The Artist's Way Update & Patricia Josephine Lynne Book Launch

On a previous post I talked about doing The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron. I had intended to update each week, but I only updated for two weeks. Then things got busy and I didn't get posts up. So I thought I'd do a quick update on weeks three through five.

Each week has a different general goal. Week 1 was Recovering a Sense of Safety and week 2 was Recovering a Sense of Identity.

Week 3 was Recovering a Sense of Power. The chapter spoke of anger, synchronicity, shame, growth, and dealing with criticism. One of the exercises involved some free association with childhood and things I'd do if I'd "lighten up" and "if it weren't too late." Childhood was a big theme, but so were habits and people in my life. An exercise that fell flat for me was to list five people I wish I'd met. When it comes right down to it, I can name people because I get the idea of it, but I'm not sure I'd actually want to meet them. An activity that stood out was one involving looking at my habits and then having to quantify what payoff I'm getting from the bad ones. These were basically my secret foes. I can tell you one is shutting off my brain and doom-scrolling Facebook. I'd like to regain that time for myself.

Week 4 was Recovering a Sense of Integrity. This chapter focused on making honest changes and seeking out my buried dreams. I was supposed to practice reading deprivation, but I can't fall asleep without reading first, and as an insomniac since I was twelve, I DO NOT mess with my nighttime routines that help me at least get some sleep. I did practice it during the day by not reading at any other time than bed time, but I think this exercise greatly overestimated how much reading time I usually get, considering the list of things the author felt I could do instead involved time I didn't have, such as painting a room, rewiring a lamp, and repotting plants. It's not reading that is keeping me from these exercises. Also, I felt this deprived a specific group of people more than others. Specifically, writers. And the book is about the ARTIST'S way, not the author's way, so why is it just readers/writers that have to give something meaningful up? I realize all manner of people read; I just think this lacked balance. I think a more effective exercise would have been to make a list of things that take up time and to choose one to give up that week. This would have been more fair.

My current week, number 5, is Recovering a Sense of Possibility.  This week is for me to look at my limits and open myself up to the universe. Something that stuck out to me and that I'd already been thinking about a lot with my work hours increasing well beyond where I'd wanted them to go was the following passage:

"An artist must have downtime, time to do nothing. Defending our right to such time takes courage, conviction, and resiliency." And "For an artist, withdrawal is necessary. Without it, the artist in us feels vexed, angry, out of sorts. If such deprivation continues, our artist becomes sullen, depressed, hostile. We eventually become like cornered animals, snarling at our family and friends [...]." Now, she was implying it was family and friends making the artist feel this way, but it's me. It's work and it's me. My family and friends give me plenty of space. 

The exercises this week had to do with wishes and writing letters to myself from different ages (80 and 8). 

I haven't figured out my artist's date for this week, but for dates I've so far gone for a hike with a camera (it was a double date!), taken myself out to a smoothie cafe to relax with a book while having a smoothie and a matcha latte, lying out in the grass in my front yard and reading a book, and things like that. My goal has been more downtime than more involved dates. I have ideas for more involved dates in the next few weeks, though. It comes down to finding time to do it.

Now for some news! Patricia Josephine Lynne has a new book of micro shorts out. 

A Quick Test 

A Quick Tale #4 

Aliens 

Outer Space 

Experiments 

These mysteries fascinate our minds. Explore the unknown in this exciting collection of tales. Each story is told in exactly 200 words and designed to stimulate your brain no matter how busy your day is. 

THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE. 

BUY at Amazon 

AUTHOR BIO: If you asked Patricia J.L. to describe herself, she’d tell you, “Too creative for my own good.” A paranormal and fantasy junkee, she loves to craft fantasy and paranormal stories about vampires, mermaids, angels, demons, zombies, and other mythical creatures. Aliens might even appear in her stories. No matter what mythical beast you crave. Patricia J.L. has a fantasy for every imagination. 

Patricia J.L. official started writing in 2012. She was bored and since she was always day dreaming fantastic stories, she thought, “Why not write them down and share them with people?” She's still deciding if that was a mistake or not. Since then, she has finished a dozen stories and has no plans to stop. 

When she’s not lost writing in fantasy worlds, she relaxes with knitting, drawing and art, and jigsaw puzzles. And of course, good paranormal fantasy books. Patricia J.L. currently lives with her husband in Upper Michigan. One day, they both hope to have enough pets to resemble a petting zoo. (Until then, can she pet your cat or dog?) 

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If you did The Artist's Way, were there exercises, chapters, or pieces that stood out for you? How about ones you were resistant to? What were your favorite types of artist dates?

May you find your Muse.

Alex J. Cavanaugh & Patricia Josephine Book Release Guest Posts - Starting & Ending a Series and The Fun of Short Fiction

Today I welcome Alex J. Cavanaugh and Patricia Josephine, who both have book releases! If you came for one's guest post, I hope you'll also enjoy the other's guest post! Alex wrote about Starting and Ending a Series and Patricia wrote about The Fun of Short Fiction. Alex J. Cavanaugh is releasing CassaDark and Patricia Josephine/Patricia Lynne is releasing A Quick Death.

Note that my usual open submissions post will be next Wednesday instead of this week.

Before we jump in, my interview with Claudia Monacelli at Multiple Voices (a podcast) is now available for your listening pleasure!

Multiple Voices Podcast, episode 97

Starting and Ending a Series - Alex J. Cavanaugh

Beginning a news series is challenging but also exciting. So many possibilities! It’s also satisfying to bring it to an end. After years of living with the characters, sharing their adventures, it feels good to find closure and tie everything together in a tidy package, sending the series out with a bang. 

I’ve started a series once. Ironically, I’ve ended that same series twice now. 

Wait, I can explain! Let’s go back to the beginning. 

The first book was a terrible first draft I wrote as a teen over forty years ago. I watched probably way too much BattleStar Galactica, Star Wars, and other science fiction shows, so the story’s vibe was similar. It sat untouched for almost thirty years before I decided to rewrite it, as the main characters were good but the execution terrible. 

When that first book was picked up by a publisher and released, I was excited. The story I’d imagined as a teen, a book at last. Then fans (and my publisher) started asking for another – in the series! Well, I’d never planned a series, but I did have an idea based on another story from the past. So, I wrote a second book. Of course, who’s ever heard of a series of two? No one! That meant a third book. 

I’d done it! A science fiction trilogy. I’d brought the series full circle, with each book containing its own story arc and theme. Stick a fork in it – it’s done. And while it seemed a little sad to end Byron’s adventures, it was time. I’d jumped forward twenty years with each book, so the main character was showing his age a bit.  Byron: The Geriatric Years didn’t have a nice ring to it. So, I moved on with an entirely new book, a couple short stories, and lots of blog posts. (Those count, right?) 

Somewhere along the line, an idea hit me. In the third book, I’d introduced Byron’s ten-year-old son, Bassan. What if I wrote a story about him instead? I jump forward in years anyway (although this was only a fifteen-year jump), so he’d be an adult. The wheels really started turning then. 

Since it was a different character, I came up with a divergent concept. It needed to stand out from the other three, and since it followed Bassan not Byron, it had to stand on its own. Plus, it was third person point of view from just one character, not two or three. But once I’d finished it, once it was edited and polished, I knew this was a great way to end the series. Sending Bassan across the galaxy on a bit of a cat-and-mouse game with only his wits and unique connection to ancient alien technology to help him survive – perfect! 

So, if you are considering a series, a little advice. If you’re reading one, understand the effort that went into connecting it all together. If you’re writing one, try to plan a little better than I did!

CassaDark, by Alex J. Cavanaugh

 

CassaDark

By Alex J. Cavanaugh

 

“Cavanaugh returns to the world of his Cassa Series…for a fourth inventive space opera.” – Publisher’s Weekly

 

His world is unraveling… 

Bassan’s father is stepping down from command. His best friend almost dies when Bassan freezes. Now, he’s being sent across the galaxy to speak at an important conference. Despite saving the eleven races years ago, he’s paralyzed by doubt. Could things get any worse? 

Once there, new acquaintance Zendar convinces Bassan to visit his planet for a humanitarian mission. Bassan’s special connection to ancient technology is the key to saving Zendar’s people. One problem though—it’s a prisoner planet. 

On Ugar, he discovers things aren’t so straightforward. As each truth reveals itself, the situation grows more desperate. If he can’t find the right answers, he might die along with Zendar’s people. Can Bassan summon the courage to be a hero again? 

Print - 9781939844842

EBook – 9781939844859

Science Fiction – Adventure/Space Opera/Space Exploration

 

Links:

iTunes | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Scribed | Goodreads 

You can find Alex J. Cavanaugh at his blog: Alex J. Cavanaugh

The Fun of Short Fiction - Patricia Josephine

A Quick Death is my third collection of 200 word flash fiction. I have two more collections in the works. It’s something I find myself coming back to again and again. I love writing it. I love reading it. They’re fun bite-sized stories that you can consume like candy. (The perk being that the stories won’t add to your waistline.)

 

The thing I really enjoy about shorter fiction is it allows me to read an entire story in one sitting. I am notorious for reading a book in one go. I’ve missed appointments because of the fact. There’s also a certain amount of emotion that a full length novel requires. At least for me. There’s a roller coaster ride you go on with a novel. You can go through so many emotions. You get attached to the characters. You cry when the author kills your fav. (WHYYYYYYY?????) I enjoy novels, but my energy reserves aren’t always full enough.

 

That’s where short fiction comes in. Where novels are roller coasters, short fiction are more like a kiddie rides at the park. They take you for a safer ride and you get off and say, “That was fun.” But your legs won’t be left shaking from the adrenaline. They don’t drain me as much as a novel does. That’s important since reading is a vital author task. (Yes, it totally is! Don’t argue with me.)

 

If you’re ever feeling a little worn out but still want to get some reading in, check out some short fiction. There’s a ton out there and, while they may not take you on a roller coaster ride, they can still make you say, “Wow.”

 

A Quick Death, by Patricia Josephine

Death
Murder
The Afterlife

These things fascinate our imagination. Delve into a collection of tales that explore death and murder. Each story is told in exactly 200 words and designed to give you a quick thrill no matter how busy your day is.

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR THE END?

 

 Buy Links

Amazon | Universal Link | Goodreads 

 

About the Author

Patricia Josephine is a writer of Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi Romance books. She actually never set out to become a writer, and in fact, she was more interested in art and band in high school and college. Her dreams were of becoming an artist like Picasso. On a whim, she wrote down a story bouncing in her head for fun. That was the start of her writing journey, and she hasn't regretted a moment. When she's not writing, she's watching Doctor Who or reading about serial killers. She's an avid knitter. One can never have too much yarn. She writes Young Adult Paranormal, Science Fiction, and Fantasy under the name Patricia Lynne.

Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, and has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow.

 

 Social Media Links:

Website | Patreon | Facebook | Newsletter 

 

Patricia Josephine:

Goodreads | Amazon Author Page 

 

Patricia Lynne:

Goodreads | Amazon AuthorPage 

Patricia is doing a giveaway! It's open May 11 to May 18. THE FINE PRINT: Giveaway is US only. (Sorry, but the packages I've sent international have vanished in transit.) Entries only valid for new subscribers and followers. Contest ends May 18th.

Giveaway code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you think about their covers? Did you enter the giveaway? Have you written a series? What do you think of short fiction?

May you find your Muse.

Patricia Josephine's Birthday & Anniversary Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to Patricia Josephine's Scavenger Hunt!

Find the clue and head on over to Patricia's blog to find the other participants. Gather at least five, then comment on her blog, including both a Happy Birthday and a Happy Anniversary. You'll be entered in the giveaway.

Good luck and happy hunting! And Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to Patricia!

To save the world, Erin needs a zombie.

Every human in the world becomes a zombie when they die. But Erin refuses to accept the world as it is now. She’s heard about a cure locked away in a lab in Upper Michigan, and she plans on retrieving it. To do so, she needs a zombie. Not just any zombie, though.

Zee is Erin’s link to the lab. His connection to the living world is her bargaining chip. But only if she can teach him to control his mindless impulses.

Can a zombie be trained? Or will Erin be Zee’s next meal and become a zombie herself? The fate of humanity rests in her hands.

The Cure is a post apocalypse story about redemption and saving the world.
Steam rating: None.

AVAILABLE AT YOUR FAVORITE RETAILER FOR $1.99!
Add to Goodreads.

Also, I had a new release recently. My short story "Psychosis" appears in Madame Gray's Vault of Gore. Only check it out if you're okay with gore and heavier horror.

Available at Amazon and from Hellbound Books Publishing. Universal Link

May you find your Muse.

Book Release - Michael: Path of Angels

Today is release day for Patrica Josephine's Michael: Path of Angels!

There is only one path.

Born mortal along with his three brothers, Michael is an Archangel with a specific role: hunt fallen angels and send them back to Hell. He is determined in his mission, never straying from his appointed path, until he meets Lake Divine, and discovers there may be more to his beliefs than blind duty.

But Lake is not who he seems. Offspring of a human and a fallen angel, a Nephilim, Lake must choose his own destiny: give in to the coldness and embrace the dark, or seek the light and rise above the sins of his father.

Two paths lay before them, but only one has the potential to destroy them both.

Available for purchase at Amazon for only .99 cents!

What are Nephilims?

I forget how I stumbled upon nephilims for the story. They just seem like something everyone should know what they are. The offspring of “the sons of God” and “the daughters of man” according to Genisis 6:4. (Although in my story, it isn’t just sons of God getting busy with daughters of man.) The name is also used to reference giants who inhabited Canaan. I’ve seen them in other stories. Recently, I read the first book in a series called “The Nephilim Chronicles”. Nephilims seem to fascinate us.

Why is that?

Maybe it’s because they are part human so we relate to them better than angels, fallen or not. Or we like the idea of being human but having amazing powers, and sometimes, wings. I know I wouldn’t complain about wings. Well, maybe a little. Zade did point out in Michael that they were bulky and caused accidents. Flying isn’t as easy as Joe would attest. He broke his leg trying to fly. It could be we all dream of escaping our normal lives. Finding out we are something more is a fantasy that temps us all.

Either way, nephilims are fascinating creatures. They have much potential for adventure that we find them hard to resist. What do you think is the appeal of nephilims?

About the Author:

Patricia Josephine never set out to become a writer. In fact, she never considered it an option during high school and college. She was all about art. On a whim, she wrote down a story bouncing in her head. That was the start of it and she hasn't regretted a moment. She writes young adult under the name Patricia Lynne.

Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow, and an obsession with Doctor Who.

You can find Patricia on her website, Twitter, Google+, Wattpad, and Goodreads.

Thank you for stopping by Patricia! Good luck with your book release. 

Did you guys already know what a nephilim was? Who's your favorite archangel? What do you think of the cover?

May you find your Muse.