Get out the Vote! What's YOUR Favorite Title?

Hi, guys!

Thanks for bearing with me lately on the blogging.  Life has been crazy around here, with family emergencies, work, and a flurry of visiting relations.

Now that it's fall things should be settling down, which makes it the perfect time for writing, and of course, blogging!

Now, I owe you guys a vote!

Several awesome blog followers entered my Name that E-Book Contest, submitting possible titles for the new Fairytale Assassin adventure for the chance at a free copy, a dedication in the e-book, and a $15 Amazon giftcard.

Well, it's time to vote for your favorite, my friends :).  Here are my top three picks for my tale, based on the Rumplestiltskin story:

1. Greed
2. Avarice
3. Spun Gold

So, you tell me!

What's the best name, and who is our lucky winner?  Please leave your votes in the comments, and support Kimmy and Nichole, our two finalists!

___

Above is a sneak peak at the cover for the next Fairytale Assassin story, coming soon!  Woo hooo!

Baring Your Soul

When you're writing, do you ever feel like you're baring your soul?  Or at least having one of those weird dreams where you're walking down the hall naked and the only one who knows it is you?

I do.

I was thinking about this today, and wondering why we writers don't feel shy when we write, even though we're usually a shyer bunch face to face. 

After all, when we write a scary scene, aren't we telling people what scares us?  And when we write a love scene, aren't we telling the world what turns us on?

Aren't we showing our own views on life, religion, social interaction, and even good versus evil with every story we write?

What do you guys think?  :) 

Do you think a writer bares a part of themselves when they write?  If so, are you shy about it, or do you love the freedom?

_______
Coming tomorrow:  We'll vote for my Name that E-Book Contest winner!

How Do You Define "Crap?"

There was an interesting post over at J.A. Konrath's blog recently that I wanted to get your opinion on:
http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2011/07/be-deliberate.html

He basically theorizes that when writers are deliberate... it's impossible for them to write crap.

He also states that people who leave 1 star reviews are usually dummies who aren't truly thinking about whether they are being objective or subjective.

I have my own opinions on this, but I'd love to hear yours :).  Is it possible for a deliberate writer who understands basic form stuff like proper grammar, to write True Crap?  Are 1 star reviews objective?

What do you think?

Terrified of Failure--Terrified of Success

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so?"



- Marianne Williamson

Confession time, gang.

I always thought this quote was bullshit until three days ago.  Why would anyone be afraid of success?  Now... I understand it for the first time in my life.

Well, what the heck happened three days ago, you ask?  Some weird new pattern started that is now scaring the hell out of me.

Last Friday I saw an uptick in my book sales. I'd been selling a modest 3-10 a day (which for me was a great improvement over the last couple of weeks of June), and was hoping above hope that maybe I could double my sales this month and hit somewhere in the 250-300 sales range total.  Well, Friday I sold 29 books.

"What the heck, Friday? Why are you being weird," I thought.  My Fairytale Assassin short stories No Rest for the Wicked had started selling for free over at Amazon the day before, and I was super excited to see if it drove my other sales higher.  My Alter Ego also had a story go free, so yay! Double interested to see what happened.

I woke up on Saturday morning and wandered over to the computer to compulsively check my sales, per usual, and cocked my head to one side at the oddly inflated numbers before me. This has to be some sort of mistake, or perhaps Amazon is playing a cruel joke on me, a-la the pigs blood dumped on Carrie.  This cannot possibly be the correct number.

I checked my stats, then I checked my rankings, then I checked my pulse because I felt like I was having a heartattack.  I sold 207 e-books on Saturday between my two names.  Earlier that week I'd been stoked because I'd broken 7.

My heart was hammering out of my chest all day, and I realized, much to my surprise and dismay, that I was terrified out of my skull. 

This shouldn't be happening, or at least not to me. It had to be a fluke, and everything would be normal again the next day. I would go back to slow-and-steady, dreaming of a successful future that was always just out of reach. All would be as it should be.

Yesterday, I sold 215 books, and today I'm already nearing 120 with my busiest time of day ahead of me.  I've now sold 620-something books this month, and if this continues, I'll have sold 4600 by month's end. 

I feel like I'm a hampster and an eagle just spotted me from above.

I'm sweaty, and I haven't been sleeping well.  I keep waking up in the middle of the night and feeling the anxiety coursing through me.

If sales keep doing this, I'll be able to quit my day job and start living my dream in 2-3 months.  Yet... I'm more scared about this journey than ever before.  Why?

Because, I'm not worthy.

Sure, I've worked hard, but it's too good, so it shouldn't be happening to me.

I feel guilty.  I don't deserve this.

Why do I get to live my dream?  Why do I get to be lucky?

Why am I being given this gift?  This opportunity?


I finally get the quote.

Yesterday I told my husband my fears that I don't deserve this.  He's a rational dude, so he pointed out that I've been struggling on the journey to become a full time writer for years now.  I've been writing my entire life, and working toward getting published since easily 2005 if not earlier.  I've studied, I've honed my craft.  I've written, and written, and written.  I've put in a shit ton of hours on this dream.

Why shouldn't I get a bit of luck?  Why am I so scared of achieving my goal?

The other half of that quote spoke to me today as I was looking it up for this post:

"You are a child of God, small games do not work in this world. For those around us to feel peace, it is not example to make ourselves small. We were born to express the glory of god that lives in us. It is not in some of us, it is in all of us. While we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. When we liberate ourselves from our own fears, simply our presence may liberate others."

How cool is that? :)

I felt peace reading that just now, because I want that.  I want to give others permission to dream upon seeing that I'm seeking mine out and achieving it.  I want to express God's glory in my life.

I want others to have the boldness to shine and to allow myself to do the same.

If this is my time to achieve my dream, then it will be an example to other folks out there ready to take that first step.  We CAN do this.  This is possible!

We can shine together.


... so why am I still a little freaked out? :P


What about you?  Do you fear success as much as failure?  Why or why not?

I Need Your Help: Which Fairytale Should I Do Next?

Calling all readers!

I need YOU to help me decide which Fairytale villain to write about next :).  You'll notice there is a poll to the right of this post ======> 

Please select a favorite Fairytale, or add one to the comments. 

As you may know, in my first short story collection, NO REST FOR THE WICKED is about a Fairytale Assassin named Veronica Grim. In this world, fairytale villains are real, and only one woman is crazy enough to hunt them down. No Rest for the Wicked had a twisted take on Bluebeard in the story "Blood Don't Lie," and my own sick version of Snow White in "Heartless."

CARNIVORE is the next story in the series, a darker version of Little Red Riding Hood.

So, I ask you, friends.... Who should Veronica Grim face next?

Take the poll and comment below, and I'll enter you to win a free copy of the next book in the series!

Thanks for your help! :)

Finding Yourself as a Writer

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan amused and impressed me by being the first (and only) person to pose with a sword for entries in my Launch Day Giveaway.  You rock, Sandra!

Because of you, I decided to do the same thing. I mean, who doesn't need a picture of themselves with a sword, amirite??

However, taking this picture brought forth several questions:

1. Why do I own leather pants? Seriously? When did this happen, and why was I able to locate them so quickly?
2. My husband's chain mail is crazy heavy. Just wandering around the house in it was a workout. Medieval dudes must have been buff as hell.
3. I own way too many books. The shelves behind me are just part of a larger Book Wall, and I still have boxes of books in the garage, not to mention a pile by the bed that threatens to crush me in my sleep.  Perhaps it is time to go digital.
4. My "serious business" sword-face is more like a "I want cake" face.

Along with these questions and discoveries, I've been thinking a lot lately about where I want to go as a writer.  Indie publishing has opened up whole new worlds that I've never thought were possible, namely selling short stories and writing across multiple genres.

Lately, I've been working on two more Veronica Grim short stories so I can release Part II of No Rest for the Wicked.  I love these stories.  They are so incredibly fun to write :).  The idea is that fairy tale villains are real, and there are special agents sent to take them out.  One of these agents is Veronica Grim, and she is very good at what she does.  There are shoot outs, dwarves, and snappy one-liners, and I am loving every minute of creating these.

But this is not, how do you say, Serious Business.  This is silly and fun and dark.  Shouldn't I be writing something Meaningful and Important instead?

I was talking about this with my husband last night, and the following conversation took place:

Him:  Well, the way I see it, it's like actors in Hollywood. Some are Tom Hanks, who is great, and then some are, you know..
Me:  Daniel Day Lewis?

Him:  Exactly!  Some only make four movies and are uber dramatic.

Me:  And live in a tent for six months psyching themselves up for their Oscar role.

Him:  Right.  But not everyone has to be Daniel Day Lewis.

Me:  Yeah, or wants to.  I don't want to be Daniel Day Lewis.

Him:  Then don't be.

Me: .....  What if I turn out to be Bruce Campbell (star of Army of Darkness)

Him:  *laughs*  That would be awesome.


So, I suppose what I'm getting at is, indie publishing is allowing me to explore who I am and who I want to be as a writer.  If I want to write campy fairy tale noir, I can do that.  If I want to write horror (which I would like to try), then I can do that, too.  If I want to do a sequel to LEGACY, I can do all of it. 

I can do whatever I want.  I have control over my career. 

I can be Bruce Campbell if I'm meant to be Bruce Campbell :). 

Or maybe I'll be Christopher Walken... I haven't decided yet.


My question to you is, who are you as a writer?  Are you okay with that? 

When are you having the most FUN when you're writing?

***

Bonus question! Which hollywood actor is your writing career like?

Tell-the-Truth Thursday!

This is a tradition that I shamelessly stole from the lovely Lisa & Laura Roeker over at Lisa & Laura Write.  These gals are some of my favorite people because of their hilarious blogging, and now they even have a book out!  (Check out The Liar Society  if you need a good YA read.  I have yet to buy it, but this will be remedied shortly!)

ANYWHO, once per week, it's time to spill.

'Fess up.

Air the dirty laundry.


That's right.... it's time to Tell the Truth!


Here are my truths this Thursday:

1.  When I have a new project, I lose my freaking mind.  If you doubt me on this one, ask my poor, eternally patient husband.  This past weekend I was working feverishly on my short stories, and realized I was slipping into old habits of going bat tits insane whenever I have a project I'm excited about.  When I'm like this I have two speeds:  Cracked Out and Asleep.  I don't have time for silly things like "food" or "not working on stuff" because I can eat and not work on stuff when I'm dead, RIGHT GUYS.  Oh...wait...

Apparently, that whole "balance in all things" mantra requires a little practice ;).

2.  I love pork rinds.  I recently discovered low-carb dieting this year while losing a few pounderoos, but this means I also discovered the sweet siren song of Los Chicarrones, the most delicious way to eat pork fat since bacon.  And you don't even have to cook it!  You can just shovel them into your mouth while watching Biggest Loser, or dip them in cream cheese while writing.  Yes, I know this makes me a redneck. 

But if loving pork rinds is wrong, I don't want to be right!

3.  I have a total crush on Peter Dinklage.  Who is Peter Dinklage, you may be asking.  Well not only was his the super famous author dude in the movie Elf, but he is also playing Tyrion Lannister in the HBO series, Game of Thrones.  I mean, okay, he may not be the best choice for me, since he's 4'5", and I'm 5'9", but if he ever leaves his wife and my husband gets hit by a bus or something, he should totally call me. 

Maybe it's just because I *LOVE* the Song of Ice and Fire series written by George R. R. Martin, so maybe I'm transferring some love his way after watching that show.  Still, Peter, if you're reading this?  You're muy caliente. (like a spicy porkrind)


So, gentle readers, what are YOUR truths this Thursday?


Stealth edit:  I just googled "Peter Dinklage is" and HOT was one of the first things to come up.  HA!  Vindicated.

The Fight for Equal Rights Isn't Over

It's just shifted to a new battlefield.



These past couple of weeks, I've been absorbed in info about the current Prop 8 Trial.



In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, it's a case attempting to overthrow the ruling making gay marriage illegal in California. There's lots of good info on http://www.time.com/ covering it.



This is an issue that affects not only the GTBL, but all of us. No matter what side you're on, this is absolutely a moment in history that will be remembered. No matter what the outcome of this trial, America will be changed forever. Every minority has had to fight for their civil rights, and at this moment in time, it's the gay community.



As a Christian, I'm extremely passionate about equal rights for all. I try to live by the phrase "love you neighbor as yourself." That goes for every aspect of my life, from how I vote, to how I treat those different from myself. I believe everyone is equal in God's eyes, equally loved, and equally deserving of civil rights as well as respect.



I'll be waiting with bated breath to see how this goes. For those interested, on either side of the issue, you can find full transcripts HERE.



This is a deciding moment for all of us.



What are your thoughts?



Have you been following this trial? How do you think this will change America?

I Think I'm Sweating Actual Blood

I just finished my 2nd day of the "30 Day Shred" workout DVD and, well, it hurts to type.

And breathe air... I think it's working! :D

Seriously, my husband had to spot me both down and back up the stairs because my calves no longer work. Apparently one needs those for a variety of tasks, including, you know, walking.

All this brings me to ask, how are your goals going so far this year?

Which goals did you make, and how are you sticking with them?

My entire body hurt today, yet I still forced myself to do that damn workout again. Tomorrow? Yeah, going for a 3rd time. And I feel damn good about it.

All this means is that if my lazy self can do this, you can do ANYTHING you set your mind to.

So, how's it goin? :)

Business Cards For Writers: Will Write 4 Food!

Yesterday, I read a post that got me thinking. Is it a good idea for a querying writer to have business cards?

Check out this post on writer business card "dos" and "don'ts by editor Maria Schneider. She says that when she's reading queries from authors she often keeps their business cards even if she rejects them.

Why, you ask? Because she likes to network :), and business cards make a professional statement. Also, they're incredibly handy to have if you're at a writer's conference, a local bookstore, or anywhere else where you'll be networking with individuals in the publishing industry.

What do you guys think? Have you made or considered making business cards for yourselves?

Any "Dos" or "Don'ts" that you've encountered?

*See business card made of chocolate above for a definite "Do" ;).

To Buy or Not To Buy: HEAT WAVE by Richard Castle

I've been a fangirl of ABC's show CASTLE since last season :). For those of you who haven't seen it, it's a witty/fun show about a mystery writer working with (and getting in the way of) the NYPD as "research" for his next best seller.

And now, the most interesting part (besides Nathan Fillion), is that the show actually produced a book from the fictitious Richard Castle, based on the one he "wrote" last season!

It even comes complete with famous author blurbs jealously exclaiming Castle's brilliance in his latest novel. They really went for it... and it's hilarious.

My question for you is: Would you ever buy a book based on a TV show?

I've never bought any kind of adaptation novel, but think I may have to shell out for this bit of entertainment :).

What are your thoughts?

Publishing Debate: Harlequin Horizons

Or as I like to call it, Poo Storm 2009!

There's been a lot of drama in the publishing world this week surrounding Harlequin's announcement that they are opening their own vanity press, called Harlequin Horizons, and offering it to rejectees from their slush pile.

There was helpful info posted on the Writer Beware blog summing up the announcement and potential controversy, then the agents began posting fervently, keeping us in the loop!

Agent Kristen Nelson first asked if this was "Exploitation or Empowerment", then clued us in yesterday that the RWA had laid down some smack, letting everyone know that Harlequin was no longer recognized as a real publishing house because of this recent move. Yesterday, she filled us in on a letter from Donna Hayes, the Harlequin CEO, announcing that they were removing the Harlequin name from the vanity press due to all the hoopla from their authors (no kidding,) and that they thought the RWA were being jerks.

Janet Reid, the Query Shark herself, was also in the middle of the action, announcing the first signs of the approaching poo storm, revealing how pissed off she is that Harlequin seems to be preying on newbie authors, and then further endearing herself to authors everywhere by telling Donna Hayes to stop blowing smoke and basically either fix it or go take a long walk off a short pier.

Rachelle Gardner chimed in today with a rant on the quality of literature (which I totally agree with), and asking her readers their thoughts on vanity publishing as the wave of the future.

Even sci fi author John Scalzi threw his hat in the ring, discussing RWA, the MWA and SFWA all stepping in to chastise Harlequin.

Needless to say, this whole thing has made me feel like I'm taking crazy pills. I mean, seriously, Harlequin? I don't even want to know what their poor authors must be thinking.

So, my question for you is: What do you think of all this?

Exploitative or smart business move?

You Tell Me: Why NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is upon us once again.

Only 16 more days to get in your present shopping! Or... whatever it is one does before NaNo. NaNo tree? Manuscript carving? I've got nothin.

I've never participated in this great event, but almost all of my writer and blogger friends have and call themselves addicted. I'm not entirely sure why.

Is it a jump start to a new project? An exercise to get the juices flowing for a month and recharge? A way to crank out a for reals novel?

You tell me: Why do you love NaNoWriMo or Why are you participating for the first time?

As a curious bystander, I want to know what all the fuss is about! :)

You Tell Me: What Would You Like on Your Blog?

Remember those old Tombstone pizza commercials? Where the guy asks "What would you like on your tombstone?"

Well, now I ask you: What would you like on your blog? (And you can't say pepperoni and cheese!)

There are publishing blogs and writer blogs, aspiring author blogs and agent blogs. Where does that leave us here at Writer In Progress?

When I first created this blog, my hope was for it to be a place where writers could come to get a handle on the process of writing a novel, querying an agent, and basically share publishing tips, tricks, and resources.

I just realized I've been blogging for six months now (HOORAY!), and wanted to check in with you: What is it that you'd love to see more of on this blog?

Publishing news? Book reviews? Writing tips/tricks? Me ranting about revising my novel (hopefully this will change to "working on my new novel" soon)? Links and author resources?

You tell me :). You guys are the reason I started blogging in the first place!

I'd also like to thank you all, both my loyal readers and my new followers. Your comments and contributions are what make this blog a joy! Thank you for your input and for hanging out with me on a daily and weekly basis.

YOU ROCK!

Tell-the-Truth Tuesday!

Okay, it's confession time.

Today is the release date for THE HOLLOW, the debut of Jessica Verday Querytracker.net's first ever success story!

My confession?

When I first saw this picture on Jessica's blog of her staring longingly at her own books in an actual bookstore, all I could think about what how AWESOME it would be when I'm published to get a giant stack of my novels and roll around in it like Scrooge McDuck.

As you can see from this picture (taken straight from my brain), my books have "sparkly magic" on the cover, because I recently read that "sparkly magic" takes the cake for #1 Image on Fantasy Book Covers These Days.

Also, apparently I've become some kind of banker for pirates, because otherwise I'm not sure where all the gold came from. Even in my fantasies, I have no illusions of becoming rich as an author.

Anyway, I learned today that rolling around in piles of my own bound novel cackling with merriment and tossing them up into the air until they rain painfully down upon my face and chest...is my Writer Fantasy.

(Also notice that when I'm rolling in said book pile, my hair doesn't get messed up. It's my fantasy, so I do what I want!)

Any bizarre writer fantasies you'd like to get off your chests?

Oh, come on ;). Be honest. This is a safe place!

Also, anything you guys want to know about me? I'm feeling Truthful this Tuesday, so lay it on me!

How Long is Too Long?

Taking some time apart.

On a break.

Seeing other manuscripts.

We talk about how sometimes manuscripts need time to "cure," and taking time apart does us good as writers, but is there a point where "time apart" becomes abandonment?

My husband asked this question last night: How long is too long? He knows what I do (leave it alone for a week or so then go back), but asked what other writers do. My response: "Uhhhh... I have no idea?" I think he's secretly asking this so he can keep me toeing the line with my editing. So sneaky!

However, today to sate both my husband's curiosity and my own: YOU TELL ME :)!

How long do you let your manuscripts sit/age like a fine wine/cure/percolate, and when does it become pure, unadulterated procrastination?

How do you know the difference when it happens?

Is it a horrible, horrible trap?? (Okay, probably not, but inquiring minds want to know!)

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

What do you use Twitter for?

I admit it. I'm a Twitter N00b.

So far I tweet, but I'm worried that maybe I'm not using the site to its full potential.

Many writers say it's crucial for their networking, but I can't help but wonder--am I doin' it right?

A lot of you are internet experts and navigate social networking sites with the greatest of ease. How the heck do you guys do that, already?

Stealing a page out of Nathan Bransford's book, You tell Me:

How do you utilize Twitter as a writer?

How has it helped/hindered you?

I'd love to hear from you!

Thank you in advance for your brilliant comments :).