Indie Writer Wednesday: Liz Long

Author:  Liz Long

Book:  Gifted

Publisher: CreateSpace

Bio: 

Liz Long has been writing fantasy stories since she could spell the word "unicorn" (second grade). She fears a zombie apocalypse, though admits it would give her a good reason to stay inside and write as long as she wanted. She is a proud graduate of Longwood University with a degree in English.

Liz lives in Roanoke, VA with her husband Jason and their Jack Russell terror, Fisher. 

Book Synopsis:

 

Lucy was born with the ability to create and control fire. She longs to leave the human world for one filled with Earthshakers, Transporters, and Chameleons, to name a few. When she rejoins the circus, it’s everything she hoped it could be—new friends, a potential love interest or two, and a place where she can be herself.

When troupe members begin turning up dead, however, Lucy is suspected of foul play. She must not only prove her innocence but also realize the full extent of her power. To find the real murderer, she must uncover the truth behind her father’s fiery legacy while figuring out whom to trust within her new circle. Little does she know the history of the Donovan Circus and its enemies might actually destroy the entire gifted world.

Buy it: Liz Long's Gifted is available on Amazon for as low as $1.99 for a Kindle edition. Click here to buy it! 

Questions:

1. What is the best thing about publishing with an indie press?

Having control over your book--being able to choose your cover and marketing strategy, all those details.  Putting in all the hard work is very satisfying, even in the beginning. Maybe especially in the beginning!

2. What do you like on your pizza?  Pizza?  The go to is green pepper, pepperoni, and onion. After that, give me tons of ham and pineapple! :)

Tips for Men From A Woman

I have quite a few guy friends, and no offense fellas' but I'm constantly shocked by what appears to be your outright stupidity.  I watch you guys make the same mistakes over and over again, and then stare at the women you've pissed off with looks of utter confusion.  How can you possibly be confused when this behavior has already landed you in hot water previously?  I don't get it.  So let me help you out.

1. You cannot flirt with your ex girlfriend on the phone, in person, or even online.  EVER.  We don't care if you dated her 20 years ago.  Two decades isn't enough lapsed time for us to be forgiving of your flirty-flirts with your ex.  What would enough time be?  Ask me again in the next millennium.  Bottom line:  your ex is your EX for a reason and you shouldn't want her in your life.  If you still want her in your life then go be with her and stop wasting our time.

2. When your lady asks you a question and the answer is likely to get you in trouble it is safe to assume SHE ALREADY KNOWS THE ANSWER AND YOU'RE ALREADY IN TROUBLE.  Lying won't save you.  Trust me, she knows.  You think there is no way she could ever find out about that night at the strip club two years ago when you got drunk and kissed a stripper---oh, but she did.  She found out.  Yes, it's been two years.  You thought you were Scot free.  *shakes head* Awww. No. She found out, honey. You'll never know how she found out.  She'll never tell you.  The how isn't important.  Now that she knows there's only one way to get out of it:  fess up.  Tell the truth and apologize.  Lay it on thick.  She'll forgive you almost anything.....as long as you grow a pair and own up to your crime.  If you lie to her face about something she already knows then you might as well flush your relationship down the crapper.

3. We know when you think another chick is hot.  You don't hide it well.  If we call you on it then just say something like "Yes, she's attractive.  But your ass is better and I was just thinking that girl is cute but she's not as beautiful as my girlfriend."  We might not buy it, but most of us will roll our eyes and stop bitching. Next time try not to so blatantly check out the waitress's rack. And if you check out ever hot piece of @$$ that walks by, you'll be watching your girlfriend's hot buns walk right out of your life. Also, most of us don't mind (that much) if you look, but if you ever touch (even a hug) be prepared to be punished for it for the next year.

4. Help with the housework and you'll probably get laid on more regular basis.  It's a fact.  Men who help out around the house are more likely to have sex on a regular basis.  I'm serious.  Ask any woman you know.  She'll agree.  When we come home from a long day of work or we've been taking care of the kids all day, and we walk into the kitchen to find you standing there doing the dishes---oh baby, that's hot.

5. When we have PMS don't say "God you must have period" or anything to that affect.  Also, don't assume that we're only flipping out on you because we have our period.   You might have done something stupid.  Blaming your stupidity on our period may result in bodily injury--to your testicles.  Are we more touchy right before our periods?  Yes. You would be too if your stomach felt like a linebacker kicked you in it, you were bloated, and your head hurt.  What can you do to help?  Give us chocolate, wine, and affection. And keep your stupid mouth shut.  Can you handle that for 4 or 5 days?  I thought so.

6. If we willingly went to see "Cowboys and Aliens" (or really any 'guy movie') with you then we expect you to cuddle on the couch while watching  "When Harry Met Sally" without complaint. We might even ask you to take us to see a romantic comedy at the movie theatre.  If we can sit through something as absurd as aliens attacking cowboys in a sci-fi western flick, then you can sit through Kate Hudson's latest girly movie.

7.  If you ask what's wrong and we answer with "nothing" it's probably something, and "fine" is NEVER a good response.  Also "go ahead" really means "If you dare do that I am going to kick you in the balls."  No, this doesn't make sense.  Yes, we need to learn to communicate more directly.  No, we aren't likely to ever be as direct as you want us to be.  Your best bet?  Ask again in an hour and then explain CALMLY that if you don't know what you did then you can't learn from your mistake.  I know this isn't fair.  I try really hard not to be guilty of this communication glitch.  However, even I occasionally fall into the trap of saying "fine" when I'm really thinking "You're full of shit and I don't believe a word you're saying you giant jackass." It's a girl thing.

I'm sure there are plenty more, but these are the basics.  You guys need some help.

Of course, the ladies do stupid stuff too.  Feel free to leave us some tips in the comments ;)

Out on a Limb

"Why not go out on a limb? That's where the fruit is."

-Mark Twain

Mark Twain may have died over a century ago, but some of his words still ring true today.   The above quote is definitely one of my favorites:  "Why not go out on a limb?  That's where the fruit is."  

Why not, indeed?  The limb might seem like a scary place, but the limb isn't what's scary.  It's the climbing.  The climbing the tree, the shimmying out toward the apple--that's the scary part.  The limb, well that's just where all the good stuff happens.  The limb is the place that lets you really feel the wind.  The limb is where excitement, happiness, and fantasy live.  The limb is a good place.  You just have to find the courage to get past the climbing and the shimmying, because that apple on the end is usually worth the effort.

I'll dispense with the metaphor now and move on to real life.  I think love is a limb many people are petrified to climb towards (okay, so I wasn't quite done with the metaphor).  But here's the thing about love:  it's worth going for.  

Don't get me wrong.  Love is scary.  In fact, it's absolutely terrifying.  It's scary because it requires you to willingly give a little piece of yourself to someone else, and that kind of trust doesn't come easy.  It's scary because it can (and often does) lead to pain and tears.  Love hurts.  Always.  Even if just a little.  

But real love, once you find it, is worth the hurt.  Real love overcomes the hurt.  Real love makes your heart grow to bursting and fills you up with so much happiness that you can't imagine ever having been without it.  

So what if you have to kiss a couple frogs to find your prince?  So what if you have to go swimming in some tears before you find the right person to wipe them away?  It's all worth it in the end.  That's why you have to go out on a limb....because it is far better to reach for the apple and find it rotten than to have never reached for it at all.

Indie Author Spotlight: SM Reine

Author:  S.M. Reine

Book:  The Darkest Gate (The Descent Series Book 2)

Indie Publisher:  Red Iris Books

Bio: 

SM Reine is a writer and graphic designer obsessed with werewolves, collecting swords, and the occult. She spins tales of dark fantasy to escape the drudgery of the desert, where she lives with her husband, the Helpful Toddler, and a small army of black animals.

Book Synopsis:

 When Elise Kavanagh retired from demon hunting, she swore it would be permanent. But an attack from a powerful necromancer forced her back into the business, and now she's trying to balance her normal boyfriend and normal job with everything supernatural.

Mr. Black is a demon hunter gone rogue. He's enslaving angels and stealing ethereal artifacts in pursuit of forbidden immortality, and an old grudge drives him to make his final stand in Elise's territory. Destroying her life and killing her friends isn't the goal, but it's a definite perk.

A demonic overlord offers to join against Mr. Black and protect Elise's loved ones. All she needs to do is ally with the demons she's sworn to kill, at the cost of her morals--and maybe her immortal soul. But once she crosses that line, there's no turning back.

Nothing is sacred when Heaven and Hell collide on Earth...

Buy it: S.M. Reine's The Darkest Gate is available for just $4.99 on amazon.com.  Click here to purchase it.

Questions:

1. Why did you decide to publish with an indie press?

Niche publishers are a nice way to group together authors who write books with similar subject matter. If a reader gets through my entire backlist and wants to find something else that's dark and paranormal, all they have to do is check out the Red Iris Books site. There's not much to discover just yet, but there are a couple more authors joining us this year, so it's looking very exciting!

2. What kind of books do you like to read?

I love richly-textured fantasy worlds that take advantage of the genre to tell very personal, very human stories. I also adore the strong heroines of urban fantasy, but I'm not a big fan of characters with spunky agency, so it's tricky finding the good stuff sometimes. Seanan Maguire is great, though, and so is Kit Whitfield. I'm also a big Jacqueline Carey fan.

3. Chocolate or vanilla?

Vanilla! You can dress it up with anything--sprinkles, marshmallow, fruit, cookie dough, brownie chunks, whatever. It doesn't get too overpowering, but it can still be just as exciting as chocolate. ;)

For more info about S.M. Reine you can visit her website or tweet to her @SMReine.

You Should NEVER Say This to a Divorcee:

It is no secret that I am getting a divorce.  Not that it's anyone else's business, but my marriage didn't work in large part because I got married at 20 years old and as we grew up we grew into different people, people who were not compatible.  There are lots of other reasons I'm getting divorced, but those aren't really your business either. 

I am getting tired of "friends"and strangers saying really crappy things to me about my divorce, so I've compiled a list for you.  These are things you should NEVER say to anyone who is getting a divorce, and if you are stupid enough to say them to me after I post them then you should run away very quickly because I promise you, no matter who you are, I'm going to smack you full in the face as you soon as you say it.

Things NOT to say to someone getting a divorce:

1. When I get married I'm going to do it right and I'm only going to do it once.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard this from my unmarried friends.  Here is my response:  You are not married.  You have never been married. I don't care if you are shacking up with your significant other.  You are NOT married.  You have no idea what it means to be legally beholden to another human being (who is not your child). You don't know what it takes to make a marriage work because you are not now nor have you ever been married.

You were not living inside my marriage.  You have no idea what went on behind closed doors.  You have no idea what was "right" or "wrong" with my marriage.  I may be getting a divorce, but that doesn't mean I did something horribly wrong to screw up my marriage.  What it means is I married someone who I am no longer compatible with and I was smart enough to figure that out and leave.  

2. I don't know why you didn't leave sooner. You should have.

No, you don't.  You don't know why I didn't leave and I do not owe you an explanation.  I left when I left. I tried to make it work.  It didn't work.  The point is that I did leave and that's all that matters. You don't get to tell me what I "should" have done or what you would have done because you really don't know.

3. At least you don't have kids.  

So does that mean my divorce is somehow less life changing?  No.  Does it mean filing for divorce was easier for me because I don't have kids?  No. Does it mean I'll never have to see him again?  Probably not.  We'll probably run into each other.  There will still be awkwardness.

4. I don't believe in divorce.

Good for you. Don't get one.  Also, screw you.  I didn't ask for your approval and I don't want it. I don't believe in idiotic remarks, but you're standing here saying that to me so I guess we both just have to deal.

5. I don't think you should date until your divorce is final.

Well then I guess I'll go live in a nunnery for the year or two it'll take me to legally sever a union that I shouldn't have made in the first place just to make you happy.  I guess I should be sitting my a rain streaked window madly pining away for a love that didn't exist and a relationship that wasn't a good one.

6. You should have done more to save your marriage.

Like what?  Jump through flaming hoops of fire like a circus animal?  Oh I know! I should have come to you for counseling even though you aren't a therapist and you're single.

7. Oh my god! What about the cats and the dog?

What about them?  Are you suggesting I should stay married to make my animals happy?  Do you know how crazy you sound?

8. You should be single for a while.  You clearly need time to learn how to have real relationships.

And you should glue your mouth shut because you clearly don't know how to avoid saying stupid shit.  I can assure you my marriage was very real.  That's why it's taking so long to legally end it.  Also, you don't know my mental/emotional state so you can't very well tell me I should be single or be anything else.

I'm sure there are plenty more, but this will do for now.  If you have divorced or soon to be divorced friends please be supportive and try not to be an asshat.

Words Matter (To ME)

"Diction refers to habitual word choices and is a consequence of background." --Writer's Digest

Diction (noun):  The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or language.  

I am a writer.  I write short stories and poems.  I wrote a novel (that I now need to edit).  I am in grad school so I write academic articles and scholarly papers with great frequency.  I write letters.  Yes, real letters, on pretty stationary stuffed into wax-sealed envelopes.  I write all day long.

I also talk a lot. I talk all day.  I talk on the phone. I talk in person.  I talk to the cat. I even talk to myself sometimes.

I like words.  Much of my day is filled with them.  Pretty words. Ugly words.  Carefully chosen words.  Words have power.  I try to be thoughtful with my words and what words I use.  Word choice is called diction. 

I think diction is conscious, but it can also be instinctual.  I get hung up on words--the words other people use to speak to me, the words used to describe me, the words I use to speak to and describe others.  I think words matter, and maybe they matter more to me because so much of who I am is tied up in them. 

I don't want recycled words.  I don't want words once used to describe another woman used to describe me.  I don't want words and phrases uttered previously uttered to me. I don't want it because deep down I'm not sure you can give [recycled] words new meaning.  I'm not convinced words once used for someone else can be filled with new emotion, emotion unique to me.  And I like to be unique.  I like to be different.  So I want different words, better words, more thoughtful words.....

I get hung up on words. 

Diction is habitual, somewhat instinctual.  Involuntary yet voluntary.  You use the same words and phrases the same way you use the same mug for your cup of coffee every morning.  It's comforting, the familiarity we have with certain words and phrases.  But does that comfort, that habit, over ride the need for new words, better words, more meaningful words?  I'm not sure it does.  What do you think?

Simple Mother's Day Hand Print Craft

I don't have any pictures for this craft, but it's easy enough so you should be able to follow the directions without a problem.

What You'll Need: 
--Finger paint
--Heavy duty poster board or a paper plate
--construction paper
--scissors
--glue

Alternate Options If You're Missing Any of the Above:
--in lieu of finger paint:  Washable markers or crayons
--construction paper or computer paper will work if you don't have poster board/paper plates
--You can skip the steps requiring glue and scissors if you have neither

Instructions:

1.  Cut out a construction paper heart large enough to fit your little one's hand print inside
2. Glue the heart to the center of your poster board, paper plate, or whatever kind of paper you're using.
    Alternate:  If you do not have glue or scissors, draw a heart in the middle using a marker or pen.
3. Have your tot spread their fingers and dip their hand in finger paint.  Help them press their hand print firmly into the middle of the heart.
     Alternate:  Trace their hand in the center of the heart using your markers or crayons.
4. Help them write their name and (of if they're too small do it for them) under their heart.

Something Extra:
Pick out one of the following hand print poems and write it or print it out and glue it somewhere on your paper or on the back of your paper plate:

Option 1:

My dirty little fingerprints
I've left on every wall,
And on the drawers and table tops,
I've really marked them all.
But here is one that won't rub off,
I'm giving it to you,
Because I'm thankful for a mommy just like you!

Option 2:

This is the hand
You used to hold
When I was only
__ years old.

Option 3:

These little hands can wave Hello
Or put smudges on the wall
They can fold in prayer, throw a kiss
Or reach up so very tall
They'll clasp your hand for a little stroll
Or shape a ball from clay
But most of all, they'll stay with you
When I'm grown up and far away

For Shame North Carolina!

Amendment One passed.  Rampant homophobia is now a part of our state's constitution.  I am sickened and horrified.  I am truly heartbroken for the unmarried couples, both gay and straight, that this legislation will most harshly impact.  I am, for the first time in my entire life, ashamed of my state. 

The voting public basically just told an entire group of people that this state thinks they're second class citizens.  That's shameful.  We should be moving forward, not backward.  This amendment quashes civil liberties.  Before long we won't have any freedoms left--unless "we" happen to be white heterosexual men. 

When the domestic violence cases begin getting thrown out of courts because attorneys utilize the new legal definition of "domestic" to get women-beaters off the hook I hope every single person who voted yes will realize that result is on their heads.  When insurance companies start dropping coverage for people who need insurance, I hope those who voted yes again realize that's on their heads. 

Mostly, however, I hope this amendment will be repealed.  I hope it will be taken off the books and out of our constitution.  I hope it doesn't take as long for our state to realize the negative legal ramifications of this legislation as it took Ohio.

To all of the unmarried couples, gay and straight, here's to you.  I am a North Carolinian and I love you.  I respect you.  I honor your difference and your sexuality. 

Ridiculous Things I Don't Need BUT I WANT

There are plenty of things I really want that I don't really need.  In fact, some of the things I REALLY WANT are absolutely absurd and serve no purpose other than fulfilling the ridiculous desire I have to own them.  I'm sure you have a few these wants too.  Feel free to share them ;)  Here are some of mine:

1.   I want this >
It's a bookshelf chair thing.  I'm pretty sure it's crazy expensive.  It's so expensive that I don't even know where you'd buy it.  But I happen to think it's just about the best thing I've ever seen in my whole life.  It's a bookshelf chair thing you can lie down inside.  How freaking awesome is that?  #amazed

2. I want these Stacy Claire Boyd notecards with my name on them.  They're $1.08 each.  I have no idea what I would use them for.  I just think they're pretty....and so I want them.  I'm sure I could find someone to write to.  Did I mention they're pretty?





Okay now the next grouping of items are things I call "Crazy Biological Clock Desires."  These are items I really want for a baby I DO NOT HAVE.  I have no children.  I am NOT pregnant.  I do not even intend to get pregnant any time soon.  However, that doesn't stop my crazy brain from seeing certain baby items and going "OHMYGAWD! I WANT THAT!"  So here are the crazy baby things I want for a baby I do not now (and possibly never will) have.

3. This is a $200 Expedition baby jogger, currently on sale at Target for $99.  I am an avid runner.  I love running.  I know if I ever have a baby I will want a baby jogger.  Baby joggers are crazy expensive items.  No one will buy it for me.  You have no idea how many times I've had to talk my crazy self out of purchasing this today alone.  I've spent the last two weeks telling myself repeatedly that I really don't need this baby jogger as I do not have a baby, am not pregnant, and am not likely to decide to have a baby anytime soon.  However, every time I go to Target and see the $99 sticker I think ohmygawd that's such an amazing price I really should buy it because oh you know I'd use it and it's the best thing EVER!

4. This monogrammed baby bubble is available on Etsy for the ridiculous price of $59.  I could probably make it myself.  In fact, I walked into Mary Jo's Cloth Store last week and it took me half an hour to talk myself out of buying the pattern for this adorable baby outfit.  But it's sooooo cute!  But I don't have a baby.  I don't even know a baby tiny enough to be cute in this.  But I really want to make one.  I know I could do it.  I like to sew.  But after I made it I know I wouldn't want to give it to anyone.  I would want it for the imaginary baby that I do not have and do not plan to have any time soon....because I am clearly INSANE. 

5. I LOVE owls.  I have a thing for owls (and elephants....and cats....but especially owls).  I think this is quite possibly the most adorable, cutest, BEST baby hat I have ever seen in my entire life.  It's also on Etsy for $34.88.  I'm in love with it.  I want it.  I really, really, really, really, want it.  NOW.  I want it.  You know, for that imaginary infant that I do not now and likely never will have.




I could totally keep going with the baby stuff, but I'm afraid if I do then you're all going to decide that I am delusional as well as bonkers.  So I'll move on to crazy expensive stuff I want with no justification whatsoever:

6. This antique 2.5 carat diamond ring is available for just $34,000 via Baldwins Antique Jewelery.  Not only could I never afford such an extravagant piece of jewelery, even if I could I would never be able to stomach something so frivolous.  That said, this ring is sooooo flippin' beautiful.  Wouldn't it look pretty on my hand?  Of course it would.  It's gorgeous.

  7. This signed copy of Peter Pan is $5000.00.  I'm not going to lie, if I had an extra five grand laying around this sucker would totally be mine!  I love Peter Pan. I love J.M. Barrie.  I love this story.  I want this. I want it NOW.  I think it's amazing.  I'd love to have a signed copy of this book.  There is absolutely no reason to spend this kind of money on a signed children's story, and yet.....if I had the money to waste, I'd waste it. 

8. The Fossil Maddox drawstring handbag is $188.  I really like it.  I don't know why. I can't justify it.  But I think it's freakin' awesome, and I want it. 'Nuff said!

9. I want an antique secretary's desk like the one to the left.  I think they're beautiful.  Every single time I see one it literally takes my breath away and I think ohhh how I wish I could have one of those!  Some girls go gaga over jewelry.  I'd rather have this desk than that $34000 ring I posted above.  These antique desks are hard to find, and cheaper ones  usually run about $4000.00.  *sigh*

10. I WANT a vintage typewriter!  I really, really, really, really, really want one.  In fact, I think I NEED one.  Yep.  I need it.  I really do.  I have no idea where you'd even buy one or how much it would cost.  I'm pretty sure they're expensive.





Okay, so what ridiculous things do you want? Feel free to share!

Some Good News

As I sit here drowning in paper work and struggling to complete this final semester of graduate school before my thesis credits next semester, I have been given new motivation to finish these assignments with gusto. 

I just received email confirmation that I have been admitted into a highly competitive Ed.D program for Adult and Community College Education.  I am ecstatic. 

Unfortunately, I don't have time to be ecstatic....or to write more than this.....because I have 4 papers due in 6 days time and I intend to finish at least 2 of them today.  Bye for now!