Shocking Facts about Time & IWSG

Do you ever think about time?

A quick shout and thank you to Yolanda Renee who has me over today talking about 5 Reasons Not to Be a Psychopath. Check it out!


Back to time...

I write a series about time manipulation, so it's kinda par for the course, but lately I've been thinking about real time--and not just in a day, in a lifetime.

The average American spends:

26 years sleeping

11 years watching TV

10.3 years working

8 years shopping (for women)

5 years browsing online

4.3 years driving a car

4 years on the phone

3.66 years eating

2.5 years cooking

1.5 years in the bathroom

1.1 years cleaning

That's a whopping 77.36 years!

An article my brother sent got me thinking even more--one about actual time spent on relationships. It's super fascinating and you can find it HERE, but let me sum up some shocking facts:

In the first 18 years of your life, you've probably spent 90% of the time you will with your parents. For someone in their mid-30's, that leaves only about 300 more days with parents if they live to 90 years. The statistic is similar for siblings--leaving that number closer to 85% after leaving home. Trickle that down to other relatives, close friends, etc, and you begin to see how precious a few hours may be.

And that's why...

I spend an average of 10 to 12 hours a week on blogging. ("WHAT?!?" you say, "But you only post once a week!") It's true. I only post once a week. So how does that work?

• I spend between 30 minutes and 1 hour a week communicating with author's I'll feature, people who win prizes, calendaring, etc.
• about 1/2 to 1.5 hrs researching material to share and writing posts 
• 30 minutes prepping tweets to get the word out 
• and an average of 8 hours visiting blogs

That 10 to 12 hours doesn't even include time to reply to the comments on my blog!

That's 10 to 12 CONSCIOUS hours a week I don't spend playing with/teaching my children, or writing. (Both of which are my priorities right now--especially the children when considering the above stats.)

And here's what it boils down to: I'm going to drop back to blogging once a month for March and April. (Hoping that will get me through deep edits on TIMELESS.) There will still be giveaways. There will still be fun. There will still be cheese. There will also be some crazy editing happening here, around the crazy crazy of my wonderful family.

How are you spending your time?

Now how about a giveaway?

Last week Anna Soliveres shared with us CRIMSON EARTH, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win both VIOLET STORM and CRIMSON EARTH in eBook.

The Game:

1. Anna was once surprised by a friend whom she thought was coming to visit her, only to be roped to go for coffee and an awkward trip to the Museum. It later occurred to her that she was being taken on a date.
2. She saw the movie, Momma Mia, starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan; finding no luck in her dating life, she was convinced Greece might offer her the perfect romantic opportunity.

3. A date once broke up with her and then immediately offered her a donut. 

The lie: #2. Although Anna was inspired by Momma Mia, she went to Greece shucking off any ideas of romance, in favor of a grander adventure: finding her next story.

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Julia!

Congrats, Julia!

And now for this week's feature...

In the kingdom of Lovero, nine rival Families of assassins lawfully kill people for a price. As a highly skilled member of one of these powerful clans, seventeen-year-old Lea Saldana has always trusted in the strength of her Family. Until she awakens to find them murdered and her home in flames. The Da Vias, the Saldanas’ biggest enemy, must be responsible—and Lea should have seen it coming. But her secret relationship with the Da Vias’ son, Val, has clouded her otherwise killer instinct—and given the Da Vias more reason than ever to take her Family down.

Racked with guilt and shattered over Val’s probable betrayal, Lea sets out to even the score, with her heart set on retaliation and only one thought clear in her mind: make the Da Vias pay.

With shades of The Godfather and Romeo and Juliet, this richly imagined fantasy from debut author Sarah Ahiers is a story of love, lies, and the ultimate vengeance.

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Sarah Ahiers has an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults and lives in Minnesota with three dogs and a house full of critters. She has a collection of steampunk hats and when she’s not writing she fills her time with good games, good food, good friends and good family.

Sarah writes Young Adult and Middle Grade novels and occasionally dabbles in Picture Books. Fantasy is her favorite genre, though she sometimes can be found playing around with Horror and other things that go bump in the night.

You might find her munching on a parmesan/gouda hybrid like A Dutch Hybrid Vincent, or a great cheddar like Kerrygold’s Skellig (which is a sweet cheddar), or having a meat, cheese and cracker tray for lunch.

Find Sarah online HERE!

Sarah 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 an print edition of ASSASSINS HEART! (U.S. Only)

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

TRUTH OR LIE

1. I came in second place in my middle school’s spelling bee when I was in 6th grade
2. I played the violin for ten years.
3. I have had a myriad of pets, including: dogs, goldfish, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, squirrels, horse, anoles, tree frogs, & cockatiels.

So sleuths, which is the lie? How about it? Where do you think most of your time goes in a week? A month? Did you find any of these stats shocking? What do you wish you could spend more time doing?

Exclusive News: Timeless & Crimson Earth

Have you ever had news you wanted to scream about but didn't dare whisper?

I've been writing. But that's not the news. I finished writing...for the moment. Friday I shot Timeless--third book in the Maiden of Time trilogy--to my editor. Now if you have experience in publishing, you know what that means, but for those who don't...

It's not done.

What? But you just sent it off to the editor. It MUST be done.

*laughs*

In a couple days I anticipate sitting down with my editor's notes and rewriting as much as half of the book.

BUT we're on the down slope. Around the baby, it's a day I wasn't sure would ever come. I kept hearing from readers who are excitedly anticipating the final installment of the series and feeling the pressure. Suddenly, it's here! The story is done. Ish.

And something really strange has happened. This is a series I've been mentally plotting since 2003. 13 years. Typing those final chapters was like dumping core memories onto the digital page. They were no longer inside me.

I felt strangely empty.

And complete.

Part of me began to wonder if on a subconscious level I'd been stalling to remain in the story a little while longer. Or hording my story. It's only a matter of time now until it is out in the world.

I've received a mock-up cover from the publisher (This isn't it. Hah!) and in the next couple months I'll be finishing the book while gearing up for the release tour and launch. Watch for TIMELESS, final installment in the Maiden of Time trilogy this fall.

Have you ever put off completing a project to enjoy it longer?

 

Now it's giveaway time!

I read the first book in this series, and I admit, I haven't read the second one yet--because I'm going to binge read both when the 3rd one comes out. (And love every second!) I highly recommend the series.

Aeva Storm finally has the answers she’s been looking for since the night she was struck by lightning. She knows who she is—and more importantly, what she is. But her secret isn’t hers alone to keep, and some of those who know the truth will do anything to control her.

In the sequel to the acclaimed Violet Storm, Aeva must decide how far she’ll go to protect her identity and to find her missing sister in a world she hardly recognizes. She must embrace her new life—and her strange new body—if she hopes to save the only place she and her family have left to call home.

Filled with action, mystery, and heartbreak, Crimson Earth finds Aeva, Ruven, and Karth on opposing sides as the war between The False Alliance and the Monarchy draws near.

Can they band together to fight against the evil threatening the City? Or will they destroy each other before the war has even begun?

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Anna Soliveres has always been a storyteller but it wasn't until her early twenties when she began writing novel length works. The result was an enthusiasm to get better at the craft until her work could be shared with the world. As with all writer's, she is an avid reader. You'll likely find Anna lost behind a novel or nonfiction work. If she's not reading, she's probably binge-watching a series on Netflix or Amazon, in search of inspiration, taking her imagination beyond words and into the realm of visual storytelling. She grew up (or rather, remained forever ensnared) in the world of anime, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Harry Potter, and all things with "Super" or "Hero" in the title. Her debut novel, VIOLET STORM released March 2014. To learn more, please visit her at www.annasoliveres.com. 

Anna 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 an eBook of VIOLET STORM and CRIMSON EARTH! (Open Internationally.)

You have until Tuesday, March 1 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on March 2, 8 a.m EDT.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. Anna was once surprised by a friend whom she thought was coming to visit her, only to be roped to go for coffee and an awkward trip to the Museum. It later occurred to her that she was being taken on a date.
2. She saw the movie, Momma Mia, starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan; finding no luck in her dating life, she was convinced Greece might offer her the perfect romantic opportunity.
3. A date once broke up with her and then immediately offered her a donut.

So sleuths, which is the lie? How about it? Have you procrastinated to enjoy something longer? Are you as excited as I am about Timeless? Have you seen Anna's books? Picked one up? (You should. You really should.)

Deep Thoughts for a Wednesday...Plus FREE STUFF

I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for some deep thoughts:

And now that we have that out of the way...

GUESS WHAT?!? I was asked to contribute to a really awesome SUPER HERO anthology, and you can get your hands on it

FOR FREE.

(Soon to be free on Amazon.)

Heroes of PHENOMENA is a global, cross-industry collaborative campaign encouraging the next generation of authors, artists & musicians! 

Epic motion picture advertising music production house, audiomachine, will make a donation to the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra with every download of the PHENOMENA album companion collection. 

A dedicated youth section showcases talented aspiring artists and authors from Elevate’s Life & Art Studios, alongside inspiring industry professionals and the winning entries of PHENOMENA's Epic Heroes Event!

Contributing authors include Darynda Jones, Amy Michele, Susan Kaye Quinn, M. Pax, Jessica Bell, Alex J. Cavanaugh, Crystal Collier (That's me!!!), C. Lee McKenzie, Ruth Long, & Samantha Redstreake Geary.

Yuppers. Is that epic or what?

Ready to guess the lie and win a book? 

Last week, the fashionable Anna Soliveres shared VIOLET STORM with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook.

Anna's game:

1. Anna is an accomplished vocal performer.
2. She was a Police Cadet.
3. She had nine different jobs while in college.

And the lie is: 

#1. Anna says sadly, she is not an accomplished singer, but she swears she sounds AMAZING…alone in her bathroom…and in her head when she's not singing out loud. 

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Melanie Crouse!

Congrats Melanie! 

And now to today's feature:

Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.

Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.

Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.

All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.

Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal

As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?

Each installment of the Light Chronicles is a standalone story.

Pick up your copy HERE.

Now let me introduce you to the incredible author: 

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) She currently lives in San Antonio, TX but has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several different cities and states.

She is a cheese-aholic. (After my own heart.) Her favorite is Colby Jack—doesn’t have to be sliced, a giant chunk will do. She enjoys eating it curled up in bed watching TV or a movie. 

Kimber Leigh 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 SHADOW FIRE (open internationally), and two bookmarks (US and Canada only). 

You have until Tuesday, June 17, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on June 18.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. When she was nine, Kimber Leigh made it through several call backs auditioning for the Broadway show Annie.

2. She won third place is a city-wide Super Mario Bros. video game contest when she was a teenager.

3. While in college, she spent a summer playing Ariel, the Little Mermaid, at Disneyland. 

Which is the lie? Do you have any deep thoughts to add? Do you love stories about superheroes (and did you pick up your free copy)? 

The Long Game

Playing the Long Game

Are you a distance runner or a sprinter? Once, many many years ago (before I knew I had asthma) I ran track. Many of my friends were in it for the sprint. I could do the short runs, and I tied with the fastest girl on our team, but where I really excelled was in distance. It wasn't because I was fast, it was because I knew how to set a pace and stick to it.

As I get older I've noticed the people who seem to succeed in life are the ones who have figured out the long game.

So how does that apply to writing, and what the heck does it have to do with being insecure?

Diagram A

Well, I write in the long term. My debut novel is part of a trilogy which is a partner series to two others trilogies that all tie up together in a capstone series. (See diagram A, for Amazingly Insane.) Yes, we're talking 10 to 12 books. Because there's so much story, it's impossible to tell all of it in a single book, or even a single series, and this is where the pacing comes in.

Now the insecurity. There is a TON of world/character building that goes into a project like this. SO MUCH. When beta readers (or my editor) come back and ask certain things I reply, "Do you want to be surprised in the next book, or do you want me to spoil it for you?" I guess it all comes down to impatience. I want to scream, "Dude, I've got reasons for EVERYTHING and you are going to freak out when you learn them!" But I can't. Nope. I have to sit back and grimace because I can see the long game, but I'm the only one. On the flip side, I'm constantly biting my nails as to whether I should have given away more. How do we reconcile and find a balance?

Ready to meet a new author and enter to win an amazing book? 

Last week, the spunky Sheena-Kay Graham shared SACRIFICE HER with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a book of their choice from the grab pool.

Sheena-kay's game:

1. Sheena-kay has written song lyrics but can’t sing at all.

2. She won a three legged race against her brother at a family picnic.

3. She thinks it's creepy burying someone at sea without permission, even if it’s a terrorist.

And the lie is: 

#2. Sheena-kay says, one, she doesn't do running, and two, she wished she had family picnics.

Way to guess those of you who got it right! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Catherine Stine!

Congrats Catherine! 

And now to today's feature:

I am a champion athlete with all the skills of a fighter. I should have been untouchable.

A brilliant surgeon known for his invention of Modi’s—the only cure for the deadly disease, vaincre—has gone rogue with his experiments, and the Monarchy is desperate to shut him down. That's where Aeva Storm comes in, a champion athlete with an ego to match. Aeva is the surgeon's secret weapon against the Monarchy. And they'll never know what hit them. After reconstructing her body to become a Modi unlike any he's ever created, Aeva is forced into a fight against all odds. She'll have to break loyalties, hurt family, and turn her back on newly awakened love. Thousands of lives hang in the balance in a battle that will set forth a new era.

Join Aeva on her quest to see whether she's got what it takes to go up against the most powerful humans ever created.

Pick up your copy HERE.

Now let me introduce you to this fashionable and very kind author: 

Anna Soliveres has always been a storyteller but it wasn't until her early twenties when she began writing novel length works. The result was an enthusiasm to get better at the craft until her work could be shared with the world. Releasing in March 2014, Violet Storm is her debut novel. Anna is currently working on another young adult science fiction series, titled Snow Dolls, set to release in late 2014.

Her favorite cheese is goat cheese (with jam) and you can find her eating it outdoors on a picnic blanket with a glass of wine.

AND IT'S HER BIRTHDAY!!!

(Wish her happy birthday, eh?)

Anna 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 to win an eBook of VIOLET STORM. 

You have until Tuesday, June 10, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on June 11.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. Anna is an accomplished vocal performer.
2. She was a Police Cadet.
3. She had nine different jobs while in college.

Help me with the cover reveal (book 2 in the Maiden of Time Trilogy) July 14-19.

Sign up HERE.

(This is just a logo.)

OH! And I should mention, the first page of SOULLESS is up for review/critique today @

Dianne Slerni's place

&

Mainewords

Pop in and voice your opinion, eh? 

Which is the lie? Doesn't the concept for Anna's book sound fabulous? Are you a distance runner? What long game are you working toward? Are you insecure about projects you're working on? Oh hey, and wish Anna a great birthday, eh?