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.