Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Over and over

How do you feel when you make the same mistake more than once, like get stopped by cops in the same school zone, twice in a week? I'm going to have to change the route I use to go to work. Seriously. Don't know about you but I feel stupid.

Same thing with edits. When my editor finds the same mistake several times, like cement instead of concrete, OK instead of okay. You know what I'm talking about. What are the mistakes you make over and over? Come on, confess, it's good for the soul.

And don't forget, only five more days to make a September comment for a chance to win a copy of Bloody Murder. Come on down.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Contest and Plots


First, I want to start a new contest. Once a month I'll draw a name to win a free book, it might be one of mine or an ebook from one of my fellow writers or a print book I particularly enjoyed. I might even throw in a book on writing once in a while. How to win, you ask? Just post a comment on the blog that month. The first monthly contest will begin September first, for a copy of my October release, "Bloody Murder." The name will be drawn October first and you should receive your copy after the seventh of October.

Now, if you're really anxious for a free book, comment in August and I'll have a grab-bag surprise book to draw for on September 1. Shhhh, the title is a secret.

Next is a question for readers and writers. What comes first for you, plot or character. As a writer, do you have the character all thought out first or the plot? For me, the character comes first because the way the plot unfolds depends so much on the character and the choices that character makes. In a series, once I have that character, then I can throw bizarre plots at her and see what kind of choices she makes.

As a reader, especially of a series, do you fall in love with a character first or a plot? What makes you stick with a series? Remember, to win prizes you have to comment!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Winners by Fractions

We are a nation of fractions. We win gold medals by 1/10 of a point. How can you do that? That should be impossible. We post gas prices by fractions. The price is $3.33 and 9/10. Okay, that's $3.34. Can't fool me. Is the same thing happening with our books? Do agents decide they like one book 99 and9/10% but the other one is 100% so that's the one they will represent or publish?

What if that author could fix that thing that would bring it up to 100%. Publishing is confusing and so based on personal preference. Editors and agents have specific pet peeves and they are all different. What one will like, six others say is a red flag and can't be done.

So I say, write the way you enjoy, send it out until you find someone who likes it, change what they don't like and go for it because you can only please one agent or editor at a time. The main thing, keep writing and enjoying the process 100% of the time.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Cover-Bloody Murder


The cover for "Bloody Murder" is now ready to share. It's soo cool, and scary looking. I absolutely love it. Can't wait for everyone to see and I think it captures the book. As much as I liked the Privy cover, I think this one gives a better sense of the story. Remember, The monster under the bed or in the closet, might be real.
BLOODY MURDER-October 7, 2008 www.eternalpress.ca

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Proof Positive



Here's proof that I worked in Colorado on vacation. The railing you see behind me was where the bear was busily eating birdseed in that bear picture below. You can see the mountain and trees behind me. Had so much fun.

Monday, August 11, 2008

I'm a Winner-Journaling

Seriously-I won a book of Vampire Romance from Rachel Vincent. You can go to her blog and frequently find contests for cool books. She's at http://urbanfantasy.blogspot.com be sure to check out her new release.

Now, does anyone out there like journals? I have journals, blank books. I'm hooked. I may have more than I can ever use. I like unusual ones, with pretty or unusual covers, like a wooden cover, or one with cats, or one that looks 3-D. The problem with the really pretty and unusual journals is that I'm afraid to write in it. What if what I write isn't important enough to merit the fancy cover and I mess up the pages. Even though I have all these fancy journals, when I finish a blue journal, I go buy another instead of writing in one of the "special" ones. I realised how many I have when I moved a couple of weeks ago.

Now I'm making a concerted effort to write in the pretty ones. Who cares if it's not in chronological order. No one else will read it unless I'm dead and then I won't care and they will deserve what they get for reading private, boring stuff.

Anyone else out there save pretty journals? Come on, I know you're out there. What does it look like and why don't you just treat yourself and use it anyway?

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Paris Hilton, Print Books-Olympics

How's that for a myriad of unrelated topics?

OK, first and most important.

I don't have a firm date yet, but Privy to Murder is scheduled to come out in print. Yay, finally. Can't wait to hold it in my hands, schedule book signings and put it in a couple of places to sell. Fun stuff. Stay tuned for dates.

On a different note, did you see Paris Hilton's video? She actually sounds intelligent. I may have to stop making fun of the kid after all. She had a sense of humor and made sense. Maybe I will vote for her after all. Madame President Hilton. Has a ring about it.

I'm a dork. Can't wait to watch the opening ceremony for the Olympics on Friday. I know China sucks on human rights issues but the show will be spectacular to watch.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Bear Necessities




This little darlin' decided to visit our deck in the rain and the the bird seed that was left on the railing. That table you can see the edge of is where we ate dinner every evening and had coffee in the mornings. He left our place to try and raid the hummingbird feeder next door and then went across the street to visit the other neighbors. The yellow tag in his ear means he's already been identified as someone who is too friendly with humans.
The one on the right was back of the cabin and garage one day when Amy went for a walk.





Moving

Guess what? I'm never moving again. Hear that? NEVER MOVING AGAIN! Just in case you didn't hear me. A pain, literally every bone in my body. But, will enjoy the new roomier place.

It's too hot here. Sorry, 105 is too hot to live. The mountain is calling me, where it's nice and cool and the squirrels are waiting for me.

Tonight, back to unpacking boxes.

Blog Archive