Write Stuff: 2016

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Ringing in 2017

I've made no bones about looking forward to the end of 2016. It's been a beast of a year. One can only hope that 2017 will be a better year for all of us. I'm doing my best to remain optimistic that it will, if only because I need the hope that it's going to happen :)

That being said, I'm not one to just sit back and not make things happen. I'm a big believer in creating your own destiny. Granted, I understand that sometimes the universe has other ideas, but for the most part I want to work toward what I want. This coming year, these include:

Getting tenure. Gulp. This is a biggie and something I've been working my tail off for and will continue to do so.
Getting external funding. Sigh. This is a bit out of my hands, but I've certainly been working hard for it. We'll see if the NSF gods like me this time around, or if I'll need to start sacrificing...something.
Being more comfortable in my own ski. Haha. I've got a lot of work on this one, but I do work on it, and have faith that my work will pay off. Hopefully :)
Write something awesome. Eep. I've been a bad author lately and feeling too little motivation, and far too little free time (see #1 & #2 above). But that's gotta change. Writing is too important to me.

These are some of the big things I hope to accomplish this year. We'll see if one or any of them happen. If not...well, that's cool. I'll survive. But it won't be for lack of effort :)

What are some of the things you're hoping for in 2017?

Hehe, just for fun :)

After Reading: MAN TIGER by Eka Kurniawan

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

A slim, wry story set in an unnamed town near the Indian Ocean, Man Tiger tells the story of two interlinked and tormented families, and of Margio, an ordinary half-city, half-rural youngster who also happens to be half-man, half-supernatural female white tiger (in many parts of Indonesia, magical tigers protect good villages and families). (Goodreads)

The synopsis above does little to explain the depth and power of this novel. Slim though it may be, it's story is captivating and winds through the lives of interrelated members of a family and their struggles. It's a glimpse into their world, how they came to be the way they are, and how their relationships have influenced them. It starts with a murder, and one that is described in quite graphic detail later on, but as the story unfolds it slowly starts to make sense in the larger picture. And it's on the very last line that it all clicks together, in total perfection. I loved reading this book, and witnessing what life was like for the characters. It drew me in and still lingers in my mind, days after having finished. I definitely recommend this one to anyone looking for a fascinating story of human nature and the way we are all intricately intermeshed in one another's lives.

Anyone read any of Kurniawan's work?

And don't forget: PAPERBACKS :)

Paperback Copies Are Now Available! #amreading #amwriting

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

How about some good news to round out a bit of 2016? :) The paperbacks of THE CHEMISTRY OF FATE and SURRENDER THE SKY are now available! Woot! I'm quite happy about this as the whole Sary Society Series is now out in paper. I haven't had a chance to get my author copies yet, that'll happen soon though, which means I'll have signed copies available to anyone who wants one.

So, where can you find these lovelies?

THE CHEMISTRY OF FATE: Amazon and Barnes & Noble

“They are everywhere, can be anyone, and are always the last person you’d expect.” When Tom stumbles across his grandfather’s journal, he’s convinced the old man was crazier than he thought. The book contains references to beings called the Sary, immortals who are assigned to save humans on the verge of suicide. They certainly aren’t allowed to fall in love with mortals. Which the journal claims Tom’s grandfather did, resulting in his expulsion from the Sary. As strange as the journal seems, Tom can’t get the stories out of his head; especially when he finds the photo of his grandfather’s wings. Tom’s only distraction is Ari, the girl he studies with for their chemistry class.

Ari has one goal when she arrives in town: see how much Tom knows about the Sary and neutralize the situation. This isn’t a normal job, but protecting the secrecy of the Sary is vital. If Tom is a threat to exposing the Sary to the public, fate has a way of taking care of the situation, usually ending with the mortal’s death. While Ari spends time with Tom, he becomes more than just an assignment, but how far can a relationship go when she can’t tell him who she really is? When she finds out just how much Tom actually knows about the Sary, Ari is forced to choose between her wings, and her heart. THE CHEMISTRY OF FATE is a companion to COLORS LIKE MEMORIES and is set before the latter takes place.

SURRENDER THE SKY: Amazon and Barnes & Noble and BooksAMillion and Powells!

Gabby lives by two unbreakable rules: don’t expose her kind, the Sary, and don’t fall in love—too bad some rules are made to be broken. When Gabby’s most difficult charge accidently shoots her in front of a class full of students, the event exposes her carefully hidden identity. She shifts from looking like a normal teen to her secret Sary form, revealing her wings and the existence of her kind—immortals who try to keep people from committing suicide. Her incident attracts the attention of the next leader of the Sary, Jassen, who offers her an impossible bargain: she can keep her wings if she makes amends with those who know the truth. Things get more complicated when a rebel Sary, intent on exposing them to the world, starts interfering with Gabby’s work. And there’s no denying her attraction to Jassen, who is torn between his duties and his heart. With threats at every turn and her immortality on the line, Gabby has to find a way to save the Sary or surrender the sky forever.

This is definitely a wonderful dream come true. And after last Monday's post (*grin*) something to add to the positive column of this year :)

Author School Visits

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

So, I have this new experience coming up on Friday. I'm actually incredibly nervous about it. See, I'm supposed to give a school visit to a bunch of younger kids. Think 4th-6th graders. My cousin is a teacher in a nearby city and they asked me to come and speak. Cool, right? I mean, I think it'll be neat. But, really, it's the age range that's got me quaking: I don't deal with younger kids all that much! I am legitimately freaked out that I'll let the f-bomb fly. Or even some other word that I don't consider a swear but will be considered such there.

(I gave a guest lecture in a friend's college class the other day and totally said a few choice words, but I'm dealing with all adults--all college students--and didn't think a thing about tell them that it's possible to get ancient DNA out of sh*t. Elementary kids on the other hand....)

The other thing is, I'm not certain how to engage younger kids. I'm planning on giving a little talk about crafting a story--something that's broadly applicable, both to those who like to write and also anyone who just wants to tell a story to their friends. (We'll see how this goes, as I haven't actually managed to write the presentation...I've too many papers to grade to get that done until later this week.) But what do I do to ensure they're entertained? I am certain I can bore anyone to tears, but get them interested and engaged? How am I supposed to do that?

So, thoughts? Tips, tricks, ace-in-the-hole ideas? I guess if it comes down to it, I can always tell fart jokes ;)

And just remember not to swear!

Eep. Why did I sign up to do this again? :)

Is anyone else ready for 2016 to just be over already?

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm focusing on the negative. Maybe it's just been a confluence of bad karma and other lousy star alignments, but HOLY CRAP CAN THIS YEAR BE OVER ALREADY? I know that 2017 may not be any better, but somehow I need some kind of punctuation on this year from hades. And I'm really, really hoping that 2017 decides to play nice. Or else :)

Sorry for the language...but yeah, exactly.

Though, really, I feel like even posting this is inviting the last couple of weeks of this year to be even more epically difficult. I swear that's not what I'm doing. This is not meant as a challenge, promise. But yeah, it's been a long one, filled with grant rejections, and everything not going according to plan in the lab, and challenges at work, and my book not selling, and lack of writing, and divorce final paperwork, and epic "adventures" in dating, and generally just feeling like a giant steamroller flattened me. I could really use a few days (or weeks, months) on a beach somewhere...

Anyhow, just my ramblings about this year. Please tell me other people have had a wonderful year? That the faint glow of January 1st in the distance isn't as alluring as it is to me?

Paperback Cover Reveal: THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW by Jessica Haight and Stephanie Robinson

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

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Happy 1st book birthday to THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW! It's been a year since the mystery of the Begonia House was revealed to the world, and now the paperback will be available January 3rd, 2017. The new cover stays true to Fairday's snazzy style, sprinkling in a few added charms. Can you spot the differences from the hardcover? ;)

Catch the book trailer to find out about the mystery...

Planning to pick up the paperback? Pre-order a copy and you could win a $50 VISA card to treat yourself after the holidays. Contest is open to all! For more details on how to enter, click here.

For more information about the book, visit the DMS at fairdaysfiles.com

Writing advice from Stephanie & Jess

Stephanie: Read as much as you can! Reading helps spark your imagination and allows you to picture stories in your mind. Writing will come much easier if you already have words swirling around in your mind. Growing up, I kept a diary. I wrote in it every day from the time I was in 5th grade until I was about 30. When I want to remember what it was like to be a certain age, I can go back and reread what I was thinking. Sometimes I am a little embarrassed by my thoughts, but they help me go back in time.

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In school, I never liked editing my work, but now I embrace the edits. I know that it's impossible to look at your own writing through fresh eyes and the edits are what makes the writing sparkle. They may be a lot of work, but they are well worth the effort.

"You miss 100% of the shots you never take." ~ Wayne Gretzky

Jess: My advice to people who are interested in writing stories is to develop your unique style. Reading what you like will help improve your craft. I am a visual person, and I like to to draw. Stephanie and I will discuss a chapter, and then I’ll come up with an illustration that helps pull the idea together.

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My most important piece of advice though, is to enjoy yourself! As a creative being, it’s not about the end goal, but more the process of your work. The successes and failures are all bunched together with each step, so relax and let your imagination soar! Creating worlds and characters is magical, but it takes time.

"Whatever you do, make good art."

~ Neil Gaiman

Monday Mishmash

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Thanks to the awesome Kelly Hashway for her wonderful weekly meme (that's really helping me out today because I'm completely stuck on what to write about :)

So, everyone, I'm back! Here's things going on in my little corner of the world:

It's started snowing.
My car broke down last week, leaving me stranded right before the holiday party I was in charge of for my department. Because, yeah, that's always fun. I am still carless.
I edited ~25 student papers in 24 hours. They're ~10 pages each and required detailed line and content edits. I won't scare you all with the amount of caffeine consumed to accomplish this.
This week is the last week of classes. Can we get a Hallelujah?
I haven't started Christmas shopping, though I finally made my Naughty and Nice list. Amazon Prime will be incredibly useful this year.
I haven't written anything new in weeks. Something that WILL change this week. I need to write to stay sane, and the only hope I have of keeping my mind this finals season is with a healthy dose of words. Somehow I will make this work :)

So what's going on in your world? How is your holiday season going?

Short Blogging Break

By: Meradeth Houston on 7:58 AM

Hi all! So this week is a bit crazy at work (think of a giant stack of research paper drafts to edit and return with a two day turn-around). Sooooo, I'm going to take the week off here. Be back next week with hopefully something fun to talk about!

Hope everyone who celebrating Thanksgiving had a wonderful time, and all is well with you all!

Happy Thanksgiving!

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

To all my friends celebrating, I wish you a wonderful day. Safe travels and good times with family and friends to all!

And because it's supposed to be a day for thankfulness, a moment to say how grateful I am to everyone who stops by my blog, and whom I have come to count as friends. I love getting a chance to see what you're up to through your own posts, and this simple way to interact with people around the world. It's a blessing in my life and one I hope never to take for granted. Hugs!

Holidays, outlining, and other craziness

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Somehow it's the week of Thanksgiving. Can anyone explain to me how that possibly happened? I'm rather surprised by it. Though the amount of crazy in my life lately certain would explain how it got here :) Still, it's been some good crazy mixed in with real crazy, and you know, just general life stuff. So, it's managed to get to Turkey Time and I have a few days off from school. Huzzah! Maybe I'll actually get caught up on a few things...

...maybe...

....like the outline for my agent on the story I pitched a few weeks ago. Uh-huh. I'm a pantster. It's how I've always written, though I certainly always wanted to be more of a planner, as I think it suits my personality a little better overall. And yet, the creative process has always been a little more organic than the other meticulous decisions and events in my life (whether those decisions actually ended up being meticulous or not, haha!). But, perhaps it's time to change that. Anyone have any good suggestions on how they like to outline? I've read a ton of posts around the web lately, but I value my blogging buddie's ideas most :)

And yeah, the idea I'm outlining? Oh my goodness. If I can pull this off it's going to be fun! Well, I think so at least. And my agent does, too. But we'll see. It's a little American Gods meets Nightmare Before Christmas. I hope at least ;) Though comparing myself in any way to these works totally makes me cringe, as I am NOWHERE in that league. But, the general idea is there...

Anyhow, rambling post today as I haven't done one in a while and I'm in the middle of cooking/grading/editing/brainstorming/paying bills. Or something like that...

THE UNION by S. Usher Evans

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Fifty years of war have led to this.

Prince Galian spends his days ministering to the sick in Kylae, but his nights strategizing how to change hearts and minds of his people. With the death camp closed, the country is becoming more volatile, and even King Grieg may not be able to maintain control over the warring factions. Across the Great Madion Sea, Theo Kallistrate seeks an audience with the Raven rebels, rumored to be brewing insurrection against President Bayard. But they don't trust her, and progress has been achingly slow. When the war takes a major turn, Theo and Galian find themselves front and center in a political firestorm that could end with their union...or their funeral.

The final book in the Madion War Trilogy takes readers further into the political quagmire between Rave and Kylae, twisting and turning to a stunning conclusion that leaves readers breathless. All books in the series are currently available for preorder/purchase in eBook, paperback, and hardcover.

Add the trilogy to your Goodreads TBR

Buy direct and get a free gift!

Preorder The Union from Sun's Golden Ray Publishing and receive an exclusive, free novella called The Prince and the Heiress. After the events in The Union, the world is in a precarious position. Prince Rhys struggles to keep the country from imploding. To undo the damage done by his father, he must forge alliances with those he once considered enemies. Across the great Madion Sea, Olivia Collins oversees her company’s hasty cross-ocean move while closely watching the events back home. But when Prince Rhys asks her to help, she realizes they’re more alike than she thought.

This bonus novella is only available with preorders through SGR-Pub.com.

The Union is also available through these book retailers

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iBook

Kobo

Book Depository (HC | PB)

Indie Bound

For more information about the first two books in the trilogy, click on the covers below. Both books are on sale this week only for $0.99

The Island, the first book in the Madion War Trilogy

The Chasm, the second book in the Madion War Trilogy

About the Author

S. Usher Evans is an author, blogger, and witty banter aficionado. Born in Pensacola, Florida, she left the sleepy town behind for the fast-paced world of Washington, D.C.. There, she somehow landed jobs with BBC, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic Television before finally settling into a “real job” as an IT consultant. After a quarter life crisis at age 27, she decided consulting was for the birds and rekindled a childhood passion for writing novels. She sold everything she owned and moved back to Pensacola, where she currently resides with her two dogs, Zoe and Mr. Biscuit. Evans is the author of the Razia series, Madion War Trilogy, Lexie Carrigan Chronicles, and Empath, all published by Sun’s Golden Ray Publishing. Be sure to check her out on the below social media sites:

Book Blast: PIPER MORGAN JOINS THE CIRCUS by Stephanie Faris

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Piper Morgan Joins the Circus

By Stephanie Faris

Piper helps some four-legged friends find the perfect home in the third book of the brand-new Piper Morgan series.

Piper is super excited to help out at Bark Street, a local animal shelter in town. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by adorable puppies and dogs all day? And when Piper sees Taffy, the cutest dog she has ever seen, Piper is determined to find a way to bring Taffy home. But it won’t be easy—especially when she finds out someone else wants to make Taffy a part of their family, too!

Check out the giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stephanie Faris knew she wanted to be an author from a very young age. In fact, her mother often told her to stop reading so much and go outside and play with the other kids. After graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism, she somehow found herself working in information technology. But she never stopped writing.

Stephanie is the Simon & Schuster author of 30 Days of No Gossip and 25 Roses, as well as the Piper Morgan series. When she isn’t crafting fiction, she writes for a variety of online websites on the topics of business, technology, and her favorite subject of all—fashion. She lives in Nashville with her husband, a sales executive.

After Reading: BLAMELESS by Gail Carriger

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Quitting her husband's house and moving back in with her horrible family, Lady Maccon becomes the scandal of the London season.

Queen Victoria dismisses her from the Shadow Council, and the only person who can explain anything, Lord Akeldama, unexpectedly leaves town. To top it all off, Alexia is attacked by homicidal mechanical ladybugs, indicating, as only ladybugs can, the fact that all of London's vampires are now very much interested in seeing Alexia quite thoroughly dead.

While Lord Maccon elects to get progressively more inebriated and Professor Lyall desperately tries to hold the Woolsey werewolf pack together, Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires -- and they're armed with pesto.

BLAMELESS is the third book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking. (Goodreads)

This week has certainly been an interesting one, and one made for lots of book reading to keep myself from being very frustrated :)

I adore this series, the wit, the banter, the great cast of characters, and of course some fun supernatural creatures thrown into the mix. I really felt for poor Alexia in this one, as she faces being completely tossed out for a perceived indiscretion that most certainly wasn't the truth. How she handles it is both wonderful and hilarious. And of course, attacking ladybugs? How Carriger came up with that idea just makes me giggle. Anyhow, another fun addition to this series, and one that brings in some other interesting insights from the world beyond England. How other countries have dealt with the supernatural set was fascinating to me, and really built up the world to a degree I enjoyed. Have you had a chance to check out this series?

BookFish Books Blitz: THE BEST KEPT SECRET by Wendi Nunnery

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

In high school, everyone has secrets. Even well-brought-up Emma Fraser.

Emma’s sophomore year started out all wrong. First, her best friend Andy confessed to losing his virginity leaving Emma all alone in the V-Club. Then the rest of her friends got weird and suddenly Emma finds herself feeling like the people she knows best have become total strangers. And total strangers are becoming friends.

When Deegan Burke, a rich, gorgeous senior, asks Emma to be his date for the prom, Emma thinks her luck has begun to change. But rather than being able to bask in this newfound glory, her whole world starts to unravel. And when secrets that once seemed so innocent start to take a very dangerous turn, Emma discovers that true friends are friends no matter what…and some secrets aren’t worth keeping.

Check it out (it's only 99 cents!).

More about Wendi:

Wendi Nunnery is the author of The Mayfield Family Story. She is also a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and The Simply Beloved, a lifestyle website for women of faith. She is a proud alumna of Georgia Southern University and, at any given time, you can find her with a cup of coffee and a book. She lives, loves, and mothers in Atlanta, Georgia. The Best Kept Secret is her first novel.

Find her online:

Facebook: Twitter: @ladynunnery: Instagram: @ladynunnery: Pinterest: Blog

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday! #2016election

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

I've really tried hard to remain neutral about the upcoming elections in the US on Tuesday. Well, at least online (in person I've had more than a few ranting conversations wherein I've let spew my utter hatred for the vile views of one of the candidates :) *ahem* I'll try to keep this neutral here, in the interest of allowing individuals to think what they want, but I want to remind all my state-side friends to get their votes in. It's important, in so many vital ways, to have your voice heard, no matter what you have to say. I mailed my ballot in weeks ago, so incredibly happy to be able to, and to support the candidate who I know will be an amazing President.

Blog Tour: TIMELESS by Crystal Collier

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Welcome Crystal Collier here today to share her new book and some medieval funnies!

In 1771, Alexia had everything: the man of her dreams, reconciliation with her father, even a child on the way. But she was never meant to stay. It broke her heart, but Alexia heeded destiny and traveled five hundred years back to stop the Soulless from becoming.

In the thirteenth century, the Holy Roman Church has ordered the Knights Templar to exterminate the Passionate, her bloodline. As Alexia fights this new threat—along with an unfathomable evil and her own heart—the Soulless genesis nears. But none of her hard-won battles may matter if she dies in childbirth before completing her mission.

Can Alexia escape her own clock?

BUY: Amazon | B&N

GUEST POST

Thank you Meradeth for having me here today!

Recently, I completed TIMELESS, the third book in my Maiden of Time trilogy. A little time travel. A few good battles. Some scary monsters... But while writing this series I had to study dual time periods: 1768-72 AD, and good old medieval times (mid 1200's). Can you imagine living in a time where warfare was a seasonal and routine thing? Okay boys, it's fighting season!

Every woman dreams of her knight in shining armor, but in reality, armor used to be...

That's right! The business suit. Out to negotiate business? Take the armor. And the shield. And beware flaming arrows.

And don't forget your trusty sidekick.

Since only the rich could afford the fancy armor, they had to put up with the
discomfort of high fashion.

The average weight of chainmail was between 27 and 55 pounds. (12 to 25 kg)

Personally, I'd rather take today's fashions. How about you?

While it's not the most amazing time to have lived, it makes for one dynamic backdrop for an epic story. Don't you agree? Now go buy my books. (What? It had to be said.)

Crystal Collier is an eclectic author who pens clean fantasy/sci-fi, historical, and romance stories with the occasional touch of humor, horror, or inspiration. She practices her brother-induced ninja skills while teaching children or madly typing about fantastic and impossible creatures. She has lived from coast to coast and now calls Florida home with her creative husband, four littles, and “friend” (a.k.a. the zombie locked in her closet). Secretly, she dreams of world domination and a bottomless supply of cheese. You can find her on her blog.

Do you love stories set in medieval times? What is your favorite medieval movie/story?

(Email address is required for awarding prizes.)

Happy Halloween!

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Happy Halloween people! I hope you all are having a fun day, with plenty of sweets :) Anyone dressing up as anything fun? It's going to be a cold day here in Montana (shocker, I know ;), but I might get adventurous and find something fun to wear. In the meantime, a few funnies for the day: