tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76461346629362787182024-03-19T07:39:30.483-06:00The Warrior MuseWelcome to a writer's voyage, thoughts and experiences! I'm a big fan of horror, so that slips in a bit, too. And sometimes I just feel like being a smart ass.Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.comBlogger981125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-50230699786507693082024-03-13T04:05:00.011-06:002024-03-19T01:58:48.468-06:00Getting Crafty - The Artist's Way & Updated Book Tour<p>It used to be I was frequently surrounded by writers. There was constant interaction when I ran local writing events. Once I stepped down from that I was busy enough with other things that I didn't notice the gap. Of course, COVID was at its societal peak when I stopped running those events, so there were other things to pay attention to. Now, other than on here and social media, I rarely interact with writers in that sort of creative sense, and I realized I'm missing it, though not quite enough to engage in the community I used to volunteer for (last time I went back to engage as an attendee, I got dragged back in).</p><p>Instead, I've been reading craft books. Typically, I sit on my front porch with my breakfast smoothie and whichever craft book I'm reading. Only on sunny days, of which we've had a surprising amount lately. We've got a solid snowstorm heading our way this morning, so it will be at least a few days before one nice enough to sit on the front porch again comes along (March is our snowiest month here in Colorado). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0QhdQsM1BsoApKeoIYluOproMRGCgeE1AiPhHHgPFi_2IWDRkt9uT4ypTrV7yyDLlQ_qEwDIsw7bb3L2u8ECDqL4sql6qWUG6IYH-JYdY29nqnWN9KFgERheP2Ca1MVURO-lELgUNp6vqzsqtVKWoj1Ilwowysy6v1L0Ou6lARexYzWIYGmlA-gsxSZZ/s417/41bnQqdl8HL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ0QhdQsM1BsoApKeoIYluOproMRGCgeE1AiPhHHgPFi_2IWDRkt9uT4ypTrV7yyDLlQ_qEwDIsw7bb3L2u8ECDqL4sql6qWUG6IYH-JYdY29nqnWN9KFgERheP2Ca1MVURO-lELgUNp6vqzsqtVKWoj1Ilwowysy6v1L0Ou6lARexYzWIYGmlA-gsxSZZ/s320/41bnQqdl8HL._SX342_SY445_.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br /><p>No worries, though. My current craft book is <i>The Artist's Way</i>, by Julia Cameron. After the introduction, there's not a ton of reading to do, but there are activities that take up the space of a week. I'm only in the first week now. The A #1 requirement at this point is to do "morning pages." These are handwritten (a must), three pages, and are about whatever comes to mind. I've seen the premise done differently elsewhere, but it might have been inspired by this book since it's been around awhile. </p><p>The first day, the morning pages didn't take long at all. The second day, I dragged a bit, so it took longer. Yesterday went more smoothly. I'm writing this post before going to bed, so "today's" pages aren't written yet. I have a meeting first thing, followed by another meeting. Then I'll be getting ready for a livestreamed podcast episode on which I'll be a guest (<a href="https://minddogtv.com/" target="_blank"><b>Minddog TV</b></a>, 8 PM ET). It should be fun! But that leaves my morning pages up in the air. I've decided not to stress about the pages tomorrow. As long as they get done when I'm able, it doesn't matter if I did them first thing.</p><p>I'm trying to go into this craft book and its exercises with an open mind, with the intention of doing all the exercises. The introduction says that if you don't want to do them all, you should do the ones you're resisting the most, because those are likely the ones you need the most. In this first chapter, I didn't have a problem with any of them. I believe this is a 12-week process, so we'll see what happens!</p><p><b>BOOK TOUR</b></p><p>My book tour is going on right now. Below is the current schedule:</p><p>March 4 - Patricia J.L.'s blog Twisting the Myths: I write about the background of Wendigo in <b><a href="https://twistingmyths.substack.com/p/michigan-isnt-safe-from-the-wendigo" target="_blank">Michigan Isn't Safe From the Wendigo</a></b></p><p>March 6 - Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog: I write about my favorite childhood myths in movie form in <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/2024/03/insecure-writers-support-group-iwsgpit.html" target="_blank"><b>Childhood Magic</b></a></p><p>March 8 - Roland Yeoman's blog: I write about Sasquatch in <b><a href="https://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Sasquatch by Any Other Name</a> *this one hasn't shown up yet</b></p><p>March 13 - Anna at Elements of Emaginette, where she'll be writing about <b><a href="https://emaginette.wordpress.com/2024/03/13/book-launch-myth-stalker-wendigo-nights-by-shannon-lawrence/" target="_blank">her favorite mythological character</a></b></p><p>March 15 - Jonathan and Kristina will be writing about <a href="http://jonathanandkristina.com/unveiling-the-magic-unicorns-and-dragons/" target="_blank"><b>their favorite mythological creature(s)</b></a></p><p>March 15 - Sandra Cox at Sandra's Place: I write <a href="https://sandracox.blogspot.com/2024/03/your-weekend-read-myth-stalker.html" target="_blank"><b>Three Character Foodie Facts with Selina Moonstone</b></a></p><p>March 15 - Nate at Habitual Hobbit: <b><a href="https://habitualhobbit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's More Fun to Believe</a></b></p><p>March 15 - DeAnna Knippling at Wonderland Press: I write about <b><a href="https://wonderlandpress.com/guest-post-ogopogo-the-muck-monster-by-shannon-lawrence/" target="_blank">Ogopogo and the Muck Monster</a></b></p><p>March 18 - Steven Arellano Rose at Far Out Fantastic with a <b><a href="https://faroutfantastic.blogspot.com/2024/03/author-interview-shannon-lawrence-and.html" target="_blank">Q&A</a></b></p><p>March 20 - Toi Thomas at <b><a href="https://etoithomas.com/blog/" target="_blank">The Toibox of Words</a></b></p><p>March 25 - Jennifer Lane at <b><a href="https://jenniferlanebooks.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Lane Books</a></b></p><p>And in April, Mary at <b><a href="https://www.mpaxauthor.com/blog/" target="_blank">Dimensions in Fiction</a></b></p><p>Thank you to the following people who shared out in other ways: <b><a href="https://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HR Sinclair</a></b>, <b><a href="https://amandacaseybooks.com/" target="_blank">Amanda Casey</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a></b>.</p><p><b>Have you ever read The Artist's Way? Did you do all the exercises? Do you still do your morning pages? Were there any exercises you weren't willing to do?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-60402619815273735702024-03-06T03:36:00.000-07:002024-03-06T03:36:01.960-07:00IWSG - Book Tour & Amanda Casey Book Launch<p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrA43eJ5R-nkN2Sf2ZJu_h1w2gploFg1fzrrhAoYXBjHwrUCA22PoMxcziv7q4RPKktew7DEZkATdJNjZbiICB3BtW9U0Mwt-gcebloCTKmWtb26XynWDXvdvzspgDuKmmHIHgjpSfEDU1B6oPDLYSl61rZpVmjQeDaU_tEUqrXFKi4CzfS6eAIkyFIotm/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrA43eJ5R-nkN2Sf2ZJu_h1w2gploFg1fzrrhAoYXBjHwrUCA22PoMxcziv7q4RPKktew7DEZkATdJNjZbiICB3BtW9U0Mwt-gcebloCTKmWtb26XynWDXvdvzspgDuKmmHIHgjpSfEDU1B6oPDLYSl61rZpVmjQeDaU_tEUqrXFKi4CzfS6eAIkyFIotm/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The Insecure Writer's Support Group is a place for writers to air their insecurities and support each other. Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, it occurs the first Wednesday of every month. Anyone can join. Simply click on his name and sign up on the IWSG tab.</p><p>The co-hosts this month are <a href="http://kristinaseyes.com/" target="_blank"><b>Kristina Kelly</b></a>, <b><a href="https://miffieseideman.com/" target="_blank">Miffie Seideman</a></b>, <b><a href="https://jeanddavis.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jean Davis</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://middlepassages-lcs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Liza Salerno</a></b>.</p><p>The optional question this month is: <i>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></p><p>I'm not touching it with a 10-foot pole. I write because I enjoy writing.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>So that's how I feel about it. It's <b>already</b> impacting my worlds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPtb_pHlE-gu3Ce3vfWFrvm0Q65iek21o2J_sD1VWOHbGJmgOqwg7-CH4fjbatf-IaPOcBar_iG6xM0aqRbAeIRimxAcGqG2Vxx_3A2Ja2Mbvb2TXN7jBeBLpR9D32mfHEbjgugQPZJW-SRoL0sqwkB72z9tminKiMtgX_R0yrSZXQAjcqqyI7W8DVIdL/s294/swoosh-blue-md.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="102" data-original-width="294" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPtb_pHlE-gu3Ce3vfWFrvm0Q65iek21o2J_sD1VWOHbGJmgOqwg7-CH4fjbatf-IaPOcBar_iG6xM0aqRbAeIRimxAcGqG2Vxx_3A2Ja2Mbvb2TXN7jBeBLpR9D32mfHEbjgugQPZJW-SRoL0sqwkB72z9tminKiMtgX_R0yrSZXQAjcqqyI7W8DVIdL/w200-h69/swoosh-blue-md.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><b>BOOK TOUR</b></p><p>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 <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScED6u6RDl8YA7VVCRHaWiTUAVp5helhwQfPreauzat6i2ohQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. Below is the current schedule:</p><p>March 4 - Patricia J.L.'s blog Twisting the Myths: I write about the background of Wendigo in <b><a href="https://twistingmyths.substack.com/p/michigan-isnt-safe-from-the-wendigo" target="_blank">Michigan Isn't Safe From the Wendigo</a></b></p><p>March 6 - Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog: I write about my favorite childhood myths in movie form in <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/2024/03/insecure-writers-support-group-iwsgpit.html" target="_blank">Childhood Magic</a></b></p><p>March 8 - Roland Yeoman's blog: I write about Sasquatch in <b><a href="https://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Sasquatch by Any Other Name</a></b></p><p>March 13 - Anna at Elements of Emaginette, where she'll be writing about <b><a href="https://emaginette.wordpress.com/?p=6638" target="_blank">her favorite mythological character</a></b></p><p>March 15 - Jonathan and Kristina will be writing about <b><a href="http://www.jonathanandkristina.com" target="_blank">their favorite mythological creature(s)</a></b></p><p>March 15 - Sandra Cox at Sandra's Place: I write <a href="https://sandracox.blogspot.com/2024/03/your-weekend-read-myth-stalker.html" target="_blank"><b>Three Character Foodie Facts with Selina Moonstone</b></a></p><p>March 15 - Nate at Habitual Hobbit: <b><a href="http://habitualhobbit.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Topic TBA</a></b></p><p>March 15 - DeAnna Knippling at Wonderland Press: I write about <b><a href="http://www.WonderlandPress.com" target="_blank">Ogopogo</a></b></p><p>March 18 - Steven Arellano Rose at Far Out Fantastic with a <b><a href="https://faroutfantastic.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Q&A</a></b></p><p>March 20 - Toi Thomas at <b><a href="https://etoithomas.com/blog/" target="_blank">The Toibox of Words</a></b></p><p>And in April, Mary at <b><a href="https://www.mpaxauthor.com/blog/" target="_blank">Dimensions in Fiction</a></b></p><p>Thank you to the following people who shared out in other ways: <b><a href="mailto:iamhrsinclair@gmail.com" target="_blank">HR Sinclair</a></b>, <b><a href="https://amandacaseybooks.com/" target="_blank">Amanda Casey</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://literaryrambles.com" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6g1-d2mCQW29kQj1MhknE4dEw7xQUtL2Gw-oc6d4Etx7upx3yszTQxTFge11Ct-9vLlGTb0VCp8U8M9ITNH74Fz1mdHM9ClZa7OdDnQ0hyphenhyphenjDVPoQgV88wHB7tveltEcQdD63DSLTbp9BUCJasVdD2IknW208v7Gj02cYVx6OnphUqnSRnGRmeBe-_zjO7/s294/swoosh-blue-md.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="102" data-original-width="294" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6g1-d2mCQW29kQj1MhknE4dEw7xQUtL2Gw-oc6d4Etx7upx3yszTQxTFge11Ct-9vLlGTb0VCp8U8M9ITNH74Fz1mdHM9ClZa7OdDnQ0hyphenhyphenjDVPoQgV88wHB7tveltEcQdD63DSLTbp9BUCJasVdD2IknW208v7Gj02cYVx6OnphUqnSRnGRmeBe-_zjO7/w200-h69/swoosh-blue-md.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>Speaking of Amanda Casey, she has a new book out, as well! You can find out more at <b><a href="https://amandacaseybooks.com/" target="_blank">her website</a></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EijJp6I-A0Yu7HaAaZ-smpNQ2wFF1L8ghaKmh14RE7Q3iULKOopL6G1be9wkWYsl9zBdpI5B4pn3oDSA2ge9N9eH1amMqlLRoQir_29aYKnscnQj9mOZpoq9osSgEcwfKhoagiLYBi4dC4-mvvHCAjJINYrQTwtDYrPwW8myF6yEr2n-TjPT3R5KFQ2N/s1080/Release%20Day%20Tidal%20Ancestry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8EijJp6I-A0Yu7HaAaZ-smpNQ2wFF1L8ghaKmh14RE7Q3iULKOopL6G1be9wkWYsl9zBdpI5B4pn3oDSA2ge9N9eH1amMqlLRoQir_29aYKnscnQj9mOZpoq9osSgEcwfKhoagiLYBi4dC4-mvvHCAjJINYrQTwtDYrPwW8myF6yEr2n-TjPT3R5KFQ2N/s320/Release%20Day%20Tidal%20Ancestry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQuiOEcqB_tge4-RRA8IuxSqbZLHp3p-eEuXy5zKsWkypVLjjv1lzvEw1LAT7YlYI-suv854v5Y7FFQNbgwYVO2uEX8wvuE1jUKMjSstEEctEhfuHUDBljVQakayUByK27c71ysHSF1hDHJzauZvP9Z3B7vwveZaJEzODhw5ZWkZ4SwTgNIY2DdyCBfQa/s294/swoosh-blue-md.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="102" data-original-width="294" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQuiOEcqB_tge4-RRA8IuxSqbZLHp3p-eEuXy5zKsWkypVLjjv1lzvEw1LAT7YlYI-suv854v5Y7FFQNbgwYVO2uEX8wvuE1jUKMjSstEEctEhfuHUDBljVQakayUByK27c71ysHSF1hDHJzauZvP9Z3B7vwveZaJEzODhw5ZWkZ4SwTgNIY2DdyCBfQa/w200-h69/swoosh-blue-md.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>I was a guest at <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAbVAVFRbmI" target="_blank">Geeky Gamer Podcast</a></b>. I can't even sum up what we discussed--creatures, books, <b><a href="https://dreadlore.github.io/" target="_blank">Dreadlore</a></b> (the game), voice actors, and more.</p><p><b>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?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-36997506113986879192024-02-28T00:59:00.002-07:002024-02-28T00:59:27.653-07:00Craft Book Recommendation & The Vibes Podcast Appearance<p>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 <i>Zen in the Art of Writing</i>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM26QwIu0a70tiG03-hCFKa86Oku9XwszIAG_4yikEc4kPi-XIF-lplsLWrqWRUqnj_VVEPWJSslhf_kdJeX-fc9JlNtaawXlOyItXQFzOjk0RgXZ_DoIyl5GlhKNEQaIfh5DSd2i1ptENQQQNmbkwPE2asWsM-jbztDM8EcL6GwV182PK2A_wVO0_J4X/s1124/429591436_10161701904666155_1118210267751925006_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWM26QwIu0a70tiG03-hCFKa86Oku9XwszIAG_4yikEc4kPi-XIF-lplsLWrqWRUqnj_VVEPWJSslhf_kdJeX-fc9JlNtaawXlOyItXQFzOjk0RgXZ_DoIyl5GlhKNEQaIfh5DSd2i1ptENQQQNmbkwPE2asWsM-jbztDM8EcL6GwV182PK2A_wVO0_J4X/s320/429591436_10161701904666155_1118210267751925006_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Mo9YGIyx99tvCgoUKAbB5dV986QLFOIzUWxhBZGKcF_5XyQqheZBawftNgJiXjfSHHbZOtSJ74Ad6Dt6hiOm5vSI_dJdJp4xckjYbnbxET0g4BQKRP6bl78XBvK6Zgg4FiCRcCnlr3STPj01YRKcB_U14nexCVvYRI3Gy8OnUyiajlHjymHVCgYWEEZ/s640/244744954_388640932723598_6263392321542263946_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4Mo9YGIyx99tvCgoUKAbB5dV986QLFOIzUWxhBZGKcF_5XyQqheZBawftNgJiXjfSHHbZOtSJ74Ad6Dt6hiOm5vSI_dJdJp4xckjYbnbxET0g4BQKRP6bl78XBvK6Zgg4FiCRcCnlr3STPj01YRKcB_U14nexCVvYRI3Gy8OnUyiajlHjymHVCgYWEEZ/w200-h200/244744954_388640932723598_6263392321542263946_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>I was also interviewed on The Vibes podcast, which you can check out in the following places:</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgeAEGCZOoE&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"><b>YouTube</b></a></p><p><a href="https://rumble.com/v4fzgeh-mysteries-monsters-and-mayhem-talking-paranormal-true-crime-and-new-book.html" target="_blank"><b>Rumble</b></a></p><p><a href="https://odysee.com/@TheVibesBroadcastNetwork:6/Mysteries%2C-Monsters%2C-And-Mayhem_-Talking-Paranormal%2C-True-Crime%2C-And-New-Book:3" target="_blank"><b>Odysee</b></a></p><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScED6u6RDl8YA7VVCRHaWiTUAVp5helhwQfPreauzat6i2ohQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank"><b>this LINK</b></a>.</p><p>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!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPdxBUVITYu5XYHsvls2fjwzSNGdD9JvqbkxvkwFC4aEKYm3jw99DtFbME9tQrB9seQsWt5YYiXIzFZopzqZy5G3-que0p0_9eoc72KgWehH29dwa5UkktWsTsD_isyglUuDsvf8kzCHETPagJq4ufI-8LI9VsN3YJtQnwyikk4SUEg5MqrXq-xVTGBI-/s1080/Detailed%20Square%20Wendigo%20Ad.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPdxBUVITYu5XYHsvls2fjwzSNGdD9JvqbkxvkwFC4aEKYm3jw99DtFbME9tQrB9seQsWt5YYiXIzFZopzqZy5G3-que0p0_9eoc72KgWehH29dwa5UkktWsTsD_isyglUuDsvf8kzCHETPagJq4ufI-8LI9VsN3YJtQnwyikk4SUEg5MqrXq-xVTGBI-/s320/Detailed%20Square%20Wendigo%20Ad.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Have you ever read this Bradbury book? Are there any other inspirational craft books you'd recommend? Do you listen to podcasts?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p><p><br /></p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-47036329032012841662024-02-22T14:22:00.002-07:002024-02-22T14:22:34.440-07:00Labeled Paranormal Guest Appearance<p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScED6u6RDl8YA7VVCRHaWiTUAVp5helhwQfPreauzat6i2ohQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cPsWfmcM8V0?si=q-lBE5NKE7PK9WDU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-43803816910174863212024-02-15T03:50:00.004-07:002024-02-15T03:50:22.315-07:00Giveaway Winner, New Release, Podcast Appearances<p>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!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kQn6aZ1YqrP-JZ7YjMDq9x-2qfJ4jYpIMFj_eU1Z_bqZRWRxcHm2t3-6Ch-GVJRz0I_aUE6tDb4oLBjMTRFYo3gqhmqU-t3hy64R8dsR1EBYgp-a4QOa1qqbI9KKVBK2tTYjfS3pak1lF-LuIv2yieT9S5EfAuG9ZdfJ29uzfP2bc-nVa2I16benKaUw/s1080/Giveaway%20Winner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kQn6aZ1YqrP-JZ7YjMDq9x-2qfJ4jYpIMFj_eU1Z_bqZRWRxcHm2t3-6Ch-GVJRz0I_aUE6tDb4oLBjMTRFYo3gqhmqU-t3hy64R8dsR1EBYgp-a4QOa1qqbI9KKVBK2tTYjfS3pak1lF-LuIv2yieT9S5EfAuG9ZdfJ29uzfP2bc-nVa2I16benKaUw/s320/Giveaway%20Winner.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="e851df743" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e851df743/" id="rcwidget_kefunlrb" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></p><p><br /></p><p>I also have a short story in the horror anthology <i>Dismember the Coop</i>. 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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOTV3TecOP7n9bFoiWdkdnbYFs8nq9qhrWc_7nDWA1C5udCqPg9Mz-Uov1zTIQ-fGE9IaWINAhkCLLOou2psTslRobcE6e5P5AhXwCzlDbDpgUsbmDX0l58nnoBITRO-noV8kBEDvXzdk1jRhg-WLjNujy_geJv2nu1bIyMqnsyEj2jXC1kXxnVzBfYum/s960/426069642_10163242384428222_6950939301180210591_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="601" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOTV3TecOP7n9bFoiWdkdnbYFs8nq9qhrWc_7nDWA1C5udCqPg9Mz-Uov1zTIQ-fGE9IaWINAhkCLLOou2psTslRobcE6e5P5AhXwCzlDbDpgUsbmDX0l58nnoBITRO-noV8kBEDvXzdk1jRhg-WLjNujy_geJv2nu1bIyMqnsyEj2jXC1kXxnVzBfYum/s320/426069642_10163242384428222_6950939301180210591_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>It can be purchased at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dismember-Coop-Charity-Horror-Anthology/dp/B0CS7B6D1G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EE2U8GQ1GNTR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5b85pj1c0Ud6ctLG2DjKZA.LMQtbM-OFarKWPgTnuw0Mkv0RqKkTdgTaCX-fZa2uDc&dib_tag=se&keywords=dismember+the+coop&qid=1707990923&sprefix=dismember+the+coop%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Amazon</b></a> in paperback and e-book, plus there's a <b>l<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dismember-Coop-Charity-Horror-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0CST98HF9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1QE68HMBYMXLG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2FyvtkWN_LG8DqmDWnggxA.mG0yFgSXtKD4vPBVtG-u5goJWLi6Ahm7GaSTJAcHza4&dib_tag=se&keywords=dismember+the+coop+large+print&qid=1707993289&sprefix=dismember+the+coop+large%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1" target="_blank">arge print version</a></b> available.</p><p>The paperback of Wendigo Nights has finally hit Amazon, as well as several other online stores!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LtK5z_lZDEtGsHDiEbwq5yw6GEuL-Ey1HlWIqO9PdAvNsrgY5NBuqbhK59q7PbhxISVfB-EqvCo3xAVBSbnnZVz4OGt5NQgd0Ko2v9lsI7GLqIZyivEuuLPusiodYWjMtbFqD7kaP7TzEYpMM5xl0y6V6k2ZlhPwZ255uttPQ0F0_AIEGcfKTR2sOG-c/s1080/Wendigo%20IG.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1LtK5z_lZDEtGsHDiEbwq5yw6GEuL-Ey1HlWIqO9PdAvNsrgY5NBuqbhK59q7PbhxISVfB-EqvCo3xAVBSbnnZVz4OGt5NQgd0Ko2v9lsI7GLqIZyivEuuLPusiodYWjMtbFqD7kaP7TzEYpMM5xl0y6V6k2ZlhPwZ255uttPQ0F0_AIEGcfKTR2sOG-c/s320/Wendigo%20IG.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You can access all versions now available at the <a href="https://books2read.com/u/4AaOJd" target="_blank"><b>universal link</b></a>. More are coming soon!<div><br /></div><div>This month's episode of the <b><a href="https://mysteriesmonstersmayhem.wordpress.com/podcast-episodes/" target="_blank">Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem</a></b> 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.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyeF9-4Wpr3m1XwEE2-iHbuDFwCnU6Ii_tuz_hjrBMaD3ueNNIfQf0OVz2SXCCVnygjodaDQiHqX1MdmOhhGmamErwxdRo1Q1sudCC5Cr9SC3W4tSWMchPOsm3Tkj444uuAa60cRh9lY1H9CAlAV4GmMvCLSkbKIsYQHnn-t_D72RpXXFjd04Afy3fT-m/s1080/kameron2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyeF9-4Wpr3m1XwEE2-iHbuDFwCnU6Ii_tuz_hjrBMaD3ueNNIfQf0OVz2SXCCVnygjodaDQiHqX1MdmOhhGmamErwxdRo1Q1sudCC5Cr9SC3W4tSWMchPOsm3Tkj444uuAa60cRh9lY1H9CAlAV4GmMvCLSkbKIsYQHnn-t_D72RpXXFjd04Afy3fT-m/s320/kameron2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21_XPr7zq8buIWjrQCWhYL-olqcMN5gyqgZUmmsrBYgDdMr9wD5fovNckri51Rm7Z9fCYnuUCO4ac-qsWhJst4skS0fYKLB6LdSmkPMDKixdI-rGka8JcTYyuDN1OBuxh8ohXfVPqqftetymX9GWGXr3_FDIzy1Ah5o0FTCSduU5iuf4lhnmBVodylR2P/s2000/Kameron.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2000" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21_XPr7zq8buIWjrQCWhYL-olqcMN5gyqgZUmmsrBYgDdMr9wD5fovNckri51Rm7Z9fCYnuUCO4ac-qsWhJst4skS0fYKLB6LdSmkPMDKixdI-rGka8JcTYyuDN1OBuxh8ohXfVPqqftetymX9GWGXr3_FDIzy1Ah5o0FTCSduU5iuf4lhnmBVodylR2P/s320/Kameron.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>You can find Kameron Claire and her romance books at <b><a href="https://linktr.ee/kameronclaire" target="_blank">any of these places on her Linktree</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I was a guest on the <a href="https://www.yeoldecrimepodcast.com/episodes/bonus-shannon-lawrence?fbclid=IwAR0MOtysvvE0lTFghigPfblKSYOvIqqq8bdR-Cy_JDnC5QUKXj7bBndqTlk" target="_blank"><b>Ye Olde Crime podcast</b></a>, a super short bonus episode in which I try to guess Victorian slang.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKCXb945cN1qXEMIGwFukrE-O2z12NxQF5-Gd4lG6-D0CjDchVonHf50MKkaCy18HTW7cIyMNfd90Nr6xUnqpnRDl9WPCEniB5BtwyPALAL7Lo8Ybzv4EdVpWpMq36PPlA3HY-omnVYWbgQVi3KEd_ZMJatVxrLW5F-upeR64DUvaxvmnnHA7muYkwXPF/s600/ye-olde-crime.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKCXb945cN1qXEMIGwFukrE-O2z12NxQF5-Gd4lG6-D0CjDchVonHf50MKkaCy18HTW7cIyMNfd90Nr6xUnqpnRDl9WPCEniB5BtwyPALAL7Lo8Ybzv4EdVpWpMq36PPlA3HY-omnVYWbgQVi3KEd_ZMJatVxrLW5F-upeR64DUvaxvmnnHA7muYkwXPF/s320/ye-olde-crime.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><p>Finally, if you're interested in helping me get the word out about Myth Stalker: Wendigo Nights, you can <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScED6u6RDl8YA7VVCRHaWiTUAVp5helhwQfPreauzat6i2ohQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></b> to go to my sign up form.</p><p><b>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?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p></div>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-74376138324417519252024-02-07T00:20:00.004-07:002024-02-07T01:05:34.071-07:00IWSG - Critical Mass & Book Release/Giveaway<p> Hey! It's that time again and I'm not forgetting!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRiB-MDil18q4L9RWUIJ1OYmOHSQJ_K6YofeZouNQK34taxJlX4goFSoZPU5e_WPslM3bb98-D393cChPtjpU7V23trpuJTf0wOHMtTQp49vUB4G-sPwpYqtbo5ZcCwWLpW3WA_c4zcjWoS0vE72gNNdIy96412AmbQKSt9WQ7dnFox8VaFLOgNwK4gFX/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRiB-MDil18q4L9RWUIJ1OYmOHSQJ_K6YofeZouNQK34taxJlX4goFSoZPU5e_WPslM3bb98-D393cChPtjpU7V23trpuJTf0wOHMtTQp49vUB4G-sPwpYqtbo5ZcCwWLpW3WA_c4zcjWoS0vE72gNNdIy96412AmbQKSt9WQ7dnFox8VaFLOgNwK4gFX/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The IWSG was created by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank"><b>Alex J. Cavanaugh</b></a> 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.</p><p>The co-hosts this month are: <a href="https://janetalcorn.com/" target="_blank"><b>Janet Alcorn</b></a>, <b><a href="https://sewhitebooks.com/" target="_blank">SE White</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.victoriamarielees.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees</a></b>, and <a href="https://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Cathrina Constantine</b></a>. Be sure to visit them to say hey as thanks for their work.</p><p>This month's optional question is: What turns you off when visiting an author's website/blog?</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwQ5H1LyvWJsY4n-G6xQ8KHV7rBNz6HIXLzuHI4_6cGwtWcHkgo38rB_ZAmTQ76Wi8O9vBY4CZXwDAepswMDwcgbFXNl-x6IIOvMvq4FNpfG1DA6mpfUNxp6k1YZtOYY7JZw2IrCndCtU6_EupRq4fsyYgoFIodNCffixBdOT1onoK-IxgtveyN9ovaxl/s1640/New%20Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwQ5H1LyvWJsY4n-G6xQ8KHV7rBNz6HIXLzuHI4_6cGwtWcHkgo38rB_ZAmTQ76Wi8O9vBY4CZXwDAepswMDwcgbFXNl-x6IIOvMvq4FNpfG1DA6mpfUNxp6k1YZtOYY7JZw2IrCndCtU6_EupRq4fsyYgoFIodNCffixBdOT1onoK-IxgtveyN9ovaxl/s320/New%20Banner.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>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.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircWjMsU54CUo0UBZOv51QTMWA-qr3XwGn_fBJCkizUE2sWquEDIo47AR37AhM6woEzKFoYgDC6sDueKF-7-I8THhzRo01TyIBmii0c4R_hy-yv8IGkt-Sb7xvcHgGcQMKEud_SWybFPpz44akNCeYXxiz1Zr-6NTH-FxeuEvbUlG-71G0hNgEs_k_6ke3/s1080/Giveaway!.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircWjMsU54CUo0UBZOv51QTMWA-qr3XwGn_fBJCkizUE2sWquEDIo47AR37AhM6woEzKFoYgDC6sDueKF-7-I8THhzRo01TyIBmii0c4R_hy-yv8IGkt-Sb7xvcHgGcQMKEud_SWybFPpz44akNCeYXxiz1Zr-6NTH-FxeuEvbUlG-71G0hNgEs_k_6ke3/s320/Giveaway!.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="e851df743" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e851df743/" id="rcwidget_n3veuvv1" rel="nofollow"><b>a Rafflecopter giveaway</b></a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></p><p>I'm running a special on my <a href="https://warriormusepress.square.site/" target="_blank"><b>Square store</b></a>. The first four people to order the signed paperback from me get a Wendigo sticker with their purchase (delivery after March 26).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvRgIORIxIQIJeRPtMxbnqxkUpCMWlMQklStqA2Lv2sUCQRK2xZOEC7M4UdHHBHg4OkPf1nEMSYif0NkXYlB8uHD2ck19YTrjr0bs2GTLNW2IZR7fHPrmOqqOUfNzCoO7PW2rmQPRbRjI-5E6wyUW4F_3gfyq8viuHALpAwGf0pxYx1Udm-olqjmKK2dC/s1124/424576398_10161650743461155_3039785325578779535_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvRgIORIxIQIJeRPtMxbnqxkUpCMWlMQklStqA2Lv2sUCQRK2xZOEC7M4UdHHBHg4OkPf1nEMSYif0NkXYlB8uHD2ck19YTrjr0bs2GTLNW2IZR7fHPrmOqqOUfNzCoO7PW2rmQPRbRjI-5E6wyUW4F_3gfyq8viuHALpAwGf0pxYx1Udm-olqjmKK2dC/s320/424576398_10161650743461155_3039785325578779535_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>And I'm looking for people to help with the release in March! You can sign up via the form below.</p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="1276" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScED6u6RDl8YA7VVCRHaWiTUAVp5helhwQfPreauzat6i2ohQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe></p><p>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 <a href="https://books2read.com/u/4AaOJd" target="_blank"><b>Books2Read</b></a> should be updating over the next few weeks. Everything moves so fast once the momentum gets going.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtECunF-A-O3W9Pe8WTIJBVCz-4rnhuiwQuDJ3mAEY33bS7xWv_VOCerE46mQCXR0c2uOuDaU2nm4zg6r1V_Lj2vN0N6Ahfj7lPlq4IwNFimpsGE1CL5KjA-5uaerPz-WCyzrX5-SZiJpQzlm3yfAlOhtWDtDQ9ScfpVOHCE29WuUwrTC6XTQHcQDM8bzl/s1500/162594544_216522193602347_5907484428313698334_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtECunF-A-O3W9Pe8WTIJBVCz-4rnhuiwQuDJ3mAEY33bS7xWv_VOCerE46mQCXR0c2uOuDaU2nm4zg6r1V_Lj2vN0N6Ahfj7lPlq4IwNFimpsGE1CL5KjA-5uaerPz-WCyzrX5-SZiJpQzlm3yfAlOhtWDtDQ9ScfpVOHCE29WuUwrTC6XTQHcQDM8bzl/w200-h200/162594544_216522193602347_5907484428313698334_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>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 <a href="https://functionalnerds.com/2024/01/episode-610-with-shannon-lawrence/?fbclid=IwAR16X_mr6EvcnRCquBgqVjuRMIZs__Rmw_tJfU1sVXT6KeNYASGw0YtWA8Y" target="_blank">episode 610</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZTay1MUg4bbdScHyils9M6gz-o9-7A2fNqjQbh7jmcjU0sRfTW3Fv_k62w4PgeIafxVE5BDh6mGTQayBV-EU46aZO9jjLqM09sUfRW2sLMfZBFfGaYWfmmRNxUH_Pj-S4GlS6YZOsadzZmgOz8YbqPiLTw07di94z0pGcZ9MNmdTrmTiEKcxO3JLBDL6/s960/426069642_10163242384428222_6950939301180210591_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="601" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZTay1MUg4bbdScHyils9M6gz-o9-7A2fNqjQbh7jmcjU0sRfTW3Fv_k62w4PgeIafxVE5BDh6mGTQayBV-EU46aZO9jjLqM09sUfRW2sLMfZBFfGaYWfmmRNxUH_Pj-S4GlS6YZOsadzZmgOz8YbqPiLTw07di94z0pGcZ9MNmdTrmTiEKcxO3JLBDL6/s320/426069642_10163242384428222_6950939301180210591_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>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. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS7B6D1G?asc_campaign=764b7b71a9162b27d30a1750e17230c4&asc_source=01GRXJEDJ827CJHX3R3R7DB4DN&linkCode=osi&tag=namespacebran320-20" target="_blank">Dismember the Coop</a> is already getting great reviews, so please consider checking it out on Amazon! There's also a large print version available.</p><p>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)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-OAjGwAGYSNmokfxv_cfvVJSpXZg2lrE7DMv-ztrM4NLwpWIpnEpyiDVj8zwy14zHXtGwH6SWqD4HFaZhrc3PuffoI-DUCAPx6jWH-rU9fqvxHZjVkJB_thAota7vBHOTMsIXhfI3XHhAXZHVRfTg7qGpuZxe8-7U1S63rzK9u_r-XqblyXkNiODrOg9/s2048/COSine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-OAjGwAGYSNmokfxv_cfvVJSpXZg2lrE7DMv-ztrM4NLwpWIpnEpyiDVj8zwy14zHXtGwH6SWqD4HFaZhrc3PuffoI-DUCAPx6jWH-rU9fqvxHZjVkJB_thAota7vBHOTMsIXhfI3XHhAXZHVRfTg7qGpuZxe8-7U1S63rzK9u_r-XqblyXkNiODrOg9/s320/COSine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>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. </p><p><b>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?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-27274783223336905572023-12-05T23:02:00.000-07:002023-12-05T23:02:08.949-07:00IWSG - Big Breaks & Disappointments<p>It's time for the last Insecure Writer's Support Group post of the year!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPP_YzZTA_B16hdqxUbZnPTG-z-RWmJTNR9PRx-rIz-6shXe8jcJmpIG_o4rI6dmkqgWI6T36_sihXP37gi-8l1knflf02t0k7gCbwwwOXh9vyA19EQN9GZ0xRno3OHpVx1t_ud7AJqk8pyKcvVFHJbl7O60KNd4lz6wu4oiopGljp-L8cBnOhDyLSNEv/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPP_YzZTA_B16hdqxUbZnPTG-z-RWmJTNR9PRx-rIz-6shXe8jcJmpIG_o4rI6dmkqgWI6T36_sihXP37gi-8l1knflf02t0k7gCbwwwOXh9vyA19EQN9GZ0xRno3OHpVx1t_ud7AJqk8pyKcvVFHJbl7O60KNd4lz6wu4oiopGljp-L8cBnOhDyLSNEv/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I missed last month! Yikes. I don't think I've missed a month since I started participating in the IWSG.</p><p>The IWSG exists to create a space of being open with our writing insecurities and lending each other support. Created by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a>, 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.</p><p>The co-hosts this month are <a href="https://cleemckenziebooks.com/blog/" target="_blank">C. Lee McKenzie</a>, <a href="https://www.jqrose.com/" target="_blank">JQ Rose</a>, <a href="https://jenniferlanebooks.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer Lane</a>, and <a href="https://worddreams.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Jacqui Murray</a>.</p><p>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?</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>So I'll leave you with some photos from the trip!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UPEq5GhIYPYyYfgZHpy90JwQRXQDp2uc47TkKoPlq21q13q6zPo4iaBGmAHvRBeulvLgyJFYi8Y5EBZgLiPpbPe76eaqTdXEtX8zLnSOOlQhk_T84jPe_eMwVWPxx_3gIgzz7pJbm9EXCypcR8pm2tYu91O0n-69qcZj4Q-akzFKzfIBd81WFTRtmOSJ/s6000/IMG_3089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UPEq5GhIYPYyYfgZHpy90JwQRXQDp2uc47TkKoPlq21q13q6zPo4iaBGmAHvRBeulvLgyJFYi8Y5EBZgLiPpbPe76eaqTdXEtX8zLnSOOlQhk_T84jPe_eMwVWPxx_3gIgzz7pJbm9EXCypcR8pm2tYu91O0n-69qcZj4Q-akzFKzfIBd81WFTRtmOSJ/s320/IMG_3089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmGyTnvrnx0B-ePreGEtmIOpfaezWHzAN_YvoUlYF_4C7cwJ84ZDGCUxiNyJWlwzpUgmMuLbLmHXbLr89iFu-nrO0GJg41HSZ2xX_SdxmAchc9gfgM-ehS4yjSoQwKj45jJOJXMc0tykDlHTcCqHFgSBGlXsrErco73QYxRBI8odj7eYQMBBv_qLsiH9k/s6000/IMG_3109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmGyTnvrnx0B-ePreGEtmIOpfaezWHzAN_YvoUlYF_4C7cwJ84ZDGCUxiNyJWlwzpUgmMuLbLmHXbLr89iFu-nrO0GJg41HSZ2xX_SdxmAchc9gfgM-ehS4yjSoQwKj45jJOJXMc0tykDlHTcCqHFgSBGlXsrErco73QYxRBI8odj7eYQMBBv_qLsiH9k/s320/IMG_3109.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlBY9myTwqviyIPGqMO4YZYUgOlcbV3VkWnHlt2Vd60hlYXSez1qpQa4-xyH50gEW5iV0Cn_tGoKL4SMrWyH9G-wd5cyd7T8zL2CWsPZ1gUe_AiH3KgYMW7r0GfHx-fY-e6cnd8CEknENv4PcUfbjVKq2vr3c2re4hSoF_2KG6sGwMTXLRTof_6cOlUKF/s6000/IMG_3113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlBY9myTwqviyIPGqMO4YZYUgOlcbV3VkWnHlt2Vd60hlYXSez1qpQa4-xyH50gEW5iV0Cn_tGoKL4SMrWyH9G-wd5cyd7T8zL2CWsPZ1gUe_AiH3KgYMW7r0GfHx-fY-e6cnd8CEknENv4PcUfbjVKq2vr3c2re4hSoF_2KG6sGwMTXLRTof_6cOlUKF/s320/IMG_3113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWB8jlGZn6rErBfcY9nXSo5bf0VbUqVH631IaDCSNuHz0rNxj48cxjwexR98G9AapL1fzWY1-T-iTIxey0tFpj0axwSUzfyp1IXzTlgJPmvHIAkXg_WZhLYdJecmKMf3OxE0f7AUbsvlab1T2c-jIWrflKM6TS4O9RULspJJRxYOvyF_5k4uok0bPRZOt1/s6000/IMG_3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWB8jlGZn6rErBfcY9nXSo5bf0VbUqVH631IaDCSNuHz0rNxj48cxjwexR98G9AapL1fzWY1-T-iTIxey0tFpj0axwSUzfyp1IXzTlgJPmvHIAkXg_WZhLYdJecmKMf3OxE0f7AUbsvlab1T2c-jIWrflKM6TS4O9RULspJJRxYOvyF_5k4uok0bPRZOt1/s320/IMG_3124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbHGAH0WDuIIgE0cgJV1Kdnt4wWoOjQNyxwzQEYvKfIr0NYe05K-ZZNVUQi7VgZfIfXSlELMocPKOG4y7E_9gFHXCgUtjbAUgLVhZCaGJm6Qr1bhVgM9jZczFGdOLNTI7XDfG_NCol82uDr8oZdNOuGx9L9WMqTNZkm3z9_esHzhhBtUU4CILgaXx52qr/s6000/IMG_3187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbHGAH0WDuIIgE0cgJV1Kdnt4wWoOjQNyxwzQEYvKfIr0NYe05K-ZZNVUQi7VgZfIfXSlELMocPKOG4y7E_9gFHXCgUtjbAUgLVhZCaGJm6Qr1bhVgM9jZczFGdOLNTI7XDfG_NCol82uDr8oZdNOuGx9L9WMqTNZkm3z9_esHzhhBtUU4CILgaXx52qr/s320/IMG_3187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm88DDgGRyUMk-quocyiXgH3bCaA04gjGLVHreO_kUYzesprbACHpCMUTLvNPsCQaw_iqJhyUaCXSz0qWZLkNdjCdbRdl_8-SrnvIQqsf_QK7_4-4a6gcSgXwMxf1NVcG2s3j1F_y5pdYodX5oEuCLdqQTu80dZQHCSmV9guxY2PJdp87BF1HwuySqf6q/s6000/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtm88DDgGRyUMk-quocyiXgH3bCaA04gjGLVHreO_kUYzesprbACHpCMUTLvNPsCQaw_iqJhyUaCXSz0qWZLkNdjCdbRdl_8-SrnvIQqsf_QK7_4-4a6gcSgXwMxf1NVcG2s3j1F_y5pdYodX5oEuCLdqQTu80dZQHCSmV9guxY2PJdp87BF1HwuySqf6q/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Have you ever had a big project go under? Did you move past it immediately or take some time? What are your insecurities?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-52159766435850780962023-10-04T02:00:00.001-06:002023-10-04T02:00:00.135-06:00IWSG - Projects & Gary Robbe New Release<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOlD13SwzJvOoYLNa5b-Av5CmINCC8ZrsuJd8bbGclQ2rLJDGk7O0yir7fieZHDkp9FkdPnqXO5ZW-ZzQZG6x6ZCmYIRQnpH1WGsw0n4h-TlYrw7uS-WNema1X32VYPJObrr9ry0Vb7Jsad64RdSy-EkiTCsuXODhOlSZx-hhCVp4QHFXx_eJhPnjU_Rs/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOlD13SwzJvOoYLNa5b-Av5CmINCC8ZrsuJd8bbGclQ2rLJDGk7O0yir7fieZHDkp9FkdPnqXO5ZW-ZzQZG6x6ZCmYIRQnpH1WGsw0n4h-TlYrw7uS-WNema1X32VYPJObrr9ry0Vb7Jsad64RdSy-EkiTCsuXODhOlSZx-hhCVp4QHFXx_eJhPnjU_Rs/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It's IWSG time!</p><p>Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, 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.</p><p>This month's co-hosts are: <b><a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a></b>, <b><a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a></b>, <b><a href="https://fictioncanbefun.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Debs Carey</a></b>, <b><a href="http://gwengardner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Gardner</a></b>, <b><a href="https://twistingmyths.substack.com/" target="_blank">Patricia Josephine</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.rebecca-douglass.com/" target="_blank">Rebecca Douglass</a></b>.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>And, of course, until that final acceptance, I remain insecure about the whole thing.</p><p>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. </p><p>Until then, I have Gary Robbe's new release. <i>Not Buried Deep Enough</i> was released this past Monday, October 2.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1CS7LMidcK9V6sNxMrpoRmnRyP3XDOV0jdM2EAYKa4vEQcwxey9W9tSbM4LNnUTd5JUcR0hEvIhxkYtvqrE3C3k0xTml6UlIFR0RnE0eEKTRUW8-BXVcGa9nRbNcj5xGQWxDGG0I0uLMA-fdev2rbA9CmbK3c9OkZKo4jBRcWEMhDCuX3mOxThGAivhF/s1350/NBDE%20COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="902" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1CS7LMidcK9V6sNxMrpoRmnRyP3XDOV0jdM2EAYKa4vEQcwxey9W9tSbM4LNnUTd5JUcR0hEvIhxkYtvqrE3C3k0xTml6UlIFR0RnE0eEKTRUW8-BXVcGa9nRbNcj5xGQWxDGG0I0uLMA-fdev2rbA9CmbK3c9OkZKo4jBRcWEMhDCuX3mOxThGAivhF/w268-h400/NBDE%20COVER.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div><br /></div>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...<div><br /></div><div>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. </div><div><br /></div><div>Available at <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Buried-Deep-Enough-Gary-Robbe-ebook/dp/B0CHJL8X43/ref=sr_1_8?qid=1696148541&refinements=p_27%3AGary+Robbe&s=digital-text&sr=1-8" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/not-buried-deep-enough-gary-robbe/1144042404?fbclid=IwAR1VZ1BQ7fJYvuqnLzCmON64ai7mtAm3zVOWgJXvV7llh9F3mT4UAIW24_8" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7N_knjq3dTKM7hO7z2D13h7uzGnAPLu_-quby8VwqsF7Sdb3zoa6b-VX__m9kRmL9_uY7vxWnCMz-jpCIQCvKSM4MzzSBj7afP5WPaB8AFXIp6OvBXNrc9C0cUZaSyAbRXXfGylIfy2AmhomH0IY787MYGDf9nV146_RC_eQQmtD3vGmNKA6TzLSZKxa/s640/IMG_3681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7N_knjq3dTKM7hO7z2D13h7uzGnAPLu_-quby8VwqsF7Sdb3zoa6b-VX__m9kRmL9_uY7vxWnCMz-jpCIQCvKSM4MzzSBj7afP5WPaB8AFXIp6OvBXNrc9C0cUZaSyAbRXXfGylIfy2AmhomH0IY787MYGDf9nV146_RC_eQQmtD3vGmNKA6TzLSZKxa/w150-h200/IMG_3681.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>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. <br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>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?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p></div>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-80076052672702598492023-09-06T03:50:00.001-06:002023-09-06T03:53:31.802-06:00IWSG - Supportive Communities & Rebecca Douglass Book Launch<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oceF2Km7pj1GoAqlDTdmzXhiVyr0biiIi09EiNqJ1ThzShOuo5139jPwT7u5HqD_pexAHzIDSNrQQizXTaW6XYUvH4O6ZKx64LTRd4YqCSXf320WOE4IGnWGSxBmiWuBC90jDwDFqibSFgPRcnIq97XkHK69niQ2waQXLXHGUn2ws-Tvc8ewjUH2qxiB/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oceF2Km7pj1GoAqlDTdmzXhiVyr0biiIi09EiNqJ1ThzShOuo5139jPwT7u5HqD_pexAHzIDSNrQQizXTaW6XYUvH4O6ZKx64LTRd4YqCSXf320WOE4IGnWGSxBmiWuBC90jDwDFqibSFgPRcnIq97XkHK69niQ2waQXLXHGUn2ws-Tvc8ewjUH2qxiB/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Here we are in September, with another Insecure Writer's Support Group!</p><p>Created by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><b>Alex J. Cavanaugh</b></a>, the IWSG serves to provide a forum for writers to discuss their insecurities, of which we have many. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and add your blog to the linky list.</p><p>The co-hosts this month are <a href="https://soniadogra.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sonia Dogra</b></a>, <a href="https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>J Lenni Dorner</b></a>, <a href="http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/" target="_blank"><b>Pat Garcia</b></a>, <a href="http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Sarah - the Faux Fountain Pen</b></a>, and <a href="https://authormekajames.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>Meka James</b></a>. Be sure to drop in and thank them for co-hosting!</p><p>The optional question this month is: The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?</p><p>It's been years since I discovered IWSG, but I can't say exactly when. I believe I found it after participating in the A-to-Z Challenge. In both the A-to-Z and the IWSG, I found such a wonderful community here online. I'm not able to visit folks as much as I would like, yet when I do get those visits in, it's like I was never gone. Writers need each other. We need support from those who understand the particular, unique issues writers face. The IWSG helps us attain that and gives us the opportunity to offer our support and experience to others dealing with similar issues. We have lost several members through the years and banded together to support our fellow bloggers through the loss of family, health issues, mental health crises, and more.</p><p>I also was one of the admins for a while! It was a lot of fun being a part of the team.</p><p>Speaking of supporting each other, a place I've gotten help and offered help is with new releases. And Rebecca Douglass has a new release to help with right now!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeaaJHOkMkdzt4kYS7PzVVZbbf0lqZKgRCUhznUXxbEUCI-LXIbtgN01ZlWlnYwsM_VpmhWdWNyFr8OpdbIzbDXfZiRO0o_fKm1d3ck-RzOoLdXxNSDPVlr45-Tyw8g-Ikev_barY3_JbslC6O7lvBU1ToZCY0hcDGClr1pyal9cRW8-O9rywC8NrS5zh/s640/douglas%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="419" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpeaaJHOkMkdzt4kYS7PzVVZbbf0lqZKgRCUhznUXxbEUCI-LXIbtgN01ZlWlnYwsM_VpmhWdWNyFr8OpdbIzbDXfZiRO0o_fKm1d3ck-RzOoLdXxNSDPVlr45-Tyw8g-Ikev_barY3_JbslC6O7lvBU1ToZCY0hcDGClr1pyal9cRW8-O9rywC8NrS5zh/s320/douglas%20cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /><p>Retired science teacher Seffie Wardwell has moved to coastal Maine looking for peace, fresh air, and an accepting community. So far, she's enjoying the sea air. When a corpse shows up in Seffi's flower garden, she can't help asking questions about the victim and his death. Police officer Miah Cox doesn't want her assistance, but Seffi's curiosity is what made her a scientist.</p><p>The more she learns about the dead man's background, the more she wants to know. Estranged from his wealthy family, and a village pariah for something that happened years before, the dead man had plenty of enemies. At least one wanted to make him disappear forever, and they're all eager to see this case wrapped up and forget about him.</p><p>The way Seffi sees it, somebody has to care about him, and as a fellow outsider, she's it. But all of her poking around is stirring up trouble in the village. It's up to Seffie and Miah to figure out whodunit before they strike again, and before the locals decide the handiest scapegoat is Seffie herself.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfdlNGNsk2RnandgsceDyVNJOOqOQ8spiFNpMxHIcFxJhlvX2wLsfv2LBPxhkLmIeGPHiC9XryQb334ydXDjIcii1y-IjemdTHO-Y43k7f3lrvRP_NxL4GoVssxY52vcHJYuElajgnb3p0a1ZLramKnEJkQz13bwYF-wy5J7Feh6_lIkzByhfYK0h6ln7/s640/douglas%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="640" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfdlNGNsk2RnandgsceDyVNJOOqOQ8spiFNpMxHIcFxJhlvX2wLsfv2LBPxhkLmIeGPHiC9XryQb334ydXDjIcii1y-IjemdTHO-Y43k7f3lrvRP_NxL4GoVssxY52vcHJYuElajgnb3p0a1ZLramKnEJkQz13bwYF-wy5J7Feh6_lIkzByhfYK0h6ln7/s320/douglas%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Find "A Coastal Corpse" in the following places:</p><p><b><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1431785" target="_blank">Smashwords</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGN9Z7ZD" target="_blank">Kindle</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH23RZ5H" target="_blank">Amazon Paperback</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH22JJX3" target="_blank">Amazon Large Type</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1143997890;jsessionid=0CF53D9FEFCC8E93C78444BD7339486B.prodny_store02-atgap18?ean=2940166101167" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-coastal-corpse/id6463561594" target="_blank">Apple Store/iTunes</a> | <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-coastal-corpse" target="_blank">Kobo</a></b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAb8HDetfI6fwa26yGZUqWCAPeSBK2GCOOpwNkB9tKsFU5C6E0t0jC8N7-wj6XBeXB3WPgfx17YtIQAZLc4db9regave96fXvNHkqvOomrFDPFJMyG3ukMLDCxoM4lEOefANVvU8deIQbxu6LnlarwO7MHgETRGw6Xkynn1QzV4u15LZSRRXVk9qR9AFC/s640/Douglas%20photo.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAb8HDetfI6fwa26yGZUqWCAPeSBK2GCOOpwNkB9tKsFU5C6E0t0jC8N7-wj6XBeXB3WPgfx17YtIQAZLc4db9regave96fXvNHkqvOomrFDPFJMyG3ukMLDCxoM4lEOefANVvU8deIQbxu6LnlarwO7MHgETRGw6Xkynn1QzV4u15LZSRRXVk9qR9AFC/w150-h200/Douglas%20photo.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Rebecca M. Douglass has lived and worked around the American West for more years than she'll admit, while raising two children to adulthood and dreaming up interesting ways to bump people off. Thanks to good friends in Maine, she has also spent time on the other side of the country and has fallen in love with that coast. Since retiring from work at the library, the author of the <i>Ninja Librarian </i>series for younger readers and the <i>Pismawallops PTA mystery series</i> lives in Seattle, where she is writing the Seffie Wardwell mysteries. She has also had short stories published in a variety magazines and anthologies. When she isn't writing, Ms. Douglass hiking and backpacking or to travel to discover new places or revisit old favorites, including the Grand Canyon and of course Maine, where so many of the best cozy mysteries are found.<div><br /></div><div>Good luck on your book launch, Rebecca!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What are your insecurities? How long have you been hanging around with the IWSG? Have you read any of Rebecca's books?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>May you find your Muse.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-28417184603313825822023-08-02T04:30:00.001-06:002023-08-02T04:30:00.134-06:00IWSG - Stretching Myself<p>It's IWSG time! And this month I'm a co-host, along with <b><a href="http://katelarkindale.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kate Larkindale</a></b>, <b><a href="https://dianeburton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diane Burton</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://janetalcorn.com/" target="_blank">Janet Alcorn</a></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_2W7ihEtZrr7jb7QJeFen47RF-UeOLM8Pc2i1RXDGxG2zHZRUSb62vO-Z5CRajecj1vf52Gs7aTz9aBS44oyfJ02LGiHkDXkpL90L9BR5I2x9sWVkf8Dv8uPsE8U1i5va68C3Q4VDFhI3wFu1NuWhMDs-ImTaRyIk3y_aHDHfhGWD0niJmV5gbEVXc9p/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_2W7ihEtZrr7jb7QJeFen47RF-UeOLM8Pc2i1RXDGxG2zHZRUSb62vO-Z5CRajecj1vf52Gs7aTz9aBS44oyfJ02LGiHkDXkpL90L9BR5I2x9sWVkf8Dv8uPsE8U1i5va68C3Q4VDFhI3wFu1NuWhMDs-ImTaRyIk3y_aHDHfhGWD0niJmV5gbEVXc9p/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, the Insecure Writer's Support Group exists for writers to share their insecurities and give and get support. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and go to the IWSG tab to sign up. Post the first Wednesday of each month and hop around to visit others.</p><p>The optional question is: Have you ever written something that afterwards you felt conflicted about? If so, did you let it stay how it was, take it out, or rewrite it?</p><p>I don't believe I've done this. At least not that I can remember. It's one of those things where I feel like I must have, but simply can't think of an example. I did have a story that got rejected because I had harmed a dog (the dog did not get killed). Only, the editor said they wished I had gone all the way and killed the dog. So I edited it and killed the dog. The next editor rejected it because I killed the dog. For a time, I kept both versions of the story and submitted them to different markets, paying attention to which way I thought that particular market might lean, but I never sold it. Ultimately, I gave up, removed the dog entirely, and killed a human in the dog's place, then included it as a bonus story in one of my collections.</p><p>As far as current insecurities, I'm in the middle of a project that has me questioning whether I've really advanced far enough in my writing abilities to be able to pull off this off. Am I good enough? Did this opportunity come to me too early? All I know is I'm going to do my best and hope that my insecurity is unfounded. I've got a little more research to do, and have two months to get it in by deadline.</p><p>For locals, I've got a book signing coming up on August 12th, 1-3 PM, at Hooked on Books. They will be providing cookies and lemonade. I'll be signing with Bowen Gillings, Steven J. Anderson, and Christina Bergling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK02uoJjrH6UADrzB9-zctxPbvEifmuX69pcwBNg6GaHceMeUNXtD0PYgFrFnKFHdb9fvfvDySp7uuck7phZlKf7QOEVvcfBeBWRZx5ESwY6tEB--PwFHAc47DftxdHqgCVewOzFTMieilqnD7jkRvnf-tRyTkoPrR4LxTpET2NHjFMSLXonJ3XKXcM85D/s320/HoB%20FB%20Cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK02uoJjrH6UADrzB9-zctxPbvEifmuX69pcwBNg6GaHceMeUNXtD0PYgFrFnKFHdb9fvfvDySp7uuck7phZlKf7QOEVvcfBeBWRZx5ESwY6tEB--PwFHAc47DftxdHqgCVewOzFTMieilqnD7jkRvnf-tRyTkoPrR4LxTpET2NHjFMSLXonJ3XKXcM85D/w400-h225/HoB%20FB%20Cover.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I also have a signing with a larger group at Tattered Cover in September, so I'll post about that next month. I'm looking forward to MileHiCon in October, as well, so will have that information soon, too.</p><p>If you haven't signed up for my newsletter, my first one in several months is going out soon. You can subscribe over to the right. I send out release information to my newsletter subscribers first!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCppChlZU07ULZl6m9qr5HtLpZhkYOGFH-MDHPjAd6JlbZkwWZr5njfd6zAyBVUnORuv0YoPl4ehb67FOXLKmBe5RNj8CmkPynPaZwPUgrrsRxQy4w5v4vplEv92HxaG8bytaQ31LQbrxssbfpWzxn4YA85mSBX7qCog96HzSPWtIeuhuZci96xWwfMi4T/s5702/MMM%20Logo%20MB%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5434" data-original-width="5702" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCppChlZU07ULZl6m9qr5HtLpZhkYOGFH-MDHPjAd6JlbZkwWZr5njfd6zAyBVUnORuv0YoPl4ehb67FOXLKmBe5RNj8CmkPynPaZwPUgrrsRxQy4w5v4vplEv92HxaG8bytaQ31LQbrxssbfpWzxn4YA85mSBX7qCog96HzSPWtIeuhuZci96xWwfMi4T/s320/MMM%20Logo%20MB%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>My podcast <b><a href="https://mysteriesmonstersmayhem.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem</a></b> is ongoing. We're actually in season 6, which is pretty crazy! We do two seasons per year. I'd like to get some more interesting cryptids and hauntings on the show (it is true crime heavy, but I'd love to have more ghosts and monsters to mix in). Any recommendations? What are some of your favorite myths, monsters, or ghosts? Any haunted sites you think might make a good story?</p><p><b>What's your favorite cryptid? Have you ever worried that you weren't good enough to do a project you'd taken on? What did you do to push through? What are your insecurities? Any exciting new projects you're working on?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-70624966261983584192023-07-05T03:32:00.001-06:002023-07-05T03:32:07.467-06:00IWSG - Work/Life Balance<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4syRyz0u9eMVV3PNvyHcsDhqWYr24opIUwm_jombUNm425lBlTaamT2uS5Xo6Q62sfpfH8O6XPQzXMxSWugXvkSKVyNqfsI9wLAL0KNtnmWaExjlgu45OrR0l1ipXdKkiA7MYGrLwGYN1wWUcm-AwhO63ozwk1RmFZAP6dJvQY16NK__ezNr_7Dp4Cp1l/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4syRyz0u9eMVV3PNvyHcsDhqWYr24opIUwm_jombUNm425lBlTaamT2uS5Xo6Q62sfpfH8O6XPQzXMxSWugXvkSKVyNqfsI9wLAL0KNtnmWaExjlgu45OrR0l1ipXdKkiA7MYGrLwGYN1wWUcm-AwhO63ozwk1RmFZAP6dJvQY16NK__ezNr_7Dp4Cp1l/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It's that time again. The Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) is the first Wednesday of each month. We support each other in our writing fears. Anyone is welcome to join. Simply click on <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex's name</a></b> and sign up.</p><p>This month's co-hosts are: <b><a href="https://www.pjcolando.com/" target="_blank">PJ Colando</a></b>, <b><a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a></b>, <b><a href="http://gwengardner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gwen Gardner</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/" target="_blank">Pat Garcia</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a></b>.</p><p>This month's optional question is: Where do your story ideas predominantly come from?</p><p>Most often they spark off something I saw or heard. A what if based on a twist or a quirk. While I'm a vivid dreamer, dreams are very rarely a source of my stories. In fact, I can't think of a story I based off a dream. Which is weird, because I've seen that's a huge source of story ideas for a lot of people. Most of my dreams are pretty nonsensical.</p><p>While a different project is on hold, I'm editing a WIP. I've been making good progress on it. Not as good as when I wasn't working, obviously, but I've been able to work on it nearly every day, because I'm making myself cut out of work by a certain time. As I mentioned last month, I'm really trying to work on work-life balance. Unfortunately, "work" includes the day job, writing/publishing, and the podcast, so just as many of you have to do, it's getting all that established and still ensuring I have time to rest, as well. I'm giving myself a brain off day every other weekend and I've been walking again after finding some solutions for arthritis in my knee. (Walk one day, rest one day, exercise bike one day; ice and Voltaren gel on walk days as needed). </p><p>The job balance is improving and I'm getting so much more reading done this year than last. I'll be hitting my Goodreads reading goal early this year, which makes me happy.</p><p><b>How do you reach work/writing/life balance? What are your insecurities? Where do your ideas come from? What are you working on right now?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p><p><br /></p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-3882304607454306642023-06-07T03:00:00.005-06:002023-06-07T03:00:00.132-06:00IWSG - Taking Time for Myself<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_W91rTWLGMYGslkJ3g3yJHGUy05CoGWdFtNqf4MDaiStCqIUmMdKd-chlVsel2pkA0_m86ZmKmaJUS2eUkvYqSlaKxPECg4xqOB1X3HMQ5ME0pXeeCaNRA6DL8oynqSwxJCFeJLt68IGf6z_at-44dd15VZ4pDe-yp36fR3vQ_VAIJOgJj54Crhyww/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_W91rTWLGMYGslkJ3g3yJHGUy05CoGWdFtNqf4MDaiStCqIUmMdKd-chlVsel2pkA0_m86ZmKmaJUS2eUkvYqSlaKxPECg4xqOB1X3HMQ5ME0pXeeCaNRA6DL8oynqSwxJCFeJLt68IGf6z_at-44dd15VZ4pDe-yp36fR3vQ_VAIJOgJj54Crhyww/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It's IWSG time again! Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, the IWSG gives writers a place to air their insecurities and support other authors in their insecurities.</p><p>Before jumping in, I want to say a quick goodbye to "<b><a href="http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chemist Ken</a></b>," Ken Rahmoeller. I was sorry to hear of his death. He was a nice guy here in IWSG-Land and Blog-Land, and there will be a hole without him.</p><p>This month's co-hosts are <b><a href="https://www.patriciajosephine.com/blog" target="_blank">Patricia Josephine</a></b>, <b><a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diedre Knight</a></b>, <b><a href="https://olgagodim.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Olga Godim</a></b>, <b><a href="https://jlennidorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">J. Lenni Dorner</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a></b>. Be sure to stop by!</p><p>This month's optional question is "If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with?"</p><p>I tell you what, I'm in the middle of a big writing project, but am in limbo while I wait for something back from the publishing company, and I've gotten SO. MUCH. done! So many things that I set aside repeatedly, because I don't have time between writing, podcasting, and my day job. Photo things, cleaning things, and organizational things. So, admittedly, I would probably just get more normal life things done and focus a bit more on photography and scrapbooking. I'd get more outside time. Sometimes I fantasize about just having free time to organize the pantry or read during the day. But it turns out when I've set aside all other writing projects for one that requires a quick turnaround, only to then be left waiting for over a week for something I need to move forward, my stress levels change, as does my "free time." Given, I put free time in quotations for a reason. I still fill the time, but it feels different. Normally, if I have any time, I guilt myself into writing to fill that time.</p><p>Last night, I relaxed around the firepit with my husband, because I'm also trying to keep myself to clocking out at dinner time from the day job, and to not sign back in at night. I need to draw some lines. There's only one night per week that I should be working late into the evening, and that's Thursday. All other nights I should be keeping my day job to day time. Most days, I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the computer lately, and that's not okay. We also ate at the dinner table for the first time in about two weeks, because there was stuff piled up there and I was busy working, anyway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUyJw_Z1avs14aPuGdi2MobxKTvzd_o8S6WlFhQZHNQLucTixSDQltjR5jKBGUaugWmbcsq_TSmpKtkkOasdzbnCLlgaJ0-RTkhIVyFTwMMwUe88b8a5GrXZ67iYcJysVaH8iocHWRZCmq5ECvZciKjZxfiCczStFQtQytl-iGLOGRX-399ixV9C2AA/s2048/352540329_212776461576817_8525280237204214737_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUyJw_Z1avs14aPuGdi2MobxKTvzd_o8S6WlFhQZHNQLucTixSDQltjR5jKBGUaugWmbcsq_TSmpKtkkOasdzbnCLlgaJ0-RTkhIVyFTwMMwUe88b8a5GrXZ67iYcJysVaH8iocHWRZCmq5ECvZciKjZxfiCczStFQtQytl-iGLOGRX-399ixV9C2AA/s320/352540329_212776461576817_8525280237204214737_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With the free time, though, I also went through and submitted a handful of short stories, which I was not doing for a while, as I had set aside short stories to work on my novel. Since that is also on hold, though, it was easier to submit some already written stories than to go back to novel editing only to have to stop when it's time for next steps in the current project.<div><br /></div><div>Best laid plans and all that. When an opportunity drops in your lap, you drop everything else and put your all into it. Here's hoping it comes to fruition. If not, I got a peek into a different kind of writing world.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Have you done anything for yourself lately? Do you have anything you can do to give yourself more sustainable time? What would you do with extra time? What are your insecurities?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>May you find your Muse.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-62092374026201172292023-05-03T02:46:00.000-06:002023-05-03T02:46:01.812-06:00IWSG - Inspiration & Struggle<p>Time for the May IWSG!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPd6SgmmGeinBeTyWCDq__gvpEUtaeuTg1hWg-CfIwQYXl8pNqW7eL_LFxDW2eNuK3Kmj2OZNm6OSU9yK4_wHq4tA_LMdxSzpl5tzw3t_54oYy2CGgxQovWey-Xtd17nZwulY2fViV3E-nWg1rdzWA9YxWdmi7DBWbhve2fM-tmfBh-iFlDwOjPkWsFw/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPd6SgmmGeinBeTyWCDq__gvpEUtaeuTg1hWg-CfIwQYXl8pNqW7eL_LFxDW2eNuK3Kmj2OZNm6OSU9yK4_wHq4tA_LMdxSzpl5tzw3t_54oYy2CGgxQovWey-Xtd17nZwulY2fViV3E-nWg1rdzWA9YxWdmi7DBWbhve2fM-tmfBh-iFlDwOjPkWsFw/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Created by <a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank"><b>Alex J. Cavanaugh</b></a>, the Insecure Writer's Support Group exists for writers to give and get support. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and put your blog on the linky list, then post on the first Wednesday of each month.</p><p>The co-hosts this month are <a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank"><b>Joylene Nowell Butler</b></a>, <b><a href="https://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/blog/" target="_blank">Ronel Janse van Vuuren</a></b>, <b><a href="https://authormekajames.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Meka James</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.victoriamarielees.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Marie Lees</a></b>, <b><a href="https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">M Louise Barbour</a></b>.</p><p>The optional question this month is: When you are working on a story, what inspires you?</p><p>Music and a walk are go-tos. Of course, a good book or movie can also be inspiring. Another author's success can be inspiring. Lots of things!</p><p>As far as insecurities, I'm struggling right now. When life things are rough, my creativity takes a nosedive. But I was so productive while working on Happy Ghoulidays II, so I'm hoping to get back there. I had several trips and it's the end of the school year (and I have a senior, so it turns out it's a LOT!), so I'm trying to give myself a break until the end of May. Not to say I'm not going to write or edit at all, just that I'm trying not to punish myself if I don't get as much done as I feel like I should.</p><p>Short version: I'm looking forward to things normalizing!</p><p>And I did get through initial edits on the horror comedy, so I have gotten something done. Some of my problem is probably that my focus is on edits, and they are my least favorite part of the process.</p><p>I also think I need to figure out a time/way to get out of the house to write. My hours at work increased, and I sit in this chair so much of the day that when it comes time to write I just want to shut my brain off instead and put the laptop away. I'm sure plenty of you can relate.</p><p>Subject change!</p><p>This upcoming Saturday, May 6, I'll be a spotlight author at Mountain of Authors, which is put on by the Pikes Peak Library District. It's one of my favorite events. It used to be there would be two panels then a keynote speaker, but it changed for a while because of COVID, just as everything did. I was excited to see that this year they're bringing back a panel in addition to the keynote speaker! I've been to events where authors were second class citizens, but this event has always treated its writers so well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuLVYPTvbmHZEWDoV4tNF5LerJe0kNiXIjKVRTqI7VYneMHy3RWxmql8t_Uuf1eW7x442ANvzuKP7px5kSRtqWDRzaCcrBAQUfYHzNs5nwfGNVAsc9HNNsyoD1fny17Y1ceVuohXnGlYwJ8sCP36dK3tpLLMmzLG5CNLf-J1_Gi7-uDks7WzAQUuefA/s3553/AS%20Mountain%20of%20Authors%20Flyer%20Program%208.5x11%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3553" data-original-width="3400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuLVYPTvbmHZEWDoV4tNF5LerJe0kNiXIjKVRTqI7VYneMHy3RWxmql8t_Uuf1eW7x442ANvzuKP7px5kSRtqWDRzaCcrBAQUfYHzNs5nwfGNVAsc9HNNsyoD1fny17Y1ceVuohXnGlYwJ8sCP36dK3tpLLMmzLG5CNLf-J1_Gi7-uDks7WzAQUuefA/s320/AS%20Mountain%20of%20Authors%20Flyer%20Program%208.5x11%202023.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2DT87hGCX8m9UCpSeDTByU_8IEYkNRo1Gyu9f432IWddgLGwurJ1kKnNwMF5hZuq52uePlVjBeAeUEd547B-EaqpBx6-qhiMjhTgI6RCgZ-35Xlnvc1n_OSJlB1UtDeYH-RWvf8Mq9IovThQ3a1a_tuCe-zjyVxNZ9dBTyCmGHrHIMnIz3SbuLSMUA/s300/AS%20Mountain%20of%20Authors%20MOA%20Presents%20IG300x300%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2DT87hGCX8m9UCpSeDTByU_8IEYkNRo1Gyu9f432IWddgLGwurJ1kKnNwMF5hZuq52uePlVjBeAeUEd547B-EaqpBx6-qhiMjhTgI6RCgZ-35Xlnvc1n_OSJlB1UtDeYH-RWvf8Mq9IovThQ3a1a_tuCe-zjyVxNZ9dBTyCmGHrHIMnIz3SbuLSMUA/s1600/AS%20Mountain%20of%20Authors%20MOA%20Presents%20IG300x300%202023.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>And bonus: it might just give me that energy I'm missing, spending time with fellow writers.</p><p><b>What are your insecurities lately? What inspires you? What's your favorite writing event?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-66244493250900772772023-04-05T00:33:00.000-06:002023-04-05T00:33:27.073-06:00IWSG - Flops & Friends<p>Happy IWSG Day!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJ5VtRyQYveruGCuCrUal3ELYj145-BvR2I9OIsg52FJ4Y-oaKS0MtBEyswKdAFeQpUbSv4FjqoJUi9ET2msn9wArYhKBnnie48QvDb9si-g-0dDhqy5EBSQCbEH2xncMNGPvrGIb5BX1lBagdTF_BASPWbbKhn8R7SS_mhcnzAAd6ngRCi9ruV8cRw/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJ5VtRyQYveruGCuCrUal3ELYj145-BvR2I9OIsg52FJ4Y-oaKS0MtBEyswKdAFeQpUbSv4FjqoJUi9ET2msn9wArYhKBnnie48QvDb9si-g-0dDhqy5EBSQCbEH2xncMNGPvrGIb5BX1lBagdTF_BASPWbbKhn8R7SS_mhcnzAAd6ngRCi9ruV8cRw/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The Insecure Writer's Support Group exists to support the writing community in the airing insecurities. Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, anyone can join. Simply click on his name and put your blog on the linky list.</p><p>The co-hosts this month are <b><a href="http://jemimapett.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jemima Pett</a></b>, <b><a href="https://nancygideon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Gideon</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a></b>. Be sure to drop by their blogs and thank them for their help!</p><p>The optional question this month is: <i>Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals?</i></p><p>Technically, my first published book was my nonfiction title <i>The Business of Short Stories. </i>The first ones I wrote are in limbo somewhere. My career path has been a bit different from that of most authors, as it's focused on short stories up to now. </p><p>All that is changing, as I feel like I've grown stagnant in my writing career. I don't want to keep doing the same thing over and over again (this from a person whose longest work position before getting bored and moving along has been maybe 2 1/2 years). That doesn't mean I want to abandon horror or short stories, but it's time for me to grow and stretch and try new things. What that means right now is writing the next two books in my urban fantasy series so I can self-publish those, completing edits on a horror comedy novel I'll be shopping to agents this year, writing a memoir of my dad's journey with ALS, and writing the first in what will be a proposed amateur sleuth mystery series so I can start shopping that, as well. In addition, I'd like to revisit a YA Post-Apocalyptic novel I wrote way back when to see if I can bring it up to my current standards and either start shopping it again or finish what was a planned trilogy to self-publish.</p><p>So I have some fairly diverse plans for the next year, yeah?</p><p>I do have the rights back on enough short stories that I'll be releasing another collection in the next year. I just haven't decided how I want to time that yet. Plus I have to figure out which unpublished short stories to put in it, because I always like to put several brand new ones in for those who loyally purchase every publication I'm in. </p><p>While I'm doing all this, I'm telling myself I will be pulling back on both submitting short stories and attending writing events as a speaker/featured author. Given, there are a few favorite events I'll likely keep appearing at, but I will not be seeking out new appearance opportunities. Which also means slowing down on the podcast appearances I was doing for a while. I think? (I have a work ethic I struggle to overcome, lol, which means I say I won't take on anything more, and then I do it anyway, but I REALLY need to give myself a break.)</p><p>Since I'm pulling back on submitting short stories, I'm going to probably cease keeping track on my IWSG posts to kind of discourage any deep focus on that. We'll see if that works or if I remember next month that I'm not doing that, LOL!</p><p>Both Sandra Cox and I are guests on <b><a href="https://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">L. Diane Wolfe's blog</a></b> today, so stop by and say hi!</p><p>I want to thank anyone who helped with my book release in March! Diane is the last person on this hastily thrown together blog tour. Something significant and traumatic happened when I should have been prepping my book release, and it tied my hands for a couple weeks right after I got the book cover. I wrote out a whole post last month about it and ultimately decided it wasn't something I could share at this time. When I posted in desperation for help on Facebook the week of the release, a lot of people stepped up and helped by sharing the book release post. I feel bad, because, depending upon how that's shared (visibility setting) I can't see everyone who shared unless I happen to scroll past the post on their page. So some people don't end up getting thanked.</p><p>My current insecurity? I consider this launch a bit of a flop. The sales just weren't there. Since I released this title to force myself back into the game and it was meant to be fun for me, I've decided to move on and quit dwelling on the numbers. I didn't expect it to be BIG, but I did expect more than what ultimately happened. Interestingly, with the posts people did, several included other titles, and I saw a bump in sales on my older titles, so that was awesome and took away some of the sting of the low sales on Happy Ghoulidays II. But the support I got from the blogging community, the local writing community, and my friends and family when I asked for help is the most important and valuable thing that came from this book release. I appreciate all of you.</p><p>Onward and upward! The book is out. I learned some things. There were many factors I had zero control over due to personal life issues. But the factors I CAN control, I learned about. Each experience is an opportunity to learn, right? That's what I'm doing.</p><p>I'm actively editing the horror comedy novel now and will be asking for beta readers in the near future, and that's exciting! I have a plan for research material I'll need for my dad's memoir. And I've crappily outlined (I hate outlining and simply don't do it) the mystery novel. </p><p>Cheers to next steps!</p><p>This ended up much longer than I intended. It was kind of a mental dump. I'll either add the open submissions onto this post later tonight or do a whole new post with those, but I wanted to get this posted.</p><p><b>What are your insecurities? Where are you on your journey? How has your journey changed since you started? Have you ever had a book release you considered a flop?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p><p><br /></p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-29629853854639960012023-03-17T02:18:00.000-06:002023-03-17T02:18:09.239-06:00Happy Ghoulidays II is OUT!<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today's the birthday of Happy Ghoulidays II! Happy Ghoulidays II brings horror to the holidays in a follow up to Happy Ghoulidays. The first one covered Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day (and Lupercalia). Happy Ghoulidays II picks up where the previous one left off, covering St. Patrick's Day through Halloween, with pit stops on April Fool's Day, Mother's Day, Election Day, the 4th of July, Easter, and Beltane.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzdHrDk5YEM0_IL3xUtJoKXBpsUEqAeH0nAmAn24c6F1-u_T2U5io8_80BpudMCL5XJnmeOh1J5MyxH7BQmHUdo-BMQC9mZ1XPzUlsjQPplBUtDvx7My1ebc6qLPEVpYO4261CSpgkvjrgKVLVx6C85SAGyFCOPDKEcutXK74NuqGZelSAED6sUYV5w/s2775/draft_2023_ebook_v7%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzdHrDk5YEM0_IL3xUtJoKXBpsUEqAeH0nAmAn24c6F1-u_T2U5io8_80BpudMCL5XJnmeOh1J5MyxH7BQmHUdo-BMQC9mZ1XPzUlsjQPplBUtDvx7My1ebc6qLPEVpYO4261CSpgkvjrgKVLVx6C85SAGyFCOPDKEcutXK74NuqGZelSAED6sUYV5w/s320/draft_2023_ebook_v7%20(1).jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span face="arial, sans-serif">Title: Happy Ghoulidays II</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span face="arial, sans-serif">Release Date: March 17, 2023</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #0f1111;">The holidays elicit a mixture of emotions, from joy and revelry to despair and rage. In these stories, we examine the dark side of the holidays with a twisted Easter egg hunt, a desperate St. Patrick's Day curse, a monster that's only visible in the light of fireworks, a mother's guilt on Halloween, and more in this follow up to Happy Ghoulidays that embraces the underlying shadows of our favorite holidays.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><span face="arial, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #0f1111;">Available in e-book on Kindle, Nook, Apple, Scribd, and Smashwords. <b><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bzKnrq" target="_blank">Universal link</a></b></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif"><span style="color: #0f1111;">Available for paperback from Barnes & Noble: <b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/happy-ghoulidays-ii-shannon-lawrence/1143167104?ean=9781732031487" target="_blank">B&N paperback</a></b> </span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;">Amazon paperback: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">Amazon paperback</a></b> </span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;">Amazon International: <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">UK</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">DE</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">FR</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.es/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">ES</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">IT</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">NL</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">JP</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">BR</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">CA</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">MX</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">AU</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0BVHB9S4S" target="_blank">IN</a></b></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;">Signed copies are available from my Square Storefront. You can also get the Ghoulidays box set, which has both 1 and 2: <b><a href="https://warriormusepress.square.site/" target="_blank">Warrior Muse Press Square Storefront</a></b></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMokEKakbgF1A3DHshCyuC1aj712YLUjmvGUKZQp3R-WKn0wpseV36ky07gg58W2uznl_Lyq49pDIKKQkKH7fhDi3sr9mjpUwR1f3AegPBHhwT6v06Hp8gMCcw7m20t_wc69wp2Qnu2CUkybWXfWSjcWCCSQD3f6zVf_lsb2KnEMEFPNsO47W3ZsgGw/s3698/dual-cover-v2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2768" data-original-width="3698" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMokEKakbgF1A3DHshCyuC1aj712YLUjmvGUKZQp3R-WKn0wpseV36ky07gg58W2uznl_Lyq49pDIKKQkKH7fhDi3sr9mjpUwR1f3AegPBHhwT6v06Hp8gMCcw7m20t_wc69wp2Qnu2CUkybWXfWSjcWCCSQD3f6zVf_lsb2KnEMEFPNsO47W3ZsgGw/s320/dual-cover-v2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #0f1111;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-9176224134024611732023-03-13T04:12:00.008-06:002023-03-16T23:14:52.097-06:00More Blog Visits for Happy Ghoulidays II!<p>I'm visiting some more folks this week to talk about Happy Ghoulidays II. The book releases this Friday, March 17th! Schedule below:</p><p>Monday, the 13th</p><p><a href="http://www.mainewords.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Marcy S. Hatch - Maine Words</a></p><p><a href="http://literaryrambles.com" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre - Literary Rambles</a> (I'll be in her follower news, but she always has a great post so I recommend visiting her!)</p><p><br /></p><p>Wednesday, the 15th</p><p><a href="https://twistingmyths.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Patricia Josephine - Twisting Myths</a></p><p><a href="https://jeffwood.substack.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Wood discussing a short story career</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Thursday, the 16th</p><p><a href="https://kaolgrenstoriesnmore.com/2023/03/16/qa-with-horror-author-shannon-lawrence/?fbclid=IwAR0Ehe85DWLh_hbPS2FWNqX1xenMyFr73J-Fp-bGT01b5Cp1xHgjfbC9otk" target="_blank">K.A. Olgren - Stories 'n' More for an author interview</a></p><p><br /></p><p>And a final one on April 5</p><p><a href="http://circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">L. Diane Wolfe - Circle of Friends</a></p><p><br /></p><p>Thank you to everyone who hosted me and everyone who visited, commented, and shared! You can check out last week's posts at <a href="http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/2023/03/guest-posts-at-alexs-annas-and-colorado.html" target="_blank">Guest Posts at Alex's, Anna's, and the Colorado HWA</a>. (DeAnna's post was scheduled after I titled it, but the link is in the post).</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-60487438587254649852023-03-06T02:37:00.006-07:002023-03-10T18:49:35.781-07:00Guest Posts at Alex's, Anna's, and the Colorado HWA<p>Hello and Happy Monday! I never post on Mondays anymore. But this week I'm guesting on other people's blogs. Drop by and say hi!</p><p>Monday, March 6:</p><p><b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/2023/03/holiday-horror-movies-in-flames-and.html" target="_blank">I talk holiday horror movies at Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://coloradohorror.com/2023/03/01/9-random-facts-gleaned-from-a-tour-of-the-coroners-office/" target="_blank">9 Random Facts Gleaned From a Tour of the Coroner's Office</a> (Colorado Horror Writer's Association)</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Friday, March 10:</p><p><b><a href="https://emaginette.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">What Draws Me to Write Horror at Elements of Emaginette</a></b></p><p><b><a href="https://wonderlandpress.com/shannon-lawrence-interview-the-easter-sunday-massacre/" target="_blank">I discuss the Easter Sunday Massacre, a real-life holiday crime, over at DeAnna Knippling's blog</a></b></p><p><br /></p><p>If you're willing to host me as I roll out Happy Ghoulidays II, you can sign up at this <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIdJwvhQykBA3cMECr7RJB06qHjq14WWpDVN3kvfHy_cq_0g/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">Google Doc link</a></b>.</p><p><br /></p><p>The <b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/happy-ghoulidays-ii-shannon-lawrence/1143167104?ean=9781732031487" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble paperback pre-order</a></b> is now live for Happy Ghoulidays II! Amazon coming soon, among other online retailers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioajJTNkgmI6o7ZkWCWS50fSQmIB-Q9PbsieUgKTV3ts3DYLrJPA_faLCmlnNMoEXBLxYv0ZR-iaeUyeLi1IGtlAyjca5bLXg5NclrXdRlOuz45Kwo-CSwWeSNn5hw2_h9ABIIQvL0yxlwhy44bBmrXI5_L3HEUEDtBEqfpXncOJroIgDWh4AOTqyf4w/s2775/draft_2023_ebook_v7%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioajJTNkgmI6o7ZkWCWS50fSQmIB-Q9PbsieUgKTV3ts3DYLrJPA_faLCmlnNMoEXBLxYv0ZR-iaeUyeLi1IGtlAyjca5bLXg5NclrXdRlOuz45Kwo-CSwWeSNn5hw2_h9ABIIQvL0yxlwhy44bBmrXI5_L3HEUEDtBEqfpXncOJroIgDWh4AOTqyf4w/s320/draft_2023_ebook_v7%20(1).jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYCjvxRcbbAY6dIfw_3B9KJB_9O8IGzs2a95vTp2vekJq4cIYYfU4076ALFmbAqCBqh17t9_qhroLF3L8cWeiLfHXUPG4moQvB-hT4FzVE8r6K2WHFj386f5OUG-u0tB26Bi0TdH7Zt78OwhHpuUwThWEXBNzThew74u-xYfMUoNximBDXeYvhpOogQ/s6000/IMG_2409.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYCjvxRcbbAY6dIfw_3B9KJB_9O8IGzs2a95vTp2vekJq4cIYYfU4076ALFmbAqCBqh17t9_qhroLF3L8cWeiLfHXUPG4moQvB-hT4FzVE8r6K2WHFj386f5OUG-u0tB26Bi0TdH7Zt78OwhHpuUwThWEXBNzThew74u-xYfMUoNximBDXeYvhpOogQ/s320/IMG_2409.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-56768296755294645512023-03-01T04:50:00.003-07:002023-03-01T04:50:32.505-07:00IWSG - Cover Reveal & April Submission Roundup<p>It's time for the March IWSG!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65NXqpoAIDyxghSAlaD7R6ywfOyb1vdsZ7tZYyLLKVnGNcII5hRFuDEHAZNlmAtfJ9xF9lEuscNFYJLNatrWQ4jovtFh-w4qYfcd14kZx2H9oQzVyTImQpF5CsiqTk_SngryUzA_rymCFMsrAvRVYfSQCvfadgysSS-FU0AAWNuqKk8HKED2WHJxmaQ/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65NXqpoAIDyxghSAlaD7R6ywfOyb1vdsZ7tZYyLLKVnGNcII5hRFuDEHAZNlmAtfJ9xF9lEuscNFYJLNatrWQ4jovtFh-w4qYfcd14kZx2H9oQzVyTImQpF5CsiqTk_SngryUzA_rymCFMsrAvRVYfSQCvfadgysSS-FU0AAWNuqKk8HKED2WHJxmaQ/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/2023/03/insecure-writers-support-group-what-to.html" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, the Insecure Writer's Support Group is a monthly blog event where writers can post about their insecurities and lend support to other writers. Anyone can join. Click on Alex's name above and add your blog to the linky list.</p><p>This month's co-hosts are <a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Deidre Knight</b></a>, <b><a href="https://www.bookwormforkids.com/" target="_blank">Tonya Drecker</a></b>, <b><a href="https://bish-randomthoughts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bish Denham</a></b>, <b><a href="https://olgagodim.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Olga Godim</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://www.jqrose.com/" target="_blank">JQ Rose</a></b>. Be sure to stop by and visit them!</p><p>This month's optional question: Have you ever read a line in a novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?</p><p>Oh yeah. I am constantly awed by glorious wording (and occasionally plot twists, though I find those harder to come by). I love a good plot twist, but I can't think of one off the top of my head that awed me. The entire opening sections of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House and Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca are worth reading for the fantastic wording. Ken Kesey's novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest has some great descriptive sentences. And the opening line of Stephen King's The Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger is a great one, as well.</p><p>I'm skipping submission stats this month, because I haven't been submitting while I finished getting Happy Ghoulidays II ready. Speaking of which, how about a cover reveal? I don't have the paperback pre-order link yet, but I'll post the e-book link below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpIx2xHDExrt9rrv_3Mo8XxZP6FInJ-Ql7wDjqon8_ccyP-VIrZNT6uywpVBTXAkTvm0hKAaKaeMTBrUy-hyiz6plIkL_Gacjgwd0HeKxS1xtS6IAb6psn9fn1IEwap9TAHPMDzU2WB7GbdaBjec-atjHm1hEViJYlcGCjtyy79hTDndp3jAyxq7qNg/s2775/draft_2023_ebook_v7%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1843" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpIx2xHDExrt9rrv_3Mo8XxZP6FInJ-Ql7wDjqon8_ccyP-VIrZNT6uywpVBTXAkTvm0hKAaKaeMTBrUy-hyiz6plIkL_Gacjgwd0HeKxS1xtS6IAb6psn9fn1IEwap9TAHPMDzU2WB7GbdaBjec-atjHm1hEViJYlcGCjtyy79hTDndp3jAyxq7qNg/w266-h400/draft_2023_ebook_v7%20(1).jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p>Happy Ghoulidays II releases Friday, March 17 (St. Patrick's Day), as the first story in the book involves St. Paddy's. The universal link for e-books is <b><a href="https://books2read.com/u/bzKnrq" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p>If you're willing to help with my book launch this month, you can sign up <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIdJwvhQykBA3cMECr7RJB06qHjq14WWpDVN3kvfHy_cq_0g/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p>And look what my husband (my cover designer) did!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8ncrWnJgrUkObjNWe9b-ObB3bmAhD0JDTx0I7ZVrkg66p-OVKRH45_MZ-zfF6JaNDt6iTuYpnIw4N0K_gDJy-KaHJja4RET-XyV-hUSV8U86WBH-z_KUENSPQVHI4lo1K26RwasD5v5itTVFild_8YX3yyo5W6-BVKivrhoxMXDIFoSe3frTv-4WiA/s3698/dual-cover-v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2768" data-original-width="3698" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8ncrWnJgrUkObjNWe9b-ObB3bmAhD0JDTx0I7ZVrkg66p-OVKRH45_MZ-zfF6JaNDt6iTuYpnIw4N0K_gDJy-KaHJja4RET-XyV-hUSV8U86WBH-z_KUENSPQVHI4lo1K26RwasD5v5itTVFild_8YX3yyo5W6-BVKivrhoxMXDIFoSe3frTv-4WiA/s320/dual-cover-v2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>If you missed L. Diane Wolfe's <b><a href="http://thewarriormuse.blogspot.com/2023/02/guest-post-l-diane-wolfe-how-to-tie.html" target="_blank">guest post</a></b> last week, she wrote about tying books in a series together. Check out the post and her new book!</p><p><b>Open for Submissions</b></p><p>Bear in mind, I'm merely passing these along, not endorsing them. Always do your own due diligence before submitting.</p><p><b><a href="https://thedragonsroost.biz/submissions-2/" target="_blank">Dragon's Roost Press</a></b> is seeking submissions of weird, dark speculative fiction for The Midnight Zone. Must involve a new monster. 1000 to 5000 words. Pays $.03/word. Deadline March 30.</p><p><b><a href="https://aurealis.com.au/submissions/" target="_blank">Aurealis</a></b> is open year round for authors in Australia and New Zealand, but they're open to international submissions once per year for the month of March. Speculative fiction. Pays $20-$60 AUD per 1000 words. Deadline March 31.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.maskslitmag.com/guidelines.html" target="_blank">Masks Literary Magazine</a></b> is seeking poetry and prose up to 3000 words. Pays $20-$25. Deadline March 31.</p><p><b><a href="http://www.gordonsquarereview.org/submit.html" target="_blank">Gordon Square Review</a></b> is seeking poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Word limit varies per type of submission. Up to 7500 words for prose. Pays $10-$25. Deadline April 1.</p><p><b><a href="https://ev0kepublication.com/contributors/" target="_blank">ev0ke</a></b> is seeking pieces with the theme "sex magic." They take a variety of submission types. Pays $5. Deadline April 15 (does not open until April 1.)</p><p><b><a href="https://dreadstonepress.com/submissions/" target="_blank">Dread Stone Press</a></b> is seeking horror flash fiction. 500 to 1000 words. $.02/word. Deadline April 15. (Opens April 1.)</p><p><b><a href="https://seasidegothic.com/submissions/" target="_blank">Seaside Gothic</a></b> is seeking flash fiction. Up to 1000 words. Pays .01 pounds/word. Deadline April 16.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.reservoirroadlit.com/submissions" target="_blank">Reservoir Road Literary Review</a></b> is seeking literary fiction short stories and lyrical creative nonfiction. Up to about 8000 words (no hard limit). Pays $5. Deadline April 30 (does not open until April 1).</p><p><b><a href="https://www.khoreomag.com/submissions-fiction/" target="_blank">Khoreo</a></b> is seeking speculative fiction. Up to 5000 words. Pays $.10/word. Deadline April 30.</p><p><b><a href="https://dragonsoulpress.com/anthologies/" target="_blank">Dragonsoul Press</a></b> is seeking stories featuring pirates for Pirate Gold. Yes, that even includes space pirates. 3000 to 20,000 words. Pays in royalties. Deadline April 30.</p><p><b><a href="http://www.inklingspress.com/submissions.html" target="_blank">Inklings Press</a></b> is seeking speculative fiction mystery stories. Up to around 5000 words. Pays $10. Deadline April 30.</p><p><b><a href="http://www.thefirstline.com/submission.htm" target="_blank">The First Line</a></b> is seeking stories starting with the line: "All the lawns on Mentone Avenue are mowed on Wednesdays." 300 to 5000 words. Pays $10-$50, depending upon submission type. Deadline May 1.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.rockandahardplacemag.com/open-call-one-percent" target="_blank">Rock and a Hard Place</a></b> is seeking literary noir stories about rich people behaving badly for the anthology The One Percent: Tales of the Super Wealthy and Depraved. 2000 to 5000 words. Pays $25 to $35. Deadline May 1.</p><p><b><a href="https://decembermag.org/submit/" target="_blank">December Magazine</a></b> is seeking literary prose, poetry, and nonfiction. Up to 1000 words. Pays $10 per page. Deadline May 1.</p><p><b><a href="https://threeravenspublishing.com/tales-of-the-apocalypse/" target="_blank">Three Ravens Publishing</a></b> is seeking post-apocalyptic stories for Tales of the Apocalypse. 5000 to 10,000 words. Pays in royalties. Deadline May 1.</p><p><b>What are your insecurities? What's your favorite line from a novel (or what novel is it from)? Have you written a series? Any of these publications of interest?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-70417731515667836192023-02-22T06:00:00.001-07:002023-02-22T06:00:00.227-07:00Guest Post - L. Diane Wolfe: How to Tie Together a Series<div>L. Diane Wolfe is stopping by today to discuss her new book with a guest post about tying series together.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">How to Tie Together a Series </h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Sometimes writers plan out a series. Sometimes one book turns into more. And sometimes a writer conceives of multiple, seemingly unrelated stories. How can one tie it all together? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Here are some ways you can groups stories into a coherent series: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Continuation of the characters:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Take the main character and continue his/her adventures. Each story can stand on its own or each one can progress forward in time. There are a lot of examples in the literary world: Sherlock Holmes, Jack Reacher, Nancy Drew, etc. Readers who fall in love with the main character will enjoy more stories surrounding that person. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It doesn’t have to be the same character, though. The main character’s best friend could become the main character in the next book, and so on and so on. Many of the secondary characters will cycle in and out of the stories, keeping readers grounded in the cast. I did this with my new adult series, The Circle of Friends. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Set in the same universe:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Think DC or Marvel comics. Many superheroes across one large universe. Sometimes they cross over, sometimes they are merely referenced in another story. The stories can also be set many years apart. The Imager series by L.E. Modessit is an example of a single universe series, as is Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Using a theme: </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If the characters don’t overlap and neither does the setting, then stories can be tied together by theme. The theme can be simple or complex. It can tie specifically to the stories’ genre. But some key element binds the stories to a series, a theme that readers will enjoy regardless of the exact setting or characters. Theme is what I used to tie my In Darkness series together—each main character(s) deal with a darkness in their lives, whether it’s due to their supernatural nature (vampire, shark, werewolf, alien) or human flaws and baggage dragging them down. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you have some stories written and would like to tie them together, consider one of those three options. If you’d like to plan a series or turn a single book into one, now you have some ideas. Series do well, so if you can get one going and it’s successful, you’ll gain dedicated readers for years. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYPwE-5r8UyEZivYvPVtV6W3ZDrmyqwEJDsnqwCnToHtvaF5NdDUQSBH558LH2eYKxU-quolsIny34h0XXpo6LTRdE7qtesnKj_YAHqUwMYhegTMp3B8puiKRFlD7S03Rn0QynngCrnQAFoZRnQRraIpyQf3fim4BU26Cp5qwaHSC9gu7PA_7gYlTVg/s654/The%20Vampire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYPwE-5r8UyEZivYvPVtV6W3ZDrmyqwEJDsnqwCnToHtvaF5NdDUQSBH558LH2eYKxU-quolsIny34h0XXpo6LTRdE7qtesnKj_YAHqUwMYhegTMp3B8puiKRFlD7S03Rn0QynngCrnQAFoZRnQRraIpyQf3fim4BU26Cp5qwaHSC9gu7PA_7gYlTVg/s320/The%20Vampire.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />In Darkness: The Vampire </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>By L. Diane Wolfe </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Souls shrouded in darkness… </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Stuck working as a barmaid for her demanding father, Anna dreams of adventure. When mysterious strangers enter the bar, she overhears they seek Zancrela, an ancient fortress filled with treasure and a magical library. Taking her chance, she offers to guide them. The conditions: deliver Zancrela or die. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">As they journey through the wilderness, she discovers their secret: they are vampires. And most view her as food. One takes interest in her and her heart dares to hope, but it might not be enough to change her fate. Will Anna find Zancrela or become a vampire morsel? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Release date – February 7, 2023 </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Romance / Paranormal / Vampires (FIC027320), Fantasy / Paranormal (FIC009050), Fantasy / Romance (FIC009090) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">eBook ISBN 9781939844903 </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">$3.99 eBook available in all formats </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><b>Buy Links: </b></div><div><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC4SRKH2 " target="_blank">Amazon</a></b> | <b><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6443336227 " target="_blank">iTunes</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165920110 " target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></b> | <b><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844903 " target="_blank">Kobo</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844903&language=0 " target="_blank">Scribd</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62203140-in-darkness" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGufJjPMCVzY8IZ_V7B6o-o6DxZAFhblPFH_arPIlPjm1X68TcxtLSlQ9t1oV2_F57It1tRGGiWHOe-VdWCTXi8aH84T39W6jRNQXshIjcQpNUAOcTG3ZX0dSo8Qtak2Hoi-uIlEYK7FiyBcV1EBYL4tAUszFPu69gEwzTjHLplzDcJjtF-KdmfA4Crw/s1200/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20Promo%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1200" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGufJjPMCVzY8IZ_V7B6o-o6DxZAFhblPFH_arPIlPjm1X68TcxtLSlQ9t1oV2_F57It1tRGGiWHOe-VdWCTXi8aH84T39W6jRNQXshIjcQpNUAOcTG3ZX0dSo8Qtak2Hoi-uIlEYK7FiyBcV1EBYL4tAUszFPu69gEwzTjHLplzDcJjtF-KdmfA4Crw/w200-h186/L%20Diane%20Wolfe%20Promo%202.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.spunkonastick.net/" target="_blank">Spunk On A Stick</a></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Spunk On A Stick’s Tips</a></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/" target="_blank">Insecure Writer’s Support Group </a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-27608397210874806042023-02-08T03:52:00.007-07:002023-02-08T03:54:10.951-07:00Submission Stats & Open Calls for March<p>Since I didn't have time last week to add the usual onto my IWSG post, I'm doing it this week. </p><p>First, my submission stats for January. They're awful, BUT that's because I'm busy working on Happy Ghoulidays II, so I don't even feel bad about it. HGII releases March 17!! (I'm looking for folks interested in helping spread the word about HGII in March. You can sign up <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIdJwvhQykBA3cMECr7RJB06qHjq14WWpDVN3kvfHy_cq_0g/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">here</a></b>. Thank you!)</p><p>In January:</p><p>3 submissions</p><p>3 rejections</p><p>12 currently on submission</p><p>So. many. needing. submission.</p><p><br /></p><p>Okay, now for publications taking submissions with deadlines in March. Bear in mind I'm not endorsing these, merely passing them along. Always do your own due diligence before submitting.</p><p><b><a href="https://hexagonmagazine.ca/submit/" target="_blank">Hexagon Magazine</a></b> is seeking speculative fiction short stories. Up to 10,000 words. Pays $.01/word. Deadline March 7. (Note they are only open for submissions from the 1st to the 7th.)</p><p><b><a href="https://solarpunkmagazine.com/submissions/" target="_blank">Solarpunk Magazine</a></b> is seeking stories by BIPOC authors only for a special themed issue. 1500 to 7500 words. Pays $.08/word. Deadline March 14. (Note they are only open for submissions from the 1st to the 14th.)</p><p><b><a href="https://eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html" target="_blank">Eye to the Telescope</a></b> is seeking speculative poetry with the theme of Fungi. 1-3 poems. Pays $.04/word. Deadline March 15. </p><p><b><a href="https://ev0kepublication.com/contributors/" target="_blank">EvOke</a></b> is seeking speculative fiction stories with the theme Gods and Goddesses of Witchcraft. Pays $5. Deadline March 15.</p><p><b><a href="https://nunum.submittable.com/submit" target="_blank">Nunum</a></b> is seeking flash fiction. Up to 500 words. Pays $20CAD. Deadline March 15.</p><p><a href="https://ex-puritan.ca/submissions" target="_blank"><b>The Ex-Puritan</b></a> is seeking a variety of works, including short fiction, poetry, and essays. Pay is between $35 and $200, depending upon type of submission. Deadline March 25, but deadlines roll, so they are continuously open for submissions. Deadline merely determines which issue you're being considered for.</p><p><b><a href="https://dragonsoulpress.com/anthologies/" target="_blank">Dragon Soul Press</a></b> is seeking stories featuring East Asian warriors for the anthology Honor. 3000 to 20,000 words. Pays in royalties. Deadline March 25.</p><p><b><a href="https://munsterlit.ie/southword/" target="_blank">Munster Literature Center</a></b> is seeking short fiction for Southword. Up to 5000 words. Pays 250 euros. Deadline March 31.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.cohesionpress.com/snafu-submissions" target="_blank">Cohesion Press</a></b> is seeking military horror short stories for Snafu: Punk'd. 2000 to 7500 words. Pays $.05AUD/word. Deadline March 31.</p><p><b><a href="https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/woodwardreview/aimsandscope.html" target="_blank">The Woodward Review</a></b> is seeking poetry and prose. Up to 5000 words. Pays $50. Deadline March 31.</p><p>Be sure to stop by on February 22 when L. Diane Wolfe stops by!</p><p><b>Have you been submitting? How's it going? Any of these of interest?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-43408704522242824662023-02-01T01:35:00.003-07:002023-02-01T01:35:21.723-07:00IWSG - Book Covers & Book Launch Help<p>Ack! I almost forgot to put together this post! Note: I will have to either post this month's submission calls in a separate post or add them to this one later. It's been a crazy (albeit good) day, and I just didn't have time to get it together.</p><p>It's the first Wednesday of February (I am never, ever ready for a new month, it seems), which means it's time for another round of the Insecure Writer's Support Group.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZC783zGyOW7yhd0-1JyqDqvzbQksgkT39jS-4Xp8SwnPxXnGN6SxUOaSM3LK0HPpmOxZ0Eq4fCBuXlZzo06aYKIPEdQLIaKAzwgG-phppoVf7NNjsTBZelJAaohY1WIz5tLreOO8pSF4f28zOSQfF2vGlYrlqcYMs01xBpPy-VuTcvJF-zzSpZluxQ/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZC783zGyOW7yhd0-1JyqDqvzbQksgkT39jS-4Xp8SwnPxXnGN6SxUOaSM3LK0HPpmOxZ0Eq4fCBuXlZzo06aYKIPEdQLIaKAzwgG-phppoVf7NNjsTBZelJAaohY1WIz5tLreOO8pSF4f28zOSQfF2vGlYrlqcYMs01xBpPy-VuTcvJF-zzSpZluxQ/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, the IWSG serves to create an environment for writers to share their insecurities and support their fellow creatives. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and put your blog on the linky list.</p><p>The co-hosts this month are: <b style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://worddreams.wordpress.com/" style="color: #e50000;" target="_blank">Jacqui Murray,</a> <a href="http://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/blog/" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Ronel Janse van Vuuren,</a> <a href="http://www.patgarciaandeverythingmustchange.com/" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Pat Garcia,</a></b><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-size: 14.85px;"> and </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="http://gwengardner.blogspot.com/" style="color: #990000; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Gwen Gardner!</a></b></p><p>The optional question is: <i>If you are an Indie author, do you make your own covers or purchase them? If you publish trad, how much input do you have about what goes on your cover?</i></p><p>I'm Indie, and my husband makes the covers for me. I find it amazing that I can tell him some events/items to focus on, and he comes up with these great covers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbaVM0z8zU0cPgjypr7Yojpk7TrvFHuZQKQGhbxBJiG0n2niuJbeQ9d9z3Fck7lSpmR31BKK2eHPrpSCjXfRauktMcJlQ-8A_JV7PovydzRj3a3luLV3usV6ms3wXnlbESgHE7QuuW6pwN5XYZIrgauCeZkAlFOaUZ7kK3PpWff9t5NRVU7s9PjP5Cw/s9823/book%20collection%20front%20covers%20tilted.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4736" data-original-width="9823" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbaVM0z8zU0cPgjypr7Yojpk7TrvFHuZQKQGhbxBJiG0n2niuJbeQ9d9z3Fck7lSpmR31BKK2eHPrpSCjXfRauktMcJlQ-8A_JV7PovydzRj3a3luLV3usV6ms3wXnlbESgHE7QuuW6pwN5XYZIrgauCeZkAlFOaUZ7kK3PpWff9t5NRVU7s9PjP5Cw/s320/book%20collection%20front%20covers%20tilted.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGO7_eGbSCTF8mLlhUSiiF6RIi_i8YN_KK97PsmlqqGDBFx2qlSAgsi-XBoVWvagiXbA-ddDhXQgM5UKG6eMa-f6DdBabmay1YXR2OYbxrhjs1ltjCXEATZhRlUihvVkmZYoo_qF4OamMlEH_owd7xD5cw9trsj728AIN9yRGE4zQC7xOZ9pyhDpKIQ/s1795/unnamed%20(9).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1374" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGO7_eGbSCTF8mLlhUSiiF6RIi_i8YN_KK97PsmlqqGDBFx2qlSAgsi-XBoVWvagiXbA-ddDhXQgM5UKG6eMa-f6DdBabmay1YXR2OYbxrhjs1ltjCXEATZhRlUihvVkmZYoo_qF4OamMlEH_owd7xD5cw9trsj728AIN9yRGE4zQC7xOZ9pyhDpKIQ/w153-h200/unnamed%20(9).png" width="153" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And he puts together marketing images. This question is oddly timely, because I should be sending my newsletter out within the next week featuring the cover reveal of <i>Happy Ghoulidays II</i>! My newsletter subscribers get to see it first. If you're curious, you can sign up for the newsletter over to the right. He's putting the finishing touches on it as we speak. Getting the official cover is one of my absolute favorite parts.<div><br /></div><div>If you're willing to help with the book launch in March, between Monday, March 6 and Friday, March 17 (release day is the 17th), you can sign up by clicking <b><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIdJwvhQykBA3cMECr7RJB06qHjq14WWpDVN3kvfHy_cq_0g/viewform?usp=sf_link" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will have to do my submission recap in a separate post with the submission links, because I have to get up really early for a work meeting, and it is way past when I should have gone to bed for it (not that I can sleep when I go to bed earlier than usual, anyway, but I can at least be in bed reading until sleep is a possibility.)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What are your insecurities? Who does your covers? How much say do you get? Which of your books has your favorite cover?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>May you find your Muse.</div><div><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-65664946016466491692023-01-04T03:37:00.001-07:002023-01-04T03:37:08.430-07:00IWSG - Book Release News & 2022 Submission Stats<p>Yep, it's that time again. First Wednesday of 2023 means it's Insecure Writer's Support Group time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMES-s1iuxXU0yX3CQOpuoDNIeKE8MseyZyYGa4S_QR50sqq8E8DHVULiojzRKd7_MggC-ck1ggVpDbamWCucF0H6Ye9tCIblbzibCzZVc-FrjXIrQJmVI54buvoSIGZIe7MHFxFUNS03fAXskmh-qJ5EKl2a3N3LkaMPenGaHegeJD3yquw7TNIqcw/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMES-s1iuxXU0yX3CQOpuoDNIeKE8MseyZyYGa4S_QR50sqq8E8DHVULiojzRKd7_MggC-ck1ggVpDbamWCucF0H6Ye9tCIblbzibCzZVc-FrjXIrQJmVI54buvoSIGZIe7MHFxFUNS03fAXskmh-qJ5EKl2a3N3LkaMPenGaHegeJD3yquw7TNIqcw/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, the IWSG creates an environment where writers can share about their insecurities and lend support to their fellow insecure writers. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and add your blog to the list.</p><p>This month's co-hosts are: <b><a href="http://jemimapett.com/blog/" target="_blank">Jemima Pett</a></b>, <b><a href="https://fictioncanbefun.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Debs Carey</a></b>, <b><a href="https://kimlajevardi.com/" target="_blank">Kim Lajevardi</a></b>, <b><a href="http://thefauxfountainpen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Foster</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a></b>, <b><a href="https://journalingwoman.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">T. Powell Coltrin</a></b>.</p><p>This month's optional question is: Do you have a word of the year? Is there a word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? What's your word for 2023 and why?</p><p>I don't usually do a word, but I might as well! This year's word is Productivity. I started a new job in May and another around July or August, and very little time has gone to writing as I learned the jobs and worked to improve at them. This year is the year of writing and publication.</p><p>I'm planning on releasing Happy Ghoulidays II March 17 (St. Patrick's Day), with stories for St. Patrick's, 4th of July, Easter, Halloween, and more. So I'm hard at work on that. I didn't release anything in 2022, and that's unacceptable. I also have at least one other release (preferably with much longer pre-order period than HG II will have) planned in 2023, but have ideas for more, so it will all come down to what I can manage along with the job. I have a novel I've decided to self-pub, but I want to get the second in the series written before I start planning the release. There's another (unrelated) novel I need to be editing.</p><p>In other words, this is the year of GETTING SH*T DONE. Because I did not last year. I've been terrible about short story submissions, and that needs to improve, too. If I hadn't taken the class with Storied Imaginarium, I wouldn't have written any stories for several months. I'm so glad I took that class. It got me inspired and ready to move ahead full tilt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcno7t98_pBXPW6mfTdLd7NwScSGZb59tJsag-qnehSkwGoR0qM3B00DtKPdfO5hznNzExRrIJ2YyU7pYkN-1XOdSCSflb3fgkPtzUtgcLvigNs6jhkSOOoirFL9QmWgAYWiUjpiTSYcEIHNiYquAlLjrZAqfOiEc7a3Jh4DBQNDQT6OZ2jtvMJ70pg/s294/swoosh-blue-md.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="102" data-original-width="294" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcno7t98_pBXPW6mfTdLd7NwScSGZb59tJsag-qnehSkwGoR0qM3B00DtKPdfO5hznNzExRrIJ2YyU7pYkN-1XOdSCSflb3fgkPtzUtgcLvigNs6jhkSOOoirFL9QmWgAYWiUjpiTSYcEIHNiYquAlLjrZAqfOiEc7a3Jh4DBQNDQT6OZ2jtvMJ70pg/w200-h69/swoosh-blue-md.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>Submission Stats for December:</p><p>1 submission</p><p>2 rejections</p><p>0 acceptances</p><p>12 currently on submission</p><p><br /></p><p>Submission stats for 2022:</p><p>103 submissions</p><p>6 acceptances</p><p>85 rejections</p><p>15 other (publications went under)</p><p>My acceptance percentage was more than double this before, so I need to work on that, too. I will say, though, that I also branched out into other genres and did a lot of fiddling around with that, and a chunk of those submissions are from me playing with new stuff. There was also experimentation in my horror. So this may have influenced the stats.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqzT_GlMNBMV2xOIGkfCC78Jb9w3-WWFEnOCYpkKRn9kn9FDdp-TI-vVRVfF_JZIL-AEEArEJgHHOlvy8VhBAqIjKbnjtoFXmSGL0zgpPKumfTwGmO-LbsZVJjeAM6z0pWPmCV9Oy8mtgnM5J2-nvnlIEMH-DgveH8Z0B7V7HFqyVh4flLRwhV9V8BQ/s294/swoosh-blue-md.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="102" data-original-width="294" height="69" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqzT_GlMNBMV2xOIGkfCC78Jb9w3-WWFEnOCYpkKRn9kn9FDdp-TI-vVRVfF_JZIL-AEEArEJgHHOlvy8VhBAqIjKbnjtoFXmSGL0zgpPKumfTwGmO-LbsZVJjeAM6z0pWPmCV9Oy8mtgnM5J2-nvnlIEMH-DgveH8Z0B7V7HFqyVh4flLRwhV9V8BQ/w200-h69/swoosh-blue-md.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>These markets are open for submissions. Bear in mind I'm not endorsing these, merely passing them along. Always do your own due diligence before submitting.</p><p>Accepting Submissions:</p><p><b><a href="https://www.neonhemlock.com/submissions" target="_blank">Neon Hemlock</a></b> is seeking queer gothic horror for The Crawling Moon: Queer Tales of Inescapable Dread. Up to 6000 words. Pays $.08/word. Deadline January 15.</p><p><b><a href="https://worldpublishingcompany.com/submissions" target="_blank">World Publishing Company</a></b> is seeking stories about the gods for Avitus: Humans, Gods, Demons. 2400 to 4200 words. Pays $10. Deadline January 15.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.fulcrumbooks.com/submissions" target="_blank">Fulcrum Publishing</a></b> is seeking essays on women's productive health. Up to 2000 words. Pays $150. Deadline January 20.</p><p><b><a href="https://darkmattermagazine.shop/pages/monster-lairs-submission-guidelines" target="_blank">Dark Matter Presents</a></b> is seeking horror involving monsters and their lairs for Monster Lairs. 2000 to 4000 words. Pays $.08/word. Deadline January 30.</p><p><b><a href="http://aanpress.com/submissions.html" target="_blank">Air and Nothingness Press</a></b> is seeking "stories of massive engineering megastructures that reshape stellar systems" for Gargantua. Should be EXACTLY 1000 words. Pays $.08/word. Deadline January 31.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.bureaudispatch.com/submissions" target="_blank">The Bureau Dispatch</a></b> is seeking fiction and creative nonfiction with the theme "Wayfinding." Up to 1000 words. Pays $50. Deadline January 31.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.brinkliterary.com/submit" target="_blank">Brink</a></b> is seeking short fiction, poetry, and art with the theme "Gravity." Up to 1500 words. Pays $25 to $100, depending upon submission type. Deadline January 31.</p><p><b><a href="https://brigidsgatepress.com/submissions" target="_blank">Brigids Gate Press</a></b> is seeking stories about seers and sibyls. 1500 to 5000 words. Pays $.08/word. Deadline January 31.</p><p><b><a href="https://duotrope.com/duosuma/submit/last-girls-club-lImp7" target="_blank">The Last Girls Club</a></b> is seeking horror stories with the theme "Panic." Up to 2500 words. Pays $.01/word. Deadline February 1.</p><p><b><a href="http://www.thefirstline.com/submission.htm" target="_blank">The First Line</a></b> is seeking stories with the opening line "I am the second Mrs. Roberts." 300 to 5000 words. Pays $10 to $50, depending upon submission type. Deadline February1.</p><p><b><a href="https://medusatales.com/submissions/" target="_blank">Medusa Tales Magazine</a></b> is seeking stories of transformation and immobilization. Up to 5000 words. Pays $.01/word. Deadline February 15.</p><p><b><a href="https://ev0kepublication.com/contributors/" target="_blank">EvOke</a></b> is seeking stories stories, poetry, and artwork about paganism in the African diaspora. Pays $5. Deadline February 15.</p><p><b><a href="https://perpetualpublishing.com/submissions/" target="_blank">Ghoulish Books</a></b> is seeking short, fun horror for Ghoulish Times. Up to 5000 words. Pays $.07.word. Deadline February 15. (Note: the editors used to run Dark Moon Digest.)</p><p><b><a href="https://www.otherworldsink.com/transform-the-world/?cn-reloaded=1" target="_blank">Other Worlds Ink</a></b> is seeking hopeful near future stories for Transform the World. 2500 to 15,000 words. $50 to $100, depending upon length. Deadline February 28.</p><p><b><a href="https://gwyllionmagazine.com/submissions/" target="_blank">Gwyllion Magazine</a></b> is seeking speculative fiction. Up to 10,000 words. Pays 10 pounds. Deadline February 28.</p><p><b><a href="https://dragonsoulpress.com/anthologies/" target="_blank">Dragon Soul Press</a></b> is seeking trickster stories. 3000 to 15,000 words. Pays in royalties. Deadline February 28.</p><p><b>Any of these of interest? What's your word for the year? Do you set goals? What's something you want to change for the year? Do you review your submission stats for the year?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p><p>*Blue Swoosh - md - OCAL - clker.com</p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-30377774806100092502022-12-07T03:28:00.002-07:002022-12-07T03:28:19.715-07:00IWSG, Slasher Sports Cinema Podcast, & Open Submission Calls for January<p>It's the first Wednesday of December and the last first Wednesday of 2022. Can you believe it? That means it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zpwSJRq9LHpqulca9zPhfos9OPyfZqvMINr4WxzKNISIpWlKfnIWKTYC-SX0r3_nh5UztcKrrCjwHveEfP_gkjy3HculEUHXLV5AB0A4JIZ8aSjE75ziXI4iOMkpTDb_spKKoMggrFXe7EtoVnsrpKPrzaivubEmQrRr42jAsj7RsGa2GQee0t6jnA/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zpwSJRq9LHpqulca9zPhfos9OPyfZqvMINr4WxzKNISIpWlKfnIWKTYC-SX0r3_nh5UztcKrrCjwHveEfP_gkjy3HculEUHXLV5AB0A4JIZ8aSjE75ziXI4iOMkpTDb_spKKoMggrFXe7EtoVnsrpKPrzaivubEmQrRr42jAsj7RsGa2GQee0t6jnA/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, the IWSG provides a venue for authors to air their insecurities and support their fellow in theirs. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and put your blog on the linky list.</p><p>The co-hosts this month are <b><a href="https://joylenebutler.com/blog" target="_blank">Joylene Nowell Butler</a></b>, <b><a href="http://hogwartssabbatical.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chemist Ken</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.literaryrambles.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Aguirre</a></b>, <b><a href="https://nancygideon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Gideon</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cathrina Constantine</a></b>.</p><p>The optional question this month is: <i>Are the holidays a time to catch up or fall behind on writing goals?</i></p><p>This time of year always ends up being busy, but not solely because of the holidays. It's finals time for the kids, and I've got two high schoolers. There's my birthday (I turned 45 Thanksgiving week!), my mom's birthday, and countless other things that fall into line between October 1 and the second week of January. So writing? Eeeeeeeehhhh....not so much.</p><p>I *am* excited that I no longer have a ton of deadlines on the 7th and 8th of each month at the day job, though! They're now all on the 15th. That means I will finally be able to get back to making blog visits for IWSG on Wednesday instead of a week later! But because all those deadlines are now doubled up on the 15th, I'm going to return to putting open market calls on the IWSG posts and probably only posting on first Wednesdays. I'm simply not able to visit people the way I'd like to. That may change in the future.</p><p>For right now, my writing is going to be focused on getting Happy Ghoulidays II out on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. Wish me luck!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoHyLBFXErQ6kFaOzQXAHd76XK6xNDjNWRLsr7FiGgjZI_8hdylz_4N478JK0Ib3COJaRAiFQY3TH1lWjuaj6kgoqewFkTqkG-dZiZuEWUM414WxZJD4wC_UH-pNXjSHBz1cpVP7FLoE5qi1u1Hum__dOBMrVRVcvIA_WOkhkX5PYpj4sLo_5strAfw/s3000/A%20Nightmare%20on%20Elm%20Street%20w%20Shannon%20Lawrence%20Anchor%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoHyLBFXErQ6kFaOzQXAHd76XK6xNDjNWRLsr7FiGgjZI_8hdylz_4N478JK0Ib3COJaRAiFQY3TH1lWjuaj6kgoqewFkTqkG-dZiZuEWUM414WxZJD4wC_UH-pNXjSHBz1cpVP7FLoE5qi1u1Hum__dOBMrVRVcvIA_WOkhkX5PYpj4sLo_5strAfw/w200-h200/A%20Nightmare%20on%20Elm%20Street%20w%20Shannon%20Lawrence%20Anchor%20(1).png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>For anyone who missed it, I was a guest on Slasher Sports Cinema last month, where we discussed the original Nightmare on Elm Street (and about a billion other things, of course, because it's fun to talk horror with someone who gets it.) It's available on: <b><a href="https://anchor.fm/slashersportscinema/episodes/A-Nightmare-on-Elm-Street-wShannon-Lawrence-e1qfsd8" target="_blank">Anchor</a></b> | <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3GiLbIw3uccN7tt1Vk8fBd" target="_blank">Spotify</a></b> | <b><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-nightmare-on-elm-street-w-shannon-lawrence/id1633502252?i=1000585608736" target="_blank">Apple</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-slasher-sports-cinema-102543354/" target="_blank">iHeart</a></b> | <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h0_3rmI8Fg" target="_blank">YouTube</a></b></p><p>Before I jump into open markets, it's time for my monthly submission stats. It's been a lackluster month, but reporting on this keeps me accountable.</p><p>November stats:</p><p>4 submissions</p><p>0 acceptances</p><p>7 rejections</p><p>1 short listing</p><p>13 stories on submission</p><p>Meh.</p><p>Okay, markets open for submissions. Bear in mind I'm not endorsing these, merely passing them along. Always do your own due diligence when submitting.</p><p><b><a href="https://submission.amazingstoriesmag.com/" target="_blank">Amazing Stories</a></b> is seeking flash fiction with the theme "Sol System." Up to 1500 words. Pays $.08/word. Deadline January 2.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.fairytalemagazine.com/submissions" target="_blank">The Fairy Tale Magazine</a></b> is seeking fairy tale short stories and poetry following the theme "Love." 1000 to 5000 words. Pays $50. Deadline January 2.</p><p><b><a href="https://kenyonreview.org/submission/" target="_blank">Kenyon Review</a></b> is seeking poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction for "Luminous Gender Vessel" about gender and being in your body. Up to 6000 words. Paying market, but pay is not specified. Deadline January 5.</p><p><b><a href="https://fantasticother.com/submissions/" target="_blank">The Fantastic Other</a></b> is seeking short stories, poetry, and flash fiction with the theme of "Mirrors." Up to 3500 words. Pays $5. Deadline January 7.</p><p><b><a href="https://cosmichorrormonthly.com/submissions/" target="_blank">Cosmic Horror Monthly</a></b> is seeking...cosmic horror. 3000 to 5000 words. Pays $.06/word. Deadline January 7.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.dbspress.com/submissions" target="_blank">DBS Press</a></b> is seeking short stories with the theme of "Renfield." 1500 to 5000 words. Pays $.05/word. Deadline January 15.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.neonmagazine.co.uk/guidelines/" target="_blank">Neon Literary Magazine</a></b> is seeking dark short pieces with the theme "Machines." Up to 5000 words. Pays 2p/word. Deadline January 15.</p><p><b><a href="https://ev0kepublication.com/contributors/" target="_blank">ev0ke</a></b> is seeking poetry, short fiction, essays, and other forms with the theme "Tarot and Oracle Decks." Pays $5. Deadline January 15.</p><p><b><a href="https://saltbushreview.com/" target="_blank">The Saltbush Review</a></b> is seeking short fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Up to 3000 words. Pays AUD$150. Deadline January 20.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.alienhead-entertainment.com/submissions" target="_blank">Alienhead Press</a></b> is seeking stories about the paranormal around the holidays. 2000 to 4000 words. Pays $.06/word. Deadline January 20. </p><p><b><a href="https://improbablepress.com/blogs/improbable-press/anna-karenina-isnt-dead-call-for-submission" target="_blank">Improbable Press</a></b> is seeking stories of literary women given a second chance to really live for "Anna Karenina Isn't Dead." Up to 5000 words. Pays $.05/word. Deadline January 31.</p><p><b><a href="https://www.zoeticpress.com/submit" target="_blank">Zoetic Press</a></b> is seeking prose, poetry, and art with the theme of "Food." Up to 3000 words. Pays $.01/word. Deadline January 31.</p><p><b><a href="https://dragonsoulpress.com/anthologies/" target="_blank">Dragon Soul Press</a></b> is seeking short stories with the theme of "Sirens." 3000 to 15,000 words. Pays in royalties. Deadline January 31.</p><p><b>What are your insecurities? Are you getting any writing done? Are any of these calls of interest? Anything to share? Have you been submitting?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p><p><br /></p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-23915730620784989992022-11-09T04:01:00.003-07:002022-11-09T04:01:31.979-07:00Slasher Sports Cinema Podcast & December Submission Roundup<p>Hi there! I'm actually posting on time for maybe the first time in a few months. I feel so accomplished. :D</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3S2zef6E7UJzLvA81egCmG4RRtkuaFJi85H6wrHbI8J_jslqhMxLzMuvRmro_brQkZYY-tdbGswhsm80nWf3PKDoxXQQt6hCeCBKtnBrlf1Hm3_8ktG9MSI6oT2H3VGzroSnfhh2rZhrJ8ejY_Lu4SN4N7oR5K4Huo2R_ZnqZJ1EJTrAbQSvUyEunA/s2048/315035197_101247419478299_4992597812485761228_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_3S2zef6E7UJzLvA81egCmG4RRtkuaFJi85H6wrHbI8J_jslqhMxLzMuvRmro_brQkZYY-tdbGswhsm80nWf3PKDoxXQQt6hCeCBKtnBrlf1Hm3_8ktG9MSI6oT2H3VGzroSnfhh2rZhrJ8ejY_Lu4SN4N7oR5K4Huo2R_ZnqZJ1EJTrAbQSvUyEunA/w200-h200/315035197_101247419478299_4992597812485761228_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>Before I jump into links for December submissions, I was a guest on Slasher Sports Cinema, where I got to chat with Billy, the host, about Nightmare on Elm Street, my first and favorite slasher film, and one of the first horror films I saw and remembered (after Jaws and Cat People). As someone whose had insomnia since the age of twelve and who has also suffered sleep paralysis that involved a figure standing over my bed (pretty common in sleep paralysis), Freddy always stood out to me as different than the other slashers. And far scarier. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5El3DNGBh3l6TWXcNAlcOY-3IklN1xm3otmdjMevS251KZCtJJMLfwW9SMqXVVCQfQbXWPHTmZnBuO3LmDDGS8mdvKwoWDLDTP-Om516KwFA6iMj5VcAvqCvTe_zACOPn3p6ZVR0dfegIrUujvuVdWTTQG7I5x8XUCQnwOv_TxyDir1SMsAGD8BR02A/s3000/A%20Nightmare%20on%20Elm%20Street%20w%20Shannon%20Lawrence%20Anchor%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5El3DNGBh3l6TWXcNAlcOY-3IklN1xm3otmdjMevS251KZCtJJMLfwW9SMqXVVCQfQbXWPHTmZnBuO3LmDDGS8mdvKwoWDLDTP-Om516KwFA6iMj5VcAvqCvTe_zACOPn3p6ZVR0dfegIrUujvuVdWTTQG7I5x8XUCQnwOv_TxyDir1SMsAGD8BR02A/w200-h200/A%20Nightmare%20on%20Elm%20Street%20w%20Shannon%20Lawrence%20Anchor%20(1).png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>You can listen to it (and view it, in the case of the YouTube link) in several places: </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;">ANCHOR - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://anchor.fm/slashersportscinema&source=gmail&ust=1668071469641000&usg=AOvVaw2zHcUmH7JkJfP37GwzjqNp" href="https://anchor.fm/slashersportscinema" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://anchor.fm/<wbr></wbr>slashersportscinema</a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;">SPOTIFY - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://open.spotify.com/show/4FabrHyO4FpbvTHeuG8Ksd&source=gmail&ust=1668071469641000&usg=AOvVaw0f57Hz2j7nHHWt5iv7awdG" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4FabrHyO4FpbvTHeuG8Ksd" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/show/<wbr></wbr>4FabrHyO4FpbvTHeuG8Ksd</a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;">APPLE - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slasher-sports-show/id1633502252&source=gmail&ust=1668071469641000&usg=AOvVaw29GUsP06rS241DCHQPx4Z2" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slasher-sports-show/id1633502252" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/<wbr></wbr>podcast/slasher-sports-show/<wbr></wbr>id1633502252</a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;">IHEART - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-slasher-sports-cinema-102543354/&source=gmail&ust=1668071469641000&usg=AOvVaw2gUFmg-QDphdQORaSK0iNR" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-slasher-sports-cinema-102543354/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.iheart.com/<wbr></wbr>podcast/269-slasher-sports-<wbr></wbr>cinema-102543354/</a><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;">YOUTUBE - <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://youtu.be/_h0_3rmI8Fg&source=gmail&ust=1668071469641000&usg=AOvVaw24vHbtYFOHydmC8ENGb7QM" href="https://youtu.be/_h0_3rmI8Fg" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/_h0_3rmI8Fg</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Now onto markets open for submissions in December. As we ease our way into winter, the numbers dwindle slightly, but there are still plenty of short story/flash fiction/poetry markets looking!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">Please bear in mind that I'm not endorsing these, merely passing them along. Always do your own due diligence before submitting.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">December</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.outcast-press.com/copy-of-about" target="_blank">Outcast Press</a></b> is seeking noir-style stories where diners (or similar) are an integral part of the story. 2000 to 7000 words. Pays $25-$100. Deadline December 1.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://rsaintclaire.com/2022/09/29/seeking-submissions/" target="_blank">R. Saint Claire</a></b> is seeking horror short stories for a new magazine: Book Worms. 500 to 3000 words. Pays $.08/word. Deadline December 1.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://parabola.org/submissions/" target="_blank">Parabola</a></b> is seeking stories and articles with the theme "Transformation." Up to 3000 words. Paying market, but I'm not finding the pay. Deadline December 1.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.lostboyspress.com/empire-of-beasts" target="_blank">Lost Boys Press</a></b> is seeking stories involving societies of anthropomorphized animals for Empire of Beasts. 3000 to 9000 words. Pays $40. Deadline December 1.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://theotherstories.net/submissions/" target="_blank">The Other Stories</a></b> is seeking short horror stories with the theme "Tunnels." Must be 2000 words, give or take 10%. Pays 15 GBP. Deadline for this theme (other themes are also open right now) December 1.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.crystallakepub.com/authorcentral/" target="_blank">Crystal Lake Publishing</a></b> is seeking dreamy, psychedelic or related horror for their Never Wake anthology. 2500 to 4500 words. Pays $.08/word. Deadline December 4. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://eyetothetelescope.com/submit.html" target="_blank">Eye to the Telescope</a></b> is seeking speculative poetry about Frankenstein and what it means to you. Can submit 1-3 poems. Pays $.04/word. Deadline 15. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://lanceschaubert.org/about-the-showbear-family-circus/of-gods-and-globes-anthology/" target="_blank"><br /></a></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://lanceschaubert.org/about-the-showbear-family-circus/of-gods-and-globes-anthology/" target="_blank">The Showbear Family Circus</a></b> is seeking stories that involve deities connected to constellations for Of Gods and Globes. Prefer stories under 7500 words. Pays in a royalty split. Deadline December 15.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://freezeframefiction.com/write/submission-guidelines-faq/#pay" target="_blank">Freeze Frame Fiction</a></b> is seeking flash fiction in any genre. Up to 1000 words. Pays $10 per piece. Deadline December 31.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="http://www.manawaker.com/submit-to-project-briar-rose/" target="_blank">Manawaker Studio</a></b> is seeking sci-fi retellings of Briar Rose (aka Sleeping Beauty) for Project Briar Rose. 1500 to 5000 words. Pays $.01/word. Deadline December 31.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://arcpoetry.ca/submit/" target="_blank">Arc Poetry Magazine</a></b> is seeking poetry. Up to 3 poems or 360 lines. Pays $50/page. Deadline December 31.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://deadfishbooks.com/submissions.html" target="_blank">Dead Fish Books</a></b> is seeking speculative stories about alien first contacts that start well, but go terribly wrong for Yay! They're Here! 2000 to 6000 words. Pays $5 + royalties. Deadline December 31.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.eerieriverpublishing.com/open-submission" target="_blank">Eerie River Publishing</a></b> is seeking horror stories involving wind and its various forms. 1500 to 7000 words. Pays $.01CAD/word. Deadline December 31.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://dragonsoulpress.com/anthologies/" target="_blank">Dragon Soul Press</a></b> is seeking stories for two anthologies: Carried Away (Romantic Comedy) and Liberty (LGBTQ+ Fantasy). 3000 to 15,000 words. Pays in royalties. Deadline December 31.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b>Any of these of interest? Are you submitting? Anything to share? Know of any open calls? Do you enjoy slashers?</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">May you find your Muse.</span></p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7646134662936278718.post-57277022468052802342022-11-02T01:07:00.000-06:002022-11-02T01:07:06.433-06:00IWSG - Saying Nope to NaNo & October News<p>It's November! My birthday month! But first it's time for the Insecure Writer's Support Group.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaac3kAR0-UubyF6UxpPT853Ffme-UISoZh9dkGV6hkfPdh6iChhHiMx8MiyqeWELdDclCwUa2xfYrn3ZFG-zfRk_c6BP5XoVUg_sujutP69LrEVUVGRtk5ssfcgrdRr_XBPkXr7npr4oE9yvLwIIAI3QRDxKCg7FCNj-k-UNvbiRtfkHZXoR9fy1VQ/s320/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="320" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaac3kAR0-UubyF6UxpPT853Ffme-UISoZh9dkGV6hkfPdh6iChhHiMx8MiyqeWELdDclCwUa2xfYrn3ZFG-zfRk_c6BP5XoVUg_sujutP69LrEVUVGRtk5ssfcgrdRr_XBPkXr7npr4oE9yvLwIIAI3QRDxKCg7FCNj-k-UNvbiRtfkHZXoR9fy1VQ/s1600/Insecure%20Writers%20Support%20Group%20Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Created by <b><a href="https://www.alexjcavanaugh.com/p/the-insecure-writers-support-group.html" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a></b>, the IWSG provides a place where writers can air their insecurities and both get and give support to fellow writers. Anyone can join. Simply click on Alex's name and put your blog on the linky list.</p><p>This month's co-hosts are <b><a href="https://pensivepenspost.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diedre Knight</a></b>, <b><a href="http://douglasthomasgreening.com/" target="_blank">Douglas Thomas Greening</a></b>, <b><a href="http://nickwilford.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nick Wilford</a></b>, and <b><a href="https://dianeburton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diane Burton</a></b>.</p><p>The optional question: <b>November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why?</b></p><p>I've never fully participated. While running local events for a writer's group, I had several unpleasant experiences with whatever the "official" local folks are who run things under the guise of the overarching group. Ever since then, I've had zero interest in being a part of anything they have to do. </p><p>However, I've long done my own version where I set my own rules, especially as I'm primarily a short story author. It started as ShaNoShoStoWriEdSubMo (Shannon's Novel and Short Story Writing, Editing, and Submitting Month). I set my own realistic goals for what I needed to achieve to further my own specific career. This month I'm in a class and I also have novel editing to work on, plus I'll be attending the 20 Books to 50k writing conference in Vegas, so I likely won't be setting any ShaNo goals, but I encourage others to use the energy of NaNo to set their own goals if they don't want to or can't participate in the bigger group. That gathered energy of writers can promote a lot of progress and provide support.</p><p>I have some news before I jump in with my October submission stats. October is always a busy month for me (gee, I wonder why), but the below are some things you can enjoy for free!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBoq3WLe3KccVvDTJ3Pu42OG7qOgd5CwsQMkXZrY9FLEJoOWcNvkuoYeCLGdTQJfd5bSqKqHb0YrzbKIyJVfMt7q948CE9G7z7zlinsuyGcJhznNrO3DmEMaGImHHheIQqIujm5pBvodTb8Q9mHr52QLA2--5UDxUGxYZRfoFU3fPRvHylrHaVvLlfQ/s1558/313860246_10160632559396155_1428084724682369014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBoq3WLe3KccVvDTJ3Pu42OG7qOgd5CwsQMkXZrY9FLEJoOWcNvkuoYeCLGdTQJfd5bSqKqHb0YrzbKIyJVfMt7q948CE9G7z7zlinsuyGcJhznNrO3DmEMaGImHHheIQqIujm5pBvodTb8Q9mHr52QLA2--5UDxUGxYZRfoFU3fPRvHylrHaVvLlfQ/s320/313860246_10160632559396155_1428084724682369014_n.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><br /><p>I had a story come out on Halloween in a special double issue, and it's free to read! You can check out "<a href="https://www.indecent-magazine.com/current/a-few-of-his-favorites" target="_blank"><b>A Few of His Favorites</b></a>" at <b><a href="https://www.indecent-magazine.com/" target="_blank">Indecent Magazine</a></b>.</p><p>I was also a guest on two podcasts, both of which went live in the last week:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz-yM7aOaYtLkMyHqUsijzG0HHIbV2iJrG9O-7CeKRAQy8h_2QVeipZ62KRVnoNVvDrKT66li0sI19QOKi6k2twKcThVEq3Nkz_ub66mMxcMGfyiy7VSuSwmo5JmOOMtJsaGWUb_4-yPKoaUG04LqGIzTckELfZv5njn9gVUuf3BeuzPWmeYERHITRg/s600/ab1c92e34c31b71f2c9b4764ea20c07e2ea05db004bcca1bb6f6f7f039b4b317.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguz-yM7aOaYtLkMyHqUsijzG0HHIbV2iJrG9O-7CeKRAQy8h_2QVeipZ62KRVnoNVvDrKT66li0sI19QOKi6k2twKcThVEq3Nkz_ub66mMxcMGfyiy7VSuSwmo5JmOOMtJsaGWUb_4-yPKoaUG04LqGIzTckELfZv5njn9gVUuf3BeuzPWmeYERHITRg/w200-h200/ab1c92e34c31b71f2c9b4764ea20c07e2ea05db004bcca1bb6f6f7f039b4b317.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>The Bookshelf Odyssey is an author podcast. You can listen to my conversation with Art at <b><a href="https://bookshelfodyssey.buzzsprout.com/1819188/11593724-happy-ghoulidays-an-interview-with-horror-writer-shannon-lawrence" target="_blank">Buzzsprout</a></b> or search your favorite podcast platform. The video version can be viewed on <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0g8D-mcGUo" target="_blank">YouTube</a></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlOYJuJRvjYuGnJb-kiyncE2ECZRo-uYg4qAQOqqIH76q6r4Ln5wtMK2IDzN29su473cAXHFrRPvQ8d5bEPXdGfWnSCqJy5jPw12tmZXNziQ4PFv9rBpeTAnmwbnRCbLArWw-NfHglKoS_aS7bxKg3WQTlyFJzQd6GM7slQf7k3sHIsThRpRX_B02bA/s300/paranormal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlOYJuJRvjYuGnJb-kiyncE2ECZRo-uYg4qAQOqqIH76q6r4Ln5wtMK2IDzN29su473cAXHFrRPvQ8d5bEPXdGfWnSCqJy5jPw12tmZXNziQ4PFv9rBpeTAnmwbnRCbLArWw-NfHglKoS_aS7bxKg3WQTlyFJzQd6GM7slQf7k3sHIsThRpRX_B02bA/w200-h200/paranormal2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>Paranormal: The New Normal is a paranormal podcast (clearly, haha), so I talked about some experiences from my life. I did previously post the video of this, but it is now out on podcast platforms, including <b><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2c3mqzy1gt9ZmtEOtU06ie?si=SRpurV4DRqe4TqZkL33bpg&nd=1" target="_blank">Spotify</a></b> and <b><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paranormal-the-new-normal/id1623495951" target="_blank">Apple</a></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwNC8u7PnMsJQG8lCq7kvRPRSpBEju5KVSZijMu_sAycCEgaUHvpKOTkyB71G7YHIYKCuwMhR4koJxjPgpxQbkttEIqhzEb1Tm_wj8ivuEjWOcalvBOkfsYSoiwo1MaNKSV1acS0lSF9FvqXFr8o5smGqgXFTnAYMu-nKmGCNVH90tWbqnIRWgYLksA/s1170/again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="1170" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwNC8u7PnMsJQG8lCq7kvRPRSpBEju5KVSZijMu_sAycCEgaUHvpKOTkyB71G7YHIYKCuwMhR4koJxjPgpxQbkttEIqhzEb1Tm_wj8ivuEjWOcalvBOkfsYSoiwo1MaNKSV1acS0lSF9FvqXFr8o5smGqgXFTnAYMu-nKmGCNVH90tWbqnIRWgYLksA/s320/again.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I also did a reading of one of my unpublished stories, "The Pitter Patter of Little Feet" for Stories Live! The theme was: The future is dark. You can view it on <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W41i6YR9SZ0" target="_blank">YouTube</a></b>. (If you're interested in reading on one of the monthly episodes, let me know on here and I'll connect you with Amy Armstrong, who puts these together and hosts them.</p><p>Okay, time for my submission stats for October. I do this each month with my IWSG post in order to keep myself accountable. </p><p>2 acceptances</p><p>1 request to send a new story</p><p>1 publication release</p><p>7 rejections</p><p>11 submissions</p><p>20 stories currently on submission</p><p>8 stories in limbo until I have time to sit down, research, and submit</p><p><b>Are you submitting? Any submission news? What are your insecurities? Are you participating in NaNoWriMo?</b></p><p>May you find your Muse.</p><p><br /></p>Shannon Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00934641808195675935noreply@blogger.com19