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Saturday, March 23, 2019

Inspiration

As much as writers love what they do, it can occasionally be likened to having teeth drilled. We slog away at our computers the same as anyone else with a job. Most of us don't even have the satisfaction of coworkers with whom to share ideas or workloads.  Why would any semi-sane person want to do this?

Because inspiration.

Writing is an art, the same as painting or sculpting. You are creating a medium to be consumed, digested, and reacted to by the public. Sometimes the reactions are good and sometimes not. Sometimes, a bad review can crush the will to do it out of you. But once in a while, we are hit by that blazing light of "Oh, man, that is an idea!" and rush back to our computers to pound out a flurry of words that keep us up well into the wee hours.

This happened to me this week. Most days, I write to get the words down then worry about editing it into something readable later. I rarely have that "zone" or writing sprint where it goes from brain to page without much tinkering in between. When that serendipity does happen, I can usually blame it on music. I heard a song that, magically, fit the scene I was working as though the singer had written it just for me. I hit my computer, and in the past two days, managed to get out what would be, for me, two weeks of work. That, right there, is what keeps me doing this sometimes-frustrating, usually puzzling, always exciting job. The work I put out during those moments of inspiration really is like magic to me. It makes up for every single difficult thing the writing life throws at me. I know other artists get those moments of clarity in creation, but I wonder if other jobs are anything like this. I feel sorry if they're not.

Because why wouldn't someone do this?

Hope you're all having a great Saturday. I think I'll just sit back and breathe a big sigh of satisfaction now. Happy reading!

Saturday, March 09, 2019

Audiobook News / On Gratitude

Audiobook News

I'm sorry to say it, but THE SERPENT IN THE STONE is once again up for audio auditions on ACX. For one reason or another, it has been difficult to find just the right narrator for the books in The Gifted Series, or once found, they are unable to complete the reading. I've heard some great narrators for this and FLASHPOINT, and been sad that they couldn't stay on to read. I hope eventually to offer these books in audio, but I'm willing to wait for just the right fit. I hope you'll be patient with me while these books find their perfect voice. I promise, they'll be worth it.

In the meantime, the audio edits for FIRE are one step closer to completion. This narrator has a great voice for the scenes of dramatic tension between Ethan and Gypsy, and I think you're really going to enjoy her. I'll keep you posted when the audiobook is complete.

I want to make a special shout out today to the woman who came to my book signing in Homer, New York to purchase all of the books in The Elemental Series. She mentioned that she loves water, and that the series's second book had piqued her interest. We had a lovely chat, and I truly hope she enjoys the Elementals.

On Gratitude

Writing has brought me many gifts: a talent that helps me support my family, an outlet for all the trials life throws at me, and a slew of friends near and far, whom I'd never have met if I hadn't been that shy little bookworm as a kid. Who'd have thought that such an introverted activity could have broadened my social circle in so many ways? I've met terrific people with a wide range of interests - not just writing-related - and they're endlessly interesting to talk to. I've made friends with some incredible (and incredibly brave) men and women who write in several different genres. And I've made new friends at book signings and events, with whom I'd had the pleasure of discussing one of my still-favorite topics: good stories.

Happy Reading, everyone!

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

Book Signing Saturday 3/9/19 in Homer, NY!

Are you pining for spring? Me, too! I'm kicking off the spring book signing season with some fellow authors at the Spring Craft & Vendor Show in Homer, NY on Saturday. Not only can you purchase many different kinds of crafts including fashion bags, home decor, and pet goodies, but you can also get a book to while away the rest of the cold days from me, romance author Patricia Antone, or mystery author Carol Pouliot!

Come and get some freebies from us, or enter the event-wide raffle for a variety of prizes from the show vendors. There's something for everyone at this event, and we look forward to seeing you there. Happy Spring!