tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72394582613079557662024-03-11T21:52:34.407-07:00Inman BooksThe trials, tribulations, and triumphs of being an author.Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-76059902967122004162024-03-11T11:57:00.000-07:002024-03-11T11:57:10.902-07:00Calm before the storm<div style="text-align: left;">Restless today. Maybe time change. Maybe me. Both?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This week is a quiet one for me, and I'm thankful for it.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next week will be balls to the wall. I seem to thrive in that. Until it's over. And then I both look and feel like roadkill. heh</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Extremely excited about no appts this week. Grocery shopping Wednesday, the usual fare. But starting next Tuesday, I have an appt that day, groceries Wednesday, appt Thursday, hair appt Friday and leaving after that to drive down and spend the night in my Arlington hotel to go to my first book event this year, which is the Home Run Author Event in Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a lot. But I'm always uber excited about book events. </div><div style="text-align: left;">The buzz and the excitement is like a drug, I swear. You're in a place with your people, both authors and readers. I'm convinced my pupils must be HUGE. 😂</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seems to be about fifty of us. My adrenaline is pumping, simply thinking about it. Having never gone to this particular event, I'm not sure how many books to take, which titles, etc. I think I've decided on 20 each of OHH, Canary-both, PCA, and a bookmark with a code for a free download. I'll also have free pens and bags. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Simmering down. Hope tomorrow is more productive mind seems to be scattered right now. Guess we'll see how tomorrow goes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-64685163822579973302024-03-02T10:08:00.000-08:002024-03-03T11:37:21.451-08:00Discounted eBooks!<p>March 3rd-March 9th, 2024</p><p>My eBooks will be discounted! Come read me. 😄 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5Xwz34iHbnCAzMgIRJXZY7vxOOYj64bkkraBWWzb4cDm1-I4P533bPVYuv02OX46slTIhnz5XwefhBhL-E7vjQWOPde0Gn94VZVahYicF2lqE9Uh4Adn2VufJN7bX3IWww57f5XJ2OYrPGFZJsZlwAAclaWnpGgZGkJBJWon3u3M3nnZC5WEh7Xis7ov/s1080/SMASHWORDSPROMO.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5Xwz34iHbnCAzMgIRJXZY7vxOOYj64bkkraBWWzb4cDm1-I4P533bPVYuv02OX46slTIhnz5XwefhBhL-E7vjQWOPde0Gn94VZVahYicF2lqE9Uh4Adn2VufJN7bX3IWww57f5XJ2OYrPGFZJsZlwAAclaWnpGgZGkJBJWon3u3M3nnZC5WEh7Xis7ov/s320/SMASHWORDSPROMO.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Great time to find something new.</p><p>Happy reading!</p>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-69514028927315835792024-03-01T09:43:00.000-08:002024-03-01T09:43:22.233-08:00A feeling<div style="text-align: left;">For some unknown, as of yet, reason, I believe my March to be busy. I DO have my March event in Arlington: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/home-run-author-event-tickets-427985134057?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Home Run Author Event</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Excited about that. 😊</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have a couple other things, but nothing to make me feel like I feel right now. It's giving me a bit of anxiety. I need no help in this area. 😑</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm writing on my dark fantasy romance today. I quite love it. Infinitely darker and deeper than I've done before.</div><div style="text-align: left;">My three books I'll release this year are: dark fantasy, "Incantation"--4th book in the Rivers Series, and "Out of the Shadows"--last book in the Canary Trilogy. I wanted to release five, but these three are the priority. I might fit in some short stories, but it's already MARCH! I didn't think I was going to make it through January, but here we are.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ONLY bad thing about a productive day, me being at this desk tap tapping away, is that I think I need food inhalation to meet the writing productivity. If I'm in the flow, I eat more. My brain thinks that since it's expending so much energy, I must need snacks. 😂</div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, Lordt.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a good Friday!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...and inhaling snacks on those productive days</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-48488158249374011432024-02-28T07:32:00.000-08:002024-02-28T07:32:17.856-08:00Who am I kidding?<p>I am chaotic neutral. Emphasis on chaotic. I seek absolute freedom and individuality.</p><p>I'm attempting to stick to some type of schedule. My want for some type of organization is butting heads with my need to go with the flow and work and exist in the space that lets me create when I need/want to. It isn't remotely pretty.</p><div style="text-align: left;">I decided to take each day of the week and have at least one fixed item I will maintain and then continue to do what I'm drawn to.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have Monday and Tuesday. 😬</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Possible solutions? Try even harder. Acquire a jacket that buckles in the back. Go full rager. Have all my personalities gather for a therapy session. Keep on keepin' on. Lose what's left of my sanity.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stellar options. *deepest sigh possible in the known universe*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Okay. Going to try this daily at least one fixed item. Then be about my business and what strikes me. How many days does it take to make a habit? Twenty-one? Awesome. Yes. I'm going to out-stubborn myself. Please don't ask me how this makes sense. It just somehow does. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope. 😂</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...and playing mind games with myself to do so</div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-3545032423430999962024-02-20T09:51:00.000-08:002024-02-20T09:51:27.690-08:00When I realized writers (me) were insane.<p>It happened to me. About a minute and a half ago. Taking a small brain break. Looking at FB. When it hit me. I am certifiable. Completely. And well with it.</p><p>Writers are insane. Insane obligatory definition: <span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">in a state of mind which prevents normal perception, behavior, or social interaction.</span></p><p> That's my wheelhouse. But let me really explain a writer's insanity to you.</p><p>Right now, I'm making a TikTok/Insta video. I'm wearing my TARDIS pants, a ratty shirt, and my beautiful hair is pulled up in a not-so-cute bun. Laundry is laundrying. I'm drinking a Red Bull and water.</p><p>I have eight tabs open on one screen and my Clipchamp on the other screen with my project up. I'm sifting through 295 audio clips to find the perfect one to go with my visual I created on Canva. I color-coordinated my arrows on my visual to match my book cover. I changed the arrows up so my readers, hopefully, won't be bored with the look. I though using all the same arrows would be monotonous. Yes. I am stressing about ARROWS. </p><p>I have my visual on screen for exactly 15 seconds because I want the audience to be able to read the necessary words but not grow so bored they swipe too quickly. That defeats the purpose. I will come up with a two or three sentence synopsis I will use to scroll-at the right speed-over said visual. It will also need to be the right color and font.</p><p>I started writing my fantasy romance. I've written a chapter. It's a good chapter. And I spent a great deal of two days typing '"word" synonym' because I had a word I could use, but it wasn't perfect. So I Thesaurus'd the hell out of some of the vocabulary looking for the EXACT verbiage I needed. Not satisfied until I found it. I scoured 65 pages of "Woman Fantasy Warrior" because I needed a good visual for my Hero, and I had to sift through fictional women wearing a handkerchief on the upper and lower bits. 65 pages, guys.</p><p>And I do this GLADLY. I look for the perfect everything when I write. I discard the meh, the almost, the "this COULD do", in favor of the shiniest, prettiest, best I can find for my audience.</p><p>The biggest tell-all of not quite being on the sane train?</p><p>I've taught myself this. I didn't know some of this organically. I love it. My SOUL loves it. The passion has ALWAYS been there. But if you would have told me that I would create something on Canva and then pop it on Clipchamp to add audio and THEN post it on my socials, I would have laugh-snorted and called you delusional.</p><div style="text-align: left;">But here I am. Looking like something Simba coughed up and creating content. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I love my job. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always creating content and havoc... </div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-47615466257974264552024-02-17T10:00:00.000-08:002024-02-17T10:00:19.818-08:00Saturday before 52.<p>Yesterday was incredibly busy. It was, for all intents and purposes, my day off. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Stylist touched up my hair, yay for rose gold!, lunch with baby child, and participated at an event at the local book store.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm a wee bit tired this morning. Um...afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm trying to be more active on my FB page, Insta, and TikTok. I'm preparing bookmarks with codes for a free download of the first book in a series to take with me next month to the <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/home-run-author-event-tickets-427985134057?aff=oddtdtcreator" target="_blank">Home Run Author Event</a> in Arlington, Texas.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm doing my plotting/pantster writing on my next work of Fantasy Romance. I have twenty separate pages in my OneNote Notebook of characters/scenes/villains. I am immersed, but I am thriving. It's such a fine line between exhilaration and exhaustion. </div><div style="text-align: left;">But the love for the words is always there. I never grow tired of them. Weave and wind. Stitch and sew. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Off to write a bit. Make notes. Hope everyone is having a good day! </div><div style="text-align: left;">May take tomorrow of and play around on Amazon Prime and watch some murder/detective mysteries.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The heart wants what it wants.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...except when I turn 52</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-36540992666265857042024-02-04T10:08:00.000-08:002024-02-04T10:08:40.451-08:00I'm astonished.<p>I bought <a href="https://publisherrocket.com/" target="_blank">PublisherRocket</a> yesterday and have been playing with it since. It's an amazing tool that breaks down keyword and category searches on Amazon. It has tutorials. And it's full of information for authors. Handy ass tool I'm glad I have now.</p><div style="text-align: left;">But...and I say this as calmy as I can...I can now see which books are making bank and in which categories with what keywords they are using. Thus, the purpose of the site.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is a book that is about an ungodly rich man having a one-stand with a virgin. They run into each other as their company's are doing business with each other. And there, on the landing page of the book, it states that it's a rich hero, virgin heroine, one-night stand, workplace romance HEA.</div><div style="text-align: left;">*blinks*</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's making bank.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There's no mystery. I've given you the entire book in the last paragraph. That's not a blurb, it's the damn book. And readers are eating it up. When I started publishing, we had to choose fewer categories, but that's not my point. I didn't publish a book that had: Rich paranormal man uses false ad to imprison virgin woman to bear child. Rules of the contract prohibit further contact. Intrusive mother-in-law. Alpha male. HEA.</div><div style="text-align: left;">That's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/What-He-Wants-Cann-Inman-ebook/dp/B01E9D53TQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1707069837&sr=8-1" target="_blank">What He Wants</a>, by the way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I suppose I'll follow the trend, y'all know I hate the hell out of it. AND, of course the covers all look the same, and heaven forbid we buck that trend.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hard being a visionary. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...and researching...and flexing...</div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-62075425020329871642024-02-01T11:37:00.000-08:002024-02-01T11:37:20.922-08:00Matryoshka Dolls<div style="text-align: left;">I've always been fascinated by these. I'm not sure if it's the way they nest, or the fact they're perfectly copied. The name Matryoshka is beautiful. I read that it means "little matron" or basically "mother".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have mental Matryoshka dolls all the damn time. I will open the largest, then the next, next, etc. I'll have all the tops and bottoms separated while I study them. And then I'll start putting them together in whichever order suits me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My short ass is putting together an author's newsletter. Except I'm driving the struggle bus. I've fourteen tabs open. I've BookFunnel, Payhip, MailChimp, and the usual suspects open. Oh...MULTIPLE for the three I first mentioned.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Four days of stacking and sorting and studying my Matryoshkas. Shutting tabs until I was fairly confident of my success in this new world. Putting the ladies back together the way they should be. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I'm finished, I put the ladies back on their shelf. Until the next time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing* </div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-102945275779887962024-01-25T08:48:00.000-08:002024-01-25T08:48:07.244-08:00Crystal does a thing<p>This should be a board book.</p><div style="text-align: left;">I'm currently putting together a newsletter. I've heard everyone say it's incredibly easy to do.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Easy is subjective. I'm currently in MailChimp cursing my spicy brain and questioning myself. I will finish it today because...me. But it's not something I thought I'd be doing, quite honestly. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I've probably tried to start one on and off for years. I know I've tried at least three times to throw one together, but I didn't have the resources or the knowledge. Now I have the resources. The knowledge is a different matter, but I'm always in favor of learning.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not my wheelhouse, lovies, but I'll teach myself enough to make it work. Boost my confidence. And that will be another feather in my author cap. The cap will be on my bald head because I pulled out all my hair in the endeavoring, but oh well. 😄 </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've already started on my Other book. But last night, I couldn't sleep because I needed to change the beginning. I typed that up in my notes while I was still in bed, and I love it. Working both ends all day. It's actually how I prefer it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm back to dragging and dropping and mumbling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...and putting together a newsletter...</div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-14514329018692455042024-01-23T12:37:00.000-08:002024-01-23T12:37:43.305-08:00Feeling a bit stabbyI don't expect things in my life to go swimmingly. I would probably die of shock. But I would like things to go as planned with few hiccups.<div>I'm starting an author's newsletter.</div><div>Woot!</div><div>I've no idea what in the blue fuck I'm doing.</div><div>woot</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay. Listen. I've taken notes from other authors. I've gleaned pertinent info about who supposedly is the easiest to use and how you only have to drag and drop and how simple putting that one page together is.</div><div>😑</div><div><br /></div><div>Nay, I say unto you.</div><div>NAY</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been dicking with MailChimp for hours. HOURS of my life, guys. And I'm not much farther in than when I started. It's not easy for me. I am driving the struggle bus. Like WTF? </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a visual learner, and I looked up a YouTube video. It's a bit helpful. Will have to rewatch probably half a dozen times. *sigh*</div><div><br /></div><div>For now? </div><div>Feeling a little bit stabby. Just a wee bit. </div><div>Why do people and things have to be so difficult? 😒 </div><div><br /></div><div>Always writing*</div><div>...or looking up how to start a damn newsletter with my awkward ass...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-49499071101594490132024-01-15T10:31:00.000-08:002024-01-16T10:05:48.166-08:00Ya girl is EXCITED!<p>No. I still can't breathe out of my nose. sigh</p><p>BUT...I AM attending...</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzQAGRD0rqzHaJjwYuY1v5n9nJ_CD3RSDQ4s_6eWjRKTUQ27LZl1UbH-plz9UbUPREB9WZsvvwtI2ttPBzQJPFsIhTiiGFKv6aw0orZtbLzEtUToYGKJMtojbwZ63wm04MZYfCqES_db4YO7fgP_zc2FXcIvk30koL1yIN1Gf2d1dfeDg_Y5jSigHS-AWe" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="375" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzQAGRD0rqzHaJjwYuY1v5n9nJ_CD3RSDQ4s_6eWjRKTUQ27LZl1UbH-plz9UbUPREB9WZsvvwtI2ttPBzQJPFsIhTiiGFKv6aw0orZtbLzEtUToYGKJMtojbwZ63wm04MZYfCqES_db4YO7fgP_zc2FXcIvk30koL1yIN1Gf2d1dfeDg_Y5jSigHS-AWe" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I'm completely overwhelmed and excited! The ad kept popping on my FB feed, and I wanted to go, but I thought it would involve travel and various other issues I would not be up for solving right now. But I check out the site anyway, and I'm blown away by the programs and speakers. </p><p>It then becomes a *tiny* obsession. I want to go to this, but I'm not a member of RWA. Way back in the day, they didn't accept ePress published books. My first book published in 2005. That's how way back I mean. But they've evolved with the times. Absolutely awesome. But there's also a fee for the conference, and rightfully so, that I don't have. </p><p>I'm looking at a late March event and wondering if I need a hotel room, how many books to take, and other items that will utilize funds. I've never been to this event. I hate not quite knowing what to expect.</p><div style="text-align: left;">I then realize that RWA, you absolute jewels, are offering a scholarship to this wonderful weekend. 😍 </div><div style="text-align: left;">I apply a day before the cut-off day.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I receive an email today saying I've been chosen for one of the scholarships!!! </div><div style="text-align: left;">*office chair dancing*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This coming weekend, January 20th and 21st, is booked!</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm virtually attending this wonderful weekend workshop for Independent Authors. 😁 </div><div style="text-align: left;">Man, I'm going to need snacks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...and attending helpful workshops...thanks RWA!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-74013711255977273972024-01-14T09:06:00.000-08:002024-01-14T09:06:48.558-08:00Bon bons?I throw myself back on the bed with a dramatic swish of my sea-green satin gown. The back of my right hand meets my forehead, and I sigh loudly. "I need the bon bons."<div><br /></div><div>Hell yes, I need the bon bons. I don't think I've ever had a bon bon. But that was a running joke when I took early retirement. Lazing around. Eating bon bons. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do not live a bon bon life. Like...I'm curious about that tier of whatever that's called, but I would lose my shit after about six hours of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>Been under the weather the past four or so days. The Honey still has her lingering coughing. She had strep and an ear infection. Daughter had strep. Gbabies were sick. I don't think I had it as bad as they did, but mine came with body flares (thanks fibro, you absolute shit) and headaches. Sudden onset headaches. Not a fan.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm firming up my 2024 schedule with writing, appearances, etc. Starting on two new books, Contemporary Romance and that always different Other. My FB posts and my Gmail are blowing up like floats at Macey's Parade. All I could do was sort and stack.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd rather be busy than bon bonning. I'd rather be absolutely losing my mind over putting the perfect paragraph together or booking the right hotel or applying for an Author Event than massacring the chocolate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe some people simply aren't bon bon people. I don't think that signifies the "good life" for me. </div><div>I'm looking more for all the family roasting s'mores at a big cabin. Having a personal assistant I can be manic with. Knowing readers are looking forward to reading my stories.</div><div>Yeah. </div><div>That beats a bon bon any day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Always writing*</div><div>...I think I'm prioritizing the "Other"... </div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-57658224879739457052024-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:002024-01-04T10:04:55.125-08:00Shall we?<div style="text-align: left;">I took time over the Christmas holiday to step back from the writing a bit. Did I make notes? Sure. Did I type up my goals? Uh huh. Did I completely rearrange the Sanctuary? Of course I did!</div><div style="text-align: left;">But I didn't sit down in front of my computer and physically work on anything.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Today is my first day back.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And I'm conflicted because of course I am!</div><div style="text-align: left;">(small sidenote: the Honey has strep and an ear infection. I'm dreading the day her germs may catch up with me and overtake my immunocompromised system, and I fall to the enemy. will update as needed.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two completely different stories. </div><div style="text-align: left;">One is a Contemporary Romance which could lead into a series.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Two is a different sort of romance I've never read. That's why I need to write it. And the characters are quieter in my head but incredibly persistent.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can usually tell, by this far in, which story I will cater.</div><div style="text-align: left;">No such luck.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Both are giving dialogue. I've opened OneNote Notebooks on both. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I've never written two books at once, and I truly don't wish to start now. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My fear is that the fibro will screw me up somehow (fibro fog). On the other hand, I have two, they're so different perhaps I should try?</div><div style="text-align: left;">But that's giving four or five characters access to my headspace 24/7 instead of the usual two or three. That's a lot of voices, even for me. You know, plus the regular crowd.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And if I DO allow two books, is that what the future will look like? </div><div style="text-align: left;">Characters simply bipping in when they want, setting up shop, and monopolizing my attention?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Do I hate that?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nope. Not gonna lie.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Will I forget showers, eating, and my name? Mebbe...😑</div><div style="text-align: left;">sigh</div><div style="text-align: left;">I digress.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe I'll work on both. I certainly need to cleanse the palate before I write "Canary: Out of the Shadows", the third and final book in the "Canary" series. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Plan on finishing five titles this year. We'll see what shakes out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stay warm, my lovelies!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Shall we begin?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hello, 2024.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-86368934834644844072023-12-24T12:18:00.000-08:002023-12-24T12:18:02.396-08:00Melancholy or Merry? Both.<p>It's the end of the year sadness for me. Quiet. Introspective. Some read more into this than they should. I'm allowed. </p><div style="text-align: left;">I need this as much as the mania, laughter, and snark. Maybe even more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's as if I've a blanket on me that I've snatched and pulled all around me, holding tight, making sure I'm covered properly with all the security I need and trust. And now it's the time to loosen my hold and straighten the fabric to fold and put away for 2023.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Because I won't be taking my 2023 blanket into 2024. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">New goals, books, decisions, and thoughts. New experiences. New intentions. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But between now and January 1st? </div><div style="text-align: left;">Lots of thoughts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've pushed back starting a book because I need the separation. I have tabs open, but I haven't dived into OneNote yet. But when I do, it'll be back to the heart of it. The absolute madness of the story and the love affair we'll have. The air will be electric.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But for now, I'll relax at my desk, talk sweet to Simba, and let the end of the year wash over me like gentle waves.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Crystal*</div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-44492433481659461222023-12-03T11:28:00.000-08:002023-12-03T11:28:12.463-08:00Overwhelmed? Yeah. A titch.<div style="text-align: left;">I will have five things to do and add two more. Or say "sure" when someone asks if I can add something on to what I'm doing.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm an idiot like this. Always have been.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I also like to book myself to the nth degree and then wonder why my ass is hitting my heels.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's book events two weekends in a row, cook Thanksgiving for a large crowd (the best crowd-wouldn't change a thing), then stumble into December with appointments, parties, no Christmas shopping done, and another event. OH! And a book dropping Black Friday.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can do it all or die trying. 💀 </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm booking four to five author events for 2024. And they are asking if I have a Personal Assistant.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A what? 😕</div><div style="text-align: left;">Personal assistant?</div><div style="text-align: left;">An assistant that is personal to me?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Do people have those? Other writers have those?</div><div style="text-align: left;">What is that even LIKE?</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm completely perplexed and envious.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm making that a goal for 2024. Acquire a Personal Assistant.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It all sounds so...wonderful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-69344305345843021162023-11-06T12:58:00.001-08:002023-11-06T12:58:16.913-08:00It's beginning to look a lot like...<p> ...<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-christmas-expo-el-reno-tickets-660477615327" target="_blank">The Big Christmas Expo</a> in El Reno!</p><div style="text-align: left;">I'll be spending my Saturday and Sunday from 10-6 here this weekend. I'm incredibly excited. Last year, I had ALL my Christmas shopping done early. First time ever. I've not replicated that this year. But this year has been a bit different and definitely busier.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I will probably do a LOT of Amazon shopping because my days are busy with family, events, and writing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm a bit twitchy because I always get this way before an event. The unknown tends to rattle me. But I'm prepared with books, swag, and I'll be bringing some suckers. Woot!</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think the atmosphere is going to be absolutely amazing. I'm ready for it.</div><div style="text-align: left;">August took approximately three years. Then September and October was an inhale and exhale. November looks to be another quick one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More good news!</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLKVS52G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QMBVEZQLVTFB&keywords=canary+dark+descent&qid=1699304008&sprefix=canary+dark+descent%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><i>Canary: Dark Descent</i></a> ebook for pre-order. I have it on sale the day it releases, Black Friday 11-24, through Cyber Monday, 11-27. It'll be discounted at $2.99. The price will go up to $4.99 on Tuesday the 28th.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Look for me bundling <i>Canary</i> and <i>Canary: Dark Descent</i> paperbacks around the beginning of December.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great week!</div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...and doing a jig with my anxiety...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-74173666107935373022023-10-27T07:58:00.001-07:002023-10-27T07:58:13.481-07:00Perfect example<p> Gave myself a week break between stories. Longer than I usually do. 😄</p><div style="text-align: left;">Prepared to write today on a Contemporary Romance I'd already started. But no...I'm working on another Contemporary Romance that came to me last night with the first scene absolutely perfect. As in, it sets the tone for the whole book.</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is another example of why I don't plan everything tightly. I know how I like to surprise myself. 😆</div><div style="text-align: left;">But also, it has no title. *clutches my imaginary pearls*</div><div style="text-align: left;">What the hell?</div><div style="text-align: left;">The title is my road map. I always have one before I even start typing a word down. </div><div style="text-align: left;">What's happening here? In my OneNote, I only have it saved under the name of the town. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I am unknown territory.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Meh.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let's see where it takes us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...without a title...ooooooooooo</div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-40579301127445782842023-10-22T09:35:00.002-07:002023-10-22T09:35:19.581-07:00Finished Dark Descent<p> Lazy Sunday here. Simba's curled up on the floor. I have the fans fanning. 86? In the fall? Thanks, Oklahoma. 😑</p><div style="text-align: left;">Finished <i>Canary: Dark Descent</i> Friday, and I'm so excited! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then there's...?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Take a small break. How small? Really small? I mean I have half a dozen books to work on INCLUDING <i>Out of the Shadows</i>, the third book in the Canary trilogy. My brain is full of Canary right now. I will probably work on my new Contemporary Romance. Unless I want to write another Fantasy? Maybe a standalone?</div><div style="text-align: left;">I become twitchy if I haven't written in five-seven days.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bigger break? Deep clean the house? Completely scrub my cranial palate? At least during the day. Scenes and dialogue still come to me at night.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jump right the hell back in immediately and calm the restless beast inside me. She's purring right now, but she'll be snarling soon enough. Bored and edgy. Tapping her long nails impatiently. Waiting for me to make a move, or she'll make hers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aren't writers fun?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...well, not right now. but maybe soon. but maybe not. but I can't decide...give me a week... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-78800820354874403812023-10-08T08:20:00.002-07:002023-10-08T08:20:18.578-07:00Dreams come true<p>It happened. </p><div style="text-align: left;">I now have an 8 year-old grandson, and 5,4,3, and 2 year-old granddaughters. Wasn't I just 25? With a 1,2, and 3 year-old of my own???</div><div style="text-align: left;">In my early fifties now. I've lived over half a century. It's not off-putting. It's fucking marvelous.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sure, my body is in a bit of disarray, but I'm still here. And I'm living my dream.</div><div style="text-align: left;">How many people can actually say that?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Started publishing in 2005 and hit it HARD. Several books published from then until 2009, I believe. Then, you know, several life traumas killed the creative life, and my family came first. Large hiatus from then until I began writing again.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I ramped back up in 2016. Still hard to truly immerse when I'm working forty hours a week and commuting ten more. But weekends were purely writing.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Able to retire early in July 2021.</div><div style="text-align: left;">THAT began my real journey.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm what I will term a "floodgate" author. Once I open my mind to writing and let ideas flow, I'm inundated with them. Stop and start writing was nearly painful for me. I didn't know what I was shutting out, and it was awful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now? I write six out of seven days, full-time. I'm going to at least four or five author/book festivals a year. I am WRITING. Jotting any and all notes for current and future books.</div><div style="text-align: left;">THIS is my dream. I want to continue to grow and develop my skill. Write books that make people think, feel, love, and dream. Because that's what writing them does for me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dreams come true.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...finishing up Dark Descent... </div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-56034204940625737902023-10-02T09:17:00.003-07:002023-10-02T09:17:24.429-07:00Author events and book signings!<p>Author events I will be attending with my merch:</p><div style="text-align: left;">October 15, 2023 <a href="https://allevents.in/lawton/books-and-brew-author-festival/200025421143155" target="_blank">Books & Brew Author Festival</a> Lawton, Oklahoma</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">November 11-12, 2023 <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-big-christmas-expo-el-reno-tickets-660477615327" target="_blank">The Big Christmas Expo-El Reno</a> El Reno, Oklahoma</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">November 18, 2023 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/291172073696247/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D" target="_blank">Oklahoma Author Showcase</a> Sapulpa, Oklahoma</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">May 25, 2024 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1202662070624871" target="_blank">Authors on the Riverwalk</a> Des Moines, Iowa</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">August 17, 2024 <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-me-romance-author-event-tickets-714760286257" target="_blank">Book Me Romance</a> Ft. Smith, Arkansas</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*******</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are other venues I've contacted for information and haven't received anything back yet. Some won't post until spring 2024. I hope to add dates in February, March, another August, and October 2024. Those sites include Kansas City, MO, Arlington, TX, Cedar Falls, IA, and Waco, TX.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm also looking into 2025 because it's so much better to have your year lined out at the beginning. There's a more than good possibility I'll be in Minneapolis in late June. 😄 </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you'd like me to attend your showcase/festival/signing...please go to my website: <a href="http://inmanbooks.com/" target="_blank">Inman Books</a> and contact me through there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful week!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;">...I'm looking at YOU, Canary: Dark Descent...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-32575726292639206612023-09-28T08:06:00.001-07:002023-09-28T08:06:13.341-07:00Romancing the Reader<p>Every fiction story written is contrived, as in occurring deliberately instead of spontaneously or naturally.</p><div style="text-align: left;">The nuance between good fiction and bad is if you can see the contrivance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ebb and flow of a novel is key to keeping a reader interested. Always best to end a chapter on a cliff so the reader will want to continue to read the next chapter. Clever. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A writer must also be a magician. A bit of sleight of hand, and the reader doesn't realize they've been directed to see or hear something germane to the story. It's only when the reader is putting together the pieces at the end do they realize they were given the important piece earlier in such a smooth way. There's an art to the craft.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've read books that feel like all knees and elbows. I feel constantly bumped and pushed in odd directions because the author doesn't know how to direct traffic yet. And so it's a bumpy ride. I've read books that feel as though are neon signs above the places the reader should be allowed to pick up, themselves. I don't like obvious in books. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm still reading <i>Fairy Tale</i> by the most-talented Mr. King. Normally, I would have gobbled it up in about three days, but we were out of town last Thursday through this past Monday. I'm not sure if this is considered a spoiler...but if it is..*SPOILER*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hardback page 186: "In a fantasy story, the author would invent some way the young hero or heroine could explore that world I was starting to think of as the Other. The author, might, for instance, invent a retreat his parent, or parents had to attend for several days, thus clearing the way for the young hero to visit the other world without provoking a bunch of questions he couldn't answer."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our Mr. King is cheeky as hell. This is exactly what he's done in this book. He takes our hero's father and sends him on a retreat so Charlie is able to visit the Other without all those pesky questions. It's smooth and sly. A wink wink nudge nudge, if you will. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Being able to connect with readers subtly without knocking them about is finesse. It's an author's love letter to the reader. This is my offering to you, with all my love. </div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a beautiful thing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-54998048683343920162023-09-26T10:27:00.004-07:002023-09-26T10:27:54.955-07:00Clear your calendar! OCTOBER 15TH 12-4<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ6cFWjMFWqDOk0SmVPev0n4Ga8ULMAIoSaCZEQpMZbpA09N-PFMISXkeDyAm7wO266TcirfnW4SPZLw6ydDwj3-uuoDSRTq7SMm79gDMzK4F_vyxiNa4IxcehDZ0OSieaNYI6hcd4a-tw-Se9eHCQRPp5kCshS1hxEmSXq216iwLo71vLbMwDHQHQO2v8" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJ6cFWjMFWqDOk0SmVPev0n4Ga8ULMAIoSaCZEQpMZbpA09N-PFMISXkeDyAm7wO266TcirfnW4SPZLw6ydDwj3-uuoDSRTq7SMm79gDMzK4F_vyxiNa4IxcehDZ0OSieaNYI6hcd4a-tw-Se9eHCQRPp5kCshS1hxEmSXq216iwLo71vLbMwDHQHQO2v8" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Come and see me October 15th at the Lawton Farmers Market. Coffee, pastries, and books!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Going to be a great time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll bring swag and my sparkling personality. They'll supply sugar and coffee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a win-win!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope to see you there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...or going to these awesome events</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-32112294575458878352023-09-18T08:24:00.005-07:002023-09-18T08:24:52.045-07:00Canary: Dark Descent<p>Giving myself about three more weeks to finish <i>Canary: Dark Descent</i>. Then off to my editor. Hope to publish a bit after Thanksgiving for holiday sales.</p><div style="text-align: left;">It's dark.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Canary</i> isn't a walk in the park, but we see sides being drawn in <i>Dark Descent</i>. We see characters evolve into harder beings because they have to. We see loss. We see sacrifice. Love. There's always love. Like an undercurrent. But there's a darkness, a pall, that hangs over our characters. They thought one quick strike would finish the war, but the battle has only begun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This series has given me an opportunity to explore and go deeper with my characters. I love Ray, my mercenary girl. She has her own set of rules and morals. No one else has to like them. But they keep her sane and alive. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Good isn't always good, and bad isn't always bad. It's not a black and white world. Some would like to believe it is. Easier for them to think less if we were all carbon copies of either angels or devils. No comment on my placement.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Authors give characters attributes they need for the story, and those are not always pretty. We often walk the fine line between anti-hero and asshole. Readers want to punch this character in one scene and hug them in another. That's talent. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm reading <i>Fairy Tale</i> by Stephen King on weekend evenings. What I'm enjoying, more than anything in the narrative right now, is the duality of Charlie Reade, the main character. And Charlie Reade is aware of his duality. Yes, he's done some pretty awesome things lately, but he's also capable of incredibly dark ones. And he doesn't let you forget it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ray and I have miles to go before we rest. We're both committed or should be committed. 😶</div><div style="text-align: left;">See you in the story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Always writing*</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-88383974937862123912023-09-15T09:36:00.002-07:002023-09-15T09:36:19.202-07:00What world domination looks like<p>I couldn't leave it alone.</p><p>Let's be real.</p><p>I haven't brushed my hair in two days. I'm in boxers and a tank top. I'm on my second load of laundry. My feline love, Simba, isn't talking to me since I took him to the vet yesterday. The dishes need to be unloaded from the dishwasher. Kitchen needs to be cleaned. Rug needs to be vacuumed. Need to take out the trash. I haven't had lunch yet. No idea what that's going to be.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV0p3y-vSIGWzTBcMYG2YggY1DgMbIeBpu7YAvOL_GawB1nHMolGKxGu80yCXiTm4R5ckO5sbmZzFi_aX8OOQfHo3bFkFMI5RpomLcQl4qy_NefDWK8oBTY8B6zsTQjEeoUjRkf42x_3tSj3Kw3uchfW5OawP3u34jhmUSvQhwL-RdEdLSVmD6gSbAVZPB" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV0p3y-vSIGWzTBcMYG2YggY1DgMbIeBpu7YAvOL_GawB1nHMolGKxGu80yCXiTm4R5ckO5sbmZzFi_aX8OOQfHo3bFkFMI5RpomLcQl4qy_NefDWK8oBTY8B6zsTQjEeoUjRkf42x_3tSj3Kw3uchfW5OawP3u34jhmUSvQhwL-RdEdLSVmD6gSbAVZPB" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>lmao 😁</p><p>TA-DA!</p><p>I always make the kitchen wait until after two when I'm mostly finished writing for the day. </p><p>Still...laughing...</p>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239458261307955766.post-59313383079450303352023-09-15T09:05:00.003-07:002023-09-15T09:05:24.103-07:00Dreams<p>I've always been a dreamer. I dream big. I love big. Like...I am the WHOLE DAMN ENCHILADA. 🥳</p><p>Happens to be a lot for some people. And I DO try to gauge my audience. But I'll be your hype chick. I will whoop and holler and rise up for your success. Because that's what we should do for each other.</p><p>I've been my own cheerleader for a bit. My own hype chick. Giving myself high-fives and doing dances in my office chair. </p><p>Because...dreams.</p><p>I wanted to write. I wanted to be a published author. I wanted readers to enjoy my books. I wanted readers from all over the world. </p><p>I've accomplished all of the above. What's next?</p><p>World domination! 😁 slightly kidding...</p><p>Movie based on one of my books. USA Today bestselling novel. NYT bestselling novel. More conferences and book events to connect with fans--around the world. So many dreams to still work on and someday realize. I want name recognition. I want readers to chat with each other and ask, "Did you read this book by Crystal Inman?" Then they chat away.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR5ZMud0sx_C5d8wVlRV2LajTL9oisF0ifzZ-bd5KjDFRxqaWY4d0gHxQsoqFe1VY9rcVh06mbHh_xycdD2sgFcvAncO6IaWXIlhPRhJKA0KmQODk6Amv4RM3_e4Km_CAK7a_SZIwFPxnMBY-W4_Ccqwq6rYAZ83zVa2WMzpDbS9N5NNlvIgJfnXIiHDF/s640/IMG_4076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR5ZMud0sx_C5d8wVlRV2LajTL9oisF0ifzZ-bd5KjDFRxqaWY4d0gHxQsoqFe1VY9rcVh06mbHh_xycdD2sgFcvAncO6IaWXIlhPRhJKA0KmQODk6Amv4RM3_e4Km_CAK7a_SZIwFPxnMBY-W4_Ccqwq6rYAZ83zVa2WMzpDbS9N5NNlvIgJfnXIiHDF/s320/IMG_4076.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>But, for now, I'll work on Canary: Dark Descent.</p><p>I'll eyeball my box of books. 😍</p><p>And I'll continue those world domination plans. 😉</p><p>Always writing*</p>Crystal*http://www.blogger.com/profile/06689150836320685611noreply@blogger.com0