I'm not going to make any resolutions for 2010, but I'm going to set some goals.
1. Live through EPICon 2010.
2. Write.
3. Do a better job of keeping up my blog.
4. Write.
5. Help a friend rewrite her first book so it will be ready to submit.
6. Write.
7. Finish at least two books.
8. Write.
9. Have at least one book ready to release in E-book.
10. Diet (Now did you think I'd not drop that in?)
It's a new decade. If you believe all the 2012 prophets, it may be our last decade. We might as well go out kicking.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Not So Worthless
I was in one of my funks and trying to find a way to get out of it. I think we all have days where we feel basically worthless. So after reading one of my friend's blogs about all the things she could do, I sat down and thought of all the things I was good at. I really didn't think the list would be very long, but here it is:
I decoupage, macrame (Jewlery, purses, wall hangings without patterns. Give me a pattern and I can make anything.), rugs (I can braid room-sized rugs from rags), needlepoint, crochet, quilt, tat, paint landscapes, ceramics (I can pour the slip into the mold, remove, dry, clean, paint and fire. I have my own kiln.), throw pottery, embroider, make homemade candy as good as any you can find in fancy stores, and I can cook just about anything from scratch. I learned in the mid 60s how to make stained glass decorations and windows, but I've not done it in years.
But for the life of me, I cannot sew!
I decoupage, macrame (Jewlery, purses, wall hangings without patterns. Give me a pattern and I can make anything.), rugs (I can braid room-sized rugs from rags), needlepoint, crochet, quilt, tat, paint landscapes, ceramics (I can pour the slip into the mold, remove, dry, clean, paint and fire. I have my own kiln.), throw pottery, embroider, make homemade candy as good as any you can find in fancy stores, and I can cook just about anything from scratch. I learned in the mid 60s how to make stained glass decorations and windows, but I've not done it in years.
But for the life of me, I cannot sew!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Rain
I love rain. I love the sound of it hitting the roof. I love the scent of ozone just before and right after it begins to rain. I love how it's able to cool the air on a hot summer day. I even love it on a cold winter day, with the fire place blazing and the lights turned down low.
I remember as a child I used to stay the summer at an aunt's farm in upstate New York. Any time it would rain I'd want to go out to the barn and listen to the rain striking the tin roof. I spent many a night in that barn, sleeping on a blanket on top of the hay and listening to the rain.
It's raining now. A slow but steady drumming on the roof lulling me into a peaceful respite from my day. I sit here and let my thoughts run from one topic to another with no real path or plan. Story ideas pop up, I jot them down, and move on to the next thing my mind wants to unload.
I'll set aside the frustrations of the day. I no longer care that one of the kitchen lights decided to die and there is no way to find one to match. Maybe it's time to find something more modern.
I'm not going to worry that EPICon is three months away. It will be okay. I've worked hard and it will pay off. People will register. People will come to New Orleans and have fun. I'll be able to sit back on another night like tonight and say, You did okay, kid.
I remember as a child I used to stay the summer at an aunt's farm in upstate New York. Any time it would rain I'd want to go out to the barn and listen to the rain striking the tin roof. I spent many a night in that barn, sleeping on a blanket on top of the hay and listening to the rain.
It's raining now. A slow but steady drumming on the roof lulling me into a peaceful respite from my day. I sit here and let my thoughts run from one topic to another with no real path or plan. Story ideas pop up, I jot them down, and move on to the next thing my mind wants to unload.
I'll set aside the frustrations of the day. I no longer care that one of the kitchen lights decided to die and there is no way to find one to match. Maybe it's time to find something more modern.
I'm not going to worry that EPICon is three months away. It will be okay. I've worked hard and it will pay off. People will register. People will come to New Orleans and have fun. I'll be able to sit back on another night like tonight and say, You did okay, kid.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Less Than Four Months Away
EPICon 2010 New Orleans is less than four months away. We have so much planned for you. Holly Jacobs, Deidre Knight, Debra Dixon, C. T. Adams, and Deborah LeBlanc are the keynote and special speakers ready to give us the ins and outs of building a buzz, selling your way to the top, or even how to make that WIP the best it can be.
We've signed, Maria Allaire, M. A., a forensic anthropologist to show you how the cops go from skeleton to a solved murder. Think Bones the TV show, but real. And, yes, she brings real bones and some not so real, so you can describe a crime scene with enough finesse your reader will swear they are at the scene. Don't worry, she doesn't pass around the real thing.
Someone I know personally, Nicholas A. Genovese, Jr, will walk us through the frightening world of the IRS and what they want from writers. (No, not our blood.)
We have a full list of EPIC members booked to WOW you with their expertise. Go to the schedule and check out the topics. For me to list them all here would make a terribly long(er) post. http://www.epic-conference.com/schedule.html
Thursday night, March 4, we will have a mixer with finger food and a cash bar, so everyone can get to know each other and let their hair down.
On Friday night, March 5, we've set up an old fashion river boat cruise with dinner, drinks and dancing. At this time it is $59 a person, but we are searching for sponsors to help reduce or offset that price. I'll keep everyone posted on this.
On Saturday, March 6, there will be a full day of book signings by C. T. Adams, Debra Dixon, Holly Jacobs, Deidre Knight and Deborah LeBlanc.
Then on Saturday night, what we've all been waiting for, the Awards Banquet and Ceremony.
Now, come on, haven't I enticed you to sign up for all the fun? I can't wait to meet everyone.
We've signed, Maria Allaire, M. A., a forensic anthropologist to show you how the cops go from skeleton to a solved murder. Think Bones the TV show, but real. And, yes, she brings real bones and some not so real, so you can describe a crime scene with enough finesse your reader will swear they are at the scene. Don't worry, she doesn't pass around the real thing.
Someone I know personally, Nicholas A. Genovese, Jr, will walk us through the frightening world of the IRS and what they want from writers. (No, not our blood.)
We have a full list of EPIC members booked to WOW you with their expertise. Go to the schedule and check out the topics. For me to list them all here would make a terribly long(er) post. http://www.epic-conference.com/schedule.html
Thursday night, March 4, we will have a mixer with finger food and a cash bar, so everyone can get to know each other and let their hair down.
On Friday night, March 5, we've set up an old fashion river boat cruise with dinner, drinks and dancing. At this time it is $59 a person, but we are searching for sponsors to help reduce or offset that price. I'll keep everyone posted on this.
On Saturday, March 6, there will be a full day of book signings by C. T. Adams, Debra Dixon, Holly Jacobs, Deidre Knight and Deborah LeBlanc.
Then on Saturday night, what we've all been waiting for, the Awards Banquet and Ceremony.
Now, come on, haven't I enticed you to sign up for all the fun? I can't wait to meet everyone.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Look at this!!
Isn't it cool when you go to a site and find your book's cover art looking back at you? LOL
http://nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/
http://nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/
Friday, October 30, 2009
Down Time
I'd thought I'd wait before starting another book. Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance was released November 5th, 2008. Fugue Macabre: Bone Dance was released Sunday, October 25m 2009(www.sapphirebluepublishing.com), and Misty Dreams will be released by The Wild Rose Press (www.thewildrosepress.com) November 20th.
Ghost Dance is the first book of the Fugue Macabre trilogy, Bone Dance the second. The last book of the trilogy will be Fire Dance.
Now I've done something I swore I'd never do again. I signed up for NaNo. The last time I did NaNo I was brain dead for a month afterward. But I can honestly say because of NaNo I wrote a book that got me published.
Why do I think this may be a bad time to do NaNo? Well, besides the fact that I sure wish they'd pick a different month to do this thing, I'm up to my neck in EPICon 2010 plans, and I'm trying to help my hubby prepare the house to put on the market in early spring of 2010.
A reason why this may be a great time to do NaNo? Okay, when I'm deep into my writing I forget to eat. I'm trying to diet. Doc is giving me hell about my weight (I had a heart attack in February 2008, then another one in February of 2009). Before February of 2010 I'd like to be slimmer (and heart attack free) and have at least a first draft of a new novel written.
So, tomorrow it starts. Any bets? Will I make it?
Ghost Dance is the first book of the Fugue Macabre trilogy, Bone Dance the second. The last book of the trilogy will be Fire Dance.
Now I've done something I swore I'd never do again. I signed up for NaNo. The last time I did NaNo I was brain dead for a month afterward. But I can honestly say because of NaNo I wrote a book that got me published.
Why do I think this may be a bad time to do NaNo? Well, besides the fact that I sure wish they'd pick a different month to do this thing, I'm up to my neck in EPICon 2010 plans, and I'm trying to help my hubby prepare the house to put on the market in early spring of 2010.
A reason why this may be a great time to do NaNo? Okay, when I'm deep into my writing I forget to eat. I'm trying to diet. Doc is giving me hell about my weight (I had a heart attack in February 2008, then another one in February of 2009). Before February of 2010 I'd like to be slimmer (and heart attack free) and have at least a first draft of a new novel written.
So, tomorrow it starts. Any bets? Will I make it?
Monday, October 26, 2009
Fugue Macabre: Bone Dance Release!
Fugue Mabacre: Bone Dance released October 26, 2009.
Available from www.sapphirebluepublising.com www.amazon.com
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Just So You Know
I think I'm getting ill. Every joint and muscle in my body hurts. My throat is getting soar. I've got a low grade fever. So if you don't hear from me for a few days, you'll understand.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Begging
I'm sure you know by now I'm the Chair for EPICon 2010. Hard not to know when I've written about it so much.
If you're not sure what EPIC is all about, I'll try to explain. We are a non-profit organization hell bent on making life easier for electronically published authors and getting the good word out there that we are "real" authors with great novels, short stories, and novellas you'd love to read. Once a year we have a conference to celebrate our best and brightest and award them with EPIC awards for their hard work and good writing.
For the year of 2010 we've chosen the city of New Orleans to hold our yearly bash. The hotel has been booked...The Sheraton New Orleans. The speakers have been booked...C. T. Adams, Deidre Knight, Holly Jacobs, Debra Dixon to name a few.
Now? I have to fill the goody bags. Hint, hint. Do you have pens, pencils, note pads, badges, candy, toys, keychains, books (yes we'll accept print books. We're not snobs.), etc. you'd like to donate? We ask that you not send bookmarks because the last couple of years they were not a popular item and ended up having to be recycled.
If you'd like to help fill the goody bags, contact me at cjparker20@aol.com
If you're not sure what EPIC is all about, I'll try to explain. We are a non-profit organization hell bent on making life easier for electronically published authors and getting the good word out there that we are "real" authors with great novels, short stories, and novellas you'd love to read. Once a year we have a conference to celebrate our best and brightest and award them with EPIC awards for their hard work and good writing.
For the year of 2010 we've chosen the city of New Orleans to hold our yearly bash. The hotel has been booked...The Sheraton New Orleans. The speakers have been booked...C. T. Adams, Deidre Knight, Holly Jacobs, Debra Dixon to name a few.
Now? I have to fill the goody bags. Hint, hint. Do you have pens, pencils, note pads, badges, candy, toys, keychains, books (yes we'll accept print books. We're not snobs.), etc. you'd like to donate? We ask that you not send bookmarks because the last couple of years they were not a popular item and ended up having to be recycled.
If you'd like to help fill the goody bags, contact me at cjparker20@aol.com
Friday, October 9, 2009
Troubled
Someone I called a friend said something to me the other day that knocked the breath out of me. It was evident that she was upset about something, so, I asked what was wrong and if there was anything I could do to help. She looked at me, shook her head and said, "It's a black thing, you wouldn't understand."
Okay. Why does there have to be black things, white things, or yellow with purple pokadots things? Why not just a human thing? We keep saying we want to get along. We want to live together peacefully, but then we come up with brick walls to separate us.
My friend doesn't understand why I'm upset now. I'm tempted to tell her it's a "I'm your friend and you hurt my feelings thing, you wouldn't understand."
Okay. Why does there have to be black things, white things, or yellow with purple pokadots things? Why not just a human thing? We keep saying we want to get along. We want to live together peacefully, but then we come up with brick walls to separate us.
My friend doesn't understand why I'm upset now. I'm tempted to tell her it's a "I'm your friend and you hurt my feelings thing, you wouldn't understand."
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Time
Time Current mood: busy
Is it just me or is there not enough time in the day anymore? Okay. I'll fess-up. 1) I've volunteered for a bit too much lately. 2) I've got two books coming out within three weeks of each other. 3) I have a hubby and a dog who thinks they should get some attention each day. Who'd of thunk? 4) Hubby has decided he's ready to put the house on the market early next year. The real estate lady seems to think March is the perfect month to list it. Why did that almost make me faint? Because EPICon is March 4-7, 2010, here in New Orleans. I'm the chair. I HAVE to be there. And even if I could hand it off to someone else, at this point I've put too damned much work into it to let someone else take over and take credit. And speaking of too much to do and not enough time, I need to get back to work.
Is it just me or is there not enough time in the day anymore? Okay. I'll fess-up. 1) I've volunteered for a bit too much lately. 2) I've got two books coming out within three weeks of each other. 3) I have a hubby and a dog who thinks they should get some attention each day. Who'd of thunk? 4) Hubby has decided he's ready to put the house on the market early next year. The real estate lady seems to think March is the perfect month to list it. Why did that almost make me faint? Because EPICon is March 4-7, 2010, here in New Orleans. I'm the chair. I HAVE to be there. And even if I could hand it off to someone else, at this point I've put too damned much work into it to let someone else take over and take credit. And speaking of too much to do and not enough time, I need to get back to work.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Kate Duffy's Obit
Beloved by so many in the romance book world, Kate Duffy, editorial director of Kensington Books, has died after a long illness. She was 56.Duffy won a range of awards and published or worked with such writers as Jude Deveraux, Julie Garwood, Lori Foster, Heather Graham, Judith McNaught, Mary Janice Davidson, Jacqueline Frank and Mary Jo Putney.During her career she was an editor at Popular Library, then worked at Dell and Simon & Schuster, where she was the founding editor of Silhouette Books. After working at Pocket Books, where she founded Tapestry Books, she joined Harlequin Enterprises, where she founded the Worldwide Library imprint. At Kensington, she established Brava Books.There will visitations this evening, Wednesday, September 30, 3-6 p.m., and 7-9 p.m., at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel <http://news. shelf-awareness. com/ct.jsp? uz2493019Biz8669 094>, 1076 Madison Avenue (at 81st) in New York City.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Rambling To Me
Since no one seems to read this blog, I'm going to write this just for me.
I got the news today that Kate Duffy, executive editor at Kinsington Books, had passed away. The news hit me harder than I'd have expected. I didn't know her well. I only knew her from Heather Graham's New Orleans workshops. I was the first winner of her Dufey Award, for best query letter. Through that I got to know her after I sent her the manuscript for the novel described in the query. We exchanged a few emails about writing, and publishing and what it takes to make it in this business. One thing about Kate, she shot from the hip, shot straight, and never let the gun smoke drift up your skirt. She had mentioned not long ago that she sometimes felt badly for having to reject so many writers' works. But as a friend of mine told her, sometimes we writers need that slap in the face to make us realize we need to get serious or move on.
Kate, I had a dream that you would be that big-time-edtor who would one day say, "Charlotte, this one is good enough." Now all I can do is try to write one good enough, and say, This one's for you, Kate."
I got the news today that Kate Duffy, executive editor at Kinsington Books, had passed away. The news hit me harder than I'd have expected. I didn't know her well. I only knew her from Heather Graham's New Orleans workshops. I was the first winner of her Dufey Award, for best query letter. Through that I got to know her after I sent her the manuscript for the novel described in the query. We exchanged a few emails about writing, and publishing and what it takes to make it in this business. One thing about Kate, she shot from the hip, shot straight, and never let the gun smoke drift up your skirt. She had mentioned not long ago that she sometimes felt badly for having to reject so many writers' works. But as a friend of mine told her, sometimes we writers need that slap in the face to make us realize we need to get serious or move on.
Kate, I had a dream that you would be that big-time-edtor who would one day say, "Charlotte, this one is good enough." Now all I can do is try to write one good enough, and say, This one's for you, Kate."
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remember the Alamo
And remember the Twin Towers. We are strong. We survived. But we must never forget.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Rambling Mind
I don't really don't have a topic tonight. Guess I just want to do something other than work on EPICon or read the first five pages of contest entries.
It's surprising how much you can tell about a book with just five pages. Out of the entries I've judged so far, two have great hooks. I mean "don't want this to end" hooks. Two others are bland. But one thing about judging a contest like this is it makes you rethink your own first few pages of your WIP. Do I have a good hook? Will I capture the reader? Or will an agent/editor read them and think, what a hack?
Do you ever sit back and wonder how you can be so confident in life, but so insecure in the pages of the novel you put so much of yourself into? I stress over every word, sentence, paragraph, and chapter. Then when I type in The End, I stress over The End. Is it a good ending? Should I have gone further into this part or that part? Did I miss a comma? Should that comma even be there?
I entered my novel, Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance in a contest. That little voice in the back of my mind keeps asking, "Who do you think you are? That book isn't good enough to win any contest, much less that one!"
Some days I want to walk away. Say to hell with it. I'm not a Faulkner or Hemingway. Then other days I think, "Hey, they had to start somewhere, too. I'm sure even Faulkner and Hemingway had rejection letters filed away. Lord knows I do. Not quite enough to paper the bathroom walls yet.
Okay, rejection letters...I've received those useless form rejections. They tell me nothing of why the work was rejected. Just...sorry, Charlie Girl. But I've received a few personal rejections, the ones that say close but no prize. Those are becoming flimsy from my reading them so many times, trying to read between the lines. I've not mastered that talent yet. But I'm working on it.
Okay. I'm finished. Go back to your regular scheduled reading. ;)
It's surprising how much you can tell about a book with just five pages. Out of the entries I've judged so far, two have great hooks. I mean "don't want this to end" hooks. Two others are bland. But one thing about judging a contest like this is it makes you rethink your own first few pages of your WIP. Do I have a good hook? Will I capture the reader? Or will an agent/editor read them and think, what a hack?
Do you ever sit back and wonder how you can be so confident in life, but so insecure in the pages of the novel you put so much of yourself into? I stress over every word, sentence, paragraph, and chapter. Then when I type in The End, I stress over The End. Is it a good ending? Should I have gone further into this part or that part? Did I miss a comma? Should that comma even be there?
I entered my novel, Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance in a contest. That little voice in the back of my mind keeps asking, "Who do you think you are? That book isn't good enough to win any contest, much less that one!"
Some days I want to walk away. Say to hell with it. I'm not a Faulkner or Hemingway. Then other days I think, "Hey, they had to start somewhere, too. I'm sure even Faulkner and Hemingway had rejection letters filed away. Lord knows I do. Not quite enough to paper the bathroom walls yet.
Okay, rejection letters...I've received those useless form rejections. They tell me nothing of why the work was rejected. Just...sorry, Charlie Girl. But I've received a few personal rejections, the ones that say close but no prize. Those are becoming flimsy from my reading them so many times, trying to read between the lines. I've not mastered that talent yet. But I'm working on it.
Okay. I'm finished. Go back to your regular scheduled reading. ;)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
EPICon
EPIC (The Electronically Published Internet Connection) is NOLA bound. What is NOLA? NOLA is New Orleans, LA. And EPICon will be held there March 4-7, 2010. To register for the convention, please visit http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LmVwaWMtY29uZmVyZW5jZS5jb20v Oh, and do they have some names teaching this year…Holly Jacobs, Debra Dixon, Deidre Knight, CT Adams, and even a forensic pathologist teaching 2 hours of class on the subject!
To boot, if you’re an EPIC member, early registration is only $195 and $225 for non-members. That includes…
Thursday Night Mixer
Friday: Buffet Breakfast and Keynote luncheon
Saturday: Buffet Breakfast, luncheon, and awards banquet
The hotel rooms are discounted for the convention, as well. You have to mention the conference.
One more note. Membership in EPIC is $30 per year anyway. If you join EPIC while you sign up for the convention, you still pay $225 for the combination of member going to the convention and EPIC membership dues, but you get a year in EPIC to go along with it. That gets you $10 off all EPIC e-book contest entries, networking on the EPIC lists, calls for submissions, a built-in place to ask research questions, industry information, and more. So, you make out like a bear on that deal.
And you don’t want to miss the gala awards ceremony, where the new name for EPIC’s contest will be revealed this year.
To boot, if you’re an EPIC member, early registration is only $195 and $225 for non-members. That includes…
Thursday Night Mixer
Friday: Buffet Breakfast and Keynote luncheon
Saturday: Buffet Breakfast, luncheon, and awards banquet
The hotel rooms are discounted for the convention, as well. You have to mention the conference.
One more note. Membership in EPIC is $30 per year anyway. If you join EPIC while you sign up for the convention, you still pay $225 for the combination of member going to the convention and EPIC membership dues, but you get a year in EPIC to go along with it. That gets you $10 off all EPIC e-book contest entries, networking on the EPIC lists, calls for submissions, a built-in place to ask research questions, industry information, and more. So, you make out like a bear on that deal.
And you don’t want to miss the gala awards ceremony, where the new name for EPIC’s contest will be revealed this year.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
EPICon, EPIC Awards, Etc
EPIC's premier eBook competition needs YOU!How you may ask? Let me tell you how...there are a few ways you can help this wonderful ebook contest out.First, this contest is in need of entries. Last year you knew the contest as the EPPIEs but with the ever changing field of ebook publishing, EPIC has decided to revamp the contest and rename it more in line with what it has come to be to the industry as a whole. This is the best ebook competition out there and there are those within the finalist ranks who have gone on to become NYC authors.
EPIC has been seen as an innovator in the ebook industry for more than ten years and wants to continue to do so for each and every ebook author!
With over 30 categories to choose from there is a category specific to your genre in the ebook field. This includes categories in children, poetry, fiction, romance, erotic romance and many, many more.
Entries are still being accepted until August 15, 2009 for ebooks published between October 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009. Full details, plus entry forms here: http://bit.ly/ M9NUc
Finalists will be announced November 2009 with the awards presented to the receiptents at EPIC's 2010 conference in New Orleans, March 4-7, 2010.
Second, EPIC needs judges and if you feel you can qualify as a judge, please sign up immediately for participation! Only industry professionals need apply. Contact Anne Douglas at epic.competition. coordinator@ gmail.com for more information. You will read some of the best books in the field...and love doing it!
And finally, don't forget to sign up for EPIC's 2010 Conference in New Orleans. We have a host of great people this year with agents, editors and authors alike. The conference is still small enough that you will get the special attention you need as a writer but large enough that you'll be rubbing elbows with industry professionals in the eBook field. Just some of our schedules guest include Debra Dixon, Deidre Knight and Holly Jacobs, C. T. Adams as well as industry professional such as Daniel Reitz of Mundania Press with more signing up every day!
The information for EPIC can be found at http://www.epicauth ors.com/, so don't hesitate to stop by today!
EPIC has been seen as an innovator in the ebook industry for more than ten years and wants to continue to do so for each and every ebook author!
With over 30 categories to choose from there is a category specific to your genre in the ebook field. This includes categories in children, poetry, fiction, romance, erotic romance and many, many more.
Entries are still being accepted until August 15, 2009 for ebooks published between October 1, 2008 and May 31, 2009. Full details, plus entry forms here: http://bit.ly/ M9NUc
Finalists will be announced November 2009 with the awards presented to the receiptents at EPIC's 2010 conference in New Orleans, March 4-7, 2010.
Second, EPIC needs judges and if you feel you can qualify as a judge, please sign up immediately for participation! Only industry professionals need apply. Contact Anne Douglas at epic.competition. coordinator@ gmail.com for more information. You will read some of the best books in the field...and love doing it!
And finally, don't forget to sign up for EPIC's 2010 Conference in New Orleans. We have a host of great people this year with agents, editors and authors alike. The conference is still small enough that you will get the special attention you need as a writer but large enough that you'll be rubbing elbows with industry professionals in the eBook field. Just some of our schedules guest include Debra Dixon, Deidre Knight and Holly Jacobs, C. T. Adams as well as industry professional such as Daniel Reitz of Mundania Press with more signing up every day!
The information for EPIC can be found at http://www.epicauth ors.com/, so don't hesitate to stop by today!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
EPICon 2010 Link
http://www.epic-conference.com/index.html
Want to know who the speakers are at EPICon 2010. Click on the link.
Want to know where to say while at EPICon 2010? Click on the link.
Want to sign up for EPICon, 2010? Click on the link.
Want to know what I look like? Sorry, the link won't help. LOL
Want to know who the speakers are at EPICon 2010. Click on the link.
Want to know where to say while at EPICon 2010? Click on the link.
Want to sign up for EPICon, 2010? Click on the link.
Want to know what I look like? Sorry, the link won't help. LOL
Sunday, August 2, 2009
OMG!!
OMG!! I did it!
I signed C. T. Adams for EPICon 2010!!
This is the best birthday gift C. T Adams and EPIC could have given me.
Doing the Snoopy Happy Dance!!
I signed C. T. Adams for EPICon 2010!!
This is the best birthday gift C. T Adams and EPIC could have given me.
Doing the Snoopy Happy Dance!!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Slow Day
I've had a quiet day. No fires to put out. No workshop schedule to rearrange. No phone calls, so far. Planning of EPICon 2010 is running smoothly at this moment. But tomorrow is Monday.
So far I've signed Holly Jacobs for those of us in the romance genre. Debra Dixion; every writer loves her, no matter their genre. After all, she taught us about Goal Motivation and Conflict. Then we have Deidre Knight, agent extraordinaire. Louisiana's own Deborah LeBlanc will join us. Oh, and we'll even have a forensic Anthropoligist (think Bones, the TV show). And we just had to sign on a CPA to help us understand our taxes.Kim McDougall, Sara Thacker, Jenni Holbrook, Merilyn Meredith, Pauline B. Jones, Lorna and Larry Collins, Lynn Crain, and Jane Bierce are a few of those who have signed up to do workshops.
I'm waiting on word from the BoD on adding a best selling paranormal author. I'll update you on that as soon as I get an answer.
For those of you who don't know, EPICon will be in New Orleans, March 4-7, 2010. It will be held at the Sheraton New Orleans and if when you book you tell them you're coming for the EPIC conference, the room will be $139 a night instead of $169.The Web site should be up in a few days, and I'll post it here as soon as I have it.
My mail box is empty, the phone is still quiet, I think I'll go watch a bunch of grown men race cars in a circle.
So far I've signed Holly Jacobs for those of us in the romance genre. Debra Dixion; every writer loves her, no matter their genre. After all, she taught us about Goal Motivation and Conflict. Then we have Deidre Knight, agent extraordinaire. Louisiana's own Deborah LeBlanc will join us. Oh, and we'll even have a forensic Anthropoligist (think Bones, the TV show). And we just had to sign on a CPA to help us understand our taxes.Kim McDougall, Sara Thacker, Jenni Holbrook, Merilyn Meredith, Pauline B. Jones, Lorna and Larry Collins, Lynn Crain, and Jane Bierce are a few of those who have signed up to do workshops.
I'm waiting on word from the BoD on adding a best selling paranormal author. I'll update you on that as soon as I get an answer.
For those of you who don't know, EPICon will be in New Orleans, March 4-7, 2010. It will be held at the Sheraton New Orleans and if when you book you tell them you're coming for the EPIC conference, the room will be $139 a night instead of $169.The Web site should be up in a few days, and I'll post it here as soon as I have it.
My mail box is empty, the phone is still quiet, I think I'll go watch a bunch of grown men race cars in a circle.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Yes, I know
I've not blogged for a while. At least that's what some of my readers have told me.
Excuses: I've been trying to get everything just right for EPICon 2010, which if you don't know by now, is in New Orleans, March 4-7 of 2010. I'm the Chair. Yes. I volunteered for this. Why? Because I really wanted it to be held in New Orleans and the only way for that to happen was for me to say I'd do it.
I've been working on speakers. I've signed two keynote speakers, Holly Jacobs (Romance Writer) and Debra Dixon (of Goal Motivation Conflict fame). If that's not enough, I also signed Deidre Knight (Knight Literary Agency).
Okay, my budget is starting to stretch, but I've got one more well known paranormal author who my be interested. Won't give her/his name. I may not be able to swing it. I'm waiting to hear back from said author, to see what it will cost us to get her here. I've been a fan of hers since book one. This would thrill me to no end. Keep your fingers crossed.
I had to do a few rewrites to Bone Dance, second book of my Fugue Macabre thrilogy. Now I'm waiting for edits of those rewrites. I'd love to get another book written by December, but with EPICon, judging three writing contest...okay, make that two, I just finished judging one contest, and I managed to not forget my hubby's birthday Monday, okay, maybe I can get it written by December.
Who needs sleep?
Excuses: I've been trying to get everything just right for EPICon 2010, which if you don't know by now, is in New Orleans, March 4-7 of 2010. I'm the Chair. Yes. I volunteered for this. Why? Because I really wanted it to be held in New Orleans and the only way for that to happen was for me to say I'd do it.
I've been working on speakers. I've signed two keynote speakers, Holly Jacobs (Romance Writer) and Debra Dixon (of Goal Motivation Conflict fame). If that's not enough, I also signed Deidre Knight (Knight Literary Agency).
Okay, my budget is starting to stretch, but I've got one more well known paranormal author who my be interested. Won't give her/his name. I may not be able to swing it. I'm waiting to hear back from said author, to see what it will cost us to get her here. I've been a fan of hers since book one. This would thrill me to no end. Keep your fingers crossed.
I had to do a few rewrites to Bone Dance, second book of my Fugue Macabre thrilogy. Now I'm waiting for edits of those rewrites. I'd love to get another book written by December, but with EPICon, judging three writing contest...okay, make that two, I just finished judging one contest, and I managed to not forget my hubby's birthday Monday, okay, maybe I can get it written by December.
Who needs sleep?
Thursday, July 2, 2009
EPIC Show
We'll be listening to the Eppies become EPIC show by Lara Zielinsky on#BlogTalkRadio - http://tobtr. com/s/576382
Please join us.
Please join us.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Death in Family
My husband's nephew died this morning. He was a sweet "kid." Yeah, I still looked on him as a kid. He was just a young child when Richard and I first started dating. I guess that's one way we keep ourselves from realizing we've grown old. We never let the kids grow up in our minds.
He was named after his father, so, he grew up known as 'Little' John. His father being known as 'Big' John.
He was quick with a smile, and that smile lit up a room. I don't know of anyone who didn't like him. Little John worked at the largest casino on the Mississippi Gulf coast. He went to work this morning, as usual. He had a massive heart attack and died.
Little John was 45.
My hubby and I are heart broken.
He was named after his father, so, he grew up known as 'Little' John. His father being known as 'Big' John.
He was quick with a smile, and that smile lit up a room. I don't know of anyone who didn't like him. Little John worked at the largest casino on the Mississippi Gulf coast. He went to work this morning, as usual. He had a massive heart attack and died.
Little John was 45.
My hubby and I are heart broken.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Just a Bite
I mentioned that we had taken a week or so to go to Tennessee, and about our side trip to Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountians.
Off Cades Cove Loop Road is the Primitive Baptist Church with a cemetery. One of the tombstones belongs to Russell Gregory. After reading his tombstone I became curious about him and did some research.
This is an excerpt from The Cades Cove Story by A. Randolph Shields:
"Near the end of the war when the Union army was cleaning up the area with units in Knoxville and Maryville, the Confederates used the route through Cades Cove for escape. they usually followed the road through the "Flats of the mountians," locally called the Joe Road, camped overnight in the cove, proceeded by way of the Trough Branch Road (Parson's Branch Road) to the toll road (U.S. 129), and from there into North Carolina and on to South Carolina. One such unit, said to consist of about 300 men, some on horseback, entered the cove by way of the old Joe Road on a December afternoon in 1864. The unit broke up into smaller groups and scattered out over the west end of the cove to encamp for the night. One group made camp near the spring and down the hollow a bit from the house of Russell Gregory, who was away from the home when they arrived. Gregory returned home at dusk to find the army unit encamped just below his house and making supper of one of his calves. He fortified his courage a bit with the usual liquid, picked his rifle from over the door, and walked down the hill to demand payment for his yearling. The camp guard hardly hesitated when he saw the approach of a rifle-bearing native and proceeded to shoot Mr. Gregory, age 69."
I think the tombstone says it pretty well. Don't you?
Off Cades Cove Loop Road is the Primitive Baptist Church with a cemetery. One of the tombstones belongs to Russell Gregory. After reading his tombstone I became curious about him and did some research.
This is an excerpt from The Cades Cove Story by A. Randolph Shields:
"Near the end of the war when the Union army was cleaning up the area with units in Knoxville and Maryville, the Confederates used the route through Cades Cove for escape. they usually followed the road through the "Flats of the mountians," locally called the Joe Road, camped overnight in the cove, proceeded by way of the Trough Branch Road (Parson's Branch Road) to the toll road (U.S. 129), and from there into North Carolina and on to South Carolina. One such unit, said to consist of about 300 men, some on horseback, entered the cove by way of the old Joe Road on a December afternoon in 1864. The unit broke up into smaller groups and scattered out over the west end of the cove to encamp for the night. One group made camp near the spring and down the hollow a bit from the house of Russell Gregory, who was away from the home when they arrived. Gregory returned home at dusk to find the army unit encamped just below his house and making supper of one of his calves. He fortified his courage a bit with the usual liquid, picked his rifle from over the door, and walked down the hill to demand payment for his yearling. The camp guard hardly hesitated when he saw the approach of a rifle-bearing native and proceeded to shoot Mr. Gregory, age 69."
I think the tombstone says it pretty well. Don't you?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Bone Dance
For those of you waiting for Fugue Macabre: Bone Dance, the second book of the Fugue Macabre trilogy, I've got to apologize and ask you to wait a bit longer.
I was never happy with Bone Dance even once I turned it in. But I put it off as just that little editor on my shoulder giving me a hard time. Then once my editors said, okay, and gave me a cover and release date, I figured I was just being silly. But I couldn't let it go. I kept worrying about it. Something just wasn't right. I knew it was missing something, but I couldn't make my brain wrap around it completely to see what it was.
Then my editor e-mailed me. She said they'd publish it if I was happy with it, but....
Yup, they noticed something was missing too. Being such a wonderful publishing house (Sapphire Blue Publishing), they brainstormed the story at a meeting and handed me the problem then said if you want, you can take a bit of time and fix it or we'll run with it as is. The way they see it, it's a good read, but could be better if I take care of this one little tweak.
Well, my reading friends, I'm tweaking away.
I'm begging for your patience a little longer. I promise you, it will be worth the wait. The story will be stonger and I'll be happier. And most important, you'll get a much better read.
I was never happy with Bone Dance even once I turned it in. But I put it off as just that little editor on my shoulder giving me a hard time. Then once my editors said, okay, and gave me a cover and release date, I figured I was just being silly. But I couldn't let it go. I kept worrying about it. Something just wasn't right. I knew it was missing something, but I couldn't make my brain wrap around it completely to see what it was.
Then my editor e-mailed me. She said they'd publish it if I was happy with it, but....
Yup, they noticed something was missing too. Being such a wonderful publishing house (Sapphire Blue Publishing), they brainstormed the story at a meeting and handed me the problem then said if you want, you can take a bit of time and fix it or we'll run with it as is. The way they see it, it's a good read, but could be better if I take care of this one little tweak.
Well, my reading friends, I'm tweaking away.
I'm begging for your patience a little longer. I promise you, it will be worth the wait. The story will be stonger and I'll be happier. And most important, you'll get a much better read.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Escape
Do you ever want to just vanish? Run away? Become a recluse?
I do.
But I've arrived at the age that it would be really hard to do. I'm on medications I HAVE to take every day. I have to run to the doctor every three month so he can make sure my heart is still ticking and my blood pressure is at an accepable rate. Hard to become a recluse with those kind of stipulations.
Then there's my hubby. I'm sure he'd be miffed at me if I just took off. Or maybe not.
Then there's my writing. I can't give that up. It's my only hold onto sanity. Though, right now, I'm in the middle of a rewrite/edit from hell, I still would not want to give up that one pleasure in my life.
I can live without TV but not books. Think I could find a cave with just enough power to run a computer? Oh, and it'd have to be in an area where I could get Wi-Fi for the computer, so I can send in my manuscripts. And caves stay about the same temp all year round, so I'd not need air conditioning. And if it's a bit cool, I can always put more clothes on, right? Guess the cave would have to be near a stream, so there'd be water.
I could have one of those three wheeled bikes with a basket, so I could run to the grocery store for Cokes and food. Gads, can't give up my Cokes. So that means I'd have to have power for a fridge too. Hmm, think I could get a solar panel or two set up?
Wait! Wait! I've talked myself right back into the trappings of the real world again.
I do.
But I've arrived at the age that it would be really hard to do. I'm on medications I HAVE to take every day. I have to run to the doctor every three month so he can make sure my heart is still ticking and my blood pressure is at an accepable rate. Hard to become a recluse with those kind of stipulations.
Then there's my hubby. I'm sure he'd be miffed at me if I just took off. Or maybe not.
Then there's my writing. I can't give that up. It's my only hold onto sanity. Though, right now, I'm in the middle of a rewrite/edit from hell, I still would not want to give up that one pleasure in my life.
I can live without TV but not books. Think I could find a cave with just enough power to run a computer? Oh, and it'd have to be in an area where I could get Wi-Fi for the computer, so I can send in my manuscripts. And caves stay about the same temp all year round, so I'd not need air conditioning. And if it's a bit cool, I can always put more clothes on, right? Guess the cave would have to be near a stream, so there'd be water.
I could have one of those three wheeled bikes with a basket, so I could run to the grocery store for Cokes and food. Gads, can't give up my Cokes. So that means I'd have to have power for a fridge too. Hmm, think I could get a solar panel or two set up?
Wait! Wait! I've talked myself right back into the trappings of the real world again.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Dixie Kane Memorial Writer's Contest
Permission to forward is granted and appreciated.
Fourth Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Contest
New features and awards this year:
Top prize, $50 for the overall highest score in all categories;
Final Round Judges: both Kate Duffy, editor, Kensington Books and Pamela Ahearn, literary agent, Ahearn Agency will read the first place entry winners of each category with the hope of requesting a full or partial manuscript.
New prize classification: Honorable Mention in each category in addition to the usual first, second, and third place winners;
The entry fee is still only $15 per entry.
Deadline date is July 1, 2009.
The best promotion of the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest is the quality control survey the contest administrators conduct of its entrants each year. The survey results posted on our website indicate that the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest is a highly regarded contest with rave reviews from its entrants. Please visit the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest website to review those survey results at
http://solawriters.org/SOLAContest2009/Survey_Results.htm
Also, for more information and entry form, go to
http://www.solawriters.org
Miscellaneous information about the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest:
You can enter more than one entry as long as you pay the entry fee for each entry and include the proper material for each entry. The entries can be mailed in one envelope or in multiple envelopes as long as the proper return postage has been provided for.
You may also enter a previously submitted entry that you have revised and would like to retest.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the contest coordinator at ngenovese@gmail.com
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Fourth Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Contest
New features and awards this year:
Top prize, $50 for the overall highest score in all categories;
Final Round Judges: both Kate Duffy, editor, Kensington Books and Pamela Ahearn, literary agent, Ahearn Agency will read the first place entry winners of each category with the hope of requesting a full or partial manuscript.
New prize classification: Honorable Mention in each category in addition to the usual first, second, and third place winners;
The entry fee is still only $15 per entry.
Deadline date is July 1, 2009.
The best promotion of the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest is the quality control survey the contest administrators conduct of its entrants each year. The survey results posted on our website indicate that the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest is a highly regarded contest with rave reviews from its entrants. Please visit the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest website to review those survey results at
http://solawriters.org/SOLAContest2009/Survey_Results.htm
Also, for more information and entry form, go to
http://www.solawriters.org
Miscellaneous information about the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest:
You can enter more than one entry as long as you pay the entry fee for each entry and include the proper material for each entry. The entries can be mailed in one envelope or in multiple envelopes as long as the proper return postage has been provided for.
You may also enter a previously submitted entry that you have revised and would like to retest.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the contest coordinator at ngenovese@gmail.com
hasEML = false;
ReplyReply All
JSifyForm("forward_bottom593839589");
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Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Fugue Macabre: Bone Dance
Nearly as old as time, Clan Moran has existed in secrecy in the bayous of southern Louisiana. Years after leaving her clan, Bobbie Luckman has been called back. Father and brother murdered, she is the last of the Moran bloodline and must return to become Queen Moran.
The Fugue Macabre saga returns May 19, 2008
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
New Review for Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance
Romance Junkie Blue Ribbon Reviews
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4
When Dr. Tabatha Gray returns home to New Orleans after years of living and practicing psychiatry in New York City. She finds her childhood home is falling into disrepair, her mother has become a recluse and her power of necromancy is becoming stronger and out of control. To top it off, Rhonda, Tabatha’s school yard nemesis, is begging Tabatha for help. When she discovers that a powerful group calling themselves the Guardians has begun targeting people with paranormal abilities and have threatened to harm Rhonda’s young son, Tabatha agrees to help Rhonda. Little does she realize that doing this favor will bring her to the attention of a man who is searching for a miracle.
Derek Bainbridge is a desperate man. As the lead detective investigating the brutal murders of several young girls in his district, Derek feels like he just can’t catch a break in this case. When he happens to overhear Tabatha performing a necromancy ceremony to raise Rhonda’s mother from the dead, he begins to form a plan to finally reveal the identity of the killer... a plan with which only Tabatha can help.Working closely with Derek, along with Rhonda and Bobbie, a female shape shifter, Tabatha must learn to control all of her ever-increasing powers to connect with the dead in order to learn their secrets. It doesn’t take long for Tabatha to discover though, that the living also hide many secrets, including her new lover Derek.FUGUE MACABRE: GHOST DANCE is a fascinating and thrilling offering from author C.J. Parker. With a fast-paced storyline, lots of action, and tons of heart-felt emotions, FUGUE MACABRE: GHOST DANCE hits all the right notes to make this novel a sure-fire hit with fans of both paranormal romance and romantic suspense.
By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Cheryl McInnis
Thank you, Cheryl. You made my week!
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4
When Dr. Tabatha Gray returns home to New Orleans after years of living and practicing psychiatry in New York City. She finds her childhood home is falling into disrepair, her mother has become a recluse and her power of necromancy is becoming stronger and out of control. To top it off, Rhonda, Tabatha’s school yard nemesis, is begging Tabatha for help. When she discovers that a powerful group calling themselves the Guardians has begun targeting people with paranormal abilities and have threatened to harm Rhonda’s young son, Tabatha agrees to help Rhonda. Little does she realize that doing this favor will bring her to the attention of a man who is searching for a miracle.
Derek Bainbridge is a desperate man. As the lead detective investigating the brutal murders of several young girls in his district, Derek feels like he just can’t catch a break in this case. When he happens to overhear Tabatha performing a necromancy ceremony to raise Rhonda’s mother from the dead, he begins to form a plan to finally reveal the identity of the killer... a plan with which only Tabatha can help.Working closely with Derek, along with Rhonda and Bobbie, a female shape shifter, Tabatha must learn to control all of her ever-increasing powers to connect with the dead in order to learn their secrets. It doesn’t take long for Tabatha to discover though, that the living also hide many secrets, including her new lover Derek.FUGUE MACABRE: GHOST DANCE is a fascinating and thrilling offering from author C.J. Parker. With a fast-paced storyline, lots of action, and tons of heart-felt emotions, FUGUE MACABRE: GHOST DANCE hits all the right notes to make this novel a sure-fire hit with fans of both paranormal romance and romantic suspense.
By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Cheryl McInnis
Thank you, Cheryl. You made my week!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Mountains
I love mountains. Tall ones, short ones, rocky ones, grassy ones, and snowy ones. I love them all. I'll be leaving the swamps of Louisiana for the Smokies of Tennessee on Saturday. Renting a cabin. No phone. No internet. Oh, all right, I'm taking my cell phone, just in case, but you get the idea. Just me and hubby with no interruptions. I'm hoping a bit of inspiration comes along and gives me an idea to set a story there. Then I can use the excuse to go back sooner than next year. And I can write it off as a business trip. ;)
So, anyway, I will be away for a week or so. I'll tell you all about it when I get back. With photos.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Review
I just had to post this. Billie Jo from Romance Junkies posted this review of my book, Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance.
Title: Fugue Macabre Ghost Dance
Author: CJ ParkerDARK & EDGY - 5 out of 5
Blurb: Dr. Tabatha Gray doesn't have a particular fondness for the dead, but the dead have a desperate affinity for her. Tabatha has always considered her ability a curse, but soon discovers it may be the only thing that can save her and her friends' lives.
Detective Derek Bainbridge tries to ignore the connection he feels for this possibly dangerous necromancer, but he instinctively knows she is the one person who can solve a string of brutal child killings.Family secrets, lies and treachery combine to make Tabatha's efforts harder as she fights to save the Voodoo Killer's latest victim.
GHOST DANCE ROCKS!! On that note, if you do NOT like dark, edgy and sometimes scary, this book is NOT for the faint of heart. Since I absolutely love the really dark books, I was entranced with this. I have not been able to find a fabulous book that can shock or scare me in a long time and GHOST DANCE definitely gave me a thrill.
Thank you CJ Parker for writing a thrilling book that kept me glued to my seat and on edge the entire time I read it. You penned a fantastic tale of a forgotten genre that has not excited me in a long time.
Billie Jo
No. Thank YOU, Billie Jo. You made my week!
Title: Fugue Macabre Ghost Dance
Author: CJ ParkerDARK & EDGY - 5 out of 5
Blurb: Dr. Tabatha Gray doesn't have a particular fondness for the dead, but the dead have a desperate affinity for her. Tabatha has always considered her ability a curse, but soon discovers it may be the only thing that can save her and her friends' lives.
Detective Derek Bainbridge tries to ignore the connection he feels for this possibly dangerous necromancer, but he instinctively knows she is the one person who can solve a string of brutal child killings.Family secrets, lies and treachery combine to make Tabatha's efforts harder as she fights to save the Voodoo Killer's latest victim.
GHOST DANCE ROCKS!! On that note, if you do NOT like dark, edgy and sometimes scary, this book is NOT for the faint of heart. Since I absolutely love the really dark books, I was entranced with this. I have not been able to find a fabulous book that can shock or scare me in a long time and GHOST DANCE definitely gave me a thrill.
Thank you CJ Parker for writing a thrilling book that kept me glued to my seat and on edge the entire time I read it. You penned a fantastic tale of a forgotten genre that has not excited me in a long time.
Billie Jo
No. Thank YOU, Billie Jo. You made my week!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Down in the Dumps
It was first draft drivel. I should have known better. But I did it anyway.
I went to a workshop over the weekend in Houma, Louisiana. Overall, I had a good time. Really didn't do much but sit back and listen to other writers talk about the business. But it was more entertaining than watching gulf or ladies basketball.
Now, you're asking why I'm down in the dumps, right?
The organizers of the workshop asked for the first page of a WIP. I've just started one and it's really in the "just write until you get the feel for the story" stage. I should have known better than to hand over that page. I was setting myself up for a reality slap. And I got it.
Molly Bolden (co-owner of Bent Pages book store), Cherry Adair (author), and Betsy Mitchell (editor-in-chief of Del Rey: Science Fiction/Fantasy) were the panel. Tina Callais read the entries, so no one knew whose were whose, thank God. As she went along she noticed time was running out so she decided to just read one or two paragraph from the pages at the end. Yes, mine was at the end. Would they have liked it better if they'd heard the whole page? Doubt it.
The point, boys and girls, is this. Don't, DON'T let anyone have a WIP page. It's not representative of your finished work.
Another thing that bothers me. Not all the entries were read because they ran out of time. Those whose work didn't get read had to have been disappointed. Maybe next time put enough time aside to get to them all. I won't enter again unless I have a decent page to offer. But if I do, I'd feel a bit disenchanted if it went unread. Even if it left me Down in the Dumps.
I went to a workshop over the weekend in Houma, Louisiana. Overall, I had a good time. Really didn't do much but sit back and listen to other writers talk about the business. But it was more entertaining than watching gulf or ladies basketball.
Now, you're asking why I'm down in the dumps, right?
The organizers of the workshop asked for the first page of a WIP. I've just started one and it's really in the "just write until you get the feel for the story" stage. I should have known better than to hand over that page. I was setting myself up for a reality slap. And I got it.
Molly Bolden (co-owner of Bent Pages book store), Cherry Adair (author), and Betsy Mitchell (editor-in-chief of Del Rey: Science Fiction/Fantasy) were the panel. Tina Callais read the entries, so no one knew whose were whose, thank God. As she went along she noticed time was running out so she decided to just read one or two paragraph from the pages at the end. Yes, mine was at the end. Would they have liked it better if they'd heard the whole page? Doubt it.
The point, boys and girls, is this. Don't, DON'T let anyone have a WIP page. It's not representative of your finished work.
Another thing that bothers me. Not all the entries were read because they ran out of time. Those whose work didn't get read had to have been disappointed. Maybe next time put enough time aside to get to them all. I won't enter again unless I have a decent page to offer. But if I do, I'd feel a bit disenchanted if it went unread. Even if it left me Down in the Dumps.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Guest Speaker
As most of you know, I have a workshop each week at http://xat.com/wordbox 8 Eastern, Tuesday nights.
This week's guest will be Lea Schizas. This is a link to her Web site. http://www.leaschizas.com/
A lot of you will remember Lea from the online conference. Those who don't, check her out. It's going to be a great evening filled with fun and we just may learn something.
Also, we have a few openings for guest speakers for the month of May and June if you're interested.
This week's guest will be Lea Schizas. This is a link to her Web site. http://www.leaschizas.com/
A lot of you will remember Lea from the online conference. Those who don't, check her out. It's going to be a great evening filled with fun and we just may learn something.
Also, we have a few openings for guest speakers for the month of May and June if you're interested.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Bored
Is anyone else sick of seeing Obama every time you turn on the TV or open the newspaper? He is becoming a bore. What's wrong Mr. President? Don't you like the White House? Is something wrong with your desk chair that you have to hop on that plane and keep on the move? Or is it that you just get a kick turning on the TV, or opening the newspaper and seeing your face staring out?
We have real problems in our country. Can't you sit still long enough to work on them instead of being a talking head? You don't have to report your every move to us. Just get busy and fix this mess. And by the way, I'm a bit sick of hearing it isn't your mess, but inherited it from Bush. BS, Mr. President. The problems started way before Bush. This is a multi-prsidented mess. Now hush and just do something about it. If you can.
We have real problems in our country. Can't you sit still long enough to work on them instead of being a talking head? You don't have to report your every move to us. Just get busy and fix this mess. And by the way, I'm a bit sick of hearing it isn't your mess, but inherited it from Bush. BS, Mr. President. The problems started way before Bush. This is a multi-prsidented mess. Now hush and just do something about it. If you can.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Talking to myself
Self, you need to get your butt in gear. If you don't write, you can't sell. If you can't sell, you can't make it to the NY Times best seller list. Oh, but wait. Newspapers are in trouble. Soon they will be no more.
I have a hard time seeing a world without my hubby sitting on the couch with a newspaper in front of him. Will he actually have to talk to me? Ha! There's always TV. I have no right to complain. If I'm not in front of this computer, I'm in some dream land trying to work out a scene or, like now, trying to figure out a way to rewrite the first two chapters of The Vision Master, all the while knowing I need to write Fire Dance to finish off the Fugue Macabre trilogy.
Tomorrow we're going to the casino. Nope. We don't have money for the machines, but we have coupons for a free buffet and $15 free play. Now, I'm not stupid. I know I'll end up putting at least a $20 in the machine. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I'd win enough to buy that Kindle I want so badly?
To be honest it's just getting out of this house which makes the trip important. And who knows. It may be what my brain needs to get started again.
I have a hard time seeing a world without my hubby sitting on the couch with a newspaper in front of him. Will he actually have to talk to me? Ha! There's always TV. I have no right to complain. If I'm not in front of this computer, I'm in some dream land trying to work out a scene or, like now, trying to figure out a way to rewrite the first two chapters of The Vision Master, all the while knowing I need to write Fire Dance to finish off the Fugue Macabre trilogy.
Tomorrow we're going to the casino. Nope. We don't have money for the machines, but we have coupons for a free buffet and $15 free play. Now, I'm not stupid. I know I'll end up putting at least a $20 in the machine. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I'd win enough to buy that Kindle I want so badly?
To be honest it's just getting out of this house which makes the trip important. And who knows. It may be what my brain needs to get started again.
Friday, March 13, 2009
I've already won a copy of this book and let me tell you, it's a way over the top good read. Spread the word. Tell Jeannine where you posted this promo and you could win a copy.
Jeannine has a way of putting the gritty reality of life in words YA readers appreciate. She doesn't look down on her readers but sets them right in the middle of the hot skillet that is her character's lives.
*****
C. J. Parker
I can't believe how fast this came! SAY THE WORD will be released on Tuesday, March 17 (St. Patrick's Day) and THREE SIGNED COPIES will be given away in this contest. All you have to do to enter is:1. Announce THIS CONTEST on your blog/facebook/myspace/etc. You can link to this entry or copy and paste. 2. Then send me back the link to YOUR announcement either by email (jjgarsee at aol dot com) or in the comment section here.That's it! This contest will start today and continue until March 28th. Also, if you mention Say the Word in any other posts between now and March 28th, send me the link to those as well and you will be entered again--each time!
Thank you for spreading the word about SAY THE WORD!AMAZON Book Description: "The world expects perfection from seventeen-year-old Shawna Gallagher, and for the most part, that’s what they get. She dates the right boys, gets good grades, and follows her father’s every rule. But when her estranged lesbian mother dies, it’s more than perfect Shawna can take. Suddenly, anger from being abandoned ten years ago is resurfacing along with Shawna’s embarrassment over her mother’s other family. As she confronts family secrets and questions from the past, Shawna realizes there’s a difference between doing the perfect thing and doing the right thing. "Shawna’s honest and relatable voice will draw readers in and hold them until the last page in this coming-of-age story. Jeannine Garsee has delivered a compulsively readable second novel, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Laurie Halse Anderson."
Reviews"Say the Word explores discrimination and resentment from unique points-of-view, giving its characters a chance for redemption. Some take advantage of the chance; others see no reason to change. Either way, the story is riveting." ALAN Online"Garsee manages to give every character depth and dimension without falling into the trap of making the children too perfect and angelic and the adults imperfect... Readers will believe Shawna’s final transition from doormat to independent thinker." Kirkus"A compelling portrait of a young woman growing up..." Publishers WeeklyA Booklist starred review (April 2009)!
Jeannine has a way of putting the gritty reality of life in words YA readers appreciate. She doesn't look down on her readers but sets them right in the middle of the hot skillet that is her character's lives.
*****
C. J. Parker
I can't believe how fast this came! SAY THE WORD will be released on Tuesday, March 17 (St. Patrick's Day) and THREE SIGNED COPIES will be given away in this contest. All you have to do to enter is:1. Announce THIS CONTEST on your blog/facebook/myspace/etc. You can link to this entry or copy and paste. 2. Then send me back the link to YOUR announcement either by email (jjgarsee at aol dot com) or in the comment section here.That's it! This contest will start today and continue until March 28th. Also, if you mention Say the Word in any other posts between now and March 28th, send me the link to those as well and you will be entered again--each time!
Thank you for spreading the word about SAY THE WORD!AMAZON Book Description: "The world expects perfection from seventeen-year-old Shawna Gallagher, and for the most part, that’s what they get. She dates the right boys, gets good grades, and follows her father’s every rule. But when her estranged lesbian mother dies, it’s more than perfect Shawna can take. Suddenly, anger from being abandoned ten years ago is resurfacing along with Shawna’s embarrassment over her mother’s other family. As she confronts family secrets and questions from the past, Shawna realizes there’s a difference between doing the perfect thing and doing the right thing. "Shawna’s honest and relatable voice will draw readers in and hold them until the last page in this coming-of-age story. Jeannine Garsee has delivered a compulsively readable second novel, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Laurie Halse Anderson."
Reviews"Say the Word explores discrimination and resentment from unique points-of-view, giving its characters a chance for redemption. Some take advantage of the chance; others see no reason to change. Either way, the story is riveting." ALAN Online"Garsee manages to give every character depth and dimension without falling into the trap of making the children too perfect and angelic and the adults imperfect... Readers will believe Shawna’s final transition from doormat to independent thinker." Kirkus"A compelling portrait of a young woman growing up..." Publishers WeeklyA Booklist starred review (April 2009)!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
EPICon 2010
Not trying to rush anything but I thought I'd announce:
I won the bid to have the EPICon in New Orleans next year!!! Woohoo!!
I'm open for applications for speakers/presenters. If you think you have a great idea, send me the topic, amount of time you think you'll need, (about an hour seems to be the norm) why you think you're the one to give this talk, and any A/V equipment you'll need. (These things cost money and I have to stick to my budget.)
Anyone want to volunteer? I'm taking names on that list, alsp. Anyone close enough to New Orleans to help on with foot work would be great but not required.
It will be the weekend of March 4-7, 2010. Mark your calendars. Start saving that left over change. Plan to come party with us. Oh, yeah, and learn a thing or two about our business while we're at it.
Give me about a month and I'll have the beginnings of a web site up to keep everyone apprised of what is going on and little tidbits about New Orleans to entice you into coming.
Charlotte Parker
PS-Hm, wonder why that song 'I'm So Excited' keeps going through my head?
Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance (Sapphire Blue Publishing)
Fugue Macabre: Bone Dance (Coming soon from Sapphire Blue Publishing)
Misty Dreams (Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press)
I won the bid to have the EPICon in New Orleans next year!!! Woohoo!!
I'm open for applications for speakers/presenters. If you think you have a great idea, send me the topic, amount of time you think you'll need, (about an hour seems to be the norm) why you think you're the one to give this talk, and any A/V equipment you'll need. (These things cost money and I have to stick to my budget.)
Anyone want to volunteer? I'm taking names on that list, alsp. Anyone close enough to New Orleans to help on with foot work would be great but not required.
It will be the weekend of March 4-7, 2010. Mark your calendars. Start saving that left over change. Plan to come party with us. Oh, yeah, and learn a thing or two about our business while we're at it.
Give me about a month and I'll have the beginnings of a web site up to keep everyone apprised of what is going on and little tidbits about New Orleans to entice you into coming.
Charlotte Parker
PS-Hm, wonder why that song 'I'm So Excited' keeps going through my head?
Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance (Sapphire Blue Publishing)
Fugue Macabre: Bone Dance (Coming soon from Sapphire Blue Publishing)
Misty Dreams (Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Too much, too little
We've all said it. Too much to do, too little time. I'm in that conundrum of the phrase now. I've received edits on the second book of my Fugue Macabre trilogy, Bone Dance, plus my muse wants to work on a new book idea I have, working title The Vision Master, and I'm finishing up the last of the budget details for next year's EPICon in New Orleans. Oh, and I have to be a wife to hubby too, he's funny about that. With all that in mind I took the morning off to finally get a hair cut. It was way past time and way too long. As usual she cut it too short, but maybe I can wait even longer next time. ;)
I'd planned to stop off at my favorite coffee house, CC's, but it was closed. Like forever. Broke my heart. Was hoping to run into a local well known author and talk to her about being a presenter at EPICon. Guess I'll have to do it the new fashioned way and E-mail her.
Had to run to Walgreens to pick up some prescriptions, found out one has become nearly impossible to find anymore. It is a generic for a more expensive drug, so they gave me the more expensive one, of course. Then told me even that was nearly impossible to come by and only had half a month's supply. I have to go to the doctor on Friday the 13th (don't you just love it?), I'll just tell him to come up with something else to replace it. Hopefully something that isn't $50 co-pay a month. Yikes.
Okay, that's my gripes for the day. Back to the edits.
I'd planned to stop off at my favorite coffee house, CC's, but it was closed. Like forever. Broke my heart. Was hoping to run into a local well known author and talk to her about being a presenter at EPICon. Guess I'll have to do it the new fashioned way and E-mail her.
Had to run to Walgreens to pick up some prescriptions, found out one has become nearly impossible to find anymore. It is a generic for a more expensive drug, so they gave me the more expensive one, of course. Then told me even that was nearly impossible to come by and only had half a month's supply. I have to go to the doctor on Friday the 13th (don't you just love it?), I'll just tell him to come up with something else to replace it. Hopefully something that isn't $50 co-pay a month. Yikes.
Okay, that's my gripes for the day. Back to the edits.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wandering Mind
Why is it that some days you can sit down and the words flow from you brain to your fingers and onto the page so easily? While other days you sit in front of the computer and everything that comes off your fingertips is crap. Today is one of those days. I've gone back to my plotting notes. I've reread what I've written so far. Nothing is helping.
I think I know the problem. I'm waiting for one final thing to come in so I can fill in my budget for the EPICon bid. Why the hurry? Well, they like to announce at this year's conference where the following year's conference will be. But until my budget is approved, I don't really have it in my grasp and they can't announce what isn't written in stone yet. This year's conference is in Las Vegas on March 5-8th. See my dilemma?
The budget is a guessing game for the most part. You have to estimate what you think airfare will be for speakers, editors, authors who haven't even been contacted yet or agreed to attend. You can't invite speakers until you know you have the conference, now can you? You have to figure out how many rooms are paid for by EPIC. You have to get estimates on what food costs will be for the different occasions.
This is what I'm waiting for. I've contacted the New Orleans Tourist Board and they are contacting hotels with the information. She said (Jennifer from TB) the hotels would probably call me with a few questions and then I'd get my estimates.
I know Mardi Gras just ended and the hotels were busy. I understand it takes a bit of time to figure out these things. But I need that information yesterday.
I'm going to try to write again. Sitting here doing nothing isn't solving the problem either, is it?
I think I know the problem. I'm waiting for one final thing to come in so I can fill in my budget for the EPICon bid. Why the hurry? Well, they like to announce at this year's conference where the following year's conference will be. But until my budget is approved, I don't really have it in my grasp and they can't announce what isn't written in stone yet. This year's conference is in Las Vegas on March 5-8th. See my dilemma?
The budget is a guessing game for the most part. You have to estimate what you think airfare will be for speakers, editors, authors who haven't even been contacted yet or agreed to attend. You can't invite speakers until you know you have the conference, now can you? You have to figure out how many rooms are paid for by EPIC. You have to get estimates on what food costs will be for the different occasions.
This is what I'm waiting for. I've contacted the New Orleans Tourist Board and they are contacting hotels with the information. She said (Jennifer from TB) the hotels would probably call me with a few questions and then I'd get my estimates.
I know Mardi Gras just ended and the hotels were busy. I understand it takes a bit of time to figure out these things. But I need that information yesterday.
I'm going to try to write again. Sitting here doing nothing isn't solving the problem either, is it?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Well Damn
I have to go in for minor surgery tomorrow. Nothing too serious. I have to have a stint removed and replaced. More of a pain in the butt than anything else. So, I'll be away for a few days but I shall return.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Drumming Up Votes
My book, Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance is up for Best Release of 2008. Could you find it in your time and heart to vote for me at
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/151?utm_medium=email&utm_source=list#myVotes
I'm currently tied at #6.
C. J. Parker
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/151?utm_medium=email&utm_source=list#myVotes
I'm currently tied at #6.
C. J. Parker
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Misty Dreams
Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press
Misty Dreams by Charlotte Parker
Cover artist: Nicola Martinez
Dreamer, Elita La Rue, has always romanticized the stories in her great-great-grandmother’s journal and memorized the photographs of two gunfighters--Wild Bill Hickok and Seth Lucan. If only she could turn back the hands of time to 1876! Playing dress up in her father's theme town, Duke's Wild West, is as good as it gets until a handsome gunfighter appears out of nowhere claiming to be Seth Lucan. Elita is willing to believe his outlandish story in hopes he'll make all her fantasies come true.
Seth Lucan is tired. Tired of being mistaken for his outlaw brother, and tired of dodging bullets. When he arrives in Deadwood, his hopes of making enough money to start over are shattered when he discovers the town has not only become a cesspool of thieves and murderers, but the Lucan name and troubles have followed him. Now he’s faced with a new barrage of bullets, a high-strung lady with a wild imagination, and no way out.
A strange mist emanating from the old blacksmith’s shop may answer both their prayers. Will love be enough to save them from the consequences?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
5 Star Review at Ecataromance.com OMG OMG OMG
Review: Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance by C.J. Parker
EMail This Post Print This Post
SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Review: Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance by C.J. Parker", url: "http://www.ecataromance.com/?p=893" });
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Tense and exciting with action that never stops, Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance by C.J. Parker takes you on a ride that won‘t stop until the last page is turned..
New Orleans Police Detective Derek Bainbridge has been assigned to investigate the murder of another blond haired blue eyed little girl. Her death was ritualistic just like the others and he needs to find the murderer before another girl is taken. The only problem is that the leads are not helping him.
Dr. Tabitha Gray returns to New Orleans after completing her residency in New York City. Tabitha has spent much of her life isolated due to her unusual ability to talk with and animate the dead. This ability caused her mother to shun her and she has returned to New Orleans to try and set things right.
Her return precipitates many things, starting with a visit from a classmate who tormented her as a child. When Tabitha finally agrees to raise Rhonda’s mother, she sets off another chain of events. She is observed by Derek who wants to know how she accomplishes this. Can she help with his case? In addition, she learns about a group intent on destroying people with unusual abilities. Finally, Tabitha realizes that Derek may be the one for her, but she may not survive to find out if that is true.
Ghost Fugue will keep you on the edge of your seat as all the various ends get woven in together. Tabitha has an ability which she has always felt is a liability but now is coming to realize it may have its good points. She makes friends with two women who we will see in the future. Derek was not a believer in the beginning but had no choice as time went on.
With a touch of Anita Blake, C.J. Parker has penned a novel that will satisfy those of us who fell in love with that series in the beginning. Tabitha as a necromancer and Derek as a detective are fabulous together. The story will keep you engrossed as it gradually unfolds. Tension, suspense, love and the anticipation of more to come - what more could you ask for? Don’t miss Fugue Macabre: ghost Dance by C.J. Parker.
Buy The Book
Filed Under:
November 2008
Reviews
Sapphire Blue
About the Book: Genre: paranormal ISBN: 978-1-934657-07-2 Page Count: 385 pages Price: $ 6.50 Reviewer: Elise Lyn
Sensuality Rating: Sensuous Star Rating: 5 Stars Author's Website: http://www.cjparker.net/home.htm
EMail This Post Print This Post
SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Review: Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance by C.J. Parker", url: "http://www.ecataromance.com/?p=893" });
ShareThis
Tense and exciting with action that never stops, Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance by C.J. Parker takes you on a ride that won‘t stop until the last page is turned..
New Orleans Police Detective Derek Bainbridge has been assigned to investigate the murder of another blond haired blue eyed little girl. Her death was ritualistic just like the others and he needs to find the murderer before another girl is taken. The only problem is that the leads are not helping him.
Dr. Tabitha Gray returns to New Orleans after completing her residency in New York City. Tabitha has spent much of her life isolated due to her unusual ability to talk with and animate the dead. This ability caused her mother to shun her and she has returned to New Orleans to try and set things right.
Her return precipitates many things, starting with a visit from a classmate who tormented her as a child. When Tabitha finally agrees to raise Rhonda’s mother, she sets off another chain of events. She is observed by Derek who wants to know how she accomplishes this. Can she help with his case? In addition, she learns about a group intent on destroying people with unusual abilities. Finally, Tabitha realizes that Derek may be the one for her, but she may not survive to find out if that is true.
Ghost Fugue will keep you on the edge of your seat as all the various ends get woven in together. Tabitha has an ability which she has always felt is a liability but now is coming to realize it may have its good points. She makes friends with two women who we will see in the future. Derek was not a believer in the beginning but had no choice as time went on.
With a touch of Anita Blake, C.J. Parker has penned a novel that will satisfy those of us who fell in love with that series in the beginning. Tabitha as a necromancer and Derek as a detective are fabulous together. The story will keep you engrossed as it gradually unfolds. Tension, suspense, love and the anticipation of more to come - what more could you ask for? Don’t miss Fugue Macabre: ghost Dance by C.J. Parker.
Buy The Book
Filed Under:
November 2008
Reviews
Sapphire Blue
About the Book: Genre: paranormal ISBN: 978-1-934657-07-2 Page Count: 385 pages Price: $ 6.50 Reviewer: Elise Lyn
Sensuality Rating: Sensuous Star Rating: 5 Stars Author's Website: http://www.cjparker.net/home.htm
Thursday, January 15, 2009
FYI
*Full permission to forward!*
For those of you who may not know, many authors were disqualified from the RITAs this year due to the phrase "mass-produced" being slipped into the rules. That small phrase effectively eliminates all those who are epubbed, but have a print book. There are other inequities in RWA that have yet to be addressed as well. Until now.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ChangeRWA/index.html
I've created the above petition in the hopes of changing these inequitiesfor the better. I intend to present this petition and the garnered signatures at the general meeting in DC this year. Go, sign, and then tell every writer/author you know. Pass it on to your friends, your other writing groups, your chapters, who ever you know that might be interested in seeing these changes occur. I'm counting on you all to help me get a ton of signatures. I'd like at least 1000, but 1500 would make me even happier. Let's let our voices be heard!
Gina
Golden Pen Historical Coordinator 2008
For those of you who may not know, many authors were disqualified from the RITAs this year due to the phrase "mass-produced" being slipped into the rules. That small phrase effectively eliminates all those who are epubbed, but have a print book. There are other inequities in RWA that have yet to be addressed as well. Until now.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ChangeRWA/index.html
I've created the above petition in the hopes of changing these inequitiesfor the better. I intend to present this petition and the garnered signatures at the general meeting in DC this year. Go, sign, and then tell every writer/author you know. Pass it on to your friends, your other writing groups, your chapters, who ever you know that might be interested in seeing these changes occur. I'm counting on you all to help me get a ton of signatures. I'd like at least 1000, but 1500 would make me even happier. Let's let our voices be heard!
Gina
Golden Pen Historical Coordinator 2008
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
OMG!!
I just found out my book, Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance, is up for best Horror novel on Preditor and Editor's poll. If you are of the mind would you mind voting for me? It would be appreciated more than you'll ever know. C. J. Parker
http://www.critters.org/predpoll.novelh.shtml
http://www.critters.org/predpoll.novelh.shtml
Don't Forget
Don't forget Holly Jacobs will be my guest tonight at 8 pm eastern on http://xat.com/wordbox I'd love for you to be there.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Holly Jacobs
More than a million and a half copies of Holly Jacobs' books have sold worldwide. Her category romances have made Walden’s Bestseller List and won numerous awards such as the National Readers’ Choice Award, Holt Medallion, Bookseller’s Best, Golden Quill, Golden Leaf, More than Magic and Madcap Awards. She's won two of Romantic Times' Reviwers' Choice Awards and also won their prestigious Career Achievement Award for Series Love and Laughter. She’s presented more than forty workshops across the U.S. on a variety of writing related subjects from writing romantic comedy to time management. Both subjects frequently come into play in her non-writing life. You see, Holly’s married to a police captain and together they’ve had four children. You can visit her at www.HollyJacobs.com
Why the bio for Holly Jacobs? Glad you asked. On Tuesday, January 13, 8 pm eastern, Holly will be the guest speaker in my and my co-host, June's chat at http://Xat.com/wordbox Come join in the fun, the chat, learn from one of the industry's best. I, for one, am very excited.
Why the bio for Holly Jacobs? Glad you asked. On Tuesday, January 13, 8 pm eastern, Holly will be the guest speaker in my and my co-host, June's chat at http://Xat.com/wordbox Come join in the fun, the chat, learn from one of the industry's best. I, for one, am very excited.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Have I lot all senses?
Since no one seems to read this blog, I'm going to talk to myself.
Self, have you lost your mind? Are you really considering hosting the 2010 EPICon in New Orleans?
Yes. Thinking about it. But that's all at this point. It would be great for the city. It would be fun. Oh, okay, it would be a lot of work, but the conference would be fun. I'd get to meet a lot of cool people who love the same thing I do. Writing. Reading.
Come on, Self. It would take a full year to set this up. What makes you think you could do it? You're not a coordinator. Shoot you get nervous just planning a small dinner party at your own house.
Yes, but I pull it off. No one has ever died of poisoning. No one has ever said behind my back: Oh, that Charlotte, her dinner get togethers are so boring. And no one says I have to do it by myself. I have friends. I have fellow New Orleans writers. I have... Oh shuddup, other me, I can hear you grumbling under your breath over there. I'm just thinking about it. I've not said yes...yet.
Self, have you lost your mind? Are you really considering hosting the 2010 EPICon in New Orleans?
Yes. Thinking about it. But that's all at this point. It would be great for the city. It would be fun. Oh, okay, it would be a lot of work, but the conference would be fun. I'd get to meet a lot of cool people who love the same thing I do. Writing. Reading.
Come on, Self. It would take a full year to set this up. What makes you think you could do it? You're not a coordinator. Shoot you get nervous just planning a small dinner party at your own house.
Yes, but I pull it off. No one has ever died of poisoning. No one has ever said behind my back: Oh, that Charlotte, her dinner get togethers are so boring. And no one says I have to do it by myself. I have friends. I have fellow New Orleans writers. I have... Oh shuddup, other me, I can hear you grumbling under your breath over there. I'm just thinking about it. I've not said yes...yet.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance/contest
Would you like to win an E-copy of Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance? Just send me your name and e-mail addy and I'll put it in the drawing. Winner will be announced on Feb. 2. (cjparker@fictionwriters.ws)
Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance
Dr. Tabatha Gray doesn’t have a particular fondness for the dead, but the dead have a desperate affinity for her. Tabatha is a necromancer who can not only resurrect the dead, but hear the souls of the recently departed. This ability she has always considered a curse may be the only thing that can save her life and those of her friends. After being shunned and banished to a boarding school by her mother, Tabatha spent years denying who and what she is before retuning home to New Orleans to face her personal demons. Almost immediately, she’s threatened by the radical group, Guardians Against Paranormal Sinners, who want her and anyone like her dead. She joins forces with an unlikely pair of friends--a firestarter and a shapeshifter--to fight the deadly organization. Detective Derek Bainbridge tries to ignore the instant connection he feels with this stranger and possibly dangerous necromancer, but he instinctively knows Tabatha is the only person who can help him solve a string of brutal child killings. Family secrets, lies and treachery all combine to make Tabatha’s efforts harder as she tries to save the last victim.
Fugue Macabre: Ghost Dance
Dr. Tabatha Gray doesn’t have a particular fondness for the dead, but the dead have a desperate affinity for her. Tabatha is a necromancer who can not only resurrect the dead, but hear the souls of the recently departed. This ability she has always considered a curse may be the only thing that can save her life and those of her friends. After being shunned and banished to a boarding school by her mother, Tabatha spent years denying who and what she is before retuning home to New Orleans to face her personal demons. Almost immediately, she’s threatened by the radical group, Guardians Against Paranormal Sinners, who want her and anyone like her dead. She joins forces with an unlikely pair of friends--a firestarter and a shapeshifter--to fight the deadly organization. Detective Derek Bainbridge tries to ignore the instant connection he feels with this stranger and possibly dangerous necromancer, but he instinctively knows Tabatha is the only person who can help him solve a string of brutal child killings. Family secrets, lies and treachery all combine to make Tabatha’s efforts harder as she tries to save the last victim.
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