Another Convention, Another Guest Post

The RT Booklovers Convention (to be held May 14-18, 2014) opened up registration on Friday. Great, I thought. I’ll register on Tuesday, when I’m in the next month’s billing cycle of my credit card. Then RT Convention posted on Facebook that the E-book signing was maxed out. What? That’s what I wanted to be included in. So I left a comment to that posting (as did others) asking why I should even bother going and then promptly shut down my computer, since I was going out for the night (HS Football, and yes, our team won--Yay!).

On Saturday morning, I saw their reply to my statement, which didn’t really sway me. However, a friend also replied, and she did sway me. Seems I can sign up for the Indie book signing on consignment. Not for “My Sunny Vampire” (can I even do that? I’ll have to check), but with “Home for the Holidays.” Who knew? Not me! I can still promote my novel (and any other books I just MIGHT happen to have for sale at the time, such as BITE ME if I self-pub it), but that anthology is able to get me in the Giant Book Fair, which is the main reason I wanted to attend this convention.

So it’s official. I’m attending the 2014 RT Booklovers Convention, held in New Orleans, as a published author. Anyone else planning on going? If so, your goal is to hunt me down and say hi. You hear?

Today is my day to be featured on Lyrical Press’s blog! I’ll add the link as soon as I get it, though, so if it isn’t there yet, and you want to come over and say hi, it’ll show up later this morning.

Here are the most recent posts (if you want to see the older links, check Friday’s blog):

October 4: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/04/celebrate-paranormal-month-welcome-amy-lee-burgess-beneath-skin/
October 5: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/05/celebrate-paranormal-month-pamela-turners-death-sword/
October 6: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/06/celebrate-paranormal-month-author-bernadette-walsh/
October 7 (ME!!!): http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/07/celebrate-paranormal-month-stacy-mckitrick-brings-sunny-vampire/

WRiTE CLUB update: Well, I was IN the quarterfinals, but didn’t get enough votes to get OUT of the quarterfinals and into the semis. Oh well… I have to admit, my second piece wasn’t quite a good as the first, but that’s what happens when you realize you need another 500 word piece and quickly! Haha! If you’re curious as to which writer I was, you’ll have to ask me in the comments.

I had a nice football weekend. Wayne HS Warriors won, OSU Buckeyes won, Cincinnati Bengals won, and the St. Louis Rams WON!!!! Yay!! Steelers were on a bye, so the Pittsburgh Penguins (hockey) won for them, right? Haha! Did your team win? Or are you oblivious to sports?

Stacy

 

Walking and Winter (Brrrr)

Yesterday it rained and put a crimp in my plans. I like to walk on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the neighborhood - my route takes me 3.7 miles (a little over an hour). I’ve already adjusted my schedule from walking at 6:30 am to 9:00 am (it just got too dark out there), but I refuse to walk in the rain!

Yeah, I could have walked on the treadmill, but I didn’t. Somehow it’s just NOT the same. I like the fresh air. Still…I’m thinking I might need to adjust my exercise schedule this winter or I’ll end up doing what I did last year: not exercise. And man, when I go THAT route, it’s sooooo hard to get back into exercising!

So, once the temperatures really drop (anything colder than 40 degrees), or it’s continually raining or snowing, I will start going to the gym everyday. I’ll just alternate on which body parts I work on (arms one day, legs the next). I won’t get my walking in (just that 20-minute warm-up I do before I use the weights), but at least I’ll be burning calories everyday and hopefully stick with my program. I can’t afford to quit! You see…I still eat. See my problem? J

WRiTE CLUB is still active. Quarterfinals are going on now and voting ends on Sunday (I think!). Voting numbers appear to be on a decline, which is sad. The good stuff is what is left to vote on! Anyway, it’s still not too late to play. Bouts ran on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. If you haven’t signed up, do that first HERE and then vote. The remaining participants would surely appreciate it!

 

As I mentioned on Wednesday, Lyrical Press is hosting “Celebrate Paranormal Month” during October, featuring paranormal authors from Lyrical Press (my day comes up on October 7 - Monday!!). If you’re looking for new authors in the paranormal genre, give it a look-see.

Here are links to the posts so far:

October 1: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/01/celebrate-paranormal-month-meet-kt-grant/
October 2: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/02/celebrate-paranormal-month-mary-abshires/
October 3: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/03/celebrate-paranormal-month-welcome-hero-hire/
October 4: http://lyricalpress.com/2013/10/04/celebrate-paranormal-month-welcome-amy-lee-burgess-beneath-skin/

Do you have to adjust your exercise schedule in the winter? Or are you one of those crazies who like to walk in the freezing temps? If I did, I’d have to carry a box of tissues with me. My nose would go crazy drippy!

Weekend’s almost here. Enjoy!

Stacy

 

Give WRiTE CLUB a Try and Vote!

Happy Friday the Thirteenth!

The second phase of WRiTE CLUB has taken off this week. If you haven’t signed up to vote, it’s still not too late. Bouts started on Monday and are posted every weekday until next Thursday (9 bouts in total). You have until noon on Sunday, Sep 22 to vote on all 9 bouts. Yes, I am included in one of these bouts. No, I won’t say which one. The winners of these bouts (plus the top vote getter of the losers) then have to produce a new set of work in which they will be pitted against each other. Here's the link: http://dlcruisingaltitude.blogspot.com/. You must be on his list to vote. Just follow his instructions.

I enjoy this little competition because it shows me how other people write. I also like seeing the comments (critiques) some people give, showing me different tastes in genres. What one person hates, another loves. It’s really eye-opening, and quite the learning experience.

My writing has been going fairly well. Monday was crap, but over 500 words each day the rest of the week. Hope to do the same today. I think my story has finally cemented itself inside my brain. I’m actually waking up with ideas for scenes. I kind of missed that.

This weekend looks to be a cool one (highs in the sixties instead of the nineties). It figures, too. HS Football is tonight. Looks like I might need to bundle up. I wouldn’t have minded it still be a little bit warmer. Maybe I’ll get me some spiked coffee after the game. You got any suggestions? We’ll most likely go to Applebee’s.

Have a good weekend and don’t walk under any ladders!

 

Stacy

 

Where's Stacy?

I'm not on line today! Checking out of hotel and then headed home (eventually). Expect to get home late tonight, so probably won't be on line ALLLLLL day! Gee, how will I cope? I'm sure when I get home, I'll have gobs of e-mails to read, too. Oh well...

If you're bored (haha!) you can always check out WRiTE CLUB. Monday started the second half of the first round and it's not too late to sign up and vote!! If you're a writer, sometimes it helps to see other raw work--it sure helped me find my errors. And my work will be featured, just won't say whether it has or not (since that's against the rules). I'll let you know if I win my bout, though (after the first round is finished, that is).

Have a wonderful weekend. I hope to have some pictures posted on Monday of my "vacation."

Stacy

Mission Accomplished!

Wow! I honestly didn’t think I’d make it. What is that? Cleaning the house, of course!

In any novel/movie/TV show, when a character makes plans, conflict ensues. Right? Well, no difference in real life, I suppose. No sooner had I planned on cleaning the house when I get hit with projects.

First, I was asked if I could judge a contest. Now, I had originally applied to judge, but apparently my name was not written down, so I wasn’t included in the initial assignments. But…problems occurred and I was asked if I could help. Sure. I’ve never done it before, and I didn’t have anything else besides cleaning (and maybe watching “True Blood”). I hadn’t even received the piece I was to judge when I got an e-mail from my editor.

That’s right. Line edits are due! Yikes! Ah, but there isn’t much to fix. Whew!

Still, I was a little nervous. Contest deadline was Friday. Edit deadline was the following Wednesday (but I hate to make her wait). And I had to have (okay, wanted) the house clean by Saturday.

All turned out well, though. Contest piece was returned on Wednesday (easier than I thought) and my edits were finished on Thursday (I just need to re-read it and make sure I didn’t screw up anything - yep, picky that way). And the house? Floors are the last thing left and they will be done this morning.

Yep. I even shocked myself. You know, it’s kind of nice to have a clean house. Let’s see how long I can keep it up. J

Now I’m all ready for my friend, who is coming over Saturday to cook me my birthday dinner. Can’t wait. If I remember, I’ll take some pictures, just so you can be envious of me (because our friend really does know how to spoil us rotten!).

If you haven’t checked out WRiTE Club yet, it’s not too late to join the fun. You just have to sign up first (if you want your vote to count, that is). There’s a bout posted each Monday and Thursday, and you have a week from the posting date to vote.

Daughter is half-way through BITE ME (Book 1). She’s found lots of nit-picky stuff (better her than the editor, right?). At least they’re all minor (so far). But on Monday I will start work on BLIND TEMPTATION (Book 6). My goal? Write 3,000 words each day (although I would like to see if I can do 5,000). Sort of my own Na-No, if you will. I really want to see if I have it in me (writing a first draft in less than 30 days), especially since I don’t have an outside job taking up my time.

You got any plans for the weekend? Hope the weather cooperates for you (if you need it to, that is).

Happy Friday!

 

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old in 6 wake ups!)

 

Movies and WRiTE Club

Husband and I took advantage of the yucky weather and hit the theatre this weekend. While it sucks to get older, it’s nice we don’t have to pay full price for tickets. Except for the $5 Tuesdays, we pay the matinee price regardless of what time the movie. It’s nice going to the movies at night once again! This is what we saw:

On Saturday it was “The Lone Ranger.” It had its funny moments (which I enjoyed) and its lagging moments (movie ran a bit long). When I saw the teasers, I guess I expected a different film. John Reid (character of the movie title) was shown as a righteous idiot (which is how Tonto saw him, too--not that he had it all together, either). A bit of a disappointment for something I had looked forward to since I saw the first trailer.

On Sunday it was “The Heat.” Let me just say…I liked “The Lone Ranger” better. I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this film and I was correct. I like Sandra Bullock, but Melissa McCarthy…not so much. I don’t know if it’s the writers or her, but her comedy isn’t funny and I doubt I’ll ever see another movie with her again, regardless of who else is starring in it.

So, two movies, two duds. Figures. I am looking forward to “Red 2” (seen enough previews for it). I certainly hope it doesn’t disappoint me, because I really enjoyed “Red.”

I did get a lift on Sunday. I saw the list of contestants for The WRiTE Club (hint, hint).

By the way, WRiTE Club starts today. Whatcha waiting for? Go check it out!

Have any of you seen the commercials for “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”? It’s coming this fall to ABC. I’m definitely checking that series out.

 

Stacy

(turning **mumble, mumble** years old in 10 wake ups!)

 

Wednesday Reads and WRiTE CLUB

I’m hanging my head in shame. I do not have a book to list today. Ah, but my editing project is coming along and maybe I’ll be able to squeeze in some more reading time. Oh, and cleaning time would be good, too, I suppose. I’ve got people coming over in less than a month! Yikes!

JJJ

Have you checked out DL Hammons’ WRiTE CLUB yet? Have you submitted anything? I wasn’t sure I would submit to this year’s event, but decided what the heck, why not? We’ll see if my submission even gets picked to compete. But hey, it is a fun event so even if you don’t submit, you should sign up so you can at least vote when the competition starts on July 8.

JJJ

Went to the Midwest League All Star Game last night, held in Dayton this year. Eastern Division won (that’s the division the Dragons are in - so Yay!). It was a fun evening. I’ll post some pictures of the night come Friday.

Well, I should have at least one book listed here next Wednesday. Until then, Happy Reading!

 

Stacy

iPhone, Exercising, & Writing

I noticed Blogger finally forced the changes on me. Ugh. I hate them. Oh well, what's a blogger to do, right? I may complain, but I won't switch to WordPress. Too much work (and I'm not sure I like it any better). Yep, I'm lazy.

* * *

Friday's trip to the AT&T store was not a hassle at all! I got there at 9:00 am, expecting to wait in line (expecting the store to open at 10:00 am) when I saw someone walking out holding an AT&T bag. Are they open already? I thought. Sure enough, they were! And there wasn't even a line! Better yet, they had the iPhone my husband wanted. By 9:45 am, my husband had his new phone in his hand (since I was kind enough to drive by his work and drop it off – am I too nice, or what??).

* * *

I've been exercising regularly since the beginning of July, determined to get back in shape. I guess I've been doing something right. So far I've lost 10 pounds (yay!) and have gone down a size (double-yay!). Best thing – even if I do manage to get another job, I'm in a routine I'll continue with. I love working out in the mornings.

Only one problem. I also like to walk outside on my non-gym days (that would be on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and it's getting darker (and a little colder) in the mornings. Starting later isn't an option; it screws up my whole routine. I might have to move to the treadmill (ugh!). Well, at least I can read on that, so maybe it won't be ALL bad. I just love walking outside more, though. I feel like I get a better workout (and I do try to run, even though I hate it).

* * *

Since I'm closer to the end of Book 5 than I am the beginning, I've decided to set a goal to finish the first draft. So…I picked Oct 31. I SHOULD get it finished earlier, but don't want to stress myself out too much. Halloween is a good goal and means I took 6 months to write it. Not too bad, you think?

Of course, now I realize I need to change certain events in my story. My writing hasn't stalled (that sometimes causes me to do that), but I finally figured out how I want it to end (and that's VERY good). It's not a major change, just the last ten pages I wrote, but may put a kink in my word count for the week (then again, it may open it up!). Ah well, that's what makes writing fun – trying different scenarios.

* * *

If you haven't had a chance to check out The WRiTE Club at DL Hammons' blog, why not? Just click on the picture on the sidebar and you'll be taken there. To be eligible to vote, you need to sign up (follow his instructions) and he's still taking submissions. A new fighting round is posted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Sure, the writing is rough sometimes, and it's all anonymous, but it's interesting to see what other people are writing. If you have been over there, did you submit? I've submitted, but I won't say whether or not my piece has been posted yet. Gotta keep the mystery!

 

WRiTE CLUB is Back!

Heh, heh, heh. I just remembered what I wanted to blog about on Friday!! :)

WRiTE CLUB is back and you can participate. Go to DL Hammons blog, Cruising Altitude 2.0, HERE to see how you can participate (either just voting or voting and submitting).

The first round starts on Monday, but if you want to vote, you need to sign up. You can also still submit if you wish, since submissions are an on-going thing. Check it out!

I did submit again this year, but with so many submissions, I might not get chosen. Won't be able to tell you whether or not I was chosen, either, since I cannot beg for votes! It's all anonymous (and I don't wish to be disqualified).

Go ahead and sign up. It's a lot of fun!

Disappointing News

I know I've mentioned that I sent MY SUNNY VAMPIRE to an agent back in June. I was very excited – I had pitched that book at Nationals in NYC. Time went on and I received no word. I sent a nudge in September and found out she never received the material. Hope surged upward once again. And again, time went on without a word.

I understand agents are busy and I did my best to be patient. But after six months, I issued another nudge.

Yes, my novel was rejected. But in a way it was a good rejection (if there is such a thing). She loved my writing, loved my characters, thought the romance and conflict were great, she just had a problem with my vampires and wasn't sure she could sell them in the crowded market.

It's disappointing because I love my vampires.

It's encouraging because someone (other than a friend or family member) loved my writing.

I still have other options out there for my vampires, but if I get the same response, I may have to "shelve" these stories until I'm prepared to publish them on my own. I refuse to put these stories under the bed.

In the meantime, I'll continue to edit SARAH'S TURN because it deserves to be polished (and I have friends that want to read it). I consider this round of edits to be practice, if nothing else, so that when I get back to GHOSTLY LIAISON, I'll be even better.

Oh, and if you had been following THE WRiTE CLUB, I'll have you know I almost made it to the finals (lost by two votes). The piece I entered was the beginning of GHOSTLY LIAISON and I used the pen name of Jamie Stuart – a name I kind of grew attached to and seriously considered using as a real pen name, until I discovered too many other Jamie Stuarts out there. So, I'll stick with Stacy McKitrick. At least my name pops up first when I Google that!

A Road Block No More

Hurray!

No, I'm not cheering because it's Monday. Far from it. I'm cheering because I FINALLY figured out how to begin Sarah's Turn (Book #2). I'd been going back and forth, fixing, revising, and still, it didn't seem right.

So I had to think about how the book ended and wha-la! It came to me. I got rid of my prologue and just started with Chapter 1, wrote some completely new stuff, and…it worked!

I'm up to page 33 now (so glad to get past 14, where I was stuck, for like, forever) and the editing is going smoother, once I got past that roadblock called Chapter 1.

It's been a successful weekend.

It's also been an exciting weekend. Don't tell anyone, but I'm one of the six finalists* in THE WRiTE CLUB. Voting for the next phase starts Tuesday. Hope you can make it over there!

 

*That's about all I'll tell you. It's up to you to figure out which pseudonym I am!

The WRiTE CLUB

All this week at DL Hammons' blog, Crusing Altitude 2.0 is the next stage of The WRiTE CLUB. There were 12 finalists and two will be going at it head-to-head for the next 6 days. Which means you vote for a different winner every day this week (to bring it down to 6 finalists). So, go on over and vote. Voting ends when the next entry is posted.

P.S. I might have been one of the finalists!

Snow is Pretty

The drive home from work yesterday was pretty.

Yeah, pretty.

Sure, I wasn't happy that I had to scrape the ice off my car and brush off the little bit of snow, but the snow stuck. Not only to my car, but to the branches and bushes, making everything white. I like it when snow does that.

It's times like these when I wish I had my camera (as it was too dark by the time I arrived at home). Then I wonder – who the heck would take the picture? Hello! I'm driving! So maybe it's better the camera stays at home.

It would be safer for me that way.

And…for something I haven't done in awhile. If you've been following The WRiTE CLUB, good for you. If not, get on over there and vote in Round 10. The first rounds will finish up this month. Then in February the finalists go head to head.

And when it's all over, I'll let you know if I was ever picked. Yeah, I submitted. No, I didn't use my real name. That's all I'm saying.

Oh, and before I forget - Happy Friday the 13th to my daughter!! They are her favorite days of the year.

Status Update

While people have been doing NaNo, I've been doing my own gig.

First, I thought I'd try blogging everyday, Mon – Fri. Except for Nov 1 (because the idea came later), I've done that. I even threw in a couple of weekends. And you know what I learned? Blogging everyday is HARD. I just hope I can continue the rest of this month. Only one more day after this!

I've also written everyday in November, except on the 3^rd when I had a writers meeting to attend after work, and no time during work to write – yeah, bad me. Still, that's pretty darn good. I guess when you have a goal to finish a WIP by year's end, that can motivate a person to write every day. Well, it did for me.

Now come Friday, I'll be on a hiatus of sorts (no internet access for at least a week), so I will not continue my daily blogging into December. I'll try and blog more often, though. I really enjoy the comments and seem to get them more often when I blog more often. Or is it because I visit more blogs? I visit more when I write more, so it's hard to tell.

So, have you done anything unusual for you in November?

And in case you need a reminder, Round 4 of the WRiTE CLUB is now in session. It's a toughy this time around, but I managed to vote. Hope you can do the same. I know DL will appreciate it.

Holidays & Vacation

Sometimes I don't know if I'm the dumb one or smart one.

I tend to take my vacation throughout the year. A little bit here. A little bit there. By the time the end of the year comes, I've used it or planned it. And because I do that, I'm at work during the holiday season when a lot of employees seem to take vacation to make the holidays (or their vacation) last longer. Or because if they don't they'll lose their vacation.

Use it or lose it? Don't be ridiculous! I don't have enough.

Even before writing became all consuming (and gobbled up my vacation time – conventions anyone?), I used my time off to play golf or go to the amusement park. Things done in the warmer months. Fun things! I don't consider taking vacation during the holidays so I can do shopping (or clean the house, or prepare for a meal) a vacation. But then, maybe that's just me.

So, am I smart for not taking vacation this time of year? The work place is definitely quiet (I think half the employees are gone). The work load is light and so is the traffic (at least it was this morning). And sometimes the boss lets you leave early because there just isn't any work. Or should I have hooked some vacation to the holidays and make them last longer?

If I don't get around to writing a blog tonight (as I didn't yesterday evening, thus the later post), I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving however you spend it. We'll be visiting our oldest and dearest friend in Columbus. She loves to cook and we love to eat – a perfect combination, don't you think?

And if you're bored, you can always stop by DL Hammons blog and vote in Round 3 of the WRiTE CLUB. I'm sure he'll appreciate you stopping by!

Anticipation

I received my CD of "Breaking Dawn, Part I" in yesterday's mail. I should have received it last week, but apparently the release date of November 8^th was postponed to November 11^th. Anyways, I finally have the CD and plan on listening to it on my drive into work this morning.

I can't wait!!!

Ever since I found out "Twilight" was being made into a movie, I've been an obsessed fan. My obsession isn't quite as fanatic as it used to be – and not near as bad as my daughter's – but only because I've since discovered writing. Now my time is spent on my own novels, leaving little room for obsessions.

Still, I anticipate the release of "Breaking Dawn Part I" and I'm peeved I have to wait a whole year to see Part II. Of course, if they do it right, I'll forgive them the wait. I'd rather have the movie be good than shortened.

So, come this Thursday night, I'll be sitting out in the cold (I believe the high is forecasted to be in the 40s meaning it will be colder once the sun sets), with my daughter, waiting for the midnight showing. We've done it with all the other Twilight movies, why stop now?

If I remember, I'll take my camera with me. I just hope I remember to take my blankets!

And in case you don't follow DL Hammons blog, Cruising Altitude, Round 2 of the WRiTE CLUB is now in session. Go on over and vote. Or better yet, play along.

I Met a Goal!

I reached a goal early. My reading goal. Surprise, surprise!

When I set the goal to read 50 books in a year, I wasn't sure I could make it. I didn't read that many last year, so I figured it would be a challenge. Apparently it wasn't as I finished number 50 last night.

I've read a lot of great books this year. Now I'm curious how many I'll get read in 2011. I'll be going on a cruise in December and plan on taking lots of books with me. Of course, I'll have my laptop, too, so I can finish writing my WIP. My husband said I could. Ain't he great??

Other news events - if you don't follow DL Hammon's blog, get on over there and vote for Round 1 of  the WRiTE CLUB. It's not too late to join in the fun (there will be 12 rounds), but make sure you follow the rules. This is all I will say about it. You'll have to check it out for yourself. Now you're curious, aren't you?