Reading Update and Get My Book for FREE

Smashwords is having a sale this week (Mar 7-13, 2021). They’re calling it “Read an Ebook Week.” So in honor of that, you can get My Sunny Vampire for FREE! Just click HERE! But hurry, this deal ends March 13, 2021.

Here’s what I read since my last update:

Book #14

Dates read: March 3-8, 2021
Title: Last Breath
Year of publication: 2011
Author: Rachel Caine
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: Morganville Vampires #11
# of Pages: 447
Paper or plastic: Trade paperback (British version)
How obtained: Purchased new
Blurb from book: Claire Danvers is concerned when three vampires vanish from Morganville without a trace. The last person seen with them is someone new to town—a mysterious individual named Magnus. Claire is convinced creepy Magnus isn’t human…but is he a vampire, or something else entirely?
    Claire’s hunt for answers leads her to solving another mystery that’s long been puzzling her: why do vampires live so far out in a sunny desert when they’re sensitive to sunlight? The answer has nothing to do with sunlight, but with water—and an ancient enemy who has finally found a way to invade the vampires’ landlocked community. Vampires aren’t the top predator on earth. There’s something worse that preys on them…something much worse. Which means if Claire, and Morganville, want to live, they will have to fight on to the last breath…

My thoughts: Knocked a star off on Goodreads because...cliffhanger. Ugh. Otherwise, the story was gripping. Good thing I don't have to WAIT for the next one. I already own it!

So… Have you ever read a book and come across the word “kerb” for “curb” and wonder what the editor was thinking? Turns out the book was printed in England and that’s the British spelling. They also use the single quotation marks for dialogue instead of double. Good thing these variations don’t bother me any, but I do find it funny that the last 5 books I have of the Morganville Vampire series were printed in England, yet they were CHEAPER than the American version! Go figure.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

It's a Lot of Little Things

Last Friday I talked about having to get with it. And then I do nothing. No writing. No reading. No blogging. And if it didn’t hurt so much to lie in bed, I’d probably stay in it a good portion of the day.

I’m beginning to wonder if my medication is starting to affect me. Of course, it could be the hot weather, too. I just don’t feel like doing anything. And I have way to much stuff to do!

I’m hosting Sizzle and Sass this week, which has kind of taken over my life, like it does every time I’m host. Thank goodness I only do this 3-4 times a year. But man, my time seems to come up quicker each time. But that’s a symptom of old age, right?

I’m still cleaning out the old house. Made two trips to Goodwill this week, today will mark a third and hopefully Saturday a fourth (and final) trip. Hubby is determined to finish cleaning out that house this weekend. And with the weather turning cooler (low 80s instead of mid 90s), that might actually happen. We might not feel so exhausted so soon.

I’m still putting stuff away in the new house. Got my white board up (yay!) and bought some new hangers for my sweatshirts and sweaters (I lost my shelves from our old closet, which we may remedy…some day). But there are still boxes to go through (have no idea where to put the stuff!) and then there’s still more stuff from the old house (if it doesn’t end up in the trash—I’m hoping trash). And we have all these pictures that need to go on the wall (instead of leaning up against it). I just have to figure out WHERE I want them to go.

And right now, my brain doesn’t want to cooperate. It’s like it’s going on strike, saying, “Enough!” Heck, even my body says that after a day at the old house.

Every little thing is piling up. That’s why I’m having trouble determining whether it’s just stuff going on or if my medication is making that stuff harder to deal with. Are my joints sore because I’m moving stuff or sore because of the medication? Am I slightly depressed because of the weather making moving more difficult or slightly depressed from the medication?

At least I haven’t wanted to chew anyone’s head off. But I’m not feeling myself and I don’t know why. Hopefully our upcoming vacation will fix what’s wrong. If it doesn’t, then I’ll know it’s the medication. And then I’ll probably cry. Because I really don’t want to try something else. It might be worse!

Fighting cancer sucks, you know?

So does getting old, but for some reason I can deal with that easier.

Hey, if you’re interested, Smashwords is currently having an e-book sale through July 31st. My Sunny Vampire and Ghostly Liaison are FREE there and the Bitten by Love Box Set is 25% off. You can find the buy links on the book tab (or click on the corresponding cover over on the side bar).

So… Did you have a nice 4th of July? We went to the Dragons game (they won!) and watched fireworks after. It was stinkin’ hot out there, though. I was drenched in sweat. But the fireworks were fun (and so was the game), so I guess it was worth it.

Happy Friday!

Stacy

Lumen5.com

First off, I have to say… Damn, Steelers! Of course, I always thought they’d been super lucky with some of their wins. Guess their luck finally ran out. Looks like it’ll be another year I won’t care about the Super Bowl. Boo.

Now on to Lumen5.com.

A friend from my RWA chapter recommended this site to make videos. And it’s free (as long as you don’t mind it's not HD and that their name & logo shows at the end, and I don’t). You can base it on a blog post (or other URL) or add your own verbiage/blurb/whatnot. So I thought I’d play around with it. Here’s the video I came up with based on the blurb to My Sunny Vampire:

Hopefully it plays (I wasn't able to verify that in preview mode). I thought it turned out pretty neat, even though I don’t show my cover or website (I could have uploaded a picture I created showing my cover (from someplace like Canva), but I didn’t realize that until after I made this). I can easily see myself getting lost in making videos. Like I need another distraction. But it’s something to check out if you’re looking for a free, simple video.

I mean, it must be simple. I was able to figure it out! Haha!

So… Is your team still in the playoffs, or have you turned to hockey (or basketball, I guess that’s going on, too) now? And what do you think of Lumen5? Does it look like something you might play around with?

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Publishing Update and Have Lunch With Some Authors

I finally got the print format for Ghostly Liaison and My Sunny Vampire uploaded to Createspace, so now the waiting game begins. I’ll still get a proof copy first (because you never know…), but I sure hope I’m done with these two.

Bite Me, I’m Yours is with Hubby (via Enterprise Book Services) to format the e-book and paperback. He said I should get the e-book version by today to upload. It’ll probably be a few days later for the print format. I just hope it’s all done before I leave on my vacation (which starts Friday—yay!).

By the way, here’s the new cover to Bite Me, I’m Yours. Isn’t it great? I think Maria Zannini (www.bookcoverdiva.blogspot.com) has done a wonderful job in creating my covers. And she puts up a lot from me, too (because I can be so indecisive at times).

So, to sum it up, here are the statuses of the following books I’m working on:

• My Sunny Vampire: e-books available for sale; print book in process
• Bite Me, I’m Yours: e-books and print book in process
• Ghostly Liaison: e-books available for sale; print book in process
• Ghostly Interlude: with copy editor.

I can’t believe how time consuming it’s been to get these books out. I DESERVE that vacation now! And I’m really hoping I get some writing done because yes, that does sound like a fun thing to do on vacation. It’s been way too long since I wrote anything NEW.

If you’re in the Cincinnati area (or even if you’re not—haha!) and you’d like to have lunch with a bunch of us authors (because hey, that’s fun!), here’s a great opportunity and it’s for a good cause, too. The Book Chicks of Cincinnati is holding a Christmas luncheon/book signing with proceeds going to the Toys for Tots. I had a blast last year (as did everyone), but if we don’t get more tickets sold, it could very well be cancelled this year. L You can find all the details HERE, but before you go registering, email me first (stacy @ stacymckitrick . com—without the spaces). I’ll send you a code to get $5 off.

SPORTS! Wayne HS won on Friday, with 14 seconds left in the game!!! I even found a video of it HERE (it's not long, less than a minute). Aaack. Too exciting! Saturday was a nice sports day. OSU won. USC won. Penguins won. Dodgers won. And WVU won (yes, I like them, too). And Sunday the Steelers squeaked by KC in a nerve-wracking win, the Rams beat the Jags, and the Dodgers won it in the 9th inning with a walk off home run!! They’re up 2-0 in the NLCS. I could use more fun sports weekends like that.

So… Which sports are you enjoying/focusing on now? You can see what interest me (and did you notice I don’t mention the NBA? Yeah, I don’t like them). This certainly is the busy season, isn’t it?

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads and I’m Getting There

After Monday’s fiasco, I still managed to get My Sunny Vampire back into the stores (Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords for now). That’s two down and one to go (as long as you don’t count the print books—still need to work on those). Well… actually, two to go. I still have Ghostly Interlude to publish, but it’ll be after Oct 23 (because that’s when my copy editor can get to it). But I’m getting there. And hopefully they’ll all sell like popular books. Hopefully.

Here’s what I read the past week:

Book #52

Dates read: September 27-October 4
Title: “I Know a Secret”
Year of publication: 2017
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Genre: Suspense
Series: Rizzoli & Isles #12
# of Pages: 314
Paper or plastic: Hardback
How obtained: Purchased
Blurb from book: Two separate homicides, at different locations, with unrelated victims, have more in common than just being investigated by Boston PD detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles. In both cases, the bodies bear startling wounds—yet the actual cause of death is unknown. It’s a doubly challenging case for the cop and the coroner to be taking on, at a fraught time for both of them. As Jane struggles to save her mother from the crumbling marriage that threatens to bury her, Maura grapples with the imminent death of her own mother—infamous serial killer Amalthea Lank.
    While Jane tends to her mother, there’s nothing Maura can do for Amalthea, except endure one final battle of wills with the woman whose shadow has haunted her all her life. Though succumbing to cancer, Amalthea hasn’t lost her taste for manipulating her estranged daughter—this time by dangling a cryptic clue about the two bizarre murders Maura and Jane are desperately trying to solve.
    But whatever the dying convict knows is only a piece of the puzzle. Soon the investigation leads to a secretive young woman who survived a shocking abuse scandal, an independent horror film that may be rooted in reality, and a slew of martyred saints who died cruel and unusual deaths. And just when Rizzoli and Isles think they’ve cornered a devilish predator, the long-buried past rears its head—and threatens to engulf more innocent lives, including their own.
My thoughts: I think this series will always entertain me. I like seeing where Jane and Maura’s lives are going as well as solving the crime. And this one has some strange twists to it; fooled me at the end.

Would you believe that I actually sold TWO copies of My Sunny Vampire on Amazon between the time the book finally finished processing and I was able to unpublish it? Why can’t I sell them like that ALL THE TIME? Because yeah, it’s out there and…**chirp chirp** Still, I feel bad those two copies went out there without the italics. I hope the reader doesn’t become too confused. Or maybe I got lucky and Amazon automatically sends the most current version? Well, I can hope!

So… What are you reading now? I’m reading a book I got from a convention that is turning out better than the reviews led me to believe. Which just goes to show, you can’t always go by the reviews.

Happy Reading!

Stacy

When You Can’t Sleep…

Got so busy last night uploading My Sunny Vampire to KDP, Nook, and Smashwords, that I never got around to writing up a post for this morning. Then I woke up at 3am.

No, the blog wasn’t calling me. My book was. Hubby had mentioned on Friday (yes, Friday!) that the italics hadn’t come across when he was formatting it for print. I never bothered to check the e-book.

Until 3am this morning.

Yep, no italics anywhere. Ugh!

Smashwords thankfully had already denied the book (the epub failed something), and it appears I might have been able to stop publishing it on Nook, but I can’t pull the book from KDB until it finishes processing.

What a mess. I just want to cry.

Wait, I might have done a little of that already. *sniff, sniff*

Now that I know what kept me up and I’ve done all I can do at this time, I still can’t sleep. So why not write?

I have to say, it doesn’t hurt to sleep. I’m so bound up by this bra the hospital gave me that I can sleep on my side without any pain. And I’m not taking any pain medication, either (and I hope I won’t have to—hate taking that stuff). Of course, it’s not helping that the area is starting to itch.

I know that’s a good sign that it’s healing, but man, it’s driving me nuts!

Football yesterday was pretty nasty. Don’t know what team showed up against the Jaguars, but it sure wasn’t the Steelers I know. And I had hoped the Rams could have pulled out a win against the Seahawks, but it wasn’t meant to be, I guess. L

Looking forward to being able to actually WATCH my first hockey game this season. I think the Pens are on NBC Sports on Wednesday. I might even check out the Vegas Golden Knights this week (they’re on late one day). I’ve become a fan of that team because of Fleury (I love that goalie!).

So… When you can’t sleep, what do you do? Toss and turn? Or go to another room and read or something? I might try the reading part next. I refuse to toss and turn.

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Feeling Frustrated

My book, My Sunny Vampire, is currently on sale for 99 cents (e-book version, that is) during February. When I found out about the sale in early January, I looked into advertising.

Book Bub was too expensive, even if they would have accepted my book. I just couldn’t see a good ROI on that (because frankly, the book has gone on sale for FREE before AND was on Book Bub (via the publisher) and it didn’t do much for sales on the other books).

Other newsletter advertisements (i.e. E-Readers News Today and Fussy Librarian) were all booked up in February for me to even consider. Which probably meant so was Book Bub, but I hadn’t gotten that far to check.

Facebook seemed promising. I was basically boosting a post I had made earlier. Request was rejected. They deemed my cover too suggestive (or something to that nature). I’ve seen them reject covers that showed less skin than mine, so what can I say? Still, I didn’t think showing the back of a guy in an embrace was all that suggestive.

That pretty much left Goodreads. They at least accepted my ad. Unfortunately, it’s not getting seen by that many people. No clicks, either (and I’ve got it up to $1/click hoping it will be seen by more people). The one good thing about that is I can get my money back from them once the ad finishes running this month, basically running what little it ran for free.

The sad thing is, I was told my publisher would do some pushing on social media. If they’re doing that, it’s not happening on Facebook. I haven’t seen anything.

So here is a good book on sale and no one knows about it (or those people who DO know have already read it). It’s kind of frustrating.

In more interesting news… Last month I was talking to my son about movies and he said he wanted to borrow “Air Force One” because he didn’t have it. I went to my DVD case and couldn’t find it. What? I was sure we owned it. Well, Hubby has a birthday coming up (tomorrow, although we celebrated it on Saturday), so I went and got it for him. We watched it last night. You know what? It’s still a great movie! And it’s 20 years old this year. Yikes!

So… Have you ever looked for something you could have sworn you owned, but didn’t? Even my daughter thought she owned “Air Force One.” We must have just owned the VHS version before and never replaced it. It’s the only explanation I can think of!

Happy Monday!

Stacy

Ghostly Interlude Blurb and Other Important Stuff

Here I thought I would have problems posting on Friday for lack of information. Instead I get information overload!

First off, My Sunny Vampire is on sale! E-books are 99 cents during February. You can find all the buy links HERE.

FYI: the digital version of Ghostly Liaison is still for sale at 99 cents. Such bargains!

I entered A Vampire Wedding in the Judge a Book by Its Cover contest (paranormal category) and it is now up for reader votes (click HERE to start). So, if you have some spare time and are interested, I wouldn’t mind you giving my cover some stars (like, maybe, five??). Of course, don’t let me stop you from voting for other covers. Heck, you might find something interesting!

I wasn’t sure if I should enter the contest, but I really do LOVE that cover. Hopefully other people do, too. I wouldn’t mind finally winning a contest!

As promised on Wednesday, here’s the blurb I came up for Ghostly Interlude (book 2 in the Ghostly Encounter series):

Maggie Russell is a horror writer who works for lawyers to pay the bills. But she gets the scare of her life when she wakes up in a strange café without any idea of how she got there. She’s starting to think her sleep walking is getting out of hand.

Dean Parker is a private investigator whose business is next door to the lawyers. Ever since Maggie started working there he’d been eyeing the pretty brunette from afar. He’d rather not explain how he can see and communicate with ghosts. Or the fact he should never have been born.

When Maggie suspects her sleep problems could be caused by her sue-crazy, money-grubbing cousin, Dean steps in to help. Instead of finding evidence pointing to the cousin, Dean discovers something even worse: a ghost is living with Maggie and appears another may be possessing her.

As much as Dean despises ghosts, he’s determined to help Maggie rid her home of the pest. He just never figured that Maggie might actually find an interest in him, too. But keeping his distance is no longer an option. If he fails, Maggie could very well be possessed forever.

Does it sound intriguing? Granted, if you’re not into paranormal romance, it probably won’t do a thing for you. And if it does…Yay!

So… Watching any football this weekend? Or will you be too busy voting for covers? Hee hee.

Happy Friday!

Stacy

There Was This Grand Plan – Part II

Last Friday I posted the first of the two character interviews I created for my newsletter. If you missed it, you can read it HERE. Today I’m posting the other one. This interview, originally shared in last August’s newsletter, features Jack from My Sunny Vampire and takes place before his book, so no spoilers! Now, while Perry has shown up in Bite Me, I’m Yours and Blind Temptation, he is not a character in My Sunny Vampire. However, he is mentioned as that vampire (not by name, though) who could dig into minds. So if you didn’t know that, now you do!
 

Getting to Know Your Committee Members by Perry Davenport.

Perry: Hello, fellow vamps, this is Perry Davenport here to interview Committee Member Jack VanAllen. He has been on the Committee since 1878, making him the second-longest member after our fearless Head, Barnet Groves.

Jack: Shouldn’t that be second-longest serving member? I think Abe is the longest by six inches.

Perry: What are you, the grammar police?

Jack: Just pointing out the obvious.

Perry: Yeah, sure. So tell us, Jack. It’s a known fact you prefer positive blood to negative blood, but what we don’t know is how you can tell the difference. What makes negative blood so distasteful to you?

Jack: I thought you were going to ask me real questions during this interview.

Perry: That is a real question. One I got from a listener, even.

Jack: Fine. I don’t know why, but negative blood makes my stomach upset.

Perry: So, it’s psychosomatic?

Jack: It’s not psychosomatic. And if you wish to continue with this interview, I suggest you ask a different question.

Perry: Okay. Don’t be so touchy. Here’s a fun question for you. Boxers, briefs, or commando?

Jack: What male vampire wears undergarments? You?

Perry: Oh, well, no. Not me. Point taken. Next question. What’s your dream vacation?

Jack: Why would I want to take a vacation? I like my job.

Perry: But wouldn’t you like to just get away for a week?

Jack: And do what?

Perry: Okay, so you’re a workaholic. What do you do during your free time?

Jack: Sometimes I swim. Sometimes I read. Sometimes I work on my car.

Perry: (snapping fingers) Yes, your car. You own a 1965 Mustang, right?

Jack: Actually, it’s a 1964-1/2. First generation. Bought it brand new.

Perry: I bet that thing is worth a pretty penny.

Jack: I wouldn’t know. I don’t plan on selling it.

Perry: No, of course not. What other cars have you owned?

Jack: None. I like that one.

Perry: Not even before the Mustang? Maybe a Model T?

Jack: I walked faster than the Model T.

Perry: Well, yeah, didn’t we all? Okay, here’s a more serious question. The Committee hasn’t set a precedence, but what do you think of a vamp controlling a mortal for personal gain?

Jack: I know some vampires resort to that tactic, but I’d like to think they do it out of need and not fun. Still, while we are forced to control a mortal for feeding, we do not have to resort to that for fun. That is what our allure is for.

Perry: But isn’t that the same as controlling?

Jack: Not at all. It is just an attraction. The mortal can still say no. We vampires can be more persuasive in other ways, just as mortals are to one another. Do you control a mortal when you’re not feeding from them?

Perry: No. I mean, what’s the fun in that? I like a little interaction.

Jack: Exactly.

Perry: Will the Committee ever set a rule to prevent it?

Jack: As long as it’s not an issue, I doubt it. Mainly because there are times when the vampire is in need. And if we start making rules for every little thing, we might end up with another vampire war on our hands. And a war in this technological world would surely out us all. All the more reason to keep the calm.

Perry: Keep Calm and Avoid Publicity!

Jack: What?

Perry: Never mind. Thanks for joining us today, Jack. It was a real pleasure.

****

Tonight Hubby and I might actually be able to attend our first Dragons game of the season (since the other first game was rained out). No rain is in sight tonight. At least, not until after midnight. Our second game is tomorrow and while there isn’t rain forecasted, it’s supposed to be colder. As my husband asked, “Don’t the weather Gods know it’s May?” Apparently not. I foresee going from chilly weather straight into 90 degree temps. There will be no beautiful days in between. I just know it!

So… It’s Friday the thirteenth today (my daughter’s favorite day). Are you superstitious? Sometimes I think superstition is just another form of OCD. What do you think?

Have a great weekend (and don’t walk under that ladder!).

Stacy

I Was Number ONE!

Like I do way too frequently (because I should be writing), I was over at Amazon Friday morning, checking on My Sunny Vampire. Since the Bookbub ad, I’ve been getting a lot more reviews and I’m curious to see what people have to say (good or bad). Plus I like to see the review number go up! It’s a sick obsession, I know, but I only take the positives out of it. I know not everyone is going to like my work, but it’s nice to see when I’ve reached my audience.

Anyway, while I was there I couldn’t help but ALSO check out at my ranking. It had been five days since the ad, so I figured I was dropping from my high of #2 in free paranormal romances. Well, much to my surprise, I rose.

 

To #1.

 

Here's proof:

 

Can you believe that? NUMBER. ONE. I couldn’t. Five days later and people were still downloading it? Yikes! It really is mind boggling.

It has since dropped, but for one whole day I got to see my book on top of the heap. What a nice view! J

Of course, it doesn’t mean a darn thing if I don’t gain some fans. And if I DO manage to get some, I certainly won’t KEEP them if I continue to procrastinate with my current WIP. So… here’s to working with the internet turned OFF this week (at least Mon-Thu, since the hubby is off Fri, and only between 10am-5pm). Think I can do it? I’m certainly going to try. I’ve got a job to do and it won’t get done if I’m hanging around Facebook, blogs, and Amazon. J Not that I don’t love you all. I do. But seriously, I’ve got to get crackin’!

Have a great Monday! Tonight in the comments, I’ll let you know if mine was great.

Stacy

A Surprising Weekend

Back on June 1st, when I discovered My Sunny Vampire was offered for free until July 3rd, I scrambled to get this sale advertised. I got lucky on two inexpensive routes: Ereader News Today (advertised 6/14) and The Fussy Librarian (advertised 6/15). These two ads helped raise MSV up to #83 in the Amazon Top 100 of free books and #8 of top free paranormal. Yeah, I did a happy dance.

Well, yesterday I discovered MSV was advertised on Bookbub! Apparently Kensington advertised on that site (because it sure wasn’t me!). I was shocked, and pleasantly surprised. Last night it made it to #8 in the Amazon Top 100 of free books, #4 of free contemporaries, and #2 in free paranormals! Can you believe that? I can’t and I saw it with my own eyes!

I’m keeping my fingers crossed, hoping several of those new readers love my book and want the rest.

On Friday I attempted to get a free advertisement for Blind Temptation, but met with failure (as usual), so I decided to run a giveaway on Goodreads (for an autographed copy and a canvas tote). I know the winner isn’t required to review the book, but frankly I just want people to check it out and then see it’s only $2.99 right now. It’s kind of sad to see only 28 people have it in their to-read list and only 1 person is reading it. Now, that one person is actually In’D Tales, so hopefully I’ll be seeing a review in their magazine in the near future – keeping my fingers cross for a good one, too (I know you’re wondering how I can type with all my fingers crossed, aren’t you?).

Anyway, I’ll let you know when the giveaway starts. Just in case you want to enter. J

Father’s Day was fun. The kids came over, we all went out to dinner, and then afterward played Star Trek Catan – which was my present from my son for Mother’s Day. Hubby didn’t win (and pouted), but I didn’t win, either, so he can’t blame me! No surprise my son won, though, huh? He’s the only one of us who had played the game before. It’s a fun game and I look forward to playing it again.

Hubby and I are watching Castle on DVD (we’re working on Season 3) and one of the episodes we watched last night had Castle asking everyone what they would do if they won the lottery. I know what hubby would do: buy a condo up here, buy a condo down in Florida and then become snowbirds in the winter. Me? I’d rather have the second condo in California (gee, can you tell who grew up in Florida and who grew up in California?). How about you? If you came into a butt-load of money, what would you do?

Have a great Monday!

Stacy

A Freebie, Pictures, and More Diary Fun

I tend to check out my books on Amazon and B&N, mainly to see if I’ve gotten any more reviews (I haven’t) or to see where they rank in sales (poorly)—yeah, I’m into that self-torture thing. But this week I discovered something:  My Sunny Vampire is free for Kindle and Nook. So…if you haven’t bought it yet, now would be a good time. And if you HAVE bought it and loved it (and why wouldn’t you, huh??), maybe you could tell your friends about it? Can’t get any better than free, right?

 

Okay, enough with the promotion. Well, except you can click HERE to buy it on Amazon and HERE to buy it at B&N. Now I’m done!

~~~~~~~

I took some pictures of the sump pump hose that broke outside. It had gotten colder out (and snowed again) and the ground isn’t as mushy (because it froze), so I didn’t fear for my shoes by walking out there again.

 

This picture shows the white pipe separated and how I wedged it against the window well. I still think if someone nudged it, it will pop back up.

 

This picture shows the trench the water made. That was NOT there before this incident. Between the rush of water and the soft ground, it made quite a mess (yes, we have a fairly powerful sump pump).

~~~~~~~

I had fun last week posting stuff I found from my journals, so I’m gonna do it again. This entry was written on June 20, 1973 (I was 15):

Yesterday I bought Mom a pair of pants for her birthday. Tomorrow I get to buy a bathing suit. (if I’m lucky to find one that fits) You know, the only reason I think I write in here is for someone to read it. Like the kids I might have and the husband (if I can get lucky & unshy). The first kid I have is going to be a boy. (Just thought I’d throw all of this in) Well, today is the hottest day yet. If I had a bathing suit, I’d go to the beach and get red. I don’t tan easy. Oh well I’m going to write a letter now. Bye.

P.S. Rick, are you as hot as I am? Probably, huh? Remember—I like YOU!!!

I really like my predictions about my firstborn. I DID have a boy. Somewhere in one of these journals I mentioned his name (which is also correct—so happy I got my way there). I’ll have to find that entry someday. Oh, and MOST of my entries end with a P.S. And yes, all the P.S.s are written for Rick. I had a MAJOR crush on that guy (that lasted for many, many years).

So… Have you seen the trailer for the new Avengers movie? It comes out May 1st. I’ll be watching that one for sure. How about you? If not that one, is there another you’re looking forward to?

Stacy

No Wednesday Reads, but My Sunny Vampire is FREE

I would LOVE to say I finished my current reading project—because that book is, like, SUPER good—but I’m behaving and concentrating on my writing instead, so no books to report this week.

I noticed on Monday that the digital version of My Sunny Vampire is FREE on Amazon, B&N, and Kobo, so if you don’t have a copy yet, now would be a good time to get it because it won’t be any cheaper (duh!). Links are located on the book tab above.

I didn’t know MSV was going to be free and I don’t know how long the sale will last. The book is currently ranked in the 50s (on Amazon) for free downloads in the paranormal romance category. Not too shabby, I guess. I hope it generates sales for Bite Me (or even more reviews for MSV—sadly, it lacks many of those), but only time will tell.

Out of all the non-writing projects I had planned for Monday, I completed all but decorating the Christmas tree. It’s assembled, so I’m not a total slouch. And I would decorate it today except our old couch will be removed (finally—yay) and I won’t be able to put the chairs in the family room by myself (yeah, I go to the gym, but I’m not THAT strong). So, it’s best to leave the tree bare for now. Less chance of breaking an ornament. Looks like I’ll be decorating tomorrow.

In the meantime, I’m writing on the breakfast table. Something I don’t normally do. If I end up being more productive there, I might have to re-think my writing process.

Yesterday I managed to finally add some words to Ghostly Interlude. I’d been nervous getting back to it since I hadn’t touched it in a month. Nervous for no reason, it seemed. It felt good to write. Hope to get even more words added today. I’ve decided to kind of skim over the difficult scenes and write on. And when I say difficult, I mean I have a slight IDEA of what the scene should entail, but I’m still trying to figure out my character’s back story, so until I get a firm grasp on that, the scene is only a note. Hopefully, I don’t get myself into a mess doing this, but it’s better than staring at a blank page. Plus, I want to write. Writing always helps me figure out my characters, especially when they’re talking on the page.

So… How’s your week going so far? Good, I hope!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads

I don’t know if I told any of you, but My Sunny Vampire is back in PRINT! Yay!! So, if you’ve been waiting to buy it that way, you need wait no longer. Okay, enough of my blatant promo, now onto what I read during the week:

Jul 17: “Innocence” by Dean Koontz, a horror/paranormal/supernatural novel. Blurb on cover: He lives in solitude beneath the city, an exile from society, which will destroy him if he is ever seen. She dwells in seclusion, a fugitive from enemies who will do her harm if she is ever found. But the bond between them runs deeper than the tragedies that have scarred their lives. Something more than chance—and nothing less than destiny—has brought them together in a world whose hour of reckoning is fast approaching. The blurb sounded interesting (and I LOVE the cover), but that “hour of reckoning” took quite awhile to be acknowledged. In fact, I’d read most of the book and wondered where it was going. Then when I reached the end, I wondered what it was all about. Not Koontz’s best work, but not his worst, either. I gave it 3 stars on Goodreads.

July 20: “Apocalypse Rising” by Maria Zannini, a paranormal/fantasy romance. Blurb on Goodreads: The only place left to hide was in the past. Fire Elemental Leda and her plainfolk companion, Grey, are running from a demented time traveler, a man obsessed with creating a creature who can read thoughts. Convinced that Leda can produce this unnatural child, he has threatened to hunt her down to the ends of the earth--and he has kept his word. Their only escape is a one-way trip through the time portal. With death on their heels, salvation appears in the form of two strangers. Seemingly ordinary people, Tom and Cassandra assure Leda and Grey that they are here to help. They claim they are repaying a debt--Leda and Grey helped them once, 1200 years ago. The trip through the portal offers no escape, as Leda and Grey discover that evil transcends time. Can their presence in the past stop the eventual apocalypse that forms their future? Magic, witches, time travel, and a hunky hero--it's got a bit of everything. However, it had been 3 years since I read the first book of this series (man, time flies!), so it took me a bit to remember the characters (but that's all ME because my memory sucks). I suggest you read book 1 (Touch of Fire) first, though, before reading this one because you'll enjoy reading how Leda and Grey meet, since their story continues in this one. I hope one day to see a book 3 in this series. I gave it 4 stars on Goodreads.

Well…my hubby went and did it again. He booked us on another cruise (and at a super-duper rate). We’re already going on one in October (to the Bahamas to see Lee Ann Rimes sing in concert), now we’ll be on one in December (to three ports we’ve never been to). I’m looking forward to them. They’re so much fun. And we’re using our reward points to pay for them, which is what we have the Visa card for in the first place. Gotta know how to work the system, and my husband works it very well.

So…what’s your favorite kind of vacation?

Happy reading!

Stacy

 

Awesome News--I'm Happy Dancing

Valentine’s Day ended up being an AWESOME day for me.

No, I didn’t get any flowers or candy. My husband did bring home some cookies for me, and we went out to dinner, but that’s not the awesome news (mainly because he usually brings me goodies home if someone brought goodies into work and we always go out for dinner on Friday).

The awesome thing that happened? Finding My Sunny Vampire on Amazon for sale in the Kindle format! Then I found it on Kobo. Yes! It’s back! (Links are located on the sidebar, for those looking for them.)

Let the happy dancing commence!

So while I didn’t have an official release day, it’s so nice to see my book out there again. I’ll be happier when it’s everywhere (like, B&N), and in print, but I’m sure it won’t be long now.

To celebrate my release, my friend Paula Millhouse is featuring me on her blog (link: http://wp.me/p2LqsK-gQ). You can always stop by and say hi so I look more popular than I am. Looks are everything, right??? J

Have a good Monday! I know I will.

Stacy

 

Wednesday Reads and a Voting Contest

Today is my son’s birthday. Happy Birthday!!! I can’t believe he’s 32! I feel old.

The cover to My Sunny Vampire is up for a Readers Choice vote on the Judge a Book By Its Cover contest. If you're interested in voting, here’s the link: https://jabbic.hbarwa.com/readers/. My cover is in the paranormal genre. You vote a grade for each cover (if you so desire). Lots of covers! I think I’m in cover overload!

Here’s what I read during the week:

Jan 30: “Beautiful Chaos” by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. This is the third book of the Caster Chronicals, a YA paranormal. Blurb from cover: Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena’s Claiming. Even Lena’s family of powerful Supernaturals is affected--and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What--or who--will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin? For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He’s being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn’t by Lena--and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself--forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn’t know why, and most days he’s too afraid to ask. Sometime there isn’t just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there’s no going back. And this time there won’t be a happy ending. I have to say, this book is much better than the third. I prefer Ethan and Lena working together than apart, so sue me! J But the ending? Hmmm… Don’t like it when it leaves you hanging, and this one definitely did. Good thing I have the fourth (and final) book waiting for me. However, it’ll have to wait until after the next (shorter) book I read. I have a goal to get caught up on! Haha!

Feb 3: “High Frequency” by Jocie McKade. This is apparently the first book in a series, an action comedy with semi-romantic tones. The blurbs I found were way too long, so I truncated it: Lauren Jacobs is a journalist with amazing powers. Able to leap cranky receptionists in a single bound, she can simultaneously suck down a doughnut hole, drink a cup of coffee, add info to her iPad, and shift gears in her car on the Chicago freeway during rush hour. Her byline has made Edition One a digital news sensation, and her fiery exposés draw a huge readership. A routine stop for morning coffee and doughnut holes gives her the story of her career and will send Chicago's
"dirty" city officials to jail, and a fair number of mobsters into hiding. With Chicago suddenly too hot for his headstrong reporter, her editor assigns her to a mundane story on crop circles in England during the rainy season. Enter Derek Rourke, a reporter from the worst of the "yellow" tabloids - The Lens. The crop circles turn out to be evidence of a vibration frequency weapon being tested by a terrorist group, and Derek seems to be trying to "scoop" Lauren on this story of Pulitzer Prize-winning proportions. As bullets rain down, crop circles multiply, earthquakes shake London, and lightning strikes more then twice, they are forced into an uneasy and untrusting partnership. With help from Lauren's con artist father and a few good Druids, they might just be able to save the world - if they don't kill each other first! I met this author at a book club meeting and the book sounded really funny, so I purchased it. I do try to help the indie authors. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t my “cup of tea.” If you enjoyed the movie “I Love Trouble” starring Julia Roberts and Nick Nolte (which I did not), then you’ll probably love this book. They both have that screwball scenario going for them. But don’t expect an ending. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s book one of a series. I gave this book 3 stars on Goodreads.

One last thing. I love sharing the books I read, because they are books I want to read. And while I’m flattered some of you think I’m a review site, I am not. I don’t do requests. I just don’t have the inclination.

So…it looks like I might just finish the first draft of Blind Temptation this week (yay!). What should I do to celebrate?

Happy reading!

Stacy

 

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Tomorrow I will be featured on Romancing the Genres as a debut author. Too bad my book isn’t out yet, though; the timing would have been perfect. Anyway, here is the link to their blog (in case you wish to visit *hint, hint*): http://romancingthegenres.blogspot.com/

Wednesday I mailed out a copy of My Sunny Vampire to my very first Goodreads Giveaway winner: Emma! Let’s all give her a hand (*clap, clap*). I’ve entered a lot of those giveaways and never won anything and I had over 900 people enter to win my book. When MSV is available as an e-book, I’ll probably do another giveaway on Goodreads. I gained THREE followers from that month-long contest and it only cost me a book. Now isn’t that something? I think so.

I’m taking a free tax class with the RWA University this week and realized something (or maybe it just became fortified): I’m so glad I’m not a teacher. I don’t know how teachers do it. I always thought of myself as a patient person, but maybe I’m not. Or my husband’s attitude has rubbed off on me, which is kind of funny when you consider that HE’S A TEACHER! Hmmm… Maybe that’s why he has that attitude.

And before you go all “you were an accountant and you have to take a freebie tax class?” on me, let me tell you… I was a cost accountant. Way different than a tax accountant. Besides, you can never learn too much about taxes, especially the kind that will get you a better return. I hate filing our taxes and if I wasn’t so cheap, I’d hire someone else to do it. But you know what? The part I hate the most is the part I’d still have to do if I hired someone else to do it. Well, that, and actually trying to decipher the tax codes (I think that’s why I need glasses!).

When I decided to make writing my business, that’s when I finally broke down and bought tax software (yes, I’m THAT cheap!!). At least it’s now considered a business deduction, because I would have never bought it otherwise.

Last night I finally watched “French Kiss.” I had never seen it before, which is kind of amazing since I like Meg Ryan. It was an okay movie, but probably not one I’ll watch again. I just didn’t get the chemistry between her and Kevin Kline. Or maybe it was the character Kevin Kline was playing. Whatever--they just didn’t have that spark. It’s the spark that will make me watch a movie over and over (you know, like Lucy and Jack have in “While You Were Sleeping.”)

Snow fog!!

I took this picture on January 10th. It had snowed the day before and then a warm front came through and caused all this fog. I thought it was pretty. I also hoped it was the last of the snow, but winter isn’t finished yet (it’s just getting started, right?). More snow fell yesterday and more snow is forecasted and of course I have a chapter meeting in Columbus tomorrow. I don’t go to those meetings very often (uhh, I’ve been to one, but only because they usually conflict with my Cincinnati chapter meetings), and I’m hoping the weather doesn’t keep me away. Oh what am I saying…It won’t. Not THAT much is expected to fall. Then again, the forecasters have been known to be wrong before.

So, what will make you want to watch a movie over and over?

 

Have a good weekend--and try to keep warm!

Stacy

 

Release Date Postponed *Sigh*

I kind of knew this might happen.

Today was supposed to be my e-release day for My Sunny Vampire, but with the changes at Lyrical Press, and the fact all books have now been pulled to be reformatted to show Kensington as the publisher, well… let’s just say that all takes time.

As soon as I find out my new release date, I’ll be sure to let you know. Just in case you’ve been waiting to purchase it!

In the meantime, my cover is one of many featured at Calisa Rhose’s blog today. She’s having a contest to see which featured author can generate the most comments. Once I get the link to the blog, I’ll post it HERE (http://calisarhose.com/2014/01/06/calisa-rhose-presents-uncover-monday-january/). If you could stop by and just say hi, I would sure appreciate it. It’d be cool if I could generate the most. I’m certainly going to try anyway!!

I don’t know about you, but I was highly disappointed in the football games yesterday. All this talk of snow and NOTHING! I love watching them play football in the snow. I hope the Super Bowl gets snowed on - lots! It will certainly make it more fun to watch, especially if there aren’t any teams I care about in it. All I have left to root for is the Colts. If they don't make it in, I couldn’t care less who wins.

At least I have hockey. Go Pens!!

So, did you get snow this weekend? How much?

Stacy

 

My Book is in Print!

What a nice surprise to discover that “My Sunny Vampire” is available at Amazon as a paperback. The digital version isn’t due to be released until Jan 6, but if you can’t wait… Haha!

I knew it was going to be offered in print. I just assumed it would be for sale in January.

Now, if I was the type to brag (and I probably should be if I want to sell any books, huh?), I can proudly tell anyone on my upcoming cruise that it’s now available to purchase.

I can’t wait to get my own copy!

This will be my last post until I return from my trip, and then it will only be a few days before Thanksgiving! Gee whiz, when did THAT sneak up? Too quickly, that’s for sure. Maybe I’ll get lucky and get all my Christmas shopping done in the Bahamas. People like T-shirts, right? J

Now it’s off to pack. Oh…after I finish the laundry. Yep, save everything to the last minute. Are you that way, or are you one of those early packers?

Happy Friday!!

Stacy

Wednesday Reads

I got great news from my publisher, Lyrical Press. They’ve decided to offer their books in print as well as digital, and they’ll be starting this with their November releases. So it looks like “My Sunny Vampire” will also be available in print. Ain’t that the BEST news ever? I sure think so!

Writing is moving along, so reading has been slow. Priorities! Here’s what I read during the last week:

Sep 26: “Deeply Odd” by Dean Koontz. This is the sixth book in the Odd Thomas series. Not sure if I should call this a horror or paranormal thriller. Is there a difference? Blurb on book: How do you make sure a crime that hasn’t happened yet, never does? That’s the critical question facing Odd Thomas, the young man with a unique ability to commune with restless spirits and help them find justice and peace. But this time, it’s the living who desperately need Odd on their side. Three helpless innocents will be brutally executed unless Odd can intervene in time. Who the potential victims are and where they can be found remain a mystery. The only thing Odd knows for sure is who the killer will be: the homicidal stranger who tried to shoot him dead in a small-town parking lot. With the ghost of Alfred Hitchcock riding shotgun and a network of unlikely allies providing help along the way, Odd embarks on an interstate game of cat and mouse with his sinister quarry. He will soon learn that his adversary possesses abilities that may surpass his own and operates in service to infinitely more formidable foes, with murder a mere prelude to much deeper designs. Traveling across a landscape haunted by portents of impending catastrophe, Odd will do what he must and go where his path leads him, drawing every closer to the dark heart of his long journey--and, perhaps, to the bright light beyond.  I’ve enjoyed this series until this book. Lots of rambling; it was a struggle to get to the end. Thing is, the story was interesting, and I loved the new character that was introduced, but it just took forever for events to happen. I gave this 3 stars on Goodreads.

 

All this month Lyrical Press is hosting “Celebrate Paranormal Month,” because, apparently, that’s what October is now. Paranormal authors from Lyrical Press will talk about their books and what made them decide to write them. My day comes up on October 7. If you’re looking for new authors in the paranormal genre, check it out. Here’s the link to the October 1 entry: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/01/celebrate-paranormal-month-meet-kt-grant/

So, are you looking for new authors to read or are you overwhelmed with the books you have? Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, then I go on a trip and read like crazy! In fact, I’m stocking up on my Nook because I will be going on a trip this month. I’ll probably take some paper books, too, because I still don’t trust electronics. Doubt I ever do!

Happy reading!

Stacy