Magical Musings

The holidays are over, the pressies are all unwrapped, the kids are FINALLY back in school and you’re actually at the point of contemplating taking down the holiday decorations and putting them away for another year.

Let’s sing the blues.

All the preparation, all that anticipation … all for a couple of short weeks of holiday celebration. Whether you’re Christian, Muslim, Jewish … whatever, we all have our special holiday this time of year and I hope you had a good one. Because now we have a new year. I hope the post-holidays aren’t a letdown for you, because this is a new year of hope, a new year of promise. A new year to start over and to start fresh.

I want to share a little ritual that I start the new year with. Just began this habit a couple of years ago as a matter of fact. When I wake on the first day of the new year I take a long, hot shower. As hot as I can stand it and as long as I’m able. What I’m doing is washing away all the bad stuff from the previous year. I’m starting new and fresh. I mentally go over things that went bad during the year and wash them from my mind. No, I don’t forget them … but I let them go. 2008 is over, it can’t hurt or bother me anymore.

I decided that 2009 is gonna be my year. I try to avoid making new year’s resolutions because I inevitably break them. So I try to make “New Year Suggestions” to myself.

1. I want to be healthy.
2. I’m going to sell a couple of books I’ve written and am sitting on.
3. I’m going to find an agent.
4. I’m going to try to be a little more careful financially.
5. I want to lose a couple of pounds (no surprise there)

How ‘bout you? Any “Suggestions” you want to share or rituals that you begin a new year with? C’mon … share.

We are thrilled to welcome back Justin Knupp of Stonecreek Media as a guest here at Magical Musings this coming Thursday. Justin is a really extraordinary talent when it comes to web design, and here’s why . . .

President and Chief Design Guru of Stonecreek Media, Justin has more than 10 years experience in the information technology industry.

His educational background is in photojournalism which allowed him to develop an eye for graphic and artistic detail. He has several years of layout and design experience and has been responsible for creating attractive page designs and graphic presentations for an award-winning, major U.S. metropolitan newspaper.

In 1999 he became the Manager of Information Technology at a non-profit company in the Kansas City area. He implemented large-scale networks and directed web development projects there until 2005 when he formed Stonecreek Media, a company specializing in developing interactive media, online presence and identity for artists, authors and businesses.

In addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Communications, Justin has an MBA with a specialization in Information Technology Management.

He claims that his addiction to typography and media stem from growing up in his parents’ newspaper office.

Graceling is a book that simply leapt off the shelves into my hands. I was standing in the queue with some books and the cover caught my eye. I promptly left the queue and went to get it, and I did not regret my decision at all.

Graceling is a YA fantasy which has it all. Adventure, action, a thriller-like plot and a romance. Katsa, the heroine, is one of the Graced, born, like all Gracelings, with eyes that are a different colour to each other. The niece of one of the kings in the Seven Kingdoms, she has a place at court, but her Grace only becomes known at the age of eight, when she kills her first man with her bare hands.

The Grace of Killing is a rare one, and a heavy burden for Katsa to bear, but her uncle, the King, does not scruple to use it to his advantage. In Katsa he has an assassin and enforcer all rolled into one. And while Gracelings are generally avoided by the common folk, Katsa is even more feared than most. Fortunately, a few people looked at the eight year old, and saw the horror on her face at killing the cousin trying to grope her. And despite her gift, and her relentless efforts to bring it under her control through hour after hour of training, as Katsa grows to womanhood, she surrounds herself with trustworthy friends.

Together, although at Katsa’s initiation, they set up the Council, a way to use the intellegence her friend Oll, her uncle’s spymaster, gathers but which does not directly relate to their own kingdom. Oll, Giddon, an underlord at her father’s court, Prince Raffin, her cousin and the future King, and others, decide which missions of mercy to undertake, but Katsa, with her amazing speed, endurance and killing and fighting skills, is usually the one to carry them out.

It is on one such mission, to rescue the kidnapped father of King Ror, the ruler of the Kingdom of Liend, that Katsa encounters a Graceling in the pitch dark who is able to give her the best fight of her life. But who is this Graceling, and why does he decide to let her pass? And why was the father of the King of Liend kidnapped anyway?

Katsa encounters her mysterious Graceling challenger again, and soon they team up to discover the reason behind a seemingly senseless act, little knowing their curiosity will bring down a kingdom, create a new one, and change their lives forever. For Katsa has always thought her Grace was of Killing. But she soon discovers it is much, much more than that.

Superbly written, page-turningly good. I can highly recommend it.

I love a new year! It’s like an ocean erasing footprints, or a desert wind smoothing the sand leaving a newness behind. I wasn’t sure I was going to actually list a goal this year. The ones I’ve made in the past are usually soon forgotten, and that’s okay. I mean, how can you really target a year?

For me, I have life wishes, gift wishes, and sometimes an unexpected wish will catch my eye. When I read everyone’s blog this week, they were all fantastic, I decided where my sails would head. And surprisingly the direction is no stranger to me. I’m going to stand in the moments this year, and embrace them. I discover joy in my life daily whether it’s a writing moment, or any number of daily occurences with my family and friends. I’m thankful for my good health, and that of my family. Gratitude is important, I believe.

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “Nothing great has ever been achieved without enthusiasm,” is a perfect 2009 banner I believe. Enthusiasm to me is an attitude, a special ingredient to give your writing projects and personal life wings and the best thing is it’s infectious. All of us are on a personal journey, and I find that fascinating. For many years now, I’ve been enjoying mine. This week I’m going to drum up some of that Waldo-magic to clean my office, and get ready for a grand year!

On a note, I read a lovely quote by the science fiction writer, Theodore Sturgeon today. If you ever wonder what genre to write, what message you may want to share with the world his words carry a truth. “It doesn’t matter what you write, what you believe will show through.”

I like that a lot. Any thoughts on the New Year, or musings of a writer?

My favorite Dr. Seuss book is OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!.  Since this is the start of a new year, I thought it would be fitting to intersperse some of the verses in today’s blog.  None of us are standing still. Some of us get to the places faster, and some of us stumble — and then we get up again and keep on going to those marvelous places.  As Dr. Seuss says:

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

We know publishing is hard now, but it’s always been hard.  Six years ago I joined a critique group with seven other writers.  Since then, six of us sold: Allison Brennan, Amy Knupp, Karin Tabke, Sharon Long (aka Maya Banks), Liz Kreger and Jan Kenny. 

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

Liz Kreger, Michelle Diener and I started the Magical Musings blog three years and three months ago.  We made friends with other writers.  Since then, quite a few have sold, including Cynthia Eden, Elisabeth Haughton, Marcia Colette, LaDonna Paulette, Jennifer Estep, Jody Wallace, Tracey O’Hara, Keri Arthur, Carol Ericson and Melissa Lopez. 

And when things start to happen,
don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Just go right along.
You’ll start happening too.

I joined Amy Atwell’s first GIAM group a few years ago.  From that group, Elizabeth Hoyt sold under that name and the Julia Harper name.  Also Anna Louise Lucia and Therese Walsh.  Other members have agents and I expect to hear news of more sales soon.   

You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

Other writers who’ve sold since I’ve known them are Nancy Haddock, Laura Idings, Lori Devoti and Carrie Lofty.  I know there are more, but that’s all I can think of right now.  Many friends have sold to e-pubs, but if I listed them all, this blog would look like a page from the phone book. 

On and on you will hike
and I know you’ll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

I’m celebrating for all my friends.  Every success shows there is room for more.  These writers have led the way for me and other unpubbed writers. And if you’re already published, there’s a space for you on the bestseller lists.

You’ll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

For those of you who aren’t published yet, this is a new year and I hope it’s YOUR year.  (And mine!)  So hang in there, because as Dr. Seuss says:

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3 / 4 percent guaranteed.)

What names would you like to add to my lists? Who has sold since you first knew them? 

First off, apologies for this late blog. My internet connection went down 17 hours ago, while I was writing this blog, and only just came up. It is already 2009 for me, now, but you all have a couple of hours left to go.

What else could I write about on Old Year’s Eve? Through the years I’ve had great plans each new year. When I was thirty, I took a long holiday and realized that I hadn’t done anything about achieving my plans, I was just thinking about them. Action was required to actually get what I wanted, and I started working towards my goals more actively.

And through the last couple of years, I’ve learned a few things about setting goals, as well. Here’s the thing, you can only set goals and take action on things you can control. Write a book? I can do that. It is only up to me and how much time I can afford to give it. Improve my craft? Same story. There are certain things in this business you cannot control though, and it is wise to learn what they are, and lay the groundwork for success, without placing any expectation on actually meeting with success. Because if you don’t have control over the process, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Write the good book. Do the industry research. Wrestle that crocodile . . . er . . . synopsis into submission. Market your work wisely with the time and funds you have available. Do what you have to do. And believe that you will succeed if you persist.

I’m dreaming pretty big this year, for me and my friends. I wish you all a prosperous, successful and productive 2009. And thank you all for making this blog the success that it is.

Anyone with goals for 2009 they’d like to share?

I hope everyone’s holiday has been great. It’s always exciting when a friend does good, and Elisabeth Naughton has done fabulous. You can read how it came about below. So a warm and magical welcome to Elisabeth.

**Dec. 31 addition: Congratulations, Hayley E. Lavik!  You’ve won a copy of STOLEN FURY!**

The Birth of A Book

Thanks so much to the girls at Magical Musings for having me as a guest today. I’ve been reading this blog for years, and I have to tell you…it’s a real thrill to be asked to participate.

For those of you who didn’t hear me screaming from the rooftops this morning (and how could you miss it???), my debut romantic suspense, STOLEN FURY, releases today from Love Spell. Take one smart and sassy archaeologist, pair her up with a swindling, sexy, bad boy thief, send them on a run-for-their-lives search for three ancient and valuable Greek relics and watch the sparks fly. The book is being compared to both Romancing The Stone and Indiana Jones (which couldn’t thrill me more), and Publisher’s Weekly recently called it a “Rock solid debut.”

Pretty cool for a debut author. But you want to know a little secret? I never intended to write this book.

Years ago, when I was toiling as an unpublished writer, I wrote a book about two underwater archaeologists looking for a lost Aztec statue. The heroine in STOLEN FURY, Lisa Maxwell, was a secondary character in that unpublished novel. From the moment Lisa came onto the page, she was a force to be reckoned with. Smart-mouthed, quick-witted, opinionated and stubborn beyond belief. I’ll never forget one conversation between her and the heroine of that book, in which Lisa simply tossed out the words, “I don’t believe in love.” It was done so casually, it was as if she were saying she didn’t like green beans or brussel sprouts or…Swiss cheese. And yet, it stuck with me.

Fast forward a couple of years. I’d just finished a pretty dark RS and was in serious need of light and fun and sexy. I knew I was at a crossroads. What was selling in RS then? Dark and twisted serial killer stuff. And while I’d just finished a book like that, I knew deep down inside that wasn’t the kind of book I wanted to be writing for the long haul. Enter Lisa. Out of the blue. And her memorable line, “I don’t believe in love.”

She was not a heroine I wanted to tackle. She was 38. Single. Never been married. She was way too snarky and someone I knew I’d never be able to handle. And her story wasn’t the kind of story that was selling. But, to her credit, she was just pushy enough to wedge herself into my brain so I couldn’t write anything else. And so a book was born.

STOLEN FURY was the result. When I finished it, I knew I had something special. Something different. Something I could see myself writing again and again. Friends have since asked me what it was about this book that garnered me a GH final in 2007, an agent, and finally a sale, and the only answer I have is that I think I finally found my niche. I found the kind of story that fits my voice and keeps me excited about writing. And I know for a fact I will never say “I won’t write so-and-so’s story,” again. Because sometimes those are the best stories a writer can pen.

Is there anything you’ve told yourself you will NEVER do? Be it a story to write or a sport to play or even….a plane to jump out of? And if there is, have you ever given it a shot? I’d love to hear your results. Distract me from the excitement (stress!!) of release day and share your stories! One lucky commenter will receive an autographed copy of STOLEN FURY in a random drawing!

***

Oh…and before I forget…In honor of STOLEN FURY’s release, I’m running a FUN, interactive contest on my website. Are you searching for Fortune & Glory? (And who isn’t in this economy?) Simply go to www.elisabethnaughton.com/fortune.html to enter and play. Embark on your very own quest, partner up with a sexy treasure hunting guide and enter to win a $100 VISA gift card!

Its time to revisit the E-Book piracy issue. Going by the sites popping up every where, this is an on-going problem and its on the increase. I’ve been lucky. Neither of my books have appeared on the sites that I’ve checked out … so far. Will it happen in the future? Maybe. I’m hoping it won’t because I cannot afford to lose any sales that these pirates might cause.

I’ve joined a loop (another one … like I really need to be in another loop) called “AuthorsAgainstE-BookTheft”. This is a group of writers who are trying to get together and try to find a solution to this problem. It seems like every time a pirate site is discovered and shut down, another will spring up. Problem is, many of these sites are overseas, so its difficult to (1) pinpoint their location; and (2) find a way to shut them down. We can try to involve the FBI but I’m afraid that e-book theft is considered small potatoes in their eyes. They have bigger issues to address.

There is talk about educating some of the people who subscribe to these pirate sites. Many of the readers may not be aware of the fact that its illegal to download the ebooks they find at these sites. Possibly. There will always be those who are well aware that what they’re doing is wrong, but doesn’t care. They feel its their right because “authors make loads of money and won’t miss a few dollars.” Excuse me, but most authors I know must work a day job in order to make ends meet. Not everyone is fortunate enough to make enough money at their writing to do it full time. These illegal downloads are no different from someone walking into a bookstore and taking a paperback book off the shelf and leaving without paying for it. Its theft … plain and simple.

So, if you know of any of these sites, I’d appreciate you letting me know about them.

We’ve had awesome guest bloggers all 2008, and what a great way to end the year with 2007 Golden Heart Finalist Elisabeth Naughton on Tuesday, Dec. 30, the release day of her debut book Stolen Fury. We’ve been friends with Elisabeth before she sold, and are thrilled that she’s getting great reviews, including Publishers Weekly, which says:

“In Naughton’s rock-solid debut, the first of a trilogy, a duo searching for three magnificent basreliefs of the Greek Furies find romance and danger as well.”

And take a few minutes to play her cool Fame and Fortune game. You can search for a fortune and have a personalized adventure with a hot treasure-hunter guide just by clicking enter below.

The best gifts are unexpected…

The Christmas Pearl is a delightful Christmas tale. Dorothea Benton Frank is a powerhouse in the southern fiction realm. I just love her originality and storytelling ability. In this particular book, the matriarch of a South Carolina family manages to get her family together for the holidays–she calls them knuckleheads–and thus begins this magical tale. Sprinkle a little Gullah magic, an unexpected guest, and her unruly clan is taken on an adventure of their lives.

The main character, Theodora, is a spunky ninety-three year old woman who remembers her childhood fondly; and it’s nothing like the current generation and their idea of celebrating the holidays. She adored her grandma’s housekeeper, Pearl, and the way she kept the family running smoothly. Now in the remembering, she imagines there are many ways she might have failed her own little family.

I had to smile, thinking of all the nuts and bolts that make up a family. The secrets that move beneath everyday life, and how it can bring the worst out of those who’ve lost their way. I’d tell you a few of those secrets, and the magic inside The Christmas Pearl, but I’ll leave that for you to discover. If you love fireside chats, generational memories, and good ol’ southern storytelling you’ll adore this book!