Failing Spectacularly with Books and Turkeys

I am super glad its December. November is always a weird month for me, and NaNoWriMo is a big part of that. It always seems to me a comedy of a great many errors; chalked full of the best intentions and a seven course Turkey dinner.

SEVEN COURSES.

Or at least it seems like that when you are the only one cooking.

Also, I have five children; therefore I must look at 3,547,369 crayon turkeys made from their hand prints during the month of November alone. So it comes as no surprise to anyone who knows anything about my life that I tend for fail spectacularly at NaNoWriMo every year. Except for ME! It always shocks ME!

As it stands I tend to have no problem finishing novels in any other month of the year (and two in September) heck I will COMPLETE four books in December—complete four because I am wrapping up the three books I started in November.

Yeah, I started three books in November. I always do that to myself. I don’t go into it thinking HEY I am going to totally screw myself over by attempting something that might be mathematically impossible. Yet it happens every time anyway.

I started my book (which is secret btw) three days late, two days after that I decided I had to finish the Hollows Series right now or I am going to DIE. DIE. Which if fairly humorous because the second book in the series hasn’t even been released yet, and since Larry Kollar can’t quit his day job and do nothing but edit my books I am not really in a rush.

But after convincing myself of the need to write that book—which is titled Ice Bridge Forest—it occurred to me that I’d need the second book in the Granted series before the 4^th book in the Hollows series.

So damn it all, that was the train of thought that lead to my ultimate destruction.  

Oddly, that is what it’s like in my head every day.

 

New Book Launch: THE SKELETON SONG

Well it is FINALLY available! Amazon really held that one hostage for a while. I wanted it to be free FREE but the best I could do now was free to borrow for Amazon Prime members and .99 otherwise. Smashwords has been giving me fits and unfortunately they are the easiest way to get a free book out there. Someone suggested I just make the book a google doc and just post it wild on the internets--but I think that is asking for someone to take it and call it their own.

*UPDATE*
IT IS NOW FREE ON AMAZON. CLICK THE COVER.

Here is the blurbish!
Drowning might not be the way most adventures start, but it is the only way at Skeleton Lake. When Death is your only companion, darkness is always on the horizon.

In the prequel to SKELETON LAKE, Cassie chooses the wrong brother. That leads to a series of events that take all of her choices away. For in a world of beautiful bones and false flesh, sometimes life after death is killer.

I also decided to delay my giveaway; I was going to do one for Halloween but I looked up and realized EVERYONE was doing one so I thought I start tomorrow.

Check on the book trailer for The Skeleton Song below!

SKELETON LAKE & The Lending Library

Skeleton Lake has been re-released and is currently FREE in the Amazon Lending library so if you have an Amazon device and Amazon Prime you can read it for zilch nada. You can also buy it on Amazon for just $2.99 for the Second Edition. Click the cover for more details. This is the PERFECT Halloween book!

It had been an idea I had been toying with for a long time; and the decision came after Smashwords was being a bugger. It was totally a sign.

THE TOTALLY FREE NOVELLA The Skeleton Song will be made available really soon. No, sooner than that.

Look for a big fat Hollows Series giveaway on Halloween. You will want to win, you will want to tell your friends. If you would like to be a part of the giveaway sign up here. I know it's last minute. You can sign up for any day 10/31-11/2 we can have multiple people on each day.

I apologize in advance to all the nook (etc) readers out there; but as it stands an overwhelming majority of my sales come from Amazon and it isn't forever. Also Amazon has apps for tons of devices. So you don't have to be left out.

Also, I have a request. Please do not buy the paperback version of my book. Some how it has reappeared on Amazon. It is being sold by my old publisher even though it should have been removed months ago. I was given the rights back and I thought everything was go but there seems to be this one hiccup. It is also first edition still.

P.S.
If you enjoyed Skeleton Lake before, please take a moment to review it on Amazon (and Goodreads if you haven't done it yet). Since the book was removed by my publisher and republished by myself all my reviews were lost.

WHITE PICKUPS by Larry Kollar Blog Tour/ Week of Awesome #3

When Larry first talked about WHITE PICKUPS I had to no idea what to expect from it. He told me it was paranormal, which would have made it right up my alley but I thought pffftt it doesn't LOOK like a paranormal book--oh but it is. I bought the book myself here, and it is AWESOME. Hence it's inclusion in the week of awesome. I don't even know what to say about it. I felt kind of blind going into it and I think that only added to the experience.

From Goodreads: At summer’s end, mysterious white pickup trucks take to the roads and compel nearly everyone to “drive off.” Some of those who remain gather in a suburban Atlanta subdivision, and struggle to cope with a world whose infrastructure is rapidly crumbling. One of the few who are mentally and emotionally prepared for the end of the world is Cody Sifko, a youth who quickly becomes the inspiration for the others. When a strange homeless woman names him “Father of Nations,” is she seeing his future or her own delusions? As winter and a hate group try to destroy Laurel Hills, can Cody overcome personal tragedy and seize his destiny?


Fans of the various appocolypses will really appreciate Larry's truckapypse!And Larry's women. Some guys, don't get women right at all so I am often weary of main character women from males--but it was awesome. I am going to stop talking now because I keep saying awesome, and instead let Larry answer the most AWESOME interview questions of all time.

    Fess up, do you really drive a white pickup?

No, but there are two at the in-laws' farm. One has a buggered transmission, and the other overheats at the drop of a hat. So I drive them as little as possible.

In the event of a real zombie Apocalypse; which of your author friends do you think would be the slowest runner?

I'm guessing John Wiswell, because of his health. But he's worth saving, if at all possible.

When was the last time you fired a shotgun?

Not too long ago. I have a 12-gauge pump in the gun case next to my laptop desk. (No, I've never been tempted to shoot my laptop. The TV, on the other hand...)

If you were stranded on a deserted island, with no zombies and a cold drink; what Indie book would you wish you had with you?

Something long, especially if I could have only one! I've got a stack of them in my Kindle, waiting for a chance to be read.

What color do you think I should dye my hair next? Shocking blue, Purple Haze, or Wildfire?

Wildfire. I like redheads, even if I married a "dishwater" blonde. (Thus proving that looks aren't everything.)

How many books do you plan on releasing in 2013?

Three: Pickups and Pestilence, a novella that needs a name besides "Chasing a Rainbow," Accidental Sorcerers (a YA classic fantasy novella)

How may books will you release if I pester you to death about it?

Five: the above plus a sequel to Accidental Sorcerers (unnamed), and Wings: Unfurled (first of a YA contemporary fantasy trilogy) if I can get it written. I'd planned to start it about two weeks ago, so I better get crackin'.

Favorite book so far in 2012?

You mean besides mine? ;-) So far, it's the first book I read this year, Bachiyr: 33 A.D. by David McAfee. He mixed vampires and Jesus, and pulled it off. That took some brass.

If they turned your book into a movie, who would you absolutely hate to see cast in it?

Nicholas Cage. I liked most of the films I've seen him act in, but just don't see him fitting in this one.

Anything else we should know about you?

If I get no more ideas, I have enough to keep me writing through the end of 2014. At least. So if you like White Pickups, you can look forward to seeing plenty more!

 

Rafflecopter: a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

 

Larry on Twitter:http://twitter.com/FARfetched58

Larry's Blog:http://farmanor.blogspot.com/

Larry on Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5354239.Larry_Kollar

THE VIOLET FOX Book Tour/ Week of Awesome #2

The Week of Awesome continues on with THE VIOLET FOX by Clare Marshall


I have to say, the Violet Fox is type of heroine I wanted to be when I grew up. Of course, I became a writer, but I can still appreciate a bad ass girl in a cape. Her bravery, and ability to save her own people as well as her own neck are the things legends are made out of; and her fierceness was somehow refreshing and sharp at the same time.

If you want a book that reads like polished A list piece from a top publisher this is your book. Clare is a phenomenal writer and editor and you don't notice at all. Trust me, you will find no better complement than that.

Follow Clare on Twitter:@ClareMarshall13
and Find her writings at: http://www.faeryinkpress.com/

ONE DOES NOT SIMPLY WRITE 90,000 WORDS IN ONE SITTING

One of my good friends from back home asked me, “How do you write so much?!”

My first thought was, I really don’t write that much.

Okay, let’s back up a bit. I have three novels that are in progress right now, one sitting at 37,000 words, another at 12,000 words, and a children’s chapter book at about 5,000 words. In completed unpublished works, I have six novels or novellas, ranging from 30,000 words to about 110,000 words. They need to be re-written, or divided into smaller novels before they ever see the light of day. I have some plays and short stories I’ve written as well, but I don’t really count those.

I don’t spend all day writing. I think part of the reason people think I have a lot of words under my belt is because I’m young. I’ve always known that I wanted to be a writer, so write I did. When I’ve been grabbed by a story, I devote time and I try to see it through.

I see it this way. A novel is about 60,000 words (less than that is generally considered a novella. Within is 50,000 words, so it’s a novella!). It takes me about an hour to write 1,000 words. I can write more than than in an hour once I get going. So, if you were extremely diligent, you could write a 60,000 word novel in 60 days.

Of course, it doesn’t always happen that way. Life gets in the way sometimes. Distractions are abundant, especially in the face of a deadline. I find that I tend to put a project down when it’s 90% complete. I don’t know why I do this. It’s like I need the last push, one last ra-ra team before the race ends. I told myself to finish The Violet Fox in December 2011, but it didn’t actually get finished until May 2012. I put it down to focus on building my freelancing clientele, and I was successful in doing that.

Contests and writing initiatives like the 3-Day-Novel Contest (where I first wrote Within) and NaNoWriMo are great opportunities to get words down on paper (or on the screen). For the 3-Day-Novel contest, you have to write 100 pages (about 25,000 words) in three days. For NaNoWriMo, you have to write 50,000 words in a month. I haven’t actually completed NaNoWriMo yet. I started one year but life got in the way. It would be nice to use it unofficially to finish up some of the works I’ve got in progress.

Writing is only part of completing a novel. Research is another part. Even if you’re writing a fantasy novel, you still have to develop a world. I keep a separate document of world-building information for The Violet Fox handy when I write, in case I need to reference something.

I also have an advantage that others may not share. I work from home. I don’t have to waste time sitting in traffic. I’m usually very busy with clients, but I set my own schedule. This allows me to set aside the time I need to work on my writing, or the marketing of said writing.

So how can you improve your word count?

1. Time management

How long will it take you to write 1,000 words? 500 words? Choosing a smaller word count like this will give you a small goal to work towards. Once you figure out your writing speed, you can judge the amount of time per day or per week you have to set aside to complete the novel.

2. To-Do Lists.

Making a to-do list is the first step. Following through on it is another. I find that writing down 3 things I want to do in one day works for me. Three things is manageable. Writing down 10 or 20 things and then trying to accomplish them can make you feel stressed, which will discourage you completely. To tie in with the first point, writing down an estimated time it will take to complete the task next to the task itself also helps me manage my day.

3. Stop talking, start writing.

Stop talking about how you’d like to write a novel and set aside the time to do it. You are only a writer if you write.

Oh. And one more thing. Surrounding myself with positive people who encourage me to write more also boosts my word count. Don’t take your built-in support--your family and your friends--for granted. They are your foundation for continuing your writing journey.

That, and sweet, delicious energy drinks. Mmmm....

 

Congratulations! You've spotted The Violet Fox. Report her to the authorities for a chance to win!

Instructions:

1. Copy the URL of this blog post

2. Paste it in the appropriate CATCH THE VIOLET FOX Rafflecopter entry option (Catch Me #1 for CATCH THE VIOLET FOX #1, Catch Me #2 for CATCH THE VIOLET FOX #2, etc).

3. Spot the Violet Fox 5 times for more entries into the grand giveaway!

Stay tuned. Those who are vigilant with their spotting of The Violet Fox may be eligible for extra prizes ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week of Awesome #1 JENNY PLAGUE-BRINGER by JLBryan

It's not everyday that I review a book here. As a matter of fact it's been months and months since I have done one and there are some very good reasons for that. The first reasons is, I am an author not a book reviewer. I do read books, rarely do I stop; however, I don't like giving bad reviews because writing is an art form. I could look at a priceless Picasso and think, what a load of absolute crap.

And that helps no one.

Another, more pressing reasons is-- people won't stop asking me to do book reviews. I get an obscure number of people reuqesting on twitter, Goodreads, and even via comments on my blog to accept a FREE copy of their book and write them a review. I never know these people, nor have I heard of them; and if I even took up half their offers I'd never have time to write anything of my own. But I do sometimes write book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads without being asked.

It's not that I don't want to help you, it's just that we should maybe get to know each other first.

Now that I have said all that, are you ready for:

All book reviews, of all awesome books. Well at least three of them.

Today I am reviewing Jenny Plague--Bringer by JLBryan. I bought the book myself here. As soon as I could get my pretty little Skeleton hands on it. I breezed through it in less than 24 hours with 5 kids, and looming deadlines. It wasn't that I couldn't put it down, because I had to; it was that it drove me insane until I picked it back up again.

It's an odd thing, living through two worlds in the same book. There is unraveling nonstop. Even though the book opens with what seems to be a happy ending, Jenny feels as though it is impossible for her to really have one. Dozens of other lifetimes with with horrible ends threaten to consume her, even as her beautiful love story continues on.

Then Jenny finds out she is pregnant, and things go from looming disaster to all out panic.

I love Seth, Jenny's opposite and baby daddy in this book. He is a rock that refuses to crumble as their life together cracks like glass that should have bever been tread on below their feet.

As much as I wish it wasn't the last, JPB was an amazing and artful end to the series I have grown to love. It's hard to believe how long it's been since I first heard of JL from Amanda Hocking. Jenny Pox, the first book in the series, is free on Amazon. I suggest you pick it up and start this amazing paranormal adventure for yourself.

Stalk JL (Jeffery) on Twitter: here
See his blog here: www.jlbryanbooks.com/

W.I.P. Hop

Jamie B. tagged me in this W.I.P. Hop, and I figured it was best to play along because she has a manuscript of mine and I kind of wanted it to be edited, not eaten.

Just kidding! I love the chance to talk about the things I am working on because I am excited about them and it's a great way to build buzz for future releases.

Here is what has to be done:

Answer the ten questions about your current WIP (Work In Progress) on your blog.
Tag five other writers/bloggers and add their links so we can hop over and meet them.

Onwards!

What is the working title of your book? Bone Deep (A Skeleton Lake Novella for Alex & Lena)

Where did the idea come from for the book? These days I am living in the Skeleton Lake universe a lot. Getting the first book ready for re-release, and the first novella (The Skeleton Song) ready to go with it. I am also editing the next book in the series (Dust of the Dead Sea) and writing, when the mood is miserable, the rest of the series. Sadly we lose track of some of my favorite Skeletons; Alex and Lena in the second book and that made me sad. There is a whole host of new characters to keep you entertained in DotDS but their absence had been bothering me since the books completion. This novella Bone Deep will be released between Dust of the Dead Sea and The Desert of Ash & Waves

so we can catch up with Alex and Lena before we catch up with them. w i n k   w  i n  k

What genre does your book fall under? Dark paranormal romance.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? She is a bit old but I'd have Jayne Wisener as lovely Lena (she played Joanna in Sweeney Todd) She is exactly what I think Lena looks like. For Alex I'd pick Logan Lerman. (Percy Jackson) He has the look, even if that movie book rendition was IMO awful lol.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? I just finished it this weekend so I haven't really thought about it. Let's go with. Love can live lifetimes, bone deep.
 

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Why are those the only two options? ;)

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 2.5 fever induced days. Don't ask.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? Would it be cheating to compare it to the other books in the series? I guess so. The series tends, as a whole, to be darker and moodier than most other paranormal romance books out there. It is not a horror book--but if you were to say, let Tim Burton do-over Twilight then perhaps The Hollows Series would be as dark and as whimsical as that. With less scrabooking herpes encrusted vamps and more Corpse Bride.
 

Who or What inspired you to write this book? You know, there was one person who reviewed Skeleton Lake--and I am sorry I don't recall who off the top of my head; who said they were TEAM ALEX and I got thinking. I am pretty team Alex too.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? Sometimes it's nice to read about love when it's not so complicated. This is a book where even though the world is a mess the characters make love look easy.

My people:
Clare Marshall
Larry Kollar
S.M. Reine
Heather Jacob
Patricia Lynne

The Worst Time of Year to be a Military Kid

You might not know this about me, but I am a military wife. My husband is in the USAF, and that can make life hard for the whole family. Sometimes daddy misses Holidays or birthdays, and we have always had to live away from home--home where the grandparents are; and not home where ever the Air Force sends us.

Sometimes we drive through four states to make it home for Christmas. Sometimes we brave the TSA and fly in for Fireworks in the 4th of July. Sometimes all we have is each other, and that is OK too. Being together is enough.

Except for this one time of year.

It's not Thanksgiving, or even trick or treating with out daddy for the third year in a row.

It's school fundraiser time.

I know that sounds completely petty and absurd, but I am writing this blog because it is breaking my heart and I can't fix it.

The school has let the fundraiser people come in, and drill into all the kids heads that they aren't doing their part unless they sell ten items each. My only two school aged kids got their packets Friday and have asked about it constantly since then. I feel so bad for them, they are so excited. With each order form and catalogue they also passed out a PRIZE sheet. You get prizes for selling things and the kids are practically salivating at the idea. Only I don't know who they are going to sell to. My oldest daughter, Clover who is 7; keeps suggesting people we can ask. She lists off the parents of all her friends, and unfortunately they all have kids that go to our school too.

Did I mention our school is on an Air Force base? The one we live on? The one my husband works on? So all our of neighbors and most of my husbands coworkers have kids at the school. The ones who don't... well lets just say, everyone knows who they are and are looking for them Monday morning. Add no family any closer to Nevada than Texas and you don't exactly have a recipe for fundraising success.

I tell them that, while I don't want to discourage them, we face unique challenges. I can't afford to buy 20 rolls of wrapping paper with out it coming out of the kids Holiday gift budget. So sweet little Violet who is 6 in just a couple of short weeks suggested I ask all my friends on the Internet. At first I shrugged her off, because I didn't think it would work. But earlier this evening when I was telling my friends on facebook why fundraiser time on an Air Force base is the pits, Clover's voice popped into my head saying we should at least try. Which is what she says every time she brings up the fundraiser. Which is at least twenty times since Friday. So I said, I am going to BLOG about this. I can't promise anyone will buy anything--but if just on person does that will help.

So if you can spare a few bucks in the bad economy to help the Kulig kids school and self esteem, we'd really appreciate it. I know it's asking for a lot, and I don't expect a huge success from this but since they have finally caught on to the fact that it's hard for military schools--this fundraiser has a website people can buy things. Each kiddo has their own link which is attached to their picture
below.

Clover likes:
Butterflies, math, science, art and staying out too late riding her bike.

When she grows up, she wants to fight fires and sell books. Hopefully not at the same time.

Violet likes:
Writing her own books, anything her sister has, and the color violet.

When she grows up, she hopes to be on youtube.
Lord, save me now.

Thanks for reading this far guys. It means a lot to me. More reading, writing, and bookish things will resume later in the week. Hopefully when I am done biting my nails over this ridiculous little bump in the road to happiness.

*Cover Reveal* JUST FOR NOW (Sea Breeze, #4) by Abbi Glines via AToMR Tours

Oh Abbi Glines, you guys know how I love her! So of course I signed up to do the cover reveal for Just for Now, the 4th book in the Sea Breeze series. It is due out around 11/26. Check the deets below, and if you haven't ready Abbi's current releases go, just go and get them ASAP! She never fails to impress me.

Oogle the Cover by Stephanie Mooney of Mooney Designs

Book description:

The day Preston Drake figured out that wealthy women paid well for a set of tight abs and a pretty face his life turned around.

The run down rat-infested trailer he had shared with his alcoholic mother and three younger siblings was now only a place he visited to pay the bills and stock the pantry with food.

He no longer worried about his family starving or living without electricity. The money he made entertaining rich older women more than covered his family’s needs and his own. He had it all figured out. Except…

There was this girl.

She was as innocent as he was tainted.

Amanda Hardy wished her knees didn’t get weak when Preston walked into a room. She hated the fact her heart raced when he flashed his smile in her direction. He had a different girl in his bed every night. He was the kind of boy a smart girl ran from. So, why was she coming up with ways to get close to him? Even when it was obvious he wanted to keep her at a distance.

Maybe her heart knew something the world didn’t. Maybe Preston Drake was more than just a pretty face.

Now check out the sweet book trailer by Hellion Works:

 

 

If you're here, that means you aren't a rock dweller; and chances are you already follow Abbi Glines halfway around the internets--but just in case, here is the linkage:
Abbi Glines                                                     Facebook                                                Twitter

See the book trailer PALOOZA, then get GREEN WITH ENVY

Pay no attention to this logo... it means secret things to special people and if you don't know I'm not supposed to tell you yet.

Just kidding! My friends and I have been working on it behind the scenes for a while now. GEP is what I think is probably the first ever publishing cooperative. It's a long story and there are many, many inside jokes involved but there will be a lot more details on this soon! I just realized it was on there so I thought I should probably bring it up.



The Skeleton Song now has it's own official book trailer! Look for the release annoucement soon!


To fit in with the incrowd, Skeleton Lake now has a new book trailer:

Angela Kulig Confesses to Terrible Things

I admit it, I was the one who ate the last pack of Oreos--even if I let my husband think the kids did it! And it's true, I did want to bite my brother in law's head off when he underhandedly suggested I didn't know how to keep my email from being hacked.


But Alas, that's not the point of Patty's confession blog hop.
So I am supposed to talk about confessions in writing, reading, that sort of thing--easy as my life revolves around it; here we go.

I want to give up, all the time. That is why I am always in a hurry, that is why I never stop, because I worry if I do it will be the end of Angela Kulig--the author, and that is who I have wanted to be since I was twelve years old. It's something like almost dying every single day.

The thought of failure burns, like a new cut on an old scar and it's all I can think about. If I could have a do over of last year I'd take it. I'd never have signed with a publisher at all, I'd have a hired an editor (or three) for Skeleton Lake and not have been so trusting.

No one is perfect, and I am jealous of all of them.

Actually, that last one is a lie. I used to have serious jealousy issues with other writers that I somehow overcame. OK--it has something to do with those thousands of people who downloaded my book. thank you. You made it to where even if I died today I would have done better than 90% of the authors out there. You made me realize that I do have potential. That my life as a writer is not over. That maybe those endless stories in my head are worth writing, are worth reading.

I have written over forty books, and I am terrified of people reading them. But I am getting over it.

I read Amish fiction--don't judge me! Sometimes I need something as wholesome as a bowl of Quaker oats with no paranormal beasties or bleakness.

Sometimes I fantasize about becoming someone else and starting over.

And sometimes I ramble on in my blog posts as some kind of therapy that usually makes me feel better.

But not always.

The 3 Day Novel Contest aka My Natural Habitat

I've been a pretty lazy blogger as of late, and there are some very good reasons for that. First I have a nine week old--then I wrote a book, finished another book (almost), and have been re-editing two others AND gearing up for my FAVORITE time of year. It used to be Halloween, then Christmas--now it's Labor Day weekend and the 3 Day Novel contest. It is my third year, and I am hoping that makes it lucky! So far I love my story and have managed to avoid any accidental plot pitfalls. WIN!

There is another reason I really love 3 Day Novel, and it is because it always gets me back on track. I am sure lots of people finish the contest and need some serious time to recover--but for me I always end up wishing I could write all my novels in 3 days. Lately it's been hard for me to finish anything and everything, and this always feels like recharging my battery. It's really what I need to move forward with the release of more of my books. So many are just sitting around so close, they just need a little more love and after this I am sure I will be able to give them the time they need. I really need 3DNC to be a bi-annual event. Maybe I will come up with my own thing for spring ;)

END: An Apocalyptic Anthology $0.00 for Kindle

Just a quick update, as I have a very challenging blog scheduled for tomorrow-- END: An Apocalyptic Anthology; is currently free for Kindle. I didn't know of the sale in advance, or I would have warned you! Run and get it because I don't know when it's ending either. I feel sort of like this is somehow opening wounds I just stitched shut. My story in it called, A Starshot in Hell was what got me on Red Iris last year. I'm feeling nostalgic, so go download it then give me some love!

Here is the blurb about my piece:
Trapped on a dying Earth, Eden must decide to flee with a man she hardly knows or stand her ground as it crumbles below her feet .

P.S.
Tell everyone you know, and then leave a comment ;)

An Over Abundance of Works In Progress

Patty, (who btw won the ebook copy of Existence) tagged me on her blog challenging me to talk about myself--er talk about my works in progress which to me is sort of the same diff. She said she added me because she knew I had, "An abundance of WIPS," and she was absolutely right. I am going to preface this by saying, I usually only work on 3-4 projects at once. I know to a lot of people that sounds like a lot. Really, it's the only way I can get as much done as I do. Not because of the numbers involved, but because if I need a break/get stuck/ want to throw my manuscript at the wall (not that it has ever happened to me) I can turn and work on something else. Right now, that number is a lot higher. Why? Because I just had a baby. I know that makes no sense. The truth is, I am behind schedule. I will be caught back up in October, and until then I am working on [almost] too many to count. THEN I got to pick 5 peeps to torture.

These books are getting ready for publication, or re-publication. After my split with Red Iris I had a mini freak out. I went from living on someone else's schedule (I had deadlines which were contracted) to being able to do whatever I want. My plans all had to change, and it took me a few weeks to be completely fine with that and to find people that could help make the process easier.

I make myself edit at least 3 pages of this book everyday. Even if I don't want too, even if I need sleep. Even if I end up doing it at 3am while blurred eyed and feeding a newborn. I really don't want to be.. not because I don't like the book, because I do. The Desert of Ash and Waves is book 3 of Skeleton Lake series and I think it's my favorite.They tend to get (in my humble opinion) better because I like Marlow a lot more as she grows up. It's also the longest, and spans the most miles. The reason I'd rather not be editing is is because it's going to be so long before it comes out. The re-release of Skeleton Lake and the release of Skeleton Song, will happen *likely* on or before the anniversary of Skeleton Lake which is October 27th. Then this second book, Dust of the Dead Sea isn't even scheduled yet. I am due to completely rework my 2012-2013 schedule as soon as baby Thistle sleeps through the night. I started to tell you a little bit about The Desert of Ash & Waves but you'd be pretty lost. But we know from the end of Skeleton Lake that Marlow, Raiden, and Conrad are headed away from Skeleton Lake. Sadly, for them being away from home is going to become something of a trend.

Granted is a book I am really excited about. For a a multitude of reasons. The first is, it takes the place of Pigments of My Imagination in my SOUL. By that I mean, though they are very different books they both occupy the same part of my heart. They are both Supernatural Romance books--which is a sub genre I have been listing more and more. Essentially, they are like paranormal romance books but my paranormal books tend to be darker and live in universes that give Tim Burton's movies a run for their money; they also contain paranormal creatures, though they don't seem to be standards, like vampire and werewolves. In my opinion, my supernatural books read more like contemporary fiction with supernatural elements. The world they exist in is our world, often beautiful, often ugly, but it feels like home. That is the difference in what I label my books. Since Granted is the first book in a trilogy, let me tell you a little something about it. I didn't think this out if advance, so hopefully it will do the concept justice. It is something like a fairy tale. Though if you know me, you know I couldn't just do that. The main characters are a Saudi Prince and the average duct-tape loving girl next door. This isn't a Cinderella story. Their happily ever after could never come in a castle, because first they have to overcome everything they have already earned--severe reward, and severe punishment. Even if they do manage to escape the destinies that have been gifted to them, they won't be able to remember doing it. I thought about subbing it out before publishing it. What do you think? Currently I am working on making the side story just right. It's young adult if that wasn't obvious.

Those Damned DeLeons. I often tweet when I get book ideas, and if you pay attention you would know I claim to always get them in 3's. I thought if Pigments, Skeleton Lake, and this book within days of each other. That was a particularly good run, they aren't always three good ideas. Anyway, TDD for short, is a paranormal sudo romance that is almost but not quite a middle grade book. The world of TDD is the best and most horrible I have ever dreamed up. In it, three boys sell there soul to devil to payback their fathers debt. It doesn't even seem like such a horrible gig, they won't age a day and time doesn't pass the same way in hell. No one will even miss them--that is, if there is enough human in them left to return. The secrets of the world are woven around like spider's silk, sometimes if I touch it wrong I screw up a whole lote more than I meant too.

One more! I am currently plotting this book for the 3 Day Novel Contest. You will be hearing a lot about that later. This is my third year entering the contest and I am super excited about it. I thought up this book while tweeting the other day, I had another book slated to write labor day weekend but I decided it had to be this. The Gods of Market Street, my first ever adult paranormal book.

Ok I'm done now. I know I am leaving some things out (like every last one of my middle grade projects. That query letter I have been meaning to get to and two anthology pieces) but this was what I could recall WRITE Now. Here is who I am tagging (now run off and tell me about your WIPs) I choose 5, then you choose 5. Move it or lose it Mr. Far, Heather Jacobs, Maurice Lawless, Ali Cross, and Tiffany King.

Revisting Oral Fixation

I once wrote a blog dedicated to writers, and their oral fixations. Why it was important, and why we are all just really really weird. It can be found here:

http://www.angelakulig.com/2011/06/writing-process-demystified-2-oral.html

(Seriously, you need to read it. I just did and I even laughed at my own jokes. )

Stranger still is the number of people who find angelakulig.com by searching things like, "Do I have an oral fixation", and "I'm embarrassed by more oral fixation." Since for whatever reason it's such a big hit, I have decided it's time to revisit the topic. This time in the form of fictional characters, because even the make believe have oral fixations.

I believe it was the Twilight series that made me feel as though I had been SLAPPED every time a certain someone bit their lip. To this day I still inwardly recoil when I read it in other books (mine included) so I've been working on keeping track of original oral fixations. Things like pencil chewing, and fingernail biting are totally played out yo. So tell me characters you love and love to hate who have oral fixations. There are thousands, so don't worry, there will not be a test.

Don't Miss Out On Your Chance to WIN



Just a recap, I am having some awesome giveaways and you want to win--if you haven't entered yet stop being a rock dweller and do it!

Enter to win an ebook copy of Existence by Abbi Glines.

From Goodreads:
What happens when you're stalked by Death? You fall in love with him, of course.

Pagan Moore doesn't cheat Death, but instead, falls in love with him.

Seventeen year old Pagan Moore has seen souls her entire life. Once she realized the strangers she often saw walking through walls were not visible to anyone else, she started ignoring them. If she didn't let them know she could see them, then they left her alone. Until she stepped out of her car the first day of school and saw an incredibly sexy guy lounging on a picnic table, watching her with an amused smirk on his face. Problem is, she knows he's dead.

Not only does he not go away when she ignores him, but he does something none of the others have ever done. He speaks. Pagan is fascinated by the soul. What she doesn't realize is that her appointed time to die is drawing near and the wickedly beautiful soul she is falling in love with is not a soul at all.

He is Death and he's about to break all the rules.
Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card.

All prizes are provided by myself--because that is how I roll.



Cover Reveal! OPTIONS by Abbi Glines

You guys know I usually don't do this. Because I don't pimp books by people just because I love those people. I have to love the books too, so when I heard Abbi Glines announced an awesome new paranormal series I made sure I got to be a part of the cover reveal! OPTIONS is making its way to our plane of existence February 2013. So here it is:

From Goodreads:
Two paths.
Two completely different roads.
Each one standing before me.
Each one holding a different destiny.


In life you're just supposed to choose one path. 
In life you're not given the chance at choosing one specific future.


Until now.
Until me.


Why am I different? I don't know. But I'm going to see those roads and walk down each one. When it's over I'll know which one to choose because I'll know my - options.

Abbi Glines is amazing. She has been one of my all time favorite things about 2012. Every book I have read by her I have enjoyed.

*The cover was designed by Stephanie Mooney from Mooney Design*

Abbi Glines is AWESOME, definitely my favorite author I discovered in 2012. Here is a list of all the books I have read from her, and this I can personally recommend.

Contemporary YA

The Vincent Boys & The Vincent Brothers: I honestly have no idea why I sat down to read The Vincent Boys. I had never heard of Abbi Glines and I read contemporary anything once in practically never. I can't even remember reading any before this outside of junior high, but I did and boy was that lucky for all of us!

Basically I love Beau and Sawyer and you will too. Just read it so I don't have to go all fan girly. Trust me, know one wants to see that.

Paranormal Romance

Existence & Predestined: It's no secret. I practically breathe para anything, so it shouldn't be a surprise that Existence is my favorite book by Abbi Glines. Death shouldn't be this sexy.

Want to WIN an ebook of Existence by Abbi Glines? Well, you can here. While you are at it check out my other current giveaway. (All prizes are provided by myself)



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Abbi is lots of descriptive A words! Make sure you stalk her properly!

Tell Me About Your Birth Order, & the Birth Order of Fictional People

So after talking to my father today about the car he was considering buying my "baby" sister I began to think about birth order and how it pertains to fiction and real life. Now, the man and I are both oldest children (who by the way bought there own cars) and I feel as though we are quite a lot different then our siblings. Our personalities are different, the way we feel about our world is different, and we live our lives differently.

How does this translate to fiction--are there stereotypes that appear in literature and would you say they are there for a good reason?

Now I want you to think about your favorite books. Tell me about the characters in them. Are they only children, oldest children, babies? And do you think that impacts the story and how so?

Comment here with your answer for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Giftcard or e-giftcard

Top #10 Things to Do While Twitter is Down

I don't usually blog on Thursdays, but since I'm quite sure only a ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE (or like Olympic soccer fans which is really the same diff) could make Twitter crash I would just get on with it before they get here and eat my flesh.

#10 PANIC!
Of course, why didn't I think of that!

#9 Look up all your best Twitter friends on all the other social media sites you don't love as much as Twitter.
I dig digi stalking.

#8 Check your Klout score, read why I think it is important, and give me +K
Dooo it!

#7 Add Books to your To Be Read Pile on Goodreads you can add Pigments of My Imagination here.

#6 Tell a real life friend about a real life indie author you usually support on Twitter.

#5 Get a really catchy (and horrible) song stuck in your head. I have supercalafrag--or however you spell it stuck in mine.
Kill it with fire.

#4 Ready your emergency supply kit in the unlikely event this carries on all day (or worse, into the night)

#3 Cook and eat something that did not come in a box, a paper bag, or from your mother.

#2 PANIC
Really should have seen that one coming.

And the #1 you can do while Twitter is down.....

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#1 Leave a comment on Angela Kulig's blog (and everyone else's you will read during your now copious amounts of free time) They will love you (and me) for it.

Yes, I Have Contracted the Deadly Facebook Author Page.

Being an author in the age of facebook is rough. You've got your name up there on the Internet where people can tell you exactly what the think of you, and facebook makes it easy for your mother to see what people think of you too. Author pages are the worst, because they are YOU and people get to 'like' you, and if they don't like you then you have to revisit all of those inadequacies left over from Junior High.

In the 6th grade, I was the far superior Queen of the Faeries in A Midsummer Night's Dream but that other chick had a better costume.

Wait, what was I talking about again?

Oh right, I got a brand new facebook author page last night and no one likes me. OK some people like me, but I'm a Libra, I like feeling popular. If I don't then there is all this ugly self doubt--which is funny you should see my horoscope for today. It actually says self doubt is a waste of my time! Which it is, but I never claimed to always be completely rational.

So save my splintering ego.

Check out my facebook author page and show me some love. When you are there you can even pick up your free Pigments of My Imagination book mark. They are awesome looking.

Also, big announcements coming soon! Like as soon as I quit being a coward soon. I hate deadlines with a newborn.

Need to stalk me elsewhere on the internets? Here are all the links you need. I'd love to stalk you too.