My First: Teaser Tuesday

Okay, I've never done a Teaser Tuesday post, and I'm basically winging it at the last minute (as usual) and copied the format from Carolyn Brown (Thanks Carolyn) who faithfully posts every Tuesday. Anyway, the following is normally not my genre of choice. However, I have to give the author credit for keeping me turning the pages. It's been one hell of a ride so far, and I'm not even half way finished.

Ok, first the guidelines: 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by:

http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/

of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3. Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page (ok, so I'm already not following the rules.*sigh* My sentences come from different pages, but I don't think it spoils the story.) 
4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE ANY SPOILERS!
5. Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away!

***

Anticipation of the Penitent

A literary Christian novel about a serial killer, his mother and his mate.

by Nancy LaRonda Johnson

Blurb on back cover:

How far would a mother go to save her adult son when his father is Satan?

To find out whether hope prevails, and if God's hand guides their fight for a life free from Satan's control, you must first experience the trials and loss suffered by Alezea and her serial killer son, Thomas.

For there is no hope for the sinner without first reaching for the love of God.

Teaser:

"The next morning, however, the only dream or thought that remained in her consciousness was of him, and it was not good."

***

"Thomas felt invincible and completely powerful when he was with his father, and wanted to prove to him that, even without Alezea, they could be more powerful than God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost."

Allow Me To Re-Introduce Myself and La Luna

                             

Today I'm participating and co-hosting the Re-Introduce Myself blogfest! This is a chance to introduce yourself all over again to readers both new and old. I did this in the form of a video, maybe not the brightest idea, especially if this doesn't work...hope this works.... 

...and so sorry Mark Koopmans for totally trashing the correct spelling of your last name, lol! 
But this IS my first video and . . . oops! 
*facepalm* 

((((&))))

Mina Lobo over at Some Dark Romantic thought of a really fun and easy bloghop. All you had to do was go out last night, snap a picture of the full moon, and post it today. Easy. That's why I signed up. (; Anyway, here are my pictures of a French full moon. 
Enjoy, and thanks Mina!

Full moon
France
January 27, 2013

Full Moon
France
January 27, 2013
This is essentially the same shot as above, I just
played around with the color balance
in photoshop.

Full Moon
France
January 28, 2013
Ok, I couldn't resist this shot while having breakfast with my kids.
I'm diggin the trees in the foreground. 

Moon
France
January 26, 2013
The forecasters predicted a high chance of rain showers on the 27th.
To be on the safe side, I decided to take pictures the night before
to at least have something to post today.
Well, the forecasters were wrong.
Surprised?
Didn't think so.
Anyway, I like the way this picture turned out with the cloud interference
so I thought I'd add it in just for fun.
(:

Ghost Blogging - Seriously?

I came across the ghost blogging debate the other day and I'm not talking about the supernatural kind. I'm talking about people who hire other people to write their blog content on their behalf. And it is perfectly legal. My initial reaction was, 'you have got to be kidding me.' As an aspiring writer, I cannot fathom the idea of asking someone else to write my posts for me, no matter how bad they can be. And frankly, it never even crossed my mind until I crawled out from under my rock and stumbled across the online debates. 

But if I can accept the idea of a ghostwriter, (even though I don't like it) then why do I have such a problem with ghost blogging? Well, part of it is because I tend to think of blogs as more personal, almost like I could pick up the phone and call. The commentary, personal accounts, and comments all contribute to building trust between blogger and reader. After a while, a connection is created when readers can relate to the fears and insecurities, triumphs and letdowns of their fellow blogger. Eventually, they may even become emotionally invested. You don't build that kind of connection to the author by just reading their book. If I ever found out that one of my blogging buddies hired a ghost writer, I'd feel disappointed and misled. Not to mention I'd lose trust in them as a writer and fellow blogger.  

But what if I give a different example, say the CEO of a large corporation? Say this CEO wants to maintain a certain proximity with her employees by publishing an article to their online newsletter once every couple of months. She gives her secretary the main points she wants to make and lets him do all the rest. Is that okay? It doesn't feel as bad, but I'd still feel misled if I were to find out. 

So where do we draw the line? What do you think about ghost blogging? And are there times you think it's acceptable? 

Stepping Back to Move Forward

Three months ago, I shipped a printed copy of my manuscript to my editor. I was a little stressed about mailing it . . . okay, a lot stressed. But at the same time, so relieved. I had reached that place where I had done so many rewrites, revisions, changes, etc, that I couldn't see the story anymore. Is this chapter crap or should it stay? What about the beginning, is it better now or before? I couldn't say and was unable to make a decision or even have an opinion about my writing. I had grown sick of my story and it was time to take a break. 

A few days ago, I received a package. Inside was my manuscript with my editor's notes, comments, suggestions and most importantly, her encouragement. <3 I dove back in, page by page, and realized a good break was exactly what I needed. Five chapters into my edits, and I'm in love with my story all over again. I'm now embracing this rekindled excitement and I'm determined to get this wip finished and ready for querying before April. 

It will be done. 

***

How about you guys? Ever get to this point? What helped 'bring back that lovin' feeling?' (; 

You are Awesome

Wishing everyone a rockin' Friday and great weekend! 
Also, a big thank you to everyone who has been able to sign up for our giveaway blogfest and to those helping to spread the word! 
:D

 

Okay, I was thinking about doing a little 1:06, then some 2:08, and why not some 4:50. 
Then maybe a few hours of 6:32 wouldn't hurt and a 7:31 drop to round out the weekend. 
Afterwards, I think I'll chill with a few of my friends at 8:04. 
So, what are you doing this weekend?  

 (;

She Said What?!

(((****NEWS FLASH****)))

My friend and blogging buddy, the lovely Michelle Wallace over at Writer in Transit, will be celebrating her TWO year blogging anniversary! And guess what? Me too! Well, actually no. But I AM turning the big 01! 

Michelle and I met during A-Z last year and we just hit it off right away. She writes amazing flash fiction and I can't wait for her to finally tackle a larger project that I've been dying to find out more about. So if you haven't gotten the chance to read some of her work, drop on by her site, you won't regret it.

So poof, here I am one year old and wow that went fast. What the heck happened all this time? Actually, lots of great stuff happened. I bumbled out into the blogosphere, discovered an amazing community of writers and bloggers, made friends, participated in blogfests and bloghops, survived A-Z, wrote some crazy flash fiction, entered writing contests, hosted blogger/writer buddies, did cover reveals, did a guest post, co-hosted a bloghop and poured my little heart out about my insecurities. Now it's time to celebrate! And to do that, Michelle and I decided to get together and organize the: 

Now try not to groan so loud guys, I know there are a lot of bloghops popping up in February, but hear us out because this is going to be fun, easy and different. Yes, different because we don't know any better and wanted to do something a little off the wall, plus there will be prizes! So, instead of asking you all to write on a theme, we're going to put you in the screen writers chair and ask you to write some dialogue all in good fun. So here's what you do:

• On Monday the 18th of February, Michelle and I will post two comic strips with blank dialogue bubbles. 
• Drop in on one of our blogs and copy and paste the two comic strips into your post.
• Write the dialogue off to the side. 
• Post your entry on Wednesday the 20th of February and then check out some of the other entries to make fun of them. 
• Michelle and I will then pick some extra creative entries who will win prizes that will include books and other stuff. (;
• Winners will be announced on Friday the 22nd of February.
• That's it! So grab the badge, sign up at the bottom, and thanks for celebrating with us. (: 

"You know E, that's almost too easy."
"Hummm, I think you're right, M. That is too easy. What do you suggest?"
"How about I come up with a few random bonus words that the participants should try to use in the dialogue?"
"Brilliant!"

Did you guys catch that? Great. But just in case, I've put together an example of what we're talking about.

Panel 1: "Hi guys! We're so happy you're going to celebrate our blog birthday with us! It's going to be fun so sign up below on the linky list and get excited!"


Panel 2: "That's right E, this is going to be fun and all you guys have to do is copy the comic strip that we'll reveal on the 18th of February into your post. Then write your dialogue above or on the side of the comic strip." 

Panel 3: "Oh, and don't forget to write down the panel number in front of your dialogue."

Panel 4: "And one more thing, remember I'll have a list of bonus words for you guys to add into your dialogue for a little extra challenge and kiss up points!" 

Who let the cat out of the bag?!
The cockroachgirl.

****
"She Said What?!" Blogoversary Giveaway Bash

I Want One: The Robotic Spider Dress

This is the Robotic Spider Dress that's been popping up around the internet. It's pretty interesting despite the fact that spiders have eight legs, not six. *shakes head* 

Go to: http://www.odditycentral.com/news/creepy-spider-dress-protects-wearers-personal-space.html

if you want to Pin it! (Haha, did you see what I did there? :P) 

Anyway, from what I've read, the dress was designed by fashiontech designer Anouk Wipprecht in collaboration with software engineer Daniel Schatzmar. The "legs" are mounted on the shoulder pads of the dress and have sensors that make the legs respond to movement around it. So for example, if someone gets too close, the legs will activate. Check out the video if you have time to see the dress in "action."

 Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2260157/The-unsettling-robot-spider-dress-protect-wearer-annoying-passers-by.html 

So, is the video creepy? Yes. 

Would I wear this dress? Yes. For Halloween or at my birthday party. :D

Would I look ridiculous in this dress. Yes. But, I'm no stranger to ridiculous. In fact, I've already worn an insect costume dress and I did it years ago. And let me tell you I was the creepiest Halloween cockroach you ever saw. Do I have pictures to prove it? I sure do. And if you want to see them, you'll have to check back tomorrow! (;

Please Re-Introduce Yourself

When I first started blogging, I knew nothing about the on-line writing community but I did know everything about the six people that visited my blog. (; Now almost a year later and having met so many amazing people, I realize many don't know much about me and vice versa. 

Luckily, published author and blogger Steve Tremp, came up with the idea of this Blogfest and I'm happy to be co-hosting the event along with two other amazing authors, Carolyn Brown and Mark Koopmans. I think it's a wonderful opportunity to re-introduce ourselves to our readers both new and old as well as to the ever-expanding blogging community. So on January 28th, feel free to take a moment and tell us something interesting about yourself. It doesn't have to be very long, just something you haven't shared with your readers in a while. It can be anything. It can be about writing. Or blogging. Or that time you rode an ostrich when you visited Oudtshoorn, South Africa...oh wait, that was me... ;D  

This is going to be fun guys, so grab a badge, sign up and I can't wait to re-meet you!

OCULUS by Michael Offutt

I am honored to be part of Michael Offutt's book tour. There's an awesome giveaway and bookmarks to be had so be sure to read on to the end.  Today, Michael is going to talk a bit about Jordan Pendragon, the main character in Oculus, the second book in the series. In the books, Jordan is many things, for one he's a drop dead gorgeous mathematical genius. But he's also a brother, a friend, a lover, a hero, and he also happens to be gay. Why did Michael decided to make his protagonist gay? Well, let me move over and let Michael tell you.

Why did I make Jordan gay?

Why did I make Jordan gay? That’s an easy question that is answerable in multiple parts. First, I’m living vicariously through my character. Jordan (unlike me) has it easy getting a relationship and a good-looking, smart boyfriend with a job. Second, I imagine a world where people can just exist and go about their everyday business without people condemning them for being queer, or bi, or transgendered. And last (and I mean no offense to the gay authors out there who write romance) but I don’t like to write friction fiction as much as I do like to read it. I just wanted to put together a story that had a serious speculative fiction element to it and all the things that I like, i.e. good vs. evil, magic, science, and great sword-fighting sequences. Cute guys as characters were just a bonus.

I also am tired of reading so many novels written in first person. I didn’t mind it for a few years, but it’s just crept into every aspect of fiction writing. So when I set out to pen this series, I really wanted a return to the good ole days of third person omniscient…you know, the kind we see on display in Herbert’s sci-fi epic of Dune.

In the end though, I wanted to make a truly different character in Jordan. One that broke through practically every stereotype, one that made people pause and ask themselves “what’s going on here?”, and to cause them to think about whether they really liked him (or didn’t like him) and why. I know there’s enough complexity to his background that clashes with his sexuality that I’ve been called a “blasphemer.” I really don’t mind since I’m atheist anyway. But it shows me that I’m doing something right. It tells me that I moved someone. Sure it was moving them in the direction that they hated my book, but how many people truly get that kind of reaction with their writing?

I kind of feel flattered by it.

To check out Oculus purchase options or explore my writing, click on the link below:

http://slckismet.blogspot.com/p/books.html

*******
Genre: Sci-fi/ GLBT

Book Description:

Autumn has arrived in New York, and Jordan Pendragon attends his first classes as a freshman at Cornell. Born with a brilliant mathematical mind, he balances life as a research assistant with that of a student athlete.

But Jordan also has a quest. He must find the Black Tower, a monolithic edifice housing a thing that defines the very structure of the universe. Jordan believes it is buried somewhere in Antarctica under miles of prehistoric ice.

October finds Jordan earning a starting position with the Cornell hockey team. But a dark cloud gathers over his rookie season. Unexplained deaths, whispers of a cannibal cult, a prophecy, and a stone known only as the Oculus, cast a shadow over his athletic ambitions. It is the start of a terrifying journey down a path of mystery, murder, and to a confrontation with an Evil more ancient than the stars.

Free short story that's a lead-in to this book series: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236636

Website: http://slckismet.blogspot.com/p/books.html

Art relating to books: http://slckismet.blogspot.com/p/my-artwork.html

Blog: http://slckismet.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3099632.Michael_Offutt

Twitter: @MichaelOffutt

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Slipstream/164452693676933

******
And don't forget, you have the chance to win a great looking bookmark designed by Michael himself that features some of his artwork. All you have to do is leave a comment below and I get to pick a random winner!   

Good quality bookmark with a smooth plastic finish.

And, and, and, sign up for your chance to win a signed copy of Oculus!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


******

You may also want to check out:

Buy the book that critics say
is “a mind-blowing sci-fi read from
start to end.” $4.99 from Amazon
now. Begin your journey today.

Addictively Sweet Blog Love

Mina Lobo at Some Dark Romantic was sweet enough to pass on some blog love my way with the Super Sweet Blogging Award. Thanks Mina! The rules are simple, answer the questions and pass on the award. 
Ok, so lets roll...

Cookies or Cake?
Depends on the cookie or cake. At the moment I really like these salted caramel cookies that go great dipped in tea, but right now it's Galette des Rois time over here in France and I love the apple kind (even though I NEVER get the slice with the frickin token, grrrrr), so I guess to answer simple, I'll go with cupcakes! :p

Chocolate or Vanilla?
Vanilla with chocolate drizzled on top...

What is your favorite sweet treat?
You know, I'm actually not that big of a sweet treat kind of person. 
I'm more of a steak and sausage type. Ok, so that did sound weird but you get what I mean! But to play along I'd have to say....Ferrero Rocher.

When do you crave sweet things most?
Late at night. 

If you had a sweet nickname what would it be?
HA! I actually did have a sweet nickname as a kid. I used to be called Cookie by a few who shall remain nameless. (;

And Melissa Maygrove over on her site also tagged me with the Addictive Blog Award. Thank you bunches Melissa!

The rules of the award are:

1. Thank the person awarding you. check
2. Share a little about why you blog and how the journey started. check

Well, this is easy. I started this blog about a year ago thanks to a good friend of mine who is also a writer and blogger. She mentioned Rachael Harrie Platform Building Campaign and before I could over think what I was getting into, I jumped in and started this blog a few days before the campaign having no idea what I was doing. And I'm so grateful she pushed me out of my writers closet because the writing community is amazing and I can't imagine continuing this journey without you guys. (= 

3. Paste the blog award on your page. check

4. Nominate 10 other bloggers you feel deserve the award. 
check, sorta.... 

Ok, so the not so great thing about vacation is coming back and having to catch up! I wanted to put myself under some pressure well Madame has been served! So in the interest of time, I'm going to nominate folks for the Sweet award if your first name starts with a letter from A - L. If your first name starts with M-Z, considered yourself tagged with the Addictive award and don't try to weasel out of this, I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. (: 

HAPPY FRIDAY FOLKS!!!!

IWSG

My first post of the year and I'm happy it's an IWSG post and wish you all a happy and successful new year! If you're not familiar with the IWSG bloghop developed by Alex J. Cavanaugh, click on the button on my right side bar and read up on what you've been missing.

The first week of January is ideal for starting new projects, setting goals and chasing dreams. Sounds exciting and it is, but I've seemed to have bottled up my excitement with a thumb planted firmly over the opening. I'm afraid if I let out my overflowing aspirations for the coming year, I'll end up setting unrealistic goals which will lead to failure and disappointment. Seems I've found myself in a bit of a contradiction of emotions accompanied by my old friend, Mr. Fear of Disappointment. 

Yet, I want to write. A lot. Writing is constantly on my mind. From my current wip, to a new project taking shape in my mind, to two older writing projects I so desperately want to finish. But without goals, I succumb to doubts which paralyse my writing.  In truth, my most prolific and best writing has always been produced while under pressure. Stress is my way of overcoming procrastination born from self doubt. So as I see it, the solution is to keep busy. And as soon as I get back home from vacation, I'm diving into a few projects, set deadlines, and will put myself under a bit of pressure as a kind of kick to the pants to get me going. 

Mr. Fear of Disappointment, your clock is ticking you spineless bas****.

Thanks everyone for stopping in, I really do appreciate it. I'm going to be on the road all day today as my vacation comes to an end. Unfortunately, that means I won't be able to visit you today. However, I should be back to blogging on Thursday and can't wait to catch up will you all.  (=