IWSG: Home Flipping, Taking a Plunge, and Putting Yourself Out There

 Well, hello, it's that time again. Time for another installment of the Insecure Writer's Support Group. 

Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, this group serves as a place for writers to come together once a month, on the first Wednesday, to discuss our insecurities and lend support to others. Anyone can participate. Just click on Alex's name above and put your blog on the linky, then be sure to visit some of your fellow IWSG'ers.

This month's co-hosts are  Pat Garcia, Sylvia Ney, Liesbet @ Roaming About Cathrina Constantine, and Natalie Aguirre!

The optional question is: Are there months or times of the year that you are more productive with your writing than other months, and why?

I'm probably more productive during the winter because I'm trapped in the house. Then again, that was true when my kids were actually leaving the house to attend school. Now my day-time schedule revolves a lot more around when they're online for school. And, of course, right now there's hardly any writing getting done because I'm in classes.

My insecurities this month have to do with how much I'm putting myself out there. Having premiered a new podcast last month and put out my first collection that had ALL new stories, rather than previously published ones, it's been a different and sometimes nerve-wracking experience. But all good, so far.

Speaking of new releases, two of my friends have put out new books!

First up, K.A. Olgren has a cozy mystery full of snark about house flippers. I asked her to do a Top Ten Reasons you Might be a House Flipper:

Top Ten Reasons Why You Might Be A House Flipper

1.     If you spend hours scouring the internet for home design trends and you’ve received a sizeable inheritance or enjoy working with people whose job title is “hard money lender”, pressure is your middle name and stress is your last, you might be a house flipper.

2.     If you like crawling through crawl spaces and attics hoping not to find structural flaws, strange items, and/or bodies (animal or otherwise), you might be a house flipper.

3.     If you want a chance to be wealthy, like to work with your hands, and don’t mind ending up broke because you just discovered the sewer line has disintegrated and is nonexistent one foot from the main, you might be a house flipper.

4.     If the thought of chasing squirrels out the attic with a boom box turned up as loud as it can go makes you giddy, house flipping might be for you.

5.     If buying a new six-foot vanity because the faucet you installed had a factory defect and blew up overnight, flooding the bathroom and the garage you just finished drywalling, you might be a house flipper.

6.     If the idea of spending hours hitting every home improvement store in town to find one clearance bin kitchen cabinet knob because you miscounted sounds like a blast, you might be a house flipper.

7.     If you find listening to the neighbors’ horrific tales of the former occupant and her twenty-seven cats who were found feasting on her deceased body thereby cursing her to be a ghost haunting the house you just bought thrills you, you may need psychiatric help; and you might be a house flipper.

8.     If slowly driving around neighborhoods like a stalker, looking for dilapidated houses with newspapers and flyers piled up in the driveway is your idea of a leisurely Sunday drive, you might be a house flipper.

9.     If you enjoy ruminating over the mechanics of why the water draining from the tub came up through and overflowed the kitchen sink, or why the dishwasher only works when you flip the switch on for that cute little lamp post at the end of the driveway, you might be a house flipper.

10. If you enjoy jumping through hoops for realtors, inspectors, title companies, money lenders, partners, contractors, and banks, to finally sell the money pit you just spent four months fixing up, congratulations! You are a house flipper. You are stout of heart, questionable in sanity, mostly fit of body, and driven in spirit.

Time to find another house!

You can get the Kindle version of "Flipped: A Jillian McElroy Flipping Mystery" by clicking on the title.

The next one is Liesbet Collaert's long-awaited release:

Tropical waters turn tumultuous in this travel memoir as a free-spirited woman jumps headfirst into a sailing adventure with a new man and his two dogs.

Join Liesbet as she faces a decision that sends her into a whirlwind of love, loss, and living in the moment. When she swaps life as she knows it for an uncertain future on a sailboat, she succumbs to seasickness and a growing desire to be alone.

Guided by impulsiveness and the joys of an alternative lifestyle, she must navigate personal storms, trouble with US immigration, adverse weather conditions, and doubts about her newfound love.

Does Liesbet find happiness? Will the dogs outlast the man? Or is this just another reality check on a dream to live at sea?

 To purchase "Plunge: One Woman's Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary," click on the title, which will take you to the global link. You can get it in paperback and e-book.

If you didn't see my last post, I now have a weekly podcast about true crime, unsolved mysteries, cryptids, the paranormal, and more, called Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem. New episodes every Wednesday on your favorite podcast platforms! Today's release is about an area in North Carolina called The Devil's Tramping Ground and the cryptids of Maryland. Click HERE to find the episode listings on our website. If you have a story about one of these topics to share concerning a personal experience or one a family member or friend has experienced, we'd love it if you'd email us so we can read it on the podcast. You can find our email on the website or fill out the form on the main page, which will notify us automatically.

Also, don't miss my new holiday horror collection. These are NOT all Christmas stories. They include holidays from Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day. Available in e-book and paperback. Click HERE to purchase. (After some negative opinions about holiday horror, I would appreciate if you refrain from posting similar on my page, thank you.)

Now it's time for my submissions to keep myself accountable. Bearing in mind that I'm in the middle of taking college classes, was starting a podcast and learning how to edit it, and had a book to get out, here are my submissions stats for November:

13 submissions

7 rejections

1 withdrawn

0 acceptances

I was supposed to have a short story come out in an October publication, but one month later, that edition hasn't come out and I've yet to hear a word about it. I've also noticed an increase in markets not bothering with sending rejections, and I'm struggling to continue submitting versus just putting out my own books in light of this. The only thing keeping me from that right now, is that I love the experience of working with editors and meeting other writers who are in the same magazines and books. We'll see. I'm feeling significantly discouraged.

School is going well. I've finished 8 credits since I started. I'm trying to speed it up now.

I hope you have a pleasant December. See you again in 2020!

What are your insecurities? Have you been submitting? Have you found the same thing I have with fewer people sending rejections? Are you hanging in there through the pandemic? Interested in any of the new books? Have you tried out the podcast yet?

May you find your Muse.

*Image: Blue Swoosh - OCAL - clker.com 

Podcast News!

Hi there!

First, I want to thank everyone who helped in spreading the word about my new release! Whether it was blog friends helping me by allowing me by featuring it on their blogs or friends who shared it on their social media, I appreciate every bit of help!

Second, remember all those months ago when I mentioned putting together a podcast? Well, it's out and about in the world, and I realized I hadn't shared it here on my blog!

My co-host, MB Partlow, and I have released our third episode as of today! Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem is about true crime, the paranormal, cryptids, and other freaky things. You can listen via most podcasting services (some take longer for processing), with a new episode every week on Wednesday mornings.

So far, we've talked about the Gator and Reptile Farm in Mosca, CO; the murder of Heather Dawn Church; the ghosts of Riverside in Thornton; a set of historical axe murders in Colorado Springs; the serial killer who came after my mom when I was in the car with her (yes, I'm finally releasing his name, and I explain why on the podcast); and an entire town that looked the other way over a murder in New York.

If you don't have a go-to service for your podcasts, you can also listen to it directly on our website.

Podcast Website

Podcast Facebook Page

I hope you'll listen and let me know what you think! We post some pictures and links about the episodes on the Facebook page, and our new episodes appear on our website by about 2 AM on Wednesday mornings (7 AM on our Facebook page), all Mountain Time.

And for those who haven't seen it yet, you can find my new release at the below links! Despite the book cover, these are NOT just Christmas horror stories. There are two of those, but the others cover holidays between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day, including Hanukkah, New Year's, and Groundhog Day, and more!

Amazon Paperback (US--links for other countries are available on my Publications tab)

Universal Link (this will take you to a page that lets you choose which e-book retailer you get it from)

Finally, our local library district puts on an event each year called Mountain of Authors. Sadly, this year they had to move it online due to COVID, but they still had us do something called a Book Buzz, where we recorded a couple minutes of why people should buy our book. Not being a natural salesperson, it was nerve-wracking to do, but I appreciate the opportunity. I'm embedding the link here so you can see what a dork I am.

It's a funny life for someone who has long tried to stay out of the limelight. I have some readings I'll be posting eventually, too! One humiliation at a time. 

Thank you for stopping by!

Do you listen to podcasts? What are your favorites? Where do you listen to them? Would you be able to talk for a minimum number of minutes about your new release? 

May you find your Muse.

Happy Ghoulidays Release Day!

Today's release day!

The holidays can be a stressful time, as we all know, but I'm hoping to lighten up this winter season with a little holiday horror.

Maybe "lighten up" isn't the right term.

The first story begins the winter holidays with Thanksgiving, with stories representing Christmas, Hanukah, Hogmanay (the New Year), Yule, Groundhog Day, and, finally, Valentine's Day. From serious horror to tongue-in-cheek. Read them all at once or save them for their holidays. Or both! 

Just in time for Thanksgiving week. I'll add purchase links as they come available.

Family time can lead to murder and mayhem, especially during the holidays. A turkey with a tale to tell, elves under attack, sorority sisters putting on a killer party, a woman's desperation to save her family, and a stranger ringing in the New Year. These and other tales of woe await you beneath the mistletoe.

Be careful who you offer a kiss. It may be your last.

Universal Link for e-book Editions: Books2Read

A fan of all things fantastical and frightening, Shannon Lawrence writes in her dungeon when her minions allow, often accompanied by her familiars. She writes primarily horror and fantasy. Her stories can be found in several anthologies and magazines, and her collections, Blue Sludge Blues & Other Abominations and Bruised Souls & Other Torments, are available in stores. You can also find her as a co-host of the podcast “Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem.” When she's not writing, she's hiking through the wilds of Colorado and photographing her magnificent surroundings. Though she often misses the Oregon coast, the majestic and rugged Rockies are a sight she could never part with. Besides, in Colorado there's always a place to hide a body or birth a monster. What more could she ask for? 

Find her:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | Instagram

Happy Ghoulidays Book Launch Details

My book launch gets started tomorrow!

Here's the schedule of those who have signed up to help get the word out, so far. I'm still taking sign-ups through the launch on November 20, so the form will be below. You can sign up for any day between now and the 20th.

I'll be adding the active links to each post once they go live.

Thank you to those who have signed up to help get the word out about Happy Ghoulidays! Different blogs will be sharing different things, including Top Ten Christmas Horror Movies, Holiday Horror Films for the Family, Weird Holiday Traditions in the Family, and Favorite Cold Weather Holidays.

Monday, November 9

C. Lee McKenzie - Author

Friday, November 13

Patricia Josephine & Patricia Lynne

Sunday, November 15

Joylene Nowell Butler - Suspense & Mystery Author

Monday, November 16

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Jemi Fraser - Just Jemi

Nick Wilford - Speculative Author

Tuesday, November 17

Marcy S. Hatch - Maine Words

Wednesday, November 18

C.D. Gallant-King - Stories I Found in the Closet

Thursday, November 19

Diane Burton - Adventure and Romance...In This World and Beyond

Social Media/Mailing Lists

S.A. Larsen - Middle Grade & Young Adult Fiction

Natalie Aguirre - Literary Rambles

Family time can lead to murder and mayhem, especially during the holidays. A turkey with a tale to tell, elves under attack, sorority sisters putting on a killer party, a woman's desperation to save her family, and a stranger ringing in the New Year. These and other tales of woe await you beneath the mistletoe.

Be careful who you offer a kiss. It may be your last.

Pre-order Link: Amazon Kindle 

(Paperback and other links will be available on November 20)

IWSG - Chasing my Tail

Here we come upon November, meaning my favorite season is almost done. Of course, here in Colorado fall is pretty short, so it won't last until the Solstice.

It being the first Wednesday, it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the IWSG allows us to post about our worries and insecurities, so we can share support and empathy. All are welcome to join. Just click on Alex's name and sign up, then post the first Wednesday of each month. Also, be sure to visit some of your fellow IWSGers, including the co-hosts: 

Jemi Fraser, Kim Lajevardi, L.G Keltner, Tyrean Martinson, and Rachna Chhabria!

Quick note: I'm currently in New Orleans playing outdoor tourist, so will be visiting everyone this weekend when I get home.

Second note: Before you leave, please consider signing up to help with my book launch! The form will be at the bottom of this post.

The optional question for this month: Albert Camus once said, "The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself." Flannery O'Conner said, "I write to discover what I know." Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

The first thing that comes to mind is the trite "I write because I have no choice." The thing is, in my low moments, I often consider quitting, but then I realize I don't know what that looks like. I started writing because I was drawn to it. I didn't just up and decide to do it. I needed an outlet for the stories in my head. On the other hand, a second reason could be that I write to fight the monsters, and not just the ones in my head. 

I took this week off from my college classes (the schedule and pace are self-set) to get my upcoming release ready, which is stressing me out like crazy. But I needed this time. What I'll probably do is set aside all writing stuff when I get back from New Orleans, so I can buckle down and finish my third class. Then I'll go back to my new schedule as normal, where I split my time between the two a bit better. I'm already planning a second volume of holiday stories to follow this one, with holidays starting at Easter and going through Halloween. The stories in Happy Ghoulidays (Volume 1) go from Thanksgiving to Valentine's/Lupercalia.

And, hey, you know the podcast I've been talking about for MONTHS? It's finally happening. We have four episodes recorded, with more to come, and we'll be premiering on November 11 (assuming I get everything uploaded and setup in the right places.) Let's just say I've been learning A LOT lately, between school and starting up a podcast. But what's the point if we don't keep learning, right?

(Isn't the logo cute? A graphic artist friend of ours created it for us.) You can check out our website and our Facebook page. Our first two episodes focus on Colorado crimes and ghost stories.

Time for my monthly check-in. It's not great. I've got a bunch of stories needing editing and submission, plus stories that have been rejected that I still need to turn around. They've been set on the back burner this month. But I'm not going to skip my accountability post.

October stats:

1 submitted

3 rejected (2 after being shortlisted)

0 acceptances

6 currently on submission

15 currently pending re-submission (eeek)

I think I will be setting myself a weekend free from my classes as soon as I finish my next course, dedicated to getting stories out on submission. It takes a considerable amount of time searching out publications and finding the right ones for stories, so that tends to be the first thing I drop when I get busy.

Okay, onto the Happy Ghoulidays launch! I'm asking people to post between November 9 and November 20, which is the date of the book release AND my birthday! But the reason I'm releasing it that day is because of its proximity to Thanksgiving. Because I've been having issues with the form not reporting everyone who has signed up, please leave a comment if you signed up so I know to send you at least the basic materials even if you don't show up on the form. (Google forms have always worked for me before, but I've had constant issues this time, for some reason.)

I will be doing an online launch, as well as a late "trunk or treat" book signing in various parts of Colorado Springs and Denver. Thank you in advance for helping me out! And please know that I'm always happy to help with launches. Sometimes I don't see the posts asking for help.

The pre-order link for the Kindle version can be found by clicking HERE.

What are your insecurities? Have you been writing lately? How about submitting? Do you listen to podcasts?

May you find your Muse.

Book Tour Ask & Media Catchup

Hi guys! Since I got behind on posting books I'd read recently, links, etc., I figured I'd do a post just for that, as well as the sign up for my book tour. I'll be releasing my holiday horror short story collection on my birthday, November 20! The first story is set on Thanksgiving, so it seems appropriate to release it the week before.

The sign up form is at the bottom of this post.

In the meantime, here's some recent media I've enjoyed!

BOOKS

Killer Chardonnay, by Kate Lansing

I read this for my Sisters in Crime book group. It's a cute cozy mystery about a woman who has just realized her dream by opening up a winery, only to have a murder occur in the restaurant on her very first day. A little light romance, interesting suspects, a troubled brother, some wine details, and plenty of intrigue. Also, Kate Lansing is adorable.

Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott

I've been reading one or two chapters of a craft book each required writing day, and finally finished this one. It comes highly recommended for a reason. Deeply honest (sometimes to a questionable extent that made me wonder if I liked the author as a person), down-to-earth, and inspirational. I imagine her classes are effective. She discusses all things writing: the ups and downs that make up the roller coaster, the fears (some even realized), the criticisms, and the realities of publication. It's told in a relatable way, as if one's reading a really long personal essay.

Dead Stop, by Barbara Nickless

Barb's third book is next on my book group's list, but I'd only read the first one, so I decided to read them in order. Of course, then I read them in the wrong order, because after this one I read number 4 instead of number 3. Sigh. 

Anyway, Sydney Parnell is a train cop. A war veteran, she and her military-trained K9, Clyde, deal with the ghosts of their past while wandering the train yards at night. Only, bad things happen at the train yards sometimes. In this particular book, Sydney responds to a call from one of her engineers. He's hit a woman, who was standing on the tracks. But when she investigates, it's discovered the woman didn't commit suicide--she was bound with wire and left to die.

In the meantime, her boyfriend is investigating a brutal family slaying. A father and son have been found dead in their home. The father, a veteran, is suspected of murder suicide, possibly PTSD, but the wife and little girl are missing. What could he possibly have done with them?

Barb's books are definitely not cozies. Terrible things happen to good people. But Sydney and Clyde always make sure the guilty pay. Fast paced and incredibly well-written.

Gone to Darkness, by Barbara Nickless

As mentioned above, I messed up. Pretty sure this is book 4, not 3. (Picture taken from the front porch of my new cabin!!)

A man is found in a freezer train car. Clothed in a woman's dress, his body scarred with fresh writing, he was only found because a strange woman signaled to the train as it went by. But where's the woman? Why is Noah in a dress? Who tortured him to excessive levels before killing him? And who's next?

Sydney has a lot to prove in this one, and she aims to do it. But while she's stalking a killer, somebody's stalking her.

Just as with her preceding books, Barb brings it with this one. She'll break your heart after she makes it stutter.

Smitten with Ravioli, by Ellen Jacobson

A cute romance with travel abroad, this one features a disgraced graduate student who flees to Italy to escape a bad relationship and a scholarly humiliation. The last thing she wants is a romance. But we all know romance finds us on its own timeline. The problem is, Ginny's been lying since she met him, thinking it was a one-time run-in, so when it turns out they're stuck together in this little town, she has to dig deeper or come clean. 

Fender Lizards, by Joe R. Lansdale

Dot, a roller-skating waitress who lives in a trailer park in small-town Texas, finds herself involved with a roller derby. Her boss at the Dairy Bob offers to back it, and she ropes in her sister and fellow waitresses, with her mysterious uncle, who appeared out of nowhere years after her father disappeared on a cigarette run. The heroine in this has a lot of heart and a philosophical mind. She's honest and no-nonsense. Between taking care of her sister's abusive boyfriend (husband? I don't remember for sure), a new love interest, and life in general, Dot does the best she can to maneuver through her day to day and survive.

I *think* that catches me up with the books I've read since my last time posting them. The last two were e-book.

SCREENS

There's no way I'm going to remember everything I've watched movie/TV-wise, but I know I binge watched the show Pen15 after a friend recommended it.

Pen15

This one's hard to explain, but I really enjoyed it. The two main actresses are adults, but they're playing middle school versions of themselves. The rest of the actors in the show are legitimately kids. It's hilarious at times, rough at other times, and frighteningly accurate to middle school girl behavior. I can't say I've done everything they do in the show, but it still felt accurate (and horrifying). There were times when they made things so uncomfortable I had to cover my eyes and squirm in my seat. Blatantly honest.

It's the story of two friends battling their way through the middle school halls and grown up family problems. One of them earns the name Ugliest Girl in School at the very beginning. The other one tries to pretend she can't hear her parents fighting all the time. First dates, first thongs, so many firsts.

Danganronpa

This is pretty much my daughter's favorite thing ever right now. It's a game series that Cinnamon Toast Ken does walkthroughs of on YouTube. One version was also put into a movie form. I'm not going to pretend to understand it. It reminds me of the Japanese horror film Battle Royale. Each game finds a new class entering the Academy. They don't remember who they were before, and that evil little bear in the image above (Monokuma) tells them they have to kill each other to get out. Each time someone dies, a trial is held. The other characters must find out who killed that character. If they guess right, the killer gets punished (horribly, but creatively.) If they guess wrong, they'll all be punished. Ultimately, the survivors must find their way out.

Contamination

I watched the Joe Bob Briggs Last Drive-in version of this 1980 film. It's a blatant 80s ripoff of Alien, complete with aliens and exploding chests. A piece of the trivia was that there were multiple languages being spoken by the various actors, and it was ultimately dubbed in English. Pretty goofy and about to leave Shudder. I probably wouldn't watch it again.

Books of Blood

I'm actually currently reading the Books of Blood, all three volumes, and I only recognized one of the stories in this. Not sure if that means I haven't gotten to the others or they changed them. Not terrible, not great. The first story is the best. The second one is the most memorable. I've already forgotten what the third one was.

Holliston

This one's available on Shudder. It has the feel of a sitcom, but with cheesy horror goodness thrown in. Two men live and work together at a TV station making low budget commercials. Their real dream is to be horror film makers. They also host a TV show where they show old horror films. One's girlfriend is an artist, a cutesy girl who creates bizarre and freaky art. The other's ex shows up, and she's a doctor or a nurse (I don't remember since it's not actually a big part of the storyline.) There's an imaginary friend who shows up to give bad advice, who also happens to wear fishnets and leather. Dee Snyder plays their boss and a guy in a cover band. Obviously low budget, but lots of fun. There have been several great horror icons doing cameos, including Kane Hodder, Tony Todd, and Danielle Harris. Seth Green plays a goofy special effects guy with multiple personalities.

Scare Me

This is an entertaining indie horror flick on Shudder. Two authors stowaway at cabins in the woods and decide to scare each other with stories. The stories within the story are fun. One of them is a published and known author, the other a newbie. In the end you'll have to ask yourself if the author who won really won at all.

Now for some links. Bear in mind I'm not endorsing these, merely passing them along. Always do your own due diligence before submitting.

Accepting Submissions

Haunts and Hellions. Gothic romance anthology from horroraddicts.com. This one's coming up fast, but they're great to work with, so it's worth a try. 2000-5000 words. Pays $10. Deadline October 31.

Slashertorte is an anthology of cake horror. Up to 2000 words. Pays $.01/word. Deadline November 1.

Metastellar is seeking speculative flash fiction. Up to 1000 words. Pays $.08/word. Deadline November 1.

Off Limits Press is seeking adventure horror stories for Far From Home. 2000-8000 words. Pays $.01/word. Deadline November 1.

Thuggish Itch is seeking horror stories about birds with teeth. 1000-5000 words. Pays AUS $5-$10, depending upon length. Deadline November 15.

Finally, if you'd like to sign up to help launch my holiday horror tales, you can click this LINK or fill out the form below. THANK YOU!

Read any of these books or watched any of the shows? Have you heard of Danganronpa or played the game? Any of these links of interest? What have you been reading? Found any good new (or old) shows? Any media you'd recommend?

May you find your Muse.