BOOK REVIEW - This one was good! The Sun Down Motel

 The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James, Canadian author of mystery, historical fiction, and romance novels. 

This was the first of her books that I've read. 

This one keeps you turning pages. I got the audio version and the narrators ( Brittany Pressley & Kirsten Potter)were spot on. They gave a realistic feel to the characters. If you're a fan of audiobooks, you know how important the voice can be.

The story is about two women, an aunt, Viv, and her niece, Carly, who both have supernatural experiences at a rundown, motel, but years apart. The niece arrives at the hotel to solve the disappearance of an aunt she never met, who went missing years before. 

First, we meet the aunt, Viv, who is hitchhiking to NYC and lands at the motel by accident (or fate?) 

We jump the timeline years later when her niece comes to find out what happened to the aunt she never met. 

Moving back and forth on the two timelines worked really well and was easy to follow. 

Carly, the niece, investigates murders while searching for clues about her aunt. The motel has ghosts from murders and an accident years before, and the creepy vibe comes on slowly but soon weaves its way into the story. 

 I'd definitely give this book 5 stars since it held my attention, gave me shivers, and had me emotionally involved with Carly and Viv. 

All loose ends were tied up with a big twist at the end. Loved it! 

🕮⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Query Journey - Writer's Next Step

 

Book finished, edited every which way and now on to the Query journey. Yay! 

Sure, it's a trial, ego testing, and takes a lot of research. But hey! It's part of being a writer, so I say; Have fun with it. Get to know these gatekeepers. Check out their Query Tracker pages, Websites, Manuscript Wish List, and social media pages. 

I generally do this while the husband watches TV at night since I'm not much of a TV person. 

My first piece of advice is to go to Query Tracker. What a gift this site is to writers. Take a few to watch their videos so you can use the site to the best of your abilities. You can do a free version, but for like $25, you can get so much more. Big plus: You can query most agents right through the QT site. Super easy!

In QT, you can see what genres they rep, how many of what they requested, see their clients, and read comments from others who have sent in a query.  These comments tell you what was rejected, how long it took to get that answer and some people even post the rejection letter. (Is that necessary?) 

When I see an agent on QT that I might want to send my book to I first check the genre. Yep, they accept my kind of book. They I peek at their client list just to make sure they actually rep writers and how big that list is. Not that it's a deal breaker either way but it does give me a little insight. 

Next my favorite research tool in QT; Reports. Here I an set it to Fiction Genre and see how many requests they did for which genres. So if the book I'm trying to get a rep for is Horror. I can see how many requests they did for this genre. If all I see is requests for romance and fantasy, the chances are they're not a fan of too much horror. Will this take them off my list? Not yet. There is more research to be done. 

Read the comments. This part can be surprising. Most are just submitted on this date, rejected that date, or req for full, etc. HOWEVER, some take these slow response times and rejections way too personally and get a little snarky. Please don't do that! Today, they may reject, but tomorrow they may scoop up your next book. 

 There are so many reasons an agent will take a long time to respond. First, their inbox may be overflowing, and they're getting through it as best they can. Second, they might have put your query aside to give it another look. (Yay!) Third, these agents are people with private lives, families, and other agent-y things to do. They assist with R&R for their different clients who have already signed. They need to talk to publishing houses, editors to build relationships. Most attend conferences that help writers. They are very busy people!  

Of course, Query Tracker is only one way to research agents. You can do a web search, type #mswl into any social media platform. Visit their websites and read about which agent is looking for which genre. Do a random search of their names. Check the Writer's Beware site, Publishers Market Place. Look on YouTube. There are many agents and agent interviews on YouTube. My favorite are the Bookends Literary Agency videos. Super informative on how the system works and things writers need to know. 

So while you're waiting for a reply, what do you do? 

• Keep researching other agents to submit to
• Write your next book! (actually, this should be #1)
• Live your life, do fun things
• Relax. Writing is a marathon, and queries are just one part. 

Write on, my friend

What to do After Finishing Your Book?

 Aside from the polish, edit, polish, edit, round-a-bout... Take two days off. Let your brain drain and your thinking patterns refresh. After all, being neck deep in the world of your story can be draining. I always feel like I've run a marathon when I finish that final edit. 

So, off it goes into query-land. A place of agents, publishers and hope. Let it fly. 

What now? Your next great story, or course! 

From the one I just sent off to query-land, I've got an idea for a sequel. Part of it already mapped out on paper. Three chapters written. 

The issue with that is, will the agent (Please God, send me that dream agent. 🙏) want a sequel? Will they think it's a good idea? I do. 😺 But on something like this, if the agent does want the first book, I'd listen to them on book 2. 

I have another finished book in the drawer. One I really liked, but my beta reader said it had a bit of head-hopping in it. So that's a major edit overhaul. No prob. It will keep me busy. 

So what did I do today? I worked on both of them. What else? 

Tomorrow I may find another agent to query, while kick out another chapter or two on one of these. 

Or maybe I'll just spend the day painting. It's a stress relief. 

What's your plans? 

Lack of Research. - All my fault!

 When looking for an agent, researching what they want and what they've requested in the past (thank you, Query Tracker!) can be a huge help when you're submitting your work to the right agents. 

One piece of advice I missed? Research them EVERYWHERE! 

I made an agent list on Query Tracker. Those I love and those who fit the genre I'm proposing. No one is really second string. I looked them up, and they all seem to be hard-working, agents who are passionate about their authors and books.

But I didn't look everywhere. Today, I put the names of the ones I didn't think wanted my genre, but who I respected, into a search engine.  WhooooHooo! Lots of stuff came up and there were a few interviews and websites where these agents talked about being open to other genres. 

My genre! 

Now I'm rebuilding my query list. With the thought that John Grisham sent out queries to 100 agents before someone bit for A Time to Kill, there's still a chance...

New Project - 2nd in Series or Something New?

 

Once a book moves off the desk, it's time to figure out what's next. 

While writing Threshold of Midnight, an idea for a sequel came to mind, and I immediately started outlining. Just get those ideas down on paper in case - IN CASE - I want to make the sequel my next project. 

I have 3 other manuscripts finished but not edited. Should I just get them edited and out? Or start the sequel that's on the edge of my mind while those characters are fresh in my mind? 

So I need to pick between these; 

1. Threshold of Tomorrow (Sequel to Threshold of Midnight)

2. Eyes of My Killer (paranormal detective novel)

3. To Be A Patriot (Fight back against the establishment)

4. Lucifer (my oldest manuscript - what if you meet Lucifer?)

Which would you choose? 

Leave a comment

Last Minute Writing Panic

 

After weeks (months?) of editing, re-editing, checking and reading, reading, reading my manuscript. 

It's perfect.                      I think?

No, I put so much time into it. I can still see the pages when I close my eyes. Those characters are still here in the room with me, outside, peeking in my windows. 

What does all this mean? I sent a query!

Actually two. 

After watching agents, book marketing and reviews, I started with two absolute favorites. I've followed their careers, the agency, and their YouTube channels. They're not the only ones I follow, but  I do have great respect for them. There are more on my list  to query in the next few days, but this is a start. 

(Note; If you haven't searched "lit agents" on YouTube, try it! It's a wealth of information on the industry.) 

These are my dream agents. 

If they call, you'll be seeing me dancing down the middle of the street. And maybe the grocery store. 

Later, maybe tomorrow or the next day, I'll send to the next on my list. I know publishing is a long game. Very few jump ahead of the line, and we need to respect the rules. 

Check back for updates! 

Writing Interuptions - How to manage them?

One BIG challenge a writer faces is finding uninterrupted writing time. Those few precious hours when you can shut out the world and just write. A place where words flow and your brain is churning out the perfect story.

One way I found to get more on the paper (or word doc) is to schedule a block of time for writing. A time when the house is quieter, the family is busy with whatever and the animals have been fed and walked. 

Ahhhh, that perfect world. 

Can anyone tell me where to find it??? 

For those of you who believe in the WoooWooo, Aug 8th is the Lion's Gate Portal. A time when the sun in Leo aligns with the star Sirius and the constellation Orion. 

It's a time when you can manifest the best things. The universe is ready for your requests. 

So, I'm in that final edit. I have maybe 20 pages left and today, Aug 8th I was going to send that Query letter out into the Lion's Gate Portal! Yes! Let the planets align and bring positive energy to my work. 

Great plan? 

Maggie Mittens didn't think so. 

I'm sitting on the couch with my laptop, papers and notes spread out all around me, and here comes murder Mittens. She puts that snout on the back of my laptop and flips it closed. 

AAaahahaha!  Open, check the save, did I lose anything? 

"Go lay down, Maggie." She moves away, picks up her chew toy and I get back to work. 

This is good, brain engaged, recaptured the zone, and words are starting to flow again. 

Bam! Laptop lid closed!  Who's little face is there? 

                                        Yeah, this one. -->

"Out? Wanna go out?"  She looks at me and lies down. 

Back to work...the vibe is still there... somewhere. 

Here comes the cat. She thinks the keyboard is some kind of massage bed. Is it the heat from the keyboard? Or is she some kind of critic? And now? Wait! People are texting me.... 

So much for the Lion's Gate Portal. The frustration has me wanting to lock myself in the bathroom. (and don't think I'm so far from it!) 

Tomorrow is the full moon. Any advice on that? 

Almost there! Or Maybe Not? Yes, No, Yes, No...

 The book is done. 

I've been editing it for weeks. 

Over on Query Tracker reading about agents who are open. 

The book looks good. 

Wait! 

One more read through.... It's 380 pages, so this might take a few days. 

Is it too long? Should I cut it?

Did everything come together at the end? 

Did I wrap up all the loose ends? 

Does the editing process ever end? Oy! 

Check back for the Query letter pain: 

Be unique, but not odd. Write a good hook & make them love you, but keep it business-like. Research every agent. Do they want my genre? Are they open to queries right now? How long have they been agenting? Should I wait until the new moon? 

Excuse me while I go ice my brain.... 

Banned Book Week

In Florida they're banning books. 

Other States are joining in. 

And then there's Texas. Land of the free, unless you live in Texas. 

Speak out. 

Speak up.

And check with your local school district. 

Do you know what they're doing? 

Censorship leaves us in the dark - Keep the light on. 

Best Habit a Writer Needs

They say if you can do the same thing for 30 days it becomes a habit. Every day for 30 days. Now you've got a habit that easy to go to, easy to do. 

So what's the best habit for a writer? Show up. Make a writing time and place and go to it every day. 

Every. Single. Day. 

When I wrote Soul Mates (A different kind of love story) I set a 6 am alarm to get writing time in before that other real job thingy. After a week or two I didn't even need an alarm. I just stumbled out of bed, hit the button on the coffee maker and headed for my desk. Everyday until I typed the words "The End."  

One thing that did was get the book finished. At least the first draft. But considering the other first drafts I had from other creative endeavors this was a pretty clean first draft. I believe that's because I was more focused on my task. It was time to get to work and that's where I went on time.  It also gave a deep satisfaction. Yes, I could finish a book. All it took was a little discipline. 

Do you have to get up at 6 am? No. 

Do you have to set a time to write? Yes, that gets you to the table where your craft begins. 

Stephen King said, in his book On Writing, that he goes to his desk and doesn't get up until he had 10 pages written. Some days he's happily tripping down the road at noon, other day's he's there late until he chokes out those 10 pages. That is discipline and that is why he's such a prolific writer. I highly recommend his book, On Writing, for all writers. 

Okay, you've picked a time to write, now what? 

Set up your desk so you can get right to work and not have to struggle to find a pen, plug in your laptop, or find your reading glasses. Your writing space should be ready when you are. 

Now it doesn't have to be a fancy desk by a beautiful view and your favorite mug. No. It can be a quiet corner in your bedroom, a little nook off the kitchen, or anywhere there's less distractions. King wrote his first book with an old selectric on his knees in a laundry room. Get creative, get a refreshment, and go to work. Okay, you can bring your favorite mug. 

So that's it folks. Most important thing a writer needs is a set time to go to work just like any other job. Show up and get to work. 

You can do it! 

Writer's Toolbox

They say that a writer needs to read. Most writers are avid readers before deciding to write, but some just decide to give it a try.  Still, having the right tools goes a long way to writing a good book.

I was a reader and then the writing came naturally. Ideas flowed and the stories just had to be written.  Now there are boxes of stories under my desk and in the closets. Maybe some under the bed, too.

Not all stories go anywhere. Some were just the start of an idea, but we put them aside and maybe someday....

So what, besides reading, is in a writer's tool box? First it has to be grammar. I like Stunk & White Elements of Style. It's a good basic book for grammar.
I used to recommend a good thesaurus and dictionary, too. However in the age of the personal PC, that stuff is now at your fingertips.

Aside from that a collection of basic information and writing books. Not every book will fit every writer. Look for character development books, one that will help you flesh out the people in your book. Just giving a character a name and description isn't enough. If you've ever done a character sketch you've learned that the more you know about your MC the easier it is to write their reactions, thoughts, and dialog.

Now, let's go to your genre. Is your book set in the present? The 1950's? Is it a story about where you live or a different area? Vampires? Crime?

This is where research comes in. You can get a lot of information off the internet, just make sure it's a valid site and not an opinion site. Don't get the info from another fiction book. Research will pay off in the long run because make one factual mistake and someone somewhere will call you on it. Possibly in a review.

Look to other more successful authors for the way they work their craft. I recommend Stephen King's On Writing and  The Weekend Novelist. Both touch on the craft of writing and the discipline it takes to get things done. For without discipline where are we? Staring at half finished manuscripts and empty pages.

So, collect your books and make notes. Study your craft just as you would when you learn any other job.
Happy writing!

Blub on the Book Cover?

The blub on the back of the book, or now on Amazon, is one of the most important things in your book. It should give us info as to what kind of book it is, what I can expect from the plot, and tease a bit.
What it should not give is list of reviews.

I found this link shared by J.A.Konrath on Facebook.

So, I'm thinking Kool! Free Books! New Authors to love!
Then I go and start reading the blubs on Amazon.  For those of you who don't know, the blub is that bite of information on the back of the book or via kindle, the write up under the title on Amazon.

That's where I hit the brakes.  One had a quick; this person and this person now have this mystery to figure out...followed by 10 reviews. Gee, if I had wanted to read the reviews, I would have clicked on those little stars on top. Basically, I now know nothing about this book that hooked me. Pass.

Another gave too little info. Detective has to solve a murder but will it lead him into trouble?  Gee, that told me nothing. All murder mystery books just got covered by that blurb.  Pass.

Reading these blurbs annoyed me and got me thinking about how important and how much skill goes into writing them.  Don't tell me the story, tell me why it's an interesting story. I had a writer friend who could spit this stuff out like candy. I told her my one book was about an angel who saved someone who was destine to die and then she had no destiny and another angel doesn't want her to marry his human and on and on... that's a crappy blurb. I know. I struggled. 

My friend turned it into this;
"When an angel appears to tell Shay Deville she can’t marry her fiancé because she will forever alter his destiny, she thinks she is going crazy. Shay learns she was supposed to die seven months ago, but Merrick, her own guardian angel, broke angelic law and saved her. Now she is a woman without a future – or a guardian.

In spite of the angel’s warning Shay refuses to give up her dreams. She hunts down Merrick, her renegade angel, and demands he help her.Guardian Angel Merrick knows the Heavenly Handbook better than anyone, but when the time came to help Shay Deville cross over, he just couldn’t do it. Now Merrick is stripped of his wings and banished to the earthly realm until he corrects his mistakes and completes the destiny of his charge. But how can Merrick arrange to take Shay’s life when he has fallen in love with her? How can he not?

Will Merrick give up his wings and forever be cast to Earth for the woman he loves?
Can a woman without a destiny ever find happiness, or true love?"

Well, why didn't I think of that Heavenly handbook thing? So seamless. So easy and it gets the gist of the story across. 

Bottom line? Tempt me, make me excited to see what's going on inside those pages. Go check out the link of free mystery books. I did buy/get a few of the one's with the best blurb. 

These books hooked me with their blurb. 

• Someone Elses Daughter by Linsey Lanier
• A Gluten Free Murder by P.D. Workman
• The Ink Man Lies by Julia Hughes
• Last Call by J.A.Konrath
• Murder in the ER by Jackie Holiday
• Justice by Ann Voss Peterson 

Peace out! I got some reading to do.

NaNoWriMo Begins

NaNo is here! Wo0T!

Yesterday I was tooo crazy busy but got some words done today. So since NaNo is  a worldwide challenge I'm going to try to post my progress here every day or so. To the right is my word count.
Wish me luck!

Before NaNo I wrote a quick blurb for the story. Now I have no idea where to go with this story so it's a bit of a challenge.
Premise?
Woman stumbles into a grounded angel and they fall back into a bar where wayward angels meet. This gathering of angels have been put back to earth to earn their wings. They're a rag tag bunch and the woman can't be sure if they'll help her or not. One catch; she's trapped and can't figure out how to get out of the bar and back home.

Day 1 of NaNo, 231 words
Woman (Casey) is running from a mugger and runs right into an angel. They fall back into the bar that only angels can enter or even see.

Lordy! This is going to be a hard story to write.... Hello NaNo challenge!
See you tomorrow.

The Pitfalls of Admitting You’re a Writer

I'm a writer and proud to admit it. It never was that way, but it's okay now. I think once you accept you're who you are, writing gets easier. Talking about who you are and what you do gets easier, too. 

Any professions should be something to be proud of whether it’s sweeping floors or flying airplanes. It’s what you do, what puts food on the table and a roof overhead. However there is one profession where people think you should work for free or at least on their project for free.

“What do you do for a living.”

“I’m a writer.”

“I have a great idea for a book. You could write it and I’ll split the money with you.”

Yes, I’ve had the conversation many times and I used to bite my tongue every time. I used to say, “Sorry, I really don’t have time. I do have a book I’m working on now.” This reply has either brought no response or something along the lines of, “But this will be a best seller. You should still write it.”

Aside from the fact that most lay people have no idea how much work goes into writing a book. The late hours, pages upon pages of edits and revisions and when the book is finally done, searching for a publishing house or agent. Some writers are fairly prolific and others spend years perfecting their books. People outside of the profession just don’t get it.

So what do you do when someone insists you’re missing that best seller if you’d only write their book? You know, and do all the work so they can “split” the profit? And POOF! Have that magical best seller?

Here’s what works for me;

“Okay, give me an outline by chapter and character sketches. I’ll also need a timeline in detail to make sure I get it right.”

No one has ever given me any of this and most never come back asking. If they do, I reiterate how important it is getting the outline, character sketches and timeline is to create the book.

Next time they ask you to write that book, give them the list and watch that glint go out of their eye. Oh wait! Writing a book is work???? Who knew!

No Apologies

The Dreaded 2nd Draft

Writing that second draft is a killer. The story is all there, inside your head but now you have to do it over and over and over until it's polished to perfection.

I think my mind has gone numb. I know what happens next, I've read and reread all 125, 331 words until they've become tattooed on my brain. I want to move on. I want to be free to write the next story.

There's another big D word out there and it's what I need to exercise now; discipline.  That thing that makes us do what we should do and not what we really want to do.

No wonder Hemingway drank. It was probably due to that second draft.

I'm on chapter 3 for the 2nd or maybe it's the 3rd round. Then it goes on the shelf for a bit... not intentionally! Then I bring it back out and start over.

 Ok, NANOWRIMO is fast approaching so it's either finish it now or it might push into next year. The first time I pushed a book through to the finish line I scheduled it. Up at 6 am every morning and right to my desk. Write till 7 or 7:30 and then work that full time job. So, it's time to straighten up, put writing back on the schedule block and just do it.

First I have to clean off my desk. It's always best to have that writing spot to go to where the world doesn't intrude.

Second make a tracker. Visual aids always help. When you can look up and see that progress it helps to see how far you've come and how close the finish line is. Anything here works from a calendar to just a list with dates.
Third? Is there a third?

What do you do to get through the polishing process and ready for publication?

7 Tips for Writing a Book

Face it. Writing a book is work. Creative writing? Fiction? It takes getting into the zone. That place where you block out all else and become part of your story. Where you're inside the heads of your characters and feeling their thoughts and emotions. Your niche could be essay writing, creative writing, journaling, or memoir writing.

Getting it done is the challenging part.

So how do you do it?

• Ass in chair. This is the simplest tip anyone can give you. Sit down in front of that computer and just write. The muse will come when you show up. It's not going to call you or send you some mystical signal on when it's time to write. Pick a time and plant your ass in the chair. 
• Ignore the fear. Stop with the "am I good enough," "will anyone like it," or the worse, "will it sell?"  Stop it! Put that ego in the backseat and just write your story down. 
• Read. Sorry, you can't write in a vacuum. Best advice about writing? Read a lot. Reading introduces you to different styles and voices that could totally enrich your own writing. Read multiple genres. Don't be tied to your old tried and true favorites. Explore the world of books in every category and see what's out there. 
• Get good at Grammar. Yes, it's important and even if the reader doesn't know all the technical grammar rules they'll feel it when something doesn't sound right. Others will know and will just not want to read what you've written. Grammar is one of the most important things in your tool box. Make it work for you. 
• Set goals. Pick a page count or slice of time when all you do is write. Stephen King wrote in his book On Writing that he does 10 pages a day. Sometimes he's done early, sometimes he's burning that midnight oil. So pick your goal and stick to it. Slice of time? I used to write from 6 to 7 am before work. It was my most productive time because it was before the family woke up and started moving around. It was a quiet time with just my characters, coffee and the story. It worked for me. Find what works for you. 
• Hold precious your writing time. Choose that time and make it your job. Its a sacred time between just you and your work. Go to it and get it done.
• Go to writing conferences or join writing groups. Be around other writers and be open to learning what they have to share. No one is perfect and everyone can learn. Hanging around these kind of people will help keep your focus and motivation. 

These are just a few tips that will get that story written. After all this is done the editing process begins. Don't edit in the middle. Get it all down on paper, put it on the shelf for a couple of weeks. Then come back and read with fresh eyes. The story is the foundation, editing is the walls, and that last draft is the finishing decor. Polish it, shine it, and make it happen. 

Gone Indie, Where to Now?

I went Indie a while ago but slacked in marketing. Really, I know marketing. I've worked in the field (along with Human Resources, Sales, Office Management and a few others that don't apply) so I know what to do. I'm just a slacker and used that "life happens" excuse to not get it done.

I do have several books finished that are just sitting on my computer waiting to be edited. That's the real work. Editing. It's like you worked hard to create this art project you love and someone leans over your shoulder and points out all the things that don't work with it. BUT IT WAS SO BEAUTIUFL! before that editing muse stepped up. Sheesh! What a nag!

So here's my new experiment.

I took a book I loved and I'm posting it to a blog, placing adsense on it and a link to Patreon.

I first discovered Patreon from podcasts. Another thing I long to do, but (insert "life happens" excuse here) just haven't done. It's a place where creative people can post for donations to keep the creativity flowing. Podcastors do it, You-tubers, and artists all do it on Patreon and people just donate towards their work. Some do exceedingly well, other's just float along. Some have no donations. :(
Then I figured since my "life happens" excuse was blocking my podcasting abilities, why don't I use it for my writings? And so, a new blog was born; The Midnight Brain.   I put an age warning on it for violence and or sexual stuff. Mostly I did this so I don't scare the kiddies.

First two chapters of Eyes of My Killer are up and the next two are set to launch over the next couple of days. I'm editing each chapter as I put it up. This forced editing is getting things done! Wo0t!

Patreon is almost set up, too. Still learning the technicalities on the site, but I've been approved. Yay!

To all my fellow writers, I'll keep you posted on this experiment.

Free Booksy Ad

So, while work was driving me crazy, stressing me out, I am ashamed to admit I neglected my books and writing. Even reading was hard as I could not get my head clear enough to enjoy it.

Now, I'm unemployed and little by little my head is clearing. Writing is getting easier, I'm more apt to open a book (on my kindle,) and I'm a little happier. I think that's how stress sneaks up on you. Little by little this backpack of rocks is increasing it's load on you until you either shuck it off or it's knocked off. Now I feel like dancing during the day and that makes me realize that heavy backpack is gone. Whew! I hadn't realized it was sooo heavy!

Sorry, I'm wandering.

Free Booksy sent me an ad a couple weeks ago. Be on their page and email blast for $35. I did it.
Right now I want to go back and change my write up. Next time no write ups while sipping my second glass of wine and kicking back watching Breaking Bad. (Multi-tasking!) It took me all of five mins to set the ad. I picked today, because some internet site said Monday's were a good day to blast a book. Today the ad is live;  Go here to see the page- scroll down to find my book under reincarnation.

Now to the Amazon results. First I noticed one new review and it was a nice one. Yay! Thank you nice person!

This went out in an email blast between 10 and noon today. Right now it's 4:30 pm.

So that's 8 books in a few hours. Plus the review? 

I'm good with this and I'll be going back to Bargain Booksy. Affordable advertising and an easy to use set up. If I could warn about anything, don't drink wine while writing your blurb. 

HAPPY WRITING! 

Dark Days & Writing Ambition

Writing comes easy when life is easy. When depression darkens the days, writing is hard.
I was just over at Hugh Howey's blog and was inspired. Sometimes things can dim our light, get in the way of muse and lead us into that grey area of life where we don't really want to do anything.
Hopeless
Useless
Saddened by things beyond our control

Dreams come and go but it's the holding onto them that's a challenge.
I write because I love it. If it sells, fine. If not, I'll still write because of all the stories yet to tell.

There have been challenges here in AimlessLand. I've had worse, but that doesn't diminish what's here now. With a few autoimmune issues, depression is something I'm used to dealing with. When I was a kid I called them "the sad times" and just thought that the sad times are here so I'll just wait until it passes. Pretty insightful for a kid, right? I think this was happening throughout my life as I remember dealing with this when I was about 6 years old or so.

I think one of the depression busting techniques that works best is art and music. Making it, not watching/listening. Pick up some paint and a canvas and just start making a mess. Grab a guitar, bang on the keyboard.

Number two depression buster? A goal with a plan. This is what I want, this is what I have to do.

I recently found a new goal and it scares the sh*t out of me. I want to give up, retreat back and hide. It's a real give it all up and go type of goal. And I'm going to do it anyway. I once read that courage is just fear holding out for one more minute. I go for it minute by minute. Long term its a crazy idea. A minute passes so quickly, it's doable.

Stay tuned for the scary reality....
And if you're in the frigid north east, (temps today -7) here's a book to keep you warm.

Well, New Year, New Ad Experiment

So I do have a little t-shirt shop on Cafe Press called CrazyPanterT's. Surprisingly, the best seller is my Read a Banned Book shirt. Ok, maybe that wasn't a surprise. I like that shirt, too.

So, while on Facebook I see an ad for Shopify and investigate. Eh, as much bad reviews as good. Then I look into Big Commerce. And on their site it says they have an Amazon link. So I link on over to Amazon and look at the pitiful performance of my 3 and a half books. So, this little thing pops up for Advertise on Amazon. And so it goes....

It starts tonight so I'll update as it goes.

The ad I tried for No Apologies didn't even make it past the review stage. My guess was the cover had a nipple. Most romance writers know the nipple is not allowed to be exposed in certain ads/venues. (Yes, even man nipples) Walmart will not carry a book with even basic skin showing and nipples, so maybe I should have thought about that before I okay'ed the cover.

Submitted for review to the Amazon staff tonight; Soul Mates. By tomorrow I should either be rejected or accepted. There's a dog on the cover so I should be clear on the nipple issue.