What I’m Working On – “NaNoWriYear”

I’ve decided that I need a little help getting back into the swing of writing consistently. To that end, my two best writing buddies and I have begun what we’re calling “NaNoWriYear” – National Novel Writing Year. We’re keeping it flexible, in that we hope to write multiple novels/short stories during the next twelve months.

My personal goal is to write something, any words on some sort of project, every day – either in Scrivener, or in my notebook. I even made a chart in one of my notebooks to keep track. And for accountability with my friends, we’re using MyWriteClub, which keeps us up to date on our progress.

We started July 1, and so far, so good!

What’s up in my life – Hanging in there

So many things are so different this year. And it’s been difficult to concentrate and use the creative side of my brain needed for writing. But I’m hanging in there. And taking comfort in my cats, my garden, and walks with my husband.

New stories are beginning to peek up in my brain at unexpected times. And my writing buddies and I are planning some accountability toward our writing starting next month. Crossing my fingers and laying down the framework to get going again.

Here is a photo of one of the gardens I can see from my desk window. It’s lovely this time of year. I hope you’re hanging in there, too.

What I’m Reading – Paranormal Women’s Fiction

So a few authors I read and follow gathered together a few more until there were 13 of them.  And they all wrote books in the genre of Paranormal Women’s Fiction.  In this genre, the main characters are women 40+, and they deal with the same issues we deal with in real life, but in a paranormal fiction setting.  I’m making my way through all 13 of the books, and absolutely loving them all.  (OK, my favorite so far is K.F. Breene’s book Magical Midlife Madness – it’s seriously laugh-out loud.)

If you’re interested in trying any of them out, you can get more information here or here.  Give them a try — you might find a new favorite author!

What I’m Reading -Amazing Grace

I met John G. Hartness, the author of this book, at JordanCon.  He very graciously gave me editing advice on the first couple of pages of my WIP.  So I thought I’d try out one of his books: the one that he said was the book of his heart.  And I have to say, it’s very engaging and hard to put down.  The main character has a very distinctive voice, and the small town it takes place in reminds me so much of where I grew up.  If you’re looking for a great read about a woman with the ability to talk to ghosts in a small southern town, read it.

You can buy the book from Falstaff Books. It’s also available on Kindle Unlimited (at least, right now it is).

What’s up in my life – Lots

I’m still recovering from JordanCon.  I met so many wonderful people – con-goers, authors, editors, artists, and it was such a memorable experience.  I’m already looking forward to going back next year!  I’ll have more posts to come soon, featuring the authors and editor I met.

Outside of that, I’ve been making lots of jewelry (and selling it on my etsy site TulipMagnolia.com), making last minute edits on one of my novels before handing it off to an editor (that will get a post of its own), working (because I have bills to pay), and hanging out with my partner and my cats (because I love them).

Hanging out with authors R.S. Beck and Paige L. Christie

What’s up in my life – Eye Pillows

I’ve gotten a number of eye pillow orders on my Etsy site recently, so I had to make another batch of covers on Saturday.  Just thought I’d share that with you.

In addition to writing, I love making stuff…lots of stuff.  And often it’s better to sell it than to hang on to it!

Authors I’ve Met – Gerald Brandt

Gerald Brandt at WFC 2018

At World Fantasy Con in Baltimore, MD, I was introduced to Gerald Brandt by David B. Coe.  Gerald has a number of books currently out, and a trilogy is under contract.

Here I am with the first book of his first series, The Courier.  Looking forward to reading it!

 

 

 

Authors I’ve Met – Paige L. Christie

Paige L. Christie writes the kind of books that I’d never read before:  “High Fantasy Meets High Noon” and “Feminist Western with Dragons” are the two phrases that describe her books best.  She has a distinctive style that I really enjoy. I’ve read the first two books in her Legends of Arnan series, Draigon Weather and Wing Wind, and I can’t wait for the third one to become available!

Paige L Christie and EMM

Authors I’ve Met – R.S. Beck

Happy Book Birthday to R. S. Beck, whose debut novel, Amber Witch, became available this past weekend!  The book is available on Amazon, as well as from Prospective Press, the publisher.

I pre-ordered Amber Witch, and I’m looking forward to reading it!

Author R. S. Beck and her book, Amber Witch

What’s up in my life – Jewelry Making

As I’ve mentioned, I have lots of creative pursuits, not just writing. So tonight for Art Night (yes, it’s a regular weekly thing around here), I made some jewelry.  What you see is a sample of what I’ll have for sale at a local art fair in November.

Three of the necklaces have sandalwood beads along with other semi-precious beads (such as lapis, Tibetan agate, garnets, carved stone), and the really colorful one has mostly semi-precious beads with a few wooden beads. I also made some matching bracelets, but since I haven’t finished the knots, I didn’t photograph them.

And, because the cats were hanging out with me, here’s a photo of two of them, too.