Monthly Archives: January 2014

Author Beware—What to Look for in an Indie Publisher

Posted on January 17, 2014 | Leave a comment

Great post for those interesting in Indie Publishing, or just want more information.

Author Kristen Lamb's avatarKristen Lamb's Blog

On Wednesday, we talked about all the types of publishing paths and how the new paradigm is becoming increasingly flexible and author-friendly. There is no “right path” only a path that is right for you, which we will talk about in a moment.

To keep up with all the changes in The Digital Age, we created WANACon, which is a virtual conference and as close to the real thing one can get without a holo-deck. No travel, no hotel, from home, and all recordings are included so you can fit a writing conference to your schedule no matter where in the world you happen to live. Also you can listen to anything you miss or might need to revisit. Talk to agents, editors and professionals without ever stepping outside.

Over 20 presentations on craft, social media, platform-building, web design, cover design, and agents…delivered straight to YOU. No matter which publishing…

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Is it Friday Yet? (Jan 16)

Posted on January 16, 2014 | 2 comments

 photo by theoneandonlee.tumlr.com

How can you say no to that face?  Take the day off and start the weekend.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Is it Friday Yet? post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

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Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins

Posted on January 16, 2014 | 3 comments

Stir Me Up Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins.  Published Oct 1, 2013 by Harlequin Teen.  CDN $1.99 Kindle Edition

Cami Broussard has her future all figured out. She’ll finish her senior year of high school, then go to work full-time as an apprentice chef in her father’s French restaurant, alongside her boyfriend, Luke. But then twenty-year-old ex-Marine Julian Wyatt comes to live with Cami’s family while recovering from serious injuries. And suddenly Cami finds herself questioning everything she thought she wanted.

Julian’s all attitude, challenges and intense green-brown eyes. But beneath that abrasive exterior is a man who just might be as lost as Cami’s starting to feel. And Cami can’t stop thinking about him. Talking to him. Wanting to kiss him. He’s got her seriously stirred up. Her senior year has just gotten a lot more complicated…(Goodreads Excerpt)

What to say? Hmmm.  I picked this book as a distraction from my normal read which is YA paranormal.  Witches, Demons Vampires and ghosts easily entertain me.  This book has NONE of those.  Be forewarned..lol

I adored the book.  It was a nice light read that kept me entertained.  I liked that it explored the teenage issues that all girls face today, pressure from boys for sex, drugs, alcohol etc.  Cami’s boyfriend at the beginning of the book annoyed the heck out of me and I wanted to smack him up the side of the head.  (Sigh…I have teenage daughters so you will forgive the urge)  I liked that Cami was strong enough to stand up to him…most of the time.

I loved the interaction between Cami and Julian.  The angry bitterness that he used to push her away and Cami’s “I don’t need to put up with his crap” that made me smile…Girl after my own heart.

Cami’s best friend Taryn was a good secondary character that gave a lot of laughter.  I love the SHOUTY CAPITOLS that she always uses in her text messages.

Oh and I loved the cooking references.  There were even recipes on the back of the book!  This aspect made it interesting and real that she was so passionate about being a chef.

The book was easy to read, easy to get into and I think what made me enjoy the book the most was that Cami, like many young girls finishing high school was nervous about what’s next.  I mean she had choices and some were pushing her to make that choice.  At times she was very real about someone else making the decision for her and I admire her for that…for recognizing that she was scared about her future.  I won’t say what she does, that would ruin it.  You will have to read it to find out!

While it wasn’t stocked full of thunder and action, it was a nice read and I give it 5 stars.

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Wordless Wednesday (Jan 15)

Posted on January 15, 2014 | 3 comments

 photo by funnycatwallpaper.com

I love Wordless Wednesday.  I get a kick out of finding the best picture that makes me laugh or go ‘OMG that is so adorable’.  So please  LEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Wordless Wednesday post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

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Announcing CP Matchmaker! Check it out!

Posted on January 15, 2014 | 2 comments

Hello everybody!
What is CP Matchmaker, you ask?
CP Matchmaker is hosted by Megan Grimit and is Megan’s way of paying it forward.  Megan considers herself to be extremely lucky in landing the most amazing critique group. The ladies she works with are smart, and kind, and thoughtful and they’ve taught her a lot about the way she writes and the kind of writer she wants to be.
But not everyone has this. And that’s something that eats away at her.
Because everyone should have a team. Everyone should know exactly where to go and what to do to find someone who is going to be honest and helpful.
So, she brainstormed the idea “Why isn’t there a Twitter pitch party for finding CP’s?”
AND CP MATCHMAKER WAS BORN!
(Dramatic, no?)
Ok, so here’s what’s up:
 
What:  A chance to pitch your book to a bunch of like minded writers
Where:  Twitter, of course!
When: January 20th from 10am-10pm EST
Why:  Because it’s going to be so much fun!
But you’re going to need a few things first.
1. A twitter pitch (140 characters or less to include the #CPMatch hashtag)
2. A blog button, should you choose to spread the word and get more people involved. (See below)
3. And a few labels:
For the purpose of easy identification, please include (abbreviated for your convenience) a little about your critiquing style.(Note: These are for how you critique others work, not what you need for your own.)

Do you get straight to the point- STTP
Fan of the compliment sandwich- CS
Are you brutally honest- BH
How about a good copyeditor- GCE
Or are you more of an attention to detail type: ATD
Maybe a critique partner beginner: CPB
Plot hole hunter: PHH
Do you give great big picture notes: BP
Are you a few of these things? Go ahead and list as many as will fit in your pitch.
Need an example of a #CPMatch pitch?
Trapped among bleeding walls, psychotic passengers, and manifested fears,
can Olivia escape with her life? YA #CPMatch CS ATD
And come the 20th, simply search through the feed. If something looks interesting, DM the person and get to know each other a little better. See what you have to offer each other.
And I can’t stress this enough: SWAP A SAMPLE CHAPTER
You’ll never know if you really mesh well unless you see some feedback first hand.
DISCLAIMER: CP Matchmaker is a baby. Not just a baby, a wrinkly, screaming newborn. If there’s something you’re unclear about, email me, and I’ll try to answer your questions. Have a few extra label ideas? Lemme have em! I am totally up for any suggestions here. I want this thing to be helpful to as many people as possible.
And on that note. SPREAD THE WORD. Please. Pretty please, with sugar on top and ice-cream in the middle.
Tweet about it. Blog about it. Tell your neighbor.
She can only help match the people who attend.
So again, please. Help Megan to help other writers find their CP soul mates like She did.  I personally am very excited by this adventure.
If you have any questions hopefully I can help or you can go directly to Megan’s blog http://www.pawsfangsandsmiles.blogspot.com/2014/01/announcing-cp-matchmaker.html and check out the questions others have asked or ask her yourself.

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WWW Wednesdays (Jan 15)

Posted on January 15, 2014 | 5 comments

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers:

A Demon Made Me Do It (Demonblood, #1)Recently Finished: A demon made me do it by Penelope King.  Really enjoyed this book.  Review here: https://cynthiastacey.com/2014/01/10/a-demon-made-me-do-it-by-penelope-king/

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Stir Me UpCurrently Reading: Stir me up by Sabrina Elkins.  I was looking for a break from the supernatural and therefore decided to read this.  I am almost finished.  Loved it.  review posted soon.

I still have Fire with Fire (Demonblood #2) by Penelope King on my kindle and Divergent by Veronica Roth.  I think Divergent is going to win out!

Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2) Divergent (Divergent, #1)

And as always you never know what little treasure will show up and DEMAND to be read.  Happy reading everyone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

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Teaser Tuesday (Jan 14)

Posted on January 14, 2014 | 1 comment

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

He’s a TRAIN WRECK and a major jerk.  He yells at Estella and throws things.

HOT WOUNDED MARINE – WITH ATTITUDE?? Taryn texts.

I roll my eyes and grin, shake my head.   You’re insane, you know this.

8% on kindle

Stir Me Up Stir me up by Sabrina Elkins

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Teaser Tuesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

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The Tips to Maximize Conflict in Your Novel

Posted on January 13, 2014 | Leave a comment

Great article by author Kristen Lamb!

Author Kristen Lamb's avatarKristen Lamb's Blog

Kirk

Whenever I blog about craft, I’m coming from the perspective of a long-time editor. I do understand that the creation process is vastly different from the editing process. I know this because I’ve been on both sides. But, if you want to minimize revisions and rewrites, it helps to have some basic editorial skills in your toolbox.

Since many of you might want to pursue self-publishing, you’re wise to hire an outside editor. The cleaner the text, the lower the bill. Even if you want an agent or to traditionally publish, the tighter the writing, the better the odds your work will earn positive attention.

Line-edit is important and no longer my area of expertise. I put commas everywhere and pay other editors the move them where they need to be. Typos happen even to the best of us. Right now, I’m editing my almost 100,000 word mystery-thriller and *head…

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47 RONIN

Posted on January 13, 2014 | 1 comment

I have to say I went into this movie with very little expectation.  I had no idea what a Ronin was or really what the movie was about.  It had Keanu Reeves and marital arts…whats not to like?

Loved this movie!

A Ronin is a disgraced Samurai.  The movie is based on a Japanese legend of 47 Ronin who seek revenge for their leader after he is forced to commit ritual suicide for assaulting a court official.   I never heard the story before, so I don’t really know how accurate the movie is to the legend.

I have always likes stories about the Samurai, their unfailing loyalty, honor and integrity above all else is amazing.  The movie tells the story with a little paranormal magic thrown in, as legends often do.  I have to say it made the movie more entertaining.

The cast was phenominal.  Keanu Reeves is a favorite of mine, especially since Matrix.  He plays Kai a half breed who is treated pretty badly by the Japanese samurai, but ends up the hero of the story in the end.  He was raised as a boy by the tengu who are a race of supernatural beings that are popular in Japanese legends.  Kai disagrees with their methods and escapes, and is found my the Samurai leader who takes him in and protects him.

The other main characters are new to me, but did a phenomenal job.   Hiroyuki Sanada (oishi), Ko Shibasaki (Mika), Tadanobu Asano (Kira) and I absolutely loved the character of the Kitsune Witch played by Rinko Kikuchi.  She was so evil and played the part extremely well.  

47-Ronin-Poster

I watched the movie in 3D which I rarely do (It gives me a headache) but the special effects and cinematography were amazing.

Since watching the movie, I have read a lot of reviews and the general consensus is that the movie was bad.  I must have bad taste then because I thought it was amazing.  It is a movie about Loyalty, honor and heroes with a little magic and paranormal elements thrown in.  I loved it right up until the last ten minutes or so when I said “What? you’re going to end it like that?” but when I thought about it, the movie couldn’t really end any other way given that it is a story about Samurai and their culture.  I won’t spoil it by saying what happens but it was a bit of a shock since I didn’t know much about the story going in.

Overall I give this movie 41/2 stars.  I would even watch it again.

Let me know if you have seen the movie and your thoughts.  Have you heard of the legend of 47 Ronin?  I love hearing other peoples thoughts on movies.  I never agree with the critics.

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You Know You’re a Writer When…

Posted on January 10, 2014 | Leave a comment

Have to check out this post by Author Kristen Lamb.

Author Kristen Lamb's avatarKristen Lamb's Blog

We’ve been talking about some heavy stuff the past several posts, so I figured it was time for a bit of levity. We writers are different *eye twitches* for sure, but the world would be SO boring without us.

You Know You’re a Writer When…

You’ve learned that regular people are cute, and no longer get offended with this conversation.

Regular Person: What do you do?

Writer: I’m a writer.

Regular Person: No, I mean, what’s your real job?

You’ve come to understand that writers are a lot like unicorns. Everyone knows about them, they’ve simply never seen a REAL ONE.

You Know You’re a Writer When…

The NSA, CIA and FBI no longer bother with you. Likely, they know you by name and now outsource to the creepy ice cream truck to just make a few passes and check to make sure you’re still at your computer.

author

You Know…

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A Demon Made me do it by Penelope King

Posted on January 10, 2014 | 1 comment

A Demon Made Me Do It (Demonblood, #1) A Demon Made me do it by Penelope King.  Published May 27, 20111 by Ascension Press.  FREE on Amazon.

Some girls share clothes, a bathroom, or a bedroom. Seventeen-year-old Liora Greyson has to share, too. Only she shares her body–with a demon.

Liora just wants to survive her final year of high school unscathed, her dark secret intact. But the walls she’s carefully constructed to keep people away crack wide open once she meets the sexy and mysterious Kieron, and he lights her world on fire. She can’t let him know she transforms into a demon named “Lucky” at nightfall—a demon with an entirely separate personality who passes out Torment, Justice, and Revenge like Halloween candy.

Turns out Kieron is the one who should be afraid once Lucky discovers his true identity and motivations. Liora wants to love him, but Lucky thinks he’s public enemy number one. And having a demon with a vendetta show up during a romantic date puts a serious crimp in any relationship.

Fighting your demons is one thing. Having one that fights back, messes with your guy, and leaves you with nasty hangovers is quite another.

Being bad has never been so good.. (Goodreads Excerpt)

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I read this book.  I’m not normally into Demons and Angels, but this book was original and easy to get into.  I loved the concept of two personalities in the one body, a human and a demon.  Both sides of Liora’s personality are very distinct…and very unique.  I really enjoyed getting to know both characters.

I liked Kieron right from the start.  He is far from perfect and does some stupid things but overall he comes off as a nice guy, and gorgeous doesn’t hurt either.  It is interesting how he ends up loving both Liora and Lucky.

SPOILER ALERT* I get how he explains that he sees them as one person, but don’t we all dislike something about our partners?  Kieron likes everything about Liora/Lucky.  She is sweet, fragile, gentle and loyal…and bad ass and can kick your butt from here to eternity.  Both characters are so different that it is hard to imagine that he is in love with both.  I mean if they were one person I can see that he loves her in spite of her flaws (whatever he perceives her flaws to be).  To each his own I guess.  Lucky says it right at one point it is like getting to have two different girls?  Must be a guy thing…lol

Back on track.  I have to say I love the character of Bones.  I am interested to see how he is developed in the next book.

I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling it (sorry for the spoiler alert earlier) but the story is very interesting and well thought out.  The different worlds that Liora/Lucky live in are very well thought out and I really enjoy how both characters are developed throughout the story.  I find myself unsure of whether or not I want them to reunite as one or stay as two separate beings.  I guess I will have to read the next one to see what happens.

5 stars for me.

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Friday Finds (Jan 10)

Posted on January 10, 2014 | 1 comment

FF2_MdFRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased).

So, come on — share with us your FRIDAY FINDS!

My Friday Finds this week was discovered while perusing Teaser Tuesday posts.  It isn’t YA but it sounds so awesome I couldn’t resist.  It is on my massive TBR pile, but might have bumped a few off the TBR soon pile.

Grave Witch (Alex Craft, #1) Grave Witch (Alex Craft#1) by Kalayna Price

Grave witch Alex Craft can speak to the dead, but that doesn’t mean she likes what they have to say.

As a private investigator and consultant for the police, Alex Craft has seen a lot of dark magic. But even though she’s on good terms with Death himself—who happens to look fantastic in a pair of jeans—nothing has prepared her for her latest case. Alex is investigating a high profile murder when she’s attacked by the ‘shade’ she’s raising, which should be impossible. To top off her day, someone makes a serious attempt on her life, but Death saves her. Guess he likes having her around…

To solve this case Alex will have to team up with tough homicide detective Falin Andrews. Falin seems to be hiding something—though it’s certainly not his dislike of Alex—but Alex knows she needs his help to navigate the tangled webs of mortal and paranormal politics, and to track down a killer wielding a magic so malevolent, it may cost Alex her life…and her soul. (Goodreads Excerpt)

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Friday Finds post, or share your ‘finds’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

Friday Finds is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

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Is it Friday Yet? (Jan 9)

Posted on January 9, 2014 | Leave a comment

           Photo by bengalkittensforsale.com

Ok seriously, is he not adorable? Thank goodness it is Friday tomorrow!  I need a weekend…lol

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Is it Friday Yet? post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

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Wordless Wednesday (Jan 8)

Posted on January 8, 2014 | 1 comment

      photo by petmaket4us.com

I love Wordless Wednesday.  I get a kick out of finding the best picture that makes me laugh or go ‘OMG that is so adorable’.  So please  LEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Wordless Wednesday post, or just a comment (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

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WWW Wednesdays (Jan 8)

Posted on January 8, 2014 | 10 comments

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My Answers:

Unravel Me (Shatter Me, #2)Recently Finished: Unravel Me (shatter me #2) by Tahereh Mafi.  Really great sequal to Shatter Me.  Review is here

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

A Demon Made Me Do It (Demonblood, #1)Currently Reading:  A Demon Made Me Do it. (Demonblood #1).  I took a break for Christmas and put off reading this until two days ago.  I absolutely LOVE it!  I am almost finished and will post a review as soon as I finish. 🙂

Next for me? 

Since I am enjoying A Demon Made Me Do it so much, I downloaded the second book Fire with Fire (Demonblood #2) by Penelope King.

Fire with Fire (Demonblood, #2)

And of course I am dying to get to Divergent by Veronica Roth and Stir Me UP by Sabrina Elkins since they keep staring at me on my kindle and whispering read me first, read me first!

Stir Me Up Divergent (Divergent, #1)

And as always you never know what little treasure will show up and DEMAND to be read.  Happy reading everyone.

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own WWW Wednesdays post, or share your answers in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

WWW Wednesday is a meme hosted by Should Be Reading. Check out their blog!

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