IWSG - Book Tour & Amanda Casey Book Launch

It's IWSG time! And I'm excited I didn't have another gap since I was running every other month there for four months.

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a place for writers to air their insecurities and support each other. Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, it occurs the first Wednesday of every month. Anyone can join. Simply click on his name and sign up on the IWSG tab.

The co-hosts this month are Kristina Kelly, Miffie Seideman, Jean Davis, and Liza Salerno.

The optional question this month is: Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?

I'm not touching it with a 10-foot pole. I write because I enjoy writing.

I've also been seeing the harm it's causing from an angle maybe some folks haven't. Short story markets have been having to shut down over the last few months because they're being absolutely flooded with AI submissions from non-writers. Markets are having to figure out how to pick out the AI submissions. A highly respected speculative fiction magazine, Clarkesworld, had to shut down for a bit because they were featured in one of those articles on how to make easy money, with the pitch that you could use AI to write short stories and submit them. Since it's a pro-pay market, it was considered a great target. I'm sure others have been featured similarly. 

Because of all this, speculative fiction markets keep shutting down, at least temporarily, so it's already impacting short story authors. But even novelists are going to be impacted. The RWA is doing a workshop on using AI to help with your books, taught by an author who openly uses AI to mill out books already. Self-published authors were already constantly under attack from some traditionalists, and now self-published "authors" who use AI are going to make that worse by putting up poor quality novels that compete with the real books and make a joke of self-pubbed folks.

So that's how I feel about it. It's already impacting my worlds.

BOOK TOUR

My book tour is going on right now, though I'm still looking for help if you're willing and able. You can sign up by clicking HERE. Below is the current schedule:

March 4 - Patricia J.L.'s blog Twisting the Myths: I write about the background of Wendigo in Michigan Isn't Safe From the Wendigo

March 6 - Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog: I write about my favorite childhood myths in movie form in Childhood Magic

March 8 - Roland Yeoman's blog: I write about Sasquatch in A Sasquatch by Any Other Name

March 13 - Anna at Elements of Emaginette, where she'll be writing about her favorite mythological character

March 15 - Jonathan and Kristina will be writing about their favorite mythological creature(s)

March 15 - Sandra Cox at Sandra's Place: I write Three Character Foodie Facts with Selina Moonstone

March 15 - Nate at Habitual Hobbit: Topic TBA

March 15 - DeAnna Knippling at Wonderland Press: I write about Ogopogo

March 18 - Steven Arellano Rose at Far Out Fantastic with a Q&A

March 20 - Toi Thomas at The Toibox of Words

And in April, Mary at Dimensions in Fiction

Thank you to the following people who shared out in other ways: HR Sinclair, Amanda Casey, and Natalie Aguirre.

Speaking of Amanda Casey, she has a new book out, as well! You can find out more at her website.

I was a guest at Geeky Gamer Podcast. I can't even sum up what we discussed--creatures, books, Dreadlore (the game), voice actors, and more.

Do you listen to podcasts? What are your insecurities? How do you feel about AI? What's your favorite mythological creature? How do you feel about online book launches?

May you find your Muse.

Craft Book Recommendation & The Vibes Podcast Appearance

It's been a while since I read a craft book, and I felt like I needed something inspirational, so I found Ray Bradbury's Zen in the Art of Writing.

This is exactly what I needed, so I wanted to pass it along. It's a collection of essays about writing and being a writer. They're realistic, rather than being like those books written by folks who stumbled into some massive piece of luck and then pass it off as the norm in books, just making you feel crappy. Plus, I'm fascinated by the snippets of his life and history that come through in the essays.

Don't come to these essays expecting to be told how to write or anything that straight forward, but do expect to be inspired and entertained.

The random days in the upper 60s we got that were full of sunshine also didn't hurt. In the picture above, I was enjoying the sun on my front porch with a cup of warm chai and Bradbury's book. I haven't finished it yet, but was eager to pass it along.

I was also interviewed on The Vibes podcast, which you can check out in the following places:

YouTube

Rumble

Odysee

Koyote was a great guy to chat with, super chill and interesting. I really enjoy getting to meet new and interesting folks on these podcasts. It's a little less than 30 minutes long.

And, of course, I'm still looking for folks to help get the word out about my upcoming book launch in March! You can sign up at this LINK.

Or if you like to share on social media, this image has the universal link on it so people can find the book at their favorite online bookstore. Feel free to share, and much appreciation for any help!

Have you ever read this Bradbury book? Are there any other inspirational craft books you'd recommend? Do you listen to podcasts?

May you find your Muse.

Labeled Paranormal Guest Appearance

Hi, guys! It's been a crazy week, but I wanted to pass along that I was a guest on Labeled Paranormal, talking about Cryptids and streeeeetching that definition to include creatures from Native lore.

Also, I'm still looking for folks to help with my book launch in March, so if you're willing, that sign up form link is HERE.

Giveaway Winner, New Release, Podcast Appearances

First up, the good news! The winner of the Wendigo Nights bundle is Autumn Miller. Congratulations to Autumn, and thank you to everyone who entered and supported me!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I also have a short story in the horror anthology Dismember the Coop. All the stories are inspired by Alice Cooper songs, and proceeds will go to Solid Rock Teen Centers, Alice and Sheryl Cooper's charity in Phoenix, AZ.

It can be purchased at Amazon in paperback and e-book, plus there's a large print version available.

The paperback of Wendigo Nights has finally hit Amazon, as well as several other online stores!

You can access all versions now available at the universal link. More are coming soon!

This month's episode of the Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem is out, with guest Kameron Claire. We discussed Shen Yun and the related cult, Betty Neumar (a possible black widow), and the Menendez Brothers (there's new information!). You can click the link above or look for it on your favorite podcast platform.

You can find Kameron Claire and her romance books at any of these places on her Linktree.

And I was a guest on the Ye Olde Crime podcast, a super short bonus episode in which I try to guess Victorian slang.

Finally, if you're interested in helping me get the word out about Myth Stalker: Wendigo Nights, you can CLICK HERE to go to my sign up form.

Have you ever listened to Ye Olde Crime? How about Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem? Have you read anything by Kameron Claire? Are you interested in signing up to help me with my book launch?

May you find your Muse.

IWSG - Critical Mass & Book Release/Giveaway

 Hey! It's that time again and I'm not forgetting!

The IWSG was created by Alex J. Cavanaugh to provide a place for writers to seek and provide support to each other. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and add your blog to the list. Then write your post and hop around to visit your fellow struggling creatives.

The co-hosts this month are: Janet Alcorn, SE White, Victoria Marie Lees, and Cathrina Constantine. Be sure to visit them to say hey as thanks for their work.

This month's optional question is: What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog?

As a reader, it would be not being able to find information on their books and where to buy them. As an event organizer, not being able to find a way to contact the author was a pet peeve. As a fellow author I'm probably looking for the same thing as I am as a reader. Other than that, I don't really want to see politics. Even if they match mine.

Okay, my insecurities. Well, the fact that I've reached critical mass for me. Balls are being dropped. It frustrates me when I can't keep up with everything and let things slide. Example being that I missed IWSG last month and I think the November one, too. I tried to set solid boundaries with my job and ended up sliding backward anyway. I've tried cutting down on some things, like my podcast going from weekly to once per month, so we'll see if there's any improvement from that. The overwhelm is leading to a shutdown, and I've got too much to juggle to actually let that happen. Critical mass.

But in positive news, I'm zooming forward with the release of my debut novel! I updated the banner on my Facebook page and couldn't believe I'm putting out my SIXTH book! I don't think I imagined being in quite this place a decade ago.

I'm running a giveaway through midnight on February 15 via Rafflecopter. The prize pack includes a signed paperback copy (after release on March 26), Wendigo magnet, Wendigo figure, tote bag, Wendigo pop socket, and $20 Amazon gift card. The link is below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm running a special on my Square store. The first four people to order the signed paperback from me get a Wendigo sticker with their purchase (delivery after March 26).

And I'm looking for people to help with the release in March! You can sign up via the form below.

This has been exciting and nerve-wracking. Even more anxiety inducing than the craft book release. I'm trying to focus on having fun with it as I plow forward toward release day. So far, only the e-books are up for pre-order, and they're still trickling out to the full list of destinations, but I've got one proof and am waiting on the second, and then the paperback should be available for pre-order. My UBL from Books2Read should be updating over the next few weeks. Everything moves so fast once the momentum gets going.

I was a guest on Functional Nerds (my third time!), chatting with a good friend, Patrick Hester, and his co-host Tracy Townsend. It's episode 610.

I've also got a short story coming out in an anthology, releasing February 15th! Every story is based on an Alice Cooper song, and proceeds will go to his charity, Solid Rock Teen Centers. Dismember the Coop is already getting great reviews, so please consider checking it out on Amazon! There's also a large print version available.

In other news, I was a panelist at COSine here in Colorado Springs. I had a lot of fun, had some great panels, and got to see some friends. And I was organized enough to actually have swag for the upcoming book release. Including stickers! I've never really done much swag for my books, so this is another part of the fun. The rest of the swag is reserved for giveaways. (Photo taken by F.P. Dorchak)

Sorry for the long post, but I'm excited I got my act together long enough to pooooost! I've had the urge to start posting again regularly on topics I want to discuss, but know I wouldn't be able to stay on top of it. Not right now. 

What are your insecurities? What turns you off an author's page? Have you entered the giveaway? What are some successful giveaways you've run?

May you find your Muse.

IWSG - Big Breaks & Disappointments

It's time for the last Insecure Writer's Support Group post of the year!

I missed last month! Yikes. I don't think I've missed a month since I started participating in the IWSG.

The IWSG exists to create a space of being open with our writing insecurities and lending each other support. Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, it occurs the first Wednesday of each month. Anyone can sign up. Simply click on Alex's name and put your blog on the linky list.

The co-hosts this month are C. Lee McKenzie, JQ Rose, Jennifer Lane, and Jacqui Murray.

The optional question for this month is: Book reviews are for the readers. When you leave a book review do you review for the author or for the reader? Is it about what you liked and enjoyed about your reading experience, or do you critique the author?

Reviews are not my specialty. I don't like saying anything negative about a book, especially if it's a lesser known author, but I also have no interest in lying to say it was better than it was. Sometimes this presents a conundrum. If there's something I feel I need to warn people about, I'll include that. In general, I leave my overall impression/feeling about the book, any warnings or drawbacks, and anything I really liked about it. But I've been skipping reviews and just rating the books this year.

So let's talk insecurities. I had this big exciting project I posted about on here a few months ago. I honestly thought this was going to be if not THE big break, A big break. I set aside everything else to work on it. Well, last month it fell through. Death by committee. The team I was working with could not agree on a direction, so it's been shelved.

It was a major blow and I haven't written a word since. I needed some time to work through the disappointment and the ego blow. I'm not sure I'm out of that yet, but things are getting better and I'll resume final edits on the book releasing this spring soon. 

In the meantime, I'm working on that good ol' work/life balance and trying to get on a better schedule. My husband and I just spent the last week in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and I made the conscious decision before we went to not work on anything writing related. We scheduled only two things and the rest of our time there was dedicated to enjoying ourselves, resting, rejuvenating, and spending time together. It was downtime we both desperately needed. 

So I'll leave you with some photos from the trip!

Have you ever had a big project go under? Did you move past it immediately or take some time? What are your insecurities?

May you find your Muse.

IWSG - Projects & Gary Robbe New Release

 

It's IWSG time!

Created by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer's Support Group serves to give writers a place to air their insecurities and support each other. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and sign up, then post the first Wednesday of each month.

This month's co-hosts are: Natalie Aguirre, Kim Lajevardi, Debs Carey, Gwen Gardner, Patricia Josephine, and Rebecca Douglass.

We're in my favorite time of year, though it's been so hot and rainy that the trees haven't really started changing near our cabin in southern Colorado, but they're changing farther up north. Temperatures are still in the 80s right now, so this was not a year where we saw our first snowfall in September. I'm not placing any bets on October.

I finished the first draft of the big project I was hired for, so now comes the waiting part for edits or a rewrite request. I definitely proved to myself that pantsing or "discovery writing" is where it's at for me. Preparing an outline in advance then trying to stick to that outline is simply not how my brain works, but it was required for this, so just another aspect of the learning experience. The entire thing has been very interesting.

And, of course, until that final acceptance, I remain insecure about the whole thing.

But while I wait, it's back to finishing up work on my March release. My first novel will be coming out March 2024. More news in the coming months, but it feels nice to be so close. Add it to the list of insecurities! Once I have more info, I'll likely be putting out a call for help getting the word out. 

Until then, I have Gary Robbe's new release. Not Buried Deep Enough was released this past Monday, October 2.

We all have nightmares buried in our psyche. Gary Robbe has uncovered thirteen terrifying stories that weren't buried deep enough. WWI soldiers encounter ghouls in the wastes of No Man's Land. Siblings in rural Appalachia are haunted by their dying mother's last request. A family discovers that tearing down an old house doesn't make it go away. And the dreams get darker from there...

Gary's striking and unnerving tales - ranging from folk horror to supernatural to weird western - have been scaring readers for many years. Not Buried Deep Enough is his debut collection of horror stories. 

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Gary Robbe is a retired educator, and a not retired writer, currently living in Colorado. His dark fiction has appeared in numerous ezines, magazines, anthologies, and podcasts, including Dark Corners Magazine, Sanitarium Magazine, and The Best of the Horror Zine - The Middle Years, Screaming in the Night Vol 1, Terror at 5280', and the NoSleep Podcast. Gary is a member of the Horror Writers Association, the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, and a founding member of the Denver Horror Collective. He is also an associate editor with Bewildering Stories. 

What are you feeling insecure about? Are you a pantser or a plotter? Have you ever had to switch to the other? How did that go? Have you checked out Gary's book?

May you find your Muse.