is nothing at all so there is no excuse for me not to put words on the page. I was hoping to not have this kind of time on my hands but since I have it, I will make use of it. 

Well, I need to go stretch, put a log on the fire, and grab a drink before I finish off the last few words for the day on my Nano. Then it will be off to work on one of the other projects for a bit before supper.

If any of you are participating in the insanity, congratulations and good luck. If you are not, then you are a wiser person than I. Good luck to you in all of your endeavors!

until next time!

angel

Today another of my short stories went live. Two years ago when I struck out on my own, I could have only dreamed of this.  I currently have three stories in two different anthologies out.

Corvis Nocturnum and Dark Moon Press accepted my one short story, then soon was followed by a second. That was because SK Whiteside and Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly had taken my first one I submitted. I am STILL on cloud nine!!

I am gushing all over my pages today. I have had three stories in two anthologies (I know I said this already) go live in just a few weeks! Some authors never get this chance. I have worked hard to get this far. Every time I went over and over that story to correct any errors I found, read story out loud, print off story and go through it, then send it off to the editor, look CLOSELY at what changes were suggested and why, approve/reject changes (and say WHY if I reject them), then send back. REPEAT as many times as needed.  I have been told by other published authors and professional editors that is one sign of quality work- polishing the story.

I am at this point in time an Indie author. That means I am a rebel, small time, and outside the mainstream. I am not rich. I am not a best-seller. YET! I do love what I do. I love to write. I love to tackle issues in a new way and make people think. Some of my stories are fluffy, but there is an undertone of an independent woman, who is not model-thin, who is intelligent, and has to overcome some sort of internal or external conflict or both.  My gals (vamp, werewolf, or other paranormal) may get their butts kicked or lose the battle, but they eventually win the war.

Now I hope you will make the launch of Morbid Seraphic 2 break records for CHBB. I want you to step outside the normal limits and check out Bloody Kisses, a vampire erotica anthology volume 2.

I hope your hard work is paying off as well as mine is! I hope your dreams come true, and are tempered with hard work and love.

all my love,

angel