A Whole Month of Thank You

 For those who live in the United States, we celebrate one of the biggest holidays of the year this month -- a feast (based on a series of feasts in early American history) to celebrate friendship with the native people who fed locals and KEPT THEM FROM DYING when they first settled in the land and DIDN'T know how to survive.

It is now celebrated with too much food and expressions of gratitude.

Which, really, can you get more epic than that?

I live off gratitude these days. It keeps me sane. It's a power that brings positivity, LITERAL changes to the body's chemistry, and a kindlier response from the world around us. 

My BIG 5 for today:

1. Getting to share MUSIC VIDEOS. (And so, SO much more.)

Check it out!

I've been living with these songs in my head for ages. Glad to finally be sharing.

2. Laughter.

Part of our recent online campaign has been about sharing the funny moments, because life gets WAY too serious and heavy without them.

3. Memories.

Some days I live on the moments when life was awesome and things just felt good. They're enough to make it through the tough days.

4. People.

Friends who support us, the kindness of a stranger, likes, comments, pick-me-ups from other humans. They keep me going.

5. Writing.

Writing keeps me sane--mine or other people's. Grateful for good stories (the ones I get to pen, included) that give my brain a place to go when life gets heavy.

I'm participating in a month-long gratitude challenge on social media. Join in, eh?

How about you? Can you list 5 things you're grateful for today?

The awesome co-hosts for the November 5 posting of the IWSG are Jennifer Lane, Jenni Enzor, Renee Scattergood, Rebecca Douglass, Lynn Bradshaw, and Melissa Maygrove!

The question for this month:

When you began writing, what did you imagine your life as a writer would be like? Were you right, or has this experience presented you with some surprises along the way?

... Was there ever a time I wasn't writing?

Um, no.

I started telling stories with pictures when I was old enough to hold a pencil (in pictures) and that eventually evolved to cartoon strips, then just words. It wasn't a question of what I imagined my life of writing to be like (because it had ALWAYS been) -- more of, how do I share the stories that ARE my life? I dreamed of publishing my first novel at age 16 and although I'd written my first two novellas by age 13, I took a break in my teenage years to focus on living, picking up the pen again when I was married with a baby. It was always just a question of WHEN and I didn't care about money or noteriety or any of that. How naive I was!

The industry is not all about writing. Mostly, it's about marketing--since publishing houses DON'T do that for authors anymore (unless you've magically found your audience already). If you aren't a marketing genius (or willing to grow into one), writing probably isn't the right field for you. That's been the biggest lesson this journey taught me. Every industry boils down to the almighty dollar, and this one is no exception.

I LOVE writing. I LOVE tellings stories.

I do not LOVE all that goes with publishing.

How about you? What 5 things are you grateful for? What was your writing vision? Will you join me in the gratitude challenge?

Thorns in Your Side (IWSG)

Do you ever feel like the awful parts of life are a blessing? 

This month, most Americans reflect on their blessings. I penned out the "gratitude" introduction for LightningQuickReads theme this month (a free flash fiction blog). The opportunity to post monthly on that blog has been both a blessing and a thorn in my side. It means having at least one piece of fiction available every month.

EVERY month. 

(Now take into account that I had a baby this year, and the fact that I'm an UBER perfectionist...)

Initially I was WAY ahead on the deadlines, but this last month I finished with only 4 days to spare. Talk about stress. One or two of those pieces made me want to slam my head against the wall. Repeatedly. For weeks.

At the same time, every month I've had to produce a piece of flash fiction. EVERY MONTH. Can you imagine how fabulous my flash fiction skills have become? And more than that. I used to struggle with short stories BIG time, but they're just longer pieces of flash fiction. I can literally write to any theme, any length, and do it in a reasonable amount of time. 

But it hurt to get here. To this point. This magical place. 

I think often we get stuck in the pain and forget that every ounce of suffering can become a blessing. When we're called, invited, required to pass through hard things, they have the potential to make us better. Every experience can be a blessing. We just have to step back, take a breath, and see the big picture.

 

Last week Cortney Pearson shared with us PHOBIC, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a signed paperback book.

Cortney's Game:

1. I met my husband while cleaning toilets as a student custodian.
2. I nearly drowned in the ocean when I got trapped beneath a boogie board. 
3. I sang in a band in high school.

The lie: #3. Cortney's friends were in a band in high school, however, one time she played the bass part on a keyboard because their bass player was unavailable. She totally rocked the bass line for Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" on the keyboard.

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Jess!!! (AKA DMS)

Congrats, Jess!

And now for this week's feature... 

Kevin Pierce is a teleporter, a ladies’ man, and a loyal friend . . . or so he thought.

As a genetically altered Luminary, he helps the government bring down some of the most dangerous criminals. Not very challenging if you have his special abilities. But when a group of rebel Luminaries attacks his Organization the fight for survival begins.

One shattering event after another tests the depth of his relationships, his sanity, and his powers. Emotionally torn, Kevin must choose carefully where his loyalty lies. In the middle of all the unexpected chaos he gets the biggest shock of his life when he’s faced by a betrayal he never saw coming. Angry, injured, and ready to even the score, Kevin goes Static . . .

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

S. K. Anthony is a writer, a reader and a make-stuff-up-er who lives in New York with her husband and toddler twins. She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict. When she isn’t busy with her family, she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination. Well, either that or running away from spiders . . . she is convinced they are out to get her!

She adores mozzarella, but also gets lots of odd looks from waiters/waitresses at Italian restaurants because when eating pasta, she always begs for MORE fresh Parmesan cheese. The cheesier, the better!

S.K. 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 STATIC.

You have until Tuesday, November 10 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on November 11.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. My nickname is Macaroni. And to live up to my name, I’ve spent a lot of time in the kitchen trying out different Mac and Cheese recipes. I must make only the very best ones . . . oh, the sacrifice I put my cheese-loving family through! 

2. I got arrested in Italy. My passport was once stolen while visiting and I had to travel around by myself without the tour group I’d gone with. I communicated the whole way in Spanish, between that and their Italian I got from Venice to Florence in trains then back to Rome, but then one thing led to another, miscommunication happened, and I ended up arrested. 

3. A few years back I wanted to invest in a MacBook Pro, but hubby said the price was too outrageous. We were on vacation at the time, and were on our way to the casino. I said, okay, if I win the money I’m getting it. I won $800 in one slot machine and $980 in another. Both were penny machines, and I didn’t play over $10 . . . so I got my beloved MacBook for free.

So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you been working through any thorns lately? How you do feel about genetic engineering?  

Scotland, Lions and Germany, oh my!

It is WRITERLY WEDNESDAY! (And IWSG, and Gratitude hop...) But how would you like a few laughs first?

Since March comes in like a lion...

Source

Source

And there you have it.

Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an awesome book? 

Last week, Barb and Hannah Taub shared with us their Nully City books, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing to win both eBooks!

The Taub game:

 1. Barb's roommate is the ghost of the abandoned sweetheart in the Bobby Shafto nursery rhyme. 

2. As the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, Barb's sister would be considered a witch in many places. On the plus side, she will never have to pay for her own beer in Ireland. 

3. Barb was a Pillsbury Bake-Off (R) regional semi-finalist. 

And the lie is: 

#3. According to Barb, the Doughboy may actually be considering a restraining order against her. 

Their flat occupies one tower of Brancepeth Castle, which is supposedly haunted by Bridget Belasyse, the unfortunate girl left mourning her unfaithful suitor, Bobby Shafto. Neither of them have met the White Lady, but when their little dog absolutely refuses to go up a stairway or enter a room, other castle residents are convinced she sees the White Lady.

Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Heather Holden!

Congrats, Heather!

Today I have the privilege of introducing a wonderful German friend, Katharina Gerlach (affectionately known as Cat), and her wonderful book:

Since Bryanna grows up in Scotland, she is familiar with hobgoblins, selkies and kelpies from the tales of her mother country. But she is very surprised when she starts seeing these creatures one day. Is she hallucinating? Before she can ask her father's advice, he is kidnapped by a woman whose scent seems awfully familiar. Instead of calling the police, Bryanna follows the kidnapper and lands smack-dab in the middle of the adventure of her life. It's just as well she knows the old legends and myths well. The world she lands in is murderously dangerous.

And even if she survives the journey, she is fated to kill her father.

Pick up your copy HERE.

And now, let me introduce you to the wonderful author: 

Katharina Gerlach has been telling and writing stories all her life, but only two years ago, with the success of eBook publishing, she became an Indie author. She never looked back. Sure, her manuscripts have found praise with traditional publishers, but no one had the courage to publish something they couldn’t neatly stuff into a labeled box.

Just like her books, she doesn't fit one box. She's the daughter of a forester and a studied forestery herself. She's sister to three brothers, and a mother to three daughters. She's a tomboy at heart and simultaneously tidy and chaotic – she can’t be any different with her inner Muse dragging her one direction and inner Editor pulling in another.

There are three things in this world she loves more than anything: her family, stories (hers and those of others) and nature. The best thing that can happen is when someone she doesn’t know leaves a review for one of her books telling her how much (s)he liked it.

Her favorite cheese is Tilsiter and she loves it fried with an egg on top and a hint of paprika. You'll find her munching on this treat in her comfy chair in front of the TV. To learn more about her, sign up for her news here.

Cat 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 a chance to win Scotlands Guardians, and there will be THREE winners this week. Eek! How cool is that? You have until Tuesday, March 11, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on March 12.

TRUTH OR LIE

 1. Cat loves to go shopping, especially for shoes.

2. She's married to the love of her life, whom she met at the ripe old age of 16.

3. She sold her first story when she was ten.

Today I'm combining the two, and I hope my wonderful friendlies will forgive me. Sheri Larsen’s IT’S ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE BLOG HOP is happening now. If you don’t follow Sheri’s blog, you can find her fantastic blog HERE.

This month I just want to say, I applaud all you authors who inspire me. This is a long journey. It's exciting one day and dog-depressing the next. I'm just so glad I have you all along with me. You rock. 

Which is the lie? Do you know any awesome lion jokes? What has you laughing today? 

P.S. I'm Over at Reading Between the Wines today. Check it out!

Counting Your...

Blessings?

I'm one of those super grateful people:

• Grateful for my incredible family.
• Grateful for all the people in my life--especially the ones who overlook my brainless moments and love me anyway. 
• Grateful for an amazing editor. 
• Grateful for the opportunity to share my writing with the world. 
• Grateful for a life so full and complete, I have no room to complain. Ever. 
• Grateful for my almost complete blog tour and everyone who has kindly helped out.

I LOVE YOU PEOPLE!

What are you grateful for today?

TODAY:

Jane Eyre meets Supernatural.

Alexia’s nightmares become reality: a dead baron, red-eyed wraiths, and forbidden love with a man hunted by these creatures. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with her beloved and risk becoming one of the Soulless. 

Goodreads | Buy Now

Excerpt #8 in the Mystery Sentence Game with Suzanne Furness. Unravel the mystery of the Moonless night! Hidden in each of the 8 blog tour excerpts is a single word. Gather all 8 and figure out the sentence to win a free copy of Moonless. Send your mystery sentence to crystal (AT) crystal-collier.com with the subject MYSTERY SENTENCE before December 10, 2013, and you will be entered to win one of 10 copies of MOONLESS—just in time for Christmas. Happy hunting!

Meet my amazing coach from Pitch Wars 2012, Sharon Johnston, and see what she and her buddies think of MOONLESS. 

Katharina Gerlach pries free truths about the secreted world of the Passionate. Get the insiders scoop!

Are you playing the Mystery Sentence Game? What are you most grateful for?

Happy Thanksgiving--now go enter for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cheese Begins with "G"

What? You don't believe me? Well YOU'RE wrong.

Image courtesy of Fiorre

After a whole week off from the blog-o-sphere (almost), I'm back! AND I'm starting up a new set of memes: Motivational Mondays--come get your weekly dose of awesome, and Fun Fridays--because everyone needs cheese. Occasionally I might throw in a Wednesday for my writing friends/book reviews that are amazing fruit and deserve a bright, shiny spotlight.

And now on to business...

The other day I took a look through my facebook friends. I sat there, one happy memory after another bursting over me as I viewed face after face. I can't even remember how I became friends with some of them, but I love them all. My heart was filled with gratitude. =)

For those of you who were with me through the A-Z challenge (*waves*), you get that cheese is imperative to happiness, right? And that was my theme for the bloghop--How to Find Happiness from A-Z. (Check it out if you haven't. It was awesome.)

G is for Gratitude, and I issued a gratitude challenge to record 5 things a day you're grateful for, for 1 month. Did you try it? I did!

There's my list. =)

It seems I'm most grateful for family/relationships, technology, and cheese. (Surprise, surprise.)

What is it you found/find yourself most grateful for? And what are you grateful for today? 

How to Find Happiness A-Z: G

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Which is it? Half full or half empty?

In my first post on happiness, we talked about attitude. Well, this is part two.

The Attitude of Gratitude.

One of my favorite books as a kid was It's Not Easy Being a Bunny. Even if I didn't love rabbits (which I did), I would have loved this story. PJ Funny Bunny is so fed up with his life--his hundreds of siblings and having to eat cooked carrots every night--that he decides to hit the road and find a better family.

He joins a family of bears, moose, possums, birds, beavers, and finally skunks before realizing none of them are right for him. At the end of the story he gratefully runs back to his family, embracing all their eccentricities and foibles.

I think we're often like PJ, too close to the wallpaper to see the amazing pattern. If we can step back to appreciate the unique beauty that defines our lives, we'll find the insight to appreciate even the difficult times. In an effort to find the good during rough patches, I often rely on my journal. At the end of each day, I take ten minutes, think about everything that happened, and find a few things to be truly grateful for. As with all good habits, gratitude takes training. It really is an attitude, and practice makes perfect.

AND, a little known secret, the grateful ones are the ones who receive the most.

At least in my family, the kid who's the most grateful is the one who tends to get spoiled the most. Writers who express their thanks for a follow or book purchase are viewed in a brighter light. Friends who thank me for my time are the ones I'm inclined to invest the most time in. Think about it.

Gratitude really is one of the key proponents to finding happiness, so are you brave enough to take the challenge? Will you join me for the next month, recording 5 things you're grateful for each day? Meet me back here on May 6th to chat about our discoveries! *rubbing hands in anticipation*

And in the meantime, go eat some cheese, eh?

I'm Thankful for my Readers Bloghop

Today I'm joining Tara Tyler and Vikki for the I'm Thankful for my Readers bloghop.

Behind the curtain of any creative mind
Lies the secrets, the friends, the power
For creativity thrives best in the hands of many
While it often flounders in the grasp of the one.

A quick shout to my most awesomest critique pals who keep me writing and are kind enough to knock me over the head when I say, er, write something awful:

Cindy

Mom

Rachel Hert

Tammy Mckee

Fiona Claire 

To my amazing support groups on facebook -- WS4U and Write on to Build on, you inspire me!

To a couple favorite blogging buddies who are truly the crem della crem, thank you for consistently popping back in, even when I go off the rails for months on end.

Kerri Cuevas

Ian

To my amazing family who supports my whacked-out need to write and disappear into the electronic page for weeks--thank you Matt, Quin, Kaily and Random.

And finally to all you wonderful peeps on the blog-o-sphere, for reading, laughing, crying, and commenting along on this crazy journey we call life.

Here's some cyber cheese for all of you!

Who supports you in your dreams?

Counting Rays of Sunshine

It's so easy to get stuck in the rainy day rut. Yesterday we celebrated my daughter's 6th birthday. Our plans included:

1. Going to Universal Studios
2. Swimming in our pool for the first time this year, and
3. Taking our daughter out on her NEW training-wheel-free bike.

Well, our day ended up looking like this:

Okay, maybe not quite that bad, but stepping outside for 10 seconds would have resulted in total saturation.

No Universal. No swimming. No bike riding. Yet, to our amazement our daughter had the most fabulous day. She said it's the best birthday she's ever had!

Lesson? Kids are amazing. I want to be more like mine. Especially today I'm trying to focus on the good, and amazingly, the day looks like this:

Here's to getting back up when life kicks you hard! 

What are you especially grateful for today?