Guest Post: I Was Supposed To Be A Scientist!

Today I'd like to welcome Liana Brooks to the blog. As those of you who hang out on twitter probably know, Liana is my twin (separated by an ocean and a couple of years O;)) - so I'm extremely excited to be able to announce that her debut novella, Even Villains Fall In Love, is about to be released! (April 4, Breathless Press). A round of applause, if you please!

And yes, I'm the one that knows how to use a comma ;)



I never meant to be a writer. Truth be told, I failed a writing class in my first year of high school. I spent a year in remedial English being politely beaten over the head with the definition of a noun.

Yet, somehow, I found myself writing in my spare time. Scribbling out scenes for fun and amusement. I shared my work with friends in high school, talked about the books I would write if I had time in college, and forced myself to try and edit a novel after I graduated. Because I was amazing. No one had books like me!

I wasn't a writer, of course, I was just a magical being with plot prowess instead of fairy dust. I knew that if I wanted to be an author (which of course I didn't - I was going to be a scientist because I'm serious and studious like that) people would trip over themselves to read my work. Really, that half-finished hand-written novel in my desk was my nest egg. All I needed to do was open a window and whisper that I, Liana Brooks, had written a novel and money was going to fall from the clouds like rain.

Please don't die laughing...

Everything was sunshine and roses until I received my first critique from my online critique group. Unsure of which novel was best I'd posted my favorite scene, from the middle of a book. I did edit first! If you call hitting spell check editing...

They didn't get my genius!

I was flabbergasted. Then suspicious. Then a little ashamed. Then properly mortified. I couldn't even use a comma correctly. I couldn't use adverbs correctly! I didn't have a clue how to communicate in my native language! (Although, I'd like to point out, I had the grammar and spelling correct for the Latin portions of the text. I can communicate in some languages. Just not living ones.)

Maybe I should have quit there. I could have found a better hobby - you know, one I was good at. I could have gotten a real job, one with a paycheck every two weeks. But instead I found myself huddled in the Slacker's Corner, a tiny place of the internet where a few lost souls curled up under cyber-blankets to talk about bad days, chocolate, families, and books.

For a group called Slackers we really weren't - everyone was busy with something, and we all were writing something. Scribbling. Imagining. Dreaming. Learning.

What a beautiful word! Learning... some of us were gifted at plotting, some of us actually knew how to use that frakkin comma. And what we knew, we shared. We encouraged each other.

After several years of writing and abandoning projects I wrote one just for fun, just to make the Slackers laugh. With a little encouragement (and a lot of editing because the comma is still a mystery to me) I sent my story off to a publisher. Rejections came, and bounced off my iron-plated ego. Then came acceptance.

I had a panic attack and ran straight to the Slackers.

Through all the ups and downs, they were there. Perfect friends, always encouraging, always helpful, always willing to look past my flaws.

My first novella is EVEN VILLAINS FALL IN LOVE, and the only reason you will get to read it is because the Slackers encouraged me. I'm happy to say I gave something back, and I'm not the only Slacker with a book or play out this year.

I guess it goes to show, a label is only a word. Call them Slackers, call them Villains, call them what you will, at the end of the day they are still a person and capable of doing anything. Even falling in love.


Liana Brooks was born in San Diego, California. Years later she was disappointed to learn that The Shire was not some place she could move to, nor was Rider of Rohan an acceptable career choice. Studying marine biology so she could play with sharks seemed to be the only alternative. After college Liana settled down to work as a full-time author and mother because logical career progression is something that happens to other people. When she grows up, Liana wants to be an Evil Overlord and take over the world.

In the meantime, she writes sci-fi and SFR in between trips to the beach. She can be found wearing colorful socks on the Emerald Coast, or online at www.lianabrooks.com.

I apologize for not being able to dress myself

Today, to round off the unofficial series of guest posts on creativity, I've invited Krista D. Ball to the blog. Krista is an awesome writer, and we just happen to be TOC buddies in the upcoming Ride the Moon anthology, which is of course tremendously exciting. For me, anyway O:) Go check out her website for some great stories.


Most of the authors I know are incredibly talented. For example, Billie Milholland paints, writes, and does general crafty things. Susan J. Forest writes award-winning short fiction and paints beautiful landscapes.

Me? I need help matching my clothes.

When the kindergarten kids were expressively painting their cats and elephants, I was still working with basic stick figures. I've never actually moved past that stage. I managed to successfully do one splatter painting called "Artist Killed By Sniper" but it generally gets me odd looks; it's currently buried in a box.

Music? Nah, I can't carry a tune. Sew? Please. I don't even know how to use a sewing machine, let alone attach a button. I do crochet, but I can't move past the beginner patterns and even those are often too difficult for me. I used to do cross stitch, and would spend more time pulling apart the pattern than putting it together.

And, yes, I need help matching my clothes.

I have two stores that I shop at and the store people know me now. I go in and say what I need (i.e. I need an outfit to wear at a readercon). They will then go and pick me out an entire outfit: pants, shirt, sweater, scarf, jewelry, socks. The sales staff will tell me if it works or not and I buy the entire set. I then only wear that entire set together until I'm comfortable to switch it up.

I really have no idea what matches, looks good, or is in "good taste."

I've had several bosses over the years that have nitpicked at how I dress. My white socks clash with my grey pants. My brown dress hose clashes with my black shirt. My blue shirt doesn't match my dark jeans. My make up clashes with my eye colour. My hair doesn't match my face. My glasses don't match my eye colour. I can go on. I've come to realize that it really was me, not them. I have no taste.

Oh, I'm sure I am still creative. But outside of books, I'm really not sure that statement applies. So the next time you see a photo of me, remember: someone else dressed me.


According to her mother, Krista D. Ball tells lies for a living. She is the author of several short stories, novellas, and novels. Krista incorporates as much historical information into her fiction as possible, mostly to justify her B.A. in British History.

Krista enjoys all aspects of the writing and publishing world, and has been a magazine intern, co-edited four RPG books, self-published several short stories and a novella series, and has been a slush reader for a small Canadian press. She has also written a non-fiction blogging guide and is currently writing a non-fiction historical book for authors called, "What Kings Ate and Wizards Drank."

Whenever she gets annoyed, she blows something up in her fiction. Regular readers of her work have commented that she is annoyed a lot.

Guest Post: How To Break A Fairy Tale

**See end for contest details**

Today I'd like to welcome Emily Casey, author of the newly-released The Fairy Tale Trap. Round of applause, if you please! In Emily's own words, she writes "everything from fairy tales to zombies, from middle grade to young adult. I write what's exciting to me and just hope someone else out there likes it." Sounds like a good philosophy to me :o)

Check out the other stops on Emily's blog tour here.

Thanks Amy, for letting me visit. I understand the need to let others take over for a bit, especially during pregnancy and soon after. That actually has something to do with what I’m blogging about today: how pregnancy led me to my new hobby: breaking fairy tales.

My main character, Ivy Thorn, was born on my blog. I was suffering from pregnancy brain at the time and didn’t feel like I could write long fiction, so I let Ivy tear apart a few fairy tales.

Of course, Ivy had to put her own spin on things. She’s not the type to sit back and let the fairy tale run its course. The thing I’m most proud of was when (in an early blog draft, not The Fairy Tale Trap) Ivy found herself stuck in the story: Snow White. She suggested that instead of going to all that trouble to kill Snow White, the queen should just use a spell to make Snow White ugly. It just made more sense!

We’ve heard the stories so many times that we just accept them. But what would happen if Cinderella refused to be a doormat? What would happen if someone broke a spell, but it didn’t work out the way they thought it would? The question I asked in The Fairy Tale Trap was: What if Beast wasn’t the gentle, civil prince on the inside? What if he was just as wild and terrible as he looked?

Ivy (who seems to have a personality of her own) asks different questions. Instead of “what if” questions, she usually just raises a defiant eyebrow and does something she’s not supposed to.

The thing is, breaking fairy tales is like eating potato chips. I can’t stop at one! There are so many fairy tales out there, and so many ways for Ivy to mess them up.

So here’s to wreaking havoc with the charming tales we grew up with! May everything blow up in your characters’ faces, and hopefully they’ll make you laugh every now and then.

Want to know if The Fairy Tale Trap might be for you? Check out what Emily has to say on the matter, read the reviews on Amazon or Goodreads, and watch the book trailer below :)



Find out more about Emily and her books on her website. You can also stalk her on Facebook or Twitter, and see her profile on Goodreads.


**CONTEST**

Finally, if you'd like the chance to win your very own e-copy (multiple formats available) of The Fairy Tale Trap, all you have to do is leave a comment below letting us know 1) what YOUR favourite fairy tale is and 2) who you've told about Emily's awesome book (and yes, if you're really struggling, your cat can count).

You can leave an email address if you like BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO. I'll hunt down the winner once they're chosen >:) Winner will be chosen by random draw on February 20, so you have two weeks to spread the word!

Bonus: If anyone can guess MY favourite fairy tale, I'll write a fractured version of it JUST FOR YOU, and YOU get to name the main character :) No novels, though - this will be a long short story ;) And obviously, you'll get a free copy when I'm done :D

Guest Post: Late-Night Creativity

Followers,

Tonight I interrupt your usual inkfever update to bring you trivial musings of a more sinister nature. Well actually, I have just been permitted to guest blog whilst Amy is hatching her young. That may not sound too sinister, but who knows? If followers are lost as a result of this blog, it may be. For me.

I dabble at song-writing. And silver-smithing, saxophone, hiking, staying up past 10pm, cooking edible food... the list goes on. Song-writing is the most unintentional activity on that list. I suffer from late-night creativity. Whilst there appears to be no cure for this, mitigating therapy includes keeping pens, paper, torches and my mobile phone (for voice recording) next to my bed just in case. So far, I think writing in my sleep can be categorised as follows:
- Music I have clearly stolen from something heard earlier that day
- Music that sounded great when I was tired
- Music that makes no sense whatsoever (or is illegible)
- Music that I actually like the next morning
The first category is what I dread most. Luckily for me, I am now usually writing in the fourth category.

My other most productive places for writing are in the shower or driving long distance in the car. Neither are what I would call convenient.

I have tried making myself write when I feel like it. This has not been successful. It usually sounds forced or loses its voice within a couple of lines. I just don't have life-experience to draw inspiration from. I live a happily sheltered life. I still get ideas from bad moods, and especially from emotive books, but somehow being distracted is the key to letting it all play out.

My favourite song (at the moment) is 'Moth to the Flame' - featuring themes from 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', nonsense talk from my cousin about Leonardo DiCaprio's character and the general story of a girl's infatuation with a man who is no good.

I hope you like it.


'Moth to the Flame'
Copyright Rebecca Stohr 2011

A tragic star dawns on the horizon, captivating the heart of a girl. An altogether, beautiful disaster.
A charming man is always forgiven, blinding better judgement again.
You say it like you mean it, but girl I'm pretty sure
Moth to the flame
Moth to the flame

Little moth, what are you trying to do?
Give it up, it's been far too long
You say it like you mean it, but girl I'm pretty sure
You cannot save that soul who needs redemption.

Perhaps it's true, you've lost all your senses. Crawling back when he calls for you.
He's not repentant, just a lonely people user.
Only a fool is jealous of God, for all the time you spend praying for him.
You say it like you mean it, but girl I'm pretty sure
Moth to the flame
Moth to the flame

Little moth, what are you trying to do?
Give it up, it's been far too long
You say it like you mean it, but girl I'm pretty sure
You cannot save that soul who needs redemption.

I think I'm talking reason to you honey. Wo-oe. And still, you always say
"O-o-oh let me away from here - I will be his cure.
I will fall to the arms of love so I may be there when he stumbles"

You say it like you mean it, but girl I'm pretty sure
Moth to the flame
Moth to the flame...


No idea where my musical journey is headed from here. An amazing friend bought me some studio time for my birthday. That should be enough to produce a couple of demo tracks. Alternatively, I will have to plan for many long showers, road-trips and late nights =D

Bec

Guest Post: Creativity

Today I'd like to introduce you all to my friend Clare! Clare is an Australian graphic designer and illustrator with a passion for making puppets (and they are awesome puppets, too). Samples of her work can be found at www.clarebarnes.com.

First off, let me say that I am not a writer.

Well that is not entirely true. I mean, obviously I can write, but writing in and of itself is not the core of what I do.

So you might well be wondering how I came to be following and writing a guest post on an authors blog…

Well let me explain.

In the last few years as I have been studying graphic design, I have come to recognise that as a creative professional, it is incredibly important that I not only explore my own creative field, but that I also develop a habit of exploring the creative fields outside of my own.

Whilst this can be a time consuming exercise (and a wonderful tool for procrastination) I have found that exploring other fields enriches my understanding of the world around me and inspires me in ways that I would miss out on if I restricted my field of vision solely to that of graphic design.

The main reason for this is that most people are just plain inspiring. I am continually amazed by the countless ideas, techniques, stories, experience etc that people all over the world develop and share on a regular basis.

Another reason for exploring outside my own area of expertise is that I am constantly reminded of how many different ways people can view the same sorts of topics, and that problems can be solved from more then one angle. If I am able to remember this, then I become more understanding of other peoples perspectives, and if my own solution for something isn’t working I can try solving it from an angle I may not have thought of if I had not been exploring.

For example, I have discovered that some of the world and character building techniques that are used when writing, can also be used to generate ideas for illustrations.

By giving my mind access to all this information I am allowing my imagination to be sparked by concepts that it may not normally come across. And whilst not all of the information that I find will be immediately useful, I know my brain is able to store bits away in boxes and on shelves, in readiness for when I need it.

Here is one simple way to think about it:




As creative people we are like the little box. As we explore new or different areas, we collect information and inspiring ideas and store it away. Then, the next time that we need some of it, our brain is able to pull bits from here and there and somehow combines information in ways we might never have thought of otherwise to create an Awesome Idea.

Pretty cool huh?

So next time you are stumped for ideas, how about going exploring? You never know exactly what you’ll find….

So, about the last two months...

I've not posted in two months. I have not died, I have not fallen off the edge of an inter-planetary rift, and I have not (alack) moved to somewhere warm and secluded wherein I can live out my days as a happyhappy hermit. I have merely, boringly, mundanely, been Busy. And pregnant, but *wavey hands of dismissal* to that O:)

I know, I KNOW I keep saying that I'll be better, that I'll recommit, that I'll try harder this time and this time, I REALLY WILL blog more often and BE A BETTER PERSON... And I hope you know that I do mean it. Just as I hope you all know by now that I'll probably fail dismally :P That said, however, with the Impending Doom of the Parasitical Minion (aka I'm due Tuesday next week), I have actually been somewhat organised, and I has guest posts for you! Guest! Posts! People to say interesting and coherent things, JUST FOR YOU! Which is EXCITING! And warrants the totally ABUSE of CAPITAL LETTERS and EXCLAMATION MARKS!!

I also have two exciting announcements which really and truly DO justify the use of excessive exclamation marks (not that my lovely guests don't), but I'll get to those later. For now, here's what you need to know:

Today, Jan 17: Blog comes out of hibernation. It is sleepy and it's skin is a little saggy, like an under-nourished grizzly, but we loves it anyway.

Tomorrow, Jan 18: Exciting announcement number 1: I has book.

Jan 19: Exciting announcement number 2: You can has book.

Jan 23: The wonderful graphic artist Clare visits to share her thoughts on creativity.

Jan 30: We are joined by the awesome aspiring-songstress Rebecca to discuss what to do when random inspiration hits you on the nose in the middle of the night.

Feb 6: Author Emily Casey will be dropping by to discuss fairytales, and why they are awesome. In fact, they are so awesome that she wrote a fracture fairytale of her own, and The Fairytale Trap is a) now available and b) lots of fun and c) you'll have the chance to win a copy during her visit.

Feb 13: Author Krista Ball is going to join in the 'creativity' theme and share with us how on earth she's able to actually be creative when in her non-writing life, she claims she can't even match colours.

After that, hopefully I'll have enough *brain* to return. And no doubt I'll pop in and out in between guests - I want to show off the chair that Boyo & I have reupholstered (nearly) and of course, I'm sure there will be an obligatory minion picture in there somewhere too O:) :) (hopefully sooner rather than later, *hint hint* minion).

Happy 2012! May it be a fulfilling year for all of you :o)

Guest Post: Platforms

Today we have the last of our guest post series for while I'm away. In a curious twist of fate, as this post posts I'll actually be very nearly at the house of this guest blogger! How random is that? (Yes, random. I promise. I actually didn't plan for it to work out this way :P)

Introducing Liana Brooks, sci fi writer who blogs over at Liana Brooks and is also a member of Book Faire, talking to us today about what a platform is, and where we can get one ;)



What is a platform and can I buy it at the hardware store?


So there you are, sweet-innocent-young-author-You. You are aquiver with anticipation because you’ve just finished your first novel and it’s perfect. You’ve done everything you need to do, no lectures about editing and multiple drafts for you!

And then, there it is, the flaw in your flawless plan. Perfect Agent wants to know: Do you have a platform?

Cue the panic!

Wait! Come back! I was joking! You don’t need to panic. A platform really isn’t that scary. And you can start it now.

For a fiction writer (non-fic we’ll save for another day) your platform is made from three main elements:

1) Your Personal Brand
2) Your Web Presence
3) Your Physical Presence

Let’s break it down….

Your Brand
This is simple. Who is J.K. Rowling? The lady who got rich on Harry Potter. Right! That’s a brand. When someone says a name and you instantly know the book, genre, and writing style.

Love her or hate her, JKR has a brand name.

Now make yours.

Pick a genre, a style, and a name to write under. Stick with them. You can always branch out later, but for the first five years or so, stick with one genre.



Your Web Presence
You cannot be the last member of the human race to get on the internet. More and more publishing is going digital, and if an agent or reader can’t find you on the internet your career won’t go anywhere.

Bare minimum, get a blog and an e-mail for writing. Make the e-mail address professional, preferably just your name. But definitely nothing X-rated, suggestive, or vague. CutesyKitten06@yaknow.com is not a good e-mail to send queries under.

What should you blog about? That depends on what your expertise is. And what kind of brand you want to build. What you don’t want to blog about is: your private life (keep that for a private blog), how much you hate Famous Person (it’ll come back to bite you), how trashy another genre is (you’ll lose readers).

I write science fiction, so my blog has a science focus. I address issues between science and fiction and then I blog about what I know about writing. I’ll put up posts on editing or inspiration or research. And that works for me. Find what works for you.

Also on the web are Facebook and Twitter. By the time your novel hits the shelf you need to be there under the name you publish under. Make your public persona available to your growing fan base. The more they love you, the more they buy.

And, by the time book two comes out, you really do need a website. If possible, have the website before Book 1 hits the shelves. But absolutely no later than Book 2.


Your Physical Presence
This has two parts:
1) Your book
2) You

On the back flap (or inside cover of the HC books) you will see a picture of the author. Do yourself a favor and get a good picture. Your writing and your physical image make up part of your physical presence.

The second part is you. You need to be accessible to your growing fan base. Do book signings where you can. If you’re going road tripping this summer with the family try to schedule an afternoon or three signing books in towns you’ll visit. Make sure all the local book sellers know who you are and when you’re available to come promo your work.

Connect with the local library and any local book groups. Get your name and face out there!

Network over the internet with other authors. Support other authors and they’ll support you.

If your regular life permits, attend conferences.



It’s not as daunting as it sounds. Being author in our current publishing environment means being willing to interact with your fans. You are more than a faceless creature behind the mask of characters. Fantastic writing isn’t enough to hold reader’s attention in the six month drought between books. You have to stay connected!

So tell me: what have you done or are doing to create a platform? Do you think you need one?

Guest Post: The Life of Yuna

Today, we have another guest post. This time, Yunaleska (penname Eleanor Fletcher) introduces herself and tells us a bit about her writing life.


Hi everyone! Amy very kindly let me put a post up while she's off on her travels. This is a little post about me. (Or, the way I phrased my post suggestion (think of Donkey in Shrek) me! me! me!) It's self-promotion, no doubts about it. But it's a chance to explain who's behind the Yunaleska comments on this blog.

I'm one of Amy's writing friends. I have 3 identities online.

Yuna/Yunaleska on blogger. I'm a writer, currently editing one wip which I hope to query by the end of this year. It's a standalone YA sci-fi novel, but it does belong in my Empire series. You can follow my writing progress at Nayu's Realm

Inky gets credit for being one of those who inspired me to start blogging about writing.The posts here are highly informative. With my writing blog, its more a journal of how I'm progressing on my wips. The frustrations and joys of being a writer.

It's rather haphazard because a lot of my focus is on my review blog, Nayu's Reading Corner This is a new adventure for me, still in the early stages. My book count per month has increased significantly - I devour them, just as I used to when I was little. I got out of reading a lot for many years, something I'm rectifying.

I'm immensely grateful to publishers for saying yes, we'll send you review copies. My mother couldn't quite believe it when I explained I don't pay for the books. I do buy books, and I do get them out from the library.

Book reviewing is publicity for the publisher and author. It's not just that though. It's a way for me as reader to rabbit on about the book. I can highlight issues addressed in stories which sometimes reviews don't point out. I get to explain my view of the characters and their actions. I get a soapbox to advertise the books I adore. Plus, to talk about the funky illustrations (having a little obsession with those at the moment).

I feel that taking on life as a reviewer is enriching my life as a writer. I'm reading more (so getting *ideas* for stories, and a feel for wha people like. I'm slowly (very slowly) improving my summary skills. I'll need these for my queries.

My third identity, you ask? I joined the dark side today. Twitter. Again, another platform for my review work, and also just to keep in touch with friends and authors. I'm under Nayuleska - Yunaleska was taken.

Other info about me:

• Writes: YA, mostly sci-fi and fantasy
• Read: the above, plus thrillers, historical, manga
• Adores: languages. Learning Japanese, and now Mandarin and Cantonese.I'm definnitely mad for attempting both at once, but life's for living.
• Obsessed with: anime, and video games. Writing beats all of those.
• Dreams: getting The Call. Having my books sold. Also dream about getting zebra finches.
• Random fact: my car is purple.

It's been fun chatting here. I'm looking forward to more exciting posts from Amy upon her return.

Guest Post: What Are Your Writing Tools?

So, while away living it up overseas (O:)) I've arranged for a few guest bloggers, huzzah! Today I'd like you all to meet Danyelle, who blogs at Myth-takes and also at War of the Muses, and is our coordinator and General In Command over at Book Faire. Round of applause for Dany, please! :)


What Are Your Writing Tools?

Every writer has them, yet no two writers use the same tools in exactly the same way. Kind of like snowflakes. ;-)

I'm curious. Just as no writer uses the same tools, no writer has exactly the same method of crafting an idea into something approaching art. A raw idea transformed into something beautiful that touches another person, and leaves a bit of themselves behind.

Do your tools affect the way you write?

My methods of writing have changed over the years. I began with a pen and some paper. When I wrote, I covered the paper with myself. I could never imagine writing on a computer. How impersonal computers tend to be! My Muse didn't function the same when I wrote on the computer vs paper. For a long time, paper won out. But then life became a lot more hectic. I no longer had the energy to write things out by hand. There was a brief period where I got used to typing instead of writing, but it was worth it. Now, the words can keep up with my thoughts. Almost. Looking back, I have no idea how I wrote with pen and paper for so long.

One of my tools is obviously the computer. And even that has changed over the course of the years. I've gone from typing away at a desk, to typing away on my laptop. At this time in my life, I need to be mobile, and the laptop meets that need.

Another one of my tools is Peace and Quiet. I can't write with a lot of background noise and movement. They cause a disconnect with my Muse and I'll find myself surfing the Internet instead of writing. Which brings me to another tool--switching off the Internet. I've found that I'm much more productive if the temptation to procrastinate through surfing isn't there. And it's something I can reward myself with once I've met my word count goals for the day.

Which leads into one of my greatest tools: goals. Having daily word count/revision goals gives me a sense of accountability. It gives me something to reach for when the Muse has decided to take a break or gets distracted. It gives me a sense of encouragement as I watch the story grow. It also helps in the discipline department.

Another great tool are my wonderful Betas. They're honest, yet encouraging, and help me capture the vision of the story. They take what I've done and make it shine in ways I never imagined it could. Betas are worth their weight in gold and chocolate.

My final, and most important tool, is my characters themselves. Without them, there would be no story. No fire urging me to write on. Nothing to look forward to when I switch the computer on. And no conduit with which to explore myself and the world around me. For me, characters are the key aspect to my writing.

Question: What does your writing swiss army knife look like?