Tag: writing

Mid July

Still hot as Hades here. It’s ‘cool’ for about an hour or so early in the morning but the humidity and heat ramp up quickly. But Dad still expects me to do those ‘projects’ he wants me to do. I suppose I’m supposed to get up early and do them before it gets hot. Who wants to do that though?

Anyway, I still haven’t finished Emergent, the Time-Lost book. My muse is messing around with two other stories instead of working on it. I’m going to try and get it finished this weekend, Monday by the latest. I need to get it done. I had a deadline and I blew past it. My muse is just so fickle.

I still haven’t figured out ‘human’ names for the ravens. What are good names for a pair of supernatural female ravens? The ravens of course have names but humans can’t pronounce them right and they are mighty particular about that. My FMC would name them something pronounceable anyway, hence the need for ‘human’ names. I could use what their names mean I guess. But Sly and Clever, don’t seem to do them justice. Not to mention those aren’t really feminine names.

I haven’t updated any of my Vellas as I’ve been trying to finish Emergent. But as I’ve said that ain’t happening. I did put up some episodes in the new Romance Vella I started. My muse has been going through it a bit. The other Vellas are suffering though. Once I finish Emergent, I definitely doing some updating. At least one episode for each Vella before I work on my next WIP Vella.

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. So if you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate whichever you choose as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment if you think of one. One writer gave me some names at the conference and I may use one for one of the characters but I still need some more names. There will be more than one ‘winner’.

As you can tell I’m terrible at coming up with names. I usually resort to a baby name book if I don’t get ‘inspiration’. I pick a random letter and flip through the names until one jumps out. I also have a book with common last names from around the world. Those books are life savors, let me tell you. Because my muse only likes to give me names of my MCs and sometimes the villain. The others she just refers to by a letter or description. My first book I used a phone book. As soon as the character showed up I’d flipped through and a name would jump out. From then on that would be the name my brain used. So please help me. LOL. I need names.

If you’re looking for your next read, try out my book, A Playground of Bones. Book 1 of Bone Whisperer. Or one of my other fifteen books I have out. My Elemental Voice Series has 4 out of the 5 books out plus 2 novellas or the first book in my Ghostwolf series, Raven Manor.

Stay tuned for the next installment…

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July 2024

I’m welcoming the month but not the heat. It’s been cooking here. Only time we’ve had any ‘cooler’ temps have been when it rained. And the humidity has been horrendous.

I have not finished Emergent, the Time-Lost book. My muse has jumped to a new Vella. Well, it’s an old first draft of a Romantasy actually. The first 7 episodes are up. My muse has been adding bits to it as I post but nothing big so it’s raw. But that’s what she wants to do. However I have 2 more episodes to go on Emergent that I need to finish so I can publish it beginning of August like planned. I’m gonna finish even if I have to torture my muse. She’s is being her fickle self.

What are good names for a pair of supernatural female ravens? I have placeholder names for now for the ravens in my Bone Whisperer series. I still haven’t figured out ‘human’ names for them. I need to before this second book comes out. The closest thing to them is Odin’s ravens but one they’re male and two, they’re male.  The ravens of course have names but humans can’t pronounce or spell them and they are mighty particular. Raven 1 & Raven 2 just don’t sit well with them. 🙂

I still haven’t updated my other Vellas. And my May bonus shows how little reader participation I got for that month. I’m hoping June will be better. I’ll see come the 20ish of this month when they announce June’s bonuses.

Speaking of Vella, the Zon has launched Vallys. Which is a Vella contest that started the 25th of June, the day after I started my new Vella. So not eligible. Anyway. It’s sort of set up like the bonus, depends on reader participation. I’m going to see how this goes for the others I think. I don’t know if I want to enter. There’s enough on my plate right now, I think.

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. So if you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate whichever you choose as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment if you think of one. One writer gave me some names at the conference and I may use one for one of the characters but I still need some more names. There will be more than one ‘winner’.

If you’re looking for your next read, try out my book, A Playground of Bones. Book 1 of Bone Whisperer. Or one of my other fifteen books I have out. My Elemental Voice Series has 4 out of the 5 books out plus 2 novellas or the first book in my Ghostwolf series, Raven Manor. I also have over 5 Vellas out to try.

Stay tuned for the next installment…

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Second Sunday to the Left

Just got back from Between the Pages Conference. It was a good conference but tiring. 5 sessions in a day make for a very loong day. Friday we arrived at 1p.m. and set up our tables, those of us authors who had requested one. Then we had the Welcome and a workshop late afternoon before the meet and greet. Saturday started early with breakfast and the Keynote before launching into the first sessions. A little over an hour for lunch of our choosing from the surrounding restaurants then the next set of sessions. The conference bookstore was open all day and after the last session we had an hour for signing there before we broke down our tables and got ready for the dinner. After the dinner they announced the winners of the door prizes(I didn’t win this year as I didn’t buy a lot of tickets this time) and launched into the evening’s entertainment. I watched the magic show but left soon after the music started. My brain was tired but brainless TV watching was not in the cards, the cable was out for my room. But I was also too tired to fall asleep right away. Rain pounding on my window woke me early and I couldn’t get back to sleep so I got up and wandered down to the lobby. Another goer had been awaken as well and we spent some time talking before I went up to get ready for breakfast. We had one last workshop after breakfast and they announced the winners of the conference contests. My parents were waiting for me when I left the conference room. They had driven me up and were picking me up to go home.

Now the conference is a two hour drive one way from home so I stayed at the hotel. I don’t mind the extra expense of staying there. It’s nice to get away completely from your normal routine and not have your normal worries or any worries for that matter bothering you. I just wished it was a longer stay, like another night or two–that is if I didn’t have to pay more per night for those nights. The conference stayers get special rates(about a little over 1/2 price). I can handle that on my limited budget but not full price. Not to mention Dad would have a cow. For different reasons.

Anywho. I’m back now. I’ll have to get on those ‘projects’ Dad wants me to do for the trailer. Some things need to be taken care of and he ain’t going to do them any more. He’s getting older and Mom says they can’t do things like they used to. He does his ‘projects’ and I help him some with some of them but a lot of them he has to do himself cause he knows what he’s doing and I don’t so I can do some of my own ‘projects’ since I’m a responsible adult. Guess I’ll have to whether I want to or not.

Should get my new glasses next week. These old ones are causing eye strain but that’s way better than being blind. At least I can drive with them and see things clearer with them on. Big blurs can be dangerous.

Need to finish Emergent, the Time-Lost book. It needs to be done before the 20th so I can get it out by August. And I need to update my Vellas. I’ve been slacking cause of the conference. But now that it’s over I need to knuckle down.

Have you read A Playground of Bones yet? It is a mix of paranormal murder mystery and paranormal women’s fiction. She is not a 20 something nor is she in her 60’s but she is an woman in her late 30’s, early 40’s with some life experience behind her. I added a bit of local history to the mix of folklore I used for this book. If you’re looking for your next read, try out my book, A Playground of Bones.

What are good names for a pair of female ravens? I have placeholder names for now for the ravens in my Bone Whisperer series. I still haven’t figured out names for them. I need to before this second book comes out.

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. My Muse is as I said being fickle and only giving me bits and pieces right now. Which is going in the book bible. I am looking for inspiration into their personalities through names. Are they pompous, pretentious, practical or precocious? My muse is givin’ me some vague ideas right now. I’d like to flesh them out a bit. If you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate whichever you choose as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment if you think of one. One writer gave me some names at the conference and I may use one for one of the characters but I still need some more names.

Stay tuned for the next installment.

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Another Tat

Went to the Author Expo in Nixa. Several of my ex-writing group buddies were there so when I see them in June at the Conference I can ask how it went for them. I left my card with the library. Hopefully I’ll be able to get in next year.

While I was up there we went into Springfield and stopped at the ABC Bookstore and dropped off a few books. By the time we got home (2 hr. drive) the store had sold 6 of the 14 books I had left. 4 of which were the Elememtal Voice main books. I will have to order more books to take there again sometime soon. Maybe in May.

I got my receipt from Triple Treasures MarketPlace in Hardenville, MO for a spot so I’m good to go for May 4th. At least I think so. I got all but the last 6 of my books I ordered. They should be here before the 4th. I’ll have to reorder some more books for June if I sell some, just to be sure I have enough. With Conferences you never know how much or how little you will sell. And the TTMP is new to me so that too is an unsure sell.

I have also received the ledgers I ordered. My books will be inventoried and expenses will be kept track of. In the not too distant future I will have to be doing taxes. Right now I’m not earning enough to bother with. But if I continue with Vella and they get their act together I may.

AS to my writing, I have put aside book 3 of Ghostwolf and am concentrating on Vellas. However with the changes I didn’t do so well for March. I am trying to bring up all my Vellas to at least 11 episodes, now that the free episodes are at 10. I have a lot to do for 3 Vellas to do that but the others are coming up nicely. I need to get my readers to engage more with my stories so I may have to try polls and questions in the author notes. Reader participation figures prominently in the bonus I found out, especially after the changes. I have decided to stay and work on the ones I already have up. However I will not be adding new stories. 4 of them will be ongoing and not for book publication so there will be plenty to read for readers.

Have you read my book yet? My book, A Playground of Bones, is a mix of paranormal murder mystery and paranormal women’s fiction. She is not a 20 something nor is she in her 60’s but she is an older woman with some life experience behind her. I added a bit of local history to the mix of folklore I used for this book. If you’re looking for your next read, try out my book, A Playground of Bones.

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. If you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment if you think of one.

Stay tuned for the next installment

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April 2024

Unlike the saying March didn’t go out like a lion. It came in springy and went out springy. No windy or terrible days. Though it did seem to pass awfully fast.

I got the free Square card reader and I’m going to be trying it out this September for Hootin An Hollarin. Also I’ve been looking up new in-person venues to try. I need to do more for my books. There aren’t many venues near me but I found a few that I may try next year. This year I may go to them and scoop them out. If I can get my Dad on board with taking me there, as I do not have a car myself. The offer of gas money and a meal may sweeten that. We shall see.

My muse is still ignoring Book 3 of Ghostwolf. She much rather work on book 2 of Bone Whisperer and my vellas. I’ve got 3 vellas that will be on-going and 4 vellas that are T.L. books including book 2 of BW. But Book 3 of Ghostwolf and book 5 of Elemental Voice are the next ones up in my writer’s queue. However with my muse being fickle like she is I may not get to them til next year. But I plan to have at least another book out this year. Which is however up in limbo right now.

Speaking of Vella. I had a lot of reads this month. However with the changes I don’t know what’s happening with things. I have to wait til next month’s announcement of bonuses to see. So it’s still wait and see with Vella.

Have you read my book yet? My book, A Playground of Bones, is a mix of paranormal murder mystery and paranormal women’s fiction. She is not a 20 something nor is she in her 60’s but she is an older woman with some life experience behind her. I added a bit of local history to the mix of folklore I used for this book. If you’re looking for your next read, try out my book, A Playground of Bones.

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. If you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment if you think of one.

Stay tuned for the next installment

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A Tat for March

Well, it doesn’t seem like March is going to be going out like a lion. At least not yet. Weather is still springy.

The changes are now in effect for Vella. Like I said next month will tell me if I continue to add new stories or just go with the three ongoing ones that I have. I did however get a large bonus for February, surprisingly. It had a low read rate, but I did finish one of the stories. And it was the one that garnished the highest piece of the bonus. So…. But I still don’t know what to expect from the changes. Wait and see is all I can do.

My muse is still ignoring book 3 of Ghostwolf and hopping around the Vellas. I’m thinking of pulling out book 3 of the Elemental Voice Companion series and working on it. Book 5 of Elemental Voice is not quite ready yet to get into; names still need to be found, plot needs some work. But book 3 of EVC has the first chapter done. We shall see what my muse says. She may want to finish book 2 of the Time-Lost series since it’s up on Vella or even book 2 of Bone Whisperer as it too is on Vella. My muse can be soo fickle.

Have you checked out my new paranormal murder mystery yet? A Playground of Bones is on both Kindle Vella and Kindle Unlimited. Or you can buy the ebook for $2.99 right now.

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. If you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment if you think of one.

Stay tuned for the next installment

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Ides of March

The Ides has passed and no one has been stabbed that I know of. So I’d say it’s been good. 🙂

It is now the twain, St. Patty’s and St. Gertrude Day. I give lip service to St. Patty’s as I’m Irish but I celebrate St. Gertrude usually. St. Gertrude is the patron of Cats and I am a proud Cat mom, though my baby went over the rainbow bridge not long ago. But I care for some ferals so I’m still a crazy cat lady.

Changes have been happening with Vella. Don’t know what impact it will have yet. Next month will tell whether I continue putting up new stories or just continue with just the ongoings.

My muse is still ignoring Ghostwolf book 3. She’s just hopping around my Vellas. I’m guessing she’s not happy with the changes that are happening or she’s just being her fickle self.

Have you checked out my new paranormal murder mystery yet? A Playground of Bones is on both Kindle Vella and Kindle Unlimited. Or you can buy the ebook for $2.99 right now.

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. If you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment if you think of one.

Stay tuned for the next installment

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Pubbed!

A Playground of Bones is published! Both ebook and paperback. So now it’s available in Kindle Vella and Kindle Unlimited or as a paperback book. Check it out if you haven’t already!

And I already got a rating: 4 star! Thank you whomever you are for the rating. Glad you enjoyed it.

My muse is hopping around my Vellas and ignoring Book 3 of Ghostwolf. While I’m happy she’s still flowing with words, I’d rather she settle down and work on one project more than hopping around. Especially with the changes that are going to be happening with Vella. I don’t know if I’ll be sticking with Vella. I may just do the 3 on going stories and not do any new stories on there if it changes too much. I’m reserving judgement until I see what’s going to happen after the changes go through.

Ordered a few books for the Between The Pages Writer’s Conference in June. Should be getting them soon. I’ll order some more next month as well. Restock for both the conference and for September’s Hootin an Hollarin which I signed up for this month. I don’t want to run out or actually I would like to sell out. 🙂 But I want to have enough books to sell to whomever shows up to my table.

I also did some metal bookmarks with charms to put on my table. Some people want to support me but don’t have the money to buy a book so I have a low-priced item for them. I may have to charge more for my books at in-person events than I have so I want to have something to offer that is more accessible. Costs are higher this year and I hate to raise prices but as they say needs must.

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. If you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment if you think of one.

Stay tuned for the next installment

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Fini

I finished Book 1 of Bone Whisperer!

Yes, A Playground of Bones is done and all 20 Chapters are up on Vella. Publication date is March. Book 2, A Field of Bones, is started and will be up on Vella as soon as I have the first 3 chapters done.

I have updated 3 of my Vellas. Once I finished Bone Whisperer I sat down again and worked on my Vellas. My muse actually cooperated and I wrote 3 different episodes/chapters. I did another this morning. I love it when a plan comes together.

I registered for the writer’s conference Between The Pages and reserved my room in June. Now I just got to get some books for the table. I only have a few left, less than 3 of each. I didn’t restock after my last in-person event. Actually I haven’t restocked since last June. Just got a few here and there so I would have at least 5 of every book. So restocking time.

I also got a new wheeled tote/cart to carry my books and in-person event stuff in at the end of December. That Vella bonus came in handy as it paid for the new tote/cart. Dad paid for it with his store card and I paid him a few days later when I got the bonus. I could get used to this bonus thing. 🙂

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. If you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment.

Stay tuned for the next installment

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Welcome to the New Year

Well, 2024 is here.

I really don’t do resolutions. They never seem to last long. People start out with good intentions but seem to lose their way, their determination, and their motivation. I’m the same and don’t regret or worry about it. It’s just the way things seem to go with us humans.

I make short-term goals and hope I fulfill at least a few of them.

This new year I plan to finally finish and publish Bone Whisperer, work more seriously on my Vellas, and write on the next book in my queue. 

I’ve been sitting on the last chapter of BW for over two months now. I think I don’t want to finish it because it would be like saying goodbye to my bestie again. I miss him terribly. His death was sudden and I didn’t get to see him before he went. This book has a character based on him and I’m dedicating it to him. Though I met my Travis later in life than Indy did hers, we were just as close friends, almost brother and sister. AS I said I miss him terribly.

My Vellas. I plan to update them more regularly and promo more. The more reads and likes you get the better the bonus which is where you really make the money on this platform. And if I make enough I might be able to save some and maybe go to another in-person event this year or next. That’s my dream. Being able to go to a Con somewhere as a vendor and sell some of my books. I go to my local Festival but I’d love to go to a big Con.

Writing queue. I have two books up next in my queue, Book 3 of Ghostwolf and Book 5 of Elemental Voice. I have already started on Book 3 of Ghostwolf. The prologue and chapter 1 are written and I’m working on chapter 2 now. It will probably be slower going as I’m also doing my vellas. 

Still running the naming contest for book 5 of Elemental Voice series. If you got a good name for a vampire matriarch, her vampire PA, her vampire head of security, a human villain, or a morally grey vampire assassin give it a try. You may win a signed book or a signed bookplate as well as being mentioned in the author notes. So put your email and the name(s) in a comment.

So those are my plans so far for this year. I’ll probably have more plans later as time goes on but that’s what I have decided for now. They should be doable and not very stressful so I should make them.

Stay tune for the next installment

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