I'd like to thank the Academy

It's 12:36am.  I'm sitting in my chair in the Sanctuary, my office.  Simba is sacked out on the day bed, probably wondering why in the hell his mother is on the computer.

Great question.

Woke up at 11:42pm with a tickle in my throat.  Still have random little bs like that from the bronchitis.  Completely unamusing.  Bathroom trip.  Back to bed.  Then I try to calm myself back down enough to go to sleep.  It's not easy for me.  I sleep with ear plugs and a visor.  The Honey has to have the TV on.  I can't sleep with anything sensory going on.  Bad enough, sometimes the ear plugs don't cut it.  But I digress.

I let the mind wander around.  I like to entertain myself with visions of either speaking at a large book tour/conference, or this morning, it was being a guest on "Today" on NBC.  I talked about my book and the main character.  How it came about.  Then I started thinking about the book.  Then a piece of a scene came to me, and HERE WE ARE!!! 🥳 

It always comes back to the book.

Now that I've purged my wee brain, maybe I'll be able to go back to sleep.  

Maybe.

Always writing*

...not kidding, am I?

Loving a cactus

Cacti are striking plants.  It's hard to miss the prickly plant hairs and barbed bristles.  They are the literal "DO NOT TOUCH" of the plant world.  One of the bad boys of Botany.  So why do people like them?  Most collectors will say it's because of their gorgeous flowers.  Every cacti species is capable of producing flowers if given proper watering, fertilization, and light.

The villains and bad boys of fiction are the same.  There is not one, living on the page, another character or reader, doesn't think can't bloom.  They only need time.  Or understanding.  Or unconditional love.  Someone to listen.  Therapy.  Just one thing.  Whatever that damn one thing is.

The memes are cute, sure.  

"Didn't you see the red flags?"  "Yes!  I thought it was a circus."

"He has five red flags."  "Sure.  But I'm a Six Flags season ticket holder. WHEE!"

Like WE KNOW the issues are there.  But we are willing to look beyond all that because we want the cactus and the flowers.

For instance, LOKI.  Yes.  All caps.  Because Marvel™ had the sheer brilliance to cast Tom Hiddleston as their villain. This man: 

This character plucked an eyeball from a living man's skull, while grinning maniacally.  I would let him eat crackers, or anything he desired, in my bed, whenever he wished.  He's selfish and self-destructive.  Cunning and chaotic.  Loki is the epitome of a cactus, and I would bet more viewers would try to save than destroy him.

Writers walk the fine line with our cacti.  We can make them attractive.  *shrug*  But they're all assholes.  They have to be.  Prickly as hell.  No time for anyone.  Hateful, usually.  Red flags waving in the wind like NO-NO triangles. 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩 😁

But then we give readers a glimpse, a small sliver, of their humanity.  And we've hooked you.  You can see exactly what our cactus can be.  You start rooting for this snippy underdog.  Celebrating their triumphs.  Grieving their sadness.  

Suddenly, you love a cactus.  And aren't those blooms beautiful?

Always writing*

...isn't Tom Hiddleston absolutely stunning???

Kindle Vella

Someone mentioned Kindle Vella on Twitter.  I'd forgotten all about it.  I went and looked.  Serial writing with readers buying installments with tokens.  I briefly looked over everything.  Didn't dive in.  But why not?

I already divide my writing into either self-pub or query.  But how do I want to approach it?  That's what I'm asking myself.  I'm writing Book Four in a five-book series right now.  Do I want to work with those?  Do I want to wait and try to serialize the Erotic Romance I've started?  The book I'm working the hardest on right now is Canary: DD.  It stays querying.  It's made to be published.  And why...with an absolutely full platter...do I need to ponder this RIGHT NOW???

Because I like to have plans.  I like to know where my writing is headed.  Going to work this over in my wee head while I work on Canary: DD today.  I'm at 52,900 right now.  At least 20,000 more words, maybe 25,000.  I may take a break between the end of this and beginning Canary: OOS which is the third and final book in the series.  Depends.  I've already started my OneNote Notebook on it.  

I'm off to make notes and shape worlds.  I seem to be living in my OneNote notes this morning.  Love it.

Always writing*

Stay relevant

When I published my first book, Virtually Yours, in 2005, I only remember feeling so much happiness I literally thought I would explode with it.  Simply turn into a million burning stars and burst because there wasn't any way my skin could hold the emotion.  When I received the less than stellar royalty check, I cried.  Did I cry because of the amount?  Yes.  But I cried more because I wanted to see large numbers and know there were so many people reading my book.  But me, being me, did what I always do.  I dug in.

I published an Erotic Romance, What He Wants, and a Paranormal Romance, The Portrait, in 2006.  What He Wants was the bestselling book for my publisher three years in a row.  The Portrait was nominated for Best Small Press Paranormal Romance in Romantic Times, now defunct.  I also squeezed in a Time Travel Romance, Perfect Timing.

I was at work December 9, 2006, when our house started on fire.  It burned to the ground, and we lost everything.  Some of the kids didn't even walk out with shoes.  I'd started a new job.  Not even four months in.  Not going to go over the details, but we lost more than simply the house.

I'd already signed a contract for my Elemental Guardian series.  I'd written Fire Goddess and Water Goddess.  Confession from my heart.  I don't remember writing Wind Goddess.  Bits and pieces, actually.  It was right after the house fire.  We'd moved into a new place.  I think I was still in shock.  Thank the Muse it turned out well.  Then, of course, Earth Goddess.  I was mostly back in my right mind then.  I remember Eden's story well.  The first two published in 2007 and the other two in 2008.

I also managed to squeeze out another Erotic Romance, Programmed for Pleasure, in 2007.

The publishers contacted me and said they'd like to publish a megabook with my Elemental Guardians.  Thus, my Elemental Guardians Megabook released in 2009.

The last book I published with my ePub was Warrior and the Sparrow in 2011. 

I continued to write but didn't want the middleman, anymore.  I started self-publishing on Amazon.  Not right away.  But I had an idea for a series, based, incredibly loosely, on an old Brothers Grimm tale I'd read forever ago.  I can't even find it now.  But I digress.  It's a five-book series.  I've published three.  Working on the fourth.

I wrote Chimera, which I'm querying now. 

I'm in process with Canary.  It's a three-book series.  First book is finished.  I'm querying.  I'm 50,000 words deep on the second. 

I received my quarterly royalty email this morning from my ePub which was taken over by Start Publishing/Simon & Schuster.  

Here's my point:  I sold copies of Virtually Yours, What He Wants, The Elemental Guardian Megabook, and 23 copies of Programmed for Pleasure.

Stay relevant.  Don't give up.  Keep your name in the conversation.  I sold books I published over 15 years ago.  It can be done.  You can do it.

Always writing*

...and selling those oldies but goodies

 

Nurse Ratched

The Honey had left knee replacement surgery Monday.  I've been existing on snickers and green Monsters.  Now, I had my right hip replaced last March so I knew a bit about what to expect.  By the way, I love my hip, Dr. K., and my PT chickie who I described as an evil Kristen Bell.  But I digress.

It is NOT easy.  We are independent women.  I had the dubious honor of basically cramming my love and help down her throat.  😂  And she doesn't want to BOTHER anyone.  In pain and didn't want to call the nurse.  Oh, so help me.  I nearly beat her with her pillow.  I think we've overcome that hurdle.  Or not taking a pain pill fifteen minutes earlier while she's practically writhing in pain.  Once again, I had to threaten bodily harm.  😑  But we're making progress!

Both of us.  I made myself eggs for breakfast! 🥳

My problem is I tend to neglect myself while caring for others.  I lived off rice krispie treats when my baby child had her baby child last September. 😶 We all have our things.  🙄

The Honey has taken to calling me Nurse Ratched, and I laugh.  I promised to live up to the name if she doesn't behave.  Better get used to me and my methods now.  She's having the right knee done in February. 😎

Always writing*

...and being THAT nurse...

I'm a dreamer

I think I aggravate some people with my optimism and certainty of my dreams.  I live my life in a state of knowing I'm capable of achieving my dreams so why wouldn't I live as such?  But Crystal, it hasn't happened.

Yet.

Hasn't happened...yet.

I stay in motion, and my dreams do the same.  I write or work on writing at least six days a week because that's my dream, and it needs to be fed like other parts of my life.  Do I become discouraged?  Of course.  I'm human.  But I pick myself up and continue.  It doesn't matter so much if others in my close circle don't understand how truly the writing mirrors the beating of my heart.  I understand it.  I nurture it.  I hold it close and murmur encouraging words.  We make plans for the future.  We grow.

We dream.

My dreams are built on a solid foundation of love, hard work, and diligence.  And I will make sure they are given the best opportunity to bloom into the full manifestation of every second put into them.  What I want, more than anything, is to share my stories with the world.  

And I will. 💖

Always writing*

Simba

 I love this little heathen.  He has a long backstory, but suffice it to say he has my heart.  In case you wonder who keeps me company when I'm writing.

Taken today, in my office, the Sanctuary.

Always writing*

...and admiring Simba

I'm working

I take my writing incredibly seriously.  I work on it from eight in the morning until four or five in the evening.  I do break for smoothies and meals.  I blog every few days.  I need to pick up Twitter again.  I query.  I research.  I make notes.  I work.

Writing is serious.  Four to five thousand words is a good day.  Three thousand is average.  Anything less is a bit disappointing.  Unless I've made up for it in notes or queries.

Yes.  I did retire from an eight-to-five job.  But I have another one.  A more important one.  I'm not watching Netflix or Amazon Prime, eating bonbons, and lounging in my pajamas.  

I'm not sure if any other person, besides a writer, understands the complexity and immersion of being one.  Probably a good thing.  Also a lonely thing.  

I'll be in my Sanctuary over here.  Writing books.  Having adventures.  Weaving words and worlds.  Living in my head and yours.  This is everything.  

Shhhhh...I'm working.

Always writing*

It's a beautiful day!

 Music lives in my soul and branches out into all areas of my life.  I'll find new songs or be reminded of old, and I revel in them.  

One of the prevalent the past few days is "I'm Feeling Good" by Michael Bublé.  My God!  The swing.  The brass.  The sheer feel of it.  Snapping my fingers and feeling every beat.  Niiiiice. 

Day-trippin' yesterday up to Tulsa.  Hit up Gardner's, Oklahoma's Largest Used Bookstore.  Found a few books for my gbabies.  There is one book that I need to come back around to me.  Been decades since I've seen it.  I've looked all over, of course.  Don't remember the name or author.  Of course.  Still on the search.

Then Savastano's for late lunch/early dinner.  Appetizers were great.  Brought home most of my pizza.  

Today, since the sun won't be melting my skin off, I'm grocery shopping and then coming home and writing.  Only in the EIGHTIES!!!  Not the hateful hundreds.  Thank goodness.

Hoping for another lovely one.  And here's hoping yours is as well.

Always writing!

...and eating leftover pizza  

Writing and editing

 Life would be AMAZING if all I had to do was write write write what came to me and hand off the decidedly less-fun activities to others.  I'm looking at you, synopsis.  

But honestly?  Then I wouldn't learn anything.

Editing gives me an opportunity to look at my work, with an as objective eye as I'm able, and tighten it down to make it better.  Who wouldn't jump at the opportunity?  From overuse of words (such as assholes "that" and "had") to repetition of words in the same sentence, hello Thesaurus.

I finished "Fascination", Megan's story, three days before I started "Chimera".  Seems like I've given her enough time to breathe.  Cool editing fact:  If you try to edit too soon after you finish...you will begin to resent words in general, especially your own.  😣

I believe she's a little over 68,000 words.  Glanced over her yesterday after querying.  There's a nice segue into Paisley's story, "Incantation".  That makes me happy for the simple fact I've already started that one.

I made notes for the five-book series years ago and now add to it as the details come.  Sometimes I truly adore my wee brain.

That's the plan.  Edit.  Write.  

Enjoy your day.

Always writing*

It has begun...someone pound on the drums for me...

I've finished "Chimera."  This is the first time I've publicly written the title anywhere.  Now I'm querying agents, and they want to know if I have a website and blog.  Um...yes?  

I do!

But I also have a forty-hour a week job and add ten hours to commute.  BUT...*happy dance*...my last day at the day job will be JULY 1st!!!  They offered early retirement and blah blah blah, and I jumped on it. 😁

Now, instead of killing myself on the weekends, working 9-7 in my office, The Sanctuary, I'll be able to kill myself five or six days a week!  You have no idea how excited I am!  

I started "Chimera" on 2/11/22 and finished it on 5/8/22 with 65,795 words.  I only now looked at the dates.  I use index cards with the date, the words I start and finish.  I wrote this beautiful book while working my full-time day job.

Imagine what my short ass can do simply focusing on the writing!  I'm not a swooning chick, but I may swoon.  😂

Basically...I'm back.  I'm blowing the dust off this bad boy and making it a priority.  

Damn.  I am excited!!!

Always writing*

Have you ever...?

I'm a curious sort.  I like to know things.  Sometimes the things are nonsensical and only for my curiosity sake.  Sometimes the things are educational, and I can pull them into conversation later.  I simply like to KNOW things.

One of the funniest parts of writing books with sex scenes, both sweet and explicit, is the question, "Have you ever...?"
Readers want to know if I've done some of the things written in my books.
The short answer?  Yes. No.  I've wanted to.  More than once.

What I've done or haven't doesn't really have any bearing on the reader, in my opinion.  It's not MY story you're reading.  It's the characters.  And while I do concede to it being a part of me, I'll not be telling which part:  fiction or no.

I will share that research is hella fun.

I'm not sure why the sexual component is such a fascinating one.  I don't know if readers want to compare notes, start a club, or report me to Kinks Anonymous. ( Is there such a place?)

Sometimes I think people, in general, want to know what's "normal".  But guess what?  What's normal for one may not be for the other.  Or maybe they simply want a peek into someone else's sex life. Readers are a bit voyeuristic by nature.

So.
Have I ever...?
Possibly.
lmao

Always writing*

Captivation giveaway

I love books.  They are some of the purest magic.
I read everything I could get my hands on growing up.  And, even now, they are my favorite form of escapism, either reading or writing.

Here's my question:

Name one or two of your favorite books as a child.

The prize will be an autographed paperback of Captivation, the first book in the Rivers Sisters series.
A little bit about the book:

Spencer Drake needs a model, and Colleen Rivers applies for the job. She’s near the end of her career, but this campaign, for Captivation perfume, calls to her. 
Except Spencer is no ordinary man. And Colleen is no ordinary woman.
They’re both hiding who they are, but Colleen stands to lose more than a job if the truth spills out. Colleen is part of a family of witches that has been hidden from the world for centuries. Spencer’s family tracks and records magic. The consequences are severe for unregistered beings.
Her family’s biggest secret becomes his only mission. 
A man used to getting what he wants rarely fights fair. But a woman with her world on the line never will.
****
The contest will end at midnight, Friday, July 7, 2017.  I will announce the winner Saturday, July 8, 2017 both on Facebook and this blog.  One entry per person.  

I've always been partial to fantasy and adventure.  I loved A Wrinkle in Time.  Mrs. Piggle Wiggle series.  The entire Oz series.  Pippi Longstocking.

Good luck!
Always writing*

I came. I saw. I edited.

Not even about to lie.  I don't much care for editing.  I really don't mind it the third or fourth time. The seventh time.  But when we start tumbling into double digits, I begin to lose my sense of humor.

My creative process looks a little something like this:

1.  Title
2.  Start writing hellbent to leather.  Clear about 7,000 words before I come up for air.
3.  Slow down a bit and ponder the living hell out of the story 24/7.
4.  Jot notes on my phone, in notebooks, on post-its, my hand, and anything else I can write on.
5.  Write until around 30,000.  This is the "sagging middle" for me.
6.  Small break.
7.  15,000 more words.  At this point, it's usually not chronological.  I'll have the ending before I have the last quarter.
8.  Get back in the groove and finish up.
9.  LEAVE IT THE HELL ALONE FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS--IF NOT LONGER

Both my books and I need time apart at this point.  We've been each other's everything for months. Most times I'll cleanse my literary palate by working on one or two other stories.
I find that I clean edit better if I haven't had to look at the same work every day for months on end. Because you begin to catch things you might not have before.  Pacing.  Verb tense.  Wrong names for characters.  *shrug*  It happens.

Writers can be too close to their work.  It's incredibly easy to be consumed by the stories.  Honestly, it's quite addictive.
Think about the one thing that fills your soul with happiness.  Do you like to make music?  Knit?  Garden?  Imagine being surrounded by that all the time.  The "real world" is far less attractive then, isn't it?

I'm around 35,000 words on the third Rivers Sisters book.  But then I became distracted by thoughts and ideas for another story.  It's a stand-alone, but it's Paranormal/Fantasy.  And I can't quite give up space in my head for all the thoughts and ideas.  I've also learned never to shut them out.  I jot.  If the jotting turns into something larger, then I go with it.

I've learned to listen to the rhythm of the writing and my place in it.  I've learned to listen for the "click" I mentally have when I'm on the right track.  And, damn it, I've learned to edit when all I want to do is let my stories loose upon the world.

Always writing*