Just the Facts, Ma'am!

Lots of news today!

For those of you following or participating in the Rule of Three Blogfest this month, my book is one of the prizes. And today I have a short, Rule of Three interview at JC Martin’s site AND at Flash Fiction! They apologize the interview didn't go up sooner.I’d be honored if you popped over there after catching up on all the news…

Arlee Bird is preparing for next year’s A to Z Challenge and set up a blog for participants. If you intend to participate again next April, hop over to The A to Z Challenge and follow to receive all the latest updates.

Dave at Dave Wrote This is hosting The Noughties Blogfest on November 14. “List something from each year (2000-2009) that you loved.” Short and easy! yes, I’ve signed up for this one.

My extremely talented critique partner, Anne Gallagher, set up an author web page for her Regency romance books. The Lady’s Fate is her latest. I was given the honor of reading an excerpt from this book, and it was excellent. Yes, that’s right – this tough Ninja Captain read part of a Regency romance novel!


Susan Kaye Quinn’s new book, Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy), comes out on November 1, 2011.

Laura at the Daily Dodo is giving a away a signed copy of 21st Century Dodos – but you must answer a question first.

The Internet Book Fair is October 25 and Jessica Bell is on a mission to sell your books!



My buddy TS recently started a new job selling cabinets. He’s never been in sales before, so if you are in the market for cabinets, support a fellow blogger and visit The Non Review first.

I haven’t talked about movies in a while, so here’s a couple for you. Watched Green Lantern again this past week on DVD. As a fan of DC Comics, I still say it’s a lot of fun and a true comic book film. Also watched Insidious and it was very creepy and effective. However, (spoiler!) why do all horror films have to have a bad ending these days? It lost me at that point…

Wednesday I’ll have a special guest here to entertain you. He’s pure genius when it comes to writing and storytelling, so you don’t want to miss it!

And by popular request, I now present to you another creepy Chewbacca movie poster, courtesy of FreakingNews!
(Isis, just don’t look…)

Any great news I missed? Does that image creep you out? See a good movie recently?

Now you may visit JC Martin’s site or Flash Fiction for my short and fun interview!

Insecure Writer's Support Group Post & Tips

I am posting one day early for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group because there were questions. And I have answers.

- You don’t have to visit everyone (that’s my job) just connect with a dozen or so participants.
- Feel free to copy the button, link, and/or linky code. If you want to post the list of participants just on the first Wednesday, that’s cool.
- What do you write about? Post about your concerns, fears, and struggles and/or recent breakthroughs or words of encouragement for others

This is my first Insecure Writer’s Support Group post:

My biggest fear is friends - losing them. I worry I might say or do something dumb. I worry my snark might be taken the wrong way or my inexperience will cause hard feelings. After losing a friend earlier this year (even though it was over something of which I had no control) I don’t want to see any other friendships dissolve. You all matter to me and I don’t want to offend anyone.

Fortunately, friends are my greatest supporters. If you’re a writer looking for friends and encouragement, you’ve come to the right place. On days you’re feeling down, someone will say a word that renews your energy. My blogger buddies have kept me going long after I wanted to quit. They mean the world to me. And if you’re connecting with other bloggers, you’ll discover they are an awesome bunch of people!

And this is a little surprise, because I didn’t tell these guys. But my publisher is currently preparing review copies of CassaFire, and this will be the dedication:

For my three awesome friends

who guided me on this journey -

Rusty Webb

Jeffrey Beesler

Anne Gallagher

I couldn’t have done it without you!

Now, what’s your word of encouragement or writer insecurity today?

(And Jessica Bell is sorry, but she does not have a post for this week and asked if you’d just skip her name on the list for now.)

My Second Book is a Go!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got the word on Friday but refrained from announcing the news via a celebratory Twitter meltdown. Everyone was on vacation this weekend anyway – my spastic yells of excitement would’ve gone unheard.

As you recall, I had no idea what to call the sequel to CassaStar. Fortunately, my publisher is sharper than me and made some suggestions. At the moment, my manuscript has been dubbed:

CassaFire

I like that!

I’m to work on my back cover synopsis and resubmit it. (Translation – “Lame! Try again.”)

Release date will be sometime next March.

BIG thanks to my critique buddies ( Rusty, Jeffrey, and Anne ) and test readers for helping me with the manuscript.

And BIG thanks to those of you who read CassaStar and requested a sequel! I never imagined more than one book (never even thought there would be that one book) and continuing Byron’s adventure while addressing everyone’s concerns and questions (why the heck are there no women in this book?) was a challenge. But you prodded me to write another story and I thank you for the encouragement. (Some of you shoved and a couple even kicked, but that’s cool – I needed it!)

The news couldn’t have come on a better weekend – I just pretended all the celebrations and fireworks were for me. Now I can finally have my celebratory freak out online. Followed by freak out of what the hell am I going to write next…?

FFW - Critique Partners & BIG Surprise!!!

Well, there’s a good chance I’ll be skipping the theater this weekend – Green Lantern is getting awful reviews. That sucks - I’ve been looking forward to this film for so long!

On the positive side, Mel gave me the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award and The Yard Bard gave me the Stylish Blogger Award. Thanks, ladies!

Today’s topic for the Fantastic Friday Writers is critique partners. I’m stoked – not only was this my suggestion, but it gives me the opportunity to brag on my critique buddies.

For those who’ve hesitated to find a critique partner, let me put you at ease. When you find the right ones, it’s awesome! There’s a ton of advice on what to look for in a CP as far as compatibility, strengths, experience – all that stuff. I’m just going to describe what my three CP bring to the table and maybe that will help you in your search. (Hey, you didn’t come here for expert advice anyway, right?)

Jeffrey Beesler is the detail man. He sees repetition, passive phrases, pronoun confusion – all the small stuff I tend to miss. He doesn’t hold back – he lets me know when something doesn’t work. Jeffrey gives it to me straight and I respect that!

Anne Gallagher writes romance. She is the master of relationships. Anne brings the passion. She looks for the flow between the two main characters, as well as my numerous typos. And, she is also part of my target audience – I was stunned how many non-science fiction people read my first book, and I want to continue writing stories they enjoy.

Rusty Webb keeps me sane. He sees repetition of phrases & words and unnecessary modifiers. Rusty also makes suggestions – detailed suggestions – of what I could add or modify or explain better. He goes to great lengths to give me ideas. Most important, Rusty does it all with humor. And for that dude, I salute you!

Now, what do you want in a critique partner? If you have them, what are they like? And do they make Coke come out of your nose?

Now, for the BIG SURPRISE for my author buddies!!! Above this post are tabs – one is marked awesome authors. Click it! I have done my best to present the latest release from every author I know, highlighting some really great writers and special friends. (And if you don’t see your latest book listed, let me know! I am still working on it.)

Have a great weekend!