Kimber An

also testing

2012-03-02T07:57:00.001-09:00

also testing

A New Groove

2012-02-29T05:12:00.002-09:00

Good morning, Blog Buds! I will be restarting my online activity tomorrow, centered on my use of Speech Recognition Software. http://www.nuance.com/for-individuals/by-product/dragon-for-pc/home-version/index.htm I'd say I'm at about eighty percent with it. I can do almost all my writing with it. Navigating the Web is much trickier to learn. Even so, my Tendonitis-prone hands are relieved of almost all the stress which causes them to hurt.
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I've written a new schedule for myself, which spaces my writing times throughout the day. That way, I'm not sitting at the computer for extended periods, which is also very hard on my whole body. I will begin by rereading what I've written so far for Blood, Dark and Sweet.

Since this is my first novel writing with Speech Recognition Software and I'm new to it, I don't know how quickly I'll move the story along. It's done in my head, but getting a story written down is work! I'll post and update the wordcount daily though.
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I will be posting at this blog whenever there happens to be something noteworthy regarding my writing or promotional activities. However, I'll be posting to my Hobby Farm blog daily. Here is the addy- http://westfarthinghomestead.blogspot.com/

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I'll also work on connecting my social network sites so that everything's faster and easier and, therefore, less painful for my hands. See you in the morning!

Speech recognition software

2012-02-23T11:14:00.001-09:00

Hello! I am learning how to navigate the Internet with my new software. It takes a lot of practice, but it is worth it. I am hoping to begin writing full time again in March. Okay, I need to get back to work on this. I used the software to write this whole post. Pretty good time?

Blog Hops are Closed and Winners Have Been Notified

2012-02-15T10:17:00.001-09:00

So far, Elizabeth 'BookAttic' has claimed her free copy of Drive-By Valentine. Still waiting on the other winner. Hope your Valentine's Day was happy!

Kimber An is Hitting a Learning Curve

2012-02-14T06:03:00.002-09:00

Good morning, Blog Buds! I'm going to be off-line most of the time for a while, except daily email checks. I need to rest my Tendonitis-stricken hands and also I need to practice using my Speech Recognition Software. Hopefully, with practice and care, I can be back to writing like crazy. Check out the software here- http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm

With Love Valentine's Day Blog Hop!

2012-02-11T04:42:00.003-09:00

Good morning, Blog Buds. I'm participating in this Hop to celebrate the release of my first adult Short Story, a Sweet Contemporary called Drive-By Valentine. There are many wonderful authors and fabulous prizes to win! So, please leave a comment for a free eCopy of my Short Story and then Hop over to the event page and keeping Hopping- http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/

Hangin' with Zee

2012-02-07T05:56:00.002-09:00

I'm over at Zee's blog today. Come and join the fun! http://zeemonodee.blogspot.com/2012/02/tidbit-tuesday-kimber-ans-drive-by.html

Follower Love Hop: DRIVE-BY VALENTINE!

2012-02-06T09:39:00.000-09:00

Welcome to I Am A Reader Not A Writer's Follower Love Blog Hop! On this stop of the Hop, comment to win a free eBook copy of my Short Story, Drive-By Valentine.

Pushingthirty on Valentine’s Day, Eve realizes her desperate search for love has ledto nothing but misery. Then, she takes achance on a little old lady who’s famous for finding the perfect guy for everygirl just by looking at his truck.
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Now, Hop along and win some other great prizes!
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Click on this link to find the other Hop stops, if you don't already know-
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/02/follower-love-giveaway-too-clever-25.html
The list is near the bottom of the post.

DRIVE-BY VALENTINE on Sale Now!

2012-02-06T04:10:00.001-09:00

This is Number Four for me.
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Crushed Sugar
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Sugar Rush
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Sweet Bytes
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DRIVE-BY VALENTINE!

I'm at Noble Romance Authors' Blog today!

2012-02-04T05:53:00.002-09:00

Pop on over- http://nobleauthors.blogspot.com/2012/02/putting-my-big-girl-panties-on.html

I'm at Desi Moon's Today!

2012-02-03T08:14:00.001-09:00

Pop on over and join the conversation. http://dbmoonauthor.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-have-you-got-out-k-drive-by.html

'Media Kit for Bloggers'

2012-02-02T11:40:00.001-09:00

Page has been updated-
http://www.kimberan.com/p/media-kit-for-bloggers.html

DRIVE-BY VALENTINE Excerpt

2012-02-02T11:16:00.001-09:00

Good morning, Blog Buds. I just updated the Drive-By Valentine Page with an excerpt. Pop on over and check it out-
http://www.kimberan.com/p/valentines-day-in-hardware-store.html

Cover Art for DRIVE BY VALENTINE

2012-01-30T14:42:00.000-09:00

Here it is at last!
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The Blurb:

Pushingthirty on Valentine’s Day, Eve realizes her desperate search for love has ledto nothing but misery. Then, she takes achance on a little old lady who’s famous for finding the perfect guy for everygirl just by looking at his truck.
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I'll be working hard on updating my sites, including the Calendar page, preparing for the release of Drive-By Valentine on February 6th. I'll be participating in Valentine's Day blog hops and you'll have a bunch of chances to win a free copy and other swag. So, check back here and the Calendar page daily!

Update

2012-01-16T05:39:00.002-09:00

Tendonitis is really bad these days. Thought it would go away over Christmas break, but it's back with a vengence. Might be full-on carpal tunnel syndrome now.

My Valentine's Day regular adult Short Story is due out February 6th, so I will be online promoting that.

However, until I can clear things up with a good physical therapist and completely remake my working space, writing Blood, Dark and Sweet is on hold. It's driving me crazy too. Writing is like breathing to me. I gotta do it.

Will keep you posted!

Short Story Promo Brainstorm

2012-01-07T09:25:00.001-09:00

Good morning, Blog Buds!
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The beat goes on with writing Blood, Dark and Sweet, but I've got an adult Short Story coming out soon and I need to take a few days off to put together promotional activities for it. The title may change. It's contracted with Noble Publishing as Valentine's Day in the Hardware Store Parking Lot, but I'm kicking around a title change to Drive By Valentine. In any case, it's my first published adult story, so I need to stretch out into the grown-ups eBook marketing. I'm not scared or anything, since I was a blogging book reviewer for four years. Still, it's a little different. The good news is the story is Sweet, which means no sex. So, I can promo it for my younger friends too. My own YA daughter loved it.
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More on this story as it moves towards release day.

Novel Progress: I think I've Hit the Beat

2012-01-06T05:18:00.002-09:00

For the beginning, I mean, I pretty darn sure I've hit the right beat to launch this story the way it needs to be in the Reader's mind. Check out the post below this one to know what I mean.

Novel Progress: Writing on a 'Need to Know' Basis

2012-01-05T07:29:00.001-09:00

Hey, Blog Buds. Check out my wordcount thingy to the right, slowly but surely. The funny thing is I keep bumping and weeding and the starting point, namely the first three scenes. The first scene, the first chapter, and the first three chapters of a novel are the most challenging, followed be dead center and the finale in that order, at least for me.
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There's a saying about starting a story at the point on the fictional timeline in which the Hero or Heroine 'starts a fire she can't put out.' A novel has lots of fires, so this can be hard. That's when a girl has to go back to theme and main plot. So, all the scenes I've written are good and fine, but figuring out what order to put them in takes Trial & Error. I'm constantly asking myself 'Does the Reader Need to Know this yet?" If not, it can be put off. So, I switch things around again until the right fire rises to the top.
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I think it may be extra tough because this is the final book in the series. Everybody and everything must come full circle, loose ends need to be tied up. Think about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two when Professor McGonagall suggested asking Seamus for help blowing up the bridge. If you've watched and loved all the movies, you know Seamus is famous (hey, that rhymed) for having his spells explode from his very first year at Hogwarts. When little things like that come back by the end, it's a wonderful, nostalgic feeling. So, I'm going to mine the first three books of my series for little things like that too.
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Okay, I must get on with my day.

Novel Progress: It's kinda Like Skateboarding

2012-01-04T06:01:00.001-09:00

You've probably seen skateboarders doing those tricks were they swoop down one curve and then up the other. Writing scenes is like that. In one sitting at the computer, I swoop down approximately three pages of story. Then, I go about my daily life, loading the dishwasher, cleaning up barf, that kind of thing. I come back and in the next sitting I swoop back up. This is because each scene needs to be a miniture story of it's own with a beginning (swooping down,) middle, and end (swooping back up.) Weird, huh? So, no movement on the wordcount thingy there, but I am making significant progress, promise.

Novel Progress: The Importance of My Outline

2012-01-02T08:05:00.002-09:00

I was born a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants storyteller. Unfortunately, I was so much like that I couldn't pull a story together enough for publication. Thanks to Jacqueline Lichtenberg and Blake Snyder and the Monomyth I learned to sort out the mess and here I am. Let me tell ya, root canal is faster and less painful!
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Anyway, I had a hard time getting going on Blood, Dark and Sweet this morning and I knew, without looking, that I had scenes mixed up. Thanks to the outline, all I had to do is go back and look. Oh, that blood-sucking dead guys is a minor antagonist. He doesn't come in until the second chapter. Duh.
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The beauty of the scene-by-scene outline is it saves me a lot of time and frustration. I work the story out in my head first, hammer out the outline, and I'm good for go. When I run into problems, I can easily move things around like putting a jigsaw puzzle together.
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It's also easier to stop and start, which I do a lot because I have four children. Speaking of which, I need to get off the comp and go load the dishwasher.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I've Begun My New Novel

2012-01-01T07:40:00.003-09:00

I'll update the wordcount for Blood, Dark and Sweet, daily. This is the first draft and first drafts always stink. I'm one of those rare authors who always comes in under the wordcount goal and barely squeeks by on the final draft. So, I'm setting the first draft wordcount at 50,000, although I might only make it to 30,000 this round with a final goal of at least 60,000. In any case, the scene-by-scene outline is hammered and I'm already mostly through my daily goal of five pages or two scenes.

New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-31T05:47:00.001-09:00

*Isn't this a beautiful kitchen? I need more sunshine in mine though.*

1)   Learn to put on a sit-down family dinner, mostly cooked from scratch, every single night and teach my children to do the same. This should be easier because my beautiful step-mother sewed a new tablecloth and placemats for me for Christmas! I'm going to use fabric paint to paint the outlines of plates, cups, and such on the placemats to help the children learn. My beautiful mother-in-law gave me money so I can go pick out new dishes. I still need a table that seats my entire family comfortably though and enough chairs. I can find those at the second-hand store for really cheap though, and the money I spend there goes to charity. Meanwhile, I continue to work on my cooking-from-scratch skills, which is both healthier and less expensive.

2)   Finish putting together and also maintaining a Disaster Preparedness Kit. Not easy with such a large family in such a cold place.   http://www.ak-prepared.com/

3)   Release two novels and two novella or short stories. The first short story is already done and due out February 6th, so I'm one-quarter of my way to this goal.

Okay, that'll do. Gotta get off and rest my hands. Tomorrow, New Year's Day, I start writing down the next and last novel in the Ophelia Dawson series, Blood, Dark and Sweet.

Working On the New Master Schedule

2011-12-28T07:06:00.000-09:00

Only four days of Christmas vacation left. The housework must be finally caught up on and the new Master Schedule must be worked out. Wanna bet I'll be the one scrubbing toilets today? Oh, well, I should not complain. I should be thankful to have a family who works together, as well as plays together. All I gotta do is figure out how to fit all that and writing a new novel and editing a short story and promo into each day of the coming year. Hmmm...I think I'm gonna need a new day planner book.

'Blood, Dark and Sweet' Will Likely Be the Last Book...

2011-12-27T11:38:00.001-09:00

...in the Ophelia Dawson Young Adult series. I've been hammering the scene-by-scene outline over Christmas break and that's how the story's working itself out. The actual writing down of the story starts dark and early Sunday morning, New Year's Day 2012. 'Dark and early' because, hey, I live in Alaska where it's dark most of the time in December.
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I'm also doing pre-edits on my short story, Valentine's Day in the Hardware Store Parking Lot, which is due out February 6th, 2012. It's also my very first Adult story. Don't worry. It's 'Sweet,' meaning no sex. So, I don't think the parents will freak. The heroine, Eve, is almost thirty years old, but she's struggling with an issue most teens figure out before graduation. She's worked very hard to live Happily Ever After, just like in those mushy romance novels. But, it's not working for her at all. She's miserable and alone. Then, one Valentine's Day she takes a risk and seeks the advice of a little old woman who can find the right guy for every girl just by looking at his truck. Is she psychic? No. Not exactly.
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Okay, now I must return to being a lazy bum on the sofa. Moms don't get to do that very often, you know. Sometimes, I hope I'll get sick just so I can. Of course, there's decluttering to do. But, what's the rush? (((yawn))) I love Christmas break.

Christmas Memories

2011-12-26T06:44:00.002-09:00

Daughter #1 received what every teenager wants for Christmas. Money! Guess what she's getting with it?

Actually, she's getting the whole series. That's my girl! Mama sooo prouda her girl!

Daughter #2 made me proud too, because she received just what she wanted too! American Girls books! And a doll to go with them.

And our only begotten son received what he wanted most and we think he deserved it too, after wanting to spend all his birthday money on his sisters.

He was so excited I thought he'd have to be sedated.

And my youngest child got exactly what she loved most too. Shoes. And lots of 'em. Pretty, glittery shoes. Shoes? Hmmm, well, okay, Mama respects her right to choose her own path in life. I don't get it. But, that's okay. Mama so prouda her too! Maybe we should start thinking about tap-dancing lessons.

We all loved our family gift!

Like it says in the movie- "Your story may not have such a happy beginning but that doesn't make you who you are, it is the rest of your story, who you choose to be."
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What'd I get? Oh, I think I probably got some cool stuff, like a hammer so I can build a chicken coop, but the best gifts I received were being a part of a happy family, seeing happiness on their faces, and also I got to a hold a brand new baby!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T04:48:00.002-09:00

Merry Christmas from Space

This is my favorite way to bid everyone a Merry Christmas. I used to not be sure why. Now, I think it's because so many people on boths sides of the debate believe Science and Faith are like black and white. They're so far apart they can't get along. I disagree. I believe they magnify each other. So, have yourself a Merry Little Christmas and a Happy New Year in which you open your mind to ever greater wisdom and your heart to compassion and friends. Now, click on the link above the picture and listen to the crew of Apollo 8 give their holiday greetings to the entire planet way back in 1968, which was before even I was born.

My Hobby Farm Blog

2011-12-22T05:58:00.000-09:00

Good morning, Blog Buds! I started a private blog a while ago in anticipation of buying our first home and starting a hobby farm there. I'm working on the blog right now and sorting out the new Master Schedule for the next few months. Next week, I'll be editing Valentine's Day in the Hardware Store Parking Lot and on January 1st I start writing the next novel in the Ophelia Dawson series. Once that starts, it's all a juggling game! But, right now, I can just have fun, which is the great thing about Christmas vacation. If you want to check out the new blog, just hop on over-
Westfarthing Homestead

more testing

2011-12-20T11:42:00.001-09:00

for twitterfeed and stuff

testing for twitterfeed

2011-12-20T11:20:00.001-09:00

just seeing if all my sites are connected now

Noble YA Holiday Hop, Hop, Hop!

2011-12-17T04:07:00.003-09:00

Better check it out and enter to win prizes, including an eBook reader!
http://nobleyoungadult.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/noble-young-adult-holiday-hop/
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My Hop is at Ella's Muse, by the way. To Love Fiercely, Wanting Nothing Else

Win Prizes! The Noble YA Holiday Hop Starts in the Morning!

2011-12-16T05:52:00.000-09:00

I'm hosting Lisa over at Fabulously Young ePubs and being hosted by Ella's Muse at the same time. Each Hop will have a list of the Hop Stops where you can enter multiple times to win a variety of really great prizes. See you in the morning!
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Here's a Hop Stop sneak-peek-
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Saewod- http://lisakuehne.wordpress.com
Lisa http://fabulouslyyoungepubs.blogspot.com
Kimber http://ellasmuse.blogspot.com
Ella- http://steppingquietly.blogspot.com
Bonnie http://saewod.webs.com/apps/blog

Science Fiction Gift Books for Adults

2011-12-15T05:45:00.000-09:00

I've got a lot of these! These ones here are great for YA too.

My favorite Star Wars series by Timothy Zahn

And finally, some yummy Science Fiction Romance!

Fantasy Gift Books for Adults

2011-12-15T05:31:00.000-09:00

AMAZON INK by Lori Devoti Awesome worldbuilding! Kick-Butt Mama Heroine too!

Lisa Shearin

Nathalie Mallet

All of these, especially the last two, would be great for your teen readers too.

Contemporary Gift Books for Adults

2011-12-15T05:24:00.001-09:00

Contemporary Romance
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SWEET SENSATION by Gwyneth Bolton

BABY, I'M YOURS by Karen Templeton

Commercial Fiction

LOTTERY by Patricia Wood This one is good for young people too, as the Hero is emotionally very young.

Gift Books for Adults - Historicals

2011-12-15T05:08:00.001-09:00

NEFERTITI by Michelle Moran. Hands down, my absolute favorie regular Historical. Good for YA too, as Nefertiti and her sister (the narrator of this First Person story) are very young for most of the book.

THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak World War II in occupied Europe, haunting narritive, terrifyingly beautiful. It's shelved in Young Adult too.

For readers who want a little kick, these Historical Romance authors are sure to light the fire.

Michelle Willingham

Linda Lael Miller

Remember, if you can't find these particular books, chances are good the authors' other books will make the readers happy too.

'Valentine's Day in the Hardware Store Parking Lot' Will Be Released Feburary 6th!

2011-12-14T19:22:00.002-09:00

Just found out! More news as it develops.

Young Adult Books for Gifts

2011-12-14T19:19:00.000-09:00

HARRY POTTER continues to rule the bookshelves in our house during this age.

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But, our hearts are plenty big enough for YA Science Fiction too. Think you've heard the last twist on vampires? Check out PEEPS by Scott Westerfeld! It will totally creep your younger friends with a scientifically plausible explanation for everything having to do with Blood-Sucking Dead Guys.

Okay, that will do for the younger set. I'll post favorite adult books tomorrow.

Middle Grade Books for Gifts

2011-12-14T19:11:00.000-09:00

Be sure to scroll down and read the previous post, because children vary on reading ability and interest during this stage. Of course, this is when the age of HARRY POTTER begins.
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But, there are other awesome books too!
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Like the PERCY JACKSON series. More into Science or Steampunk, try the LEVIATHAN series by extrordinary SF YA author, Scott Westerfeld.

Gift for Early Readers

2011-12-14T19:04:00.000-09:00

Don't stop reading to your child once she learns how to read on her own!
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HUMPHREY THE LOST WHALE by Wendy Tokuda. This is a true story!
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For your little early reading Star Wars Geek, DK puts out graded readers, including ones based on STAR WARS!
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The AKIKO series will encourage your girl to keep going with her love of science and adventure as she enters a stage of development when it's often lost.

Once they've mastered those, they'll be ready for THE GUARDIANS OF GA'HOOLE series by Kathryn Lasky and the WARRIORS series by Erin Hunter.

Gift Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers

2011-12-14T18:49:00.000-09:00

This age group can handle and, indeed, will demand longer read out loud times. They're also very much into pre-reading. Don't be surprised if they learn before the official age of five.
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G IS FOR GOAT by Patricia Polacco. In fact, she has a huge backlist of books for most age groups. You really can't go wrong giving her books. Just make sure the one you choose is age appropriate.
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IS YOUR MAMA A LLAMA? by Deborah Guarino My second daughter wore out several copies of this one.

Holiday Gift Books for Babies

2011-12-14T18:42:00.000-09:00

As a former nanny, present homeschool mom, and a former book reviewer, I always post about good books to give for the holidays. Remember, when you give a book to a child of any age, you may very well be saving her life and her heart, building his courage to follow his path to greatest, and encourage parent/child bonding through the read out loud experience. Books are the perfect gift for any occasion!
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HAND, HAND, FINGERS, THUMB by Al Perkins
http://www.amazon.com/Fingers-Thumb-Bright-Early-Board/dp/0679890483
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GOING ON A BEAR HUNT by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
http://www.amazon.com/Were-Going-Bear-Hunt-Celebratory/dp/1416936653/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323920267&sr=1-2
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Board books by DK, the same folks who put out DK Eyewitness for big people. They're all great, you really can't go wrong getting these ones for the babies you know.

New Contract Signed! 'Valentine's Day in the Hardware Store Parking Lot'

2011-12-14T15:09:00.001-09:00

Hey, gang, it's a done deal. I just signed with Noble Romance for what will be my very first regular adult published story as well as my very first published Short Story. 'Valentine's Day in the Hardware Store Parking Lot' is about a woman who has worked very hard at finding her Happily Ever After, but she's done it using everyone else's gameplan but her own. Needless to say, her quest was a bust. Then, she takes a chance and seeks out the wisdom of a little old lady who can find the right guy for every girl just by looking at his truck or car. This will be for the Sweetheart Line, so it's all in The Chase. No nookie. My YA girl loved it, even thought the Heroine is almost thirty years old. So, I think it might have broad appeal. More news as this moves through the process to release.
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Here's Martina McBride to help celebrate! My Baby Loves Me Just the Way That I Am

'So Many Stories?'

2011-12-10T06:16:00.002-09:00

I'm at Fab ePubs talking about character archaetypes and mythology today. http://fabulouslyyoungepubs.blogspot.com/2011/12/so-many-stories.html

One Story At a Time

2011-12-09T17:56:00.001-09:00

It's so hard when there are so many stories logged away in my imagination and I love them all the same! After much soul-searching and emailing with my editor, I've decided to put off Manic Knight yet again. I just can't do it justice and get the next book in the Ophelia Dawson Chronicles in a timely manner too. The Chronicles are a series and it's a good idea to get books in a series out in a quick lock-step, so readers don't forget in between because each story is connected.
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Manic Knight could be the start of a series too. I got more ideas. However, it's a different kind of series, more episodic so each book would stand completely alone. It's like comparing the Star Trek movies (same characters, same 'universe,' but different stories each,) with the Star Wars movies which are all interconnected stories in one big saga. I like both kinds of series.
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One thing I learned from my daughter is how the saga is constructed. She's totally into Harry Potter. I love that 'universe' too, but she knows where all the type-ohs and kissing scenes are by book, page number, paragraph, and sentence. Anyway, she pointed out to me that the Harry Potter novels are all like one humongous novel and structured accordingly. So, I went through and discovered she was right.
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This means my next step in the Ophelia Dawson Chronicles needs to be me beating out the entire series like it's one big screenplay, ala Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet from SAVE THE CAT! That's how to bring the saga around to a satisfying conclusion.
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I'll miss Manic Knight. It's been waiting its turn for several years now. But, I will get to it one day. Here's Alicia Keys to accentuate my sigh- 'No One'
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And here's 'How Harry Potter Should Have Ended.' You'll know why we love this one by the second to last scene when Snape says, "No, I mean a reeeeeally long story."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsYWT5Q_R_w

War on the Homefront, Then and Now

2011-11-29T05:16:00.001-09:00

Good morning, Blog Buds.

I've been watching 1940's House in an effort to decide if I have the gumption to revise a novel I wrote called Manic Knight. I've already told my editor about it and she said she'd like to see it. Manic Knight was the third novel I sent through Queryland and it almost made it. Sugar Rush was the fourth novel I sent through Queryland and it scored my first publishing contract. In any case, Manic Knight is a Science Fiction based Time Travel story about a biracial girl, Angelica, who is called from the present day back to 1940 Britain to take her white father's place as a Bedivere Knight after he's killed in battle. If you've read any of the Ophelia Dawson stories, you know that Ophelia's true love, Adrian, is the son of a Bedivere Knight too. I decided, early on, to connect my different series by 'world-building' because it's so huge and vital in the Fantasy and Science Fiction genres. Why build a new fictional universe when I can just expand the same one?

The thing that strikes me the most about 1940's House is the different experience of people back then during wartime and people right now. The United States has been at war since September 11, 2011, but, for the most part, most people are free to ignore that fact. We haven't had to walk instead of drive so that the military can have our oil to drive the engine of war. We can walk into any Walmart and have a couple dozen brands of shampoo to choose from. We don't need to black out our windows to keep bomber planes from destroying our homes.

Some people say modern Americans have it too easy, that we're too soft, and we could never handle another time period like World War II. We'd sit down and cry for our iPads and starve to death when the government ran out of food to put into our crying little mouths.

I disagree. I think that resourcefulness and determination is still there. A lot of Americans would be sent reeling for a while, I think, but we'd find our feet and come back swinging.

We're like a sleeping dragon you really do not want to wake up, because we'll be seriously pissed if you do.

The lesson I take away from the 1940's House is plant a garden, keep my bike in good condition, learn to catch, gut, and cook fish, learn to be self-sufficient, even if we don't need to and we don't actually live that way all the time.

I think the dragon should keep at least one eye open at all times.
http://www.ready.gov/

P.S. You should be able to find 1940's House on video or DVD at your local library or you can buy it off Amazon.com. It's tied for first place with Frontier House as my favorite Historical-Reality series.

SWEET BYTES in Cover Art Contest!

2011-11-24T08:52:00.002-09:00

Vote for SWEET BYTES!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T18:52:00.000-09:00

"Don't worry, Tom. We're having beef prime rib this year."

Thanksgiving Day and the Fountain of Youth

2011-11-19T05:33:00.002-09:00

I'm at Noble YA today talking about how not to get 'old.'

My Q&A Turn at The Party!

2011-11-19T04:35:00.000-09:00

Good morning! My question is #18 at The Romance Reviews End of Year Party. Pop over and scroll down. If you've read or know anything about my books, it ought to be easy. There are lots of prizes and some big grand prizes too.

In the Hopper for 2012

2011-11-13T18:18:00.000-09:00

I've been emailing with Kit Forbes about a series she's putting together based on her world-building and it got me to thinking about what I'll be writing in 2012.
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I will finish the Ophelia Dawson Chronicles. There are two novels left, about 60,000 words each, hopefully to be released about six months apart.
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4) Blood, Dark and Sweet Ophelia and Adrian finally get together and kick some big time Newblood booty.
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5) Sugar Crash Ophelia nails Martin and saves the world.
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Between those big novel releases, I hope to put out a couple of short stories. The one I'm cooking up for Kit Forbes' series is Wild Card, tentatively, and is a little steampunkish, the Heroine being the rejected American daughter of Van Helsing who has to go bail out her old man when Dracula throws him in the slammer. It's sort of like Will Smith meeting Bram Stoker in the Wild, Wild West. Um. Yeah. Guess we'll see how that works out.

The other is an even shorter story, Valentine's Day in the Hardware Store Parking Lot. It's a sweet contemporary romantic story about knowing yourself first so you can know who you really need when he comes along. Was that as clear as mud?
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Have a good week.

Viva Le Modern Technology!

2011-11-13T05:22:00.000-09:00

It's true I want to live in a log home out in the wilds of Alaska with a big, old barn full of chickens, goats, and other critters, churn my own butter, and dig fence posts and build doghouses, but when it comes to writing I'm very glad to have modern technology. In fact, I think I go low-tech in the rest of my life because I use so much high-tech in my writing life. I do almost everything on the computer for the authorly side of my life. Feeding the chickens balances that out, emotionally, I guess. Balance is good for life.
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Anyway, I bought this snazzy little voice recorder to keep in my purse alongside my mini-notebook and pen. It's easier on my Tendonitis-prone hands. I create a novel in my head completely and then I beat it out, ala Blake Snyder's Beat Sheet as well as one I created myself which includes the finer points of the Monomyth And then I write a scene-by-scene outline. After that's all worked out, then, I finally write the first draft. By the time I get to starting the first draft of the next novel, Blood, Dark and Sweet on New Year's Day, I'll have my voice-activated software and know how to use it too. But, until then, a simple voice recorder will do the job. I'm supposed I'll still need to edit later drafts by hand, not sure. Gotta get used to speaking it and see how it works out.
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Here's the voice-recorder link, in case you need one too- http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=rca+voice+recorder&hl=en&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS393US393&prmd=imvns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&ion=1&biw=1067&bih=467&wrapid=tlif132119326645310&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=2543331498301412140&sa=X&ei=O8-_Ts_dB6OpiQKbo4G8Aw&ved=0CLQBEPMCMAU# I found mine in the electronics section of the grocery store. It's small and hard to find, so I had to ask an employee to find it for me.
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It took J.R.R. Tolkien nine years, I think, to write The Lord of the Rings. Can you imagine what he might have done with our technology?

Done With More Stuff

2011-11-10T05:07:00.000-09:00

This morning I registered at All-Romance eBooks and made requests for a couple of the free promo ops. Authors, there are paid promo ops and free promo ops there. Also, you can write a short, short story in exchange for advertising. I call this 'Singing for My Supper.' Long and Short Reviews has something similar.

Almost Done Updating This Site

2011-11-08T05:54:00.000-09:00

That's number one on my To Do List, if you want to scroll down and see that. I've moved all excerpts and review links to each book's 'About' page. And I've updated the Calendar page. But, I still need to deal with the Interviews and Guest Posts page. I can't believe how many Guest Posts I've done! I think I might have to seperate these into two pages. Anyway, time to get off and wrangle offspring. I have at least one child down, possibly with Strep Throat, and I'm feeling it too. Moms don't get 'sick days' though, you know.

SWEET BYTES is on Amazon.com Now!

2011-11-07T11:49:00.000-09:00

http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Bytes-ebook/dp/B0063IYVKS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320698734&sr=1-1#_

To Do List

2011-11-07T05:56:00.005-09:00

Staying off the computer as much as possible, so I have a To Do List so I make the most of my time. Of course, I check email a couple of times a day.
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1) Update main site. DONE
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2) Buy ads at Facebook and Goodreads.
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3) Update account at All-Romance eBooks, then avail myself of the free promotional opportunities. DONE.
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4) In Person

1) Create Trading Cards

2) Library Meeting

3) grocery store/ Kindle sale

4) Create and print up bookmarks, business cards, and flyers

5) Make t-shirts and/or sweatshirts

6) Make pinback buttons

7) Put up flyers with business cards, place bookmarks or business cards at all Grocery Stores, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, and libraries, and any other bulletin board I fin

8) update Alaska writers’ groups

9) Author’s Portrait and fun pictures

5) Write Short, Short Story for Long and Short of It, mega review site, in exchange for ads.
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6) Write Fab ePubs post for this Saturday. DONE
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7) Write synopsis for my Order of the Dragon story. This is a series based on the world-building of Kit Forbes, but which will include stories from several authors. Mine is tentatively titled 'Wild Card' and will probably be a little steampunkish.
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***Note to Self: Ask one of my children how to use the voice activated feature on the iPad.*** DONE, but it doesn't work. Must go buy the computer software.
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This is an author taking it easy while raising four children in the wilds of Alaska. I know there's a doctor's appointment penciled in my calendar book somewhere, hmmm...

Research, Historical Documentaries, and Psychology and Such

2011-11-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

I'm staying off the computer as much as possible to rest my hands, but I check email a couple times a day. While I'm off, I do a lot of reading, mostly of old favorites. And I watch Historical documentaries and shows like 'Fight Science.' Storytellers are infinitely curious about the universe, so we're driven to research a lot of seemingly useless things. I figured out that these things are not 'useless' at all. In fact, they usually lead to story inspiriation or character-building, like I watched 1940's House a bazillion times leading up to and while writing a story called Manic Knight, which is set during that time period. So, if you're a storyteller, you go ahead and research to your heart's content. If anyone bothers you, just chuckle and challenge them to a game of Trivial Pursuit.
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I've been reading a lot about psychology. What to know a funny thing? You probably know that Narcisstic people are thought to be in love with themselves. Well, turns out, that's only half true. In fact, from what I've read, Narcisstics hate their true selves. What most of the world and what they're in love with is a New Self they've invented because it's just too terrifying to deal with and try to fix the True Self. Get close to a Narcisstic's True Self and he's likely to come unhinged with anger and hatred, because his True Self is like a wounded animal defending itself. Only, this animal never heals. In any case, think about Narcissis, the Ancient Greek who lended his name to this psychological disorder. It wasn't himself he fell in love and died while looking at, it was the distorted, rippled image of himself he saw in the water. Also, take note of Echo, the poor girl who fell in love with him. She died too, of a broken heart.
Narcissistic_personality_disorder

I'm Interviewed!

2011-11-04T05:23:00.000-08:00

At Ella's Muse

Nayu Reviews SWEET BYTES!

2011-11-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

Sweet Bytes at Nayu's Reading Corner

SWEET BYTES Gets Four Stars!

2011-11-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the awesome review, Jen! Sweet Bytes at Jen's Bookshelf

The Difference Between a Love Story and a Romance

2011-11-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

I'm talking about it at The Long and Short of It today.

First Advance-On-Royalties Check!

2011-10-31T16:56:00.002-08:00

Woo-hoo! I got a treat and not a trick this Halloween. Can't tell you how much it is, because back in nanny school we were taught never to discuss income. What am I going to spend it on?
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Promo.
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And improvements on my work conditions so that I can write more stories, because I'm prone to Tendonitis.
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Like other home businesses, my income goes right back into it.
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Most new authors are not independently wealthy, yet we're responsible for a lot of the promotional activities. (Psst, so are most Traditional authors these days, except J.K. Rowling and Stephanie Meyer, of course. Most authors, regardless, cannot quit their day jobs. This kind of work is NOT a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme by any stretch of the imagination!) Yes, there's tons of *free* opportunities out there and a lot where I can 'sing for my supper.' Like, there's this one mega-site I can write a short, short story for and they either pay me or provide free advertising. I think that's really innovative. But, still, there are paid ads I'd like to run where my audience hangs out, like Facebook and Goodreads. So, now I can do that. Whereas before, any cash I started out with was already spoken for, to buy milk for my babies who always come first in everything and for always. Speaking of babies, I need to get off and feed mine, so we're already for the Trick-or-Treaters!

Costumes!

2011-10-31T05:19:00.002-08:00

*Kimber An as The Queen and her hubby as Han Solo*
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Don't have one for tonight yet! Don't fret! They're easier to throw together than you might think.
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Here's what you do, get thee down to the nearest thrift store with your head full of all your favorite characters from books and movies. Then, start browsing. The key is to find a 'foundational item,' like a karate uniform or a plain bridesmaid gown.
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Want to be a Jedi? Buy that old karate uniform and then run to the grocery store and buy a bottle of Rit, which is a clothing dye. If you want to be Obi Wan Kenobi or Mace Windu, it's even easier. Just brew up a huge pot of *black tea.* Let your karate uniform soak in that for a good hour. Make sure it's a tea with a scent you like, because it might stay on the fabric. I'm not sure a Dark Sith Lord would be too scared of a Jedi who smelled minty-fresh. Then, accessorize to suit the character. You'll find boots, belts, and little leather pouch things (cell phone holders, etc...) which attache to belts at the thrifts store.
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Want to be a princess? Pick out the perfect prom/bridesmaid gown and grab some rhinestones and Tacky Glue. This is only for one night, so it doesn't need to be perfect. Tiara's can be made with old necklaces glued to new headbands.

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You can find everything you need at most thrift stores and the glues and dyes at any grocery store, but if you really want a selection and you've got the time stop by Michael's Craft Store or Joann Fabric & Crafts. They're the biggies up here in Alaska and there's probably more down in the Lower 48.
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Let your imagination go! That's the fun of this holiday. Here are some old posts on costume making at an old retired blog I kept a while ago-
YA SciFi Costumes
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http://www.joann.com/joann/home/home.jsp?topnavlink=true
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http://www.michaels.com/
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Have a great night!
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P.S. Here's a Free short, short story of how Bianca and Ophelia handle Halloween- 'Bianca Bags a Vamp' Their costumes are deceptively easy to make. http://www.simplicity.com/p-1951-costumes.aspx

Start learning to sew right now and you can make this by yourself in a month and certainly by next year.

A free Short, Short Bianca Story

2011-10-30T04:57:00.000-08:00

It can be found here-
'Bianca Bags a Vamp' at Fab ePubs
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or here-
Happy Halloween from Noble YA!

One Step Closer to Home

2011-10-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

Fascinating how one good book in early childhood can impact a person's entire life. Little House In The Big Woods

'Our House' Crosby, Still, Nash, & Young

Homeward Bound

2011-10-27T05:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I haven't been consistant with my blogging, but things should be settling down now that Sweet Bytes has been released.
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We've found a beautiful log home on several acres in the Alaska wilds and are waiting for the numbers to be crunched to see if it will really be ours. It's everything I've always dreamed of, but didn't dare set my heart on. There's plenty of room for our children to run wild and to have lots of chickens and finally a dog too. My husband can have a huge garden to putter around.
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Will keep you posted.
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By the way, I won't be starting to write down Blood, Dark and Sweet, until January 1, 2012. This is to give my Tendonitis-inflicted hands a rest. By that date, I'll have my Voice Activated Software and know how to use it too. Once I get started, it should go fast. After all, the entire series is already finished in my imagination.

Cover Art and Symbols

2011-10-26T05:29:00.000-08:00

I'm talking about it at Tia Nevitt's today! She's a blogging book reviewer turned author too.

I'm at Night Owl Today!

2011-10-25T14:32:00.002-08:00

Third Time's a Charm

SWEET BYTES at Sweater Cursed

2011-10-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

Shout-Out at Leanne's

I'm at ReaderGirls today!

2011-10-22T06:51:00.002-08:00

Alaska, the Great Land

Five Heart Review for SWEET BYTES!

2011-10-21T06:52:00.002-08:00

SWEET BYTES at I Heart YA

The Adventure Never Ends in Alaska! Baby Bear in the Grocery Store

2011-10-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

Poor lil guy!.
http://www.grindtv.com/outdoor/blog/30721/bear+cub+discovered+in+produce+bin+of+crowded+grocery+store+video/
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He probably followed his nose, thought it was a good idea at the time, wandered away from his mama, and suddenly found himself surrounded by bright lights and big, scary humans. The police set him outside so he could find his mom. No doubt, she heard him crying.
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FYI! Never approach a baby bear! Back away slowly, get somewhere safe, and call the police. Mom is always nearby. If you go near her baby and she's not dead, you soon would be.

SWEET BYTES Excerpt

2011-10-17T05:21:00.000-08:00

'Ophelia & the Malevolent Oldblood' at Zombies Don't Blog

SWEET BYTES Released!

2011-10-17T04:58:00.002-08:00

Looks like the wheels are still turning, but it's up for sale at the Noble YA site!
https://www.nobleyoungadult.com/Books/342/Sweet-Bytes
Oh, joy, do I have a lot of work to do now.
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Be sure to scroll down to the other Sweet Bytes release posts, especially this one-
http://fabulouslyyoungepubs.blogspot.com/2011/10/friday-news-release-festivities-for.html
Therein you will discover how to win prizes, especially the Grand Prize!
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See ya!

First Review of SWEET BYTES!

2011-10-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

First Review of SWEET BYTES!

An Asian Hero? That's Tristan Li!

2011-10-15T04:09:00.000-08:00

I'm at Noble YA today talking about Tristan Li. Pop over and read all about him! An Asian Hero?

SWEET BYTES Release Festivities!

2011-10-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

Pop over to check it out and learn how to win prizes! SWEET BYTES at Fab ePubs

SWEET BYTES Excerpt at I Heart YA

2011-10-13T18:56:00.000-08:00

Ophelia Meets Tristan Li

I'm at Bookalicious!

2011-10-13T03:02:00.000-08:00

Yep, I'm all over the place these days. That's 'cause Sweet Bytes is coming out Monday, October 17th.
Keeping an Encyclopedia of the Series

I'm at Tink's Place!

2011-10-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

Going All The Way

Orca Whales Stuck Up An Alaska River

2011-10-10T11:19:00.000-08:00

Last word is the two adults died and no one has seen the juvenile. Very said. They must have gotten sick and it messed up their sonar. http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-biologists-report-first-sightings-of-orcas-in-nushagak-river-20111006,0,3285419.story
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This is an extremely rare event.
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Some of you may remember another whale getting stuck up a river. The children's book about it is one of our favorites. Humphrey survived, so it's a very uplifting story.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphrey_the_Whale

I'm at New Kids On the Writers' Block Today!

2011-10-09T05:26:00.001-08:00

Pop on over! The Continuing Sage of Writing a Series in ePublishing

Editing SWEET BYTES

2011-10-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

I hope to kick it out the door in the morning. After that, I'm going to stay off the computer to rest my hands, except to check email a couple of times a day. Then, we have more round and I think we're done.

Upping the Ante with Blood, Dark and Sweet

2011-10-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

It seems to me the best series always 'up the ante.' They make each new story more intense and twisted than the one before, raising the stakes, and making it more dangerous and personal until the Heroine (or hero) and the Villain come face to face in a final showdown to the death at the end of the last book. I'm trying to do that with the Ophelia Dawson stories.
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Sweet Bytes is due out in a couple of weeks and I'll finally be sharing it with the world. But, I'm already hard at work on Books Four and Five, if only in my imagination. In fact, the bones are done and most of the guts too. I only need to write them down, really.
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For one thing, the Oldbloods, originators of the vampire myth, are definitely going to get nastier, more like the traditional vampires readers are used to. In Sweet Bytes, we see the Benevolent Oldbloods (similar to the Cullins in Twilight) up close and personal. And we see the Malevolent Oldbloods in force once and a few renegades knocking about, but nothing near the calibur of Interview with a Vampire, by Anne Rice, for example.
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But, in Blood, Dark and Sweet, the Oldbloods are cornered by the Newbloods (vampire-like alien/human hybrids) and faced with their own extinction. One thing about wild animals, you corner them and they go nuts! So, it's going to get a little ugly for them, while the Benevolents try to hold it together and all out war breaks out. Not pretty at all.
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But, also, Ophelia's relationship with Adrian will intensify as she turns 18 (the Oldblood deadline) and they go on the run together to avoid getting caught up in the war. Of course, she's the central pivot of the war, so she doesn't get far before she has to turn and fight.
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And by then she's a serious Kick-Butt Heroine.
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Can't give away too much about Book Five, except to say there is a Happily Ever After, I swear.
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Okay, I'm off to work now (sleep, perchance to dream.) See you in the morning.

Build or Buy

2011-10-02T06:11:00.001-08:00

This gorgeous log home is for sale in Arizona, so we can't have it. But, aren't the windows stunning? http://www.loghome-forsale.com/
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Build or Buy, that is The Question my husband and I must finally decide for our very first home after years of sacrifice and hard work. Yikes, it's almost as tremendous a decision as getting married! When you're faced with a 'rest of your life' decision, it's quite daunting.

I like log homes and old barns. I need at least two acres for all the animals and gardens and woodsy area for my children to run wild in. We want to be close to extended family, especially ones with babies for me to hold.

I have a cell phone!

2011-09-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

I don't know how to use it and I didn't even ask for it. My husband got it for me for safety reasons.
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Yeah, I know it's pathetic. I write Science Fictiony stories for Teens, the most plugged-in members of our society, and I just got my very first cell phone.
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Hey, better late than never!
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And it flips open just like Captain Kirk!

Military Pets

2011-09-29T18:40:00.000-08:00

I find it heartbreaking when fellow petlovers condemn military folks for owning pets. These are people laying their lives on the line for us, real human beings with hearts and minds who need the love too. It's the least we can do to show a little compassion for the gut-wrenching decisions they must make when they deploy. So, I was thinking, wouldn't it be great if we could get some families together to take care of pets while their humans are off fighting for our freedom? Turns out, I'm not the first one. Please pop over and check out Military Pets Foster Project and Google others, if you know a military family he needs this special help or if you can provide it or donate.

Hubby Wants an Excursion

2011-09-29T06:05:00.000-08:00

You know, it's funny. We've been waiting so long and making do with little while we pay down our debt and wait on Hubby being promoted to captain. Now that the Alaska PFD is about to arrive, we can finally purchase some big ticket items and I almost don't care. We've been without a vehicle which will seat all of us since our last baby was born. That meant no family road trips to Seward or even the Alaska Zoo. Shopping for a new truck, finally, has been mind-boggling. Hubby asks me and I'm just like, "Do the seats have good back support?" We go house-hunting and I realize I don't care where we live, so long as there are good schools nearbye and enough land for a huge garden, a dog and a bunch of chickens, and for all our children to run wild. I'm not really into 'dream homes.' Heck, we can throw some log siding on the house for the rustic look later.
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So, my Hubby has the truck choices narrowed down to the Ford Excursion and that's a very definite 'maybe!' Well, he's got such long legs, we'd better get a truck that fits him. I can always adjust the seats later.

SWEET BYTES Cover Art!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

I could cry, I swear.

Feel free to spread the good news!

I Have Middle Grade on My Mind...

2011-09-27T04:57:00.000-08:00

...at Cassandra's today!

Favorite Dogs at the Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue

2011-09-27T04:45:00.000-08:00

Of course, I want them all and we're not quite ready for one yet, since we'll be moving in a few months. Consider an older dog, if you're looking for a special canine friend! Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue
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Cobalt

Look at that face! How can you not love that face? My husband comes from a dogmushing family, so he has a soft spot for Huskys.
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Awwww, Sugar!

You can just tell she's a love-bug.
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Sage is a Golden Retriever and my dream-dog.

Seriously, I met a Golden Retriever when I was about twenty years old and I've desperately wanted one ever since. I nannied for a family who had one and she was one of the sweetest dogs I'd ever known. But, I've never been in a position in which I could properly care for one, so I've waited. And waited... and waited...
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Look at Oreo's face! I think she must be part Golden Retriever.

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And Ginger's another Husky with a sweet, beautiful face. Just look at those pretty eyes!

These dogs are available for adoption at the Alaska Dog & Puppy Rescue or as private families linked there. We're still a few months away from adopting, so if you can take one of these love-bugs home forever please do!

What Kimber An Wants for Christmas

2011-09-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

Carhartts and a dog.
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Isn't it amazing how much of a dog's personality is in her face?

My Debut Post at the Noble Authors' Blog

2011-09-24T04:38:00.000-08:00

New Blood

This is Love, Girls

2011-09-23T18:29:00.000-08:00

So, just be the best you.
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My Baby Loves Me Just The Way I Am
Martina McBride

Updating Sites & Other Stuff

2011-09-22T05:34:00.000-08:00

Good morning, Blog Buds! I'm updating my sites these days in preparation for the release of Sweet Bytes on October 17th. Check out My Calendar Page. It's really growing! Okay, must get off the computer and get my day going before my massive herd of rowdy offspring comes stampeding down the hall.

SUV Shopping in Alaska

2011-09-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

Traffic Jam in Alaska. No, I wasn't involved.

In case you can't tell, that's a herd of Muskox meeting a dogsled team.
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Shh, don't tell Detroit, but we're shopping for a new vehicle. We've been without one that will seat our entire family since our last baby was born a couple of years ago. Well, you know, we're the financially responsible sort, so we made do. Now, finally, we can afford a new vehicle, mostly due to my husband being promoted to captain and partly due to the State of Alaska's PFD. Governor Parnell announced this year's PFD just yesterday. Don't know what the PFD is? Google 'Alaska PFD' and you will. It's just one of the many great reasons we live here.
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Anyway, this commercial from Toyota just about snagged us-
The Swagger Wagon
But, like I said, we live in Alaska and, besides, our family's much bigger. We need a vehicle that will go through snow six months of the year, carry our children and their junk and all their friends and all their friends' junk. Hey, big state, big families. We got married in a Toyota...

...so we do have a soft spot for it. Maybe a Sequoia?

On the other hand, a lady in a GMC Yukon just walked away from a wreck. Safety on the road is kind of a big deal up here. You slam into a moose in a puddlehopper-car, you're dead and the moose is slightly annoyed. Hmmmm, we shall explore our options.

Chicken Housekeeping

2011-09-18T18:29:00.000-08:00

Bet you're thinking I'm going to talk about me cleaning out the coop. Well, I did that today, but no. Actually, I've learned something about chickens since my Americaunas' arrival. I'm not sure if this is true for all chicken breeds. I'll have to ask around.

My Americaunas are wonderful housekeepers!
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It's true. I was amazed to discover they have their outdoor run and their indoor coop seperate into areas for specific purposes. They have bathroom! They only use one corner of their outdoor run for preening, dustbathing, and going poo. This makes it easy for me to clean up after them. Meanwhile, the corner of the outdoor run where their food and water is located is practically spotless. I never find poo there.
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Bessie and Amelia are still growing girls. They just started laying this past week. I think it's Bessie who's laying. I put a nest in their coop and I can see where they've dug into their litter, creating little nests. But, it seems they haven't quite decided where they want to lay their eggs. I've read it can take a while. Often, hens are surprised when the first egg pops out. "What the heck is that? Where did it come from? Ahhhhh!"
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I'm not worried though. They've obviously got wonderful instincts. They'll figure it out.

Promo Plan for SWEET BYTES

2011-09-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

I'm working on it while Sweet Bytes is with my editor. The release date is October 17th, so I haven't a moment to lose. If anyone has any ideas, suggestions, or knows of anything new, please let me know. If anyone would like to go on my list to receive a review copy, please let me know. Need a guest blogger? An interviewee? Hey, email me! Or message me on Facebook or Twitter. Pop over to THIS PAGE to see what I've done for Crushed Sugar and Sugar Rush. All righty then, back to work.

My Debut Post at the Noble YA Blog!

2011-09-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

Pop over and read the inside scoop on How I Woo Blogging Book Reviewers

The SWEET BYTES Promo Letter

2011-09-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

Good morning, Blog Buds! Putting together promo for Sweet Bytes and thought you might find the Promo Letter amusing. I send this to book reviewers to entice them to want to read and review the book.***

Hello!

I am Kimber An, former blogging book reviewer, now an author with my third book coming out.

I was wondering if you would do me the honor of reviewing my novel, Sweet Bytes? It is a Young Adult Paranormal with a strong romantic element, set in my home state of Alaska. Sweet Bytes is about 60,000 words long and is the third book in my Ophelia Dawson series. You can learn all about the first two, Crushed Sugar and Sugar Rush by visiting their pages at my main site- www.kimberan.com They are also available for review, if you want to read them first.

The Sweet Bytes blurb-

Ophelia’s escape from Martin, an Addicted Newblood, came at a terrible sacrifice. Adrian, the boy she loves, is now infected and hunted like vermin.

As her new Protector, Tristan Li represents the Oldblood determination to destroy Adrian, along with all the Newbloods, addicted or not.

In her grief, Ophelia hates everything about Tristan, until his subtle strength empowers her to resist being turned into a vampire by the High Prefect.

As Tristan helps Ophelia harness her empathic ability, his need for redemption rings in her heart. Her own strength grows, along with her passion for freedom.

The veil of mourning lifts.

The evil of Martin returns.

Ophelia seizes ownership of her destiny.

I would be happy to send you a review copy of Sweet Bytes. It is due to be released by Noble Young Adult on October 17^th. I can also host a contest and do a guest blog or interview, if you like.

Thanks so much for considering Sweet Bytes!

Sincere Regards,

Kimberley

***

Since I'm still in the editing process with Sweet Bytes, things may change, but this is basically it!

This Editing Stage of SWEET BYTES is Complete

2011-09-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

I just sent SWEET BYTES to my editor, so now I'm going to stay off the computer as much as possible for the next three days. I have a strained neck/splitting headache and need to recover from that. I will be brainstorming promotional activities for the book's release in October while I'm off-line. Also, I am posting at the Noble Young Adult blog on Saturday. Gosh, I guess I'll blog about brainstorming promotional activities! In any case, I'll check email a couple of times a day too.