Silencing the Negative Voice: Why You MUST (IWSG)

How often do you hear that inner voice telling you you're not good enough, not smart enough, not talented enough, not awesome?

THAT'S BULL.

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It's easy to get caught in a mental rut. And yes, picture a rut. The brain is like a series of ruts in the mud that we reinforce by running the same track again and again. It can be difficult initially to get over the ridge of those ruts to brave new paths, especially if we've been on them a long time, but YOU MUST.

So how do you go about doing that?

Start each day with a stern talking to--no I'm serious. Stand in front of the mirror and recite:

I am beautiful/strong/powerful.

I will succeed today.

I am awesome.

Success starts with believing in yourself. Greater physical health results from a positive mental dialog, and who doesn't need some of that?

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When negative thoughts begin to intrude, KICK THEM OUT. That's right. Don't carry that kind of weight with you. Replace those messages by counting your successes.

Along that vein, the IWSG group proposed a question today:

What is the best thing someone has said about your writing?

I have a hard time believing the words of praise I hear. I keep listening to the inner dialog with excuses like, "They only said that because they know you." "They didn't really like it, but saying otherwise would be rude, so..." BUT, I'm listening to my own advice today and focusing on the positive.

I've heard so many wonderful things throughout the years, so I'll pull up just a couple short snatches:

"Enthralling."

"The most entrancing thing I've ever read." 

"I fell head over heels for the characters."

"I fell off my chair with jealousy over your writing."

"Crystal Collier is a genius of a wordsmith."

Huge thanks to all the amazing people who have built me up, and more importantly, supported my writing through beta reading, reviews, book purchases, and word of mouth. You are amazing. You've made my career. I LOVE YOU TO CHEESE AND BACK!

Are you stuck in the mud? What mental rut are you working to overcome?

And speaking of great writing, time to give some away, eh?

Last week Melanie Schultz shared two truths and one lie. The winners were entered to win their choice of eBook: THE NEWSTEAD PROJECT, ERRON, 2084, or BLACKBIRD.

The game:

1. I am a concert pianist.

2. My husband used to drive a race car.


3. I have three dairy sheep: Daisy-May, Lucy-Lu, and Sunshine that I plan to milk and make homemade cheese with.

The lie: #1. Melanie says she has musical talent whatsoever. So yes, she really does make cheese from 3 dairy sheep! Is she awesome or what?

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Nicola!

Congrats, woman!

And now for today's giveaway: 

“First, do no harm.” Blake Ryan swore that oath to become a doctor. Ironic, given that he spent most of his thousand year life sucking souls out of other immortals. 

Things are different now. Using regular shots of morphine to keep his inner monster at bay, Ryan has led a quiet life since the Second World War. His thrills now come from saving lives, not taking them. 

Until a plane crash brings Aleria into his hospital. Her life is vibrant. Crack to predators like him. She’s the exact sort of person they would hunt, and thanks to a severe case of amnesia, she’s all but defenseless. 

Leaving Aleria vulnerable isn’t an option, but protecting her means unleashing his own inner monster. Which is a problem, because his inner monster wants her dead most of all.

Get Your Copy HERE.

Today I'm giving back a little of that writerly love I've received. I had the opportunity to review Misha's book, and this is what I had to say:

Secret societies. Battles and alliances. Unique powers and humanity’s survival in the balance… This story has it all. Follow three characters whose immortal histories are intertwined and will only become more so.

Read the full review HERE:

Ready to meet the author?

Misha Gerrick lives near Cape Town, South Africa, and can usually be found staring at her surroundings while figuring out her next book. Her favorite cheese is haloumi.

If you’d like to see what Misha’s up to at the moment, you can find her on these social networks:

Tumblr | Twitter | Google Plus | Writing Blog

Misha gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of ENDLESS. (Open internationally.)

You have until Tuesday, July 19 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on July 20, 8 a.m. EDT.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. I'm currently wearing my hair the shortest I've ever worn it. 
2. Mashed potatoes is my ultimate comfort food.
3. I've recently resumed my classical vocal lessons.

So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you stuck in the mud? What mental message are you going to overcome?

The 4 Commandments of Celebrating

What are you celebrating this week? 

Come swim along for the Four Commandments of Celebrating, but first, I've got two celebrations.

First, Beverly Stowe McClure totally made my day. That's right, she reviewed MOONLESS. Want to make an author's day? It's just that simple. SEE WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY. 

Second, Monday is the 4th of July! (Independence Day) So if you're outside of America, that holds less meaning, but think of it this way: The nation that is a world super power and supports the majority of the world's economy came into existence the day it declared independence. Now that's pretty monumental in my book. And although my country has had its ups and downs, I still love it--land of the free (ish) and home of the brave. So I'll be out celebrating on Monday.

BUT how to do it right?

I give you, THE FOUR COMMANDMENTS OF CELEBRATING:

1. Reflect: What is it about any event, day, or circumstance that makes it worth celebrating? Looking back on life and reviewing the reasons helps us identify their meaning and evaluate their weight.
2. Let Go: Sometimes we just need to let go of the restrains on normal life--and no, I don't mean do anything illegal. I mean, forget the day job, financial stresses, school & home work, etc. Free your mind to enjoy the moment.
3. Make noise! I'm not kidding. Yelling and screaming releases pent up energy and emotions. Singing, likewise. Laughing has all kinds of benefits. Freeing the mind enough to let loose a "whoop" of joy can be difficult sometimes, but it's healthy and NECESSARY.
4. EAT CHEESE: You knew that was coming. But seriously, no celebration is complete without a little splurging--be it food, money, or time.

So what are you going to celebrate this week?

And speaking of celebrating, time for some giveaway love, eh?

This month I'm highlighting fellow authors from:

BUY NOW 

(And if you already have, go buy another and gift it to someone!)

Last week Yolanda Renee ( author of EVER-TON) shared MURDER & OBSESSION, along with two truths and one lie. Anyone who guessed the lie was entered to win a SIGNED copy of either MURDER & OBSESSION or the PARALLELS anthology.

The game:

1. My Sunday school teacher was dismissed for taking our class to see the movie the Bible.

2. One of my favorite past times was drag racing. On the way to work one morning I raced a fellow driver on the highway. He asked me out and we are now married.

3. I've been married three times.

The lie: #2. While Yolanda didn't marry the man she was drag racing, but he did ask her out.

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

L. Diane Wolfe!

Congrats, Diane!

And now meet a story from the author of HAUNTED in the Parallels anthology: 

Alphabet Soup is a collection of flash fiction from the darker side—all done Ubook style. What’s a Ubook, you might ask? It’s a brand-new, patent-pending book format that combines the story with music. And the best thing? It’s completely free.

Experience it HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Melanie Schulz is planted in upstate New York with her husband and three kids on a smallish plot of land she likes to believe is a farm. She plays at being a writer, same as she plays at being a farmer, and nurse, and overall enjoyer of this thing called life. One of the things she enjoys most are people who delight in discussing all things listed above.

Join in the conversation at:

Website
Blog
Facebook

You might run across Melanie at her computer with a glass of wine munching on room-temperature camambert topped with an ooey,  gooey carmel/dried apple/peacan mixture.

Melanie gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win their choice of eBook THE NEWSTEAD PROJECT, ERRON, 2084, or BLACKBIRD. (Open internationally.)

You have until Tuesday, July 5 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on July 6, 8 a.m. EDT.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. I am a concert pianist.

2. My husband used to drive a race car.

3. I have three dairy sheep: Daisy-May, Lucy-Lu, and Sunshine that I plan to milk and make homemade cheese with.

So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Melanie? What are you celebrating now/shortly?