Step into my Hell

Closed

2009-03-23T14:56:00.000-04:00

This blog is closed. Please come and visit me. http://laburton.livejournal.com/

Making a Move

2009-03-09T23:59:00.001-04:00

Like many others my critique partner included I will be moving my blog to Livejornal. When the new blog is done I'll send you the site address.

Plans

2009-03-06T08:26:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the long absents but I have had a lot research on self-publishing. Let me tell you there is a lot. I can’t help but wonder why in the field movies and music the creative person can basically self publish and they’re looked at as innovative but in writing, it’s so frowned upon. If you do it with the conviction of a traditional represented writer you can put out a high quality product.

I’m back to editing SoM and I’ve found a phenomenal artist to do my cover. I can’t wait to see it. As I started down this path I became over whelmed with the enormous task of everything that had to be done so I stepped back took a deep breath and came back with open eyes. After many lists I have a plan.

This path that I decided to go down I have no doubt that it is where I’m suppose to be. I just hope that things will go how I have them planed.

Turn of Events

2009-02-17T22:38:00.000-05:00

Well after a lot of research and reading, I’ve decided to self-publish. I know what everyone is thinking. You’ll never be picked up by a large publishing house and if I can’t make my career happen well I don’t deserve it. But, trust me I’ve got the determination to make it a go.

Even if you don’t agree with my decision that’s fine but I highly recommend two books for you read and take notes on. The first is ‘Self-Publishing Manual’ by Dan Poynter and the other ‘The Well-Fed Self-Published’ by Peter Bowerman. The information in these books will help the traditional published and the self-published. Reading these two books I’ve learned more than I did in seven years that I’ve been writing. If you never read anything else that I recommend please read these two books.

One thing that surprised me was some of the people who self-published amazed me. Everyone from Mark Twain, which didn’t surprise me because I knew he did but M J Rose and many others. I would be proud to join their ranks.

New Start

2009-02-02T13:43:00.001-05:00

As writers when we find that hard to get, rare species known as the, Agent we sit back and let them handle the business side of our career so we can stick to the creative side of writing. If any of you have stopped at J. A. Konrath’s blog, you will learn many things about the business side of our industry everything from writing a great query letter to book signings.

I think that it’s important to know and understand what your agent is doing to get your work sold and what to expect after you’ve signed your contract. After a lot of thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that I will be parting from my agent. Before anyone asks, I won’t be answering any question as to why I’ve made this decision.

At least now, at this stage of my writing career I have complete control over my own destiny. And, right now, I’m okay with that. I will give you more information soon as to how I’m going to proceed. It may surprise you.

New Beginnings

2009-01-21T01:44:00.001-05:00

As I step back from my writing and watch our new President takes office. Everyone around the world is watching. All day I’ve seen clips from the great Martin Luther King’s words fill the screen. If anyone can pull this country together, President Obama can. A man that is white, African American, a man with the energy to get the job done and the determination to do. I’ve heard it many many times today, ‘We are proud to be Americans’.

He makes you want to get out in the community and help. I’ve noticed commercials on TV about working together and volunteering in the community. I’ve even seen the President in one. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen a President on TV without it being an election year. It’s very hopeful.

I’ll get off my soapbox. Before anyone asks about the picture and my name, copyrights I haven’t heard anything yet. But, as soon as I hear something, I’ll post it. In the coming weeks, you’ll start seeing a change or two. Please let me know what works and what doesn’t.

Lesson Learned

2009-01-10T00:52:00.001-05:00

As writers, we all protect our ideas furiously so when we find out that someone is using our creation it’s like a blow to our gut. Best case and point is Stephanie Meyers and her Twilight series, someone leaked her unfinished work onto the internet. Whether it was done or not is beside the point. No one has the right to your writing, art or poetry or whatever it may be without your explicit permission.

Only a precious few get to see my writing and to make my blog look more professional I paid an artist to create a character portrait of my main character. Now the artist is selling my characters picture on mouse pads. The only problem is that she is selling them with my name. It’s totally uncool and my agent is looking into legal steps.

What I’m trying to say is guard your precious work with everything you got. Be very careful who you trust.

Helpful Hints

Every once in a while search your name on the web.

Also, search your main characters name and/or series name.

Protect your material, book covers, character pictures and name.

If your name or character is being used without, your consent don’t let it go.

Find out your legal rights.

Nostalgic

2008-12-23T11:25:00.001-05:00

As I finished wrapping my daughter’s last couple of presents, I thought about Christmas and Yule. It’s not a secret that I’m not close to my family as a matter of fact I haven’t spoke or seen any of them for several years. I do see my sister once every couple of months or so but we’re not close. I’m closer to my Critique Partner, Naomi than my own sister.

This has been a nostalgic Christmas/Yule for me. I bought ornaments for my Yule tree that reminded me of some I remember seeing on my parents and grandparent’s tree. I took my daughter to Macy’s for the first time this year. I guess trying to start a couple of traditions of my own. I also made my first Yule log. Although I hope, next years will be better.

The next few days will be busy but I wanted to do a quick post. Any stories you want to share? Everyone have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your family and the season.

Oh Crap!

2008-12-01T13:13:00.001-05:00

For the first time in four days, I sit alone. Okay I love my family but after so long I need a minute or two to myself. A Thanksgiving first, I spent it with my husband’s family and it turned out a lot better then I expected. Friday was my day to put up our Christmas tree.

I was extremely excited; I bought a new 9-foot tree to put up. This is where my problems began. Oh yeah my husband bought the wrong tree stand. I took it back and went to several other stores to find the specific tree stand and wouldn’t you know it that the last store was the one to have it.

My husband had to take off the lights so I could on the lights that work with my Yule color scheme, which is red, green and white. Another problem my husband had zero motivation to get this done. I went to the basement to finish because in my head I have a schedule to keep (yeah right).

Okay the light thing sparked an argument. Apparently, I was stepping on some sort of masculine toe. So, the lights get taken off and I get the tree in the stand, the first two sections go slow but smoothly. (After two very hyper kids and a Jack Russell, I nail my tree to the floor. Problem we have a newly finished wood floor.) The next layer as I’m putting on the lights the tree starts to tilt. Again, at eight o’clock at night my husband is bitching because he has to help me fix the tree. After twenty minutes, we change stands and now my tree isn’t anchored to the floor. Here’s hoping my tree stays upright.

Next, I go to put the last section on the tree. Guess what? It was tooooooo tall. My husband has to cut a foot off of an artificial tree. So my 9 ft tree is now 8 ft and touches the ceiling. After fourteen hours, my tree is done and beautiful.

Saturday we took Morg to see Twilight. Excellent! Everyone must go see this movie. A much better day. I have most of my Yule shopping done. It has been a very busy week and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

I’m pretty sure everyone has guessed that I didn’t make my 50,000-word count but I plan to give it a better try in December. Just for my own personal achievement. Anyone else have a fun filled holiday.

Wow

2008-11-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

Now we are nearing the end of another Nano and for me the word count will be close. And, that’s if I make it. I hope everyone who participated this year accomplished what they wanted to. For others maybe next year.

Do I have an excuse why I didn’t make the word count? Sure, my house torn apart most of the month, painting rooms and refinishing the hardwood floor in my living room. Early Yule gift shopping and everything that life can throw at you. But what I’m happy about is that I got out of my writing funk.

BOTM has finally taken a direction. I have also learned a couple of things about Logan and Raiden’s relationship. The only thing that I can tell you is their history is actually a lot more extensive then I first imagined almost seven years ago. For those new to the blog that is when I created Logan verse.

In other matters, I have almost finished my Yule shopping. Christmas lights are hung across the windows and door of the front of my house. Stakes of holly and silk poinsettias decorate the walls and doors. Soon I will be putting my new 9 ft artificial tree up and decorating it in reds, greens and gold.

It Begins!

2008-11-03T12:06:00.000-05:00

Good Luck to all the Nano participants!

This and That

2008-10-27T08:23:00.001-04:00

A lot has happened since I last posted. We looked, found and bought a house. The move took a while but we are in our new home and almost settled if you don’t count my office still in boxes. I could go a very long time without seeing boxes. It’s a cute little white and blue cottage and what makes the whole situation laughable is we moved two doors down from where we use to live.

On another note, my daughter had surgery. Although the operation was an outpatient surgery, it turned out to have a lot of a complication. And, the teacher’s aide isn’t giving Morgan any sympathy over the complications that came with her surgery. Her stitches ripped half out and now I have too pack the incision. I won’t even get started on the problems at school and the ignorance of the teachers.

Now I’m gearing up to do Nano. For those of you new to writing that is short for National Novel Writing Month. This where I intend to finish my next Logan novel. I have only one small problem, from working on the wood floor in my living room, I pinched a nerve in my left arm and I can’t feel some of my fingers. It’s a very irritating.

How many of you intend to participate in the contest that stretches the month of November? Will you be finishing a project, doing rewrites or starting a new project?

Moving

2008-09-21T23:08:00.000-04:00

No the Blog is staying here, I'm moving. I'll be checking in.

Remembering

2008-08-26T23:19:00.000-04:00

As September 11th draws near, I find myself pulling out old VCR recordings of that terrible day. I along with so many others watched the events of that day unfold. And, as each day after that I was unable to pull myself away from the coverage, I think that I was shell-shocked. Maybe if I watched it enough I would understand the reasoning. But I never did.

It’s with a heavy heart that I replace my yellow ribbon around the Oak tree in my front yard. I have kept a yellow ribbon and flag out for those we’ve lost and continue to lose in the war on terror. I want to thank the men and women who fight for our country. I hope you return home soon and safe.

I like many others never lost anyone in the WTC or the Pentagram or even the heroes on Flight 93. The rescue workers that have now become sick and yes even the dogs the searched the rubble and have passed away. There’s nothing anyone could ever say that could thank any of them enough for what they sacrificed. I’ll say it any ways THANK YOU.

Was it the devastation of the amount of lives lost that day that I look at? Yes. I watch everything that is on television and that I recorded because I won’t let myself ever forget, ever.

Growing up

2008-08-19T22:56:00.001-04:00

Today as I was helping my fourteen-year-old, six foot daughter ready for high school. I was painting her nails for her; she looked at me real serious. Now to set the mood. All day long, we were getting things ready for school Thursday. At my suggestion, we were getting her spray tanned because she takes meds that the side effect is sun sensitivity.

Daughter: Mom can I ask you something?

Me: sure.

Daughter: Have you ever felt like you were growing up to soon?

I sat there and thought about it. Me: Sure, everyone goes through it, why?

With tears in here eyes. Daughter: I just wanted to know.

I was finished painting her nails and she got up without a word and went back to her room. I went in to her room to put away her nail polish. I looked at her and she looked sad. I felt horrible for her.

Me to daughter: Do you sometimes feel like you want to grow but another part of you is screaming ‘this is too much too fast?

Daughter: yeah how did you know?

Me: because I went through the same thing.

She looked relieved but the tears were still there.

My Office

2008-07-31T22:16:00.010-04:00

I've told you that I have been remodling my office well, here are the pictures.

The new color on the wall is a shade of salmon. It's a lot better from the old 80's flower wallpaper. Me and my daughter pulled the wallpaper off. And I painted the walls because she lost intrest. There's also a new light that my husband put up you just can't see it. Over my desk you see pictuers of Logan and cast. You will also notice my desk is neat. I'm a neat freak I'll confess.

This bookshelf probably holds over 200 books. I've read many of them. My husband read them all and we still have some packed away. The bed onthe bool shelf is where my Jack Russell sleeps while I work. On the other side is Logan's picture Rain made for me.

The chair I recovered. It use to be a dirty tan and now it's a seinna without holes. Me and my husband put the wood floor down in an impressive 3 hours. And yes, there was cussing involved. And no it wasn't me!

All the books on this shelf is research and witch craft. I need more shelves. The fairy on the wall is stain glass. My husband is going to make a shelf to hold all my fairies, witches and wizard figurines that I have. So here it is, what do you think?

Busy summer

2008-07-14T13:47:00.001-04:00

Wow, time has gotten away from me. Well, from scraping the first wall of floral wallpaper to making the curtains it has been around a month. It turned out like I wanted it to. With the cheery wall color to the hardwood floor, it doesn’t look like the same room. Next, is my daughter’s room, which I already started. I’ll post pictures soon.

Along with research for a new Logan Wolf Chronicles, which is screaming to get out. This book is called ‘Blood on the Moon’. If I can make it like I see it in my head, it’s going to be a great book. So, I’ve taken on working on two books. I don’t know why. Glutton for punishment I guess.

My daughter fell over the weekend and badly sprained her ankle. Its all swelled and pretty colors. Doctor said she would be well enough to go the zoo this coming weekend. Her birthday is also next month she’ll be fourteen. School will be starting again in a month, we have already gotten many of the things that she’s going to need. She very excited to be starting high school.

My fabulous CP, Naomi, blogged a while back about a reference book that was very helpful. I went out and bought it. ‘Plots and Structure’ by James Scott Bell. You need to get this book.
I’ll post about in my next blog and I will blog soon.

How many plates can I keep in the air?

2008-06-20T00:34:00.001-04:00

Right now, I have too many projects going. After my CP pointed out what I needed to do to improve Heaven’s Door, I’ve been working on it. The only problem is I have to get all the changes into the computer. I’ve blended the original concept with the new one to come up one I’m happy with.

We have also decided to start to renovate our house. Lucky me, I decided to start with my office. So, I see summer as a very busy time. But one good thing is before I know it school will be starting again.

My next post will be on a book Naomi mentioned and it a great book. I have found many great points that I want to share.

Critique Partners

2008-06-09T18:15:00.001-04:00

What is a critiquing partner for? They are there to tell you the truth even when you really don’t want to hear it. I sent the first few chapters of my WIP to her and after the first two chapters; she sent me a lot of questions that I missed.

I sent her the next two chapters, and she sent me her opinion came the hard truth. If she wasn’t right and if I didn’t value her thoughts, it wouldn’t bother me. The first time I read it hurt my feelings. But after her remarks soaked in, I was able to look at it objectively.

I have to rework a huge portion of my new series but it will be better. I guess you could say that a CP is a type of marriage. You don’t always agree but you still love them. I wouldn’t trade my partner for anything.

Time Goes By

2008-05-27T18:45:00.001-04:00

This post is mostly about life, my kids and me. As I look in the mirror these days, I see gray hair where it once was dark brown. I use to have a lot of patience now, not so much. Funny thing is that I can still vividly remember my teen years. I know what you’re asking yourself, why the walk down memory lane?
My girls. Daughter number one will be Graduating this year. I can remember when she was born, her first steps and her favorite movie. Where does the time go? Now she has a boyfriend and thinking about the rest of her life.
Daughter number two starts High School in the fall. She has been on the Honor Roll or Merit Roll for three years. She has her first major crush, which will end up breaking her heart. But that is the way life goes.
My babies are growing up and I can still remember being their ages. Now my baby is right at six foot tall and I have to look up to her. Not by much but come on, how do you yell at someone when you have to look up to them?
Now starts a new chapter in motherhood. Ready or not!

Writers & Scripts

2008-05-14T20:43:00.001-04:00

I read about a dozen of blogs a day and every one of them is writers with the exception of a couple. What I’ve noticed about writers no matter what they write or if they’re a best selling author or not, we all have one thing in common. At one time or another during each novel, they write they have doubts about themselves.

I kind of makes me feel good that some of my favorite writers doubt their writing. I don’t think they doubt their ability as writers but we all know that writing novels aren’t just all technical. We have to worry about flow, if it sounds believable to the reader and if a character has blue eyes that somewhere later in the book, they don’t turn to brown eyes.

I’m sure a published writer’s confidence is a lot higher with each book but it seems to be always there. Any thoughts on the subject?

After Heaven’s Door is finished and being shopped around the next project, I want to tackle is a television script. That type of writing is totally different from novels.

Characters

2008-04-21T19:59:00.001-04:00

Hey devoted readers. I’ve been making headway on ‘Heaven’s Door’ but still have a ways to go on it. I love how the story has changed. There are times when Diana’s voice is hard to hear.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading on Anna Boleyn and Elizabeth the 1st. Which has made Raiden from my Logan Wolf series complaining that he has to wait for me to finish this novel first. The 1500’s is the time period that he is from. It's probably why his voice is so strong in my head.

I have been working on my Logan series for so long that it’s hard to hear my other main character. What about you, do have a hard time hearing your other characters?

Break

2008-03-29T14:18:00.000-04:00

I'll be taking a break to finish Heaven's Door.

IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-01T15:10:00.001-05:00

Before I start the next series of ghost hunting, I have an information post. As writers we look for agents to further ourselves. Before I got my agent I frequently went to Predators and Editors web site to help weed out the good from the bad. Well Dave Kuzminski is being sued. And is taking donations so he can get proper legal counsel. So spread the word. We can’t let P & E web site be taken down.

I picked up the latest Writer’s Digest and I thought I’d post a couple of the things. The Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Awards Writer's Digest is now accepting entries for the 16th Annual Self-Published Book Awards.
Click here for guidelines and an entry form
Check out the April 2008 issue of Writer's Digest for a look at the winners of the 15th Annual International Self-Published Book Awards. Click here for a list of winners and entrants.Congratulations to everyone who participated.

Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition Writer's Digest is now accepting entries in its 77th Annual Writing Competition. There will be 1,001 winners and more than $30,000 in cash and prizes. Top winners will be listed in the December 2008 issue of Writer's Digest.
Click here for guidelines, an entry form or to enter online
Also, check out the winners of the 76th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. Top winners are listed in the December 2007 issue of Writer's Digest. Click here for a full list of winners.

Thoughts

2008-02-19T19:35:00.000-05:00

I’m still learning on how to type on my laptop. It’s not as easy as you think. My thumb keeps accidentally hitting the mouse screen. But I’m slowly getting work done. What’s cool is I work all over my house.

I’ve noticed that the superstition post was kind of a flop so, I’m going to work on something else. I’m thinking ghost hunting.

Well I’ve been smoke free for one year, yea! Know I have a new focus, health and weight loss. So far I have lost twelve pounds. I’m going with calorie counting and the Biggest Loser. So we’ll see.

Side tracked

2008-02-08T12:54:00.000-05:00

This is a little side track from superstitions month. My computer took a shit so I’m getting use to my new laptop. I love the fact that I can work anywhere and I’m getting more done now then before. Yeah!!!!! I have mixed feelings about Windows Vista and the closeness of the keyboard.

Now I have to get use to a new keyboard. I have to put missing chapters in a couple of books. So now I have some repair work to do. One thing I have learned always have back up.

Superstitions Part 2

2008-01-29T19:06:00.000-05:00

I thought it would be fun to touch on some of the things in my current book. If you would like to see a lot, more superstitions get this book. *‘The Encyclopedia of Superstitions’ by: E. and M.A. Radford.

Ravens

In Norse mythology, the raven was sacred to Odin, who had two attendants’ birds, Hugin and Munin. Growing up birds was a symbol of bad luck. If a bird tries to go into you house or succeeds in getting in there will be a death in the house. If it croaks near a house where a sick person lies, that person will die. One last is a sparrow, which is said to carry souls from the Hall of Guff.

Numbers

When you think of numbers, several better-known ones come screaming to the front of my brain.

Seven

Astrologers taught that seven planets governed the universe and the life of men. We’ve all heard the gambler’s ‘lucky seven’. The seventh child is said to have special gifts.

Three

Of course the ‘Holy Trinity’. Three is a sacred number to the Pagans.

666

This is the tale-tale sign of the Beast.

Thirteen

There are many superstitions around this number. One of the better-known beliefs is that there were thirteen disciples at the ‘Last Supper’. But, there are thirteen witches to a coven. Another big one is Friday the 13th.

Sneezing

It is very customary to this day to say ‘God bless you’. Many say that the saying originated from the Greeks, who also wished the sneezer good fortune. In Scotland, a newborn’s first sneeze was awaited with anxiety. It was thought that the child was under the power of fairies until then.

A Month of Superstitions

2008-01-18T12:45:00.000-05:00

I don’t think there is anywhere in the world one could go and not find superstitions. All this month I’m going to share some common superstitions right down to the strange. If you have a favorite or weird, superstitions please feel free to share.

* Special Note- I will be giving mostly American versions and maybe the British as well. But, there are too many takes of superstitions that it would be too time consuming to cover them all.

Mirrors

A baby could not see its reflection or it would die. Now in my family it was bad luck. Another is to cover all mirrors after the death of a family member. It was so their spirit could not come back and haunt you. And of course the favorite: breaking a mirror is said to cause seven years bad luck.

Salt

Salt has many meanings. It brings prosperity. In witchcraft, its use is for protection and cleansing of magical items. To spill salt is a very ill omen. You must throw salt over the left shoulder to avert misfortune. If salt is scattered in the direction of another bad luck will come to that person. In ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’; Mary gives The Martinis salt as a house-warming gift. So their life would always have flavor.

Black cats

It’s bad luck to have a black cat cross your path. In Britain it is lucky to own a black cat and unlucky to own a white cat. A dying cat was often thrown outside for feat that Death, when it came for the cat it would stay for a member of the family.

Knock on Wood

To touch wood or knock on wood is a superstition action to ward off any evil consequences or bad luck, perhaps because of some recent action you’ve taken or untimely boasting about your good fortune (“I’ve never been in danger of drowning, touch wood”); it can also be a charm to bring good luck. The origin is unknown, though some writers have pointed to pre-Christian rituals involving the spirits of sacred trees such as the oak, ash, holly or hawthorn. There is, I’m told, an old Irish belief that you should knock on wood to let the little people know that you are thanking them for a bit of good luck. There’s also a belief that the knocking sound prevents the Devil from hearing your unwise comments. Others have sought a meaning in which the wood symbolizes the timber of the cross, but this may be a Christianisation of an older ritual. It wasn’t always wood that was lucky: in older days, iron was also thought to have magical properties, and to touch iron was an equivalent preventative against ill fortune.

I find it fascinating to see some of these superstitions. But what is more remarkable is that we still believe in them. Myself included. Most of these I’ve covered are the superstitions I grew up with and to this day still practice. Better safe then sorry.

Carnage, the New Year and Me!

2008-01-01T13:10:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday and is ready to get back to work on there projects. Over the holiday, I saw the remake of Halloween by Rob Zombie. Okay, first I’m all for remake and usually enjoy them as much as the original. But, the entire movie is nothing but carnage. Way over the top.

Next thing I want to cover is career. If my books don’t sell this, I will have to step back and rethink many things. I intend to cover more writing and publishing issues on my blog and maybe a few surprises as well. I also want to make more friends and connections. I made a list of several that I would like to know.

As for resolutions, and myself which will be rampant over many blogs over the next few weeks. If you read my blog, you know that I don’t make resolutions. But I do intend to make myself my main project this year. 01/22/08 I will be smoke free for one year. Now that my 40th birthday is around the corner I have decide to make health my goal over the next year and beyond. I mean the whole thing: exercise, weight loss, healthy eating and spirituality.

So sit back and join in the discussions. Again, Happy New Year. What do you have planned for yourself in the coming year?

Merry Yule

2007-12-21T20:21:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to wish all my fellow witches, bloggers and writers a Happy Holiday. See you next week. Be safe.

I'll be Home for Christmas

2007-12-15T16:01:00.000-05:00

I’m finished with Yule gifts, sent Christmas cards and baked. I’m listening to the saddest Christmas song of all. I’ll be Home for Christmas by Bing Crosby. I love the song but it reminds me of things that we can never get back. A favorite relative that passed away, families moving away or in my case grown apart.

Christmas Past* my favorite Christmas that I always recall when the season rolls around is when I was fourteen. My entire family got together for two days. We sang, played games and for a short time got along. Now I haven’t seen most of my family for over 2 years. I’m the black sheep of my family and was kicked out. I don’t mind really. Nevertheless, when this time of year rolls around I long to have my family.

I’m sorry for bringing my loyal bloggers down. On to something different. Over on Kim smith’s blog she asked her readers what their New Year’s Resolution was for the coming year. I don’t make Resolutions I don’t keep them. I call it setting goals for the coming year. I know same thing. But, here’s my list.

* Sell my Logan Wolf series by July 2008. If it doesn’t sell, take a serious look at career.
* Get fit and healthy. Which in turn I’ll lose weight.
* Make new friends and stop being a loner.
* Create a schedule.

What about you?

BAH

2007-12-10T14:54:00.000-05:00

I’ve mentioned this before I’m sure. But, I don’t like this time of year. Right now, I’m just focusing on getting Heaven’s Door written. It’s as if this time of year my brain turns to mush.

Okay, I’m done bitching. I haven’t heard anything lately on my submission. I pray to the Gods that I hear some good new soooooon. I’ve been baking a lot of cookies and brownies but when they’re gone no more baking.

I’m trying to get on some sort of schedule. Not the easiest thing to do. How are everyone’s plans for the holidays coming a long?

Yule already?

2007-11-26T17:29:00.000-05:00

I’ve officially given up on Nano. The damn site will not let me on. Happy Holidays to all. I hope that everyone had a good and filling Thanksgiving dinner. Now it’s called how many recipes can you come up with for leftover turkey? I have decorated my house for Yule. Everything is in some shade of green, red or white.

I have also started my Yule shopping. I’m making some headway in Heaven’s Door. I’ve actually placed my MC, Diana, here in happy Cleveland. Although I live south of Cleveland but I was born there.

How is everything with you all?

Nano update

2007-11-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hey all. I’m still alive just working, preparing my daughter for her class trip to Washington DC and get ready for the holidays. Just a quick mention about the WGA strike, I totally support the writers. I wish them all the luck in the world.

Nano is going well, I should be able to update you all soon. How is everyone else doing on his or her word count? I will know mine when I get all the words typed into the computer. I also wanted to inform you all that Kensington rejected Logan. Nevertheless, no tears we have several others to hear from. I’ll never give up on Logan. I truly believe that there’s a market for her.

Graveyard

2007-11-01T17:38:00.001-04:00

If you would like to see more of my pictures. This is a cemetery not far from my house. It was establishe in 1818.

Also I won't be around much due to the Nano.

New Thoughts

2007-10-29T14:55:00.000-04:00

In honor of Nano, I have scraped The Trial and changed the series a great deal. But, I like it and I believe that there will be a set number of books. The jury is still out on that. The series will still be called Heaven and Hell. But now the first book is ‘Heaven’s Door‘. And it’s not what you’re thinking.

Yesterday, my daughter and I went to the oldest cemetery around. The last time a person buried there was in 1900. I’ll post some pictures as soon as I get them back. Getting ready for Samhain. I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting over the last month and I’ve set some new goals in many areas of my life.

Happy Halloween!

NANO 2007

2007-10-22T14:45:00.000-04:00

In ten days the Hell begins!!!!! I'm under la burton if anyone wants to be my friend.

Time

2007-10-17T18:06:00.000-04:00

As you all know, I’ve been working on my Heaven and Hell series. I love the concept and plot. But, I just can’t get into the revisions that I’m doing. In my head, the changes and fixes seem doable but in another part of my head, it is overwhelming. What can I do to get these changes done and get this novel going?

I keep taking more notes and doing more edit, which seems to be making the whole process worse. Again I think I’m making it worse for myself because I still haven’t heard from any of the publishing houses. I need HELP!!!!!!!!!

In other parts of my life have been a little better. Everything in my life seems to be in neutral. I know in my head that I’ve got to get moving on both of my series. But the harder I try the more it seems like I’m running in mud and I’m getting aggravated about everything.

In better news I started reading this book. ‘Healthy Living from the Inside Out’ by Mariel Hemingway. It touches on mind, diet, spiritual and home. This has made me want to train to become a High Priestess.

Winds of Change

2007-10-09T13:59:00.001-04:00

Today I finished bringing in all my summer things and almost finished my Halloween decorating. My favorite time of the year. I enjoy opening my windows and having a chill in the air. All I have to do is find a Reaper to put in the front yard.

In other news, I finally fixed the opening of The Trial and I’m happy with it. I’m going for a darker story, so there are a few changes to the storyline that has to be made. I’ve also went back to work on True Path. You regular readers will know that is my next Logan book. Now is the time to kick myself in the ass and buckle down to get something done.

Well I don’t think that I’ve mentioned this before but my daughter will be going to Washington D.C. next month for three days. I’m excited for her but as a mother I will worry way too much. So, she is pretty much ready to go and she’s counting down the days.

I still haven’t heard anything yet but my psychic friend says this is my time. So everyone keep your fingers crossed.

OH CRAP!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-02T17:59:00.000-04:00

Your not so friendly neighborhood horror writer here. I’ve been an empath for a long time and lately it’s been driving me nuts. Well let's just says that the people around me aren’t filled with warm and fuzzy feelings. And, to top it all off, I haven’t heard anything about my book on submission. Please everyone send some good vibes.

My research is pretty much over and I’m back to work on ‘The Trial’. I do miss Logan and everyone. I just may try to work on two novels at a time. Something fun that my daughter and I are going to do. We live by one of the oldest cemeteries around. In a couple of weeks, we are going to go there and take pictures and do tombstone rubbings. I know I’m a little morbid. I’ll try to post picture when I’m done.

Another thing is I’ve been smoke free for 9 ½ months. Well let’s just say some days are worse than others are.

Research

2007-09-24T13:12:00.000-04:00

Hey all, your friendly neighborhood horror writer here. My weekend was brimming over with research for the book I’m working on. As I mentioned before I love doing research and right now I’m reading this book, which by the way was self-published. The author John De Vito is fantastic. The name of the book is ‘The Devil’s Apocrypha- there are two sides to every story. If you get a chance, read it. It will leave you scratching your head.

My suggestion on buying research books. Is to get them from the library first to see if it has the information that you go back to again and again. I’ve made mistakes before in buying the wrong research material.

My fabulous, couldn’t get through a novel without you, critique partner, Naomi sent me her thoughts on The Trial. As usual very insightful. I have a lot of work to do but I think it will be a great read when I’m done.

New Scenery

2007-09-14T14:17:00.000-04:00

Just your friendly neighborhood horror writer here. My post haven’t been much lately. Well I have a change of scenery and it’s not what you think. Ricia wants me to work on my other series. Which my Logan Wolf series takes place in Little Rock and Heaven and Hell series takes place in Las Vegas. I know what your thinking, Sin City and all that. Well here’s a description.

Demons beware! Diana, daughter of Archangel Michael has been sent to Earth to begin her final trials. As the only woman in training to be an Archangel, she must prove her worth. When she comes across Byleth, one of eighty Arch-demon, he puts her skills to the test, by raising the dead in the middle of Sin City. Diana must stop him and send him back to Hell before the humans learn of their kinds.

So what do you think?

Con

2007-09-10T14:19:00.000-04:00

Well your friendly neighborhood horror writer here; seeing that my last post was a bomb. I’m asking you the readers what interests you?

I was surfing the net one day and realized that there is a Con for everything.

You and your main character

2007-09-04T18:14:00.000-04:00

If your main character in your novel were a real person, would you be friends? I have put so much of myself into ‘Logan Wolf and even Diana’ who is the mc in my other series Heaven and Hell. It would be a toss up if I would totally get along with Logan or if we wouldn’t be able to stand each other because we are too much alike.

I’ve been with Logan for six years. I try to put a lot of myself in her. But I have also put qualities into Logan that I wish I had. But a very important thing to remember is to leave your main character room to grow. We all change and grow it’s just a part of living. One thing that I strongly suggest is not to change you main character too much.

As in some series, changing your main character too much can kill your series. But, what is expectable?

Proud to be

2007-08-30T19:58:00.000-04:00

If you would like to join this prestigious Order, visit Alexandria Wolfe's blog.

I must have the next book!

2007-08-22T13:41:00.000-04:00

In my last post, I touched on openings of your novel. And, how it must grab your reader by the balls. Well this post is on endings. This mostly pertains to series writers. How do you grab your reader so they want to buy your next book? In my series, I write a journal entry, which touches on my MC, having a feeling that something is up.

I try to mention about a reoccurring dream or the knowledge of a coming visitor. I have the next three novels planned out for the Logan Wolf Chronicles series. Which the order keeps changing. Over at Erica Orloff’s blog she touches on the issue of what in your life effects your characters. Well you all know that my cat died last month. In my novel, it translated into a death scene. I can’t go into it with out spoilers so I will stop there.

Back to the main idea. What makes you, the reader, coming back to the same series book after book?

Grab your reader

2007-08-15T12:01:00.001-04:00

Hey all just your friendly neighborhood horror writer here. I’ve tried my best of the last couple of weeks to get my life back to normal. So, I’m to writing again. The birthday party was a success. And then school starts next week so I’ve been busy getting ready for that.

I’ve mentioned this before and I think that it’s very important. When starting your book always start with someone important doing something important. Now if you can do this with preferably a lot of action even better. But how do you know if its going to grab your reader? This is where your CP or writing group comes in. If you are going to start out the first book in a series with a lot of talking. In my honest opinion, you will lose that reader. Any thoughts on the subject?

Break down, maybe

2007-07-26T20:08:00.000-04:00

I’m taking a quick break from my witch posts. It’s harder than I expected to schedule in writing. This summer started with me looking for a job. I found my job with a strange schedule. Then my daughter seems to always have a doctor appointment.

Than a couple of weeks ago my cat died. My schedule is messed up and I don’t care for that. I just want things back to normal. I still haven’t heard anything from any editors. I hope I do soon. This waiting is very nerve racking.

Now I’m planning my daughters 13th birthday party. Life is just too busy.

Witches and TV

2007-07-23T18:49:00.001-04:00

Traditionally, witches are women (but can be men) who are possessed of supernatural abilities which are said to be obtained by consorting with the Devil. However, in reality, witches are those who choose another path of worship which centers on a matriarchal paradigm (mother nature or the earth mother). The modern day church of Wicca, for example.
Though the centuries, a witch has been thought of as an evil creature devoid of beauty. In the Shakespearean tradition as in the play of Macbeth, witches are depicted as gnarled, ugly, and old. This image of ugly compliments the Christian church of good and evil whereas a follower of God such as an Angel is bright and beautiful whereas the follower of the Devil must be dark and ugly.
The fact that a witch had to be dark and evil supported the Christians belief that anyone outside of their belief system (Pagans) was an enemy to God (as they perceived Him). Being dark and evil, witches were vilified. To be labeled a witch, was to be given a sentence of death. This labeling, of course, was just another control mechanism imposed by a male centered society to control the females in their midst. Power was for men, not women.
Conveniently, the Christian religion (and non-Christian beliefs) has manufactured a world view of what a witch is, namely people associated with Devil worship, child sacrifice, Black Covens, etc. This world view impacts negatively on innocent group of people (Pagans) who are labeled as witches because they choose to follow religious practices that predates Christianity, for example.
This conditions the society to hate the other group. By calling a group a "witch" (with all its built in meanings of hate and dehumanization), this allows all supposed true believers to justify their hatred and destruction of the other group. After all, if witches are subhuman, they must be destroyed or at the very least controlled as an animal is controlled by its master.
In the 20th century, the concept of witches consorting with the Devil and seen as gnarled, ugly, and old continues especially in the popular media. For example, in such movies as the full-length Disney animated cartoon Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938) and the classic film The Wizard of Oz (1939) where Margaret Hamilton played the evil green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West.
Even into the 1990s, the tradition of the witch as being evil continued as in the film Hocus Pocus (1993) with Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker as three witches who wreak havoc on Salem Massachusetts after being resurrected from the dead on All Hallow's Eve; and Anjelica Houston as a witch at a witch convention who intends to eat all the children of the world in The Witches (1990).
Luckily, witches have not been fully disparaged. There have been a few along the way with some saving graces such as Billy Burke as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North in the film The Wizard of Oz (1939); the seductive Veronica Lake in I Married a Witch (1942); and the curvaceous Kim Novak in Bell, Book and Candle (1958). And with the introduction of television, such characters as Samantha, Sabrina and Willow the witch (all good) have helped mellow the perceptions that all witches are evil.
In the end, the word "witch" is like a tool. It is neither good nor bad unto itself. It is not the word that we should fear, but rather the intentions in the hearts of those who call themselves such who pickup this tool and do their biding on society. After all, there are in this world, only two kinds of people: Good and Evil - and either can be witches.
Aunt Singe (G)
Belfry Witches (B)
Benita Bizarre (B)
Buelah the Witch (G)
Halliwell Sisters (Prue, Piper, Phoebe & Paige) (G)
Maeve the Sorceress (G)
Mildred Hubble (G)
Queen Lillian (B)
Rowena the Sorceress (G)
Sabrina Spellman (G)
Samantha Stephens (G)
Sorceress, The (B)
Tabitha Lenox (B)
Tabitha Stephens (G)
Willow Rosenberg (G)
Winnie Goodwin (G)
Witch, The (G)
Witchiepoo (B)

As you can see witches have been in tv for a very long time. And I’m sure they will continue to captivate everyone for years to come. (Most of this information was courtesy of TV ACRES.com) One of my favorite movies is with Kim Novak ‘Bell, Book and Candle’ which I mention in my book as Logan’s favorite movie. Do you have a favorite witch from tv?

Witches Part1

2007-07-18T19:12:00.000-04:00

It’s funny how things change in a week. I still miss my cat but now the thought of getting a kitten fills my head. I’ve been doing a lot of editing on True Path. Because Logan is very reluctant to go into the next scene. I truly don’t blame her. I still have heard anything from any editors so I guess no news is good news.

I promised to talk about witches in this post. Although I haven’t really prepared what I wanted this will have to do. Most witches were mid-wives and homeopaths. As far back as I can remember witches in TV and movies have been portrayed as ugly and evil beings. With the only exception that I can think of being Glenda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz. Why is that? Even at Halloween, pictures of witches are ugly.

More on this post soon. Do you have anything to add?

Kitty Update!

2007-07-12T19:39:00.000-04:00

Last update about my cat than we can all move on. I picked up his ashes today. Which made me sad all over again. I’m weird I know but it’s good to have him home in any form. Its more ashes than I expected.

For the next few weeks, I’ll be pouring myself into my second novel, True Path. I really have made little progress. In the coming post we will discover the history of the witch. In honor of Logan Wolf, my mc in the series.

Sad days 2

2007-07-10T22:22:00.000-04:00

Here's my big boy, Cougar, whom I can't seem to stop thinking about. My heart hurts so bad. I sound so young but I can't help it. It's going to take forever too heal.

Sad days!!!!!

2007-07-10T13:40:00.000-04:00

It’s been a sad couple of days around my house. I had to put my cat to sleep. He was ill for sometime and he was at least fourteen years old. We got him when he was 2, we think. I miss him more than I can say. We are having him cremated and get his ashes back in a week. I know that sounds weird but I didn’t want him alone.

In better news. My book is sitting on several editors desk. I could really use some good news.

Hey

2007-07-01T15:25:00.000-04:00

Well I started my job at Burger King a week ago. I’ve had worse. I am looking forward to my body getting use to the new schedule so I can get more work done on True Path. I keep telling myself that I won’t be working there forever. If the GODS shine down on me, maybe I’ll sell my book ASAP.

I so enjoy putting Logan through the hoops of life. I know that I’ve said this before but it makes me feel like my life isn’t so bad. It looks like I’ll be working the holiday. No biggy. Everyone keep your fingers crossed for me.

How is everyone doing on their projects? And how are you spending the holiday?

Still Alive!

2007-06-20T16:13:00.000-04:00

It’s me again, your friendly neighborhood horror writer. The last time I posted I was looking for a job. Well I did find my temporary/part-time job at Burger King. Its something until I sell my series. Which is something I keep telling myself.

I posted the last time about working on more than one project at a time. And it seems that most writers are at various stages on different projects. Not something I like to do is to work on more than one project. But I have found out that most of the time you will be work at the very least two books at a time.

I started reading the new Laurell K Hamilton book. To my surprise, it is wonderful. I just hope that she went back to her old style. I guess we’ll see.

Juggling

2007-06-13T14:45:00.000-04:00

Something I learned about being a writer. Is that you pretty much will always be working on two projects at the same time. At least at some point. I really only like to work on one project at a time. But with the last set of revisions and before that a two-week break. It has taken me a long time of research, editing and reading over and over again to get back into writing book 2.

I also have been looking for a job. Well a part-time job, which has been taking time. It feels like a waste of time. But I’ll keep you updated. I also wanted to let you know that
Storm of Magick has been sent out on submission. So big luck to me.

Worrying

2007-06-05T18:54:00.000-04:00

Hey all and no I haven’t forgot about you. I’ve been busy looking for a part-time job. I’ve also been busy stressing over some family things. And selling my novel. Most of the time I’m too busy to worry about it. But late at night when my husband is at work and my daughters asleep, I worry about everything.

I went to my physic a few days ago. Got a bit of disturbing news, which is what I’ve been stressing over. Then I try not to worry about my book being out there. My physic says that I should here good news soon.

I’ll let you know any good news as I get it.

Agent Says

2007-05-29T16:06:00.000-04:00

Well I talked to my agent yesterday and she loved all the revisions on Storm of Magick. Now I have to make several copies so she can send them out to editors. So please everyone cross what they can for me.

In other news. I’m slowly working on book 2 True Path. But, as usual, all I can think about is selling my novel. Everything else is doing pretty well. My cat has been ill but he is 13 years old. I call him old man and he does what he wants to. I’m sure he’ll be feeling better soon.

I hope all is going well for everyone!

What's New

2007-05-22T19:22:00.000-04:00

Hey all. Well I sent out my novel to Ricia last Friday. Everyone keep your fingers crossed for no new changes. I would love it to me sent and bought by a publishing house. I’m editing True Path right now.

I just read a great article by Tabitha King in the new WD. JA Konrath has a great article in the June issue as well.

It Me

2007-05-13T16:25:00.000-04:00

As Jackie Kessler mentioned on her blog, I’ve been depressed for the last couple of weeks. To many things to worry about, I guess. I hope to have some great news soon. So, if anyone can cross their fingers for a quick sale it would be greatly appreciated.

My down time is over. I have some extra revisions that should be done in a couple of days then off to my agent. Then I will be moving on to True Path, again. This is the second book in the Logan Wolf series.

I want to wish all the moms out there Happy Mother’s Day.

Done

2007-04-30T13:18:00.000-04:00

Well I sent Storm of Magick to my terrific critique part. As usual, she has done a mind-blowing critique of my novel. I thank the gods for her wondrous talents. If you haven’t guessed by now my writing partner is Naomi.

Right now, I’m taking a couple of weeks off. Doing some series research and character background. I’ve learned a lot about them and look forward to more.

I’m doing some family/house catching up. Which means mowing the lawn, spring-cleaning and anything else I can get done before getting back to writing next week. What has everyone else been up too?

Keeping Track

2007-04-17T16:45:00.001-04:00

Other then waiting on my husband to finish looking for typos, I’m done with Storm of Magick. All I have to do is fix anything my husband finds wrong. After that, I’m taking a couple of weeks off to get things in order and prepare for my next book.

On Naomi’s blog, she talks about getting information about your series written down so you can look back for info. I started doing this in the very being of the Logan Wolf series. Although something’s have changed which I do have to fix but also the series notes have grown a lot. So, I want to get the new information down and correct some of the other things.

I also want to add that’s it’s a good idea to start a character log at the being of each book. This will help you keep track of who is wearing what, what they are doing when you go to another character. So if you have to refer to who is wearing what or whatever you don’t have to go hunting down the information.

Revision Facts

2007-04-09T13:58:00.000-04:00

I do have a good excuse why I haven’t posted… really! I’ve been really working hard on finishing revisions. My daughter was on spring break then had the nerve to get sick. Well ‘Burton’s Law’ states that I will also get sick and I did.

My agent has been a great cheerleader during this process of revisions. I wanted to share a few eye-opening facts about revisions.

1. If anyone is going to get sick around ‘you will be sick.’
2. Everyone around you will constantly need you during said revisions.
3. Someone’s vacation will always fall on said revisions.
4. Family problems happen during revisions.
5. Quitting smoking during revision time is a good thing, yeah right.
6. Revisions could be eaten by your computer.

What I’m trying to say is remember to factor in these problems for your revision timeline. Good luck.

Will power

2007-03-26T14:23:00.000-04:00

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about will power. Okay so I’m going to toot my own horn. It takes a lot of will power to stop smoking, lose weight and stay with a five-day exercise regime. If you want to do whatever bad enough somehow you’ll get it done.

So, I’m a little, over two months smoke free, which at the moment doesn’t bother me to much because I’m on a tight schedule for revisions. In those two months, I’ve lost 17 pounds and a clothing size. I’ve determined that keeping up with my health and looks takes a lot of my time. I also have learned that I let myself get in a sorry shape.

So it will take the whole year to get where I want to be and not scare fans at book signings. Which in a round about way brings me to my point. And yes, I’m long winded today. Does it take will power for a writer to stick their butt into a chair and work. Some days it takes a lot of will power to get anything done. What about you?

Back!

2007-03-13T12:29:00.001-04:00

I know you weren’t expecting to hear from me but here I am. Still working on fixing the family problem and the pounding headache says it’s time for some coffee…. I’m back with a cup of cappuccino. Hoping that it will help my headache.

Update- I’m making some progress on Storm of Magick. I’ll know by Friday if my schedule will be kept. Still smoke-free, exercising and in two weeks down eight more pounds. In the heat of stress I didn’t lite a cigarette, I stayed on my healthy program that I put myself on. So yea me!!!!!!!

Thank you, everyone for all you support it so totally helps.

I just wanted to let you know...

2007-03-09T13:18:00.000-05:00

that I'm having some major family problems and I'll be out for a while. See you soon. LA

A little of this and a little of that!

2007-02-28T15:31:00.000-05:00

I have touched on a couple of the senses. Would you consider the sixth sense a sense to written about? My main character ‘Logan’ uses her sixth sense all the time and usually more than her other senses. Like me, Logan uses feelings about things to make her decisions. What about you? Do you or your character use that old gut feeling?

I’ve been pushing through the revisions on Storm of Magick. I put a deadline of April 1st to have them sitting on Ricia’s desk. Well lately Archangel Diana, the mc from my other series has been wanting to tell her story. I might slowly work on that book as well or jot down some notes. Either way Diana is making a lot of noise in my head.

It's all good!

2007-02-23T14:39:00.000-05:00

Okay I’ve been a non-smoker for six weeks. I find that it really doesn’t bother me as much as I thought it would. I find that I only think about it once a day, which is about seven at night. I’m down about ten pounds and as you all know I got sick. So I’ve maintained the loss but I seem to be stuck there. Time to kick it up a notch in the old exercise department.

It’s going to take a week to work out a schedule but as I said a few post ago. This is the Year of Lisa. I intend to do a lot for me. I got new glasses, finished my root canal, quit smoking, exercise and healthier eating habits. I figure changing everything all at once would confuse my body enough to make the changes stick. We shall see.

I finished the new first chapter and I’m ready to tackle the rest of the changes. A positive attitude has been great for all the changes. How has everyone else been doing? How’s the WIP progressing?

It's Me!

2007-02-18T15:42:00.000-05:00

Hey all, it seems to be a ten day to two week pattern between posts. My daughter has been sick. First, it was a virus with a really bad cough, and then it was the stomach flu. That she kindly shared with me. Our internet went down with a big snowstorm that went through Tuesday last week. I have five-foot snowdrifts in my yard.

All and all it has been an interesting couple of weeks. I can honestly say that I’m sick of snow. And, I look forward to seeing spring come. In other news no word yet from the last editor. So, I’m hard at work on some revisions.

I’ve been thinking about this for a while. Say your series is bought by a huge publishing house. Then you are approached by producers. Would you rather see your series on the big screen or tv? Would you rather see your series as a comic or Anime? Me, I would rather see my series as a television series and Anime. I love Anime. I think the artwork is beautiful. What about you?

New Changes

2007-02-07T12:28:00.001-05:00

I know I haven’t posted in a while a lot has been going on. I had to get a root canal done which gets finished next week. I’m waiting on my new glasses, which I’ve needed for five years. I quit smoking. I’m at two weeks now; it’s not been too bad any drastic mood swings. I started exercising and I’ve lost nine pounds.

On the writing front. I’ve had to write a new first chapter to Storm of Magick and re-edit the whole thing then my agent will resubmit it. I have felt sorry about it for a while but I’m finally coming out of that and digging in to get the work done. Nothing has ever been easy for me so my writing career refuses to be any different.

How has everyone been? What is your progress with your WIP? Who’s on submission and how is that going? I’m still waiting to hear from Harper so we’ll see.

Better Days

2007-01-23T13:26:00.000-05:00

I’ve been editing the first 3 chapters of True Path, which I’ll be sending to my fabulous CP and Ricia. Ricia contacted the editors who have Storm of Magick. They replied by saying that they should get to it in February. This made me want to scream.

I hope the feeling sorry for myself will stay away. But who knows? I’ve been having a hard time sleeping because I have ideas floating around my head that seem to come to front as soon as I put my head on my pillow.

I watched the Dresden File on Sunday. I liked the series and look forward to seeing what the season holds for Harry. Battlestar, which I didn’t like at first, followed DF. I also have read ‘Hell’s Bells’ by Jackie Kessler. I recommend its a great read.

Little Voices

2007-01-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

Okay so I’m a lot mope today. I still haven’t heard anything from the other publishing houses. Other then the rejection that I received. So what has me so down? Well first, my office is at the end of the house and doesn’t seem to hold heat well. At twelve degrees it’s cold and I don’t like being cold.

I’ve been trying to keep myself busy with reading blogs and with my WIP. But, in the back of my head, a little voice keeps badgering me. ‘You’re not good enough to be a published writer, LA. Why are you even expecting your novel to be bought.’ As with most writers, we get these little voices from time to time. Have you ever tried to ignore that voice? It’s not easy.

I need some encouraging words.

Rejection

2007-01-11T14:07:00.000-05:00

Hey all. I talked to my agent yesterday and I got my rejection from TOR. No big surprise I expected to get some rejections from publishing houses. It’s just part of the process. Don’t get me wrong I don’t like rejection but I still have a few other publishing houses to hear from.

I’m still plugging away on True Path with a steady word climb. So, I just thought that I would update you on my goings on.

Writer's Block

2007-01-07T12:42:00.000-05:00

I know I touched on this subject before but I think that it’s time to talk about it again. Writer’s Block and how do you get passed it. I think it was Joe Konrath that said he never gets Writer’s Block. When I get stuck, I do three things to get passed it.

1. I give my main character a new problem to solve.
2. I put my mc in danger.
3. Last, I re-read what I’ve written and most of the time it works.

What do you do to get passed Writer’s Block? Do you even get Writer’s Block?

2007

2007-01-03T13:08:00.000-05:00

Okay, Okay I know I haven’t posted in a while. But, I plan to post more in 2007. I’ve been reading on many blogs about New Year’s Resolutions. I’m a firm believer that most people just don’t keep them. So my solution to that is you’ve heard of the Chinese Year of the Dog and so on. Well it’s the Year of LA. I’ve not taken care of myself for years and it shows.

My plan is to focus on my career and me in 2007. It’s not going to be easy as people with partners and children know. But I’m determined to focus on me for a huge change of events. But I will share my career goal for the coming year with you.

- Finish second book in Logan Wolf Series by mid April.
- Finish first book in Heaven and Hell Series. (The Trial) by August
- Finish first book in YA series (Grim Sisters) by December.

My schedule doesn’t include any edits for when the books sell. I also plan to attend two conferences this year. My book has been on submission for a month now and I’m hoping to hear good news soon. So please keep me in your thoughts for that to happen.

A list of friends and books that are coming out in the next few months. Run and get a copy.

Jackie Kessler- Hell’s Bells, January 2
Rachelle Mead- Succubus Blues, March 2007

Happy New Year to everyone and best of luck to those of you who are looking for an agent or on submission to publishing houses.

What do you hear?

2006-12-18T14:14:00.000-05:00

Hey all sorry I haven’t posted in a while but I’m still sick. Other then that all is well. A while ago, I had post that my agent wanted me to use three out of the five senses in every scene. Then the problem was describing smells in the correct way. I’ve gotten better at this but I’m still working on it.

This post is about hearing. My agent mentioned that in an entire chapter I never described anything that my main character heard. It got me thinking that I really don’t describe sounds that often. So, in this book I’m really trying to remember all the senses.

How about you? Do remember to describe sounds and I don’t mean, ‘I heard a gun shot.’ I mean the sounds of nature, people and elements. I thought I’d just remind everyone to pay attention to the sounds around your main character. Remember you heard it here first.

Merry Yule

2006-12-11T22:20:00.000-05:00

Okay I’ve been sick for three weeks and I finally decided to go see the doctor. I have a sinus infection. So now, with some medicine I’ll get better. My house is decorated in all of its Yule beauty. Although I just don’t care for the season much anymore.

Now that I’m getting better soon I can concentrate on my book. Which by the way has slow to a crawl. No word yet from the publishing houses so everyone keep me in your thoughts. Merry Yule.

The Winner Is!

2006-12-01T11:27:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Joe1313 of deviant art. He decided that he wasn't his character to be a witch.

Research, New Couch and Reminder

2006-11-30T12:08:00.000-05:00

Hey all. I’m continuing to work on True Path. I’ve had to stop periodically to do some research. I called and spoke to the Chief at the fire department since my writing came to a halt when several questions came up. So, I’m talking to the Chief asking him about procedure on small building explosions.

It was a strange conversation for both of us. I told him that I was a writer and that I had some question if he didn’t mind answering. He seemed so leering about answering them that when I got off the phone I was waiting for the police to pull into my driveway. But to my relief no police came.

Storm of Magick is still on submission with no word. Although I really haven’t had time to dwell on the fact. Even when I’m not working, I really don’t think about it. I really have a lot of confidence in my agent that she will sell my book.

Dec. 1st I will post the winner of my contest. So if you haven’t entered please do so.

I’ve been busy also decorating for Yule. Everything in my house is red, green and white. We got a new couch for Yule from my mother and father-in laws. I got to pick it out. But we had to move the 30-year-old monster that we used as a couch to the basement. Several bruises later and a lot of foul words spilling from my mouth. All is done.

Enter and Win!!!

2006-11-18T00:11:00.000-05:00

Okay I really can't run a huge contest. Enter your name. What you will want to be in my next book. A vampric fairie, A lycanthrope, witch or human. Depending on how you pick, there may be further questions. This person will only have a cameo in True Path.

The contest winner will be picked December 1. Good luck to all who enter.

New Start

2006-11-14T13:53:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. I just sent several copies to my agent who will then send them out to editors. Again with the waiting but it’s part of the job. I was supposed to take a break but I wanted to immediately start on the next book. Book 2, which is called ‘True Path’. I can’t figure out why the first chapter or two is the hardest. I stumble about writing these chapters. It’s coming a little easier but not like I wished it would.

What can cause a writer to inch through the first few chapters? Is it trying just to get to the good stuff? Learning a new mindset for the new book? What ever it is it comes with every book. This will be my third book that I’ve written but it never fails. My mind clogs and I have to struggle with those beginnings.

This book is going to be touching on more things than the last. Some politics, religion and more characters. I’m looking forward to more fight scenes, which my agent said that I need to flush out more. But, I don’t want to draw it out to long. As usual, there is a fine line to flushing out a scene to becoming to wordy. What is your opinion on the subject?

Well here it is

2006-11-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the wonderful Richelle Mead my blog has a new face. Thank you so much Richelle for all your hard work. Update next week Storm of Magick will be heading for submission. Everyone keep your fingers crossed for a quick sale.

Also Naomi Clark will be out on submission as well. So please go wish her some luck. My beautiful artwork of Logan is done by Rainpearlfeather. Please go visit her gallery. She does awesome work.

Need Help

2006-11-09T15:09:00.000-05:00

As you all know I'm trying to rework my blog. But I'm stupid when it comes to the HTML coding. If anyone is willing to help my post the picture of Logan on the new blog I would totally appreciate it.

Okay I have Richelle Mead working on my new blog. Before I totally go gray. She said that it would be up in a few days.

Logan Artwork

2006-11-05T11:55:00.000-05:00

Well I have a little surprise for my blog visitors. My blog will be getting a new look soon. I have an artist doing a picture of Logan. There are two pictures. One in color and Picture 2 in shades of blue. For those of you who don’t visit regularly. Logan Wolf is the main character in my series.

Rain has done a beautiful job on the artwork. You must go look at her art.

Tag I'm it!

2006-10-31T15:19:00.000-05:00

I have, I think, a very interesting post for today, but first . . . I've been tagged by EJ Knapp. He is a dear friend from the forum Backspace. The tag he sent me? Write five interesting or unique things about me. I don’t know if I can come up with anything interesting about myself but here goes.

1. I’m a very superstitious person. I knock on wood, throw salt over my shoulder and will not walk under a ladder.

2. I’m scared of the dark and will not walk past a dark room and look in. I cannot watch the movie the Exorcist. It scares the piss out of me.

3. The Wizard of Oz use to scare me as a child. Especially the green witch. I had nightmares for a week after that.

4. I have on sense of smell at all.

5. I wouldn’t eat beef until the birth of my daughter. I like my steaks bloody. My canines look like fangs, no joke.

Now it is my turn to tag five people. I tag Naomi Clark, S. William Shaw, Alexandra Wolfe, Heather Harper and Jamie Ford.

New Character

2006-10-31T14:16:00.000-05:00

Merry Samhain to all my fellow witches out there. I’ve been busy finishing up SoM. I’ve made no changes but my wonderful agent wants me to extend the last chapter. No biggie. Because I can’t run, my contest until the first book is out I’m using Naomi Clark as a character in my next book.

Naomi has chosen to be a vashon and the romantic interest of Conner. When I do start running the pick your character winner that person will only be in one book. Naomi’s character will be a reoccurring Character.

I have to get back to work. Happy Halloween and be safe.

PARTY AT MY BLOG

2006-10-25T19:57:00.000-04:00

Well the writing portion of Storm of Magick is finished. Now I have to edit six chapters and the journal entry. I also have my fabulous CP editing it as we speak. She so totally rocks. I just love her. She got some short notice on the critiquing part of this. I was so happy she took the time to do look at it. She knows who she is and I just wanted her to know that I appreciate her.

I’ve been on a roll this week, on finishing this book. I can’t believe that I finished my second novel. I really want to keep the momentum up and get through these edits this week. Then I can mail the whole thing off to my agent who can’t wait to read the ending. Ricia's been chomping at the bit with waiting. Thanks Ricia!

As I said before started the research on the next book. Logan and I are sick of the snow and we are looking forward to spring. And, a whole new bunch of fun. Thanks everyone for all your well wishes during the final leg of this book. You guys are the best.

Doing Better

2006-10-18T02:39:00.000-04:00

I’m on the last chapter. Well if you don’t count the journal entry at the end. Of course, I will have to edit the last five chapters. I feel good and totally happy that I’m so close to the end. I’ve already started the research on the next book. No time to rest but starting a new book is encouraging.

I’ll have to contact my CP to look at it over the weekend. She is so fabulous but she’s also a busy women. I haven’t had time to email her or anything.

Dark Clouds and All That!

2006-10-08T18:35:00.000-04:00

I’m taking a break just to inform you of what’s going on. Two more chapters and editing then Storm of Magick will be done. I will email it to my CP and mail a copy to my fabulous agent. If all goes well she will be submitting it.

It hasn’t been a bowl of sunshine around here lately. It seems that my mind is fighting with itself to finish this book. I’m totally looking forward to the end. The family as well seems to be keeping me in a foul mood. Wouldn’t you just love to mute your husband if only for a month or two?

I don’t know but sometimes my characters are better company then real people. I have started doing a little research for my next book. Book 2- Black Market Magick. I like Logan am looking forward to spring. New characters, new season and new murders to solve. But, I’m totally looking forward to ghost hunting in this book. And a few more new things to introduce.

The End

2006-09-30T12:17:00.000-04:00

Getting down to the wire. I have about five chapters or so to go. This is the time to put your strongest work into the book. After several re-writes and eighteen months of work, I want the book over. Nevertheless, at this point you cannot rush it. Don’t deprive your readers of a strong finish.

I have always had a strong desire to put out a killer product for my soon to be readers. Even though I have looked at this book for what seems to be a short lifetime. I want it to be fantastic. My agent read the first half and notice about eleven typos. When she said she found some mistakes I was thinking that the manuscript would be totally red, marked. But, it wasn’t.

Now if I can make a strong finish with my agent loving it. Then we can move on to submission. It has become very exciting.

Note to Jim Butcher fans: The Harry Dresden Files was picked up as a series on the Sci-Fi channel. I don’t know when it will air. But I’m totally looking forward to it.

The Smell is Under Control!!!

2006-09-19T22:36:00.000-04:00

I learned something very important from my agent in the beginning. Always use three out of the five senses in each scene. Hear, touch, see, taste and the one that almost put me down for the count. SMELL. Now I know what you’re thinking. How hard can it be to describe a smell?

Well that’s what I thought. Until I started trying to do, what my agent wanted. You have to let the reader now the smell without let them know by: Here smell these flowers under your nose. No, it has to be subtle. I turned to the internet for some assistance. Ex one, It smells like. Is a good way to start. Ex two, It smells of. And last, I took in the scent. Now there a ton of ways to do this. This is just the basic for starting.

You can also camouflage a smell with the words. Aroma and fragrance. But it is not an easy art to learn. All the other senses for me were easy. I hope this open your sinus. ; )

Movie or Not?

2006-09-16T17:15:00.000-04:00

Another chapter down. The rest of the book is pretty much laid out. So it should go pretty smoothly. Other than writing, my day has been more or less shitty. I’m hoping things improve soon. What will make my year is when my agent pronounces it good enough to submit it to publishing houses.

The bad news is my agent still does not like the opening. One other minor detail to fix. So far, she likes what she has read.

It’s funny when writing the little movie the characters have playing in your head, how fast a chapter can go. Anyone else see their novel in movie form, in their head? How do your characters tell their story?

Action

2006-09-13T18:53:00.000-04:00

Okay so I’m writing. Now I wonder how much hell to put my mc through. As anyone can tell you, I love my characters to jump through hoops. How much action as a reader do you like to see in a book? For me the more, the better. But, at what point do you say, wow does this character ever rest. Or do you?

I want a real page-turner but I don’t want my readers feeling exhausted after reading a chapter. Any thought on the issue? Although my CP has read the first half of the book and loved it. The action I mean. When do you draw the line?

As for me, I will more than likely have (Logan) my mc jumping through hoops all the way to the end.

Congrats

2006-09-10T19:23:00.000-04:00

A big congrats to a dear friend, Naomi Clark. She signed with an agent last week. We talked about how your system goes into shock. It does. I still have a hard time believing I have an agent. Until I looked at the revisions that she requested. But, good news I have finished them. Yeah.

Now I have to finish the book. My first book she said we could do some major reworking. But could be later in the series. Book four to be exact. I’m hoping that finishing the book with go a lot faster since I know what my agent wants.

To make my goal of finishing my book I will have to write a chapter every two days. Everybody keep your fingers crossed.

How I got my agent

2006-09-07T19:51:00.000-04:00

Six years ago, I set out to be a writer. At first, it was a hobby then it turned serious four years into the process. I joined various forums trying to figure out what I was actually doing. About that time, I met Naomi my wonderful friend. We traded info and work many times.

After 3 years of development and writing my first book in my series was finished. There was a lot of discussion about how similar my work was to LKH. I went through and made changes. Shopped around for and agent, nothing. I put the book a side and started the second.

I changed my series several times went back to the first book. Again, I sent out queries and I had some nibbles. From top-tier agents at that. I refuse to give up on the series or me. July 13, 2006 I was getting so frustrated. At that time I was waiting to hear from and agent that had a full manuscript and a publishing house.

I stared at Ricia Mainhardt’s web site. I picked up the phone and called. To my surprise, someone answered the phone. And, not just anyone it was Ricia herself. I thought ‘wait you’re not supposed to answer the phone. I don’t know what to say. Especially to a huge agent.’ I got over that quick. I explained my situation and she said to email her the first couple of chapters. ‘I’ll get back to you Friday,’ she says.

I did exactly what she said and that was about 3:30 or 4:30. My head was totally spinning at that point. Around 7:00 the same day, she calls back. ‘I love it,’ she say’s. Okay I’m thinking I love this woman because she loves my work. She offered to represent me on the spot. That’s how I got my agent.

I want to remind everyone. A phone pitch isn’t always wanted or excepted. Do it your way.

Guilty

2006-08-29T18:58:00.000-04:00

Not long ago I was accused of agent worship. And yes, I’m so totally guilty. My agent Ricia Mainhardt is phenomenal. We have discussed marketing, series changes and my work in general. If she can do for me what she did for LKH, I will be pleased a punch.

I have learned a lot from her during the editing process. I hope to learn more about the publishing side of the industry soon. There have been many questions about Ricia’s health. What I can say about that is she is doing great now. If you have questions about her please contact Ricia.

I am good friends with her and we have a lot in common. Which I think is important to have an agent who sees your book as something they would read out of the bookstore.

Chapter from Hell

2006-08-24T16:12:00.000-04:00

I finally made it through a rewrite of half of a chapter. I had to make sure that it blended in with the end of the original chapter. It took a couple of days of decision making but I really like the change. Plus, it is more fun to write a fight scene than a sex scene.

School starts next Tuesday so I should be able to get back on course. School clothes are bought. Cool back pack and purse. Only four days left before the school bells ring but who’s counting.

Changes

2006-08-16T22:36:00.000-04:00

Well it may not be the best time to do this. I’m slowly cutting back on my smoking and on my way to be nicotine free. I hip keep into revisions and it’s going great at times. I still count myself lucky for my kick-ass agent.

My daughter just turned twelve and had a pretty good party. They have never remembered her birthday. I’m trying too get passed it. I have lost close to twenty pounds but have more to go. In addition, school starts up in a couple of weeks so back to a schedule which I’m happy about.

I really have to push to get this book finished by the date that I set up for myself. So, it’s back to work.

Revision Land

2006-08-08T12:08:00.000-04:00

I’m knee deep in revisions for Storm of Magick. I’ve learned a lot from my agent. She has helped me so much in the revision process. I hope to have the book finished and polished by October 1st. Then it’s on to the next step to becoming published.

Speaking about my agent. She has come up with some good ideas for marketing my series.

WRITER NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!

2006-08-03T15:13:00.000-04:00

A great friend and writer needs your help. The people of the Underworld, which some refer to as creditors repoed his car. As we all know no one can really survive without a car. EJ needs his car for doctor appointments. EJ Knapp is selling short stories on his blog to raise the money to get his car back. He needs the money in 20 days to buy his car back. A bunch of fellow Backspacers have given him many short stories and poems.

Please spread the word, stop by and if possible please donate.