Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
3T Writing Tidbit
Conflicts. Stories are all about em. But an early writing seminar I attended claimed there's one conflict romances can't have--the romance itself.
I still don't understand that. I think it's something to do with, "They want each other. So she'll have him, and he'll have her." End of story. Or rather, no story.
But there is one thing I do understand. The main question in romance is "Why can't we be together?"
It took me years to codify, but there are four groups of reasons. You're welcome to comment if I've missed one.
Why can't we be together?
How about some simple examples?
Why can't we be together?
Her problem: She was burned by Mr. Wrong cheating on her, so she doesn't trust Mr. Right when he comes along.
His problem: He's from the rough side of town and doesn't think he's good enough for a classy woman like her.
A couple problem: They're pretending to be married, but they aren't.
A problem outside the couple: Her father follows him around with a shotgun.
These are pretty stock situations, You'd have to dress them up with something new to actually use them. (For example, with the couple problem: They're pretending to be married, but they aren't. The only person who knows is their mutual best friend Frieda who is also the only person who believes these two are perfect for each other. Every chance she can, Frieda snarks at the "married" couple, how romantic they look together, how the husband got her ring exactly right, how the wife actually thinks his jokes are funny, etc.)
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
I still don't understand that. I think it's something to do with, "They want each other. So she'll have him, and he'll have her." End of story. Or rather, no story.
But there is one thing I do understand. The main question in romance is "Why can't we be together?"
It took me years to codify, but there are four groups of reasons. You're welcome to comment if I've missed one.
Why can't we be together?
- Her problem.
- His problem.
- A couple problem.
- A problem outside the couple.
How about some simple examples?
Why can't we be together?
Her problem: She was burned by Mr. Wrong cheating on her, so she doesn't trust Mr. Right when he comes along.
His problem: He's from the rough side of town and doesn't think he's good enough for a classy woman like her.
A couple problem: They're pretending to be married, but they aren't.
A problem outside the couple: Her father follows him around with a shotgun.
These are pretty stock situations, You'd have to dress them up with something new to actually use them. (For example, with the couple problem: They're pretending to be married, but they aren't. The only person who knows is their mutual best friend Frieda who is also the only person who believes these two are perfect for each other. Every chance she can, Frieda snarks at the "married" couple, how romantic they look together, how the husband got her ring exactly right, how the wife actually thinks his jokes are funny, etc.)
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
2T Repeat Performance
In December 2016, the lovely Magical Musings crew decided it was time to
close down their blogging shop. I had three wonderful years with them. This is another of those posts.
Neither Rain Nor Sleet...--originally posted July 22, 2015.
Working on an edit deadline, I decided to wait until I had the time to properly put together a post for today. I even had a topic, I just wanted to have a clear schedule to find the right words.
Then I got sick. Not bad, but my throat and stomach are not very happy with me right now and I'm soooo sleepy.
But as any entertainer knows, the Post Must Go On. Or, as is inscribed in the James Farley Post Office in New York City (and it turns out is a lot older than that):
Some things have changed in the years since I first wrote the book. We no longer have stewardesses and the pile of greenbar reports I had my heroine tumble off the desk to distract the hero are so last century. But one thing that hasn't changed is the struggle to be professional in one's career. Is it dress for success? Being hungry to reach the top? Working eighty hour weeks?
I don't know. That's the lovely thing about a novel: I get to explore many of these from different points of view. But as far as being sick and still having to work, my hero sums it up nicely. "The client says, 'How are you today'? And you say, 'Not so good. But what can I do for you anyway?'"
Neither rain nor snow nor throat of sore can keep me from my appointed posts :)
More on Hot Chips and Sand coming soon, but I'm thrilled to share this gorgeous cover by EJR Digital Art!
 |
| photo credit: USPS Ford Cargo via photopin (license) |
Working on an edit deadline, I decided to wait until I had the time to properly put together a post for today. I even had a topic, I just wanted to have a clear schedule to find the right words.
Then I got sick. Not bad, but my throat and stomach are not very happy with me right now and I'm soooo sleepy.
But as any entertainer knows, the Post Must Go On. Or, as is inscribed in the James Farley Post Office in New York City (and it turns out is a lot older than that):
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.It reminds me of the book I'm releasing in September. A complete re-edit of the first novel I completed, Hot Chips and Sand rose out of my struggle to be both mother and successful career woman. Its a romantic comedy, but in it, I explore what it means to be a professional.
(From Wikipedia)
Some things have changed in the years since I first wrote the book. We no longer have stewardesses and the pile of greenbar reports I had my heroine tumble off the desk to distract the hero are so last century. But one thing that hasn't changed is the struggle to be professional in one's career. Is it dress for success? Being hungry to reach the top? Working eighty hour weeks?
I don't know. That's the lovely thing about a novel: I get to explore many of these from different points of view. But as far as being sick and still having to work, my hero sums it up nicely. "The client says, 'How are you today'? And you say, 'Not so good. But what can I do for you anyway?'"
Neither rain nor snow nor throat of sore can keep me from my appointed posts :)
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
1T Status Update
Winding down the semester means winding up the projects. I'm hip-deep in schoolwork, good for my website, bad for writing.
I've been mentally working on Soul Mates, however. Some juicy twists coming. Once this semester ends, I'll have several weeks of straight writing. I'm also going to ask when second round edits for Night's Kiss are coming. Hopefully they won't collide with New Years.
If you haven't seen it, there's a special currently going on Hunt Mates. "Tired of the same old paranormal story? Love magic and mystery, humor and heart, steamy shifters and witty wizards? Give Hunt Mates a try." Check it out at your favorite store.
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
4T Olio-Deep POV demystified--straight from the editor's mouth
Deep Point Of View is in, writing-wise. Are you sure your writing is making the grade? Dig into the root of the matter with Stacy Joy's second post on Demystifying Deep POV. Don't miss this one!
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
3T Writing Tidbit
A conundrum for you:
Filter words. These are the words like "feeling" "seeing" "listening" which we're told distance the reader from being deep inside the point of view character's experience. They should be cut or rewritten. For example:
Filtered I heard the dog running through the dry grass and turned.
Good My ears pricked eagerly at the sound of the dog running through the dry grass, and I turned.
Better The joyous whisk of the dog's paws through the dry grass turned me.
Filtered I saw the monster coming.
Good My breath quickened at the sight of the approaching monster.
Better The monster! My heart leaped into my throat.
But here's the thing. When I describe what I'm doing, that's all physical. It's the exact words like feeling, seeing, and listening which take me inside my own head. Which to me seems contrary to the point of being paradoxical. Or maybe I'm not seeing it correctly.
Can anybody (hi, Helen :) ) help me out?
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
Filter words. These are the words like "feeling" "seeing" "listening" which we're told distance the reader from being deep inside the point of view character's experience. They should be cut or rewritten. For example:
Filtered I heard the dog running through the dry grass and turned.
Good My ears pricked eagerly at the sound of the dog running through the dry grass, and I turned.
Better The joyous whisk of the dog's paws through the dry grass turned me.
Filtered I saw the monster coming.
Good My breath quickened at the sight of the approaching monster.
Better The monster! My heart leaped into my throat.
But here's the thing. When I describe what I'm doing, that's all physical. It's the exact words like feeling, seeing, and listening which take me inside my own head. Which to me seems contrary to the point of being paradoxical. Or maybe I'm not seeing it correctly.
Can anybody (hi, Helen :) ) help me out?
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
2T Repeat Performance
In December 2016, the lovely Magical Musings crew decided it was time to
close down their blogging shop. I had three wonderful years with them. This is another of those posts.
Magic Happens When You Open Your Door and Let the Adventure Begin -- Guest Leigh Morgan--originally posted June 25, 2015.
You don’t have to travel out your door for magic to enter your bones and change the way you see the world, but it’s easier to do if you’ve got a wandering soul. I love to travel and would do more if time and resources allowed. That’s not technically true—if resources allowed, I’d find the time.
Getting a new perspective, quite literally by changing what we see, is just one of the things that makes travel a creative endeavor. Minds open. Art happens. And, sometimes a lit bit of something wonderful touches us and stays in our hearts and our minds forever. If that isn’t magic, I don’t know what is.
Good storytelling grabs me and scuttles me away to a different time, place, world that is not mine, but one where I love vacationing for a while. Great storytelling is like travel. It opens the mind, the heart, and leaves me moved in some elemental way. In Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, “It’s a dangerous business...going out your door. You step onto the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
This summer I’ll be swept off to Scotland and I can’t wait.
Part of this trip is research for a series of novels I’m writing that are set in Scotland. They will be connected by setting and by Clan affiliation. I’ll be on the Isle of Skye, paying special attention to Clan Donald and Clan Macleod. I love research, especially the hands-on kind, so this will be an adventure for me. My daughter will also be in Scotland for most of the summer on an archeological dig on the Ness of Brodgar on Orkney. Had she not traveled to Orkney with us in 2009, she may not have even known about the excavation, much less have the opportunity to be a part of it.
See, travel is magic.
When we stayed on Orkney in 2009, we noticed that one of the farms across the Ness from us had tape marking off sections of land, some of which had clearly been dug by archeological experts. Being an inquisitive type (feel free to read: busybody) I asked the farmer what was going on. Apparently the farmer, who was more than happy to talk to us, had hired someone new to plow his field that spring. The gentleman he hired brought out equipment that dug deeper than usual and struck what is now being excavated—a huge Neolithic Temple complex on the Ness.
How cool is that? The farmer wasn’t so thrilled then, but I bet he is now when he rents his house to tourists at greatly increased prices. We all got caught up in the story and now, six years later, our daughter gets to be part of history. Pure, unadulterated magic. And I get to write about it. Here’s a link to a National Geographic article about the dig, if you’re interested.
You don’t have to travel far for inspiration to crash into you and open your eyes to something wonderful. A song on the radio I couldn’t get out of my head was the igniting force behind my novel, Second Chances. A documentary on ancient Viking swords spurred the storyline in the third Warrior Chronicles book, Defending Destiny. Here’s a link to that documentary. Exceptionally cool stuff and the sword maker is from Wisconsin. Double dose of awesome there. A trip to our local Renaissance Faire with some costuming friends was the impetus for a scene in my Shute Pond novella, Midday Masquerade. And on my morning walk past a swampy marsh, I thought of a short murder mystery where I could off one of our town officials who is currently giving us grief—on paper folks, but it’ll still be satisfying. (Please feel free to imagine me grinning. I am.)
Going on adventures, large and small, near or far, sparks creativity, rekindles the spirit and lifts emotion like little else I’ve found. I’d love to hear about your adventures. Do they help get your creative juices flowing? Do you have a fantasy or dream adventure you’d like to take? If finances were no obstacle, where would you go, and what would you hope to experience?
We’re spoiled here in southeastern Wisconsin. We have numerous state and county parks. We have the world’s largest Celtic Festival and the world’s largest Music Festival at our lovely lakefront in Milwaukee. There’s music in the park most nights during the week and myriad ethnic festivals, block parties and street dances. Our Renaissance Faire is no more than ten minutes from my house. There is always an adventure waiting to happen in the summer, so finding one is easy.
I hope that whatever your dream adventure is, you’re able to experience it. I hope that the experience exceeds your expectations. I hope that you find a bit of magic in every story you read and every tale you tell. For me, that’s living the dream.
I’m giving away an e-book of your choice. Simply share an adventure you’ve taken or dream of taking. Mary will select the winner and I’ll forward your choice in the format you chose via e-mail. The covers are on the bottom, and if I’ve done my job correctly, there are links so you can read the blurbs.
I can’t wait to read your comments. Maybe I can even weave a few into a story.
Happy Summer...Let the Adventures Begin!
Leigh Morgan
 |
| Fairy Pools - Isle of Skye |
You don’t have to travel out your door for magic to enter your bones and change the way you see the world, but it’s easier to do if you’ve got a wandering soul. I love to travel and would do more if time and resources allowed. That’s not technically true—if resources allowed, I’d find the time.
Getting a new perspective, quite literally by changing what we see, is just one of the things that makes travel a creative endeavor. Minds open. Art happens. And, sometimes a lit bit of something wonderful touches us and stays in our hearts and our minds forever. If that isn’t magic, I don’t know what is.
Good storytelling grabs me and scuttles me away to a different time, place, world that is not mine, but one where I love vacationing for a while. Great storytelling is like travel. It opens the mind, the heart, and leaves me moved in some elemental way. In Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, “It’s a dangerous business...going out your door. You step onto the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
This summer I’ll be swept off to Scotland and I can’t wait.
Part of this trip is research for a series of novels I’m writing that are set in Scotland. They will be connected by setting and by Clan affiliation. I’ll be on the Isle of Skye, paying special attention to Clan Donald and Clan Macleod. I love research, especially the hands-on kind, so this will be an adventure for me. My daughter will also be in Scotland for most of the summer on an archeological dig on the Ness of Brodgar on Orkney. Had she not traveled to Orkney with us in 2009, she may not have even known about the excavation, much less have the opportunity to be a part of it.
See, travel is magic.
When we stayed on Orkney in 2009, we noticed that one of the farms across the Ness from us had tape marking off sections of land, some of which had clearly been dug by archeological experts. Being an inquisitive type (feel free to read: busybody) I asked the farmer what was going on. Apparently the farmer, who was more than happy to talk to us, had hired someone new to plow his field that spring. The gentleman he hired brought out equipment that dug deeper than usual and struck what is now being excavated—a huge Neolithic Temple complex on the Ness.
 |
| Ness of Brodgar excavation |
You don’t have to travel far for inspiration to crash into you and open your eyes to something wonderful. A song on the radio I couldn’t get out of my head was the igniting force behind my novel, Second Chances. A documentary on ancient Viking swords spurred the storyline in the third Warrior Chronicles book, Defending Destiny. Here’s a link to that documentary. Exceptionally cool stuff and the sword maker is from Wisconsin. Double dose of awesome there. A trip to our local Renaissance Faire with some costuming friends was the impetus for a scene in my Shute Pond novella, Midday Masquerade. And on my morning walk past a swampy marsh, I thought of a short murder mystery where I could off one of our town officials who is currently giving us grief—on paper folks, but it’ll still be satisfying. (Please feel free to imagine me grinning. I am.)
Going on adventures, large and small, near or far, sparks creativity, rekindles the spirit and lifts emotion like little else I’ve found. I’d love to hear about your adventures. Do they help get your creative juices flowing? Do you have a fantasy or dream adventure you’d like to take? If finances were no obstacle, where would you go, and what would you hope to experience?
We’re spoiled here in southeastern Wisconsin. We have numerous state and county parks. We have the world’s largest Celtic Festival and the world’s largest Music Festival at our lovely lakefront in Milwaukee. There’s music in the park most nights during the week and myriad ethnic festivals, block parties and street dances. Our Renaissance Faire is no more than ten minutes from my house. There is always an adventure waiting to happen in the summer, so finding one is easy.
I hope that whatever your dream adventure is, you’re able to experience it. I hope that the experience exceeds your expectations. I hope that you find a bit of magic in every story you read and every tale you tell. For me, that’s living the dream.
I’m giving away an e-book of your choice. Simply share an adventure you’ve taken or dream of taking. Mary will select the winner and I’ll forward your choice in the format you chose via e-mail. The covers are on the bottom, and if I’ve done my job correctly, there are links so you can read the blurbs.
I can’t wait to read your comments. Maybe I can even weave a few into a story.
Happy Summer...Let the Adventures Begin!
Leigh Morgan
Thursday, November 1, 2018
4T Olio--How to write a character that will make your editor cheer
Direct from the awesome editor of New York Times and USA Today bestselling books. Stacy Dawn tackles the mystery of deep point of view in a reveal-all that's a must-read. Check it out here.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
3T Writing Tidbit
How to do an info dump without losing readers.
In your reading, have you ever come across what's supposed to be a lively dialogue but is really just an information dump? All authors have the problem at one time or another of how to get information to the reader. Here are some ways to do an information dump which I've ranked in my personal order of most boring to most interesting.
What are your favorite ways to get information across to a reader?
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
In your reading, have you ever come across what's supposed to be a lively dialogue but is really just an information dump? All authors have the problem at one time or another of how to get information to the reader. Here are some ways to do an information dump which I've ranked in my personal order of most boring to most interesting.
- Flashback (unless revealing a telling point somewhere AFTER the reader is engaged)
- Straight exposition
- A follower giving a leader an update
- A leader lecturing or exhorting a follower (you know today's battle will be fierce...)
- An even information exchange (especially if there's some doubt as to whether it's really even)
- An interesting activity buttressing the dialogue in the scene (bathing, eating, fighting, sex...?)
- An interesting activity opposing the dialogue in the scene (I'm not going to tell him my secret...oh, that massage feels so nice...)
- Banter/flirting
- Opposing viewpoints/arguing
- Actively discovering the information
What are your favorite ways to get information across to a reader?
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
2T Repeat Performance
In December 2016, the lovely Magical Musings crew decided it was time to
close down their blogging shop. I had three wonderful years with them. This is another of those posts.
When do you decide on dinner?--originally posted June 24, 2015.
This is a post for writers...and people who like to figure out how things work...and for anyone who likes vacations, eating out, or just eating.
We have a running joke in my house. Whenever we'd like to do something fun (visit London!) but can't afford it (time or money), we say "Research!" and pretend that, since digging up information for a story qualifies as work, we can justify spending the money. But of course we can't really afford whatever it is, so we don't do it.
Then one day my husband got a groupon for driving a supercar, and a research dream of mine became an actual opportunity.
MOMENT OF TRUTH. Take it, or not?
I didn't take it.
Before I start to hear clucking, let me tell you why. I once based a story climax in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. Before writing, I did my homework. I visited the museum and did a thorough walkthrough, taking a hand-cramping amount of notes, and pictures of everything I thought I'd need. Several hundred dollars of parking, admission, gasoline and food later, we came home.
Then I wrote the scene.
Words started flowing. Things were going great...until my muse/subconscious/contrary imp of wherever-ideas-come-from decided to take a right turn and complicate a simple scene about a vampire stalking a woman with electricity, big red buttons and ninjas. Not really the ninjas, but you get the picture about the imp that is my subconscious. Loves to fizzle me up, laughing all the way.
All the research I'd done? Useless. I needed to go back to the museum.
So yes, I could have spent a hundred bucks or whatever to research driving a supercar, and I could even have written it off as work, because I put my heroes in super and hypercars all the time.
But the fact is, whatever goodies I got, I'd need more.
For me, it's more effective for me to do free Internet research, write the scene as best I can, come up with questions, then fill in the gaps and hone the details with actual experience.
What about you? Do you map your meals in advance, or pull whatever's not fuzzy from the fridge? Do you decide on a restaurant before you leave the house, or once you're in the car? Do you write or research first?
Coming June 30 Biting Love Nibbles (Biting Love Short Bites collection)
Sparkling, sassy, sinfully sexy. Indulge your yen for action-packed vampire romance with these short bites.
Biting Holiday Honeymoons That special night with their master vampires is interrupted by Dracula and Santa Vamp. Biting Halloween—Elena and Bo's honeymoon in the Dells is derailed when they get run off the road by a vampire. They chase him, only to find out Dracula—the real Dracula—is on the loose. Introduces Glynn Rhys-Jenkins from Biting Oz. Biting Christmas—Nixie and Julian slide into a hot-tub honeymoon, but things turn nasty when Santa Vamp and Mrs. Claus show up. Warning: These titles contain vampires. Fighting, biting, loving vampires. And adult couples trying to have sexy times on their wedding nights. Explicit language. Slang guide included.
Oz Bites Vampires and sex and flamingos oh my! Punk musician Nixie Emerson is now married to her master vampire and life is grand. Until the mayor “voluntells” her to assemble a pit orchestra for Oz, Wonderful Oz, a new Broadway-caliber musical. Problem—she has no budget. Add in a vampire turf war and a pregnancy that makes finding the right sexual position a challenge and running from rogue vampires impossible, and she’s getting overwhelmed. As a rebel who thrives on creative solos, she’s getting zilch for solo time. Then someone blabs there’s no pay and her musicians back out. Worse, whoever’s stealing secrets isn’t just stealing Nixie’s. Warning: Contains wild sex, explicit violence, and a frazzled punk heroine. Or is that explicit sex, wild violence, and a frazzled lawyer vampire? What the heck. There’s sex, swearing, fighting and smiles.
Murder at Chipmunk Lake Nixie's lost her mojo! Nixie Emerson, punk rock musician and first-time mom-to-be, has a stalker. Her band Guns and Polkas has gone national after their big stage debut, but the price of fame is the stalker trying to scare her into leaving the band. Her husband, master vampire Julian, whisks Nixie away to the Wisconsin north woods—where they meet the stalker on the pier of their cabin and he again threatens Nixie. Julian punches him out and the couple walks away thinking the problem is over. But when the next evening the stalker is found dead, they find out the trouble is only starting. Warning: contains a cranky pregnant lady trying to control her swearing, a master vampire appeasing his wife with food and creative sex, murder, mayhem and several arguments over what to name the baby.
Biting Serendipity Best April Fools joke ever—falling in love. Serendipity “Sera” Braun hoists beer steins at her tavern job, where a Viking bouncer is bedsheets waiting to get sweaty. But Thor only scowls at her. Warning: A terribly lonely vampire, a conflicted schoolmarm with a caged wild side, nosy roommates and the female version of a bromance, not to mention scorching sex, swearing with the **** filled in, a whole town full of busybodies—and the best April Fools joke ever.
These stories contain material intended for mature audiences. Reader discretion advised.
Available now at these retailers and more.
Kindle | Nook | Smashwords | Kobo | iBooks | Google | Kindle UK
Thanks to author Sahara Kelly for suggesting Nibbles for the title. Thanks to P&N Graphics for the amazing cover.
This is a post for writers...and people who like to figure out how things work...and for anyone who likes vacations, eating out, or just eating.
We have a running joke in my house. Whenever we'd like to do something fun (visit London!) but can't afford it (time or money), we say "Research!" and pretend that, since digging up information for a story qualifies as work, we can justify spending the money. But of course we can't really afford whatever it is, so we don't do it.
 |
| photo credit: Veyron via photopin (license) |
MOMENT OF TRUTH. Take it, or not?
I didn't take it.
Before I start to hear clucking, let me tell you why. I once based a story climax in the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. Before writing, I did my homework. I visited the museum and did a thorough walkthrough, taking a hand-cramping amount of notes, and pictures of everything I thought I'd need. Several hundred dollars of parking, admission, gasoline and food later, we came home.
Then I wrote the scene.
Words started flowing. Things were going great...until my muse/subconscious/contrary imp of wherever-ideas-come-from decided to take a right turn and complicate a simple scene about a vampire stalking a woman with electricity, big red buttons and ninjas. Not really the ninjas, but you get the picture about the imp that is my subconscious. Loves to fizzle me up, laughing all the way.
All the research I'd done? Useless. I needed to go back to the museum.
So yes, I could have spent a hundred bucks or whatever to research driving a supercar, and I could even have written it off as work, because I put my heroes in super and hypercars all the time.
But the fact is, whatever goodies I got, I'd need more.
For me, it's more effective for me to do free Internet research, write the scene as best I can, come up with questions, then fill in the gaps and hone the details with actual experience.
What about you? Do you map your meals in advance, or pull whatever's not fuzzy from the fridge? Do you decide on a restaurant before you leave the house, or once you're in the car? Do you write or research first?
Coming June 30 Biting Love Nibbles (Biting Love Short Bites collection)
Sparkling, sassy, sinfully sexy. Indulge your yen for action-packed vampire romance with these short bites.
Biting Holiday Honeymoons That special night with their master vampires is interrupted by Dracula and Santa Vamp. Biting Halloween—Elena and Bo's honeymoon in the Dells is derailed when they get run off the road by a vampire. They chase him, only to find out Dracula—the real Dracula—is on the loose. Introduces Glynn Rhys-Jenkins from Biting Oz. Biting Christmas—Nixie and Julian slide into a hot-tub honeymoon, but things turn nasty when Santa Vamp and Mrs. Claus show up. Warning: These titles contain vampires. Fighting, biting, loving vampires. And adult couples trying to have sexy times on their wedding nights. Explicit language. Slang guide included.
Oz Bites Vampires and sex and flamingos oh my! Punk musician Nixie Emerson is now married to her master vampire and life is grand. Until the mayor “voluntells” her to assemble a pit orchestra for Oz, Wonderful Oz, a new Broadway-caliber musical. Problem—she has no budget. Add in a vampire turf war and a pregnancy that makes finding the right sexual position a challenge and running from rogue vampires impossible, and she’s getting overwhelmed. As a rebel who thrives on creative solos, she’s getting zilch for solo time. Then someone blabs there’s no pay and her musicians back out. Worse, whoever’s stealing secrets isn’t just stealing Nixie’s. Warning: Contains wild sex, explicit violence, and a frazzled punk heroine. Or is that explicit sex, wild violence, and a frazzled lawyer vampire? What the heck. There’s sex, swearing, fighting and smiles.
Murder at Chipmunk Lake Nixie's lost her mojo! Nixie Emerson, punk rock musician and first-time mom-to-be, has a stalker. Her band Guns and Polkas has gone national after their big stage debut, but the price of fame is the stalker trying to scare her into leaving the band. Her husband, master vampire Julian, whisks Nixie away to the Wisconsin north woods—where they meet the stalker on the pier of their cabin and he again threatens Nixie. Julian punches him out and the couple walks away thinking the problem is over. But when the next evening the stalker is found dead, they find out the trouble is only starting. Warning: contains a cranky pregnant lady trying to control her swearing, a master vampire appeasing his wife with food and creative sex, murder, mayhem and several arguments over what to name the baby.
Biting Serendipity Best April Fools joke ever—falling in love. Serendipity “Sera” Braun hoists beer steins at her tavern job, where a Viking bouncer is bedsheets waiting to get sweaty. But Thor only scowls at her. Warning: A terribly lonely vampire, a conflicted schoolmarm with a caged wild side, nosy roommates and the female version of a bromance, not to mention scorching sex, swearing with the **** filled in, a whole town full of busybodies—and the best April Fools joke ever.
These stories contain material intended for mature audiences. Reader discretion advised.
Available now at these retailers and more.
Kindle | Nook | Smashwords | Kobo | iBooks | Google | Kindle UK
Thanks to author Sahara Kelly for suggesting Nibbles for the title. Thanks to P&N Graphics for the amazing cover.
Friday, October 5, 2018
1T Status Update
Night's Kiss first round of edits turned in last month! I'm working hard to get ahead on my classwork while I wait for round two. Fall concert next weekend for my orchestra. I started re-editing Heart Mates over the summer. Trying to get back to that so it's ready for Hunt Mates's ENT promotion end of next month.
ALERT! Amazon forgot to return the price on Passion Bites to its original, so you can still get the steep discount until they notice their mistake.
ALERT! Amazon forgot to return the price on Passion Bites to its original, so you can still get the steep discount until they notice their mistake.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
3T Writing Tidbit
Three steps to kickstart your novel's success.
Blurbs. What if there was an easier way?
Aaand... I'm just going to leave this here.
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
Blurbs. What if there was an easier way?
Aaand... I'm just going to leave this here.
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
2T Repeat Performance
In December 2016, the lovely Magical Musings crew decided it was time to
close down their blogging shop. I had three wonderful years with them. This is another of those posts.
Come to the dark side...recognizing tropes--originally posted May 27, 2015.
My husband and I were watching an hour mystery on television the other day--I think it was Castle--and the detectives had just brought in the killer for questioning, when out of the blue my husband says, "That can't be the killer. It's too early. The show's only halfway in."
I sniffed back a tear of pleasure. "I have trained you well, grasshopper."
One of the secrets I've learned through being an author is how to craft a believable story: tools to not reveal the killer too quickly but still keep tensions high; ways to make the supernatural, like vampires, seem perfectly natural (humor works really well there. Like the pain the poor thing feels getting a fang root canal).
The problem is, knowing the craft behind the story, the bones if you will, now gets in the way of my completely enjoying television, movies and books.
I was reading one of my go-to authors when in an early chapter, the heroine was told not to worry about the murderer, because Constable Reliable (spoiler--not his real name! lol) was watching for baddies, on patrol outside her house.
I knew...I knew Constable Reliable was going to get knocked unconscious in the Chapter Crisis. The reason I was so certain is that the heroine must always face the villain in the climax. Better yet if she does so alone. So somehow, the heroine was going to lose her protector, poor Constable Reliable, so the villain and the heroine could have their face time.
Another tell is when Stuck-at-the-hips Buddies separate. Buddy and Buddy have been together throughout the whole movie and then suddenly for some "reason" they have to go in different directions. Well, sure as anything, one of them is gonna have some bad thing happen.
Apparently DH has listen to me
complainsearch for new ways to enjoy stories despite meme and tropes for long enough that he's also started seeing the hands inside the puppets and the man behind the curtain.
What about you? What tropes or factors make storytelling a little too predictable for you?
 |
| photo credit: Writing = Breathing via photopin (license) |
My husband and I were watching an hour mystery on television the other day--I think it was Castle--and the detectives had just brought in the killer for questioning, when out of the blue my husband says, "That can't be the killer. It's too early. The show's only halfway in."
I sniffed back a tear of pleasure. "I have trained you well, grasshopper."
One of the secrets I've learned through being an author is how to craft a believable story: tools to not reveal the killer too quickly but still keep tensions high; ways to make the supernatural, like vampires, seem perfectly natural (humor works really well there. Like the pain the poor thing feels getting a fang root canal).
The problem is, knowing the craft behind the story, the bones if you will, now gets in the way of my completely enjoying television, movies and books.
I was reading one of my go-to authors when in an early chapter, the heroine was told not to worry about the murderer, because Constable Reliable (spoiler--not his real name! lol) was watching for baddies, on patrol outside her house.
I knew...I knew Constable Reliable was going to get knocked unconscious in the Chapter Crisis. The reason I was so certain is that the heroine must always face the villain in the climax. Better yet if she does so alone. So somehow, the heroine was going to lose her protector, poor Constable Reliable, so the villain and the heroine could have their face time.
Another tell is when Stuck-at-the-hips Buddies separate. Buddy and Buddy have been together throughout the whole movie and then suddenly for some "reason" they have to go in different directions. Well, sure as anything, one of them is gonna have some bad thing happen.
Apparently DH has listen to me
What about you? What tropes or factors make storytelling a little too predictable for you?
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
1T Status Update
Good news! Night's Kiss is in the hands of my brand-new editor, the incomparable Candace Havens!
More good news--BookBub SALE coming September 12. Grab your copy of Passion Bites while it's 99 cents.
I'm also excited to be heading back to school to brush up on my computer programming skills. First up--Java Script and SQL.
More good news--BookBub SALE coming September 12. Grab your copy of Passion Bites while it's 99 cents.
I'm also excited to be heading back to school to brush up on my computer programming skills. First up--Java Script and SQL.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Author Interview VIDEO - Vivi Andrews on Workshops
Besides being an awesome writer, Vivi is one of the most incredibly
talented bloggers I have ever read. I laugh, I think, I learn something
in every post. So you're in for a real treat! (Two versions, two musical tracks, twice the fun!)
Original post: http://maryhughesbooks.blogspot.com/2009/10/welcome-guest-blogger-vivi-andrews.html
Original post: http://maryhughesbooks.blogspot.com/2009/10/welcome-guest-blogger-vivi-andrews.html
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
50 stories, 100% donated
Experience sizzling romances, journey through fantastic magical realms, and solve engaging mysteries in this collection encompassing all genres. Bestselling authors and new voices come together to deliver incredible, exciting stories to keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages.
Best of all, know every cent of your purchase is going to a child who needs it. 100% of all net proceeds will go to non-profit organizations that will reunite immigrant families.
Includes a slightly less steamy version of Hunt Mates!
Click your favorite--
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes&Noble | Kobo | iTunes
Get in on the GIVEAWAY. You can win a Nook, a Kindle, Gift Certificates, ebooks and help us spread the news about this set that is 100% for charity as well as check out an amazing special offer from the authors in this set!
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
3T Writing Tidbit
Stuck on where to go next? A long time ago I heard a sage word of advice on what to do if your plot stalls out. Conflict, excitement, surprise, delight is the goal--so just throw in ninjas!
Not literal ninjas, though those work too. But if you're stalled on what happens next, clowns or ninjas or waltzing elephants will certainly shake things up.
NEW! If you don't want to get utterly absurd, there's still a way to shake things up. This article gives you over 100 writing prompts to get things moving. Things like "Tomorrow is a bad day for..." and "I woke at 3 am and realized..." are wonderful ways to not only get that plot moving, but get your creative juices flowing.
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
Not literal ninjas, though those work too. But if you're stalled on what happens next, clowns or ninjas or waltzing elephants will certainly shake things up.
NEW! If you don't want to get utterly absurd, there's still a way to shake things up. This article gives you over 100 writing prompts to get things moving. Things like "Tomorrow is a bad day for..." and "I woke at 3 am and realized..." are wonderful ways to not only get that plot moving, but get your creative juices flowing.
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
2T Repeat Performance
In December 2016, the lovely Magical Musings crew decided it was time to
close down their blogging shop. I had three wonderful years with them. This is another of those posts.
Spring cleaning--new release--originally posted April 29, 2015.
As I write this I look around my house and think it's time to give it a good thorough cleaning. And it reminded me of four years ago, when we were selling our old house and I had to keep it in Show Room Condition. It was then I first discovered something called Cleaning Mode.
Everything I looked at needed cleaning. Even if I'd just cleaned it. I saw every mote of dust, even the single cat hair marring the pristine surface of the underside of the toilet bowl.
Yeah, it was almost a fever.
Thankfully, that's mostly worn off. Now I enjoy life a little more, if living a little less orderly.
But I've kept some of the habits from Cleaning Mode, including never bringing something into the house without something else going out. The biggest obstacle to a clean house is clutter, at least in my case.
This does not apply to books! I'm thrilled to announce I have a new book to add to my shelf, the first in a new series, just released yesterday. May I introduce you to Sophia--a Witch Princess who only wants to be mundane.
Heart Mates (Pull of the Moon, Book 1)
Witch plus wolf? They’re allergic. Except no one told their hearts.
Shifters and witches? Forbidden on pain of death. Might as well stick a fork in a light socket. Yet those are the kind of sparks witch princess Sophia Blue feels when she meets wolf shifter Noah in her aunt’s bookstore.
But Sophia is stuck. Her aunt is missing and Noah, the last person to see her, is Sophia’s only hope. If not for that and her aunt’s new, cute little doggie, Sophia would run as far as she could from the sexy, hard-hewn alpha.
Noah’s stuck too. Before disappearing, the aunt hit him with a hex gone horribly wrong—he’s the doggie. By day he’s fifteen pounds of yippity-yip, and with five anti-alpha wolves nipping at his heels, that’s deadly dangerous. Only Sophia can help him, but she has lost her magic.
Then an evil mage from Sophia’s past shows up with murder on his mind, and all Noah’s instincts shout to protect the woman his misguided heart thinks is his mate.
Warning: Sinfully sexy alpha thrown together with a hot witch in a small town. Sass, sparkle, a meddling aunt, snafus, growling, fighting, and oh yeah, sex. Might want to get up to date on your shots.
 |
| Aahz sees the vacuum cleaner coming... |
As I write this I look around my house and think it's time to give it a good thorough cleaning. And it reminded me of four years ago, when we were selling our old house and I had to keep it in Show Room Condition. It was then I first discovered something called Cleaning Mode.
Everything I looked at needed cleaning. Even if I'd just cleaned it. I saw every mote of dust, even the single cat hair marring the pristine surface of the underside of the toilet bowl.
Yeah, it was almost a fever.
Thankfully, that's mostly worn off. Now I enjoy life a little more, if living a little less orderly.
But I've kept some of the habits from Cleaning Mode, including never bringing something into the house without something else going out. The biggest obstacle to a clean house is clutter, at least in my case.
This does not apply to books! I'm thrilled to announce I have a new book to add to my shelf, the first in a new series, just released yesterday. May I introduce you to Sophia--a Witch Princess who only wants to be mundane.
Witch plus wolf? They’re allergic. Except no one told their hearts.
Shifters and witches? Forbidden on pain of death. Might as well stick a fork in a light socket. Yet those are the kind of sparks witch princess Sophia Blue feels when she meets wolf shifter Noah in her aunt’s bookstore.
But Sophia is stuck. Her aunt is missing and Noah, the last person to see her, is Sophia’s only hope. If not for that and her aunt’s new, cute little doggie, Sophia would run as far as she could from the sexy, hard-hewn alpha.
Noah’s stuck too. Before disappearing, the aunt hit him with a hex gone horribly wrong—he’s the doggie. By day he’s fifteen pounds of yippity-yip, and with five anti-alpha wolves nipping at his heels, that’s deadly dangerous. Only Sophia can help him, but she has lost her magic.
Then an evil mage from Sophia’s past shows up with murder on his mind, and all Noah’s instincts shout to protect the woman his misguided heart thinks is his mate.
Warning: Sinfully sexy alpha thrown together with a hot witch in a small town. Sass, sparkle, a meddling aunt, snafus, growling, fighting, and oh yeah, sex. Might want to get up to date on your shots.
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Life, curve balls, and everything... 1T Status Update
Just when you think you have gotten the hang of hitting a ball with a bat, life introduces curve balls.
I've had a couple things happen that will require me to adjust how I spend my time. I'll still be writing, don't worry! And my focus will be on finishing my three series.
Of which, Night's Kiss is on its last read-through before sending off to the editor. Hooray!
But that's another curve ball. As of today, my editor at Entangled has announced she will be leaving the company to embark on freelance editing and an exciting special project. Which means I'll be sending Night's Kiss to...well, I don't know yet. But everyone I've met at Entangled has been wonderful, so I'm confident it'll be fine.
But you'll be seeing less of me on the web, at least until I get my feet under me with the new schedule. If you need anything, be sure to message me directly on Facebook or email me.
Hugs to you all.
I've had a couple things happen that will require me to adjust how I spend my time. I'll still be writing, don't worry! And my focus will be on finishing my three series.
Of which, Night's Kiss is on its last read-through before sending off to the editor. Hooray!
But that's another curve ball. As of today, my editor at Entangled has announced she will be leaving the company to embark on freelance editing and an exciting special project. Which means I'll be sending Night's Kiss to...well, I don't know yet. But everyone I've met at Entangled has been wonderful, so I'm confident it'll be fine.
But you'll be seeing less of me on the web, at least until I get my feet under me with the new schedule. If you need anything, be sure to message me directly on Facebook or email me.
Hugs to you all.
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
3 reasons you should be celebrating introversion
Can you name some famous introverts? Some of the names may surprise you.
Original post: http://maryhughesbooks.blogspot.com/2018/05/2t-repeat-performance.html
Original post: http://maryhughesbooks.blogspot.com/2018/05/2t-repeat-performance.html
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Author Interview VIDEO - Helen C. Johannes on Confessions of a Fantasy Romance Author
I met Helen C. Johannes at my first WisRWA conference when we both had
the thrill of receiving our first sale roses. But I really got to know
her and admire her through her writing. She spins an amazing tale, a
perfect seamless blend of landscape politics and personal passions.
With great words and dramatic music, this video turned out especially well. Original post: http://maryhughesbooks.blogspot.com/2013/02/confessions-of-fantasy-romance-author.html
With great words and dramatic music, this video turned out especially well. Original post: http://maryhughesbooks.blogspot.com/2013/02/confessions-of-fantasy-romance-author.html
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
3T Writing Tidbit
This is another in my 25 Ways You're Losing Readers (and what you can do about it) series.
Readers who tell you how much they love your writing are great. But you want your writing to inspire readers to tell other readers how much they love your writing.
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits. Click here to see all 25 Ways You're Losing Readers.
Readers who tell you how much they love your writing are great. But you want your writing to inspire readers to tell other readers how much they love your writing.
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits. Click here to see all 25 Ways You're Losing Readers.
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
2T Repeat Performance
In December 2016, the lovely Magical Musings crew decided it was time to
close down their blogging shop. I had three wonderful years with them. This is another of those posts.
Soundtrack Super Twins—Guests Jodi Redford and Selena Illyria--originally posted April 16, 2015.
These authors may be multi published, award winning, and best selling, but above all they're ready for the Garden Gnome Apocalypse! I love their wit on Facebook so I'm especially delighted my friends Jodi and Selena agreed to be my guests today and everyone can enjoy their sparkling (and sometimes just a little naughty *wink*) convo. I asked them to stay PG for this post, and they did! Er, mostly, lol. Please welcome the Super Twins!
Jodi: When the awesomesauce Mary Hughes invited us to blog together, well, we were slightly concerned aliens might have bodysnatched her. It’s always a huge risk allowing me and Selena to cohabitate web space together. Garden gnome armies invade Detroit. Godzilla attacks the Jersey Shore. Exotic male dancers shape-shift into Yetis and make us waffles and bacon.
Selena: Unicorns invade Texas and have a cake decorating contest. Shape-shifting squirrels try and take over the White House to demand the world’s nut supply. Bees try to…wait…wait…they haven’t done anything yet. Whew.
Jodi: Okay, I’m failing to see the problem here.
Selena: Me neither. Does this mean we get pancakes and waffles for life? Cause I could be down with that.
Jodi: As always, you’re the voice of reason, Super Twin. No wonder our brains are so in sync! What? It’s not as terrifying as it seems.
Selena: I am? When did this happen? Oh my god! Someone has taken over my body and me…*shudder* I’m...sane. Make it stop, Super Twin!
Jodi: Oh my God, first the aliens got Mary, and now you too! *prepares my tin foil hat just in case* But on the bright side, at least the aliens will never take our outstanding taste in music from us. Your Musical Monday picks always get a big Thumbs up from me. In fact, several of them have ended up on my book soundtracks. And that’s something we both are a bit fanatical about—soundtracking our books. Is that something you’ve always done?
Selena: Not always. At first I needed quiet but then I couldn’t get in the mood you know? So I had to find a song that would say everything I wanted to say in that scene, only then it turned into more than one song and well…yeah.
Jodi: Same here! Nothing inspires me and gets me rooted into a story like music. My characters have even gotten me to listen to stuff I normally wouldn’t even listen to. *cough* Disco *cough* What’s the craziest or out of the norm song that’s ever inspired you?
Selena: Disco? Whaaaa? Super Twin you did not put on a polyester suit and start singing Stayin Alive did you? I won’t judge, promise.
*Jodi discreetly removes her polyester leisure suit*
Selena: Okay, so it’s weird but I listen to metal or rock to write sex scenes. Like Chevelle’s The Red really gets me in the mood to write sex scenes. Are we still PG? Is this PG?
Jodi: Pretty sure this is as PG as we get! And you think that’s weird? Remember you’re talking to the chick who choreographs love scenes to banjo tunes. But you’ve gotta admit that this cover of Anaconda by Postmodern Jukebox is effin’ outstanding. But I digress. I learn something new about you every day, Super Twin! I mentioned disco, but probably the craziest musical inspiration I ever had was visualizing an entire book world off of the song, Will You Follow Me, by Rob Dougan. That book world eventually became my Thieves of Aurion series. Speaking of inspiring...*drools as I stare at the cover of Selena’s latest Bachelor Auction book.* Your werewolf hero, Brandon, has some seriously inspiring...abs. What? I am so behaving! Just curious, does Brandon have particular song he grooves to? (Hopefully buck naked).
Se: Hmmm, *checks playlist* one song that comes to mind is Kongos- Come With Me Now. You have some seriously HOT men in your Fictional harem. What does Logan like to groove to? Hopefully while cleaning with only an apron on…
Jodi: Weeeellll, Logan has been known to Swiffer his heart out while shaking his money-maker to Howlin’ For You by The Black Keys. I just wish he wouldn’t insist on actually howling along with the song. The neighbors are beginning to complain. But you know what would be SUPER INSPIRING? If Brandon and Logan dance to Christina Aguilera’s Your Body while wearing short shorts!
Selena: Oh! Oh! Yes! *gets the camera ready* We’ll want to use for blackmail…I mean posterity later…yeah.
Jodi: And that’s why we’re Super Twins. *prepares for the garden gnome army*
Click on each of my special guest authors' name to find out more!
Jodi Redford pens wicked hot tales when not surfing the interwebs for sexy male eye candy, strictly for research purposes, of course.
After this much foreplay, something’s bound to combust.
As head mistress of Beaumont coven house, Clarissa Miles has perfected two things: keeping her sister witches from accidently turning innocent bystanders into toads, and resisting the sexy overtures of her familiar, werewolf Logan Scott.
But her resolve is vanishing—fast. Seven years ago she sold her soul to save her father, and that contract is coming due. The allure of spending her last days indulging in some dirty, naked loving is too tempting to resist.
Logan has patiently ridden out the past seven years, content to do Clarissa’s bidding and ignoring his consuming need to mark her as his. Now that the ban on witch/familiar fraternizing has been lifted, he’s off the leash and ready to launch a full-on sensual assault on her defenses. They’re destined mates, and he’ll do whatever it takes to convince her.
It’s delightfully easy to get her in bed. Get at her heart? Not so much. Especially when a deadly predator stakes its claim on her…and Logan faces a battle not only to win her heart, but save her soul.
Warning: This book contains a villain with more personalities than Sybil, a witch in search of redemption and a dirty-talking werewolf hell-bent on claiming his mate in every wicked, sexy way possible. Spontaneous howling may occur.
See more at Amazon.
Selena Illyria--a multi-published author, part vampire, part pixie who was born with a need to write and enable.
When you meet your true mate, you’ve got to take the shot...
Werewolf Pack Princess Kelly is overwhelmed with her new business, trouble with the rival cat shifters, and trying to ignore the attraction to her best friend’s younger brother. By bidding on Brandon in the Bachelor Auction, she thought she was just doing him a favor, saving him from the craziness. But now that she’s won him, her wolf wants to mark him as her mate, and she’s starting to lose control. So when he whisks her away for his birthday weekend, how can she say no? Every kiss distracts her. Each caress sets her on fire. And every whiff of his scent makes her wolf want to take him where he stands.
As a former hockey player and werewolf, Brandon knows all about being pulled in different directions. And he knows exactly what he’s asking for when he pursues a relationship with the already overwhelmed Kelly. She may be five years older than he is, and the daughter of his pack’s Alpha, and his sister’s best friend and business partner, but none of that matters. There’s only one person he wants to spend his birthday with, and he’s not going to let her refuse. And when Brandon has his eye on the goal, there’s nothing that can stop him...
See more at Amazon.
Thanks so much to Jodi and Selena for being my guests today!
What about you? Do you listen to a soundtrack to write or read (or prepare for the Garden Gnome Apocalypse)? What kind?
These authors may be multi published, award winning, and best selling, but above all they're ready for the Garden Gnome Apocalypse! I love their wit on Facebook so I'm especially delighted my friends Jodi and Selena agreed to be my guests today and everyone can enjoy their sparkling (and sometimes just a little naughty *wink*) convo. I asked them to stay PG for this post, and they did! Er, mostly, lol. Please welcome the Super Twins!
Jodi: When the awesomesauce Mary Hughes invited us to blog together, well, we were slightly concerned aliens might have bodysnatched her. It’s always a huge risk allowing me and Selena to cohabitate web space together. Garden gnome armies invade Detroit. Godzilla attacks the Jersey Shore. Exotic male dancers shape-shift into Yetis and make us waffles and bacon.
Selena: Unicorns invade Texas and have a cake decorating contest. Shape-shifting squirrels try and take over the White House to demand the world’s nut supply. Bees try to…wait…wait…they haven’t done anything yet. Whew.
Jodi: Okay, I’m failing to see the problem here.
Selena: Me neither. Does this mean we get pancakes and waffles for life? Cause I could be down with that.
Jodi: As always, you’re the voice of reason, Super Twin. No wonder our brains are so in sync! What? It’s not as terrifying as it seems.
Selena: I am? When did this happen? Oh my god! Someone has taken over my body and me…*shudder* I’m...sane. Make it stop, Super Twin!
Jodi: Oh my God, first the aliens got Mary, and now you too! *prepares my tin foil hat just in case* But on the bright side, at least the aliens will never take our outstanding taste in music from us. Your Musical Monday picks always get a big Thumbs up from me. In fact, several of them have ended up on my book soundtracks. And that’s something we both are a bit fanatical about—soundtracking our books. Is that something you’ve always done?
Selena: Not always. At first I needed quiet but then I couldn’t get in the mood you know? So I had to find a song that would say everything I wanted to say in that scene, only then it turned into more than one song and well…yeah.
Jodi: Same here! Nothing inspires me and gets me rooted into a story like music. My characters have even gotten me to listen to stuff I normally wouldn’t even listen to. *cough* Disco *cough* What’s the craziest or out of the norm song that’s ever inspired you?
Selena: Disco? Whaaaa? Super Twin you did not put on a polyester suit and start singing Stayin Alive did you? I won’t judge, promise.
*Jodi discreetly removes her polyester leisure suit*
Selena: Okay, so it’s weird but I listen to metal or rock to write sex scenes. Like Chevelle’s The Red really gets me in the mood to write sex scenes. Are we still PG? Is this PG?
Jodi: Pretty sure this is as PG as we get! And you think that’s weird? Remember you’re talking to the chick who choreographs love scenes to banjo tunes. But you’ve gotta admit that this cover of Anaconda by Postmodern Jukebox is effin’ outstanding. But I digress. I learn something new about you every day, Super Twin! I mentioned disco, but probably the craziest musical inspiration I ever had was visualizing an entire book world off of the song, Will You Follow Me, by Rob Dougan. That book world eventually became my Thieves of Aurion series. Speaking of inspiring...*drools as I stare at the cover of Selena’s latest Bachelor Auction book.* Your werewolf hero, Brandon, has some seriously inspiring...abs. What? I am so behaving! Just curious, does Brandon have particular song he grooves to? (Hopefully buck naked).
Se: Hmmm, *checks playlist* one song that comes to mind is Kongos- Come With Me Now. You have some seriously HOT men in your Fictional harem. What does Logan like to groove to? Hopefully while cleaning with only an apron on…
Jodi: Weeeellll, Logan has been known to Swiffer his heart out while shaking his money-maker to Howlin’ For You by The Black Keys. I just wish he wouldn’t insist on actually howling along with the song. The neighbors are beginning to complain. But you know what would be SUPER INSPIRING? If Brandon and Logan dance to Christina Aguilera’s Your Body while wearing short shorts!
Selena: Oh! Oh! Yes! *gets the camera ready* We’ll want to use for blackmail…I mean posterity later…yeah.
Jodi: And that’s why we’re Super Twins. *prepares for the garden gnome army*
Click on each of my special guest authors' name to find out more!
Jodi Redford pens wicked hot tales when not surfing the interwebs for sexy male eye candy, strictly for research purposes, of course.
As head mistress of Beaumont coven house, Clarissa Miles has perfected two things: keeping her sister witches from accidently turning innocent bystanders into toads, and resisting the sexy overtures of her familiar, werewolf Logan Scott.
But her resolve is vanishing—fast. Seven years ago she sold her soul to save her father, and that contract is coming due. The allure of spending her last days indulging in some dirty, naked loving is too tempting to resist.
Logan has patiently ridden out the past seven years, content to do Clarissa’s bidding and ignoring his consuming need to mark her as his. Now that the ban on witch/familiar fraternizing has been lifted, he’s off the leash and ready to launch a full-on sensual assault on her defenses. They’re destined mates, and he’ll do whatever it takes to convince her.
It’s delightfully easy to get her in bed. Get at her heart? Not so much. Especially when a deadly predator stakes its claim on her…and Logan faces a battle not only to win her heart, but save her soul.
Warning: This book contains a villain with more personalities than Sybil, a witch in search of redemption and a dirty-talking werewolf hell-bent on claiming his mate in every wicked, sexy way possible. Spontaneous howling may occur.
See more at Amazon.
Selena Illyria--a multi-published author, part vampire, part pixie who was born with a need to write and enable.
Werewolf Pack Princess Kelly is overwhelmed with her new business, trouble with the rival cat shifters, and trying to ignore the attraction to her best friend’s younger brother. By bidding on Brandon in the Bachelor Auction, she thought she was just doing him a favor, saving him from the craziness. But now that she’s won him, her wolf wants to mark him as her mate, and she’s starting to lose control. So when he whisks her away for his birthday weekend, how can she say no? Every kiss distracts her. Each caress sets her on fire. And every whiff of his scent makes her wolf want to take him where he stands.
As a former hockey player and werewolf, Brandon knows all about being pulled in different directions. And he knows exactly what he’s asking for when he pursues a relationship with the already overwhelmed Kelly. She may be five years older than he is, and the daughter of his pack’s Alpha, and his sister’s best friend and business partner, but none of that matters. There’s only one person he wants to spend his birthday with, and he’s not going to let her refuse. And when Brandon has his eye on the goal, there’s nothing that can stop him...
See more at Amazon.
Thanks so much to Jodi and Selena for being my guests today!
What about you? Do you listen to a soundtrack to write or read (or prepare for the Garden Gnome Apocalypse)? What kind?
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
1T Status Update
Summer concert season is upon us. Gregg and I are playing three nights a week, with a band concert every Wednesday and an orchestra concert next weekend. I got a new piccolo to keep up with the demand, a Powell Sonare (the 750 with those annoying rectangular keys) with resin-infused wood for outdoor summer gigs.
New first draft done! I have completed the first draft of Night's Kiss. It's got a few holes yet to fill and lots of sculpting work to be done, but the story is in place and there are some really great resonances already in. July will be several self-editing passes.
Those two items plus keeping up with the grass (I swear, the stuff grows an inch a day) will pretty much fill my time, though I'll have a story in a charity anthology called Somewhere Out There, and I hope to finish my reread of the Pull of the Moon series and start on Soul Mates.
Happy July!
New first draft done! I have completed the first draft of Night's Kiss. It's got a few holes yet to fill and lots of sculpting work to be done, but the story is in place and there are some really great resonances already in. July will be several self-editing passes.
Those two items plus keeping up with the grass (I swear, the stuff grows an inch a day) will pretty much fill my time, though I'll have a story in a charity anthology called Somewhere Out There, and I hope to finish my reread of the Pull of the Moon series and start on Soul Mates.
Happy July!
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Author Interview VIDEO - Roxy Mews on New Year, New Goals, New Point of View
Roxy Mews is not only the author of sassy, sexy romance, she's the
energy and planning behind Lust With A Laugh plus a great friend who
helped me through a particularly rough patch in my life. So I'm thrilled
to post this video today!
Original http://maryhughesbooks.blogspot.com/2018/01/2t-repeat-performance.html
Original http://maryhughesbooks.blogspot.com/2018/01/2t-repeat-performance.html
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
3T Writing Tidbit
This is another in my 25 Ways You're Losing Readers (and what you can do about it) series.
Last month I talked about one size no longer fitting all. And that's good news for bad reviews!
Most of us hate bad reviews. But take heart! A negative review by your anti-reader may be just what your reader needs to know she's found her book.
For example, I write some hot stuff. So a review that complains about it being TOO HOT is actually a recommendation to those who like it that way!
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits. Click here to see all 25 Ways You're Losing Readers.
Last month I talked about one size no longer fitting all. And that's good news for bad reviews!
Most of us hate bad reviews. But take heart! A negative review by your anti-reader may be just what your reader needs to know she's found her book.
For example, I write some hot stuff. So a review that complains about it being TOO HOT is actually a recommendation to those who like it that way!
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits. Click here to see all 25 Ways You're Losing Readers.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
2T Repeat Performance
In December 2016, the lovely Magical Musings crew decided it was time to
close down their blogging shop. I had three wonderful years with them. This is another of those posts.
April Fools For Love--romance with a bit of fun--originally posted April 1, 2015.
So about nine months ago (as I remember it), one of my author friends suggested a group of us who write both hot and funny get together to do a set. She said there were all sorts of boxed sets for weddings and Christmas and Valentine's Day--so why not break the mold and do one for April Fools' Day?
Since this was nine months in the future, I blithely said "Sure!" and filed it mentally under to-do. I came up with an idea pretty quickly, mentally filed it under to-do as well, and got on with a more long-term project.
Fast forward to January. The long-term project deadline was moved up to March 1, and suddenly the April Fools' Day project has to be squeezed into two weeks. (Insert screaming, panicking author here :) )
Sometimes the best diamonds come under pressure. Meet my school teacher/bar maid Serendipity "Sera" Braun in her brand-new release, Biting Serendipity: April Fools For Love.
Check out the other great April Fools For Love stories releasing in 2015.
Best April Fools joke ever—falling in love.
Serendipity “Sera” Braun wears glasses and a bun to teach during the day, but at night, she adds a breast-plumping vest and dirndl for her job hoisting beer steins at Nieman’s Bar. The big, leather-vest-and-earringed Viking bouncer? He’s bedsheets waiting to get sweaty, but all he does is scowl at her. She’s trying to keep her geriatric stripper of a granny from breaking a hip, but it’s hard when she keeps getting distracted by that sexy, smoky baritone.
Thorvald Thorsson is bitingly lonely—every vampire around him is mating. But his ex-fiancée rejected him as a killjoy (her exact words were he ate rules and s*** misery), so it’s high time Fun Thor comes out to play. No way he’d pair up with the cute but too-serious little schoolmarm who waits tables at the bar.
Sera bridles the wicked, delicious things she’d like to do with the muscular Viking, suppressing herself until she’s a volcano about to blow. Then they are thrown together in a prank war, and all his potent masculinity is focused on her. He makes her burn to let loose, but how can she and still be responsible for Granny and set a good example?
Warning: A terribly lonely vampire, a conflicted schoolmarm with a caged wild side, nosy roommates and the female version of a bromance, not to mention scorching sex, swearing with the **** filled in, a whole town full of busybodies—and the best April Fools joke ever.
This story contains material intended for mature audiences. Reader discretion advised.
What about you? Do you find a looming deadline helps or hurts?
So about nine months ago (as I remember it), one of my author friends suggested a group of us who write both hot and funny get together to do a set. She said there were all sorts of boxed sets for weddings and Christmas and Valentine's Day--so why not break the mold and do one for April Fools' Day?
Since this was nine months in the future, I blithely said "Sure!" and filed it mentally under to-do. I came up with an idea pretty quickly, mentally filed it under to-do as well, and got on with a more long-term project.
Fast forward to January. The long-term project deadline was moved up to March 1, and suddenly the April Fools' Day project has to be squeezed into two weeks. (Insert screaming, panicking author here :) )
Sometimes the best diamonds come under pressure. Meet my school teacher/bar maid Serendipity "Sera" Braun in her brand-new release, Biting Serendipity: April Fools For Love.
Check out the other great April Fools For Love stories releasing in 2015.
Best April Fools joke ever—falling in love.
Serendipity “Sera” Braun wears glasses and a bun to teach during the day, but at night, she adds a breast-plumping vest and dirndl for her job hoisting beer steins at Nieman’s Bar. The big, leather-vest-and-earringed Viking bouncer? He’s bedsheets waiting to get sweaty, but all he does is scowl at her. She’s trying to keep her geriatric stripper of a granny from breaking a hip, but it’s hard when she keeps getting distracted by that sexy, smoky baritone.
Thorvald Thorsson is bitingly lonely—every vampire around him is mating. But his ex-fiancée rejected him as a killjoy (her exact words were he ate rules and s*** misery), so it’s high time Fun Thor comes out to play. No way he’d pair up with the cute but too-serious little schoolmarm who waits tables at the bar.
Sera bridles the wicked, delicious things she’d like to do with the muscular Viking, suppressing herself until she’s a volcano about to blow. Then they are thrown together in a prank war, and all his potent masculinity is focused on her. He makes her burn to let loose, but how can she and still be responsible for Granny and set a good example?
Warning: A terribly lonely vampire, a conflicted schoolmarm with a caged wild side, nosy roommates and the female version of a bromance, not to mention scorching sex, swearing with the **** filled in, a whole town full of busybodies—and the best April Fools joke ever.
This story contains material intended for mature audiences. Reader discretion advised.
What about you? Do you find a looming deadline helps or hurts?
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
1T Status Update
I'm tickled to announce Night's Kiss is a go! I just finished signing a contract yesterday with Entangled Publishing for the second book in The Ancients series. It features the dark, hawkish ancient vampire Enkidu and lithe Kat, a vampire hunter--although Kat doesn't know Enkidu is a vampire. More info coming soon!
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Fun Video! I Married a Master Vampire
I've been having a ton of fun making these video essays. Here's one on Biting Holiday Honeymoons. I especially like the Buffyesque music.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Author Interview VIDEO - Terri Meeker on Billy the Kid and Forks in the Road
I met Terri Meeker through Samhain Publishing. She's awesomely entertaining and so much fun to read. I'm delighted she could visit my blog amid her packed schedule. Enjoy! Original post http://maryhughesbooks.blogspot.com/2018/04/2t-repeat-performance.html
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
3T Writing Tidbit
This is another in my 25 Ways You're Losing Readers (and what you can do about it) series.
One size does not fit all. And it's getting more so.
The market it huge and getting bigger. It's also tiny and getting smaller. In the music business, this is called fragmenting.
The days of the monolithic cultural icon are disappearing. We had three channels, so it was easy to talk about popular things around the watercooler. Almost everyone had watched Dragnet the night before.
Now, even if you watch prime time television, more likely your neighbor is streaming Netflix. Or an alternative show on YouTube.
We can find exactly what we want, now. And a lot of it. I love quirky scifi with a magical twist. In the old days there was...nobody. Now there's Butcher and Stross and Hearn and the guy who wrote Red Shirts and...
See? How many of you read any of those authors? There are still monoliths like JK Rowling and JD Robb that we've most read or at least heard of.
The good news is, you can write your particular brand of story and there's gonna be at least one other person out there who's hankering to read it.
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits. Click here to see all 25 Ways You're Losing Readers.
One size does not fit all. And it's getting more so.
The market it huge and getting bigger. It's also tiny and getting smaller. In the music business, this is called fragmenting.
The days of the monolithic cultural icon are disappearing. We had three channels, so it was easy to talk about popular things around the watercooler. Almost everyone had watched Dragnet the night before.
Now, even if you watch prime time television, more likely your neighbor is streaming Netflix. Or an alternative show on YouTube.
We can find exactly what we want, now. And a lot of it. I love quirky scifi with a magical twist. In the old days there was...nobody. Now there's Butcher and Stross and Hearn and the guy who wrote Red Shirts and...
See? How many of you read any of those authors? There are still monoliths like JK Rowling and JD Robb that we've most read or at least heard of.
The good news is, you can write your particular brand of story and there's gonna be at least one other person out there who's hankering to read it.
Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits. Click here to see all 25 Ways You're Losing Readers.
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
2T Repeat Performance
In December 2016, the lovely Magical Musings crew decided it was time to
close down their blogging shop. I had three wonderful years with them. This is another of those posts.
My #1 Favorite Thing--It's Not What You Think--originally posted March 4, 2015.
Can you name some famous introverts? Some of the names may surprise you. Answer below :)
Those who know me, know I'm an introvert. So this may also come as a surprise.
My #1 favorite thing is--other people.
First, let's take a look at what being an introvert actually means and explode a few myths while we're at it.
Myth #1: Introverts like to be alone.
Not true. As Sophia Dembling in PsychologyToday.com's Introvert's Corner says, "Introverts are people, and people need people. That's human nature." (Aaand of course Streisand singing "People"..."people who need people" loops in my head.) It's just that, being quiet is how I recharge my batteries. While many people get energy from groups, like big parties--I don't know the science behind it but maybe it's like being in front of a really big pipe organ playing Phantom--introverts can get overstimulated.
You can prove this if you don't believe me. Take your introverted SO to a quiet library. He/she will happily stay there hours, even if it's wall-to-wall people.
Myth #2: Introverts don't like other people.
Actually, just the opposite. We care so much about our relationships, we're all about one-on-one time.
Okay, if that's true, why do introverted friends screen phone calls, even from friends?
Because we want to be sure we're mentally and emotionally in the right place to give our friends our very best.
If an introvert loves you, you're really special to them.
Myth #3: Introverts can't be leaders.
Not according to Susan Cain’s life-altering book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Introversion isn't a handicap. It doesn't stop a person from doing anything. From PsychologyToday.com's post 5 Myths Abount Introverts and Extraverts At Work by Adam Grant, Ph. D.: 'As actress Emma Watson (a.k.a. Hermione Granger) laments, “If you’re anything other than an extravert you’re made to think there’s something wrong with you.”' Now that people are beginning to recognize that, 'Leaders are coming out of the introvert closet in droves.'
Are you introverted? Here's a quiz you can take, 23 Signs You're Secretly An Introvert at HuffingtonPost.com.
Those famous introverts? Emma Watson, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Abraham Lincoln, Heath Ledger, JK Rowling, Lady Gaga, Michael Jordon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Harrison Ford, Charles Darwin, Marilyn Monroe, David Letterman, Courtney Cox, Christina Aguilera, Audrey Hepburn...add yours below!
Let's get to know each other! In my first year as a Magical Musings blogger, I'm exploring my 10 favorite things. This is number one.
 |
| photo credit: Lex Photographic via photopin cc |
Can you name some famous introverts? Some of the names may surprise you. Answer below :)
Those who know me, know I'm an introvert. So this may also come as a surprise.
My #1 favorite thing is--other people.
First, let's take a look at what being an introvert actually means and explode a few myths while we're at it.
Myth #1: Introverts like to be alone.
Not true. As Sophia Dembling in PsychologyToday.com's Introvert's Corner says, "Introverts are people, and people need people. That's human nature." (Aaand of course Streisand singing "People"..."people who need people" loops in my head.) It's just that, being quiet is how I recharge my batteries. While many people get energy from groups, like big parties--I don't know the science behind it but maybe it's like being in front of a really big pipe organ playing Phantom--introverts can get overstimulated.
You can prove this if you don't believe me. Take your introverted SO to a quiet library. He/she will happily stay there hours, even if it's wall-to-wall people.
 |
| photo credit: JoeInSouthernCA via photopin cc |
Actually, just the opposite. We care so much about our relationships, we're all about one-on-one time.
Okay, if that's true, why do introverted friends screen phone calls, even from friends?
Because we want to be sure we're mentally and emotionally in the right place to give our friends our very best.
If an introvert loves you, you're really special to them.
Myth #3: Introverts can't be leaders.
Not according to Susan Cain’s life-altering book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Introversion isn't a handicap. It doesn't stop a person from doing anything. From PsychologyToday.com's post 5 Myths Abount Introverts and Extraverts At Work by Adam Grant, Ph. D.: 'As actress Emma Watson (a.k.a. Hermione Granger) laments, “If you’re anything other than an extravert you’re made to think there’s something wrong with you.”' Now that people are beginning to recognize that, 'Leaders are coming out of the introvert closet in droves.'
Are you introverted? Here's a quiz you can take, 23 Signs You're Secretly An Introvert at HuffingtonPost.com.
Those famous introverts? Emma Watson, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Abraham Lincoln, Heath Ledger, JK Rowling, Lady Gaga, Michael Jordon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Harrison Ford, Charles Darwin, Marilyn Monroe, David Letterman, Courtney Cox, Christina Aguilera, Audrey Hepburn...add yours below!
Let's get to know each other! In my first year as a Magical Musings blogger, I'm exploring my 10 favorite things. This is number one.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
1T Status Update
Forecast for May: Changes.
And the time it takes to get those changes right.
Computer programming story
I've been writing pretty much since middle school. In 2010, I made more money with my books than I did through computer consulting, so I gave full-time writing a go. Changes in the publishing industry has since cut into sales until it's simply not paying anymore. I'm working hard learning advanced advertising skills, but when a programming gig opened up, I decided to look hard at getting back into the game (that is, learn the newest programming techniques). It's been nearly ten years and a lot has changed, but the educational opportunities are insanely good. I've been halving my day between writing and programming videos, which unfortunately makes progress in both twice as slow.
Piccolo playing story
I bought my Yamaha 61 with my first real paychecks. I love that piccolo, and it's a lovely instrument, grenadilla wood and cork pads and an upper register that'll knock your socks off. But playing it in my new orchestra, I can't make the high G sound in tune. Eek! Fortunately, a nice piccolo showed up the last time we were visiting our local music store. I'm giving it a try.
Printer story
So when I get something expensive (see piccolo story above) my husband usually gets something, too. In this case, his main go-to for entertainment, Imgur, wasn't loading and he wanted a new router. Great! Got the router, he installed it, I connected my computer and tablet, typed in the new password and away we go! Except... connecting my wireless laser printer wasn't so easy. The documentation had outdated links plus instructions that plain didn't work. I ended up blowing away its configuration and redoing it from scratch. THERE's three hours of my life I won't get back. (*grumble, grumble*)
Night's Kiss story
In August 2017, I submitted the book proposal for Night's Kiss. I finished a few projects, then, having heard back once from my editor requesting a couple easy updates, I went ahead and wrote the book. In February I finished the first draft. Naturally, it was at this point that the proposal came back with the need for major revisions. It took a lot of back and forth, but finally we came up with an updated proposal both my editor and I were satisfied with. Now if it passes the head editor's inspection, I'll be rewriting the book...
These things happen. Some months are like that. Meditation helps keep me balanced. Reminding myself nothing, if you learn from it, is wasted--that helps. Other people have just as hard a time if not harder. I'm glad for the opportunities I've been given.
Hubby made me cake, and that helps a whole lot, too.
Sometimes progress just takes longer and requires more effort. If anyone's wondering why things are going a bit slowly, this is why.
Hope your month is going better!
And the time it takes to get those changes right.
- Night's Kiss (The Ancients Book 2).
- Printing with the printer which has been working fine for two years.
- Piccolo playing (which I've done off and on for decades).
- Computer programming (ditto).
Computer programming story
I've been writing pretty much since middle school. In 2010, I made more money with my books than I did through computer consulting, so I gave full-time writing a go. Changes in the publishing industry has since cut into sales until it's simply not paying anymore. I'm working hard learning advanced advertising skills, but when a programming gig opened up, I decided to look hard at getting back into the game (that is, learn the newest programming techniques). It's been nearly ten years and a lot has changed, but the educational opportunities are insanely good. I've been halving my day between writing and programming videos, which unfortunately makes progress in both twice as slow.
Piccolo playing story
I bought my Yamaha 61 with my first real paychecks. I love that piccolo, and it's a lovely instrument, grenadilla wood and cork pads and an upper register that'll knock your socks off. But playing it in my new orchestra, I can't make the high G sound in tune. Eek! Fortunately, a nice piccolo showed up the last time we were visiting our local music store. I'm giving it a try.
Printer story
So when I get something expensive (see piccolo story above) my husband usually gets something, too. In this case, his main go-to for entertainment, Imgur, wasn't loading and he wanted a new router. Great! Got the router, he installed it, I connected my computer and tablet, typed in the new password and away we go! Except... connecting my wireless laser printer wasn't so easy. The documentation had outdated links plus instructions that plain didn't work. I ended up blowing away its configuration and redoing it from scratch. THERE's three hours of my life I won't get back. (*grumble, grumble*)
Night's Kiss story
In August 2017, I submitted the book proposal for Night's Kiss. I finished a few projects, then, having heard back once from my editor requesting a couple easy updates, I went ahead and wrote the book. In February I finished the first draft. Naturally, it was at this point that the proposal came back with the need for major revisions. It took a lot of back and forth, but finally we came up with an updated proposal both my editor and I were satisfied with. Now if it passes the head editor's inspection, I'll be rewriting the book...
These things happen. Some months are like that. Meditation helps keep me balanced. Reminding myself nothing, if you learn from it, is wasted--that helps. Other people have just as hard a time if not harder. I'm glad for the opportunities I've been given.
Hubby made me cake, and that helps a whole lot, too.
Sometimes progress just takes longer and requires more effort. If anyone's wondering why things are going a bit slowly, this is why.
Hope your month is going better!
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
Who's your Prince Charming?
Tall, dark and handsome or blond and seductive, I think we all want a man who is strong, can-do, intelligent, and capable—and it doesn’t hurt if he’s good-looking and rich, lol.
But the most important quality for my Prince Charming is that he loves me to pieces!
After that, well, I admit a great body (or great bodies!) wouldn’t hurt.
Eyes that stun me or take my breath away are right up there.
Some mystery is nice.
Me, I’m a sucker for musical talent.
And a voice like a deep, dark cave. *Shiver*
Bottom line, I want a man who loves me, helps me be a better person, and walks with me through the sorrows and joys of life. That's my idea of my prince.
What about you? What traits does your ideal man have?
(This post originally was at Nice Ladies, Naughty Books.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)